David Stanton
Question:110 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the action the Office of Public Works is going to take with regard to the Womanagh River overflowing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33083/05]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies received from the Departments. [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 16, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 17 to 100, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 101 to 109, inclusive, answered orally.
Flood Relief.
In response to a previous question from the Deputy on 21 April 2005 I indicated that it would be necessary for the Commissioners of Public Works to undertake a study to ascertain the nature and extent of the work that would be required to address the flooding problem in the area and also the likely benefits of such works.
An engineering report in relation to the order of cost has been completed. An appraisal of the potential benefits will be carried out before the end of the year.
I am aware from my meeting with representatives of the affected landowners of the extent of the problem. I assure the Deputy that I will ensure that a decision on the matter will be taken as soon as possible.
Departmental Estimates.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:111 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if provision will be made for the new Garda station at Castleisland, County Kerry in the 2006 Estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29639/05]
The Commissioners of Public Works have recently completed the acquisition of a site at Tralee Road, Castleisland, County Kerry for the erection of a Garda area headquarters. A sketch scheme will be prepared for the approval of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on receipt of the Garda brief of requirements. Provision has been made for it in the 2006 Estimates.
Pension Provisions.
Enda Kenny
Question:112 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the terms on which funds in the National Pensions Reserve Fund have been made available for public sector projects; and the reason they have not been taken up. [33123/05]
The National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission is independent of Government in the exercise of its functions. Under the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000, it controls and manages the fund with discretionary authority to determine and implement the fund's investment strategy. This investment strategy is based on a commercial investment mandate with the objective of securing the optimal return over the long term subject to prudent risk management.
The independence of the commission is a cornerstone of the legislation which ensures that the commission will invest in a manner that maximises returns. Essentially, it is similar to the trustee arrangements that apply to private pension funds and places an obligation on the Commission to act commercially and in the best interests of the fund.
With regard to commercial investment in public sector projects in this country, the Annual Report of the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission for 2004 states that the commission has made an initial allocation of €200 million for investment in public private partnerships in Ireland and will increase this allocation should suitable opportunities arise. I also understand that, to date, no moneys have been invested by the commission in any such projects.
The commission's report for 2004 states that the commission will make equity and-or debt finance available to the winning bidder in the tender process for public private partnership projects, provided it is satisfied with the prospective rate of return.
On a more general note, it is fair to make the point that development of the public private partnership process is not dependent on investment in PPPs by the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission.
Energy Resources.
Michael Ring
Question:113 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance his views on the observations of the Office of Public Works in relation to the sanction of increases in gas prices. [33147/05]
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:135 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Finance the estimated additional costs likely to arise for the Office of Public Works as the agency purchasing gas for various Departments as a result of the recent rise in gas prices approved by the Commission for Energy Regulation; if the Office of Public Works has made any representations to CER on this matter; the response received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33058/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 135 together.
The Government Supplies Agency, as part of its procurement responsibilities, has placed contracts for several years with Bord Gáis Éireann for the supply of natural gas to a large number of state sites.
As with all procurement, the agency seeks to achieve the most economically advantageous terms available for its end users. Prior to 2003 this involved negotiating a price for the supply of natural gas with the single supplier, Bord Gáis Éireann. Following deregulation, there was scope for competition in relation to the unit price of gas, and the GSA initiated a process of competitive pricing for the unit cost, which is still in place.
With regard to transmission costs the Deputy will be aware that gas has to be transported from either Inch, County Cork, or Moffat in Scotland to each site in the country. This transmission or transportation mechanism is operated by Bord Gáis Éireann.
The Commission for Energy Regulation, on 29 July 2005, invited observations from the public and interested parties on its proposed decision regarding transmission or transportation tariffs for the 2005-06 gas year. The Government Supplies Agency, in response to that invitation, submitted its views to the Commission on 25 August 2005. The agency's observations, which related to transmission costs only, were offered as part of an ongoing dialogue on the provision of energy supplies between the agency, acting on behalf of its customers, and the commission. The agency acknowledges and accepts that the commission will take a wider range of considerations into account when reaching its decisions. The agency did not receive from the commission any direct feedback on its letter.
Household Indebtedness.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:114 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a report produced by a company (details supplied) which shows that Irish households are likely to become the most indebted in Europe by 2007; if he is satisfied that this level of debt and borrowing can be sustained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33053/05]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:162 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance his views regarding the rising levels of personal debt. [33159/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 162 together.
I am aware of the report referred to by the Deputy and of concerns expressed in relation to the continued growth in credit, particularly to the household sector, and the possible effects of increasing indebtedness upon borrowers.
The Deputies may wish to note that the growth of credit and the associated increase in indebtedness are in the first instance a matter for the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland, taking into account its role as a part of the European System of Central Banks and its functions, as the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority, in relation to the prudential supervision of financial institutions and the protection of the consumers of those firms.
While the report referred to highlights the increasing indebtedness of Irish households, it also highlights the fact that the sustainability of household debt is supported by strong demographics, low interest rates and a high savings ratio. This view is generally supported by the findings of the recently published Financial Stability Report from the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority. A key finding of the bank's report is that a range of fundamental factors such as growing employment and incomes, falling inflation and low interest rates have supported the pattern of mortgage growth and associated debt levels. The Central Bank's report does, however, highlight the continuation of strong mortgage credit growth as an important risk factor. It, therefore, emphasises the importance of responsible behaviour by both borrowers and lenders, to factor into their financial decision-making the prospective impact of potential changes in the future economic environment.
The Deputies may also wish to note that in the current environment of historically low interest rates, the level of private sector credit has been increasing strongly in a number of countries, including Ireland, and also other eurozone countries. In our case this is occurring in a context of strong economic growth and increasing employment. I reiterate the importance of borrowers acting sensibly and taking into account the prospect that interest rates will be higher in the medium term. I fully support the vigilance of the Central Bank and the financial regulator on the issue of personal credit and mortgage debt, and in reminding the lending institutions of the need for prudence on their part.
Public Service Contracts.
Shane McEntee
Question:115 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the systems used for public procurement of computer systems are robust; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33131/05]
Public procurement of computer systems operates within a policy defined by European and domestic procurement law. Up to date guidelines for public procurement, including information technology solutions, were issued to Government Departments and offices by my Department in 2004. I am satisfied that the procurement systems in place are robust and as a general rule operate in a satisfactory manner. They are kept underreview.
The specification, design and implementation of computer-IT systems can be quite complex and challenging. There are many examples of good implementations of such systems throughout the public service, for example, the Revenue on-line service and the motor tax on-line system etc. However, there are also, unfortunately, a small number of examples where projects have run into difficulties for a variety of reasons. Delays can occur because of a change in requirements or scope or because something arose that was not foreseen. Sometimes, unfortunately, expenditure overruns arise from poor planning and poor decision-making in an individual organisation.
My Department continually keeps this matter under review. Due to the increasing size and complexity of ICT projects now being undertaken in the Civil Service, it was felt that the delegation arrangements had to be strengthened, particularly for large ICT projects. As the Deputy will be aware, the Government recently decided that peer reviews should be immediately put in place for large ICT projects. It is intended that progress will be made before the end of 2005 in relation to having peer reviews carried out on some large scale projects. This will bring to bear the experiences of senior computer managers across the Civil Service to evaluate the viability of project proposals, to determine the best implementation method and to review progress at critical stages. Peer reviews will not override in any way the accountability arrangements in place within organisations. It is worth noting that forms of peer review are also being implemented in other administrations to deal with size and complexity issues in ICT.
The peer review process will particularly focus on: the preparation of good business cases, affordability, procurement, detailed planning, strong governance arrangements and on limiting the scope of a proposed project to the current ICT capacity of the sponsoring organisation. The Deputy will be aware of a recent Government decision which significantly strengthens controls in the area of project management and the peer review process will check that these new controls have been taken fully into account.
Economic Competitiveness.
John Gormley
Question:116 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has simulated the effects of potential external shocks on the economy; the results of these simulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32944/05]
As a small, open economy, Ireland is heavily reliant on the international economy and external shocks have the potential to significantly reduce Irish growth. In this regard, my Department is constantly monitoring developments in the world economy. For example, in the Economic Review and Outlook, published August 2005, my Department identified a number of external risks to the economic outlook going forward, including: the high level of oil prices; the possibility of a sharp dollar correction leading to an appreciation in the value of the euro; and lower growth in the euro zone.
My Department, in partnership with ERSI, makes use of the institute's model HERMES. Using this model it is possible to simulate the impact of external shocks on the domestic economy, for example, oil price hikes and exchange rate movements. For example, in chapter 4 of the Stability Programme Update, published with the budget, my Department publishes a sensitivity update, which examines the impact of interest rate changes and growth surprises on the general Government balance, using the HERMES model.
However, it should be recognised the model-based analyses are subject to a number of limitations. Simulations rely on extrapolation from past trends in indicators such as growth, inflation, employment etc. Substantial structural change has taken place in the economy in recent years which may make the results of any simulation less accurate.
Tax and Social Welfare Codes.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:117 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has conducted any thorough research on making personal tax credits refundable; the costs associated with making each personal tax credit refundable, based on Exchequer figures from a recent year; his views on whether making tax credits refundable would make the social welfare system more equitable; his further views on whether making them refundable would make the social welfare system more efficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32941/05]
The issue of making unused tax credits refundable was examined by a working group established under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness to examine the role which refundable tax credits can play in the tax and welfare system. The group was made up of representatives of the social partners and was chaired by my Department. Among other things, it examined the issues which might arise if personal tax credits including the basic personal tax credit, the employee PAYE tax credit, the one-parent family tax credit, the home carer tax credit, the incapacitated child tax credit, the blind person's tax credit, the dependant relative tax credit and the widowed person tax credit were made refundable.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent estimated cost of making the main personal tax credits refundable when they are unused is broadly in the region of €1.8 billion annually. The main category of refund would relate to the basic personal credit — single, married and widowed — where the annual cost of refunding the unused portion of the credit to income earners with insufficient income to fully absorb it would amount to €900 million approximately. The next categories of refund in order of scale would be the employee credit —€840 million approximately — and the homecarer credit —€32 million approximately.
The estimate of €1.8 billion relates only to the cost of extending refundable tax credits to all those on Revenue's tax files. If a refundable tax credit system were to be introduced, one would have to consider those who are not on the tax files, for example, those who are of employable age but not working, including those in social welfare. This would increase the cost hugely.
I assume that what the Deputy has in mind in his question is whether the provision of income support by means of refundable tax credits in the tax system would be more equitable and efficient than the present approach where it is provided through the social welfare system. That would depend on the nature of the arrangements put in place. However, on the question of equity, a refundable tax credits system would not necessarily mean that all would benefit equally from budget day tax changes. If rates of income tax are reduced or increased in a budget, only those paying tax benefit lose whereas the situation for those outside the tax net remains unchanged. In addition, such a system would not necessarily be more efficient. It could not operate on an automatic basis and potential beneficiaries, especially those outside the tax system, would be required to contact the Revenue Commissioners to secure their entitlements.
It should also be noted that a system of refundable tax credits could bring with it possible downside effects. A refundable tax credits system would have the characteristics of a partial basic income system. Such a system could impact adversely on enterprise and effort in the economy. A possible disincentive to work and adverse implications for competitiveness and output of the economy may also be among the main disadvantages. The system would also be very complicated to administer.
Revenue Investigations.
Willie Penrose
Question:118 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the progress made to date in 2005 in regard to the second phase of its investigation into the use of life assurance products for tax evasion, which commenced on 23 May 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33068/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are conducting their investigation into the use by taxpayers of life assurance investment products for the purposes of tax evasion in two stages. In the first stage of these inquiries taxpayers, who invested undisclosed and undeclared funds in life assurance products were given until 23 May 2005 to advise Revenue of this. This part of the disclosure stage has now been successfully completed and about 10,000 notices of intention to make a disclosure were received from taxpayers or their agents and a total of €374 million has been paid in tax, interest and penalties by approximately 5,000 individuals. Some of the notices received by 23 May were protective. Correspondence was received from others indicating that no liabilities arose.
Revenue formally commenced the second stage of its investigation into the use of life assurance products for tax evasion on 23 May 2005. New powers were provided in the Finance Act 2005 to authorise Revenue officers to examine the records that relate to a class or classes of life assurance policies and policyholders in the course of conducting sampling exercises. Revenue has completed the preliminary work regarding the use of these new powers and authorised officers are actively engaged in the sampling process. The information gathered in this process and from the voluntary disclosures will be used to ground applications to the High Court for orders directing insurance companies to furnish details on policyholders and policies to Revenue. It is envisaged that the initial applications will be made in late 2005 or early 2006.
Tax Code.
Dan Neville
Question:119 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Finance if he has evaluated the impact of the tax credit on incremental research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33119/05]
A 20% tax credit applies to companies that incur incremental expenditure on research and development, R&D. An incremental tax credit is preferable to a volume based credit in that it lessens the dead-weight expenditure qualifying for the credit and encourages increases in R&D expenditure, which is the policy aim behind the incentive. The definition of R&D is based on best international practice.
The credit also helps to enhance our competitiveness as a location for new internationally mobile research-related investment, and will encourage existing overseas and indigenous firms to add research functions to their operations in Ireland or to increase their level of research activity. The strategy will move Irish industry up the value and knowledge chains, and will be of critical importance for the future health of our economy.
The credit was introduced in 2004 and it is too early for a detailed evaluation. The Revenue Commissioners have made specific provisions for collection of data on costs through company tax returns, thus information will be available on the costs of the credit in due course.
Paul Connaughton
Question:120 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance if he has conducted an evaluation in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children of the tax relief for private hospital investment; and if it meets the public policy objectives in the health sphere. [33158/05]
Capital allowances are available in respect of capital expenditure incurred on the construction of certain qualifying private hospitals. The expenditure can be written off over seven years at the rate of 15% per annum over the first six years and 10% in year seven.
Capital allowances for private hospitals is one of the many reliefs currently under detailed review by my Department in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners and using external consultants.
The final reports from the consultants have been received by my Department and the findings from these reports will be taken into consideration in the context of the 2006 budget and Finance Bill.
Economic Competitiveness.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:121 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recent IMF report dealing with the Irish economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32940/05]
As I said in my press release on the day the IMF report was published, on Monday, 17 October, I am pleased that the IMF has commented favourably on the continuing impressive performance of Ireland's economy which is based on sound economic policies.
The IMF has provided a good assessment of Ireland's economic policies and prospects. I note the IMF executive board's concerns about the erosion of competitiveness reflecting a combination of relatively high growth in wages and prices in Ireland over the last number of years. These are risks to which I have frequently referred; regaining competitiveness is vital if Ireland is to maintain economic growth going forward. The IMF forecasts for 2005 are broadly in line with the Economic Review and Outlook published by my Department during August.
On budgetary policy, I point out that the IMF has emphasised the need to build a fiscal cushion in good times in the event that downside risks materialise. This is the sort of prudent advice one would expect from the IMF and in line with the policy over recent years which has brought about a dramatic reduction in the Irish national debt to the second lowest in the euro area.
Budget Submissions.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:122 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if he has received the pre-budget 2006 submission of the Combat Poverty Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33153/05]
I have received a pre-budget submission from the organisation concerned and the contents will be considered in the context of the forthcoming budget and Finance Bill. As the Deputy is aware, it would not be appropriate for me to comment in advance of the budget on possible budget decisions.
Financial Services Regulation.
John Gormley
Question:123 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance his views on Commissioner McCreevy’s plans for increasing cross-Border consolidation in financial services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32943/05]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the Commission's study into possible obstacles to cross-Border mergers and acquisitions in the financial sector, which arises from a discussion at the informal meeting of EU Economic and Finance Ministers in September 2004.
I might first clarify that the Commission has no role in promoting increased cross-Border consolidation as such, as that is a matter for the market. The purpose of the study is simply to identify if any unfair barriers exist that would obstruct cross-Border mergers. That said, the Commission has pointed out that in a truly integrated EU market, cross-Border mergers and acquisitions must be one of the options open to financial institutions. However, it equally acknowledges that financial integration can be achieved in other ways. For example, any EU licensed bank can sell its products throughout the EU through branches in other member states, supervised by its home supervisory authorities, and a number of European banks are active in the Irish market on this basis. Alternatively, they can set up or acquire subsidiaries in the other member states which are supervised by the host supervisory authorities in those member states.
A key issue in the cross-Border consolidation context is a provision in the codified banking directive which allows banking supervisors to block a bank takeover on prudential grounds. The financial services industry feels this provision can be abused by some member states to prevent incoming cross-Border takeovers in particular, thus acting as a barrier to cross-Border consolidation. The Commission is developing proposals, in consultation with the member states, to tighten up the prudential criteria on which a takeover approach will be assessed and also to make them more transparent.
On 8 November ECOFIN was briefed by Commissioner McCreevy on actions to improve the regulatory framework for cross-Border mergers and acquisitions in the financial services industry and the Presidency reported broad consensus for the continuation of the Commission's work.
I might also note that Ireland has proven itself to be open to cross-Border consolidation, and there have been six foreign takeovers of Irish-based banks in recent years. As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland has a small domestic banking market, and these foreign market entrants can do much to improve competition.
National Development Finance Agency.
Simon Coveney
Question:124 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Finance the targets he has set for the National Development Finance Agency; and the way in which it is performing against target. [33140/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 95 put by Deputy Paul McGrath on Wednesday, 5 October 2005, wherein I stated the following:
The National Development Finance Agency, NDFA, was established under the National Development Finance Agency Act 2002.
Section 3 of the Act sets out its functions in regard to advising State authorities on the optimum means of funding public investment projects in order to achieve value for money, including by means of public private partnership arrangements, PPP. Under the Act, it is a matter for the board to set any strategic objectives or targets to be met by the agency.
Under section 21 of the Act, the NDFA provides an annual report not later than six months after the end of each financial year. The report includes the accounts of NDFA which are presented to the Comptroller and Auditor General for audit. The report is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. Currently the report provides information on how the NDFA has performed its advisory functions in the year of account, including a list of projects on which it advised, and presents the annual accounts of the agency with the report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General thereon.
Tax Code.
Trevor Sargent
Question:125 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has carried out or commissioned cost-benefit analyses of reforms to current tax residency rules; if he intends to undertake a reform of tax residency rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32948/05]
Residency rules were last updated in the 1994 Finance Act by the then Government following a comprehensive review of the matter by the Revenue Commissioners and my Department. The resulting new rules set out in the 1994 Finance Act both simplified and clarified the whole area and were generally welcomed.
I have no proposals to carry out the sort of analysis referred to by the Deputy. I have, however, asked the chairman of the Revenue Commissioners to monitor the application of the current non-resident rules, through examination of cases handled in the Revenue large cases division, and to provide me with a report once this examination is complete. The chairman has confirmed to me that this work is under way and that he will report to me as soon as possible.
Special Savings Incentive Scheme.
Phil Hogan
Question:126 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Finance if he has carried out any assessment of the impact of the maturing of special savings investment accounts on the economy, almost half of which will occur in 2006; the way in which this is being factored into tax estimates for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33146/05]
The SSIA scheme opened on 1 May 2001 and entry to it closed on 30 April 2002. The accounts are due to mature between May 2006 and April 2007. A total of 1.17 million accounts were opened during the period outlined.
The impact of maturing SSIA funds on the economy in 2006 and 2007 is subject to ongoing consideration within my Department. The impact on consumer demand is difficult to estimate and will depend on how the accumulated savings are spent or saved, how that portion of an individual's income that was previously saved in SSIAs is used, and the extent to which savings are rolled over into other investment products. The economic effect will also depend on the state of the economy in 2007, when the bulk of SSIA funds mature. To date, a number of reports have been prepared regarding the impact of the SSIAs by, among others, Goodbody Stockbrokers, Lansdowne Market Research, the Irish Mortgage Corporation and the Bank of Ireland. However, there is no consensus in these reports as to how these funds may be used. It is inevitable that there will be a lot of uncertainty about the likely outcomes. As a scheme such as the SSIA has not existed previously, it is not possible to draw on experience as a basis for anticipating the impact the maturing accounts will have on the economy.
Tax revenue is a product of the level and composition of economic growth. Whatever assessment is made by my Department of the likely economic impact of maturing SSIAs next year will be reflected in the tax forecast for 2006 which will be published in budget 2006. Any impact on tax revenues arising from the economic impact of maturing SSIAs will be once-off.
Tax Evasion.
Joe Sherlock
Question:127 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the number of court prosecutions initiated as a result of tax evasion in respect of each year since 1997; the number of cases in which convictions were secured; the number of cases in which prison sentences were imposed and the sentence in each case; if he is satisfied with the level of court cases taken having regard to the high level of evasion; if he will report on the work of the investigations and prosecutions division of the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33072/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the following information is the up to date position on court prosecutions initiated for tax evasion. In 1997, there was one prosecution and one conviction. A fine of €635 was imposed with no custodial sentence. In 1998, there were six cases and eight convictions; fines totalling €42,854 were imposed. There were two custodial sentences, one of six months suspended and one of two years suspended. In 1999, there were two cases and one conviction. In one case a fine of €19,046 was imposed with no custodial sentence. In the other the defendant was acquitted. In 2000, there were three cases and three convictions. Fines totalling €952 were imposed. There were two custodial sentences, one of two years, reduced to 18 months on appeal, and another of 12 months suspended. In 2001, there were four cases and four convictions. Fines totalling €14,284 were imposed. There were four custodial sentences, one of 12 months, two of six months suspended and another of three months. In 2002, there were three cases and three convictions. Fines totalling €5,540 were imposed and one custodial sentence of six months. In 2003, there were six cases and seven convictions. Fines totalling €29,365 were imposed and one custodial sentence of two years suspended. In 2004, there was one case and one conviction. A fine of €5,000 was imposed and 180 hours community service was imposed in lieu of a three months custodial sentence. In 2005 to date, there have been seven cases and nine convictions. There have been three custodial sentences, one of 16 months— this is currently under appeal — and two of three months each. In another two cases 240 hours and 120 hours of community service were imposed in lieu of custodial sentences of six months and three months, respectively. Fines totalling €185,400 were imposed. A further five cases are before the courts.
The Revenue Commissioners have a clear policy of prosecuting cases of serious tax evasion. This function is tasked to their investigations and prosecutions division. Following the restructuring of Revenue in 2003, all investigation activity was consolidated in this division with a remit to co-ordinate all Revenue prosecution work and, in particular, to increase the number of criminal investigations for serious tax offences and ultimately to increase the number of prosecutions. The number of investigators was also increased for this purpose.
The most recent figures indicate that this approach is proving successful. There are currently 56 cases under investigation for potential prosecution, the Director of Public Prosecutions is considering a further 11 cases and has given directions to prosecute in another six. Bench warrants have been issued in two cases for failure to attend court and, as I stated, five cases are in the court process. Combined with the seven successful prosecutions to date in 2005, of which the conviction and sentence in one case is under appeal, it is the highest overall figure to date and vindicates the decision to concentrate Revenue Commissioners' prosecution resources in one area.
Tax Code.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:128 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken to ensure that schools do not abuse the tax relief for eligible charities scheme when requesting the payment of voluntary contributions by parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27656/05]
The provisions of section 848A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 govern the operation of the scheme for tax relief on donations to eligible charities and other approved bodies. The administration of those provisions is the responsibility of the Revenue Commissioners.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that primary and secondary schools qualify as approved bodies under the donations scheme once the education being provided is based on a programme prescribed or approved by the Minister for Education and Science.
Voluntary contributions by parents to schools can qualify as a relevant donation for tax relief purposes under the scheme once the contribution amounts to at least €250 in a tax year and meets the conditions set out in section 848A. One such condition is that neither the donor nor any person connected with the donor receives a benefit, either directly or indirectly, as a consequence of making the donation. Accordingly, a voluntary contribution in exchange for education being provided to the donor's child would not be regarded as genuinely voluntary and would not qualify for tax relief.
When the scheme was introduced in 2001 Revenue wrote to each primary and secondary school registered with the Department of Education and Science advising them of this new donations scheme and, in particular, of the conditions attaching to donations. Earlier this year, arising from certain concerns, the Revenue Commissioners specifically reminded each of some 90 fee-paying primary and secondary schools that school fees or contributions substituting for school fees did not qualify as eligible donations under the scheme. Contact has also taken place between Revenue and the Department of Education and Science on relevant issues associated with the overall operation of the scheme.
The Revenue Commissioners advise me that in 2004, 61 schools out of a total of over 4,000 registered with the Department of Education and Science lodged refund claims in respect of donations by individual PAYE donors. I have also been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they implement controls and monitoring procedures in relation to the operation of the donations scheme in an appropriate and balanced way, commensurate with the risk to the Exchequer.
Tax Collection.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:129 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance in regard to the almost €2.5 billion remaining outstanding in uncollected taxes, his views on the proportion of this the Revenue Commissioners expect to recover; if any new measures are planned to assist in the collection of outstanding taxes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33047/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the total tax debt outstanding at 31 March 2005, as reported in Revenue's annual report and in the recent report of the Comptroller and Auditor General was €1.2 billion, not €2.5 billion as quoted by the Deputy.
As with any tax system, there will always be people who pay late, people who try to avoid paying and people who can not pay. In this context it is important to note that the debt of €1,217 million at 31 March 2005 is €146 million or 10.7% less than at 31 March 2004. The figure represents 2.5% of annual gross collection and is one of the lowest percentages of any tax administration internationally. This compares to a total debt of 4% of gross receipts in 1999, 15% in 1994 and 30% in 1989. Of this figure, €278 million of the total debt is under appeal with a further €349 million under control or at enforcement. The remainder, €590 million is under active collection.
It is the goal of Revenue, as stated in its statement of strategy 2005-2007, that all debt on record should be less than five years old, or the subject of active enforcement or court proceedings. In this context, I am advised by Revenue that it would expect the current collectible tax debt and any additional debt that will arise for periods up to 31 December 2004, through assessments made by Revenue or submission of overdue returns by taxpayers, would ultimately be reduced over the next five years very substantially. That reduction will be achieved primarily by collection of the debt due.
Revenue has emphasised the changing element of the debt make-up and the difficulty that this creates in making an estimate of the likely reduction in the debt figure over a five-year period. Revenue's strategies and methodologies adopted to achieve a reduction over a five-year period will be subject to annual review and evaluation that is carried out within the context of the business planning process.
Tax Yield.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:130 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the amount collected to date by the Revenue Commissioners through special investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33049/05]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that figures of the total yield from various special investigations and initiatives by the Revenue Commissioners, which are available for the years 1998 to 2004 and updated to 31 October 2005, are set out in the following table.
|
Heading |
Total yields |
|
€ million |
|
|
DIRT Audits |
225.0 |
|
Bogus Non-Resident Accounts |
598.2 |
|
Offshore Assets |
771.6 |
|
Single Premium Policies |
374.0 |
|
Ansbacher |
53.8 |
|
NIB/Clerical Medical |
55.5 |
|
Tribunals |
36.2 |
|
Total |
2,114.3 |
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that further information on the yields from the various special investigations and initiatives can be found on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.
National Development Plan.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:131 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied with the rate of implementation of the current national development plan; if the plan will be implemented in full by the end of 2006; the figures available on the number of projects under the plan that have been completed to date in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33057/05]
I am broadly satisfied with the rate of both financial and physical implementation of the national development plan, NDP. The monitoring committees for each of the national development plan's seven operational programmes, OPs, have met in recent weeks to consider progress to end June 2005 for their respective programmes. It is estimated that around €39 billion or some 88% of the profiled expenditure for the period of the NDP from January 2000 to end June 2005 has been incurred at end June 2005.
With respect to the operational programmes, the economic and social infrastructure OP is performing well with expenditure at 102% of profiled expenditure for the period January 2000 to end June 2005. Expenditure on the employment and human resources development OP has achieved 97% of profiled expenditure for the same period and is on course to meet its targets. Performance of the productive sector OP is behind target with 49% of the original profiled expenditure having been achieved. The key factors accounting for this relate to the lower take up of financial opportunities by the private sector and less than anticipated absorption capacity for research and development projects in the BMW region. Despite this, physical performance is close to target for the period.
The Border, midlands and western, and southern and eastern regional OPs, are showing absorption rates of 61% and 68% of profiled expenditure for the period January 2000 to end June 2005, respectively. Good progress is evident under the local infrastructure and social inclusion and child care measures. Difficulties still exist in the tourism and agriculture sectors where implementation has been slower and demand for grant support has been less than anticipated. The PEACE and technical assistance OPs are on track to meet their targets by the end of the programming period.
With respect to the eventual outturn for the NDP, I expect the end-2006 position for the key economic and social infrastructure OP and employment and human resources development OP to be close to or above targets. Similarly, the position for the PEACE and technical assistance OPs will be close to their targets at the end of 2006. The regional programmes and the productive sector OP are unlikely to achieve their end 2006 targets.
Tax Code.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:132 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance when the Government will honour the commitment given in An Agreed Programme for Government that 80% of all earners will pay tax only at the standard rate, especially in view of the fact that the proportion of taxpayers paying at the higher rate is expected to increase from 32.61% in 2004 to 33.17% in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33069/05]
The 80% target in An Agreed Programme for Government is given in the context of a broader economic and budgetary strategy which provides, among other things, that the public finances will be kept in a healthy condition and that personal and business taxes will be kept down in order to strengthen and maintain the competitive position of the Irish economy.
Further progress in this area will be a matter for consideration in the context of the annual budgets over the next number of years consistent with the Government's overall economic and budgetary strategy. However, I point out to the Deputy that the Government's tax policies since 1997 have ensured that Ireland now has the lowest tax wedge in the EU, and one of the very lowest in the entire OECD as measured by that organisation using comparative data relating to those earning an average production wage. In addition, after tax income, adjusted for CPI inflation, for a person on the average industrial wage, is now 40% higher than it was in 1997. About half of this increase is due to lower taxes.
Moreover, I should add that one reason many income earners pay at the higher rate is because incomes have increased significantly. This is an indication, not of a problem, but of a major economic success.
Decentralisation Programme.
Seán Ryan
Question:133 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if any estimate has been undertaken of the number of civil or public servants who do not wish to relocate and who will be surplus to requirements as a result of their jobs being transferred to other locations under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the jobs that will be provided for these personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33065/05]
From the outset both the Government and I have made it clear that participation in the decentralisation programme is voluntary.
Because of the nature of the programme it is not possible at this stage to estimate the number of public servants who do not wish to relocate as individual circumstances are open to change and therefore figures can fluctuate. The picture will become clearer over the coming period as staff are assigned to decentralising organisations.
As people who have applied to decentralise continue to be transferred into decentralising organisations, the posts they vacate become available to those wishing to remain in Dublin. A number of people have already availed of such opportunities.
It is hoped to extend these arrangements over the coming months and negotiations in this regard are ongoing with the unions who represent civil and public servants.
Revenue Investigations.
Emmet Stagg
Question:134 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance the number of individuals, companies and trusts being investigated by the Revenue Commissioners arising from the Ansbacher accounts at the latest date for which figures are available; the number of cases where settlements have been agreed and the amount paid to date in 2005; the number of cases still outstanding; if any additional action has been taken by the Revenue Commissioners arising from the report of the Ansbacher inspectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33074/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that their Ansbacher review team has been carrying out detailed investigations since October 1999. The investigation has essentially two elements. There are Ansbacher type arrangements and there are other cases involving offshore funds and deposits.
Revenue has advised that the review team has inquired into 289 cases to date and 159 of these cases have been finalised. The 289 cases, taking account of spouses and connected companies, consist of 300 names. The 289 cases are made up of 179 cases listed on the High Court inspectors' report and 110 similar cases discovered by Revenue or listed in the authorised officer's report.
A total of 211 cases have been under active investigation. The remaining cases consist of 62 non-resident persons, including 17 former Irish residents, 12 individuals who claimed the 1993 amnesty provisions and four cases with insufficient identity information. The investigation includes examining the tax position of disclosed entities and accumulating and assembling information on other connected entities. The number of connected entities in relation to cases under investigation is now nearly 700.
Revenue is making extensive use of its legislative powers to seek books, records, documents and information in the cases being investigated. Where appropriate, prosecutions will be considered but these will depend on the level of evidence available.
Revenue has made ten successful applications to the High Court for the production by financial institutions and third parties of books, records and other documentation, which are relevant to liabilities of Ansbacher account holders. Some 200,000 documents have been received under the terms of the High Court orders. Advanced investigative computer software is used in controlling and managing the documentation.
To date a total of €53.77 million has been received, consisting of settlements and payments on account, in respect of 102 cases. This is made up of:
|
Cases |
€million |
|
|
Cases involving Ansbacher or Ansbacher type arrangements |
83 |
44.39 |
|
Other cases involving offshore funds or deposits |
19 |
9.38 |
|
Total |
102 |
53.77 |
The 159 cases which have been finalised consist of 73 cases which were settled on payments of €42.57 million, included in the amount above, 46 non-resident cases which are covered by the provisions of double taxation agreements, 31 cases where no additional liabilities arose and nine which were covered by the 1993 amnesty provisions.
Revenue made an application under section 11 of the Companies Act 1990, for a copy of the High Court inspectors' report. The information in this report has been carefully considered as regards the tax liabilities of the persons concerned. In addition, Revenue made a further application to the High Court for access to the supporting papers to the High Court inspectors' report. The High Court order in the matter was granted in June 2004 and perfected in January 2005 and allows for access to documents relating to clients of Ansbacher named in the High Court inspectors' report and those persons and companies, including members of the board, found by the High Court inspectors to have failed to co-operate with their inquiry. The order also allows for Revenue to make application and grounding affidavit for the obtaining of information and documents relating to any other individual or company. Access to documents is subject to the direction of the High Court. Revenue has applied, on foot of the order, for access to documentation in respect of certain cases named in the High Court inspectors' report. Some documentation has been supplied and further documentation is awaited.
Revenue has informed me that although substantial progress has been made, the investigations are time-consuming and complex and are likely to continue for some time to come.
Question No. 135 answered with QuestionNo. 113.
State Property.
Joe Sherlock
Question:136 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the current position regarding the planned sale of State property announced; the property sold to date and the amount raised; the way in which the money used has been raised; the properties it is planned to sell during 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33071/05]
As part of the transforming of State assets programme the following properties have been disposed:
|
Building |
Method of Sale |
Price |
|
€ |
||
|
2 Church St., Dungarvan, Co. Waterford |
Public Auction |
337,000 |
|
Lad Lane, Dublin 2. |
Public Tender |
22,500,000 |
|
Blacklion Customs Frontier Post Site — Cavan |
Private Treaty to Cavan Co. Co. |
21,586.23 |
|
72-76 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. |
Public Tender |
52,300,000 |
|
Kilmacthomas G.S., Co. Waterford |
Private Treaty to Waterford Co. Co. |
100,000 |
|
14/16 Lord Edward Street, Dublin 8. |
Public Tender |
8,780,140.48 |
|
Thomastown GS, Co. Kilkenny |
Public Auction |
450,000 |
|
Total 2004: |
84,488,726.71 |
|
Building |
Method of Sale |
Price |
|
€ |
||
|
Dungloe Former SWO, Co. Donegal |
Private Treaty |
300,000 |
|
Leighlinbridge GS, Co. Carlow — disposal of part of site |
Public Auction |
165,000 |
|
Ashbourne GS — disposal of part of site |
Public Auction |
2,125,000 |
|
St. John’s Road site (Westgate) |
Public Tender |
44,916,551.79 |
|
Ballinskelligs Old Garda Station, Co. Kerry |
Public Auction |
409,693.03 |
|
Kilronan CGS, Galway. Sale of site to Údarás. |
Private Treaty |
1,416.53 |
|
Galway — 16 Eyre Square |
Private Treaty |
9,920.59 |
|
Total 2005 (to-date): |
47,927,581.94 |
The bulk of the proceeds of these sales will go to finance the decentralisation programme while €10 million of the proceeds has been applied to priority projects, mainly in the Garda area.
Identification of properties surplus to requirements is continuously evolving; premature release of disposal information and timescales would affect the potential income from such disposals.
Properties identified for disposal before the end of 2005 are as follows:
|
Property for Sale |
Method of Sale |
Guide Price-Sale Price |
|
€ |
||
|
The former Vet. College, Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4 |
Public Tender |
100m |
|
26-27 Eden Quay, Dublin 1. |
Public Tender |
4m |
|
Muff Garda station, Co. Donegal |
Public Auction |
195,000 |
|
Bridgend former Customs & Excise Post, Co. Donegal |
Public Auction |
350,000 |
|
Knocknagoshel Garda station house, Co. Kerry |
Public Auction |
75,000 |
|
Lynch’s Lodge Hotel, Macroom, Co. Cork |
Public Tender |
3.5m |
|
Gardiner St. former SWO, Dublin 1. |
Private Treaty |
Property swap plus 2.5m |
|
Chantilly site, Rathmichael, Co. Dublin |
CPO compensation |
4.5m |
|
CPO Ballyshannon SWO, Co. Donegal |
CPO Compensation |
2,500 |
Tax Code.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:137 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the way in which he will present to Dáil Éireann the detailed reports emerging from the present review of various aspects of the tax code. [33145/05]
As the Deputy is aware, I announced in my Budget Statement that my Department and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners are undertaking a detailed review of certain tax incentive schemes and tax exemptions in 2005.
Two external consultancy firms have been examining the area-based and sectoral property tax incentive schemes. The review also involves the examination by my Department and the Revenue Commissioners of certain other tax reliefs and exemptions, especially if these may be used by high earners to reduce their tax bills.
The final reports from the consultants have been received by my Department and the findings from these reports will be taken into consideration in the context of the 2006 budget and Finance Bill.
I am not in a position to indicate the likely publication date for the reviews.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:138 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the fact that in the period between 1 January and 23 September 2005 more than €249 million has been repaid to taxpayers on foot of reviews conducted by the Revenue Commissioners at taxpayers’ requests, the Revenue is taking any steps to ensure greater accuracy of returns; if, in particular, there are plans for information campaigns to ensure that taxpayers are made fully aware of all their entitlements and are claiming all credits and allowances provided for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33066/05]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a wide range of initiatives has already been taken to inform PAYE taxpayers of their entitlements to tax credits-reliefs and so avoid potential overpayments of tax.
Revenue informs me that the vast majority of PAYE workers receive their full entitlements every year. At the beginning of each year a tax credit certificate is issued to every PAYE taxpayer and this reflects the most up-to-date information that Revenue has regarding an individual's entitlements. Revenue completed the issue of 2.24 million such certificates for 2005 in mid-February. Each certificate was accompanied by a simple but comprehensive leaflet giving full details of the credits-reliefs to which a taxpayer may be entitled including: main personal tax credits available for the year in question with comparative figures for the preceding year; tax rates and tax bands for the year in question; exemption limits for single, widowed and married persons; and how to claim an adjustment to the tax credit certificate.
Revenue uses media advertising on a regular and systematic basis to acquaint taxpayers about their entitlements and to encourage them to claim these. In relation to the PAYE community in particular there is extensive advertising of the budget provisions each year including a Revenue free-phone service which operates for two days immediately following the budget. Again when the tax credit certificates are being issued during January and February each year a newspaper and radio campaign is run to alert people to this.
In February 2005, Revenue launched a new self-service option for PAYE taxpayers. This service allows PAYE employees to claim, using the Internet, text messaging or the lo-call 1890 phone number, age credits for those over 65, service charges and trade union subscriptions. It also allows them to request a Form 12 — return of income, a Med 1 — medical expenses claim, a P50 — unemployment claim and a Rent 1 — rent relief. These facilities were widely advertised in the media and were included in the information leaflet issued with the tax credit certificates for 2005.
Revenue also publishes a wide range of claim forms, leaflets and guides on all PAYE credits and reliefs which can be downloaded and printed from the Revenue website or ordered on-line. There is also a 24-hour telephone number available, 1890 30 67 06, for requesting forms or leaflets.
Revenue is well advanced in introducing a redesigned PAYE computer system which, in the early part of 2006, will provide on-line services to PAYE taxpayers including: access to their Revenue records over the Internet to ascertain allowances-credits given and details of pay and tax; amendment of their tax credit details over the Internet, for example, to claim an allowance-credit not on record or to change the amount involved for an existing relief; and requesting an on-line review of their liability or a balancing statement, based on the details available on the Revenue record, including where amended in relation to entitlements. This will further improve the facilities for taxpayers to check whether they have claimed their full entitlements and if not to claim them immediately.
Revenue already liaises with other State bodies and private institutions to facilitate the granting of credits-reliefs to PAYE taxpayers. For example, liaison in relation to: the tax relief at source, TRS, system which was introduced a number of years ago and which ensures that all those entitled to mortgage and medical insurance reliefs get these reliefs at source and do not have to make a claim to Revenue; and there is an ongoing exchange of information between Revenue and the Department of Social and Family Affairs in regard to certain taxable payments made by that Department to PAYE employees. This interaction will be enhanced considerably through the more timely exchange of information made possible by the redesigned PAYE system already referred to.
I am accordingly satisfied that Revenue is already very proactive in the manner in which it ensures that PAYE taxpayers are made aware of their entitlements and facilitated in claiming these. Revenue keeps this issue under constant review and takes whatever steps are necessary in relation to public information campaigns so as to continue to inform taxpayers of their entitlements and to simplify as far as possible the arrangements for making these claims. The upcoming bulk issue of over 2.2 million tax credit certificates for 2006 will again be the focus of an information campaign as will the rollout of the PAYE on-line system in early 2006. I emphasise, however, that the primary responsibility for ensuring that Revenue has the most up-to-date information on a taxpayer's affairs lies with the taxpayer.
National Development Plan.
Eamon Ryan
Question:139 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if progress reports for the period December 2004 to June 2005 concerning the southern and eastern regional operational programme of the national development plan have been presented to the monitoring committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32946/05]
Dan Boyle
Question:218 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance if progress reports for the period December 2004 to June 2005 concerning the southern and eastern regional operational programme of the national development plan have been presented to the monitoring committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33307/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 218 together.
The Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly presented the progress report for the southern and eastern operational programme for the period January 2000 to end June 2005 to the programme monitoring committee on 24 October 2005.
Expenditure incurred under the programme from 1 January 2005 to 30 June 2005 is €284 million which represents 37% of the full year forecast expenditure. Cumulative expenditure under the programme from 1 January 2000 to 30 June 2005 is €2.96 billion which represents 68% of forecast expenditure for the corresponding period.
Of the four priorities under the programme, local infrastructure and social inclusion and child care are performing well with cumulative expenditure to end June 2005 at 72% and 84% of forecast expenditure for the corresponding period, respectively. Cumulative expenditure on the local enterprise and agriculture and rural development priorities both stand at 44% of forecast expenditure for the period January 2000 to end June 2005.
Tax Code.
Billy Timmins
Question:140 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether any other elements of the Irish tax code could be subject to challenge under State aid rules. [33112/05]
Article 87(1) of the EC treaty prohibits, in general terms, the granting of aid by the State which distorts competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods, in so far as the aid is liable to affect trade between member states. There are a number of components to this provision, all of which must be met before a particular type of support can be classified as a State aid. The principal components are that: the aid in question is granted by a member state, which includes regional or local authorities, or other bodies that are acting on behalf of the State, or through State resources in any form whatsoever; the aid confers an advantage on the recipient; the aid is selective in its application, in as much as it is not afforded to other undertakings in the market in general; the aid is capable of distorting competition, usually by strengthening the competitive position of the beneficiary relative to other participants in the market, and is thus liable to have an effect on trade between member states.
The EC treaty also provides for circumstances in which State aids may be permissible in light of considerations of public policy.
The enforcement of the State aid rules across the member states is primarily a matter for the European Commission. It is not the practice of Ministers to comment on areas where, depending perhaps on interpretation of rules, or changing practice or jurisprudence, the Commission might wish to take a view in relation to the Irish tax code. As far as Ireland is concerned, all new proposed tax incentives are examined in light of the State aid rules, and it has been the general practice over recent years to discuss such measures with the European Commission and to notify schemes as appropriate.
Banking Sector Regulation.
Dan Boyle
Question:141 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance his views on the Central Bank’s recent Financial Stability Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32938/05]
The central scenario underpinning the Central Bank's Financial Stability Report published on 1 November, is that the outlook for the economy is broadly favourable. In overall terms the report concludes, on the basis of a comprehensive and wide-ranging analysis, that the Irish banking system remains in a good state of health and is reasonably well placed to weather possible adverse changes in economic conditions.
A key finding of the report is that a range of fundamental factors such as growing employment and incomes, falling inflation and low interest rates have supported the pattern of mortgage growth and associated debt levels. The report does, however, highlight the continuation of strong mortgage credit growth as an important risk factor. It emphasises, therefore, the importance of responsible behaviour by both borrowers and lenders, to factor into their financial decision-making the prospective impact of potential changes in the future economic environment.
I share the Central Bank's assessment of the importance of maintaining financial and economic stability. In this regard, for my part I intend maintaining a responsible approach to maintaining stability in our public finances, which will ensure that the strategic direction of our economy will focus on sustainable real improvements in public services, social provision and infrastructure. In this context, I draw the Deputy's attention to Government debt levels, which are the second lowest in the euro area, as well as to Ireland's comparatively high levels of household savings rates, including SSIAs. My Department continues to monitor the effectiveness of the current legislative framework for the regulation of consumer credit by the financial regulator.
Fiscal Policy.
Michael Noonan
Question:142 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Finance his views regarding the pattern of economic growth and if it necessitates an adjustment in Government policy. [33118/05]
Economic growth this year is being sustained primarily by consumption and investment with a weak performance by exports compared to previous years. The composition of economic growth will vary over time and from year to year. As an economy matures, the part played by consumption will tend to increase.
The level of export performance in any given year is due to a number of factors both external — such as world demand and exchange rates — and internal — such as competitiveness and the level of foreign direct investment taking place in the economy. We are concentrating on the internal factors in our incomes policy objectives and in our fiscal approach, in particular through low tax rates and incentives to build up our knowledge base, for example, through investment in research and development.
This is the right policy focus and we are open to considering such further measures as may be required from time to time to assist our economic performance.
Tax Evasion.
Liz McManus
Question:143 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Finance if, in regard to views expressed, it was unacceptable that some of the wealthiest residents in Irish society should use property and other tax incentives to avoid paying any income tax while at the same time enjoying the services provided by the State, the steps he intends to deal with this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33055/05]
I refer the Deputy to the long-standing practice of Ministers for Finance not to comment on what may or may not be contained in upcoming budgets. Any steps of the sort mentioned by the Deputy will be a matter for consideration in the context of the budget and Finance Bill.
Tax Code.
Denis Naughten
Question:144 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce rollover relief on capital gains tax for landowners who have had their lands purchased for road construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32911/05]
As previously advised to the Deputy, capital gains tax, CGT, is a tax on a capital gain arising on the disposal of assets. A 20% rate of CGT applies on the gains arising on the disposal of assets, including land which is the subject of a compulsory purchase order, CPO.
It was announced in the 2003 budget that no rollover relief would be allowed for any purpose on gains arising from disposals on or after 4 December 2002. This relief was introduced when CGT rates were much higher than current levels. In effect, it was a deferral of tax to be paid, where the proceeds of disposal were re-invested into replacement assets. The taxation of these gains would take place following the eventual disposal of the new assets without their replacement.
The abolition of this relief was in accordance with the overall taxation policy of widening the tax base in order to keep direct tax rates low. Such reliefs and allowances made sense when CGT rates were 40% and above. In budget 1998, the rate was halved from 40% to 20%. Taxing capital gains when they are realised is the most logical time to do so, and this change brought CGT into line with other areas.
Decentralisation Programme.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:145 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants and other public servants who will have been decentralised from Dublin to other locations by the original deadline for the completion of the plan of December 2006; if, in view of the very poor response to the scheme so far, he has plans to review the scale or scope of the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33061/05]
I have no plans to change the scale or scope of the decentralisation programme. In line with the timeframes set out by the Decentralisation Implementation Group, I expect that up to 1,000 people will have decentralised to 11 locations by end 2006-early 2007.
I do not accept the assertion by the Deputy that there has been a very poor response rate to the Government's decentralisation programme. As the Deputy will be aware there have been about 10,500 applications so far and new applications are being received each week. Since the closing of the priority application period on 7 September 2004, an average of over 20 new applications have been received each week over the past 14 months. The CAF remains open and continues to accept applications.
Benchmarking Awards.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:146 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Finance when he proposes to issue Government guidelines in relation to a new benchmarking board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33114/05]
In the pay agreement reached in June 2004 under the mid-term review of Sustaining Progress, the parties agreed that the benchmarking body will commence the next benchmarking review in the second half of 2005 and report in the second half of 2007.
Talks between the public service employers and unions on the membership of the benchmarking body and its terms of reference have taken place. These talks are well advanced and are continuing. The body is likely to be established shortly.
The role of the body is defined in Sustaining Progress as being to carry out an evaluation of public service jobs and pay by reference to comparable jobs across the economy. The terms of reference of the body will elaborate on the factors to be taken into account by it. These terms of reference will be publicly available when the body is set up. The question of the Minister issuing guidelines does not therefore arise.
Decentralisation Programme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:147 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the costs to date in 2005 associated with or accruing from the Government’s decentralisation programme; the number and location of buildings or sites purchased; the cost of same; the number and location of buildings or sites disposed or and consequent benefit to the Exchequer; when the programme will be completed; if any incentives have been built into the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33156/05]
Under the decentralisation programme, property negotiations have been completed or significantly advanced in 23 locations.
In the case of Athlone, the Curragh, Navan, Furbo and Sligo, OPW owned sites have been identified and will be used to accommodate decentralised offices.
In the case of Longford and Newcastle West, sites have been acquired from the relevant local authorities. Privately owned sites have been purchased in Buncrana and Clonakilty. In the case of Tullamore the OPW has agreed to purchase an office block when it is completed in September 2006.
Contracts for sale have been received in respect of a further 11 locations, including Carlow, Donegal, Dungarvan, Killarney, Knock, Portarlington, Portlaoise, Thurles, Tipperary, Carrick-on-Shannon and Thomastown. Other locations where site acquisition is at an advanced stage include Cavan and Trim.
The total purchase cost for the 18 non-OPW owned sites is estimated at €35.7 million. Of this amount, approximately €13 million is in respect of sites acquired from local authorities and State agencies. The overall site acquisition cost of the entire programme is expected to be in the region of €75 million to €100 million, excluding VAT.
Since it is too early in the process for any significant relocation of staff from Dublin, there has been no property disposed of in Dublin to date as a direct consequence of decentralisation. However, the following properties have been disposed of under the transforming of State assets programme.
|
Property Disposed |
Sale Price |
|
€ million |
|
|
Lad Lane, Dublin 2 |
22.5 |
|
72-76 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 |
52.3 |
|
14-16 Lord Edward Street, Dublin 8 |
8.78 |
|
St. John’s Road (Westgate) |
44.9 |
The following properties are currently on the market to be disposed before the end of 2005: 26-27 Eden Quay, Dublin 1; and the former Veterinary College, Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
Decentralisation will be implemented through the transfer of staff on a voluntary basis. There will be no redundancies and, as on previous occasions, the payment of removal or relocation expenses will not arise. However, consultations will be held with the public service union on an ongoing basis in order to address the concerns of all staff affected by the programme.
Public Private Partnerships.
Paul Kehoe
Question:148 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance his views on the amount of public private partnership projects in the pipeline; and if he is satisfied with the system for developing and selecting projects for this system of project finance. [33106/05]
A list of PPP projects with an estimated capital value over €20 million, which have reached the stage of appointment of client advisers or later, is prepared for the Informal PPP Advisory Group, which meets bi-monthly, and is available on the public private partnership website www.ppp.gov.ie. This list includes PPP projects being undertaken by the following State authorities: National Roads Authority, Courts Service, Irish Prisons Service-Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Department of Education and Science, Department of Health and Children, Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, Office of Public Works and Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
In addition to those listed, the Minister for Education and Science recently announced her plans to provide 27 new schools by way of public private partnership and, as the Deputy will be aware, the Minister for Transport has made a recent announcement about a major investment in transport infrastructure under the Transport 21 investment framework, which includes a significant PPP component.
In July 2005, I announced a new initiative aimed at accelerating the delivery of PPPs for key capital infrastructure projects in the central government area. The role of NDFA is being expanded to facilitate the consolidation of the relevant skills and capacity required to support PPP procurement in a specialised centre of expertise, responsible for the procurement of all new PPP projects in the central government area with the exception of roads and rail, where existing arrangements will continue. The initiative focuses in the initial stages on progressing projects suitable for PPP procurement in three key Departments, namely the Departments of Education and Science, Health and Children and Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
The system developed for the selection of public private partnership projects, like other capital projects, is based on the application of the Guidelines for the Appraisal and Management of Capital Expenditure in the Public Sector and complementary PPP-specific guidance issued by my Department. Departments and other sponsoring agencies must also seek the advice of the National Development Finance Agency, NDFA, on the optimum means of financing the cost of public investment projects or groups of PPP projects over €20 million in order to achieve value for money and on all aspects of financing, refinancing and insurance of public investment projects to be undertaken by means of public private partnership. This system has been developed on the basis of the experience gained with the pilot projects and international experience. We continue to keep the process under review.
The selection of projects to be procured by means of PPP is a matter for individual Departments, subject to the overall multi-annual capital investment framework and the relevant guidelines. Also, there are a number of forms of PPP used in Ireland, such as design, build and operate, not all of which involve the use of private finance.
State Property.
Joe Costello
Question:149 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance when he sold the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform’s offices in St. Stephen’s Green; the purchaser of the premises; the price paid; the use to which the proceeds were put; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29775/05]
The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform's offices, Nos. 72-76, St. Stephen's Green, were sold on 15 September 2004 for €52,300,000.00 to Shelbourne Developments Limited. The proceeds of this sale were forwarded to the Department of Finance as an Exchequer extra receipt.
Decentralisation Programme.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:150 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance the information available from the central applications facility in respect of applications from civil servants and other public servants currently located in Dublin who wish to transfer to new locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the way in which this compares with the Government target of 10,300; if agreement has been reached with all public service unions regarding promotional opportunities for those who choose to move and those who opt to remain where they are; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33060/05]
The latest figures from the central applications facility show there is very substantial interest in the programme. During the period for priority applications up to 7 September 2004, approximately 9,000 applications were made. Over 8,000 of these were from civil servants with the balance made up of applications from public servants. Some 4,813 of the applications were from civil and public servants — 4,236 civil servants and 577 public servants — currently located in Dublin. New applications for decentralisation continue to be received. Over 1,300 new applications have been received since September 2004.
Discussions are continuing between the management and the Civil Service unions on the implementation of the programme.
Public Expenditure.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:151 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance when the 12 point programme to improve value for money in public spending, announced by him on 20 October 2005, will come into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33043/05]
I am determined that the additional measures will be fully implemented in Departments and implementing agencies and I have also instructed my Department to engage with other Departments in relation to implementing them. I have also written to all Ministers asking them to ensure that their Departments take immediate steps, as appropriate, to implement the initiatives in areas under their remit. Follow-up work is under way in my Department in relation to updating existing guidelines and other necessary steps to ensure that all the measures are implemented in full.
The Deputy should note that these measures build on other initiatives introduced in recent years to improve the management of capital programmes and projects including five-year multi-annual budgets and revised guidelines for the appraisal and management of capital expenditure. The overall impact of these various developments has created a better framework for achieving value for money.
Decentralisation Programme.
Seán Ryan
Question:152 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the steps in place to ensure that the State receives full value for money in regard to contracts to purchase or lease that have been entered into arising from the Government’s planned decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33064/05]
The Commissioners of Public Works have informed me that prior to entering into contracts to purchase or lease any particular property solution, a detailed and comprehensive assessment process is carried out.
This assessment process includes valuation reports on each option by professionally qualified valuers in order to establish the prevailing market values; a technical evaluation of all potentially suitable options, including architectural, structural engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, and fire and security; seeking planning advice and archaeological reports where appropriate; and legal advice on title from the Chief State Solicitor.
On the basis of the relevant technical, valuation and other reports, a preferred option is identified and sanction is then sought from the Department of Finance to negotiate for its acquisition.
The Commissioners of Public Works are of the opinion that the procedures in place ensure that the prices paid for the properties acquired under the decentralisation programme are reflective of market values and represent good value for the taxpayer.
Róisín Shortall
Question:153 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the claim made by the trade union IMPACT that it will cost up to €65 million per year to retain specialist staff who do not wish to relocate under the decentralisation programme, but who will have no obvious role in Dublin; if his Department has undertaken any assessment of the likely cost of retraining arising from the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33063/05]
While I am aware from media reports of the claim referred to by the Deputy, I am not aware of the basis of or the assumptions underpinning the claim and I can therefore offer no further comment on it.
As the Deputy will be aware from previous statements, duplication of staff in Dublin and the new locations is not planned. The Government has always recognised that, in addition to the personnel who have applied to decentralise, there is another group of equally dedicated civil and public servants who, for a range of personal and other reasons, are not in a position to relocate from Dublin. At the time of the announcement of the programme, the Government made it clear that all of those wishing to remain in Dublin would be offered alternative public service jobs. Arrangements will be put in place to allow staff whose jobs are being decentralised and who opt not to move out of Dublin to be reassigned to other jobs in Dublin. These will be discussed with the trade unions.
A number of meetings have already taken place between my Department and the unions representing professional and technical grades in Dublin and another such meeting will take place shortly.
In its most recent report, published in July, the decentralisation implementation group recognised that applications from the professional and technical grades have been fewer than in the general service grades. However, while the group recognised the particular complexities of the issues involved for these grades, it nonetheless said it believed progress in the coming months is possible through further discussion.
Public Service Contracts.
Brendan Howlin
Question:154 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that future contracts in respect of Government projects stipulate that contractors must honour established conditions of employment in respect of all employees with financial penalties for non-compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31622/05]
Under public procurement law, contractors are required to comply with all existing employment-related legislation including the registered employment agreements, employment protection provisions and working conditions, applying under existing laws, regulations and legally binding registered collective agreements.
Employment-related legislation is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I understand non-compliance with any particular contract is a matter for contracting authorities in the first instance and can lead to prosecution under the law.
In the construction sector, where national standard forms of contract exist, the position is that contractors are required to provide pay and conditions of employment that are not less favourable than the terms of the registered employment agreements for the construction industry for those employees to whom the agreements apply. These standard forms of contract provide for termination for serious breaches of contract.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:155 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the work of the North-South unit in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33154/05]
There is a North-South dimension to the work of a number of areas in my Department. The lead North-South section in my Department is mainly involved in the process of agreeing corporate plans, business plans and annual budgets for North-South bodies established under the Good Friday Agreement. In co-operation with sponsor Departments, it is also involved in agreeing guidance for the bodies on various matters such as proper financial procedures. This work involves regular attendance at joint North-South meetings and liaison at official level with the Administration in Northern Ireland.
In addition, the freedom of information central policy unit of my Department has been involved, with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the NSMC joint secretariat and the OFMDFM in Northern Ireland, in the development of a code of practice on freedom of information to facilitate access to information held by each of the six North-South implementation bodies and Tourism Ireland Limited. Drafting of the code was completed earlier this year and was the subject of a public consultation exercise that ran for 16 weeks, ending on 7 October 2005.
During the consultation period, the code was also implemented on a pilot basis by the North-South bodies and Tourism Ireland Limited, which will continue to operate it on this basis pending formal adoption of the code by the responsible Ministers. The code is based on the provisions of FOI legislation currently in force in both jurisdictions. My Department is also involved in determining the remuneration, grading, numbers, pensions and other conditions of service of the staff of the North-South bodies and Tourism Ireland Limited.
I would also like to draw the Deputy's attention to my Department's substantial contribution to North-South co-operation. My Department actively assists cross-Border co-operation through supporting the Special EU Programmes Body in its role as managing authority to two EU-funded cross-Border programmes. The Special EU Programmes Body, SEUPB, is one of six North-South implementation bodies set up under strand II of the Good Friday Agreement. It operates under the political direction of the North-South Ministerial Council. The operating costs are met by my Department — 50% — and the Department of Finance and Personnel, Northern Ireland — 50%.
The two North-South EU programmes are PEACE II and INTERREG IIIA. The aim of the unique EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, PEACE II, is to promote reconciliation and help to build a more peaceful and stable society in Northern Ireland and the six southern bordering counties, namely, counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth. It has a strong cross-Border focus and a minimum of 15% of funds are allocated to cross-Border activities in the public, private and community sectors. The total value of the overall PEACE effort since its commencement in 1995 is €1,504 million. The value of the PEACE II programme, which was extended at the end of 2004 for a further two years, 2005 and 2006, is €867 million since its commencement in 2000. I am very aware of the importance of the work of the programme to the peace process.
The INTERREG IIIA programme, 2000-2006, Ireland-Northern Ireland, aims to address the economic and social disadvantage that can result from the existence of a border. It covers most of Northern Ireland and the six southern bordering counties. All projects must be of a cross-Border nature. The value of the programme is €182 million.
My Department is making every effort to ensure that there is continued support for these EU-funded cross-Border programmes as part of the EU budget agreement for the next EU financial period 2007 to 2013. My Department plays an active role in interdepartmental consideration of North-South economic co-operation. As the Deputy may be aware, I have recently emphasised the scope and necessity for such co-operation. In this context, my Department will co-ordinate the drafting of the next national development plan to cover the period 2007 to 2013 and the Government has stressed that this will have an important all-island dimension.
Revenue Investigations.
Emmet Stagg
Question:156 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance the number of individuals, companies and trusts being investigated by the Revenue Commissioners arising from the clerical medical insurance-NIB inquiry at the latest date for which figures are available; the number of cases where settlements have been agreed and the amount paid to date; the number of cases still outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33073/05]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that arising from the clerical medical insurance-NIB inquiry, a total of 465 cases have been targeted for investigation. To date, 303 cases have been settled on payment of tax, interest and penalties amounting to €51.83 million. A further 119 cases have been finalised with no additional liability arising while the remaining 43 cases are the subject of ongoing investigation in respect of which the sum of €3.67 million has been paid on account.
Three cases have already been successfully prosecuted, with monetary fines being imposed in two cases and a suspended sentence being imposed in the other. The individuals concerned also settled their tax affairs and paid the tax outstanding together with interest and penalties. A further case has been investigated with a view to prosecution and is in the process of being reported to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Decentralisation Programme.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:157 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the serious problems being created in the decentralisation programme by the lack of clarity around the status of employees who do not wish to relocate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33134/05]
From the outset, the Government has made it clear that participation in the decentralisation programme is voluntary.
As people who have applied to decentralise continue to be transferred into decentralising organisations, the posts they vacate become available to those wishing to remain in Dublin. A number of people have already availed of such opportunities.
It is hoped to extend these arrangements over the coming months and discussions in this regard are ongoing with the unions who represent civil and public servants.
Economic Competitiveness.
Richard Bruton
Question:158 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance his views on the contrasting trends reported by the Central Statistics Office regarding employment growth and output growth in the economy, which implies an unexplained collapse in productivity growth in the economy. [28595/05]
The CSO's most recent employment figures, taken from the Quarterly National Household Survey, showed that there were 1,929,200 people employed in the second quarter of 2005. This was an annual increase of 93,000 jobs, or 5.1%.
The sectors making the greatest contribution to this increase were construction, which was up by 36,400; and financial and other business services, which includes a wide range of service activities and was up by 20,100. Employment in the wholesale and retail trades also grew by approximately 7,000. On the other hand, employment in industry fell by over 6,000 persons and there was a decrease of about 3,000 in agriculture.
The CSO's estimate of GDP, that is, the total output of goods and services in the economy, for the second quarter of this year showed an annual increase of 4.1%. Output of all sectors, other than agriculture, forestry and fishing, was up on the previous year.
By comparing the growth in employment and GDP, it is possible to calculate a crude indicator of the trend in labour productivity. For example, employment in the first half of 2005 was up 4.5% and in the same period GDP increased by 3.1%, implying an apparent decline in aggregate labour productivity of about 1.3%. However, care should be taken in interpreting differences between trends in quarterly employment and in GDP because timing differences and statistical volatility can affect the results. It is too early to conclude that aggregate productivity in 2005 has declined but there is evidence in recent years that while labour productivity levels continue to increase, the rate of growth is slower than was previously the case.
A major factor influencing the slowdown in the rate of increase in labour productivity is the change in the sectoral composition of the workforce. Productivity rates in Ireland have been exceptionally high compared with other countries because of the large numbers of foreign-owned high-tech industries that generate very high levels of output or value added. However, much of the strong employment growth in employment in recent years has been in other sectors of the economy with the result that the overall productivity levels have not grown as quickly in the past and are moving closer to the international norm. With more persons employed in construction and in the retail and service sectors, average output per worker has not grown as quickly as in previous years, although the total numbers employed have increased at a record rate.
In summary, while employment growth in the first half of 2005 has exceeded the growth in output as measured by the GDP, it is too early to conclude that there has been an unexplained collapse in labour productivity. The available information is still limited and part of the fall is explained by changes in the composition of employment. However, this is something that needs to be monitored as more information becomes available.
Decentralisation Programme.
Seymour Crawford
Question:159 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the progress of providing decentralisation, as promised, to Carrickmacross town and Monaghan town; if office space has been sourced; the number of personnel who have applied for transfer to either locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32909/05]
Following the Government's decision to decentralise 85 civil servants to Carrickmacross, the OPW assessed a number of proposals to provide a property solution at this location. A suitable property solution proposal from the local authority has been identified. The proposal envisages a mixed-use development on a site of approximately nine acres owned by Monaghan County Council.
The local authority is currently assessing a number of proposals from contractors for a mixed-use development of the site. It has been agreed in principle with the local authority that the decentralised office for the Department of Social and Family Affairs will be accommodated within the mixed development.
A final decision by the local authority as to the preferred developer of the site is likely to be made early in the new year.
To date, there have been 92 applications to decentralise to Carrickmacross, Monaghan. As the Deputy knows, the Combat Poverty Agency is to move 70 of its staff to Monaghan. The process of sourcing a suitable property solution for Monaghan is continuing. To date, there have been 30 applications to move to this location.
Consultancy Contracts.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:160 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money paid by the Revenue Commissioners to a consultancy company (details supplied) in each of the past five years; the contracts or services provided in each case; the nature of the controls applied in the procurement process or processes; if the Revenue Commissioners are satisfied that value for money was achieved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33054/05]
In the period 2000 to 2004, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners has engaged the company referred to by the Deputy to undertake four assignments. Three involve the engagement of information technology professionals to develop and provide support for critical projects: integrated taxation services, ITS — the primary internal Revenue computer system; Revenue on-line service, ROS — the public facing pay and file service; and redesign of the PAYE computer system, PAYE. The fourth entailed management consultancy to support Revenue in the initial stages of the design of its large-scale organisational restructuring project.
All of the contracts were subject to open EU competitive tendering. Standard controls were applied to the tendering process and procedures followed as regards adherence to qualifying criteria, rigorous marking against the published acceptance criteria, with final presentation by the short-listed candidates to the specially constituted evaluation groups, which included external expertise as applicable.
Given the nature and span of the work, these were multi-year contracts. Expenditure on ROS has been largely funded from the information society fund. The software products that result from this expenditure are tangible assets and are recognised as such in the annual Appropriation Accounts.
The following table sets out details of the contracts, including the payment made in each year in which there was a payment to the company. The Revenue Commissioners assure me that in each case the work contracted for was delivered in a timely manner, within budget and to specification, and that the office achieved value for money in each case. The continued enhancement and evident success of Revenue's collection, compliance and on-line services would not have been achieved without this expenditure.
|
Year |
ITS |
PAYE |
ROS |
Restructuring |
|
€ million |
€ million |
€ million |
€ million |
|
|
2000 |
2.83 |
— |
2.9 |
— |
|
2001 |
5.95 |
— |
6.2 |
0.72 |
|
2002 |
5.94 |
— |
7.7 |
0.27 |
|
2003 |
5.83 |
1.0 |
5.25 |
— |
|
2004 |
7.54 |
5.2 |
5.13 |
— |
Tax Code.
Brian O'Shea
Question:161 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance if he has received the report of the consultants commissioned to look at a range of tax breaks and shelters available to high earners; if not, when he will receive the report; if he will introduce any legislation arising from the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33046/05]
As the Deputy is aware, I announced in my Budget Statement that my Department and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners are undertaking a detailed review of certain tax incentive schemes and tax exemptions in 2005. Two external consultancy firms have been examining the area-based and sectoral property tax incentive schemes. The review also involves the examination by my Department and the Revenue Commissioners of certain other tax reliefs and exemptions, especially if these may be used by high earners to reduce their tax bills. The final reports from the consultants have been received by my Department and the findings from these reports will be taken into consideration in the context of the 2006 budget and Finance Bill.
Question No. 162 answered with QuestionNo. 114.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:163 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if he has received any fresh analysis of the tax relief availed of by top earners as revealed by the Revenue study of the 400 highest earners; and if he will indicate the findings. [33151/05]
The Revenue Commissioners' study, Effective tax rates of the top 400 earners: Report for the tax year 2001, was published by my Department in March of this year. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a study of the effective tax rates of the top 400 earners in 2002 is close to completion and will be published in the normal course.
Joe Costello
Question:164 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance the position in regard to his contacts with the EU Commission regarding its preliminary opinion that the stallion tax exemption scheme would seem to constitute an aid that is not compatible with the Common Market; if he has received a final opinion from the Commission on this matter; when he will make a final decision on any changes to the exemption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33045/05]
Billy Timmins
Question:181 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the action taken over recent months on the EU’s challenge to tax relief on stud fees. [33132/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 181 together.
As I have already outlined to the House, the stallion stud fee exemption was introduced in Finance Act 1969 and amended in 1985. The stallion relief was included as part of annual reports on aid granted in Ireland to the agriculture sector sent by the Department of Agriculture to the Commission in 1982 and on a number of subsequent occasions. The Commission wrote to the Irish authorities on 24 June 2003 stating a complaint had been received regarding the relief and asked that full details on the exemption be sent to the Commission in order for it to be assessed as a potential State aid.
In a subsequent letter of 6 January 2005 to the Irish authorities, the Commission indicated that it had come to a preliminary conclusion that the stallion tax exemption would seem to constitute an aid scheme that is not compatible with the Common Market. The letter set out the Commission's reasoning and, against that background, invited Ireland to submit comments within one month together with any concrete proposals regarding how the scheme in question could be brought in line with Article 87 of the EC treaty.
Officials from my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Food met officials from the Commission Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development on 23 February 2005.
I, along with my colleague the Minister for Agriculture and Food, met the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development in Brussels on 12 May last on this matter. At this meeting, I outlined the background to the relief and the development of the industry in Ireland over the past 30 years setting out the importance of the horse breeding industry here in terms of its contribution to employment and economic activity particularly in rural areas. I also took the opportunity to advise the Commission that, while I fully understood the Commission's obligation to examine the relief on foot of the complaint it has received, it is necessary that the broader European and international aspects of this issue be taken into account. In particular, care should be taken not to disadvantage the Irish horse breeding industry — which is recognised as being a cornerstone of the European industry — relative to competitors from around the world.
I have reported on these discussions to my colleagues in Government and I have had further correspondence with the Commission on the matter over recent months. However, the issues involved regarding the tax exemption for stallion stud fee income are still under consideration. In the normal course, any proposals for change in tax exemptions are considered in the context of the annual budget.
Services for People with Disabilities.
David Stanton
Question:165 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the amount his Department made available in budget 2005 to address disability issues; the amount each Government Department or State agency was allocated; the services or supports that were provided as a result of these moneys allocated to the above; the tracking mechanisms that are in place to ensure these moneys are spent correctly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33084/05]
When I published the 2005 expenditure Estimates in November 2004, I indicated that some €2.8 billion overall across Departments would be provided this year specifically for people with disabilities. This represented an increase of some €290 million, or 11%, on the 2004 figure. The €2.8 billion, which does not include spending on disabled persons who participate in and benefit from mainstream services which are available to the community generally, broke down as follows: Department of Health and Children, €2,143 million; Department of Education and Science, €532 million; Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, €63 million; Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, €56 million; and Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, €8 million. In addition, the disabled drivers and passengers scheme under my Department was estimated to cost €45 million in tax reliefs this year.
Subsequently, on budget day, I allocated, for 2005 spending on disability services, a further €60 million capital expenditure to the Department of Health and Children in addition to an extra €3 million for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. In addition, I announced a multi-annual funding package of almost €900 million in capital and current expenditure over the 2006 to 2009 period targeted at the delivery of high-priority disability services. This multi-annual funding was divided between the Department of Health and Children, which received a cumulative €500 million current and €220 million capital, the Department of Education and Science, which received a cumulative €82 million current, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which received a cumulative €40 million capital, the Office of Public Works, which received a cumulative €40 million capital, and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, which received a cumulative €12 million current.
As regards the information sought regarding individual services, this is a matter for the individual Ministers concerned.
Construction Industry Contracts.
Tom Hayes
Question:166 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if he has reviewed the concerns expressed by the construction industry in relation to new Government contract terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33129/05]
Consultation with the construction industry and the relevant professional bodies on a suite of draft new standard forms of contracts for construction and new terms of engagement for construction-related consultants took place from the end of July of this year until late October. During these extensive discussions, the views, comments and concerns of the construction industry and the professional bodies were outlined in considerable detail. My Department and the Government Contracts Committee for Construction, GCCC, have examined in detail the issues raised and concerns expressed by the construction industry and the professional bodies during this phase of consultation and they will be responding to the industry and the professional body representatives on the outcome of this process very shortly.
House Prices.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:167 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the action he proposes to take to address the fact that the average house price in Dublin now exceeds the €315,000 stamp duty threshold set in budget 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30338/05]
All owner-occupiers are generally exempt from stamp duty on new houses where the property is 125 sq m or less. As the Deputy will be aware, the 2005 budget introduced a stamp duty relieving measure for first-time house purchasers who are owner-occupiers of second-hand houses by increasing the stamp duty exemption threshold for such purchasers from €190,500 to €317,500 and by having reduced rates for house values up to €635,000. In addition, mortgage interest relief, MIR, is available at source in respect of interest paid on moneys borrowed for the purchase, maintenance, repair or improvement of that taxpayer's main residence, including second-hand houses.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the usual practice not to comment on any possible changes in taxation in the weeks prior to the annual budget.
Tax Yield.
Brian O'Shea
Question:168 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the Exchequer returns for the first ten months of 2005. [33059/05]
As the Deputy may be aware, the end-October Exchequer returns are available on my Department's website. The results for the first ten months of 2005 indicate that the public finances remain in a sound position.
Tax revenue, at €29.422 billion, is €1,240 million ahead of profile for the end of October. Year on year tax receipts were up 8.6% compared to the profiled increase of 4% to the end of October 2005. The main excesses are on VAT, €427 million, stamps €423 million, income tax, including receipts from Revenue's special investigations, €314 million, and excise, €171 million, while corporation tax is €209 million below profile.
Overall Exchequer issues for net voted spending were €27,466 million at the end of October compared to €25,429 million for the same period last year, thus indicating an increase of 8%. This was €1,095 million below the expenditure profile published in January and compares to the planned increase of 11% for the year as a whole provided for in the Revised Estimates.
Tax Code.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:169 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the steps he intends to take to deal with the continuing situation whereby millionaires and other very high income earners are able to reduce or eliminate liability for tax on their earnings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33050/05]
I refer the Deputy to the long-standing practice of Ministers for Finance not to comment on what may or may not be contained in upcoming budgets. Any steps of the sort mentioned by the Deputy will be a matter for consideration in the context of the budget and Finance Bill.
Special Savings Incentive Scheme.
Mary Upton
Question:170 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Finance the number of special savings incentive scheme accounts opened at the latest date for which figures are available; the average amount of savings per investor per month; if, on the basis of such figures, the figure for likely cost to the Exchequer of the specials savings incentive scheme; when the first payments will become due; the amount expected to be paid out by the Exchequer in each of the first 12 months after the SSIAs mature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33075/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, based on the analysis of the 2004 SSIA annual returns furnished by all qualifying savings managers, the total number of active accounts at 31 December 2004 was 1,094,294 and the average monthly subscription at that date was €175.
As indicated in replies to previous parliamentary questions, it is not possible to give a definitive answer as to the eventual cost of the scheme as it is subject to a number of variables including where participants voluntarily withdraw from the scheme or vary their monthly contributions over the remaining period of the scheme. For this reason also, it is not possible to state the amount expected to be paid out by the Exchequer in each of the 12 months after the SSIAs begin to mature in May 2006.
The cost of the scheme in 2004 was €548 million. If the current average monthly subscriptions for the first ten months of 2005 continued for the full year, the annual cost in 2005 would be approximately €590 million.
The total gross cost over the period of the scheme is reduced by the exit tax to be returned when the accounts mature. The first SSIA accounts are due to mature at the end of May 2006.
Tax Collection.
Willie Penrose
Question:171 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if, in regard to the Revenue Commissioners investigation into undisclosed funds invested in life assurance products, the number of persons who had made personal declarations prior to the deadline on 23 May 2005; the way in which this compares with the original estimate; the amount paid in settlements to date; if any estimate is available of the likely final amount of payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33067/05]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that about 10,000 notices of intention to make a disclosure were received from taxpayers or agents on their behalf, by the 23 May deadline. In some instances the notices were described as protective, with taxpayers needing to establish whether in fact any liabilities arose. Revenue was not in a position to make any estimate of the numbers in advance of the deadline. Since that date about 5,000 individuals have followed up and made payments totalling €374 million whilst others have indicated that no liability arises. Revenue has been following up on those who having given notice of an intention to disclose did not do so and while final figures are not yet available, it now appears that a substantial number of them will have not have any additional liability. It is not possible at this stage to give a reliable estimate of the final amount likely to be recovered.
Tax Compliance.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:172 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the number of random audits carried out by the Revenue Commissioners to date in 2005; the number expected to be undertaken by the end of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33048/05]
I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the tax compliance testing programme was rolled out in November 2004 and is used as a random case selection tool in 2005 to test compliance on a number of fronts. It tests payment compliance, filing compliance and reporting compliance. Some 400 cases were allocated to the various regions and to large cases division. Most of these audits are either complete or well advanced. A full analysis of the results will not be available until after the end of the year. I am satisfied that the Revenue Commissioners are pursuing a programme which is dealing in a very determined way with tax evasion by maximising the impact of their resources through focusing on risk. This is strengthened by their new taxpayer compliance testing programme, which ensures that all taxpayers will be exposed to the possibility of a compliance check or Revenue audit. This approach is in line with international best practice.
Price Inflation.
Trevor Sargent
Question:173 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance his views on the findings of the recent OECD report which estimated that Irish inflation would have been almost 1% higher if all house price costs were included in official data, thereby suggesting that inflation figures underestimate the real cost of living by ignoring a large part of soaring house prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32947/05]
Methodological issues are the responsibility of the director general of the Central Statistics Office, CSO, who is independent in deciding the statistical methodology and professional standards to be used in compiling price indices.
The OECD analysis focuses primarily on the harmonised index of consumer prices. It should be noted, however, that the coverage of housing costs in the consumer price index, CPI, is wider than in the HICP. In particular, mortgage interest payments are included in the CPI. Therefore, there are no grounds to suggest that the CPI figures underestimate the real cost of living over time. Discussions regarding the inclusion of housing costs in the HICP are currently ongoing between EUROSTAT and the national statistical institutes of the EU.
Departmental Agencies.
Joan Burton
Question:174 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the role of the Centre for Management Organisation and Development within his Department; if CMOD has any role in regard to the development of the PPARS and FISP computer systems; if it is intended that the role of CMOD will be expanded or developed in any way to prevent waste of public money on such projects in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33042/05]
The Centre for Management Organisation and Development is part of the organisation management and training division of my Department and its role is to provide a number of advisory and support services to the Civil Service in the areas of information and communications technology, staff development and management, and common systems development. It also manages delegation arrangements for ICT expenditures in the Civil Service, Garda, Defence Forces, Courts Service and Prisons Service. Delegation is given only where key technical and management practices are in successful use within an organisation, the most important of which are the use of project boards and formal project management techniques in their ICT projects and compliance with competitive procurement procedures.
In operating the delegation arrangements, Departments and offices are required to submit a broad value for money justification for each of their major ICT project proposals. This justification has to receive my Department's approval prior to any commencement. The delegation arrangements also require Departments and offices to report on an annual basis their progress in relation to projects in the previous year.
Health boards prior to 2005 operated as statutory agencies and their ICT expenditures were dealt with by capital and current grants-in-aid from the Vote of the Department of Health and Children. As a result, CMOD did not have any role in monitoring ICT expenditures in the former health boards and had no involvement in the planning or development of either the PPARS or FISP systems. It is, however, directly involved in the review of PPARS development which is currently under way.
As a result of the increasing size and complexity of ICT projects being undertaken in the context of e-government, it was felt that the delegation arrangements had to be strengthened, particularly for large ICT projects. As the Deputy will be aware the Government recently decided that peer reviews should be immediately put in place for large ICT projects. It is worth noting that forms of peer review are also being implemented in other administrations to deal with size and complexity issues in ICT. In a peer review a team of experienced people external to the organisation would sense check the project sponsors plans and the arrangements they intended to put in place for the completion of the project. Peer review teams would include people with relevant experience from both the public and private sector as appropriate. It is not intended that such reviews would override in any way the accountability arrangements in place within organisations. The peer review process will particularly focus on the preparation of good business cases, on affordability, on the existence of sufficiently detailed plans, on strong governance arrangements being in place and on limiting the scope of a proposed project to the current ICT capacity of the sponsoring organisation.
It is intended that progress will be made before the end of 2005 in relation to having peer reviews carried out on some large scale projects. In the HSE it is intended to carry out reviews of PPARS, FISP and the planned new hospital information system.
I should emphasise that the peer review mechanism is a significant strengthening of the delegation arrangements as they apply to ICT expenditures. It allows responsibility for the delivery of ICT services to continue to rest with each organisation, while increasing the level of oversight for significant project proposals. The Deputy will be aware of a recent Government decision which significantly strengthens controls in the area of project management and the peer review process will check that these new controls have been taken fully into account. My Department will also be monitoring the development of this new process to ensure its continuing efficacy.
Legislative Programme.
Enda Kenny
Question:175 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the status of his proposals to reduce the fees payable at tribunals. [33133/05]
The current position remains as set out in my response to the Deputy's Question No. 93 of 5 October, 2005. As I indicated in my reply, in July last year the Government approved, on the initiative of the then Minister for Finance, reduced fess for all legal representation including that of third parties at tribunals or inquiries established from September 2004, and to existing tribunals and inquires with effect from various dates set in the light of consultations between the Attorney General and the chairpersons of each tribunal or inquiry. The new fees represent less than 45% of the maximum rates previously payable to tribunal or inquiry counsel.
The Government's legislative programme for the current session includes a comprehensive Tribunal of Inquiry Bill 2005 which is being brought forward by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to consolidate and reform the legislation relating to tribunals of inquiry. This Bill will also provide a statutory basis for the regulation of third party legal fees payable by the State and to improve the operational efficiency of tribunals. The foregoing measures are aimed at implementing the Government's stated objective of controlling costs associated with tribunals of inquiry.
Departmental Estimates.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:176 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance if he has conducted a review of the budgetary process or consulted with opposition parties regarding the budgetary process, as he averted to doing in his budget 2005 speech; his plans for reforming that process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32939/05]
I have been examining proposals for reform of the Estimates and budgetary process in conjunction with my Government colleagues on foot of my budget 2005 announcement that I intended to consider options for reform in this regard. These deliberations are still ongoing and I will also take into account the recent Committee of Public Accounts report. As I indicated in my reply to a previous parliamentary question in the matter, any changes to current practices would have to be capable of being implemented in the short and medium term, would need to meet best practice, improve both the quality of debate and the data available to the House on the budget, meet our obligations to the EU and be capable of being delivered within the existing budget timetable. As I stated in my 2005 budget announcement any changes must also retain the right and duty of the Government to direct and manage the budgetary process. As regards the timing of the budget, it is critical that the Government in formulating the budget has the latest possible information available on fiscal trends before adopting the strategy for the following year. Thus, at present information on revenues to the end of November is to hands when the final budget strategy is adopted. Similar issues arise in determining expenditure for instance on the question of capital spend or possible carryover. I hope to announce the Government's proposals for reform shortly.
I am fully committed to the principle that every euro of taxpayers' money is well spent. I refer the Deputy to my speech of 20 October last to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce where I outlined a number of measures to improve value for money. This initiative builds on other measures introduced in recent years to improve the management of capital programmes and projects including five-year multi-annual budgets and revised guidelines for the appraisal and management of capital expenditure. The overall impact of these various developments has created a better framework for achieving value for money.
Tax Code.
Seymour Crawford
Question:177 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether there is a need to reduce the vehicle registration tax rates on motor vehicles as a result of the EU proposals calling on the abolition of the vehicle registration tax; his further views on whether it is a very unfair tax and needs to be phased out over a number of years in order to minimise damage to the second-hand vehicle market; if he also accepts that there is a need to reduce excise duty on fuel to compensate for the increased VAT take on rising fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32910/05]
VRT provides significant revenue to the Exchequer —€946 million in 2004 — which is used to fund vital public services. The European Commission has published a proposal for a directive in relation to car taxes which supports the gradual abolition of registration taxes which would be replaced by circulation taxes which would have a CO2 element. However, discussion on this proposal is at the early stages. I should also point out that we regard VRT as a national tax that falls within the national competence. Quite simply, the mix of taxes, their levels and rates are a matter for EU member states based on legitimate choices.
Excise changes are a matter for the budget and, as the Deputy is aware, it is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the budget on possible budget decisions
Mary Upton
Question:178 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Finance when the practice known as participation privilege, which allowed companies to repatriate from offshore companies without being subject to tax, was discontinued; the number of companies that availed of this procedure; the amounts repatriated in this way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33052/05]
It has been a basic feature of our corporation tax code that resident companies are chargeable to tax on their worldwide income and capital gains, with credit for tax paid in countries with which we have a double taxation agreement given against Irish tax payable. Unilateral credit relief may also be available in respect of tax paid in a country with which Ireland does not have such an agreement. While several other countries also apply a credit system, some countries choose to relieve double taxation by providing a full exemption to resident companies in respect of their foreign-sourced income and capital gains. This latter system, under which such companies are exempt from further taxation in respect of repatriated dividends of overseas subsidiaries and profits of overseas branches, is known as participation privilege.
Limited forms of participation privilege were introduced in Ireland in 1988 for dividends repatriated from foreign subsidiaries — section 222 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 — and in 1995 for companies with foreign branch profits — section 847 of Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. These reliefs were terminated with effect from 15 February 2001 in order to conform with the EU code of conduct on harmful tax practices. Both measures required ministerial certification which had to have been issued before 15 February 2001.
Section 222 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provided an exemption from corporation tax where dividends repatriated from subsidiaries located in countries with which Ireland has a double taxation agreement were applied towards the creation or maintenance of employment in the State. A certificate had to be given by the Minister for Finance specifying the amount of the dividends qualifying for exemption on the basis of an investment plan for the creation and maintenance of employment in trading operations carried on in Ireland. Such a certificate must have been given before 15 February 2001. In total 12 certificates have been granted to Irish companies although in a number of cases the investment plans were not implemented and so no tax relief was claimed. All the investments made on the basis of approved plans were executed before the end of 1999. Almost €287 million was repatriated for investment here under this relief.
Section 847 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for an exemption from corporation tax and capital gains tax in respect of the income and gains of a foreign branch of an Irish company that creates substantial new employment in Ireland resulting from a substantial new investment of permanent capital in the State. The exemption is granted to a company to which the Minister for Finance has given a certificate before 15 February 2001 where the Minister is satisfied that an investment plan submitted to him will result in the creation of substantial new employment in the State and that the maintenance of that employment is dependent on the carrying on of trading operations by the company through a foreign branch or branches. The investment plan must be framed in accordance with published guidelines. The exemption cannot be claimed after 31 December 2010. Three certificates have been granted but in two cases relief had never been claimed. As only one taxpayer claimed the relief, it is not appropriate to give details of the amount involved.
Budget Submissions.
Seán Crowe
Question:179 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Finance if he has received the pre-budget 2006 submission of the End Child Poverty Coalition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33152/05]
I have received a pre-budget submission from the organisation concerned and 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 budget decisions.
Fiscal Policy.
Dan Boyle
Question:180 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance his plans to take measures to reduce the Irish economy’s exposure to the housing market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32937/05]
As outlined by my Department in Economic Review and Outlook, published in August 2005, while the outlook for the Irish economy is one of growth, there are significant downside risks which could alter this picture. One of the risks identified is the pace at which new housing output adjusts downwards to more sustainable levels given that sector's importance in terms of real growth in the economy. Developments in the housing market are being closely monitored by my Department. More broadly, in policy terms, I plan to retain a prudent macro-economic approach focused on improving competitiveness and providing economic stability and certainty.
Question No. 181 answered with QuestionNo. 164.
Public Works Schemes.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:182 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the cost of the Great Blasket island management plan; the estimates received for the provision of water, sewerage and so on, on the Blasket Island and other proposed works including upgrading the existing pier at Dun Chaoin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30434/05]
The Government decision dated 6 July 2005 approved an overall provision of €8.5 million for implementation of the proposals contained in the management plan, including purchase of lands and property, provision of piers on both the island and mainland — at Dun Chaoin — conservation of the core conservation area, administration and consultancy. The provision of a water supply is to be achieved by means of a group water scheme while the provision of sewerage facilities, and the cost of these, will be a matter for the individuals concerned. To date a total of €711,000 has been spent on the overall project.
Semi-State Bodies.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:183 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the general policy which he advocates in relation to dividend payments by commercial State companies. [33160/05]
The question of dividend payment is a matter for the board of each company. I expect the board would give due consideration to the views of the shareholder on the issue of dividends in the context of its deliberations on that matter. Expectations in relation to dividend receipts vary from company to company depending on the company's financial position generally and its capital investment requirements etc.
Tax Code.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:184 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if the Government is committed to keeping those on the national minimum wage out of the tax net; the number of persons on the national minimum wage who have been brought back into the tax net as result of the increase to €7.65 per hour which came into operation on 1 May 2005; if he intends to take steps to take low earners from the tax net; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33070/05]
As the Deputy is aware, it is not the practice for the Minister for Finance to announce the income tax or other changes he intends to make in forthcoming budgets. However, I might remind the Deputy that it was this Government that introduced the minimum wage to protect low paid workers and it was this Government which over the last eight budgets removed a record number of about 465,000 workers from the tax net entirely. In addition, I point out that we now have one of the highest minimum wages in the European Union, second only to Luxembourg. Since its introduction in April 2000, the minimum wage has increased by almost 37% taking account of the latest increase, well ahead of inflation.
As regards the statistics sought by the Deputy, the present entry point to income tax is €14,250 per annum for a single person aged under 65. The latest provisional estimate from the Revenue Commissioners is that there will be roughly 33,000 income earners in an income range which would bring them into the tax net if their annual earnings reflected fully the increase in the national minimum wage. However, this group will of necessity include part-time workers earning more than the minimum hourly wage, and certain pensioners whose earnings are in the equivalent range. The 33,000 should therefore be seen as the upper band for any estimate of the number who may ultimately come into the tax net on a full year basis as a result of the minimum wage increase.
Decentralisation Programme.
Eamon Ryan
Question:185 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the establishment of an independent investigation into the costs of decentralisation in view of the estimate made by the trade union IMPACT that decentralisation will result in €65 million additional costs on a annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32945/05]
I have no plans to establish an investigation into the costs of decentralisation. While I am aware from media reports of the claim referred to by the Deputy, I am not aware of the basis of or the assumptions underpinning the claim and consequently I can offer no further comment on this claim.
Departmental Consultations.
Liz McManus
Question:186 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Finance the consultation process he intends to undertake in advance of the introduction of a new national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33056/05]
The Government announced last August that, as part of the preparation of NDP 2007-2013, it would undertake a full consultation process. This consultation process will involve the social partners, regional interests and other concerned interest groups. The consultation process will commence in the near future.
Capital Expenditure.
Damien English
Question:187 Mr. English asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the reasons underlying the shortfall in capital expenditure in 2005 will be corrected by the end of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33124/05]
At end October, Departments indicated a net capital underspend against profile of €514 million. When account is taken of the €237 million spend of capital carryover from 2004 net voted capital spending actually increased year on year by 8.8%. The main areas of underspend as compared with profile at end October were: Department of Transport, €196 million; Department of Health and Children, €108 million; Office of Public Works, €53 million; and Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, €48 million. The reasons for the underspend include rollout of some projects being behind target, timing delays in relation to certain land projects, lower demand for some schemes and higher other source income.
While Departments have been urged to maximise spending over the rest of the year consistent with Government accounting requirements and value for money best practice there will be an underspend at end year. The first indication from Departments generally of the extent of their possible underspend will be known when the 2006 Abridged Estimates Volume is published on 17 November. Departments will have the option of carrying over unspent Exchequer capital of up to 10% of their voted overall capital allocation to the following year under the rolling multi-annual annual capital envelopes thereby ensuring that such amounts are not lost to the capital budget.
Decentralisation Programme.
Róisín Shortall
Question:188 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the anticipated costs, in terms of acquiring and equipping premises and other related costs at the latest date for which figures are available, of the original decentralisation programme announced in budget 2004 and the slimmed down version announced in December 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33062/05]
The Government is committed to the full implementation of the decentralisation programme announced in budget 2004, involving some 10,300 civil and public service jobs in more than 56 locations. My office is in the process of procuring appropriate properties in the designated locations for the departments and agencies involved, with much progress having been made over the past year. Property acquisition negotiations are completed or are significantly advanced at 23 locations.
The prevailing property market conditions in each geographical area have a significant bearing on the cost of acquiring sites. As the acquisition process is still in progress, it is not possible at this stage to provide a precise estimate of the cost of the site acquisition programme. However, for working purposes only, an indicative figure of €75 to €100 million is being used by the OPW.
As the Deputy will know the Decentralisation Implementation Group, DIG, in its report of November 2004 announced the names of the Departments and organisations selected as "early movers" and set out a timetable for provision of accommodation. At the same time the group published a report on the procurement and financial aspects of decentralisation. A further report, of June 2005, updates the timetable announced in November 2004, includes a timetable for the balance of organisations comprehended by the decentralisation programme and sets out commencement and completion dates for accommodation ranging from the final quarter of 2005 to end of 2009. I am confident that this programme will be successfully implemented. In relation to the public private partnership approach recommended by the DIG my office has been developing a comprehensive risk-adjusted costing of project elements to measure the value-for-money of future PPP bids.
Although property solutions will include leasing and fitting-out of existing buildings, it is anticipated that, in the majority of cases, the accommodation facilities will be provided by the construction of new office buildings and cost estimation can be approached on that basis. However, in advance of actual market testing of any procurement methodology, it is possible, at this time, only to assign the most general measurements of cost to such a large-scale, diverse and complex programme.
It is estimated that approximately 210,000 sq m of office space will be required to accommodate the total numbers included in the programme. Current OPW cost norms in respect of standard office accommodation would indicate an average build-cost to fit-out standard, in the range of €1,800 per sq m to €2,200 per sq m in suburban and rural locations. Such figures exclude VAT, professional fees, inflation and site works. In addition the cost of equipping the accommodation to standard office equipment levels could be estimated at approximately €4,000 per person. This would exclude the cost of information and communication technology and specialised equipment requirements.
Such general measurements of cost do not include specialised facility and equipment requirements and other variables which would arise from the spread of possible procurement methodologies. In addition general cost indicators of this type show a snapshot in time.
It is self-evident that a firmer scale of costs for the decentralisation programme will only emerge on foot of actual cost proposals being received from the market. It will be some months yet before sufficient data can be extracted from a suitable range of tender competitions to provide a basis on which more robust estimates of the overall cost of the programme can be made. Nevertheless it can be estimated that, generally-speaking, the cost of providing accommodation in provincial, compared to central Dublin locations should yield considerable cost savings to the State over time in terms of site costs, capital build costs and indeed maintenance costs.
Tax Code.
Denis Naughten
Question:189 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance his views on concession in excises for the production of bioethanol from sugar beet. [33113/05]
Section 50 of the Finance Act 2004 provided for the introduction of a limited scheme of relief from excise tax, for biofuels. The purpose of the provision was to allow qualified and conditional relief from excise of biofuel used in approved pilot projects for either the production of biofuel or the testing of the technical viability of biofuel for use as a motor fuel. 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 current scheme includes excise relief on ethanol production up to a limit of 2 million litres. It is up to the project promoter to choose the most appropriate feedstock to produce the ethanol. I am informed by my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources that Maxol, the producer of the 2 million litres of bioethanol under the current scheme, is sourcing the ethanol from the by-products of cow's milk.
The possible introduction of a wider scheme of excise relief for biofuels, including bioethanol, is under consideration. Sugar beet, as under the current scheme, would be an option for bioethanol producers in any such scheme.
Consultancy Contracts.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:190 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach if his internal auditors are satisfied with the procurement process used in the purchase of a consultancy service; if the process used conforms with the Department of Finance guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33409/05]
The firm concerned has not been engaged by my Department.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:191 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach if value for money has been achieved by his Department in its purchase of a consultancy service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33418/05]
The consultancy service concerned has not been engaged by my Department.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:192 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach if any of his officials have attended as VIP guests at a conference organised by a company (details supplied); the locations, dates and costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33427/05]
No officials from my Department have attended as VIP guests at this conference.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:193 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach his knowledge of a consultancy service (details supplied); the number of officials of his Department who are members of this particular programme; the basis on which the decision was taken to subscribe at this level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33436/05]
My Department does not subscribe to this programme.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:194 Mr. Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the number of competing companies that were considered in his Department’s assessment before a company (details supplied) was granted a programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33445/05]
The company in question has not been granted any programme by my Department. However, we do have a research service agreement with the company. The company publishes independent research and provides one to one customer advice, on all aspects of ICT using in excess of 1,000 analysts and consultants who advise executives worldwide. Subscription to this service gives the Department access to a large volume of research information, which is critical in assisting decision making in such a small IT unit.
At the time of our subscription in 2004, there was no other suitable company in a position to provide us with this vast range of independent research material and one-to-one customer advice. I am satisfied that value for money is still being achieved in this case.
Public Service Contracts.
Paul McGrath
Question:195 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the number of Government awarded contracts from 1995 until 2004, inclusive, that over-ran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified; if the people responsible for the incorrect specifications were held to account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33741/05]
No contracts awarded by my Department between 1995 and 2004 over-ran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified.
The practice in my Department is to engage consultants at agreed fixed fees, resulting in fixed price contracts. It sometimes happens, however, that the need arises to perform additional pieces of work, which could not have been anticipated at the outset and which are required for the proper completion of the assignment. This is the reason for any instances where the final cost exceeded the original estimated cost of consultancy projects in my Department. It is my Department's policy to agree to additional work in such cases only where the additional cost is reasonable and there is a clear justification for same.
Mental Health Services.
Liz McManus
Question:196 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if hospitals are entitled to ignore the provisions of the 2001 Mental Health Act with regard to forced treatment, on the grounds that the Act is not yet applicable to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33457/05]
Liz McManus
Question:197 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if hospitals are entitled to ignore the provisions of the Mental Health Act 2001 with regard to forced treatment for reasons that the Act is not yet applicable to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33463/05]
Dan Neville
Question:206 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the application in full of the Mental Health Act 2001; and if she will make a statement on the delay in introducing all provisions of the Act. [33367/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 196, 197 and 206 together.
The main vehicle for the implementation of the provisions of the Mental Health Act 2001 is the Mental Health Commission which was established in April 2002. The commission's primary function is to promote and foster high standards and good practices in the delivery of mental health services and to ensure that the interests of detained persons are protected. To facilitate the establishment of the commission, sections 1 to 5, 7 and 31 to 55 of the Act were commenced in 2002. No further sections of the Act have been commenced to date.
A priority for the commission and for the Government at present is to put in place the structures required for the operation of the mental health tribunals, as provided for in Part 2 of the Act. Mental health tribunals will conduct a review of each decision made by a consultant psychiatrist to detain a person on an involuntary basis or to extend the duration of such detention. The review will be independent, automatic and must be completed within 21 days of the detention or extension order being signed. As part of the review process the mental health tribunal will arrange, on behalf of the detained person, for an independent assessment by a consultant psychiatrist and the commission will also operate a scheme to provide legal aid to patients whose detention is being reviewed by a tribunal. The commission has been in discussion with my Department, the Health Service Executive and other relevant agencies in recent months to ensure that all elements of the organisational and support systems required are in place prior to the commencement of Part 2 of the Act. Extensive discussions also took place with the Irish Hospital Consultants' Association and the Irish Medical Organisation with a view to securing the co-operation of their consultant psychiatrist members with the implementation of Part 2. No agreement was reached in these discussions, despite a commitment on the management side to invest significant additional resources in the mental health services.
The Secretary General of my Department has now raised the matter of the continuing refusal of the IHCA and the IMO to co-operate with the implementation of the Mental Health Act 2001, with the health service national joint council. This relates particularly to the participation of their consultant psychiatrist members on mental health tribunals under the legislation. The Secretary General has made it clear that, unless confirmation of their willingness to co-operate with the implementation of the Act is forthcoming, implementation of the next pay increase due under Sustaining Progress, with effect from 1 December 2005, to consultant psychiatrists would not be warranted.
Medicinal Products.
Dan Neville
Question:198 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the unavailability of a drug (details supplied) to treat B12 deficiency especially in the elderly; and when this drug will become available for dispensing by pharmacists. [33356/05]
The manufacturers of the product referred to by the Deputy have advised my Department that due to problems in the manufacturing process this particular product is temporarily unavailable both in Ireland and the UK. I have had inquiries made in the matter and I understand that there is an alternative product available in community pharmacies for people who have been prescribed the original product.
Infectious Diseases.
James Breen
Question:199 Mr. J. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Question No. 282 of 21 June 2005 when she will meet a delegation representing victims and relatives of the MRSA superbug; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33357/05]
It is my intention to meet with this delegation shortly. My office will be in contact with the Deputy directly to confirm the specific details for this meeting.
Hospital Services.
Tom Hayes
Question:200 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in South Tipperary will be given a prostate biopsy. [33358/05]
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 have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Marian Harkin
Question:201 Ms Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the timeframe for the rollout of BreastCheck for the north west. [33359/05]
The rollout of the national breast screening programme to the remaining regions in the country is a major priority in the development of cancer services. A design team has been appointed to work up detailed plans for two new clinical units, one at the South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Cork and one at University College Hospital, Galway. It is anticipated that, subject to obtaining satisfactory planning approval, the design process including the preparation of the tender documentation will be completed by mid-2006, following which construction on both sites can commence.
BreastCheck will shortly begin the recruitment of key consultant radiology and radiographer staffing to ensure that the screening programme is rolled out as early as possible. The exact timelines for the rollout will depend largely on the success of this recruitment. BreastCheck is confident that the target date of 2007 for commencement of the rollout will be met.
Health Services.
John McGuinness
Question:202 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an appeal for an increased subvention rate in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be approved as the amount granted of €256.56 per week falls far short of the actual cost of €600 per week; if a response will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33363/05]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Departmental Expenditure.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:203 Ms Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the funding provided by her Department to the not-for-profit organisations, which deal with persons with disability (details supplied) in the years 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2004; the funding provided for each organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33364/05]
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.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:204 Ms Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the funding provided by her Department to an organisation (details supplied) in the years 2002, 2003 and 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33365/05]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
John McGuinness
Question:205 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a nurse will be provided at a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if it is the norm that nurses be provided at special schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33366/05]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 206 answered with QuestionNo. 196
Medical Cards.
John McGuinness
Question:207 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an application for a medical card will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if a decision on the case will be expedited. [33368/05]
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.
Hospital Services.
Niall Blaney
Question:208 Mr. Blaney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she intends announcing the provision of cancer care services in the north west following her announcement in July 2005 that it is intended to base cancer care services in the north west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33370/05]
Niall Blaney
Question:209 Mr. Blaney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she intends announcing the location for the new cancer care services in the north west following her announcement in July 2005 that it is intended to base cancer care services in the north west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33371/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 208 and 209 together.
The national plan for radiation oncology, which I announced last July, provides for an integrated network of radiation oncology services that will ensure equitable access and outcomes for patients throughout the country. Patients in the north west are currently being referred for radiation oncology treatment to the recently commissioned radiation oncology department at University College Hospital Galway and also to St. Luke's Hospital Dublin. A new radiation oncology centre is being provided at Beaumont Hospital on Dublin's north side as part of the national network for radiation oncology services. This centre will also be available for the needs of patients in the north west. The precise patient referral pattern will be a matter for the Health Service Executive and will be factored into the planning of the national network.
In addition, the Government is also considering options to facilitate access for patients in the north west, mainly in Donegal, to radiation oncology services in Belfast. The Government decided in July to pursue this option as well as further work to pursue the joint provision of a satellite centre for the north west linked to Belfast. I have already met with the Minister for Health in Northern Ireland, Mr. Shaun Woodward MP, to discuss this and I will be meeting again with him later this month.
Health Levy.
Richard Bruton
Question:210 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the cost of the concession exempting persons with income under €400 from paying the health levy; the cost of exempting from health levy the first €127 of income, the first €150 of income and the first €175 of income respectively; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the present fixed exemption limit can result in very high marginal rates of levy on persons whose income goes over the threshold; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33399/05]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year cost to the Exchequer, based on projected 2006 incomes, of maintaining the current exemption threshold for the health contribution levy at €20,800 per annum, that is, the annualised value of its current level of €400 per week, is estimated at €137 million in a full year. If the existing threshold was to remain in place and was supplemented by an allowance equal to the first €127, €150 or €175 of weekly earnings, €6,604, €7,800 or €9,100 in annual terms, the additional full year costs are estimated at about €140 million, €165 million or €193 million respectively.
The current position is that once liability arises, the levy is payable at 2% on a person's entire income, including the portion below the threshold. This has been described as the "step effect" and it can lead to circumstances where an increase in gross pay for a person with an income at the threshold results in a reduction in his-her net take home pay. A €1 increase in annual pay can lead to a net reduction of €8 in net pay per week or about €416 per annum. Where in any tax year, a person's annual income is below the annual threshold, any amounts paid as a result of them having exceeded the weekly threshold may be reclaimed. To abolish the step effect entirely by converting the current levy threshold into an allowance of €20,800 per annum would cost an estimated €442 million in a full year. In such circumstances, only income above the allowance would be liable to the 2% levy.
Since 1999, the value of the levy threshold has increased significantly by over 45%.
Hospital Services.
Mary Upton
Question:211 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the interim cardiac plan for Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this question was submitted to her Department in May 2005 and the Health Service Executive has not responded to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33516/05]
It has been accepted that the current infrastructure at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children does not generally meet the standards required for a modern paediatric hospital. The available facilities do not satisfactorily accommodate the range and extent of current clinical and associated activity. In recognition of this, a project team was established to plan for the overall future development of Our Lady's Hospital, either on the existing hospital site or at an alternative green field location.
The project team has undertaken a detailed examination of the potential to redevelop the hospital on its present site. The project team concluded that the existing clinical services could be retained and developed on the present site but also set out the implications of such an approach in terms of time, cost and disruption to services. As a consequence it is likely that the new hospital will be located at an alternative site. It was also agreed that a number of clinical departments at Crumlin, including the cardiology department, require urgent upgrade or expansion in advance of the overall redevelopment of the hospital. The cardiology project involves the provision of 25 dedicated in-patient cardiac beds, together with improved diagnostic, outpatient and administration facilities. The proposal for the provision of these upgraded facilities is currently under consideration by the Health Service Executive. My Department has asked the executive for a progress report on the cardiology project and I will arrange for this report to be made available to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
I am sorry for the delay in replying to the Deputy's earlier question on this matter.
Health Services.
Paul Connaughton
Question:212 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be transferred to a nursing home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33553/05]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Brian O'Shea
Question:213 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the filling of the area medical officer post will be authorised for the Waterford community care area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33552/05]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
John Perry
Question:214 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to have a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim called for an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33555/05]
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.
Consultancy Contracts.
Paul McGrath
Question:215 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of Government awarded contracts from 1995 until 2004 inclusive that over ran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified; if the people responsible for the incorrect specifications were held to account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33742/05]
The information requested is being collated in my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Tax Code.
Jack Wall
Question:216 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the reason vehicle registration tax offices demand payment by bank draft which leads to many problems for applicants (details supplied); the reason a certified cheque is not acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33462/05]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that cheques in payment of vehicle registration tax are only accepted from persons authorised under section 136 of the Finance Act 1992, that is, authorised dealers, distributors etc. in the motor trade. Persons not so authorised are required to pay VRT by way of bank draft, money order, cash or laser debit card, subject to a transaction limit of €1,500. These arrangements, which have been in place since the commencement of the tax in 1992, are designed to ensure that payment is fully secured prior to registration. However, Revenue is currently reviewing its operational instructions in this area and is re-examining the question of payment methods and whether cheques from persons not authorised under section 136 of the 1992 Act can be accepted. I understand that a decision by the Revenue Commissioners on this matter is imminent.
Freedom of Information.
Trevor Sargent
Question:217 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance his views on extending the Freedom of Information Act on a partial basis to the Garda Síochána in a manner comparable with its partial application to the Labour Court and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33616/05]
Trevor Sargent
Question:220 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance his views on extending the Freedom of Information Act on a partial basis to the Garda Síochána in a manner comparable with its partial application to the Labour Court and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner in order to make it obligatory that the Garda Síochána and its subsidiaries, including the Garda National Immigration Bureau, would be obliged to produce FOI sections 15 and 16 reference manuals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33387/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 220 together.
I have no proposals to apply the Freedom of Information Acts to the Garda Síochána at this time, either on a full or on a partial basis.
Question No. 218 answered with QuestionNo. 139.
Budget Submissions.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:219 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if he has received the pre-budget 2006 submission of the National Women’s Council of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33542/05]
I have received a pre-budget submission from the organisation concerned and 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 budget decisions.
Question No. 220 answered with QuestionNo. 217.
Tax Collection.
Billy Timmins
Question:221 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the position with regard to persons, details supplied, who submitted tax returns for all years under the self-assessment from 6 April 1988 to 21 December 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33388/05]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they received tax returns for the years 1988-89 to 2003 from the taxpayer and that assessments were issued for all years in accordance with those returns. A claim has also been received to amend the years 1998-99 to 2000-01 so that the farming income would be apportioned between the taxpayer and his wife in accordance with their ownership of lands.
In accordance with the new time limits introduced in Finance Act 2003, it is only possible to amend years back to 2000-01 even where satisfactory evidence that a partnership between taxpayer and his wife is furnished and which has not yet happened in this case. The taxpayer's agent has stated that in the circumstances, it is not worthwhile amending the assessments for the years 2000-01 onwards as it would be of no advantage to his client.
Public Service Contracts.
Paul McGrath
Question:222 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of Government awarded contracts from 1995 until 2004, inclusive, that over-ran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified; if the people responsible for the incorrect specifications were held to account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33389/05]
I take it that the Deputy's interest is in contracts of a significant size, say €100,000 or more, awarded by my Department in the relevant period. He will appreciate that in the time available for answering his question, it has not been possible to examine all such contracts for the period 1995 to 2004 to identify which, if any, over-ran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified and the consequences of any such over-run. However, my Department will compile that information and it will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
Consultancy Contracts.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:223 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance if his internal auditors are satisfied with the procurement process used in the purchase of a consultancy service, details supplied; if the process used conforms with the Department of Finance guidelines. [33410/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:224 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance if value for money has been achieved by his Department in its purchase of a consultancy service, details supplied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33419/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:225 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance if any of his officials have attended as VIP guests at a conference organised by a company, details supplied; the locations, dates and costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33428/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:226 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance his knowledge of a consultancy service, details supplied; the number of officials of his Department who are members of this particular programme; the basis on which the decision was taken to subscribe at this level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33437/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:227 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the number of competing companies that were considered in his Department’s assessment before a company, details supplied, was granted a programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33446/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 to 227, inclusive, together.
My Department is aware of the programme in question. No official of my Department is a member of this programme nor have any officials of my Department attended the conference in question as VIP guests. Consequently, the other questions raised by the Deputy do not arise.
Because of its central advisory role and research remit, my Department subscribed to selected aspects of an Internet-based information service from the company in question in recent years. This service provided research information and papers on technology trends, market directions and predictions on future developments of technology and associated systems developments. This service cost was in the order of €5,000 to €8,000 per annum. My Department no longer subscribes to this service as much of the information required is now available — albeit in a more diffuse form — from alternative sources on the Internet.
Tax Code.
Jack Wall
Question:228 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance if the tax affairs of a person, details supplied, are up-to-date; if a tax rebate is owed to this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33454/05]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that PAYE balancing statements for the years 2003 and 2004 will issue shortly, together with cheques in settlement for refunds arising. The income tax affairs of the taxpayer are now up-to-date, based on all information available to the Revenue Commissioners at this time.
Economic Competitiveness.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:229 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that Government economic policy is sufficiently focused to meet all eventualities with particular reference to lower wage economies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33529/05]
In an increasingly integrated global economy, greater competition from low wage economies is inevitable. In these circumstances, we must remain focused on restoring and enhancing national competitiveness in order to maintain employment and to continue to attract inward foreign direct investment.
Developments in domestic prices and wages are a key component of competitiveness. Government policies are focused on this. On an EU harmonised basis, inflation is projected to average 2.2% this year, broadly in line with the euro area average. My decision not to increase indirect taxes in the budget has played a part in this. In addition, sensible incomes policies and a greater role for competition in the economy are also critical to enhancing competitiveness. The consensus approach to wage determination, therefore, has a crucial role to play in ensuring that wage developments evolve in a manner that is supportive of our competitive position. It is also important to maintain spending growth in line with revenue growth, thus keeping the burden of taxation low in order to maximise our economic growth potential.
However, as a high income economy, Ireland cannot compete with low wage economies on the basis of wages alone. We must be cognisant of other factors which enhance our attractiveness as a business location, such as the skills of the labour force, the quality of our infrastructure and the stability of the business environment. Going forward, we must seek to continue moving up the value-added chain, attracting investment increasingly from sectors such as information technology, business services and pharmaceuticals, where the skills of the available workforce, the quality of the business environment and the available infrastructure are critical. It is for this reason that the Government remains committed to maintaining capital expenditure at the current high levels relative to GNP in order to reduce the existing infrastructural deficit. Investment in education is also critical in order to provide the Irish workforce with the skills to successfully compete in the future.
Fiscal Policy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:230 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if personal borrowing or other forms of debt are in keeping with best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33530/05]
The role of Government with regard to credit growth and associated indebtedness has a number of distinct dimensions. First of all, it is important to note that, as far as overall economic and financial stability is concerned, the relevant measure of credit encompasses both public and private sector credit and debt levels. The Minister for Finance has a key role in this regard in ensuring prudent management of the budget and overall sustainability in the public finances. In this context, Ireland's fiscal performance is among the best in the developed world with government indebtedness the second lowest in the euro area. Responsible budgetary policy has made a significant contribution to economic performance overall, to the maintenance of low unemployment and to the achievement of record employment levels.
Similarly, the growth of private sector credit and indebtedness needs to be assessed in an appropriate context. In evaluating the financial position of the private sector, it is too narrow an approach to consider the level of indebtedness in isolation from the asset side of the private sector's balance sheet. A high proportion of household indebtedness in Ireland relates to borrowing for house purchase which, in turn, creates an asset for the households. In the same way, borrowing by the business sector underpins high investment levels and the creation of business assets yielding future income.
Account must also be taken of private sector savings levels. As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has been actively promoting saving by individuals in the recent past, notably through the SSIA scheme. Comparatively high household savings rates by international standards in Ireland support the sustainability of household debt overall.
As far as looking after the interests of the individual borrower and the individual investor is concerned, the function of Government is to provide an appropriate legislative framework for regulation of the financial services sector — one that is both comprehensive and robust. I am satisfied that, on foot of the progress made over recent years, especially in establishing the financial regulator with a particular focus on the interests of the consumer, we have such a framework in place.
Within the implementation of the overall legislative framework, private sector credit growth and debt levels are, in the first instance, a matter for the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland. This follows from its role as part of the European System of Central Banks and its functions, as the financial regulator, with regard to the prudential supervision of financial institutions and the protection of the consumers of those firms.
The financial regulator has already drawn attention to the need for consumers to choose the right type of loan for their needs. The financial regulator, with its statutory consumer mandate, has developed a number of specific initiatives to help consumers make informed choices in terms of the financial products they choose, the amount of risk they take on and the cost of financial products. These initiatives have been developed through the framework of the financial regulator's "it's your money" campaign and have involved publishing consumer guides on credit products, fact sheets, cost surveys on personal loans, all of which are intended to assist borrowers in making the most appropriate credit decisions given their circumstances.
The Central Bank's recently published financial stability report concludes that a range of fundamental factors such as growing employment and incomes, falling inflation and low interest rates have supported the pattern of mortgage growth and associated debt levels in the economy. The report does, however, emphasise the importance of responsible behaviour by both borrowers and lenders to factor into their financial decision making the prospective impact of potential changes in the future economic environment. I share the Central Bank's assessment of the importance of maintaining financial and economic stability. In that regard, for my part, I intend maintaining a responsible approach to maintaining stability in our public finances, which will ensure that the strategic direction of our economy will focus on sustainable real improvements in public services, social provision and infrastructure.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:231 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the full extent of the national debt at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33531/05]
I am informed by the National Treasury Management Agency that the national debt at end-September 2005 amounted to €38,844 million.
Disabled Drivers.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:232 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the progress to date in 2005 with regard to implementation of the recommendations of the interdepartmental group which has reviewed the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33532/05]
As the Deputy is aware, a special interdepartmental review group reviewed the operation of the disabled drivers scheme. The terms of reference of the group were to examine the operation of the existing scheme, including the difficulties experienced by the various groups and individuals involved with it — both on an administrative and user level — and to consider the feasibility of alternative schemes, with a view to assisting the Minister for Finance in determining the future direction of the scheme.
The group's report, published on my Department's website in July 2004, sets out in detail the genesis and development of the scheme. It examines the current benefits, the qualifying medical criteria, the Exchequer costs, relationship with other schemes and similar schemes in other countries. The report also makes a number of recommendations, both immediate and long-term, encompassing the operation of the appeals process and options for the future development of the scheme.
Following on from the report's immediate recommendations concerning the appeals process, amendments to the regulations governing the scheme were made firstly by my predecessor, and subsequently, by myself, in April and again in September, to improve the operation of the appeals process. These amendments included providing for an expansion from three to 15 of the number of medical practitioners serving on the medical board of appeal — this is expected to substantially reduce the waiting time for appellants.
In respect of the long-term recommendations, I should say that, given the scale and scope of the scheme, further changes can only be made after careful consideration. For this reason, the Government decided in June 2004 that the Minister for Finance will consider the recommendations contained in the report of the interdepartmental review group in the context of the annual budgetary process, having regard to the existing and prospective cost of the scheme. As the Deputy is aware, it is a long-standing practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the budget on possible budget decisions.
Decentralisation Programme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:233 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil or public servants who have agreed to relocate under the Government’s programme of decentralisation; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33533/05]
To date, over 10,500 applications have been received on the central applications facility, CAF. New applications continue to be received each week. Since the closing of the priority application period on7 September 2004, an average of over 20 new applications have been received each week over the past 14 months. The CAF remains open and continues to accept applications.
When details of the Government's decentralisation programme were first announced in budget 2004, it was stated that the overall objective would be to ensure that property being acquired at a regional level be matched as closely as possible, both in time and in cost terms, by the disposal of property currently held in the Dublin region, whether held on lease or otherwise. In November 2004, the implementation group submitted a report on the procurement methodology and financial assessment of the property aspects of the programme, including a financial model, based on a property finance study carried out by the Office of Public Works. While the prevailing property market conditions in each area will have a bearing on cost, this model indicates that the break even position with regard to property will be reached in 2026.
The total amount committed in principle to date by the Office of Public Works on site acquisition costs, excluding VAT, is approximately €35.7 million. Expenditure to date this year is €9.9 million. The programme is being implemented on a voluntary basis. There are no redundancies and, as on previous occasions, the payment of removal or relocation expenses will not arise.
With regard to other non-property aspects of the programme, a report was prepared byDeloittes at the request of the implementation group. This report provided a model for identifying non-property costs and savings that might arise both during the relocation phase and in the context of a post-decentralised Civil Service. Decentralising organisations have now been asked to use this model to make periodic reports identifying costs incurred and savings made since the programme was announced and going forward.
Price Inflation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:234 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he has undertaken further studies with a view to tackling unseen inflation arising from goods or services excluded from the consumer price index; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33534/05]
As I have outlined before, the director general of the Central Statistics Office has sole responsibility for and is independent in deciding the statistical methodology and professional standards to be used in compiling the consumer price index, CPI. The CPI measures, in index form, monthly changes in the cost of purchasing a representative basket of consumer goods and services. My Department is forecasting that CPI inflation will average 2.4% this year. On an EU harmonised basis, inflation is projected to average 2.2% this year, broadly in line with the euro area average.
Tax Code.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:235 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he will improve and expand tax and excise conditions for biofuel producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33535/05]
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 do acknowledge that tax can play a role in the promotion of biofuels and in this regard, the Deputy is aware that there is the current duty exemption scheme for pilot projects in the biofuels area. 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. As the Deputy is aware, it is a long-standing practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the budget on possible budget decisions.
Financial Services Regulation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:236 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if adequate protection is in place to prevent money laundering through the banking or financial services system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33536/05]
Irish legislation on money laundering is set out in the Criminal Justice Act 1994, as amended. Primary responsibility for legislation in the area of money laundering rests with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Enforcement of the legislation is primarily a matter for the Garda Síochána.
In regard to regulation of the financial sector, the role of the Minister for Finance is to bring forward legislative proposals under which the financial regulator can adequately supervise and regulate financial service firms, including compliance with their obligations under the anti-money laundering provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1994.
The financial regulator requires all institutions which it supervises to comply with the anti-money laundering legislation and relevant sectoral guidance notes and to have in place the necessary procedures and controls to ensure such compliance. The adequacy of such systems is reviewed by the financial regulator in the course of its ongoing supervision of institutions and requirements for improvement advised to institutions as necessary. The financial regulator is independent of me in the exercise of its powers.
Furthermore, in accordance with its legal obligation under section 57(2) of the Criminal Justice Act 1994, the financial regulator is obliged to make reports to the Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners where, in the course of its supervision, it suspects that an institution has breached the relevant money laundering provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1994.
The Deputy will also be aware that a third money laundering directive has recently been adopted within the EU. This directive and other international anti-money laundering instruments are being examined to assess what legislative requirements arise to give effect to them in Ireland.
Tax Yield.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:237 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the amount accruing to the Exchequer in the past 12 months from taxation through the construction industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33537/05]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that as the information furnished on tax returns does not generally require the yield from a particular sector or sub-sector of economic activity to be identified, the precise figures of net yield of tax revenues collected in respect of the activities specified in the question cannot be readily identified.
Information can, however, be provided as to the estimated gross amounts of certain taxes paid, that is, before allowing for repayments, by taxpayers in the construction industry. The gross yield of these taxes from the construction industry was estimated to be €3,253 million in 2004, the latest year for which the relevant figures are available.
The taxes in question include internal VAT, excluding VAT on imports; PAYE combined with PRSI from employees and employers; and corporation tax and income tax, non-PAYE. Income tax, non-PAYE, includes direct tax payments received from self-assessed taxpayers and estimated relevant contracts tax attributable to the construction industry but excludes certain "deduction" taxes such as deposit interest retention tax, withholding tax on professional fees and dividend withholding tax, as well as yields from audit and other back duty settlements.
The sector identifier used on the tax records is based on the four digit NACE code Rev. 1, which is an internationally recognised economic activity code system. The NACE codes are not essential for the assessment and collection of taxes and duties and the correct allocation and maintenance of these codes is subject to the limit of available resources. While the accuracy of the NACE codes on tax records is sufficient to underpin broad sector-based analyses, there will undoubtedly be some inaccuracies at individual level. This should be borne in mind when considering the information provided.
The figure provided for the estimated gross yield from the construction industry does not include the yield from activities and businesses in other economic sectors, particularly in the professional services sector, which are related either in whole or in part to the construction sector. An example of these would be architecture, engineering and real estate activities. This factor would have a particularly strong effect on the perceived sector distribution of VAT. VAT is levied on taxable activities, that is, provision of goods and services, and, accordingly, the yield from a vatable activity such as construction, can be spread over more than one NACE code grouping.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:238 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of tax accruing to the Exchequer from the sale of a new house costing €400,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33538/05]
The sale of a new house will give rise to taxes on the purchaser and seller of the house. The purchaser of a new house may be liable to pay stamp duty and VAT, while the seller of such a house may be liable to income tax, corporation tax or capital gains tax. The status of the purchaser and the seller need to be taken into consideration in computing these taxes, in addition to the type and value of the house.
Where stamp duty is incurred it is normally paid by the purchaser. Purchasers who are owner-occupiers are exempt from stamp duty on new houses where the floor area of the house does not exceed 125 sq m and a floor area compliance certificate has been issued by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Where the floor area of the house exceeds125 sq m, stamp duty is charged on purchasers who are owner-occupiers on the site value or 25% of the property value — exclusive of VAT — whichever is the greater, at the rates applicable to second-hand residential property. For investors buying a new house, stamp duty is charged at the rates applicable to second-hand residential property on the full value of the property — exclusive of VAT — regardless of the floor area of the house concerned.
In this respect, a new house valued at €400,000, is exempt from stamp duty for a purchaser who is an owner-occupier. For a new house with a floor area in excess of 125 sq m this is based on the assumption that 25% of the value of the whole property is greater than the site value. Should the site value be greater, the stamp duty treatment may differ and some charge could arise. In the case of an investor purchasing such a house, a stamp duty charge of €21,145 will be incurred. The rate of VAT applicable on the sale of a new house is 13.5%, so the VAT inclusive price of a house sold for €400,000 will include VAT of €47,577. This amount is reduced by the sum the builder or developer is entitled to claim credit in respect of input VAT suffered on material costs etc. The amount of this claim will vary from property to property.
Indirectly, any trading profit from the sale of the house will be liable to either income tax or corporation tax, depending on whether the builder-developer is a sole trader or a company.
Harbours and Piers.
Dan Neville
Question:239 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his response to the request from Limerick County Council for grant assistance to introduce necessary safety measures at Kilteery Pier, Loughill, County Limerick which the council plans to have introduced by the end of 2005. [33392/05]
The harbour at Kilteery is owned by Limerick County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development is a matter for the local authority in the first instance. A proposal has been received from Limerick County Council seeking funding for the installation of bollards at Kilteery Pier for safety reasons, costing approximately €26,000. This proposal is under consideration at present and it is hoped to have a decision on it shortly.
Environmental Policy.
Marian Harkin
Question:240 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if there are strategic environmental assessment reports for the offshore waters off Ireland and in particular the Corrib and Kinsale gas fields. [33393/05]
The legislation on strategic environmental assessments, SEAs, has only recently come into force. The Kinsale Head gas field started production in 1978 and pre-dates the legislation. The Corrib field also pre-dates the legislation but was obliged, as part of its plan of development, to be subjected to an environmental impact study, EIS.
My Department intends to carry out an SEA in respect of the Slyne-Erris-Donegal licensing round which closes in March 2006.
Consultancy Contracts.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:241 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his internal auditors are satisfied with the procurement process used in the purchase of a consultancy service (details supplied); if the process used conforms with the Department of Finance guidelines. [33411/05]
The initial cost of the subscription to the executive programme provided by the company to which the Deputy refers was €13,225 in 2003. The cost of the subscription rose to €31,439 in 2004 and €34,989 in 2005. My Department did not go out to tender, given the specialised nature of the subscription service and the absence of similar suitable alternatives. The Department's internal audit unit has been requested to review the current arrangements for subscribing to the service as well as the value for money dimension of the service.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:242 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if value for money has been achieved by his Department in its purchase of a consultancy service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33420/05]
My Department advises that the service provided by this company represents value for money. The service to which the Department subscribes falls into two categories, regular briefing material on current and future trends in the ICT industry and direct access on demand to research analysts who specialise in particular ICT industry segments. Both services are being used frequently and have provided quality data and analysis to the Department's information systems division in the context of developing and driving strategic approaches to ICT across its diverse business areas.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:243 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if any of his officials have attended as VIP guests at a conference organised by a company (details supplied); the locations, dates and costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33429/05]
I have been advised that none of my officials has attended conferences organised by the company referred to, as VIP guests. One official has attended two such conferences in the past 18 months. The conference registration fee was included as part of the company's executive programme to which my Department subscribes. All other travel costs and expenses for the official concerned were paid by my Department.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:244 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his knowledge of a consultancy service (details supplied); the number of officials of his Department who are members of this particular programme; the basis on which the decision was taken to subscribe at this level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33438/05]
My Department subscribes annually to the service provided by the company to which the Deputy refers in terms of analysis and research information on ICT strategic business and technology trends and best practice.
The executive programme is available to all members of staff in the information systems division. Currently there are 25 officials who have direct access to the programme, together with senior management and other officials of the Department as required.
I am advised that the subscription represents value for money as a quality and topical source of advice on strategic trends and analysis in global business and technology. The subscription will continue to be kept under review to ensure that it represents ongoing value for money and organisational benefit for the Department's information systems division and senior management.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:245 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of competing companies that were considered in his Department’s assessment before a company (details supplied) was granted a programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33447/05]
The company to which the Deputy refers was the only company considered for such a subscription by the Department due to pre-eminence in its specific field of expertise, as well as localised presence in Ireland.
Communications Masts.
Trevor Sargent
Question:246 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources further to Question No. 329 of 2 November 2005 if any payment was sought or obtained from France for the transfer of ownership of the Loran C mast in April 2005; if the figure of €27,829 for storage costs in 2005 covers only the time prior to this transfer and his plans for the 137 acres at Loop Head. [33467/05]
No payment was sought or obtained from France for the transfer of ownership of the Loran C mast, as France and The Netherlands had originally purchased the mast and equipment. In accordance with the North West European Loran C System, NELS, international agreement, France agreed to contribute 50% of the capital expenditure for the new station in Ireland, The Netherlands agreed to 5%, and Ireland the remaining 45%. It was also agreed that the funding provided by France and The Netherlands, 55%, should be used to purchase the mast and transmitter, and Ireland's 45% would fund the purchase of the land and the civil engineering work.
As the mast was never erected, Ireland accepted that moneys were owed to France and The Netherlands in respect of the mast and equipment purchased jointly by them. Following discussions, France agreed to accept the equipment in its current state and that Ireland would have no further liability in this regard. The Netherlands agreed to the transfer of the mast and equipment to France without any further formalities.
The figure of €27,829 paid in 2005 covers storage charges arrears owed for the period from June 2003 to November 2003, and for storage for the period from 4 February 2005 to 4 May 2005. The NELS agreement will not legally cease until 31 December 2005. This will be followed by a six month winding-up period. The future of the Loop Head site will then be considered.
Fisheries Protection.
Eamon Ryan
Question:247 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he will respond to the EU Commission formal notice that the system of managing drift net catches for salmon may be in breach of the European Union habitats directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33519/05]
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has primary responsibility for the implementation in Ireland of Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and wild flora and fauna. As the complaint concerns drift net fishing in Irish waters, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is continuing to work very closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the drafting of a reply to the European Commission's preliminary complaint against Ireland. The reply is required to be submitted to the European Commission by 13 November 2005.
Consultancy Contracts.
Paul McGrath
Question:248 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of Government awarded contracts from 1995 until 2004 inclusive that overran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified; if the people responsible for the incorrect specifications were held to account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33743/05]
In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested. My Department is compiling the data sought by the Deputy in this regard and I shall forward it to him as soon as possible.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Bernard Allen
Question:249 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the role that was played by the Irish Embassy in South Africa concerning a recent visit by Mr. Gerry Adams, MP, to that country; if meetings were arranged or facilitated concerning such a visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33396/05]
I am aware that Mr. Gerry Adams visited South Africa from 18-21 October last at the invitation of the South African Government. The embassy played no substantive role in organising the programme for the visit. Its involvement was limited to a lunch at the residence of the Irish Ambassador on 18 October. Guests at the lunch included members of the Irish community, NGO representatives and South African officials.
Consultancy Contracts.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:250 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his internal auditors are satisfied with the procurement process used in the purchase of a consultancy service (details supplied); if the process used conforms with the Department of Finance guidelines. [33412/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:251 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if value for money has been achieved by his Department in its purchase of a consultancy service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33421/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:252 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any of his officials have attended as VIP guests at a conference organised by a company (details supplied); the locations, dates and costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33430/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:253 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his knowledge of a consultancy service (details supplied); the number of officials of his Department who are members of this particular programme; the basis on which the decision was taken to subscribe at this level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33439/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:254 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of competing companies that were considered in his Department’s assessment before a company (details supplied) was granted a programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33448/05]I
I propose to take Questions Nos. 250 to 254, inclusive, together.
The Department of Foreign Affairs does not participate in the Gartner executive programme and, accordingly, the issues of internal audit scrutiny, value for money, membership and numbers of companies competing for this service do not apply. I can confirm that no officials of this Department have attended as VIP guests at the Gartner Expo conference.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has, since 2002, subscribed to Gartner's more basic service, that is, access to the on-line technology research database. The subscription to this specific research service from Gartner was made as the Department was not aware of any other company offering an equivalent information service at that time.
Paul McGrath
Question:255 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Government awarded contracts from 1995 until 2004 inclusive that overran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified; if the people responsible for the incorrect specifications were held to account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33744/05]
In the time available it is not possible to review the detailed specifications of every contract entered into by the Department since 1995. To the best of my knowledge, no contract has overrun financially for the reason specified by the Deputy.
I should explain to the Deputy that for the period 2000 to 2004 alone, the Department entered into contractual arrangements with approximately 500 individuals and organisations. Some 85% of these contracts were entered into by Development Co-operation Ireland and concern contracts mainly for the monitoring, review and evaluation of development programmes and projects in a wide range of sectors, including HIV-AIDS, education, health and rural development.
Paul McGrath
Question:256 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of Government awarded contracts from 1995 until 2004 inclusive that over-ran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified; if the people responsible for the incorrect specifications were held to account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33745/05]
There were no contracts that over-ran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified since the establishment of my Department in June 2002.
Health and Safety Regulations.
Richard Bruton
Question:257 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the rules relating to exposure to visual display units for workers which prevail in Ireland; if these differ from the standards generally applying in the EU; and the plans he has to revise those standards or to harmonise standards across the EU. [33395/05]
The protection of workers in the use of visual display units is covered by Part VII, Regulations 29 to 32 and the Tenth and Eleventh Schedules to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 1993, SI 44 of 1993, relating to display screen equipment.
Those provisions transpose into Irish law Council Directive 90/270/EEC of 29 May 1990 on the minimum safety and health requirements for work with display screen equipment. Thus, the standards that apply in Ireland relating to work with visual display units are the same as those throughout the EU. There are no plans to revise the regulations in so far as VDUs are concerned.
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the Health and Safety Authority is the State body charged with overall responsibility for administration, enforcement and promotion of workplace safety and health.
Departmental Staff.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:258 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress to date in 2005 of his inquiries regarding the PhD claimed by a person (details supplied); the information and comments provided to him by the person in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33400/05]
I recently provided information on the progress of my inquiries in this matter in response to a question from Deputy Howlin. I indicated that, given the importance of the issues raised, it is vital that due process be observed in dealing with these matters. I am currently considering materials and responses submitted by the individual concerned and the matter is ongoing.
Economic Competitiveness.
Arthur Morgan
Question:259 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on concerns regarding lack of competition in the newspaper market here; the percentage of the local and national newspapers owned by each newspaper group operating here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33544/05]
While I do not have precise market share details for all newspapers in the market, I am aware that the Independent Group continues to hold a leading position in the national newspaper market. There is vibrant competition, particularly in the Sunday newspaper market, which, despite the strength of the Independent Group titles, continues to be a highly contested market.
I also welcome the fact that, in general, the market appears to have become more competitive in recent years through the strength of UK titles circulated in the State and, indeed, the fact that many local newspapers now have the financial backing of significant international players such as Johnston Press plc.
Consultancy Contracts.
Paul McGrath
Question:260 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Government awarded contracts from 1995 until 2004 inclusive that over-ran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified; if the people responsible for the incorrect specifications were held to account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33746/05]
No contracts, awarded by my Department from 1995-2004, over-ran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified. In general, where a requirement arises to seek delivery of additional functionality which was not included as part of the original contract, such additional requirements are separately costed and approved.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Mary Upton
Question:261 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether a homeless person (details supplied) who is currently studying and who does not strictly conform to the requirements of the BTEA, VTOS, and ETD schemes will be provided with living expenses by the person’s community welfare officer in order that the person does not have to drop out in order to subsist and pay rent; and if he will make a statement on the way in which homeless persons in such circumstances might be assisted in trying to better themselves through education. [33360/05]
Mary Upton
Question:262 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether a homeless person (details supplied) who is currently studying and who does not strictly conform to the requirements of the BTEA, VTOS, and ETD schemes will be provided with living expenses by the person’s community welfare officer in order that the person does not have to drop out in order to subsist and pay rent; and if he will make a statement on the way in which homeless persons in such circumstances might be assisted in trying to better themselves through education. [33361/05]
Mary Upton
Question:263 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether a homeless person (details supplied) who has been granted asylum and who has recently left a residential care home and who is currently studying and who does not strictly conform to the requirements of the BTEA, VTOS, and ETD schemes will be provided with living expenses by the person’s community welfare officer in order that the person does not have to drop out in order to subsist and pay rent; and if he will make a statement on the way in which homeless persons in such circumstances might be assisted in trying to better themselves through education. [33362/05]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 261 to 263, inclusive, together.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on my behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Neither I nor my Department has any function in decisions on individual claims.
With the exception of those participating in my Department's back to education allowance scheme, people in full-time education are excluded under social welfare legislation from receipt of rent supplement or other payments under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. They are also precluded from receipt of unemployment assistance in this situation.
The back to education allowance and related VTOS schemes are special second chance educational opportunities designed to encourage and facilitate certain groups, particularly people who have been unemployed for a substantial period of time and are having difficulty getting a job, to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of gaining employment.
To qualify for participation in the back to education scheme, an applicant must be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for a period of at least 12 months immediately prior to commencing an approved course of study. In addition to the allowance payable, eligible people are also entitled to retain any secondary benefits such as rent supplement which had been in payment to them prior to commencing their educational course.
This scheme is not appropriate to the generality of students who complete their second level education and continue to third level studies in the normal way. The relevant state support mechanism in such cases is the annual third level maintenance grants scheme, to assist people from lower income households towards their living costs while undertaking college courses.
None of the three people concerned satisfy the eligibility criteria for participation in the back to education allowance scheme as they have not been in receipt of a qualifying relevant social welfare payment for a period of at least 12 months.
The Dublin/mid-Leinster area of the Health Service Executive has advised that while it would wish to be as supportive as possible of the people referred to in the question, in considering each of their applications for supplementary welfare allowance and rent supplement, it has determined that they are not eligible for assistance on the basis that they are full-time students and they are not participating in my Department's back to education allowance scheme.
One of the people concerned has withdrawn from her education course recently and her supplementary welfare allowance entitlements have been restored to her accordingly. The executive has further advised that each of the people concerned has referred his or her case for adjudication by the area appeals office.
In the meantime, the executive will also review the cases in question to consider whether rent supplement may be paid in these cases as an exceptional measure given the particular circumstances in which these individuals are seeking to improve their situation. Decisions on these individual appeals and the outcome of the local case reviews are expected shortly and the people concerned will be notified of the outcome.
Tom Hayes
Question:264 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary was refused a heating allowance. [33369/05]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Neither I nor my Department has any function in relation to decisions on individual claims.
Under the terms of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, a recipient of a social welfare or Health Services Executive payment who has exceptional heating costs due to ill health or infirmity can apply to his or her local community welfare officer for a special heating supplement.
The south eastern area of the executive has advised that the person concerned had previously been in receipt of a heating supplement. In the course of a review it came to the attention of the executive that the person's means and circumstances had changed. The executive contacted the person concerned in order to determine his current means and personal circumstances.
He subsequently indicated to the executive at the beginning of November that he no longer wished to be paid a heating supplement. In the light of this question, the executive has contacted the person concerned again this week to clarify his current situation.
Departmental Staff.
Jack Wall
Question:265 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff employed by his Department in each of the social welfare local and district offices in County Kildare; if this number is compatible with Department specifications for each office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33408/05]
The Department has allocated 37 posts for four different locations in County Kildare. A total of 26 posts are currently filled in Newbridge local office, with a further six posts in the Department's investigative office in Newbridge, two posts in the Department's investigative office in Athy and two posts in the investigative office in Naas.
There is currently one vacancy in the Department's Newbridge local office. As with other offices in the Department, the staffing allocation for the County Kildare offices is reviewed regularly. A review of the staffing allocation for the Newbridge local office is currently under way.
In addition to the above offices, the Department has a branch office in Athy, County Kildare, operated and managed by a branch manager. Branch managers are employed under a contract for services and are not employees of the Department. The contract under which each branch manager operates stipulates that she or he is required to provide the services of a competent deputy whenever she or he is absent for any reason and sufficient clerical assistance in order to allow for the efficient performance of the work of the office.
Consultancy Contracts.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:266 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his internal auditors are satisfied with the procurement process used in the purchase of a consultancy service (details supplied); if the process used conforms with the Department of Finance guidelines. [33413/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:267 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if value for money has been achieved by his Department in its purchase of a consultancy service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33422/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:268 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if any of his officials have attended as VIP guests at a conference organised by a company (details supplied); the locations, dates and costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33431/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:269 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his knowledge of a consultancy service (details supplied); the number of officials of his Department who are members of this particular programme; the basis on which the decision was taken to subscribe at this level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33440/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:270 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of competing companies that were considered in his Department’s assessment before a company (details supplied) was granted a programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33449/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 266 to 270, inclusive, together.
The company in question is a worldwide supplier of information and communications technology, ICT, industry research to suppliers and users of ICT. It has a number of services based around its continuous research programme. In addition to the provision of standard research papers and provision of access to the authors and analysts, it offers an executive programme aimed at senior ICT managers.
The executive programme provides additional research reports, which are not otherwise available, on deploying technology for business growth. It also provides access to additional on-line resources. The programme is supported by dedicated local and worldwide staff who actively liaise and follow up on specific issues. They also facilitate a number of local events for their membership, comprising public and private sector chief information officers, at which best practice and experiences are shared. Members are entitled to VIP status at company events. Essentially, this means they have preferential access to the industry analysts at the events and they receive tickets as part of their subscription.
Although there have been a number of companies offering research and advisory services, the company in question has a worldwide reputation as the leading independent adviser in the industry. It offers a particular combination of research covering current and future technology in general, suppliers and their strategies and also reports on how ICT has been deployed in various industry sectors, including the public sector, worldwide. It supplements this research with a programme of direct support to senior ICT management which provides strong quality assurance for overall ICT strategy as well as advice on specific projects and technologies. It also includes making analysts available to senior business management as required. In addition to the industry monitoring and quality assurance aspect of the service, my Department considers that the programme offers strong support for personal development at a senior level. My Department had previously participated in other research programmes but, due to resource constraints, these have been discontinued. It also avails of ICT-related advice from various other sources but not on a membership basis.
When the specific programme was designed in late 2000, my Department provided a business case to the Government contracts committee seeking sanction to join. The advice received was that the executive programme was a membership or subscription service and not subject to the normal contract procurement regulations. The membership service has not been the subject of an internal audit review. The director of my Department's IS division is a member of the programme along with one of the principal officers within the division, who is nominated as a back-up.
Apart from the facilitation of peer interaction locally, the company organises a particular set of worldwide conferences twice yearly in Europe, one in Cannes in winter and one in Barcelona in spring. It also organises similar events in the United States and Asia. These worldwide events provide a mix of technology scenarios, a discussion of the external influences and constraints on a particular aspect of the industry and a forecast of how that sector will develop over the next few years, and commentary on specific suppliers and product lines. Typically, there would be up to 50 analysts presenting about 150 sessions over four to five days. My Department considers that, while it is a very intensive seminar, it provides an unparalleled opportunity for technical refresh, that is, updating of knowledge, personal development by providing a view across the whole industry and peer discussion.
Since the executive programme commenced in 2001, the director of the IS division has attended one conference as part of the executive programme in Barcelona in spring 2004, at a cost of under €500. In addition, a principal officer in the IS division availed of the executive programme membership to attend the conference in Cannes in winter 2002, for a cost of under €1,300. The cost of attendance is included in the membership, so the costs incurred are for the relevant economy flights, hotel cost and standard subsistence.
My Department has a budget of more than €12.2 billion and is responsible for more than 970,000 transactions each week, which rises in a full year to almost 60 million transactions, covering a wide range of schemes. Therefore, my Department is highly dependent on information and communications technology to support schemes, produce payments and deliver a proactive service to customers. It is highly desirable that ICT management engages in professional development and keeps informed of industry best practice. I am satisfied that the services availed of represent value for money.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Paul McGrath
Question:271 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will report on the number of people in the Dublin 15 area who have received the respite care grant to date in 2005 in so much as they are providing full-time care to others and are not in receipt of the carer’s allowance or benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33511/05]
Budget 2005 provided, inter alia, for the extension of eligibility for the respite care grant to people providing full-time care and attention who are not in receipt of either carer’s allowance or carer’s benefit. Those in receipt of the latter payments receive the grant automatically without having to make a separate application. The grant has been paid to 37 people in the Dublin 15 area.
Consultancy Contracts.
Paul McGrath
Question:272 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Government awarded contracts from 1995 until 2004 inclusive that overran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified; if the people responsible for the incorrect specifications were held to account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33747/05]
Prior to the engagement of consultants, a rigid procurement process is undertaken in my Department in accordance with public sector procurement guidelines and best practice. The achievement of value for money is the central criterion throughout the process. Once a preferred bidder has been identified, my Department agrees a contract, which details the scope of the services to be provided by the consultants and the deliverables to be achieved, to reflect value for money. In line with such contracts, payments are made in respect of the services delivered and deliverables to be achieved, provided the deliverables meet the expectations in all respects.
During the period in question, my Department is not aware of any contracts that overran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified.
Road and Rail Networks.
Marian Harkin
Question:273 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Transport the applications that the Government have made to the EU for TENS funding. [33317/05]
Marian Harkin
Question:274 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Transport the projects funded under TENS funding since 2000. [33318/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 273 and 274 together.
Since the start of 2000, applications for TEN-T, trans-European networks-transport, financial support for projects in Ireland have been submitted, in the main, within the framework of the multi-annual indicative programme 2001 to 2006, MIP. The financial assistance is committed by the European Commission on an annual basis.
The following are details of the applications submitted since the start of 2000 for road and rail projects for which Commission decisions have been received to date. In the case of road projects, aid amounting to €37.017 million for the planning and design of the Ireland element of the Ireland-UK-Benelux road link project was applied for and €24 million in aid was approved; aid amounting to €2.991 million for the N8 Cashel bypass project was applied for and €1.8 million in aid was approved; and aid amounting to €6.938 million for the N1 Dundalk to the Border with Northern Ireland project was applied for and €3.3 million in aid was approved.
In the case of rail projects, aid amounting to €15.2 million for the elimination of a number of key permanent speed restrictions on the Belfast-Dublin-Cork intercity rail corridor project was applied for and €7.6 million in aid was approved; and aid amounting to €4.4 million for a project undertaking safety and upgrade work in conventional TENs routes was applied for and €3 million in aid was approved. This application was made outside of the MIP.
In addition to the above, two projects, namely, INSTANT and STREETWISE were undertaken by the NRA in collaboration with the authorities in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom which were supported under the TEN-T budget. The INSTANT, information and management system for multimodal transport in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, project is a joint project between the NRA and the Roads Service of Northern Ireland. The application for funding was made in 2000 and the amount of aid approved by the Commission was €1.398million.
The main applicant and beneficiary of the STREETWISE, seamless travel environment for efficient transport in the western isles of Europe, project was the United Kingdom's Department for Transport. The application for funding was made in 2001, and was approved by the Commission as a multi-annual indicative plan for the 2001 to 2006 period. Total EU funding was €9 million, of which €1.09 million was allocated to the Republic of Ireland.
Marian Harkin
Question:275 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Transport if there is a completion date for the upgrading of the Atlantic Road corridor from Letterkenny to Waterford. [33319/05]
Marian Harkin
Question:276 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Transport if there are completion dates for any sections of the Atlantic Road corridor from Letterkenny to Waterford. [33320/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:287 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the Dublin-Limerick inter-urban motorway; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33331/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:289 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the Dublin-Waterford inter-urban motorway; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33333/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:290 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the M50 upgrade phase two; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33334/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:294 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for Limerick Southern Ring Road; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33338/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:295 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the proposed Limerick Southern Ring Road; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33339/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:296 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for Waterford city bypass; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33340/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:300 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the Dublin-Cork inter-urban motorway; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33344/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:305 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the proposed M3 motorway; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33349/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:309 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the proposed M50 upgrade phase one; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33353/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 275, 276, 287, 289, 290, 294 to 296, inclusive, 300, 305 and 309 together.
I am arranging to have all of the information made publicly available at the launch of Transport 21 forwarded to the Deputies and lodged in the Oireachtas Library. Transport 21 provides the broad strategy and the overall funding for the development of the national roads network. The detailed programming of the work involved in the implementation of the programme including the planning, design and implementation of individual road improvement projects, the allocation of funding to individual projects and the establishment of project start dates are a matter for the NRA.
Departmental Costs.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:277 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the cost to his or other Departments of the launch of Transport 21 including reports, consultancies, public relations work and the actual launch on 1 November 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33321/05]
Transport 21 is based on the work carried out by my Department and the agencies under the aegis of the Department. The work within the Department was carried out by a small team of officials, guided by and reporting to the Minister and management board.
The Department did not engage any consultants to specifically assist or advise it in developing Transport 21. However, it did benefit from the advice of Goodbody Economic Consultants, who were engaged before work on the investment framework commenced to review the business cases submitted by Iarnród Éireann in support of various projects, including its greater Dublin integrated rail network proposals, much of which are included in Transport 21.
No public relations company was used for the launch of Transport 21. There were no costs for the use of Dublin Castle. Costs were incurred for catering at Dublin Castle, producing backdrops, graphics, associated printing and producing a video. The required public procurement procedures were complied with in accordance with Government procurement guidelines.
A company called Webmaster.ie produced the video, which cost €18,750 plus VAT. Details of the other costs incurred will be made available to the Deputy when invoices have been received and payments finalised.
Rail Network.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:278 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for phase two of the Navan rail link; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33322/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:284 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the proposed Tuam to Claremorris rail line; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33328/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:285 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the proposed interconnector; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33329/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:286 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the proposed electrification of rail lines to Balbriggan, Maynooth, Navan and Hazelhatch; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33330/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:292 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the Athenry to Tuam rail line; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33336/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:298 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the Kildare rail upgrade; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33342/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:303 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the proposed Cork commuter rail service to Midleton; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33347/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:304 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the proposed Ennis-Athenry rail line; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33348/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:306 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for phase one of Navan rail link; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33350/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:307 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for a proposed Docklands rail station; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33351/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:308 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the proposed Portlaoise train depot; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33352/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 278, 284 to 286, inclusive, 292, 298, 303, 304 and 306 to 308, inclusive, together.
I am arranging to have all the information made publicly available at the launch of Transport 21 forwarded to the Deputy and lodged in the Oireachtas Library. For ease of reference, the completion dates identified in Transport 21 for the projects referred to by the Deputy are as follows:
|
Date |
|
|
Ennis to Athenry Rail Line |
2008 |
|
Athenry to Tuam Rail Line |
2011 |
|
Tuam to Claremorris Rail Line |
2014 |
|
Navan Rail Link Phase 1 |
2009 |
|
New Docklands Rail Station |
2009 |
|
Navan Rail Link Phase 2 |
2015 |
|
Portlaoise Train Depot |
2007 |
|
Midleton Commuter Rail Link |
2008 |
|
Kildare Route Project |
2010 |
|
Rail Interconnector |
2015 |
|
Extended Rail Electrification in Dublin |
2015 |
It is not currently envisaged that any of these projects will be procured as a public private partnership. Each project will be the subject of a procurement process, but I am not prepared to give details of the costings included in Transport 21 in advance of receipt of tenders.
Light Rail Project.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:279 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the Luas extension to Cherrywood and Bray; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33323/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:280 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the proposed Luas extension from the city centre to Liffey junction; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33324/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:281 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the proposed metro west phase 3, Lucan to Blanchardstown; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33325/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:282 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the proposed Lucan to city centre Luas; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33326/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:283 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for metro west phase 4, from Blanchardstown to Ballymun; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33327/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:291 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the proposed metro west phase two, Clondalkin to Lucan; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33335/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:293 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for metro north; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33337/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:297 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for phase one of metro west, from Tallaght to Clondalkin; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33341/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:299 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the Sandyford Luas line extension to Cherrywood; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33343/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:301 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the proposed Luas extension from Connolly to the docklands; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33345/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:302 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for the proposed Luas extention from Tallaght to Citywest; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33346/05]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:310 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the start and completion date for proposed joining of the Tallaght and Sandyford Luas lines in the city centre; if this project will be a public private partnership; the estimated cost of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33354/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 to 283, inclusive, 291, 293, 297, 299, 301, 302 and 310 together.
I announced a new transport investment programme, Transport 21, on Tuesday, 1 November. This ambitious programme underlines the Government's commitment to develop a world-class transport system for the 21st century. The Minister for Finance and I engaged extensively on the preparation of this landmark framework which involves the investment of over €34 billion in current prices in the ten year period 2006 to 2015.
I include a table which will show the completion dates of each metro or Luas project. The table also shows the metro and Luas projects which will be funded by public private partnership.
The commencement date for each project is a matter for the Railway Procurement Agency, subject to compliance with the relevant statutory provisions and procedures. As each project will be subject to a competitive tendering process, it would not be in the public interest to disclose the estimated cost of individual projects.
|
Project |
PPP |
Completion Date |
|
Joining of the Red and Green Luas lines |
No |
2008 |
|
Luas extension to Docklands |
No |
2008 |
|
Luas extension Tallaght to Citywest |
No |
2008 |
|
Metro West Phase 1 Tallaght to Clondalkin |
Yes |
2010 |
|
Luas Extension to Cherrywood |
No |
2010 |
|
Metro West Phase 2 Clondalkin to Lucan |
Yes |
2011 |
|
Metro North |
Yes |
2012 |
|
Luas Extension city centre to Liffey Junction |
No |
2012 |
|
Metro West Phase 3 Lucan to Blanchardstown |
Yes |
2012 |
|
Luas Lucan to city centre |
Yes |
2013 |
|
Metro West Phase 4 Blanchardstown to Ballymun |
Yes |
2014 |
|
Luas Extension Cherrywood to Bray |
No |
2015 |
Questions Nos. 284 to 286, inclusive, answered with Question No. 278.
Questions Nos. 287 to 290, inclusive, answered with Question No. 275.
Question No. 291 answered with QuestionNo. 279.
Question No. 292 answered with QuestionNo. 278.
Question No. 293 answered with QuestionNo. 279.
Questions Nos. 294 to 296, inclusive, answered with Question No. 275.
Question No. 297 answered with QuestionNo. 279.
Question No. 298 answered with QuestionNo. 278.
Question No. 299 answered with QuestionNo. 279.
Question No. 300 answered with QuestionNo. 275.
Questions Nos. 301 and 302 answered with Question No. 279.
Questions Nos. 303 and 304 answered with Question No. 278.
Question No. 305 answered with QuestionNo. 275.
Questions Nos. 306 to 308, inclusive, answered with Question No. 278.
Question No. 309 answered with QuestionNo. 275.
Question No. 310 answered with QuestionNo. 279.
Air Services.
Michael Noonan
Question:311 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Transport if, in any negotiations he is conducting to change the terms of the bilateral air transport agreement between Ireland and the USA, a lengthy transitional period, to protect the interest of Shannon Airport will be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33355/05]
As I have indicated in responses to previous questions, it is my clear intention to ensure an EU-US open skies agreement contains an appropriate transitional arrangement for Shannon which will be reflected in changes to the Ireland-US bilateral air transport agreement. The details of the transitional arrangement will be a matter for negotiation with the US.
Departmental Staff.
Róisín Shortall
Question:312 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the number of people employed by the driver testing and standards authority; the salary costs to date in 2005, the grades of staff and the functions being carried out at each grade level; the implications for personnel in view of his decision to widen the functions of the authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33458/05]
The driver testing standards agency, DTSA, has not been established. The establishment of the DTSA which is being expanded and will be known as the road safety authority is being overseen by a project group considering the organisational structure in consultation with the Department of Finance and staff associations. There are, therefore, no salary costs associated with the agency for 2005.
Road Safety.
Trevor Sargent
Question:313 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that regulations here governing the time truck and van drivers can drive without breaks and sleep are satisfactory and are being enforced; and to make a statement on the issue of controlling the standard of truck driving, particularly in regard to the killing and injuring of cyclists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33464/05]
My Department is responsible for enforcement of European Union rules governing drivers' hours and the use of tachograph recording equipment in heavy goods vehicles to monitor compliance with prescribed breaks and rest periods for drivers. Enforcement checks are carried out at the premises of the operator and at roadside checks. These rules came into force on 29 September 1986 and are set out in Council Regulations Nos. 3820/85/EEC and 3821/85/EEC. The rules apply to drivers of vehicles used for the carriage of goods where the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle, including any trailer or semi-trailer, exceeds 3.5 tonnes.
The EU Commission's proposals to upgrade the enforcement of drivers' hours rules is in the conciliation procedure between the Council and the European Parliament with a view to finding a compromise leading to final adoption. This will result in higher levels of drivers' hours monitoring and, through the introduction of the digital tachograph a more secure and tamper proof system of controlling drivers and ensuring adequate rest and breaks.
With regard to the issue of controlling the standard of truck driving, while monitoring of drivers' hours clearly makes a contribution to safer driving, the ultimate qualification standard is the HGV driver licence, which shows that a driver has trained and passed a recognised level of competence in trucks. In addition, EU Directive 2003/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the training of professional drivers will require EU professional drivers to follow a programme of professional driver training. The training will be compulsory for all persons seeking to become professional drivers and will comprise of training for an initial qualification followed by periodic refresher training equivalent to one day training per annum. Member states have until 10 September 2006 to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive. Such enhanced training regimes should make a further contribution to road safety in regard to commercial vehicles.
Rail Network.
Trevor Sargent
Question:314 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many long distance trains do not carry bicycles due to the frequent use of Arrow carriages on these routes; if he agrees Arrow carriages are not suitable for long distance journeys, such as Dublin to Limerick or Dublin to Wexford, and to ensure something is done so that passengers who wish to bring a bicycle can be certain that they will be able to do so. [33466/05]
The matters to which the Deputy refers are day-to-day operational matters, which fall within the remit of Iarnród Éireann alone. However, I understand the company deploys or proposes to deploy modern commuter rail cars on a number of longer distances services, such as Dublin to Sligo and Wexford. These modern commuter railcars are fully accessible and bicycles can be conveyed on these trains outside the commuter peak periods. By 2007-08, 120 Intercity railcars for use on long distance regional services will have been delivered to Iarnród Éireann. These trains will have suitable accommodation for bicycles and will ultimately enable commuter railcars to be allocated predominately to suburban services, thereby ensuring greater access to facilities to transport bicycles on longer distance trains.
Road Safety.
Róisín Shortall
Question:315 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, further to Questions Nos. 332 and 333 of 12 October 2005, the reason he has not yet published the Medical Bureau of Road Safety’s 2004 annual report; and in view of the continued delay in publishing the report and the fact that the figures are available to him, will he now furnish the information requested. [33513/05]
As I stated in my reply to Questions Nos. 332 and 333 of 12 October, the Medical Bureau of Road Safety's 2004 annual report will be published shortly. Certain specific data relating to the forensic analysis programme for driving under the influence of drugs was made available to me by the bureau to facilitate the Deputy in responding to Question No. 174 of 3 November.
Public Transport.
Róisín Shortall
Question:316 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, further to Question No. 228 of 27 October 2005, if he will provide the information requested on the average cost per licence to his Department of administering and enforcing the bus licensing system. [33514/05]
I refer the Deputy to my previous reply to Question No. 228 on Thursday, 27 October 2005. In my last reply I acknowledged that the current level of fees for passenger licences under the Road Transport Act 1932 does not reflect the true cost of the administration and enforcement of the current legislation. It is my intention, therefore, to propose a revision of the current charges in the new year. The information requested by the Deputy is the subject of an examination in my Department to estimate the costs involved in the licensing system. I expect to provide figures to the Deputy by the end of this week.
Departmental Costs.
Eamon Ryan
Question:317 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the cost to the State for the use of consultants in public relations and design work carried out in conjunction with the launch of the Transport 21 plan; the companies which were involved in that work; and if a tendering process was used in the allocation of such contracts. [33517/05]
Eamon Ryan
Question:318 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the cost to the State of the production of the video material used in the launch of the Transport 21 plan; the companies which were involved in that work; and if a tendering process was used in the allocation of such contracts. [33518/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 317 and 318 together.
No public relations company was used for the launch of Transport 21. There were no costs for the use of Dublin Castle. Costs were incurred for catering at Dublin Castle, producing backdrops, graphics, associated printing and producing a video. The required public procurement procedures were complied with in accordance with the Government procurement guidelines.
A company Webmaster.ie produced the video which cost €18,750 plus VAT. Other companies which did work relating to the launch and which are due to submit invoices for payment include: Jack Restan Displays; Creative Ad Ltd; Type Bureau and Grey Door Catering Company. Details of the costs incurred by these companies will be made available to the Deputy when invoices have been received and payments finalised.
Driving Tests.
Róisín Shortall
Question:319 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the average or typical working hours per day of a driving tester; and the average number of tests per day per driving tester. [33521/05]
A driver testers normal working hours are from 9.15 am to 5.30 pm. In the case of driving tests in cars, eight 50 minute tests per day are normally scheduled. Driving tests in higher category vehicles normally take two car test slots and motorcycle tests are scheduled for an hour. In addition, the schedule of tests is altered during the winter months when testers are scheduled for a test during their normal lunch time to compensate for tests lost due to shorter daylight hours. In addition, driver testers conduct additional tests on overtime at lunchtimes and on Saturdays. Time allowance is provided for testing staff to travel to test centres.
Road Network.
Róisín Shortall
Question:320 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport his estimate of the number of extra heavy goods vehicles that will use the West Link toll bridge as a result of the opening of the Dublin Port tunnel; his estimate of the number of extra heavy goods vehicles that will use the M50 as a result of the opening of the port tunnel; the number of heavy goods vehicles which currently use the toll bridge; the number which currently use the M50; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33522/05]
Traffic management in general is a matter for the appropriate local authority and, in the vicinity of Dublin Port, that authority is Dublin City Council. By agreement with the other local authorities and the National Roads Authority, NRA, the day-to-day traffic management on the M50 is the responsibility of Dublin City Council. Issues relating to the West Link toll bridge are matters for the NRA and toll operator, National Toll Roads, NTR.
I am informed by Dublin City Council that, based on a survey carried out by the Dublin Port Company on the origin and destination of Dublin Port traffic, and counts undertaken by Dublin City Council, it is estimated that approximately 2,200 additional heavy goods vehicles, HGVs, are expected to use the M50 and the West Link toll bridge daily following the opening of the Dublin Port tunnel. It should be noted that this figure refers to traffic travelling in both directions on the M50.
I am also informed by the NRA and NTR that current traffic flows at the West Link toll bridge are 98,000 AADT vehicles, of which 11,500 are classified as HGVs. Data on traffic flows, including proportion of HGVs, at various points of the M50 are available on the NRA website, www.nra.ie.
Paul Connaughton
Question:321 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport if quality bus corridors are proposed in the document Transport 21 commencing at Lough George, County Galway — north of Galway city — and continuing towards Galway city to the first roundabout to facilitate the orderly transport of workers to and from Galway city by bus; if his attention has been drawn to the traffic jams at places like Claregalway every day of the week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33547/05]
Transport 21 provides for funding for quality bus corridors, QBCs, traffic management and park and ride in regional cities throughout the period up to 2015. However, Transport 21 does not allocate funding for any specific quality bus corridors.
It is a matter for the local authorities to prioritise the most suitable routes for QBCs and to apply to the Department for funding. The Department has no application on hands for funding for a QBC from Loughgeorge towards Galway city. The possibility of a QBC from Loughgeorge towards Galway city has been the subject of extensive discussions between Galway County Council and the NRA since 2004. The outcome of that discussion was that the road from Parkmore junction towards Galway city centre was identified as the most suitable stretch of the N17 for implementation of a QBC primarily as it can be located in a reduced speed limit zone.
Galway County Council has recently commenced work, with funding from my Department, on a quality bus corridor on the N17 from the Parkmore junction in an inward direction towards Galway city centre in order to assist in the alleviation of congestion on the N17 route. My Department has also funded the implementation of 800 metres of quality bus corridor in Galway on the Dublin Road from the Skerritt roundabout to the Renmore road, which was officially opened in February 2005. Galway City Council is currently carrying out a 2 km extension of this quality bus corridor on the Dublin road from the Skerritt roundabout to the Doughiska road with funding from my Department.
In addition, my Department is also making funding available for a major consultancy study, commissioned by Galway City Council, to examine the potential for additional bus priority, bus transportation and park and ride in Galway city and environs. Funding will be available under Transport 21 for suitable QBC, bus priority, and park and ride proposals that emerge from this consultancy study.
The bypassing of Claregalway, which should alleviate traffic congestion around the village, is part of the N17 Galway to Tuam project consisting of 25 km of high quality dual carriageway. The design work on the N17 project is continuing on an ongoing basis and it is expected that the environmental impact assessment-compulsory purchase order will go to a hearing during 2006. All the above measures will help to alleviate traffic congestion and to improve traffic flow within Galway city and in the city environs.
Public Service Contracts.
Paul McGrath
Question:322 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of Government awarded contracts from 1995 until 2004 inclusive that over-ran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified; if the people responsible for the incorrect specifications were held to account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33748/05]
I am not aware of any overspend on contracts due to them being incorrectly specified.
Security of the Elderly.
Pat Breen
Question:323 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when funding will be made available for panic buttons and security lighting for the elderly (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33398/05]
Payment will be arranged by my Department on receipt of a current tax clearance certificate from the group in question.
Consultancy Contracts.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:324 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his internal auditors are satisfied with the procurement process used in the purchase of a consultancy service (details supplied); if the process used conforms with the Department of Finance guidelines. [33414/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:325 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if value for money has been achieved by his Department in its purchase of a consultancy service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33423/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:326 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if any of his officials have attended as VIP guests at a conference organised by a company (details supplied); the locations, dates and costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33432/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:327 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his knowledge of a consultancy service (details supplied); the number of officials of his Department who are members of this particular programme; the basis on which the decision was taken to subscribe at this level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33441/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:328 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of competing companies that were considered in his Department’s assessment before a company (details supplied) was granted a programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33450/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 324 to 328, inclusive, together.
No such consultancy was purchased by my Department.
Public Service Contracts.
Paul McGrath
Question:329 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of Government awarded contracts from 1995 until 2004 inclusive that overran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified; if the people responsible for the incorrect specifications were held to account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33749/05]
The establishment of my Department in June 2002 brought together a range of schemes and programmes that were previously operated by a number of other Departments. Accordingly, some contracts and specifications were inherited by my Department that had to be better aligned with the structure and resources of my Department. Within this framework, there do not appear to be any contracts that fall into the category mentioned by the Deputy.
Milk Quota.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:330 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork for an additional milk quota following his application to the milk appeals tribunal. [33394/05]
Allocations of milk quota from the national reserve are granted on the basis of recommendations from the milk quota appeals tribunal. The tribunal examines and makes recommendations on applications for additional quota from individual producers.
The person named has applied to the tribunal in the current 2005-06 quota year and an acknowledgement letter has issued to him confirming receipt of his application form. The tribunal will examine applications between now and the end of the quota year in March 2006 and all applicants will be notified of the outcome in their case.
Consultancy Contracts.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:331 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her internal auditors are satisfied with the procurement process used in the purchase of a consultancy service (details supplied); if the process used conforms with the Department of Finance guidelines. [33415/05]
The Department conducts a detailed programme of audits across its range of activities and programmes. The programme is drawn up annually on the basis of a range of criteria including the level of expenditure and the related risk assessment. My Department has also had an IT audit function in place since 2001, which focuses exclusively on the IT function. The specific subscription service referred to by the Deputy has not been the subject of internal audit review to date.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:332 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if value for money has been achieved by her Department in its purchase of a consultancy service (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33424/05]
My Department has been engaged in delivering an unprecedented programme of ICT transformation. As part of this transformation, it has delivered large-scale ICT systems that are extremely successful and deliver excellent value to the Department, its customers and its stakeholders.
Access to the best international research and advice is a critical component in the successful management of such a large-scale programme. My Department has found the services provided by the company in this area to be of value in the context of the overall IT programme.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:333 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if any of her officials have attended as VIP guests at a conference organised by a company (details supplied); the locations, dates and costs involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33433/05]
My Department has a range of large operational activities that depend critically on information and communications technology, ICT. This is an integral part of our service delivery and provides the level of operational efficiency, customer service and control appropriate to management of schemes worth some €3 billion. In this context it is important the ICT management keep fully abreast of developments in the sector and international best practice.
The organisation concerned runs two European conferences each year addressed by world leaders in the field, and which many of their analysts attend. These conferences are held in Barcelona and Cannes. Registration for one person at each conference is provided as part of membership of this company's executive programme and the only cost arising is economy travel, hotel and standard subsistence. Since autumn 2003 one member of my Department has attended these conferences, except for spring 2005.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:334 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her knowledge of a consultancy service (details supplied); the number of officials of her Department who are members of this particular programme; the basis on which the decision was taken to subscribe at this level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33442/05]
My Department subscribes to the services of the company to which the Deputy refers, which is a globally recognised provider of research and business intelligence in the area of ICT. It is not associated with any software or hardware vendor, and the advice of the company is regarded as totally independent. This is of significant value since it is hard to get truly independent, unbiased information. The company referred to has an extensive team of top class analysts spread across the world. It has a significant bank of research in place to which many new research papers are added each month.
The company also gives significant strategic information on how leading organisations worldwide are using IT to best advantage for service delivery. My Department has a range of large operational activities that depend critically on ICT. This is an integral part of our service delivery and provides the level of operational efficiency, customer service and control appropriate to management of schemes worth some €3 billion. It is important the ICT management keeps fully abreast of developments in the sector and international best practice and for this reason, my Department decided to subscribe to the services provided by the company's executive programme. This programme is aimed at providing a service best suited to large-scale users of ICT.
The programme to which my Department subscribes provides unlimited access for all of the Department's IT managers to the research material and a wide network of researchers and analysts.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:335 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of competing companies considered in her Department’s assessment before a company (details supplied) was granted a programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33451/05]
Although several companies offer research and advisory services, the company in question has a worldwide reputation as the leading independent adviser in the industry. It is a globally recognised provider of research and business intelligence in the area of ICT. It is not associated with any software or hardware vendor, and its advice is regarded as totally independent. The company referred to provides a subscription service based on its own continuous research programme carried out by a team of analysts spread across the world. This includes a combination of research covering current and future technology in general, suppliers and their strategies and also reports on how ICT has been deployed in various industry sectors, including the public sector, worldwide.
It supplements this research by offering a programme of direct support to senior ICT management. This service provides strong quality assurance for my Department's overall ICT strategy as well as advice on specific projects and technologies.
Grant Payments.
Mary Upton
Question:336 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will review the single farm payment entitlement of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33523/05]
The person named submitted an application for consideration of force majeure or exceptional circumstances in respect of his entitlements under the scheme. The circumstances outlined by him did not satisfy the criteria for force majeure or exceptional circumstances under Article 40 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1782/2003. The person named appealed that decision to the single payment appeals committee. The finding of the appeals committee was that the original decision taken by my Department should be upheld. The person named then submitted his case to the Ombudsman, who also upheld my Department’s decision in this matter.
As no new evidence or additional information has been furnished to my Department there are no grounds for a review of the single farm payment entitlements due to the person named, at this time. The person named also submitted an application under category C of the single payment scheme 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 2000-02.
Over 23,000 applications for an allocation of entitlements from the national reserve were received when account is taken of farmers who applied under more than one category. Processing of these applications continues and the intention is to make allocations to successful applicants at the earliest opportunity. The Department will be in touch with individual applicants as soon as their applications are fully processed.
Land Annuities.
John Deasy
Question:337 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she intends taking to ensure that affected farmers are aware of the new land annuity capital buy-out offer of 25%; if her Department will write to each affected farmer to inform them of this entitlement; the period available to farmers to respond to this offer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33526/05]
Information notices describing the new land annuity capital discounted buy-out scheme will shortly be published in the farming and national press. These notices will set out the terms of the buy-out scheme, as provided in the Land Act 2005. I also intend to write to each farmer entitled to participate in the buy-out scheme, providing them with full details of the scheme and their entitlements under it. The scheme will commence on 1 January 2006 and close on 30 June 2006.
Grant Payments.
John Deasy
Question:338 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the EU Commission proposal that 1% of the single farm payment due to farmers will be deducted from 2009 and will be diverted to fund rural development measures; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this proposal is totally unacceptable to farmers here in view of the commitment given by former Agriculture Commissioner Fischler in 2003 that the single farm payment was fully guaranteed until 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33527/05]
The proposal for the introduction of further modulation of direct payments is one of a series of proposals which was put forward by the Commission with a view to facilitating agreement on the next financial perspective for 2007-13. The negotiations broke down at the European Council in June and the UK Presidency aims to conclude an agreement next month. The Irish position in the negotiations, as decided by the Government, is that the decision of the European Council in October 2002 on the budgetary allocations to the Common Agricultural Policy in respect of direct payments and market supports should be fully respected and that adequate funding for rural development should be provided separately.
Paul Connaughton
Question:339 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the REPS payment will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33545/05]
The application from the person named was received in my Department on 31 August last. The application was referred for a full plan and on farm inspection due to discrepancies between the area declared for area aid and the REPS area. Following this inspection an amended plan was required and was received in my Department on 4 November. The amended plan is now being processed and if in order payment should issue shortly.
Paul Connaughton
Question:340 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the single payment which will accrue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway as a result of them ceasing milk production in 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33546/05]
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the single payment scheme national reserve under category B which caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, invested in production capacity in 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 person concerned also submitted an application under category C which caters for active dairy 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 2000-02.
The rules governing the single payment scheme stipulate that an applicant who is found to be eligible under more than one category in the reserve may only receive an allocation of entitlements under whichever category is most beneficial to him or her.
Over 23,000 applications for an allocation of entitlements from the national reserve were received when account is taken of farmers who applied under more than one category. Processing of these applications continues and the intention is to make allocations to successful applicants at the earliest opportunity. The Department will be in touch with individual applicants as soon as their applications are fully processed.
John Perry
Question:341 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) will receive the area based payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33554/05]
An application under the disadvantages areas scheme-single payment scheme was received from the person named on 5 May 2005. A payment for the amount of €4,126.60 in respect of the 2005 disadvantaged area scheme was lodged to the bank account of the person named on 23 September 2005.
Consultancy Contracts.
Paul McGrath
Question:342 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of Government-awarded contracts from 1995 until 2004, inclusive, that over-ran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified; if the people responsible for the incorrect specifications were held to account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33750/05]
The detailed information requested by the Deputy, covering a period of a decade, will require an extensive retrospective data retrieval and assessment exercise in my Department. The information will be sent to the Deputy once it has been compiled.
Registration of Title.
Enda Kenny
Question:343 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in issuing deeds to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33372/05]
I have requested the Land Registry to contact the Deputy directly concerning the current position of the application in question.
Joyriding Offences.
Tony Gregory
Question:344 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a report will be requested from the Garda authority regarding the complaint from a local residents group that the area (details supplied) is a haven for joyriders and unregistered motor cyclists and is strewn with burnt out vehicles and the apparent inability of the gardaí to cope with the problem; if he is satisfied that the gardaí can be adequately resourced to deal with the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33373/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area in question is owned by Fingal County Council. The only access to this area is through privately owned land. I understand that as a result of advice, and co-operation with the gardaí, the private landowner has now limited the access to the area through his land.
I am further informed that the most recent incident in the area concerned was recorded on 17 March 2005. I am assured by the Garda authorities that policing in this area is kept under constant review in order to ensure that it is tailored to meeting changing circumstances as they occur, and that there are adequate resources to deal with the issues raised by the Deputy.
Asylum Applications.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:345 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant humanitarian leave to a family of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [33374/05]
The person referred to by the Deputy entered the State in March 2003 with her twin children. She was unsuccessful in her application for asylum and was informed that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of her and her children. Representations were made on behalf of the applicant. Following consideration of the file, deportation orders were signed in respect of the family on 15 September 2005.
The family was due to be deported on 18 October 2005 but following representations, a stay was put on the deportation pending a further review of the file. In this respect, extensive correspondence, including a detailed submission dated 4 November 2005 from the person's solicitor, has been received and is being considered at present. A decision as to whether to affirm the deportation orders in this case will be made shortly and this will be communicated directly to the solicitor concerned.
Pension Provisions.
Michael Noonan
Question:346 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of retired members of the Garda Siochána in receipt of pensions without the pension benefit of those allowances which were made pensionable from 1 January 1993; the cost of awarding the pension benefit of these allowances to those persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33375/05]
With effect from 1 January 1993, unsocial hours allowance, which covers night duty, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays was made pensionable under the Garda Síochána pension scheme. There are 1,446 Garda pensioners who retired prior to 1 January 1993 and who do not receive the benefit of unsocial hours allowance in their pensions. The current annual average rate of pension payable in respect of unsocial hours allowances is approximately €4,000 per Garda member. The current annual cost to the Exchequer of awarding a pension based on unsocial hours allowances to those members who are not in receipt of such pension benefits is estimated at €5,784,000.
There are also a number of Garda widow's pensions in payment to the widows and children of deceased members who retired prior to the date in question. However, it is not possible to readily ascertain the cost of paying unsocial hours benefit to these pensioners.
The position on the pensionability of Garda allowances is that the Government decided in September 2001 to accept the thrust of the package of reforms recommended by the Commission on Public Service Pensions and to establish a working group to advise on implementation, as provided for in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. Parallel structures with the same remit were established in the case of the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. The operational details of the implementation of the commission recommendations have been agreed by Government following receipt of a report from the implementation working group and a report from the Garda parallel working group.
The commission considered the issue of parity of pensions for members of the Garda Síochána who retired prior to 1993 who do not receive the unsocial allowance element in their pensions, and for those who retired prior to 1982 who do not receive rent and other allowance elements in their pensions. The commission also examined the specific issue of the pensionability of allowances for members of the Garda Síochána and others, as part of its deliberations, but having assessed the arguments, did not recommend any increase in pension for the groups involved. Having regard to the commission's report, I have no plans to initiate a further review on the matter.
Garda Remuneration.
Michael Noonan
Question:347 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the allowances payable to members of the Garda Siochána which were made pensionable in 1982; the allowances which were made pensionable in 1993; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33376/05]
With effect from 1 October 1982, the following allowances were made pensionable under the Garda Síochána pensions scheme, namely, those in respect of rent, instructor, transport, public service vehicles, radio, Ministers' drivers, substitution, sub-aqua, Gaeltacht, weights and measures and clerical. With effect from 1 January 1993, unsocial hours allowance, which covers night duty, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, was made pensionable.
The position is that the Government decided in September 2001 to accept the thrust of the package of reforms recommended by the Commission on Public Service Pensions and to establish a working group to advise on implementation, as provided for in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. Parallel structures with the same remit were established in the case of the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. The operational details of the implementation of the commission recommendations have been agreed by Government following receipt of a report from the implementation working group and a report from the Garda parallel working group.
The commission considered the issue of parity of pensions for members of the Garda Síochána who retired prior to 1993 who do not receive the unsocial allowance element in their pensions and for those who retired prior to 1982 who do not receive rent and other allowance elements in their pensions. The commission also examined the specific issue of the pensionability of allowances for members of the Garda Síochána and others, as part of its deliberations, but having assessed the arguments, did not recommend any increase in pension for the groups involved. Having regard to the commission's report, I have no plans to initiate a further review on the matter.
Consultancy Contracts.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:348 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his internal auditors are satisfied with the procurement process used in the purchase of a consultancy service (details supplied); if the process used conforms with the Department of Finance guidelines. [33416/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:349 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if value for money has been achieved by his Department in its purchase of a consultancy service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33425/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:350 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if any of his officials have attended as VIP guests at a conference organised by a company (details supplied); the locations, dates and costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33434/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:351 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his knowledge of a consultancy service (details supplied); the number of officials of his Department who are members of this particular programme; the basis on which the decision was taken to subscribe at this level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33443/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:352 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of competing companies that were considered in his Department’s assessment before a company (details supplied) was granted a programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33452/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 348 to 352, inclusive, together.
My Department has a basic entry level contract with the company in question for vendor independent research material on the IT industry worldwide. The contract is for one senior official to have access to all the research material in question with regular reports on areas of special interest and also to request deeper analysis, as required. There are a number of briefings offered each year as part of this basic service. While there is a vast quantity of free information or material supplied by vendors available in the public domain, it is considered appropriate that a more substantive source is also availed of, especially when considering claims of rival vendors. The value of the contract with the Department in 2005 is €14,250. This is considered to represent good value for money and a more cost effective way of obtaining independent and reliable information than commissioning periodic studies and reviews. Above all, access to this service helps my Department to ensure that IT procurement decisions are soundly based and that good value for money is achieved.
At the time of the award of the initial contract in 1998 the Department availed of a central Civil Service wide agreement with the firm in question for analysis services which had been facilitated by the Centre for Management, Organisation and Development or CMOD. Since then our contract has varied slightly over time and at each renewal other companies' products are examined. The situation will be reviewed again when the current contract expires next year, in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines on the procurement of goods and services. Given the wide range of goods and services procured by my Department every year, it is not possible for the internal audit unit to review every individual procurement. It would be a departure from normal audit practice were the unit to do so. Our internal audit has had no particular reason to examine the procurement referred to by the Deputy and has no evidence to suggest that the Department of Finance guidelines were not adhered to.
In so far as the additional services and executive programme referred to by the Deputy are concerned, the position is that my Department is not a member of that programme and no staff member from my Department has attended the event mentioned.
Citizenship Applications.
Phil Hogan
Question:353 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made regarding an application for citizenship by a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33456/05]
In my response to Question No. 261 on 27 October 2005, I informed the House that I asked my officials to expedite the processing of the application of the person concerned. Processing is now almost finalised and I understand that the case file is due to be referred to me for a decision in the next few days. I will inform both the Deputy and the applicant when I have reached a decision in the matter.
Garda Stations.
Emmet Stagg
Question:354 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amendments proposed by the Garda Síochána to the revised sketch scheme for the new Leixlip Garda station; the person responsible for agreeing or disagreeing to these proposed amendments; when a decision will be made; and, if the amendments are agreed to, may the Office of Public Works then proceed with the public consultation process or must it resubmit a new revised sketch scheme for approval. [33512/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 501 of 8 November 2005, which set out the current position with regard to the proposed new Garda station for Leixlip. The Office of Public Works, taking into account constraints such as architecture and available space, will incorporate the requested changes into its plans. These changes and the manner in which they have been incorporated into the plans will have to be signed off by the Garda authorities. I can assure the Deputy that this process will be progressed with due urgency. The Deputy will appreciate my reluctance on security grounds to enter into the public record details of the internal layout of this or any other Garda station or premises.
Road Traffic Offences.
Róisín Shortall
Question:355 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Question No. 363 of 12 October 2005, if he will provide the figures requested. [33515/05]
I have made inquiries with the Garda authorities and the information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the following table. This table lists the Garda stations in which evidential breath testing machines are installed and the number of breath tests conducted in each station for the years 2002 to 2004 as supplied by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety. These figures may include tests carried out for demonstration or training purposes.
I am further informed that the Medical Bureau of Road Safety maintains evidential breath testing instrument records, including the number of tests carried out by each instrument. The number of tests conducted in 2004 is provisional pending publication of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety annual report for 2004.
|
Station |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
Ashbourne |
0 |
0 |
61 |
|
Athlone |
120 |
75 |
100 |
|
Ballina |
149 |
127 |
76 |
|
Baltinglass |
15 |
26 |
18 |
|
Bandon |
44 |
23 |
27 |
|
Bantry |
0 |
5 |
9 |
|
Belmullet |
3 |
24 |
20 |
|
Birr |
25 |
46 |
47 |
|
Blanchardstown |
545 |
476 |
474 |
|
Bray |
17 |
118 |
105 |
|
Bridewell, Cork |
209 |
199 |
182 |
|
Bruff |
8 |
28 |
36 |
|
Buncrana |
55 |
96 |
67 |
|
Cahirciveen |
12 |
8 |
2 |
|
Carlow |
184 |
145 |
192 |
|
Carrick on Shannon |
86 |
97 |
110 |
|
Carrickmacross |
2 |
6 |
35 |
|
Castlebar |
203 |
208 |
194 |
|
Cavan |
118 |
35 |
33 |
|
Clifden |
2 |
17 |
34 |
|
Clonmel |
44 |
98 |
182 |
|
Donegal |
72 |
64 |
79 |
|
Drogheda |
241 |
197 |
226 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
356 |
157 |
164 |
|
Dundalk |
246 |
195 |
179 |
|
Dungarvan |
54 |
82 |
93 |
|
Ennis |
181 |
126 |
127 |
|
Ennistymon |
46 |
3 |
17 |
|
Galway |
223 |
309 |
377 |
|
Glenties |
2 |
27 |
18 |
|
Gorey |
19 |
67 |
78 |
|
Gort |
0 |
0 |
31 |
|
Henry St, Limerick |
450 |
376 |
429 |
|
Kanturk |
0 |
0 |
39 |
|
Kells |
106 |
0 |
39 |
|
Kilkenny |
105 |
80 |
86 |
|
Killarney |
225 |
121 |
176 |
|
Kilrush |
2 |
184 |
61 |
|
Letterkenny |
213 |
195 |
173 |
|
Longford |
58 |
84 |
86 |
|
Loughrea |
51 |
71 |
66 |
|
Macroom |
0 |
10 |
33 |
|
Mallow |
50 |
62 |
21 |
|
Midleton |
88 |
94 |
92 |
|
Monaghan |
124 |
53 |
61 |
|
Mullingar |
200 |
136 |
148 |
|
Naas |
324 |
201 |
265 |
|
Nenagh |
0 |
68 |
81 |
|
Newcastle West |
12 |
51 |
67 |
|
Pearse Street |
573 |
397 |
429 |
|
Portlaoise |
182 |
191 |
182 |
|
Roscommon |
133 |
80 |
89 |
|
Santry |
536 |
448 |
377 |
|
Sligo |
152 |
136 |
129 |
|
Store Street |
557 |
349 |
398 |
|
Terenure |
529 |
238 |
232 |
|
Thurles |
150 |
124 |
86 |
|
Tralee |
180 |
143 |
43 |
|
Trim |
0 |
59 |
104 |
|
Tuam |
77 |
90 |
58 |
|
Tullamore |
114 |
91 |
110 |
|
Waterford |
202 |
182 |
206 |
|
Wexford |
183 |
138 |
221 |
|
Wicklow |
91 |
63 |
117 |
|
Total |
8948 |
7599 |
8058 |
Extradition Requests.
Billy Timmins
Question:356 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Question No. 494 of 2 November 2005, the countries which made requests in respect of Nos. 1 to 24, inclusive, on table one and in respect of Nos. 1 to 47, inclusive, on table two. [33549/05]
I regret that I am unable to provide the Deputy with the information sought since to do so may have the effect of alerting some of the people concerned to the fact that a request has been received for their extradition or surrender. This could result in these persons having the opportunity to flee before the requests can be brought before the courts.
Public Service Contracts.
Paul McGrath
Question:357 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Government awarded contracts from 1995 to 2004, inclusive, that over-ran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified; if the people responsible for the incorrect specifications were held to account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33751/05]
My Department's arrangements for procurement and monitoring of expenditure are in line with established Government procedures and the Department's appropriation accounts are subject to scrutiny by the Comptroller and Auditor General in the normal way. Therefore, I refer the Deputy to the audited appropriation accounts and annual reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General for the years in question.
Disadvantaged Status.
Marian Harkin
Question:358 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science if disadvantaged status will be granted to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [33539/05]
John Perry
Question:359 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science when the disadvantaged status will be granted to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33671/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 358 and 359 together.
My Department's approach to tackling disadvantage has been refined in more recent initiatives to ensure that individual, at-risk pupils are targeted. Rather than the old method of designating schools as disadvantaged, we now provide supports that are commensurate with the levels of concentration in schools of pupils with characteristics that are associated with educational disadvantage.
The school to which the Deputy refers is included in the rural dimension of my Department's Giving Children an Even Break programme, aimed at combating educational disadvantage. The school receives additional financial resources to provide educational supports to be targeted at disadvantaged pupils.
A key element of delivering equality of opportunity in schools, DEIS, the new action plan for educational inclusion, is the putting in place of a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage in our primary and second level schools for the purposes of qualifying for resources, both human and financial, according to the degree of disadvantaged experienced. This standardised system will replace all of the existing arrangements for targeting schools for participation in initiatives to address disadvantage.
As a result of the identification process, approximately 600 primary schools, comprising 300 urban-town and 300 rural, and 150 second level schools will be included in a new school support programme, SSP. The SSP will bring together and build upon a number of existing interventions for schools and school clusters and communities with a concentrated level of educational disadvantage.
We anticipate being in a position to notify participating schools regarding the outcome of the ongoing identification process by the end of the year.
Pension Provisions.
Tony Gregory
Question:360 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if progress has been made regarding the transferability of teachers’ pensions between here and the Six Counties, where teachers worked in both jurisdictions, in the context of the Good Friday Agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33377/05]
The North-South Ministerial Council agreed at a sectoral meeting in February 2000 that a joint working group on teachers' superannuation should be set up to consider the question of transferring the superannuation entitlements of teachers between this State and Northern Ireland.
The working group has identified a range of options for effecting transfer arrangements. The group is fully aware that the superannuation arrangements of teachers cannot be considered in isolation and that any arrangements proposed in the case of teachers will have to have full regard to the costs and other implications for employers in the public sector generally. In this context, the North-South Ministerial Council, which established the group, decided at its plenary meeting on 28 June 2002, that a broad-based working group should be set up to consider the question of superannuation generally, including the mobility of pension rights not only between this jurisdiction and Northern Ireland but between this jurisdiction and the wider United Kingdom. The North-South Ministerial Council was suspended, however, before it could formally establish the broad-based group.
Pending a return to devolution and the establishment of the broad-based working group, it is unlikely that any arrangements for North-South transfers can be finalised.
I should add that the College of Commissioners of the European Union has recently proposed that a directive be made by the European Parliament regarding the portability of pension rights between member states. These proposals will be taken account of by the joint working group on teachers' superannuation.
Special Educational Needs.
Tony Gregory
Question:361 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the submission from a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 regarding the allocation of resource teachers; her further views on the present system of allocation of resource teachers based on numbers and school size and not on need and therefore perpetrates inequality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33378/05]
Tony Gregory
Question:362 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if the present staffing of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 will be retained and additional staffing considered. [33379/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 361 and 362 together.
I confirm that my Department has received a submission from the school in question regarding the retention of existing special needs teaching posts. I also confirm that there has been no reduction in the current level of teaching supports at this school.
The submission will be considered as quickly as possible and my officials will be in contact with the school authorities as soon as this process has been completed.
Third Level Fees.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:363 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the financial support available to assist a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33380/05]
I understand that the person referred to by the Deputy is due to commence a postgraduate course of study in the United Kingdom in January 2006.
The third level student support schemes, administered by the local authorities and vocational education committees, on behalf of my Department do not extend to postgraduate study outside the island of Ireland.
Any extension of the current arrangements to provide for students pursuing postgraduate courses outside the island of Ireland could only be considered in the light of available resources and other competing demands within the education sector.
However, section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 provides tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU member states and in non-EU countries. Further details and application forms — the IT 31 form — to claim tax relief on tuition fees are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
Site Acquisitions.
Catherine Murphy
Question:364 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to ensure school sites are provided in conjunction with the development of new houses and communities; the role she envisages the construction industry will play in such integrated development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33455/05]
I am conscious of the pressures being placed on education providers in areas of major population growth. In this context, my Department is prioritising the provision of new and enhanced educational facilities in these areas. The prioritisation criteria, recently revised in consultation with the education partners, allocates a top priority, band-one, rating to school building projects in such areas.
My Department is included among the prescribed authorities to whom local authorities are statutorily obliged to send draft development plans or proposed variations to development plans for comment. As a matter of course, meetings are arranged with local authorities to establish the location, scale and pace of any major proposed developments and sites are reserved, where necessary, to ensure, as far as possible, the timely delivery of any required education infrastructure. Furthermore, under the provisions of the strategic development zones, SDZ, it is generally the position that sites must be reserved for schools and also that the schools must be developed in line with the housing and other developments.
In addition, the school planning section of my Department is working proactively with some local authorities to explore the possibility of the development of school provision in tandem with the development of community facilities. This enhanced co-operation has the effect of minimising my Department's land requirements and thus reducing site costs, while at the same time providing local communities with new schools with enhanced facilities.
With regard to the provision of sites for school infrastructure, the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 do not place any onus on developers to provide school sites other than at market rates. I am keeping an open mind on whether legislative change might be of assistance or prove the best way forward here. Any changes in this area would require careful consideration in the context of constitutional protection for private property and, indeed, in weighing up how any reduction in the price per acre of any land given for schools development might impact on the unit costs and affordability of houses developed on the remaining lands.
School Transport.
Paul Connaughton
Question:365 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will examine the case of a family (details supplied) and the problems that they are experiencing in relation to the provision of school transport; if she will ensure that the remote transport grant will issue in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33551/05]
A report furnished to the Department earlier this year by Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport services on behalf of my Department, has indicated that the children referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy are not attending their nearest national school. A previous report from Bus Éireann stated that the school currently being attended was their nearest.
The family was paid a remote area grant on the basis that the children were eligible for transport to the school in question but no transport service was available. When the error came to light the family was informed of the position and payment of the grant ceased.
The family may appeal my Department's decision the school transport appeals board.
Public Service Contracts.
Paul McGrath
Question:366 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of Government awarded contracts from 1995 until 2004 inclusive that over-ran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified; if the people responsible for the incorrect specifications were held to account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33752/05]
All contracts awarded by my Department are in compliance with existing guidelines on public procurement under EU and national rules. I am not aware of any contracts that over-ran financially due to their having been incorrectly specified.
Defence Forces Recruitment.
Bernard Allen
Question:367 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence when each officer of the new Reserve Defence Forces will receive formal notification of their new appointment; in the case of reserve officers appointed as unit commanders, when will they take over command; and the way in which this will be communicated. [33382/05]
Formal notification of posting of officers to appointments in the Defence Forces, including RDF officers, is effected by means of an amendment to the Gazette. Such amendments are normally published monthly.
In the case of the appointment of officers, including commanding officers, to the new RDF establishment, the military authorities have proposed the publication of a special Gazette amendment, which will include all officer appointments encompassing 671 officers. The military authorities have informed me that this will be published shortly and all appointments will be with effect from 1 October 2005, when the new organisation came into effect.
Defence Forces Review.
Bernard Allen
Question:368 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence if, having regard to the stated policy requirement that each new reserve unit will have a close supportive working relationship with a PDF unit, the way in which this requirement was met in the location of new reserve units headquarters shown in the published brochure for the first southern brigade area; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, in the case of the reserve units located in Sarsfield Barracks and Kickham Barracks, the relevant PDF units are in Collins Barracks, Cork, and in the case of all infantry and artillery units not one of the headquarters is located with the parent units in Collins Barracks. [33383/05]
The Reserve Defence Force review implementation plan, which was launched in July 2004, started a process that will lead to a significantly enhanced Reserve Defence Force capability while ensuring the preservation of the traditional strengths of the reserve such as the spirit of voluntary commitment, the maintaining of strong links with local communities and a nationwide geographical spread.
On 1 October 2005, an important milestone in the process was reached with the introduction of the new reserve organisational structures. The reserve is now organised along similar lines to the Permanent Defence Force with an Army reserve comprising three brigades and a Reserve Defence Force training authority and a dedicated Naval Service Reserve. The close working and support relationship between PDF and RDF units is an important contributory factor in ensuring that the RDF will acquire the appropriate capabilities as well as enhancing RDF and PDF interoperability, which is a key focus of the implementation plan. This will require co-operation between affiliated PDF and RDF units. The RDF training strategy specifies a number of ways in which the PDF and RDF will co-operate in training for improved capabilities and interoperability.
The revision of RDF training syllabi and the acquisition of modern weapons for RDF units will contribute to enhanced RDF capability and interoperability. In addition, the provision of PDF instructors to RDF units during periods of full-time instruction, RDF personnel undertaking training with PDF units, RDF personnel participating in exercises with PDF units, PDF assessment of RDF training and the PDF providing training facilities including transport, equipment and infrastructure for RDF training, are just some examples of the type of support and working relationships that are envisaged.
The development of the integrated element of the reserve will further enhance the working and support relationship between the PDF and the RDF, as will the development of policies for the selection of suitably qualified reserve personnel for overseas service. The military authorities carefully considered all of the aforementioned issues in developing a plan for the new reserve organisational structures. The widespread consultation that was a feature of the planning process was an essential factor in ensuring that the new reserve organisational structures are consistent with the Reserve Defence Force review implementation plan requirements. The plan was supported by the representative associations in particular the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association and I am confident that new reserve organisational structures throughout the country are appropriate and will contribute to a greatly enhanced reserve capability.
Defence Forces Reserve.
Bernard Allen
Question:369 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the legislative or regulatory changes which were made prior to the launching of the new Reserve Defence Force; the effective dates of same; and in what force are members of the FCA. [33384/05]
On Saturday, 1 October, I formally launched the reorganised reserve at a ceremony in Sarsfields Barracks, Limerick. This reorganisation involves the disestablishment and amalgamation of reserve units throughout the country. The following necessary regulatory changes were signed by myself with an effective date of 1 October 2005: Amendment No. 2 to Defence Force Regulations A.1 — Statutory Powers, Duties and Functions; Amendment No. 70 to Defence Force Regulations A.7 — Discipline; Amendment No. 22 to Defence Force Regulations A.18 — Military Command; Amendment No. 315 to Defence Force Regulations C.S.4 — Organisation of the Defence Forces; Amendment No. 1 to Defence Force Regulations L.2 — Weapons, Ammunition, Explosives and other items of Ordnance; a new Regulation R.5 (New Series) — Reserve Defence Force; and Defence Regulations R.5 An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil and Defence Force Regulations R.6 — an Slua Muirí were revoked.
The class of the Reserve Defence Forces previously called the Reserve of Officers, an Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil, shall now be known as the Reserve of Officers, Army Reserve, and the class previously called the Reserve of Men, an Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil, shall now be known as the Reserve of Enlisted Personnel, Army Reserve.
State Property.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:370 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence if his Department will arrange to have refuse removed from land owned by his Department (details supplied). [33385/05]
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:371 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the disposal of a small section of property to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that no further developments have taken place for the past 12 months. [33386/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 370 and 371 together.
My Department holds two small plots of land on a laneway which was part of the former military barracks in the locality in question. In recent years, there has been unauthorised encroachment upon those plots by another party and my Department is addressing the matter of that encroachment in consultation with the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. The Department will investigate the question of refuse on its property and will arrange for its removal as appropriate. The disposal of these plots of land will be addressed following resolution of the unauthorised encroachment.
Service Medals.
Billy Timmins
Question:372 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the various types of medals that are issued by his Department to members or former members of the Defence Forces; if consideration has been given to the issuing of service medals to the soldiers of the former national Army of Saorstát Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33550/05]
The following tables list the medals issued by my Department.
Medals Issued for Service before 1924
1916 Medal
Service Medal (War of Independence)
Commemoration Medals (1966) Anniversary of Easter Rising
Commemoration Medals (1967) Anniversary of the War of Independence / Truce
Medals Issue for Service after 31 July1924
Emergency Service Medal
Good Conduct Medal
Service Medal
Military Medal For Gallantry
Distinguished Service Medal
Service Medal (Reserve Defence Force)
UN Peacekeepers Medal
Military Star
No medals have ever been struck for personnel who had military service in the National Army.
Given the unreliability of the records for that period, assessing individual eligibility would now be very problematical.
Public Service Contracts.
Paul McGrath
Question:373 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the number of Government awarded contracts from 1995 until 2004 inclusive that over-ran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified; if the people responsible for the incorrect specifications were held to account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33753/05]
My Department has not experienced contracts that over-ran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified.
Building Regulations.
Trevor Sargent
Question:374 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the bleak future for fossil-fuel prices, and the high quality of energy-conservation and insulation technologies which are already available, he will consider a radical upgrade in energy conservation and building regulations to move Ireland to a position where new buildings require almost or entirely no heating. [33465/05]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 191 of 25 October 2005.
I opened the "passive house" near Wicklow town, on 3 November 2005, which incorporates the following features: solar panels in the roof — which will provide 50% of domestic hot water needs; triple glazed windows — sized to take account of north-south orientation; heat recovery ventilation system-recovering heat from warm air leaving house and using it to heat cold air entering the house, and very high levels of internal and external insulation.
The passive house is claimed to require no central heating and to use just 10% of the energy used in a normal house. The performance of this demonstration house will be monitored, over the next two years, by Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, and following that consideration will be given to potential changes to the building regulations.
Planning Issues.
Dan Neville
Question:375 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines that are issued to planning authorities under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as it applies to quarries. [33390/05]
My Department issued guidelines to planning authorities on quarries and ancillary activities in April 2004 to coincide with the commencement of section 261 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 which was commenced from with effect from 28 April 2004. Section 261 introduced a once-off system of registration for all quarries except quarries which received planning permission in the five years preceding 28 April 2004. The guidelines, which were issued under section 28 of the 2000 Planning Act, offer guidance to planning authorities on planning for the quarrying industry through the development plan and determining applications for planning permission for quarrying and ancillary activities. They are also a practical guide to the implementation of section 261.
Referendum Commissions.
Fiona O'Malley
Question:376 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of the referendum commission on a yearly basis since 2000. [33391/05]
Six referendum commissions have been established since 2000 under the Referendum Act 1998. The referenda related to the abolition of the death penalty, the International Criminal Court and the Treaty of Nice in 2001; protection of human life in pregnancy and the Treaty of Nice in 2002; and citizenship in 2004. The cost of each commission was met by the sponsoring Department. Details of the costs involved are set out in the published reports of the referendum commissions, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
Consultancy Contracts.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:377 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his internal auditors are satisfied with the procurement process used in the purchase of a consultancy service (details supplied); if the process used conforms with the Department of Finance guidelines. [33417/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:378 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if value for money has been achieved by his Department in its purchase of a consultancy service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33426/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:379 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if any of his officials have attended as VIP guests at a conference organised by a company (details supplied); the locations, dates and costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33435/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:380 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his knowledge of a consultancy service (details supplied); the number of officials of his Department who are members of this particular programme; the basis on which the decision was taken to subscribe at this level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33444/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:381 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of competing companies that were considered in his Department’s assessment before a company (details supplied) was granted a programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33453/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 377 to 381, inclusive, together.
Staff in my Department have not participated in the executive programme referred to in the question and have not attended the conference mentioned. The company concerned provides a database of research material relating to ICT and business. My Department pays an annual subscription which allows staff to access and download from the database independent advice on various topics including information technology, e-government, project management and business-ICT related strategies. This information is used in developing strategies, preparation of tenders, selection of technologies and information technology problem solving. It also allows ICT staff in my Department to keep abreast of the latest advances in information technology and is considered to have provided value for money to date.
The contract is fixed price for one year and is reviewed at renewal time each year. My Department is satisfied that the service involved is not readily available by other means, that it represents good value for money and that its procurement has been in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines.
Social and Affordable Housing.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:382 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding provided by his Department to Kildare County Council for the purchase of social housing units, under the Part V provision of the Planning and Development Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33459/05]
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:383 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding provided by his Department to Athy Town Council for the purchase of social housing units under the Part V provision of the Planning and Development Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33460/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
I propose to take Question Nos. 382 and 383 together.
The capital allocations to Kildare County Council and Athy Town Council in 2005 for their housing construction and acquisition programmes includes provision for the acquisition of 63 units currently under construction under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2004.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:384 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding provided to Kildare County Council to support the establishment of group water schemes in the years 1997 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33461/05]
Details are set out in the following table of the amounts allocated to, and drawn down by, Kildare County Council in respect of the group water schemes measure of the devolved rural water programme during the period 1997 to 2005.
|
Year |
Amount Allocated |
Amount Drawn Down |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
1997 |
351,546 |
417,806* |
|
1998 |
1,012,837 |
1,128,164* |
|
1999 |
1,160,350 |
1,294,717* |
|
2000 |
735,000 |
605,314 |
|
2001 |
1,275,000 |
1,781,535* |
|
2002 |
1,850,000 |
528,549 |
|
2003 |
1,250,000 |
814,019 |
|
2004 |
950,000 |
343,667 |
|
2005 |
1,268,000 |
500,000 to date |
* Excess over allocation funded from savings in other areas.
Road Network.
John Deasy
Question:385 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make additional funding available to Waterford City Council for remedial works on the Waterford to Tramore road in view of the continuing frequent flooding of same causing closure of the roadway on a regular basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33543/05]
The maintenance and improvement of non-national roads in Waterford city is a matter for Waterford City Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants. The initial selection of works to be funded under the various grant categories is also a matter for the council.
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government's memorandum on grants for non-national roads indicates that the cost of remedial works on non-national roads, necessitated by flooding, storm damage and other severe weather conditions, must be met from local authorities' own resources and block grants provided by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Local authorities have been advised that they should set aside contingency sums from these resources to finance such works. In 2005, a block grant of €494,000 and a special block grant for footpath and carriageway restoration works of €623,000 were allocated to Waterford City Council.
Rural Renewal Scheme.
John Perry
Question:386 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications in counties Sligo and Leitrim that have not yet been inspected with reference to the final inspections on application for the rural renewal upper Shannon tax incentive scheme; if additional personnel have been appointed to deal with the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33553/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Some 22 applications are at present awaiting inspection in County Sligo and some 37 in County Leitrim. Inspections by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government under the rural renewal scheme are continually monitored and, where necessary, steps by way of redeploying inspectors are taken to minimise any delays that may occur.
Departmental Correspondence.
John Perry
Question:387 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the certificate of reasonable cost has not yet been issued to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; when the inspection will be carried out in view of the fact that it is required for further processing; the reason for the delays in carrying out the inspection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33556/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
An inspection, with a view to the issue of a certificate of reasonable cost, if in order, will be carried out as soon as possible.
Public Service Contracts.
Paul McGrath
Question:388 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of Government awarded contracts from 1995 until 2004 inclusive that over-ran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified; if the people responsible for the incorrect specifications were held to account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33754/05]
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has more than 3,700 suppliers of goods and services. Accordingly, it would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work to examine the files relating to all contracts awarded in the period specified to determine the information sought in the question.