Vol. 611 No. 2
52 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the benefits the Government’s Transport 21 plan will bring to rural communities throughout Ireland; his views on whether the plan provides the necessary infrastructure to allow rural Ireland achieve its potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36934/05]
87 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the implications of the Government’s Transport 21 plan for road and rail infrastructure in rural Ireland; his views on whether the current transport infrastructure is insufficient to meet the needs of many in rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36935/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 87 together.
The launch of Transport 21 was a major boost to the future of rural Ireland. The investment of €34.4 billion will transform this country's transport network within a ten year financial framework and will deliver better and more balanced regional development. This will be achieved through improved road and rail services throughout the State and the expansion of the rural transport initiative, putting it on a permanent basis. The benefits include improved access, faster travel times, safer roads and better public transport. Transport 21 is essential because existing infrastructure requires improvement across the State. As I stated in a press release on 1 November 2005, these works will now provide the necessary major infrastructure for the west to reach its potential.
My concern is for people who are in isolated and remote areas of rural Ireland, away from the national primary and secondary routes and railway lines. At the moment, sub-post offices are closing. This will cause a transport problem for senior citizens or for people who are dependent upon social welfare. Old age pensioners and invalidity pensioners are entitled to free travel. Their free travel is no use to them unless they can access the routes. The rural transport initiative is there, but it needs to be greatly expanded. The Minister stated that it will be put on a permanent basis and that further resources will be invested.
However, given what was stated in that plan, was it not somewhat disingenuous for the Minister to paint it as a major breakthrough for rural Ireland? I refer to the people in such areas who require transport in order to collect pensions on a weekly basis, to socialise, to travel to and from towns or to keep hospital appointments where ambulance services or similar services are not available. With regard to such people, for whose welfare all Members, including the Minister, are concerned, were his comments in respect of Transport 21 on 1 November not completely out of context? Is it not misleading to give the impression that a brave new world is about to be created in terms of transport and transport communication for people in rural Ireland?
The Deputy has asked questions about ambulances and many other matters.
That is disingenuous of the Minister. I explained what I meant.
The Department of Transport has responsibility for the national primary and secondary roads.
The Minister is taking much of the public credit for it.
Constitutionally, we are one Government.
I meant the Minister personally.
It also has responsibility for public transport services such as buses and trains. Essentially, Transport 21 is concerned with public transport, that is, buses and trains, as well as major national routes. The map published with this plan shows that, unlike previous transport plans, this one deals with isolated areas in terms of national routes. For that reason, I particularly welcomed its inclusion of the coastal national secondary routes. I am sure Deputy McGinley will agree with me that for people living in Gweedore or on the N56, the inclusion of routes like the N56 and the N59, where people live 40 or 50 miles from national primary routes, was an essential ingredient if the transport plan was to benefit everyone.
The commitment in respect of the western rail corridor constitutes the biggest ever re-opening of a railway line undertaken in this country. It reverses the trends of years, particularly in the context of the west. Since the plan's publication, I have met representatives of Iarnród Éireann with regard to the preservation and clearing of the line from Claremorris to Collooney. Moreover, Iarnród Éireann has indicated to me that it is ready to get estimates for the cost of that work as quickly as possible, which is of vital importance for the future.
This plan puts rural transport for pensioners of the type to which the Deputy referred on a permanent basis and provides extra funding for this purpose in future. It is important to provide transport for pensioners and public transport, particularly buses as well as trains, must be upgraded. However, the population at large, young and old, travel on roads. Hence, having a good spinal system of roads is vital.
I take an integrated view. I have matched, euro for euro, money for roads from local improvement schemes, because some people use such roads to go from their houses to the next category of road. Similarly, I have invested extra funding from the CLÁR scheme into the next category of road, namely, class 3 roads. The Government has invested an unprecedented amount in regional roads throughout the country, which for many people is the next category of road. Thereafter, in many cases, one reaches a national secondary route. In that regard, there is a major commitment to a focused strategy on national secondary routes as part of Transport 21. To get to the main urban centres, most people rely on national primary routes. The Government is carrying out major work on the national primary routes to provide integrated improvements in transport and road services, as well as an equivalent improvement in rail services, during the period of the plan.
I must remind Members that, under Standing Orders, supplementary questions are limited to one minute, as are the answers to them.
The Minister has a map in his possession showing the details of Transport 21. While I do not, I remember noticing significant gaps at the great launch of the plan. Does the Minister not agree there are significant gaps in infrastructural development under the Transport 21 scheme? I refer in particular to the north west. Admittedly, Northern Ireland gets in the way. Have any negotiations, discussions or meetings been held between the authorities here and those in Northern Ireland? When one considers the fate of previous plans, we all have reservations in respect of the current one. Only 60% of the last plan has been completed. Be that as it may, what plans, arrangements or negotiations have taken place to ensure that if roads are built up to the Border, people will be able to pass through Northern Ireland to reach places such as County Donegal in the north west?
The Deputy must ask that question of the Minister for Transport. However, I am sure his heart was warmed yesterday on learning that work on the Castleblayney bypass has commenced.
Yes.
As the Deputy is aware, the first phase of the Monaghan bypass is under construction and the Carrickmacross bypass has been completed. That means that if one uses the M1 motorway, one nearly has a straight run from Dublin all the way to the Border. As the Deputy is also aware, the Ballyshannon and Bundoran bypasses are under construction. Some years ago, the Donegal and Barnesmore Gap bypasses were completed. In addition, one should consider the N56 and the opening of the Sligo relief road. It is of vital importance to the north west if one travels down the Atlantic corridor, as it will be known.
Are any negotiations taking place with the Northern Ireland authorities?
I do not know. That would be a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Transport. I suggest the Deputy should table a question for him. However, it is clear that the north west is to the forefront of the plan. Within this jurisdiction, it is all happening for the north west as far as roads are concerned, and not before time. In a few years' time, if there are no developments in Northern Ireland, people will give thanks that they are travelling on the better roads of the South. Many people would not have believed that 15 years ago.
The Minister will not be surprised to learn that I do not share his optimism in respect of his initiatives pertaining to rural transport. Would he accept that his much-vaunted initiative on the western rail corridor actually concerns a western rail hallway? It does not come close to being a corridor, which would extend from Cork to Sligo. Currently, given the continuation of a radial system in and out of Dublin, one should not be obliged to go from Cork to Limerick via Tipperary or from Cork to Galway via Portarlington. What efforts has the Minister made to secure the railway line between Charleville and Limerick? Currently, there is a planning application to build a bungalow on the line at Bruff in County Limerick. What does Transport 21 contain in respect of rural buses? What effort has the Minister made to mainstream the rural link transport initiative? Is this not simply a glossy brochure that maintains things as they are and does not invest resources where they are required? The access to public transport of people in rural communities will be as poor as ever. For those who have had the promise of the opening of part of the western rail corridor dangled before them, is the deadline of 2014 unlikely to be met?
The only circumstance in which it is unlikely to be met is if we are no longer in Government. Work on the western rail corridor will commence next year. As I have already stated, I have had discussions with Iarnród Éireann about preserving the line from Claremorris to Collooney and it has been extremely proactive in this respect, as has the Department of Transport.
I am familiar with the railway line from Bruff to Charleville, to which the Deputy referred. I have a particular interest in the line because my grandfather used to travel on it in the mornings. Unfortunately there was no train back in the evenings so he had to walk the six or seven miles home from school. I suggest the Deputy raise the issue of the line's ownership with the Minister for Transport. I do not even know if it is owned by Iarnród Éireann.
The line has not been closed.
The one through Bruree.
The rails are gone but the line is still in existence. Planning permission has been given to build on it.
I am not the Minister for Transport and, as the Deputy is perfectly aware, I would not know that minor detail. I can tell him, however, that when we open the western rail corridor, one will be able to travel from Sligo to Cork without going to Dublin.
The Minister stated publicly that his Department will provide the funding to carry out the works necessary to clear the line from Claremorris to Collooney, and also to repair or replace fences. Does this mean the project will be carried out under the rural social scheme?
No. I have had discussions with Iarnród Éireann and understand it or a contractor it hires will complete the project.
53 D'fhiafraigh Mr. Gilmore den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ag Fóram na Gaeilge ó thús na bliana; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [36949/05]
Mar is eol don Teachta, bunaíodh Fóram na Gaeilge le comhairle a chur ar fáil maidir le inmholtacht plean straitéiseach 20 bliain a réiteach don Ghaeilge sa Stát le spriocanna réalaíocha; na tosaíochta straitéise gearrthéarmacha do chaomhnú agus do chur chun cinn na Gaeilge laistigh den Stát; na tosaíochta maidir le cur i bhfeidhm Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla; agus na bealaí is fearr agus is praiticiúla chun dul chun cinn a bhaint amach maidir le cur i bhfeidhm na hoibre sin.
Ag eascairt as an bplé a bhí ag an bhfóram i gcomhthéacs a inmholtaí is a bheadh plean straitéiseach don Ghaeilge agus na tosaíochta straitéise gearrthéarmacha do chaomhnú agus do chur chun cinn na Gaeilge laistigh den Stát, tá an cheist maidir le ráiteas soiléir ón Rialtas i ndáil le ról agus tábhacht na Gaeilge tar éis teacht chun cinn mar ábhar tosaíochta. Tá súil agam a bheith in ann tuilleadh a rá faoin saincheist seo go luath.
Bhí ceist thíos ar 26 Deireadh Fómhair agus labhair an tAire ansin faoi ráiteas soiléir i leith na Gaeilge a fhoilsiú go luath. Níor tharla sin go fóill. An mbeidh an ráiteas seo againn roimh an Nollaig, roimh deireadh na bliana, roimh an Cháisc nó roimh deireadh an Rialtais? Céard tá i gceist aige? Bhí muid ag súil an lá deireanach go gcloisfimis rud éigin idir an lá sin agus an lá inniu. Cathain is féidir linn bheith ag súil leis an ráiteas cuimsitheach atá i gceist ag breathnú ar an nGaeilge ina hiomlán? An mbainfidh sé le Roinn an Aire agus le Ranna eile?
Ráiteas ón Rialtas a bheidh i gceist. Clúdóidh sé áit na Gaeilge sa saol, sa bpobal agus sa Stát. Tá fíor-ghá leis seo.
Cé atá ag ullmhú an ráitis seo?
Iarradh ar oifigeach de chuid na Roinne tosú ag réiteach dréachta tar éis cruinniú d'Fhóram na Gaeilge. Tugadh dréacht ar ais ag Fóram na Gaeilge, pléadh é agus rinneadh moltaí áirithe ina leith. Rinneadh tuilleadh oibre air agus ansin iarradh ar shaineolaí breathnú air agus moltaí a dhéanamh. Tá mé féin anois ag breathnú air. Ráiteas Rialtais a bheidh ann agus foilseoidh séé, is cuma cé eile a bheidh páirteach sa bpróiséas. Tá an focal deireanach ag an Rialtas faoina mbeidh istigh ann.
Chuir an Teachta ceist cathain a bheidh an ráiteas ann. Bhí súil agam go mbeadh sé ann roimh deireadh na bliana ach de bharr gnó oibre, ní bheidh sé ann roimh deireadh na bliana. Bheadh súil agam go mbeadh sé ann roimh deireadh mí Márta mar go minic nuair a bhíonn rud mar seo á phlé, bíonn anonn agus anall maidir le leaganacha agus dréachtaí agus tugann sé go minic níos mó ama ná a bheadh duine ag súil leis. B'fhearr liom é a dhéanamh go ceart ach bheadh súil agam go mbeadh sé ann roimh deireadh mí na Márta.
Níl ráiteas an-fhada i gceist. Beidh gá ina dhiaidh sin breathnú ar cheisteanna polasaí straitéiseach agus tá sé in am againn a shocrú cén suíomh atá ag an nGaeilge in Éirinn anois. Tá tuairimí éagsúla ag daoine ach tá sé tábhachtach go smaoineoidh an Rialtas cén áit a cheapann sé atá ann don Ghaeilge sa saol. An mbaineann sé le chuile duine nó an ceart é a choinneáil do elite a mbeadh sé aige? An bhfuil sé fós mar aidhm againn go mbeidh sí mar theanga náisiúnta agus go mbeidh forlámhas agus úinéireacht ag pobal na hÉireann uilig uirthi? Sin iad ceisteanna go gcaithfimid greim a fháil orthu.
Is fada ó bhí ráiteas soiléir ó Rialtas ar bith, ainneoin na rudaí ar fad a rinneadh le TG4, Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla agus stádas na Gaeilge san AE. Tá sé fada ó dúirt aon Rialtas go soiléir ar bhealach intuigthe don phobal cén fís atá aige don Ghaeilge.
Níor shamhlaigh mé riamh go raibh míthuiscint fá sheasamh na Gaeilge chomh fada agus a bhaineann sé leis an Aire agus a pháirtí mar tá athbheochan na Gaeilge mar chéad chloch ar a pháirtí i ndiaidh aontú na tíre.
An mbeidh aon tuairisc nó moltaí curtha ar fáil don Rialtas nó go poiblí? An n-aontódh an tAire go bhfuil an-chuid tuairisciú le blianta anuas maidir leis an Ghaeilge agus an Ghaeltacht ag coimisiúin agus a leithéid eile? Cén fiúntas a bheidh ann le tuairisc eile? Dá bhféadfadh tuairiscí an Ghaeilge a shábháil, bheadh sí sábháilte fada ó shin.
Bíonn tuairiscí faoi gach rud na laethanta seo. Níl seachtain a théann thart nach mbíonn tuairisc éigin ar chúrsaí talmhaíochta agus ar bhochtanas agus mar sin. Ní féidir a rá gur faoin nGaeilge is mó a scríobhtar tuairiscí.
Ó tháinig mé isteach, bhí tuarascáil Choimisiún na Gaeltachta. Bhí 19 moladh aige. Má scrúdaítear na moltaí, tá bunáite acu curtha i bhfeidhm nó á gcur i bhfeidhm, ar nós stádas oifigiúil don Ghaeilge. Aontaím, áfach, nach bhfuil mórán fiúntas tuarascáil a bheith ann muna ndéantar tada faoi.
Tá seo faoi rud níos bunúsaí. Tá daoine sna meáin i gcónaí ag cur na ceiste an bhfuil muid i ndáiríre faoin rud a thugann daoine áirithe air, the sacred cow of the Irish language, nuair nach bhfeidhmítear aon pholasaí ina leith. An iarsma de pholasaí atá ann go ndéanann daoine beannú de Lá'le Pádraig agus nach mbacann siad leis an chuid eile den bhliain? Le fáil réidh leis an míthuiscint sin, tá sé tábhachtach go mbeadh ráiteas soiléir ann atá fréamhaithe i saol 2006 a leagfadh amach go hinléite céard é polasaí an Rialtais, ráiteas a shoiléireoidh suíomh na Gaeilge agus go mbeidh sin ar fáil i gcomhthéacs 2006. Is dóigh liom, ainneoin aon rud a cheapann éinne sa Teach seo atá gafa le cúrsaí Gaeilge, go bhfuil míthuiscint ar an bpobal.
54 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding which is available to persons who do not qualify for the day to day running and development of their projects in view of the fact that emerging needs funding is only available for certain projects. [36833/05]
61 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, in view of the fact that the last plans drawn up by the local drugs task forces were in 2002, when they will be mandated to draw up a new updated plan; and if this is not a more efficient way of dealing with changed conditions rather than by the provision of a centralised emerging needs fund which will provide about €1 million for the 14 task force areas as opposed to the €1 million each task force area got for its 2002 plan. [36830/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 61 together.
The Government has allocated in excess of €95 million to support more than 450 projects contained in the plans of the task forces since 1997. In addition to the moneys available under the action plans in this way, the premises initiative is designed to meet the accommodation needs of community based drugs projects, the majority of which are in local drugs task force, LDTF, areas. To date, more than €12.8 million has been allocated to projects under this initiative.
Each of the local drugs task forces has in place an action plan to tackle drug misuse in their area, based on their own identified priorities. These action plans include a range of measures covering local supply, education and prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The task forces continue to have regular contact with the local communities in which they are based.
Two rounds of plans have been approved for funding to date and these plans are at various stages of implementation in the local drugs task force areas. Furthermore, round II projects which are up and running have to be evaluated with a view to deciding whether there is a case for mainstreaming. At this stage in the process it would not be prudent to make decisions on further rounds of funding for LDTFs.
However, it was brought to my attention last year that demands for services in a number of LDTF areas were arising in the context of changing trends in drug misuse. In view of this I announced an emerging needs fund earlier this year specifically to address pressing needs to deal with gaps in service provision that were not being adequately addressed through existing LDTF measures. To date, I have allocated approximately €181,000 under this fund and other applications are under assessment.
The Minister said he will adhere to the €1 million figure for emerging needs. This is not anywhere near the figure that is required by the 57 proposals so far, only five of which have been dealt with, for emerging needs. That reflects the crisis there is with drugs. It also does not take into account the proposals for emerging needs which were encouraged by the Department. Those proposals will arrive in the Minister's office tomorrow, given that the deadline is November.
Is the Minister of State aware that the figure announced by his colleague, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, a fortnight ago in the Estimates is not sufficient to deal with the demands of the local or regional drugs task forces? In fact, it is at least €8 million short of current demands. When account is taken of the €5 million required for emerging needs projects or the full operation of the regional drugs task force as promised or the eight projects under the young people's funds or the budget required for the national advisory committee on drugs, the money for anti-drugs and drugs rehabilitation and awareness programmes will be €15 million short. Does the Minister believe such a shortfall is contrary to his brother, the Taoiseach's, commitment to the local drugs task forces in October when he spoke to them at the Vital Connections Conference at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham? The Taoiseach said: "...all of us have to be prepared to continue to commit time, energy and resources to the problem going forward". He concluded by saying: "Tackling the drug problem is, and will continue to be, a key priority for Government". Does the Minister of State agree that the paltry sum being suggested is not tackling this matter as a key priority for the Government?
I have often repeated that the Government's priority is to tackle the drugs problem and support local drugs task forces but people seem to want me to repeat it hour after hour. The Government commitment is there——
It is not there with regard to money.
Maybe the Deputy adds noughts on to every figure he considers.
It is not me. This is coming from the local drugs task forces.
This year, although inflation is under 3%, there was an 18% increase in funding. I doubt any other budget heading got such an increase. The Estimates two weeks ago contained an 8% increase. That does not include the forthcoming budget and the Revised Estimates in January.
It was brought to my attention last year that, as the drugs situation evolves, additional funding would be needed to deal with some key emerging needs. We agreed to examine proposals for dealing with key, emerging issues and we ring-fenced approximately €1 million for that. Proposals are coming into the Department——
They were submitted in March and July but they have not been assessed.
We are discussing key emerging needs.
There are 57 projects.
That is additional to what is there at present. The proposals are being examined. I have only received some of them so far and many more are due to arrive. They will be examined and assessed in conjunction with the funds and the other demands on the budget available.
Is it not the problem that the Minister is ignoring the scale of the drugs problem? The Minister is making €1 million available in the emerging needs fund. Is it not the case that projects identified and approved under the criteria agreed with the Department require €4 million to be implemented? The Minister is only making €1 million available at a time when we are told there are huge budgetary surpluses available to the Government. I hope the Minister will answer my specific questions.
Projects have been approved by the national drugs strategy team for which approximately €12 million is required but the Minister of State is only prepared to commit approximately €5 million. As a result of both of these failures to respond to the scale of the problem, the planned strategic response to the drug problem by the regional drugs task forces will soon be in a shambles. This is due to cuts and a refusal to recognise the needs that exist. Is it not the case that as a result of what I have outlined and continued attempts to get the Minister and the Department in touch with reality, a long serving and committed member of the national drugs strategy team has submitted his resignation to the Minister?
Nobody is ignoring the scale of the problem.
It will not be solved with €1 million.
The funding that comes through the local drugs task force and the Department is to deal with gaps in existing services. Services are provided across a range of Departments. A sum of approximately €50 million is spent on projects that started at local drugs task force level. In fact, the scale of Government investment is such that I do not believe people who are actively involved ever dreamt there would be such a level of investment and manpower provided. Almost 600 people are now working on drugs task force projects and young people's fund projects. Eight or nine years ago people did not ever imagine that such a level of resources would be provided.
Despite that, they sought additional funding this year because of the emerging needs and changing situation. I acknowledge that the situation is changing all the time. As a result, we agreed to provide funding despite all the other demands and the 18% increase provided this year. The figures of €5 million and €12 million quoted by the Deputy refer to the regional drugs task forces. There was another round of the young people's fund and another round of the premises fund. There were also the cocaine initiatives. There are many projects. If I allocate €5 million to a group or team to come up with plans, I mean €5 million. Some people think that when one says €5 million they can look for €25 million. If somebody comes up with a proposal costing €6 million, one might try to push the line a little but people must——
These are projects agreed by the Minister's strategy team.
People must realise that if I say €5 million or €10 million, I mean €5 million or €10 million. Certainly, in the next year if there are good proposals, we will try to fund more. We are carrying out significant work, with almost €50 million of projects initiated at local drugs task force level, taking in almost 600 people. However, all that can be thought about is bringing in even more. We are examining the opportunities as they arise, but everybody involved must be realistic and have sense. Good plans will be looked at and assessed, and some, depending on other demands, will be fulfilled also.
Taking into account the Minister of State's reply to Deputy Gregory's question, what steps will be taken to get a Revised Estimate that will take into account the emerging needs and moneys required to ensure that the regional drugs task force, which is long promised, can be fully operational next year? The amount would be similar to that given to the horse and greyhound fund, for example, or other pet Government projects. If there is a crisis it must be dealt with properly, and €1 million does not address the evident crisis.
What steps will the Minister of State take to ensure a Revised Estimate by next week's budget from the Minister for Finance that will increase funding to take account of requests that the Minister of State has agreed are there? If this Revised Estimate is not delivered, will the Minister of State resign as having failed in his job, as many people within the local drugs task forces are calling for because of the emerging debacle over funding for this year and next?
The funding approved for this year, 2005, was an 18% increase, which was enormous. The amount contained in the Estimates was an 8% increase, and we must wait for the Revised Estimates in January. The regional drugs task forces are up and running, and their funding has been approved, some before the summer and some in September. They have drawn down only a small portion allocated to them for this year so it will be there next year also. If this money is spent and there are additional ideas, they will be looked at.
On the emerging needs——
It is not just emerging needs, I stated that if the Revised Estimate is not introduced, the Minister of State should consider resigning as having failed. He has failed totally on the drugs issue.
I do not consider myself as having failed. We have provided enormous resources and there is much good work happening on the ground. We have not yet solved the problem, but we are providing many services under a range of headings. Good plans that come in will be considered, and some will get through.
Maybe in five years' time when the drugs problem is worse.
We are ahead now.
The fund is not there to deal with the Government's whole social inclusion programme. Some people in drugs task forces believe that every plan and measure should be brought forward. While I state that we spend approximately €50 million on projects that begin on local drugs task force level, the Department of Health and Children and the HSE spend more than that every year on treatment. There is massive Government funding across a range of headings.
The Minister of State is clearly not listening to his strategy team.
There is a problem, with cocaine being an example. This is coming in from South America, mainly from Colombia, and I know the Deputy has some contacts there. We are trying to deal with that problem.
The Minister of State has stated that there is a problem.
I accept this situation is changing, evolving and moving all the time and we are dealing with it.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
