Ruairí Quinn
Question:8 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the definition of homeless or homelessness his Department uses for social welfare purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4720/06]
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 7, inclusive, answered orally.
Homeless Persons.
Eamon Ryan
Question:32 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether the use of supplementary rent allowance continues to be effective in view of the criticisms raised in Focus Ireland’s five-year strategy regarding shortcomings in homelessness preventive measures, especially among key vulnerable groups. [4687/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 32 together.
The Government is committed to addressing homelessness in a comprehensive and co-ordinated manner. Substantial progress is being made under the Government's strategy on adult homelessness, in addressing the needs of people who are homeless and in assisting them to move to accommodation that is more suitable to their needs. This has been done through the recognition that a solution to homelessness is not just about the provision of shelter or funding but that there is a need for a comprehensive approach involving health care and welfare, education, training and support, as well as accommodation, to enable homeless persons to re-integrate into society and to prevent others from becoming homeless.
As homeless persons have the same entitlements under the social welfare system as any other persons and are subject to the same qualifying conditions, there is no definition of homeless or homelessness for social welfare purposes. If homeless persons are unemployed but capable of and genuinely seeking work, then they can apply for unemployment assistance. They can be paid basic supplementary welfare allowance, SWA, if they do not fulfil the conditions for any other primary weekly payment from my Department. In addition, they can also apply for payments such as rent supplement diet supplement and exceptional needs payments under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
One of the most important supports provided to homeless people through the social welfare system is assistance with rent deposits to enable them to secure private rented accommodation. Some €5.8 million was provided for rent deposits in 2005.
The Government's strategic approach to tackling poverty and social exclusion is set out in Ireland's national action plan against poverty and social exclusion, NAP/inclusion, which contains a common objective of "preventing the risks of exclusion". The plan reflects, among other priorities, the Government's continued commitment to addressing housing and accommodation needs and to ending homelessness.
On the specific issue of homelessness, the NAP/inclusion commits to the provision of sufficient and appropriate emergency accommodation for rough sleepers in each local authority and health board area, in conjunction with appropriate outreach services to enable them to access it, leading to a significant reduction in youth homelessness. Responsibility for these policies rests with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and, in the case of youth homelessness, with the Department of Health and Children.
My Department, through the Office for Social Inclusion, has responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the NAP/inclusion and the achievement of the targets set out in the plan. In a recent implementation and update report on the Irish NAP/inclusion submitted by the Office for Social Inclusion to the European Commission last June, good progress in relation to the homelessness target was reported.
In recent years, a significant number of people have come to rely on rent supplements for extended periods, including people on local authority housing waiting lists. In response to this situation, the Government has introduced new rental assistance arrangements giving local authorities specific responsibility for meeting the longer-term housing needs of people receiving rent supplement for 18 months or more, on a phased implementation basis. When fully operational, local authorities will meet the housing needs of these individuals through a range of approaches including the traditional range of social housing options, the voluntary housing sector and, in particular, a new public private partnership type rental accommodation scheme. These arrangements are intended to be a long-term housing option for the people concerned and reflects the Government's overall objective under the national anti-poverty strategy to enable households experiencing poverty and disadvantage to have available to them housing or accommodation, which is affordable, accessible, of good quality, suitable to their needs, culturally acceptable, located in a sustainable community and, as far as possible, in a secure tenure of their choice.
There was no criticism of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme in the Focus Ireland report and I am satisfied that the rent supplement scheme and the provision of rent deposits by my Department have a role to play in providing for the short-term accommodation needs of the homeless or those at risk of homelessness and continues to be effective in this regard. The new rental assistance arrangements provide an imaginative additional approach in supporting people with longer-term housing needs. The new scheme, particularly the rental accommodation component, will reduce housing waiting lists by providing a useful additional mechanism for providing good quality social housing, alongside more traditional social housing construction programmes and the expansion of the voluntary housing sector.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Paul McGrath
Question:9 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the expected increase in take-up of the back to work allowance in 2006 since the qualifying period was reduced in budget 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4674/06]
The back to work allowance scheme, which was introduced in 1993, is part of my Department's programme of initiatives designed to assist long-term unemployed, lone parents and other social welfare recipients to return to the active labour force.
There are two strands to the scheme, the back to work enterprise allowance for self-employment and the back to work allowance for employees. In budget 2006 the qualifying period for unemployed persons was reduced to two years for both strands of the scheme effective from 1 March 2006. It is estimated that a further 2,700 persons will access the scheme in 2006 as a result of this change.
The allowance was introduced at a time when long-term unemployment stood at 8.9%. In its early years the scheme proved very effective in helping people who had been long-term unemployed to return to the labour force. However, changes in labour market conditions since the mid-1990s has reduced the need for the scheme. This is illustrated by the drop in numbers availing of it in recent years. At present there are 8,770 participants in the scheme, compared to 39,343 in October 2000 when the scheme reached its peak.
The scheme was reviewed in 2002 in the light of economic and labour market changes and, in particular, the drop in unemployment levels since its introduction in 1993. The review also took account of an evaluation of the scheme by independent consultants. They recommended that the scheme should be restructured in the light of changes in the labour market.
In January 2003, the qualifying period for persons accessing the scheme from an unemployment payment was increased to five years. People coming from other social welfare qualifying scheme payments were not affected by this change.
In recognition of the difficulties being experienced by some persons wishing to enter self-employment after five years attachment to the live register the qualifying period for access to the enterprise strand of the scheme was reduced to three years with effect from March 2004. Access to the employee strand of the scheme from an unemployment payment was not affected by this change and remained at five years.
I recognised that some people were experiencing some difficulties returning to the labour force after five years of attachment to the live register. To address these difficulties I reduced the qualifying period to two years for both the employment and self-employment strand.
I view the scheme as a highly important support in the range of active labour market programmes available to the unemployed to assist entry and return to the workforce. I will continue to monitor its impact and adapt it as necessary to ensure that it delivers maximum supports to those accessing the scheme.
Social Welfare Code.
Joe Costello
Question:10 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position with regard to his discussions with the European Commission regarding the Government’s implementation of the two-year habitual residence requirement in regard to qualification for social welfare benefits; if any changes to the requirement have been introduced or are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4704/06]
The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1 May 2004. It was introduced in the context of the Government's decision to open the Irish labour market to workers from the new EU member states without the transitional limitations which were being imposed at that time by many of the other member states. The effect of the condition is that a person whose habitual residence is elsewhere is not paid certain social welfare payments on arrival in Ireland, regardless of citizenship, nationality, immigration status or any other factor.
The EU Commission wrote to the Government on 22 December 2004 raising a number of issues concerning its compliance with EU law in relation to workers and their families. Officials from my Department and the Attorney-General's office met Commission officials on 15 May last to discuss the issues raised and explained that the operation of the new condition was fully in line with the criteria set out in European Court of Justice case law. These are: the length and continuity of residence in a particular country; the length and purpose of absence from Ireland; the nature and pattern of the employment; the applicant's main centre of interest; and the future intention of the applicant concerned as it appears from all the circumstances.
In addition, full consideration is given in the decision-making process to the requirements of EU legislation regarding free movement of workers within the European economic area. Rules which apply to migrant workers, that is persons who have taken up employment in Ireland following their arrival here, are strictly observed.
A formal response by the EU Commission to the points made is still awaited. It is expected that the Commission's examination of the matter will be concluded shortly.
In November 2005, a clarification was issued to community welfare officers explaining that supplementary welfare allowance is considered under EU legislation to be a social advantage and must therefore be subject to the principles of equal treatment to all EU workers regardless of nationality. Any EU worker who suffers loss of income because he or she has lost employment through no fault of his or her own, or becomes unable to work through illness, is entitled to claim supplementary welfare allowance. This is the only development affecting the application of the condition since I last commented on this question in this House.
The requirement to be habitually resident in this country has been and continues to be monitored constantly by my Department, and a full review of its operation is presently being finalised.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Willie Penrose
Question:11 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in regard to the planned introduction of the early child care supplement, his Department has any estimate or assessment of the likely number of claims that could be made in respect of children not resident here; the estimated cost in respect of such payments; the procedures which will be put in place to ensure verification of claims made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4697/06]
The early child care supplement, ECS, scheme was introduced in budget 2006. The scheme is under the remit of the Office of the Minister for Children, which will be responsible for policy and legislation in relation to the scheme. The administration of the scheme is being undertaken by my Department.
The scheme is a universal one and all parents-guardians of children up to six years of age are eligible. It is expected that a total of 260,000 families will qualify for the supplement in 2006, in respect of a total of some 350,000 children. The budget for the ECS in 2006 is €265 million, and in a full year it is estimated at €350 million.
Eligibility for the ECS is identical to that for the child benefit scheme. As with the child benefit scheme, the early child care supplement falls within the definition of a "family benefit" under EU Regulation 1408/71. One practical effect of this is that where a national of an EU state is working in Ireland the worker is entitled, if she or he has a family, to payment of this benefit. If the children of the worker are resident in the worker's home country, entitlement to payment of the supplement still exists.
This situation is the same as for the child benefit scheme. My Department is currently making child benefit payments to 650 families, in respect of approximately 1,300 children, where the children are resident in the worker's home country. About 450 of these children are aged under six years and will be eligible for payment of the ECS. The vast majority of these children at this point are resident in the United Kingdom.
In addition to this stock of cases, the weekly intake of claims in respect of non-resident families is currently 80. It is estimated that these families will have a total of 50 children under the age of six. At this rate of intake, ECS payments of €2.7 million will have accrued by the end of 2006. This is 1% of the total projected cost of the supplement this year. It is likely however, that only €1 million of this will be paid by the end of 2006 — 0.3% of projected expenditure. This is due to the protracted nature of the claim decision process which involves communication with the authorities in the country in which the family resides.
My Department operates a strict verification process for child benefit claims and this will also apply to the ECS. The work status in Ireland is checked and birth certificates for the children obtained. It is necessary to correspond with the relevant authorities in the country where the family reside to see what entitlements may be in place there and what effect the supplement will have on payments in both countries. In the course of this correspondence, particulars of the children in the family are re-checked and verified.
My officials are currently reviewing these verification and other control measures currently operated for the child benefit scheme with a view to adapting and expanding them as appropriate for the early child care supplement scheme. This work is ongoing and the final shape and scope of the verification measures is not yet completed.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is not possible at this point to forecast the position with total accuracy. This will depend on future immigration flows and the number of non-national immigrants who decide to return home. Based on current figures the expenditure in respect of non-resident children is unlikely to be significant in the context of the overall spending on the scheme.
Social Welfare Code.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:12 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when it is intended to update means test thresholds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4727/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:135 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on raising means test thresholds further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4903/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 135 together.
I approached the recent budget with a number of key priorities in mind: I wanted to continue to improve the position of our older people; I wanted to take a decisive step forward towards the elimination of poverty, particularly child poverty; to assist in the development of a programme of supports and opportunities for those parenting alone and those with disabilities; to improve income supports to, and in recognition of, carers who perform a valued and valuable service for the whole of society; and to ensure that the budget reflected the evolving new social agenda that has at its core a social welfare support system that is active instead of passive, that assists people to live with dignity and enables them to make a valuable contribution towards society. A key objective of this reform agenda is the removal of employment disincentives and the avoidance of welfare dependency.
The budget has delivered on these objectives. In this context, I was pleased to be able to announce a number of significant and focused improvements to a range of means testing arrangements, as follows: I introduced a tapered withdrawal rate for disability allowance and blind pension recipients who engage in rehabilitative employment or self-employment and have a weekly income over €120 and under €350. This measure which will take effect from next June is specifically designed to incentivise those with a disability to take up employment. The income disregards for the means test for carer's allowance are to be increased from next April to €290 for a single person and €580 for a couple. As a result a couple with two children can earn up to €32,925 and the carer will retain entitlement to the maximum rate of carer's allowance. This increase in the means disregards also fulfills the commitment in the programme for Government to enable all those earning up to average industrial earnings to qualify for carer's allowance. The upper income limit for the one-parent family payment will increase from €293 to €375 per week in June 2006. This substantial increase will encourage employment and ensure financial security for these parents and their children. A 50% tapered withdrawal of earnings between €60 and €90 per week for persons in receipt of rent and mortgage interest supplement was introduced from January last, thereby increasing the incentive to take up employment or training or to pursue maintenance payments. An increase by next September in the spouse's income disregard for entitlement to the qualified adult allowance, QAA, from €88.88 to €100 a week, as well as an increase of €30 per week to €250 for entitlement to a tapered QAA rate. Significant changes were introduced in January last to the family income supplement, FIS, thresholds designed particularly to boost child income support for larger low income families. As a result of these improvements a family with four children has seen its weekly FIS payment rise by up to €64.80 a week while the payment for a family of six children has risen by nearly €117 a week.
I was particularly anxious to improve the financial position of our elderly pensioners. Apart from record increases in the weekly rates of payment, I also announced the establishment, from next September, of a single standard enhanced non-contributory pension scheme with a greatly improved means test, thereby simplifying the labyrinthine structure of supports for older people.
Key features of the new scheme will be a weekly means disregard of €20 per week, up from the €7.60 per week which dates back to the 1970s and an innovative special earnings disregard of €100 per week. This latter measure is intended to facilitate those older people who wish to continue in employment. As a direct result of the enhanced means test arrangements, over 30,000 pensioners will benefit directly from increased payments of up to €12.50 per week and, where a QAA is in payment, by a further €8.30 per week.
I am sure that the Deputy will agree that the measures I have outlined constitute a significant reform of the means assessment arrangements.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Pat Breen
Question:13 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there is any State scheme for elderly people that will enable them to make their homes more fuel efficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4642/06]
The term "fuel poverty" has been described as the inability to afford adequate warmth in a home, or the inability to achieve adequate warmth because of energy inefficiency in the home. The primary contributory factor is the energy efficiency of the private and public housing stock. Problems in this regard relate to older housing, with poor insulation and draught-proofing or inefficient heating systems. All new housing, including social housing, is being built to modern efficiency standards. Local housing authorities are undertaking an ongoing programme to upgrade the older social housing stock and to provide better living conditions generally for tenants, including draught insulation and energy efficiency.
The role of the social welfare system in relation to this issue is primarily to provide income support. The main focus of Government policy is to increase primary weekly social welfare rates significantly in real terms, to enable pensioners and other vulnerable groups to meet their heating and other basic living needs more adequately throughout the year. In this regard, the significant increases in primary social welfare payment rates for pensioners and other groups for this year announced in the budget, and other increases in recent years, have improved their income situation considerably in real terms relative to price inflation generally.
In addition, there are a number of social welfare programmes to assist with heating costs specifically. Fuel allowances are payable during the winter heating season for householders who are in receipt of long-term social welfare or Health Service Executive payments. In budget 2006 I increased fuel allowance by €5.00 —€14.00 per week for eligible households — with an additional €3.90 per week being paid in designated urban smokeless fuel zones, bringing the total amount in those areas to €17.90 per week. These payments are made for the duration of the fuel season which lasts for 29 weeks from the end of September to mid-April.
Electricity and gas allowances are payable through the household benefits package. Expenditure by my Department on fuel, electricity and gas allowances for social welfare and other elderly customers was €109 million in 2005.
A special heating needs facility is available through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to assist people in certain circumstances with specific heating needs due to infirmity or a particular medical condition.
My Department is co-operating with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Sustainable Energy Ireland and the Combat Poverty Agency in an action research project those agencies are undertaking to improve heating systems and insulation in selected older private dwellings and to monitor the outcomes in terms of improved cost efficiency and household comfort and health levels.
The research project will be carried out in designated geographical areas this year where eligible persons will have an energy audit carried out in their homes. The energy audit will include energy advice to the household as well as remedial work such as the installation of roof space insulation, draught proofing, fitting of hot water cylinder lagging jackets and energy efficient light bulbs.
The project will evaluate the effects of the measures undertaken from the point of view of improved comfort levels, health effects as well as changes in fuel costs and carbon dioxide emissions. My Department will use the results of this project to assist with the development of future income support policy in this area.
In that regard, in the recent budget I have made a grant of €2 million to Sustainable Energy Ireland for the installation of housing insulation in houses experiencing fuel poverty and to enable further research to be undertaken into fuel poverty issues.
Social Welfare Code.
Bernard Allen
Question:14 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on removing the rule where people in receipt of the one-parent family payment may not cohabit with their partners or spouses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4641/06]
Brendan Howlin
Question:21 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it is intended to discontinue the current one-parent family payment in its present form; his proposals to replace same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4711/06]
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:31 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the new single parents allowance scheme will be introduced that will end the cohabitation rule that recipients must not be living with a partner. [4683/06]
Paul McGrath
Question:33 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the supports his Department intends to introduce to further empower lone parents in relation to the new social reform agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4673/06]
Brendan Howlin
Question:44 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the situation with regard to his proposals for the reform of the one-parent family payment system, particularly with a view to making it easier for lone parents to enter or re-enter the workforce; when he intends to bring forward formal proposals in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4710/06]
Olwyn Enright
Question:45 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the measures he intends to introduce to reverse the situation where certain welfare payments prevent the parents of children from living together; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4659/06]
Trevor Sargent
Question:47 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to pursue a separate policy initiative to address the particular support needs of separated fathers. [4688/06]
Dinny McGinley
Question:57 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he intends to publish the one-parent family payment review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4672/06]
Olwyn Enright
Question:60 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his proposals to change the lone parents allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4658/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 21, 31, 33, 44, 45, 47, 57, and 60 together.
The Government acknowledges that the risk of poverty, especially child poverty, tends to be higher among one-parent families, larger families and those faced by long-term unemployment, due mainly to the direct costs of rearing children, including child care costs and the opportunity costs related to the reduced earning capacity of parents arising from their care responsibilities. This applies particularly to one parent families as the lone parent has to be the main breadwinner and carer at the same time.
However, it is generally accepted that for all people in working age households, the main route out of poverty is through employment. Employment participation among lone parents in this country is among the lowest in the OECD. This is despite the huge employment growth in recent years, increased female participation in the workforce and the income disregards afforded to lone parents who take up employment under my Department's one-parent family payment.
I believe that every support should be given to lone parents to give them an opportunity to continue to increase their earnings in their efforts to improve their own lives and those of their children. In recognition of this, I was pleased to significantly increase the upper income limit for the one-parent family payment by €82 per week to €375 per week in the recent budget. This measure will come into effect in July of this year. In addition, as a result of taxation measures introduced in the budget, lone parents will not now become eligible for tax until they earn in excess of €23,000 per annum.
One of the key tasks in the ending child poverty initiative under Sustaining Progress is to address obstacles to employment for lone parents. The senior officials group on social inclusion was mandated late in 2004 to examine this issue and report back to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion with specific proposals. A sub-group of the senior officials group has been examining obstacles to employment for lone parent families, with particular emphasis on income supports, employment, education, child care and support programmes and information.
We must also look closely at income supports and at how we can adjust those supports to better address the social problems that can arise for those who receive these payments. In this regard, a working group established in my Department to review the income support arrangements for lone parents, has looked at issues, including the contingency basis of the one-parent family payment, cohabitation and the fact that the payment can act as a disincentive to the formation of partnerships and discourage joint parenting — an issue of particular importance to separated fathers — maintenance and secondary benefits.
A consultation process with social partners and other interested parties was also undertaken to inform the work of the group. I intend to make the findings of both working groups public in the near future and to engage in a consultation process with interested parties.
It is my intention that the outcome of these reviews, together with initiatives already in place in my Department, will contribute to the ongoing development of proposals designed to better support and encourage both lone parents and those seeking work in achieving a better standard of living, employment and education opportunities, a better future for themselves and their children, and a more appropriate social policy in the future.
Services for People with Disabilities.
David Stanton
Question:15 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he intends introducing the advocacy service for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4661/06]
The introduction of a personal advocacy service for people with disabilities is provided for in the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004 which was published in September 2004 in conjunction with the Disability Bill 2004.
The Comhairle (Amendment) Bill is a key element of the Government's legislative programme for improving services for people with disabilities. The combination of this Bill, the Disability Act, 2005 and the accompanying outline sectoral plans for accessible public services, together with the Education for Persons with Special Needs Act 2004 are intended to convey clearly the Government's intention to have the legislation, policies, institutions and services in place to support and reinforce equal access to services for people with disabilities.
The Disability Bill 2001 proposed the introduction by Comhairle of a personal advocacy service. However, the proposed new service would have resulted in such a fundamental change to the primary functions of Comhairle that it was decided that the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill, which would seek to amend the functions of Comhairle in line with Government policy, was required.
The Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004, has as its primary purpose the amendment of the Comhairle Act 2000, to assign additional and enhanced functions to Comhairle which will enable it to introduce a personal advocacy service for people with disabilities. The Bill envisages advocacy services as "supporting people with disabilities to identify and understand their needs and options and to secure their entitlements to social services". Social services are broadly defined. They include health, social welfare, education, family support, housing, taxation, citizenship, consumer matters, employment and training.
The proposed service will provide for the assignment of a personal advocate to assist, support and represent a person with a disability in applying for and obtaining social services and in pursuing any right of review or appeal in connection with those services. It is envisaged that the new personal advocacy service will be introduced early in 2008.
In preparation for the proposed services contained in the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004, an amount of €1 million was provided to Comhairle in 2005 to commence preparatory work. In September 2005, Comhairle published guidelines for the development of advocacy services by voluntary organisations and launched a new programme of support for advocacy services for people with disabilities. This programme will be delivered by 13 organisations across the country in the voluntary and community sector. The funding provided by Comhairle will provide trained advocates within the organisations concerned to assist vulnerable people with a disability in addressing their individual needs and options. The advocates will represent, for example, people with dementia, people who wish to move into independent living, people in long-term residential services and young people with learning disabilities completing education or training. They will also assist people with mental health difficulties leaving hospital so that they can be supported in making the transition back into their communities.
I propose to bring the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004 before the Houses of the Oireachtas in this parliamentary session.
Departmental Investigations.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:16 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department’s investigation into the circumstances in which a number of civil servants are reported to have accessed the personal welfare records of a person (details supplied) has been completed; if any action has been taken on foot of the investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4709/06]
Arising from reports in the media, my Department carried out an examination of accesses to the computer record of the person concerned.
On a general basis, staff of my Department are authorised to access individual records as long as it is for legitimate business reasons. In view of the number of accesses in this case, managers were asked to examine the matter in order to establish if there were genuine business reasons for their staff accessing the record. The staff concerned were asked to set out the reason they accessed the record and managers have drawn up reports on the basis of their replies. These reports are currently being considered by the personnel officer, who will decide if action is required in each case under the Civil Service disciplinary procedures.
My Department views its obligations to safeguard the privacy of data under its control very seriously and has undertaken a considerable amount of work in this area over the past few years. A review is under way to see if new approaches and technologies can be applied to strengthen our controls in this area.
Question No. 17 answered with QuestionNo. 7.
Departmental Programmes.
Eamon Ryan
Question:18 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the take-up rate of the school meals programme operated by his Department; and if he intends to offer more incentives to increase take-up levels. [4686/06]
The school meals programme operated by my Department gives funding towards provision of food services for disadvantaged school children through two schemes. The first is the long-standing statutory urban school meals scheme, currently operated by 36 local authorities. The Department jointly funds the food costs with these local authorities, which also manage and fund the administration of the scheme.
The second is the school meals community, local projects, programme through which funding is provided by my Department to participating schools and voluntary community groups in both urban and rural areas for school meals projects. This also covers pre-schools that are community based and which operate on a not-for-profit basis.
The school meals programme makes an important contribution to ensuring that school children receive better nutrition and contributes to improved school attendance and quality of learning. The scheme also supports initiatives that target dispersed disadvantage and children with special needs.
Under its programme of expenditure reviews, my Department completed a review of the school meals scheme in 2003. The review group recommended that a new scheme called the school food programme, SFP, should be established, targeting secondary schools with the highest concentrations of pupils at risk of early school leaving and their feeder primary schools. Given the scale of this initiative, the group recommended that the new programme should be phased in, in conjunction with the school meals project, targeting the most disadvantaged areas initially.
In order to advance recommendations made in the review of the school meals scheme, my Department assigned an officer on in the Donegal area to pilot additional ways of encouraging disadvantaged schools and groups to participate in the scheme. All the schools approached were on either the school completion programme or Give Children an Even Break programme. This project has resulted in a total of 17 new schools becoming involved in the school meals local project scheme in Donegal. This pilot project has been extended into the Sligo and Leitrim areas in 2006. Options for extending this project into other areas are being actively examined.
There is ongoing liaison between my Department and the Department of Education and Science on school meals issues. In 2005 that Department initiated a new action plan, delivering equality of opportunity in schools, DEIS, which incorporates many of that Department's existing schemes which target educational disadvantage. A list of schools identified for inclusion in its school support programme is being updated at present and will be available shortly. My Department will use this list to ensure that disadvantaged schools are prioritised for inclusion in the school meals programme.
In 2003, €3.29 million was spent on the school meals programme. A total of 382 schools, with a total of over 50,650 pupils benefited from the urban scheme while 347 schools and voluntary organisations received funding which benefited some 26,000 children under local school meals projects.
In 2004, expenditure on the school meals programme was €4.65 million in total. A total of 386 schools, with a total of over 50,817 pupils benefited from the urban scheme while 451 schools and voluntary organisations received funding which benefited some 41,300 children under local school meals projects.
In 2005, expenditure increased to €8.24 million in total €7.08 million for the school projects and €1.16 million for the urban school meals scheme. A total of 386 schools, with an estimated total of over 54,752 pupils benefited from the urban scheme while 596 schools and voluntary organisations received funding which benefited some 62,671 children under local school meals projects.
A total of €10.4 million has been allocated for the school meals programme in 2006 —€9.1 million for school projects and €1.3 million for the urban scheme. I would expect to see expenditure on school meals increase over future years as the school meals programme is further extended. All matters relating to the scheme, including the possibility of incentives to promote the scheme, will be kept under review.
Question No. 19 answered with QuestionNo. 6.
Employment Support Services.
Bernard Allen
Question:20 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the range of options identified by his Department to assist people with disabilities who are in receipt of social welfare payments to take up employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4640/06]
My Department operates a number of schemes which provide income support to persons with an illness or disability, including the social insurance disability benefit and invalidity pension schemes, the means-tested disability allowance and blind pension. In addition, there is a further range of benefits available under the occupational injury benefits scheme for people who have been injured or disabled as a result of an accident at work.
Facilitating return to work and participation in the active labour force with a view to assisting people to become more financially independent is a most important objective of the social welfare system and a key goal in my Department's statement of strategy. There are a number of specific incentives available within the system to encourage and facilitate people, including people with illness or disabilities, to take-up or return to employment, or to undertake education and training options.
These incentives include exemptions from the general "no work" conditions of the disability benefit and invalidity pension schemes to facilitate people to undertake work of a rehabilitative nature and there are over 6,500 people currently availing of such exemptions. In addition, there are income disregards which exempt a portion of earnings — currently €120 per week — from the means-tested disability allowance and blind pension payments and 6,000 people are currently availing of this disregard.
In order to improve the incentives for people with disabilities to take up and progress within employment, as part of the social welfare budget package 2006, a new 50% withdrawal rate of disability allowance and blind pension payments will be effective from June 2006 for earnings above €120 per week and under €350 per week. This measure replaces the current euro for euro withdrawal above the €120 per week disregard and will mean that a single person can earn up to €390 per week before his or her disability allowance or blind pension is fully withdrawn.
Access to the back to work allowance scheme, designed to assist people to return to employment, is also available — subject to certain conditions — to people in receipt of disability benefit, invalidity pension, disability allowance, blind pension and unemployability supplement. This is a weekly payment which allows people to take up approved employment while retaining a percentage of their social welfare payment for three years — four years in the case of self-employment — and to retain any secondary benefits to which they have been entitled for that period. There are approximately 1,300 people availing of the back to work allowance who have been in receipt of illness or disability payments.
Access to the back to education scheme — subject to qualifying conditions — is similarly available for people in receipt of the aforementioned schemes. This is an allowance paid at a standard rate for the duration of the educational course which the person undertakes at either second or third level. Any secondary benefits to which the person had entitlement are also retained for the duration of the payment. In addition, an annual cost of education allowance is payable at the commencement of each academic year to assist with the purchase of books and other relevant materials. There are 350 people participating in the back to education scheme who had been receiving disability or illness payments.
As part of the Government's expenditure review initiative, a working group established by my Department has reviewed the illness and disability schemes and identified a number of areas where employment support could be further strengthened within the system and across Departments. These include: recognition of the fact that some people's medical and other circumstances may mean that they have some capacity for work, but may never achieve full-time work; ensuring that employment support measures do not act as a disincentive for people with disabilities and long-term illnesses in maximising their employment and earnings potential; retaining a range of employment supports for different groups and ensuring clients are referred to the most suitable option, having regard to the nature of their illness-disability, age, social circumstances etc.; and the introduction of early intervention measures aimed at re-integrating people who sustain serious illnesses, injuries and disabilities back into the workforce before they become long-term dependent on social welfare payments.
The implementation of the various recommendations of the report is being progressed in the context of developments generally for people with disabilities. The review also stresses the importance of meeting the additional costs of disability in ways that are less dependent on labour force status, if people with disabilities are to be given the opportunity to participate in the workforce. My Department is represented on the interdepartmental working group, chaired by the Department of Health and Children, which is examining this issue.
Question No. 21 answered with QuestionNo. 14.
Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Willie Penrose
Question:22 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the EU survey on income and living conditions published by the Central Statistics Office on 12 December 2005 which showed that almost one in five of the population was at risk of poverty and that almost one third of persons in lone parent households were in consistent poverty; the steps he intends to take to deal with this situation and reduce the unacceptable level of poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4696/06]
The EU survey on income and living conditions, EU-SILC, which commenced in Ireland in June 2003, is an annual survey that provides information on poverty, deprivation and social exclusion. The most recent results, announced on 12 December 2005, record continuing positive trends in relation to poverty and social exclusion, and show the impact being made by the greatly increased resources now devoted to social welfare and other social services.
Results from the first two years of EU-SILC show that there has been a slight decrease in the percentage of persons at risk of poverty, based on the proportion of the population below an income threshold of 60% of median income, from 19.7% in 2003 to 19.4% in 2004. These figures represent a halting of the upward trend of previous years in the numbers in the broad category of "at risk of poverty", which reflect the impact of real improvements in employment and social provision over the past number of years. The significant shifts from unemployment into employment have been an important factor in moving persons away from the risk of poverty. Real increases in social welfare levels with the lowest social welfare rates being increased by 40% between 2001 and 2005, while the consumer price index increased by just over 13% in the same period, have also been a major factor.
It should be noted that those below the 60% of median income threshold are categorised as being "at risk of poverty" but many may not be in poverty as generally understood. That depends on other factors such as the extent to which their income is below the threshold, the length of time they have been living on a low income, the degree to which their assets will have run down while on a low income, and the other resources they have at their disposal.
For example, Table 4 of EU-SILC shows that older people, aged 65 plus, have an "at risk of poverty" rate of 27%, higher than for the other age groups. However, the proportion of older people with an income of over 50% of the median income is, at 8.2%, almost 20% less than the percentage at the 60% threshold and lower than for the other age groups. It shows that the incomes of many older people, categorised as being "at risk of poverty", are close to the 60% of median income threshold. This reality is reflected further when measured in terms of consistent poverty, for which older people record the lowest rate at 3.3%. This illustrates the real progress being made in providing for older people who, as Table 4 of EU-SILC also shows, represent the highest proportion of any age group reliant on social transfers, such as pensions, to overcome poverty.
Another important outcome highlighted by the survey is the significant reduction in the consistent poverty rate from 8.8% in 2003 to 6.8% in 2004. The consistent poverty measure is used in this country to identify those experiencing basic deprivation. This is calculated by identifying from among people at risk of poverty, that is, with incomes below the 60% median income threshold, those who are also deprived of basic goods and services regarded as essential for living in Ireland today. There was a slight but significant downward trend in the consistent poverty rate for lone parents from 33.6% in 2003 to 31.1% in 2004, which if continued at that rate, could result in a significant improvement in the living standards of one of the more vulnerable groups in our society and their children over the coming years.
It is generally accepted that for all people in working age households, the main route out of poverty is through employment. Employment participation among lone parents in this country is among the lowest among OECD countries. This outcome occurs despite the huge growth in job opportunities in recent years, increased female participation in the workforce and the income disregards afforded to lone parents who take up employment under my Department's one-parent family payment.
One of the key tasks in the ending child poverty initiative under Sustaining Progress is to address obstacles to employment for lone parents. The Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion was mandated late in 2004 to examine this issue and report back to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion with specific proposals.
As part of this work, a group was established in my Department to review the income support arrangements for lone parents. The Cabinet has approved the reports of both working groups and they will be published in the near future. This will be followed by a consultation process in which, in particular, lone parents and the organisations representing them will be invited to participate.
It is my intention following these reviews, and building on initiatives already in place, to bring forward proposals designed to ensure that lone parents have the support to make the same choices as people in their situation have in other countries, particularly in terms of educational opportunities, employment and achieving improved living standards, and, overall, a better future for themselves and their children.
Social Welfare Code.
Jerry Cowley
Question:23 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the parameters of the living alone allowance will be changed to enable people living alone who qualify for the household benefits package to also qualify for LLA and have same age related rather than on a qualifying basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4602/06]
The living alone allowance is an additional payment of €7.70 per week made to people aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments and who are living alone. It is also available to people under 66 years of age who are living alone and who receive payments under one of a number of invalidity type schemes. The allowance is intended as a contribution towards the additional costs people face when they live alone.
The allowance is not a payment in its own right but one which is paid as a supplement to a social welfare payment and considered to be part of the overall payment structure. As such, it cannot be paid to people without a social welfare entitlement or to those whose pension payments are made under the social security regimes of other countries.
On the other hand, the household benefits package, which comprises the electricity-gas allowance, telephone allowance and television licence schemes, is generally available to people living permanently in the State, aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. People aged over 70 years of age can qualify regardless of their income or household composition.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:24 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who have been refused social welfare entitlements under the habitual residency clause in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4726/06]
Simon Coveney
Question:52 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, when and to whom the habitual residence condition applies; the payments that are covered by the condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4648/06]
Joe Costello
Question:74 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons from EU countries who joined the Community in 2004 who have applied for and received unemployment benefit or assistance since May 2004; his views on the fact that these figures show the fears of welfare tourism that were expressed at the time were unfounded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4705/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:134 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who have been refused social welfare entitlements on the basis of the habitual residency clause since its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4902/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 52, 74 and 134 together.
The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for child benefit and for the following social assistance schemes — with effect from 1 May 2004 — unemployment assistance; old age non-contributory pension; blind pension; widow's-widower's and orphan's non-contributory pensions; one-parent family payment; carer's allowance; disability allowance; and supplementary welfare allowance, other than once-off exceptional and urgent needs payments.
The basis for the restriction contained in the rules is the applicant's habitual residence. The restriction is not based on citizenship, nationality, immigration status or any other factor. The effect is that a person whose habitual residence is elsewhere is not paid certain social welfare payments on arrival in Ireland.
The question of what is a person's "habitual residence" is decided in accordance with European Court of Justice case law, which sets out the grounds for assessing individual claims.
Each case received for a determination on the habitual residence condition is dealt with in its own right and a decision is based on application of the guidelines to the particular individual circumstances of each case. Any applicant who disagrees with the decision of a deciding officer has the right to appeal to the social welfare appeals office.
The habitual residence condition is being operated in a careful manner to ensure that Ireland's social welfare system is protected, while at the same time ensuring that people whose cases are appropriate to the system have access to it when they need it. Straightforward cases are dealt with at my Department's local offices and relevant headquarters offices while complex cases and cases where there is a doubt are dealt with in specialised units.
For the period 1 May 2004 to 6 February 2006, the number of habitual residence cases decided in specialist units was 30,314. The total number of cases deemed not habitually resident was 7,123 — 23%.
A total of 2,491 applications for unemployment assistance from nationals of the ten new member states have been submitted to the relevant specialised unit since May 2004. Some 1,635 of those were rejected on habitual residence grounds, 765 were deemed to be habitually resident and 91 cases are currently under consideration.
For the period 1 February 2005 to 31 January 2006, the number of habitual residence cases decided in the central section and the scheme areas referred to above was 20,400. The total number of cases deemed not habitually resident was 4,558 — 22%. As of the end of January 2006, the number of people from the new member states on the live register was 1,715. Of these 858 were claiming unemployment assistance, 786 unemployment benefit and 71 were claiming PRSI credits only. To put the live register figure into perspective 173,000 PPS numbers were issued to citizens of the new member states over the period from May 2004 to week ending 21 January 2006.
These data do not support a view that "welfare tourism" is a problem. However, in introducing a habitual residence condition, the Government wished to ensure that Ireland's social welfare system is protected, while at the same time ensuring that people whose cases are appropriate to the system have access to it when they need it. I am satisfied that the arrangements introduced were necessary at that time. A review of the condition is ongoing at present within my Department and will be available to me shortly at which stage I will consider what if any changes might be made in the light of experience to date.
Social Welfare Expenditure.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:25 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to recent figures from the EU showing that Ireland spent just 16% of its GDP on social benefits compared to an EU average of 27.7%; his plans to increase social spending towards the EU average; the estimated proportion of GDP likely to be spent on social benefits in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4707/06]
EUROSTAT, the Statistical Office of the EU, publishes comparisons of social protection expenditure as a percentage of GDP across the EU. This encompasses not only social welfare expenditure but also expenditure in other areas such as health care, social housing, employment support programmes and other social inclusion programmes. The latest such statistics were released on 20 October 2005 and deal with developments up to and including 2002. No comparable figures are yet available for 2003 or 2004.
When examining such data it is important to remember that gross expenditure measures do not take account of social charges or taxes which may be levied on benefits after they are paid, nor do they include transfers made by means of tax concessions, as opposed to direct cash payments. For example, tax relief on contributions towards occupational and private pensions, which are an important feature of Ireland's pension system, is not counted as expenditure.
The EUROSTAT release draws attention to the fact the EU average masks major national differences in the structure of social protection funding, partly related to differing levels of wealth between countries, and also reflect differences in social protection systems, demographic trends, unemployment rates and other social, institutional and economic factors. The level of expenditure is also significantly influenced by the age profile of the population. Ireland, currently with the youngest population in the EU, needs to spend less on pensions and health care-care of the elderly than most other member states. In 2002 social protection expenditure accounted for 27.7% of GDP in the EU-25 countries, compared to 27.3% in 2001. The corresponding ratio for Ireland was 16% compared to 15.3% in 2001.
Social protection expenditure as a percentage of GDP is crucially dependent on the pace of economic growth and the level of unemployment. The statistics show that for the EU-15 countries social protection expenditure relative to GDP had fallen from its maximum share of 28.7% in 1993 until 1999 when it accounted for 27.3%. This was due to renewed GDP growth and slower growth in social protection expenditure, particularly related to unemployment benefits. Ireland's position mirrored that of the EU-15, except that the level of economic growth and the decline in unemployment were much greater in Ireland than in most other EU countries and consequently the drop in the percentage of GDP accounted for by social protection expenditure was greater — from 20.2% in 1993 to 14.7% in 1999.
The fact is that under this Government there has been a sustained and substantial increase in social protection expenditure. The EUROSTAT report states that the increase in Ireland's per capita expenditure from 1998 to 2002, 8.7% per annum on average and the highest of all EU countries, in comparison to that of the EU as a whole, 2.5% per annum, was “particularly pronounced”. Moreover, it should be noted that social welfare expenditure will have increased substantially during the three year period 2002 to 2005 — an overall increase of 29 %, which was well ahead of the corresponding increases in prices and in earnings.
As announced in last December's budget, overall spending this year on social welfare will be at its highest ever level, €13.553 billion — an increase of over €1.3 billion from the 2005 level. Figures are not yet available to provide a corresponding estimate of the proportion of GDP spent on social protection programmes in 2006.
This Government will continue to address the scope for further improvements in Ireland's social protection infrastructure, guided by the national anti-poverty strategy, while at the same time continuing to take the measures necessary to maintain economic growth and competitiveness and thereby generate the resources for further social investment.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:26 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the introduction of an all-Ireland free travel scheme; the latest discussions he has had on this issue; the reasons for the delay in its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4717/06]
The programme for Government contains a commitment to a scheme of all-Ireland free travel for pensioners resident in all parts of the island of Ireland. The scheme would enable pensioners resident here to travel free of charge on all bus and rail services in Northern Ireland. Likewise, pensioners in Northern Ireland would travel free of charge on all bus and rail services in this State.
In July 1995, my Department introduced the cross-Border free travel scheme. This scheme extended free travel entitlement so that free travel pass holders resident in Ireland could undertake a cross-Border journey from a point of departure in one jurisdiction to a destination in the other jurisdiction free of charge.
My Department covers the full cost of cross-Border journeys made by Department of Social and Family Affairs pass holders. It also covers the cost of the southern element of cross-Border journeys undertaken by Northern Ireland pass holders. Under its own concessionary fares scheme, the Department for Regional Development for Northern Ireland covers the cost of the northern element of cross-Border bus and rail journeys made by Northern Ireland pass holders. Some 220,000 cross-Border journeys are undertaken each year at a total cost of €3.3 million; my Department pays €2.9 million and the remaining €0.4 million is covered by the Department for Regional Development for Northern Ireland.
The introduction of an all-Ireland free travel scheme would further extend the existing arrangements by allowing pass holders to take onward journeys free of change. The cost of an all-Ireland free travel scheme would ultimately depend upon the extent to which pass holders avail of it.
My predecessor initiated discussions with the then Minister of State at the Department of Regional Development in Northern Ireland in September 2004. Most recently, the proposed scheme was discussed at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 27 June 2005 and I met with Mr. Shaun Woodward, MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office the following week during which we discussed the introduction of a scheme.
Officials from my Department have regular contacts with their counterparts in the Department for Regional Development for Northern Ireland concerning the operation of the existing cross-Border free travel scheme. Discussions in relation to the introduction of the proposed all-Ireland free travel scheme have also taken place. Since I met Shaun Woodward, MP, there have been further discussions between officials from both jurisdictions.
There are a number of operational, financial and legal matters to be addressed. These include the need to develop a smartcard travel pass for our customers which would improve the security of the pass and which would provide accurate information on the number of people using the cards and the number of trips undertaken each year. There is also a need to introduce a new registration and authentication process for my Department's customers.
Significant progress has been made in addressing the issues related to an all-Ireland free travel scheme. I hope to be able to make an announcement regarding the scheme in the next few months.
Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Damien English
Question:27 Mr. English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether NAPS has lived up to its potential as an instrument to identify and remove, in a systematic way, barriers to people trying to break out of social exclusion into full participation in society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4656/06]
It is now generally recognised that the causes and effects of poverty and social exclusion are multifaceted. These require a strategic, integrated, multi-policy response for application at national, regional and local levels with the overall aim of progressively achieving social inclusion. Consultation with all the relevant stakeholders is an integral part of the process.
The Government began this type of strategic process in 1997 with the first national anti-poverty strategy, NAPS. Following the meeting of the European Council in Lisbon in 2000, the EU embarked on a similar process through the open method of co-ordination. Member states made a commitment to produce at regular intervals national action plans against poverty and social exclusion, NAPs/inclusion. These set down their strategies to meet commonly agreed objectives and the measures to implement the strategies over the period of the plans. The main aim of the process is to make a decisive impact on poverty EU-wide by 2010.
The national anti-poverty strategy has now been combined with EU process, which involves broadly the same approach and seeks the same outcomes in terms of progressively reducing and ultimately eradicating poverty and social exclusion.
The Deputy will be aware that Ireland has produced two NAPs/inclusion covering the periods 2001-2003 and 2003-2005, respectively. The next NAP/inclusion, delayed by a year to accommodate participation by the ten new member states, is scheduled to be submitted by September 2006. This will form part of a new streamlined process, which will also include strategies on pensions, and on health and long-term care.
The strategic approach has, over almost ten years, become embedded in the policy making and policy development process. The strategies have helped identify the barriers that may prevent people breaking out of poverty and social exclusion largely using an evidence based approach. The measures required to systematically overcome these barriers and to promote the achievement of social inclusion, incorporating clear objectives and targets, are set down in the plans.
As Minister for Social and Family Affairs, I have lead responsibility for driving this process, working closely with my ministerial colleagues through the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion. Strong institutional structures are in place to underpin the process, including structures to facilitate consultation with the social partners, involving the community and voluntary sector. The Office for Social Inclusion, OSI, in my Department co-ordinates the process at official level. The plans and the reports on their implementation are submitted for evaluation to the EU Commission and are also considered by other member states through a process of peer review. The EU has acknowledged that the strategic process in Ireland is well developed, but inevitably points to areas to which priority for action needs to be given in future plans.
The multifaceted nature of the process promotes greater co-ordination among Departments and agencies in meeting more effectively, in an integrated way, the needs of those who are poor and socially excluded. The exchanges, under the open method of co-ordination, of knowledge, experience, expertise and best practice between member states in relation to the common challenges we face in tackling poverty and social exclusion also greatly assist with policy development and implementation.
The commonly agreed indicators enable countries to determine the progress being made in achieving better outcomes and how such progress compares with that of other countries. The degree to which progress can be made is for all countries constrained by the need to maintain economic competitiveness and growth which are the basic motors for ending poverty and creating a socially inclusive society. However, the process also shows that effective social policies have positive economic effects, particularly in supporting vulnerable people in obtaining the education, skills and opportunities to obtain employment, and the independence and self-sufficiency it confers. Failure to reduce and ultimately eradicate poverty can impose a serious burden on a country's economic capacity, in addition to the social costs and real suffering for so many.
The strategic process being implemented through successive NAPs/inclusion is, therefore, at the very core of this Government's social and economic policies.
The current NAP/inclusion contains a series of commitments across relevant policy areas, including targets to increase participation in employment, to improve levels of educational attainment and to improve access to services and good quality housing. A review of implementation of the plan was undertaken in June 2005 and found that some 51 of its 58 targets and commitments had either been met or were in the process of being met.
EU member states are due to submit the next round of NAPs/inclusion, covering the two year period from 2006 to 2008, to the EU in September 2006. In September last year, OSI embarked on an extensive consultation process with stakeholders, including people who are experiencing poverty and social exclusion and those who work to support them directly or indirectly, in an effort to avail at first hand of their knowledge, experience and expertise. This consultation process will culminate with the Social Inclusion Forum which is to be held on 15 February.
Since 1997 when this strategic process commenced, we have achieved unprecedented levels of economic growth and improvements across the board in our living standards. The greatest social as well as economic achievement of this period has been the huge level of job creation. Employment creation affords the main route out of poverty and social exclusion and, in particular, it has halted and reversed involuntary emigration, which for so long in Ireland has been one of the more tragic and enduring forms of social exclusion. A combination of sound economic and active social policies based on social partnership have been the basis of this success, to which many other countries now look for guidance in meeting the same type of challenges.
Our task now is to prepare the next action plan that will address, as a priority, the needs of those who have not been as successful in benefiting from our economic boom of recent years. This will involve removing barriers, especially to employment, that may have impeded them in the past and giving them the supports they need to achieve social inclusion in the Ireland of today.
I have a strong commitment to ensuring social inclusion will be achieved for the many who still remain vulnerable in our society. The Government is fully committed to taking the necessary measures, within the economic constraints, to provide for the necessary measures in the next NAP/inclusion.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Richard Bruton
Question:28 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he intends to introduce the new measures for the diet supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4644/06]
John Gormley
Question:38 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he intends to introduce a revised supplement system for people on special diets to take account of the findings of the recent Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute Report which found large variations in current food prices. [4685/06]
Seán Ryan
Question:62 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he expects to introduce the revised diet supplement payment he promised when he launched the recent report on the cost of healthy eating and the cost of special diets; the way in which the revised payment will differ from the current one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4699/06]
Simon Coveney
Question:66 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if and when he intends to introduce new regulations for the diet supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4649/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 38, 62 and 66 together.
Diet supplements are provided through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Any person who is receiving a social welfare or health service executive payment, who has been prescribed a special diet as a result of a specified medical condition and who is unable to provide for his or her food needs from within his or her own resources, may qualify for a diet supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Diet supplements are subject to a means test. Under the existing scheme, the amount of supplement payable in individual cases depends on which of two categories of diet — low cost or high cost — has been prescribed by the applicant's medical adviser, and the income of the individual and his or her dependants.
With effect from 1 January 2004 the diet supplement scheme was restructured to take account of increases in both social welfare payment rates and the rate of food inflation. In the case of new applicants for diet supplement the amount of supplement payable is based on increased up to date diet costs, €44 for lower cost diets or €57 for higher cost diets, less one third of the applicant's income or one sixth of the joint income in the case of a couple. Because increases in the social welfare payment rates were higher than food price inflation since 1996, the shortfall to be met by the diet supplement is less than it was in the past. However, as a special arrangement, people who were in receipt of a diet supplement prior to the introduction of the revised regulations on 1 January 2004 continue to receive their existing rate of supplement until such time as there is a change in their circumstances that would warrant a review of their cases.
In order to inform a re-appraisal of the scheme, my Department commissioned a study by an expert from the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute. The study examined the special diets prescribed in legislation for which assistance is available through the existing diet supplement scheme. The study also considered the appropriate level of assistance required to cater for any additional costs involved in providing for necessary special diets, relative to the cost of a normal healthy eating diet. This report was formally presented to me on 23 January 2006.
The Report of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute is the most comprehensive review of specialised diets and food costs that has been carried out in the past decade. The study found that the price of a healthy food diet in general varies considerably depending on where a person shops. Food costs in some cases can be 57% more on average in convenience stores than in the large low-cost stores.
The study recommends a new framework for classifying the various diets under which all the existing prescribed diets would fall into four categories, namely, a gluten free diet; a low lactose milk free diet; a high protein high calorie diet; and a liquidised altered consistency diet.
My Department is finalising a revised scheme and regulations which will take account of the findings and recommendations of the study. I recognise that not everybody is in a position to do their shopping at the cheapest shops. For that reason, I intend to base the new diet supplement scheme on the food costs at convenience stores in order to protect the position of those who cannot shop around due to location, age or other reason. My objective is to ensure that nobody who has been prescribed a special diet will have to spend more than one third of his or her income on food. Pending finalisation of new regulations, diet supplements continue to be provided for existing recipients and new applicants as heretofore.
In addition to improving the diet supplement scheme, I also want to ensure that other social welfare recipients can afford a healthy eating diet. The record increases in weekly social welfare payment rates introduced by the recent budget will help to achieve this.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:29 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of recipients in receipt of family income supplement at the latest date for which figures are available; the way in which this figure compares with statistics compiled by the Revenue Commissioners on the number of earners within the income limits; his plans for a campaign to promote greater awareness of family income supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4716/06]
The number of families benefiting from the family income supplement scheme on 3 February 2006 was 17,382. Payment was made in respect of 33,942 children.
Family income supplement, FIS, is a payment made to families who are in low-income employment with children, thereby preserving the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where they might only be marginally better off than if they were fully reliant on social welfare payments.
Weekly payments of FIS are made to families, including one-parent families with children, where one or more parent is in full-time remunerative employment of not less than 19 hours per week or 38 hours per fortnight, where the employment is likely to last at least three months and where the income of the family is less than a prescribed weekly threshold. This threshold varies in line with the number of children in the family.
The number of families with incomes below these thresholds who are eligible for family income supplement are not directly comparable with income statistics compiled by the Revenue Commissioners for a number of reasons, including the fact that the Revenue data do not, generally speaking, take into account the number of hours worked, the number of children in a family nor social welfare income which might not be taxed but would still be taken into account for FIS.
It is not possible to estimate from administrative sources the number of families who would be eligible but do not apply for their entitlements under the family income supplement scheme. However, research undertaken by the Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, in 1997, which was based on the results of the Living in Ireland Survey 1994, suggested that fewer than one in three of potentially eligible claimants were actually in receipt of the payment. Since those with a higher entitlement are more likely to avail of the scheme, the take-up in expenditure terms was estimated to be somewhat higher, at between 35% and 38% of potential expenditure. It is expected that the ESRI will produce more recent data on family income supplement later in the first quarter of 2006.
My Department undertakes a number of proactive measures to ensure that people are aware of possible entitlement to family income supplement. These include advising all newly awarded one-parent family payment recipients, advising all employers annually in PRSI mailshots and examining entitlement for all recipients of the back to work scheme.
FIS has also been extensively advertised on local and national press and radio, in poster campaigns and targeted mailshots. Information on all social welfare schemes is also available on the Department's website and from any of the Department's local offices.
While there has been extensive publicity, I am concerned that people who may be entitled to FIS are not applying for it and my officials are currently preparing a national advertising campaign to fully inform all potential recipients of their entitlements under the FIS scheme.
Richard Bruton
Question:30 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who have been availing of the rent supplement for 18 months or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4645/06]
Tom Hayes
Question:36 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress which has been made on the long-term initiative for rent supplement tenants as announced on 4 July 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4660/06]
Paul Connaughton
Question:39 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who were in receipt of the rent supplement for 18 months or more and who were passed on to the local authority for a housing assessment have had their housing needs met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4647/06]
Paul Connaughton
Question:73 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people receiving the rent supplement for 18 months or more who have been passed on to a local authority for a housing assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4646/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 36, 39 and 73 together.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, a weekly or monthly rent supplement is available to assist eligible people who are unable to meet their immediate accommodation needs through their own resources.
In recent years, a significant number of people have come to rely on rent supplements for extended periods, including people on local authority housing waiting lists. In response to this situation, the Government has introduced new rental assistance arrangements giving local authorities specific responsibility for meeting the longer-term housing needs of people receiving rent supplement for 18 months or more, on a phased implementation basis. When fully operational, local authorities will meet the housing needs of these individuals through a range of approaches including the traditional range of social housing options, the voluntary housing sector and, in particular, a new public-private partnership type rental accommodation scheme.
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has indicated that 724 tenants have been accommodated under the rental accommodation scheme at the end of January 2006. This is the first step towards having the new arrangements fully operational nationwide by September 2008.
These arrangements are intended to be a long-term housing option for the people concerned. In order to finance this initiative €19 million was transferred from my Department's Vote to the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Vote in 2005 and a further €19 million has been transferred for 2006. Similar arrangements will apply in successive years as the new arrangements are implemented.
The rental assistance arrangements will also cater for new applicants for rent supplements and people who have been receiving rent supplement for less than 18 months as long as the local authority is satisfied that they have a long-term housing need. These people will be eligible for some form of assistance from their local authority under the scheme, whether that is contracted rental accommodation, voluntary housing or a local authority house. The question of which type of accommodation unit is provided to any individual and for how long will be a matter for the local authority to decide. Local authorities are in the process of negotiating with landlords to form a stock of contracted accommodation, as well as negotiating with the existing landlords of tenants on rent supplement.
The new rental assistance arrangements provide an imaginative additional approach in supporting people with longer-term housing needs. By definition, people on rent supplement for extended durations have a long-term housing need that they cannot otherwise meet, and many of them are on local authority housing lists.
The new scheme, particularly the rental accommodation component, will reduce housing waiting lists by providing a useful additional mechanism for providing social housing alongside more traditional social housing construction programmes and the expansion of the voluntary housing sector.
At the end of 2005, 60,176 households were in receipt of assistance under the rent supplement scheme. Over half of these, almost 33,000 tenants, have been on the scheme for 18 months or more. My Department and the Health Service Executive are actively assisting the local authorities and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in implementing the new arrangements. For example, that Department has been supplied with detailed information in relation to the 33,000 people who have been on rent supplement for 18 months or more. My Department has also provided these details to each programme manager appointed by the local authorities.
While I am disappointed that the level of tenant placements under the scheme to date is relatively low, I note that the rate of transfer has increased over the last three months. I appreciate that the scheme is a major new direction for local housing authorities and that there will undoubtedly be problems in developing a comprehensive range of options under the scheme to match demand. There may also be problems for local authorities in taking on some individual existing rented accommodation.
As the system rolls out, it is expected that local authorities will deal with any such situation using their statutory powers in relation to housing standards and provide a suitable solution under the scheme for the tenants concerned. If the local authority cannot do so immediately for any reason, there is no question of those people being left without housing support, as rent supplement can continue to be provided by my Department in their existing accommodation on a pro-tem basis until the situation is resolved.
Overall, I am satisfied that, while progress in terms of tenants transferring has been somewhat slow initially, the long-standing difficulties faced by long-term private sector tenants are being tackled and all of the relevant agencies are co-operating actively to make the new system work successfully.
Question No. 31 answered with QuestionNo. 14.
Question No. 32 answered with QuestionNo. 8.
Question No. 33 answered with QuestionNo. 14.
Public Service Cards.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:34 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will report on progress being made in his Department on the introduction of new travel pass cards that will facilitate the detection of fraudulent activity; and when such cards will be introduced. [4682/06]
The Department is co-ordinating an interdepartmental initiative to develop a public service card. This programme of work is known as the SAFE, standard authentication framework environment, initiative. The process is intended to produce a framework for public cards which will provide a branded standard for cards within which individual public service cards can converge. Over time it is anticipated that this convergence will reduce the need for customers to carry multiple cards.
A progress report on deliberations by the interdepartmental SAFE steering group was presented to Government in 2005. Subsequent to this, the Government approved plans for the development by my Department of a public service card, to be introduced in 2007. The public service card will introduce a number of improvements, including an improved registration process and new card technology which will support much improved security features and considerably reduce the potential for forging cards and fraudulent use. My Department is looking at the potential for ultimately using this public service card in conjunction with the free travel scheme.
My Department is committed to the continued co-operation with the Garda and the various transport operators in combating fraudulent activity on the free travel pass scheme. My Department has a very good working relationship with the transport operators and the Garda in relation to combating fraud related to the free travel scheme. Regular liaison occurs and passes are seized where fraud is suspected. The Garda National Bureau for Fraud Investigation recently announced the successful break up of a group producing forged free travel passes. It credited its success to the co-operation between my Department, CIE and the bureau.
Social Welfare Benefits.
John Gormley
Question:35 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being placed on parents who are in receipt of single parent allowance from their local post offices and only have four days to collect payments; and his plans to extend the collection period. [4684/06]
The one-parent family payment, OPFP, is the income support scheme for separated, unmarried and widowed persons and also for prisoners' spouses who are bringing up a child or children without the support of a partner. At the end of December 2005, the total number of one parent family recipients being paid by my Department was 83,066. Included in this figure are payments to 906 widowed persons.
The current scheme was introduced in 1997 when it replaced a number of schemes for different categories of lone parent. These schemes included lone parents allowance and deserted wife's benefit. Under the current scheme lone parents are encouraged to maximise their income from different sources and the means test for this scheme makes provision for the exemption of significant levels of earnings and maintenance payments.
Lone parents may earn up to €146.50 per week from employment without affecting their payment. Above that level, half of any earnings are assessed, up to a maximum of €293 per week. The maximum limit of €293 is being increased to €375 per week with effect from June 2006 as a result of changes introduced in the last budget. Lone parents may also be eligible to avail of the range of employment support services operated by the Department.
Following a review of the arrangements for administering the scheme, it was decided that services should in future be provided through my Department's local offices. The primary aim of providing services at local level is to improve customer service by reducing claim processing times through closer linkage with the local investigative officer network. Furthermore, by accessing services at local level lone parents come into direct contact with my Department's employment support services. These services provide support and encouragement to lone parents to access educational courses through schemes such as the back to education scheme or to take up work with the support of the back to work allowance scheme.
My Department currently processes new applications for one-parent family payment, OPFP, at 36 social welfare local offices. Plans are in place to move claims already in payment, which are currently administered in Sligo, to social welfare local offices during 2006 and for this move to be finalised early in 2007. The benefits of having these claims administered at local level are already evident as the average processing time for claim applications has dropped from 16 weeks to an average of seven weeks since the change.
Some 17,000 claims for one-parent family payment are received each year — equivalent to 330 per week on average. There are currently 3,608 one-parent family payment applications awaiting final decision. In addition to processing of new claims, there is significant ongoing interaction with existing clients. Generally, recipients of one-parent family payment are in a relatively young age bracket and they are likely to move in and out of employment, education or training on a regular basis or to have other changes in their family or household circumstances during the course of their entitlement to payment. Approximately 70,000 existing cases — an average of 1,300 per week — are reviewed for these reasons each year.
As part of the preparations for moving the administration of the OPFP scheme to local level some 44,000 OPFP customers who up to this time were paid by means of an order book will, from the middle of this month, collect their payment in post offices by using their social services card. As part of the Department's control processes, the payment should be collected by close of business on the Tuesday following the Thursday payday. If the money is not collected by then, contact should be made with the Department.
In circumstances where the customer has been unable to collect the payment, for instance due to illness, work commitments, holidays etc., arrangements are made to have the payment reissued as soon as possible and the payment is not forfeited. This payment method has been in operation for certain one parent families for some years. Currently, nearly 6,000 one-parent family payment customers receive their payment weekly in the post offices using this payment method and they are generally satisfied with the arrangement.
Although existing customers on EIT payments are satisfied with the system I have asked my officials to review the situation regarding the period of these payments with a view to extending it if possible. Any customer having difficulty with collecting the payment every week can contact the one-parent family payment section in Sligo who provide advice on a range of other payment options.
Question No. 36 answered with QuestionNo. 30.
Social Welfare Appeals.
John Curran
Question:37 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the statistical breakdown in respect of each Health Service Executive area on the outcome of appeals to the designated officer for appeals in each Health Service Executive area regarding applications for social welfare rent supplement allowance that have been refused by a superintendent community welfare officer. [4507/06]
John Curran
Question:53 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, further to the social welfare rent supplement allowance, the reason decisions on appeals are not made as quickly as the decisions being appealed against. [4508/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 53 together.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, SWA, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, HSE. The purpose of the scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Neither I nor my Department has any function in relation to decisions on individual claims or in relation to decisions of the executive's appeals officers.
Where a person is dissatisfied with the outcome of an application for rent supplement he or she may appeal against the decision to the appeals officer in the relevant HSE area. If the person is not satisfied with the decision of the HSE appeals office the person may further appeal the decision to the independent social welfare appeals office.
The HSE has supplied the following statistics on rent supplement appeals for the calendar year 2005; there were 549 rent supplement appeals allowed, 860 rent supplement appeals disallowed and 267 rent supplement appeals withdrawn in the HSE appeals offices. A breakdown of the rent supplement appeals by HSE area is shown in the tabular statement set out below.
The timescale for completing an appeal from the date of receipt to the communication of a determination is dependent, among other things, on the availability of the required information such as details of the applicant's income, bank statements, information from landlords etc. The person who originally made the decision may be asked to review the case in the light of any additional information supplied in relation to the appeal.
In addition, some aspects of the appeals procedure are inevitably time consuming and delays can occur where the grounds of appeal require further investigation such as home visits or third party evidence. Delays can also occur if an appellant is not in a position to proceed with an appeal or is slow to respond to requests for additional information.
The provision of a prompt service is a major objective of any appeals office. This has to be achieved, however, in a manner that is consistent with the demands of natural justice and the need to ensure that every appeal is fully investigated. Accordingly, in certain cases the time taken to process an appeal of a rent supplement claim may take longer than the time taken to process the original decision.
The HSE has advised that, in general, the period for the completion of the rent supplement appeals process in the HSE is 21 to 28 days. However, cases of greater complexity may require a longer period.
|
HSE Area |
Allowed |
Disallowed |
Withdrawn |
|
Eastern |
227 |
288 |
86 |
|
Midland |
8 |
12 |
— |
|
Mid-Western |
74 |
84 |
25 |
|
North Eastern |
7 |
18 |
2 |
|
North Western |
12 |
38 |
5 |
|
South Eastern |
31 |
96 |
41 |
|
Southern |
181 |
271 |
108 |
|
Western |
9 |
53 |
— |
|
Total |
549 |
860 |
267 |
Question No. 38 answered with QuestionNo. 28.
Question No. 39 answered with QuestionNo. 30.
Pension Provisions.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:40 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he is taking to address continuing concerns regarding reported large scale abuse of the construction industry pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4712/06]
The construction federation operatives pensions scheme operates as a registered employment agreement under the Industrial Relations Acts. There is a statutory obligation on employers to register eligible employees in the scheme and to pay the necessary contributions.
Compliance with the terms of the scheme is enforced through the Construction Industry Monitoring Agency, the Labour Court and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Pensions Board also has a role in relation to the scheme in so far as compliance with the various aspects of the Pensions Act are concerned. However, the main difficulties with the scheme relate to failure to register employees and-or to deduct contributions to the scheme and these issues are a matter for the Construction Industry Monitoring Agency, the Labour Court and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The Pensions Board has a very limited role in ensuring compliance with the scheme in question. However, because of ongoing controversy in relation to the scheme and compliance with its terms, the board facilitated a report on the scheme in conjunction with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The report was undertaken by Mercer Human Resource Consulting and it found that 80% of the estimated 80,000 eligible employees in the industry are covered by the scheme. However, the report does highlight the fact that an estimated 70,000 operatives are classed as self-employed and are therefore not eligible to join the scheme.
Mercer has made a range of recommendations designed to improve compliance with the scheme involving the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Finance, the Revenue Commissioners and my Department. Copies of the report have been provided to the relevant Ministers.
In relation to my Department, the report recommended that consideration by given to using the PRSI system as a means of enforcing the scheme and collecting contributions. This gives rise to a number of major issues, not least of which is the extent to which the Department should be directly involved in the administration of what is a private pension scheme. Major legislative change would be required and the accounting and operational arrangements of the PRSI system would need to be adapted to meet the needs and requirements of a funded pension system. In the circumstances, my Department does not consider the use of the PRSI system is appropriate or practical. Putting the Construction Industry Monitoring Agency on a statutory footing and dealing with issues in relation to self-employment in the industry, as also proposed in the Mercer report, are in my view the ways forward. These are matters for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Revenue Commissioners, respectively.
Following a meeting I had with trade unions representing construction workers, I have taken up with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, the issue of requiring compliance with the requirements under the construction federation operatives pensions scheme by companies awarded public sector contracts.
Question No. 41 answered with QuestionNo. 6.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:42 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the child dependant allowance has not been increased for the past 11 years in view of the fact that he has identified child poverty as one of the Government’s key challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4670/06]
Dinny McGinley
Question:55 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the research into the development of a second tier payment has been completed by the NESC; when the findings are due to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4671/06]
Pat Breen
Question:67 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress to date in 2006 on introducing a two-tier payment targeted at children in poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4643/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 55 and 67 together.
My Department provides child income support in a number of ways. The principal support is child benefit, a universal payment which is neutral vis-à-vis the employment status of the child's parents and does not contribute to poverty traps. Over the period since 1997, the monthly rates of child benefit have increased by €111.91 at the lower rate and €135.48 at the higher rate, increases of 293.8% and 273.6 %, respectively.
From April 2006, child benefit rates will be €150 per month for each of the first two children and €185 per month for the third and each subsequent child. Child benefit is paid to over 547,540 families in respect of approximately 1,060,740 children.
A second child income support is child dependant allowance, paid in addition to weekly social welfare payments in respect of approximately 255,737 children at full rate and 83,577 at half rate. In addition, my Department provides cash support by way of weekly payments to families at work on low pay through the family income supplement scheme. A number of improvements have been made to the scheme over the years, including assessment of entitlement on the basis of net rather than gross income and progressive increases in the income thresholds, making it easier for lower income households to qualify for payment. As a result, there are currently over 17,400 families receiving a weekly FIS payment, reaching nearly 34,000 children. This is the highest number of FIS recipients in the history of the scheme.
Child poverty is clearly a complex area requiring co-ordinated action across a range of Government services and income support payments. The development of income supports which can make the most effective contribution to child poverty lies within my Department's responsibilities and a series of budgets have increased considerably in real terms the level of resources which are going to families with children.
While the solutions to the problem of child poverty cover a wide range of measures, including income supports and services, I am committed to reviewing the role of child income supports in this regard. This includes examining the feasibility of merging the family income supplement and child dependant allowance into a second tier child income support taking account of an examination being carried out in this area by the National Economic and Social Council.
The NESC is currently considering its draft report and I look forward to receiving a finalised report which will be of significant assistance in informing the future direction of child income support policy. Any future proposals in relation to CDAs and FIS will be assessed in the wider context of this review.
Emigrant Support Services.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:43 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent visit to the United States and his discussions with Irish emigrant groups there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4719/06]
The role of my Department in supporting Irish emigrant groups abroad has centred on providing good quality, clear and comprehensive information for Irish people who wish to return to live in Ireland. My Department ensures that appropriate and relevant information for our emigrants abroad is available by funding and supporting the various voluntary agencies involved in this work. In carrying out these functions my Department works closely with the Irish abroad unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs which has primary responsibility for policy relating to emigrants and their support while abroad.
Emigrant Advice is the main voluntary organisation in Ireland involved in providing information for people intending to go abroad to work and for those emigrants abroad who are considering coming home. In 2005 my Department provided some €150,000 to assist this organisation with its work, which included the updating and publication of the information guide entitled "Returning to Ireland". This guide includes information on a wide range of topics including social welfare, health, pensions, taxation, education and accommodation. The information is presented in a way that is tailored to the needs of targeted groups of people, for instance, the elderly coming home to retire, single people returning to Ireland to find work, and the needs of families hoping to start a new life in Ireland. The guide outlines in a comprehensive way the benefits and costs associated with returning to Ireland to live. Copies have been posted to all our Irish immigrant centres abroad and to all Irish embassies and consulates. It has also been widely distributed to organisations in Ireland with an information giving role such as citizens information centres, FÁS offices and social welfare local offices.
I accepted an invitation from the board of the Emerald Isle Immigration Centre to visit their premises in New York on 1 February 2006 and to launch the guide at a gathering of Irish advice workers from Irish immigration centres throughout the USA. I feel it is important to demonstrate our support for our emigrants and emigrant groups. My visit to the centre was an opportunity to demonstrate that support and to help publicise this very important guide as broadly as possible.
I also accepted an invitation from the Irish Immigration and Pastoral Centre in Philadelphia to visit its centre on 2 February 2006. This year my Department provided funding of €25,000 to the centre for an information project to meet the needs of Irish immigrants in the Philadelphia and Delaware region. At the centre I met representatives of various Irish immigrant groups and other organisations and discussed how my Department could assist and support them in the provision of information and advice to Irish immigrants.
In both New York and Philadelphia, I was briefed and updated on the growing concerns over the situation of the undocumented Irish in the US and the problems they are currently encountering. In addition, while in Philadelphia I took the opportunity to visit the Social Security Administration Centre when I had the opportunity to see and hear at first hand how they use telephone facilities to provide enhanced services to customers.
Questions Nos. 44 and 45 answered with Question No. 14.
Question No. 46 answered with QuestionNo. 6.
Question No. 47 answered with QuestionNo. 14.
Identity Fraud.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:48 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps which have been taken to establish a multi-agency taskforce to deal with identity fraud in view of increased levels of bogus personal public service numbers to claim welfare benefits or bypass the work permit system. [4680/06]
Since my Department assumed direct responsibility for the allocation of PPS numbers in 2000, we put in place and have continuously improved operational structures and processes. Allocation of the PPS number as an identity reference number is dependent on the production of sufficient evidence to establish the uniqueness and integrity of the identity. Procedures at registration and supporting structures have concentrated on supporting the detection of false evidence and bogus identities. The Department is aware of the concerns about identity fraud and the need for a robust control system to address these concerns but is not aware of high levels of fraud involving bogus PPS numbers.
Identity fraud is an issue which has the potential to affect a wide range of public sector agencies. My Department recognises that an efficient and effective response to the issue requires a multi-agency approach. To this end, staff in my Department are in constant contact with the appropriate external agencies, including Revenue, the Garda national immigration bureau, GNIB, and, as required, with authorities in other countries. Formal co-operation procedures are in place with the GNIB and relevant information is shared in accordance with legislative provisions. A member of my staff is on secondment to the GNIB to further enhance the co-operation between the two bodies. In addition, staff from my Department participate in a working group, set up within the Revenue Commissioners, tasked with reporting on the issue of identity fraud and the misuse of PPS numbers.
My Department has a dedicated section dealing with identity fraud in relation to PPS number allocations. Staff in this section have received training in the area of document fraud from a number of sources, including the relevant issuing authorities, via their embassies, and from the GNIB. This allows the section to operate a full-time help desk facility for front line staff and to provide training and support to them.
Equipment has been installed in each of my Department's local and branch offices to assist in the identification of forged or altered documentation. In addition, plans are advanced to consolidate the number of offices allocating PPS numbers to one per county and this will allow for increased co-ordination and will facilitate enhanced control measures. My Department also plans to expand the role of the inspectorate in this work, in order to increase its focus on the issue of hijacked and bogus identities, as well as improving the support to local offices at registration.
Question No. 49 answered with QuestionNo. 6.
Social Welfare Agency.
Liz McManus
Question:50 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans, announced in an interview with a paper (details supplied) of 2 August 2005, for the establishment of a new agency to take over responsibility for the administration and payment of welfare benefits; when the agency will be established; if same will require legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4714/06]
As I stated on 27 October 2005 in my reply to questions reference Nos. 30955/05 and 30980/05, my Department is pursuing a modernisation programme which aims to build on the quality service it provides at present and to ensure an excellent service is maintained into the future. The establishment of a separate agency to administer and deliver social welfare payments is one of a number of options that are under consideration as part of a welfare service modernisation programme.
The proposal for a separate social welfare agency has to be examined in detail before full consideration can be given to its feasibility. It is necessary to determine the best approach to undertaking such an exercise having regard to the range of issues involved as well as the potential scope of its impact. Legal, operational, personnel and industrial relations matters will have to be addressed. Assessments must be made regarding potential improvements in services and the economies or efficiencies that might accrue from a changed structure. My Department will be examining the experiences of countries which have already pursued this approach and taking on board the lessons from those countries so as to avoid any difficulties which could arise.
The concept of a separate agency for the delivery of social welfare services is not new. A number of countries such as New Zealand and Australia have followed the route of setting up separate executive agencies to deliver some of their services. Most Deputies will be aware of the Benefits Agency which was set up in the UK as an executive agency within the Department of Social Security. The Benefits Agency was replaced by Jobcentre Plus in April 2002 and it currently operates under the aegis of the Department for Work and Pensions. The administration of state pensions in the UK is the responsibility of The Pension Service, which is also an executive agency of the Department for Work and Pensions.
My Department has been structured on Aireacht-Executive lines since the mid-1980s. The Aireacht is responsible for researching and formulating social welfare policy. It also provides a range of corporate services including personnel and finance. Social welfare services is the executive arm of the Department and is responsible for the administration and management of social welfare schemes and services through a network of local, regional and decentralised offices.
The setting up an executive agency to deliver social welfare services would be a major change in the operations of my Department. I am also conscious that my Department is currently embarking on a significant programme of change under the Government's decentralisation initiative. At all times my Department's priority is to provide a comprehensive and caring service to its customers and any proposals for changes in the delivery of social welfare services will be considered in this context.
Pension Provisions.
Joan Burton
Question:51 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he intends to take arising from the recent report from the European Commission which claimed that the Government was not doing enough to deal with the imbalance in pension coverage here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4702/06]
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:54 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the recent publication of the national pensions review; if it is intended to implement the recommendations contained in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4701/06]
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:63 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to the current review of the pension system here, if his Department has come to any decisions; if not, when he expects decisions to be made; the incentives or measures which will be put in place to encourage people to take up pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4655/06]
Joan Burton
Question:69 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the total number of persons who have taken out PRSAs at the latest date for which figures are available; the overall proportion of the eligible workforce this represents; his plans to review the scheme in view of the low take up rate to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4703/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:132 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans for State or social welfare pensions in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4900/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51, 54, 63, 69 and 132 together.
The latest results from the CSO quarterly national household survey, QNHS, show a 0.9% decline in supplementary pensions coverage from 52.4% of the working population aged 20-69 in quarter one of 2004 to 51.5% in the same quarter of 2005. The decline is within the margin of error for the survey so the position appears to be that there has been little change in the rate of supplementary pensions coverage over the last year. The most recent figures from the Pensions Board show that up to the end of December 2005 68,257 PRSAs have now been taken out with a total asset value of €451 million.
As the House will be aware, in early 2005 I asked the Pensions Board to bring forward by one year a review of our overall pensions strategy because I considered that on the basis of the progress being made there was little prospect of reaching our targets for pensions coverage in any kind of reasonable timescale. The Pensions Board completed its work in November 2005 and I published the report on 17 January. The board has reaffirmed the various targets recommended in the original national pensions policy initiative which included a retirement income, from all sources, of 50% of pre-retirement income, a social welfare pension equating to 34% of average industrial earnings and a supplementary pensions coverage rate of 70% for those aged over 30 years. The Government is already committed to achieving a social welfare pension of €200 per week by 2007.
The Pensions Board has recommended enhancements to the current voluntary system of supplementary pensions as it considers that the voluntary system has the potential to deliver significant improvements in coverage. Essentially these suggestions involve using the successful elements of the SSIA system in a pensions context by converting the tax relief provided for personal pensions to a matching contribution. I have already had discussions with the Minister for Finance on the possibility of implementing the suggestions of the Pensions Board and officials will examine these in more detail to determine the practicalities and costs of such a system.
There is no doubt that, with the right incentives, the voluntary system can deliver improved pensions coverage. In this regard, I welcome the proposals brought forward by the Minister for Finance in the recent Finance Bill providing incentives for SSIA savers on lower incomes to invest in pensions. However, as I have said on many occasions, we may have to consider a more radical approach and, in this regard, I am asking the Pensions Board to explore in more practical detail the ideas for a mandatory or quasi-mandatory system it put forward in its review.
The issue of pensions has achieved a very high profile over the last year or so but I think we have yet to have an engaging debate on exactly how we will tackle the difficult questions we face in the years ahead. The Pension Board report challenges us to have that debate and to decide finally the type of retirement we want for our older people and the contribution we will make during our working lives to that future. As Deputies will be aware, I am convening a national pensions forum, hopefully in March, and I hope that will generate robust debate at national level.
Question No. 52 answered with QuestionNo. 24.
Question No. 53 answered with QuestionNo. 37.
Question No. 54 answered with QuestionNo. 51.
Question No. 55 answered with QuestionNo. 42.
Social Welfare Fraud.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:56 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on reports that his Department has discovered a significant level of fraud involving the use of bogus PPS numbers; if his Department has any estimate of the number of bogus PPS numbers issued; the steps being taken to address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4706/06]
My Department has responsibility for the management and administration of the PPS numbers. Since taking over this role from Revenue, we have monitored the use of numbers and enhanced our controls to minimise fraudulent use of them. In recent years, the changing nature of the labour force, in particular the growth in workers from abroad, has raised the need for different and enhanced controls over issuing and use of PPS numbers. My Department has introduced significantly enhanced procedures and controls in response to these changes. Recent media reports of significant levels of identity fraud are based on studies carried out before these changes were put in place.
Identity fraud is by its nature difficult to quantify and My Department does not have definite figures on the number of bogus PPS numbers. However, it is planned to carry out a fraud and error survey in the next number of months in order to create a baseline measure of the extent of fraud and error in relation to PPS numbers.
When applying for a PPS number, applicants are asked to complete an application form and supply documentation to establish their identity. Whenever doubts arise as to the authenticity of documentation presented by an applicant, staff contact a central help desk and can, if necessary, refer the identity documents for further examination. In 2005, my Department issued in excess of 270,000 PPS numbers. Of this total, just over 178,000 were allocated following an interview at one of my Department's local or branch offices. A total of 1,393 documents were referred to the central help desk for checking in 2005. Of these, 377 were found to have been forged or altered. The equivalent figure for 2004 is 324. In any case where documentation presented is found to have been compromised, no PPS number is allocated.
My Department set down certain procedures and controls to be followed by officers when dealing with PPS number applications. These procedures and controls are under constant review in line with my Department's operational strategy. Currently applications for PPS numbers can be made at any local office. Plans are being put in place to consolidate the number of centres dealing with applications for PPS numbers and it is intended, in the most cases, to have one office per county issuing numbers. It is also planned to give my Department's inspectors an expanded role in the monitoring of the use of PPS numbers. There are also plans to modernise the technical and communication structures supporting the process. These enhancements, taken together, will lead to improved expertise at local level and to more effective controls overall.
My Department is aware of its responsibility for the PPS number registration process, the overall value of the possession of the PPS number and the need for a robust control system to address concerns about identity fraud. Considerable progress has been made since the introduction of the PPS number and my Department will continue to develop and improve its processes and data in this regard.
Question No. 57 answered with QuestionNo. 14.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Enda Kenny
Question:58 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has considered or will consider the extension of the fuel allowance scheme to all older people who are in receipt of the old age contributory and non-contributory pensions; the estimated cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4667/06]
The aim of the national fuel scheme is to assist householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive payments with meeting the cost of their additional heating needs during the winter season. Fuel allowances are paid for 29 weeks from end-September to mid-April and are not intended to meet the full cost of heating. Budget 2006 provided for an increase in the rate of fuel allowance of €5.00 from €9.00 to €14.00 or €17.90 in designated smokeless areas. Some 274,000 customers — 151,000 with basic fuel allowance and 123,000 with smokeless supplement — will benefit in 2006 at an estimated cost of €125.1 million.
Eligibility is subject to means. The main conditions that apply to the scheme are that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment, satisfy a means test and must either be living alone or only with a qualifying dependant. The household composition and means test rules for fuel allowance scheme qualifying purposes is to ascertain the ability of applicant households to meet their normal heating requirements out of their own resources and to ensure the maximum amount of support is targeted at those most in need of the fuel allowance support.
People who already qualify for means-tested pensions or allowances such as old age non-contributory pension, long-term unemployment assistance or one-parent family payment do not have to undergo a further means test to qualify for fuel allowance. The majority of people who receive fuel allowances qualify because they satisfy the relevant means test for their primary weekly payment. In the case of contributory pensions such as old age contributory, retirement and invalidity pensions, which are not means tested, a person may have a combined household income of up to €51 per week, or savings or investments of up to €46,000, over and above the maximum contributory pension rate used for reference purposes, and still qualify for fuel allowance. The fuel allowance income limits increase each season in line with the increases in this reference pension rate.
Based on the current rates of payment for fuel allowance, it is estimated that the extension of the allowance to people who are in receipt of old age contributory and non-contributory pensions but not in receipt of a fuel allowance would cost over €70 million annually.
In addition to the fuel allowance, over 320,000 pensioner and other households qualify for electricity or gas allowances through the household benefits package, payable towards their heating, light and cooking costs throughout the year, at an overall cost of €109 million in 2005. As currently structured, these allowances are linked to unit energy consumption, so that these people are protected against unit price increases in electricity or gas.
Fuel allowances are incorporated in the recipient's weekly social welfare payment and are not intended to meet heating costs in full. The Government's objective is to ensure that the recipient's total weekly income, including the fuel allowance, is sufficient to meet all of their income needs, including heating costs. Budget resources have been concentrated on providing significant real increases over and above inflation each year in all primary social welfare pension, benefit and assistance rates. This is a more costly approach than increasing fuel allowances because the increase is paid for the full year and not just for the 29 weeks of the winter heating season. This approach delivers a better outcome for pensioners and others by substantially increasing their income in real terms over the whole year, to better assist them in meeting their normal basic living costs, including heating. Payment rates have increased by between 47% and 57% over the last four years, while inflation has been less than 13% in total over that period.
There is also a facility available through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to assist people in certain circumstances who have special heating needs. If a person has an exceptional heating cost by virtue of a particular infirmity or medical condition which he or she is unable to meet out of household income, it is open to him or her to apply to the local community welfare officer for a special heating supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Any changes in the means rules or other conditions of the scheme would have significant cost implications and would have to be considered in the context of the budget and in the light of the resources available to me for improvements in social welfare generally.
Employment Policy.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:59 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views of the recent report from the OECD that suggests that the current statutory retirement age should be scrapped and that people, in certain circumstances, should be permitted to work until 85; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4708/06]
In the face of rapid population ageing, the OECD considers that there is a need to promote better employment opportunities for older people. Much of the focus in this area revolves around the reform of social welfare pensions systems and early retirement schemes but the OECD points to the need for a broader reform agenda which includes welfare systems, employment and dismissal procedures in firms, employment services for older jobseekers, working conditions and wage and training practices.
In 2001, the OECD Employment, Labour and Social Affairs Committee decided, as a contribution to driving this agenda, to carry out a thematic review of policies to improve labour market prospects for older workers. Separate country reports have been prepared for each of the 21 countries that have participated in this review. Each country report analyses the main existing barriers to the employment of older people, assesses the coherence and effectiveness of policies in removing these barriers and presents a set of recommendations on measures that Government should implement.
The OECD report on Ireland was launched on 5 December 2005 as part of the fourth FÁS Annual Labour Market Conference. In addition there was some publicity in relation to the conclusions of the report in connection with a High-Level Policy Forum on Ageing and Employment Policies run by the OECD in Brussels on 17 and 18 October 2005.
The report is wide-ranging and focuses on improving employment prospects for older people aged 50 to 64 and prolonging working lives past normal retirement age. In this regard, as I have said before, we should do everything possible to facilitate people who wish to continue working after normal retirement age. In relation to the social welfare system, the Government is committed to removing, as resources permit, the requirement for a person to retire before they can receive the retirement pension.
As I have publicly stated on a number of occasions, I firmly believe that everyone in this country should be entitled to a decent pension in retirement and it is that belief that has guided my decision to accelerate ways to tackle the pensions problem. As the situation now stands, out of a current workforce of 2 million people, in the region of 900,000 do not have a private or occupation pension. Unless this trend is aggressively addressed and reversed, hundreds of thousands of people face into a retirement on the basic social welfare pension. That is why I brought forward the statutory national review by the Pensions Board by more than a year. The report of the Pensions Board on the National Pensions Review was published last month and among its suggestions and recommendations are ideas on allowing people to defer claiming the State pension and in return to receive a higher pension when they decide to claim.
However, incentives in the social welfare system to prolong working lives are only part of the equation — essentially, there is a need for fundamental change in the attitudes of both employers and older workers themselves to working longer.
Question No. 60 answered with QuestionNo. 14.
Child Care Services.
Dan Boyle
Question:61 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department has statistics on the level of child care entitlements similar to the new child care supplement for under sixes being claimed by Irish nationals in other EU member states. [4678/06]
EU Regulations 1408/71 and 574/72 set out a number of rules to determine which country pays family benefits. The rules provide that the amount of family benefits in the state where a person works has priority over the amount of payment in the state where a person lives. If the amount of family benefits in the state in which a person lives is higher than that in the state in which she or he works, the state where the person lives provides a "top-up" equal to the difference between the two amounts. If the parents work in two different states, the state where the children live will pay family benefits and the other state will pay a top-up if their benefits are higher.
My Department does not have any information on the number of Irish nationals residing in other member states with their families who claim family benefits or child care entitlements from those countries. In such cases family benefits are provided under the national legislation of the member state concerned and are not affected by the EU rules. There are currently some 125 people receiving a supplement from my Department in accordance with EU rules on top of family benefits received from another member state in respect of their children resident in Ireland. This arises where Irish family benefits are higher than the corresponding benefits in the other member state. However, figures are not available where the amount of Irish family benefits is lower than that paid by another member state in respect of Irish resident children and, as a consequence, no supplement is payable.
From the information available, I understand that a number of EU member states incorporate a child care supplement within the structure of their family benefits systems. These countries include Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Finland and Sweden. Such payments are co-ordinated under the EU regulations.
Question No. 62 answered with QuestionNo. 28.
Question No. 63 answered with QuestionNo. 51.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Enda Kenny
Question:64 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of new families in receipt of the family income supplement since the increase in the family income supplement income limits in budget 2006; the number of new families who have applied for the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4668/06]
Family income supplement is designed to provide financial support for employees on low earnings with families. This preserves the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might otherwise only be marginally better off than if he or she were claiming other social welfare payments.
My Department has received 808 new or first-time applications for family income supplement since the beginning of the year up to 3 February last, compared with 582 new applications for the same period last year. Of these, 569 have been awarded the family income supplement. There are currently 17,382 people in receipt of family income supplement. The number of persons who applied for family income supplement in the year to December 2005 was 22,744.
The total number of new or first-time applications received in 2005 was 7,781 — an increase of 12% on the 2004 figure for new applications. The current level of applications represents a significant increase over previous years. The number of persons in receipt of family income supplement at 31 December 2005 was 17,488, with an average weekly payment of €87.57. The current average weekly payment as a result of the budget 2006 improvements is €109.67
Over the past number of years improvements to the scheme have been made, particularly with regard to the income limits that apply. In this year's budget I provided for further increases in the FIS income limits with effect from January 2006. These increases have again raised the weekly limit, with very substantial improvements for low income families with three or more children. A minimum weekly rate of €20 per week applies.
Additionally, my Department undertakes a number of proactive measures to ensure that people are aware of possible entitlement to FIS. These include advice to all persons who are awarded one-parent family payment and back to work allowance recipients. All employers are provided annually with information about the scheme in PRSI mailshots. Information on FIS is contained in all child benefit books and can be accessed on the Department's website. These methods will be supplemented by a specific and targeted information and publicity campaign dedicated to promoting FIS as a key family and employment support for persons on low income.
The increase in the numbers of persons receiving FIS is a positive development, reflecting the success of a range of Government measures which have improved net incomes for the low paid
Social Insurance.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:65 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of exemptions from payment of social insurance employment contributions, for a period not exceeding 52 weeks, granted in respect of the temporary employment of persons not ordinarily resident here in respect of each of the past five years; the number of such applications granted in respect of a company (details supplied); his plans to review this procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4713/06]
Since 2000, a total of 2,533 PRSI exemption certificates has been granted in respect of the temporary employment of persons not ordinarily resident in this country. Of these, 1,504 certificates were granted to the company in question. An annual breakdown of these certificates is attached.
PRSI exemptions are issued in accordance with Article 97 of SI 312/1996. The legislation provides for an exemption from PRSI contributions for up to 52 weeks to be granted to employees not ordinarily resident in the State but who are temporarily employed here. The purpose of the legislation is to avoid a situation whereby workers, who are sent by their employer to work here for short periods, would be subject to social insurance in two countries at the same time. Similar arrangements apply under EU Regulation 1408/71 to workers moving within the EU/EEA and to workers covered by bilateral social security agreements with this country.
When a request for an exemption certificate is being processed, a signed declaration is obtained from each employer confirming that the person for whom the exemption certificate is being sought continues to be covered by the social insurance regime of his or her home country while working in Ireland.
My Department seeks independent confirmation in respect of a random number of selected cases from the authorities in the employee's home country that social insurance payments have actually been made during the period covered by the exemption certificate. This control complements the employer's declaration regarding the employee's insurance status.
In the case of the company in question, a random sample of exempted cases has been referred to the relevant overseas authorities via the Department of Foreign Affairs. Confirmation has been received that the employees involved remained attached to their home country's social security regime during the period of the exemption.
Before granting an exemption certificate, my Department ensures that the employee holds a valid work permit which entitles them to work here.
The needs of the Irish economy have changed significantly since the PRSI exemption legislation was introduced in 1961. There have been changes in working patterns and skill levels and the enlargement of the European Union has also affected the labour market. Against this background, and having regard to the circumstances of the case in question, my Department is undertaking a review of the policy, legislative provisions and administrative arrangements for the PRSI exemption scheme. I will consider what changes, if any, need to be made in the light of that report.
Question No. 66 answered with QuestionNo. 28.
Question No. 67 answered with QuestionNo. 42.
Question No. 68 answered with QuestionNo. 6.
Question No. 69 answered with QuestionNo. 51.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Seymour Crawford
Question:70 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in active age groups and who are dependent on State income supports that have had their case managed in facilitating their return to work or participation in training or further education in 2002, 2003 and 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4651/06]
A range of supports are provided by my Department's locally based facilitators to persons in active age groups who are dependent on social welfare payments. The primary role of facilitators is to assist the long-term unemployed and other long-term welfare dependants back to work, training or further education by providing them on an individual basis with assistance to access the necessary programmes or supports which their circumstances demand. Facilitators have access to some additional services, such as the special projects and family services funds, which provide funding for specialised training and supports for those who are distant from the labour market and who need additional help in preparing them for further training and employment.
One of the supports targeted specifically at the unemployed is the employment action plan, EAP, under which customers, aged 18 to 54 years, who are approaching six months on the live register, are systematically referred to FÁS for guidance, intervention or placement.
Under this process, a total of 108,134 individuals was referred to FÁS for interview during the period 2002 to 2004. Some 70,313 persons were interviewed, of whom 22,540 were placed in jobs-FÁS programmes or other education or training.
In addition to the referral process outlined, a further initiative commenced in May 2003. Under this process, all customers aged between 18 and 55 years who are over six months on the live register and who have not been previously selected for the EAP are being selected for referral to FÁS where they are offered interventions similar to those available under the EAP.
A total of 20,216 persons was referred to FÁS under this process over the period 2002 to 2004. Some 14,164 persons were interviewed, of whom 2,902 were placed in jobs-FÁS programmes or other education or training.
Certain customers referred through the EAP process may face severe employability issues which are not amenable to resolution within the normal range of interventions available. To assist such customers a high supports process was established in 2003 by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
As part of this process, local networks of relevant service providers are being established in certain areas in conjunction with FÁS and my Department's facilitators. People identified as suffering severe employability issues are referred to the local networks and appropriate avenues identified to enhance employability. A special fund is available to purchase specialist training or interventions that may be required to assist an individual.
My Department, through its employment support and other services, has assisted many people away from the cycle of long-term unemployment and back into the workforce. The services provided, particularly their continued relevance and flexibility, are under constant review. I am particularly interested in advancing measures that blend activation with supports and that make the transition from welfare to work as seamless as possible.
Seán Crowe
Question:71 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties regarding the delay in the processing of back to education grants, particularly regarding persons receiving the lone-parent’s allowance; and the reason for same. [4550/06]
My Department administers a range of back to education programmes, as part of its overall employment support services, to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare schemes to return to work. Programmes range from basic literacy courses through to certain postgraduate university courses, and include the back to education allowance scheme, which covers full-time second and third level courses.
A back to education allowance is paid to qualified participants at a standard weekly rate equivalent to the maximum rate of the relevant social welfare scheme. The allowance is payable for the duration of the course of study which, in the case of lone parents, includes all holiday periods. The scheme itself is not means tested and consequently lone parents may take up part-time employment during the academic year and full-time employment during the summer period without affecting their payment.
In addition, participants receive a cost of education allowance of €400, which is payable at the beginning of each academic year. Participants also retain entitlement to any secondary benefits they had while on the relevant qualifying social welfare scheme.
Applications for back to education allowance from people in receipt of one-parent family payment are processed in the pension services office in Sligo. The time taken to process individual new claims varies significantly having regard to the difficulty or otherwise in establishing the circumstances in each case. In addition to the administrative work necessary in respect of each one-parent family claim, there is an onus on claimants to make a claim in the prescribed manner, to furnish all necessary documentation and to co-operate with deciding officers during the processing of the claim. However, every effort is made to process applications as quickly as possible. The length of time needed to decide on entitlement does not result in any loss of payment to the people concerned as entitlements are back-dated to the date of entitlement.
My Department is currently reviewing the procedures involved in processing the back to education allowances to establish how best the process might be streamlined, and I expect improvements in processing times for the 2006-07 academic year.
Question No. 72 answered with QuestionNo. 6.
Question No. 73 answered with QuestionNo. 30.
Question No. 74 answered with QuestionNo. 24.
Pension Provisions.
Denis Naughten
Question:75 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to review the means test for farmers applying for the old age non-contributory pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4506/06]
I understand that the Deputy is concerned in particular about the current arrangements applying in the case of old age pension where a landholder leases land or is otherwise in possession of land which is fallow or idle.
While there were no specific measures regarding the leasing of land in the recent budget, it contained a number of important measures which are designed to target resources at particular groups of older people, including the farmers in question. In considering these measures I was anxious to target resources at those who are at the greatest risk of poverty; to encourage saving, and to simplify the system of income support for older people who do not receive contributory pensions.
Budget 2006 provides for an increase of €16 per week — 9.6% — for all non-contributory pensioners, bringing the weekly rate of pension to €182 per week with effect from January. This means that significant progress has been made towards the achievement of the Government's commitment to bring the basic state pension to over €200 per week by 2007. In addition, I increased the fuel allowance by €5 per week, from €9 to €14, and the over-80s allowance by €3.60 to €10. These measures will be of considerable benefit to many thousands of non-contributory pensioners.
On budget day, I was also pleased to announce that I proposed to establish, in September 2006, a standardised State — non-contributory — pension, replacing the old age pension and, for recipients aged 66 and over, blind pension, widow's or widower's pension, one-parent family payment, deserted wife's allowance and prisoner's wife's allowance.
All the schemes in question feature a common means disregard of €7.60 per week, which has not increased since the 1970s. The means disregard for the new non-contributory pension will be €20 per week, an increase of €12.40 per week. Over 30,000 pensioners who are currently in receipt of a reduced rate of payment will gain from this change. The increase in the personal rate of payment will be up to €12.50 per week while the qualified adult rate, where applicable, will increase by up to €8.30 per week. This measure, in particular, will benefit all those farmers who are in receipt of an old age — non-contributory — pension at present.
Furthermore, consequent on the increase in the means disregard to €20 per week, a single person, with no other means, will be able to have up to €35,000 in capital and still qualify for a pension at the maximum rate. This figure is doubled in the case of a pensioner couple.
By any standards, the levels of increases and revised means-test arrangements announced in the budget are exceptional. The proposed modernisation of the current arrangements is also a further demonstration of our commitment to all those who are elderly, including those who continue to farm or lease land.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Gay Mitchell
Question:76 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Questions Nos. 403 and 404 of 22 November 2005, the steps a one-parent family payment claimant must take to satisfy the maintenance recovery unit that they have made reasonable attempts to obtain such maintenance; the number of one-parent family payment claimants; the number of one-parent family payment claimants who are not currently in receipt of maintenance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4675/06]
The one-parent family payment, OPFP, acts as a safety net for people where there is inadequate maintenance, where maintenance payments are irregular, or where efforts to secure maintenance in the first place fail. Applicants for OPFP are required to make ongoing efforts to look for adequate maintenance from their former spouses, or, in the case of unmarried applicants, the other parent of their child. They must satisfy my Department that they have made reasonable attempts to obtain such maintenance.
Separated OPFP claimants must demonstrate that they have made reasonable efforts to obtain support before their lone-parent payment is awarded. Unmarried claimants must demonstrate similar efforts after their claim is awarded. Guidelines as to the steps to be taken in making reasonable efforts to obtain maintenance are published on my Department's website.
The issue of maintenance payments is first and foremost a private matter for the persons concerned, and if they cannot resolve the problem, for the courts through family law provisions.
The purpose of the maintenance recovery operation of the Department of Social and Family Affairs is to recover some or all of the moneys being expended on social welfare payments for lone parents. In every case where a one-parent family payment is awarded, the maintenance recovery unit of my Department seeks to trace the other parent, referred to as the liable relative, in order to ascertain whether he or she is in a financial position to contribute towards the cost of OPFP. The follow-up activity takes place within two to three weeks of the award of payment.
All liable relatives assessed with maintenance liability are notified by my Department and they are issued with a determination order setting out the amount of contribution assessed. The amount assessed can be reviewed where new information comes to light about the financial or household circumstances of the liable relative. Decisions on the amounts assessed can be appealed by liable relatives to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
The number of OPFP recipients being paid by my Department at the end of December 2005 was 83,066. Included in this figure are 906 payments to widowed persons where maintenance is not an issue. In the period January 2003 to December 2005, the maintenance recovery unit has examined 56,032 cases and issued determination orders to 8,017 liable relatives. As at the end of January 2006 — the latest date for which figures are available — 2,193 liable relatives are contributing directly to my Department.
My Department's records indicate that approximately 9,600 one-parent family payment recipients are in receipt of maintenance from their spouse or other parent of their child or children and as a result receive a reduced rate OPFP. Figures are not available for one-parent family payment recipients who receive maintenance payments and still qualify for the maximum rate of payment.
Emigrant Support Services.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:77 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the services his Department offers to support Irish emigrant groups abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4718/06]
The role of my Department in supporting Irish emigrant groups abroad has centred on providing good quality, clear and comprehensive information for Irish people who wish to return to live in Ireland. My Department ensures that such information for our emigrants abroad is available by funding and supporting the various voluntary agencies involved in this work.
In carrying out these functions my Department works closely with the Irish abroad unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which has primary responsibility for policy relating to emigrants and their support while abroad.
Emigrant Advice is the main voluntary organisation in Ireland involved in providing information for people intending to go abroad to work and for those emigrants abroad who are considering coming home. In 2005 my Department provided some €150,000 to assist the organisation with its work, including the updating of the highly successful Returning to Ireland Guide, and the maintenance of the website www.emigrantadvice.ie.
Other voluntary organisations involved in the provision of information for Irish people abroad, which have received funding from my Department since 2005 include the Coalition of Irish Immigrant Centres USA, the Aisling Irish Centre, New York, and the Irish Immigration and Pastoral Centre in Philadelphia. The safe home programme run by the Mayo-based organisation dedicated to helping elderly Irish emigrants wishing to return to Ireland to live but lacking the means to do so received €80,000 in 2005 to assist with information provision activities. The Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas also received a grant towards the provision of an information service for Irish prisoners overseas and their families.
An amount of €427,000 has been allocated in 2006 by my Department for voluntary organisations providing information and advice to emigrants. Support for the provision of information for Irish people abroad who are contemplating returning to live in Ireland will continue to be a priority for my Department in the disbursement of this funding.
The funding provided by my Department to voluntary organisations involved in the provision of information for emigrants is in line with the main recommendations of the report of the task force on policy regarding emigrants which was published in August 2000. The task force recommended that there should be close co-operation between the various Departments and voluntary agencies at home and abroad regarding the provision of information to our emigrants.
Social Welfare Code.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:78 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by organisations offering support for lone parents regarding the decision to include training allowance payments in assessment for rent supplements; if, in view of the importance of facilitating lone parents who wish to avail of training opportunities, he will reconsider the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4700/06]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The purpose of the scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Neither I nor my Department has any function regarding decisions on individual claims.
Under the rules of the scheme, rent supplements are calculated to ensure that an eligible person after the payment of rent has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to his or her family circumstances, less a minimum contribution of €13 which each recipient is required to pay from his or her own resources.
The regulations governing rent supplement stipulate that, in addition to the minimum contribution, recipients are also required to contribute towards their rent any additional assessable means that they have over and above the appropriate basic supplementary welfare allowance rate. The assessment of additional income of participants on a training course has always been a feature of the SWA scheme. However, the fact that income is assessed does not mean that the amount of rent supplement is reduced because significant income disregards are applied.
The Department is very conscious of the need to facilitate persons in receipt of social welfare payments to take up employment and training opportunities and to ensure that the social welfare supports are structured to support this objective. A number of measures have been introduced in recent years to remove disincentives to taking up employment and training opportunities and to assist in the transition from welfare to work. These measures include easing of means tests through income disregards and the tapered withdrawal of benefits as earnings increase.
Where a person has an additional income as a result of participation on a training course, the means test now provides for a weekly disregard of up to €60 per week with half of any additional income between €60 and €90 also disregarded for means assessment purposes. For those participating in approved training courses, any lunch or travel allowances that are paid may also be disregarded. In addition certain training courses now provide a child care allowance to participants on certain courses. Budget 2006 provided that these child care allowances are to be treated in the same manner as a lunch or travel allowance and disregarded.
I consider that the current rent supplement additional income disregards ensure that people have a financial incentive to take up training opportunities, but I will continue to keep the issue under review.
Health Services.
Seán Ardagh
Question:79 Mr. Ardagh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will accede to the request of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W regarding respite resources. [4775/06]
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.
Ambulance Service.
Denis Naughten
Question:80 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the provision which exists in the Health Service Executive national service plan 2006 for funding for the development of the three ambulance bases at Tuam, Achill-Mulranny and west Roscommon which have had approval from the former Western Health Board as board policy since 2001; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4779/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Mental Health Services.
Phil Hogan
Question:81 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if lands, under the management of the mental health services, if sold would be ring-fenced for mental health service development within that service area. [4785/06]
The report of the expert group on mental health policy, A Vision for Change was launched on 24 January. This policy envisions an active, flexible and community-based mental health service where the need for hospital admission will be greatly reduced. It will require substantial funding, but there is considerable equity in buildings and lands within the current mental health system, which could be realised to fund this plan. Therefore, this report recommends that steps be taken to bring about the closure of all psychiatric hospitals and to re-invest the resources released by these closures in the mental health service. The closure of large mental hospitals and the move to modern units attached to general hospitals, together with the expansion of community services, has been Government policy since the publication of Planning for the Future in 1984.
The Health Service Executive has primary responsibility for implementing the recommendations of the expert report and all services will be examined in this context. The Health Service Executive has stated that the national mental health directorate within the HSE will immediately establish an implementation group to ensure that the recommendations are realised in a timely and coordinated manner.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Finian McGrath
Question:82 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if funding will be provided for the Mayo centre for independent living in order that people can live independently; and if the maximum support and funding will be given for these disabled people in line with new disability legislation. [4788/06]
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.
Rape Crisis Network.
Liz McManus
Question:83 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the Rape Crisis Network Ireland position with regard to receiving money in view of the fact that having met with her and the Minister for Finance, the representatives of the Rape Crisis Network Ireland were given to understand that they were to be allocated €7 million funding as the Minister for Finance indicated the money was there and she was supportive but when application was made, the Health Service Executive replied saying it has no money; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4799/06]
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.
As the Deputy may be aware two weeks ago the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children met with representatives of three organisations in the violence against women sector. Following that meeting the Tánaiste asked the HSE to review the issues raised by the organisations. The HSE is considering this request.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Paddy McHugh
Question:84 Mr. McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if funding will be provided to a centre (details supplied) in County Mayo in order that people can live independently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4800/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:85 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 is registered with a group; the back-up services which are provided to this person; and if the family will receive assistance on employment and care plans. [4802/06]
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.
Finian McGrath
Question:86 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the long-term care plan for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if she will work closely with the family on this matter. [4803/06]
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.
Ambulance Service.
Jack Wall
Question:87 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Question No. 212 of 1 February 2006, if funding will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4815/06]
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 further investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Gay Mitchell
Question:88 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if arrangements will be made with the Health Service Executive for the child of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 to be assessed by an orthodontist; if a programme will be set up for remedial measures to be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4826/06]
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 Service Schemes.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:89 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to an application under the national repayment scheme by persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4842/06]
The general rules and policy relating to the national repayment scheme have been set out in previous parliamentary questions. These can be made available to the Deputy should he require them.
As the Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the scheme, inquiries relating to individual cases are referred to the parliamentary affairs division of the executive. My Department has asked the HSE to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Pat Carey
Question:90 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will establish with the Health Service Executive when a suitable residential place will be made available for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4843/06]
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.
Pat Carey
Question:91 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will establish with the Health Service Executive if extensive reconstruction surgery will be carried out on a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4844/06]
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 case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:92 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some chiropodists are charging medical card holders for chiropody services; if medical card holders are entitled to free chiropody services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4845/06]
There is no statutory obligation on the Health Service Executive, HSE, to provide chiropody services to GMS patients; however in practice arrangements are made to provide these services. Before the establishment of the HSE the nature of the arrangements for chiropody and the level of service provided was a matter for individual health boards and so a degree of variation in practice developed over time. Priority is usually given to certain groups of people, including people who are medical card holders aged 65 years and over. In several regions the service is provided by private chiropodists by arrangement with the HSE.
I consider that it is inappropriate for private chiropodists who are providing services on behalf of the HSE to charge patients a top-up fee, and I have conveyed this view formally to the HSE. My Department requested the HSE to initiate a review of the fee arrangements in place for the provision of chiropody services, with a view to ensuring that such additional fees will no longer be levied on persons in receipt of this service. The HSE has recently advised me that it has initiated a review of chiropody services.
Ambulance Service.
Denis Naughten
Question:93 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action the Health Service Executive is taking to establish community based emergency medical response teams to bring early medical intervention to areas in west Roscommon which are furthest from ambulance stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4846/06]
Denis Naughten
Question:94 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the figures for ambulance response times for west Roscommon in each of the years 2005, 2004 and 2003; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4847/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 94 together.
The Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Aids and Appliances.
Seymour Crawford
Question:95 Mr. Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of patients in need of ileostomy equipment; her views on whether this equipment should be free the same as diabetic medication and equipment; her further views on whether colitis patients are affected by undue pressure and should be helped in every way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4848/06]
Statistics about non-notifiable illnesses are not routinely collected by my Department.
Under the 1970 Health Act, the Health Service Executive may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, for the treatment of that condition, through the long-term illness scheme, LTI. The LTI does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments. The conditions covered include: mental handicap, mental illness, for people under 16 only, phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions.
I presume the Deputy is referring to undue financial pressure. People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family.
In November 2004, I introduced a new graduated benefit — the GP visit card to extend free GP care and treatment to individuals and families on low incomes. In June last year, I simplified the means test for both medical and GP visit cards. It is now based on an applicant's and spouse's income after income tax and PRSI, and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, child care and travel to work. In October, I announced that the income guidelines for both medical and GP visit cards would be increased by an additional 20%. This means the income guidelines are now 29% higher than this time last year. These improvements have also made the assessment process much fairer and ensure that those on low to moderate incomes can qualify for free GP care.
Non-medical card holders can use the drug payment scheme, which protects against excessive medicines costs. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €85 per calendar month, or approximately €20 per week, towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines for the treatment of illnesses such as colitis. In addition, the Deputy will be aware that non-reimbursed medical expenses above a set threshold may be offset against tax.
Products which are necessary for the management of the specified illness are available to LTI patients. Other products are available according to the patient's eligibility. There are a variety of ileostomy bags included on the list of reimbursable non-drug items for the community drugs schemes.
Hospital Services.
Róisín Shortall
Question:96 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recent report on the organisation of tertiary paediatric services and the ongoing concern of parents and professionals regarding the possible loss of Temple Street Hospital to Dublin’s northside, the action she intends to take to ensure that Temple Street Hospital is facilitated on the Mater Hospital campus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4849/06]
On 3 February, the Health Service Executive published a report on the delivery of tertiary paediatric services in this country. The HSE commissioned the report at my request. The report, which was prepared by McKinsey and Company, recommends that best outcomes for children should be provided by one national tertiary paediatric centre which would also provide all secondary paediatric services for the greater Dublin area.
Arising from the recommendations, a joint HSE-Department of Health and Children task group is being established to progress matters and to advise on the optimal location for the new facility. The task group's conclusions will inform decisions in regard to the Mater-Temple Street project.
Food Safety Standards.
Denis Naughten
Question:97 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the Food Safety Authority became aware of the recall of a food product (details supplied); when information was forwarded to it by the UK food standards authority on the product in question; when it received details of the withdrawal of product by the manufacturer; the reason for the delay in withdrawing the product from Irish shelves and issuing information to the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4850/06]
On Thursday, 2 February last, the Food Standards Agency, FSA, UK notified the European Commission of the withdrawal from sale of a consignment of baby rusks because of non-compliance with EU regulations on the maximum limit for pesticide residues in infant food. The rusks were found to contain low levels of the pesticide, chlorpropham. This message was received by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, FSAI, on Thursday evening, 2 February, via the European rapid alert system for food and feed, RASFF. As no distribution details were included on the notification, the Commission requested the UK to provide such information.
FSAI officials discussed the matter with the FSA UK incident team on Friday morning, 3 February, and it was noted that: the FSA risk assessment indicated that there was no risk to health; the company was initiating the withdrawal of the products from the market; and some products had been distributed to Ireland, but exact details were not available. Immediately on receipt of this information the FSAI initiated its own risk assessment to determine the health risk associated with the consumption of the product. In addition, the manufacturer was contacted directly, in order to establish what products had been distributed within Ireland and what action was being taken to remove them from sale.
At mid-day Friday 3 February, the manufacturer confirmed that three of the 11 products which had been affected in the UK had been distributed in Ireland and details of their distribution was provided. Details were also provided of the action taken to withdraw the products from the food chain and food stores. I have been informed that this action commenced on Thursday evening.
The FSAI is satisfied, on the basis of the risk assessment, that consuming the product poses no risk to public health. It also considers that the information provided by the manufacturer and the action taken was appropriate and in these circumstances no further action is deemed necessary at this stage.
I am satisfied that the FSAI acted rapidly and responsibly in the interests of public health and I have been assured that it will continue to keep the matter under close review, in particular to monitor the effectiveness of the withdrawal.
Departmental Schemes.
Denis Naughten
Question:98 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Question No. 235 of 12 April 2005, the status of the review; when a compensation scheme will be put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4877/06]
The feasibility of introducing a vaccine damage compensation scheme is still under examination in my Department. This process is at an advanced stage and will be given priority in the Department's 2006 business plan.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Richard Bruton
Question:99 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a formal directive has been issued to the Health Service Executive on foot of budget 2006 announcement of changes to be implemented in the nursing home subvention scheme; if not, when she proposes these changes to come into effect; and the reason for the delay in the implementation of these changes. [4889/06]
The changes that were announced on budget day were incorporated into the Nursing Homes (Subvention) (Amendment) Regulations 2005. These regulations amended the thresholds contained in the 1993 regulations by increasing the value of assets to be disregarded for the purposes of subvention assessment from £6,000, €7,618, to €11,000, increasing the asset threshold above which subvention may be refused from £20,000, €25,394, to €36,000 and increasing the threshold of principal residence value above which subvention may be refused from £75,000, €95,230, to €500,000 or more, where the residence is located in the Dublin area, or €300,000 or more, where the residence is located outside the Dublin area, provided that the applicant's income is greater than €9,000. This was previously £5,000 or €6,349.
These regulations were signed by the Tánaiste on 14 December 2005 and came into law effective from that date. The Deputy may wish to note that the HSE continues to retain the discretion to impute an income of 5% of the estimated market value of the principal residence of an applicant for subvention, unless the residence is occupied by a spouse or son or daughter aged less than 21 years or in full-time education or in receipt of the disabled person's maintenance allowance, blind person's pension, disability benefit, invalidity pension or old age non-contributory pension, and generally does so unless there are exceptional circumstances. However, the residence value above which it may automatically refuse to pay a subvention has been increased substantially, as outlined, to take account of increased property values.
The Department has discussed the regulations with the HSE, both during their preparation and since their coming into law and it falls to the HSE to implement the regulations to the various HSE regions.
Medical Cards.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:100 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if and when a medical card will issue in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4890/06]
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.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Catherine Murphy
Question:101 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a service plan has been determined for a child (details supplied) in County Kildare; if not, if an assessment for such a plan has been scheduled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4917/06]
Catherine Murphy
Question:105 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the measures which have been taken to determine the support needs of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare both in the short and long term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4941/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 105 together.
The Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Departmental Schemes.
Róisín Shortall
Question:102 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a closing date or dates are operated by her Department in respect of the Civil Service travel pass scheme; if so, the dates in question; the way in which temporary, seasonal or other non-routine workers are accommodated in the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4921/06]
The Civil Service travel pass scheme applies only to annual bus and rail passes issued by Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and other approved transport providers, such as Luas. The scheme does not apply to temporary and seasonal workers as the employee must be employed on a permanent or probationary basis at the date of application. An employee under a fixed-term contract is also eligible to apply.
The closing date for Dublin Bus, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann applications is the 18th day of the month prior to the start of travel, for example, an application must be received by 18 January for a ticket that is valid from 1 February. Annual Luas tickets must be ordered by the 8th day of the month prior to the start of travel. Applications for all tickets valid from January to December must be received by mid-November.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Catherine Murphy
Question:103 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department exchanges information with the Department of Education and Science on the number of children that are either born or later diagnosed with special needs in order that educational services can be planned for in line with demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4939/06]
Catherine Murphy
Question:104 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department keeps a record of the number of children born with special needs or who are later diagnosed with special needs with a view to ensuring that funding is allocated to the appropriate services in line with demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4940/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 104 together.
The Department of Health and Children has established two national databases in the area of disability, both of which are managed on behalf of the Department by the Health Research Board. The two databases are the national intellectual disability database, which was established in 1995, and the national physical and sensory disability database which was established in 2002. The national intellectual disability database would also include information on some persons with autism, who would also have an intellectual disability. The databases are intended to provide a comprehensive and accurate information base for decision making in the planning, funding and management of services for people with disabilities. The databases provide data on demographic characteristics, current service provision and future service needs over a five year period. The former health boards were responsible for the collection and validation of information for their regions and this is now the responsibility of the HSE. Responsibility for providing the information to the HSE lies primarily with the service providers, community care personnel and school principals and individuals with disabilities. Registration on the databases is voluntary.
The National Intellectual Disability Database Committee has published seven annual reports to date. The information from the national intellectual disability database is also used to monitor service developments and has been a key factor in securing the significant additional funding which has been invested in these services since 1997.
The National Physical and Sensory Disability Database Committee published a preliminary analysis report for 2004 in December 2004 and a full report for 2004 in December 2005. The Disability Act 2005 and the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 place specific requirements on both the HSE and the National Council for Special Education on information on services to be provided under both legislative measures. The overall information requirements are currently being examined in the context of these provisions.
The Department of Health and Children provide information to the Department of Education and Science from the data which is available to it from the databases. The former health boards and now the HSE also exchange information and liaise with that Department and with the National Council for Special Education at an operational level.
Question No. 105 answered with QuestionNo. 101.
Local Authority Funding.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:106 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance his proposals to introduce legislation to prevent local authorities from charging rates to non-profit making charitable organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4814/06]
The application of rates is a matter for each individual local authority in accordance with the statutory framework. However, the Valuation Act 2001 already contains provisions which, subject to certain conditions, address the issue raised by the Deputy. The relevant provisions may be found at section 16 of Schedule 4 to the Act.
If a charitable organisation, as defined in the Act, occupies any land, building or part of a building and uses such property exclusively for charitable purposes and otherwise than for private profit, then that property is deemed to be non-rateable.
Schools Building Projects.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:107 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the result of the discussions he or the Office of Public Works have had with Kildare County Council or other groups, bodies or agencies regarding the urgent need for the provision of an alternative site at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if progress of a positive nature can be reported on the most pressing need to have this school relocated as a matter of urgency with particular reference to the health and safety of pupils, teachers and parents arising from the existing school’s location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4884/06]
Officials from the Office of Public Works met with officials from Kildare County Council on 8 February 2006. A number of site options were reviewed and these will now be progressed. It would be inappropriate to reveal the precise details of the meeting at this point as it would likely prejudice future discussions and possible negotiations.
Tax Code.
Barry Andrews
Question:108 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Finance the implications for the Revenue Commissioners of abolishing the two different types of diesel; and his views on whether there should be a rebate system for vouched fuel used for agricultural machinery in view of the extent of the activity in fuel laundering and the damage to the environment from the by-product of this activity. [4771/06]
I assume that the question concerns the implications of unifying into one rate of mineral oil tax the present two-tier rate structure for diesel and converting the existing low rate regime into a repayment system. Such a system would not rely on colour or chemical marking of diesel fuel.
Diesel is currently taxed at €368.05 per 1,000 litres in respect of auto use and at a lower rate of €47.36 per 1,000 litres for other use. The low rate diesel is marked with a chemical and dye, which gives it a green colour, and is known as marked gas oil — MGO. While it is used in agricultural machinery and tractors, it is also widely used for commercial and domestic central heating, for off-road and special purpose vehicles such as dumpers, concrete pumping vehicles, mobile well drilling vehicles, mobile cranes, bulldozers and diggers, for trains, for other industrial and construction machinery such as generators and compressors, and in boats. In 2005 consumption of MGO was approximately 1.6 billion litres.
The present system allows misuse of MGO in vehicles to be detected by means of a visual check of colour and a laboratory check for the chemical marker. There were 173 convictions obtained for marked oil offences in 2005 and fines totalling €175,704 were imposed. A further 1,326 offences were settled on payment of penalties totalling €986,720.
Fuel laundering is a fraudulent activity involving the removal of the chemical marker and dye from the fuel in order to make it difficult to distinguish it from unmarked auto-diesel. However, as the MGO has a higher sulphur content than auto-diesel, it is still possible for Revenue enforcement staff to identify laundered fuel using specialised roadside detection equipment backed up with laboratory chemical analysis. In 2005 a total of 127 detections of laundered oil were made across 12 counties, which included: 21 retail outlets-oil distributors; 71 hauliers; 35 others; five tankers seized; 311,404 litres of laundered oil seized; and €155,328 taken in penalties from Northern Ireland hauliers.
Prosecutions in 2005 for laundered oil included eight filling stations and 25 other cases have been reported for prosecution, including ten hauliers. Six convictions were obtained in 2005 and penalties totalling €5,950 and one custodial sentence, of 18 months suspended for three years, were imposed.
While acknowledging that laundering is an unacceptable fraudulent activity which can cause environmental damage, a single rate repayment-based regime as proposed would only succeed if a reciprocal measure in the UK was in place as most of the laundered oil is produced from UK MGO — red diesel — which is cheaper than our MGO. Even if the UK also made such a change, there are other serious drawbacks involved.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a repayment system would involve an enormous burden on Revenue resources in the compliance, processing and audit areas in view of the diversity and number of users of MGO. In addition, all users of low rate diesel would suffer the cash flow burden of a requirement to pay the full rate in the first instance and would also have to maintain systems to claim subsequent repayments and to keep records for Revenue audit purposes.
Furthermore, in Revenue's experience repayment regimes are inherently vulnerable to abuse and attract the attention of criminal elements, such as those involved in oil laundering. A scheme on the lines suggested would be vulnerable to extensive fraud by opening new possibilities for diversion to high-rate auto use that would be extremely difficult or even impossible to detect and prosecute.
Revenue is taking a vigorous approach to oil laundering transactions and a major national project, which will target mineral oil retail outlets and large-scale users and focus on identifying the supply chain, is being put in place this year.
Brian O'Shea
Question:109 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance if the payment of a standing charge for refuse service to a local authority qualifies for tax relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4781/06]
It is not clear from the Deputy's question whether the standing charge referred to is in respect of commercial or domestic refuse service.
As regards a charge by a local authority for commercial refuse, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that such a charge would, if laid out for the purposes of the business, qualify as a business expenses in arriving at taxable business profits.
As regards a charge in respect of domestic refuse service, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that tax relief at the lower rate of tax — 20% — is available in respect of service charges paid to a local authority. The local authority services charges to which the relief applies are domestic water supply, domestic refuse collection and domestic sewage disposal.
The relief for domestic service charges is granted on a previous year basis, for example, services charges paid in 2005 qualify for tax relief in 2006, and the conditions attaching to such relief are that: (a) all service charges imposed by the local authority under either the Local Government (Financial Provisions) (No. 2) Act 1983 or section 65A of the Public Health (Ireland) Act 1878, as amended, on the individual's premises are paid in full and on time; (b) arrears of all service charges from earlier years must be cleared in accordance with the relevant local authority conditions; and (c) the local authority must be advised of the PPS number of the individuals liable for the service charges.
Denis Naughten
Question:110 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the maximum value of cash which can be transferred to a favourite niece or nephew which is exempt under inheritance tax; when this level was last increased; the plans he has to increase this threshold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4871/06]
For the purpose of gift and inheritance tax, the relationship between the person who provided the gift or inheritance, who is the disponer, and the person who received the gift or inheritance, who is the beneficiary, determines the maximum tax-free threshold — known as the group threshold. Three group thresholds exist, which are indexed annually by reference to the consumer price index. The indexed group thresholds for 2004, 2005 and 2006 are set out in the following table.
|
Group |
Relationship to Disponer |
Group Threshold |
||
|
2004 (after indexation) |
2005 (after indexation) |
2006 (after indexation) |
||
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
A |
Son/Daughter |
456,438 |
466,725 |
478,155 |
|
B |
Parent/Brother/Sister/Niece/Nephew/Grandchild |
45,644 |
46,673 |
47,815 |
|
C |
Relations other than Group A or B |
22,822 |
23,336 |
23,908 |
The current threshold for gifts-inheritances made to a niece or nephew of the disponer is €47,816 and where the value of the gift or inheritance is greater than this, a single low rate of 20% applies to the excess.
Favourite niece-nephew relief is available to certain nephews and nieces who take a gift or an inheritance of a business or farm from the disponer. If the niece-nephew qualifies for the relief, he-she is treated as a child of the disponer for CAT purposes, and instead of a Group B threshold — currently €47,815 — is entitled to a Group A threshold — currently €478,155 — for the business or farm assets only. This means that if a gift or inheritance includes business-farm and non-business/farm assets the Group B threshold will apply to the non-business-farm assets and the Group A threshold will apply to the business-farm assets.
In order to qualify for the relief, the applicant must be a child of a brother or sister of the disponer — in other words, a nephew-niece in law will not qualify — and he-she must have worked substantially on a full-time basis for the disponer for a minimum of five years ending on the date of the gift or inheritance.
This relief is intended to take account of the close working relationship that exists between certain nieces-nephews and their uncles-aunts. It is not intended to apply generally to all gifts or inheritances taken by nieces-nephews, and applying the relief to all such disposals would run counter to the Government's policy of broadening the tax base in order to keep direct tax rates low.
Decentralisation Programme.
Denis Naughten
Question:111 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance when the second phase of decentralisation will be announced; the locations to be included in this phase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4912/06]
In its report to Government in November 2004 the decentralisation implementation group, DIG, identified 15 organisations and offices as early movers. This involved 21 projects, 20 locations, nearly 3,500 jobs and the transfer of eight headquarters. The report contained a schedule showing indicative construction start and completion dates for the procurement of office accommodation in the new locations.
Subsequently the DIG submitted a further progress report to the Minister for Finance on 30 June 2005 in which it recommended that the remaining 24 Civil Service organisations and locations not listed earlier as early movers should advance to a more active stage of preparation for relocation. The group provided indicative construction completion dates for each of these organisations and locations. The full contents of this report can be accessed at www.decentralisation.gov.ie.
On the State agencies, the DIG noted that little progress had been made on mobility of staff between State agencies and between those agencies and the Civil Service. The group recommended that Departments and agencies should engage with the unions to see what ground breaking initiative could be taken to advance this issue. In view of the more individualised approach which the DIG saw as being necessary for the relocation of State agencies the group decided not to include specific timeframes for the relocation of these agencies.
Tax Code.
Róisín Shortall
Question:112 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the statutory basis for the tax-saver commuter ticket scheme. [4918/06]
Section 33 of Finance Act 1999 amended section 118 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 to exempt from income tax the benefit-in-kind arising from the provision of an annual or monthly bus or train pass by an employer to an employee or director. The exemption applied in respect of a bus/train pass issued in respect of a scheduled licensed passenger transport service, that is, CIE — or any of its subsidiaries — and those operators who had a licence under the Road Transport Act 1932.
Section 8 of Finance Act 2004 extended the BIK tax exemption for employer-provided travel passes to include LUAS services. The Act also clarified that the exemption applies where a pass/ticket covers more than one operator, for example, an integrated ticket covering LUAS and Dublin Bus.
Section 8 of Finance Act 2005 extended the benefit-in-kind tax exemption for employer-provided travel passes to include passes for travel on commuter ferries which operate within the State.
Commuter Ticket Schemes.
Róisín Shortall
Question:113 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons availing of the tax-saver commuter ticket schemes in each of the years since its inception; the corresponding number of tax-payers in each of these years; the gross cost of the scheme to the Exchequer in each of those years; and the breakdown by ticket type claimed for each of those years (details supplied). [4919/06]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the position on travel tickets is that where an employer provides an employee with an annual or monthly bus or train pass, the cost of such a pass is not taxable. In addition, where an employee foregoes salary, and such salary foregone is used by the employee to purchase an annual or monthly bus or train pass, then the salary foregone is not taxable. Both of these instances are subject to certain conditions.
I am further advised by the Revenue Commissioners that employees are not required to include in their tax returns income arising from the provision of travel passes by their employers. In the case of employers the expense of travel passes to employees is allowable as a deduction in arriving at profits for tax purposes. However, the employer's tax return of income does not contain an entry in respect of this item and the employer's profit and loss account does not normally distinguish between this particular expense and other employment-related expenses. In these circumstances it is not possible to provide a totally reliable estimate of numbers or costs involved at present.
However, information available to my Department from Dublin Bus shows the following breakdown of tax-saver tickets issued by that company for the years 1999 to 2005:
|
Quantity |
|
|
Monthly Dublin Bus Ticket |
290 |
|
Monthly Irish Rail Ticket (Dublin Suburban) |
100 |
|
Monthly Irish Rail Ticket (Point to Point) |
30 |
|
Monthly Bus/Rail (Dublin Area) |
359 |
|
Annual Dublin Bus Ticket |
36 |
|
Annual Irish Rail Ticket (Dublin Suburban) |
20 |
|
Annual Irish Rail Ticket (Point to Point) |
7 |
|
Annual Bus/Rail (Dublin Area) |
52 |
|
Total for 1999 |
894 |
|
Quantity |
|
|
Monthly Dublin Bus Ticket |
640 |
|
Monthly Irish Rail Ticket (Dublin Suburban) |
280 |
|
Monthly Irish Rail Ticket (Point to Point) |
57 |
|
Monthly Bus/Rail (Dublin Area) |
680 |
|
Annual Dublin Bus Ticket |
97 |
|
Annual Irish Rail Ticket (Dublin Suburban) |
53 |
|
Annual Irish Rail Ticket (Point to Point) |
28 |
|
Annual Bus/Rail (Dublin Area) |
117 |
|
Total for 2000 |
1,952 |
|
Quantity |
|
|
Monthly Dublin Bus Ticket |
3,370 |
|
Monthly Irish Rail Ticket (Dublin Suburban) |
1,800 |
|
Monthly Irish Rail Ticket (Point to Point) |
700 |
|
Monthly Bus/Rail (Dublin Area) |
4,250 |
|
Annual Dublin Bus Ticket |
897 |
|
Annual Irish Rail Ticket (Dublin Suburban) |
490 |
|
Annual Irish Rail Ticket (Point to Point) |
340 |
|
Annual Bus/Rail (Dublin Area) |
934 |
|
Total for 2001 |
12,781 |
|
Quantity |
|
|
Monthly Dublin Bus Ticket |
4,875 |
|
Monthly Irish Rail Ticket (Dublin Suburban) |
4,549 |
|
Monthly Irish Rail Ticket (Point to Point) |
1,450 |
|
Monthly Bus/Rail (Dublin Area) |
4,224 |
|
Annual Dublin Bus Ticket |
4,152 |
|
Annual Irish Rail Ticket (Dublin Suburban) |
1,784 |
|
Annual Irish Rail Ticket (Point to Point) |
1,916 |
|
Annual Bus/Rail (Dublin Area) |
3,666 |
|
Total for 2002 |
26,616 |
|
Quantity |
|
|
Monthly Dublin Bus Ticket |
6,879 |
|
Monthly Irish Rail Ticket (Dublin Suburban) |
3,571 |
|
Monthly Irish Rail Ticket (Point to Point) |
2,396 |
|
Monthly Bus/Rail (Dublin Area) |
4,183 |
|
Annual Dublin Bus Ticket |
6,526 |
|
Annual Irish Rail Ticket (Dublin Suburban) |
3,113 |
|
Annual Irish Rail Ticket (Point to Point) |
2,462 |
|
Annual Bus/Rail (Dublin Area) |
3,297 |
|
Total for 2003 |
32,427 |
|
Quantity |
|
|
Monthly Dublin Bus Ticket |
8,576 |
|
Monthly Irish Rail Ticket (Dublin Suburban) |
4,963 |
|
Monthly Irish Rail Ticket (Point to Point) |
3,528 |
|
Monthly Bus/Rail Ticket (Short Hop) |
5,155 |
|
Monthly Bus/Luas |
388 |
|
Annual Dublin Bus Ticket |
5,759 |
|
Annual Irish Rail Ticket (Dublin Suburban) |
3,025 |
|
Annual Irish Rail Ticket (Point to Point) |
2,767 |
|
Annual Bus/Rail (Dublin Area) |
4,129 |
|
Annual Bus/Luas |
184 |
|
Total for 2004 |
38,474 |
|
Quantity |
|
|
Monthly Dublin Bus Ticket |
7,338 |
|
Monthly Irish Rail Ticket (Dublin Suburban) |
5,691 |
|
Monthly Irish Rail Ticket (Point to Point) |
4,231 |
|
Monthly Bus/Rail Ticket (Short Hop) |
4,060 |
|
Monthly Bus/Luas |
3,000 |
|
Annual Dublin Bus Ticket |
5,353 |
|
Annual Irish Rail Ticket (Dublin Suburban) |
2,370 |
|
Annual Irish Rail Ticket (Point to Point) |
1,906 |
|
Monthly Bus/Rail (Short Hop) |
4,382 |
|
Annual Bus/Rail/Luas |
1,218 |
|
Total for 2005 |
39,549 |
On the basis of ticket sale receipt figures supplied by Dublin Bus and assuming an average marginal tax rate of 30% plus the value of PRSI-health levies foregone, the cost in revenue foregone is estimated at €1.1 million in 2001, €4.2 million in 2002, €6.1 million in 2003, €7 million in 2004 and €7.1 million for 2005.
The other main public transport operators are being contacted with a view to assembling more comprehensive information. When this information is to hand I will forward it to the Deputy.
The total numbers of income earners on PAYE tax records and the corresponding numbers who were effectively liable to income tax for the tax years 1999/2000 to 2005 are as follows.
|
PAYE number |
||
|
Tax Year |
Income Earners |
Effectively liable to tax |
|
1999/2000 |
1,458,500 |
1,059,470 |
|
2000/2001 |
1,556,000 |
1,120,030 |
|
2001 |
1,581,900 |
1,117,660 |
|
2002 |
1,678,000 |
1,112,110 |
|
2003* |
1,716,900 |
1,128,860 |
|
2004* |
1,774,800 |
1,158,400 |
|
2005* |
1,813,900 |
1,159,150 |
*These figures are provisional and likely to be revised. The numbers of income earners and taxpayers have been rounded to the nearest ten, as appropriate.
The numbers of income earners for 2003 and later years are based on actual data for 2002 projected forward in accordance with macroeconomic data relating to actual and expected growth in income and employment. It should be noted that a married couple who has been elected or has been deemed to have been elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
Civil Service Travel Scheme.
Róisín Shortall
Question:114 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if a closing date or dates are operated by his Department in respect of the Civil Service travel pass scheme; if so, the dates in question; the way in which temporary, seasonal or other non-routine workers are accommodated in the scheme. [4922/06]
My Department operates the Civil Service travel pass scheme as outlined in the Department of Finance circular 50/2001. In order to participate in the scheme an employee must be employed on a permanent or probationary basis on the date of application. In addition employees employed under fixed-term contract are eligible to join the scheme. The scheme operates on a 12 month basis from 1 January to 31 December each year.
The closing date for applications to join the scheme is determined by the date set by the transport providers for receipt of orders for travel passes. In order to allow time for the processing of applications, the Department usually requires that applications to join the scheme be made one to two weeks prior to this date. For the 2006 travel pass scheme, the date set by the travel operators was 1 December 2005. The Department's closing date for receipt of applications was 25 November 2005.
Electronic Communications Appeals.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:115 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of decisions taken by ComReg that have been appealed to the Electronic Communications Appeal Panel and the result in each case; the number of such cases that were settled prior to hearing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4794/06]
In total 11 appeals have been referred to appeal panels. One appeal by Hutchison 3G Ireland Limited was determined by an appeal panel finding in favour of the appellant. Six appeals concluded following the annulment of ComReg's decisions by an appeals panel. These six appeals related to findings of joint dominance by ComReg against Vodafone and O2. Three appeals were settled between the parties prior to a determination by an appeal panel. These appeals were all brought by Eircom. One appeal by Eircom is ongoing. Details of these appeals are available at www.ecap.ie.
Civil Service Travel Scheme.
Róisín Shortall
Question:116 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a closing date or dates are operated by his Department in respect of the Civil Service travel pass scheme; if so, the dates in question; the way in which temporary, seasonal or other non-routine workers are accommodated in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4923/06]
A personnel notice issued to all staff in my Department on 18 October 2005 for the 2006 travel pass scheme inviting applications from all staff with a closing date of 11 November 2005. This date was set for operational reasons to facilitate the processing and issuing of annual passes by the relevant travel operators before 1 January 2006. My Department and the travel operators facilitate applications after this date, and staff joining through the year, but the main scheme is operated as an annual scheme tied in to the financial year 1 January to 31 December. The travel pass scheme for the Civil Service is available to all staff in my Department including temporary contract staff.
Foreign Conflicts.
Finian McGrath
Question:117 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs to raise the alleged plan by President Bush and Prime Minister Blair to paint a US Military Aircraft in UN Colours, fly it over Iraq in order to provoke an attack by Saddam Hussein with the US authorities and the EU. [4822/06]
I am aware of the alleged proposal to which the Deputy refers. It is mentioned in a recently published book and has been reported in the media. There has been no suggestion, however, that the matter went any further or that any such plan was ever carried out.
Decentralisation Programme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:118 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be facilitated in their wish to transfer to County Kildare, Maynooth, Naas or Newbridge within the context of decentralisation and having regard to the existence of strong compassionate grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4888/06]
The human resources section of my Department is aware that the officer concerned has applied to decentralise to County Kildare and will do whatever it can to facilitate her application. It is a matter for the Departments based in, or moving to, her preferred locations to make an offer of a transfer to the officer.
The officer's first preference is not available at this stage, and her second preference is oversubscribed at the relevant grade. However, my Department will monitor the situation and try to help in every way possible.
Civil Service Travel Scheme.
Róisín Shortall
Question:119 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a closing date or dates are operated by his Department in respect of the Civil Service travel pass scheme; if so, the dates in question; the way in which temporary, seasonal or other non-routine workers are accommodated in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4924/06]
The travel pass scheme was introduced in 2002 under terms and conditions set out in Department of Finance circular 50/2001 — travel pass scheme for the Civil Service, and has been made available to the staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs since then. The scheme was introduced as part of the Government's policy to encourage greater use of public transport. Under arrangements agreed with the Revenue Commissioners, it allows civil servants to forego salary to the value of the travel pass, thus reducing individual liability for income tax and PRSI.
It is a condition of the Revenue Commissioners that the travel pass scheme operate on the basis of an annual option. The pro rata salary sacrifice is reflected in the officer’s weekly or fortnightly salary over that period. Due to this 12 month commitment, temporary, seasonal and other non-routine workers have not, so far, been accommodated in the scheme. The closing date for applications for 2006 travel passes under the scheme was 11 November 2005. A total of 157 applications were received.
Róisín Shortall
Question:120 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a closing date or dates are operated by his Department in respect of the Civil Service travel pass scheme; if so, the dates in question; the way in which temporary, seasonal or other non-routine workers are accommodated in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4925/06]
The Civil Service travel pass scheme was introduced in my Department in 2002 and operates each year from 1 January to 31 December of the year in question. It is advertised in early November each year with a deadline in mid-November. Temporary or non-routine workers can be included in the scheme if they are in employment at the time the scheme is advertised and there is a reasonable expectation that they will continue their employment during the following year, for example, on a temporary contract. Where staff leave the Department during the operative period of the scheme they are responsible for covering the remainder of the cost of the ticket in its entirety.
Employment Appeals Tribunal Awards.
Pat Breen
Question:121 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the failure of his Department to initiate legal proceedings against a company (details supplied) following its failure to pay an Employment Appeals Tribunal award to one of its former employees and prior to it being struck off the Companies Register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4765/06]
Pat Breen
Question:122 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the compensatory measures he intends to take for the inaction of his Department over a period of almost two years to initiate legal proceedings against a company (details supplied) following its failure to pay an Employment Appeals Tribunal award to one of its former employees and prior to it being struck off the Companies Register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4766/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 122 together.
The case under reference was received in January 2003. The enforcement unit of the Department, which deals with the enforcement of both Labour Court and Employment Appeals Tribunal determinations, wrote to the former employer requesting payment of the award. No response was received from the employer.
Steps necessary to entail enforcement of the award as part of the general preparatory work for the institution of legal proceedings were taken. Checks as to the precise identity of the employer with a view to ensuring legal enforceability of the determination were made with the Companies Registration Office and the Department of Social and Family Affairs. In addition, legal searches were carried out in the Land Registry, Registry of Deeds, sheriff's office and judgment office to determine if the company had assets against which a judgment may be enforced. In April 2003 the case was then forwarded to the Chief State Solicitor's office for transmission to the State solicitor for the area where the employer ordinarily resides.
The case was listed for hearing in Cork Circuit Court for January 2005. However, the Department became aware that the company was struck off the companies register in November 2004. The effect of a strike off is that the company is no longer a legal entity and cannot be the subject of legal proceedings.
The Department has no function in the operation of the Chief State Solicitor's office or in the services provided by the State solicitors.
The Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Acts 1984-1991 provide for payment of certain wage-related entitlements, including awards made by the Employment Appeals Tribunal, subject to certain limits and conditions, including time limits. One of the essential conditions of the insolvency payments scheme is the pre-existence of a statutory insolvency situation such as in the definition of insolvency for the purpose of the 1984 Act. This definition covers situations such as liquidations, receiverships, bankruptcies, etc. To qualify for payment under the insolvency legislation any determination of the tribunal would have to have been made in the 18 months prior to a company being formally declared insolvent.
In the case under reference, the Department has no record of the company having been formally declared insolvent in accordance with the legislation and, therefore, the employee would not qualify for payment under the insolvency payments scheme.
Pat Breen
Question:123 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures he intends to take to prevent the repetition of a situation whereby a period of almost two years can elapse between an Employment Appeals Tribunal award being determined and a company against which such an award has been made is struck off the Companies Register without legal action being initiated by his Department within that period to recover the amounts due; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4767/06]
The enforcement unit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment deals with the enforcement of determinations coming from the Labour Court and Employment Appeals Tribunal. The initial action is to write to the former employer requesting payment of the award. Where no response is received from the employer steps necessary to entail enforcement of the award as part of the general preparatory work for the institution of legal proceedings are taken. These include checks as to the precise identity of the employer with a view to ensuring legal enforceability of the determination. Such checking involves the examination of records held by the Companies Registration Office and the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
In addition, legal searches are carried out in the Land Registry, Registry of Deeds, sheriff's office and judgment Office to determine if the company has assets against which a judgment may be enforced. Delays may and do arise, such as where an employee is unable to produce tax documentation for example, P45 or P60, which is necessary to facilitate checking the relevant records in the Department of Social and Family Affairs to confirm the employee's legal employer. Where the name on the determination differs from that in the records of the Department of Social and Family Affairs a correcting order from the Labour Court or the Employment Appeals Tribunal may have to be obtained.
Further delays may arise in getting evidence that an employer has received a copy of the determination. These are all measures necessary for a successful prosecution to be undertaken.
When these actions are completed the case is then forwarded to the Chief State Solicitor's office for transmission to the State Solicitor for the area where the employer ordinarily resides to institute legal proceedings. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has no function in the operations of the Chief State Solicitor's office or the services provided by the State Solicitors practising throughout the State.
Pat Breen
Question:124 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures he intends to take to prevent the directors of a company (details supplied) which was struck off forming or becoming directors of other companies while an Employment Appeals Tribunal award remains outstanding on the struck off company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4768/06]
I understand, that the company in question was incorporated on 4 December 2000 and struck off the register on 21 November 2004 and dissolved on 26 November 2004 for non-filing of its annual returns.
There is no provision under existing legislation automatically preventing directors of a struck-off company from being or seeking to be directors of another company. Unless such a person has been disqualified pursuant to section 160 of the Companies Act 1990 or restricted pursuant to section 150 of the Companies Act 1990, he or she is free to remain as or become a director of other companies, notwithstanding the involuntary strike off of a company in respect of which he or she acted as a director.
The Company Law Enforcement Act 2001 introduced provisions for the Director of Corporate Enforcement to bring applications to the High Court to have the directors of a struck-off company disqualified from acting as directors. However, if these directors can show that the struck-off company had no liabilities at the time of strike-off or that any such liabilities were discharged before the date of the making of any application for a disqualification order, then it is most unlikely that a disqualification order will be made by the High Court.
Whether an Employment Appeals Tribunal award remains outstanding has no direct bearing on the operation of the sections of company law previously mentioned. It is a matter for the Director of Corporate Enforcement to determine which, if any, cases he pursues. The Deputy may wish to make a formal complaint to the Director of Corporate Enforcement supplying full details of any liabilities arising in regard to the struck-off company.
Occupational Stress.
Shane McEntee
Question:125 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent of occupational stress; if workplace stress is increasing; the underlying factors; if these factors are on the increase; the groups of workers most concerned; the cost to the Irish economy of workplace stress; the way in which the issue is monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4780/06]
There is no reliable data on the extent of stress caused by work, that is, occupational stress, in Ireland. There is no facility or central agency that has reliably measured either the reporting or the treatment of occupational stress in Ireland. Hence, as there is no historical data, nor any current reliable data, it is not possible to reply definitively to the elements of the Deputy's question.
I am aware that there are some large organisations and professional bodies that make their own inquiries into the level of self-reported stress among their own membership but this information is not available either to my Department or the Health and Safety Authority.
The Report of the Advisory Group on Workplace Bullying published last year covered this subject but did not set out any data on the extent of workplace stress or the groups most affected.
There is a body of scientific research on the topic, which tends to agree as to the sources of occupational stress. The list is not exhaustive, as the world of work and the social environment changes quickly. However, many researchers agree that the most cited causes of occupational stress arise under six broad headings: demands at work; control over work; support at work; roles; relationships; and change.
As there is no available data on costs for the economy from occupational stress, other than the costs directly paid out by the Department of Social and Family Affairs in respect of occupational injury benefit and allowances for anxiety-related disorders and stress, it is not possible to indicate the cost to the Irish economy of workplace stress. Department of Social and Family Affairs figures available to me show that in 2005, 169 occupational injury benefit claims related to stress were received in a total of 11,600 occupational injury benefit claims. The cost of paying out benefit in respect of these claims is not yet available. The Department of Social and Family Affairs figure, however, would not capture all the associated costs such as replacement workers, litigation, insurance costs, public health costs and secondary costs from the fall-out of stress.
As stress is not an illness, it is not a reportable workplace issue to the authorities in Ireland. It is therefore not monitored. Advice and general awareness raising in relation to occupational safety, health and welfare, including stress, is carried out by the Health and Safety Authority through promotional material and presentations, assistance and guidance.
The Health and Safety Authority expects every employer to conduct risk assessments for health and safety hazards, including work-related stress where appropriate, in accordance with the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
It is important that the risk assessment includes consulting with employees and their representatives to identify problem areas, taking action to address these problems in partnership with employees and their representatives, and a commitment to review action plans.
I would like to add that the HSA in partnership with the British Health and Safety Executive and Health Scotland have developed Work Positive, which is an audit tool with guidance material for in-house application. Work Positive is a comprehensive risk management tool that incorporates a risk assessment template covering the known causes of workplace stress. It provides a step-by-step guide to assessing risks of stress, outlining the aims of each step and thereby helping employers to eliminate or properly manage these risk factors at the workplace.
Jobs for People with Disabilities.
Finian McGrath
Question:126 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding employment options for a person with a mild intellectual disability; and the details relating to same on the north side of Dublin. [4801/06]
Under the aegis of the Department, and consistent with best practice, FÁS services are mainstreamed. This means that the objective is the systematic integration of disabled people into the open labour market by actively creating conditions whereby disabled people can compete and operate in the labour on an equitable basis with their non-disabled peers.
The most appropriate method to explore these employment options would be through the FÁS supported employment programme. This programme facilitates the integration of disabled people into paid employment in the open labour market by providing support to assist them in the integration process, and to meet the labour market requirements of employers. The key objectives of the programme are carried out by a job coach. The job coach facilitates the integration of employees with a disability into the workplace. The job coach is employed by a sponsor organisation which runs a supported employment programme on behalf of FÁS.
Prospective candidates for supported employment on the north side of Dublin should first register with his-her local FÁS employment service office in either Finglas, Coolock, Baldoyle, Swords, Balbriggan or D'Olier St, as appropriate, and discuss options with a FÁS employment services officer. The current FÁS supported employment sponsor on the north side of Dublin is: Work 4u Ltd, Unit 1-3, Ballymun Enterprise Centre, Ballymun Industrial Estate, Dublin 11.
Under mainstreaming, supported employment is but one of a range of schemes and grants provided by FÁS to assist people with disabilities and to promote their employment prospects in the open labour market. Others include: the employee retention grant; the disability awareness training support scheme; the employment support scheme, ESS; the personal reader grant; the job interview interpreter grant, JIIG; the work equipment-adaptation grant, WEAG; and wage subsidy scheme, WSS.
Civil Service Travel Scheme.
Róisín Shortall
Question:127 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a closing date or dates are operated by his Department in respect of the Civil Service travel pass scheme; if so, the dates in question; the way in which temporary, seasonal or other non-routine workers are accommodated in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4926/06]
My Department operates the Civil Service travel pass scheme on an annual basis. The closing date for applications is mid-November and travel passes are issued in December each year for the following 12 month period. New entrants may also apply for travel passes in January and February. All applicants must be employed on a permanent basis at the date of application. Officers on probation are also eligible to apply.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Gay Mitchell
Question:128 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the social welfare allowance and rental allowance will be restored to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4825/06]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes a basic income support payment and a rent supplement payment, is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, HSE. Neither I nor my Department has any function in relation to decisions on individual claims.
In calculating the amount of supplementary welfare allowance payable to any person the needs and means of the household are aggregated and are regarded as the needs and means of the claimant. The amount of payment is determined by the amount by which a person's means fall short of their needs. In addition, social welfare legislation provides for the exclusion of the following categories from receipt of assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme: a person engaged in remunerative full-time employment or whose spouse or partner is engaged in full-time employment; a person attending a course of study other than in such circumstances and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed; and a person without employment by reason of a stoppage of work due to a trade dispute at his place of employment.
Accordingly, in order to determine entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance the executive must accurately verify the composition of the household so that the family's entitlement to a payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme can be established.
The HSE has advised that following a review of the supplementary welfare allowance entitlements of the person concerned, a decision was made to terminate payment of rent supplement and of the weekly basic supplementary welfare allowance, as it was not in a position to accurately determine the household composition.
The person concerned has appealed the decision to the executive's designated appeals officer. The executive has advised that a decision will be made in relation to the appeal shortly.
David Stanton
Question:129 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on allowing the one-parent family payment to recipients to retain all their secondary benefits for the duration of their participation in education and training programmes in view of the fact that almost 50% of one-parent family payment claimants only have a primary level education and the fact that he has identified the need to remove the barriers to lone parents in entering employment as one of his Department’s priorities for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4938/06]
Social welfare programmes aim to be responsive to the needs of those who depend on income maintenance support while providing incentives to assist people to become more independent financially, particularly through employment.
A number of measures have been introduced in recent years to remove disincentives to taking up employment and to assist in the transition from welfare to work. These measures include special means disregards and tapered withdrawal of benefits as earnings increase, the back to education allowance and employment support schemes such as the back to work programme.
People, including recipients of the one-parent family payment, are entitled to retain certain social welfare payments and other secondary benefits in total or in part for the duration of a community employment scheme, subject to certain conditions. Alternatively, they may qualify for secondary benefits under the standard rules of the scheme in question.
For most people the most significant secondary benefit is rent or mortgage interest supplement, which is paid under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. An income limit of €317.43 per week applies to the retention of these supplements. Back to work allowance and family income supplement, in cases where one or both of these are in payment, are disregarded in the assessment of the €317.43 weekly income limit. PRSI and reasonable travelling expenses are also disregarded in the means test. People with incomes above this limit are assessed and may qualify under the standard rules of the rent or mortgage interest supplement schemes.
Back to education allowance is designed to assist those who have not worked for some time to improve their employability and job-readiness by enabling them to improve their education level-qualifications.
Importantly, the back to education allowance payment is not a means tested payment. Participants receive a weekly allowance equivalent to the maximum standard rate of their one-parent family payment, hence lone parents previously on reduced rate of one-parent family payment get the equivalent of the maximum rate if they participate in the scheme. In addition, participants in the back to education allowance are paid an annual cost of education allowance of €400 at the beginning of each academic year. Participants may continue to receive any secondary benefits to which they would otherwise have an entitlement. These may include Christmas bonus, rent allowance-mortgage interest supplement.
The numbers of lone parents accessing the back to education allowance has increased from 626 in 2002-03 to 1,514 in 2004-05. One of the key tasks in the Ending Child Poverty initiative under Sustaining Progress is to address obstacles to employment for lone parents.
The Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion was mandated late in 2004 to examine this issue and report back to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion with specific proposals. A sub-group of the Senior Officials Group has been examining obstacles to employment for lone parent families, with particular emphasis on income supports, employment, education, child care and support programmes and information.
A working group was also established in my Department to review the income support arrangements for lone parents. This group has looked at issues including the contingency basis of the one-parent family payment, cohabitation, maintenance and secondary benefits. A consultation process with social partners and other interested parties was also undertaken to inform the work of the group.
I intend to make the findings of both working groups public in the near future and to engage in a consultation process with interested parties. It is my intention that the outcome of these reviews, together with initiatives already in place in my Department, will contribute to the ongoing development of proposals designed to better support and encourage lone parents in achieving a better standard of living, employment and education opportunities, a better future for themselves and their children, and a more appropriate social policy in the future.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Michael Ring
Question:130 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, further to a previous parliamentary question, the person who dealt with the appeal for a person in County Mayo (details supplied); and the persons who attended that oral hearing. [4797/06]
Further to the previous parliamentary question referred to, the appeals officer of the social welfare appeals office who decided the case was Ms Una Reidy. Also in attendance at the oral hearing in this case were the appellant, his wife, his daughter and a note-taker, Ms Julie Gallagher, staff officer.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:131 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an anomaly exists whereby a woman earning an allowance of €119 as an adult dependant on their spouse’s pension is able to earn up to €100 per week without any reduction being made, whereas a woman who receives €96.80 pension payment in their own right is not able to earn anything additional; his plans to close such loopholes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4808/06]
In the case of contributory pensions and most other contributory and non-contributory social welfare payments, a qualified adult allowance, QAA, is payable in respect of a spouse or partner who is wholly or mainly maintained by the claimant.
Account is taken of the spouse or partner's income for the purposes of determining whether the spouse is wholly or mainly dependent. A spouse or partner's income includes income from employment, self-employment, income from other sources such as rents from the letting of property and income from occupational pensions and foreign social security payments, as well as income from capital. Thus, for the purposes of determining whether a person is wholly or mainly dependant, account is taken of the totality of the spouse or partner's income without regard to the source of that income.
Prior to budget 2006, a qualified adult allowance at the maximum rate was payable where the spouse-partner's income was less than €88.89 per week and tapered reduced rates were payable where income was greater than €88.89, but less than €220 per week. A QAA was not payable where income exceeded €220 per week.
On budget day, as part of my reform programme, I was pleased to announce a number of further improvements to these means testing arrangements, including an increase in the spouse's income threshold for entitlement to the qualified adult allowance from €88.88 to €100 a week. This improvement comes into effect on different dates, depending on the scheme in question, during the course of 2006. The upper threshold for entitlement to a tapered rate of QAA is also being increased to €240 per week with effect from January last and to €250 when the lower threshold increases to €100.
I should clarify that the €100 a week threshold relates to all income and not just income from employment. Accordingly, there is no anomaly in the situation outlined by the Deputy where the spouse has a private pension of €96.80 per week. The person could have a pension of up to €100 a week and still qualify for a full QAA.
Question No. 132 answered with QuestionNo. 51.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:133 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the free schemes will be extended to other groups who do not as yet qualify with particular reference to those who might need special heating or telephone requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4901/06]
The household benefits package, which comprises the electricity-gas allowance, telephone allowance and television licence schemes, is generally available to people living permanently in the State, aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test.
The package is also available to carers and people with disabilities under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. People aged over 70 years of age can qualify regardless of their income or household composition.
Widows and widowers aged from 60 to 65 whose late spouses had been in receipt of the household benefits package retain that entitlement to ensure that households do not suffer a loss of entitlements following the death of a spouse.
In recognition of higher home heating costs, the rate of fuel allowance was increased in budget 2006 by €5 or 56% a week, with effect from January 2006. This brings the rate of fuel allowance to €14 per week. Recipients in designated urban smokeless fuel zones receive €17.90 per week. This is payable for a 29 week period from end of September to mid-April each year.
A range of proposals have been made to extend the coverage of the household benefits package of free schemes. These proposals are being kept under review in the context of the objectives of the scheme and budgetary resources.
Question No. 134 answered with QuestionNo. 24.
Question No. 135 answered with QuestionNo. 12.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:136 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on increasing the level of payments to younger widows or widowers who do not qualify for free schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4904/06]
Widows and widowers can qualify for one of a number of different schemes depending on their particular circumstances. The contributory widow's-widower's pension is available to those who satisfy the necessary PRSI contribution conditions, either on their own record or that of the deceased spouse. Those qualifying for this benefit are not subject to any means test.
Those without the necessary PRSI contributions can, if they have qualifying children, receive the one-parent family payment. This is a means tested payment but it does feature a reasonable earnings disregard which is designed to assist with the extra costs those with children face in trying to access training or employment. Up to €146.50 of earnings per week is completely disregarded, while earnings in excess of that and up to €293 per week are assessed at 50%. The upper threshold will increase to €375 from June 2006.
Widows or widowers without qualifying children can apply for the widow's-widower's non-contributory pension. There is no specific earnings disregard associated with this payment but a standard allowance of €7.60 per week is applied to all income. In addition, up to €20,000 in capital is disregarded when means are being assessed.
Increases in the rates of child benefit are also of benefit to widows and widowers with children. Since 1997, the monthly rates of child benefit have been increased significantly. The current rates of child benefit are €150.00 per month for each of the first and second children and €185.00 per month for the third and subsequent children.
Widows and widowers are also entitled to the fuel allowance, back to school clothing and footwear allowance, and other secondary benefits, on the same basis as other social welfare recipients.
The adequacy of payments for widowed people, and for welfare recipients in general, is kept under review and, where appropriate, increases are granted in annual budgets. In budget 2006, widowed people received increases of between €14 and €17 per week or between 9.5% and 11%. This is well ahead of the rate of inflation.
It would be difficult to justify additional supports for widows and widowers, in certain circumstances, without also considering the position of other social welfare recipients who may have similar income support needs.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:137 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the back to education allowance requirement might be relaxed with a view to catering for increased numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4905/06]
The back to education allowance is a second chance education opportunities programme designed to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force.
As the Deputy may be aware, I reduced the qualifying period for access to the third level option of the scheme to 12 months in the 2005 budget. I also increased the annual cost of education allowance, paid to people on BTEA, from €254 to €400. These changes came into effect from 1 September 2005.
Following an undertaking to the Dáil and the Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs, I further reduced the qualifying period for access to the third level option to nine months in certain cases. This condition applies to persons who are participating in the national employment action plan, NEAP, process and where a FÁS employment services officer recommends pursuance of a third level course of study as essential to the enhancement of individuals employment prospects. This new condition also came into effect from 1 September 2005.
Furthermore, in the recent budget I announced that time spent in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance can count towards the qualifying period for back to education allowance in circumstances where the person establishes an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment prior to commencing an approved course of study. This new provision will come into effect from September 2006.
The requirement to be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for a minimum period of time has always been a feature of the back to education allowance scheme and is considered necessary in order to ensure that limited resources are targeted at those who are most in need of second chance education. The scheme is intended to assist people with a history of dependence on social welfare and is a recognition of the special difficulties which such persons can face when attempting to equip themselves for the modern labour force.
I am satisfied that, overall, the current arrangements ensure that my Department's back to education allowance scheme continues to support those people who are most distant from the labour market and whose need is greatest, but the situation is being kept under review.
Question No. 138 answered with QuestionNo. 6.
Pension Provisions.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:139 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it is intended to speed up the process of applications for various pension entitlements with particular reference to countries with which Ireland has a bilateral arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4907/06]
The main purpose of the EU and bilateral social security arrangements is to protect the pension rights of persons who have paid social insurance contributions in Ireland and have reckonable periods of insurance in another country. The arrangements protect pension rights by allowing reckonable periods in each country to be taken into account in either country in determining entitlement to certain benefits where there would be no entitlement if national legislation only applied. Apart from the EU regulations on social security, Ireland has bilateral social security agreements with seven countries: Austria, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the USA and Switzerland. A bilateral understanding also exists with Quebec since 1994.
The majority of cases involving EU and bilateral pro-rata pension entitlement are those with UK insurance. Processing times for claims that fall to be examined under EU and bilateral agreements are longer than those for standard Irish entitlements because of the added complexity that arises in determining entitlements under these agreements and the necessity to obtain the relevant foreign insurance details. Every effort is made to minimise processing times for all pension claims. However, the paramount objective is to make sure that people receive their proper entitlements.
Additional temporary staff were assigned to the EU-international section of my Department which deals with retirement and old age contributory pensions, the bulk of EU and bilateral pensions in 2005. More recently four permanent staff have been assigned to the section which is now clearing the backlog of cases which resulted in delays. The situation is being actively monitored and additional resources will be deployed according as demands on other fronts allow.
Further technological solutions are being sought to speed up the claim process and reduce delays. Developments are being progressed with the Department of Work and Pensions, UK and the other foreign agencies to ensure the smooth transfer of the necessary information required to decide on these types of claims. The Deputy may wish to note that the majority of people whose claims fall to be examined under EU and bilateral agreements are already in receipt of a pension from another jurisdiction.
I would like to assure the Deputy that delays in processing applications will not result in any losses to pensioners and those who qualify for payment will have their claims backdated fully in accordance with the normal regulations for backdating pension claims.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:140 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress which has taken place with a view to offering contributory or non-contributory old age pensions to Irish missionaries who worked overseas but who wish to remain here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4908/06]
Missionaries who have made sufficient social insurance contributions can qualify for an old age contributory pension. Contributory pensions are payable abroad and so missionaries who qualify and who chose to settle overseas can receive a payment.
Non-contributory pensions are only payable where a person is resident in this country. Accordingly, missionaries who return here and who satisfy the habitual residence condition and a means test can qualify for a pension.
As the Deputy is aware, officials of my Department made a presentation to the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs in relation to pensions for missionaries. Following that presentation the committee decided to form a working group, chaired by its chairperson, Deputy Woods, to consider the issue as well as the question of pension entitlements for foreign aid workers in general. My Department is participating in the work of this group.
Tax and Social Welfare Codes.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:141 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the countries with whom Ireland has an arrangement or bilateral arrangement in respect of social welfare payments or supports; if expansion or extension is intended in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4909/06]
Ireland has social security agreements with seven countries Austria, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the USA and Switzerland. These agreements came into effect between 1989 and 1999, except for that with the UK which came into effect in 1971. Ireland also has a bilateral understanding with Quebec since 1 October 1994. In the case of Austria, Switzerland and the United Kingdom they have limited application as the EU regulations normally apply.
A revised social security agreement with Australia came into effect on 1 January 2006 and a similar review of the New Zealand agreement is currently being carried out by officials from my Department. An updated social security agreement with the UK providing for workers moving between Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands has been signed and it is hoped to have it ratified in the near future. It is also hoped to conclude an agreement with the Republic of Korea this year. It is intended, in due course, to consult with the relevant authorities in Canada, Quebec and the United States to examine the need for updating the provisions of these agreements.
There are no other plans at present to extend the number of countries with which Ireland has bilateral agreements on social security. However, the matter is kept under review by my officials and further consideration will be given to any case which is warranted by the number of persons who have worked both in Ireland and the other country.
Civil Service Travel Scheme.
Róisín Shortall
Question:142 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a closing date or dates are operated by his Department in respect of the Civil Service travel pass scheme; if so, the dates in question; the way in which temporary, seasonal or other non-routine workers are accommodated in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4927/06]
The travel pass scheme was introduced by the Minister for Finance on 1 January 2002 in respect of permanent employees. Temporary employees, therefore, cannot be accommodated under the scheme.
My Department operates a flexible approach to the scheme whereby permanent employees of this Department can apply for an annual travel pass at any time throughout the year on a monthly basis. For the Deputy's information, 425 staff are availing of the scheme in 2006.
Social Welfare Code.
Richard Bruton
Question:143 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in regard to a maternity benefit claim of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 who has had years working at class A and then goes to work for their spouse; the position if they were partners who never married; and if this accords with obligations to not treat married person’s less well. [4945/06]
A claim for maternity benefit was received from the woman in question on 18 October 2005. Her expected date of confinement was certified as 22 December 2005, with her maternity leave due to commence on 5 December 2005. Details included on her application form indicated that she was working with her husband and that PRSI contributions had been paid in respect of that employment at PRSI Class A. As her husband was registered as a sole trader, the claim was referred for a decision to examine whether she was insurable under the Social Welfare Act and, if so, to establish the appropriate class of PRSI payable in respect of this employment. Following an examination of the case, a deciding officer concluded that the woman's employment was not insurable under the Social Welfare Acts, as it was an excepted employment. Her claim for maternity benefit was consequently disallowed.
The provision in the social welfare code whereby employment in the service of a husband or wife is excepted for social insurance coverage is a long-standing provision. It mirrors similar exclusions under employment protection legislation. The provision recognises the practical difficulties in establishing the nature of a genuine employment relationship in such circumstances. The ways in which spouses who work together in a family business could be covered for social insurance purposes can vary. Under current social welfare legislation provisions, there are three different scenarios to be considered. First, where spouses are actively engaged in a commercial enterprise as a business partnership, they are treated as individual self-employed contributors and are liable to social insurance contributions. These contributions enable them to build up an insurance record in their own right and to receive accruing benefits. This would apply equally to unmarried couples.
Second, where a family business is incorporated as a limited company, spouses involved in the business can establish a PRSI record either as employees or as self-employed contributors — depending on whether a contract of service exists or not. Again this is equally relevant to unmarried couples working together.
Third, a person employed under a contract of service, that is, as an employee, by his or her spouse is viewed as an "excepted" contributor under social welfare legislation. The exception applies to both men and women in family employments and recognises the practical difficulties in establishing the nature of a genuine contract of employment in such circumstances. Likewise, although not specifically excepted, it is questionable whether a person in a relationship with another for whom they are working and to who they are not married, would be considered to be in an employment under a contract of service.
Thus, where formal employment or partnership relationships are intended between spouses or assisting relatives, the legislation provides the scope necessary, as outlined above, to allow parties to enter into arrangements that will enable them to gain access to social insurance coverage.
Decentralisation Programme.
Paddy McHugh
Question:144 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the progress which has been made in relation to decentralisation (details supplied); the number of people seeking transfer to Loughrea; the site of the new offices; the progress being made on provision of building; the completion date for the new building; the date on which the transfer will be complete. [4838/06]
Very good progress is being made in relation to decentralisation of transport functions to Loughrea. I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to Question No. 128 answered on Wednesday, 1 February 2006, where I set out the position in full.
Paddy McHugh
Question:145 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the progress which has been made in relation to decentralisation (details supplied) in County Galway; the number of people seeking transfer; the site of the new offices; the progress being made on provision of building; the completion date for the new building; the date on which the transfer will be complete. [4839/06]
Under the decentralisation programme, 90 posts in the National Roads Authority are due to transfer to Ballinasloe. Seven public servants and 59 civil servants have applied on the central applications facility to decentralise. The National Roads Authority has not been identified as an early mover by the decentralisation implementation group. Implementation issues, including the identification of accommodation, are being pursued by the authority.
Driving Tests.
Niall Blaney
Question:146 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Transport when the documentation pertaining to the lease for the off-road compound in Letterkenny for drivers of articulated vehicles in Donegal will be finalised; when testing will commence on this site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4774/06]
A suitable location has been identified in Letterkenny to facilitate driving tests for articulated vehicles. Final arrangements are being made by the OPW which will allow such testing to resume shortly.
Róisín Shortall
Question:147 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be refunded the cost of a theory test in view of the fact that they never received notification; the mechanisms that are in place to ensure that the company running the theory test performs to adequate standards; the role of his Department in ensuring the company meets these standards; and the measures he intends taking to address the lack of accountability on the operation of theory tests. [4793/06]
The driver theory testing service has procedures in place for dealing with complaints, including any concerning a refund of fees, which may be addressed to the Customer Service Manager at P.O. Box 144, Drogheda, County Louth.
The driver theory testing service is operated as a public private partnership project. Performance standards which the service must meet are set out in the contract to deliver the service. Compliance with these performance standards are monitored on an ongoing basis by my Department.
Rail Services.
John Gormley
Question:148 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Transport when the trains on the Dublin-Sligo line will be upgraded as currently DART commuter trains are being used on this inter-city line (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4878/06]
While the deployment of its fleet is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann, I am advised by the company that the frequency of service on the Dublin-Sligo railway line was recently improved from three services per day to five, with the introduction of Iarnród Éireann's new timetable in December 2005. In addition, 150 new railcars are on order and some of these will be deployed by the company on the Dublin-Sligo route from 2008, offering higher levels of passenger comfort and frequency than at present.
Civil Service Travel Scheme.
Róisín Shortall
Question:149 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if a closing date or dates are operated by his Department in respect of the Civil Service travel pass scheme; if so, the dates in question; the way in which temporary, seasonal or other non-routine workers are accommodated in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4928/06]
The travel pass scheme is operated in this Department according to the provisions of Department of Finance circular 50/2001. Although staff are encouraged to apply for a calendar year pass, a closing date is not operated by the Department as the scheme is available to new entrants throughout the year. All employees employed on a permanent/probationary basis are accommodated in the scheme.
Road Traffic Offences.
Róisín Shortall
Question:150 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, further to Question No. 137 of 2 February 2006, the offences to which penalty points will not apply following the extension of penalty point categories in April 2006. [4948/06]
As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 137 of 2 February, the extension of the application of the penalty points system, which will be implemented with effect from April next, is focused on those penalty point offences that relate to driver behaviour. The concentration on that group of offences is supported by the fact that driver behaviour is the primary contributory factor in some 86% of all fatal collisions.
The roll out planned for April is facilitated by the launch by the Garda Síochána of IT programmes necessary for the operation of both the penalty points system and the associated fixed charge system, which, I understand, are being operated on a test basis at present.
The overall list of offences to which the penalty points system is to be applied is set out in the First Schedule to the Road Traffic Act 2002, as subsequently amended. I will authorise further roll outs of that system following the successful implementation of the April initiative.
The following table lists those offences that will not be the subject of the April rollout. It relates primarily to offences in the categories relating to vehicles and their use, lighting of vehicles and the licensing of drivers.
|
Offence |
General description of offence |
|
Offence under section 12 of Road Traffic Act, 1961 |
Using vehicle — |
|
(a)whose weight unladen exceeds maximum permitted weight, |
|
|
(b)whose weight laden exceeds maximum permitted weight, or |
|
|
(c)any part of which transmits to ground greater weight than maximum permitted weight. |
|
|
Offence under section 18 of Road Traffic Act, 1961 |
Using vehicle without test certificate. |
|
Offence under section 20(10) of Road Traffic Act, 1961 |
Driving vehicle before remedying dangerous defect. |
|
Offence under section 38 of Road Traffic Act, 1961 |
Driving without a licence. |
|
Offence under section 39 of Road Traffic Act, 1961 |
Applying for a licence while disqualified for so applying. |
|
Offence under section 40 of Road Traffic Act, 1961 |
Failure to produce a licence to member of Garda Síochána. |
|
Offence under section 54 of Road Traffic Act, 1961 |
Driving dangerously defective vehicle. |
|
Offence under section 115 of Road Traffic Act, 1961 |
Furnishing false or misleading particulars in connection with application for licence. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of article 10 (S.I. No. 190 of 1963) |
Using vehicle whose width exceeds maximum permitted width. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of article 11 (S.I. No. 190 of 1963) |
Using vehicle whose length exceeds maximum permitted length. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of article 16 (S.I. No. 190 of 1963) |
Using a vehicle with defective or worn tyres. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of article 23 (S.I. No. 190 of 1963) |
Using a vehicle from which driver has inadequate view of road and traffic. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of article 24 (S.I. No. 190 of 1963) |
Using vehicle whose windscreen is not of safety glass or gives distorted view. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of article 25 (S.I. No. 190 of 1963) |
Using vehicle not fitted with efficient windscreen wiper. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of article 26 (S.I. No. 190 of 1963) |
Using vehicle not fitted with adequate driving mirror. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of article 46 (S.I. No. 190 of 1963) |
Using vehicle whose brakes are inadequate. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of article 3 (S.I. 96 of 1971) |
Using vehicle not fitted with adequate anchorage point for safety belts. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of article 4 (S.I. 96 of 1971) |
Using vehicle not fitted with safety belts. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of article 10 (S.I. No. 360 of 1978) |
Using motor cycle without wearing a crash helmet. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of article 11 (S.I. No. 360 of 1978) |
Permitting passenger not wearing crash helmet to be carried on motor cycle. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of article 4 (S.I. No. 158 of 1985) |
Using vehicle not equipped with rear underrun protective device. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of article 5 (S.I. No. 158 of 1985) |
Using vehicle not equipped with side-guard. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of article 3 (S.I. No. 299 of 1993) |
Using vehicle not equipped with speed limitation device. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of article 4 (S.I. No. 299 of 1993) |
Using vehicle equipped with speed limitation device not complying with specified requirements. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of article 5 (S.I. No. 299 of 1993) |
Using vehicle equipped with speed limitation device not sealed or not sealed in compliance with specified requirements. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of article 4 of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations, 2002 (S.I. No. 93 of 2002) |
Use by driver of vehicle of mobile phone while in the vehicle in a public place except when the vehicle is parked. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of sub-article (1) of article 9 |
Using vehicle not equipped with required lamps and identification mark lighting. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of sub-article (2) or (3) of article 9 |
Using trailer not equipped with required lamps and identification mark lighting. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of sub-article (4) of article 9 |
Using vehicle not equipped with required rear projecting load lamp or lateral projecting load lamp. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of sub-article (5) of article 9 |
Using trailer not equipped with required marker lamp. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of sub-article (6) of article 9 |
Using public service vehicle not equipped with required internal lighting. |
|
Offence consisting of contravention of sub-article (7) of article 9 |
Using vehicle not equipped with required direction indicators. |
|
Offence under section 42 of Road Traffic Act, 1961, consisting of contravention of sub-article (6)(b)(iv) of article 20 |
Holder of provisional licence driving vehicle (other than motor cycle) when not accompanied by and under supervision of qualified person. |
Civil Service Travel Scheme.
Róisín Shortall
Question:151 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a closing date or dates are operated by his Department in respect of the Civil Service travel pass scheme; if so, the dates in question; the way in which temporary, seasonal or other non-routine workers are accommodated in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4929/06]
My Department participates in the travel pass scheme that is agreed centrally by the Department of Finance. The scheme operating at present allows employees to avail of an annual commuter ticket by means of a deduction from salary. Employees are not charged tax-PRSI on the portion of the salary sacrificed.
The scheme is available to officers employed on a permanent or probationary basis, as well as officers employed under a fixed-term contract in my Department. The closing date for applications for 2006 annual tickets was 18 November 2005. However, most transport providers allow for part-year tickets, commencing in any month of the year and valid until December of that year, this caters for employees who choose to join the scheme at a later date.
There is no provision in the current scheme for seasonal or other non-routine workers. My Department will co-operate with any future changes that may be made to the scheme centrally to cater for such officers.
EU Directives.
Michael Ring
Question:152 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has met with the Irish Farmers Association in regard to the regulations that give legal effect to the nitrates action programme; if so, the outcome of the meetings; and her plans to go back to Europe to try and get this directive changed. [4763/06]
The implementation of the nitrates directive is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, in the first instance. The regulations to give legal effect to the nitrates action programme were signed by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in December 2005 and came into effect on 1 February 2006. The directive itself dates from 1991.
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government engaged in an extensive consultation process on the action programme and regulations, during which stakeholders were afforded the opportunity to put forward their views and concerns. I have also met the IFA to discuss the implementation of the nitrates directive. In addition, officials of both Departments met with farm organisations, including the IFA, and other stakeholders on a number of occasions prior to the regulations being made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Teagasc, the State body responsible for providing the science on which the technical aspects of the regulations are based, indicated that it might be possible to review part of this advice, which could improve the effectiveness of the regulations, particularly with regard to phosphorus use.
Subsequently, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and I made it clear that if scientifically robust information can be brought forward, the Government will make a case to the European Commission for revising the current limits.
As a result of these developments, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government announced that the implementation of part three of the regulations, dealing with nutrient planning, will be deferred for a number of weeks. Any amendments required to the regulations will be made following completion of the review and will require the agreement of the European Commission.
Grant Payments.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:153 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the administrative process in relation to the issue of payment cheques to farmers; the delays that can occur in relation to payments where entitlement to payments has been clearly established; the causes of such delays; and the efforts being made to ensure prompt payment. [4813/06]
Some 143,000 applications were received under the 2005 single payment scheme. In addition to those applicants seeking both to activate their entitlements and also receive payment, applications were received from farmers seeking only to activate their entitlements. It will be recalled that farmers who did not seek to activate their entitlements in 2005 would, under EU rules, forfeit these entitlements to the national reserve.
Of the 143,000 applications received, approximately 128,000 are eligible for payment under the 2005 scheme. To date, payments worth in excess of €1.118 billion have issued to 123,000 farmers.
In common with the coupled schemes, which the single payment scheme replaced, delays in processing can be caused by many factors, including incomplete application forms, errors on applications and discrepancies highlighted following computer validation, which are required to be resolved via correspondence with the applicant.
In many cases, payment could not be made because applicants did not submit an application to transfer the single payment entitlements to them with lands by way of inheritance, gift, lease or purchase. Many of the applications were only received after my Department made direct contact with the farmers in question during recent weeks and some have yet to be submitted.
Applications under the single payment scheme are processed as follows. They are date stamped upon receipt and are then prepared and forwarded for scanning. This provides an electronic image of all applications and associated documentation received. Following scanning, the applications are presented to the single payment scheme unit to be data-captured onto the Department's database, SPS. Upon completion of data capture, applications which contain new plots-parcels, are submitted to a third party contractor, so that the plots-parcels can be digitised onto the Department's database. Amendment forms received are scanned and data captured. Selected applications are issued for inspection. Queries arising from the digitisation process are referred to the single payment scheme unit for resolution. Queries arising from the data capture or digitisation are then referred to the applicant through the issue of query letters. Responses received from applicants to queries raised are scanned upon receipt and are processed to finality if possible.
If necessary, further query letters are issued to resolve specific issues. Where selected, cases subject to inspections have results entered. Quality control procedure is carried out on cases available for payment. A payment file is generated and presented for payment.
The successful introduction of the single payment scheme in Ireland, in 2005, is testimony to the efforts of all concerned. It is my intention that this success will be built on into the future to the benefit of all concerned.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:154 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when area aid will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare for year ending 31 December 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4864/06]
The person named submitted an application on 4 January 2006 to transfer entitlements with lands by way of inheritance under the provisions of the single payment scheme. However, the single payment entitlements could not be transferred as he did not receive lands by way of gift or inheritance. The applicant was informed that the transfer was more appropriate to the private contract clause measure as the lands in question were purchased.
A private contract clause application form was forwarded to the person named for completion. Upon receipt of the completed application form, my Department will notify the person named of the outcome and issue the single payment if the application is successful.
Michael Ring
Question:155 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a statement of entitlements under the single farm payment scheme will re-issue to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if the calculations for this payment will issue for clarification. [4865/06]
The original statement of provisional entitlements, which issued to all farmers who actively farmed during all or any of the three reference years 2002, 2001 and 2002, and who were paid livestock premia and-or arable aid payments in one or more of those years, included a table showing the basis of the calculation. Those farmers who considered that full account had not been taken of all their qualifying activities during the reference years were invited to contact the Department to seek a review of the calculation in their own particular case. No such request was received from the person named. However, I have arranged for an official of my Department to contact the person named directly in order to clarify the matter. If it is found that the original calculation of entitlements did not take full account of her applications under the livestock premia schemes during the reference years, the established entitlements will be amended and a supplementary payment issued to the person named.
Denis Naughten
Question:156 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of a national reserve application for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4870/06]
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the single payments scheme national reserve under categories A, B, C and D.
Category A caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge, or for a nominal sum, from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May 2005, and who had leased out his-her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000-02.
Category B caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, made an investment 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. Investments can include purchase or long-term lease of land, purchase of suckler and-or ewe quota or other investments.
Category C caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, sold the milk quota into the milk quota restructuring scheme and converted their enterprise to a farming sector for which a direct payment under livestock premia or arable aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002.
Category D caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year.
However, 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.
The position is that 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 is continuing and the intention is to make allocations to successful applicants at the earliest opportunity.
My Department will be in touch with individual applicants as soon as their applications are fully processed, when formal letters setting out my Department's decision will be issued.
Denis Naughten
Question:157 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, further to Question No. 114 of 26 January 2006, when the person will be issued with payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4872/06]
My Department has completed its review of the value of the entitlements of the person in question. As a result of this review, the value of the entitlements has been increased and a supplementary payment amounting to €2,659.80 will be issued to the applicant shortly.
Denis Naughten
Question:158 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in issuing a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon with the merged single farm payment; when the payment will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4875/06]
The person named submitted an application under the single payment scheme on 10 May 2005 in respect of the Roscommon herd number. Full payment amounting to €4,432.78 in respect of 17.59 entitlements issued on 1 December 2005. An application, to transfer 6.65 entitlements with a total value of €1,366.84, from the Sligo herd number to the Roscommon herd number was processed on 24 January 2006. This brought the total established entitlements by the person named to 24.24. As the total forage area declared on the 2005 single payment was 21.99 hectares, she was eligible for payment on 4.4 of the 6.65 transferred entitlements. A supplementary payment amounting to €828.76 was issued on 2 February 2006 in respect of these 4.4 entitlements. In order to benefit from the full payment in 2006 on the 24.24 entitlements now held by the person named, she will need to declare 24.24 eligible hectares on her 2006 single payment application form.
Denis Naughten
Question:159 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon is being refused the final part of their payment for their herd being locked up with tuberculosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4913/06]
The herd of the person referred to was restricted on 4 August 2005 following the disclosure of 11 reactor animals. The person concerned became eligible for income supplement in October 2005. Income supplement for October, December and January has been paid. Before processing November's payment my Department's local office is awaiting written clarification on the reason for a delay in a test which was due to be carried out in November. Income supplement due to be paid in February is currently being processed and should issue shortly. The herd was de-restricted following a clearance test of 4 February 2006.
Civil Service Travel Scheme.
Róisín Shortall
Question:160 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a closing date or dates are operated by her Department in respect of the Civil Service travel pass scheme; if so, the dates in question; the way in which temporary, seasonal or other non-routine workers are accommodated in the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4930/06]
My Department operates the Civil Service travel pass scheme as outlined in the Department of Finance circular 50/2001. In order to participate in the scheme an employee must be employed on a permanent-probationary basis on the date of application. In addition employees employed under fixed term contract are eligible to join the scheme. The scheme currently operates on a 12 month basis in my Department from 1 January and 1 July each year. The closing date for applications to join this scheme is one month prior to the above dates in order to allow time for processing of applications.
Closed Circuit Television Systems.
Pat Breen
Question:161 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if planning for the installation of closed circuit television for Ennis has commenced; if the revised timetable for implementation of a closed circuit television system for Ennis by the end of 2006 still stands; if not, when he envisages a closed circuit television system operating in the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4795/06]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 420 on Tuesday, 6 February 2006.
Human Trafficking.
Liz McManus
Question:162 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the safeguards he has put in place to prevent the trafficking of women and children into and through Ireland; his views on the ratification of the 2005 Council of Europe Convention on action against the trafficking of human beings; his plans with regard to enacting legislation to combat this trafficking as recommended by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4796/06]
I refer the Deputy to my response to a question, reference number 4288/06, on 7 February, 2006.
Residency Permits.
Willie Penrose
Question:163 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has not had their green card renewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4810/06]
The applicant in question applied for permission to remain in Ireland on the basis of being the parent of an Irish-born child, born before 1 January 2005, under the revised arrangements announced by me on 15 January 2005. His application is currently being reviewed and I will notify the Deputy when the outcome of the review is known.
Willie Penrose
Question:164 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has received correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; the steps he will take to have this matter dealt with without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4811/06]
In view of the individual circumstances of this case, I have asked that the request for permission to remain be examined afresh. The immigration division of my Department will be in contact with the individual concerned in due course.
Registration of Title.
Willie Penrose
Question:165 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the land division solicitor at his Department dealing with land commission sales has completed the queries that have been raised in relation to vesting of lands for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath in respect of which documents necessary for the registration were lodged in the Land Registry Office on 17 December 1999 have been dealt with and completed; the steps he will take to have this matter expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4812/06]
I understand the Land Registry has advised the Deputy of the current position regarding the application in question and that the key issue appears to be a matter for the Department of Agriculture and Food.
Garda Training.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:166 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí appointed to the Traffic Corps in the past 12 months who are untrained Garda drivers and are driving on chief’s permission; the number of gardaí who are driving Garda cars generally and only have chief’s permission; and the additional resources which will be provided to the driving school to ensure that all of those who are officially driving Garda cars have completed the Garda driving course. [4816/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the number of gardaí appointed to the Traffic Corps in the past 12 months who are driving on chief superintendent's permission in each region as at 7 February, 2006 was as set out in the table hereunder:
|
Region |
Number |
|
D.M.R |
10 |
|
South Eastern |
0 |
|
Eastern |
3 |
|
Northern |
1 |
|
Western |
1 |
|
Southern |
2 |
I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that, the number of gardaí who are driving Garda cars generally and have chief superintendent's permission, in each region, as at 7 February 2006 was as set out in the table hereunder:
|
Region |
Number |
|
D.M.R |
836 |
|
South Eastern |
201 |
|
Eastern |
226 |
|
Northern |
252 |
|
Western |
132 |
|
Southern |
366 |
|
Total |
2,013 |
Garda management states that the staffing levels of the Garda driving and training school are currently being examined, with a view to reducing the number of personnel driving on chief's permission.
Garda Personnel.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:167 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who claimed back fees for third level courses over the past five years; the number of same who have left the Garda force; and if any of them were made to pay back the refund of fees to the State. [4817/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the number of gardaí who claimed back fees for third level courses over the last five years was as set out hereunder:
|
Year Fees Refunded |
Academic Year |
Number |
|
2005 |
2004/2005 |
136 |
|
2004 |
2003/2004 |
128 |
|
2003 |
2002/2003 |
176 |
|
2002 |
2001/2002 |
176 |
|
2001 |
2000/2001 |
183 |
I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that no member has been requested to refund fees to the State. Garda management states that the information requested in relation to the number of members of the Garda Síochána who have left the force following a refund of third level fees is not readily available and can only be obtained by the disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources relative to the information sought.
Crime Levels.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:168 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of cash stolen in robberies or otherwise during 2005; the amounts recovered; and the number of persons prosecuted arising therefrom. [4818/06]
I regret it has not been possible in the time available to obtain the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact again with the Deputy in relation to this matter when it becomes available.
Citizenship Applications.
Michael Ring
Question:169 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved for Irish citizenship on the basis of their marriage here. [4827/06]
A declaration of acceptance of Irish citizenship as post-nuptial citizenship was received in the citizenship section of my Department on 19 November 2005 from the person referred to in the Deputy's question.
The statutory provisions providing for the process of post-nuptial citizenship were repealed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 2001. This change came into effect on 30 November 2002. A transition provision contained in that Act provided that persons who married Irish citizens prior to 30 November 2002 could make a declaration on or before 29 November 2005. In the period leading up to the closing of the transition period, the number of declarations received increased significantly with the result that there are now almost 8,000 such declarations awaiting consideration in this Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs. Declarations received from persons resident outside Ireland are processed by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
In the circumstances, it is not possible to say precisely when the declaration of the person concerned will be finalised. I will advise the Deputy and the applicant when processing of the declaration in question has been completed.
Road Traffic Offences.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:170 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way in which it is envisaged that the fixed charge processing system would operate and the way in which it can contribute to reducing the number of court appearances for gardaí. [4830/06]
As recently announced by the Minister for Transport, an additional 31 fixed charge-penalty points offences will be introduced from April next. Most of the penalty point offences to be commenced are currently dealt with by means of summons to the courts. From April, only those offences where payment of the fine is not made will lead to court proceedings, thus reducing the number of court appearances for gardaí.
The introduction of the Garda fixed charge processing system, together with the setting up of the Garda national processing office, NPO, also reduces the administrative involvement of the detecting garda. Once the alleged offence details are captured at the roadside, processing is automated and-or centralised in the NPO, thus freeing up the detecting garda for operational duties. The further involvement of the garda detecting the offence is limited to those fixed charge notices that are not paid within the requisite timeframe and accordingly become the subject of court proceedings.
Citizenship Applications.
Denis Naughten
Question:171 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a citizenship application for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the delay in dealing with such applications; if the application will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4831/06]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the citizenship section of my Department on 29 November 2005. The average processing time for such applications is 24 months at present. It is likely, therefore, that the case will be finalised in or around the end of 2007. I will be in touch with both the Deputy and the applicant when I have reached a decision in the matter.
Registration of Title.
Paul Connaughton
Question:172 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for a dealing number by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4834/06]
I wish to inform the Deputy that I have requested the Land Registry to contact him directly concerning the current position of the application in question. However, I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that there is no application currently pending on the folio concerned. I am further informed that if the Deputy supplies the Land Registry with additional information concerning the application referred to, a further search of its records can be made.
Liam Aylward
Question:173 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date in 2006 on a dealing that is with the Land Registry Office since 2002; and the reason for the delay in this particular case. [4891/06]
I wish to inform the Deputy that I have requested the Land Registry to contact him directly concerning the current position of the application in question.
Decentralisation Programme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:174 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if and when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare can relocate to Naas, Newbridge or other locations in County Kildare in the context of proposed decentralisation plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4892/06]
I can inform the Deputy that, under the Government's decentralisation programme, there are no plans to relocate any of the sections or agencies under the aegis of my Department to County Kildare.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:175 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is eligible for consideration for naturalisation notwithstanding his reply to Question No. 1186 of 25 January 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4893/06]
It will not be possible to determine if the person referred to is eligible for naturalisation until a fully completed application form, accompanied by the necessary supporting documentation, is received. I understand that an application form has already been sent to the Deputy to enable the person concerned make such an application.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:176 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the residency application in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 who is likely to be imprisoned for the person’s political beliefs and association with non-governmental organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4894/06]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 28 February 2004 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, he was informed by a letter dated 13 September 2005 that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options to be exercised within 15 working days of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State — leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order.
His case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 — prohibition of refoulement. I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:177 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current and potential residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4895/06]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 23 August 2004 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, he was informed by a letter dated 30 September 2005 that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options to be exercised within 15 working days of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State — leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order.
His case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 — prohibition of refoulement. I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:178 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedure to be followed in the event of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4896/06]
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. In the case of a non-national applicant who is the spouse of an Irish national, those conditions are that the applicant must be of full age, be of good character, be married to the Irish citizen for at least three years, be in a marriage recognised under the laws of the State as subsisting, be living together as husband and wife with the Irish spouse, have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the island of Ireland immediately before the date of the application and, during the four years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the island of Ireland amounting to two years, intend in good faith to continue to reside in the island of Ireland after naturalisation and have made, either before a judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister, for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.
In other cases the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain more rigorous statutory conditions are fulfilled. Those conditions are that the applicant must be of full age or by way of exception, be a minor born in the State, be of good character, have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of the application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years, intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation and have made, either before a judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister, for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.
It should be noted that, in the context of naturalisation, certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State, periods granted for the purposes of study and periods granted for the purposes of seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act 1996.
When an application for naturalisation is received, it is examined immediately to determine if the applicant meets the above mentioned statutory residency criteria. If the applicant fulfils the residency criteria, the application will then be considered in accordance with the other statutory requirements before being passed to me for a decision. At the moment, the average total processing time for such applications is 24 months.
An application form and some explanatory information has been posted to the person concerned. Further information may be obtained from my Department's website www.justice.ie or by telephoning the citizenship section helpline on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at lo-call 1890 551 500 or 01 6167700.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:179 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, notwithstanding his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1188 of 25 January 2006 and in view of the serious evidence of a threat to a person’s life and well being in the event of return to the person’s homeland, he will further review or extend the period of residency in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4897/06]
As explained in my reply to Question No. 1188 on Wednesday, 25 January 2006, the circumstances of each case is individually considered with regard to section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 — prohibition of refoulement before the making of a deportation order. The circumstances of the case referred to by the Deputy were fully examined and were found not to be such as to prevent the safe return of the person concerned.
Visa Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:180 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if and when a visa will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin in respect of their daughter in view of the fact that all requested documentation has already been submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4898/06]
An application in respect of the person named by the Deputy was made in 2003, reference number 1258257. This visa application was refused on 1 October 2003 and the applicant's mother was notified of this decision by letter the following day. There is no record of any recent application in respect of this person. It is open to the applicant to lodge a new application at this time and it will be examined fully by my visa officers.
Asylum Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:181 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the period for appeal against the decision to the Office of the Refugee Applications will be extended in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin whose legal adviser was unable to make appeal submission within the specified period; the reason, in this case, a transfer order issued requiring them to go to Belgium from whence they did not embark; if his attention has been drawn to the person’s serious health condition and history of abuse in the Democratic Republic of Congo; if in the interest of their safety and well being a full examination of their case will be conducted in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4899/06]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 149 on 26 January 2006 in which I explained in detail why this person is to be transferred to Belgium pursuant to the terms of the Dublin II Regulation, Council Regulation (EC) No 343/2003.
The person concerned presented to the Garda national immigration bureau on Monday 23 January 2006, as previously requested, and was given a representation date of Monday, 6 February 2006. She failed to keep this appointment and is now classed as having evaded her transfer. Consequently, she is now liable to arrest and detention and is currently being sought by the Garda national immigration bureau for removal. I urge the person to make herself known to gardaí immediately and her transfer will be dealt with in a sympathetic way with full details of her medical needs being made known to the Belgian authorities.
Prison Staff.
Denis Naughten
Question:182 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason prison officers must complete a number of overtime hours every quarter; if this complies with the working time directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4914/06]
I have reversed the unacceptable trend of spiralling overtime costs which has been a feature of our prisons operations for many years. As a result of my determination to tackle this unsustainable dependence on overtime to run our prisons there was a reduction in the overtime bill of some €13.4 million in 2004 compared to 2003.
Attendance over and above the standard working week is a common requirement in large organisations and will continue to be necessary to run the Prison Service in the future. However, the Deputy will be aware of my determination to address the high level of overtime working in the service and in that context a new approach to extra attendance by prison staff has had to be put in place.
In August last year, prisons staff voted by a substantial majority to accept the revised proposal for organisational change in the Irish Prison Service. A central element of the new working arrangements in the agreement, the third and final phase of which will be rolled out in all prisons and places of detention on 11 February 2006, is the introduction of a new additional hours system. This system, which is based on the concept of annualised hours, will see the elimination of overtime working by prison staff. The target savings in a full year of the new system is €25 million.
A key feature of the system is that staff contract to work a fixed number of additional hours in the quarter and they are paid for these whether or not they actually have to work the hours. This approach encourages smart working thereby reducing the need for extra attendance. This generates benefits for both staff and management. Management will have staff available when they are needed most while staff will have predictable attendance patterns and earnings. The net effect of the new system will be to reduce by more than half the number of hours worked by staff over and above the normal working week.
The agreed arrangements for extra attendance are in compliance with the terms of the working time directive and represent a major improvement in that respect from the former overtime arrangements which have applied in the Prison Service until now.
Civil Service Travel Scheme.
Róisín Shortall
Question:183 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a closing date or dates are operated by his Department in respect of the Civil Service travel pass scheme; if so, the dates in question; the way in which temporary, seasonal or other non-routine workers are accommodated in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4931/06]
My Department's travel pass scheme operates in accordance with the scheme centrally approved for the civil service. The scheme operates on a calendar year basis from January to December. Details of the scheme are usually circulated in mid-October with a closing date for receipt of applications by early November. This is to allow sufficient time for the necessary paperwork to be processed within the Department and for applications to be forwarded to the relevant transport provider by the end of November. The aim is to ensure that tickets can be issued prior to the end of year holidays.
There is also provision for staff to join after 1 January, normally new entrants. In such cases applications are facilitated in so far as possible having regard to any terms and conditions that may be applied by the service providers.
Garda Deployment.
Paul Kehoe
Question:184 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends to provide additional Garda manpower resources to the Wexford district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4942/06]
Paul Kehoe
Question:185 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the appointment of a Garda sergeant to fill the position of that rank vacant since July 2005 in Wexford town will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4943/06]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 184 and 185 together.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of all ranks of the Wexford district as at 8 February 2006 was 90. I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí due to the programme of accelerated recruitment into the Garda Síochána will take place on 16 March 2006.
The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. In this regard the Commissioner takes into account a number of factors including population, crime trends and the operational policing needs of each division. Garda management states that during the allocation of the newly attested personnel, in March, the needs of the Wexford district will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country.
It is the responsibility of the divisional officer for the Wicklow-Wexford division to allocate personnel within the division. I am advised that every effort is made to fill vacancies that arise as a result of retirements and promotions in conjunction with the allocation of newly attested gardaí and newly promoted personnel. Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in the Wicklow-Wexford division with a view to ensuring an effective Garda service is maintained.
The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this process, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda College during 2005. The college will induct 1,100 recruits this year and a further 1,100 in 2007, by way of intakes to the Garda College of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. This project is fully on target and will be achieved.
Liquor Licensing Law Offences.
Róisín Shortall
Question:186 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions which have been taken for the sale of alcohol to minors under the Intoxicating Liquor Acts in each of the years since the coming into force of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2000; and the breakdown by county, number of prosecutions, number of convictions, number of cases pending, number of cases dismissed or struck out, number of closure orders and number of closure orders under appeal. [4944/06]
I regret it has not been possible in the time available to obtain the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy in relation to this matter when it becomes available.
Schools Refurbishment.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:187 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application for extension for a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if the refurbishment programme for this school is in band one; when they will get approval for the proposed reconstruction work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4764/06]
Assessment of the accommodation needs of this school and others in the general area is under way in my Department. A decision will be made shortly on the school's long-term requirements and these will be catered for. The project is being considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-10.
Special Educational Needs.
Willie Penrose
Question:188 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who is attending speech and language therapy at their current school and who has to leave the said school, will be facilitated in one of the schools in or around the vicinity of Mullingar; if same will be examined in order to allow them to enrol in such schools in September 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4809/06]
The pupil in question is currently enrolled in a special class for children with specific speech and language difficulties in the school referred to by the Deputy. My officials have been in contact with the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, whose local special educational needs organiser has advised that the enrolment meeting for this class will not take place until the end of April or early May. This meeting will determine whether this pupil is eligible to return to the class next September. If the pupil is not eligible to do so, the pupil may be accommodated in an alternative special class for children with speech and language difficulties in another school in the Mullingar area. This however, would be subject to the pupil meeting the necessary criteria and also the availability of a place in the class. The special educational needs organiser has advised that the admission meeting for both classes usually takes place on the same day.
School Transport.
Paul Kehoe
Question:189 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science further to the new information that has come to light surrounding the catchment area map following the freedom of information request by persons (details supplied) in County Wexford, if her position on the matter will altered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4823/06]
My Department is satisfied on the basis of the catchment area map held in the Department, which is the definitive map, that the students in question are not fully eligible for transport to schools in Wexford town. The decision taken on transport provision was appealed to the school transport appeals board and the board upheld that decision.
The school transport appeals board is independent of my Department and it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in cases which have been considered by the board. I understand that further clarification has been forwarded by the school planning section of my Department to the person referred to in the details supplied regarding the catchment area map.
Denis Naughten
Question:190 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if a meeting will be held with a group of parents (details supplied) regarding a school transport issue in County Roscommon; if a report has been received from the TLO following a meeting with parents; the recommendations outlined in the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4832/06]
The report requested from the relevant transport liaison officer, outlining the up to date position on the transport service concerned, including the outcome of his recent meeting with a group of concerned parents, was received in my Department yesterday.
When this report has been fully considered, my Department will contact the Deputy directly to outline the position and also to confirm whether it is considered that a further meeting with parents would be useful to clarify matters.
All-Irish Schools.
Brian O'Shea
Question:191 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of gaelscoileanna and gaelcoláistí here; and the number of pupils enrolled in each type. [4851/06]
In the 2004-05 school year, there were 129 gaelscoileanna with 23,985 pupils. There were also 20 gaelcoláistí with 5,009 pupils. Note that these figures refer to all-Irish schools and pupils located outside the Gaeltacht areas.
Special Educational Needs.
Brian O'Shea
Question:192 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs pupils in gaelscoileanna. [4852/06]
My Department does not hold records of the numbers of pupils with special educational needs in schools. These records are retained by the individual schools. The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, is responsible for the allocation of additional teaching supports and special needs assistant supports to children with special educational needs, SEN. The NCSE is in the process of developing systems which would result in comprehensive data on children with SEN in our schools being available in the future.
Brian O'Shea
Question:193 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of pupils availing of learning support teachers in gaelscoileanna. [4853/06]
My Department does not hold records of the numbers of pupils availing of learning support teaching in schools. These records are retained by the individual schools. All primary schools, including gaelscoileanna, have a general allocation of learning support and resource teachers, based on the number of pupils enrolled on a certain date, to enable them to cater for pupils with learning support needs. It is a matter for each school to identify the pupils that require this support in the context of the criteria outlined in Department circulars.
All-Irish Schools.
Brian O'Shea
Question:194 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of principal, assistant, resource special needs and learning support teachers in gaelscoileanna. [4854/06]
There are currently 124 principal teachers, 903 teachers, 30 resource teachers, including resource teachers for Travellers, and 161 learning support and resource teachers based in gaelscoileanna. In addition, gaelscoileanna have the service of two home school community liaison teachers and one support teacher. Posts allocated to gaelscoileanna due to disadvantaged status or under the Giving Children an Even Break programme are included in the figure above for teachers.
The Deputy should note that the figures for resource and learning support resource teachers refer to posts based in gaelscoileanna and that these posts may be shared with other schools. Likewise, the figures do not include teachers based in other schools who also work in gaelscoileanna.
Special Educational Needs.
Brian O'Shea
Question:195 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in gaelscoileanna. [4855/06]
The number of whole-time equivalent special needs assistants being paid on my Department's payroll and employed in gaelscoileanna is 130.00 at primary level and 11.78 at secondary level.
Irish Language Exemption.
Brian O'Shea
Question:196 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the circumstances in which a child attending a primary school who has been diagnosed with ADHD and granted an exemption from the study of Irish in accordance with the terms of circular 12/96 by the school can have that exemption withdrawn by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4856/06]
As part of the primary school curriculum Irish is a compulsory subject. Exemption from the study of Irish may, however, be granted to primary pupils under certain circumstances outlined in Department circular 12/96. Under the terms of the circular delegated authority to grant exemptions from Irish, within the conditions laid down, has been vested in the individual school authority. There is no provision in the circular for the automatic granting of exemptions to pupils suffering from ADHD.
One of the conditions set down in circular 12/96 is that an application for exemption on the grounds of a learning disability must be accompanied by a full psychological assessment of the pupil carried out by a qualified psychologist not more than two years prior to the date of application. With regard to the specific case referred to by the Deputy, the psychological assessment submitted was outside the stipulated time period and accordingly was returned to the school for submission of an up-to-date assessment. To date an updated psychological assessment has not been received by my Department in respect of the pupil in question. Should such an assessment be submitted, the application for exemption will be processed without delay.
Brian O'Shea
Question:197 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary school pupils from abroad who had no understanding of English when enrolled who are required to study Irish only in accordance with the terms of circular 12/96; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4857/06]
The information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department. If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, my Department will be glad to look into the matter on receipt of the relevant details.
Special Educational Needs.
Brian O'Shea
Question:198 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the situation whereby Irish language learning support teachers are not appointed to gaelscoileanna bearing in mind that it can discourage parents from enrolling or retaining pupils in gaelsccoileanna; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4858/06]
Under the terms of circular Sp Ed 02/05, only fully recognised and probated primary teachers should be employed for any vacancies arising for learning support and resource teaching, LS and RT, posts. The employment of a teacher is a matter for the board of management of a particular school. Where a teacher is employed to deliver a particular service, it is a function of the board to ensure that such a service is delivered.
Adult Education.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:199 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if the required changes will be made to the structures in the further education and post leaving certificate schools; and if they will be given the resources necessary to fulfil their important role in the education system. [4859/06]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:200 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on including the further education and post leaving certificate schools in the same administrative and funding structures as the secondary schools which does not serve the real needs of those attending fee type courses. [4860/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 200 together.
This Government believes strongly in the value of this sector and will continue to prioritise it for resources and supports in the years ahead. Improving participation and achievement at every level of education is a key priority. We have put the resources and supports in place to ensure a wide range of course options is available in the further and higher education sectors for young people who wish to continue their studies after second level and for people returning to education later in life.
The principal objectives of the measures and programmes funded by my Department in adult and further education are to meet the needs of young early school leavers, to provide second chance education for adults and to provide vocational education and training for labour market entrants and re-entrants. A range of measures is available to ensure these objectives, including Youthreach, senior Traveller training centres, the vocational training opportunities scheme, post leaving certificate courses and part-time initiatives such as the back to education initiative and the adult literacy and community education schemes. These programmes are funded by my Department and are operated and managed primarily by the Vocational Education Committees throughout the country.
Further education is expanding. In the literacy sector, adult literacy client numbers have increased from 5,000 in 1997 to approximately 34,000 in 2005. Post leaving certificate, PLC, courses represent another option which is available within the further education suite. The Government's support for this hugely important sector is clear from the fact that we have increased the number of PLC places by 60% since 1996-1997. The number of PLC places approved for 2005-2006 is up by more than 1,600 on the 2004-2005 level. The number of approved places in the sector now stands at 30,188.
Government support for the sector is evident not only in the expansion of approved places and teachers, but also in the introduction of maintenance grants for students with effect from September 1998. Tuition fees for PLC courses are waived. The PLC maintenance grant scheme operates on the same basis as in higher education. The figure for PLC grant holders in 2005 is approximately 8,000 and they will receive approximately €23 million in direct support.
The 2006 Estimates include provision for the cost of the extra 100 teaching posts being provided for the post leaving certificate courses in the current academic year. They also provide for an increase of 19% in the VTOS non-pay grant in 2006. PLC students are included in the calculation of non-pay budgets issued to schools in respect of running costs. A supplemental non-pay grant towards running costs specifically for PLC schools is also payable. This will amount to €5.5 million in 2005.
Other developments funded by my Department of direct benefit to the PLC sector include the provision of national certification under the Further Education and Training Awards Council and the development of progression links with higher education in the institutes of technology. The McIver report contains 21 over-arching recommendations, incorporating 91 sub-recommendations. Having regard to the number and scope of the recommendations in the report, extensive consultations have been held with management and staff interests with regard to such issues as the prioritisation of recommendations, the structural changes envisaged in the report, their implications and associated costs in the context of the overall provision of resources for further and adult education. Active consideration is given to all the issues involved. While this work is ongoing, extra investment has been provided in the 2006 Estimates to develop the further education sector and to improve supports for other aspects of further and adult education.
Schools Building Projects.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:201 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the delays in finalising the purchase of land for a school (details supplied); and the steps she will take to speed up this process. [4861/06]
The property management section of the Office of Public Works which acts on behalf of my Department on site acquisitions generally was requested to acquire a site on behalf of my Department. A site has been identified for the provision of a new school referred to by the Deputy. Contract details are being finalised by OPW and it is at late conveyancing. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the school in question was one of the 62 projects announced by me in January last. My Department will appoint a design team to the project as soon as the acquisition is complete.
Paddy McHugh
Question:202 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if additional funding will be allocated to a school (details supplied) in County Galway. [4862/06]
As part of the expansion of the devolved scheme for primary school building works, a grant of €300,000 was sanctioned to enable the management authorities of the school in question to provide additional accommodation. The initiative allows boards of management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives boards of management control of the building project.
The intention of the scheme is to provide funding to schools to enable them to undertake wanted building projects. The scheme is not intended to leave schools with significant fundraising needs but for the school to tailor the scope of capital works commissioned to the available funding. The decision on whether to continue participating in the scheme or to drop out, if the scope of build is more than the funding envelope permits, is a matter for each school authority.
An appeal for additional funding by the school in question will be considered by the appeals' board and the school will be notified of its decision in due course.
Paddy McHugh
Question:203 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if additional funding will be allocated to a school (details supplied) in County Galway in order to finalise a partially completed project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4863/06]
As part of the expansion of the devolved scheme for primary school building works, a grant was sanctioned to enable the management authorities of the school in question to extend and refurbish the school. The initiative allows boards of management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives boards of management control of the building project.
The intention of the scheme is to provide funding to schools to enable them to undertake wanted building projects. The scheme is not intended to leave schools with significant fundraising needs but for the school to tailor the scope of capital works commissioned to the available funding. The decision on whether to continue participating in the scheme or to drop out, if the scope of build is more than the funding envelope permits, is a matter for each school authority.
An appeal for additional funding from the school in question was considered recently by the appeals' board and it has been approved for additional funding.
Third Level Funding.
Dan Boyle
Question:204 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Education and Science the options that are being pursued in relation to the development of a college (details supplied) in County Cork; if development of the architecturally important building at Sharman Crawford Street will be pursued or if it will be relocated to a new greenfield site. [4879/06]
I recently announced the provision of a €900 million multi-annual capital programme for the period 2006 to 2010 for the third level sector. Funding for the institution referred to by the Deputy is included in this announcement. Officials from my Department will be meeting with the institution concerned shortly to explore the options available to progress this project.
Schools Refurbishment.
Richard Bruton
Question:205 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the value of improvement works to science facilities which have been approved for assistance under the summer work scheme 2006 programme and the number of schools assisted; if an order of priority was made; the number of positions beneath the cut off point for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and the options available to the school which now fears it may have to close the laboratories on health and safety grounds from 1 September 2006. [4880/06]
Included in this year's summer works scheme projects is the provision or refurbishment of science labs in 24 post primary schools at an estimated total cost of €5.7 million. The refurbishment projects applied for under the summer works scheme by the school in question were not deemed suitable under this scheme owing to the extent of works required. The school planning section of my Department will be writing to the school authorities shortly advising them of the options available for addressing the required works.
School Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:206 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science her most recent plans to meet targets in respect of the provision of primary and post primary educational facilities, including school placements at Naas, County Kildare, with particular reference to the need to meet precise targets as set out by the various school authorities; the progress which has taken place in regard to these matters in recent times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4881/06]
I am aware that Naas, like many areas located within close proximity to Dublin, continues to experience population growth, a position that almost inevitably places some strain on existing educational provision. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a range of significant measures has been undertaken by my Department to address the current and future need for pupil places in the area.
In the Naas locality, at primary level, an entire new school has been provided at Killashee while temporary accommodation has been provided at Scoil Corbain, St. Conleth's and St. Mary's national school and St. Conleth's Naofa. Temporary accommodation has also been approved at Caragh national school, Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh and Scoil Naomh Brighde.
A brand new state of the art 16-classroom school together with a double autistic unit was also opened last September in Naas town. This project, in particular, will assist in easing any difficulties for primary pupil places that may exist in Naas. A brand new state of the art 16-classroom school is planned for Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh. This project has been approved to commence architectural planning this year. Additionally, there are proposals to improve accommodation at St. David's national school and Two Mile House national school. The long-term accommodation needs of the national schools at Ballycane,Caragh and the Convent of Mercy are also currently being assessed.
At post primary level, the management authority of St. Patrick's post primary school, County Kildare VEC, is currently progressing plans to re-locate the school and extend capacity to 1,000 pupil places. Additionally, an extension project is under construction at St. Mary's College, which will increase capacity at the school to 900 pupils. A similar extension is under construction at Meánscoil Iognáid Rís and a further extension at the school is currently in architectural planning.
All of these initiatives represent huge capital investment and demonstrate my commitment to meeting the needs of the area concerned. The school planning section of my Department will keep the position under review going forward to ensure that any additional emerging needs are met as expeditiously as possible.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:207 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if recent discussions have been held with the authorities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare with a view to expediting the process in regard to the provision of the extra facilities required at the school; the extent to which it has been possible to meet such requirements at an early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4882/06]
I visited the school on Friday last and had a brief discussion regarding the building project with the school. My Department's officials are currently reviewing the stage three documentation, detailed plans-costs. This will be completed shortly and my officials will then be in further contact with the school authorities with regard to the next steps involved in progressing this project. Progression of projects to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005 to 2009.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:208 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has taken place in the matter of the provision of the urgently required extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if officials of her Department have been or are likely to be in contact with the school authorities in regard to the drawing up of plans and priorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4883/06]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school to which he refers was included in my recent announcement of 62 large scale building projects countrywide which have been approved to progress under the school building and modernisation programme. These will be progressed by way of the appointment of a design team under my Department's capital programme for 2006. The building section of my Department will be providing information to the schools concerned shortly on how their projects will be advanced on foot of this announcement.
Third Level Education.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:209 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if, notwithstanding her reply to Question No. 1261 of 25 January 2006, the person in question is precluded by virtue of regulations for third level education or on the basis of their non-nationality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4885/06]
The actual admission of students to higher education institutions is a matter for the individual institutions and the Central Applications Office. Under the terms of my Department's free fees initiative students must be first-time undergraduates and hold EU nationality or official refugee status and have been ordinarily resident in an EU member state for at least three of the five years preceding entry to an approved third level course in order to be eligible for free tuition fees. I emphasise the distinction between the criteria used to determine eligibility under the free fees initiative and the criteria by which individual colleges establish the rate of tuition fee to be charged in cases where a student does not qualify for free fees. The universities are autonomous bodies and, as such, may determine the level of fees to be charged in any case where the free fees initiative does not apply.
Grant Payments.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:210 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason grant aid has been withdrawn from the Feis Maitiú, Cork; her views on whether the feis which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year has been a huge benefit to generations of Cork children and its ending would be very damaging to the artistic and musical life of the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4911/06]
I am pleased to confirm that I have approved funding of €44,500 for Feis Maitiú in 2006.
Civil Service Travel Scheme.
Róisín Shortall
Question:211 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if a closing date or dates are operated by her Department in respect of the Civil Service travel pass scheme; if so, the dates in question; the way in which temporary, seasonal or other non-routine workers are accommodated in the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4932/06]
Closing dates are operated by my Department in respect of the Civil Service travel pass scheme. The dates in question are 30 November for travel passes commencing on the following 1 January, and in respect of passes to commence on the first of any month other than January, the 18th of the month immediately prior to the intended commencement date. The scheme operates on the basis of an annual option. Permanent staff and staff employed under fixed term contracts are eligible to apply.
Special Educational Needs.
Catherine Murphy
Question:212 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department obtains information from the Health Service Executive or other State Department or body with regard to the numbers of children born or later diagnosed with special needs each year with a view to planning for the educational needs of those children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4949/06]
The provision of appropriate special educational services for children with special educational needs is the responsibility of the National Council for Special Education, NCSE. Under section 41 of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004, the NCSE is obliged to keep and maintain records for the purpose of identifying persons to whom special educational and support services are being provided, identifying schools and other places where such services are provided to persons with special educational needs and planning the provision of special educational and support services.
Furthermore, under subsection 2 of this section the NCSE is obliged to the greatest extent practicable, to co-ordinate its system of record-keeping with the systems of record-keeping maintained by health boards and any other relevant public bodies.
Departmental Properties.
David Stanton
Question:213 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the interest his Department has in Spike Island; if his Department holds or leases any part of Spike Island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4829/06]
Spike Island, County Cork, which had been under the administration of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform since 1985, was formally transferred to that Department in 2002. My Department has no current interest in Spike Island.
Civil Service Travel Scheme.
Róisín Shortall
Question:214 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Defence if a closing date or dates are operated by his Department in respect of the Civil Service travel pass scheme; if so, the dates in question; the way in which temporary, seasonal or other non-routine workers are accommodated in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4933/06]
The closing date in respect of the 2006 Civil Service travel pass scheme was 23 November 2005. A condition of the scheme is that employees must be employed on a permanent or probationary basis at the date of application. An employee employed under a fixed term contract is also eligible to apply. It is a condition of the Revenue Commissioners that the scheme operates on the basis of an annual option. Accordingly, the employee will not be able to cancel his or her participation in the scheme prior to the expiry of the one-year period. In the event that employees join the Department after the closing date, they are accommodated in the purchase of a yearly ticket.
EU Directives.
Michael Ring
Question:215 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government what has been signed into law in the regulations that give legal effect to the nitrates action programme; the position regarding the deferral of part three; his plans to change the directive in view of its impact on productive farming here; if he has met with the Irish Farmers Association in this regard; if so, the outcome of the meetings; and his plans to go back to Europe to try and get this directive changed. [4769/06]
All EU member states are required to adopt nitrates action programmes, including appropriate mandatory regulatory provisions, in order to give effect to the nitrates directive. The purpose of these regimes is to protect surface and groundwaters against pollution from agriculture by prescribing appropriate standards of environmental management for farming. Other EU measures in support of farming, notably the new arrangements for the single farm payment, have been linked to the implementation of nitrates action programmes.
In most EU member states, agriculture accounts for the bulk of nitrate and phosphorus nutrient losses to the environment. In Ireland, some 72% of all phosphorus and 83% of all nitrate inputs to waters are attributable to agriculture. Satisfactory control and reduction of these agricultural inputs is essential to redress known environmental problems affecting Ireland in respect of surface and groundwater quality.
It is not open to Ireland, nor would it be in the interests of farmers generally, to seek to change the nitrates directive. In 2004, the European Court of Justice held Ireland to be in breach of the nitrates directive by failing to implement a nitrates action programme. Arising from this situation, and to secure the best possible arrangements for farmers, including protection of EU farm payments and a derogation on the directive's nitrogen limit, as well as compliance with the directive and avoidance of the imposition of daily fines, the Government has negotiated intensively with the European Commission to conclude our nitrates action programme. Many concessions and flexibilities have been won for Irish farmers through this engagement. Following agreement of the nitrates action programme with the Commission, further negotiations are being pursued — of vital interest in particular to thousands of dairy farmers — in order to achieve a derogation to 250 kg from the 170 kg organic nitrogen limit of the directive.
Following extensive consultations also with farming and other interests, I made the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters) Regulations 2005 on 11 December 2005. Both prior to and since the making of the regulations, I have met representatives of the Irish Farmers Association and of other farming interests.
The regulations are designed to strengthen the protection of waters against pollution from agricultural sources, primarily through the management of livestock manures and other fertilisers. They implement the nitrates directive and a number of other EU directives in respect of the protection of water quality. In particular, they provide for compliance by Ireland with the terms of the judgment of the European Court of Justice delivered in March 2004 which held that Ireland was non-compliant with the nitrates directive.
The regulations generally came into effect on a phased basis from 1 February 2006 and provide for a range of measures to strengthen the application of good agricultural practice countrywide. These measures include: the timing and procedures for the land application of fertilisers; requirements on the capacity of storage vessels for livestock manure; general provisions on storage management; and the monitoring of the effectiveness of such measures.
Part 3 of the regulations deals with nutrient management planning and is based on long-standing Teagasc advice. Teagasc has recently indicated that it may be possible to review part of this advice on the application of phosphorus in a way which could improve the effectiveness of the regulations. The Government and the European Commission saw merit in allowing Teagasc to elaborate this new advice and accordingly, I have announced a brief de facto deferral of the implementation of Part 3 of the regulations.
Teagasc has been requested to provide, as a matter of urgency, the necessary scientific case to support any revision of the phosphorus tables in the regulations. My Department and the Department of Agriculture and Food will carefully consider any submission received from Teagasc while also bearing in mind that any proposals for revision of the phosphorus tables will have to respect the environmental requirements associated with the nitrates directive and will have to meet with the agreement of the European Commission. The Government's approach at all stages has been to identify efficient and least-cost solutions to implementing the environmental requirements of the nitrates directive. Advice and assistance is being made available to all farmers to facilitate them in adapting to the new regime; this includes a proposed new system of grants and new tax reliefs now being introduced.
Higher environmental standards have been promoted at EU and member state levels across a range of economic sectors: business, industry, energy as well as agriculture. While these require adaptation by the sectors concerned, they are designed to support and not diminish longer term competitiveness. I am confident that the transition to the new nitrates regime, which is necessary, will be achieved on a basis fully compatible with viable and progressive farming into the future.
Fire Stations.
Michael Ring
Question:216 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Question No. 557 of 31 January 2006, if the tender process has been completed in relation to a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; the people who have been approved; and when the building will commence. [4770/06]
My Department has recently sanctioned a proposal from Mayo County Council to accept a tender for the construction of a combined fire station and coast guard centre at Achill Sound, County Mayo. I understand that a formal contract has not yet been entered into between Mayo County Council and the preferred bidder and it would not therefore be appropriate to identify the prospective contractor at this stage. The commencement date for the project will be a matter for agreement between the contracting parties.
Waste Management.
Brian O'Shea
Question:217 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to have a standardised waiver system in regard to refuse charges for all local authorities here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4782/06]
The determination of waste management charges is statutorily a matter for the relevant local authority, where it acts as the service provider. Similarly, where a private operator provides the collection service, it is a matter for that operator to determine charges.
With regard to any waiver arrangements in respect of these charges, it is a matter for the local authority concerned to determine the nature and extent of any such scheme in the case of services provided by itself. Generally speaking, waiver schemes do not operate in respect of privately supplied collection services.
Waste management services have traditionally been provided at a local level, with individual arrangements being locally determined and tailored to local circumstances. The present legal framework as determined by the Oireachtas reflects this. I do not consider it appropriate to propose a departure from these existing statutory provisions, which reflect the local nature of waste management services, by introducing a general waiver scheme for all local authorities.
However, in order to assist households with lower incomes, I have asked local authorities to engage with commercial waste collectors with a view to agreeing on a scheduling of payments, that is, a pay-as-you-go system, rather than a periodic lump sum payment. I am also giving consideration to the overall regulation of the waste management sector including whether, and to what extent, there might be a need to identify public service obligations appropriate to service providers.
Noise Pollution.
Eamon Ryan
Question:218 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legislation which is in place to facilitate the investigation by local authorities into complaints regarding noise pollution emanating from private residences. [4783/06]
Section 107 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 provides local authorities with powers to require measures to be taken to prevent or limit noise.
Furthermore, under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (Noise) Regulations 1994, a local authority or any person may seek an order in the District Court to have noise giving reasonable cause for annoyance abated. The procedures involved have been simplified to allow action to be taken without legal representation.
Noise nuisance and other problems caused by local authority tenants are also covered under legislation. The tenancy agreement, which is the legal basis of the relationship between the local authority and its tenants, will generally contain provisions in relation to the type of behaviour that is acceptable, and that which is not. The local authority is empowered under section 62 of the Housing Act 1966 to initiate proceedings to secure an eviction where a tenant has breached the conditions of the tenancy agreement.
Local Authority Funding.
Phil Hogan
Question:219 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount levied in development charges in the various local authorities in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4784/06]
My Department will shortly compile planning statistics from local authorities for the year 2005, including income generated from development contributions. As soon as they are available, the 2005 statistics will be published and a copy will be sent to the Oireachtas Library.
Local Authority Housing.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:220 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress of his Department’s discussions with the financial institutions regarding the remortgaging of houses purchased under the affordable housing scheme; when he expects to have in place a standardised arrangement with the financial institution in relation to the clawback provision of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4791/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Standardised arrangements are currently in place with two of the main financial institutions who have introduced schemes of mortgage financing for persons wishing to access affordable housing. These arrangements relate only to the first time purchase of affordable properties.
The question of facilitating arrangements for persons in affordable housing also wishing to remortgage with private lenders has been the subject of discussions between my Department and a number of the financial institutions. While these have not yet concluded, my Department will continue to engage with the financial institutions with a view to advancing progress on the matter.
Planning Issues.
Michael Ring
Question:221 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines pertaining to quarries carrying out blastings; and if he will provide a copy of the guidelines and regulations regarding this issue. [4798/06]
My Department's guidelines for planning authorities on quarries and ancillary activities, published in April 2004, are available on our website at www.environ.ie. I should point out, however, that the guidelines are not intended to deal with health and safety issues associated with blasting, such as flyrock, as these are the responsibility of the Health and Safety Authority. The guidelines state, however, that it is vital that quarry owners and operators comply with health and safety codes and with any recommendations for safety made by Health and Safety Authority inspectors. The Health and Safety Act 1989, and the related regulations on quarry operations, are designed to protect those working in quarries, those visiting quarries, and members of the public in the immediate vicinity of quarries, who could be endangered by the operation of quarries.
Motor Taxation.
Shane McEntee
Question:222 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of vehicles registered for motor tax in 2000, 2004 and 2005. [4828/06]
The total number of vehicles registered for motor tax, that is, currently taxed at 31 December in the years in question were 1,682,221 in 2000; 2,036,307 in 2004 and 2,138,680 in 2005.
Road Safety.
Denis Naughten
Question:223 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of a pilot programme to provide additional funding to local authorities to improve road markings on regional roads; the allocation made to each local authority under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4833/06]
Specific grants are not provided to local authorities for road markings on regional roads. However, my Department introduced a five-year regional road signposting programme in 2003 with the aim of providing directional signposts on all significant junctions on all regional roads in county council areas.
In 2006, a sum of €6.64 million has been allocated to county councils under the regional road signposting programme. Details of allocations to individual county councils under the programme in 2006 are set out in the following table.
Local authorities may also use discretionary improvement and block grants provided by my Department towards the cost of providing road markings as well as or instead of signposting on non-national roads. In 2006, the discretionary improvement grant allocation to county councils is €24,270,000 and the block grant allocation to city, borough and town councils is €15,510,000.
|
County Council |
2006 Allocation |
|
€ |
|
|
Carlow |
50,000 |
|
Cavan |
50,000 |
|
Clare |
700,000 |
|
Cork |
800,000 |
|
Donegal |
800,000 |
|
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown |
50,000 |
|
Fingal |
50,000 |
|
Galway |
670,000 |
|
Kildare |
50,000 |
|
Kilkenny |
50,000 |
|
Laois |
50,000 |
|
Leitrim |
400,000 |
|
Limerick |
400,000 |
|
Longford |
50,000 |
|
Louth |
50,000 |
|
Mayo |
400,000 |
|
Meath |
50,000 |
|
Monaghan |
50,000 |
|
North Tipperary |
50,000 |
|
Offaly |
50,000 |
|
Roscommon |
50,000 |
|
South Dublin |
50,000 |
|
South Tipperary |
50,000 |
|
Waterford |
600,000 |
|
Westmeath |
50,000 |
|
Wexford |
620,000 |
|
Wicklow |
400,000 |
|
Total |
6,640,000 |
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Beverley Flynn
Question:224 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on the status of the proposed Tuam regional water supply stage two extension to Shrule, County Mayo; if tender documents have been approved; and when the scheme will commence. [4836/06]
The extension of the Tuam regional water supply scheme to Shrule is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 to start construction this year. I have approved Galway County Council's recommended tender for the mechanical and electrical element of the scheme and it is a matter for the council to arrange for the carrying out of these works. The council's tender recommendation for the civil works is being examined in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible. The Kilmaine and Shrule water supply scheme, which areas the extended Tuam scheme will also serve, is also approved in the water services investment programme to start construction this year. I understand that Mayo County Council is revising earlier contract documents. Following submission and approval of the contract documents, the council will be in a position to invite tenders for the construction of the scheme.
Homeless Persons.
Brian O'Shea
Question:225 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals he has in regard to the demands of the Focus Ireland right to a home campaign (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4837/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Government policy on housing has the overarching aim of enabling every household to have available an affordable dwelling of good quality, suited to its needs, in a good environment and, as far as possible, at the tenure of its choice. The Government's approach to achieving this policy aim is that those who can afford to do so should provide for their own housing, with the aid where available of certain fiscal incentives or subsidies, and that those unable to access housing in this way should have access to social housing or income support to rent private housing. Existing legislation and funding programmes support this strategy. It is not considered appropriate to legislate for a specific right to housing. This could in practice distort the operation of current housing programmes and priorities. These have been resourced in accordance with democratic decisions of the Dáil, the Government and the local authorities, and have been effective in delivering increased outputs.
The Government is bringing about positive changes in the provision of social and affordable housing. My Department's housing policy framework — Building Sustainable Communities, launched in December 2005, outlines a substantial investment programme in social and affordable housing over the next three years together with a package of reforms to improve equity, efficiency and effectiveness. Our objective is to deliver high quality housing for those who cannot afford to meet their own housing needs.
Specifically, in regard to homelessness, substantial additional funding has been made available to support the implementation of the homeless strategies. Funding continues to be made available to the voluntary housing sector for the provision of accommodation for homeless persons under the Department's capital assistance scheme.
Local authorities and the Health Services Executive are responsible for meeting the accommodation and health care needs of homeless persons. The Government's integrated and preventative strategies on homelessness provide the framework within which the agencies fulfil these responsibilities. Under the terms of the integrated strategy homeless fora, representative of the statutory and voluntary homeless sectors, were established at local authority level and homeless action plans, adopted under their aegis, are being implemented. These developments have resulted in the provision of a wide range of additional accommodation and services for homeless persons. Rough sleepers have been enabled to access emergency accommodation and homeless persons have been facilitated to move out of emergency accommodation into accommodation more suitable to their needs. Increased numbers of day care facilities, together with specific provisions to meet the needs of people with addiction problems or who are sleeping rough, as well as homeless ex-offenders, have been put in place. While the emphasis was initially on the provision of emergency accommodation options, there is general agreement that there is sufficient emergency accommodation available for those who wish to avail of it and the emphasis must now move to long-term solutions.
A range of social and private rented long-term accommodation is already available; the amount of such accommodation now needs to be further increased. Steps have been taken to encourage local authorities to focus their future activity in this area and a number of recent developments will facilitate their efforts to make progress. The development of the local authority housing action plans 2004-2008, the introduction of the rental accommodation scheme and the information gained from the assessment of housing need carried out in March 2005 will enable local authorities to include the specific housing needs of homeless persons in their overall housing programmes and enhance the availability of housing options for those homeless persons capable of independent living. A tenancy sustainment scheme being piloted by the homeless agency with funding from my Department will facilitate previously homeless tenants to maintain their tenancies whether in public or private sector accommodation.
The continued provision of adequate funding is of major importance. While the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons is the responsibility of local authorities my Department recoups to them 90% of their expenditure in this area. In 2005, a total of €44 million was recouped to local authorities. This brings to €230 million the total funding made available for this purpose since 2000. The Department of Health and Children has provided funding of more than €100 million in the same period to meet the care needs of homeless persons. The outcome of the independent review of the homeless strategies is available. The main recommendations are that the integrated and preventative strategies should be amalgamated and revised. This work is commencing under the aegis of the Department's team on homelessness. The points raised by Focus Ireland and other stakeholders will be considered in this context.
Local Authority Housing.
Denis Naughten
Question:226 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he intends to take to facilitate local authority tenants who are over 55 years, unable to avail of life assurance and wish to purchase their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4867/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
While local authorities must operate prudentially in regard to approving housing loans, they are not necessarily prevented from making a loan to a borrower who cannot obtain mortgage protection insurance because he or she by reason of health or age would not be acceptable to an insurer. Accordingly, the limitation of cover in the standard local authority mortgage protection scheme to persons aged at least 18 but less than 55 does not necessarily preclude the approval of loans to persons of 55 years or older. The requirements of private lending institutions in relation to life assurance are a matter for these institutions themselves and my Department has no role in this regard.
Turbary Rights.
Denis Naughten
Question:227 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be awarded compensation for the purchase of bog; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4868/06]
An offer to purchase will issue from my Department in this case shortly.
Denis Naughten
Question:228 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be awarded compensation for the purchase of bog; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4869/06]
In July 2004 my Department concluded an agreement with the farming pillar under Sustaining Progress, which involved increased rates of compensation for the cessation of turf cutting in bogs that have been proposed as designated conservation areas. This agreement incorporated retrospective provisions benefiting landowners who participated in the original 1999 scheme for disposal of raised bogs and turbary rights to my Department. The person named is one of those who participated in the original scheme. My Department has requested a tax clearance certificate in this case and payment will issue following receipt of this.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Denis Naughten
Question:229 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has appointed the consultants appointed to draft a preliminary report on the development of a sewerage scheme for the village of Creggs, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4876/06]
Creggs sewerage scheme was fourth on the list of sewerage schemes submitted by Galway County Council in response to my Department's request to local authorities in 2003 to produce updated assessments of the needs for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of the assessments. The assessments were taken into account in the framing of the Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 published in December 2005. Given the level of competing demand for the available funding, it was not possible to include the scheme in the current programme. I envisage that local authorities will be afforded an opportunity in 2006 to undertake fresh assessments of their needs and priorities which will be then taken into account in future phases of the programme.
Local Authority Housing.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:230 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which it is expected that local authority tenants who have been awarded social or affordable housing can be expected to meet estate management costs of a punitive nature in view of the fact that their income may derive solely from social welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4886/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
In regard to tenants of social housing, I refer to the reply to Question No. 682 of 15 November 2005. My Department's standing advice to local authorities is that applicants for affordable housing, including local authority tenants who avail of the affordable housing schemes, should be provided with full details on management charges together with mortgage and other costs associated with home ownership when pursuing their application. A Law Reform Commission working group is examining a range of legal issues relating to management of multi-unit structures generally. The Government will consider the recommendations in the final report, including the need for new legislation in this area.
Natural Heritage Areas.
Seán Ryan
Question:231 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Sluice River Marsh, Portmarnock, County Dublin will be designated a natural heritage area or as a nature conservation area and same has the support and recommendation of Dúchas-National Parks and Wildlife Service. [4916/06]
Sluice River Marsh, Portmarnock, County Dublin was one of numerous sites publicly advertised from 1994 onwards on a non-statutory basis as proposed natural heritage areas NHAs. The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 provides for the statutory designation of NHAs. To date, I have designated 148 raised bog and blanket bog sites as NHAs and I expect to advertise proposals for further NHAs, selected on the basis of objective scientific criteria, within the next 12 months. Sluice River Marsh is under consideration in this context.
Civil Service Travel Scheme.
Róisín Shortall
Question:232 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a closing date or dates are operated by his Department in respect of the Civil Service travel pass scheme; if so, the dates in question; the way in which temporary, seasonal or other non-routine workers are accommodated in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4934/06]
My Department applies a closing date in mid-November each year to ensure tickets are available from the various travel companies for the commencement of the scheme in January. The scheme generally operates on an annual basis and, accordingly, it would not be appropriate to staff employed for less than a year in a temporary or seasonal manner. Some 250 staff are benefiting from the scheme.
Road Network.
Paul Kehoe
Question:233 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the list of moneys allocated to each town council and each county council for 2006 roads programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4946/06]
Details of the 2006 non-national road grant allocations by my Department to each local authority are set out in the following table:
|
2006 Total Allocation |
|
|
€ |
|
|
County Councils |
|
|
Carlow |
6,962,000 |
|
Cavan |
15,635,000 |
|
Clare |
18,942,000 |
|
Cork |
50,501,500 |
|
Donegal |
35,399,000 |
|
Dún Laoghaire / Rathdown |
9,205,000 |
|
Fingal |
7,225,389 |
|
Galway |
28,788,604 |
|
Kerry |
20,595,500 |
|
Kildare |
26,839,606 |
|
Kilkenny |
12,920,500 |
|
Laois |
9,919,000 |
|
Leitrim |
11,180,000 |
|
Limerick |
16,859,000 |
|
Longford |
7,748,600 |
|
Louth |
7,440,500 |
|
Mayo |
24,417,500 |
|
Meath |
29,764,921 |
|
Monaghan |
14,300,000 |
|
North Tipperary |
11,175,000 |
|
Offaly |
13,952,000 |
|
Roscommon |
15,254,000 |
|
Sligo |
12,444,000 |
|
South Dublin |
10,290,069 |
|
South Tipperary |
12,879,500 |
|
Waterford |
12,343,000 |
|
Westmeath |
10,154,000 |
|
Wexford |
16,074,000 |
|
Wicklow |
17,803,000 |
|
City/Borough Councils |
|
|
Cork City |
7,360,000 |
|
Dublin City |
14,523,816 |
|
Galway City |
2,203,000 |
|
Limerick City |
4,220,122 |
|
Waterford City |
3,773,142 |
|
Clonmel Borough |
583,000 |
|
Drogheda Borough |
647,000 |
|
Kilkenny Borough |
607,000 |
|
Sligo Borough |
1,277,000 |
|
Wexford Borough |
583,000 |
|
Town Councils |
|
|
Arklow Town |
279,000 |
|
Athlone Town |
563,000 |
|
Athy Town |
279,000 |
|
Ballina Town |
279,000 |
|
Ballinasloe Town |
279,000 |
|
Birr Town |
279,000 |
|
Bray Town |
606,000 |
|
Buncrana Town |
279,000 |
|
Bundoran Town |
197,000 |
|
Carlow Town |
587,000 |
|
Carrickmacross Town |
197,000 |
|
Carrick-On-Suir Town |
279,000 |
|
Cashel Town |
197,000 |
|
Castlebar Town |
379,000 |
|
Castleblaney Town |
197,000 |
|
Cavan Town |
279,000 |
|
Ceannanus Mor Town |
279,000 |
|
Clonakilty Town |
197,000 |
|
Clones Town |
197,000 |
|
Cobh Town |
279,000 |
|
Dundalk Town |
606,000 |
|
Dungarvan Town |
279,000 |
|
Ennis Town |
587,000 |
|
Enniscorthy Town |
279,000 |
|
Fermoy Town |
279,000 |
|
Killarney Town |
279,000 |
|
Kilrush Town |
197,000 |
|
Kinsale Town |
197,000 |
|
Letterkenny Town |
563,000 |
|
Listowel Town |
197,000 |
|
Longford Town |
279,000 |
|
Macroom Town |
197,000 |
|
Mallow Town |
279,000 |
|
Midleton Town |
279,000 |
|
Monaghan Town |
279,000 |
|
Naas Town |
587,000 |
|
Navan Town |
587,000 |
|
Nenagh Town |
279,000 |
|
New Ross Town |
279,000 |
|
Skibbereen Town |
197,000 |
|
Templemore Town |
197,000 |
|
Thurles Town |
279,000 |
|
Tipperary Town |
279,000 |
|
Tralee Town |
587,000 |
|
Trim Town |
279,000 |
|
Tullamore Town |
279,000 |
|
Westport Town |
279,000 |
|
Wicklow Town |
279,000 |
|
Youghal Town |
279,000 |
Paul Kehoe
Question:234 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the criteria used in the allocation of moneys to the town and county councils for 2006 roads programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4947/06]
In determining the annual non-national road grant allocations, the overall objective is to resource each local authority appropriately in regard to their ongoing and special needs. The process is guided by a range of criteria, including road pavement conditions, traffic volumes, length of road network, population and eligibility in relation to specific projects such as EU co-financed specific improvements schemes.
Non-national road grants are allocated under a number of grant categories, including discretionary maintenance, discretionary improvement and restoration maintenance grants to county councils, which are determined predominantly on a pro rata non-national road length basis; restoration improvement grants to county councils, which are based on multi-annual restoration programmes submitted by local authorities to my Department, taking account of previous allocations and the results of the recent pavement condition study and review of pavement management systems; block grants and special block grants for carriageway repairs to city, borough and town councils, which are based on the population of each urban area and its environs; and other grant categories which are project specific such as the EU co-financed specific improvements grant scheme and the strategic non-national roads grants scheme, under which projects are submitted by local authorities for consideration and allocations are determined following an assessment of their individual merits, compliance with eligibility criteria, the needs of all areas and the total funds available.