Vol. 616 No. 5
61 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the clearance time targets set by his Department for assessing claims for the carer’s allowance in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006; the percentage status performance of these targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10948/06]
My Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that the decisions on entitlement are issued as expeditiously as possible having regard to the eligibility conditions which apply.
The main clearance time target set by my Department for carer's allowance is to decide 70% of claims within nine weeks, in the context of a claim intake volume of 6,000 claims per annum. Annual claim volumes are currently in excess of 8,000 per annum. In February 2006, the most recent month for which statistics are available, 67% of claims were awarded within nine weeks. The average time to decide a carer's allowance claim was 8.8 weeks during 2005 as a whole. The average during the last quarter of 2005 was 7.6 weeks. The average in 2006 to date is eight weeks, although in many cases claims are processed within a shorter timeframe.
Claim processing times in earlier years were not as good. The targets were adjusted on a number of occasions between 2001 and 2005 and the percentage of claims awarded within the target timeframe varied between 22% and 54% in the years from 2001 to 2005. I am sending a table to the Deputy setting out the details for each of the years in question.
A number of improvements have been introduced by my Department to address the efficiency of claim processing for the scheme. A review of all existing processes and procedures has been undertaken with the explicit objectives of reducing any delays in claim processing. Applicants who are refused on medical eligibility grounds are provided with an interim decision. Such decisions are concluded within five weeks rather than the applicant waiting until all other aspects of his or her claim are decided. All applications that can be automatically approved on the medical evidence are fast tracked. Priority is being given to claims where a decision on entitlement has been outstanding for more than eight weeks. Additional staff resources were assigned specifically to improve the delivery of service.
In determining entitlement to the allowance there are, in certain cases, unavoidable time lags involved in making the necessary investigations and inquiries to enable timely and accurate decisions to be made. In addition to the work my Department has to carry out, there is also an onus on applicants to furnish all necessary documentation. Delays can occur as a result of the person applying for the allowance not having all the necessary information in support of his or her claim.
Some 50% of applicants for carer's allowance are in receipt of another social welfare payment while their claim is being processed. Such payments will normally continue until entitlement to their carer's allowance is determined. However, every effort is made to process applications as quickly as possible and to minimise the time during which applicants have to rely on alternative forms of support. The over-riding consideration in processing claims is to ensure that customers receive their correct entitlement and that decisions are not taken until all appropriate information is available.
The staff and other resources available to my Department are regularly reviewed having regard to the volume of claims, budget measures to be implemented and other competing demands. The available resources are then used to best advantage in discharging my Department's obligations towards our customers, while implementing cost effective controls to prevent and detect fraud and abuse. My Department is engaged in an ongoing process to ensure that existing resources are prioritised to the greatest extent possible on front line service delivery.
In conclusion, targets and performance indicators are being reviewed in the context of my Department's modernisation action plan and, in this context, it is intended to devise a more comprehensive set of performance indicators and improved systems for measuring and reporting on inputs, outputs and outcomes for the future.
62 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will set up a redress board to deal with the claims of mature students regarding the back to education scheme. [10983/06]
82 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost implications of the High Court case regarding the Government’s move in 2003 to cut a mature student’s back-to-education grant payment during college holidays; and if there are similar cases being taken against his Department. [11044/06]
102 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will reinstate the back to education allowance summer holiday payments that were unfairly removed in the middle of 2003. [10984/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62, 82 and 102 together.
The back to education allowance or BTEA is a second chance education opportunities scheme 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. Following the decision in 2002 to discontinue payment of BTEA for the summer months in certain cases, one person who was a participant at the time the change was introduced sought a judicial review, together with five other named recipients, in the High Court regarding the changes introduced. Other participants were subsequently attached to the proceedings, making a total of 173 persons. The hearing took place on 7 February 2006 and judgment in the case was delivered on 28 February 2006.
The judgment found in favour of one individual but did not find in favour of any of the other people attached to the proceedings. The decision is quite clear in terms of restitution in that the judgment relates solely to the one individual whose action was successful. At a subsequent hearing on 14 March 2006, the extent of the restitution was determined. The court decided that restitution was due only in respect of the summer vacation period 2003 and not subsequent years and only in the case of the one individual whose action was successful. The other 172 cases attached to the proceedings were found by the court to be not entitled to the relief granted in the one case that was successful.
There are wider matters for consideration arising from this case, including whether it is appropriate, or even legal, to consider payment to others who were in receipt of the allowance before the change was introduced. Furthermore, in view of the possible ramifications in other areas, it is necessary to consider if the judgment warrants appeal. Accordingly, having examined the judgment, I have sought advice from the Attorney General regarding the appropriate response to this case. I will consider the matter further on receipt of that advice. There are no other cases currently before the courts relating to this matter.
63 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views of the recent submission made by the Combat Poverty Agency to the social partners on a new partnership agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10996/06]
The Combat Poverty Agency submission to the social partners, "Making a Decisive Impact on Poverty Through Social Partnership", is a broad ranging document which has, I understand, been forwarded to all parties to the partnership negotiations. It will, I expect, form a constructive contribution to the negotiations on a new partnership agreement. I expect that the results of this agreement will in turn input to the development of the next national action plan against poverty and social exclusion which will cover the period 2006 to 2008. Preparation of the plan will be co-ordinated by the office for social inclusion which is based in my Department.
64 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department maintains statistics on the number of children born here not entitled to be in receipt of child benefit payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11043/06]
To qualify for child benefit a child must be under 16 years — 19 years if in full-time education — and ordinarily resident in the State. The vast majority of children born in Ireland will satisfy these conditions. Child benefit is paid to the person with whom the child is normally resident, which in most cases is the child's mother.
Since 1 May 2004, the new qualifying condition — habitual residency condition, HRC — for child benefit was introduced. From that date the applicant must be habitually resident in Ireland. Section 17 of the Social Welfare Act 2004 specifies that a person shall not be considered as being habitually resident in the State at the date of making the application unless the person has been present in the State or any other part of the common travel area for a continuous period of two years ending on that date.
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 that is subject to a determination on the habitual residence condition is dealt with on its merits and a decision is based on the individual circumstances of the case. Any applicant who disagrees with the deciding officer decision has the right of appeal to the social welfare appeals office.
Straightforward cases are dealt with as part of the normal claim process, while more complex cases are passed to more senior officers for decision. The Department requires applicants to supply a range of information in support of their application, including details of employment, property owned in Ireland, family in Ireland, family or property abroad, before making a decision.
Since 1 May 2004 over 70,000 new applications for child benefit have been received. The vast majority of these cases are straightforward and are approved as part of the normal claims process. In 10,596 cases the decision was passed to a more senior officer, with 1,299 claims or 12% deemed not to have satisfied the habitual residency condition. A total of 514 children born in Ireland were affected in these cases. It is open to applicants to re-apply for the benefit at a later time if their circumstances have changed in the interim, for example, if their residency status, family composition or employment status has changed.
Currently the percentage of applicants for CB who satisfy the habitual residency condition is 94%. The main reasons that applicants would not satisfy the habitual residency condition is that their residency status in the country is not yet decided or they have failed to satisfy the Department of their intention to reside in Ireland on a long-term basis. EU nationals working in Ireland are paid child benefit under EU regulations and as such are not subject to the habitual residence condition.
Non-EU workers in Ireland on work permits and whose families are resident here are considered to satisfy the habitual residence condition if they are in permanent employment, have brought their families to Ireland and can satisfy the Department of their intention to make Ireland their home on a long-term basis.
65 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons deemed to be suffering from coal workers lung disease/pneumoconiosis; the number who are currently in receipt of occupational injury payments; his views on the award of occupational injury payments to all such sufferers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11083/06]
186 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that special recognition and payment has been awarded in other jurisdictions to sufferers of pneumoconiosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11334/06]
187 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons suffering from pneumoconiosis currently in receipt of a disability payment, invalidity payment or occupational injury payment; his views on recognising the disease as a 100% disability or illness for the purposes of qualification for occupation injury payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11335/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65, 186 and 187 together.
My Department does not create or hold records or statistics on health matters per se. Information relating to occupational diseases regarding miners is only held by my Department in the context of claims made under its occupational injuries benefits scheme. Departmental records reflect that there are 21 persons currently in receipt of disablement benefit under the occupational injuries scheme as a result of pneumoconiosis. A total of 19 of these are former coal workers.
The legislation governing the occupational injuries scheme provides entitlement to benefit for persons suffering from certain prescribed diseases which are listed in the legislation and where that person has contracted that disease in the course of their employment. Where a person has contracted one of the diseases listed in the legislation, benefits are payable if they were employed in an occupation which is specifically prescribed with regard to that disease. In addition, benefits may be payable if the claimant can show to the satisfaction of my Department that the disease was contracted through an employment not specifically prescribed with regard to that disease.
Employment under a contract of service as a miner is insurable for occupational injuries benefit under the Social Welfare Acts. Miners who are unable to work due to an accident arising from their employment may be entitled to occupational injury benefit for the first 26 weeks of their claim. If their incapacity extends beyond that period they may receive disability benefit or invalidity pension subject to meeting the qualifying conditions for these payments.
Miners may be entitled to disablement benefit if they suffer a loss of physical or mental faculty as a result of an accident at work or a disease prescribed in legislation that they contracted at work. Medical assessments are undertaken in all such cases to determine the degree of disablement, which is calculated by comparison of the state of health of the applicant with a person of the same age and gender. The degree of disablement is expressed as a percentage loss of faculty and the compensation payable varies accordingly.
There is, therefore, an existing mechanism in cases where miners develop lung disease as a result of their occupation. Persons claiming occupational injuries benefit in cases of pneumoconiosis are referred to consultant respiratory physicians in the first instance for an examination and report. This examination consists of a clinical assessment and pulmonary function testing, PFT. Disablement benefit is awarded on the basis of the consultant's report, including the pulmonary function testing result.
Where a person has qualified for occupational injuries benefits, the rate of benefit payable increases on an annual basis in line with the normal social welfare budget increases. In addition, where a person feels that his/her occupational injury has deteriorated since the assessment was made under the scheme, it is open to that person to apply for a review of the percentage calculated.
66 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will confirm 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 which are being taken to address this problem to ensure the integrity of the PPS number system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11007/06]
My Department does not have definite figures on the number of bogus PPS numbers as identity fraud is by its nature difficult to quantify. The Department, however, has not uncovered a significant level of fraud involving the use of bogus PPS numbers. Since 2004, an identity check on scheme clients has been part of the fraud and error surveys undertaken for control purposes by my Department and identity has not emerged as a particularly significant issue. However, to gauge the extent of misuse of the PPS number, a dedicated fraud and error survey on PPS number allocation is now underway. The results of this survey, due in a number of months, will create a baseline measure of the extent of fraud and error in the PPS number allocation process.
My Department took over full control of the registration process for allocating PPS numbers from the Revenue Commissioners in 2000. Since then, considerable effort has been put into improving the integrity of the PPS number registration process and the associated data. Further improvements will continue to be introduced as part of my Department's operational strategy in this area.
Among the steps that the Department has undertaken are: the set up and resourcing of a separate branch — client identity services — to manage the PPS number; introduction of a dedicated control unit to deal with identity issues; implementation of detailed procedures for departmental staff to apply rigorous standards to PPS number registrations; continual review and development of these procedures; delivery of an extensive training programme to staff; and a programme of work to improve the quality of the existing data supporting the PPS number.
The actual process for applying for a PPS number includes a number of measures to maximise the integrity of the process. 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. 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.
The controls applied to the allocation process are under constant review in line with my Department's operational strategy. This includes a programme of work specifically designed to address the developing requirements for PPS number allocation and the need to ensure that controls are tightened to meet the varying and growing challenges of identity fraud. Plans are being put in place to consolidate the number of centres dealing with applications for PPS numbers, as well as expanding the role of the inspectorate in this work. There are also plans to modernise the technical and communication structures supporting the process. This will lead to improved expertise at local level and more effective controls.
My Department is conscious 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.
67 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department has carried out research into the particular barriers that social welfare claimants encounter when trying to access information on social welfare payments; if not, the reason therefor; the barriers which were identified as a result of this research; the action his Department has taken to address these barriers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10955/06]
I regard the provision of information in a clear and accessible manner as an essential element in the effective delivery of social welfare services. The underlying objective of my Department's information policy is to ensure that all citizens are made aware of their entitlements and that they are kept informed of changes and improvements in schemes and services as they occur.
My Department has not undertaken specific research along the lines suggested in the Deputy's question. However, our customers, through a number of channels, including customer panels and customer surveys, provide us with feedback regarding the level of customer satisfaction with our information service: for example, a recent customer survey found that 82% of people were satisfied with our information services.
My Department uses a range of communication channels to meet the different needs of customers. Comprehensive information and guidance relating to social welfare schemes and services is available through my Department's network of over 130 local offices throughout the country. In some 58 social welfare local offices of my Department, officers who are dedicated to providing information are available to explain our supports and services and to help and assist people in completing forms and accessing their entitlements.
My Department produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets and booklets covering each social welfare payment or scheme. These information leaflets are available in a wide range of outlets across the country, including all social welfare local offices, citizens information centres, post offices and in many local community centres. The information is also available on my Department's website at www.welfare.ie. Claim forms, explanatory leaflets and information booklets can be ordered directly, at any time, from our lo-call leaflet line at 1890 20 23 25.
The National Adult Literacy Association, NALA, provides advice to my Department to ensure that all information is produced in a simple, clear, easy to read format and that it is accessible to people with different levels of literacy ability or for whom English or Irish is not their first language. The Guide to Social Welfare Services is available on our website in both Irish and English and in Arabic, Chinese, French, Polish, Russian and Spanish.
Special attention is given to the particular needs of people with disabilities in accessing information. My Department's website is fully compliant with international standards for people with disabilities. It allows people with visual impairment to use special screen reading software to have the text read out by their computers and is also accessible for people with hearing difficulties. We also provide information in alternative forms such as braille, audio tape or large print on request.
My Department takes a proactive approach in advertising new schemes and changes and improvements to existing schemes and services, by using an appropriate mix of national and provincial media, information leaflets, fact sheets, posters and direct mailshots. We have, in the past, issued direct information booklets to target groups, such as pensioners and lone parents, outlining all the services available to them from the Department.
The central information services unit in my Department operates a phone service where people can get information on all our services. Selective use is made of freephone services to provide information on new schemes and services and at particular times of the year, such as budget time. Other information campaigns, such as the recent nationwide family income supplement campaign, aim to ensure that people are aware of and claim their entitlements.
In addition to these information services Comhairle, the national citizen's information body under the aegis of my Department, supports the provision of comprehensive information on a range of social services through a network of 247 citizens information centres throughout the country, through the OASIS website and the citizens information phone line, 1890 777 121. In addition, funding is provided to various voluntary and community organisations to assist with information projects on social welfare.
My objective is to continually improve services to ensure that people are not encountering barriers in finding out about social welfare schemes and services. Access to high quality information for people with different needs is a key priority for me in the drive to ensure that citizens are aware of and claim their social welfare entitlements.
68 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to allow holders of free travel passes to access hackney services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10941/06]
75 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the discussions which have taken place between Irish and British officials regarding the introduction of a free travel scheme for pensioners while visiting their countries. [10988/06]
86 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding negotiations between his Department and the British Government to enable Irish pensioners living in Britain to participate in the Irish free travel scheme when they return home on holidays. [11036/06]
97 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he plans to open up the Irish travel system to all UK pensioners in view of his intended expansion of the free travel scheme for pensioners north and south of the Border. [11035/06]
112 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the costs of giving free travel and the household benefits package to all widows and widowers here, regardless of their age; his plans to bring proposals to Government to give free travel and the household benefits package to all widows and widowers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10928/06]
181 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on extending the free schemes to a wider group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11329/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 75, 86, 97, 112 and 181 together.
The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. All carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance, regardless of their age, receive a free travel pass. It is also available to people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type welfare payments, such as disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind person's pension. People resident in the State who are in receipt of a social security invalidity or disability payment from a country covered by EU regulations or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement and who have been on this payment for at least 12 months, are also eligible for free travel.
The scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators. The free travel scheme applies to travel within the State and cross-Border journeys between here and Northern Ireland. The vast majority of private contractors providing services under the scheme operate in rural areas. The underlying feature of the scheme is the use of spare capacity on these transport services. I am always willing to consider applications from licensed private transport operators who may wish to participate in the free travel scheme.
Various alternatives to the existing system, including the use of vouchers, have been examined. A study published in 2000 under the Department's programme of expenditure reviews concluded that a voucher type system, which would be open to a wide range of transport providers, including taxis and hackneys, would be extremely difficult to administer, open to abuse and unlikely to be sufficient to afford an acceptable amount of travel. This position remains unchanged.
The issue of access to public transport in rural areas is being addressed at present through the rural transport initiative, which is being managed by Pobal, formerly Area Development Management, ADM, on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Transport. My Department contributed €500,000 to the initiative in 2004, €750,000 in 2005 and is contributing €850,000 for the initiative in 2006. This will ensure that free travel pass holders continue to have full access to community based transport services.
There have been a number of requests and inquiries about the extension of entitlement to free travel in Ireland to Irish born people living outside Ireland or to those in receipt of pensions from my Department, particularly in the UK when they return to Ireland for a visit. The legal advice available to me is that such proposals would be contrary to the EC Treaty, which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of nationality. However, I am continuing to explore all aspects of a possible approach. Recognition of the contribution of emigrants to the growth of this country is a priority of this Government.
With regard to the household benefits package, which comprises the electricity/gas allowance, telephone allowance and television licence schemes, this 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 2005, the estimated cost of extending the household benefits package and the free travel scheme to all widows and widowers irrespective of their age would be some €45 million. A range of proposals, including those referred to by the Deputies, have been made to extend the coverage of the household benefits package of free schemes and the free travel scheme. These proposals are kept under review in the context of the objectives of the schemes and budgetary resources.
69 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there is discretion for officials in his Department to write off overpayments made to customers; the criteria by which such decisions are made and if mitigating circumstances are taken into account; the number of cases of overpayments which were written off in 2005 and the amount involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10932/06]
It is my Department's policy to maximise the recovery of moneys overpaid in order to have due regard to the interests of taxpayers and social insurance contributors who finance social welfare payments. My Department may, however, decide to seek repayment of a reduced amount or not to seek any repayment in cases where the overpayment resulted from an error by an official of the Department and where the person could not reasonably be expected to have been aware of the error. A reduction in the amount sought or a decision not to seek any repayment may also arise in cases where an overpayment resulted from a failure by my Department to act promptly on information provided to it. My Department would not pursue a repayment in cases where it believes that there is no reasonable prospect of ever securing repayment.
In determining the amount to be repaid and the method of recovery, my Department takes into account the personal circumstances of the person overpaid and the circumstances in which the overpayment occurred. People are given the opportunity to give their views on the assessment of the overpayment and the proposed method of recovery and can bring to the attention of my Department any facts or circumstances they consider relevant to the recovery of the overpayment.
My Department operates a policy, under sanction of the Department of Finance, whereby overpayments, in respect of which there has been no recovery activity for three years and there is no immediate prospect of such recovery, are written off for accounting purposes. The purpose of this provision, when introduced, was to avoid carrying large irrecoverable overpayments in the accounts of the Department. The fact that an overpayment is written off for accounting purposes, however, does not mean that it cannot be recovered at a later date. In 2004, the latest year for which figures are available, overpayments to the value of over €7.8 million — 15,670 cases — were written off but an amount of almost €1.5 million has been recovered post write off.
70 Mr. Gilmore 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 changes to the requirement have been introduced or are planned; if a final response has been received from the Commission on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11006/06]
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 in December 2004 raising a number of issues concerning its compliance with EU law relating to workers and their families. Officials from my Department and the Attorney General's office met with Commission officials subsequently to discuss the issues raised. The operation of the condition is 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. The Department's explanation of its practice was confirmed in writing to the EU Commission on 19 July 2005. The formal process of the Commission's examination of the matter is at an advanced stage and it is expected that it will be finalised shortly.
With regard to changes to the requirement, no changes have been introduced to the legislation and none is currently planned. Certain aspects of the implementation of the provision have, however, been clarified from time to time in the operational guidelines. In November 2005, for example, a clarification was issued to community welfare officers explaining that supplementary welfare allowance is considered under EU legislation to be a "social advantage" and therefore should 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.
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 at present being finalised.
71 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. [11009/06]
94 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he expects to publish the findings of the review of lone parents support mechanisms carried out in 2005. [11037/06]
116 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the review of the one-parent family allowance scheme; his plans to change this scheme; the numbers currently availing of this scheme on a county basis and the costs to his Department for same, indicating those in receipt of a full rate of one-parent family allowance and those on a reduced rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10927/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71, 94 and 116 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.
The number of one-parent family recipients being paid by my Department at the end of December 2005 is 80,366, the latest date for which figures are available. I allocated €769 million to the one-parent family payment in 2005. It is not possible to get exact statistics on the number of one-parent family payment recipients who are in employment and receiving full or reduced payments. However, there are currently 58,290 claimants in receipt of one-parent family payment at the maximum rate. The latest date for which a county by county breakdown of one-parent family payment recipients is available is the end of 2004 and this breakdown is provided in a tabular statement which will be made available to the Deputy.
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. As a result of this process, which included consultation with the social partners, I launched, on Monday of this week, a major Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents", which addresses the social exclusion and risk of poverty faced by many such families and their children.
The report puts forward radical proposals for reform of the income support system for all parents on a low income. The report proposes the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents, the extension of the national employment action plan to focus on lone parents, focused provision of child care, improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new parental allowance, PA, for low income families with young children. The Government will listen closely to the views expressed as this report is debated and will give serious consideration to them. As soon as I am convinced that we have reached conclusions that are fully workable and clearly thought out, it will be my intention in the months ahead to take these proposals to Cabinet for discussion and decision.
72 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons in receipt of rent supplement; the amount paid out in rent supplement and the number of landlords to whom rent supplement was paid and the average annual payment in respect of each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10998/06]
77 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of cases of supplementary welfare allowance rent subsidy handled in each of the years from 2002 to date in 2006; the average weekly payment made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10935/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 77 together.
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, in the form of a weekly or monthly payment, 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 decisions on individual claims.
Rent supplements are subject to a means test. They are normally calculated to ensure that, after payment of rent, an eligible person has income equal to the rate of basic supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to their family circumstances, less a minimum contribution, currently €13, which each recipient is required to pay from his or her own resources. Many recipients pay more than €13 because recipients are also required to contribute any additional assessable means that they have over and above the appropriate basic supplementary welfare allowance rate towards their accommodation costs.
Under the rent supplement scheme there is no direct relationship between the State and the landlord. Entitlement is based on the tenant's income support needs with payment generally made directly to the tenant. Accordingly, the Department does not maintain a record of the number of individual landlords who benefit indirectly under the scheme. The Department, on behalf of the executive, does facilitate the annual transfer to the Revenue Commissioners of details of all rent supplement payments made in respect of each individual tenancy. However, it is not possible to provide accurate statistics on landlord numbers based on those data because letting agent details only are recorded in many instances.
The number benefiting under the scheme has increased from 45,028 in 2001 to 60,176 at the end of 2005 and at 10 March 2006, there were 60,381 in receipt of a payment. During the same period, the average weekly payment increased from €80.30 in 2001 to €101.77 in 2005 and average monthly payments increased from €495.30 in 2001 to €768.47 in 2005. At December 2005, 71% of rent supplement payments were weekly.
I will arrange to have a tabular statement showing details of the number of recipients and average weekly and monthly payments for each of the years 2001 to 2005 made available to the Deputy.
73 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of households that have been housed under the long-term initiative for rent supplement tenants as announced on 4 July 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10946/06]
125 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people that have been availing of the rent supplement for 18 months or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10947/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 125 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. These arrangements are being implemented on a phased 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 777 tenants have been accommodated under the rental accommodation scheme at the end of February 2006. This is the first step towards having the new arrangements fully operational nationwide by September 2008.
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.
While tenant placements under the scheme to date have not reached the levels anticipated, I note that the rate of transfer has increased over the last four 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 existing rented accommodation.
However, as the system rolls out, it is expected that local authorities will deal with any such situation by using their statutory powers relating to housing standards and by providing a suitable solution under the scheme for the tenants concerned. If the local authority cannot provide accommodation immediately for any reason, there is no question of those people being left without housing support. Rent supplement can continue to be provided by my Department to people 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.
74 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress to date on the introduction of a personal pension entitlement for pensioner spouses currently in receipt of the qualified adult allowance to be set at the level of a full non-contributory pension, as promised in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10954/06]
The Government is anxious to ensure that as many people as possible can qualify for contributory pensions in their own right and, in this regard, a number of measures have been introduced over the years which makes it easier for people to qualify for pensions. These include the reduction in the yearly average number of contributions required for pension purposes from 20 to ten and the special half rate pension based on pre-1953 insurance contributions. Pro rata pensions are also available to allow people with mixed rate insurance records to receive a payment and this is of benefit to people who may have worked in both the public and private sectors.
Despite these improvements, there are some people who cannot qualify for a pension in their own right. For this reason, the Government is committed in the programme for Government to increasing the payment for qualified adults, aged 66 or over, to the same level as the personal rate of the old age non-contributory pension and to facilitate the direct payment of the allowance to spouses and partners. To this end, budget 2006 provided for an increase of €10.80 per week in the rates for a qualified adult allowance for old age contributory and retirement pensions where the qualified adult is aged 66 or over, bringing this rate up to €149.30 per week. Similarly, the rate for a qualified adult allowance for old age non-contributory pension was increased by €10.60 per week, bringing this up to €120.30 per week. These rates are 82% and 66% of the maximum rate of the old age non-contributory pension. Further increases in qualified adult allowance rates will be considered in the context of future budgets.
Also, since October 2002, in accordance with the conclusions of a PPF working group on administrative individualisation, new pension claimants can opt to have the qualified adult allowance paid directly to their spouse or partner. In this regard, some 1,101 couples have indicated their preference to have the qualified adult allowance paid directly to the spouse. This represents about 6.75% of approximately 16,300 old age contributory and retirement pensions awarded since October 2002 where a qualified adult allowance is payable.
I am aware of the desire of certain groups to have full mandatory individualisation of the qualified adult payment implemented. I am also conscious of the need to take account of the views of our customers regarding this matter. Furthermore, there are a number of administrative and legislative issues that require further examination before extending or modifying these arrangements. These issues are under consideration by my Department and I intend to progress the matter as quickly as possible.
78 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which he has considered allowing payment of the equivalent of non-contributory pensions in the case of Irish missionary workers who wish to remain overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11084/06]
185 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which he has given further consideration to the payment of the equivalent of contributory/non-contributory old age pension to Irish missionaries who currently receive no such payment if they remain overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11333/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 185 together.
Missionaries who have made sufficient social insurance contributions can qualify for an old age contributory pension. Contributory pensions are payable abroad, 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.
Officials of my Department made a presentation to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs in November 2005 regarding pensions for missionaries. Following the presentation, a working group, which includes my Department, was established to examine issues relating to social protection coverage for missionaries, notably with regard to pension coverage. The question of providing pensions for missionaries who retire abroad is being considered in the light of the conclusions of the working group.
79 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the level of uptake for the farm assist scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10930/06]
The farm assist scheme, which introduced special arrangements for farmers on low incomes, was provided for in the Social Welfare Act 1999 and came into operation with effect from 7 April 1999. There are now 7,750 farm assist customers. The current average weekly payment is €181.81.
The level of uptake is less than had been anticipated when the scheme was first introduced in April 1999. This is due to the significant increase in off-farm employment in recent years and the uptake of the rural social scheme which is operated by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and which also specifically targets low income farmers. There are currently approximately 2,140 customers availing of this scheme, 868 of whom transferred from farm assist.
The farm assist scheme has brought about a worthwhile improvement for low income farmers, particularly for those with children, and it makes a valuable contribution to supporting those who are at the lower end of the farm income spectrum. To increase awareness of the farm assist scheme, my Department undertook a major publicity campaign in 2002. Almost €100,000 was spent on that campaign which included radio and press advertising, including in specialist farming publications, and the production of a promotional video on the scheme.
More generally, the network of social welfare offices and citizen's information offices throughout the country provides information to members of the public on the range of schemes and services available, including the farm assist scheme. Information leaflets and application forms for farm assist are available at these offices. In addition, social welfare inspectors in rural areas promote the scheme when meeting the public in the course of their duties.
80 Mr. Howlin 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 action has been taken on foot of the investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11008/06]
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 to establish if there were genuine business reasons for their staff accessing the record. The staff concerned were asked to set out the reason why they accessed the record and managers compiled reports on the basis of their replies.
These reports were considered by the personnel officer and formal warning letters have now issued to the staff members who were deemed not to have complied with the Department's instructions relating to records access. In addition, the staff involved have been interviewed by their managers and have been made aware of the seriousness of the matter. Their actions were not acceptable as every customer of my Department is entitled to full confidentiality at all times. Staff have been warned that disciplinary action will be taken in the event of any further breaches of the Department's data protection controls.
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 currently underway to see if new approaches and technologies can be applied to strengthen controls in this area.
81 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent call from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions for a clampdown on pension abuses in the construction industry; the action he intends to take arising from this call; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11011/06]
85 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps his Department 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. [11010/06]
93 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the response his Department is making to the recent claim by the pensions ombudsman that between 70,000 and 120,000 construction workers were being denied their legal and mandatory pension rights. [11034/06]
114 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the warning from the pensions ombudsman that up to 130,000 construction workers may have no pension or sick pay due to the fact that their employers are failing to meet their legal obligations; the action he intends to take arising from this report to ensure that the pension and welfare entitlements of all workers in the construction sector are protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11012/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 85, 93 and 114 together.
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 the scheme as far as compliance with the various aspects of the Pensions Act is 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 matters for the construction industry monitoring agency, the Labour Court and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Given the ongoing controversy about 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. The consultants are of the view that many of these workers are not genuinely self employed.
Mercer has made a range of recommendations designed to improve compliance with the scheme and involving the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, the Department of Finance, the Revenue Commissioners and my Department. Copies of the report were provided to the relevant Ministers.
With regard to my Department, the report has recommended that consideration be 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 very different 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 relating to self employment in the industry was also proposed in the Mercer report. The former is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and I have contacted him to seek his views on the prospects for progress in this area. In the meantime, I have asked my Department to see to what extent it can assist generally, having regard to the powers it has available to visit and inspect employers' records. In this context, my Department plans to carry out a considerable number of visits to employers in the construction industry in the current year.
With regard to self employment, designations are, in the first instance, generally made by the Revenue Commissioners. However, it is open at any time to an individual to ask for a determination on his or her employment status for social insurance purposes from my Department. The Mercer report suggested that the Revenue Commissioners need to review their guidelines on self employment and my Department will assist here as appropriate.
Finally, following a meeting I had with trade unions representing construction workers, I was in touch with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, about ensuring that contractors being awarded public sector contracts are complying with their obligations under the construction federation operatives pensions scheme. The Department of Finance is, I understand, planning to introduce new standard contracts for public sector building projects later this year. This provides a good opportunity to strengthen requirements relating to the pension scheme in question.
83 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the budget allocated to information technology systems for 2004, 2005 and 2006; the increase or decrease for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10956/06]
My Department is highly dependent on computer systems to deliver its schemes and, in particular, its payment services. Each week, for example, my Department is responsible for some 970,000 payments that, when dependants are included, directly benefit some 1.5 million men, women and children. Each year almost 60 million transactions are processed and issued by my Department. The majority of payments are made through the systems, some of which have been in place for over 20 years.
To preserve business continuity and modernise its services, my Department has developed a strategic programme of continual development for its information and communications technology, ICT, systems. The principal elements of this programme are: the service delivery modernisation, SDM, programme, a multi-annual programme which is being implemented in a number of self-contained phases and which sets out the basis for development of all strategic applications within the Department; the Reach initiative which is primarily concerned with defining, building and operating the public service broker, PSB; the modernisation of the civil registration service, GRO; e-government related projects and a supporting programme for modernising the Department's ICT infrastructure.
The budget allocated to information technology systems in 2004 was €24.744 million, which represented a reduction of 4.5% over the previous year. This decrease was due mainly to the tight overall budgetary situation which prevailed at that time. The budget allocated for 2005 was €29.576 million, an increase of €4.832 million or 19.53% over the 2004 allocation. The increase in the 2005 allocation resulted from carry forward of €4.225 million from the previous year, the provision of an increased capital allocation in 2005 to fund a multi-year ICT modernisation programme and special provision for a project to develop systems, under the service delivery modernisation programme, to cater for retirement and old age contributory pensions.
This strategic programme requires a significant increase in the level of expenditure in 2006. Accordingly, a budget of €46.426 million has been allocated to ICT for the current year, an increase of 56.97% over 2005 including carry forward of €6.366 million from the previous year. The balance of the increase is to cater mainly for the ongoing programme of modernising and upgrading the Department's ICT infrastructure; the implementation of three e-government related projects which the Department is undertaking this year, namely, the standard authentication framework environment or SAFE, the public service identity — PSI — service and the customer object development projects; and the introduction of the early child care supplement scheme which will be undertaken by my Department, on an agency basis, on behalf of the Office of the Minister for Children.
Each project within the programme of continual development generally has two strands — one focused on developing the ICT system components and the other on implementing a parallel programme of organisational change. The aim is to implement modern work practices, supported on a flexible technical architecture, which will allow my Department to respond more rapidly to change and to deliver a high quality, personalised and integrated service to its customers.
84 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there is a time target for dealing with queries from members of the public to the lo-call helpline for the people inquiring about the State pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10953/06]
Under the Social Welfare Law Reform and Pension Bill 2006, I propose to change the name of the old age contributory pension to State pension, contributory, and the retirement pension to State pension, transition. Also, from 29 September next, I will introduce a new pension scheme to be known as State pension, non-contributory, which will incorporate most means tested payments which apply to people aged 66 and over.
The aim of my Department in dealing with telephone inquiries made to any of the Department's lo-call numbers is to ensure they are answered quickly, competently, courteously and with due regard to the needs of the callers. The pension services office of my Department in Sligo has a lo-call number — 1890 500 000 — which may be used to make inquiries about the State pension or any of the other social welfare schemes which are administered from there. These schemes include old age contributory pension, retirement pension, old age non-contributory pension and widow and widower's contributory and non-contributory pensions.
There are currently a total of 16 staff assigned to the dedicated phone banks in the office to deal with inquiries made via the lo-call number. There is a standard in place which stipulates that calls should be answered within 30 seconds and that the number of abandoned calls versus total calls should be no more than 5%. Available statistics indicate that these targets are met in general. However, there can be delays at times when the service is particularly busy, for example, after budget announcements, in the run-up to Christmas and similar times of high pressure.
To answer incoming telephone calls in the most efficient way possible, callers to the lo-call number of the pension services office are asked by means of an automatic call answering service to select the appropriate number on their telephone keypads. This ensures that their calls are directed immediately to the relevant section where they are answered by a dedicated team of experienced staff. The length of time it takes to deal with a telephone inquiry depends upon its nature and complexity. Most enquiries to the lo-call number are dealt with quickly by our telephone call answering staff. These staff have on-line access to the Department's pensions database which enables them to answer specific inquiries from pensioners about their personal entitlements. Due to the complex nature of some calls received, it may not be possible to fully deal with the inquiry immediately. In such circumstances, staff will always offer to phone back with the relevant information at a time that is convenient to the callers.
Last year, the pension services office of my Department received over 500,000 telephone calls from pensioners, public representatives and members of the public. To provide a better service to customers, my Department is actively seeking ways to minimise the necessity forthem to phone my Department with inquiries. The Department, for example, produces and maintains a comprehensive range of bookletson social welfare services which are freely available to customers in citizen information centres and social welfare local offices throughoutthe country. Also, my Department's website, www.welfare.ie, is regularly updated with the latest information on these services.
The position regarding phone response is kept under ongoing review and, as part of the extension of the Department's service delivery model, SDM, programme later this year, further improvements to the telephone service are planned. An additional lo-call number and additional telephone answering staff will be provided for the retirement and old age contributory pension sections and a team of back-up phone answering staff will be available to provide support when call volumes are very high.
87 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if figures are available to gauge how successful his Department’s campaign of advertising the family income supplement has been. [10989/06]
106 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the response received so far to his Department’s national awareness campaign on family income supplement; his plans for greater co-ordination of information with the Revenue Commissioners to ensure maximum possible uptake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11016/06]
120 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs how effective the campaign to promote the family income supplement entitlements has been; and the number of people who have availed of their entitlements. [10985/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 87, 106 and 120 together.
The provision of information is an essential element in the effective delivery of social welfare schemes and services. The underlying objective of my Department's information policy is to ensure that all citizens are made aware of their entitlements and other supports and are kept informed of changes and improvements to schemes and services as they occur. The family income supplement is designed to provide cash support for employees on low earnings with families. This preserves the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might only be marginally better off than if he or she were claiming other social welfare payments.
Currently, approximately 17,685 families, with almost 34,000 children, benefit directly from the weekly top-up payments but thousands of other families who, based on research, would be likely to qualify for FIS, are not applying for the scheme. Families can get top-up supports of between €20 and €400 a week, depending on their income and the size of their family. Expenditure on FIS in 2005 was €72.1 million.
Improvements to the family income supplement scheme, including the new increased income limits announced in budget 2006, mean that it is now easier for families to qualify under the scheme. Furthermore, FIS is a central element of a programme of reforms targeted specifically at addressing child poverty. To ensure that families are made aware of these improvements, my Department undertook a nationwide awareness campaign to promote and encourage a greatly increased take up of the family income supplement, FIS, scheme for working families on low incomes. This extensive week long campaign included advertising on TV, on national and local radio and in the national and regional press. A nationwide poster campaign was also undertaken.
During the media campaign, my Department provided a lo-call helpline for the public to answer their inquiries regarding eligibility under the improved scheme. The helpline responded to over 2,800 calls. To date, over 1,000 new application forms for FIS have been issued to families. In addition, the scheme was promoted through the Department's network of local offices, citizen information centres, citizens information phone service and by Comhairle, the national information support agency. Information was also made available through the Department's website.
I am very pleased with the response so far to the campaign. However, as the campaign only ended on 10 March 2006, it is too early to determine its full impact at this time. My Department has been working closely with the Revenue Commissioners to ensure that families on low incomes are made aware of the availability of FIS. Improvements in the scheme were outlined in an information leaflet distributed by the Revenue Commissioners with the 2006 tax credit certificates to all PAYE taxpayers. My Department will continue to work with the Revenue Commissioners on other initiatives to ensure that people are made aware of their entitlements in a timely manner.
Every effort is being made to ensure that families eligible for FIS are encouraged to apply for the scheme and every opportunity is taken by my Department to promote the benefits of the scheme. So far this year, applications received for FIS have increased by over 35% compared with the same period last year and over 800 applications are currently being received by my Department each week. The Government is determined to eradicate child poverty and I am confident that improvements to the FIS scheme will contribute towards targeting resources to low income households.
88 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he intends to utilise the pay related social insurance mandatory pension scheme more effectively to ensure pensioners do not have to face into an old age of poverty. [10991/06]
92 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the measures he intends to implement to ensure that more workers have second pillar pension coverage. [10987/06]
95 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will expand on recent comments made on International Women’s Day about pension coverage for women. [11042/06]
99 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he intends to take arising from the recent report from the EU 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. [11004/06]
108 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the 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 uptake rate to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11005/06]
129 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made with regard to his consideration of the recent report 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. [11003/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 92, 95, 99, 108 and 129 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 1 of 2004 to 51.5% in the same quarter in 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. Workers aged 35 to 44 have the highest rate of coverage at 61.3%.
With regard to PRSAs, the most recent figures from the Pensions Board show that up to the end of December 2005, 68,257 PRSAs had been taken out with a total asset value of €451 million. Pensions coverage for women increased from 46.8% in 2004 to 47.5% in 2005. Even though the coverage rate for men fell between 2004 and 2005 — 56.3% to 54.2% — men continue to have a higher rate of coverage than women. The coverage rate for women is also below the overall average for the workforce as a whole.
The reasons for this may be quite varied and could, for instance, include issues such as the interrupted nature of many women's working careers, the disparity in male and female earnings, which may make pensions less affordable for women, and the number of women who work reduced or part-time hours. Due to the lower than average coverage rates for women, they are a particular target of the national pensions awareness campaign being run by the Pensions Board on my behalf.
In this regard, I was pleased to launch an initiative by the Pensions Board and the recruitment company CPL on International Women's Day. In this new venture the Pensions Board has teamed up with CPL, most of whose clients are women, to provide those seeking employment with a checklist of the main items that people need to address to ensure that they will have an adequate income when they retire. This checklist was also provided to delegates at the recent annual conference of the Institute of Career Guidance Counsellors. This initiative is the latest in a series targeting women; others have included special promotions on pensions built around occasions such as the Women's Mini Marathon.
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 this year. 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 it 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 in the coming months 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 to provide incentives for those on lower incomes to invest their SSIA savings in pensions. The extent to which these initiatives are successful in encouraging pensions savings may give some indication of the likely attitude of the public to the more general suggestions made by the Pensions Board in this area.
However, no truly voluntary pensions system has delivered the sort of coverage rates for which we are aiming. I have said on many occasions that if we are to achieve our overall targets we may have to consider a more radical approach. In this regard, I have asked the Pensions Board to explore in more detail the ideas for a mandatory or quasi-mandatory system it put forward in its report on the national pensions review. The ideas explored in the report range from a mandatory system built up on the existing private sector system to a greater role in pensions provision for the PRSI system. I have asked the Pensions Board to suggest and cost a system it considers suitable for Irish conditions and to submit a report to me later this year.
The issue of pensions has achieved a very high profile over the last year or so but we have yet to have an engaging debate on exactly how we will tackle the difficult questions we face in the years ahead. The Pensions 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. I am convening a national pensions forum to debate the central issues contained in the review. This will take place on 5 May and I hope that it will generate a wide ranging debate at national level which will assist in arriving at a pensions system which will deliver the sort of retirement income we are aiming for and which will command the acceptance and support of all concerned.
89 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will expand on his recent comments made at the ACCORD conference in Ballyconnell, County Cavan. [11041/06]
I was pleased to be asked to make the closing address to the recent ACCORD conference in Ballyconnell, County Cavan. In my address to the conference, I referred to the fact that ACCORD is now working in a very different environment than was the case back in the early 1960s when it was founded. Today, there are many differing views and attitudes to marriage and cohabitation while births outside marriage, separation and divorce are commonplace. ACCORD has had to adjust with the times and credit is due for the successful manner in which it has achieved this, with services now available "to all who need them regardless of denomination, race, creed or ability to pay".
Despite these changing times, statistics show that marriage is on the increase, with over 20,000 marriages taking place here annually, and is still seen by the majority of people as their preferred choice in terms of both their futures and creating a stable and just society.
I also reiterated my Departments support, through the Family Support Agency, for ACCORD. Last year ACCORD received funding of €2.75 million under the scheme of grants to voluntary organisations providing marriage, child and bereavement counselling, which was almost one-third of the total funding available. Research evidence from both at home and abroad is highlighting the potential of marriage and relationships counselling services in assisting couples coping with difficulties and in helping them to build better relationships. I have been happy to continue to develop the counselling sector by providing funding directly to groups providing professional counselling services to support families and enhance family life.
90 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to reform the eligibility criteria for disability allowance so that all people with a mental illness or disability in hospital and residential care who have the same medical and financial circumstances are treated equally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10950/06]
96 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the success of the introduction of the disability allowance expenses payment in replacing the pocket money allowances; the success of the payment in ensuring all people with a disability or mental illness in hospital or in residential care, who meet the medical and financial qualifying conditions, are in receipt of some form of social welfare payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10949/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 96 together.
Responsibility for the disabled person's maintenance allowance, DPMA, scheme was transferred from the Department of Health and Children and the health boards to my Department in October 1996. On transfer of the scheme, the existing qualifying conditions were retained and the scheme was re-named disability allowance. One of the qualifying conditions applying to the former DPMA scheme was that the payment could not be made to people who were in residential care where the cost of the person's maintenance was being met in whole or in part by a health board.
Since the takeover of the scheme by my Department, the restrictions on payment to persons in residential care have been progressively relaxed and from 1999, disability allowance recipients who had been living at home could retain their entitlement on entering a hospital or residential care. In budget 2005, I took a decisive step towards the eventual removal of disqualification for receipt of disability allowance due to residential care with the introduction of the disability allowance, personal expenses rate, effective from June 2005. This new payment, in effect, replaced the former pocket money or spending allowances provided by the Health Service Executive to people who were in residential care since prior to August 1999 at a higher and consistent rate of €35 per week.
Following the introduction of the measure, there are now over 2,800 who meet the qualifying conditions for this payment and are now in receipt of the disability allowance, personal expenses rate. This level of uptake reflects the success of this payment in ensuring that people with a disability who are in residential care since prior to 1999 are no longer disqualified from receiving a social welfare payment. Persons with a disability in residential care who are over 66 years of age and who have been in receipt of either full rate disability allowance if they entered residential care since 1999 or the disability personal expenses rate may then qualify for the old age pension. There are no restrictions on this payment due to residential care.
I intend to move beyond payment of partial disability allowance, personal expenses rate, payment and to remove all remaining restrictions on persons in residential care so as to make them eligible for the full disability allowance, subject only to the same conditions as apply to others. There are a number of practical and administrative issues to be resolved in this regard, including the need to avoid any duplicate funding, and my Department is progressing these issues with the Department of Health and Children. My Department has been in contact with the Department of Health and Children to expedite this.
91 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some people, whose social welfare benefits have been cut, have to wait over three months for their appeal to be heard by the social welfare appeals office. [10986/06]
130 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average time a social welfare appeal takes to be heard; and if he is satisfied with that length of time. [10990/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 130 together.
The average length of time taken to deal with appeals by the social welfare appeals office in 2005 was 20 weeks. If allowance is made for the 25% most protracted cases, the average time falls to 13 weeks. The processing time for appeals covers all phases of the appeal process, including the submission by the Department's deciding officers' comments on the grounds for the appeal, further examinations by the Department's medical assessors in certain sickness related cases and the holding of oral hearings, which are currently afforded in two out of every three cases determined by appeals officers.
Circumstances can arise, normally outside of the control of the appeals office, which can have the effect of unduly prolonging the time taken to process appeals. Delays, for example, can occur where the appellant furnishes new evidence which requires investigation at a late stage in the proceedings or where an adjournment may be sought by the appellant or his or her representatives. The social welfare appeals office deals with about 14,000 appeals on an annual basis and the provision of a prompt service remains a major customer service objective of the office.
The nature of the service provided is quasi-judicial and the procedures in place for determining appeals are designed to ensure that each case receives full and satisfactory consideration. Consequently, improvements in processing times must be achieved in a manner which is consistent with justice being seen to be done and the need to ensure that every appeal is fully investigated and determined on all its circumstances.
98 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, when a person reaches the age of eligibility for the old age pension, his Department informs that person by letter that they are eligible and that they should contact his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10951/06]
My Department advises customers in receipt of social welfare payments who are approaching pension age to apply for a pension in good time. Approximately 30% of all pensioners are notified in this way. The most significant group in this category comprises those who are in receipt of invalidity pension. To further improve customer service to this particular category I have introduced a new measure in budget 2005 which will confer automatic entitlement to old age contributory pension for recipients of invalidity pension who reach 66 years of age. This will remove the need for some 3,000 people annually to submit a separate application for old age contributory pension.
I have also arranged for the same legislation to cater for the automatic transfer from retirement pension to old age contributory pension for customers who reach 66 years of age. Similarly, recipients of blind pension and widow/er's non-contributory pension will be transferred to old age non-contributory pension by my Department in advance of them reaching pension age.
In my Department's information booklets and other promotional material concerning pension qualification, customers are advised to apply for pension at least three months in advance of pension age. If they have worked in another EU country or a country with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement on social security, customers are advised to apply for pension six months in advance of pension age. This is to ensure that arrangements can be made to receive their contribution details from the relevant country in time to process their pension application before they reach pension age.
My Department strives to keep pensioners informed of their entitlements through a variety of means including: a telephone service through all departmental offices; a range of leaflets and booklets; an information officer service in each of my Department's social welfare local offices; by way of the Department's website, www.welfare.ie. The statutory body, Comhairle, which operates under the aegis of my Department, has responsibility for the provision of independent information, advice and advocacy services for all citizens through the nationwide network of citizens information centres, through its dedicated phone inquiry service and on the Internet through the OASIS website, www.comhairle.ie.
My Department, as part of its service delivery modernisation — SDM — programme, is working on developments which will electronically consolidate customers' insurance records. This will, over time, result in improved customer service as complete records, on which entitlements rely, will become accessible in a more automated manner, and this will facilitate the proactive initiation of claims for certain categories of customer.
100 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of children receiving the child dependent allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10943/06]
118 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will amend the child dependent allowance to just one rate applicable to all children; his plans to address this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10939/06]
127 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress he has made in introducing a second tier payment for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10944/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 100, 118 and 127 together.
My Department provides child income support in a number of ways. The main support is provided through 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.
Child income support for low income families is also provided through child dependant allowance, paid in addition to weekly social welfare payments in respect of over 255,700 children at full rate and almost 84,000 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 17,448 families receiving a weekly FIS payment, reaching nearly 34,000 children.
Child poverty is clearly a complex area requiring co-ordinated action across a range of Government services and income support payments. My Department is responsible for developing income supports which make the most effective contribution to child poverty and there has been a considerable real increase over a succession of annual budgets in the level of resources which are going to families with children. The broad approach over the last ten years to child income support policy was recently commended by the NESC. However, the NESC has also raised the question of a new instrument which would target low income families across the welfare-work divide and is, I understand, currently working on a more detailed report on this approach.
I expect that the NESC finalised report will be of significant assistance in informing the future direction of policy in this area. On receipt of the report, I will consider how this approach can be brought forward to address the problem of poverty in families with children in a practical and effective way.
101 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he will take to end the anomaly whereby Irish born emigrants who return here are not entitled to the living alone allowance or free fuel allowance on equal terms with Irish pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10997/06]
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 that is paid as a supplement to an Irish social welfare payment. As such, it cannot be paid to people without a social welfare entitlement or to those whose pension payments are made exclusively under the social security regimes of other countries. With regard to the latter, the needs of older people are often provided for in different ways by other countries. While the Irish system provides a basic pension, supplemented by allowances and other benefits, the approach adopted by other countries can be very different involving, for instance, a pension based on pre-retirement earnings.
The fact that a living alone allowance is not paid by another administration should not be viewed as an anomaly but rather as a different approach to providing for the needs of older people. Accordingly, the payment of a living alone allowance independent of an Irish welfare entitlement would not be appropriate. It is, of course, open to recipients of pensions from other countries to apply for the old age non-contributory pension. To qualify for the old age non-contributory pension a person must satisfy a means test. The pension, including, where appropriate, a living alone allowance, can be paid in addition to other pension income.
Changes in the income disregard for non-contributory pensions announced in the budget will help more people to qualify for a pension and improve the income of existing pensioners on reduced payments. In budget 2006, the means disregard was increased by €12.40 per week to €20 per week.
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. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. In addition, many of the households concerned qualify for electricity or gas allowances. Budget 2006 provided for an increase in the rate of fuel allowance from €9 per week to €14 per week —€17.90 per week in designated smokeless areas.
To qualify for a fuel allowance, a person must be receiving one of a number of designated payments, which range from long-term unemployment assistance to old age non-contributory pension, including both contributory and non-contributory payments. Pension payments made by other EU states or countries with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement are qualifying payments for the purposes of the scheme. To qualify for an allowance a person, and the other members of the household, must be unable to pay for their heating needs from their own resources. To fulfil this condition the household must satisfy a means test.
103 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to change the way in which the supplementary welfare allowance is to be administered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10952/06]
The supplementary welfare scheme is administered by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive on my behalf. The establishment of the Health Service Executive prompted a fresh consideration of the role and structure of the community welfare service and of the most appropriate location for that service in the future.
The Commission on Financial Management and Control Systems in the Health Service noted that over the years the health system had been assigned responsibility for a number of services which might be regarded as non-core health activities. It recommended that the Government consider assigning non-core activities currently undertaken by agencies within the health service to other bodies. The Government subsequently decided to ask an interdepartmental group to examine this issue. The report of the interdepartmental group was submitted to, and accepted by, the Government recently. The report recommends, among other things, that income support and maintenance schemes, together with associated resources, should be transferred to my Department.
I welcome this decision as it provides an opportunity to bring about positive change for customers and staff. This particular initiative has been mooted several times in the past — by the report of the Commission on Social Welfare in 1986 and by the review of supplementary welfare allowances by the Combat Poverty Agency in 1991 — and is I believe, a logical approach to provision of these services. This initiative will have major implications for my Department's existing services and for the future delivery of supplementary welfare allowance. It is proposed that a working group consisting of my Department and the Department of Health and Children will be established to assess the implications and progress implementation of the transfer.
Given the organisational, human resource and industrial relations implications of the transfer proposal, consultations with all stakeholders will be part of the process to implement the decision. This is a major change for my Department which I am confident can be embraced successfully by all and which will, ultimately, further enhance the delivery of services to customers. I am also confident that this transfer process can be carried out without any negative effect on the standard of service currently provided by community welfare officers.
The scheme itself is being reviewed as part of my Department's ongoing programme of expenditure reviews. The review is being carried out by a working group chaired by my Department and including representatives of the Department of Finance and of the Health Service Executive. The review involves a fundamental appraisal of the scheme. All aspects are being examined with a primary focus on considering ways of improving efficiency and effectiveness. The work of the group is almost complete and its recommendations will be taken into account in the context of the future development of the scheme.
104 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the efforts which are being made to trace the ex-partners of people in receipt of a one-parent family allowance; if so, the number of staff involved in such tracing; the success of such tracing over the past two years; the number of payments which have been cancelled or reduced as a result of such investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10937/06]
All one-parent family payment, OPFP, applicants are requested to provide details of the other parent of their child/ren. This information includes the name, address and whether he/she is in employment or receiving payments from my Department or the Health Service Executive, HSE. The applicant is also requested to submit long version birth certificates for each child. In a significant number of cases the other parent of the child will be named on the child's birth certificate.
Applicants for one-parent family payment 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 one-parent family payment 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 Department of Social and Family Affairs' maintenance recovery operation 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, to ascertain whether he or she is in a financial position to contribute towards the cost of one-parent family payment. 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 to the social welfare appeals office.
The number of one-parent family payment recipients being paid by my Department at the end of December 2005 was 80,366. Included in this figure are 906 payments to widowed persons where maintenance is not an issue. In the period January 2004 to December 2005, the maintenance recovery unit has examined 36,034 cases and issued determination orders to 5,268 liable relatives. Savings arising from the work of the maintenance recovery unit in this period amounted to €34.45 million. A total of 1,452 lone parent payments were terminated, resulting in savings of €29.55 million and 905 lone parent payments were reduced, resulting in savings of €1.16 million. Direct contributions from liable relatives amounted to €3.74 million.
As at the end of February 2006, the latest date for which figures are available, 2,230 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/ren 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.
There are currently 12 staff working in the maintenance recovery unit. A further four staff are working directly on maintenance related work — reducing or terminating one-parent family payment claims when the liable relative begins paying maintenance.
105 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number in receipt of farm assist, on a county basis; the average amount awarded to recipients in each county at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10931/06]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in a table that I propose to have circulated with the Official Report. The amount paid to each farmer depends on a number of factors, for example, family size, whether the spouse/partner is working and any means assessed from all sources.
The farm assist scheme was introduced in the Social Welfare Act 1999. The scheme was designed specially for farmers on low incomes and replaced the existing small-holders assistance scheme. The scheme includes a preferential means test, taking into account both the farm income and any off-farm self-employment of farmer and spouse.
The scheme is a practical response by my Department to the situation of low income farmers and it represents a long-term safety net for them. It benefits farm families with children and also provides increased payments to farming couples without children and to single farmers on low income.
|
County |
No. of Farm Assist claims |
Average weekly payment |
|
€ |
||
|
Carlow |
57 |
179.04 |
|
Cavan |
281 |
185.02 |
|
Clare |
411 |
170.50 |
|
Cork |
548 |
179.53 |
|
Donegal |
1,100 |
197.27 |
|
Dublin |
9 |
209.41 |
|
Galway |
846 |
179.81 |
|
Kerry |
598 |
175.96 |
|
Kildare |
40 |
165.21 |
|
Kilkenny |
113 |
177.59 |
|
Laois |
85 |
184.63 |
|
Leitrim |
210 |
174.23 |
|
Limerick |
206 |
158.34 |
|
Longford |
89 |
165.13 |
|
Louth |
66 |
165.38 |
|
Mayo |
1,440 |
191.86 |
|
Meath |
52 |
176.76 |
|
Monaghan |
393 |
183.85 |
|
Offaly |
74 |
166.15 |
|
Roscommon |
300 |
162.45 |
|
Sligo |
326 |
180.38 |
|
Tipperary |
190 |
176.00 |
|
Waterford |
41 |
172.93 |
|
Westmeath |
77 |
162.79 |
|
Wexford |
148 |
173.65 |
|
Wicklow |
50 |
172.45 |
|
Total |
7,750 |
181.81 |
107 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of reviews and studies undertaken by consultants or ordered from within his Department since he became Minister; the purpose of each of these studies; the action which was followed since completion; the cost of each review or study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10934/06]
The information requested is currently being compiled within the Department and will be made available to the Deputy shortly.
109 Ms O’Sullivan 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 reason for the delay in its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11017/06]
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, rail, air and ferry 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 €400,000 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 charge. 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 the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office the following week, during which we discussed the introduction of a scheme. I am in direct contact with the Secretary of State on the matter.
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 about the introduction of the proposed all-Ireland free travel scheme have also taken place. 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.
While significant progress has been made in addressing the issues, legislative and other considerations require that a full scheme cannot be implemented for some time. However, I hope to be in a position shortly to announce agreement on the implementation of an interim scheme to allow free travel recipients in each jurisdiction to travel free from point to point within the other jurisdictions.
110 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the claim made by the director of the organisation, Caring for Carers Ireland, that thousands of family carers may not be aware of their entitlements; the steps he is taking to promote awareness of the entitlements of carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11015/06]
The underlying objective of my Department's information policy is to ensure that all citizens, including carers, are made aware of their entitlements under a broad range of social insurance, social assistance and other supports and are kept informed of changes and improvements as they occur. My Department provides a range of information leaflets and booklets for carers. These include, Carer's Allowance — SW 41, Carer's Benefit — SW 49, Respite Care Grant — SW 113 and the Guide to Social Welfare Services — SW 4. Comprehensive information on social welfare schemes and supports, including information for carers is available from my Department's network of 125 social welfare local offices throughout the country. Information for carers is also available on my Department's website, www.welfare.ie, and any social welfare leaflet or application form can be ordered from our lo-call leaflet line 1890 20 23 25.
Carers have been the target of a number of awareness campaigns undertaken by my Department in recent years. In 2004, a major national and local radio advertising campaign was undertaken by my Department to promote the carer's benefit scheme. In 2005, a major publicity campaign was undertaken by my Department to publicise the availability of the new respite care grant to carers providing full-time care.
The campaign included advertisements in provincial and national newspapers and a freephone helpline to explain the eligibility conditions for the grant. A comprehensive information article on the respite care grant was prepared by my Department and distributed to all carers support organisations for inclusion in their publications and literature. Information officers and other staff in my Department involved in providing information to carers and community welfare officers were provided with comprehensive briefing to enable them to provide guidance and assistance to carers inquiring about the scheme. Posters were widely distributed throughout the country to all local offices of my Department, to the citizens information centres and to some 800 health centres for public health nurses, GPs and other health care staff.
My Department works closely with voluntary and community organisations involved in providing support to carers. Organisations that have received funding in the recent past to provide information to carers include the Carers Association, ICTU and the Care Alliance. At the Caring for Carers Ireland 15th annual conference, attended by over 400 carers, my Department had an information stand to provide information and advice to carers.
In addition to the information services provided by my Department for carers, Comhairle, the national information body funded by my Department, has a particular role in providing information to people with disabilities and their carers. Through its network of 247 citizens information centres throughout the country Comhairle provides information, advice and advocacy to assist people in accessing social services.
My Department will continue to work closely with voluntary and national organisations that provide support to carers and every opportunity will be taken to promote schemes and services for carers. The provision of quality information to meet the particular needs of carers is a high priority for my Department in the drive to ensure that carers are aware of and claim their entitlements.
111 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department is on target to achieve its NAP inclusion target of setting child benefit and child dependent allowance at 33%-35% of the minimum adult social welfare payment by 2007, as outlined in the national action plan against poverty and social inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10945/06]
The National Action Plan against Poverty and Social Exclusion 2003-2005 set a key target for the combined level of child benefit and child dependent allowances to be within the range 33% to 35% of the minimum adult social welfare payment rate. The plan also made reference to the target of €150 per week in 2002 terms for the lowest rates of social welfare payments by 2007. Progress in meeting these targets is reviewed regularly and particularly in the context of budget increases.
Following the implementation of the changes announced in budget 2006, the combined CB/child dependant allowance weekly equivalent payment will stand at €51.42 or over 31% of the current minimum adult social welfare payment rate. Therefore, the combined value stands under the target range set for it despite the significant increases in child benefit which will take place in April 2006 when the lower rate of child benefit will rise to €150 per child. The reason for this is, of course, that budget 2006 provided for very substantial increases in the lowest social welfare rates.
The most appropriate way to meet these targets will be kept under review, particularly in the context of the next budget and also in the context of the review of child income support which is currently under way.
115 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who are being refused unemployment assistance/benefit on the grounds that they are not genuinely seeking work — despite producing letters from employers to the contrary — on a county basis, per month, for each of the past 12 months; the reason these letters are not accepted as proof that they are genuinely seeking work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10926/06]
A person must satisfy the condition of being available for and genuinely seeking work to be entitled to unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance. Details of customers disallowed on unemployment benefit and unemployment assistance in the 12-month period to February 2006 are set out in a table that follows.
Only those customers whose claim was disallowed for the specific reason of not being genuinely seeking work are included in the table and letters from employers would have been provided in the majority of these cases. It should be borne in mind that there are many other reasons why a deciding officer may disallow a claim. The production of letters from employers is only one of a number of factors that will be taken into account by a deciding officer when considering whether a person is genuinely seeking work. The onus is on the claimant to show that he or she satisfies each of these conditions on an ongoing basis.
One of the principal reasons why employers' letter may not be accepted as evidence that a person is genuinely seeking work is that the letters will have been secured after the date the customer was requested to produce such letters or where such letters are obtained from companies known not to have vacancies. This would particularly apply to customers unable to produce evidence of having looked for work over a long period.
All measures taken by a customer to secure employment will be taken into account provided they offer a reasonable chance of getting employment. The steps expected to be taken to find work will vary from person to person and from one period to another. In determining what are reasonable steps, the deciding officer considers the nature and conditions of the employment sought and the individual circumstances of the persons concerned, including their level of skills and/or qualifications for the employment in question having regard to the labour market opportunities and seasonal factors.
Any person who fails to satisfy the deciding officer that he or she is genuinely seeking work is not entitled to an unemployment payment. Where a person is dissatisfied with a decision made by a deciding officer he or she may appeal this decision to the social welfare appeals office.
|
County |
Mar ’05 |
Apr ’05 |
May ’05 |
Jun ’05 |
Jul ’05 |
Aug ’05 |
Sep ’05 |
Oct ’05 |
Nov ’05 |
Dec ’05 |
Jan ’06 |
Feb ’06 |
|
Carlow |
2 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
9 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
|||
|
Clare |
13 |
13 |
8 |
4 |
8 |
5 |
7 |
13 |
7 |
3 |
5 |
|
|
Cork |
16 |
13 |
13 |
17 |
8 |
17 |
8 |
12 |
28 |
16 |
24 |
18 |
|
Donegal |
6 |
13 |
11 |
6 |
3 |
8 |
6 |
6 |
25 |
6 |
11 |
11 |
|
Dublin |
30 |
34 |
23 |
20 |
49 |
26 |
15 |
16 |
28 |
25 |
28 |
11 |
|
Galway |
9 |
14 |
7 |
8 |
6 |
9 |
4 |
6 |
6 |
11 |
11 |
6 |
|
Kerry |
8 |
7 |
5 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
7 |
7 |
9 |
1 |
5 |
7 |
|
Kildare |
5 |
7 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|||
|
Laois |
3 |
2 |
11 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
||
|
Leitrim |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
||||||||
|
Limerick |
27 |
23 |
12 |
8 |
9 |
17 |
9 |
15 |
19 |
8 |
13 |
5 |
|
Longford |
1 |
|||||||||||
|
Louth |
5 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
7 |
2 |
5 |
4 |
8 |
7 |
4 |
1 |
|
Mayo |
6 |
4 |
25 |
7 |
4 |
11 |
5 |
5 |
21 |
8 |
13 |
13 |
|
Meath |
1 |
4 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
|||
|
Monaghan |
3 |
3 |
1 |
5 |
10 |
8 |
3 |
5 |
8 |
6 |
8 |
5 |
|
Offaly |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
||
|
Roscommon |
1 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
6 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Sligo |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
|||||
|
Tipperary |
6 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
7 |
5 |
8 |
5 |
10 |
3 |
|
Waterford |
5 |
8 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
9 |
4 |
|||
|
Westmeath |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
Wexford |
12 |
6 |
14 |
9 |
4 |
5 |
18 |
5 |
18 |
2 |
11 |
8 |
|
Wicklow |
4 |
3 |
7 |
6 |
4 |
2 |
6 |
5 |
8 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
|
County |
Mar ’05 |
Apr ’05 |
May ’05 |
Jun ’05 |
Jul ’05 |
Aug ’05 |
Sep ’05 |
Oct ’05 |
Nov ’05 |
Dec ’05 |
Jan ’06 |
Feb ’06 |
|
Carlow |
5 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
1 |
9 |
7 |
8 |
11 |
9 |
1 |
5 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
5 |
|
Clare |
5 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
|
Cork |
17 |
15 |
17 |
17 |
12 |
15 |
8 |
12 |
29 |
12 |
20 |
18 |
|
Donegal |
9 |
10 |
8 |
8 |
5 |
5 |
10 |
4 |
12 |
5 |
7 |
9 |
|
Dublin |
36 |
47 |
40 |
58 |
23 |
43 |
60 |
40 |
53 |
54 |
52 |
42 |
|
Galway |
3 |
3 |
10 |
12 |
6 |
5 |
4 |
13 |
5 |
3 |
9 |
10 |
|
Kerry |
2 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
6 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
5 |
|
Laois |
3 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|
Limerick |
8 |
4 |
10 |
6 |
10 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
7 |
10 |
|
Longford |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Louth |
8 |
6 |
7 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
10 |
3 |
15 |
5 |
10 |
7 |
|
Mayo |
10 |
4 |
10 |
10 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
4 |
25 |
14 |
44 |
21 |
|
Meath |
0 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
3 |
8 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
6 |
13 |
10 |
17 |
6 |
12 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Roscommon |
2 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
2 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
2 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
4 |
2 |
10 |
6 |
3 |
10 |
|
Waterford |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
8 |
3 |
|
Westmeath |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
|
Wexford |
7 |
7 |
7 |
1 |
12 |
7 |
5 |
5 |
7 |
3 |
7 |
11 |
|
Wicklow |
5 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
9 |
5 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
117 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of information officers employed in his Department; the location of each officer; the grade of each officer; the responsibilities which they have; the role which they play in disseminating information to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10933/06]
The provision of comprehensive information in a clear and simple manner is an essential element in the effective delivery of social welfare services. The underlying objective of my Department's information policy is to ensure that all citizens are made aware of their entitlements and other supports and are kept informed of changes and improvements to schemes as they occur.
Information on the full range of social welfare schemes and services is provided through my Department's network of some 125 local offices throughout the country. These offices comprise 58 social welfare local offices of my Department and 67 branch offices, which are under contract to provide a range of services to customers. Each of the 58 local offices of my Department has a dedicated information officer.
The responsibilities of the information officer include providing advice and assistance to personal callers to the office and dealing with telephone inquiries and with general correspondence from social welfare customers. Information officers, from time to time, give information presentations to local community groups relevant to their needs. They participate in exhibitions and contribute to other events, including local radio programmes promoting information about social welfare rights and entitlements. Information officers who are involved in information provision are supported by the central information service unit, which is responsible for information policy and for the production and dissemination of information.
My Department produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets and booklets covering each social welfare payment. These are widely available from social welfare local offices, post offices, citizens information centres, from my Department's lo-call leaflet line at 1890 20 23 25 and from the website www.welfare.ie. Citizens are made aware of new schemes and improvements in my Department’s services through advertising, using an appropriate mix of national and provincial media. Selective use is made of freephone information campaigns at particular times of the year such as budget time and to target particular groups of people to ensure that they are claiming their full entitlements.
Information officers in my Department's network of local offices throughout the country, play a key role in the dissemination of information to the public. They provide one of the most effective means of reaching out to people at local level in the drive to ensure that citizens are aware of and claim their social welfare entitlements. A list of the offices where information offices are located follows.
Social welfare local offices at which information services are available: Carlow — Kennedy Avenue; Cavan — Dublin Road; Clare — Ennis, Kilrush Road; Cork — Hanover Street; Bantry — Main Street; Cobh — Harbour Row; Mallow — 72 Main Street; Buncrana — Castle Avenue; Donegal town — Bridge Street; Dunfanaghy — Main Street; Dungloe — Quay Road; Letterkenny — Kilmacrennan Road; Dublin — North Cumberland Street; Coolock — Northside Civic Centre, Dublin 5; Apollo House, Tara Street, Dublin 2; 126 Thomas Street, Dublin 8; Bishops Square, Dublin 2; Rossmore Avenue, Ballyfermot; Ballymun — Ballymun Shopping Centre; Clondalkin — 9th Lock Road, Dublin 22; Dún Laoghaire — Cumberland Street; Finglas — Mellowes Road; Kilbarrack — Greendale Shopping Centre, Navan Road; Rathfarnham — Nutgrove Shopping Centre; Tallaght — The Square; Blanchardstown — Westend House, Snugboro Road Ext, Dublin 15; Galway — St. Augustine Street, Clifden — Galway Road; Cahirciveen — St. Brendan's Tce.; Listowel — The Square; Tralee — Godfrey Place; Newbridge — Eyre Street; Kilkenny — Government Offices, Hebron Road; Carrick-on-Shannon — Leitrim Road; Manorhamilton — Sligo Road; Limerick — Dominick Street; Newcastle West — Gortboy; Longford — Ballinalee Road; Drogheda — Custom House Quay; Dundalk — Government Buildings, St. Alphonsus Road; Navan — Trimgate Street; Achill — Achill Sound; Ballina — Bohernasup; Belmullet — America Street; Castlebar — New Antrim Street; Westport — Prospect Avenue; Tullamore — Government Buildings, Clonminch Road; Sligo — Cranmore Road, Public Office, College Road; Clonmel — New Quay; Thurles — Stradavoher; Waterford — Cork Road; Athlone — Barrack Street; Mullingar — Blackhall Street; Wexford — Anne Street; Arklow — Government Buildings, Castle Park; Bray — The Esplanade.
119 Ms McManus 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. [11013/06]
Since 2000, a total of 2,555 PRSI exemption certificates have 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 included in the table.
PRSI exemptions are issued in accordance with Article 97 of S.I. 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 their home country while working in Ireland. The Department of Social and Family Affairs 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 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, the Department of Social and Family Affairs ensures that, where appropriate, 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, the Department of Social and Family Affairs is undertaking a review of the policy, the legislative provisions and the administrative arrangements for the PRSI exemption scheme. I will consider what changes, if any, need to be made in the light of that review.
|
Year |
Exemptions issued |
Number issued to specified company |
|
2000 |
83 |
0 |
|
2001 |
105 |
0 |
|
2002 |
290 |
92 |
|
2003 |
1,048 |
784 |
|
2004 |
603 |
347 |
|
2005 |
390 |
281 |
|
2006 (28/02/2006) |
36 |
0 |
|
Total |
2,555 |
1,504 |
121 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he intends to respond to the recommendation of the Committee of Public Accounts that doctors who certify people as being unable to work and whose patients are then consistently found by medical assessors from the Department of Social and Family Affairs as being fit for work should be monitored closely. [11040/06]
The current approach to medical certification relies on registered medical certifiers, usually general practitioners or hospital interns, who are contracted to examine claimants and provide them with a medical certificate or a diagnostic report, as appropriate, for submission to the Department of Social and Family Affairs either to initiate a new claim or to keep an existing claim in payment. They also provide more detailed medical reports for review purposes when requested by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
Some 5,000 doctors on the panel of medical certifiers supply medical certification services to the Department of Social and Family Affairs. I am satisfied that, in general, they provide an excellent service to the Department and to our customers. The Department's medical assessors assess and, as necessary, review claims to ensure that claimants comply with the medical requirements for the relevant scheme as laid down in legislation.
I have commissioned a review of medical certification, reporting, assessment and review for the schemes related to illness, disability and caring that are administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The issue raised by the Committee of Public Accounts to which the Deputy refers, namely the monitoring of certifiers' performance, is one of the many aspects of the system being examined during the course of this review, which is expected to conclude with the presentation of a final report in April. The review also covers a range of organisational and operational issues including the potential for IT-enabled changes affecting the Department and the medical certifiers. Any changes in the current arrangements with certifiers would require careful planning and detailed negotiation with medical practitioners' representative bodies.
When the review is completed, I will have the report's recommendations examined and decisions made quickly thereafter to provide for the modernisation of the Department's medical review and assessment service. This will, among other things, enable the Department of Social and Family Affairs to monitor more closely apparent discrepancies in medical certification.
122 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the social welfare entitlements of returned development workers, including missionaries, and in particular, the definition of habitual residence in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6981/06]
Since 1983 special arrangements for volunteer development workers have been provided for the award to them of credited social insurance contributions up to an aggregate of five years while they are outside the country on development activities. These credited contributions enable the persons concerned to qualify for short-term benefits on their return from their overseas development work and it supports their accrued entitlement towards long-term benefits.
In cases where the development worker has no previous paid PRSI contributions or no contributions paid or credited in the previous two contribution years, arrangements have been put in place whereby Development Co-operation Ireland pays PRSI contributions, to establish entitlement to short-term benefits for the volunteer workers. The credited contributions awarded to volunteer development workers are reckonable towards establishing entitlement to unemployment benefit, maternity benefit, disability benefit, health and safety benefit and treatment benefit.
Regarding entitlement to old age pension, the credited contributions are counted towards calculating the yearly average that determines the rate at which the pension is paid. Given the nature of overseas work, provisions are in place to relax certain qualifying conditions normally required for entitlement to these benefits. This includes entitlement to the maximum full rate of unemployment or disability benefit where otherwise a reduced rate would apply for a period and special arrangements for the certification normally required for maternity benefit.
The habitual residence condition, HRC, applies to means-tested assistance payments and child benefit only. In line with the case law of the European Court of Justice, the HRC condition tests the centre of interest of a person, the length and purpose of their absence, the length and continuity of residence, the nature and pattern of employment and their future intention as it appears from all the circumstances. The restriction is not based on citizenship, nationality, immigration status, occupation or any other factor.
In the absence of entitlement to a social insurance-based payment, people may qualify for an assistance-based payment once they meet the standard habitual residence criteria. The habitual residence condition would not normally be expected to affect missionaries or volunteer development workers who are returning to Ireland on a permanent basis.
Officials of the Department of Social and Family Affairs made a presentation to the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs in November 2005 on pensions for missionaries. Following the presentation, a working group, which includes the Department of Social and Family Affairs, was established to examine issues relating to social protection coverage for missionaries, notably for pension coverage. I expect to have a report in the coming months.
123 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applicants in receipt of a one-parent family allowance; the number of such recipients who are in employment and receiving full or reduced payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10938/06]
The number of one-parent family recipients being paid by the Department of Social and Family Affairs at the end of December 2005 is 80,366, the latest date for which figures are available. Included in this figure are 906 widowed persons. It is not possible to get exact statistics on the number of one-parent family payment recipients who are in employment and receiving full or reduced payments. However, 58,290 claimants are in receipt of one-parent family payment at the maximum rate.
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. With regard to employment, lone parents may earn up to €146.50 per week without affecting their payment. Above that level, half of any earnings are assessed, up to maximum of €293 per week. The upper income limit is being significantly increased by €82 per week to €375 per week from July of this year. Lone parents may also be eligible to avail of the full range of employment support services operated by the Department.
Lone parents are also encouraged to pursue the question of maintenance payments with the other parent. This is achieved by ensuring a clear benefit to lone parents and their children arising from any maintenance payments secured. At present up to 50% of maintenance received may be disregarded under the means test and, in addition, allowances are made for up to €95.23 per week in respect of mortgage or rent.
124 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will report on his official visit to Boston for St. Patrick’s Day festivities; the length of his visit; the events attended; the number of officials and others accompanying him and the estimated cost. [11038/06]
I represented the Government at a number of engagements, events and festivities in Boston to celebrate and mark St. Patrick's Day in the USA. My official party travelled to Boston on 14 March 2006 and returned on 18 March 2006.
My itinerary included an address that focused on Ireland's knowledge economy to the Irish Association at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an address at a breakfast to mark the expansion of the operations of the Irish software company, Candidate Manager. I also spoke at an Irish American Partnership breakfast and an Ireland Chamber of Commerce, St. Patrick's Day brunch. I also met Irish immigration organisations and support groups located in the Boston area and attended the formal opening of a major new exhibition at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum on President Kennedy's visit to Ireland in June 1963. In addition, I was guest at a number of Irish and US diplomatic receptions.
The official party consisted of myself, my private secretary and my personal assistant. The costs of the trip are not yet available.
126 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the persons appointed by him as programme managers, advisers, assistants or back-up staff either in his Department or in constituency offices; the annualised remuneration paid to these staff; the names of individuals, groups or companies which have undertaken or have been approved to undertake full-time, part-time or casual consultancies, reviews, examinations or analyses or any public relations service on his behalf; the actual and estimated cost for 2005 in this regard; the persons, companies, consultants or otherwise he has appointed to carry out work on behalf of semi-State bodies under the aegis of his Department; the reviews, consultancies or reports which he has commissioned or is due to commission; the full costs in respect of all of these matters to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10936/06]
I have appointed, on a contract basis for the term of my office, a press adviser, a special adviser, a personal secretary and a personal assistant. My press adviser is on a salary of €101,037 together with a private pension contribution of 11% of salary. My special adviser is currently on a salary of €88,556. The annual salary for my personal secretary is €39,532. My personal assistant is on secondment from the Department of Education and Science. That Department will recoup from the Department of Social and Family Affairs on an annual basis the cost of a replacement teacher's salary, allowances, PRSI contributions and superannuation contributions. This will be in the region of €34,400.
In my role as Minister for Social and Family Affairs, I have not sought advice from public relations firms or individuals. However, the Department of Social and Family Affairs engaged the services of a media monitoring company, Media World Limited, in 2005. This provides an electronic media monitoring service covering publications and issues of relevance to the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The cost of this service in 2005 was €8,971.18.
The Department of Social and Family Affairs engages consultants, within the terms of written contracts, to support a wide range of projects. Broadly, expertise is sought under three main headings: support with a number of strategic multi-annual programmes aimed at enhancing the delivery of the Department's services, for example, the service delivery modernisation programme, SDM; technical consultancies relating to the ongoing development of information technology systems; and consultancy assistance in other areas, including policy development, advertising and information. Details of consultants engaged in the Department of Social and Family Affairs and REACH and the associated expenditure are being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy.
I have not appointed any person to carry out work on behalf of the bodies under the aegis of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. This would be a matter for the relevant executive or board of the agency or office.
A complete list of all reviews and reports commissioned by the Department of Social and Family Affairs is also being compiled and I will make arrangements to have the information forwarded to the Deputy.
128 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he intends to approach the Department of Finance regarding the anomaly that has arisen with the ability of those in receipt of the State contributory pension to earn additional income, becoming less than those in receipt of the non-contributory pension since the introduction of the €100 a week income disregard. [11039/06]
Given the ongoing improvements in life expectancy which are occurring and the challenges we face in the future as the proportion of older people in our population grows, it is important that we should encourage and facilitate people who wish to extend their working lives as this can make a significant contribution to the sustainability of our pensions system.
In the budget I introduced, for the first time, a specific earnings disregard for those receiving the old age non-contributory pension of €100 per week. This is in addition to the normal income disregard which applies and which was increased in the budget from €7.60 to €20 per week. This measure is designed to encourage longer working among older people and its effectiveness and adequacy will be kept under review. The equivalent contributory payment, the old age contributory pension, is not means tested and so a person who is eligible for this pension will receive payment regardless of any earnings or other income they may have.
The position on the retirement pension is different. This scheme was introduced in 1971 to provide cover for people who were obliged to retire at age 65, until they reached the normal social welfare pension age, which at that time was 70 years of age. Accordingly, a qualifying condition for the scheme is that a person is not engaged in insurable employment and this, effectively, places an earnings ceiling of €38 per week on any income a person may derive from continuing to work. However, as the standard qualifying age for social welfare pensions is now 66 this restriction only applies for one year. The removal of the retirement condition associated with the retirement pension is a commitment in the programme for Government and progress in this regard will be made as soon as possible.
131 Mr. Morgan asked the Taoiseach the percentage of the present workforce in full-time employment who are over the age of 66. [11167/06]
Statistics on the labour force are compiled from the quarterly national household survey. The latest statistics available are for the period September to November 2005 and show that there are 1,639,800 persons in full-time employment. The number of persons aged over 66 years in full-time employment is 14,300, which is 0.9% of all those in full-time employment. Details of economic status of persons aged over 66 years are shown in the table.
|
ILO Economic Status |
All persons aged 15 years and over |
All persons over 66 years |
|
’000 |
’000 |
|
|
All persons in labour force |
2,071.9 |
24.5 |
|
In employment: |
1,980.6 |
24.3 |
|
full-time |
1,639.8 |
14.8 |
|
part-time: |
340.8 |
9.6 |
|
Unemployed: |
91.3 |
* |
|
Not in labour force |
1,260.2 |
378.9 |
|
Total persons |
3,332.1 |
403.3 |
* Sample occurrence too small for estimation. Source: quarterly national household survey, Central Statistics Office.
132 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the first payment of the early child care supplement will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11146/06]
133 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the first payment of the early child care supplement will be made; the form of payment this will take; when the second and subsequent payments will be made to eligible parents; the number of eligible parents concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11157/06]
134 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the early child care supplement will be payable to EU nationals living and working here whose children are being cared for in their native countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11158/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 to 134, inclusive, together.
My office has been given responsibility for the early child care supplement which is being introduced with effect from 1 April 2006. The payment, which is non-taxable, will amount to €1,000 per annum and will be made to parents of all eligible children aged less than six years, in quarterly instalments of €250. The supplement will be paid if a child is eligible for any part of a quarter. I understand that officials from my office are putting arrangements in place with the Department of Social and Family Affairs to administer the supplement on its behalf on an agency basis. These arrangements will provide for the supplement to be made to parents in the same way as they receive their child benefit payments. It is expected that the first payment, which would be due in July 2006, will be made in August with the subsequent quarterly payments this year expected to be made in October and December.
The criteria governing eligibility for child benefit will be applied to the early child care supplement. As a result, parents in receipt of child benefit and with children aged less than six years will automatically receive the supplement. More than 350,000 children under the age of six are expected to benefit from the supplement at an estimated cost in 2006 of €265 million rising to more than €350 million in a full year. EU nationals living and working in Ireland are entitled to claim both child benefit and the early child care supplement in respect of their children, regardless of where in the EU/EEA the children reside.
I am advised that the Department will be in contact with parents of eligible children shortly with details of the supplement and how it will be paid to them in the coming months.
135 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extra functions that child care committees will have to fulfil following the announcement of the Government’s new child care package especially with regard to child minders in the home who wish to avail of the €10,000 income disregard; the procedures in place or to be put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11326/06]
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 — 2010 is being implemented by the newly established office of the Minister of State with responsibility for children, OMC, under my auspices. This programme builds on the success of the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000 — 2006, EOCP, which will conclude in 2007. The new programme aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality child care supports and services which are grounded in an understanding of local child care needs.
The city and county child care committees, CCCs, which were established at city and county level under the EOCP, will play a major role under the new, more proactive programme. New arrangements supported by additional resources are being put in place to facilitate this process, including those necessary to enable the CCCs to facilitate the initial developmental stage of grant applications at local level.
The tax exemption, which is being introduced for childminders minding up to three children in the childminder's own home and where their annual income from childminding does not exceed €10,000, will be subject to a requirement to notify the local CCC before applying to the Revenue Commissioners for the exemption. Childminders who notify their CCCs in this way will be accommodated within the voluntary notification system for childminders which is already operated by the CCCs and the Health Service Executive. This system is available to childminders who are not legally required to give notice of their services under the Child Care Act 1991.
The voluntary notification system benefits childminders by providing them with access to a range of supports, including information, networking and training through the CCCs and the local childminder advisory officers. It is intended that childminders who notify their service in the context of availing of the tax exemption will also benefit from these supports.
136 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the full recommendations from the high level group on cost of long-term care, including the role of community-based sheltered housing, will be available to Members of the Oireachtas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11159/06]
I gather from the Deputy's question that he is referring to the working group established to examine policy on long-term care. The Mercer report on the future financing of long-term care in Ireland, which was commissioned by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, examined all issues surrounding the financing of long-term care. Following on the publication of this report, a working group chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach and comprising senior officials from the Departments of Finance, Health and Children, and Social and Family Affairs was established.
The objective of the group was to identify the policy options for a financially sustainable system of long-term care, including: improvements in community care, taking account of the Mercer report; the views of the consultation that was undertaken on that report; and the review of the nursing home subvention scheme by Professor Eamon O'Shea. The group has presented its report to Government, and is under consideration.
137 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of home help services to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if the Health Service Executive will approve them for a home care package. [11160/06]
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, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
138 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be called for a sinus operation to Kerry General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11161/06]
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 have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
139 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will provide full details of all representations from or meetings she has had with any representatives of the Open Republic Institute. [11180/06]
The Deputy will wish to note that the Open Republic Institute invited me to attend a supper in April 2005. I did not attend this event and I have not received any further correspondence from the institute.
140 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the reason the Health Service Executive has not responded to letters regarding a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11202/06]
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.
141 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is being asked to pay a bill of €3,866.31 by Portiuncula Hospital, in view of the fact that this person is an EU citizen and was treated in a public ward. [11203/06]
Under the Health (Amendment) Act 1986, the Health Service Executive may impose charges on all patients for treatment arising out of injuries sustained in road traffic accidents where compensation is subsequently payable. The Act does not withdraw eligibility for public hospital services from road traffic accident victims but allows the Health Service Executive to recover the costs of all services provided to them. Following enactment of the legislation my Department directed that charges be calculated on the basis of the hospital's average daily cost. Following legal challenge, the Supreme Court, in its judgment of 11 July 2001, ruled that this costing approach is reasonable, proper and intra vires the Health (Amendment) Act 1986.
Letters were issued by my Department to the health boards outlining the judgment and directing them to charge the average daily cost in all road traffic accident cases.
While bills are generally issued in all road traffic accident cases they are only settled where compensation is received and then forwarded to hospitals. Also, compensation may be significantly reduced in cases where contributory negligence is established. In the event of a person failing to obtain a compensation award, that person will only be liable for the normal statutory and maintenance charges, where applicable. My Department has drawn the case to the attention of the Health Service Executive.
142 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a reply will be issued to correspondence (details supplied); the reason for the delay in same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11204/06]
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.
143 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of people who had medical cards in January 1997, January 2002 and January 2006 in respect of Meath, Cork city and county and Tipperary; the percentage of medical card holders from each county from the national totals for each date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11211/06]
144 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of people in Meath, Cork city and county and Tipperary who had full medical cards at the latest date for which figures are available; the number who had general practitioner-only cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11212/06]
On the request for information relating to January 1997 and January 2002 I have asked the Health Service Executive, HSE, to provide this directly to the Deputy. Information from the HSE shared services primary care reimbursement service indicates that the following numbers of persons held a medical card in January 2006 and March 2006 — the latest available information — in respect of Meath, Cork — the figures for county and city are not kept separately by my Department — and Tipperary. This information is provided in the following table along with the number of medical card holders as a percentage of all medical card holders for those dates.
|
Counties |
January 2006 |
March 2006 |
|
Meath |
29,369 (2.54%) |
29,553 (2.53%) |
|
Cork |
132,365 (11.45%) |
133,639 (11.44%) |
|
Tipperary N.R |
19,401 (1.68%) |
19,749 (1.7%) |
|
Tipperary S.R. |
28,611 (2.48%) |
28,820 (2.47%) |
The number of persons as at 1 March 2006 with a GP visit card is shown in the following table.
|
Counties |
No of persons holding a GP visit card |
|
Meath |
371 |
|
Cork |
1,570 |
|
Tipperary N.R |
91 |
|
Tipperary S.R |
346 |
145 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a replacement prosthetic limb will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11291/06]
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.
146 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if employees of the Health Service Executive who took up employment before 1 April 2004 must retire on reaching age 65 in all circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11292/06]
The Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 removed the compulsory retirement age of 65 for "new entrant" public servants recruited after 1 April 2004. For existing employees, identified in the Act as not being "new entrant" public servants, the maximum retirement age remains 65.
However, public health service employees who have retired are sometimes re-employed on contract for various periods and have a very useful contribution to make. This generally occurs where vacancies have arisen in particular sectors due to a shortage of skilled personnel. My Department issued a circular last October which changed the method of calculation of pension abatement in these cases. In general, this means that where it is necessary to re-employ pensioners this can be done on the basis that they can earn, in effect, up to half what they would have earned in their previous position before their pension is reduced.
147 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if moneys received from the sale of land (details supplied) will remain in the county when the lands are sold; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11306/06]
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. This includes responsibility for the sale of lands referred to by the Deputy. The Deputy will probably be aware that, as a Vote holder, the executive would, in respect of the sale of lands, be subject to the requirements of the public financial procedures of the Department of Finance. Accordingly, my Department is requesting the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
148 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will meet a group (details supplied) that was receiving a service that was discontinued recently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11307/06]
The management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive in the first instance. Accordingly, it is more appropriate for discussions to be held with the HSE with regard to this group.
149 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there is funding available for a group (details supplied) which is to start a development in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11308/06]
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.
150 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason most recent statistics on animal experimentation date from 2002; and when more up-to-date information will be made available. [11369/06]
The statistics referred to by the Deputy are compiled and made available every third year as is required by Directive 86/609/EEC regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes. The latest published statistics relate to 2002 and a copy of these has already been provided to the Deputy. My Department is currently compiling the 2005 statistics and these will be made available by the end of June 2006 on my Department's website, www.dohc.ie.
151 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with an electric wheelchair; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11374/06]
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.
152 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide full details of all representations from or meetings he has had with any representatives of the Open Republic Institute. [11181/06]
As Minister for Finance, I receive representations from and have meetings with many different interest groups. I have had no representations from or meetings with representatives of the Open Republic Institute.
153 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance if an application for tax relief for refuse charges can be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11240/06]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer's claim for tax relief on refuse charges has been processed and notification of refunds arising to her, dated 20 March 2006, has been issued.
154 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the considerable volume of complaints regarding errors and problems regarding certificates of tax free allowances and tax credits; the volumes of complaints received; if his attention has further been drawn to the frustration that people are experiencing in trying to have their tax certificates corrected; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that it is frequently difficult, if not impossible, to get through to the Revenue Commissioners’ inquiry lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter regarding proposals he has which could improve the situation and also advise people how long it may take to correct errors in tax certificates. [11242/06]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that 2.2 million individual tax credit certificates reflecting the budget changes were issued in the 2006 "bulk issue". Errors or other problems relating to tax credit certificates may arise for a number of reasons, for instance, at the time of the bulk issue each year, Revenue may not be aware of changed circumstances of certain customers. This can result in tax credit certificates being issued that do not reflect the most up-to-date position for a customer.
A new PAYE computer system was put in place by Revenue in October last. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that this new system forms the foundation for a range of improved services for PAYE customers that will be rolled out later this year. The bulk issue of tax credit certificates for 2006 was the first in the new system and Revenue advises me that tax credit entitlements for some customers were affected in the major changeover process. However, the overall percentage of incorrect certificates was still relatively small.
The Revenue Commissioners have assured me that they have had, and continue to have, a very active process of identifying any such customers and have, where appropriate, issued amended notices to employers for the vast majority of the cases affected to enable the employers to immediately adjust the payroll deductions. Amended tax credit certificates to the individuals concerned have also been issued as part of this process and any entitlements are backdated to the start of the year.
Each year the bulk issue generates a very high level of queries from PAYE customers. The first quarter is also the peak season for requests for PAYE balancing statements for the previous year. I am assured by Revenue that it is doing everything possible to deal with these queries as speedily as possible, including by way of allocating additional resources to the telephone services.
Later this year, Revenue will introduce a suite of on-line services for PAYE customers. The current PAYE self-service and telephony options will also be expanded. These initiatives will facilitate PAYE taxpayers in "self-managing" their own tax affairs, including adjusting their certificates to reflect their correct entitlements.
155 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Finance if he will establish from the Revenue Commissioners, in the interest of the speedy conduct of business in public offices, whether consideration has been given to separate queuing arrangements for people for whom English is their first language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11299/06]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are aware of the growing customer service pressures in their public offices. The additional pressures are due to an increased number of customers, an increasing number of customers who have more than one employment and the number of customers who do not have English as their first language.
In response to these pressures and to improve customer service standards Revenue has deployed additional staff in its public offices. It will shortly be providing translations of the most commonly used explanatory leaflets and forms in a number of international languages, including Polish, Lithuanian, Russian, Chinese, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Czech and Slovakian. I also understand that Revenue's main public office, in Dublin's O'Connell Street, is to undergo a major expansion and the new facilities will be available before the end of this year. The provision of separate queuing arrangements based on the language spoken by the customer is not under consideration.
Revenue provides a range of contact options for customers which reduce the need for personal visits to the tax offices to access information on tax matters. It has put in place a number of self-service channels for customers that allow them to request forms and leaflets or claim certain amendments to their tax credit certificate without the need for direct contact with a staff member. This can now be done using touch-tone telephone, text messaging or the Internet. Later this year Revenue will introduce a more extensive suite of on-line and telephony services for PAYE taxpayers. These initiatives will facilitate PAYE taxpayers in "self-managing" their tax affairs, including adjusting their tax credit certificates to reflect their current entitlements, and requesting balancing statements.
Revenue is confident that the measures to be put in place will lead to a greatly improved service for all its customers, including a reduction in queuing time at its public offices.
156 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the percentage in 2005 or the latest available figures for persons who avail of tax relief in respect of pension contributions who are from the lowest 20% of income earners; and the percentage which are from the highest 20% of income earners. [11300/06]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent relevant information available is in respect of income tax relief allowed for contributions to "retirement annuity contracts" for the income tax year 2002, which are available to the self-employed and to employees not in occupational pension schemes.
On the basis of these data, some 1,300, or0.3%, of the lowest-earning 20% of income earners on tax records availed of this relief and some 57,600 or 15.8% of the highest earning 20% of income earners availed of this relief.
It is not possible to provide corresponding figures in regard to the take-up of the tax relief for pension contributions by employers and employees as the relevant data are not captured in such a way as to make this possible.
The information on incomes is based on income returns on Revenue records at the time the data were compiled for analytical purposes, representing about 95% of all returns expected.
A married couple who have elected or have been deemed to have elected for joint assessment are counted as one tax unit.
157 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the way in which child minders can avail of the €10,000 income disregard recently announced as part of the Government’s child care package; the number of child minders he estimates will avail of this scheme in the next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11324/06]
The new child minding scheme, which I announced in budget 2006, provides for tax relief for certain income arising from the provision of child care services.
Under the scheme, where the gross annual income from the provision of child care services does not exceed €10,000, the income is fully exempt from tax. However, the care must be provided in the child minder's home and no more than three children may be cared for at any one time.
The child minder must be self-employed — not an employee — and include the relevant gross income in his or her annual return of income to the Revenue Commissioners. The claim for the tax exemption is made with this return.
The claim must be accompanied by evidence that the child minder has notified the person recognised for that purpose by the Health Service Executive. In practice this will mean the officer appointed by the local city or county child care committee. Details of the names and addresses of the officers will be published by the Health Service Executive shortly.
Income declared under this new scheme will be subject to PRSI so that those engaged in the provision of child care services will not be denied access to the range of social welfare benefits available, including maternity benefit and old age pensions. Provision for this has been made in this year's Social Welfare Law Reform and Pensions Bill, which was published recently.
No estimate is available at this time regarding the number of child minders who will avail of the scheme over the next year.
158 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to grant aid the installation of solar panels and wood pellet heating systems in new houses; and the projected timeframe for such a scheme. [11178/06]
The multi-annual financial package for renewables announced in budget 2006 includes a grant aid package for the domestic sector, which will provide for individual grants to install renewable energy technologies including solar panels, wood pellet boilers and geothermal heat pumps.
My Department, in conjunction with Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, is developing the necessary detailed measures to roll out the new programme, which will be announced shortly.
159 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when repairs will be carried out to Scraggane Pier, Castlegregory, Tralee, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11163/06]
Scraggane Pier is owned by Kerry County Council, which is responsible for its repair and maintenance in the first instance. A survey of the pier was carried out by the engineering division of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources last year. A proposal for Scraggane Pier is being prepared in conjunction with Kerry County Council. It is planned to hold a meeting with local users in the near future to discuss the proposal.
A programme for the funding of small harbours within the overall 2006 fishery harbours development programme is under consideration at present. Funding for Scraggane Pier will be considered under this programme, taking into account the amount of Exchequer funding available and overall national priorities.
160 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of projects which have been approved under the marine tourism sub-measure; the details of said projects; the reason no projects had been approved by June 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11164/06]
Applications relating to 62 projects were received in February 2002 following a call for applications under the marine tourism grant scheme, which is a sub-measure of the regional operational programmes of the national development plan. I understand that the projects were at the assessment phase when the scheme was suspended due to budgetary constraints in December 2002. All applicants were notified that their applications could not be considered further.
I have been advised that the Economic and Social Research Institute's mid-term evaluation of the national development plan, in respect of the marine tourism sub-measure, concluded that the external environment with regard to the tourism sector had deteriorated to the extent that further investment in the sector would be unlikely to have a high return. The institute recommended that the indicative budget for the scheme should be reallocated to other priority tourism measures. As no funding has been allocated to the scheme since 2003, it has not been possible to issue any grants under it.
161 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount which was spent developing the tourism and angling recreational measure; the way in which this money was divided; if structures have been put in place to develop the tourism and recreational angling measure; the reason the decision was taken to curtail the allocation made for this project; if he intends to put money back into this measure over the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11165/06]
162 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the projects which have so far been allocated money under the tourism and angling recreational measure; if the money for this measure comes from the Exchequer funds or from EU funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11166/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.
I have been advised that an indicative budget of €30.476 million in total of Exchequer funding was originally identified for the tourism and recreational angling measure under the regional operational programmes of the 2000-06 national development plan. Some €21.4 million was identified for the BMW regional operational programme and some €9 million was allocated to the southern and eastern operational programme. The launch of the measure was delayed pending state aid clearance from the EU Commission, which was received in March 2002. I understand that it was decided in 2002, in the context of other budgetary priorities, to curtail the actual allocation to the measure.
Following a limited call for applications, however, over 60 applications were received and were assessed by a project assessment committee that was established to examine projects in accordance with the approved programme complement. A number of projects were approved for funding by the tourism product selection board that was established to assess tourism projects. The expenditure incurred to the end of 2002 was €504,025 in the BMW region and €715,154 in the southern and eastern region. The projects to which funding was allocated are listed in the table.
The Economic and Social Research Institute's mid-term evaluation of the marine tourism sub-measure of the 2000-06 national development plan concluded that the external environment in the tourism sector had deteriorated to the extent that further investment in the sector would be unlikely to have a high return. The institute recommended that the indicative budget for the measure in question should be reallocated to other priority tourism measures. No expenditure was incurred in respect of the measure in 2003, 2004 or 2005 and no expenditure has been provided for it in the 2006 budget of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
I will now outline the projects which were allocated funding under the tourism and recreational angling measure in the various regional fisheries board areas.
|
Project No. |
Description |
Batch |
|
|
WRFB |
2 |
Cong Recreational Development |
BMW — Game |
|
3 |
Game & Coarse Regional Angling Guide |
BMW — Game & Coarse |
|
|
CFB |
5 |
On-line Sale Of National Salmon Licences |
Other — Game |
|
37 |
Production Of Rainbow Trout Fish Farm Offaly |
BMW — Game |
|
|
38 |
Study To Quantify National Freshwater Salmon Habitat Asset |
Other — Game |
|
|
39 |
Study Re Implementation Of National Carcass Tagging Scheme & Rod Licence Distribution |
Other — Game |
|
|
51 |
Establishment Of A New National Photographic Archive And Library |
Other — Other |
|
|
52 |
National Corporate Stand |
Other — Other |
|
|
56 |
National Angling Festivals Support Scheme |
Other — Other |
|
|
67 |
Economic/socio-economic Evaluation Of Wild Salmon In Ireland |
S&E — Game |
|
|
NRFB |
6 |
Erection Of Structures To Facilitate Sea-trout Counter On Rosses Fishery |
BMW — Game |
|
7 |
Owenea River — Enhanced Access |
BMW — Game |
|
|
8 |
Eske Fishery — Stiles, Parking, Boats & Spawning Gravel |
BMW — Game |
|
|
SWRFB |
17 |
3 Information Sea Angling Boards |
S&E — Sea |
|
19 |
Caherciveen — Wheelchair Hoists |
S&E — Sea |
|
|
EEFB |
20 |
Corcris Lake Co. Monaghan — Stands & Catwalk |
BMW — Coarse |
|
22 |
Lisnashannagh Upper Lake Co. Monaghan — Stand & Catwalk |
BMW — Coarse |
|
|
24 |
Lisnashannagh Lower Lake Co. Monaghan — Stand & Catwalk |
BMW — Coarse |
|
|
25 |
Descant Lake Co. Monaghan — Stands & Catwalk |
BMW — Coarse |
|
|
26 |
R. Dee Co. Louth — Access Incl. Walkway & Wheelchair Ramp |
BMW — Game |
|
|
27 |
R. Dee Co. Louth — Footbridge |
BMW — Game |
|
|
31 |
R. Dargle Co. Wicklow — Access & Instream Development |
S&E — Game |
|
|
33 |
R. Avoca Co. Wicklow — Investigative Study To Reduce Acid Mine Drainage Impact On River |
S&E — Game |
|
|
34 |
Eastern Region Promotional Literature |
Other — Other |
|
|
NWRFB |
44 |
Glenamoy River Development Co. Mayo |
BMW — Game |
|
SRFB |
46 |
Stradbally Lake Development Co. Laois — Creation Of Trout Fishery |
BMW — Game |
|
48 |
Blackwater Stream Enhancement Cork & Kerry |
S&E — Game |
|
|
50 |
Rockforest Blackwater Enhancement Scheme Co. Cork |
S&E — Game |
|
|
SHRFB |
58 |
Purchase Of Electrofishing Equipment For Infor. & Data Collection |
BMW — Other |
|
60 |
Production Of Angling Promotion Guides |
BMW — Other |
|
|
62 |
Development Of Pallas Lake |
BMW — Game |
|
|
63 |
R. Maigue — Renew Cabling On Counter |
BMW — Game |
|
|
66 |
Promotional Advertising Campaign |
BMW — Other |
163 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide full details of all representations from or meetings he has had with any representatives of the Open Republic Institute. [11182/06]
I have received no representations from, or requests for meetings with, any representatives of the Open Republic Institute.
164 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of post offices which have closed in County Meath, Cork city and county and Tipperary since 1997; the locations of these post offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11210/06]
The numbers and locations of the post offices closed in County Meath, Cork city and county and County Tipperary since 1997 is set out in this reply. It is important to note that a significant number of the post offices that closed during this period were replaced by postal agencies, often on the premises that had housed the former post office. Therefore, this reply also gives details of the postal agencies operating in each of the counties in question.
In County Meath, the 11 post offices at Castlerickard, Castletown in Navan, Donaghpatrick, Drumone, Garadice, Loughan, Meath Hill, Rathcore, Rathfeigh, Ross and Wilkinstown have been closed since 1997. There are four postal agencies in County Meath, at Beauparc, Carlanstown, Kildalkey and Kilmainham Wood.
In Cork city and county, the 45 post offices at Ballinascarthy, Ballygarvan, Ballylickey, Baile Bhúirne, Belvelly, Berrings, Burnfort, Butlerstown, Cahermore, Church Cross, Churchtown, Cúil Aodha, Courtmacsherry, Currabeha, Derinacarah, Dromagh, Farnanes, Glantane, Glenlough, Johnstown, Keimaneigh, Kilbrin, Kilcorney, Killavullen, Kilmacsimon Quay, Kilmurry, Knockraha, Lisbealad, Lissacreasig, Meelin, Mogeely, Mount Uniacke, Mountpleasant, Poulanargid, Ringaskiddy, Shanlaragh, Taur, Templemartin, Trafrask, Tullylease, Vicarstown, Washington Street, Waterfall, Western Road and Whiddy Island have been closed since 1997. There are 19 postal agencies in County Cork, at Adrigole, Aherla, Araglin, Ballincurrig, Ballymore, Baltimore, Caheragh, Carriganimmy, Castletownshend, Dromahane, Dunderrow, Freemount, Myrtleville, Newtownshandrum, Rathcoole, Reenascreena, Toames, Whitechurch and Whitegate.
In County Tipperary, the 29 post offices at Ahenny, Aglish, Ballinderry, Ballingarry, Ballinure, Ballycommon, Bouladuff, Burncourt, Capparoe, Carrigatoher, Clonakenny, Coalbrook, Crosspatrick, Cullen, Cureeney, Dovea, Drombane, Dromineer, Horse and Jockey, Kilcommon, Kilross, Lisronagh, Loughmore, New Inn, Ninemilehouse, Portroe, Puckane, Rossadrehid and South Lodge have been closed since 1997. There are four postal agencies in County Tipperary, at Ardcroney, Rathcabbin, Rosegreen and Silvermines.
165 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is one of the 37 Ministers for Foreign Affairs within the 46 strong membership of the Council of Europe who reported to have received a letter from the Secretary General of that organisation asking them to complete or clarify their replies on allegations of secret detention and air transport in Europe; if he is satisfied that Ireland’s actions in these matters is consistent with its responsibilities under the European Human Rights Convention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11171/06]
I am one of the nine foreign affairs ministers who have not received such letters. Ireland is one of a minority of only nine countries, of the 46-strong membership of the Council of Europe, whose replies in this matter have been adjudged to be sufficiently comprehensive not to require further clarification. As I have stated in this House on numerous occasions, and as the Government makes clear in its reply to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, the Government is satisfied that it is fully in compliance with its obligations under international law in respect of the issues the Deputy mentions.
166 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide full details of all representations from or meetings he has had with any representatives of the Open Republic Institute. [11183/06]
I have not received representations from, nor had meetings with, representatives of the Open Republic Institute.
167 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a holiday visa will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11310/06]
The application in question was received by the Irish Embassy in Kuala Lumpur in early February and was referred to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on 9 February for decision. The embassy has been informed that the application was refused and will notify this decision immediately to the applicant. Visa refusals may be appealed within two months by writing to the visa appeals officer at Visa Section, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. Further information or additional documentation which the applicant wishes to have taken into account should be included with the letter and the visa reference number should be quoted. There is no charge for an appeal against the refusal of a visa. Appeal decisions are usually taken between four and six weeks after the date of the receipt of the appeal.
168 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide full details of all representations from or meetings he has had with any representatives of the Open Republic Institute. [11184/06]
I have not received representations from, nor had meetings with, representatives of the Open Republic Institute.
169 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage increase in real terms in the national minimum wage between its introduction in 2000 and March 2006. [11168/06]
When it was introduced on 1 April 2000, the national minimum hourly rate of pay was set at £4.40, or €5.59, per hour. The current rate is €7.65 per hour, which represents an increase in real terms — taking into account increases in the consumer price index — of 11.7% since its introduction.
170 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to reports that dual use components manufactured here and used in hellfire missiles, may have been used in an attempt to assassinate a prominent member of Al-Qaeda in northern Pakistan in January 2006 which resulted in the deaths of at least 13 civilians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11169/06]
The export of dual use goods, or goods which have potential civil and military applications, from the European Union is controlled by a European Council regulation that is updated on a regular basis to take account of changes agreed in the international export control regimes in which the member states participate. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, as the national licensing authority for Ireland, authorises the export of controlled dual use goods when it is satisfied that the transaction complies fully with EU regulations and with Ireland's commitments as a member of the export control arrangements and non-proliferation regimes.
When deciding whether to grant licence applications, a key consideration is the intended end-use of the goods and the risk of the diversion of the goods to a third country. Account is taken of the criteria contained in the EU code of conduct, including respect for human rights and the rule of law in the country of final destination and the possible impact on regional peace and security. Ireland abides by the obligations imposed by trade sanctions and arms embargoes which have been adopted by the EU, the OSCE or the UN Security Council. I am satisfied that the Department has not issued any licences for the purposes referred to in the Deputy's question.
171 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide full details of all representations from or meetings he has had with any representatives of the Open Republic Institute. [11185/06]
The board and academic board of the Open Republic Institute include a number of high profile individuals whom I have met at various events. I have not received representations from, nor had meetings with, individuals acting on behalf of the Open Republic Institute.
172 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will supply the full answer in respect of Question No. 435 of 7 March 2006 with particular reference to the matter relating to the details regarding the precise training of each worker that died arising from fatalities in the construction sector in 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11208/06]
As I stated in response to the Deputy's earlier question, the addresses of the victims and their individual training records are personal to the deceased and accordingly this information was not released. In many of these cases, files have been prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions and prosecutions are pending. In other cases, files are being prepared for consideration by the Director of Public Prosecutions. In such cases the training record of the deceased may be used in court as evidence and the release of this information could prejudice potential proceedings. For these reasons, I am advised that it would not be proper to place this information on the public record at this time.
173 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of private sector job losses in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 in respect of Meath, Cork city and county and Tipperary. [11213/06]
The statistics required by the Deputy are shown in the table. It should be noted that up to December 2004, my Department compiled statistics on the basis of redundancies notified in each year — they did not all necessarily happen.
From 2005, with the new computer system in redundancy section, statistics are compiled on the basis of the number of redundancies that actually occurred in a given year. These figures relate to redundancies where the employees had two years service or more in an employment. They do not reflect redundancies of employees who had less than two years of service. There is no differentiation made between private and public sector redundancies.
|
Area |
Notified Redundancies for the Years 2002 to 2004 |
Actual Redundancies for the Year 2005 |
||
|
Notified |
||||
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
Actual Total |
|
|
Cork |
2,686 |
3,161 |
2,365 |
1,985 |
|
Meath |
400 |
671 |
480 |
450 |
|
Tipperary |
857 |
637 |
598 |
600 |
|
Total |
3,943 |
4,469 |
3,443 |
3,035 |
174 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of people employed on community employment schemes in January 2002 and in January 2006 in respect of Meath, Cork city and county and Tipperary. [11214/06]
The tabular statement gives the numbers of participants on community employment schemes in Cork city and county and counties Meath and Tipperary in January 2002 and January 2006.
|
Location |
January 2002 |
January 2006 |
|
Cork City |
1,608 |
1,360 |
|
Cork County |
886 |
867 |
|
Meath |
393 |
410 |
|
Tipperary North Riding |
456 |
410 |
|
Tipperary South Riding |
767 |
646 |
175 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost per annum to the Exchequer of raising the social welfare pension by 1% of average industrial earnings. [11315/06]
The most recent information on earnings available from the Central Statistics Office relates to September 2005. This shows that, at that time, average industrial earnings were €579.32 per week. The cost of raising the social welfare pension for all those over 65 years by 1% of this figure is estimated at €124 million per annum. The maximum rate of the old age contributory pension is at present €193.30 per week which equates to over 33% of average industrial earnings as of September 2005.
176 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will ensure that grandparents looking after their grandchildren on a permanent basis get the same recognition and financial support as foster parents. [11207/06]
The primary objective of the orphan's payments administered by my Department is to provide income support in respect of children whose parents are deceased or who are unable and have failed to provide for them.
The weekly rate of payment is €138. This is a substantially higher rate of payment compared with other payments made by my Department in respect of children. Foster carers, on the other hand, operate within a very specific framework and the foster care allowance is intended not only to provide income support but to recompense foster carers for the expense incurred in looking after a child who would otherwise be in institutional care. Foster carers are therefore subject to rigorous scrutiny and ongoing monitoring by the health boards, and the children in their care are subject to a care plan.
The foster care allowance paid by the health boards is paid at a rate of €305 per week, per child under 12 years of age, and €332 per week, per child of 12 years and over. The two payment systems have, in my view, significantly different objectives and I do not consider that there is a case for standardising payments in this area.
177 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide full details of all representations from or meetings he has had with any representatives of the Open Republic Institute. [11186/06]
I have not met with nor have I received any representations or requests for a meeting from the Open Republic Institute.
178 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the carers benefit will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11290/06]
The person's application for carer's benefit was disallowed by a deciding officer on the grounds that the person was not engaged in remunerative employment prior to her claim as she was on a career break from the Department of Education and Science. The person appealed this decision to the social welfare appeals office and an oral hearing was held on 28 February 2006.
Having considered all of the available evidence, including that adduced at the oral hearing, the appeals officer decided that the person cannot be considered to be in remunerative full-time employment as an employed contributor and, accordingly, does not satisfy the relevant legislative criteria for qualification for carer's benefit. The person was notified of the decision of the appeals officer on 8 March 2006. The case is at present under review by the appeals officer following representations on behalf of the appellant. The appellant will be advised of the outcome in due course. It is open to the appellant to apply for carer's allowance.
Under social welfare legislation decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
179 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the measures he has put in place in his past two budgets to protect and improve the income of retired workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11296/06]
Since taking office this Government has made the needs of older people a priority, with the inclusion of several commitments in the programme for Government aimed specifically at older people. One of these is a commitment to increase the old age pension rate to €200 per week by 2007. Significant progress has been made towards this objective.
Pension increases in the last two budgets have been well ahead of inflation, thus ensuring that the real value of pensions is maintained and improved. In budget 2005 the personal rate of contributory pensions was increased by €12 per week or 7.2%. In budget 2006 the increase was €14 per week, or 7.8%, bringing the maximum rate to €193.30. In the case of non-contributory pensioners, the increases in the last two budgets were €12 per week, 7.8%, and €16 per week, 9.6%. The current rate is €182 per week.
Progress has also been made in increasing the level of qualified adult allowance for pensioner spouses to the level of the old age, non-contributory pension with increases granted over a number of budgets. Payments for qualified adults over 66 years on contributory pensions increased by €9.30, 7.2%, and €10.60, 9.7%, per week over the last two budgets. The equivalent increases for qualified adults on non-contributory pensions were €7.90, 7.8%, and €10.60, 9.7%, per week. The current rates for qualified adults over 66 on contributory and non-contributory pensions are €149.30 per week and €120.30 per week respectively.
Other measures of benefit to older people include an increase in the fuel allowance of €5 per week, bringing the allowance to €14 per week, and an increase in the over-80 allowance of €3.60 per week, bringing it to €10 per week. Improvements have also been made in the means test for non-contributory pensions with the capital allowance increased from €12,697.38 to €20,000 in budget 2005 and an increase in the basic income disregard from €7.60 to €20 per week, together with the introduction of an earnings disregard of €100 per week in budget 2006.
The needs of older people will continue to be a priority for this Government and I will continue to seek opportunities to improve on the support we provide to them through the pensions system and other social welfare schemes.
180 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will substantially increase the amount women in receipt of deserted wife’s benefit are allowed to earn in employment before their benefit is affected in view of the fact that from June 2006 persons in receipt of one-parent family payment, earning between €146.50 and €375.00 per week, can still qualify for a reduced payment. [11316/06]
Deserted wife's benefit is a payment made to a woman deserted by her husband. Entitlement to payment is based on social insurance contributions paid by the wife or her husband.
An earnings limit was introduced for deserted wife's benefit in 1992. The limit, which applied only to new claims after August 1992, was set at €12,697.38 a year, gross earnings. Where earnings are in excess of €12,697.38 a year, there may be entitlement to a reduced rate of payment of deserted wife's benefit, provided gross earnings do not exceed €17,776.33 a year.
Following the introduction of the one-parent family payment in 1997, the deserted wife's benefit scheme was discontinued with effect from 2 January in that year. The scheme for deserted wives under social insurance has been retained to the extent that existing entitlements already acquired in August 1992, when the earnings limit was introduced for new claimants, and in 1997, when the one-parent family payment scheme was introduced, have been preserved. The upper income ceiling applying to deserted wife's benefit of €17,776.33, gross, in 1997 has not changed since then and I consider that it remains appropriate to the scheme.
With over 80,000 unmarried and separated parents with caring responsibilities receiving support under the one-parent family payment, I was glad to be able to increase the earnings ceiling for the one-parent family payment in this year's budget from €293 per week to €375 per week or €19,500 a year, gross earnings. Recipients of deserted wife's benefit with dependent children may transfer to the one-parent family payment if it is beneficial for them to do so. They would then be able to revert to deserted wife's benefit at a later stage if entitlement to one-parent family payment ceased.
On Monday of this week, I launched a major Government discussion paper, Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents, which addresses the social exclusion and risk of poverty faced by low income families and their children. The report puts forward radical proposals for reform of the income support system for all parents on a low income. The report proposes an expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents, the extension of the national employment action plan to focus on lone parents, focused provision of child care, improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new parental allowance for low income families with young children.
The Government will listen closely to the views expressed as this report is debated and will give very serious consideration to them. As soon as I am convinced that we have reached conclusions that are fully workable and clearly thought out, it will be my intention in the months ahead to take these proposals to Cabinet for discussion and decisions.
182 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his proposals to ease the eligibility guidelines for farm assist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11330/06]
The farm assist scheme was introduced in 1999 as an income support scheme for low income farmers. It is a means tested scheme with a more favourable method of assessment, including disregards in respect of qualified children, than had applied under the previous smallholders' unemployment assistance scheme.
The scheme was further improved in two ways from 2000. The child-related income disregards were increased by €126.97, bringing them to €253.95 in respect of each of the first two children and to €380.92 in respect of the third and subsequent children; and the means assessment rate was reduced from 80% to 70%, thereby increasing the income from self employment which a farm assist claimant can keep before the level of payment is reduced. Farm assist recipients also benefited from improvements to the capital assessment regime which were introduced in 2000 and 2005. I have no proposals to make further changes to the scheme at this time.
183 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons currently in receipt of rent support; the extent to which this number has fluctuated in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11331/06]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Neither I nor my Department has any function in decisions on individual claims.
The number of recipients of rent supplement from 2001 to 17 March 2006 is shown in the tabular statement. At the end of 2001 the numbers in receipt of rent supplement stood at 45,028 and 60,175 at the end of 2005, an increase of some 33.6%. The trend for the start of 2006 shows a further increase in the number in receipt of the supplement.
Rent supplement is a short term income support need. In recent years, however, a significant number of people have come to rely on rent supplements for extended periods, including those on local authority housing lists.
In response to this, the Government has introduced new rental assistance arrangements giving local authorities specific responsibility for meeting the 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 rental accommodation scheme. These arrangements are intended to be a long-term housing option for the people concerned and when fully implemented rent supplement will have returned to its original objective, namely, to provide a short term income support payment.
|
Year |
Recipients |
|
2001 |
45,028 |
|
2002 |
54,213 |
|
2003 |
59,976 |
|
2004 |
57,874 |
|
2005 |
60,176 |
|
3/06 |
60,382 |
184 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on improving the system of assessing entitlement to rent support having particular regard to hardship caused to potential applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11332/06]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Neither I nor my Department has any function in decisions on individual claims. 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.
To qualify for rent supplement a person must satisfy a number of conditions: the person must be a bona fide tenant, must be habitually resident in this country, must have a housing need and must satisfy a means test. In addition, the executive must be satisfied that the accommodation is suited to the person's needs and the rent payable is within the prescribed limits.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is being reviewed as part of my Department's ongoing programme of expenditure reviews. The review is being carried out by a working group chaired by my Department and including the Department of Finance and the Health Service Executive. The review involves a fundamental appraisal of the scheme. All aspects are being examined with a primary focus on considering ways of improving its efficiency and effectiveness. I expect this review to be completed shortly.
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 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, so 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.
Overall, I consider that the current rent supplement arrangements are sufficient to meet the short-term accommodation needs of applicants and do not cause hardship. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of these arrangements will be re-examined in light of any recommendations made in the forthcoming review.
191 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide full details of all representations from or meetings he has had with any representatives of the Open Republic Institute. [11187/06]
There are no representations from or requests for meetings with any representatives of the Open Republic Institute in my Department.
192 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport the exact proposed location of the Spencer Dock station; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the new location suggested in recent press releases is some 100 metres distant from both the proposed extension to the Luas line and from the pedestrian footbridge to the south side of the River Liffey; if the final location which is to the north of Sheriff Street is an absolute location or if he proposes to move it closer to the north quays, thus making it far more usable by intending passengers. [11243/06]
193 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport, with regard to the new Spencer Dock station, the railway lines it is proposed to be integrated with; the other public transport lines it is proposed it will be integrated with; if it will be integrated in the short term with the Drogheda, Drumcondra, Phoenix Park tunnel, Heuston, Maynooth lines; if the proposed station will be used initially for the proposed re-opened Dunboyne to Dublin line; when it is expected that the Dunboyne line will be re-opened; and when the Spencer Dock line will come into service. [11244/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together.
The new railway station to be constructed by Irish Rail in the docklands will be located on the north side of Sheriff Street and adjacent to the east side of the Royal Canal. This is the site for which Irish Rail has lodged a planning application with Dublin City Council. The station will be conveniently accessed from the Luas stop at Spencer Dock on the proposed Luas extension from Connolly Station. The distance from the new station to the Luas stop is approximately 350m, a similar distance to that between Connolly DART platforms and the Connolly Luas stop. The station will be approximately 800m from the new pedestrian footbridge across the Liffey and approximately 400m from the proposed new Macken Street road bridge. I understand Irish Rail and the RPA are in discussion to ensure optimum integration between Luas and commuter rail services.
The station will connect to the existing line to Maynooth and deliver additional train paths per direction per hour in the critical city centre area. The proposed Clonsilla to Dunboyne line is expected to be reopened in 2009 and, at that point, all services from Dunboyne will also serve the docklands station, via the connection to the Maynooth line. The Docklands station will increase capacity on the Maynooth line and serve the proposed Dunboyne line.
194 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to provide Iarnród Éireann with double decker trains, as are available in many European countries, particularly with a view to increasing service capacity on the Clonsilla railway line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11289/06]
Iarnród Éireann will continue to examine all options for increasing capacity across the suburban rail network. At present, the company has no proposals for the provision of double decker trains on the line serving Clonsilla or elsewhere on the railway network. Capacity on the Maynooth line, which serves Clonsilla, has increased in recent years with the provision of additional rolling stock and the upgrade of the Maynooth line.
The recently announced docklands station will provide additional capacity on the Maynooth line. The proposed city centre resignalling project will also give Iarnród Éireann flexibility to increase capacity and frequency on the suburban rail network, including on the Maynooth line. This investment means additional train paths per direction per hour in the critical city centre area.
195 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to hold a meeting with appropriate Members of the Oireachtas in regard to the future of Cork Airport; and if so, when. [11367/06]
I am informed that in agreement with the Cork Airport Authority, CAA, the Dublin Airport Authority, DAA, has recently appointed BDO Simpson Xavier to assist the CAA in developing its business plan and appropriate financing proposals for the Cork Airport development investment in line with the requirements of the State Airports Act 2004, the provisions of the Companies Acts and the commercial and financial viability requirements of the DAA and CAA.
I await the outcome of this work because of its importance to facilitating the development of a dynamic, independent and financially sustainable Cork Airport. The Government objective of airport restructuring must be achieved in a manner which underpins the financial sustainability of all three State airports. I will be happy to meet with Deputies on completion of the business planning process.
196 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide full details of all representations from or meetings he has had with any representatives of the Open Republic Institute. [11188/06]
I have not had any representations from or meetings with any representatives of the Open Republic Institute.
197 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to Question No. 400 of 7 March 2006, the proposed changes which impact on the Department of Social and Family Affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11195/06]
A range of issues is currently being discussed with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Following its agreement, the extension of the rural social scheme to the children-siblings of herd owners, subject to restrictions, is now being implemented. Further announcements in regard to the other issues will be made as soon as possible.
198 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding provided to community projects under the community development programme from 2002 to 2005; the amount of funding provided to groups in Meath; and the name and address of all projects funded in that period. [11215/06]
The community development programme is designed to reduce social exclusion by targeting support at disadvantaged and socially excluded communities in order to improve their capacity to benefit from social and economic development.
Since June 2002, when responsibility for the community development programme transferred to my Department, over €75 million has been provided to community projects under the programme, broken down as follows: 2002, €13.078 million; 2003, €20.207 million; 2004, €20.578 million; 2005, €21.218 million.
One project in County Meath has been funded under the programme in the period June 2002 to December 2005 — The Community Development Project Navan Limited, Teach na nDaoine, 96 Claremont Estate, Navan, County Meath. A total of €311,571 was paid to this group in that period: 2002 — €72,400; 2003 — €66,650; 2004 — €70,248; 2005 — €102,273. The name and address of all projects funded under the programme are included in the listing of payments of national lottery funding, outlined in each of the Department's annual appropriation accounts over the period.
199 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding provided to community projects under the RAPID programme from 2002-05; the amount of funding provided to projects in Meath, Cork city and county and Tipperary; and the name and address of all projects funded in these areas during that period. [11216/06]
My Department, supported by Pobal, formerly known as Area Development Management Ltd., co-ordinates the implementation of the RAPID programme. It is a matter for each of the other Departments to report on progress on their implementation of RAPID and details of funding for the proposals that fall within their remit. Reports for all Departments can be accessed on Pobal's web site at www.pobal.ie
There are ten RAPID areas within these counties: strand I areas: Knocknaheeny, Churchfield, Holyhill in Cork city; Fairhill, Gurranabraher, Faranree in Cork city; Blackpool, The Glen, Mayfield in Cork city; Togher and Mahon in Cork city; strand II areas: Navan in Meath; Mallow in County Cork; Youghal in County Cork; Carrick-on-Suir in south Tipperary; Clonmel in south Tipperary and Tipperary town in south Tipperary.
In 2004 I introduced leverage funding, a new delivery mechanism to support small-scale local actions in RAPID areas, through co-funding with other Departments or agencies. Allocations by my Department to local authorities in these ten areas under the RAPID leverage funds between 2004 and 2005 were as follows: in 2004, local authority housing estate enhancement scheme 2004, €30,000 per strand I RAPID area and €20,000 per strand II RAPID area; playground grants scheme 2004, €72,000 per strand I RAPID area and €30,000 per strand II area; top-up funding under the sports capital grant 2004, €409,757 was allocated to 17 projects across these ten RAPID areas. In 2005, local authority housing estate enhancement scheme 2005-06, €45,000 per RAPID area; traffic measures, €22,500 per RAPID area; playground grants scheme 2005, €33,000 per RAPID area; RAPID health sector co-fund, €60,000 per strand I area and €40,000 per strand II area; under the sports capital grant 2005, top-up funding of €563,700 was allocated to 15 projects across these ten RAPID areas.
Additional co-funding was provided by other Departments and agencies to support these measures. Special provision was made by the Government for RAPID areas under the dormant accounts plan. RAPID, drugs task force and CLÁR areas have benefited from 60.8% of the €63.1 million in funding allocated between2003-05. One project in Navan RAPID area received €112,000, ten projects in the Tipperary RAPID areas received €874,226 and 43 projects received €4,577,061 in the Cork city and county RAPID areas.
200 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding provided to community projects under the CLÁR programme from 2002-05; the amount of funding provided to projects in Meath, Cork city and county and Tipperary; and the name and address of all projects funded in these areas during that period. [11217/06]
Due to the level of the detail involved, I am arranging to send the Deputy the information requested under separate cover.
201 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding provided to partnership and community groups under the local development social inclusion programme from 2002-05 in respect of Meath, Cork city and county and Tipperary; the amount of funding provided to projects in these areas; and the name and address of all projects funded during that period. [11218/06]
The local development and social inclusion programme, LDSIP, aims to counter disadvantage and to promote equality and social and economic inclusion through the provision of funding and support to local partnerships. It is administered by Pobal, formerly known as Area Development Management Ltd, on behalf of my Department and is funded through the National Development Plan 2000-06.
It is delivered locally by 38 partnerships, 31 community partnerships and two employment pacts in their designated areas, under three measures: services to the unemployed; community development; community based youth initiatives. One partnership company and 13 community partnerships deliver LDSIP in counties Cork, Tipperary and Meath. The list of the 14 partnerships and their funding for the period 2002-05 is set out in the table.
|
Partnership Companies |
€ |
|
Cork City Partnership |
4,974,805 |
|
Community Partnerships |
|
|
Cork: |
|
|
Avondhu Development Group |
1,454,369 |
|
Ballyhoura Development Ltd.* |
2,088,706 |
|
Bantry Integrated Development Group |
1,091,633 |
|
East Cork Area Development Ltd. |
1,332,725 |
|
IRD Duhallow** |
2,147,163 |
|
Meitheal Mhuscraí 2002-2004 — these figures include allocation to Comhar Duibhne, a partnership in Kerry |
1,095,652 |
|
Tipperary: |
|
|
BAND — Borrisokane Area Network Development |
776,788 |
|
Clonmel Community Partnership |
987,594 |
|
Nenagh Community Network |
694,511 |
|
Roscrea 2000 Ltd. |
901,176 |
|
Meath: |
|
|
Navan Travellers |
600,660 |
|
North Meath Communities Development Association*** |
699,864 |
|
TIDE — Trim Initiative for Development & Enterprise Ltd. |
717,555 |
|
14,588,396 |
|
|
Total |
19,563,201 |
*Ballyhoura Development Ltd. — Based in Limerick but covers part of County Cork.
**IRD Duhallow — Based in County Cork but also covers a small area in County Kerry.
***North Meath Communities Development Association is closed.
The full addresses of each of the organisations listed above is as follows.
Cork
Cork City Partnership — Sunbeam Industrial Park, Millfield, Mallow Road, Cork; Avondhu Development Group — 5-6 Park West, Mallow, County Cork; Ballyhoura Development Ltd., Main Street, Kilfinane, County Limerick; West Cork Community Partnership — formerly Bantry Integrated Development Group, Unit 13, IDA Centre, Ropewalk, Bantry, County Cork; East Cork Area Development Ltd. — ECAD, Midleton Community Enterprise Centre, Owennacurra Business Park, Knockgriffin, Midleton, County Cork; IRD Duhallow Ltd., James O'Keeffe Institute, Newmarket, County Cork; Meitheal Mhuscraí, Réidh na nDoirí, Maigh Chromtha, Contae Chorcaí.
Tipperary
Borrisokane Area Network Development — BAND, Main Street, Borrisokane, County Tipperary; Clonmel Community Partnership, Unit 5, Floors 3 & 4, Hughes Mill, Suir Island, Clonmel, County Tipperary; Nenagh Community Network, 84 Connolly Street, Nenagh, County Tipperary; Roscrea 2000 Ltd., New Line, Roscrea, County Tipperary.
Meath
Navan Travellers Workshop Limited, P.O. Box 28, Fairgreen, Navan, County Meath; Trim Initiative for Development and Enterprise — TIDE, Tide & Trim Enterprise Centre, Riverbank, Trim, County Meath.
202 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there is funding available for a group (details supplied) which is going to start a development in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11309/06]
IHCPT Irish Pilgrimage Trust was approved for funding in the amount of €500,000 in April 2005 by the dormant accounts fund disbursements board for the purpose of providing a holiday home facility for people with disabilities and special needs in Duncannon, County Wexford. Decisions on the disbursement of funds from dormant accounts moneys under the initial round of funding were a matter for the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board, an independent body established under the Dormant Accounts Acts. The board engaged Pobal, formerly Area Development Management Ltd., to administer this initial round of funding on its behalf.
The drawdown of funding is subject to the satisfactory completion of legal contracts between the individual groups and the board. As part of this process, groups are required to submit necessary documentation, for example, agreed budgets, tax clearance certificates, evidence of insurance, planning permission and so forth to Pobal before payments are actually made. In the case of a capital project such as this one an external appraisal by a building specialist engaged by Pobal is also required. Pobal has been in contact with IHCPT Irish Pilgrimage Trust to expedite matters but I understand that some information is outstanding from the applicant and therefore no funding has been drawn down to date.
My Department also makes funding available under the Leader+ and area based rural development initiative for rural development projects in County Wexford through the Wexford organisation for rural development, WORD. Project applicants can obtain further information from WORD, Johnstown Castle, County Wexford; telephone: 053-46453.
203 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason three additional trustees were appointed to the board of Kilconnell Cow Park, Ballinasloe, County Galway; her plans for the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11172/06]
The Kilconnell cow park trust has six trustees, five of whom were appointed in 2002. The additional trustees were appointed with a view to devolving the trust property back to the community for general community purposes, its use as a cow park having effectively come to an end. The trustees have recently submitted a proposal to transfer the land for community purposes to Kilconnell Community Development Association Ltd. and my Department is actively considering this proposal.
204 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she proposes to remove the off-farm income limit for transferees in the revised farm retirement scheme which she will announce shortly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11173/06]
The current early retirement scheme sets an off-farm income limit for transferees. In the report on the scheme which it published last year, the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food recommended that this limit be removed. I am still considering this recommendation, along with a number of others that the committee made, and I hope to announce my decision in due course.
205 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will provide full details of all representations from or meetings she has had with any representatives of the Open Republic Institute. [11189/06]
I have not received representations from or had any meetings with the Open Republic Institute.
206 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the allocation of a special funding package from the national reserve for dairy farmers with quotas of less than 30,000 gallons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11194/06]
Allocations of milk quota may be made from the national reserve according to objective criteria but the provision of financial assistance for the sale or purchase of quota is not permitted under EU regulations. Generally, the volume available from the national reserve for permanent allocation each year is limited by the amount of quota that is returned to the reserve that year from certain categories of exiting producers. In recent years, in allocating the reserve, priority in the permanent allocation of quota has been given to small-scale producers dependent on and committed to dairying. Allocations are made on the recommendation of the milk quota appeals tribunal. This has enabled the granting of some 5,000 litres on average per annum to some 2,000 producers.
If it were decided to change the current priority allocation system and instead allocate the reserve to all farmers with less than 30,000 gallons, the effect would be less targeted and would simply allocate quota to substantially more producers who would each get substantially less quota. This would be contrary to the objectives set for the use of the reserve.
207 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11249/06]
The person named submitted an application under the single payment scheme on 12 May 2005. The ownership details of the herd number changed in December 2002. A request to transfer these entitlements to the person named was received in January 2006 and this has now been fully processed.
The person named also applied to have his entitlements consolidated under the consolidation measure of the single payment scheme. However, the processing of this application could not proceed until the transfer of the entitlements had been completed. The consolidation application has now been fully processed and payment amounting to €29,376.68 will issue shortly.
The person named also submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the single payments scheme national reserve under category B. That category 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.
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. Formal letters setting out my Department's decision will be issued.
208 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers who are awaiting payment under the single farm payment in each county; the average length of delay; when it is expected that payment will issue to these farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11250/06]
The supplied table sets out the number of farmers in each county whose payments under the 2005 single payment scheme had issued by 21 March 2006. The number of applications with outstanding problems, which must be solved prior to payment, is also set out.
Payments are continuing to issue to farmers as their applications are processed to completion, in accordance with the EU legislation governing the single payment scheme. Under this legislation, member states may commence payment under the single payment scheme on 1 December of the year of application, with payments being fully processed by the following 30 June. My priority in 2005, the first year of this new scheme, was to maximise the number of payments to eligible applicants by the earliest date possible of 1 December and I am satisfied that this was achieved. Since then, it has been my absolute priority to ensure that the issues holding up the remaining cases are resolved with the applicants concerned and that payments are made without undue delay. To this end, I have arranged that payments are issued on a very regular basis as soon as the problems with the outstanding cases are resolved.
It will be noted that the sum of the cases paid and those awaiting payment differs from the figures supplied in the reply to the Deputy's questions of 25 January 2006. This difference is accounted for by cases which previously had no entitlements being awarded entitlements following the processing of applications under the inheritance, force majeure and so forth measures of the single payment scheme, which were recently submitted to my Department.
|
County |
No. of SPS Applicants paid up to the 21/03/06 |
No. of SPS applicants not yet cleared for payment |
|
Carlow |
1,705 |
24 |
|
Cavan |
4,899 |
73 |
|
Clare |
6,122 |
132 |
|
Cork |
13,125 |
288 |
|
Donegal |
7,871 |
109 |
|
Dublin |
673 |
15 |
|
Galway |
12,163 |
171 |
|
Kerry |
7,668 |
131 |
|
Kildare |
2,137 |
41 |
|
Kilkenny |
3,560 |
64 |
|
Laois |
3,034 |
52 |
|
Leitrim |
3,414 |
52 |
|
Limerick |
5,308 |
88 |
|
Longford |
2,427 |
36 |
|
Louth |
1,570 |
23 |
|
Mayo |
11,571 |
164 |
|
Meath |
3,870 |
59 |
|
Monaghan |
4,053 |
70 |
|
Offaly |
3,089 |
63 |
|
Roscommon |
5,806 |
81 |
|
Sligo |
4,022 |
53 |
|
Tipperary |
7,144 |
131 |
|
Waterford |
2,457 |
72 |
|
Westmeath |
3,009 |
34 |
|
Wexford |
4,231 |
86 |
|
Wicklow |
2,133 |
42 |
|
Totals |
127,061 |
2,154 |
209 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; her views on the matter; if payment will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11251/06]
The person concerned is an applicant for grant aid under the installation aid scheme and submitted a preliminary application, IAS 1 form, to my Department on 3 March 2006. As the application was received outside the six-month period laid down in the scheme for its submission, the applicant has requested that the principles of force majeure be applied in this case. The matter is being examined by my Department and the applicant will be notified shortly of the decision in the matter.
In the event that the applicant's request is upheld, an applicant for payment form, IAS 2 form, has to be submitted before any decision on payment can be made.
210 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will receive their single farm payment; the reason for the hold up on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11311/06]
An application under the 2005 single payment scheme was received from the person named on 10 May 2005. Under EU legislation, in order to draw down his or her full single payment, an applicant must declare an eligible hectare to accompany each entitlement. This requirement was set out clearly in the documentation supplied to farmers on a number of occasions. However, as the person named declared no land on his application form, payment of the single payment scheme has not been made. Officials of my Department are continuing to be in direct contact with the person named with a view to finding a satisfactory conclusion to this case.
211 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her Department is in support of a building (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11320/06]
212 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to a proposal to build an industrial scale anaerobic digester at the Deep Killurin, County Wexford; if her Department’s standards of site suitability, animal disease control, hygiene and traceability will apply; if the resultant digestate will be suitable for spreading on grassland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11321/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 211 and 212 together.
In order to construct an anaerobic digester, planning permission from a local authority and approval from the Environmental Protection Agency is required. No approval from my Department is required. However, if on completion of the premises, it is proposed to use animal by-products as a feedstock in the digester, the approval of my Department must be received before it can commence commercial operation. Such approval is granted where the establishment meets all the requirements set down in the EU Animal By-product Regulation, EC 1774/2002, as amended.
However, where manure, digestive tract content separated from the digestive tract, milk and colostrums are the only material of animal origin being treated in an anaerobic digester, my Department may set requirements other than those specified in the regulation. This is dependent on my Department being satisfied that those materials do not present a risk of spreading any serious transmissible disease. These requirements would be assessed on a case by case basis.
The animal by-product regulation prohibits the application to pasture land of digestate of anaerobic digesters unless manure is the only animal by-product used as a feedstock in the digester.
213 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the plight of contractors and hauliers; the action she intends to take to assist these persons following the closure announcement of the sugar processing plant in Mallow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11325/06]
The agreement on reform of the EU sugar regime provides for compensation by way of a restructuring scheme in the event of a decision to cease sugar production. Under this scheme, a restructuring fund becomes available for the economic, social and environmental costs of restructuring of the sugar industry, including factory closure and renunciation of quota. In Ireland's case, this would be worth up to €145 million.
The fund is subject to the submission of a detailed restructuring plan for the industry. The agreement provides that at least 10% of the restructuring fund shall be reserved for sugar beet growers and machinery contractors. That proportion may be increased by member states after consultation with interested parties, provided that an economically sound balance between the elements of the restructuring plan is ensured.
214 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to published legislation in the United Kingdom which seeks to restrict the species of animal that can be used in circus entertainment; and if she intends to introduce similar legislation here. [11368/06]
I understand that the Animal Welfare Bill currently being discussed in the United Kingdom provides for a ban on using certain wild animals in travelling circuses. My Department's responsibilities relating to circus animals are confined solely to ensuring animals imported for use in a circus are imported in accordance with animal health certification requirements. The Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965 are the principal statutes governing the welfare of animals in this country. Responsibility for ensuring the implementation of this legislation rests with the Garda Síochána.
Commission Regulation 1739/2005 lays down animal health requirements for the movement of circus animals between member states. I welcome this regulation, which will apply in Ireland from January 2007, as providing a clear framework for the monitoring of circus movement across the EU. Apart from this regulation, I do not intend to introduce additional specific welfare legislation.
215 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civilian personnel employed in the Garda Síochána; the percentage of personnel made up of civilians; if this percentage is high or low by international standards; the number of civilians working in the force by function; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11174/06]
There are currently 1,857 civilians employed in the Garda Síochána, which works out at almost 13% of total staff. This figure includes approximately 1,000 staff carrying out clerical and administrative duties and 49 staff employed in professional-technical areas such as financial accounting, information technology, teaching, nursing, research and human resources. The remainder are employed on general duties, including traffic wardens, cleaning, services attendants and general operatives.
As for international comparisons, I do not have up to date figures which would be meaningful in the context of comparing the Garda Síochána with other police forces but, regardless of that, I am committed to the ongoing implementation of the civilianisation programme. I am also determined that the additional gardaí being recruited under the current historic expansion of the force will be deployed to frontline, visible and effective policing duties.
Significant progress has been made on the implementation of the civilianisation programme to date, for example, 113 civilian finance officers have been appointed and are carrying out the district finance officer duties which were hitherto performed by gardaí. In addition, the recent establishment of the Garda information service centre, GISC, in Castlebar will, when fully operational, allow for the equivalent of up to 300 gardaí to be freed up for frontline outdoor policing duties.
216 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, further to Question No. 38 of 9 March 2006, he will confirm that a person (details supplied) who entered here as an unaccompanied minor in 1999, who was granted leave to remain in October 2002 and can apply for naturalisation in October 2007, could be given a temporary, once-off travel document that would allow them visit their mother’s grave and return here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11175/06]
Temporary travel documents are never intended to be issued as a substitute for a passport from a person's own country of origin. However, in exceptional circumstances they can be issued in the event that a person has been unreasonably refused a passport from their country of origin.
There is no evidence that the person concerned has made an application for a temporary travel document and the option is therefore open to the individual concerned to make such an application. In the event that an application is made, documentary evidence must be provided to show that the person concerned cannot obtain a passport from their country of origin.
217 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a further grant could be provided for the construction of a crèche facility at information technology Tralee north campus under the equal opportunities child care programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11176/06]
As the Deputy may be aware, responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 has been assigned to the Department of Health and Children as part of the establishment of the new Office of the Minister for Children under the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan.
With regard to the application for capital grant assistance under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006, I understand that the community based group in question was approved capital funding of €700,000 in March 2005. I also understand that the group has sought additional capital grant assistance and that this request is in the final stages of the appraisal process. When this process has been completed the group will be informed of the outcome.
218 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide full details of all representations from or meetings he has had with any representatives of the Open Republic Institute. [11190/06]
My Department has not received any representations, invitations or meeting requests from the Open Republic Institute nor have I met with any representatives of same.
219 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications received from projects based in County Meath, Cork city and county and Tipperary for the community closed circuit television programme; and the number of successful applications. [11219/06]
220 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of funding allocation to the community closed circuit television programme since its inception; and the amount of funding allocated to projects in County Meath, Cork city and county and Tipperary; and the name and address of these projects. [11220/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 220 together.
I launched the community based CCTV scheme last year in response to a demonstrated demand from local communities across Ireland for the provision of CCTV systems. The purpose of the scheme is to support local communities who wish to install and maintain CCTV security systems in their area, with the aim of increasing public safety and reducing the risk of anti-social and criminal activity. The day to day administration of this scheme is being carried out by Pobal, formerly Area Development Management Ltd., on behalf of my Department. A two-stream application process was put in place prior to the launch of the scheme. It was recognised that many interested parties would not be ready to apply for full scheme funding, or stage 2, so a separate stream of pre-development stage 1 supports was made available. Up to €5,000 could be made available to successful applicants under stage 1 to assist in the formulation of high quality proposals which would have the necessary elements of local support and sustainability to avail of stage 2 funding.
Applicants could also submit proposals for stage 2 funding, which would assist them in meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems. The maximum stage 2 grant awardable by my Department was €100,000, with an agreement from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to match the funding allocated by my Department in respect of successful stage 2 applications from RAPID areas. Over €1 million in grant aid has already been allocated to 37 communities under the scheme and many of these could see their CCTV systems in operation before the end of the year. The list of successful applicants was published on my Department's website on 30 December 2005.
A total of 16 applications for funding under both stage 1 and stage 2 of the scheme were received from the counties referred to by the Deputy as follows: nine in Cork city and county, three in County Meath and four in County Tipperary. Stage 1 grants of up to €5,000 have been allocated to the following applicants in the areas referred to by the Deputy: Blackpool CCTV Development Group c/o RAPID, 70 South Mall, Cork City; Clonmel RAPID crime prevention, safety and security task group, Clonmel Borough Council, town hall, Clonmel, County Tipperary; RAPID safety and security task group, town hall, New Street, Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary. Mallow Town Council, town hall, Mallow, County Cork was the only organisation from the areas referred to by the Deputy to submit a successful application under stage 2 of the scheme.
Contract negotiations between Pobal and the relevant community groups to determine the final level of funding to be made available to successful applicants are ongoing and will conclude shortly. It is also my intention to invite a new round of applications for funding under the community based CCTV scheme in the coming months, and it is open to any group to submit an application for funding under either stage at that time.
221 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons on the waiting list and the average length of the waiting time for free legal aid at the Navan Law Centre, the Nenagh Law Centre and North Quay Law Centre, Cork, in January 2002, January 2004 and January 2006. [11221/06]
Funding for the Legal Aid Board has been increased by over 19% during the last two years, from €18.388 million in 2004 to €21.9 million in 2006. This additional funding has contributed to a significant improvement in waiting times across the country. The present position with waiting times at the Legal Aid Board's law centres is that legal services are being provided to all eligible persons within a maximum period of four months. In half of the law centres the maximum waiting time at the end of January 2006 was two months or less.
The table gives the comparative waiting times and the numbers of persons awaiting appointments at Navan Law Centre, Nenagh Law Centre and Pope's Quay Law Centre at the end of January 2002, January 2004 and January 2006.
|
Law Centre |
Maximum waiting time (months) |
Number of persons |
||||
|
2002 |
2004 |
2006 |
2002 |
2004 |
2006 |
|
|
Navan |
3 |
13 |
2 |
69 |
153 |
51 |
|
Nenagh |
4 |
5 |
3 |
61 |
87 |
40 |
|
Pope’s Quay, Cork |
2 |
15 |
3 |
68 |
397 |
78 |
222 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí attached to each station in County Meath, Cork city and county and Tipperary for each year from 2000-2005; and the percentage of gardaí nationally attached to stations in each such county. [11222/06]
It has not been possible within the timeframe involved to collate the information required by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.
223 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of funding allocated under the equal opportunities child care programme from 2000 to 2005; and the amount of funding for projects allocated to child care providers in County Meath, Cork city and county and Tipperary in the same period. [11223/06]
Over €448.5 million has been allocated to child care providers under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 over the period 2000 — 2005. This funding is expected to lead to the creation of some 41,000 new child care places and support over 32,000 existing places. In respect of counties Meath, Cork and Tipperary, funding of €15.4 million, €50.1 million and €19.5 million was allocated respectively during the same period.
In 2005 my Department circulated to Deputies a comprehensive update of progress to end of 2004 under the EOCP entitled "Developing Childcare In Ireland". An update covering the period up to the end of 2005 will be available shortly. Responsibility for the EOCP and the new national child care investment programme 2006 — 2010 has been assigned to the Department of Health and Children as part of the establishment of the new Office of the Minister for Children under the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan.
224 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for registration by a person (details supplied) in County Galway under a dealing number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11252/06]
I have requested the Land Registry to contact the Deputy directly concerning the current position of the application in question.
225 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for registration under a dealing number in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11253/06]
I have requested the Land Registry to contact the Deputy directly concerning the current position of the application in question.
226 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for registration by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11254/06]
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 6 July 2004.
The average processing time for such applications is 24 months at present. It is likely, therefore, that the case of the person in question will be finalised in or around July this year. I will contact the Deputy and the applicant when I have made a decision in the matter.
227 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the arrangements in place by his Department to accommodate persons who enter here as asylum seekers; the payments which are made to them while their case to remain here is being examined; the length of time it takes to have such cases processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11293/06]
The Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers through the policy of direct provision. Direct provision is the means by which the State discharges its obligations to provide for the basic requirements of asylum seekers. For the most part, that represents a cashless system, with the State assuming responsibility for providing suitable accommodation on a full-board basis. In addition, asylum seekers avail themselves of other State supports such as medical screening, medical cards and primary and secondary education.
The RIA currently operates 65 units in 23 counties throughout the State providing accommodation for almost 4,900 persons. That portfolio includes four main reception centres in Dublin at Balseskin, Kilmacud, Gardiner Street and Hatch Street. Under the system of direct provision, asylum seekers receive a weekly payment of €19.10 for adults and €9.60 for children. Community welfare officers also make exceptional needs payments, including payments to cover the cost of school uniforms, as appropriate.
Applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, ORAC, and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, RAT, which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. Two types of processing caseloads exist in the ORAC and the RAT, namely, applications prioritised on foot of a ministerial prioritisation direction made under section 12 of the Refugee Act 1996 and cases in respect of which such a direction does not exist.
There is continued momentum in processing time scales for asylum applications, with new arrangements for speedier processing of prioritised asylum applications from nationals of Nigeria, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and South Africa introduced from January 2005, with a processing time of 17 working days in the first instance in ORAC, and 15 working days at appeal stage in RAT.
For other cases, the typical processing time in the ORAC is in the region of eight to nine weeks. The average length of time taken to process and complete substantive appeals in the RAT is approximately 14 weeks, and appeals determined on the basis of papers alone are completed in approximately five weeks.
Since 1 November 2005 all applicants for asylum have been notified of their interview date by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner at the time they make their application, except where that is not possible for medical or other compelling reasons. Following significant additional investment in the asylum determination process over the past few years, considerable progress has been made in processing asylum applications in the State and in the timescales involved.
That is evidenced, for example, by the fact that the number of cases over six months old in the ORAC and the RAT stood at 470 at the end of February 2006, compared with 1,057 in January 2005, some 2,910 cases in January 2004, and some 6,500 in September 2001.
228 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the entry requirements which citizens of the Chinese Republic have to fulfil to work here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11294/06]
Citizens of the Chinese Republic who wish to take up employment in this State are required to hold a valid work permit. Such work permits are issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Information regarding the issue of work permits may be found on that Department's website at www.entemp.ie.
Additionally, as non-EEA nationals, citizens of the Chinese Republic travelling to Ireland to take up employment are required to hold a valid employment visa. The criteria for the issue of an employment visa may be found on my Department's website at www.justice.ie.
It is also permissible for students from non-EEA countries currently attending a full-time course of education of at least one year's duration leading to qualifications recognised by the Minister for Education and Science to take up casual labour. Casual labour in this regard is defined as up to a maximum of 20 hours' part-time work per week or full-time work during normal college vacation periods. No work permit is required under those circumstances.
229 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Garda Síochána will tender or advertise for positions to be filled for the cleaning of Garda stations; the confidentiality and security clauses which are adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11312/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that in the case of Garda stations employing individual cleaners, vacancies to be filled are advertised in the relevant local FÁS offices. Local Garda management arranges interviews and, subject to security and medical clearance, the successful candidate commences employment.
In the case of contract cleaning services, I am advised by the Garda authorities that tendering notices are issued from time to time for renewable contracts. The successful tenderer and the potential employees are subject to the same security and confidentiality requirements.
230 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of US citizens issued with deportation orders since 2002 who still remain here. [11364/06]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 171 of 9 March 2006. The table provides details regarding the enforcement of the eight deportation orders I referred to on that occasion.
|
Deportations enforced |
Deportations evaded |
Total |
|
3 |
5 |
8 |
Of the five persons recorded as having "evaded deportation", it is considered likely that they have left the State without first having informed either my Department or the Garda Síochána. The Deputy might wish to note that persons subject to a deportation order are subject to arrest and detention.
231 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his policy of denying naturalisation to applicants who have availed of social welfare within the past three years will be applied to medical card holders or general practitioner only medical card holders. [11373/06]
Specific inquiries are not made as to whether an applicant for naturalisation is the holder of a medical card.
232 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide a full list of the Garda stations that had audiovisual interviewing equipment at the time of the commission for the prevention of torture fact-finding trip to Ireland in May 2002; if the audiovisual equipment in all Garda stations was operational and being used at that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11387/06]
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment last visited Ireland in May 2002. I have asked the Garda authorities for the information requested by the Deputy and I will forward it to him when it is made available.
However, I can inform the Deputy that as of 21 March 2002, a total of 171 interview rooms in 97 Garda stations had been fitted out and, of these, 151 interview rooms were in use. By October 2002, this had increased to 214 interview rooms in 122 stations and, of these, 211 were in use on that date.
233 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if a special allowance will be made in terms of staffing levels for a school (details supplied) in County Carlow which had 144 on the roll on 30 September 2005, has had 146 pupils on the roll since January 2006 and will have over 150 in September 2006; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the school currently has a spare classroom and would be able to accommodate an additional teacher if allocated. [11139/06]
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued annually to all primary schools. The revised staffing schedule for the 2006-07 school year, circular 0023/2006, has been issued to all primary schools and is also available on my Department's website.
According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management of the school referred to by the Deputy, the enrolment in the school on 30 September 2005 was 144 pupils. On the basis of this figure, the mainstream staffing for the 2006-07 school year will be a principal and four mainstream class teachers.
It is open to the board of management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent appeal board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule circular. They are also available in circular 0024/2006, appeal board for mainstream staffing in primary schools, which is available on my Department's website. Hard copies of this circular will issue to primary schools shortly.
It is proposed that the first meeting of the appeal board will be held in May 2006. Further meetings will be held in July and October 2006. The closing dates for receipt of appeals are 12 May, 24 June and 18 October respectively. Appeals must be submitted to the primary payments section of the Department of Education and Science in Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. The standard application form is available from the primary payments section or on my Department's website.
The appeal board operates independently of the Minister and my Department and its decision is final. The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeal board.
234 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made regarding disadvantaged status for primary schools; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Carlow has requested that it be designated as disadvantaged especially considering that the girls school in the same town with the same families is classified as disadvantaged. [11140/06]
Some 640 primary schools — 320 urban/town and 320 rural — have been invited to participate in the new school support programme under DEIS, delivering equality of opportunity in school, following the completion of the identification process. This new standardised system of identification will replace all of the existing arrangements for targeting schools for participation in initiatives to address educational disadvantage.
The school to which the Deputy refers is not among the 640 primary schools selected for participation in the school support programme. However, this school is among the schools receiving additional resources under pre-existing schemes and programmes for addressing concentrated disadvantage and will retain these supports for 2006-07. The efficacy of these supports will be kept under review.
As well as the provision being made under the new school support programme for schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage, financial support will be provided for other primary schools where the level of disadvantage is more dispersed. This support will be based on the results of the new identification process and the arrangements which will apply in this regard will be notified to schools early in the autumn.
235 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will consider a fourth teacher for a school (details supplied) in County Wexford in view of the fact that it has a projected figure of 94 pupils for September 2006, which will exceed the figure to justify a fourth teacher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11141/06]
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued to all primary schools each year.
According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management of the school referred to by the Deputy, the enrolment in the school on 30 September 2005 was 77 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule, circular 0023/2006, which has issued to all primary schools and is also available on my Department's website at www.education.ie, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2006-07 school year will be a principal and two mainstream class teachers. It is open to the board of management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent appeal board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule. They are also available in circular 0024/2006, Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools, which is available on my Department’s website. Hard copies of this circular will issue to primary schools shortly.
It is proposed that the first meeting of the appeal board will be held in May 2006. Further meetings will be held in July and October 2006. The closing dates for receipt of appeals are 12 May, 24 June and 18 October, respectively. Appeals must be submitted to primary payments section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. The standard application form is available from primary payments section or on my Department's website.
The appeal board operates independently of the Minister and my Department and its decision is final. The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeal board.
236 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in County Carlow was not offered a devolved grant even though it is a three teacher school and only has two classrooms; and her views on whether prefabs offer good value for money in the long term. [11142/06]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding. The proposed project was not included in a devolved scheme because a determination of the school's long-term needs and, hence, its suitability or otherwise for such a scheme had not been sufficiently advanced at the time decisions were required to be made on school selections for the schemes in question. The application has, however, been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects and progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme from 2006 onwards.
In the meantime, approval has been given to the school for the rental of temporary accommodation to meet its immediate accommodation needs. This is a short-term rental agreement which will only remain in place until such time as the permanent accommodation needs of the school are met.
237 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in County Carlow did not receive an allocation of funding for extension and refurbishment works as announced on 6 March 2006; where the school is in terms of the school building programme; when the next round of funding will be announced; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the classrooms in the school are 34 metres square and 30 metres square approximately and are well below the recommended 76 metres square; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11143/06]
The school to which the Deputy refers originally applied to my Department for capital funding for a multi-purpose room and the provision of ancillary accommodation. This application was assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 3 rating.
However, in late 2005, the school indicated that it required two new classrooms and the conversion of existing accommodation to ancillary accommodation. The school was instructed to make a formal application to my Department in this regard using the required standard application documentation. This is still awaited. When it is received, the application will be re-assessed and the project will be considered for progress in the context of the school building and modernisation programme from 2006 onwards.
238 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will transfer the payment of school secretaries and part-time secretaries to the Department of Education and Science in order that all schools can afford to have this important support structure and that school secretaries can have job security; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11144/06]
Funding arrangements for voluntary secondary schools are structured mainly on the basis of capitation grants with additional grants for support services such as secretarial services. This provides schools with considerable flexibility as to the manner in which such services are provided to cater for the needs of their pupils. Secretaries employed by schools are employees of the individual schools and my Department does not have any role in determining the numbers employed nor the terms and conditions, including pay, under which they are employed. I do not consider that this funding arrangement should be replaced by a scheme of direct payment by my Department.
Significant improvements have been made in the level of funding to secondary schools. The standard per capita grant has been increased by a cumulative €24 per pupil since January 2005 and now stands at €298 per pupil. Under the school services support fund initiative the school services grant has also been increased since January 2005 by a cumulative €28 per pupil, bringing the grant from €131 per pupil to €159 per pupil. These grants are in addition to the per capita funding of up to €40,000 per school that is also provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services.
A secondary school with 500 pupils now receives annual grants of up to €270,000 towards general expenses and support services, including secretarial services. These significant increases in the funding of secondary schools are a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools.
239 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has considered a second post-primary school for Gorey town; the stage planning is at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11145/06]
I announced the provision of a new post-primary school for Gorey, which will be delivered by way of a public private partnership. As I indicated in my statement on 29 September 2005 regarding this matter, it is my intention that the first bundle of schools — subsequently announced on 22 November 2005 — under my Department's PPP programme will be offered to the market in the first half of 2006 with other bundles being offered regularly thereafter between 2006 and 2009 to ensure a steady deal flow. The precise make-up of the bundles in terms of the number of schools in each, the geographical spread and the timing for delivery will be determined by my Department in consultation with the centre of expertise established within the NDFA. I will make further announcements in this matter as the year progresses.
240 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide full details of all representations from or meetings she has had with any representatives of the Open Republic Institute. [11191/06]
I have not had any meetings with the Open Republic Institute, its directors or members of its academic board in their capacity as members of the institute.
241 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the grants available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in regard to the person’s career; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11201/06]
My Department funds four maintenance grant schemes for third level and further education students. These are the higher education grants, HEG, scheme, the vocational education committees' scholarships scheme, the third level maintenance grants scheme for trainees and the maintenance grants scheme for students attending post-leaving certificate courses. The HEG scheme is administered by the local authorities on behalf of my Department. The other three schemes are administered by the vocational education committees.
Generally, students who enter approved courses for the first time are eligible for grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. An approved third level course for the purpose of the HEG and the VEC scholarship schemes means a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years' duration and a full-time postgraduate course of not less than one year's duration pursued in an approved institution. The schemes outline their respective courses which are approved for grant purposes.
The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except in exceptional cases where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired. If an individual applicant considers that he or she has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not correct, he or she may appeal to the relevant local authority or VEC.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his or her case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department. Alternatively, the local authority or VEC may, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department. However, it is not open to me or my Department to depart from the terms of the maintenance grants schemes in individual cases. The candidate to whom the Deputy refers should apply to the relevant local authority or VEC to have his eligibility for grant aid assessed.
242 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the names and addresses of all primary schools in Meath, Cork city and county and Tipperary; the number of pupils per school; and the pupil-teacher ratio per school in the current school year. [11224/06]
The information requested by the Deputy refers to pupil-teacher ratio at individual school level. However, a certain amount of ex quota teachers such as special needs and learning support teachers are shared between primary schools. In the official statistics, such teachers are recorded under the base school only. It is, therefore, not possible to give a completely accurate picture of pupil-teacher ratio at individual school level. These difficulties even out when data on pupil-teacher ratios are aggregated to county or county council level.
With regard to the areas of interest to the Deputy, the following pupil-teacher ratios applied in the 2004-05 academic year: County Meath, 20.2; Cork city, 16.7; Cork county, 19.2; and County Tipperary, 17.7. Part-time teachers are not included in these PTR figures. School lists with details on pupil enrolments are available on the Department of Education and Science website.
243 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the provision of a new national school, in Dromore West, County Sligo (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11239/06]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. A revised stage 1-2-3 submission, developed sketch scheme, was received in my Department and is under review. When this review is completed my officials will be in further contact with the school authorities regarding the next steps involved in progressing this project. A decision on which school building projects will advance to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2009.
244 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for not assigning a resource teacher to assist a child (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if she will reverse this decision and offer special education support to this child as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11245/06]
I understand that a meeting has been arranged with the local special educational needs organiser, the school authorities and the parents of the pupil in question to discuss the pupil's special educational needs. This meeting is due to take place in the coming days.
245 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if consideration will be given to an application by a school (details supplied) in County Galway for an additional grant to complete works that had to be undertaken as a result of the extension and refurbishment of the school; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this school needs a teachers’ car park, a new front wall, new pass gates, a vehicle gate entrance, a concreted area for set down of maintenance equipment and the provision of tarmacadam in the entire area; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that this school has contributed resources already towards the cost of the building and the area would not be able to sustain the collection of the funding needed to complete the ancillary works mentioned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11247/06]
An extension and refurbishment project is nearing completion at the school referred to by the Deputy. The school has recently requested that some further works be done. My Department's technical staff has examined this request and sought further information from the school management. On receipt of this information the matter will be considered further and the school management will be kept informed.
246 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the name of the person who sits on the National Youth Council of Ireland North-South endorsement panel for youth work training; and the roles of this person. [11255/06]
247 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science if the National Youth Council of Ireland’s newly established North-South endorsement panel has a programme of work for 2006. [11256/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together.
The North-South Education and Training Standards Committee for the Professional Endorsement of Youth Work Training was established in October 2005 following detailed discussions between representatives of the national youth work advisory committee, Ireland, and the relevant agencies in Northern Ireland, namely, the Youth Council of Northern Ireland, YCNI, the National Youth Agency in Leicester and the Department of Education, Northern Ireland. The committee, based on an equal North-South partnership, comprises 20 members. Ten members from Ireland, representing the Department of Education and Science, the voluntary sector, the VECs, youth work practitioners and training institutions, were appointed in October 2005. The Northern membership was appointed by the Youth Council for Northern Ireland, YCNI, through its sub-committee, the youth work training board. A list of committee members representing Ireland is provided.
The role of the committee is, in the first instance, the professional endorsement of courses and programmes of education and training in youth work provided by higher education institutions. Guidelines and criteria for the approval or endorsement of programmes of education and training in youth work have been agreed. It is now open to providers of such programmes to apply to have their programmes and awards endorsed.
With regard to 2006, Dundalk Institute of Technology has sent a submission to the committee for professional endorsement of its youth work course. A small working group comprising members of the committee has been established to consider the submission. Other youth work training courses will be considered for professional endorsement later in 2006. Representatives from the South: Dr. Maurice Devlin (Co-Chair), Professor of Community and Youth Work Studies, National University of Ireland, Maynooth; Ms Mary Cunningham, the National Youth Council of Ireland; Mr. David Treacy, IVEA/CEOs' Association; Mr. Diarmuid Kearney, national youth work advisory committee; Mr. Peter Fuller, Dundalk Institute of Technology; Dr. Paul Burgess, University College, Cork; Mr. P. J. Breen, Department of Education and Science; Mr. Ray Devlin, youth work employer; Ms Fiona Scott, youth work practitioner; Ms Eleanor O'Sullivan, youth work practitioner.
248 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if a detailed re-examination of an application for a higher education grant will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; the reason the five year old rule is being applied in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11298/06]
My Department funds four maintenance grant schemes for third level and further education students. These are the higher education grants, HEG, scheme, the vocational education committees', VEC, scholarships scheme, the third level maintenance grants scheme for trainees and the maintenance grants scheme for students attending post-leaving certificate courses. The HEG scheme is administered by the local authorities on behalf of my Department. The other three schemes are administered by the vocational education committees.
Generally speaking, students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. An approved third level course for the purpose of the HEG and the VEC scholarship schemes means a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years' duration and a full time postgraduate course of not less than one year's duration pursued in an approved institution. The schemes outline their respective courses which are approved for grant purposes.
The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except in exceptional cases where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired. If an individual applicant considers that she or he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one she or he may appeal to the relevant local authority or VEC.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his or her case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department. Alternatively, as already indicated, the local authority or VEC may, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department.
Under the terms of the third level student support schemes, clause 3.3 of the higher education grants scheme, a second chance student is defined as a student who, having attended but not successfully completed an approved course, is returning following a break of at least five years in order to pursue an approved course at the same level. I understand that the student referred to by the Deputy previously pursued a postgraduate course without securing a terminal qualification and subsequently commenced a further postgraduate course. As it is understood that the student did not have a five year break between the relevant postgraduate courses the candidate is not eligible to be considered for funding again until an equivalent period of study at postgraduate level has been completed.
249 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when permission will be given to proceed with stage three of a building refurbishment programme for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 4; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11303/06]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The stage two submission has been received in my Department. However, my Department had a number of queries regarding decanting the school population for the duration of the building project. These issues were not addressed in the addendum to the stage two submission. My Department has sought clarification on these issues from the consultant architect. When this clarification is received my Department will be in a position to progress the project further.
A decision on which school building projects will advance to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006 — 2009.
250 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application (details supplied); the stage the application of intent is at; when the person will hear from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11304/06]
The applicant to whom the Deputy refers has been informed by my Department that a review of educational provision in the area concerned is being carried out by the school planning section of my Department. The application in question is being considered in this context. As soon as the review is complete, contact will be made again directly with the applicant.
251 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with an application for funding for additional facilities for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [11313/06]
The application for additional facilities referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. In October of 2005 my Department wrote to the school authorities concerning issues that needed to be addressed on a stage one or stage two submission, that is, an outline sketch scheme with costings. The school authorities' response was examined and discussed with them at a meeting with my officials in January of this year. At that meeting, the design considerations of the school in question, particularly with regard to the site, highlighted new concerns over the viability of further development because of effluent discharge.
In February of this year my Department wrote to the school authorities requesting that they carry out a site suitability test for the discharge of effluent to ground waters and when this is completed my Department will be in a position to further progress the proposed building project at the school.
252 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when a building application submitted in 1999 by a school (details supplied) in County Cork which has just two permanent classrooms for 130 pupils will be considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11319/06]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. Additional information on the school's application has recently been received and this will enable a thorough assessment of the school's requirements to determine the projected long-term staffing on which the school's accommodation requirements for the future will be based. A decision will then be made on how best to meet the school's current and emerging accommodation needs. The project is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006 — 2010.
253 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Education and Science the supports and resources her Department offers third level institutions in the Cork region, in particular colleges of further education, to allow people with disabilities to fully access educational opportunities with all available courses. [11370/06]
The fund for students with disabilities, which is ESF-aided, was introduced in 1994. It provides funding to students with disabilities attending courses in Irish and British third level institutions and, since 1998, in post-leaving certificate centres. The fund is administered by the national office for equity of access to higher education. The purpose of the fund is to provide students with serious physical and/or sensory disabilities with grant assistance towards the cost of special equipment, special materials and technological aids, targeted transport services, personal assistants and sign language interpreters. To be considered eligible for the fund, an applicant must meet the prescribed criteria.
Applications for assistance are made by the individual students through the disability or access officer of a third level institution on registration. Decisions on applications are taken by the national office for equity of access to higher education and verified by an independent panel comprising representatives of agencies and individuals who have experience of working with people with disabilities. In 2004 and 2005 over €185,000 was provided to students attending post-leaving certificate courses in the Cork area.
The national office for equity of access to higher education was established within the Higher Education Authority in August 2003. The national office facilitates educational access and opportunity for groups who are under-represented in higher education, that is, those who are disadvantaged socially, economically or culturally, those with a disability and mature learners. The office works with the universities, the institutes of technology and all publicly funded institutions offering higher education programmes.
Access to higher education has been supported since 1996 by the strategic initiative funding scheme, previously the targeted initiative scheme, of the Higher Education Authority. The national office manages the funding of all access initiatives under this scheme. This funding has been one of the key sources of State support for higher education access. Between 1996 and 2005 almost €48 million was allocated to support activities in HEA-funded institutions to improve access by groups who are under-represented in higher education.
In 2005, €300,000 was allocated through the strategic initiatives scheme of the HEA to University College Cork to support the range of services and initiatives being provided by the college enabling persons with a disability to fully access and participate in higher education. The services being provided by UCC include a regional resource centre in assistive technology, which assesses and makes provision for the technological support needs of students with a disability in the college. The centre also provides a technological assessment, training and consultancy support service to students and staff in the institutes of technology and colleges of further education in the Cork region.
Other projects include a sports and recreational development programme, disability awareness training for staff, a careers support programme, a transport programme, a higher education support programme for students with disabilities which promotes independent learning, academic success and improved quality of life and an inter-institutional disability research project, with DIT and TCD, tracking the experiences of students with disabilities admitted through standard and special entry routes over the last three years. In 2004, UCC commenced a diploma course in disability studies in which 30 students are participating in centres both on and off campus. It is proposed to expand this programme in the future to five centres, thereby increasing pathways to higher education for a greater number of students with disabilities.
It is the Department's policy to seek to encourage and facilitate the participation of people with disabilities on programmes offered in the further education sector. Generally, issues of access for individuals to further education programmes are addressed at local level. In December 2005, special grants were provided by the Department to vocational educational committees, including County Cork Vocational Education Committee and City of Cork Vocational Education Committee, to upgrade services by the purchase of equipment and materials and the carrying out of refurbishment and minor structural works to enhance the provision for students with disabilities.
The vocational training opportunities scheme is primarily for unemployed people but people with disabilities are also a target group. Under the scheme, full-time courses of one or two years' duration are provided to participants to enhance their employability. The Department funds this scheme, which is administered through the vocational education committees, including County Cork Vocational Education Committee and City of Cork Vocational Education Committee. The back to education initiative provides part-time further education programmes for adults to give them an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities. People with disabilities are one of the target groups of the programme.
Adult literacy schemes are administered by the 33 vocational education committees throughout the country. A total of 27 of them make provision for persons with disabilities, including County Cork Vocational Education Committee and City of Cork Vocational Education Committee. In addition, adult literacy provision has been made for deaf people by way of a grant to the Irish Deaf Society to train tutors to give literacy tuition to deaf people through Irish sign language. A grant is awarded annually to the Dyslexia Association of Ireland as a contribution towards assessments.
254 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the decision to limit enrolment in the new primary school in Cherry Orchard (details supplied) to early education, junior infants and senior infants. [11388/06]
The school to which the Deputy refers is scheduled to open in September 2006. When fully occupied, it will operate as a two stream, 16 classroom school. Normally, a new school only enrols junior infants in its first year of operation to enable it to develop incrementally. This incremental development ensures that a shortage of accommodation at the school is avoided by an over-enrolment in the early stages and, crucially, that the enrolments and staffing levels in other schools in the area, where older pupils would inevitably be drawn, are not adversely affected.
As an exceptional matter in the case in question, however, a decision was taken to allow the school to enrol both junior and senior infants in September 2006. My Department is liaising with the management authority of the school in this regard. This decision was made because of the type of facilities the school is providing. My Department is otherwise satisfied that, in accordance with its remit, the totality of the primary accommodation available in the area provides sufficient places to cater for all those seeking admission.
255 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide full details of all representations from or meetings he has had with any representatives of the Open Republic Institute. [11192/06]
I have not received any representations from nor have I had meetings with any representatives of the Open Republic Institute.
256 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is true that Shell intends to cold leak approximately 238,000 kg of methane gas in the Irish jurisdiction; if this is the case, if the Government has to pay the associated fine under the Kyoto Agreement; and the amount the fine will equate to. [11162/06]
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has no detailed information on the proposal referred to in the question. It is, however, probable that an installation proposing to emit this quantity of methane would be subject to integrated pollution and prevention control licensing by the Environmental Protection Agency. This licensing system is fully capable of having regard to necessary considerations of climate change policy.
257 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Attorney General on behalf of the Government has had discussions with the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments as to its intention to sit or act in divisions, as provided for by the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) (Amendment) Act 2004; his present understanding of the merits and practicality of the option; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11301/06]
The Attorney General had discussions with the tribunal in question concerning the possible sub-division of the tribunal into a number of divisions, as provided for in the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence)(Amendment) Act 2004, in order to expedite its work. The tribunal confirmed to the Attorney General that it intends to utilise this power to sit in divisions when it is appropriate and practical to do so. The tribunal also stated that, since 2002, it has been engaged in public hearings relating to several related or interlinked modules and that it considered it appropriate to conclude these prior to considering sub-division. However, several modules are subject to judicial review proceedings.
The operation of the tribunal in divisions was provided for under the above legislation as a means of allowing the tribunal more rapidly to complete its work, with consequential savings in costs.
258 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide full details of all representations from or meetings he has had with any representatives of the Open Republic Institute. [11193/06]
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has no record of having received representations from, or having had meetings with, the Open Republic Institute.
259 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; the stages this project has gone through; when Mayo County Council made application for funding stage after stage; the position at present; and when he expects that funding will be provided for same. [11200/06]
The Kiltimagh sewerage scheme is approved for funding in my Department's water services investment programme 2005-07 as a scheme to commence construction this year. My Department approved Mayo County Council's preliminary report and the preparation of contract documents for stage 1 of the scheme in February 2004.
The council's contract documents for the collection network were received in September 2005 and its tender documents for the proposed wastewater treatment plant — design build operate contract were received last month. Further consideration will be given to these documents on receipt of the additional information requested from the council in respect of the collection network contract documents in September 2005 and in respect of the overall scheme in February 2006. Approval of these documents will allow the council to invite tenders for the construction of the scheme.
260 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social and affordable houses built or acquired under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts in 2004 and 2005; and the number of social and affordable houses built or acquired in County Meath, Cork city and county and Tipperary during the same period. [11225/06]
Information to end September 2005 on the number of social and affordable housing units acquired under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-04 in each local authority area is published in my Department's housing statistics bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library and also on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.
Provisional end-year data for 2005 indicate that 1,371 social and affordable units had been acquired by local authorities through Part V arrangements. The information requested on a number of specific areas is set out in the following table.
|
Local Authority Area |
Part V Social and Affordable |
|
Meath |
17 |
|
Cork City |
6 |
|
Cork County |
156 |
|
Tipperary Nth. |
8 |
|
Tipperary Sth. |
7 |
261 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the longest waiting time for applicants on the housing list; and the average waiting time for applicants on the housing list of Meath County Council in January 2006. [11226/06]
The overall results of the 2005 housing needs assessment carried out in March 2005 are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. More comprehensive data on the assessment, including details of the length of time applicants are on waiting lists, will be published shortly in the annual bulletin of housing statistics and on the Department’s website.
262 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the regulations in place which can be invoked by residents who are living beside blocks of student apartments, which are privately owned by an investor and where the student residents create loud noise especially late at night and at weekends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11295/06]
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. These powers are generally exercised in preventing and limiting noise from commercial and industrial premises within their functional areas.
Under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 and 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. A public information leaflet outlining the legal avenues available to persons experiencing noise nuisance is available from my Department and on the Department's website, www.environ.ie.
Provisions in the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 concerning anti-social behaviour, in the context of tenant and landlord obligations, may also be relevant, depending on the circumstances.
263 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the NCTS reports that it takes up to one year for it to receive notification of a change of vehicle ownership from his Department; the steps he intends to take to ensure that change of ownership notifications to NCTS are processed as quickly as possible in order that the car owners receive proper notification of due national car tests; if the delays are due to problems in manual or automated systems; the steps, both manual and automated, that take place from the date of receipt of a change of ownership notification at his Department in order to fully propagate the change through all systems, including to the Departments of Finance and Transport and other agencies routinely notified by his Department of a change of ownership; the average and maximum time each step takes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11302/06]
Recording of changes of vehicle ownership on the national vehicle and driver file, NVDF, takes place centrally at the offices of my Department in Shannon, County Clare. In excess of 22,000 such notifications are received each week. There is no undue delay in updating the NVDF records, which are manually updated, and a vehicle registration certificate issues to new owners within five working days of receiving the notifications. As an extension of the successful online motor tax service for first taxing and renewal of tax, I am currently examining options to enable approved motor dealers to notify ownership changes to vehicles purchased and sold by them.
Relevant NVDF extracts are transmitted electronically to the national car testing service, NCTS. Initially in mid-year, in order to facilitate NCTS planning and test roster arrangements, a major file is sent containing details of all cars scheduled for testing in the following year. This file is supplemented on a weekly basis with details of changes, including changes of ownership, which occur subsequently. Work is currently under way further to enhance the data exchange arrangements between the NVDF and NCT systems. The new arrangements will include the facility to furnish NVDF updates to NCTS on a daily basis.
264 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on Waterford City Council including in its new Traveller accommodation programme a stipulation that the council will not build halting sites until it can demonstrate it can manage its existing sites; and if he has exercised, or sought to exercise, his powers under section 18 of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 to require that Waterford City Council amend its accommodation programme to remove this stipulation. [11317/06]
265 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the actions he has taken to address the concerns raised about the new Traveller accommodation programme adopted by Waterford City Council in respect of correspondence from the Waterford city local Traveller accommodation consultative committee. [11318/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 264 and 265 together.
My Department's role on Traveller accommodation is to ensure that adequate legislative and financial provisions are in place to enable local authorities to meet the accommodation needs of Travellers. The Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 put in place the structures to enable local authorities to provide accommodation for Travellers across the full range of accommodation options, including standard social housing and Traveller specific accommodation. In support of this, my Department, in addition to funding social housing generally in which Travellers are accommodated, provides 100% capital funding to local authorities for the provision of new Traveller specific accommodation and the refurbishment of existing Traveller specific accommodation to modern standards.
Subject to the provisions of the 1998 Act, it is a matter for local authorities to prepare, adopt and implement their Traveller accommodation programmes. In common with all other relevant housing authorities, in 2005 Waterford City Council adopted its second Traveller accommodation programme to cover the period from 2005 to 2008.
I understand the Waterford city area has two existing halting sites and the council is actively seeking an alternative location for one of these sites. It is hoped that early progress will be made on that issue and any requests for funding for an alternative halting site will receive speedy attention. With funding from my Department in excess of €1.5 million, major refurbishment and redevelopment works were carried out on the other site by the council in 1999 and 2000. While these works were substantially completed, the council has not been in a position to finalise them due to persistent problems on the site.
The council has now commenced an active programme to address the issues of ongoing concern. As part of this, the council undertook a major clean-up of the site late last year and recently implemented new management and maintenance structures for the site. Ongoing discussions are taking place with the residents and the local Traveller support group with a view to determining how to proceed with any refurbishment and redevelopment works which may now be necessary. Any requests for funding for works aimed at completing the refurbishment of this halting site will receive positive attention in the context of an effective management and maintenance scheme being put in place.
As a further measure I expect to approve at an early date the council's request for funding to allow construction work to commence on a total of seven Traveller specific houses in three schemes. My Department maintains contact with Waterford City Council on the implementation of its Traveller accommodation programme. The measures to be advanced in this programme will be important in addressing the full range of Traveller accommodation issues in Waterford city.In the circumstances, I do not consider thatresort to section 18 of Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 would assist the progress of the programme at this stage.
266 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if members of a town council are obliged to receive regular written reports on works undertaken by the overseeing county council in its administrative area. [11365/06]
While there is no specific legislative provision obliging county councils to provide town authorities with such reports, one of the objectives of the Local Government Act 2001 was to strengthen town local government and provide for linkage and co-operation with the county in the delivery of more integrated and improved service to the public for both the town and its surrounding areas.
A town council has specific opportunities to be informed of activities undertaken by the county council in the administrative area of the town council through statutory membership by its cathaoirleach of the relevant county council area committee and through participation by town council members on strategic policy committees, SPCs. Given that the county manager has responsibility for the borough and town councils within the administrative area of the county, I consider it good practice that town councils are supplied with relevant information along the lines suggested.
267 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the actions his Department has taken regarding the high levels of aluminium found in drinking water in Youghal, County Cork. [11366/06]
Local authorities are responsible for the operation and maintenance of individual water supply systems and for the compliance of drinking water supplies with prescribed EU and national quality standards. The duty on local authorities to take the necessary measures to ensure that drinking water meets these standards is performed under the general supervision of the Environmental Protection Agency. The agency publishes a report annually on the quality of drinking water in Ireland and a copy of its most recent report, for the year 2004, is available in the Oireachtas Library. Regarding the Youghal supply, the EPA notes that Cork County Council instigated a corrective action programme involving the installation of additional treatment capacity at the plant aimed at resolving the aluminium problem.
268 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals regarding a full excavation of the Viking site at Woodstown, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11372/06]
I refer to Question No. 660 of 25 October 2005. The working group I established to advise on the most appropriate strategy for the future preservation and management of the Woodstown site has met twice. The group comprises two senior archaeologists, including my Department's chief archaeologist; a senior archaeologist from the National Roads Authority; two representatives of the National Museum of Ireland, including the museum director; a representative each from Waterford City and County Councils and the Heritage Council and an independent archaeologist.
The group is chaired by the principal officer of the national monuments section in the Department. The group recently completed a targeted public consultation of bodies, groups and individuals which it considered to have a direct or expert interest in the site, including academics and experts in related archaeological and historical fields, local historical societies, the Royal Irish Academy, the Royal Society of Antiquarians, An Taisce and various local bodies and interests. The group received 18 responses, which it is considering. In preparing its report I understand the group will consider all options up to and including, but not limited to, full excavation. It is intended that the group will provide me with an interim report next month and a final report by end of June 2006.
