Seán Crowe
Question:1 Mr. Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will make a special case for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7. [17504/06]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received from the Departments [unrevised].
Health Services.
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.
Jerry Cowley
Question:2 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a consultant orthopaedic has the only and final say in relation to orthodontic decisions in the Health Service Executive western area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17505/06]
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.
Jerry Cowley
Question:3 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the crisis situation which exists within the orthodontic system in the Health Service Executive western area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17506/06]
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.
Jerry Cowley
Question:4 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo, referred in second, fourth and sixth class for orthodontic treatment, and also referred by the principal dentist in County Mayo for orthodontic treatment is now being told the treatment is not necessary; the way in which the consultant orthodontist reached this conclusion without taking measurements and without consulting or considering the views of their colleagues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17507/06]
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.
Jerry Cowley
Question:5 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to review the orthodontic system here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17508/06]
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 (HSE) under the Health Act 2004. The HSE has informed my Department that it has established an Orthodontic Review Group. The terms of reference for the Group are: to review the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee Reports; to examine the recommendations within the operational remit of the HSE and to establish their status; to conduct an analysis of the HSE's existing orthodontic delivery structure and capacity. Based on that analysis, to make recommendations in that regard; the recommendations thus made to be costed and a time-frame for their implementation proposed. The Orthodontic Review Group will report on its findings to the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE.
Jerry Cowley
Question:6 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason there is no basis for a second opinion with the orthodontic system here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17509/06]
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.
Jerry Cowley
Question:7 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason there is no complaint procedure within the orthodontic system here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17510/06]
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.
Hospital Inquiry.
Arthur Morgan
Question:8 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the recommendations of the Neary Report into procedures at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda will be implemented; the actions being taken to ensure speedy implementation of these recommendations; and if anyone will be held accountable for foot-dragging the implementation of the recommendations. [17511/06]
The Report of the Lourdes Hospital Inquiry was published on 28th February last. Since the publication of the report, I have met with many of the key stakeholders including Patient Focus, the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Medical Council, and the management and medical board of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. I have listened carefully to the views of these bodies on the recommendations in the report.
The Report of the Inquiry highlighted the urgent need for change and reform in our hospitals and particularly in the area of clinical governance. The recommendations in the report underline the importance of the approach being taken by my Department in a number of areas: the preparation of the new Medical Practitioners Bill which I intend, subject to Government approval, to bring to the House later this year; the new contract for hospital consultants, which is urgently needed for the recruitment of many more consultants. The report will help to inform the continued approach of my Department to these very important issues.
The Inquiry also made a series of recommendations of an operational and service nature, the implementation of which is a matter for the HSE. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have a detailed reply issued to the Deputy on the implementation of these elements of the report.
One of the key recommendations in the Report relates to the recording of data on sentinel events. In this regard, a new National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre in Cork University Hospital will be up and running in the Autumn of this year, with annual funding of €630,000. Every time a mother gives birth in this country, the important interventions, the good outcomes and the complications will be recorded and analysed at the centre.
Media Protocols.
Arthur Morgan
Question:9 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if it is the policy of her Department to instruct doctors or Consultants not to speak to media in relation to general issues in hospitals;her views on such censorship by her Department or Health Service Executive; the action she will take in cases where it applies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17512/06]
My Department has not issued any such instruction to doctors or Consultants. Furthermore the Health Service Executive has informed my Department that it has not issued any such instruction to doctors or Consultants. The HSE has also informed me that media protocols for all HSE employees are currently being finalised and will be published shortly. Media protocols in relation to the Health Services centre very much on patient confidentiality. The HSE is committed to a policy of transparency in all its dealings with the media.
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
Dan Neville
Question:10 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will request the Health Service Executive to reconsider its decision to refuse a person (details supplied) in County Limerick to complete work on their house under the housing aid for the elderly scheme in view of the impact of severe dampness on their health. [17513/06]
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 provision of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, the Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Departmental Schemes.
Paul Kehoe
Question:11 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of the vaccine damage compensation scheme which is currently being examined by her Department; when she expects the scheme to be finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17514/06]
The feasibility of introducing a Vaccine Damage Compensation Scheme is still under examination in my Department. This process is at an advanced stage and is being given priority in the Department's 2006 business plan.
Health Services.
Paul Kehoe
Question:12 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason she has not made a decision on whether to include strips for co-agucheck S system on the GMS and DPS scheme despite repeated requests to include them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17515/06]
The current treatment available to patients on anti-coagulation therapy is normally provided in a hospital setting under the supervision of a specialist, or in certain GP clinics with specialist agreement. I understand that a small number of patients may be opting to self-test. This is a private matter between them and their doctors. I currently have no plans to make these testing strips available through the Community Drugs Schemes.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Richard Bruton
Question:13 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has estimated the cost of increasing the high rate of nursing home subvention from €190.50 to €300, and the cost of raising the threshold for enhanced subvention from €680 to €800; her views on the likely cost and the impact on take up of nursing home subvention; and if she will make a statement on her Department’s attitude to such reforms. [17550/06]
The Nursing Home (Subvention) Regulations, 1993 are administered by the Health Service Executive. There are currently three rates of subvention payable, i.e. €114.30, €152.40 and €190.50 for the three levels of dependency which are medium, high and maximum. There are no plans to increase the subvention rates at present.
The HSE has discretion to pay more than the maximum rate of subvention relative to an individual's level of dependency in a case, for example, where personal funds are exhausted. The application of these provisions in an individual case is a matter for the HSE in the context of meeting increasing demands for subvention, subject to the provisions of the Health Act, 2004. The average rate of subvention paid by the HSE generally exceeds the current approved basic rates.
I wish to advise the Deputy that additional funding of €20 million was provided for the administration of the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme in 2006, bringing the total available budget to €161 million. The supports paid by the HSE vary from person to person and region to region, depending on prices for example. Accordingly, the Department is not in a position to estimate the costs of increasing the maximum basic rate to €300 and the enhanced rate to €800. However, additional funding of €20 million has been provided this year to the HSE to support more basic nursing home subventions and reduce waiting lists for enhanced subventions; it is also to bring more consistency to subventions support throughout the country.
The Deputy will be aware that the Tánaiste and Minister Séamus Brennan established a Working Group to identify the policy options for a financially sustainable system of long-term care, including residential care. The report of that Working Group on the Future Financing of Long-Term Care has been presented to Government and is currently being considered by Cabinet.
Health Services.
Gay Mitchell
Question:14 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10 to meet with the officials dealings with their mother’s long term care programme; if they will be given a medical report on their mother’s present and future medical programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17564/06]
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.
Nursing Home Investigation.
Liz McManus
Question:15 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the report into Leas Cross Nursing Home will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17565/06]
The Deputy may wish to know that the Health Service Executive has informed my Department that Professor O'Neill recently submitted his final report to the Executive and this has been sent to the legal advisors of the HSE for advice. The report prepared by Prof. O'Neill is one of a number of reports commissioned/prepared by the HSE into Leas Cross Nursing Home. All of the reports are now being collated and it is expected that these will be submitted as a complete file on Leas Cross Nursing Home to the National Director of Primary, Community and Continuing Care Directorate in the near future.
Medical Aids and Appliances.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:16 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Government will provide additional resources to the Health Service Executive southern areas for the provision of medical and surgical aids and appliances, including wheelchairs for disabled people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17566/06]
The Health Service Executive was established under the Health Act 2004 as a national body to improve, promote and protect the health and welfare of the public. The delivery of services is an operational matter and is the responsibility of the executive. Under the Health Act 2004 the executive must prepare and submit to me its service plan for the coming year and must, amongst other things, indicate the type and volume of health and personal social services to be provided by the executive on a national basis. This national service plan was laid before the Oireachtas in early January.
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. In particular the Health Service Executive has been asked to provide detailed information on funding made available for such services.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Michael Ring
Question:17 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo can expect to be called for a cardiac procedure. [17567/06]
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.
Health Services.
Marian Harkin
Question:18 Ms Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the plans in place to allow a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim to gain reasonable access to speech and language therapy. [17568/06]
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.
Medical Cards.
Olwyn Enright
Question:19 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the criteria in relation to the receipt of a medical card to Irish citizens who live in the UK and who wish to return here to take up residency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17569/06]
Any person who is ordinarily resident in Ireland may apply for a medical card. The assessment of eligibility to medical cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and is determined following an examination of the income and medical need of the applicant and his/her dependants. Under Section 45 of the Health Act 1970 medical cards are provided for persons who, in the opinion of the HSE, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. Section 58 of the Health Act, 1970, as amended, provides for GP visit cards for adult persons with limited eligibility for whom, in the opinion of the HSE, and notwithstanding that they do not qualify for a medical card, it would be unduly burdensome to arrange GP medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants.
In assessing eligibility income guidelines are used by the HSE. These guidelines are not statutorily binding and medical cards may be granted by the HSE to persons in circumstances where the income guidelines may be exceeded but the particular circumstances of the case warrant such a decision. Decisions to refuse an application or renewal of a medical card may, or course, be appealed to the Executive for further consideration.
Health Service Staff.
Jerry Cowley
Question:20 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to provide locum cover to general practitioners working on Ireland’s off-shore islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17570/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Paul Connaughton
Question:21 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Galway is unable to access respite care from a charity; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the charity are funded to a limit which provides only for a rented two storey house staffed by one full time social care leader, one half time social care worker and one half time care assistant, none of whom have a nursing qualification; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that it was the intention of the charity to expand the service over the past number of years to meet the current needs in the Ballinasloe area but due to a lack of funding this was not possible; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the charity are anxiously awaiting capital moneys to enable them to build a purpose built respite house in Ballinasloe but there has been no movement on this; if her attention has further been drawn to the lack of respite services generally in the Ballinasloe area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17571/06]
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.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Róisín Shortall
Question:22 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the measures she is taking to promote the uptake and awareness of domiciliary care allowance; the intention she has of increasing public awareness of this entitlement in view of the fact that it is not one of the mainstream welfare entitlements and tends to be overlooked by potential recipients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17572/06]
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.
Child Care Services.
Paul Connaughton
Question:23 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an appeal sent in a person (details supplied) in County Galway concerning an application for funding for a children’s creche; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17606/06]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000 — 2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 — 2010, which are being implemented by the newly established Office of Minister for Children.
With regard to the application for capital grant assistance under the EOCP referred to by the Deputy, I understand that the private provider in question was not recommended for funding under the EOCP as the project is located in close proximity to a childcare project that has already received EOCP capital funding, and there was a consequential potential for duplication and displacement between the two childcare services.
I am advised that the private provider has submitted an appeal and requested a review in relation to the decision. This appeal is currently undergoing a thorough assessment by Pobal (formerly known as Area Development Management Ltd.), who administer the Childcare Programmes. Following this review a decision will be made and the applicant will be informed of the outcome in due course.
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
Dan Neville
Question:24 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when work will be completed to a house for persons (details supplied) in County Limerick under the housing aid for the elderly scheme. [17617/06]
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 provision of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, the Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Paul Kehoe
Question:25 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position of an application for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17619/06]
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 provision of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 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.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Paul Kehoe
Question:26 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be called to Waterford Regional Hospital to have an operation carried out; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this person is seriously ill and is in need of this operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17620/06]
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.
Health Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:27 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if financial assistance will be offered towards the cost of occupational therapy sessions for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17645/06]
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.
John Perry
Question:28 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to increase the amount of speech and language therapy to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim in view of the need by one pupil in particular. [17646/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Mental Health Services.
Gay Mitchell
Question:29 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 with a view to having them relocated to a suitable facility such as St. John of God or a similar sheltered accommodation. [17648/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Expenditure.
Catherine Murphy
Question:30 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the €56.4 million which it was discovered had been left unaccounted for by the Health Service Executive has been accounted for; if this money was accounted for as a shortfall; if this shortfall will affect the funding of services in the current fiscal year; if it was not accounted for as a shortfall, the explanation which has been provided to her for this anomaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17661/06]
Firstly I wish to assure the Deputy that there is no question of voted monies being unaccounted for by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The 2005 Appropriation Account and the HSE's Annual Financial Statements have been submitted to the Comptroller and Auditor General who is in the process of completing his audit.
In compliance with the Department of Finance reporting requirements, the HSE provided their best estimate of the end year forecast of Exchequer issues for 2005 on 22nd December 2005. As stated by the HSE at the time, the estimated outturn figures provided in January 2006 were preliminary and were subject to revision following a full reconciliation of the Financial Statements on an income and expenditure basis with the Appropriation Account on a vote basis.
The HSE's Appropriation Account for 2005 is now complete. It shows an excess of €300,000 on the revenue Vote account and a saving of €51m on the capital Vote account. In the context of a budget of more than €11 billion this is a very satisfactory outcome. It has been agreed that subject to the necessary Dáil approval, the saving on capital will be made available to the HSE this year by way of a Supplementary Estimate.
I recognise that it will take some time for the HSE to introduce a single accounting system throughout the organisation which is capable of providing full dual accounting — the standard Vote accounts, and the income and expenditure accounts operated by the former health boards.
However, I am assured by the HSE that their systems are fully capable of accounting for all transactions within the organisation and I expect to see a significant improvement this year in the quality of their in-year expenditure management returns.
Financial Services Ombudsman.
Richard Bruton
Question:31 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the remit of the financial service ombudsman is confined to business transactions of business that do not exceed €3 million in turnover; if he will consider that the ombudsman role should be extended to larger businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17502/06]
Under the Central Bank Act 1942 (as amended), the power to make regulations concerning the remit of the Financial Services Ombudsman resides with the Financial Services Ombudsman Council, subject to the consent of the Minister for Finance.
In 2005 the Financial Services Ombudsman commenced operation in place of the former voluntary schemes. Statutory Instrument number 190 of 2005 expanded the new statutory scheme to incorporated bodies with a turnover of €3 million or less. The Financial Services Ombudsman Council has advised my Department that the proposed limit of €3 million took account of the voluntary schemes that had been subsumed into the new statutory scheme. The Council has also advised my Department that it does not see any need to increase the turnover limit at present but that it intends to keep this issue under regular review.
Garda Stations.
Tom Hayes
Question:32 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the future of Dundrum Garda Station; and if the Commission of Public Works has issued its report in relation to the building. [17518/06]
The question of the future of the Garda Station in Dundrum, Co. Tipperary is under consideration at present and it is hoped that a decision on the matter will be made in the near future.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:33 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the provision of the new Garda station at Castleisland, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17587/06]
A brief of requirements for the new Garda Station at Castleisland has been received from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Arrangements are in hand for the appointment of a design team which involves advertisement in the E.U. Journal.
Car Parking Facilities.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:34 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance his proposals for the reinstatement of Leinster Lawn, the bulk of which was transformed onto a surface car park on what was apparently a temporary basis for the past several years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17621/06]
The reinstatement of Leinster Lawn is currently under review by the Commissioners of Public Works and Oireachtas Authorities. It is planned to restore the Lawn at the earliest practicable time.
Tax Code.
Paul Kehoe
Question:35 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 135 of 30 March 2006, if the person will receive a P 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17634/06]
The Revenue Commissioners have advised that P21s issued for the years 2003 and 2004 on 24 February 2006 in accordance with income and tax credit details on computer record. A P21 for 2005 issued on 27 March 2006 following the provision of pay and tax details on 24 March 2006 by the taxpayers. These details were not already held on computer record. Balancing statements for each of the years 2003, 2004 and 2005 issued again on 21 April 2006. There was no repayment due to the persons concerned as there was no tax deducted from their pay for any of the years in question.
Public Service Contracts.
Richard Bruton
Question:36 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the concerns raised that the public procurement contracts and some of the requirements set at tendering stage are militating against innovative small companies, particularly in the software industry here from gaining opportunities to participate in Government contracts; his views on changes that would make it easier for small new companies to participate and to encourage the partnering of larger companies with SMEs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17658/06]
I recognise the important role of small or medium sized enterprises in the local and national economy and my aim is to encourage maximum participation of SMEs in the public procurement market. While the requirements and specifications for individual contracts must be determined by the contracting authority, general guidelines issued by my Department recommend that contracting authorities ensure that recently established firms, or firms with no previous experience of public contracts, are not excluded from the tendering process.
The public procurement market must operate on an open and non-discriminatory basis and it can be an important source of business for SMEs. In the past, access to public contracts was perceived as a problem by many in this sector. Significant measures have been introduced to combat this. For example, a national public procurement website (www.etenders.gov.ie) was developed by my Department in recent years where all significant public sector contracts are advertised. This central facility increases transparency and greatly increases access to public sector contracts for all suppliers. The SME sector is also actively targeted through a marketing campaign and suppliers receive free email alerts to tender notices of interest to them. Figures show a steady increase in the number of registered suppliers competing for business.
A practical example of encouraging appropriate inclusion of SMEs can be found in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. It is intended to hold a series of competitions to set up framework contracts for ICT hardware, software and services. These tenders will reference the desirability of SME inclusion. The first such contract has recently been put in place for personal computers. This framework includes an SME as a lead supplier and a number of SMEs as nominated resellers. I would like to build on this and to see more SMEs competing for public contracts in the future. I will, therefore, be keeping the matter under review, particularly in the implementation of the national public procurement strategy.
As regards the broader question of encouraging and facilitating SMEs in Ireland, this is a matter primarily for my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, who I know is also supportive of SMEs.
Ministerial Correspondence.
John Perry
Question:37 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance if he will address the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17691/06]
The Government decided to reform construction procurement to achieve greater cost certainty, better value for money and more cost effective delivery of public works projects. My Department, with the assistance of the Government Contracts Committee for Construction (GCCC), specialist legal drafters and external technical expertise, has developed a suite of Standard Forms of Construction Contract and Conditions of Engagement for Construction Related Services, e.g. architects, engineers and quantity surveyors, to give effect to the Government decision.
Under existing arrangements, a significant portion of the fees for construction related services are calculated by reference to the final outturn cost. The new Conditions of Engagement will provide for fixed price lump sum contracts as the norm for these appointments but without compromising on quality.
I am aware of the concerns raised in the correspondence supplied as my officials have had extensive consultations with the relevant professional bodies on these and other issues related to the new Conditions of Engagement since July of last year. During these comprehensive discussions and communications, the views, comments and concerns of the professional bodies, including those in the correspondence supplied have been outlined in considerable detail. My officials have sought to address these concerns within the context of the Government decision. The final changes are now being considered and my officials will be in contact with the representatives of the professional bodies shortly with the final draft of the Conditions. We will then be proceeding to the next phase of the implementation which is a comprehensive training programme for public sector practitioners to ensure that the new arrangements are used appropriately across the public sector.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Olwyn Enright
Question:38 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has given consideration to retrospectively extending the grant for installing environmentally friendly heating systems in homes, particularly in view of the fact that many of those who installed systems were pioneers of the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17590/06]
On 27 March I launched the "Greener Homes" grant aid package for the domestic sector which includes funding for wood chip and wood pellet boilers and stoves, solar and heat pump technologies. There has been a significant level of interest in the scheme with over 1,100 applications approved to date.
One of the key objectives of the grant scheme is to stimulate the market for domestic renewable technologies and to encourage people to purchase and install renewable technologies, who might not otherwise have done so, because of associated capital costs. All grant schemes must have a reference date and start point. In the case of the Greener Homes scheme, the appropriate date is the date of launch of the scheme.
Telecommunications Services.
Billy Timmins
Question:39 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in relation to access to broadband in Shillelagh, County Wicklow; when same will be available; the person who is responsible for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17649/06]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
My Department administers a group broadband scheme which is designed to promote the rollout of broadband access through the establishment of sustainable broadband services in towns, villages, rural hinterlands and under-served areas of larger towns on the basis of local and regional authority co-ordination and community driven initiatives. The most recent call for proposals has now closed and I will be launching a further call shortly.
My Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie gives full details of broadband availability in all areas, including ADSL, cable, fibre, satellite and fixed wireless. The website also lists prices of the various service levels on offer and contact details for each service provider.
Billy Timmins
Question:40 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in relation to access to broadband in Dunlavin, County Wicklow; when same will be available; the person who is responsible for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17650/06]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
My Department administers a group broadband scheme which is designed to promote the rollout of broadband access through the establishment of sustainable broadband services in towns, villages, rural hinterlands and under-served areas of larger towns on the basis of local and regional authority coordination and community driven initiatives. The most recent call for proposals has now closed and I will be launching a further call shortly.
My Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie gives full details of broadband availability in all areas, including ADSL, cable, fibre, satellite and fixed wireless. The website also lists prices of the various service levels on offer and contact details for each service provider.
Sports Capital Programme.
Bernard Allen
Question:41 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a decision will be made on the application made by an association (details supplied) in County Cork for a capital grant. [17608/06]
The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
Applications for funding under the 2006 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on November 27th and 28th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was January 20th 2006. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:42 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, with regard to the qualifying criteria for unemployment benefit or assistance, deciding officers can rule negatively in cases where fire service personnel state that they must seek employment within the geographical area of their retainer contract with the local authority; if there are circumstances in which fire service retainer contracts can be used to determine that an applicant is not genuinely seeking employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17526/06]
Social Welfare legislation provides that a person must satisfy the conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking work in order to be entitled to unemployment benefit or assistance. In order to satisfy these conditions, a person must demonstrate that he or she is making reasonable efforts to secure full-time employment or self- employment.
In applying the legislation Deciding Officers do not treat part-time firefighters differently to any other unemployment benefit or assistance claimant. However, days on which part-time firefighters are involved in training or firefighting are disregarded when determining their entitlement to an unemployment payment. A Deciding Officer may impose a disallowance in a case where a person refuses an offer of suitable employment or where he or she imposes unreasonable restrictions on the location of the employment he or she is prepared to accept.
Social Welfare Code.
Jerry Cowley
Question:43 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether the pension system for women (details supplied) should change, taking into account the fact that if both persons were unemployed all their lives their joint non-contributory would be in the same monitory region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17574/06]
As the Deputy is aware, the social welfare system comprises two types of pension; contributory pensions based on social insurance contributions and non-contributory pensions, payment of which are subject to a means test. The contributory pension is paid at a slightly higher rate; however, its main advantage is that it is paid regardless of any other income a person might have. Within that basic structure, the Government is anxious to ensure that as many people as possible can qualify for pensions in their own right.
A number of measures have been introduced over the years which make it easier for people to qualify for contributory pensions. These include the reduction in the yearly average number of contributions required for pension purposes from 20 to 10 and the introduction of special half rate pensions based on pre-53 insurance contributions. Pro-rata pensions are also available to allow people with mixed rate insurance records to receive a payment. This set of measures is of particular benefit to women who may have less than complete social insurance records due to working in the home.
The social welfare pension entitlements of those who take time out of the paid workforce for caring duties are protected by the homemaker's scheme which was introduced from 1994. The scheme allows up to 20 years spent caring for children or incapacitated adults to be disregarded when a person's social insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes. However, the scheme will not of itself qualify a person for a pension. The standard qualifying conditions, which require a person to enter insurance 10 years before pension age, have a minimum of 260 paid contributions increasing to 520 from 2012 and achieve a yearly average of at least 10 contributions on their record from the time they enter insurance until they reach pension age must also be satisfied.
There are, of course, those who will not benefit from the homemaker's scheme and who cannot qualify for a pension in their own right. In this regard, the Government is committed to increasing the payment for qualified adults (age 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. Separate payments have been available on request since 2002 and my Department is at present examining the legal and administrative issues involved in enhancing these arrangements.
I will continue to look for ways, within the current social welfare structure, in which the needs of older people who are at present outside the social welfare pensions system may be addressed further.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Tony Gregory
Question:44 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he will take to ensure that no rent subsidies or allowances are paid directly or indirectly to the landlords of properties (details supplied) in Dublin 3 upon which fire safety notices have been served requiring the landlord to vacate the buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17632/06]
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 relation to decisions on individual claims.
In deciding entitlement to rent supplement the Executive must satisfy itself in relation to a number of conditions including that the property being rented is reasonably suited to the tenants needs. The Executive may consider that a property is not suited to a tenants needs if for example the accommodation does not comply with the Housing Regulations (Standards for Rented Housing), 1993.
The Executive has advised that following discussions with the tenants and a consultation with Dublin City Council's Fire Officer it became aware of breaches of fire safety regulations in respect of the properties in question on the 4th May 2006. It has further advised that it has had discussions with the tenants in the properties in question in relation to the alternative accommodation options and that it is in the process of suspending the payment of any rent supplement claims pending the resolution of the fire safety issues.
Departmental Schemes.
Dan Boyle
Question:45 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has satisfied himself that the national travel card is an acceptable means of identification across all transport modes here. [17637/06]
A free travel recipient is issued with a free travel pass for the purpose of enabling him/her to travel for free on most CIE public transport services, on the Luas and on a range of services offered by a large number of private operators in various parts of the country. A pensioner can also travel for free on cross border journeys between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
In order to avail of the scheme, a passholder must present their pass to the transport operator in advance of making their journey. A passholder is also required to produce their free travel pass for inspection to an inspector with the transport operator or to an official of my Department if required. In addition, passholders resident in the major cities (Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway) must obtain an ancillary photopass from CIE in order to use the CIE Group services in those cities. This photopass is obtained free of charge by eligible passholders with the cost being met by my Department. The primary reason for photo identification is to prevent fraud of the system through free travel passes being transferred.
My Department is working towards the introduction of a more secure type of free travel card. The new travel card will introduce a number of improvements, including an improved registration process and new card technology which will bring improved customer service and better security features considerably reducing the potential for forging cards and fraudulent use. It is planned that the new cards will be introduced during 2007.
Currently, my Department is in consultation with the Northern Ireland authorities (the Department of Regional Development) with a view to implementing a scheme of All-Ireland Free Travel. There have also been a number of meetings at Ministerial level. This scheme will enable customers to travel, point to point, within the Republic of Ireland (for Northern customers) and within Northern Ireland (for customers from the Republic). Good progress is being made towards the development of the scheme and it is expected that an announcement will be made in the near future.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Paul McGrath
Question:46 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the qualifying conditions for receipt of the respite care grant; if there are proposals to extend this grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17639/06]
Paul McGrath
Question:47 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person in receipt of unemployment assistance cannot qualify for the respite care grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17640/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 47 together.
All carers who are in receipt of carer's allowance, carer's benefit, prescribed relative allowance or constant attendance allowance on the first Thursday in June will automatically receive the respite care grant without having to apply for it. Similarly, carers who are in receipt of domiciliary care allowance from the Health Service Executive will automatically receive the respite care grant from the HSE.
The respite care grant was extended in 2005. Carers who do not qualify for the grant under one of the above schemes may now receive the grant if the following conditions are met: the carer must be providing full time care to a person who is in need of such care for at least 6 months. This period of care must include the first Thursday in June, and as is the case with recipients of carers allowance, a full time carer must not be engaged in employment for more than 10 hours per week (this will increase to 15 hours for the purposes of the 2006 grant).
Those who are in receipt of an unemployment payment are not eligible to receive the grant as they are required to be available for and actively seeking full time work. Provision was made in Budget 2006 to increase the amount of the grant from €1,000 to €1,200 in respect of each care recipient and, as already mentioned, to increase the number of hours that a recipient of the grant may work from 10 to 15 hours per week. All support schemes for carers, including the respite care grant will be kept under review and further possible improvements will be considered in a budgetary context.
Family Support Services.
Catherine Murphy
Question:48 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the recommendations from the commission which have been implemented since the commission on the family concluded its work; the recommendations which have yet to be implemented; if there is a planned timeframe within which these recommendations will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17641/06]
The Commission on the Family was established by the Minister for Social Welfare in October 1995. Its remit was "to examine the effects of legislation and policies on families and make recommendations to the Government on proposals which would strengthen the capacity of families to carry out their functions in a changing economic and social environment".
The membership of the Commission included experts from a number of key areas including social policy, family law, education and community work. The Commission set out by inviting families, individuals and national and local voluntary organisations who work with families to assist with its work by making submissions setting out their views about the issues that affect family life and how policies, programmes and services can be improved to better support families.
Over 500 submissions were received from a mixture of organisations and individuals accurately reflecting the concerns of families at that time. The Commission concentrated on the welfare of children and vulnerable families and how public policy could best strengthen and support families in carrying out their important functions. The overall thrust of the Commission's recommendations centred on the need for public policy to focus on preventive and supportive measures to strengthen families in carrying out their functions and prevent difficulty.
In its final report, "Strengthening Families for Life", the Commission made a total of 43 recommendations for family policy. A review of the progress to date on the implementation of the recommendations was undertaken by my Department in 2005 and I am making arrangements for this review to be sent to the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Eamon Ryan
Question:49 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on recent decisions by the European Commission on welfare payments to migrant workers and on their impact on the management of migrant labour within his Department. [17692/06]
I understand that the Deputy's question relates to a recent newspaper article in relation to the operation of the habitual residence condition. I should clarify that there was no decision by the European Commission at that time concerning the habitual residence condition. However, in November 2005 a clarification was issued to Community Welfare Officers explaining that supplementary welfare allowance is considered under EU legislation to be a social advantage and must therefore be subject to the principles of equal treatment to all EU workers regardless of nationality. Any EU worker who suffers loss of income because he or she has lost employment through no fault of their own, or become unable to work through illness, is entitled to claim supplementary welfare allowance.
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 1st 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.
In December 2004 the EU Commission wrote to the Government raising a number of issues concerning the compliance of the habitual residence condition with EU law in relation to workers and their families. The formal process of the Commission's examination of the matter has recently been completed and the Commission is satisfied that Ireland is fully compliant with the ECJ case law in applying the habitual residence condition.
While the management of migrant labour is primarily a matter for my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Deputy may wish to note that there has been no significant change in the numbers of EU nationals claiming supplementary welfare allowance or rent allowance since November last.
Road Network.
Róisín Shortall
Question:50 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if legislation exists that allows him, his Department, the National Roads Authority or any other authority to ban cars from the Dublin Port Tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17532/06]
Section 43 subsection (3) of the Roads Act 1993 provides that "the Minister may prescribe (a) the classes of vehicles which shall be permitted to use a motorway and different classes of vehicles may be prescribed in relation to motorways generally, particular motorways or particular parts of particular motorways, and (b) conditions in relation to the use of motorways generally, particular motorways or particular parts of particular motorways by vehicles or specified classes of vehicles (including conditions specifying the periods of use of motorways by specified classes of vehicles) and different conditions may be prescribed in relation to different motorways or different classes of vehicles".
The Roads Regulations 1994, made pursuant to the Roads Act, 1993, prescribe the vehicles which may use a motorway. In addition, Section 61 of the Roads Act, 1993 provides that a roads authority may, after consultation with the Garda Commissioner, make such by-laws as it considers expedient for the purposes of the operation of a toll road. Section 61(3) of the 1993 Act provides, inter alia, that such bye-laws may "specify the powers of the road authority and of any person authorised by it to operate and manage the toll road concerned in relation to users of a toll road and vehicles and the persons in charge of them".
Róisín Shortall
Question:51 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 320 of 9 November 2005, the definition of heavy goods vehicles in terms of weight, used to arrive at his estimate that an extra 2200 heavy goods vehicles will use the M50 and west-link bridge daily following the opening of the Port Tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17533/06]
The heavy goods vehicles referred to in question No. 320 of 9 November 2005 are 5-axle vehicles. The maximum weight for such vehicles is 40 or 42 tonnes, depending on vehicle type.
EU Directives.
Róisín Shortall
Question:52 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 65 of 3 May 2006, the EU Directive or other legislative measure that prevents him from requiring the retrofitting of blind-spot mirrors to heavy goods vehicles in advance of an EU Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17534/06]
Under EU law, it is not permissible for a Member State to unilaterally implement regulations of a technical standards nature. In accordance with Directive 98/34/EC (as amended by Directive 98/43/EC), which lays down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations, Member States are required to notify the European Commission and other Member States of their intention to make technical regulations and to provide the Commission and other Member States with the draft proposals for examination. The Member State must refrain from adopting the draft regulations for at least 3 months while they are being examined. This period can be extended to up to 18 months where the measure in question is likely to create unjustified barriers to trade or where work is in progress at Community level in the area covered by the notified draft. As indicated in my reply to Question No. 65 of 3 May 2006, on 12 April 2006 the European Commission published a consultation paper on the fitting of blind-spot mirrors to existing HGVs with a view to bringing forward proposals for a directive on the matter.
I appreciate the efforts being made by the Irish Road Haulage Association, SIMI, and IBEC to call on their members to retrofit new vehicles. In the event of any delay after the consultation process, I will review the matter further.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Liz McManus
Question:53 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport his view on the fact that when a mini-bus owner is registering with the Carriage Office there is no specific recognition in law to the provision where a mini-bus is adapted for wheelchair accessibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17535/06]
Mini-buses, having 8 or more passenger seats, are categorised as large public service vehicles. There is, currently, no special category of wheelchair accessible large public service vehicle. The licensing of large public service vehicles is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
EU Directive 2001/85/EC of 20 November 2001 sets out EU Type Approval standards for buses and mini-buses. The Directive includes provisions for accessibility by wheelchair users and sets out, inter alia, technical standards for wheelchair accommodation. While the Directive is not mandatory for entry into service of new vehicles it is my intention to ask the Road Safety Authority, on its establishment, to examine whether it should be a requirement for new buses and mini-buses entering into service that they be type approved in accordance with the Directive.
Róisín Shortall
Question:54 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the failure of Aer Lingus to abide by the voluntary airline passenger service commitment by requiring passengers with specific disabilities to submit a medical certificate signed by a doctor before they are allowed to travel; if he will undertake to use his position as the sole shareholder in Aer Lingus to ensure that the voluntary airline passenger services commitment is fully implemented prior to privatisation; if he will ensure the establishment of a system for ongoing consultation with people who are disabled and people who have impaired mobility; if he will assure people that the requirement for persons who are disabled to make medical declarations as a condition of travel will be removed; and if he will ensure that Aer Lingus publish a written policy for passengers who are disabled in accessible formats. [17609/06]
The Airline Passenger Service Commitment to which the Deputy refers is a voluntary European initiative which contains non-legally binding commitments to deliver defined standards of service to air travellers. The initiative, to which Aer Lingus is a signatory, was adopted during the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) in Lisbon on May 10th 2001, and came into effect on 14 February 2002.
I have been advised by Aer Lingus that it is not the policy of the airline to seek medical certificates from people with disabilities. However, in certain circumstances, for example, where a person has recently had surgery or at certain stages in pregnancy, a medical certificate may be sought. The company has emphasized to me that it is, and will continue to be, the policy of Aer Lingus that all its services are accessible to persons with disabilities. The company is confident that its current policies in this area comply with best practice in the provision of access to persons with reduced mobility.
Road Network.
Róisín Shortall
Question:55 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 149 of 3 May 2006, if he will address the question raised in relation to use of the right-hand lane of the Dublin Port Tunnels by heavy goods vehicles; and if he will provide a detailed reply. [17635/06]
As I indicated in my reply of 3 May 2006 (PQ Ref. No. 16239/06) traffic management in general is a matter for the appropriate local authority in the area. In this instance, the traffic management and control arrangements that will apply following the opening of the Tunnel, including any lane restrictions in respect of Heavy Goods Vehicles are matters for Dublin City Council and the National Roads Authority. I understand that the Council together with the NRA are working to ensure that the Dublin Port Tunnel, when open, will integrate smoothly with the road network at both the M1/M50 junction and in the port area.
Driving Tests.
Liam Aylward
Question:56 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Transport the grants which are available from his Department towards the provision of a driving school or classroom centre which would be beneficial to young learner drivers; and his views on making funds available for this type of project. [17659/06]
The potential for raising awareness of road safety issues in the education system is one that is kept under constant review in consultation with the Minister for Education. However there are no grants available for driving schools to provide lessons to young drivers. Such lessons are commercially available and the cost is a relatively small element in commencing to drive. I will shortly be publishing a consultation document in relation to a driving instructors register that will be operated by the Road Safety Authority to set and maintain standards of tuition for all.
Harbours and Piers.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:57 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to proceed with the extension of the pier at Brandon, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17495/06]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No 535 of 25 Aibreán 2006.
Inland Waterways.
Seymour Crawford
Question:58 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has received the report carried out by PriceWaterhouse Coopers in association with Tourism Developments Investments regarding the Blackwater Regional Partnership Ulster Canal socio economic study; his views on whether this report provides total justification for the restoration of the Ulster Canal; when this report will be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17496/06]
The Blackwater Regional Partnership has made a copy of the report in question available to me but the Deputy will appreciate that the wider publication of the report is a matter for the Partnership itself.
As the Deputy will be aware, I met Mr David Hanson, MP, the then Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, on 6 March 2006 to discuss, amongst other issues, the possible restoration of the Ulster Canal. At the meeting we welcomed the publication of a "Socio Economic Summary Report for the North East and South West Sections of the Ulster Canal" and a feasibility study into the "Reopening of the Ulster Canal" which Waterways Ireland had commissioned at our request. We noted the potential that these reports give for the Canal to be developed and for boosting its social and economic potential. The reports are being considered by our respective Departments at present.
Departmental Schemes.
Michael Ring
Question:59 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will extend the eligibility criteria for the rural social scheme to include all widows or widowers irrespective of how long they have been unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17596/06]
Following a review of the Rural Social Scheme in 2005, I recently announced major changes to its operation, which will come into effect from 22nd May 2006. As part of the changes, the categories of people eligible to participate in the Scheme have been extended and now include: children/siblings of qualifying herd owners; recipients of One-Parent and Widow(ers) payments with a herd number; and adult dependants of non-contributory old age pensioners, who themselves are under 66, and have a herd number. The Deputy should note, therefore, that the length of time a widow/widower has been unemployed does not affect their eligibility to participate on the Scheme.
Michael Ring
Question:60 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been refused acceptance onto a rural social scheme, particularly as they are a salmon licence holder. [17597/06]
Following a review of the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) in 2005, I recently announced major changes to its operation, which will come into effect from 22 May 2006. As part of the changes, the categories of people eligible to participate in the Scheme have been extended and now include: children/siblings of qualifying herd owners; recipients of One-Parent and Widow(ers) payments with a herd number; and adult dependants of non-contributory old age pensioners, who themselves are under 66, and have a herd number.
I understand that the person referred to by the Deputy is in receipt of a Survivor's (Widower's) Contributory Pension. Persons in receipt of this type of payment will become eligible for the RSS under the recent changes announced provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.
Farm Retirement Scheme.
Dan Neville
Question:61 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has plans to review the farm retirement scheme; if so, when this review will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17490/06]
The EU Regulations under which my Department operates the current Early Retirement Scheme will expire in December, and no new applications can be accepted after that. The Council Regulation on Rural Development for the period from 2007 to 2013 includes provision for member States to operate a range of measures including a scheme of early retirement from farming. No decisions have yet been taken regarding which schemes will be operated in Ireland under this Regulation. The option of an early retirement scheme will be looked at in light of the need for structural reform and the need to provide opportunities for young farmers.
As regards the current Scheme, it was the subject of a comprehensive expenditure review by my Department in 2004. Together with the previous Scheme, it was also the subject of a Report by the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food in 2004. I am still considering certain aspects of the Joint Committee's report and I expect to be in a position to make announcements in due course. A number of the Committee's recommendations are, as I explained in my detailed response to the Report, precluded by the EU Regulations under which the current Scheme and its predecessor are operated.
Direct Payment Schemes.
David Stanton
Question:62 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will review an application for entitlements from the National Reserve, from a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when a revised decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17491/06]
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category B. Category B caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000-2002. Investments can include purchase or long-term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments.
A formal letter outlining my Department's decision on the National Reserve has issued to the person named. If the person named is dissatisfied with my Department's decision he now has the opportunity to appeal the decision to the Independent Appeals Committee setting out the facts and contentions on which he relies in support of his appeal. An appeals application is available from any of my Department's offices or on the Department website at www.agriculture.gov.ie.
Tom Hayes
Question:63 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who made an application under the single payment scheme national reserve. [17492/06]
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payments Scheme National Reserve under category C. Category C caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, sold the milk quota into the Milk Quota Restructuring Scheme and converted their enterprise to a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia/or Arable Aid Schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002.
The first tranche of allocations to successful applicants was made during the week commencing 10 April 2006. Processing of the remaining 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.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:64 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a single farm payment will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17493/06]
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payments Scheme National Reserve under category D. Category D caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year.
A formal letter setting out my Department's decision has issued to the person named and he has been notified that if he is dissatisfied with my Department's decision in relation to the National Reserve he now has the opportunity to appeal this decision to the Independent Payment Appeals Committee. An appeals application form is available from any of my Department's offices or on the Department website at www.agriculture.gov.ie.
My Department has been contacted on behalf of the person named and has agreed to also have the application assessed under Category A and Category B. Category A caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May 2005 and who had leased out his/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000-2002. Category B caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000-2002. Investments can include purchase or long-term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments. My Department has requested that documentary evidence supporting an application under Category A and Category B be provided. On receipt of this evidence my Department will consider eligibility under these categories.
Import Controls.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:65 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of recent reports of the use of ports here to import pit-bull terriers with Northern Ireland destinations, importation of such animals into the Republic is in fact legal; and his plans to ensure that this practice of importing such dangerous animals is stopped. [17600/06]
My Department is responsible for applying controls on the importation of dogs from the perspective of disease control, primarily protection from rabies. Under current legislation, importation of pit-bull terriers is not prohibited. While statutory responsibility for the control of dogs does not lie with my Department, I understand that it is not illegal in Ireland to own a dog of the breed described by the Deputy.
Mental Health Review.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:66 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if research has been carried out or a report completed into the level of mental ill-health amongst inmates in prisons here; if he has a policy dealing with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17516/06]
A study examining rates of mental illness in Irish prisoners was undertaken by a team from the Central Mental Hospital under the supervision of the Hospital's Clinical Director. The Irish Prison Service was pleased to facilitate and part-fund this study. I understand that a report on this research has been completed and that the findings of this study indicate that, as in other jurisdictions, the level of mental illness among prisoners is relatively higher than in the general population.
Decisions in regard to publication are a matter for the authors but I understand that the Irish Prison Service would, subject to the agreement of the authors, be willing to facilitate dissemination by placing the study report on the IPS website. All prisoners who are considered to require assessment or treatment for mental illness have access to prison health care services. Where appropriate specialist referral is made to visiting psychiatric or other specialist services. Any decisions regarding treatment are based on the clinical findings.
Court Sittings.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:67 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the commitment in the Programme for Government to introduce night and weekend courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17517/06]
At present, the District Court in Dublin sits each Saturday and on Bank Holidays. Provincial District Courts sit outside of normal hours at weekends and at night to deal with emergency matters, as required. Experience of the operation of court sittings continues to be reviewed. This is being done in conjunction with legislative measures aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the courts. I have in this context provided in the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 for the use of a fixed penalties procedure in relation to certain public order offences which will reduce the need to bring offenders before the courts.
Prisoner Transfers.
Pat Breen
Question:68 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will facilitate the transfer of a person (details supplied) who is incarcerated at St Patrick’s Institution to a more convenient location for their County Clare based family for visiting purposes. [17519/06]
The person referred to is serving cumulative periods of detention totalling 11 months. These sentences were imposed at Ennis Circuit Court on 13 February, 2006 and the Judge ordered that he be committed to St. Patrick's Institution. Where possible, prisoners are accommodated at locations most convenient to their homes. However, there are limitations to the extent that this can be achieved. Some prisoners may not be suitable for a particular institution because of their age, security status or suitability to the regime.
The person referred to is 18 years of age and the view of prison management is that he is better located in St. Patrick's Institution where he is accommodated alongside persons of his own age.
Asylum Applications.
Joe Costello
Question:69 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has made a decision on the asylum application of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17520/06]
I refer to the answers given in Question No. 59 on 2 February, 2006, Question No. 678 on 21 March, 2006, and Question No. 246 on 29 March, 2006. In order to clarify the circumstances of the individual concerned, a letter issued on 31 January, 2006 from my Department to his legal representatives allowing them the opportunity to make further representations on behalf of their client. Further representations were subsequently received on 08 February, 2006. As an exceptional measure, a letter issued from my Department on 22 March, 2006 to the applicant's legal representatives, informing them that an extension was being granted, in which time they could submit any further representations. Further representations were received on 03 April, 2006.
The case of this individual is currently being examined, under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended. I expect to be in a position to make a decision on this case in the near future.
Citizenship Applications.
Dinny McGinley
Question:70 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for residency citizenship has been received from a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and when it is expected that the application will be processed and a decision made. [17521/06]
A declaration of Irish citizenship as post-nuptial citizenship was lodged by the person referred to by the Deputy on 26 October 2004. Certain matters in relation to the cohabitation of the person concerned and his Irish born wife are being investigated at the present time. I am not, therefore, in a position to say when consideration of the declaration will be finalised. I will inform both the Deputy and the declarant as soon as the matter has been finalised.
Registration of Title.
Willie Penrose
Question:71 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to expedite an application in relation to the registration of land of a person (detail supplied) in County Westmeath for registration of title there to in the Land Registry Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17523/06]
I wish to inform the Deputy that I have requested the Land Registry to contact him directly concerning the current position of the application in question. I understand that, in circumstances where the completion of an application in a particular case is urgent, the Land Registry will make every reasonable effort to facilitate such requests on receipt of a written explanation as to the reason underlying the urgency.
Willie Penrose
Question:72 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to expedite an application for registration by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath pursuant to a Section 49 application. [17524/06]
I wish to inform the Deputy that I have requested the Land Registry to contact him directly concerning the current position of the application in question. I understand that, in circumstances where the completion of an application in a particular case is urgent, the Land Registry will make every reasonable effort to facilitate such requests on receipt of a written explanation as to the reason underlying the urgency.
Garda Operations.
James Breen
Question:73 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, based on the number of drug samples submitted to the State Laboratory for analysis already in 2006, County Clare can expect at least a 78% increase in drug detections; the reason the Clare Garda drug division which has responsibility for the whole of the County of Clare has only two permanent and one temporary member assigned to it (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17525/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Gardaí (all ranks) stationed in the Clare Division as at 31 December 1997, 2002 and 2005 was as follows:
|
Division |
1997 |
2002 |
2005 |
|
Clare |
219 |
234 |
261 |
This represents an increase of 42 (or 19%) in the number of Gardaí (all ranks) stationed in the Clare Division during that period. Whilst national, divisional and district drug units have designated personnel, the Garda authorities can supplement the resources of these units at any time from within the overall resources available. Drug operations are frequently conducted by pooling the resources of specialist and local, i.e., district and divisional, units.
The overall strength of An Garda Síochána is already at record levels. The combined organisational strength of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training will reach 14,000 by the end of this year. The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. Clearly, of course, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, including areas with a significant drugs problem. Regarding detections, An Garda Síochána will continue to bring prosecutions where the circumstances so warrant.
Refugee Legal Services.
Bernard Allen
Question:74 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the Irish Immigrant Support Centre has not received European refugee funding for their centre; the way in which the process of decision-making was undertaken; the person who sat on the independent committee allocating the funding; the criteria which was used to make the decision which was made regarding the Irish Immigrant Support Centre Cork by the independent committee; the person who made the final decision after the independent committee made their recommendations; and the reason the NASC was not granted funding. [17588/06]
I would refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 140 to 144 of 27 April 2006.
Registration of Title.
Bernard Allen
Question:75 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when land registration procedures will be completed on a dealing (details supplied) in County Cork. [17602/06]
I wish to inform the Deputy that I have requested the Land Registry to contact him directly concerning the current position of the application in question.
Residency Permits.
Billy Timmins
Question:76 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who has applied for residency; and if same will be dealt with as a matter of urgency. [17603/06]
An application for permission to remain in the State based on marriage to an Irish national was received from the person concerned in September 2005. Applications of this type, in fairness to all other such applicants, are dealt with in strict chronological order and currently take approximately fourteen months to process. It should be noted that marriage to an Irish national does not confer an automatic right of residence in the State.
Citizenship Applications.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:77 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 449 of 3 May 2006, if the parents apply for naturalisation prior to the child reaching five years of age, would they not be allowed to apply at the same time on their child’s behalf; if not, his views on the peculiarity of the situation that will arise when children who were born in and have lived all their lives here and whose parents are naturalised Irish citizens are not themselves Irish citizens; if he will introduce changes to the law to deal with this anomaly and to allow minor children resident here to become citizens at the same time their parents become citizens. [17604/06]
In his previous Question, the Deputy sought information specifically on the procedure by which a child born in the State after 1 January 2005, whose parents were not Irish citizens, could obtain Irish citizenship. In my response, I set out the procedure for a child in such circumstances to obtain Irish citizenship. The situation is different for such a child if his/her parent or parents obtain a certificate of naturalisation in advance of the child's eligibility to apply under the procedure set out in my previous reply.
Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides for the exercise of my absolute discretion to grant naturalisation in certain circumstances, where the application did not comply with the statutory conditions for naturalisation. One of these circumstances is where the application is submitted by a naturalised Irish citizen acting on behalf of his or her minor child. Hundreds of minor children are naturalised in this way each year.
It is open to the parents of a child born in the island of Ireland on or after 1 January 2005, who did not, at the time of the child's birth, have the necessary residence in Ireland for their child to be entitled to Irish citizenship, to apply for naturalisation for their Irish born child at any time after they themselves obtain naturalisation. It is not possible for such persons to apply for naturalisation for their minor children at the same time they themselves apply.
Prison Service Examinations.
Olwyn Enright
Question:78 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 354 of 6 April 2006, if he will investigate the situation in relation to the exam taken on the 10 September 2005 by Prison Officers for promotion; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that problems in relation to some of the exam papers from the morning session were brought to the attention of the invigilators; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that incorrect booklets were given out to the participants on the morning and that there were complaints during the examination that the papers were not running in sequence; if he has received written complaints by some of the candidates; if arrangements will be put in place to allow these candidates to re-sit their exam; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17605/06]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the exam on 10 December by Prison Officers for promotion. Further to my reply of 6 April, I have been informed that the Irish Prison Service (IPS) has received a number of queries in relation to this competition, almost all of which have been replied to at this stage. As regards issues raised in relation to the exam papers in the morning, I am informed that these were addressed at the time on being brought to the attention of the invigilators.
On the question of the issue of incorrect booklets to candidates, I understand this oversight was noticed immediately and the correct test booklet was provided without delay in addition to full instructions for the test. Furthermore, I am assured that the papers issued to candidates were clearly headed with clear descriptions as to how they should be used and checks were made by the invigilators to ensure candidates were made aware of the correct page sequences immediately the issue was raised. In all the circumstances, the IPS is satisfied that it should proceed to conclude this competition without delay once the final interviews currently under way have been completed.
Refugee Resettlement.
Bernard Allen
Question:79 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the rationale behind the accepting of 200 of the 300 Kurdish refugees from a Jordanian refugee camp; and if this implies that the Government are prepared to select the most able bodied people and leave the old and infirm in Jordan which will cause much upset and dissension to the families involved. [17610/06]
I would like to give the deputy some background to the refugee situation in this Jordanian camp. Ireland is one of 18 countries which voluntarily participates in resettlement programmes co-ordinated by the UNHCR. Resettlement programmes are designed to find a durable solution for persons, generally in a country of first asylum, where local integration or repatriation is not an option. Following a Government Decision in July, 2005, Ireland increased its resettlement quota from 10 cases (approximately 40 persons) per year to 200 persons per year.
Ireland, along with a number of other resettlement countries, has responded on a humanitarian basis to a request from the UNHCR to facilitate the resettlement of a group of approximately 300 Iranian Kurds currently located in a UNHCR camp in Jordan. This group will be resettled in a number of resettlement countries, including Ireland. In accordance with good resettlement practice, once it has been established that a resettlement country can cater for the needs of an applicant family, families are accepted and resettled as a unit.
Preparations are already in hand for the group of refugees coming to Ireland following a recent mission to Jordan by officials of my Department. Our refugee resettlement programme involves co-ordination of all services both from a central and local perspective and is in line with best international resettlement practice. I would like to reassure the Deputy that our refugees are accepted and supported as complete family units and the concerns expressed by the Deputy simply do not arise.
Crime Levels.
Tony Gregory
Question:80 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of reported incidents of vandalism to cars in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 7 to date in 2006; the number of detections made; if additional Gardaí will be made available to patrol the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17626/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there have been three incidents of criminal damage to vehicles and three incidents of thefts from vehicles reported to Gardaí in the area referred to so far in 2006. These incidents are being actively investigated by the Garda authorities. However to date no one has been held amenable. I am further informed that local Garda management is satisfied with the level of policing in the area concerned. The area which has a dedicated Community policing unit is regularly patrolled by uniform and plain clothes Gardaí with a view to ensuring a concentrated and visible Garda presence in the area. These patrols are backed up by Gardaí from the Crime Task Force and Traffic units.
Waste Management.
Tony Gregory
Question:81 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if abandoned cars (details supplied) constitute a fire hazard; and if they will be removed by the Gardaí. [17627/06]
The Waste Management Act, 1996 prohibits the abandonment of vehicles on any land. The Act provides on summary conviction for a fine not exceeding €1,900 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both or, on indictment, for a fine not exceeding €12.7 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or both. Continuing offences carry a daily additional fine of up to €250 on summary conviction or €127,000 a day on conviction on indictment.
I am informed that local authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency are charged with primary responsibility for the enforcement of the Act. I am further informed that the Garda authorities in the area concerned have a procedure whereby they notify the relevant local authority of any abandoned cars in the area and that arrangements are made to have the cars removed.
Garda Operations.
Tony Gregory
Question:82 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will request a report from the Garda authorities indicating the action they are taking in response to the concerns of a neighbourhood watch (details supplied) that a business concern is abandoning cars for long periods with no tax, insurance or national car test disc in residential streets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17628/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the matter concerned was raised with local Gardaí at a meeting of the Neighbourhood Watch group in the area on 2 May, 2006. The matter was subsequently raised by the Garda authorities with the proprietor of the business referred to. An undertaking has been given to the Garda authorities by the proprietor that the vehicles in question will be removed. I am further informed that local Garda Management is monitoring the situation with a view to ensuring that the vehicles are removed from the area concerned.
Citizenship Applications.
Tony Gregory
Question:83 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 666 of 21 March 2006, if a decision has been made on the matter. [17629/06]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have approved the application for naturalisation of the person concerned. A letter informing her of my decision, and the formalities to be completed before a certificate can issue, was sent to her on 2 May 2006. Once these formalities — the swearing of a declaration in court and payment of the statutory fee — are completed, a certificate of naturalisation will issue to the individual in question as soon as possible thereafter.
Prison Committals.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:84 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of non-Irish national prisoners released here for each of the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. [17651/06]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:85 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of non-Irish national prisoners released here for each of the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 who were considered for deportation under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999. [17652/06]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:86 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of non-Irish national prisoners released here for each of the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 who were deported under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999. [17653/06]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:88 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of non-Irish, non-British European Union nationals in prison here for each of the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006; the number of such prisoners released in each of those years; the number of such prisoners released who were considered for deportation under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999; and the number deported under that section. [17655/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 to 86, inclusive, and 88 together.
The information sought by the Deputy covers a number of different years and more than one source. This work cannot be completed in the time available. However my Department will undertake the necessary analysis and will furnish as much information as is available to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:87 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the date on which the systematic approach referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 190 of 4 May 2006 was introduced by him. [17654/06]
The systematic approach referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 190 of 4 May 2006 has been in place since May 2005. However, prior to this more formal arrangement, the Irish Prison Service has, over the past few years, had an ongoing liaison with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and provided reports of non-EU national prisoners in custody. These reports varied from lists of non-EU nationals serving sentences to targeted reporting of specific nationalities in custody in conjunction with planned deportation operations to the country in question. In March 2006, an internal review of the arrangements was carried out, resulting in improved systems of liaison between the various organisations involved in this process.
Question No. 88 answered with QuestionNo. 84.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:89 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if naturalisation or residency status will be conferred on a person who has lived in an EU jurisdiction for the past six years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17660/06]
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. In the case of a non national applicant who is the spouse of an Irish national those conditions are that the applicant must—
•be of full age
•be of good character
•be married to the Irish citizen for at least 3 years
•be in a marriage recognised under the laws of the State as subsisting
•be living together as husband and wife with the Irish spouse
•have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the island of Ireland immediately before the date of the application and, during the four years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the island of Ireland amounting to two years
•intend in good faith to continue to reside in the island of Ireland after naturalisation
•have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister, for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.
In other cases the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain (more rigorous) statutory conditions are fulfilled. Those conditions are that the applicant must—
•be of full age, or by way of exception, be a minor born in the State
•be of good character
•have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of the application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years
•intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation
•have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister, for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.
In the context of naturalisation certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State, periods granted for the purposes of study and periods granted for the purposes of seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act, 1996.
I cannot give definitive advice on the eligibility for naturalisation of any person without receiving a fully completed application form from that person. Such application forms can be downloaded from my Department's website at www.justice.ie.
The right of EU citizens and their family members to exercise free movement between member States (EU)is set out in Directive 2004/38/EC and the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2006 gives effect in Irish law to this Directive. The position in relation to non-EEA nationals who wish to remain in Ireland is that they must register with their local immigration office to obtain the appropriate permission to remain. The grounds for granting permission to remain are subject to the activities the person is engaged in. i.e. work permit holders are given permission to remain up to the expiry date of the work permit.
Visa Applications.
Gay Mitchell
Question:90 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will allow a visitor’s visa in the circumstances. [17690/06]
The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Ukraine on 6 April, 2006. The decision of the visa officer to refuse this application was made on 19 April, 2006. Following a re-examination of the case, the decision to refuse was upheld on 2 May, 2006. As each application is entitled to one appeal only, no further review in this matter can be granted; however it is open to the applicant to make a fresh application.
Educational Disadvantage.
Dinny McGinley
Question:91 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Donegal is included in the schools to benefit from the DEIS programme. [17497/06]
The school to which the Deputy refers was not selected to participate in the new School Support Programme under DEIS, as it did not meet the criteria developed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC), who managed the identification process under DEIS on behalf of my Department.
In the case of second-level schools, my Department supplied the ERC with centrally-held data from the Post-Primary Pupils and State Examinations Commission databases. Based on an analysis of these data, the variables used to determine eligibility for inclusion in the School Support Programme were as follows: Medical card data for Junior Certificate candidates (including Junior Certificate School Programme candidates) ; Junior Certificate retention rates by school; Junior Certificate exam results aggregated to school level (expressed as an OPS — "Overall Performance Scale" — score) This was based on each student's performance in the seven subjects in which s/he performed best; Leaving Certificate retention rates by school.
A review process has been put in place for primary and second-level schools that did not qualify for participation in the new School Support Programme (SSP) and that regard themselves as having a level of disadvantage which is of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the Programme. The review process will operate under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. The closing date for receipt of review applications was Friday 31 March, 2006.
The school to which the Deputy refers has submitted an application for review and a formal acknowledgement has issued to the school. It is anticipated that the review process will be completed before the end of the current school year. Under the DEIS action plan. 840 schools were invited to participate in the new School Support Programme. These comprised 640 primary schools (320 urban/town schools and 320 rural schools) and 200 second-level schools. Over 99% (833) of the schools concerned have accepted the invitation to participate in the new programme. A list of these schools is available on my Department's website.
Schools Building Projects.
Seán Crowe
Question:92 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the unacceptable overcrowded situation in a school (details supplied) in County Donegal, where there has been no extension constructed even though it was agreed by her Department in 1992; when the necessary finances will be released to allow the already agreed upon project to rectify accommodation problems. [17498/06]
The school referred to by the Deputy originally applied for an extension and refurbishment to provide for improved ancillary accommodation only and the application did not include proposals for additional mainstream classrooms. Given the then falling rates of enrolment at the school and having regard to competing demands on the building programme the application was at that time afforded a lower priority rating.
As part of a recent re-assessment of the application and having regard to subsequent increasing enrolments, the consequential need for additional mainstream accommodation became apparent. Accordingly a detailed assessment of recent and projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and housing developments in the area was carried out by my Department in order to ensure that any capital funding provided will deliver accommodation appropriate to the school's need into the future. This assessment has recently been completed and the long term projected staffing figure, on which future accommodation needs will be based, has been agreed with the school authority. My Department is now in the process of drawing up of a detailed accommodation brief, which may require a site visit, in respect of this school.
Third Level Grants.
Enda Kenny
Question:93 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposed closing date for acceptance of applications for third level grants for 2006/2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17598/06]
The closing date for receipt of grant applications for 2006/07 academic year will be 31 August 2006. The awarding bodies, at their own absolute discretion, may accept applications after this date. These applications are considered late applications and some awarding bodies have a policy of dealing firstly with applications received before the closing date and then attending to the "late applications".
Irish Language.
Enda Kenny
Question:94 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the date of receipt in her Department in respect of the Harris Report on competence in spoken Irish in primary schools; the date the report was transferred for translation into Irish; if the report is being translated inhouse by her Department; if so, the number of persons working on the translating; if not, if an agency has been contracted to do so; if a contract price has been agreed for the overall work; the cost to date of translating the report; and when this work will be completed. [17599/06]
The finalised text of the Harris Report — Irish in Primary Schools: Long-term National trends in Achievement — was received in the Department on 9 February, 2006. It was transferred to an outside agency for translation on 28 February, 2006. The draft translation was received by the Department on 26 April, 2006. A contract price has been agreed but no payment has been made for the translation work to date.
Adult Education.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:95 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science her timetable for the implementation of the McIver Report; her plans to provide adequate resources to post leaving certificate colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17611/06]
Government commitment to the PLC sector, by reference to the resources applied in teachers' pay, non-pay running costs, student support and certification costs, is very significant. We have increased the number of PLC places by 60% since 1996/97. Indeed, the number of PLC places approved for 2005/2006 is up by more than 1,600 on the 2004/05 level. The number of approved places in the sector now stands at 30,188. We also extended the provision of maintenance grants to PLC students with effect from September 1998. The PLC maintenance grant scheme operates on the same basis as in higher education. There were nearly 8,000 PLC grant holders in 2005 and they received some €23 million in direct support. Tuition fees for PLC courses are also waived.
PLC students are included in the calculation of non-pay budgets issued to schools in respect of running costs. A supplementary non-pay grant towards running costs specifically for PLC schools is also payable. This amounted to €5.5 million in 2005. In addition, capital funding for works at 11 post-Leaving Certificate Colleges in 2006 has been agreed.
Other developments funded by my Department of direct benefit to the PLC sector include the provision of national certification under the Further Education and Training Awards Council and the development of progression links with higher education in the Institutes of Technology. The McIver Report contains 21 over-arching recommendations, incorporating 91 sub- recommendations. It has been estimated, in consultation with management and staff interests, that the recommendations for staffing would involve at a minimum the creation of at least 800 new posts at a cost of over €48 million. This level of additional provision cannot be considered in isolation from other areas of education.
I want to invest in educational opportunity for learners in Further Education by providing the necessary system supports that will allow the sector as a whole to fulfil its important potential. The non-teaching educational tasks particular to PLC teachers, the demands on the management side and the challenges presented by the variation in size of the 200 plus PLC providers are under very active consideration by officials at present. It is intended to table concrete proposals for discussion on the way forward. The positive engagement of the main partners will be sought to advance this agenda.
Capitation Grants.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:96 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will offer an explanation for the disparity between the cap on admissions post leaving certificate colleges versus the automatic availability of capitation grants for private secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17612/06]
Most colleges offering Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) Courses are under the management of the Vocational Education Committees. Funding is provided for pay and non-pay costs on the basis of an approved number of places on approved courses run by the colleges. Each year, PLC providers are required to forward their proposals for the provision of PLCs to the Department for approval. Applications for approval of PLC places are being received in the Department at present in respect of the 2006/07 academic year.
We have increased the number of PLC places by 60% since 1996/97. The number of places approved for 2005/2006 is up by more than 1,600 on the 2004/05 level. The number of approved places in the sector now stands at 30,188. Numbers will be increased further as resources permit.
We also extended the provision of maintenance grants to PLC students with effect from September 1998. The PLC maintenance grant scheme operates on the same basis as in higher education. There were nearly 8,000 PLC grant-holders in 2005 and they received some €23 million in direct support. Tuition fees for PLC courses are also waived. PLC students are included in the calculation of non-pay budgets issued to schools in respect of running costs. A supplementary non-pay grant towards running costs specifically for PLC schools is also payable. This amounted to €5.5 million in 2005. In addition, capital funding for works at eleven PLC colleges in 2006 has been agreed. The position with regard to private secondary schools is that my Department pays the salaries of teachers in these schools but capitation grants for running costs are not payable.
Adult Education.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:97 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to transform the student experience of undertaking courses in post leaving certificate colleges, through addressing under-resourcing and undesirable features of post leaving certificate provision that have persisted from its second level origins; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17613/06]
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:98 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she plans to change post leaving certificate colleges sufficiently to allow them to play their proper future role in lifelong learning and in supporting economic development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17614/06]
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:99 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she plans to relieve the strains within post leaving certificate colleges caused by endeavouring to deliver economically relevant courses that respond to changing industry needs with very limited management resources, very few support staff and a heavy teaching load; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17615/06]
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:100 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she plans to overcome the limitations on the sector that arise from the relatively small scale of most post leaving certificate providers, while avoiding undermining the benefits that arise from local initiative and local relationships, through providing support services and mechanisms for co-operation and co-ordination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17616/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 to 100, inclusive, together.
PLC programmes are a critically important feature of the lifelong education continuum. For young people looking to enhance their qualifications and employment prospects, for those seeking an alternative route of entry into higher education and for older adults wishing to return to learning, the PLC route offers an invaluable opportunity. PLC colleges form an important source of supply of people with skills to serve the Irish economy. Courses are aimed at preparing students both for employment and for progression into other areas of education and training. PLC providers form a major employee source for a wide range of industries and services, with a strong focus, for example, on childcare and tourism services, leisure (including sport-related) services, beauty therapy, business and administration, information technology and a diverse range of activity in the sciences and technologies with a particular focus on pre-nursing and social care studies. Over 40 providers have more than 150 students, including 20 providers which have over 450 students and the remaining 150 providers are, as the Deputy notes, of a smaller scale but have the benefits that arise from local initiative and local relationships.
Government commitment to the PLC sector, by reference to the resources applied in teachers' pay, non-pay running costs, student support and certification costs, is very significant. We have increased the number of PLC places by 60% since 1996/97. Indeed, the number of PLC places approved for 2005/2006 is up by more than 1,600 on the 2004/05 level. The number of approved places in the sector now stands at 30,188. We also extended the provision of maintenance grants to PLC students with effect from September 1998. The PLC maintenance grant scheme operates on the same basis as in higher education. There were nearly 8,000 PLC grant holders in 2005 and they received some €23 million in direct support. Tuition fees for PLC courses are also waived.
PLC students are included in the calculation of non-pay budgets issued to schools in respect of running costs. A supplementary non-pay grant towards running costs specifically for PLC schools is also payable. This amounted to €5.5 million in 2005. In addition, capital funding for works at eleven post-Leaving Certificate Colleges in 2006 has been agreed.
Other developments funded by my Department of direct benefit to the PLC sector include the provision of national certification under the Further Education and Training Awards Council and the development of progression links with higher education in the Institutes of Technology. Going forward, the McIver Report presented an ambitious and far-reaching analysis of how we can develop the potential of the sector. The Report contains 21 over-arching recommendations, incorporating 91 sub-recommendations.
It has been estimated, in consultation with management and staff interests, that the recommendations for staffing would involve at a minimum the creation of at least 800 new posts at a cost of over €48 million. This level of additional provision cannot be considered in isolation from other areas of education. I want to invest in educational opportunity for learners in Further Education by providing the necessary system supports that will allow the sector as a whole to fulfil its important potential. The non-teaching educational tasks particular to PLC teachers, the demands on the management side and the challenges presented by the variation in size of the 200 plus PLC providers are under very active consideration by officials at present. It is intended to table concrete proposals for discussion on the way forward. The positive engagement of all the main partners will be sought to advance the agenda.
Special Educational Needs.
Liam Aylward
Question:101 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will make arrangements to have a teacher made available to assist a child (details supplied) in County Carlow with autism; or if she will arrange to provide an alternative school for this child. [17647/06]
My officials have been in contact with the National Council for Special Education which has confirmed that the pupil in question has been excluded from the school following a board of management decision taken on 26 April 2006. The pupil's parents were advised of the decision. While enrolled in the school, the pupil had access to an individual teacher, a special needs assistant, transport to the school by taxi together with an escort and computer equipment. I understand that the local Educational Welfare Officer is currently examining alternative school placement options for this child and is liaising with the parents and the local Special Educational Needs Organiser as part of this process.
School Transport.
Enda Kenny
Question:102 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of pupils who have been deemed ineligible for transport due to lack of seats and safety belts on schools buses for the current school year following a review of the school transport system; the arrangements that have been made in such cases for the Easter to summer transport requirement period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17657/06]
The position generally is that eligibility for school transport is determined by distance from home to the nearest primary school or post-primary centre. The phasing out of the 3 for 2 seating arrangement on school buses arising from the use of seat belts will not affect the overall seating provision for those who are eligible for transport. Furthermore, this initiative does not necessarily mean that pupils who are availing of concessionary transport will no longer be provided with such transport. The availability of concessionary transport depends on the number of spare seats available after all other eligible pupils have been accommodated. The Deputy will be aware that significant investment has been made by the Government to address capacity shortfalls arising from the phasing out of the three for two seating arrangement on school buses. A programme for Bus Éireann to acquire a number of new and modern second-hand buses is well advanced. In addition, Bus Éireann has hired-in over 220 additional vehicles from the private sector and the situation is being kept under review.
Army Discharge.
Jack Wall
Question:103 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence if the record of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be re-assessed in regard to the person’s army service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17656/06]
Personnel discharged from the Defence Forces are issued with an LA89 (Discharge Book). This book contains full details of their service and a testimonial from their Commanding Officer. The details are entered in the service book at the time of discharge and records cannot be re-assessed. The original Discharge Book is given to the individual and copies are not held by the Department. In the event of loss or damage it is not possible to issue a duplicate.
Election Management System.
Ivor Callely
Question:104 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the contract arrangements for storage of electronic voting machines. [17499/06]
Ivor Callely
Question:105 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the costs associated with the storage of electronic voting machines; the provisions his Department have made. [17500/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 105 together.
Responsibility for the security and safe storage of manual voting electoral materials (such as ballot boxes, stamping instruments, and stationery) is a matter for the Returning Officers, who are statutorily responsible for conducting the polls. Accordingly, similar responsibility was assigned to Returning Officers to make the necessary arrangements in relation to the storage of the electronic voting machines and equipment. Returning Officers undertook the task of procuring suitable dry accommodation for the electronic voting machines and ancillary equipment, and the detailed contractual and other arrangements put in place by Returning Officers reflect the varying circumstances applying at local level. Information provided by Returning Officers to my Department indicates that the total annual storage cost for the electronic voting machines and ancillary equipment (which includes rent, insurance, service charges, rates, heating) is some €696,000.
Waste Management.
James Breen
Question:106 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 367 of 3 May 2006 the measures he has in place to ensure plastic silage wrapping will be collected in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17501/06]
Under the Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 2001, producers — i.e. manufacturers and importers — of farm plastics (silage bale wrap and sheeting) are required to take steps to recover farm plastics waste which they have placed on the market or alternatively to contribute to, and participate in, compliance schemes to recover the waste in question. The Irish Farm Film Producers Group (IFFPG) is currently the sole approved body in Ireland for the purposes of implementing a compliance scheme for the recovery of farm plastics waste.
Under the IFFPG scheme, producers apply a levy on the sale of farm plastics that in turn is transferred to the IFFPG for use in funding the collection and recovery of farm plastics waste. It is estimated that around 8,500 tonnes (some55%) of farm plastics placed on the market in 2004 were collected for recycling. An estimated 55,000 farmers availed of the collection service in 2004. IFFPG estimate that over 12,500 tonnes of farm plastics were collected in 2005.
In spite of the successful operation of the scheme in recent years, more recently it has become apparent that the Scheme lacked sufficient resources to satisfy the demand that existed for collections of farm plastics. I have therefore, following discussions with the IFFPG, farming organisations and local authorities, recently announced amendments to the scheme to support improved services to farmers. Under the new arrangements, the scheme will be funded by a combination of the existing levies paid by the producer members of IFFPG who run the scheme and funding from weight based collection charges to be paid by farmers availing of the service. This will improve the operational efficiency of the scheme by incentivising the presentation of clean, dry plastic by farmers. IFFPG estimate that a typical farmer will incur a cost of €50 every second year arising from the introduction of this charge. The effect of the introduction of a charge will be to ensure that supply of collections of farm plastics to farmers can match the demand on an ongoing basis.
In order to ensure that producer responsibility remains the principal source of funds for the IFFPG, minimum recovery/recycling targets, to be funded by producers placing this material on the market, are being set. The target will be 50% for 2006 and 2007 and this will rise to 55% by end 2008 and 60% thereafter.
In addition, to address the issue of accumulated backlogs of farm plastic, designated facilities will be provided this year on a temporary basis by local authorities where farmers may deposit stockpiled farm plastic. This will operate on a pilot basis in the first instance in counties Galway, Clare, Mayo, Offaly and Waterford. It is planned to role out this service to other areas after the initial trial, which will assist in determining the quantities of plastic likely to be recovered for recycling under this initiative. This service will be free to the farmer and funding to assist the local authorities will be made available from my Department through the Environment Fund. My Department is asking the local authorities involved to proceed with collections at the earliest possible opportunity.
Further steps are also to be taken by IFFPG to improve traceability whereby the compliance scheme will now examine the question of introducing a register of suppliers. The purpose of this measure will be to support compliance with the requirements of the scheme and to reduce scope for unfair competition from 'free riders' in the market. Overall, this package of measures is designed to improve the efficiency of the IFFPG, reduce the scope for non-compliance and ensure that farmers can avail of a more reliable service.
Natural Heritage Areas.
Olwyn Enright
Question:107 Ms Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the procedure to have a piece of property listed for protection where the property is an esker with extremely old trees on it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17589/06]
To date, nine eskers have been protected as candidate Special Areas of Conservation because of the presence of orchid-rich grassland, a priority habitat under the EU Habitats Directive. However eskers without this habitat have not been prioritised for such protection.
Eskers with ancient trees may warrant protection by designation as Natural Heritage Areas. Interested parties may contact my Department with information on such sites, so that they may be assessed for their conservation value and considered for legal protection as NHAs. It is also open to a local authority to use their powers under Section 205 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 to make provisions for the protection of certain trees in the interests of amenity or the environment.
Sport and Recreational Facilities.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:108 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding will be provided to an association (details supplied) in County Kerry in order that a playground can be built in Fenit, Tralee, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17591/06]
Section 67 of the Local Government Act 2001 empowers local authorities to promote the interests of the local community in relation to amenity, recreation and other functions. This includes the provision of sports, games and similar activities and general recreational and leisure facilities such as playgrounds. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the extent to which these facilities should be provided and to allocate resources accordingly.
To assist local authorities in this regard, my Department provided funding of over €2 million to local authorities for the development of playground facilities in 2005. A fixed grant of €60,000 was allocated to each city and county council to meet the cost of purchase and delivery of playground equipment. In the case of County Kerry, I understand that the grant to Kerry County Council is being utilised towards the provision of playgrounds at Caherciveen and Waterville.
Local Authority Housing.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:109 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons or families on the housing waiting lists of local authorities in each of the past five years for which figures are available. [17593/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
The statutory assessment of housing need is undertaken by local authorities on a triennial basis. The most recent assessment of need for social housing was undertaken by local authorities in March 2005 with the previous assessment carried out in 2002.
The results of the 2005 assessment indicated that there were 43,684 households on local authority housing waiting lists compared with 48,413 households in March 2002 a decrease of almost 10%. More comprehensive data in relation to the 2005 assessment at an individual local authority level will be published shortly in the Annual Bulletin of Housing Statistics and on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:110 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of private housing units which are currently occupied by people on rental supplement, the number which have been inspected by local authorities with a view to their taking over the direct payment to landlords since the announcement of 7 July 2004; the number of those inspected which have been approved by local authorities for long-term payments; the number of units which have not been approved; the principle reasons for the failure to grant approval in those cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17594/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), local authorities are providing accommodation for certain recipients of SWA rent supplement who have been assessed as having a long-term housing need. At end March 2006, 60,522 households were in receipt of rent supplement. The great majority of these are accommodated in private rented accommodation with the remainder residing in accommodation provided by the Voluntary and Cooperative Housing Sector.
At the end of April 2006, local authorities had inspected 754 units of private rented accommodation for the RAS and had entered into contracts for 57 units. The main problems encountered by authorities seeking to transfer tenants to the RAS is the poor quality of some of the private rented accommodation, tenancies not being registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board, households living in overcrowded conditions and delays in landlords producing evidence of their tax affairs being in order.
House Purchases.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:111 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the percentage of new home purchasers who are first time buyers in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17595/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
My Department does not have a breakdown of new house completions by type of buyer. However, mortgage data provided by the financial institutions indicates that during 2005 first time buyers remained a strong presence in the housing market, representing approximately 45% of the new housing loans paid out in 2005. First time buyers have also a strong presence in the second hand housing market, making up 30% of the second hand housing loans paid out in 2006.
The key objective of Government housing policy is to enable every household to have available an affordable dwelling of good quality, suited to its needs, in a good environment and as far as possible, at the tenure of its choice. To further this objective, the Government has implemented a balanced range of measures to increase overall housing supply and afford greater access to the housing market to first-time buyers; to develop the private rented sector and to advance social and affordable housing programmes specifically targeted at low income groups and those with social housing needs.
It is proposed that 15,000 units of affordable housing will be delivered in the three-year period 2006 — 2008. This represents a doubling of the rate of output of affordable housing over the past three years and will significantly increase the supply of affordable homes for first time buyers.
National Parks.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:112 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the lands which have been acquired by the State for the Wicklow National Park within the past five years; the address, area, price paid and date acquired in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17622/06]
In March 2006 648.3 hectares (1,602 acres) at Luggala were acquired for Wicklow Mountains National Park by my Department for €1.725m. This was the first acquisition for the Park during the past five years. Over the years, the Government has pursued a policy of increasing the number and size of our National Parks where possible. This has resulted in a growth in the number of National Parks from one (Killarney) in 1972, to six at the present time. I believe that we should continue to enlarge the area of these Parks and particularly through the acquisition of adjacent habitat-rich lands as they become available.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:113 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people who are employed in connection with the Wicklow National Park; their respective roles and positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17623/06]
There are currently 24 staff employed in Wicklow National Park, including temporary and seasonal staff, as shown in the table. Two positions are currently vacant, Divisional Manager and Temporary Guide, and will be filled shortly. The positions of Divisional Manager, Regional Manager, District Conservation Officer, Head Conservation Ranger and General Operatives also carry responsibilities beyond the management of the Park.
|
Grade |
Number Serving at present |
|
Divisional Manager |
0 |
|
Regional Manager |
1 |
|
District Conservation Officer |
1 |
|
Head Conservation Ranger |
1 |
|
Conservation Ranger |
3 |
|
Guides |
7 |
|
General Operatives |
8 |
|
Storekeeper Clerk |
2 |
|
Caretaker (part-time) |
1 |
Tony Gregory
Question:114 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the National Parks and Wildlife Service has been given details by the Irish Council against Blood Sports of trading companies supplying and using glue traps; and the action taken in each case. [17624/06]
My Department is actively pursuing measures against the unlawful sale and use of glue traps, including in some instances where details were provided by the Irish Council Against Blood Sports. Actions include inspections by National Parks and Wildlife staff of shops or other outlets which may be offering these traps for sale.