Vol. 620 No. 5
18 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount allocated for sporting purposes per county for the years 2002, 2003 , 2004 and 2005; the projected figure for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20879/06]
There are two programmes administered by my Department through which funding is provided towards the development of sports facilities. These are the Sports Capital Programme and the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme.
Under the national lottery-funded sports capital programme, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. The detailed information requested by the Deputy which is provided in the table shows that total of €260.2 million was allocated under the Sports Capital Programme during the period in question to 2,879 projects all around the country and that every county has benefited hugely from this funding.
Almost €68 million has been provided in my Department's 2006 Estimates towards the payment of such grants. Almost all of this amount will be in payment of grants allocated in the period specified by the Deputy.
In relation to sports capital allocations in 2006, the closing date for receipt of applications was 20th January last. A total of 1,338 applications for projects costing €670 million and seeking funding of €312 million were received by the closing date. All of these applications, ranging in project cost from €500 to €25 million, are currently being evaluated against the programme's detailed assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce in the near future the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
Under the local authority swimming pool programme, grant aid is provided to local authorities in respect of the capital costs of a new swimming pool, a replacement pool or the refurbishment of an existing pool. The closing date for receipt of applications under the current round of this Programme was 31 July 2000 and since then a total 57 projects have or are being dealt with. Of the 57 projects, within the Programme, 19 have been completed and 13 pool projects are now under construction or are about to start construction. In addition, 25 other projects are at various stages in the Programme — 7 at tender stage, 10 at contract document stage and 8 at preliminary report stage. It is important to note that expenditure under the programme is largely determined not by my Department, but by the speed at which individual local authorities progress their projects.
In the period referred to by the Deputy an amount of €70.267m has expended under the Programme. €32 million has been provided in my Department's vote in respect of this programme for 2006, and so far this year I have allocated a further €11,427,642 towards three swimming pool projects at Portlaoise, Portarlington and Longford.
This Government, more than any other Government in the history of the State recognises the benefits which can be achieved through the involvement of people in sport and it has invested significant resources to provide modern well managed and well equipped sporting facilities throughout the length and breath of the country.
|
County |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
Total |
|
Carlow |
489,000 |
440,000 |
632,000 |
446,000 |
2,007,000 |
|
Cavan |
691,200 |
580,000 |
1,075,000 |
785,000 |
3,131,200 |
|
Clare |
1,123,000 |
1,125,000 |
1,727,000 |
1,356,000 |
5,331,000 |
|
Cork |
7,257,000 |
5,747,400 |
6,524,000 |
8,172,000 |
27,700,400 |
|
Donegal |
5,049,000 |
1,177,500 |
1,802,000 |
1,572,000 |
9,600,500 |
|
Dublin |
23,075,900 |
14,763,733 |
14,691,000 |
15,739,419 |
68,270,052 |
|
Galway |
3,058,000 |
3,058,000 |
3,435,014 |
5,760,000 |
15,311,014 |
|
Kerry |
3,335,200 |
3,748,000 |
4,476,000 |
3,603,000 |
15,162,200 |
|
Kildare |
4,870,000 |
3,366,000 |
3,357,000 |
1,550,000 |
13,143,000 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,116,500 |
1,042,500 |
850,000 |
1,284,000 |
4,293,000 |
|
Laois |
1,189,000 |
450,000 |
786,000 |
771,000 |
3,196,000 |
|
Leitrim |
821,600 |
454,800 |
479,000 |
660,000 |
2,415,400 |
|
Limerick |
2,776,000 |
2,785,500 |
1,925,000 |
3,092,000 |
10,578,500 |
|
Longford |
759,400 |
780,000 |
745,000 |
499,000 |
2,783,400 |
|
Louth |
2,545,000 |
1,372,100 |
1,644,000 |
1,347,000 |
6,908,100 |
|
Mayo |
2,284,000 |
1,574,600 |
1,594,000 |
1,422,000 |
6,874,600 |
|
Meath |
1,605,000 |
2,560,000 |
2,260,000 |
1,576,000 |
8,001,000 |
|
Monaghan |
1,233,000 |
685,000 |
996,000 |
744,000 |
3,658,000 |
|
Offaly |
405,000 |
1,004,000 |
1,157,000 |
1,260,000 |
3,826,000 |
|
Roscommon |
1,301,000 |
777,600 |
1,027,000 |
880,000 |
3,985,600 |
|
Sligo |
1,527,600 |
963,000 |
1,453,000 |
2,020,000 |
5,963,600 |
|
Tipperary |
2,478,000 |
1,657,000 |
2,398,000 |
2,177,000 |
8,710,000 |
|
Waterford |
3,253,000 |
2,710,000 |
2,080,000 |
1,425,000 |
9,468,000 |
|
Westmeath |
2,569,000 |
1,307,000 |
1,083,000 |
1,305,000 |
6,264,000 |
|
Wexford |
2,206,000 |
1,221,000 |
1,887,000 |
2,267,000 |
7,581,000 |
|
Wicklow |
1,813,000 |
1,003,000 |
1,700,000 |
1,527,000 |
6,043,000 |
|
Total |
78,830,400 |
56,352,733 |
61,783,014 |
63,239,419 |
260,205,566 |
|
Allocation |
Totals |
|
|
2002 |
||
|
Galway |
3,809,214 |
|
|
Dublin |
3,809,214 |
|
|
7,618,428 |
||
|
2003 |
||
|
Kerry |
3,895,614 |
|
|
Limerick |
3,809,214 |
|
|
Tipperary |
1,641,934 |
|
|
9,346,762 |
||
|
2004 |
||
|
Cork |
11,427,642 |
|
|
Galway |
3,809,214 |
|
|
Dublin |
11,427,642 |
|
|
Donegal |
3,809,214 |
|
|
Louth |
3,809,214 |
|
|
34,282,926 |
||
|
2005 |
||
|
Monaghan |
3,809,214 |
|
|
Kerry |
7,592,110 |
|
|
Dublin |
3,809,214 |
|
|
Limerick |
3,809,214 |
|
|
19,019,752 |
||
|
2006 (to May) |
||
|
Laois |
7,618,428 |
|
|
Longford |
3,809,214 |
|
|
11,427,642 |
||
|
81,695,510 |
19 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he intends to introduce a new grants scheme to replace the ACCESS programme for the upgrading of arts centres nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21066/06] ]
52 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent of applications for funding under the ACCESS and Capital projects relating to arts projects: the counties they originate in; when decisions will be finalised for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20858/06
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 52 together.
The main vehicle for capital funding through my Department is the Arts & Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS), under which almost €43 million was provided for arts and cultural facilities around the country. This scheme commenced in 2001 and many projects are still in the course of completion. I propose to circulate for inclusion in the written report a schedule detailing allocations under ACCESS and other capital projects on a county-by-county basis in tabular format. All available funds are fully allocated as of now.
I have been in consultation with my colleague the Minister for Finance, to secure approval for a successor to the ACCESS scheme and I understand that a positive response is imminent. I will make a further statement on this matter as soon as I am in a position to do so. Applications for support under a successor scheme will be invited by public advertisement. Allocations under this scheme could be made by the end of 2006.
Allocations under ACCESS on a county-by-county basis were as follows.
|
County |
Total Allocation |
|
€ |
|
|
Mayo |
1,060,231 |
|
Louth |
2,539,476 |
|
Limerick |
1,046,265 |
|
Clare |
4,059,353 |
|
Sligo |
2,920,398 |
|
Monaghan |
663,737 |
|
Cork |
1,276,077 |
|
Leitrim |
3,174,345 |
|
Kerry |
1,000,731 |
|
Kilkenny |
704,705 |
|
Waterford |
825,330 |
|
Meath |
3,021,977 |
|
Dublin |
6,146,532 |
|
Tipperary |
2,920,398 |
|
Wicklow |
1,777,633 |
|
Galway |
3,174,345 |
|
Wexford |
421,553 |
|
Westmeath |
215,855 |
|
Carlow |
3,174,345 |
|
Donegal |
2,634,706 |
|
Total Allocations |
42,757,992 |
20 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the details of the recent approval by the European Commission of Enhancements to the Section 481 scheme for investment in film; his views on extending the scheme beyond its current deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21029/06]
32 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of films filmed on location here on an annual basis over the past five years; the efforts being made to encourage the making of films here; his plans in conjunction with the industry for development over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21050/06]
90 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of films proposed or likely to be filmed here in the next four years; if he has satisfied himself regarding the adequacy of facilities or incentives to develop and promote the industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21275/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 32 and 90 together.
The promotion and support for film activity in the State and for filming in Ireland is the responsibility of the Irish Film Board, an agency which, though funded by my Department, is independent of the Department in its day-to-day decision making. Funding from my Department for the Board amounts this year to €17.126M, an increase of 7% on the 2005 figure.
My Department's direct role regarding film support relates only to the administration of elements of the Section 481 scheme for investment in film production. Details of the number of films certified under the scheme over the last 5 years are in the table.
The Section 481 scheme has recently been enhanced as follows:
•the maximum amount that can be raised has increased from €15M to €35M;
•the maximum percentage of a project budget that can be raised has increased from between 55% and 66% to 80%.
These changes represent the most significant ever enhancement of the scheme, and will greatly increase Ireland's attractiveness as a film making location. The European Commission has in recent days approved these changes to the Section 481 scheme.
It is not possible to say at this point in time the number of films that will be made in Ireland over the next four years.
|
Summary of Key Statistics 1994-2006 (to date) |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Total of Projects certified |
Total Certified Spend |
of which Irish Spend |
Section 481 Amount |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
||
|
1994-2001 |
240 |
1,294.1 |
697.5 |
581.8 |
|
2002 |
22 |
142.9 |
87.9 |
62.2 |
|
2003 |
25 |
282.7 |
135.6 |
84.8 |
|
2004 |
22 |
119.6 |
66.5 |
58.1 |
|
2005 |
28 |
125.5 |
63.9 |
54.8 |
|
2006 |
9 |
55.1 |
29.4 |
28.3 |
|
Total |
346 |
2,019.9 |
1,080.8 |
870 |
21 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the latest figures on domestic travel by Irish residents. [21081/06]
Last week, the CSO published the 4th Quarter results of its Household Travel Survey for 2005. For 2005 as a whole, domestic holiday trips were up 6.6% to 3.35 million on 2004 and expenditure on domestic travel was up 12% to €1.164bn. This performance is ahead of Fáilte Ireland's target of 4% growth and represents an endorsement by the Irish people of the holiday experience available at home.
The home holiday market is an increasingly important component of the tourism business in Ireland. It is particularly important both in terms of seasonal and regional spread. 86% of holiday trips and 89% of holiday nights by domestic tourists are now spent outside the Dublin area which offsets, to some extent, the relative strength of Dublin in the overseas visitors market.
As the Irish economy continues to grow, so too has the appetite of the Irish to travel, both at home and abroad. In revenue terms, the home holiday market has grown by 65% since 2000. Irish people are now taking 3.3 million holiday trips in Ireland every year compared to 2.5 million in 2000 an increase of 33%.
Recognising the importance of this market, Fáilte Ireland has significantly stepped up its home campaign in recent years, backed by significantly enhanced Exchequer resources. Last month, I launched Fáilte Ireland's "Lets Play" campaign — a 4 million euro home holiday campaign. The campaign, which is now in full swing, calls on Irish people to give themselves more time to use the unexpected pleasures of their own country as a haven from the increasing pressures of modern living. It is centred on the idea of the surprise — those new unexpected elements that one can find in an Irish holiday in whatever part of the country one chooses to visit.
The last CSO figures confirm that Irish people continue to value the unique experience they get in Ireland. Allied to our continued good performance in attracting overseas visitors — where last week we saw overseas visitor numbers increasing by 7.7% in the first three months of the year — I am confident that 2006 will prove to be another good year for Irish tourism.
22 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the delivery of the Abbotstown sports campus; the situation in regard to the planning of phase one; when development work is expected to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21022/06]
26 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the management of the National Aquatic Centre following the removal of Dublin Waterworld; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21023/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 26 together.
Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited, the company charged with developing the Sports Campus project, has drawn up a detailed proposal for the development of the sports campus at Abbotstown in a series of phases. Planning work for Phase One of the Development Control Plan is already underway and will provide:
•a National Field Sports training centre, catering for rugby, soccer, Gaelic games and hockey
•a National Indoor Training Centre which will provide world class training facilities for over 30 Governing Bodies of Sport
•accommodation for sports men and women; sports science and medical facilities
•all-weather synthetic pitches for community use; and
•renovation of existing buildings to cater for needs identified by sports bodies.
Funds for the delivery of the project have been provided in my Department's capital envelope for 2006-2010. The estimated cost of the project is €119m with a 4 to 5-year delivery schedule- 2006 to 2010. An amount of €9.5m has been provided in the Vote of my Department for work on the project during 2006. Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Ltd is now proceeding with the delivery of the Abbotstown Sports Campus. Also, as Deputies may be aware, an inter agency study which is chaired by the Office of Public Works, is underway following on from the commitment in the Fingal Development Plan to undertake a study of the feasible developments on the Abbotstown site. I look forward to receiving the outcome of this work in due course.
With regard to the National Aquatic Centre, the legal proceedings taken by CSID against Dublin Waterworld Ltd are still before the Courts and it would be inappropriate to comment on matters that are sub-judice. However, it is a matter of public record that the case again came before the Supreme Court on 12 May. The Supreme Court granted a stay of execution on the judgement and order of Mr. Justice Gilligan made on the 21 and 29 March 2006 in the High Court pending the hearing of an appeal.
The terms upon which a stay has been granted are as follows:
•The defendant to provide security for costs;
•The defendant undertakes to keep National Aquatic Centre open and operational;
•To continue to pay suppliers and staff;
•To operate the 1300 hours agreement as currently operated;
•To provide monthly management accounts within 14 days of month end;
•To comply with all obligations under the lease subject to matters in contention in the appeal;
•To take reasonable steps to prosecute the appeal;
•To not remove plant and/or equipment or records and to return any records removed;
•To allow reasonable access for snagging to continue.
The Supreme Court gave liberty to apply to it in relation to a serious breach of these terms on two working days' notice. The Supreme Court also entered the case on a list to be heard by the Chief Justice on 18 May in relation to granting an early hearing to the appeal.
CSID duly made an application for an early hearing of the appeal. On the 18 May, the Chief Justice ordered that the Books of Appeal be lodged within a week and that submissions be lodged within 10 days. He listed the case for mention on 16 June at which stage he will be seeking a date for the hearing. The availability of dates in the legal calendar will determine whether an early hearing can be secured.
CSID has prepared contingency plans for the operation of the National Aquatic Centre in the event of it regaining possession.
24 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in regard to the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre; if he has brought the issue before Government in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21021/06]
41 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the timescale for the provision of the new Abbey Theatre at George’s Docks, including the possible commencement and completion dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21035/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 41 together.
In July 2005, the Government authorised investigative surveys to be carried out at the George's Dock site to inform further decisions on the development of the theatre there. At my request, the Office of Public Works arranged detailed examination of the site, including archaeological, geotechnical and structural surveys. On the basis of the favourable conclusions emerging from these studies the Government in December 2005 approved the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre at George's Dock and agreed that my Department, in conjunction with the Minister for Finance, the Office of Public Works, and the National Development Finance Agency, would examine possible procurement models, including PPP options.
KPMG were commissioned to carry out a cost effectiveness study of the proposed relocation of the National Theatre under various procurement options. The conclusions emerging from the KPMG study are currently being evaluated by my Department in consultation with the other Agencies to which I have referred and I expect to be in a position to report back to Government on the issues in the very near future. I am not yet in a position to specify possible commencement and completion dates.
27 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he, or representatives from his Department, attended the recent international Real Green Tourism conference in Kinnitty Castle County Offaly; the efforts he has made to promote eco-tourism in the midlands and throughout the rest of the country; if Ireland can be marketed internationally as an eco-tourism destination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21017/06]
I received an invitation to deliver the Opening Address at the Laois-Offaly Tourism Conference "Real Green Tourism — Eco-tourism & Biodiversity in The Slieve Blooms". Unfortunately, due to an extremely busy schedule on that date, I was unable to accept the invitation. I suggested, instead, that a representative of Fáilte Ireland be invited to address the conference. I understand that a representative from Fáilte Ireland did, indeed, make a presentation on the Effective Marketing of the Slieve Blooms as a Tourist Destination.
Neither I nor my Department is responsible for promoting individual regions of the country. This responsibility rests with Fáilte Ireland and the relevant Regional Tourism Authority. Responsibility for niche tourism marketing, such as eco-tourism, rests with Fáilte Ireland and is delivered in overseas markets by Tourism Ireland.
The term Eco-Tourism is a phrase that has been around for about 20 years but there seem to be many definitions. Existing definitions range from emphases on conservation, on experiencing nature, on social conscience to a combination of all of these. There is no doubt that Ireland does have elements of its tourism product that can fit under the eco-tourism banner and I expect that, with the recent creation of a new Environmental Unit within Fáilte Ireland, it will look at developing that area within the context of Fáilte Ireland's overall product development strategy.
28 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the most recent appointments made to the board of Bord na gCon; the length of time of these appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21027/06]
I have appointed Mr. Seamus Mallon, former MP and MLA and Mr. Dick O'Sullivan, Manager, Punchestown Racecourse as members of the Board of Bord na gCon for a period of three years with effect from 23rd May 2006 to replace Mr Cathal Curley and Mr John Hegarty whose terms of office have expired.
29 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the necessary finance to commence work on the development of the National Concert Hall will be included in the 2007 estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21078/06]
42 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has commenced the evaluation of the economic benefits of the proposed redevelopment of the new National Concert Hall; the length of time this evaluation process will take; when he expects a final decision to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21020/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 42 together.
I have requested my Department to ensure that the Government's requirement for the completion of an evaluation of the economic benefits of the proposed redevelopment of the National Concert Hall at Earlsfort Terrace is met at the earliest opportunity. To this end, my Department has arranged and completed a tender process and selected DKM Economic Consultants to carry out this work. The evaluation will be completed within the next four weeks.
Provision has been made in the 2006 Estimates for the purchase of the Earlsfort Terrace site from UCD. The redevelopment of the National Concert Hall is to be pursued as a PPP type project and appropriate provision will be made in that regard.
30 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the decision by members of a football club (details supplied) to sell their stadium and move to a purpose built stadium in west Dublin; if his attention has been drawn to concerns raised by local residents to the proposed development of a new stadium at the alternative site in west Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21014/06]
My Department has allocated and paid out a total of €1,100,750 in grants allocated under the sports capital programme to the club in question towards developments at Dalymount over the past few years. This funding is protected by a Deed of Covenant and Charge which provides for a repayment of the grants should the property be sold or cease to be used for sporting proposes.
Any decision regarding the club moving from its current location to a purpose built stadium is a matter for the club and its members to decide. Any proposal to develop such a stadium by private developers will be subject to the normal planning process during which the issues raised by local residents will have to be considered.
31 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount spent by Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland on advertising Ireland as a tourist destination in 2005; and his views on whether this represents value for money. [21088/06]
In 2005, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland together spent almost €44m on advertising Ireland as a tourist destination. As the Deputy will be aware, Tourism Ireland is responsible for marketing the island of Ireland overseas. In delivering its marketing programme last year, Tourism Ireland, which is jointly funded by the Irish and British Exchequers, spent over €35m on advertising, publicity, promotions, e-marketing and brand development. The targets set for 2005 were to grow overall visitor numbers by 4.7% and revenue by 6.5%.
CSO data for 2005 show overseas visitor numbers increased by 6% to almost 7 million and a significant rise in revenue — up almost 8% to €3.455 billion, excluding carrier receipts. On both counts, the 2005 targets were exceeded. Against a backdrop of intense global competition and constantly evolving consumer preferences, these results represent a good performance by the sector and underline the significant return which Tourism Ireland achieves from its investment in overseas marketing.
Fáilte Ireland is responsible for promoting holidays on the domestic market, which is so important for regional and year-round business. Last year, it spent approximately €4m on the home holiday campaign. CSO figures, just published for the home market, show domestic holiday trips increased by 6.6% to 3.35 million over 2004 and expenditure on domestic travel was up 12% (to €1.164bn). This performance was ahead of the target of 4% growth set by Fáilte Ireland. It constitutes a strong endorsement of expenditure to promote domestic holidays and suggests that the home holiday campaign has been an effective contributor to facilitating that growth.
35 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the proposed establishment of a new national governing body for horse sport here; when a new body will be established; the remit of this new body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21028/06]
With the support of the Minister for Agriculture and Food, last year I invited Mr. Michael Dowling, former Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture and Food to chair a group which was asked to develop proposals for the establishment of a new national governing body for horse sport. Representatives of the Equestrian Federation of Ireland, the Irish Horse Board, the Irish Sports Council, the Department of Agriculture and Food and my own Department also participated in the deliberations of the group. Mr. Dowling has drawn up a set of proposals which have been accepted by the group. These proposals are now being referred to the governing bodies of the Agencies involved for adoption by them hopefully by end-June, following which they will be submitted for formal consideration by me.
36 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the anticipated growth in the tourist industry over the next four years on a county and regional basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21051/06]
96 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which he anticipates growth in the tourism industry on a provincial basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21281/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 96 together.
My Department does not compile multi-annual forecasts for tourism numbers on a county or regional basis. However, the New Horizons Review of Irish Tourism Policy, published in October 2003, set ambitious growth targets for the industry up to 2012 — namely that it would attract annual visitor numbers of 10 million and €6 billion in foreign revenue by that year. This represents annual average growth rates of 5.4% in visitor numbers and 6.9% in overseas revenue.
In terms of regional growth, the Review also set out an equally ambitious target to double the number of overseas promotable visitors staying at least one night in the Border Midland and Western (BMW) region. As the Deputy will know, the so-called promotable segment of the overall tourism market is that which is most susceptible to marketing and promotion efforts. The Review did not disaggregate these targets on a county basis.
These targets were established on the basis of a number of assumptions with regard to the economic conditions prevailing in our key overseas markets and our relative competitive position internationally. They are based on a realistic assessment of the prospects for growth in the sector but are also designed to be challenging. It is important to note that these are targets, not forecasts.
37 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide details of the new Irish Film Office to be opened in Los Angeles; the location of the office; the number of permanent staff who will work from the office; when he expects same to open; the main purpose behind the opening of this office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21010/06]
The opening of a Los Angeles office by the Irish Film Board is formally a matter for the Board itself, and although I initially suggested this strategy, the final decision and implementation are Board matters. However, I understand from the Board that this new office will focus on the promotion of Ireland to the U.S. film industry, with the aim of attracting an increased range of U.S. feature film and television drama to locate in Ireland, bringing with it direct foreign investment.
The Office will be headed by a representative of the Irish Film Board with the title of Vice President, Irish Film Commission. This representative will meet regularly with executives within the U.S. Studio system, the independent production community, as well as the network and cable TV sector, to identify and track projects that could locate in Ireland. He/she will regularly report to the Board on current trends in the US film & TV industry. The Irish Film Board is expected to open its new office in Los Angeles in the Autumn.
38 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the commencement of a national audit of sports facilities here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21060/06]
As I have previously indicated, the steering group overseeing this work has decided that the audit will be undertaken in a number of phases to speed up the availability of information. Phase one of the audit will establish a record of national and regional sports facilities and is being carried out within my Department.
The work currently being undertaken by my Department is a data gathering exercise in conjunction with the main sporting bodies and local authorities to identify the facilities for inclusion in this phase. Once this list is finalised a detailed questionnaire seeking the necessary information on the sports facilities will issue to facility owners and managers which will be used to establish a comprehensive database.
The intention is that by ascertaining and mapping what is already in place, an important part of developing a strategic approach to future facility provision is put in place as well as establishing the level of need that still exists in the sports sector and helping to determine future priorities. This first phase of the audit is expected to be completed by the end of the year in advance of the 2007 sports capital programme.
39 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will expand on his recent comments at the GAA annual congress in Killarney that the organisation must be prudent in regard to offers for its land from property developers; his views on whether this represents a threat to the role of many GAA clubs in local communities; his further views on the attractive economic benefits of such offers for local organisations; the efforts he has made to assist GAA clubs in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21030/06]
47 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views regarding the growing phenomenon of local sports organisations selling their grounds and moving to peripheral locations in large urban centres; the possible knock on effect that this may have on local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21079/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 47 together.
I welcome this opportunity to expand on my views regarding offers from developers to purchase and develop sports grounds. Over the years, many sports clubs of all kinds have developed their facilities in very central locations which are strategically placed at the heart of their community. However, in these times of high property prices there is little doubt that clubs of all types are increasingly being tempted to put their current sites on the market for large amounts of money with a view to relocating to more peripheral sites that are nearer the outskirts of the city, town or village in which they are based.
On the surface, this can seem to offer significant advantages to these clubs, who may have expanded their membership to such an extent that they no longer have enough space to further develop their facilities on their existing site. Clubs can also benefit from a once-off financial windfall which can seem very attractive and can provide them with the necessary funding to help further develop their facilities, such as more playing space, better training facilities, new and bigger sports halls, clubhouses, improved parking facilities etc.
However, I am strongly of the view that such clubs must not forget the central role that they have traditionally played in their local communities. They are of vital importance to the social fabric of those communities to which they are inextricably bound. It is doubtful whether they could continue to play this role to the same extent if they opt to move to peripheral locations. Gaelic games, in particular, define us as a people and it is of immense importance that the GAA continue to play their games and be centrally involved in their community.
I believe that sports clubs have a duty to balance their own interests with the interests of the community from which they draw their membership and with which they have such close ties. In considering any offers for their land or sites from developers, therefore, clubs should only consider moving for the most compelling of reasons.
43 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the timescale for the provision of the proposed National Conference Centre in Spencer Dock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21067/06]
46 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in regard to the development of the National Conference Centre; when he expects to be able to bring the matter to Government; if he still expects construction of the new centre to commence in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21019/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 46 together.
The House will be aware that in November last, Spencer Dock International Conference Centre Consortium was, with the approval of the Government, designated as the Provisional Preferred Tenderer for the provision of a National Conference Centre in Dublin. In accordance with the competition process, the Contracting Authority, the Office of Public Works, proceeded to engage with the Provisional Preferred Tenderer to negotiate, settle and agree any required amendments to the project agreement. These detailed and complex negotiations are, by their nature, time consuming but, as I informed the House on 25th April last, I understand that the Contracting Authority is pressing to have them concluded as soon as possible.
Assuming that these negotiations prove successful, the next step will be the appointment of the Provisional Preferred Tenderer as Preferred Tenderer. During the Preferred Tenderer phase, the Preferred Tenderer will develop and provide the full range of project documents, which will require review and approval by the Contracting Authority. I look forward to the timely completion of the next stages and hope to be in a position to bring the matter to Government for final decision in the coming months.
Subject to the successful completion of the remaining stages of the procurement process and assuming no unexpected developments, I would hope that construction of the National Conference Centre would begin next year and that the Centre would be operational during 2009.
44 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the recent upsurge in visitor numbers here from Eastern Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21018/06]
In 2005, visitor numbers from Mainland Europe to Ireland were up almost 20% to 1.9m generating revenue of €1.23 bn — up 32% on 2004. The performance of this market has surpassed the targets in the New Horizons report. The fact that Mainland Europe is now almost on a par with Britain in revenue terms confirms that we are very much on target in relation to the tourism priority in the Agreed Programme for Government which seeks to broaden our source markets particularly Europe.
Part of the impressive performance on the Mainland European market has undoubtedly been an increased number of visitors from Central and Eastern European countries. For example, last year there were 127,000 Polish visitors to Ireland representing almost 7% of the total number of visitors from Mainland Europe.
Tourism Ireland Ltd is the body responsible for the international marketing of the island of Ireland as a tourist destination. It is already undertaking a wide range of publicity and promotion activities to target new and developing markets in Central and Eastern Europe — capitalising particularly on the increased air access options. This activity includes inward media visits, trade and consumer promotions and developing versions of its new generation Website "www.discoverireland.com” in Polish, Russian, Czech and Hungarian.
Access is key driver of tourism growth and according to the latest intelligence from Tourism Ireland, air capacity from Mainland Europe this Summer will be almost double that available in summer 2004. Tourism Ireland estimates that there will be 35,000 additional seats each-way per week available with substantial growth in capacity from Central and East Europe. I am confident that Tourism Ireland will continue to exploit opportunities that are presented to increase visitors from Europe in general and from Central and Eastern Europe in particular.
45 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the status of the report of the Tourism Policy Review, New Horizons for Irish Tourism, An Agenda for Action; the number of its recommendations which were put in place by May 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21036/06]
The Report of the Tourism Policy Review Group, New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action, was published in September 2003. It contained a very practical Action Plan. It had a time-frame for implementation and, more importantly, a strong and public monitoring mechanism. It contained ambitious targets for the industry, namely to achieve annual figures of 10 million visitors and €6 billion in foreign revenue by 2012. The Action Plan had a series of Recommendations to be implemented to help meet those targets.
Following its publication, I appointed the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group for a two-year period to oversee its implementation. The Final Report of the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group was presented to me in March. Having placed it before Cabinet, I arranged for its publication and it is available on my Department's website.
The Group reported that 63 of the 76 recommendations made in the New Horizons Report, had either been implemented or good progress had been made in relation to them. A detailed analysis of the progress of each of the 76 recommendations is available also on my Department's website.
The Group highlighted the areas where good progress has been made. These include
•The National Conference Centre,
•Increases in air access,
•The proposed bilateral air agreement with the US.
It also pointed to a number of areas where progress has been less satisfactory. These include
•loss of competitiveness,
•the need for innovation and product development in the sector,
•variations in performance between urban and rural areas,
•access to certain parts of the countryside,
•the visitor experience at Dublin Airport,
•VAT deductibility on conference business.
The Implementation Group, expressed itself satisfied with the degree of progress in implementing the strategy which it described as "in many ways better than what was anticipated by the Implementation Group when it first met almost 2 years ago".
I have just appointed a successor to the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group for the next two years. This Tourism Strategy Implementation Group will continue the important work of the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group taking up where it left off. Mr. John Travers, who chaired the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group and the Tourism Strategy Review Group, will be the chairman. The full membership of the Implementation Group is
John Travers (Chairman)
Paul Tansey, Economist
Margaret Jeffares, Managing Director, Les Routiers, Ireland
Dan Flinter, ex Chief Executive, Enterprise Ireland
Nancy Moran, Moran's Seaside Farmhouse
Luke Moriarty, Chairman of the Moriarty Group
Philip Furlong, Secretary General, Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism
Shaun Quinn, Chief Executive, Fáilte Ireland
Paul O'Toole, Chief Executive, Tourism Ireland.
48 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on his recent visit to the Cannes Film festival; the efforts he made to promote Irish film while attending the Festival; the meetings he held during his visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21024/06]
The Cannes Film Festival is one of most prestigious networking events on the international film circuit. Ireland continues to have a prominent presence at the festival through the Irish Film Board, which in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Film Commission, co-sponsors the Irish Pavilion at Cannes. I was delighted to officiate at the formal public launch of the Irish Pavilion in Cannes.
The Irish Film Board is at the heart of the Government's strategy to promote indigenous Irish films and film-makers. It is charged with the task of raising Ireland's profile as an attractive location for film making. I was glad to have had the opportunity, while in Cannes, of re-emphasising the benefits of film making in Ireland.
In the course of my visit to the Festival, I held a number of meetings with influential figures in the European and international film sector accompanied as necessary, by Irish producers, and Irish Film Board representatives. These meetings included:
•Disney producers Paul Steinke and Mary-Ann Hughes;
•UK Producer, Greg Brennan from production company Tiger Aspect;
•US producer Dean Devlin;
•UK producers Douglas Rae, Robert Bernstein of Ecosse Films, co-producers of "Becoming Jane", now in production in Ireland;
•Representatives of New Zealand Film Commission;
•European co-producers, and financiers.
I also met my European Culture Ministerial colleagues and Commissioner Reding and attended a function with the Society of Drama Authors and composers and the Society of Authors, Directors and Producers.
I was also pleased to attend the premiere of the Irish co-production film "The Wind that Shakes the Barley," which has since achieved the pinnacle prize of the Festival, the Palme D'Or, of which we are all very proud. This is the true accolade for film in the world each year and I wish to extend my congratulations to the cast and crew of this wonderful film again.
49 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he had discussions recently with the Gaelic Players Association regarding the proposals to introduce a grant scheme for inter-county GAA players; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21064/06]
I met the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) on 8th March, 2006 to discuss their proposed grant scheme for GAA players. I met with the President of the GAA and officials on 16th May last. At both of these meetings, I indicated that this issue is, in the first instance, a matter for the governance structures within the GAA itself, to determine how best the important contribution of its own elite players should be recognised.
50 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to hold a national day of commemoration of the Great Famine; if his attention has been drawn to the proposal to designate the last Sunday in May 2006 for a national commemoration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17887/06]
I have long considered that the unfortunate people, who suffered greatly during various Irish famines, and the Great Famine in particular, deserved commemoration on an annual basis. The Great Famine, which was responsible for the death of so many Irish people and which ushered in the age of effective compulsory emigration that has only recently been turned-around, has had a great impact on the Irish psyche and its impact remains tangible to many of the Irish people. I am currently contemplating a Commemoration programme and would hope to take the matter further in the weeks ahead. I am aware that a Committee for the Commemoration of Irish Famine victims requested all people on the island of Ireland to observe a minute's silence at 2 p.m. last Sunday, the 28th May 2006, in memory of victims of the Great Famine.
53 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he had discussions recently with representative organisations of bed and breakfasts and guesthouses here; if he intends to being proposals to Government to help this ailing sector and prevent its further demise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21065/06]
As I have previously advised the House, I do not have responsibility for the registration and listing of tourist accommodation facilities. This is a day-to-day function of Fáilte Ireland under the National Tourism Development Authority Act, 2003. Since taking up my appointment as Minister with responsibility for Tourism, I have met with representative organisations of the bed and breakfasts and guesthouses sector and there is regular contact between such organisations and my Department and the Tourism State Agencies.
The key issues affecting the performance of the bed and breakfast sector were examined in a major review commissioned by Fáilte Ireland. This review, which was published in September 2005, identifies the reluctance of younger families to become involved in offering "Irish Home" or B&B type accommodation as other proprietors retire from the business as being a significant factor in the decline in the number of approved premises. The reluctance of younger families stems from a variety of reasons including the options for work outside the home that are available and increases in relative wealth which have lessened the necessity for entering the business.
It is also true to say that there have been other contributory factors to the loss in market share of the B&B and Guesthouse sector such as changes in consumer preferences, growth in urban and short-break holiday taking and the large addition of budget hotel accommodation stock.
The Deputy will appreciate that just as visitors cannot be compelled to visit particular locations neither can they be obliged to avail of particular products or types of accommodation. The responsibility primarily lies with the individual communities and operators in the sector to identify and market persuasively unique product offerings that will provide the visitor with a quality holiday experience and deliver value for money.
Having said that, Fáilte Ireland recognises that staying in an Irish home can be a defining experience for overseas visitors and it is determined to help to ensure that this should remain a significant element of the Irish tourism brand. The importance of the product is reflected in the fact that over half of the 3,000 nominations received in 2005 for Fáilte Ireland's Irish Welcome Awards were in respect of people running B&Bs.
Insofar as Government support for the sector is concerned, I understand that Fáilte Ireland has identified a number of actions designed to encourage suppliers to both remain in, and enter the business. In particular the approach to marketing both individual premises and the sector overall is to be refreshed. The Authority is committed to working with the relevant representative bodies and recognised marketing groups to implement the findings of the Strategic Review, a copy of which can be downloaded from Fáilte Ireland's corporate website www.failteireland.ie.
54 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for domiciliary allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21243/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services for people with disabilities, 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.
55 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has been lobbied extensively in recent weeks on the question of the introduction of a vaccine for pneumococcal meningitis; the estimated costs for the introduction of this vaccine; the vaccine’s effectiveness in dealing with the meningitis problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21478/06]
75 Mr. Healy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will provide routine immunisation of babies against pneumococcal meningitis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21350/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 75 together.
The inclusion of the pneumococcal vaccine in the Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme is being considered by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee as part of its review of the immunisation guidelines. No decision has yet been reached. My Department and the Health Service Executive will be guided by the expert advice from the NIAC in this regard. The funding of vaccination programmes is a matter for consideration by the HSE.
56 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be transferred from an accident and emergency facility to secondary nursing home or step down facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21163/06]
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.
57 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that people who are under 66 and are diabetic will have free access to chiropody services in view of the vital importance of such services for diabetic patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21164/06]
There is no statutory obligation on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide chiropody services to GMS patients; however in practice arrangements are made to provide these services. Before the establishment of the HSE the nature of the arrangements for chiropody and the level of service provided was a matter for individual health boards and so a degree of variation in practice developed over time. Priority is usually given to certain groups of people, e.g. people who are medical card holders aged 65 years and over. In several regions the service is provided by private chiropodists by arrangement with the HSE.
My Department is currently preparing legislation to clarify and update existing legislation on eligibility for health and personal social services. The Bill will define specific health and personal services more clearly; define who should be eligible for what services; set out clear criteria for eligibility; establish when and in what circumstances charges may be made and provide for an appeals framework.
58 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 223 of 23 May 2006 when an application under the housing aid for the elderly scheme will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21165/06]
The Department has been in contact with the Health Service Executive again and they have assured the Department that they have not received the quotations.
59 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the respective numbers of private patients, semi-private patients and public patients in receipt of obstetric services annually in each of the three public voluntary maternity hospitals in Dublin for the three year period for which figures are most recently available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21166/06]
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.
60 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which drug rehabilitation or treatment programmes are available to those opting for such treatment within the greater Dublin area; the extent of the waiting lists for treatment programmes; her intention to provide the necessary funding to reduce such waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21167/06]
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.
61 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will obtain a report from the Health Service Executive regarding their plans for the development of facilities at locations (details supplied). [21168/06]
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.
62 Mr. Blaney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the nine year delay on implementation of an insurance scheme for persons infected with HIV or Hepatitis C through provision of contaminated blood or blood products by the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21172/06]
63 Mr. Blaney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the nine year delay on implementation of an insurance scheme is totally unacceptable and that any further delay will result in more persons dying in circumstances where inadequate or more likely no insurance cover is available for their families; and her further views on whether this situation must be rectified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21173/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 63 together.
The insurance difficulties faced by persons infected with Hepatitis C and/or HIV through the administration of infected blood and blood products was one of a range of issues raised by their representative groups in the mid 1990s. The priority, at that time, was to put in place a fair and efficient Hepatitis C compensation scheme on a statutory basis. Attention then turned to the establishment of a Tribunal of Inquiry into the infection with HIV and Hepatitis C of persons with haemophilia (Lindsay Tribunal) and subsequently to the expansion of the compensation scheme to encompass persons infected with HIV.
When these matters had been dealt with, intensive consultations took place with the representative groups on the insurance issue. It was first necessary to establish the actual position regarding access to insurance by this cohort, and the potential mechanisms for addressing the difficulties being experienced. Following that, an in-depth examination of the preferred mechanism was necessary, and the parameters of the proposed scheme developed. No similar scheme was found to exist worldwide for any patient group, making the proposed scheme a unique and innovative response by the Government to the needs of persons infected with Hepatitis C and HIV.
The process of drafting the legislation to establish the insurance scheme is almost complete. As soon as I receive the final agreed text from my legal advisors, I will submit it to the Government for approval and will publish it as soon as approval is received. The legislation is included as a priority in the Government's Legislative Programme for the current session and it is my firm intention that the enabling legislation will be enacted before the Summer recess.
64 Mr. McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views in regard to a public private partnership for the provision of hospital services in the grounds of Letterkenny General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21194/06]
The Health Services Executive has advertised for expressions of interest for the construction and operation of private hospitals on the campuses of 11 publically funded hospitals, including Letterkenny General Hospital. Interested parties are being invited to express an interest for one or more projects and are required to complete and submit a pre-qualification questionnaire before the end of June 2006.
65 Mr. McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there is a waiting list for an eye test in County Donegal; the number of people on the waiting list; the average waiting time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21195/06]
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.
66 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the expenditure allocated to each of the areas one to eight under the Health Service Executive Dublin mid-Leinster and Dublin north offices in respect of public nursing homes for the years 2005 and 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21206/06]
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.
67 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the average waiting period for placement in a public nursing home in each of the areas one to eight under the Health Service Executive Dublin mid-Leinster and Dublin north offices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21207/06]
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.
68 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will work with Galway University Hospital to have a person (details supplied) in County Sligo admitted. [21211/06]
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.
69 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for subvention for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21235/06]
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.
70 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) will be called to the Rehab in Dún Laoghaire; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that they are waiting almost four months for admission following a very serious car accident; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that they are receiving no rehabilitation at home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21236/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services for people with disabilities, 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.
71 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason there is no public health nurse in a clinic (details supplied) in County Wexford; when this person will resume their duties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21237/06]
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 the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
72 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the vaccine damage compensation scheme; if her Department has consulted with the family of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21267/06]
In 2001 the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children in its report on Childhood Immunisation recommended that legislation be drawn up to provide for a National Vaccine Injury Compensation Scheme. The feasibility of introducing such a scheme is currently under examination in my Department. This process is at an advanced stage and is being given priority in the Department's 2006 business plan. My Department is in communication with the family referred to by the Deputy.
73 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a knee operation will be scheduled for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21288/06]
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.
74 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the proposals for a new hospital at the Temple Street site or Beaumont site. [21334/06]
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.
76 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance if a person who is registered as a disabled driver and has a life long disability is entitled to free road tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21161/06]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the relief from road tax available under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme. A person who has qualified for a Primary Medical Certificate under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme can avail of relief from road tax under the conditions of the Scheme for as long as he/she continues to qualify for the Primary Medical Certificate.
77 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance the reason a second mobile phone mast has been erected at Mountjoy Garda Station, Dublin 7; the reason a second mast is required for Garda purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21238/06]
There are currently two masts at the Mountjoy Garda Station; one of the masts is the original mast and the other is its replacement. The original mast will be removed, within the next four weeks, when relocation of the telecommunication equipment to the replacement mast is complete. The new mast will have a greater capacity to support additional telecommunications equipment. The replacement mast has been erected under the exempted development provisions contained in Class 31, Part 1 or Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001.
78 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the delay in issuing a P21 for the year to 31 December 2005 to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21213/06]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a PAYE balancing statement (Form P21) for the year 2005 issued to the taxpayer on 26 May 2006. The written request for the balancing statement was dated 18 May 2006 and, consequently, there was no undue delay in the issue of same.
79 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if the delay of four years to complete the planning process since the acquisition of the site for the proposed new Garda station at Leixlip, County Kildare is normal in view of the fact that the site was acquired in 2002 and despite numerous promises the way has not been cleared for the commencement of building works; if one or more sites are yet being considered in the context of the proposal; if his attention has been drawn to the need to provide the new station in line with the policy decisions taken 10 years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21287/06]
The site for the proposed new Garda Station in Leixlip, Co. Kildare was acquired in late 2002. A sketch scheme was forwarded to the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform in 2003 for approval. However, significant additional requirements were sought by the Department and in order to accommodate these requirements OPW entered into negotiations with Kildare County Council to acquire an additional piece of land. In May 2005 agreement was reached with Kildare County Council to transfer this plot of land to OPW.
Following approval to a revised sketch scheme from the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform the Part 9 planning consultation process began in December 2005. Having regard to the large number of observations received an independent architectural report was obtained. This report is currently under consideration and a formal decision by the Commissioners of Public Works is expected shortly. No other sites are currently being considered. The question relating to policy decisions is for answer by the Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform.
80 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the recent comments made by the president of the Human Rights Commission, Dr. Maurice Manning, in which he expressed concern that bodies voted in existence by the Houses of the Oireachtas faced endless frustration in getting resources to do the jobs they were given; if, in particular, he noted Dr. Manning’s comments that the Commission’s dealings with his Department had been more difficult and frustrating than they needed to be; his views on the comments made by Dr. Manning; if he intends to act on the call made by the president for his Department to look at its modus operandi; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21289/06]
As the Deputy is aware, the Human Rights Commission does not deal directly with my Department. All matters relating to the Commission are in fact dealt with by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, with reference to my Department where appropriate.
In common with other Voted expenditure, grants to the HRC are subject in the normal way to the procedures set out in relevant legislation. The usual position is that the Department of Finance sanctions numbers of staff for bodies, having due regard to Government policy at the time, and appropriate rates of remuneration of both staff and Board members. In addition the normal position is that grant or funding levels are also subject to formal sanction. My Department at all times deals with each request on its merits bearing in mind all relevant factors including the need to retain consistency in remuneration structures.
Any specific questions relating to resources for the Commission should be directed to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
81 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance the specific staff posts and grades in respect of which his approval was sought by the Garda Ombudsman Commission, in order to allow the Commission to begin recruitment of staff; the number of posts and grades in respect of which his approval was granted; the number in respect of which permission had been refused; the number in respect of which permission is under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21290/06]
Under the Garda Síochána Act the numbers and grades of officers of the Ombudsman Commission are subject to the approval of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, with the consent of the Minister for Finance. Accordingly the Ombudsman Commission itself does not seek my approval. It makes proposals on staffing to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and it is then a matter for that Minister to seek my consent to such posts and grades as he deems appropriate. These arrangements are in line with those normally applicable to new bodies created under statute.
As of now my consent has been sought for the creation of the following posts in support of the 3-person Commission consisting of Chair and two members:
(i) Director of Investigations
(ii) Deputy Director of Investigations
(iii) Head of Legal Affairs
(iv) Assistant Principal to head the IT function
(v) Head of Administration.
My consent has been conveyed in respect of posts (i) to (iv) above and also in principle subject to ongoing discussions for item (v). Permission has not been refused in respect of any post. I understand the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will, in early course, be seeking further Investigators and Administrative staff in various grades. At present, the Commission also have the services of a Transitional Team consisting of 1 Principal, 2 Assistant Principal Officers, 2 Higher Executive Officers and 2 Clerical Officers. This is to help them establish their main and regional headquarters and to recruit and train their full complement of permanent staff, especially investigative staff, some of whom are likely to be recruited abroad.
82 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the revenue raised in each of the past five years from the €20 Government levy on ATM cards; the amount of any similar levy on ATM card holders for each of the other EU Member States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21343/06]
The stamp duty on ATM and debit cards is €10 per annum. In the case of combined cards (cards which have both ATM and Debit functions), the stamp duty is €20.
The Deputy will be aware that I introduced changes in this year's Finance Act to alter the way that stamp duty is charged on combined cards. The stamp duty on a combined card was reduced to €10 per annum where the card is only used for one function (either ATM transactions or debit transactions) throughout the year.
Stamp duty on ATM cards has existed for some time, whereas stamp duty on debit cards was only introduced for 2003 et seq. The yield from stamp duty on ATM, debit and combined cards is shown in the table.
|
Year |
ATM Cards |
Combined Cards |
Debit Cards |
Total |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
2001 |
13.0 |
13.0 |
||
|
2002 |
14.0 |
14.0 |
||
|
2003 |
21.7 |
9.2 |
1.8 |
32.7 |
|
2004 |
21.05 |
11.8 |
2.4 |
35.3 |
|
2005 |
22.4 |
12.15 |
3.3 |
37.9 |
The ATM duty on combined cards for 2001 and 2002 is included in the statistics provided for ATM cards for those years.
I am not aware of any other EU Member States imposing taxation on financial cards.
Stamp duty exists on various financial cards in order to provide Exchequer revenue. The stamp duty on cheques, bills of exchange and promissory notes has existed for many years and when electronic means of money transfers were subsequently introduced, stamp duty was gradually extended to these products to ensure that the stamp duty from cheques etc. was not eroded. The stamp duty applies irrespective of the volume of bank transactions made.
Stamp duties on financial cards are significant contributors to the Exchequer and are in accordance with the overall taxation policy of widening the tax base in order to keep direct tax rates generally low.
83 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance the person in the Office of Public Works who has the responsibility to liaise with Kerry County Council in relation to the threat of flooding at Ballylongford, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21348/06]
84 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance the action proposed by the Office of Public Works in view of its own report into flooding at Ballylongford, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21349/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 84 together.
Staff in the Engineering Services Section of the Office of Public Works are liaising with Kerry County Council in relation to the threat of flooding in Ballylongford. The immediate works required in Ballylongford, the sealing of drains with flap valves is a matter for the Local Authority, which has already carried out substantial remedial works in the area.
It is not proposed to undertake a pre-feasibility flood study in the immediate future. OPW resources are currently fully committed on other studies.
85 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the advice which he has for those local church authorities who wish to continue to make services available in their local parishes to the elderly and sick through radio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21150/06]
The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is the statutory body responsible for the management of the radio spectrum in Ireland.
ComReg has drafted regulations permitting the safe use of public address systems to transmit local church services and other public events. These regulations require my consent as Minister for Communications, under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926 and should be in place shortly.
ComReg recently met with representatives of the Catholic Church to explain the proposed new scheme to them. I understand from ComReg that the Church representatives expressed satisfaction with the new arrangements.
ComReg also advised the Church representatives that while they have not required churches to discontinue relaying services they would expect all parishes to comply with the new licensing arrangements once the regulations have been signed and come into force.
I would recommend any local church authorities who wish to make services available in local parishes through radio to contact ComReg directly. www.comreg.ie.
86 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the spread of invasive weed Lagarosiphon Major in lakes here; if his attention has been drawn to the serious danger this weed poses for inland angling and environmental status generally; his Department’s knowledge of the rapidly spreading incidence of this weed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21201/06]
Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the protection and conservation of Inland Fisheries is a matter for the regional fisheries boards. I am aware through the Western Regional Fisheries Board and the Central Fisheries Board that an alien plant species known as Lagarosiphon major or Curly Water Weed, referred to by the Deputy, has been identified in Lough Corrib.
I am advised by the Central Fisheries Board that Lagarosiphon major was definitively identified in Rinneroon Bay, Lough Corrib, in April 2005. Discussions with local Fisheries Board staff and anglers suggest that the plant may have been present in the bay for between 5 and 7 years, but only achieved nuisance levels in the past two years. The reason it was not brought to the attention of Central Fisheries Board scientists prior to 2005 was because it was thought to be part of the native flora. As a result of research conducted since the plant was first positively identified in Lough Corrib, it would appear that this represents the only location where Lagarosiphon has established in the wild.
Once positively identified an information leaflet that detailed the ecological and recreational consequences of the plant's spread was produced and distributed widely throughout the country.
I am advised that the Central Fisheries Board and the Western Regional Fisheries Board, together with Galway County Council and the National Parks and Wild Life Service, established a Lagarosiphon Task Force last year. The main aim of this task force is to determine and implement all the possible options for the control and the possible elimination of this invasive alien species. I understand that the Task Force will shortly be submitting proposals on measures to deal with this problem.
87 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which he foresees the development and promotion of the tourism industry here through the medium of film making with particular reference to filming on location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21272/06]
Tourism Ireland and the Irish Film Board are continuing to develop joint activities such as trade missions, familiarisation tours and marketing activities to maximise the links between Ireland's on-screen presence in film and television and tourist interest that follows.
Recently, Tourism Ireland directly assisted several film and television productions that have clear potential tourism outcomes, such as a German tele-movie shot in Kerry and a Dublin travelogue programme. Tourism Ireland was also instrumental in attracting a highly-popular South African soap series to film material in Wicklow recently.
Considerable potential exists for collaboration between Tourism Ireland and the Irish Film Board in the Indian film market and Ireland has experienced some initial interest as a location for ‘Bollywood' productions. Following my recent visit to India in January, I was delighted to welcome a delegation of Indian film producers to Ireland in April.
The benefits to be gained from bringing such productions to Ireland, in terms of tourism, can be gauged from the fact that it is estimated that Switzerland attracts about 75,000 visitors from India each year and the filming of ‘Bollywood' productions in the country is a major factor in this.
The recent approval by the European Commission of the enhancements the Government have made to the section 481 scheme for investment in film production will underline the attractiveness of Ireland to film-makers and can only serve to improve the potential gains to tourism from such activity.
88 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount available to his Department in 2006 for spending on sports or recreational grants, major and minor throughout the country; the way in which this figure compares to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21273/06]
94 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which he provided or intends to provide sporting and recreational grants throughout the country on a county basis with particular reference to the growing needs in urban and rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21279/06]
I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 88 and 94 together.
The provision for sport in the 2006 book of estimates, including the Sports Capital Programme, the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road, Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited, the Irish Sports Council, Horseracing Ireland and Bord na gCon, amounts to €228.795 million. A further €14.5 million in capital expenditure is also available to my Department by way of a deferred surrender of capital savings in 2005, bringing the total sports provision in 2006 to €243.295 million.
The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, is the primary means of providing capital funding for sports facilities to clubs and voluntary and community organisations in every county throughout the country. The Programme is advertised on an annual basis.
In 2005 a total of €56.8 million was paid out in respect of grants allocated under the Sports Capital Programmes. Since 1998 a total of €395 million has now been allocated to 4,923 projects throughout the country providing for the needs of organisations and participants in the areas of physical recreation, training, coaching and competition at all levels of sport in Ireland. Almost €68 million has been provided in the 2006 Estimates for the provision of sport and physical recreational facilities. A total of 1,338 applications for funding under the 2006 sports capital programme were received and are being assessed in my Department. I will be announcing the allocations for 2006 as soon as the assessment process is completed.
In terms of urban and rural disadvantage under the sports capital programme, the designated areas since 2002 are those that have been selected by Government for special support through the RAPID 1, RAPID 2, Local Drugs Task Force and CLÁR Programmes. These programmes are all managed by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRGA).
Applications from disadvantaged areas score higher during assessment of sports capital projects and are also required to have less of minimum funding (20% of the project cost rather than 30%). Over the period 2001 to 2005, a total of €141 million was allocated under the Sports Capital Programme to almost 1,500 projects in respect of the provision of facilities in areas categorised as disadvantaged.
In addition, projects in designated disadvantaged areas that have been allocated sports capital funding may also qualify to receive additional top-up funding under the CLÁR and RAPID programmes. In 2005, DCRGA announced €1.092 million in top-ups for sports capital programme grantees under the 2005 programme located in CLÁR areas and €2.257 million for sports capital programme grantees located in RAPID areas.
In 2005, €14.1 million was spent under my Department's Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme supporting the construction/ refurbishment of public swimming pools. So far in 2006, I have approved grant aid for 3 projects and contract documents for 5 projects and one pool in Drogheda has just opened. In 2006, €32.3 million has been provided in my Department's vote in respect of this programme, and so far this year I have allocated €11,427,642 towards three swimming pool projects at Portlaoise, Portarlington and Longford.
The Irish Sports Council was established in 1999 as the statutory body responsible for the promotion and development of sport in Ireland. It spent more than €34 million in 2005 on initiating, developing and enhancing a wide range of programmes aimed at increasing participation and raising standards in Irish sport. Almost €41 million has been allocated to the Council for 2006, which will ensure the continuation of its work in advancing and supporting sport at all levels in Ireland.
This unprecedented level of investment in sport is clear evidence of the importance which the Government attaches to the putting in place of modern well equipped and well managed sporting facilities supported by a wide range of programmes which are having a real benefit in our communities.
89 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which his Department has become involved in the provision of sporting, recreational and athletic facilities adjacent to or in conjunction with schools throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21274/06]
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.
Primary and post-primary schools wishing to be considered for funding under the programme may only apply for funding jointly with local sports clubs or community groups and must meet other conditions including a requirement that the local community will have significant access to the proposed facility, at least 30 hours a week throughout the year, when it is not being used by the school itself. Any sports facility proposed for funding by a sporting organisation and which would be located within school grounds must meet these same conditions.
While my Department has no data available to it regarding sporting or recreational facilities that may be located adjacent to schools, grant allocations under the Sports Capital Programme to applications for funding made in conjunction with schools since my Department was formed are as follows: 2003, €400,000; 2004, €637,000; 2005, €634,000.
91 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the means whereby he and his Department became aware of the outcome of the Eurovision Song Contest; if he has in mind a more reliable procedure for obtaining such information in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21276/06]
I have no intention of changing my Department's arrangements for information gathering in reaction to what, as the Deputy is well aware, was a single unfortunate error in the Department's Press Office.
92 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the way in which policy in respect of the promotion of the arts is driven by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21277/06]
93 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the procedures for the promotion and funding of the arts throughout the country; the extent to which his Department directly or indirectly specifies the extent of funding for particular projects or locations; if the Arts Council is fully funded for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21278/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 93 together.
Government Policy on the Arts is set out in the Programme for Government and elaborated further in my Department's Statement of Strategy.
The Arts Council is the principal agency through which State funding is channelled to the arts. Under the Arts Act, 2003, the general functions of the Council include the following:
•to stimulate public interest in the arts;
•to promote knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts;
•to assist in improving standards in the arts.
Neither my Department nor I have a function in deciding on the extent of Arts Council funding for particular projects or venues. Indeed, the Arts Act, 2003, underpins the Council's independence in this context. Funding for the Arts Council in 2006 comes to €72.31 million, an increase of nine per cent on the 2005 figure. Under the Arts Act, 2003 I have the power to issue policy direction to the Arts Council.
My Department provides capital grants for arts and culture infrastructure around the country. The main vehicle for such capital funding is the Arts & Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS), under which almost €43 million was provided to arts and cultural facilities around the country. This scheme commenced in 2001 and many projects are still in the course of completion.
It is hoped to make an announcement shortly regarding a possible successor to the ACCESS scheme. Applications for any such scheme will be invited by public advertisement.
95 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has given particular instructions with regard to the development of tourism in the provinces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21280/06]
There was a welcome increase to almost 7 million in the number of visitors to the country last year. Domestic tourism has also shown robust growth. It is true that all regions have not benefited equally from recent growth in tourism and this continues to be a matter receiving attention from both my Department and the State tourism agencies.
Just over a year ago Fáilte Ireland commissioned PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) to conduct a major study of regional tourism structures. The report was published last year and is available on the Fáilte Ireland Website. This work was supplemented by a short engagement, facilitated by a small independent group chaired by Mr. John Travers, with the relevant parties in order to satisfy interests in the Dublin region that the mechanisms of consultation were complete.
At the end of July last, I authorised Fáilte Ireland to proceed with the proposed revision of regional tourism structures on the basis of the PWC and Travers reports. To assist this process, Fáilte Ireland set up an Implementation Group under the chairmanship of Mr. Finbarr Flood. The Group has completed an extensive process of engagement with the existing Regional Tourism Authorities, industry representative groups and other relevant parties, in order to smooth the process of implementation. I understand that the Group recently presented its report to Fáilte Ireland and that Fáilte Ireland is now acting on its contents.
I also understand that Fáilte Ireland is gearing up its own internal structures to line up with the proposed new structures at regional level. A new senior management position of Director of Regional Development is expected to be filled very shortly and a due diligence process with each of the RTAs is almost complete.
Fáilte Ireland has advised me that it expects that the changes will be implemented in the regions by the end of the summer.
97 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of public swimming pools on the northside of Dublin; and if there are plans to build more in 2006 and 2007. [21335/06]
There are four local authority swimming pools on the north side of Dublin, located at Sean McDermott St, Ballymun, Finglas and Coolock.
As I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 209 of 26 April last, under the current round of the local authority swimming pool programme the following projects have been/are being dealt in the Dublin area as of end May 2006:
Skerries — contract document stage
Finglas (replacement pool) — completed
Ballymun (replacement pool) — completed
Ballyfermot (replacement pool) — construction stage
St Michael's House (new) — tender stage
St Joseph's House (refurbishment) — preliminary report stage
Jobstown (new) — construction stage
Clondalkin (replacement) — construction stage
Glenalbyn (refurbishment) — contract document stage
Dundrum (replacement) — preliminary report stage.
98 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether there are sufficient secretaries available to the Employment Appeals Tribunal; if his attention has been drawn to reports that a lack of secretaries has caused material delays in hearings at the tribunal; if, in view the small number of additional secretaries appointed in recent years and the significant delays in hearings in some areas, an increase in secretaries would reduce delays; if he will appoint an adequate number of secretaries to the Employment Appeals Tribunal sufficient to reduce the long delays in hearings, particularly outside Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21234/06]
The number and complexity of cases which have been referred to the Employment Appeals Tribunal has been increasing steadily over recent years. This has put a strain on the Tribunal's ability to maintain acceptable standards of service.
I am aware that there are delays in hearing cases and issuing determinations which I have asked the Department to examine in consultation with the Chairperson of the Tribunal and to bring forward proposals to resolve the issue.
The number of secretaries in the Tribunal was increased by 2 in 2004. The current number is 11 plus other supervisory and secretarial staff.
99 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in relation to the free fuel scheme; in view of the weather being experienced here in May 2006, if same will be allowed all year round; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21182/06]
101 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on extending the fuel allowance scheme beyond its current dates of operation in view of the unusually cold weather in spring and early summer 2006, and the generally unpredictable nature of the weather in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21187/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 101 together.
The aim of the national fuel scheme is to assist householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive payments with meeting the cost of their additional heating needs during the winter season. Fuel allowances are paid for 29 weeks from end-September to mid-April. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses.
The scheme has been improved in recent budgets. The means test has been eased and the duration of payment increased from 26 weeks to 29 weeks. Budget 2006 provided for an increase in the rate of fuel allowance of EUR 5.00 from EUR 9.00 to EUR 14.00 (EUR 17.90 in designated smokeless areas). Some 264,400 customers (145,800 with basic fuel allowance and 118,600 with smokeless fuel supplement) will benefit in 2006 at an estimated cost of EUR 125.1m.
Fuel allowances are incorporated in the recipient's weekly social welfare payment. Budget resources have been concentrated on providing significant real increases over and above inflation each year in all primary social welfare pension, benefit and assistance rates. This approach delivers a better outcome for pensioners and others by substantially increasing their income in real terms over the whole year, to better assist them in meeting their normal basic living costs, including heating.
In addition to the fuel allowance, over 320,000 pensioner and other households qualify for electricity or gas allowances through the household benefits package, payable towards their heating, light and cooking costs throughout the year, at an overall cost of EUR 109 million in 2005.
As currently structured, these allowances are linked to unit energy consumption, so that these people are protected against unit price increases in electricity or gas. If an individual has an exceptional heating cost by virtue of a particular infirmity or medical which they are unable to meet out of household income, it is open to them to apply to their local community welfare officer or a special heating supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
Any changes to the Fuel Allowance Scheme or any other initiatives on fuel charges would have significant cost implications and would have to be considered in the context of future Budgets and in the light of the resources available to me for improvements in social welfare generally.
100 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost to the Exchequer in the last year, of which a reliable figure is available, of supplementary welfare; and if an estimate is available of the amount paid out in that year for costs associated with a family member making their Holy Communion or other once off costs such as funeral expenses and so on. [21184/06]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Assistance may be given in the form of a basic payment, supplements which may be paid in respect of such needs as rent/mortgage, diet or heating and exceptional needs payments which may be paid where in the opinion of the Executive exceptional circumstances exist.
The tabular statement shows details of expenditure on supplementary welfare allowance. A breakdown of expenditure on exceptional needs payments for 2005 is also appended. This shows that a total of €1.3 million was spent on costs associated with communion or confirmation, while €3 million was spent on funeral and associated expenses.
|
€000 |
|
|
Basic SWA Payments(1) |
162,368 |
|
Rent Supplements |
368,705 |
|
Mortgage Interest Supplements |
6,339 |
|
Other Supplements(2) |
13,392 |
|
Exceptional Needs & Urgent Needs Payments |
56,513 |
|
Back to School Clothing and Footwear |
16,713 |
|
Administration Costs |
47,279 |
|
Total |
671,308 |
(1) Includes DPA.
(2) Includes Diet, Travel, Other.
Note: All figures are provisional.
It should be noted that some of the totals are not equal to the sum of the parts. This is due to rounding.
|
Type of Payment |
Expenditure |
Total Expenditure |
|
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
Exceptional Needs Payments and Other Exceptional SWA Payments |
||
|
Housing |
||
|
New Accommodation Kit |
7,209 |
|
|
Household Appliances |
5,886 |
|
|
Rent Deposit |
5,861 |
|
|
Furniture |
2,574 |
|
|
Floor Covering |
1,854 |
|
|
Bedding |
1,725 |
|
|
Repair/maintenance |
1,113 |
26,223 |
|
Clothing |
||
|
Adult Clothing |
6,794 |
|
|
Child Clothing |
1,213 |
|
|
Communion/Confirmation |
1,321 |
9,328 |
|
Funeral |
||
|
Funeral Expenses |
2,633 |
|
|
Burial Expenses |
385 |
3,018 |
|
Child Related |
||
|
Pram/Buggy |
1,185 |
|
|
Cot |
885 |
2,070 |
|
Bills |
||
|
Rent/Mortgage Interest Arrears |
3,898 |
|
|
Household |
1,353 |
5,251 |
|
Illness |
||
|
Confinement Costs |
823 |
|
|
Hospital Requirements |
351 |
1,175 |
|
General |
||
|
Other(1) |
4,365 |
|
|
Travel Costs |
2,296 |
|
|
Insufficient Means |
1,550 |
|
|
Heating |
863 |
|
|
Lost/Stolen Money |
135 |
|
|
Household Budget |
98 |
9,308 |
|
Urgent Needs Payments |
140 |
140 |
|
Grand Total |
56,513 |
(1)This includes €0.44m in payments in respect of homeless people made on behalf of local authorities and subsequently re-imbursed.
It should be noted that some of the totals are not equal to the sum of the parts. This is due to rounding.
102 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the timescale for decentralisation of divisions within his Department to Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21192/06]
Under the Government's decentralisation programme announced in Budget 2004, the Department is to relocate 230 posts to Donegal Town and 120 posts to Buncrana.
The indicative construction start for Donegal Town is the end of 2007 and the completion date is mid-2009. The indicative construction start for Buncrana is end 2007 and completion date is early 2009.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has been charged with securing accommodation in the decentralised locations and is proceeding to do so.
103 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if carer’s benefit will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [21210/06]
An award of Carer's Benefit was made to the person concerned, in error, on 23 May 2006. This was an error as she does not satisfy the condition that a person must have a recent history of remunerative, full time insurable employment prior to claiming Carer's Benefit. The error and any inconvenience caused is regretted.
It should be noted that the claim was originally refused on the grounds that the person did not satisfy the recent employment condition. She appealed the decision and the independent Social Welfare Appeals office upheld the refusal which was in accordance with the legislation governing the scheme.
104 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the measures he intends to take to serve a community where three post offices (details supplied) have closed to assist the pensioners and other social welfare recipients to be paid in the locality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21240/06]
An Post notifies my Department in advance of the closure of any post office. This allows my Department to redirect customers to the nearest post office or to make arrangements to make payments at another post office designated by the customer. Alternatively, payments may be made by a different payment method such as cheque or electronic transfer to an account with a financial institution.
Two of the post offices referred to by the Deputy closed in July 2003 and March 2006. The third post office is due to close on 31 May 2006. As happened following the earlier closures, customers will be redirected to other offices in the area or where these arrangements do not suit, my Department will provide alternative payment arrangements either by cheque or by direct payment into an account with a financial institution.
Customers may contact my Department at any time if they wish to make alternative payment arrangements. The location of post offices in any area is a matter internally for An Post.
105 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people receiving unemployment benefit and disability benefit on the northside of Dublin. [21337/06]
The number of people currently in receipt of unemployment benefit on the northside of Dublin is 7,663, and the number in receipt of disability benefit on the northside of Dublin is 8,043.
106 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the persons who carry out roadworthiness tests on Bus Éireann school buses; if these tests are carried out independently of Bus Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21158/06]
I am informed by Bus Éireann that seven of Bus Éireann's garages have been appointed by local authorities as authorised testers to carry out compulsory periodic roadworthiness tests on buses. In addition, some of the Bus Éireann fleet is roadworthiness tested by other authorised testers.
107 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that following the transfer of responsibility for Balbriggan and Skerries Harbours from Dublin Port Company to Fingal County Council in 2004, major defects were identified in the infrastructure of both harbours, which will cost nearly €5 million to remedy, which the Council are unable to fund from their own resources; and if he will make the necessary grants available to carry out the required work to reinstate the harbours, make them safe, and remove the wrecks from within Skerries Harbour. [21208/06]
Responsibility for Balbriggan and Skerries Harbours was transferred from Dublin Port Company to Fingal County Council in 2004 by ministerial order made under Section 88 of the Harbours Act 1996.
Following receipt of a submission in 2005 from Fingal County Council regarding works required at Balbriggan and Skerries Harbours, the Department responsible at the time, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, made a once-off payment of €231,817 as a contribution to the work required at the harbours. Any further works required in the harbours are primarily a matter for Fingal County Council. Further contributions from this Department are not currently under consideration.
108 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Transport if discussions have taken place in relation to allowing motorcycles use bus lanes here; and if so, if there are plans to allow same. [21212/06]
The Road Safety Authority has requested that the issue of allowing motorcyclists use bus lanes be considered and there will be discussions between the RSA and my Department on the matter.
109 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the average number of people aged 18-25 or similar age bracket and the average number of people in all age groups killed in road accidents by each hour and day of the week over the last five years for which figures are available. [21244/06]
Statistics relating to road accidents, based on information provided by the Garda Síochána, are currently published by the National Roads Authority (NRA) in their annual Road Accident Facts reports. The reports for 2000, 2001 and 2002 are known as "Road Accident Facts" and for 2003 and 2004 are entitled "Road Collision Facts". These reports are available in the Oireachtas Library and on the NRA website.
110 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the full extent of the moneys available to the drugs task force through his Department; if his attention has been drawn to the need for extra resources due to the extent of the problem; when such resources are likely to become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21162/06]
My Department has responsibility for the co-ordination of the National Drugs Strategy across a range of Government Departments and State Agencies. Just over €245m has been allocated for this work since 1997.
Approximately €125m has been allocated to support in the region of 440 projects contained in the two rounds of plans of the 14 Local Drugs Task Forces (LDTFs) in the areas of treatment and rehabilitation, education, prevention, awareness and curbing local supply. On top of this, about €3.1m has recently been allocated to 54 projects under an Emerging Needs Fund in these areas.
Ten Regional Drugs Task Forces (RDTFs) have been established in areas not covered by LDTFs. A sum of €5m has been allocated to these RDTFs to progress implementation of their plans for 2006. Funding will be increased on an incremental basis over the coming years to achieve the full roll out of these action plans, which are estimated to have a full cost in the region of €12.2m per annum.
Under the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund, established to assist the development of youth facilities and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop, approximately €102m has been allocated to date.
Approximately €13.66m has been allocated to 60 capital projects under the Premises Initiative, which is designed to meet the accommodation needs of community based drugs projects, the majority of which are in LDTF areas. The Premises Initiative has now been extended to include RDTF areas.
Overall I am pleased with the increasing levels of funding being made available to tackle the problems of drug misuse. An allocation of €43m has been made to the Department's Vote for the Drugs Initiative/Young People's Facilities and Services Fund in 2006. This represents an increase of 37% on the original 2005 allocation and a massive 61% increase on the 2004 figure. I am satisfied that this will allow us to continue to tackle the drugs problem in a comprehensive way.
111 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in view of the fact that Clonmel is under resourced in the provision of youth programmes and that this deficiency has precluded the development of important initiatives to enhance social inclusion, he will grant young peoples’ facilities and services fund status to Clonmel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21345/06]
The Young Peoples Facilities & Services Fund (YPFSF) was established in 1998 to assist in the development of facilities (including sport and recreational facilities) and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem existed or had the potential to develop.
To date, the focus of the Fund has been in the 14 Local Drugs Task Force areas (12 in Dublin and the others in Bray and Cork City) which were established in the areas experiencing the worst levels of drug misuse, particularly misuse of heroin, as well as on four other urban centres, Limerick, Waterford, Galway and Carlow. In the intervening years approximately €102 million has been allocated to support over 450 facility and services projects in these locations.
The possibility of expanding the number of urban areas that are eligible for funding from Young Peoples Facilities & Services Fund may fall to be considered in the coming period. Any decision in that regard would be based on evidence of a significant existing drug problem in a particular centre, or the potential for a drug problem to develop there.
I cannot say at this point whether Clonmel would be qualify for inclusion under the Young Peoples Facilities & Services in such circumstances.
112 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the single payment scheme. [21149/06]
The person named submitted an application under the Single Payment Scheme on 14 May 2005. This person also applied under the Merger Partnership, Private Contract Clause and Consolidation measures of the Single Payment Scheme.
All of these applications have now been accepted and fully processed to payment stage, and full payment will issue to the person named shortly.
The person named also submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Categories B and D.
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.
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.
113 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in processing the single farm payment for persons (details supplied) in County Wexford; when payment will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21169/06]
An application was submitted in this case to transfer in entitlements by way of Private Contract Clause under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme. The transfer involved the buying and leasing of entitlements. The application has been successfully processed.
An application under the consolidation measure of the Single Payment Scheme was also made. However it was not possible to process this application pending completion of the Private Contract Clause. The consolidation application has now been processed and accepted.
Supplementary payments due on foot of the Private Contract Clause and Consolidation decisions will issue shortly.
114 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who has received the single farm payment but this is approximately €2,000 less than they should have received as their four plots have not changed over the past number of years; if their payment can be adjusted and the balance forwarded to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21180/06]
The person named has 31.93 entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme. A Single Farm Payment application was received from the person named on 13th May 2005, on which 13.64 eligible hectares were declared. An official from my Department has been in contact with the person named and has clarified that he wishes to declare a land parcel as eligible for payment under the Single Payment Scheme. Due to an obvious error, the land parcel in question, which comprises of 8 hectares, had been declared as "Other" in the Single Payment application of the person named. My Department has now carried out the necessary amendments and a supplementary payment will issue to the person named shortly.
115 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the case of force majeure will be re-examined for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21229/06]
The person named submitted an application under the Force Majeure measure on 29/10/2004. Having examined the circumstances and documentation submitted it was deemed that the application did not satisfy the criteria laid down in Article 40 of Council Regulation EC No. 1782/2003, determining Force Majeure/ Exceptional Circumstances. The person named was notified of this decision on 21/02/2005.
An Appeals application was received on 15/04/2005 and was sent to The Single Payment Appeals Committee for consideration. The appeal was disallowed and the Appeals Committee upheld the original decision. The person named was notified on 28/07/2005.
The Department has re-examined this case and based on the information available there is no reason to amend the original decision made.
116 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will meet with a group (details supplied) from each county that was involved and invested in the beet industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21230/06]
I presume that the purpose of such a meeting would be to discuss the compensation arrangements provided for under the agreement on reform of the EU sugar regime and, in particular, the restructuring aid.
The restructuring aid is to be drawn down in the framework of an aid application, including a detailed restructuring plan for the industry, to be submitted by the sugar processor following consultations with the beet growers. The relevant EU Council Regulation provides that at least 10% of the restructuring aid shall be reserved for sugar beet growers and machinery contractors who have worked under contract with their agricultural machinery for the growers. That percentage may be increased by Member States after consultation of interested parties provided that an economically sound balance between the elements of the restructuring plan is ensured. In that context, my Department has recently issued an open call for submissions which will be subject to scrutiny by Indecon International Economic Consultants who have been appointed by the Government to provide me with independent expert advice on matters relating to the implementation of the restructuring aid. I would urge interested parties to avail of this consultation process where appropriate. A final decision on the percentage will be made in due course having regard to this advice and following the adoption in the near future of the Commission Regulation laying down detailed rules for the implementation of the restructuring aid.
The timescale for implementing the restructuring aid is very tight where restructuring takes place in the first year of the new regime especially having regard to the fact that the Commission regulations are not yet finalised. The Council Regulation requires that the application for restructuring aid must be made by the processor by 31 July 2006. The application must include a detailed restructuring plan for the industry. A decision on the granting of the aid must then be made by the Member State by 30 September 2006 at the latest.
It is my intention that the restructuring aid will be implemented in a fair and equitable manner and strictly in accordance with the relevant EU regulations.
117 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will update the standard costings used to determine grant aid under the farm waste management scheme; if she will honour commitments to update the standard costings negotiated in the Charter of Rights agreement in 2005; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that using the current September 2004 standard costings will result in effectively reducing the available grant aid from 60 to 45 per cent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21344/06]
The Standard Costings used to determine grant levels under the Farm Waste Management Scheme are currently under review. Pending the outcome of that review, my Department's current Standard Costings are being used. The revised Costings will be introduced as soon as possible and the commitments contained in the new Charter of Rights for Farmers will be fully honoured when the revised Costings are introduced.
118 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 207 of 3 November 2005, if he or the Garda authorities are aware of the existence and location of any or all of the Garda stations in County Kildare; if records have been kept in individual stations or otherwise which might give some indication as to the number of armed robberies reported in their respective areas in the past five years; if any means can be found or technology employed to collate the information with a view to identifying the full extent of the problem and the best means to deal with the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21174/06]
A number of Garda Districts include parts of County Kildare. Accordingly, to compile statistics in the manner requested by the Deputy would require a disproportionate use of Garda time and resources.
The Garda Annual Reports for 2001-2005 give a detailed breakdown of the number of robbery and aggravated burglary offences recorded in each Garda Division. Copies of these reports are available in the Oireachtas Library.
119 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda personnel available for covert or overt operations to combat the drugs problem in the Greater Dublin area and throughout County Kildare; if dedicated personnel have been assigned to such activity in the past or are likely to be reassigned in the future in view of the ongoing incidents of drug related crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21175/06]
It has not been possible, within the timeframe available, to collate the information required by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.
120 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant, on a humanitarian basis, an extension of permission to remain here in respect of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21176/06]
The persons who are the subject of this question were granted C visit visas to enter the State to visit their parent for a period of three months. C visas are granted for visits of less than 90 days. As a consequence it is not the general policy to extend permission to remain to persons who are admitted initially for a period of 90 days or less on a C visa, save in very exceptional and unforeseen circumstances. It would appear that the mother of the individuals concerned is seeking an extension of their permission to remain in the State.
A wrap-around information sheet accompanies every visa application form. That sheet makes it clear to the applicant that, in general, persons granted visas for particular purposes are not permitted to remain in the State for any purpose other than that for which the visa was granted.
Every visa applicant is required to state on the application form the dates on which he or she proposes to enter and leave Ireland. He or she is also required to declare that the information supplied is correct and complete.
An application for permission to remain on behalf of the persons who are the subject of this question is currently being processed by the Immigration Division of my Department. A decision in relation to this matter will issue to the applicant shortly.
121 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 438 of 23 May 2006 and the position in relation to persons (details supplied), the way in which he can say that they did not have permission to stay between 2001-2002 if they were granted same by his Department in 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21177/06]
I informed the Deputy in response to his earlier question that the couple concerned had been granted permission to remain in the State on foot of their parentage of an Irish born child in July 2000. This permission was granted for a period of 12 months initially and required the couple to register such permission with the Garda Síochána. I understand that the couple formalised their permission to remain with the Garda Síochána on the 19 July 2000 and were granted permission to remain until 13 July 2001. A copy of their Garda certificates of Registration, which they submitted in support of their applications, confirmed this.
The couple maintain in correspondence to my Department that they renewed their permission to remain in July 2001 at the Garda National Immigration Bureau's former offices at Harcourt Square, Dublin 2. However, the copy of their Garda Certificates of Registration do not carry any stamps from that office for that period. The Garda National Immigration Bureau commenced computerising their registration records in 2001/2002. The first record of the couple renewing their permission after 13 July 2001 is 11 June 2002. Consequently, there does not appear to be any record of the couple having permission to remain in the State for the period August 2001 to May 2002. As a result, this period cannot be reckoned for the purposes of naturalisation.
122 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on a visa for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21239/06]
The application referred to by the Deputy was received in my Department on 8th May, 2006 and is currently awaiting examination by a visa officer. The application will be considered in the coming weeks.
123 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will meet a person (details supplied) who is protesting at the gate of Dáil Eireann; and if assistance will be given to them. [21339/06]
As I have informed the House previously, this matter has been through the courts and a conviction recorded. The court also ordered compensation to be paid, and I understand this was done. As the Deputy is aware, the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and it is not open to me to comment or intervene in any way on the conduct or decision of any individual court case which is entirely a matter for the presiding judge.
While I am sympathetic to the distress caused to the victim and the victim's family by this crime, I consider that a meeting would not serve any beneficial purpose.
124 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will lift the restrictions on the right to work within the asylum system here in order to end the marginalisation of those who seek refuge. [21340/06]
Under Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996, an asylum applicant shall not seek or enter employment before the final determination of his or her application for a declaration of refugee status. It is not proposed to allow asylum applicants take up paid employment pending a final decision being made on their applications.
I am convinced that any extension of the right to work generally to asylum applicants would greatly undermine the considerable progress which has been made at both first instance and appeals in relation to the processing of asylum applications arising from the Government's asylum strategy, which has resulted in more speedy decisions in relation to applications. All applicants are notified of their interview date by ORAC at the time they make their application. The interview appointment is normally within 20 days of the application date. However, for applications within the prioritised category, interviews in ORAC are held more speedily, within 9-12 days. The number of applications over six months in the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal at the end of April 2006 stood at 524 as compared to some 6500 at the end of September 2001.
I believe that granting asylum seekers access to the labour market would have a negative impact on asylum applications, which fell by some 40% in 2004 and a further 9% in 2005 and indeed would act as a pull factor. In terms of the number of unfounded applications being received, such a move would also increase pressure on the capacity of the Reception and Integration Agency to accommodate asylum seekers.
By way of illustration in relation to pull factors, I would refer the Deputies to the fact that a considerable increase in asylum numbers was experienced in the aftermath of the July 1999 decision to allow asylum seekers access to the labour market. This led to a three-fold increase in the average number of applications per month, rising to 1,217 applications in December 1999 as compared to an average of 364 per month for the period January to July 1999.
Any proposal to grant asylum seekers access to the labour market would also undermine the current and effective work permit system which provides a comprehensive channel for legal migration, for economic or other reasons, to the State.
It is a well established fact that those engaged in trafficking and those seeking to access the labour market without going through the appropriate legal channels are very quick to identify any perceived attractiveness of a country as a preferred or easily accessed destination. It is my very strong belief that any extension of the right to work to asylum applicants would be portrayed abroad by people traffickers to potential victims as a guarantee of an attractive job in Ireland.
I firmly believe that the greatest service we can provide to those who should be recognised as refugees is to ensure that their claims are decided speedily and that nothing is done which undermines this policy priority by attracting large numbers of non-genuine applicants to the detriment of genuine applicants. The structures currently in place provide the State with an asylum system that meets the highest international standards and fulfils our international obligations under the 1951 Geneva Convention. Overloading the process with large numbers of new applicants who come here under the misguided expectation that they will be able to work could completely undermine the major investment of resources which has gone into bringing our overall system to its current status.
125 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the asylum system here lacks fairness and transparency; and if he will reform same. [21341/06]
I do not accept that the Irish asylum system lacks fairness and transparency.
As the Deputy is aware, there is a transparent statutory framework governing the asylum determination process in Ireland set out in the Refugee Act 1996. The 1996 Act established two independent statutory offices to consider applications and appeals in respect of refugee status and to make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. These offices are the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT). The asylum process now in place in this State is comprehensive and compares well with other industrialised countries. Indeed this fact was recently acknowledged by a former UNHCR Representative to Ireland who is quoted as stating that Ireland is now a model for the new Member States of the European Union and that "we now have a system which, in many respects, is one of the best in Europe".
Both agencies are highly resourced and staff members receive specialised, UNHCR-based training before processing cases. Due regard is also had to particularly vulnerable applicants, such as minors or victims of trauma, and appropriate training is given towards the sensitive processing of such claims.
When an applicant claims asylum, that applicant is provided with all the necessary information governing the asylum process, including a detailed information leaflet which is available in 31 languages.
Every asylum applicant is guaranteed an investigation and determination of his or her claim at first instance by the Refugee Applications Commissioner. Each application is assessed on the basis of the circumstances of the individual case and having regard to both the subjective elements (the applicant's own account or personal history) and objective elements (up-to-date information on the applicant's country or place of origin). This country of origin information comes from a wide variety of objective and respected sources, including organisations such as the UNHCR, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, UK Home Office, Canadian International Refugee Board, US State Department and other EU member states as well as media and internet sources.
In the event of a negative recommendation at first instance, our system also guarantees every asylum applicant a right of appeal to the independent Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Every appellant is furnished with a copy (in a language of their own country where possible) of the Tribunal's information leaflet, which sets out the appeals process in full.
It is important to note that under section 13 of the Refugee Act 1996, a copy of the Refugee Applications Commissioner's report, containing the findings and recommendation of the Commissioner, is sent to the applicant concerned and his or her solicitor (if known). The applicant, prior to submitting an appeal, is also furnished with all other relevant ORAC papers, such as the notes of the first instance interview. Similarly, under section 16 of the 1996 Act, the decision of the RAT is communicated to the applicant concerned and his or her solicitor. This indicates all the relevant papers which have been taken into account (and evidence adduced at the oral hearing where relevant) in reaching the decision, which also sets out the reasons for either affirming or setting aside the Commissioner's recommendation.
The transparency of the appeals process was enhanced on 31 March this year when a selection of decisions of the RAT were published, pursuant to section 19 of the 1996 Act. It is the intention of the Chairperson of RAT to publish further decisions on an ongoing basis into the future.
Also important to note in terms of fairness is that access to legal assistance at all stages of the process is provided by the Refugee Legal Service and, under the provisions of the Refugee Act 1996, UNHCR is given full access to our refugee determination process.
In addition to a comprehensive first instance determination and an appeal, applicants have the opportunity to access the courts by seeking judicial review on procedural aspects of the decision-making.
Over recent years, very considerable work has been undertaken in ORAC and the RAT to deal with applications for asylum and to speed up processing times. The work involved has resulted in a situation where: Processing has continued to move strongly in both ORAC and RAT. At the end of April 2006 there were 2,593 cases on hand in both agencies compared to some 5,542 cases on hand at the end of April 2004. The number of applications over six months in ORAC and RAT at the end of April 2006 stood at 524 as compared to some 6,500 at the end of September 2001. The backlog of applications has been effectively eliminated in ORAC with only 55 cases on hand over six months at the end of April 2006 and some 469 in RAT; a significant number of which are at an advanced stage of processing. There is continued momentum in processing timescales for asylum applications with arrangements for the speedier processing of prioritised asylum applications (from nationals of Nigeria, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and South Africa) introduced in January 2005, with an 18 working day processing time at first instance in ORAC and 15 working days at appeals stage in RAT. Currently, approximately 40% of total applications fall into the prioritised category. With effect from 1 November 2005, all applicants for asylum are notified of their interview date by ORAC at the time they make their applications. The interview appointment is normally within 20 working days of application. However, for those applicants within the prioritised category, interviews in ORAC are held, more speedily, within 9 to 12 days. The typical processing time in the ORAC for non-prioritised cases is in the region of 8-9 weeks. The average length of time taken to process and complete substantive appeals in the RAT is approximately 14 weeks.
In April 2005, I published a public Consultation Document setting out outline policy proposals for an Immigration and Residence Bill. This document noted that the State is required to introduce a subsidiary protection regime under EU law later this year. This provides an opportunity of which I intend to avail to re-examine, in the light of the experience of the last decade, how protection claims are dealt with under present law including at appeals stage. I will be bringing proposals to Government in this regard in the coming weeks.
126 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prisoners in each prison in each year since 2000 who have been directed by the court to undergo anger management therapy, who have been offered anger management therapy and have availed of such treatment; the number of prisons in which such therapy is available; if anger management therapy was made available to a prisoner (details supplied) as recommended by the court; and if they availed of those services. [21351/06]
The Irish Prison Service is not in a position to provide the statistical information requested by the Deputy, however, he can be assured that Court recommendations are treated appropriately and every effort is made to manage a prisoner's sentence in a manner consistent with any such recommendation. The Deputy must appreciate though that this may not always be possible for a number of reasons, for example, security factors, an offender's ability to engage effectively with a service recommended or simply by the prisoner refusing to engage with the appropriate services.
Anger Management group programmes have been provided in a number of institutions. In addition to these specific Anger Management courses, which were run by the Psychology and Probation & Welfare Services, there are also other interventions available in many prisons addressing anger issues for prisoners. These include the Alternatives to Violence courses and the generic therapeutic services provided on a one-to-one and group basis by the Psychology and Probation & Welfare Service. Also, courses aimed at addressing offending behaviour, such as the Sex Offender Programme, do, as appropriate, address anger issues. The number of offenders undergoing interventions targeting anger is not recorded centrally in the Irish Prison Service.
Finally, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the confidential therapeutic processes undertaken by an individual prisoner.
127 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the circumstances of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 who has not been offered a place in either transition year or on a leaving certificate applied course as there are not enough places or teachers available; the steps she will take to ensure that their education needs are met; the way in which she intends to resource the school in order that it can respond to such needs and improve its retention rate going forward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21151/06]
It is the board of management of each individual school that decides the number of places available to students on programmes such as Transition Year and the Leaving Certificate Applied, giving due regard to the needs of students and the resources available. The number of teachers allocated to the school by my Department is determined by the numbers of students enrolled on the programmes concerned. Schools are encouraged to provide maximum access to these options and to have clear procedures in place regarding how the available places are allocated to students.
The school referred to by the Deputy is currently participating in the Stay in School Retention strand of the School Completion Programme. This strand provides funding to participating post primary schools on the basis of annual retention plans drawn up between the schools and the Department. The intention is to empower the schools themselves to tackle early school leaving. The plans provide for a range of targeted measures directed at the particular needs of the individual schools, together with clear targets in terms of increased retention. This school has accepted an invitation to participate in the new School Support Programme under DEIS.
The school referred to by the Deputy currently offers a varied senior cycle with Transition Year, Leaving Certificate Applied and the established Leaving Certificate as options. I understand that having gone through the selection process for LCA the student in question was not offered one of the available places.
I also understand that the student in question did not apply for Transition Year. My Department has been informed by the school authorities that this remains an option which the parent of the student can explore with the school.
128 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 278 of 15 December 2004 if the matter has been reviewed; and if the concessionary post in question has been sanctioned for the 2006/2007 school year. [21152/06]
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30th September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued annually to all primary schools.
The revised staffing schedule for the 2006/07 school year (Circular 0023/2006) has been issued to all primary schools and is also available on my Department's website.
According to data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy, the enrolment in the school on 30th September, 2005 was 180 pupils. On the basis of this figure, the mainstream staffing for the 2006/07 school year will be a Principal and 7 mainstream class teachers.
The question of sanctioning a concessionary mainstream post for the 2006/7 school year is being considered by my Department and the school authorities will be notified of the decision in due course.
129 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow that has been informed that her Department will not announce a decision on their application for recognition until after the June bank holiday weekend 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21153/06]
A decision will be made on the application to establish a new Educate Together school in West Wicklow within days. The reason the decision was deferred at the time that the list of new schools was announced was to allow for consideration of the impact that recognising this school would have on the existing schools in Blessington, plans for the expansion of which are well advanced. The New Schools Advisory Committee recommended in their report to me that this issue be considered.
The Chairperson of the Commission on School Accommodation is carrying out a review and further analysis of key data in relation to the population projections for the Blessington area and this will be completed within days.
I am very conscious of the need for a decision to be made as soon as possible so that parents know what the situation will be for September and that is why I have put a deadline on issuing one.
130 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will arrange an education assessment and before the start of school in September 2006 for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21154/06]
Both post-primary schools in this case have a dedicated service from my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). I understand that the child in question was not prioritised for assessment by the school she is currently attending. I also understand that the school to which the child intends to transfer in September 2006 has requested an assessment and that the NEPS psychologist has undertaken to see the child in that school in September.
131 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to amend the apprentice plumber courses in FÁS to ensure that the waiting times to access college at the different phases is reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21171/06]
FÁS registered apprentices attend Institutes of Technology for the 4th and 6th phases of their apprenticeship training and my Department provides funding to the institutes for these places. At present, there is a total of 75 Blocks (one Block provides for 16 apprentice places) of apprentice training provided countrywide in the trade of plumbing. Overall, the number of Plumbing Blocks provided in the Institutes of Technology has increased from 46 in the 2000/2001 academic year to 75 in the current academic year.
Notwithstanding this increase in training capacity, the level of registrations in plumbing apprenticeship remains high. Over the last number of years, my Department has also provided funding to Institutes to run additional apprentice courses during the summer months across a number of trades, including plumbing. While funding was again available this year for summer courses, it was not possible to reach agreement with the TUI on the provision of these courses.
My Department continues to liaise with FÁS, the Institutes of Technology and other interested parties in order to ensure that national training needs are met. In this regard, my Department has received proposals from a number of Institutes that are interested in increasing their capacity. These proposals are currently being examined in the light of available resources.
132 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the future of a number of community based projects in Donegal, comprising many young people and adult volunteers, are at serious risk due to lack of mainstream funding; the timeframe for the roll-out of the Youth Act 2001 for Donegal and other rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21191/06]
The Youth Affairs Section of my Department has received a number of applications in 2006 for youth projects in the Donegal region, via Donegal VEC, for funding under the Special Projects for Disadvantaged Youth scheme. My Department is at present giving consideration to these requests and to other applications made for youth work funding in 2006, having regard to the overall level of financial resources available for the youth work sector.
With regard to the Youth Work Act, 2001, this provides a legal framework for the provision of youth work programmes and services to be organised by the Minister for Education and Science, the Vocational Education Committees and national and regional youth work organisations.
A sub-committee of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee, representative of both statutory and voluntary sectors as well as my Department, has been steadily progressing the groundwork, including the development of detailed guidelines and procedures, which are vital for the further rollout of the Act in a planned and structured manner. The work of this sub-committee is continuing.
An area which is currently receiving priority attention is the capacity development of Vocational Education Committees (VECs) to carry out their responsibilities under the terms of the Act. I am pleased that progress has been made in this regard. A structure for the resourcing of VECs to carry out the functions set out for them under the Act has been agreed, in principle, between my Department and the Irish Vocational Education Association, and I propose to approve a number of additional Youth Officer posts to VECs in this regard. The additional resources being provided to the VEC sector in 2006 will allow for the progressive roll out of the Act at local level in all VEC areas.
133 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will re-assess the DEIS programme in view of the fact that a number of schools in County Donegal in a disadvantaged area will lose out due to the new programme; when the results of the review mechanism will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21196/06]
At the outset, I want to state emphatically that no school has been told that they are going to lose any of the resources that they have been receiving under existing schemes for tackling disadvantage as a result of the introduction of the new DEIS initiative. On the contrary, the new School Support Programme is aimed at providing even more extra resources for the most disadvantaged schools in the country.
Schools that did not qualify for the new programme will keep the extra resources they are getting under existing schemes for the 2006/07 school year and after that they will continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils.
The new DEIS programme will be of huge benefit to schools in Donegal. 5 urban/town primary schools, 74 rural primary schools and 12 second — level schools in Donegal have been invited to benefit from all the resources available from the new programme. Indeed the largest number of rural schools invited to benefit from the new programme in any county are in Donegal. I am sure the Deputy would agree that it is important to make sure that schools serving the most disadvantaged communities get all the extra support possible and will welcome the extra resources that DEIS will provide for Donegal schools.
It is precisely with this goal in mind that DEIS was designed. For example, over the years, no less than 8 separate schemes for disadvantaged primary schools have been put in place. Some schools were benefiting from just one or two of these and others were benefiting from more. The DEIS initiative is designed to ensure that the most disadvantaged schools benefit from a comprehensive package of supports, while ensuring that others continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils.
I can assure the Deputy that there is no reason for schools that haven't been identified for the new programme to worry as they will continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils. No school in Donegal has been told that they will lose any resources as a result of DEIS.
A review mechanism has been put in place to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in the School Support Programme but regard themselves as having a level of disadvantage which is of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the Programme. This mechanism 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 31st March, 2006.
The review process is underway and it is intended that it will be completed by the end of the current school year.
134 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the waiting lists for enrolment to all primary and post primary public schools in the Dublin south area for the years 2005 and 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21204/06]
The information requested by the Deputy is not held in my Department. Details of enrolments at both primary and post primary level are kept by school authorities.
135 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that there is a scheme known as July Provision available to primary schools; the details of this scheme; the way in which the scheme operates; the group at which this scheme is targeted; the amount of funding available under this scheme to a school; the process by which her Department informs the schools or parents of the availability of this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21209/06]
My Department's support package for the July Education Programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism who choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides for a July Programme for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. The package includes special nationally agreed rates of remuneration for teachers and special needs assistants involved in the July Programme. Participating schools also receive a special rate of capitation funding in respect of pupils participating in the programme. Funding is also available to facilitate the provision of school transport and escort services for the children. All relevant schools were advised of the detailed funding arrangements applicable to the July Education Programme when the service was introduced in July, 2001.
My Department encourages all eligible schools to participate in this initiative in the interest of the children in question. Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided.
136 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Dublin City Manager will continue to sit as chairperson of the Grangegorman Campus Development Committee after his departure from the post of Dublin City Manager, or if the position is an ex-oficio appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21232/06]
The Dublin City Manager was appointed by me to serve as Chairperson of the Grangegorman Development Agency for the full term as provided for in the Grangegorman Development Agency Act 2005. Section 18 of the Act provides that the term of office of Chairperson of the Agency is three years, subject to a maximum of two terms.
137 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the entitlements of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford to an increase for transporting their child to school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21233/06]
The person referred to in the details supplied is receiving the maximum grant payable.
Cases involving the payment of grants are kept under review in order to ensure that children are being transported to school in the most cost effective and efficient way possible.
138 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science if interest and Government top-up on SSIAs are taken into consideration when persons are applying for educational grants; and if so, the way in which people can access this as an income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21269/06]
For the purposes of determining grant eligibility under my Department's Maintenance Grants Schemes, all investments must be declared, including deposit accounts, savings certificates, life assurance bonds and other financial instruments where the interest/profit is accumulated and paid out as a lump sum at the end of the investment period.
The amount of income to be included in respect of Special Savings Incentive Accounts (SSIAs) is the government grant earned on the savings in the relevant tax year plus in the case of savings accounts, the gross interest earned in the relevant tax year, and in the case of investment accounts, the investment profit earned in the relevant tax year. Investment losses sustained in the relevant tax year are deductible.
Where income is paid out annually, as happens with a bank deposit account, the amount so paid is required to be included in reckonable income. Where income is not paid out annually but is "rolled-up" and paid out with the original investment at the end of a defined term, the annual amount required to be included in reckonable income is the "rolled-up" income divided by the number of years in the term of the investment. This procedure has been in place for the past ten years.
Given its similarity with "roll-up" savings products it was deemed appropriate to include, as reckonable income, income from SSIAs on an annual basis. The treatment of the SSIAs in this regard is consistent with the treatment of similar financial products such as Post Office Savings Certificates.
139 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if adequate and appropriate action has been taken to address the issue of radon gas in all schools throughout County Kildare to the satisfaction of the school authorities; if further corrective action is required; if the RPII has been in touch with her Department in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21282/06]
In 1998 my Department commissioned the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) to conduct a survey of radon levels in all primary and post primary schools. In addition, in June 2001 circular letter M46/01 issued to all Boards of Management informing them of the Department's initiative and advising schools on the course of action necessary for radon mitigation.
During the course of the survey, 4,072 schools were invited to participate. A report published by the RPII in May 2004 showed that approximately 7% of schools tested in Co. Kildare had radon levels in excess of 400 Bq/m3. The RPII wrote to each of these schools, enclosing a copy of the test results, and advising that the results of the survey be made available to all staff and parents. It was also recommended that a copy of the results be filed in the school's Health & Safety Manual for future reference.
The radon reference set for the workplace under the "Radiological Protection Act, 1991 (Ionising Radiation) Order, 2000" (Statutory Instrument 125 of 2000)) is 400 Bq/m3. Notwithstanding the fact that the radon reference for workplaces is 400 Bq/m3, the Department issues grants to schools for the installation of suitable vents in classrooms where radon levels are between 200 Bq/m3 and 400 Bq/m3.
Schools with levels above 400 Bq/m3 are advised to secure the services of a suitably qualified consultant architect/engineer to carry out all necessary remedial works and these works are fully funded by the Department.
Following completion of remediation works, post remediation measurements are carried out by the RPII to determine if the remediation has been effective. This process is ongoing and the RPII continue to carry out post remediation testing in schools.
Radon barriers are included in the design of all new school building projects.
140 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if she will ensure that they receive a proper back-up service. [21336/06]
As the Deputy may be aware the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs (SEN) supports. My officials have been advised by the NCSE that no application for special needs assistant support was made to the SENO. It is open to the school to contact the SENO regarding any special education needs that the pupil may have.
141 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of portacabins being rented by primary and secondary schools in each of the past five years; the amount of rent paid for these portacabins in each of the past five years; the comparative cost of purchasing the equivalent number of portacabins; her views on whether the policy of renting portacabins gives the taxpayer value for money; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21342/06]
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the numbers of portacabins rented is not readily available. I am not in a position to provide a comparative cost of purchasing the equivalent number of portacabins in this instance. Expenditure on the rental of temporary school accommodation, is as follows: 2001: €6.1m; 2002: €8.4m; 2003: €9.4m; 2004: €11.3m; 2005: €15.7m. To put these figures in context, the Deputy may be interested to know that in 2005, expenditure on rental of temporary accommodation represented less than 3.2% of the total expenditure on school buildings (€501m).
The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years mainly due to the rapid expansion in teacher numbers particularly in the area of special needs, the growth in the school-going population in rapidly developing areas and the demands to cater for diversity through the recognition of new Gaelscoileanna and Educate Together schools. The provision of rented accommodation provides an immediate solution to a deficit of school accommodation, and is often the only available option where extra accommodation is needed at short notice.
However, the current focus within my Department is to empower schools to resolve their accommodation needs, wherever possible by way of permanent accommodation. In order to reduce the amount of temporary accommodation at primary level a new devolved initiative was launched in 2003. The purpose of this initiative is to allow schools to undertake a permanent solution to their classroom accommodation needs and to achieve the best value for money. Since the introduction of the evolved initiative over 200 schools have been allocated funding under this scheme.
142 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will increase staffing and funding to centres (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21346/06]
The Youth Affairs Section of my Department currently provides grant-in-aid to the Clonmel Youth Resource Centre and Clonmel Youth Information Centre.
Funding for the Clonmel Youth Resource Centre is made available under the Special Projects for Youth scheme and in 2005 was in receipt of €59,713 from my Department. Funding is made available for the Waterford Regional Youth Information Service, which includes Clonmel, under the Youth Information Centre programme. In 2005 €40,412, which included €20,000 once-off funding, was made available to the service.
My Department is at present giving consideration to applications made for youth work funding in 2006, having regard to the overall level of financial resources available for the youth work sector.
143 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the mechanism available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to be awarded a top up grant; the guidelines in regard to such an application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21347/06]
My Department has contacted the awarding authority, in this case Kildare Vocational Education Committee, in relation to the student referred to by the Deputy. Kildare Vocational Education Committee has confirmed that candidate mentioned by the Deputy is in receipt of the Third Level Maintenance Grant. Kildare Vocational Education Committee has further confirmed that the reckonable income in this case exceeds the income threshold for the Top-Up grant which is €15,626. It is not open to me, or to my Department, to depart from the terms of the schemes in individual cases.
144 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason his Department is not prepared to accept an affidavit in relation to special areas of conservation bog ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21155/06]
The Chief State Solicitor's Office, who assist in relation to purchases of land by my Department, have advised that full legal contract documents should be provided when dealing with such transactions.
145 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a person (details supplied) will be issued with their top up payment for the purchase of special area of conservation bog; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21156/06]
Top up payments must be calculated by reference to the size of the land holding acquired by my Department. At present, my Department is arranging to have a survey carried out on plots purchased in the area referred to in the question, including the one purchased from the person named. Monies outstanding will be paid on completion of the survey.
146 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be issued with their top up payment for the purchase of special areas of conservation bog; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21157/06]
I understand that a cheque issued to the person named on 23 May 2006.
147 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 630 of 14 February 2006 when he will have the results of the pilot scheme; if the grant aid available for group sewerage schemes will be revised upwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21159/06]
The contract for the provision of wastewater collection and treatment systems for the seven locations in the pilot programme is currently in progress. Three of the schemes are expected to be completed by September and the remainder by the end of the year. Performance monitoring of each scheme will commence immediately after commissioning and I will be asking the National Rural Water Monitoring Committee to report on any results as they become available. The Committee's overall assessment of the pilot programme will inform any review of current group sewerage scheme grants.
148 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an application has been submitted to his Department for a sewerage scheme in Killybegs, County Donegal; the stage the application is at; when it is expected that work will commence on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21193/06]
The Killybegs Sewerage Scheme has been approved for construction under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 at an estimated cost of €17.5m. Donegal County Council's Preliminary Report and Water Services Pricing Policy Report for the scheme are under examination in my Department and a response will be conveyed to the Council within the next few weeks. Following approval of the Preliminary Report the Council will be in a position to finalise the Contract Documents for the scheme with a view to the invitation of tenders.
149 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the situation regarding the construction of an Ennis Town water supply treatment scheme, including the proposed timetable and cost for same and of the provision of an interim Ennis water filtration plant project for the public water supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21197/06]
The Ennis Town Water Supply Treatment Scheme is approved for construction under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 at an estimated cost of €6.6m. I approved Clare County Council's tender documents for the scheme in October 2005, and authorised the Council to deliver the tender process. I understand that the Council now expects to be in a position to invite tenders for the main scheme from a panel of short-listed contractors and also to finalise the commissioning of the temporary water treatment plant by mid-June.
150 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is proposed to restrict or ban the sale of Lagarosiphon from major garden centres, in view of its extreme invasive potential in inland waters here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21199/06]
Lagarosiphon major has recently been detected and identified by the Central Fisheries Board as a major threat to the ecology of Lough Corrib. In response, my Department has established a task force representative of the public bodies concerned to determine and promote appropriate measures for the control, and if possible the elimination, of this invasive species. I expect shortly to finalise regulations prohibiting the possession or introduction of this species within Irish territory.
151 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when payment of a grant under the 2006 conservation grants scheme will be made to a group (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21268/06]
On 24 May 2006 my Department requested the applicant to complete and submit the necessary documentation to enable the grant to be drawn down. On receipt of properly completed documentation, this will be processed immediately.
152 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which he proposes to address the issue of the inadequacy of staffing levels, modern equipment, transport and communications in both the full-time and part-time fire services throughout the country which are funded, directed and accountable to his Department with particular reference to the availability of well a co-ordinated, funded and directed service capable of dealing with all emergencies including those of a terrorist motivated, accidental or emergency nature; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the professionals in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21283/06]
153 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which he proposes to fund, upgrade, re-organise and modernise the full-time and part-time fire services throughout the country with a view to ensuring the availability of a well co-ordinated fire fighting service capable of meeting and dealing with all eventualities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21284/06]
154 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which he proposes to develop equip, fund and co-ordinate fire services throughout the Greater Dublin Area with particular reference to current and future needs in Counties Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21285/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 to 154, inclusive, together.
The provision of a fire service, including staffing, equipment, transport and communications, is a statutory function of the individual fire authorities and my Department has no direct role in this matter. My Department supports the local fire authorities through the setting of general policy, the provision of capital funding, the issue of guidance to fire authorities in relation to fire prevention and operational matters and other such initiatives. In particular, the Fire Services Change Programme, which I announced in 2005, is taking forward a range of initiatives to improve the quality of the service, including through a strengthened focus on community fire safety.
Over the past 25 years, almost €240 million has been provided to local fire authorities under the fire services capital programme for the provision of new and refurbished fire stations and new regional communications centres and the purchase of fire appliances and other equipment, including communications equipment. At this stage, over two-thirds of our fire stations, including almost all of the busiest stations, have been replaced. We have a modern fleet of front-line fire appliances, and a modern emergency response communications system is in place. In the current year, almost €20 million has been allocated to the Fire Services capital programme. This allocation will be used to further modernise and update the resources available to the fire authorities.
In addition, since 2001, my Department has provided almost €4.2 billion in general purpose grants to assist local authorities in carrying out their statutory functions, including the provision of fire services.
