Vol. 624 No. 4
116 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s strategy, including timetables, to ensure that Ireland can fulfil our EU National Emissions Ceiling Directive commitments to limit specific air pollutants, particularly Nitrogen Oxides, by 2010, in view of the high level of cars on Irish roads. [30889/06]
The Environmental Protection Agency's most recent report on Air Quality in Ireland, published in July 2006, concludes that air quality is generally good throughout the country and complies with current EU air quality standards for all pollutants, including nitrogen oxides.
The EU Directive on National Emission Ceilings specifies challenging aggregate national ceilings for four transboundary pollutants, including Nox, which must be achieved by 2010. The National Programme on transboundary pollutants, which the Government approved in 2005, provides for the progressive reduction of these emissions through a usage of in policies and measures in different sectors. These include:
improved effectiveness of pollution abatement technologies in road vehicles, as a result of the progressive reduction of the sulphur content of both petrol and diesels;
emission reductions in the power generation sector arising from implementation of the 2001 Large Combustion Plants Directive;
replacement of old, high emitting oil-fired power plants with new state-of-the-art plants; and
ongoing implementation of integrated pollution and prevention control licensing for existing industrial plant.
There has been a downward trend in these transboundary pollutants since 2001 and this is projected to continue to the 2010 target-year, although it is clear that the nitrogen oxides ceiling presents Ireland with a particular challenge given increasing vehicle numbers and use of road transport.
Work is underway in my Department to complete a review of the National Programme, including any necessary updating or revision, by the end of 2006. A significant part of the work involves updating the emission projections up to 2010 for all sectors and the underlying policies and measures.
In addition to the range of policies and measures in the Programme published in 2005, further progress towards meeting the 2010 ceilings will be achieved through measures that have subsequently been announced. These include:
the promotion of greater energy efficiency and the recent increase in the target for electricity generated from renewable sources;
ongoing improvement in the environmental performance of road vehicles, due to the adoption of more-stringent EURO standards for motor cars and vans; and
greater efficiency of road usage through the Government investment in the Transport 21 programme.
117 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s strategy, including timetables, to ensure that Ireland can fulfil our Water Framework Directive commitment that all water bodies in the State should be of good status by the 2015 deadline, in view of the fact that the status of almost a third of our rivers falls short of this. [30888/06]
To date, all implementation deadlines set by the Water Framework Directive have been achieved on time by Ireland. In fact, by any objective standard, there has been remarkable progress over the lifetime of this Government in relation to the protection and improvement of water quality. This includes:
an increase in waste water treatment capacity since 2000 equivalent to the needs of a populations of 3.1 million;
an increase from 20% to 90% between 1997 and 2005 in the level of compliance with the relevant EU Directive on waste water treatment;
an increase from 67% to 70% in the length of unpolluted river channel between 1997 and 2003: this represents a reversal of a downward decline that had persisted for decades;
more Blue Flag beaches than ever: in 2006, 81 Blue Flags were awarded to Irish bathing areas: this is the highest number ever, and compares with 70 in 1997; and
the rapid progress being made in the elimination of substandard drinking water supplies in the group scheme sector.
The achievement of improvements in water quality will continue to be supported by ongoing investment under the Water Services Investment Programme and by implementation of the Nitrates Action Programme.
My Department provides 100% funding for river basin management projects to support implementation of the Water Framework Directive and has committed over €68 million for this purpose. INTERREG funding is also available in relation to cross-border projects. The river basin management plans which are being developed, for adoption by 2009, will set out the specific environmental objectives to be achieved together with a programme of measures to deliver those objectives by the deadline of 2015. I am satisfied with the progress made so far in implementing the Directive and I expect that we will continue to see significant improvements in the quality of our fresh and coastal water resources, which will be reflected in EPA Water Quality Reports over the coming years.
118 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will conduct a State wide survey of local authorities to assess the level of funding that they require to carry out necessary repairs to local authority dwellings. [31014/06]
It is intended to commence an audit of the social housing stock next year, including an assessment of energy efficient measures. The outcome of this audit will determine future direction in this area.
My Department has recently requested local authorities to assess their housing stock to determine the number of local authority dwellings without central heating facilities.
119 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures which have been put in place to police the new action programme to promote the improvement of standards in private rented accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30952/06]
145 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he agrees with Threshold that existing minimum standards for the private rented sector are primitive and outdated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30954/06]
185 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he intends to take to improve on the rate of inspection of rented properties which came to just 6,815 out of a total of 150,000 in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30956/06]
207 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the statement by the Chairperson of Threshold (details supplied) who says that diners who can afford to eat in a restaurant are better protected by quality standards and inspections than a family on low income living in a rented home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30955/06]
210 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the findings of Threshold that show that appeals for help from tenants living in unfit accommodation doubled last year, from 386 in 2004 to 785 in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30953/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119, 145, 185, 207 and 210 together.
Despite a significant expansion in the availability of good quality rental accommodation in recent years, there is still a proportion of sub-standard units as well as some which are seriously deficient.
The new Partnership agreement, Towards 2016, includes a commitment that the minimum standards regulations for the private rented sector will be updated and effectively enforced. I took the opportunity when launching Threshold's 2005 Annual Report in mid September to announce a comprehensive Action Programme to address the standards issue involving a combination of improved resourcing, co-ordination, planning and prioritisation.
An important element of the Action Programme will be a general review of the content of the existing standards regulations which will commence later this year with a view to updating them. This will be carried out in consultation with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), local authorities and other relevant interests.
There is also a clear need to increase the number of inspections of private rented accommodation undertaken by housing authorities. In that regard housing authorities are being asked to prioritise action to improve enforcement of the regulations through a planned and strategic approach. Increased funding is also being provided. Interim payments in respect of 2006 totalling €1m were recently distributed and a further payment in respect of 2006 will be made in early 2007 based on 2006 inspection levels. Future funding will be related to the level of enforcement performance by housing authorities as evidenced by their returns for the Department's Housing Statistics Bulletin.
In addition the Centre for Housing Research (CHR) will undertake a study of measures to promote improvement in private rented accommodation standards and develop good practice guidelines to assist housing authorities in their functions relating to the private rented sector. A concerted effort is required in this area and I am committed to ensuring that the necessary improvements are achieved.
120 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of families currently in receipt of rent support in lieu of local authority housing; the number of families on the various local authority housing lists; the number of such houses being provided annually; when he expects house building in the sector to match the total number on the housing list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31018/06]
Recent information provided by the Department of Social and Family Affairs indicates that there are some 60,000 households currently in receipt of rent supplement. Over half of those, about 32,000, have been on rent supplement for 18 months or more. This cohort is provisionally assessed as in need of long-term housing. According to the results of the March 2005 Statutory Assessment of social housing needs, some 32% of this group have applied for local authority housing.
The needs assessment indicated that there were 43,684 households on local authority waiting lists compared with 48,413 in March 2002 — a decrease of almost 10%. The decrease in the number on housing waiting lists has resulted from the positive impact of the Government's investment in the provision of social and affordable housing. A breakdown of the 2005 assessment by local authority is available on my Department's website.
In 2005 local authorities started 6,273 local authority houses and completed over 5,127. Further details are also available on my Department's website.
Last June I informed local authorities of their financial allocations for their local authority housing programmes. I have urged them to accelerate progress on the implementation of their programmes in order to commence construction and secure completion on as many social housing schemes as possible in 2006. The total allocation for 2006 is €942 million. This should allow for the completion of over 5,000 housing units in the year.
The Government have committed in the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, to higher levels of output to meet assessed need as part of a comprehensive programme of social housing investment. This includes an additional 4,000 new housing units over the period 2007 to 2009 through a combination of local authority and voluntary and co-operative housing and, private rented accommodation using long-term contractual arrangements.
The impetus for the delivery of affordable housing will also be maintained with over 17,000 units to be delivered from the various affordable schemes between 2007 and 2009. Overall, the needs of 60,000 households will be met through the various social and affordable housing schemes in this period.
121 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the timeframe for the delivery of the recently announced Atlantic Gateway development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30899/06]
I launched the Atlantic Gateways Initiative in Galway on 14 September as an important development in the continuing implementation of the National Spatial Strategy.
The report explores how the four gateways can become an increasingly interconnected and developed network of co-operating and complementary cities. This can, in turn, enhance the development potential of all four gateways and invigorate development in the hub towns and the wider urban and rural catchment areas. Also, the Atlantic Gateways Initiative is a viable and tangible project to promote the concept of balanced regional development as a fundamental bedrock of future development and investment, which is a central theme of the forthcoming new NDP.
The development potential of the Atlantic Gateways was identified in the National Spatial Strategy, published in 2002. The NSS indicates that complementing the economic performance of Dublin and the East in a national context will depend on expanding the critical mass of gateway cities and combining the powers of attraction of these cities. The Atlantic Gateways Initiative aims to identify how Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford can collaboratively create a critical mass for future economic development as a counter-balance to Dublin and the East.
The initiative was jointly directed by my Department and Shannon Development in co-operation with the relevant regional authorities and private sector participants. The report contains a number of recommended short, medium and longer-term actions to support the initiative running from now up to 2020. These actions are inter-dependent and centre around developing the connectivity between the cities through improved transport links, developing critical mass through the implementation of the development frameworks and mobilising and maintaining public and private sector input.
A key cog in these actions will be the early creation of an Atlantic Gateway Forum to drive and co-ordinate the initiative. The Forum will seek to harness public and private input and will be structured into two interconnected consultative and implementation panels.
122 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will repeal those sections of the Planning and Development Act, 2002, which allow developers to buy their way out of their Part V commitments, following the assertion of the Affordable Homes Partnership chairperson that moneys collected by local authorities in lieu of setting aside 20 per cent of their developments for affordable housing was doing little to meet the needs of couples trying to buy their first home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30894/06]
The Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002 was introduced following a review of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 to ensure that it was meeting its objectives in relation to the provision of social and affordable housing. Complaints had been received that the provisions of Part V were inflexible and overly bureaucratic and that they were not achieving the desired results of improving the supply of social and affordable housing. The review was based on maintaining the principle of community gain while allowing greater flexibility in meeting it. It was carried out internally in the Department and a wide range of interests (voluntary and social housing as well as the construction industry) was consulted as part of the review.
The main outcome of the review was the need for greater flexibility for all stakeholders including local authorities, voluntary housing providers and home builders. The 2002 Act therefore introduced a range of flexible options for compliance with Part V. Difficulties experienced on small sites and high value sites led to the conclusion that there should be an option for off-site provision or commuted payments. There can be advantages in accepting off-site provision or a financial contribution, for example, in cases where just one of two social or affordable units would be provided in a very expensive location. Funds received by way of financial contributions are reinvested in the provision of social and affordable housing.
The reported comment of the Chairperson of the Affordable Homes Partnership concerning financial contributions simply reiterates my own preferred position that local authorities should prioritise the provision of housing units as opposed to financial compensation, which should only be taken in very exceptional circumstances. He has not requested any amendment to this aspect of the legislation.
I am satisfied that Part V is operating effectively and that the changes made in the 2002 Act have and will continue to contribute to the overall delivery of both social and affordable housing. I have no plans to repeal the provisions of the Act.
123 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his view on the possibility of the export of household waste from here to countries outside the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30979/06]
The Waste Shipment Regulation (EEC) No. 259/93 of 1 February 1993 sets out the controls applicable to shipments of waste within, into, and exported out of the European Union and has direct application in Ireland. All shipments of waste must follow various procedures and control regimes, which are determined by the type of waste shipped and the type of treatment that will be applied to the waste at its destination. Thus, different levels of control apply depending on the risk posed by the waste and its treatment in terms of recovery (e.g. recycling) or disposal (e.g. landfill or incineration).
Shipments of all waste destined for disposal, and shipments of hazardous and semi-hazardous waste destined for recovery, are subject to the requirement of prior written notification and consent.
As regards shipments of waste from Ireland for disposal to destinations outside the EU very strict controls apply. All exports of waste for disposal are, under article 14 of the Regulation, prohibited except those to EFTA countries, which are also parties to the Basel Convention. However, such shipments may also be prohibited if the EFTA country of destination prohibits the import of such waste.
All exports of waste from Ireland for recovery outside the EU are, under article 16, also prohibited except exports to non-ACP countries and certain other countries which the OECD Decision of 30 March 1992 on the control of transfrontier movements of wastes destined for recovery operations applies: for example, segregated materials such as plastic or paper may be shipped as green waste and without prior notification and consent from the competent authority of destination. Exports of waste for recovery outside the EU are also permitted to other countries not covered by the OECD Decision which are Parties to the Basel Convention and where such countries have written to the EU indicating what level of control they require and which types of waste they will accept. All exports of waste to African, Caribbean or Pacific States are also prohibited under article 18.
Enforcement of the Waste Shipment Regulation is a matter for the local authorities concerned, who are the designated competent authorities for exports of waste from the State.
124 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will set up a task force within his Department to examine the possible regulation of the planning status of adult entertainment venues and shops and if such regulation can be achieved through the planning code; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30901/06]
A number of issues have arisen recently in relation to the regulation of entertainment and other late night venues such as licensed premises, adult entertainment venues and casinos. Careful consideration is needed of whether the planning code is an appropriate mechanism to regulate these activities either alone or in conjunction with other regulatory regimes.
Entertainment venues and shops, adult or otherwise, are already potentially subject to a wide range of different regulatory requirements, a number of which may come within the remit of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, such as alcohol and dance hall licensing. The importation and sale of pornography are addressed by the criminal and customs codes. The interaction of these codes with the planning code needs also to be considered.
I therefore intend to propose to the Tánaiste the establishment of a task force to examine issues involved in the location of entertainment and other late night venues and to make recommendations on how they should best be regulated. In advance of the considerations of such a task force, local authorities should use those powers currently available to them under the planning code when considering applications for late night and other venues to ensure that they are not inappropriately located, for example in quiet residential areas.
125 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will amend the legislation governing the plastic bag levy in order to allow for a substantial increase in the levy in order to reverse the trend whereby the use of plastic bags is increasing. [30909/06]
The 15 cent levy on plastic bags, as provided for in the Waste Management (Environmental Levy) (Plastic Bag) Regulations 2001, has led to a dramatic reduction in use of plastic bags with a consequent positive environmental benefit. Plastic shopping bags accounted for 5% of litter arisings prior to the introduction of the levy, but for just 0.22% of litter arisings in 2004.
There has been an upward trend in receipts remitted by the Revenue Commissioners since the levy was introduced, but this must be interpreted with caution. Firstly, these figures are not a precise measure of the number of bags supplied in a given period — each year's figure will also include levies recovered in respect of earlier periods on account of retailers filing late returns and the recoupment of levies due following Revenue audit findings. Secondly, the increase in income is also likely to be due in part to increased enforcement by local authorities and audit activity by the Revenue Commissioners. Enforcement efforts have been stepped up and a special network of local authority officers has been established to monitor and co-ordinate the enforcement drive.
I have previously indicated that I am anxious to ensure that the levy's positive effect on our environment is maintained. To that end, I have decided that the levy will be increased to 22c with effect from 1 January of next year – this is the maximum level that can be set under the existing legislative provisions. While I would like to increase the levy sooner, I must give both the Revenue Commissioners and retailers time to adjust their systems. The proposed change represents a substantial 47% increase on the original levy and I am confident that it will have the desired effect in discouraging use of plastic shopping bags. I will monitor the implementation of the new levy carefully; if it becomes apparent that further increases are required I will bring forward the necessary legislative changes to the Waste Management Act.
126 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on issuing planning guidelines to planning authorities on best practice for the sustainable development of corner or backyard sites, in view of the fact that in some local authority areas, such as Dún Laoghaire Rathdown, 20% of all new housing is concentrated in such sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31083/06]
There has been a growing trend in urban areas towards the development of sites adjacent to existing residences. This is understandable given that such development perhaps allows people to reside in the communities in which they were reared and, also, reflects the increased value of such sites. It is also attractive in terms of allowing access to existing community infrastructure, such as schools, and transport links.
Residential Density Guidelines for Planning Authorities were issued in 1999 and contain guidance on the issue of infill in urban areas. However, taking account of experiences to date with the 1999 guidelines, the rapidly changing demographics and settlement patterns, the need for more compact urban development (particularly within the Greater Dublin Area) and the on-going policy of delivering sustainable communities towards enhancing quality of life, it is proposed to prepare new planning guidelines on residential development and, also, design standards for apartments. A design guidance booklet to illustrate how the policies might be implemented will accompany the residential development guidelines.
As part of the existing guidelines, the issue of infill in urban areas will be subject to review as part of the preparation of the new guidelines.
127 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will initiate a review of the eight regional development plans in order to examine the waste management facilities and proposals in each RDP following his own assertion that the need for incineration has been over estimated; and if he will instruct those carrying out any such reviews to consider alternatives to municipal incineration. [30908/06]
Under the Waste Management Acts statutory responsibility for waste management planning rests with the relevant local authorities, typically acting in regional groupings. My Department's National Overview of Waste Management Plans (July 2004) identified significant progress in regard to the implementation of these plans. Subsequently, these plans have been reviewed by the local authorities concerned and these reviews included significant public consultation.
Not all waste can be recycled and successive Government policy documents have recognised the key role which thermal treatment with energy recovery must play in an integrated approach to waste management. I am satisfied that the regional waste management plans properly reflect this having regard to the needs of the individual regions and the range of available technologies.
128 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the files which have been requested from his Department by the Mahon Tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28206/06]
The Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments is empowered by relevant Oireachtas resolutions to carry out such preliminary investigations in private, as it thinks fit. My Department has co-operated with all requests by the Tribunal to make files available. However, it would not be appropriate to disclose details of material provided in this way to the Tribunal, on a strictly private and confidential basis, in the course of its investigations.
129 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of water which was used in buildings owned or leased by his Department in the last year for which figures are available; if he will provide the details of any water audits undertaken; the current or future conservation plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31090/06]
154 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of energy which was used in buildings owned or leased by his Department in the last year for which figures are available; the energy source and suppliers used; the details of energy audits undertaken; current or future conservation plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31089/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 154 together.
In accordance with its Environmental Policy Statement, my Department is fully committed to the effective management of our consumption of water and energy resources. This is a critical element of our ongoing accreditation to ISO 14001:1996 which we achieved for our headquarters offices in 2003. We are working towards achieving this certification for all our offices. In the meantime a number of objectives guide our activities across the Department, including a reduction in the quantity of consumable resources used by the Department.
As non-domestic water users, water meters are being installed in all of my Department's offices in accordance with the Government's Water Pricing Framework. This will enable the Department to monitor water usage throughout the Department's various offices. In the meantime, my Department is taking measures to eliminate wastage including through the installation of more efficient water dispensers. As regards energy usage, the Department's policy is to use a number of energy saving devices such as energy efficient lights, powersave function on electrical office equipment and photocopiers with duplex facilities. Energy consumption in my Department's headquarters decreased from 982,000kWh in 2003 to 948,635kWh in 2005, representing a reduction of 3.4%.
We are also liaising with the Office of Public Works, who provide maintenance services to the Department, to implement other effective measures to reduce energy and water consumption.
The Department had been committed to obtaining its electricity from renewable sources for some time and following a tender process, under the auspices of the Office of Public Works, a contract is now in place with Energia for the supply of electricity from renewable sources to the Department's main offices.
Under the Government's decentralisation programme the bulk of my Department's Dublin based operations are being decentralised to four locations in the South East. The Department is liaising with OPW to ensure that best practice in building management guides the planning and design of the Department's new offices including provision for minimisation of waste, energy conservation, renewable energy sources and water conservation measures.
130 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the Nedap or Powervote system will be used in an election here in the future; if so, when this election will be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30942/06]
155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost to date, including storage, research, promotion, public relations or other associated costs in respect of e-voting; if it is intended to continue with the process of storage and re-examination indefinitely; if offers have been received from other jurisdictions for the technology; if thought has gone into possible alternative use; if provision has or can be made whereby such expenditure will not in the future become the responsibility of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31019/06]
156 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans in relation to electronic voting and the existing electronic voting equipment in view of the second report of the Commission on Electronic Voting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30918/06]
214 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the costs to date of the storage of electronic voting machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30940/06]
I propose to take Question Nos. 130, 155, 156 and 214 together.
The Commission on Electronic Voting concluded in its Second Report on the Secrecy, Accuracy and Testing of the Chosen Electronic Voting System, which was published on 4 July 2006, that it can recommend the voting and counting equipment for use at elections in Ireland, subject to further work it has recommended. The Commission made it clear that many of its recommendations involve only relatively minor modifications or additions to the system. While the software of the voting machine was considered by the Commission to be of adequate quality requiring only minor modifications and further analysis to confirm its reliability, it was unable to recommend the election management software. In the context of its comparison of the electronic and manual voting systems, the Commission concluded that, subject to its recommendations being implemented, the chosen system has the potential to deliver greater accuracy than the paper system and can provide similarly high levels of secrecy.
In response to the report, the Government has established a Cabinet Committee, which I chair and which includes the Tánaiste and the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, to consider the report and other assessment work in detail; report to the Government on the full implications of the Commission recommendations; consider the composition of a peer review group (drawn from international electoral reform bodies and the IT industry) to supervise any software redesign work; report to the Government on confidence building measures; and identify any other improvements that might be built into the system. The work of the Cabinet Committee is under way.
The total cost incurred to date in the development and roll-out of the electronic voting and counting system is some €51.3 million. In addition, information provided by returning officers to my Department indicates that the total annual storage cost for the electronic voting machines and ancillary equipment is some €696,000. Arrangements are now being made to centralise storage of the e-voting machines.
The timing of the further use of the system is dependent on the ongoing work of the Cabinet Committee on Electronic Voting, the associated decisions arising in this regard, and the dates at which future polls may be held.
My Department has had no approach from other jurisdictions in relation to the e-voting technology.
131 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on levying businesses on non-reusable or non-recyclable packaging; the plans he has to impose such a levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30915/06]
Article 9 of European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste provides that packaging may not be placed on the market within the European Union unless it satisfies the provisions of the Directive. Annex II of the Directive explicitly provides that packaging shall be designed, produced and placed on the market in such a way as to permit its reuse or recovery, including recycling and composting.
Under article 18 of the Directive, Member States are prohibited from impeding the placing on the market of packaging which satisfies these essential requirements. The essential requirements of packaging are transposed into national law under the combined provisions of article 24 and the Third Schedule of the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2003, as amended, which provides that a person may not supply packaging or packaged products to the Irish market unless the packaging concerned complies with essential requirements as to its nature and composition.
The regulations impose obligations in relation to the recycling of backdoor waste on all producers participating in the placing of packaging on the Irish market. In addition, major producers i.e. those who have an annual turnover in excess of €1 million and who place more than 25 tonnes of packaging on the Irish market, have additional responsibilities with regard to the recovery of packaging waste from their customers. Major producers are required to take steps individually to recover their packaging waste (i.e. self-compliance) or alternatively to contribute to, and participate in, compliance schemes set up to recover packaging waste.
Repak Limited was established by Irish industry in 1997 to promote, co-ordinate and finance the collection and recovery of packaging waste with a view to achieving Ireland's packaging waste recovery and recycling targets under the Directive and is the only such approved compliance scheme in Ireland. Repak membership income is used to subsidise the collection of packaging waste from both the household and commercial sectors.
While Repak's primary role is to support the recycling of packaging waste, the fee structure applicable to its members – which is related to the type and amount of packaging placed on the market – reflects the polluter pays principle and directly incentivises the minimisation and reuse of packaging by producers. In addition, article 4(5) of the regulations expressly provides that account shall not be taken of packaging destined for reuse for the purpose of determining whether or not a producer is a major producer – this similarly provides a direct incentive for producers to introduce systems to promote the reuse of packaging.
Ireland has enjoyed considerable success in recent years in meeting targets for the recovery and recycling of this significant waste stream. Data from the Environmental Protection Agency shows that the 25% target for 2001 set under Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste was achieved and also that, with 56% recovery of packaging waste in 2004, Ireland has exceeded the 2005 recovery target of 50% set under the Directive. In the light of the comprehensive regulatory regime in place for packaging waste, which promotes prevention, reuse and recycling in accordance with the waste management hierarchy, and the success achieved to date in meeting and exceeding targets for recovering and recycling packaging waste, a further levy on packaging waste is not currently under consideration.
132 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress to date of the campaign to update the electoral register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30944/06]
In law, the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register.
In April 2006, I announced a package of measures to assist local authorities in their work on preparing the 2007/8 Register, which included the use of Census enumerators or other temporary personnel to support local authorities in preparing the next Register. The CSO contacted census enumerators seeking expressions of interest in the work; lists of enumerators expressing such an interest in each city and county council area were made available to local authorities. This cleared the way for recruitment and deployment, as appropriate, by local authorities of additional temporary staff for the registration campaign.
In addition, my Department worked with a group of local authority managers and senior officials to put in place an enhanced programme for improving the next Register. Detailed procedures for the carrying out of registration fieldwork were finalised and issued to local authorities in early July. New supplies of the electoral registration (RFA) forms were distributed to all local authorities in June (significantly earlier than in previous years).
I also committed to providing additional ring-fenced financial resources to support local authorities' own spending in respect of the register campaign and have advised authorities that a contribution of some €6 million can be made available in this regard. An initial allocation of some €3 million was made available in July to local authorities for registration work.
As regards publicity and awareness, a two-stage approach has been developed, involving information notices followed by an intensive media campaign. Information notices were published in the national press on 19–21 August, urging co-operation with local register campaigns. In addition, a national publicity and awareness campaign involving TV, radio, press and outdoor advertising commenced on 11 September and will run until 25 November (the closing date for submitting corrections to the Draft Register).
An online register search facility is now available through local authority websites. A link from the Department's website (www.environ.ie) to the relevant search facility has also been provided.
New arrangements for the deletion of names of deceased persons from the Register are now in place: the new system allows for the efficient and timely deletion of the names of deceased persons from the Register using the Death Event Publication Service which has been developed by Reach in association with the General Register Office.
New guidance for local authorities on Preparing and Maintaining the Register of Electors was made available to authorities in electronic format on 31 May. Printed copies of the guidance were subsequently sent to all local authorities, returning officers and relevant Government Departments. In the final version of the guidance, the importance of local authorities cross-checking the Register with other databases available to them is stressed.
The measures I announced in April are important supports for action by local authorities to improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register in their areas.
133 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the grounds upon which he has decided not to review the election boundaries following the indication of the preliminary census figures that a sizable proportion of the population live in constituencies which are under represented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30900/06]
204 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which he will ensure that Article 16.2.3 of the Irish Constitution’s requirement for equality of representation is not breached without undertaking a review of constituency boundaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30896/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 204 together.
Following the publication by the Central Statistics Office of the Preliminary Report on Census 2006, I sought the advice of the Attorney General in relation to census results and constituency boundaries.
The Attorney has advised that constituencies can only be revised on the basis of the final Census figures. The preliminary figures cannot constitutionally be used to revise constituencies. The Electoral Act 1997 provides for the establishment of Constituency Commission upon the publication of the Census Report which contains the final figures. The Act also sets out the considerations to which a Commission must have regard in observing the relevant provisions of the Constitution.
I intend to establish such a Commission to review and report on Dáil and European constituencies as soon as the relevant Census Report is published. Under the Act, the Commission will be required to report to the Ceann Comhairle as soon as may be and, in any event, within 6 months of its establishment; the reports will then be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
It is not the normal practice to publish legal advice and I have no plans to do so on this occasion.
134 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of population changes, he will review local authority boundaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30976/06]
The current local electoral areas of each county council derive from the Electoral Area Boundary Committee Reports of 1998. The 2004 local elections took place on the basis of the existing local electoral areas. The next local elections are due to take place in 2009. Consideration can be given to reviewing local electoral areas in light of the final 2006 Census results when they become available and other relevant factors.
Local authorities, as part of the local government modernisation programme, have extensive capacity to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances and local demands, including those of economic and population growth. I intend to keep the position under review with the aim of ensuring good accessible service delivery for all communities and population centres.
135 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress in his Department since the publication of the Quigley Report; if he has reviewed and consolidated internal advice, if he will publish such advice; the revised procedures which have been put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30988/06]
Substantial progress has been made by my Department in implementing the recommendations regarding procurement contained in the Quigley Report. Procurement guidelines and practices in the Department have been reviewed and a set of consolidated guidelines was circulated to all staff. In addition, revised procedures have been put in place to strengthen monitoring and control of procurement and briefing sessions have been held for staff engaged in procurement. Reference material on procurement has been published on the Departments Intranet and is readily available to all staff.
Additional resources have also been allocated to the Departments Organisation Unit, which coordinates advice and monitoring in relation to the Department's procurement activities, and to the Department's Internal Audit Unit which is responsible, inter alia, for assisting line management in the Department in evaluating internal control systems for which they are responsible. I am confident that these arrangements will enable my Department to achieve the improvement and consolidation of its procurement arrangements recommended by the Quigley Report
136 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he will take to ensure that all local authorities build an adequate amount of social or affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31004/06]
In December 2005, the Government launched a new Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities which outlines key principles underpinning housing policy and investment over the coming years. Substantial increased investment in social and affordable housing is outlined in the framework amounting to close to €4 billion in Exchequer capital spending over the period 2006 to 2008. The Government have committed in the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, to further additional investment in social housing with 27,000 new units to be started or acquired over the period 2007 to 2009. It is envisaged that these new units will be delivered through a combination of local authority social housing, voluntary and co-operative sector social housing and long-term contracts for new supply under the Rental Accommodation Scheme.
Further households will benefit from the full implementation of the Rental Accommodation Scheme involving contractual arrangements with landlords for existing properties transferring from rent supplement. Over the same period it is expected that some 17,000 units of affordable housing will be delivered. As a result of the various social and affordable housing measures the needs of some 60,000 new households will be met over the period 2007-2009.
The main strategy for delivery of the Governments social and affordable housing programme is through the local authority 5-year Action Plans for social and affordable housing. The Action Plans, now at their midway stage are currently being reviewed. The reviews are focusing on examining how targets have been met in the first two years of the plan and on incorporating any adjustments required for the remaining years of the plan, in light of outcomes including expected 2006 outputs, and the results of the recent Housing Needs Assessment.
An Action Plan Working Group is currently being formed to carry out national analysis of local reviews. As well as examining outcomes to date the Group will consider any actions required to improve delivery and monitoring of Action Plans. This will ensure that the action plan process continues to provide local authorities with a framework for the integrated and cohesive planning and delivery of social and affordable housing measures, based on their relevant housing strategy, over the coming years.
137 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he intends to take to make housing more affordable for first time buyers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30945/06]
180 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the fact that house prices increased nationally by 11.4% for the first quarter of 2006; and the plans he has to control the rise of future house prices. [31005/06]
201 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to take action on foot of the Halifax report which finds that key public sector workers here, for example nurses, fire fighters, secondary and primary school teachers and Gardaí are unable to afford to purchase the average house in four out of five of Ireland’s largest cities that is Dublin, Cork, Galway and Waterford, as earnings growth continues to lag well behind house price growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30957/06]
218 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the initiatives he intends to put in place to ensure that key workers can buy homes in the areas where they work, following the recent survey (details supplied) which revealed that workers such as teachers, nurses and Gardaí cannot afford to buy in the Country’s main cities. [30887/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 137, 180, 201 and 218 together.
Increasing house prices and mortgage interest rates mean that a greater proportion of disposable income is now needed to meet mortgage payments. Despite this, affordability both nationally and in Dublin remains within the affordability limits now typically applied by lending institutions in deciding mortgage applications.
Over 45% of new house loans were taken out by first-time buyers last year. First-time buyers pay at least 13% below the average price for a new house and significantly less for second hand houses. In fact 90% of the houses bought by first-time buyers were below €350,000 nationally and 75% were below €350,000 in the Dublin area. My Department's affordability index reflects the position at the end of March this year for a couple on a combined income of just under €76,000, based on the average industrial and non-industrial wage. The mortgage outgoings of such a couple represent about 29% of their disposable income. This ratio would in fact be lower if account is taken of the longer loan periods which are now on offer from the lending institutions.
I am aware of recent research findings which suggest that the average mortgage is around 15 times the average public service income. This is simply not true. The data used in the research is based on the average price for second hand houses. The use of averages in this way is misleading as they include the price paid for highly sought after areas as well as houses with development land. The results therefore do not truly reflect the price paid by the average first time buyer.
More than half a million new homes have been provided since 1997. Almost 81,000 houses were built in 2005 compared to less than 31,000 ten years ago. In the first eight months of 2006, 58,613 houses and apartments were completed nationally. This represents an increase of 22.8% on the corresponding period in 2005. The increases in housing output have helped to restrain house price increases despite continued high demand. We are currently providing new homes at a much faster rate than other countries in the European Union.
My Department will continue to monitor developments in the housing market including trends in house prices. There is some recent evidence that growth rates are stabilising. The Government will also continue to focus on maintaining overall housing supply at a level consistent with the continuing strong demand through a range of instruments including investment in infrastructure, streamlining of planning and more effective use of land.
A number of measures to assist those who cannot access affordable housing without assistance have been put in place. These include the shared ownership scheme, the affordable housing scheme and affordable housing under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 – 2006. Eligibility and subsidy levels under the various schemes were increased in January 2006. In addition, the delivery of affordable housing in the Greater Dublin area, where affordability pressures are most acute, is being co-ordinated and accelerated by the Affordable Homes Partnership, which has made considerable progress since it was established by the Government just over a year ago.
The partnership agreement Towards 2016 has set an ambitious target of delivering some 17,000 affordable homes over the period 2007 to 2009. This represents a significant increase on the rate of output of affordable housing over the past three years and will make an important contribution to addressing affordability problems and to meeting the desire of buyers to live in the area in which they work. Investment of some €4 billion will be made under the various schemes over the next three years.
138 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the current funding for architectural protection grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31022/06]
A reallocation of expenditures within my Department's Built Heritage Programme 2006 was recently carried out. This allowed me to announce the following further funding for certain initiatives within my Departments' Built Heritage Capital Programme:
Heritage Council €1,650,000;
Waterford City Walls €260,000; and
Local Authority Conservation Grants Scheme €1,067,000.
The additional €1,650,000 for the Heritage Council will go towards their Buildings at Risk Grant Scheme for the conservation of valuable heritage properties throughout the country, with a particular emphasis on smaller projects.
I was also in a position to respond favourably to the requests for additional funding from local authorities for their Conservation Grants schemes. The scheme, which is administered by local authorities, enables them to give grants towards the conservation of structures that are on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). This additional €1,067,000 will complement the allocation of €6 million made earlier this year to this scheme.
In addition, under the Urban and Village Renewal Operational Programme 2000-2006, my Department administers a scheme of EU co-financed grants for the restoration and conservation of buildings of significant architectural heritage merit and which are in public ownership or open to the public generally. Closing date for the receipt of applications for 2006 in the South and East region was 23 October 2005, and in the Border Midlands West region was 19 December 2005. The grants for 2006 have since been allocated. As no further applications can be taken for the 2000-2006 scheme, my Department is in course of drawing up a replacement scheme. I also look forward to reviewing expenditure on built heritage in the context of the 2007 estimates and the National Development Plan 2007-2013.
139 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if heat recovery ventilation systems will be included in the Building Control Regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30975/06]
I have no immediate plans to amend the Building Regulations to require the installation of heat recovery ventilation systems in new dwellings. However, this option may be considered in the context of a future review of the building code.
140 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report to the Houses of the Oireachtas on his Department’s legislative programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30965/06]
My Department's legislative proposals are included in the Government Legislation Programme Autumn Session 2006, copies of which have been sent to each member of the Oireachtas.
141 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review planning legislation and guidelines to ensure that adequate facilities and infrastructure are always included in any residential development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30907/06]
The Planning and Development Act 2000 gives planning authorities a range of powers to ensure the sustainable development of their administrative areas through the local development plan and when considering specific planning applications.
The main instrument for the sustainable development of the local area is the city or county development plan, which has to be renewed every 6 years. I recently published a public consultation draft of Development Plan Guidelines. The Guidelines, inter alia, highlight the requirements regarding recreation and amenities under the Planning and Development Act 2000 that local authorities must have regard to in preparing their development plans. These include objectives for:
the provision or facilitation of the provision of infrastructure;
the preservation, improvement and extension of amenities and recreational amenities; and
the provision of public open space and recreation space including space/places for children to play.
I also intend to review the Residential Density Guidelines (1999) and to publish new guidelines in early 2007. The current Guidelines address issues such as the criteria to be taken into account when providing for higher density development, including the provision of social and community facilities, pedestrian and cycle linkages and the need to address the needs of children and elderly people. The new Guidelines will continue to develop these important linkages and will also focus on the need to place a greater emphasis on the quality of open space including spaces suitable for children's play, informal kickabout and passive amenity.
Finally, a new Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities was approved by the Government and published in December 2005. Further work is continuing on a more detailed statement to be published before the end of the year, which will include guidance on how residential development can be more effectively linked to the provision of physical infrastructure such as transport, social infrastructure such as schools and amenities such as sporting and community facilities.
In short, I believe that local authorities have all the tools necessary for them to ensure the adequate and appropriate provision of facilities and infrastructure in residential developments within their areas and work is continuing to ensure that the most up-to-date guidance is available to assist them in that.
142 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to instigate changes to the implementation of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30949/06]
Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006 is a key measure in providing social and affordable housing. While Part V has been operational in all planning authorities for some years now, it is only in the last year or so that output has begun to gather momentum as evidenced by the statistics. Whilst its implementation is a matter for individual authorities, it is closely monitored by my Department to ensure it is operating as intended.
Changes designed to ensure greater flexibility for all stakeholders in the implementation of Part V were introduced in 2002 following a review of its operation. I am satisfied that the provisions are now operating effectively and that the changes made have contributed to the overall delivery of social and affordable housing. Accordingly, I have no plans to institute further changes but will continue to keep its operation under review.
143 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received representations from local authorities who have not got adequate funding to carry out necessary repairs to local authority dwellings; and if so, the number of same. [31013/06]
Local authority housing construction and improvement works programmes, including planned maintenance and remedial works, are discussed with each local authority as part of the preparation and review of their Housing Action Plans. Arising out of this authorities may seek Exchequer support for improvement works under a number of schemes. Local authorities may also apply, on approval by the Department, Internal Capital Receipts from the sale of local authority houses to the undertaking of improvement works.
144 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his assessment of the environmental impact of so-called sports utility vehicles and similar vehicles; his views on whether steps should be taken to curb their use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30946/06]
As stated in reply to Question No. 49 of 29 November 2005, statistics for emissions of carbon dioxide from specific categories of motor vehicles are not available, as emissions are calculated on the basis of fuel sold, rather than vehicle type. Emissions from the transport sector in 2004 totalled 12.58 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, equivalent to 18% of total national emissions in 2004. Road transport accounted for 96% of transport emissions. Different treatment already exists for private motor vehicles on the basis of engine size through differentiated vehicle registration and motor tax rates. In addition, 50% relief on vehicle registration tax is currently available for both hybrid-electric and flexible fuel vehicles.
While engine size is related to both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, the size of a vehicle's engine is not an accurate proxy for the CO2 emissions from that vehicle and certain technologies provide a greater CO2 efficiency for a given engine size. I am therefore currently examining the potential to more closely align motor tax rates with the rated CO2 emissions for given vehicle types. It is not yet possible to identify the specific changes to motor tax rates which might result from this approach. Any changes to the current system of vehicle registration tax are a matter for the Minister for Finance to decide in the context of the Budget.
146 Ms Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if recent statistics showing record population and labour force growth have led to a revision in the levels of expected demand for housing; if his Department has put in place plans for increased housing output, particularly social and affordable housing output; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30961/06]
My Department will have regard to the recently published preliminary Census data, as well as the further reports on foot of the Census of Population 2006, to be prepared by the Central Statistics Offices over the coming year and half, when reviewing examining the potential implications of the preliminary data for the National Spatial Strategy, the Regional Planning Guidelines and City and County Development Plans and associated Housing Strategies. This examination will assist in ensuring more effective infrastructural investment, and sustainable and balanced regional development over the coming years and will inform investment in social and affordable housing programmes.
147 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the findings and recommendations of the action plan on speech writing carried out for his Department by a company (details supplied) in 2002; the cost of this review, in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30983/06]
In 2001, my Department initiated a process of reviewing the speech writing function in the Department. This process was organised and managed by my Department with the assistance of a communications company. A report was subsequently prepared which contained a number of recommendations in relation to refreshing the approach to speech writing in the Department. The recommendations were made in three areas, namely: Efficiency of the Process; Content and Style; Feedback, Training and Development. The majority of the recommendations were subsequently implemented in the Department. The cost of the review was €21,145.
148 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the polluter pays problem faced by the residents of Achill Sound in relation to the long awaited sewerage scheme will be resolved; if the local contribution will be revised; when this scheme will begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31081/06]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 316 of 28 September 2006.
149 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on reports by the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, that areas in several counties suffered water rationing in summer 2006; that the Dublin area requires €600 million water pipe or desalination plant and that much needed housing developments are being delayed due to lack of water supply capacity; and his further views on whether the universal charging element of the EU Water Framework Directive should be implemented as soon as possible. [31085/06]
161 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on using the building regulations to have all new homes fitted with water meters in anticipation of the implementation of the universal water metering and charging required under the EU Water Framework Directive (details supplied) which must to be implemented by 2010 at the latest; if he envisages all domestic buildings being retrofitted; and if his Department has conducted a cost-benefit analysis of meters being installed at construction phase as opposed to retrofitted. [31084/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 161 together.
I am satisfied that Ireland's policies in relation to water services, including the exemption of householders from water charges, are consistent with the EU Water Framework Directive. Therefore the issue of metering new homes generally or retrofitting existing homes does not arise now or by 2010. The charging policies of the Water Framework Directive are being implemented in Ireland in relation to all non-domestic sectors. Local authorities are required to recover the cost of providing water services from the users of these services, by means of a meter based volumetric charge.
My Department is aware that local authorities may in particular circumstances meter domestic water usage and that some authorities may require the installation of a water meter as a condition of a grant of planning permission. I understand that this is for the purpose of assisting water management and conservation measures. It is not connected to domestic water charges since there is a statutory prohibition on the charging of households for domestic water services. I understand that, while a presentation at a conference of the National Federation of Group Water Schemes referred to the potential effects at the time of the prolonged dry period this summer, no formal report or statement has been issued by the Federation.
My Department has provided €2.55m to Dublin City Council for the Dublin Water (Long Term Sources) Development Study under the Water Services Investment Programme 2005 — 2007. I understand that the Study Report will shortly be presented to the Council's Strategic Policy Committee. Any resulting proposals for funding under the Water Services Investment Programme will have to be carefully justified in terms of size and cost. The current phase of the Programme, covering the period 2005 to 2007, which details already approved water supply infrastructure schemes nationally, is available in the Oireachtas Library.
My Department operates a number of measures to ensure that necessary housing development is not delayed due to water supply constraints, particularly the Serviced Land Initiative (under which some 85,000 housing sites have already been made available), and schemes to provide a further 100,000 are in progress. My Department also maintains close contact with local authorities to ensure timely provision of necessary water services infrastructure to meeting housing and other development needs.
150 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will set down national guidelines to local authorities in respect of the application of Part V of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, and the other legislative provisions for social and affordable housing in view of the fact that delivery of the required and expected volumes of social and affordable housing has not happened. [30893/06]
My Department has issued comprehensive guidelines to assist local authorities in the implementation of Part V of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 on a number of occasions since December, 2000. Guidelines have also been issued in relation to social housing and the various affordable schemes.
Housing Action Plans for the period 2004 – 2008, which set out targets and timescales for delivery of all social and affordable housing, have been reviewed and agreed between my Department and local authorities. The Plans are designed to ensure the continued momentum in the delivery of social and affordable housing output. All schemes are kept under review to ensure that they meet the agreed targets set out in the Action Plans. In addition, a number of schemes are being examined to ensure that delivery is achieved in a targeted and efficient and effective manner.
151 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures in place to ensure that in land swap arrangements in relation to affordable housing provisions represent value for the State in terms of the volume and quality of affordable houses provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30903/06]
Land exchanges under the Affordable Housing Initiative are subject to a public tendering process which involves a range of rigorous assessments and evaluations. In advance of tendering each site, a feasibility report is prepared in order to examine the options available for leveraging the site for the Initiative and recommend the most appropriate course. In the event that the feasibility report confirms the appropriateness of the land exchange option, a pre-tender valuation is obtained and the site is publicly advertised.
Bids received are assessed in terms of value, the number of affordable homes involved and their location, the timeframe for delivery and the design quality of the development. As part of the evaluation process, the value of each bid, taking account of professional valuation advice, is assessed against the pre-tender valuation of the site. In addition to the design quality of the development being a criterion within the assessment process, all affordable homes provided through land exchanges are required to be covered by Homebond or a similar guarantee scheme. Furthermore, as the homes are sold directly by the selected bidder in a similar manner to that which applies to private sales, each affordable purchaser is in a position to have their home inspected and snagged in the normal way before completing the purchase transaction.
152 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has plans to adopt a green procurement policy to encourage the growth of hybrid vehicles, renewable heating technology, recycled goods and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30963/06]
The National Public Procurement Policy Unit of the Department of Finance, which has responsibility for public procurement policy, maintains the website www.etenders.gov.ie. The website is a centralised portal containing comprehensive information on all aspects of public procurement including the EU Handbook on Environmental Public Procurement which was published in October 2004 by the European Commission and has the aim of explaining to public purchasers how to integrate environmental considerations into their purchasing practices for goods and services. My Department works with the National Public Procurement Policy Unit to provide up to date information on green procurement to users of the website.
A separate action plan on green public procurement, envisaged as part of the implementation of the EU environmental technologies action plan, is currently being prepared by my Department. Green procurement is also promoted by my Department through the inclusion of environmental criteria in the specifications for goods and services purchased for use by the Department itself. In this regard my Department has recently ordered 25 new vehicles capable of running on biofuel products for use by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
My Department will be supporting and participating in a one day workshop on green public procurement to be held in Dublin on 8 November 2006. The workshop is being organised by the European Commission, in co-operation with ICLEI (Sustainable Local Government) and is aimed at purchasers and policy makers from the public and private sector. Further information on this event can be found on the website: http://www.iclei-europe.org/gppworkshops.
153 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he proposes to direct waste contractors that waste be transported by order to specific named waste facilities including incinerators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30980/06]
Section 34 of the Waste Management Act 1996 provides that any person other than a local authority who wishes to collect waste commercially must do so in accordance with a waste collection permit granted by the relevant local authority. A local authority can attach conditions to a waste collection permit including requirements in relation to the location to which waste may be delivered for recovery or disposal. My Department has no function in this regard.
I have recently published a consultation paper on the possible regulation of the waste sector. Submissions have been invited on whether there is a need for a regulator for the sector, on what model of regulator might be most appropriate and on what powers any such regulator should be given. Among the possible powers discussed in the paper is the power to determine waste movements. Submissions in response to the consultation paper are being taken until 6 October, and I will then consider what policy proposals to take forward.
157 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his goals, including timescales and volumes, in respect of waste reduction and waste prevention; his strategy in achieving these goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30890/06]
167 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends introducing legislation to reduce waste production in the current Dáil session. [31091/06]
205 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he intends to take to tackle the increase in waste generation here, as highlighted in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environment in Focus 2006 report which shows a 64 per cent increase in municipal waste generation since 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30938/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 157, 167 and 205 together.
A coherent, integrated approach to waste management has been put in place through my Department's policy statements Changing Our Ways, Delivering Change, and Taking Stock and Moving Forward. The Government's approach is based on the internationally recognised waste management hierarchy of prevention/ minimisation, significantly increased levels of recycling, energy recovery and, finally, utilising landfill as the last resort for residual waste that cannot otherwise be recovered.
A key priority currently is the development and roll out of a National Waste Prevention Programme. A Core Prevention Team was established in 2004 in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and drive the Programme. The Core Prevention Team is in the process of developing baseline studies as part of the initial phase of the Programme. The initial budget for the National Waste Prevention Programme is €2m.
A key component of the waste management system in Ireland has been the development of producer responsibility initiatives. The longest-standing of these, in relation to packaging waste, has been very successful. Repak, the industry based body charged with responsibility for packaging waste recycling, is currently working on a six-year strategy that will be based on the principle of waste prevention and will identify initiatives aimed at promoting prevention and minimisation in the area of packaging. More recently, successful producer responsibility initiatives have also been introduced in relation to farm plastics and waste electrical and electronic equipment. I recently made regulations for a further producer responsibility initiative in relation to an EU Directive on end-of-life vehicles. These initiatives are based on the promotion of waste prevention and minimisation objectives. Work is also underway in developing producer responsibility initiatives for waste tyres and for newsprint.
Waste prevention and minimisation has also been actively promoted in the Race Against Waste campaign. The media campaign has focused on the prevention of waste and the need to reduce, reuse and recycle and aims to turn awareness on waste issues into action to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill. The campaign has also worked closely with Environmental Awareness Officers in all of the local authorities, who work locally with householders, schools, businesses and community groups. It has encouraged communities to minimise, recycle and compost their waste through the national Tidy Towns competition's Race Against Waste module.
In addition, waste prevention targets for biodegradable waste were recently set out in the National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste. The projections of biodegradable waste arising in future years in the Strategy are based on an expectation that the waste prevention initiatives outlined above will yield benefits in reducing the quantity of biodegradable municipal waste which would be generated in their absence. These targets are: 3% reduction factor in projected Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) generation each year from 2005 to 2007; 4% reduction factor in projected BMW generation in the period 2008 to 2010; 5% reduction factor in projected BMW generation from 2011 to 2013; and a 6% reduction factor in projected BMW generation in the period 2014 to 2016.
I have no immediate plans to introduce further legislation in this area. My Department is currently participating in discussions at EU level on a new Waste Framework Directive which will include provisions on waste prevention. It is likely that legislation will be required to transpose the new waste framework directive into Irish law following agreement being reached by Member States and its coming into effect.
158 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on the outcome of the consideration that his Department and the Environmental Protection Agency gave to the European Court of Justice ruling (details supplied). [31087/06]
My Department's consideration of the implications of this judgment has been overtaken by the publication by the European Commission in December 2005 of a proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on waste which includes text to deal with this case. The Commission proposal is to exclude unexcavated contaminated soil from the scope of the Directive where already covered by other Community legislation. This proposed directive is currently under negotiation and my Department is actively involved in this process.
159 Mr. English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce legislation to allow local authorities to consider educational needs in assessing planning applications for new housing developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30977/06]
Section 10 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that a development plan must contain objectives for the provision, or facilitation of the provision of services for the community including in particular, schools, crèches and other education and child care facilities.
Under the provisions of section 11(3)(c) of the 2000 Act planning authorities are required when proceeding the review of their development plans, to be pro-active in consulting service and infrastructure providers, including education, to ascertain their long-term plans for the provision of such services in the area.
In this context, local authorities are required to circulate draft development plans and to consult with the Department of Education and Science at relevant stages of the process. This can provide the Department with an opportunity to suggest the reservation of land for educational use.
Section 8 of the Planning and Development Amendment Act, 2002 provides that a local area plan must be consistent with the objectives of the development plan and may include (a) objectives for the zoning of land for the use solely or primarily of particular areas for particular purposes, and (b) such other objectives, in such detail as may be determined by the planning authority, for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area to which it applies, including detail on community facilities and amenities.
In zoning land in a development plan to provide for the creation of new residential communities it would be normal practice for local authorities to specify the provision of schools and other community facilities as uses to be permitted within such zonings and to accompany this with an objective to secure the provision of these facilities. Where a more detailed local area plan is prepared for such an area it is normal practice for such a plan to identify specifically the location of the various facilities, including schools, needed to support such communities, essentially reserving the sites for various facilities including sites for schools.
Also, where a Strategic Development Zone has been designated by Government, the planning authority is required to prepare a planning scheme which, inter alia, provides for an integrated approach to the provision on essential community infrastructure, such as schools and child care facilities.
My Department has and will continue to consult and co-operate with the Department of Education and Science, and other relevant Departments and planning authorities, to ensure that the planning process facilitates the strategic provision of educational facilities that support sustainable communities.
160 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Task Force on Emergency Planning and the Office of Emergency Planning have decided to issue the leaflet Safeguarding Ireland from Nuclear Accidents to every household in the State; and if their decision is positive will he agree that at the same time a leaflet should be delivered in relation to the safe disposal of redundant iodine tablets distributed to each house in the State in 2002. [30924/06]
My Department's Leaflet Safeguarding Ireland from Nuclear Accidents has recently been widely distributed to libraries and Citizens Information Centres. It is also available on the websites of both my Department —www.environ.ie and the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, — www.rpii.ie. The question of its wider distribution is being considered in the context of a communications strategy currently being developed under the auspices of the Task Force on Emergency Planning and the Office of Emergency Planning. The objective of the communications strategy is to ensure that the public is informed to best effect in relation to emergency planning matters in general.
Matters relating to the distribution, administering and efficacy of iodine tablets in the event of a nuclear accident or emergency are the responsibility of the Minister for Health and Children, as are matters relating to their safe disposal upon expiry. Further information on iodine tablets is available on the website of the Department of Health and Children —www.dohc.ie
162 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is planning to introduce energy usage certificates for new houses by the end of 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26645/06]
216 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress which has been made to date to recruit, train and register the estimated 2000 energy rating assessors required to carry out inspections as set down in the EU Energy Performance Building Directive; and when the register of energy rating assessors is due to be operational. [30913/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 216 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 1511 of 27 September 2006. It is estimated that up to 2,000 building professionals, mainly in the private sector, will require training as Building Energy Rating (BER) assessors, on a phased basis by 2009, for the BER certification of both new and existing buildings — as required under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).
BERs will be initially required for new dwellings commencing on or after 1 January 2007. To avoid disruption of the house-building programme, there will be a transitional exemption from BER of new dwellings for which planning permission was applied for on or before 30 June 2006, provided the new dwellings involved are substantially completed by 30 June 2008.
BER certificates will be issued by registered assessors who have successfully completed a training programme that: (a) meets the requirements of a Training Specification to be published this week and as proposed in the EPBD Action Plan; and (b) has been validated by a national accreditation body e.g. Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) or Higher Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC).
I understand that a number of educational and professional bodies plan to initiate training programmes. For building professionals with relevant previous experience, the courses will be of short duration and should generally not exceed 1 week.
163 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there needs to be stronger representation from consumer bodies on the recently established WEEE Monitoring Group in view of recent review of visible environmental charges for WEEE products found that they were too high and recommended that they be reduced. [31082/06]
229 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount raised by WEEE contributions on electrical items in the first year of the WEEE charge; the cost of dealing with waste electrical and electronic items in that year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30959/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 229 together.
The EU Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) allows producers to show the cost of recovering and recycling "historic" waste i.e. waste arising from electric and electronic products put on the market before 13 August 2005. These costs are referred to as Environmental Management Costs – or EMCs. They are not imposed by, or remitted to, the Government, but are paid by producers to the two collective compliance schemes operating in Ireland, WEEE Ireland and the European Recycling Platform. As schemes are operating under the responsibility of the producers, detailed information on the revenue collected and expenditure incurred to date is not at this stage available in my Department.
The collective schemes are established on a not-for-profit basis and income collected from the operation of EMCs must be used for the environmentally sound management of household WEEE. The collective schemes are also required to submit financial accounts to the Minister; the first such accounts covering the period from the commencement of the scheme in August 2005 to end 2006 are due to be submitted not later than 31 March 2007.
Following a thorough review of the initial EMCs the WEEE Register Society Limited, the industry-based national WEEE registration body, announced reductions for most categories of electrical and electronic equipment in July last and these were implemented with effect from 1 August 2006. A further review of the EMCs applying to fridges and fridge-freezers has now been completed by the WEEE Register and these were implemented with effect from 1 October 2006. These reductions are welcome and result from the WEEE scheme's remarkable success. In the first 12 months of operation, 27,700 tonnes of household WEEE was collected. This represents approximately 2.3 million electrical and electronic products. This contrasts to the 5,510 tonnes of this waste type which was recovered in 2004 and indicates widespread public support for the scheme. Consequently, economies of scale exist in the recycling industry that were absent twelve months ago. This has encouraged the establishment of three new WEEE recycling and treatment facilities since August 2005. The lower costs associated in treating WEEE in proximity to where it arises has been a driver in reducing the costs incurred by producers when fulfilling their obligations. This also demonstrates the independence and effectiveness of the current monitoring arrangements.
It is a matter for the WEEE Register, which has an independent Committee of Management, to validate any future revisions. Neither my Department nor the WEEE Monitoring Group has any function in this regard. The WEEE Monitoring Group is made up of representatives from the relevant public and industry sectors. Its remit is to advise me and provide strategic guidance on the implementation and operation of the WEEE Regulations. I have no proposals to expand the membership of the Group.
164 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department procedures for initiating consultancies; if he will list all his Department’s consultancies since he took office; the estimated and actual cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30986/06]
My Department has regard to the appropriate Department of Finance guidelines on engaging consultants. In addition, the Department's internal guidelines require all general contracts over €25,000 and all consultancy contracts, regardless of cost, to be reported to the Department's Organisation Unit which undertakes a process audit of the procurement prior to award of contract.
Proposals for use of consultancy services by my Department are set out in Divisional business plans, which are reviewed and endorsed by my Department's management team at the beginning of each year. The resulting programme of proposed consultancy expenditure for has been approved by me, and I am consulted on significant new consultancy proposals on a continuing basis.
A list of consultancies undertaken by my Department since I took office is set out in the table below. In relation to legal advice for which different procurement arrangements apply, I refer to Question No. 1010 of 25 April 2006.
|
Consultancy |
Consultant |
Original contract amount |
Fee Paid to date |
Year of Engagement |
|
€ |
€ |
|||
|
Study on EN 1991 Eurocode 1 Action on Structures 1-2 Actions exposed to fire. |
BRE — Building Research Establishment – UK |
23,340 |
23,339 |
2004 |
|
Audit on the Implementation of the ERM Report |
Environmental Resources Management Ireland Ltd |
8,501 |
8,501 |
2004 |
|
Expert Review of National Emergency Plan for Nuclear Accidents |
Environmental Resources Management Ireland Ltd |
60,500 |
42,350 |
2004 |
|
Professional engineering consultancy for bridge at Coronation Planation |
Gerard Higgins |
6,110 |
6,110 |
2004 |
|
Professional engineering consultancy for replacement bridges at Knocksink |
Gerard Higgins |
4,996 |
4,996 |
2004 |
|
Professional engineering services on building works at Muckross Farm |
Jennings O’Donovan &Partners |
11,693 |
11,693 |
2004 |
|
ISDI data holdings and needs scoping study |
Local Government Computer Services Board |
30,000 |
30,000 |
2004 |
|
Glenveagh National Park tea rooms review of services |
M H Consultancy |
6,200 |
6,200 |
2004 |
|
Study on spatial trends and related issues in rural areas |
National Institute For Regional & Spatial Analysis (NIRSA) At NUI Maynooth |
42,250 |
42,250 |
2004 |
|
Consulting engineering services on pathworks at Diamond Hill, Connemara National Park, Co. Galway |
P.J. Tobin & Co. Ltd |
88,352 |
88,352 |
2004 |
|
Review of the potential for e-m interference with Met Éireann telecommunication equipment |
Aegis Systems Ltd, 30 Anyards Road, Cobham, Surrey Kt11 2la, UK |
11,844 |
9,789 |
2005 |
|
Preparation of Ireland’s National Reports for May 2006 Peer review meeting of the IAEA’s Joint Convention |
AMEC NNC Ltd |
6,366 |
6,366 |
2005 |
|
Media Support for the Official Launch of Burren life project |
Anne Jones |
424 |
424 |
2005 |
|
Tree survey at Coole Park |
Arborist Associates Ltd. |
7,941 |
7,941 |
2005 |
|
Preparation of discussion document re Lough Ree |
Atkins |
7,500 |
7,500 |
2005 |
|
Design of bookmark |
Bennis Design |
250 |
250 |
2005 |
|
Publicity campaign for draft register of electors — 2006/2007 |
Bloom Advertising |
148,158 |
155,696 |
2005 |
|
Management plan Old Head |
C Huxley |
6,000 |
4,200 |
2005 |
|
Safety assessment of underground bat roosts in Co. Clare |
Colin Bunce |
500 |
500 |
2005 |
|
Gateways investment priorities study |
Consortium – Fitzpatrick & Associates, Brady Shipman Martin Town Planning Consultants & International Centre For Local & Regional Development At NUI Maynooth |
77,400 |
77,400 |
2005 |
|
Design of Glenveagh NP Booklet |
Creative Inputs |
3,025 |
3,025 |
2005 |
|
Report and surveys re Inch |
David Buchanan |
6,400 |
6,400 |
2005 |
|
Consultancy |
Consultant |
Original contract amount |
Fee Paid to date |
Year of Engagement |
|
€ |
€ |
|||
|
Develop an ICT Strategy for 2006 — 2009 |
Deloitte & Touche Management Consultants |
108,739 |
Nil to date |
2006 |
|
An assessment of conservation status of turloughs in Ireland |
Department of Botany, Trinity College |
800,000 |
200,000 |
2005 |
|
Design of Glenveagh National Park Management Plan |
Design Image |
1,845 |
1,845 |
2005 |
|
Design of Wicklow National Park Management Plan |
Design Image |
1,845 |
1,845 |
2005 |
|
Consultancy Assignment for Construction Research |
DKM Economic Consultants |
80,000 |
78,045 |
2005 |
|
Expert report on tortoises for CITES licensing |
Eddie O’Brien |
200 |
200 |
2005 |
|
Clara Bog Visitor Centre Report |
Fiona MacGowan |
3,650 |
3,650 |
2005 |
|
Gateways Investment Priorities Study (Consultancy Ongoing) |
Fitzpatrick & Associates |
100,000 |
46,827 |
2005 |
|
Review of the implementation of the Government’s homeless strategy |
Fitzpatrick & Associates |
74,536 |
74,536 |
2005 |
|
Botanical survey-wetlands North Midlands region |
Gerry Tobin |
8,100 |
Nil to date |
2005 |
|
Consultancy in relation to construction of disabled access pier Killarney |
Hickey Moynihan Design |
7,261 |
7,261 |
2005 |
|
Review of boat safety operational procedures |
John Roberts |
986 |
986 |
2005 |
|
Osprey Nesting |
Lorcan O’Toole Wildlife Consultants |
1,401 |
1,401 |
2005 |
|
Glenveagh National Park Tea Rooms review of services |
M H Consultancy |
8,400 |
8,400 |
2005 |
|
Catering consultant advice re Tea Rooms in Glenveagh |
MH Consultancy |
19,600 |
15,600 |
2005 |
|
Garriskil bog site visit & report 4/5/05 |
Michael Doyle Forestry Consultant |
1,331 |
1,331 |
2005 |
|
Report on rhododendron removal & timber valuation |
Michael Doyle Forestry Consultant |
2,759 |
2,759 |
2005 |
|
Visitor Survey Connemara National Park |
NUIG |
10,000 |
10,000 |
2005 |
|
Engineering service work at visitors centre at Coole Park, Gort, Galway |
OG Engineering Consultants Ltd. |
8,441 |
8,441 |
2005 |
|
Survey of Hares in Ireland 2005 |
Quercus (Queens University Belfast) |
199,500 |
100,000 |
2005 |
|
Diagram support for the Review of the Framework for Co-ordinated Response to Major Emergencies in Ireland |
Risk Management International Ltd. |
9,680 |
9,680 |
2005 |
|
Security and risk assessment on the electronic voting and counting system |
Rits |
111,683 |
110,003 |
2005 |
|
Population Research Study (Consultancy Ongoing) |
Roger Tym & Partners |
30,250 |
30,250 |
2005 |
|
Botanical survey-wetlands North Midlands region |
Rosaleen Dwyer and John Wann |
15,720 |
13,820 |
2005 |
|
Botanical Survey-Woodlands North Midlands region |
Saoirse O’Donoghue |
8,265 |
Nil to date |
2005 |
|
Study of Lesser Horseshoe bats at Moore Hall Co. Mayo |
Sinead Biggane |
10,950 |
Nil to date |
2005 |
|
Consultancy |
Consultant |
Original contract amount |
Fee Paid to date |
Year of Engagement |
|
€ |
€ |
|||
|
Research on exhibition at Coole Park |
Sinead McCoole |
2,000 |
2,000 |
2005 |
|
Development/Management of the National Litter Pollution Monitoring System |
TES Consulting Engineers |
209,788 |
104,894 |
2005 |
|
ASI RMP Update (Cork) |
The Archaeology Company |
35,607 |
35,607 |
2005 |
|
Apartment Size Research Study (Consultancy Ongoing) |
Toal O’Muire |
25,000 |
25,000 |
2005 |
|
Research examining the regulation of lobbyists in those states that have formal regulation systems in place |
Trinity College Dublin In Collaboration With Dublin City University. |
28,800 |
27,878 |
2005 |
|
ASI RMP Update (Kerry) |
University College Cork |
106,210 |
53,105 |
2005 |
|
Ross Island Cave archaeological study, to facilitate bat works |
University College Galway |
5,000 |
5,000 |
2005 |
|
All Ireland Paper Mill Study |
Waste and Resources Action Programme Ltd |
82,564 |
82,564 |
2005 |
|
Advice on the delivery of affordable housing in the greater Dublin area |
William Soffe |
1,500 |
1,500 |
2005 |
|
Review & update of greenhouse gas emission projections in the Kyoto period 2008-2012 |
ICF Consulting / Byrne Ó Cléirigh Consulting |
185,000 |
185,000 |
2005-2006 |
|
Organic farm management advice, Killarney National Park |
IOFGA |
794 |
794 |
2005-2006 |
|
Market research on Smoke Alarm ownership |
Lansdowne Market Research |
6,500 |
8,500 |
2005-2006 |
|
Provision of consultancy for INEX 3 |
Operational Command Training Organisation Ltd. (OCTO) |
50,585 |
50,585 |
2005-2006 |
|
Expert consultancy to assist a review of the major emergency response framework in Ireland |
Operational Command Training Organisation Ltd. (OCTO) |
32,900 |
57,752 |
2005-2006 |
|
Study on EN 1991 Eurocode – Wind Study (EN 1991 –1-4) |
BRE — Building Research Establishment – UK |
75,000 |
7,500 |
2006 |
|
Preparation of Local Authority Accounting Manual |
Campbell Consulting & Accounting Services Ltd |
8,500 |
11,858 |
2006 |
|
Construction research reports |
DKM Economic Consultants |
22,000 |
21,418 |
2006 |
|
Monitoring of Archaeological Monuments Programme |
Dr. Dermot Harrington |
24,000 |
Nil to date |
2006 |
|
Species Action Plan for Pearl Mussel |
Dr. Evelyn Moorkens |
15,000 |
7,500 |
2006 |
|
Conservation Assesement for Pearl Mussel and Nore Pearl Mussel |
Dr. Evelyn Moorkens |
10,000 |
5,000 |
2006 |
|
Monitoring of Archaeological Monuments Programme |
Dr. Liam Downey |
20,000 |
Nil to date |
2006 |
|
Assessment of the medium to long-term implications of a nuclear incident on the health, environment and economy of Ireland. |
Environmental Resources Management Ireland Limited (ERM) |
60,500 |
Nil to date |
2006 |
|
Survey of repairs & maintenance |
ESRI (Economic & Social Research Institute) |
20,900 |
20,869 |
2006 |
|
Consultancy |
Consultant |
Original contract amount |
Fee Paid to date |
Year of Engagement |
|
€ |
€ |
|||
|
Review of Local Authority Capital Expenditure |
Fitzpatrick Associates |
58,505 |
Nil to date |
2006 |
|
Professional engineering consultancy for upgrade of green road, Glendalough |
Gemma Therese Higgins |
34,281 |
16,592 |
2006 |
|
Communications Advice on Emergency Planning |
Grayling |
4,840 |
4,840 |
2006 |
|
Professional Services at Killarney National Park |
Hickey Moynihan Design |
4,219 |
4,219 |
2006 |
|
Preparation of Farm Plan for NPWS Lands, Lusmagh, Co. Offaly |
M Heffernan & J Staunton, Consultants |
2,000 |
Nil to date |
2006 |
|
Native Woodland Scheme, preparation of management plan: Clara Vale, Co. Wicklow |
Michael Doyle, Forestry Consultant |
3,000 |
Nil to date |
2006 |
|
Native Woodland Scheme, preparation of management plan: Rocks of Clorhane, Co. Offaly |
Michael Doyle, Forestry Consultant |
2,000 |
Nil to date |
2006 |
|
Native Woodland Scheme, preparation of management plan: Tomnafinogue, Co. Wicklow |
Michael Doyle, Forestry Consultant |
2,000 |
Nil to date |
2006 |
|
Botanical Survey – wetlands North Midlands Region |
Natura Environmental Consultants |
16,340 |
Nil to date |
2006 |
|
Rathcroghan Conservation Study |
Oxford Archaeology |
24,974 |
Nil to date |
2006 |
|
Contract to implement the Recommendations from the ‘Invasive Species in Ireland’ Report |
Quercus Biodiversity and Conservation Biology |
208,000 |
Nil to date |
2006 |
|
Publicity campaign for draft register of electors — 2007/2008 |
Young Euro RSCG |
999,460 |
52,753 |
2006 |
|
Comparative Analysis of EU ETS National Allocation plans for the period 2005-2008 |
ECOFYS |
35,132 |
Nil |
2006 |
165 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will extend the farm plastics collection scheme to County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30919/06]
186 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will include all counties in the next spring clean pilot project where local authorities organise special open days to allow farmers to bring their stockpiled farm plastic waste to designated facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30970/06]
343 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to increase the level of recycling of farm plastics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31243/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 165, 186 and 343 together.
To address the issue of accumulated backlogs of farm plastic, designated facilities are being provided on a temporary, once-off basis by local authorities where farmers may deposit stockpiled farm film plastic and silage wrap. This arrangement operated on a pilot basis in the first instance in counties Galway, Clare, Mayo, Offaly and Waterford during June and July of this year. This service is free to the farmer and funding to assist the local authorities is being made available from my Department through the Environment Fund.
The collections were well supported by farmers in the counties participating in the pilot phase leading to large quantities of plastic being deposited at designated sites. A significant finding from the pilot scheme is that it is not possible to operate collections in a large number of counties at the same time due to capacity constraints on the part of recovery operators. Accordingly, it is necessary to roll out the scheme to other areas on a staggered basis. Arising from a comprehensive examination of the information available, I have recently announced that collections of waste silage / bale wrap will now be put in place by Leitrim, Roscommon, Carlow, Longford, North Tipperary and Wicklow County Councils. Announcements regarding further extensions of collections to other areas, including Kerry, will follow completion of collections in those counties taking part in the second phase of the scheme.
The local authority collections are being put in place on a once off basis to remove accumulated silage bale wrap and sheeting from farms. Under the Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 2001, producers — i.e. manufacturers and importers — of farm plastics (silage bale wrap and sheeting) are required to take steps to recover farm plastics waste which they have placed on the market or alternatively to contribute to, and participate in, compliance schemes to recover the waste in question. The Irish Farm Film Producers Group (IFFPG) is currently the sole approved body in Ireland for the purposes of implementing a compliance scheme for the recovery of farm plastics waste.
Under the IFFPG scheme, producers apply a levy on the sale of farm plastics that in turn is transferred to the IFFPG for use in funding the collection and recovery of farm plastics waste. In spite of the successful operation of the scheme in recent years, it became apparent this year that the Scheme lacked sufficient resources to satisfy the demand that existed for collections of farm plastics. Therefore, following discussions with the IFFPG, farming organisations and local authorities, last May I announced amendments to the scheme to support improved services to farmers. Under the new arrangements, the scheme is being funded by a combination of the existing levies paid by the producer members of IFFPG who run the scheme and funding from weight based collection charges to be paid by farmers availing of the service. This will improve the operational efficiency of the scheme by incentivising the presentation of clean, dry plastic by farmers. IFFPG estimate that a typical farmer will incur a cost of €50 every second year arising from the introduction of this charge. The effect of the introduction of a charge will be to ensure that supply of collections of farm plastics to farmers can match the demand on an ongoing basis. Collections of film plastic and silage wrap are currently being provided nationwide by the (IFFPG) on this basis.
166 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to reverse the dilution of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as the current get-out clauses for developers undermines the original purpose of the Act. [31007/06]
A review of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 was carried out to ensure that it was meeting its objectives in relation to social and affordable housing. Complaints had been received that the provisions of Part V were both inflexible and overly bureaucratic and that they were not achieving the desired results of improving the supply of social and affordable housing.
The changes introduced were designed to ensure greater flexibility for all stakeholders in the implementation of Part V. I am satisfied that the provisions are operating effectively and that the changes made have contributed to the overall delivery of social and affordable housing. Accordingly, I have no plans to institute further changes but will continue to keep its operation under review.
168 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the scope of development levies should be widened to allow developers provide for facilities such as education and healthcare for new communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30964/06]
Under Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, planning authorities may levy development contributions in respect of public infrastructure and facilities provided by, or on behalf of the local authority that benefit development in the area, based on a scheme of contributions adopted for the area. Subject to this, the types of public infrastructure that can be funded by a development contribution scheme are further specified as the acquisition of land, the provision of open spaces, recreational and community facilities and amenities and landscaping works, the provision of roads, car parks, car parking places, sewers, waste water and water treatment facilities, drains and watermains, the provision of bus corridors and lanes, bus interchanges facilities (car parks for those facilities), infrastructure to facilitate public transport, cycle and pedestrian facilities, and traffic calming measures, the refurbishment, upgrading, enlargement or replacement of roads, car parks, car parking places, sewers, waste water and water facilities, drains or water mains, and ancillary matters.
As the provision of educational and healthcare facilities is not at present assigned to local authorities it is not currently possible, under the Planning and Development Act 2000, to apply development contributions towards the cost of such facilities. This issue is being considered by the Interdepartmental Committee, which I established in December 2005 to look at issues raised by different interests in relation to development contributions schemes. I will consider the report of the Committee in deciding in the first instance whether any additional guidance should be issued to planning authorities, in reviewing their schemes. In considering the wider issue of a possible expansion in the types of infrastructure for which development contributions can be used, it will be important that any increase in development contributions charges should not have a detrimental effect on the affordability of new housing.
169 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are currently no specific regulations regarding the installation of fire doors in houses that have been altered to suit people with disabilities by putting in lifts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31009/06]
The question of requiring the installation of fire doors in existing houses adapted by the installation of lifts, in order to meet the needs of people with disabilities, will be considered in the context of the next review of Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations.
170 Mr. English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to review the Wind Energy Development Guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30978/06]
The Wind Energy Development Guidelines, which I published on 29 June 2006, provide advice to planning authorities on catering for wind energy through the development plan process. The guidelines are also intended to ensure a consistency of approach throughout the country in the identification of suitable locations for wind energy development and the treatment of planning applications for wind energy developments. Under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the planning authorities and the An Bord Pleanála are required to have regard to any planning guidelines issued to planning authorities in the performance of their functions.
171 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the moneys collected to date by each local authority under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000; the acreage of land received by each local authority under Part V of the Act; the amount of funding spent by each local authority in the provision of social and affordable housing; the amount of the land received which has been used by each local authority to build social and affordable housing; the number of houses built by each local authority under Section V to date; and the number of houses built in total in each local authority area since the enactment of the Planning and Development Act 2000. [30895/06]
Information to end June 2006 on activity under Part V in each local authority area is on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Information is also published in my Department’s Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. While the Bulletins include, inter alia, detailed information on housing activity, loans, social housing output and capital investment in housing, information as to the timescale for the development of lands received under Part V is not available in my Department.
172 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the grant aid available for group sewerage schemes will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31023/06]
In June 2005 I approved funding for a pilot programme, proposed by the National Rural Water Monitoring Committee, to test a range of new, small-scale wastewater collection and treatment systems under Irish conditions. The pilot programme will also test a low cost, low maintenance system to collect, treat and dispose of effluent from existing septic tanks.
The objective of the pilot programme is to evaluate new approaches to meeting the wastewater collection and treatment needs of rural villages and to examine the potential role for group sewerage schemes in extending the collection systems to households outside the catchment of new or existing sewerage schemes. Construction of the pilot projects is currently in progress and monitoring of the performance of the new infrastructure by the National Rural Water Monitoring Committee will commence immediately after commissioning takes place. I will be asking the National Rural Water Monitoring to report on results as they become available. Overall assessment of the pilot programme will inform any review of the current group sewerage scheme grants.
173 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the fact that elderly people who are vulnerable to radon gas levels in their homes which are above safe levels are in all likelihood those not in a position, financially, to carry out remediation works to their home; his further views on introducing a radon remediation grant scheme for householders with elderly people and those dependent on social welfare eligible for grant aid; and if he will discuss the introduction of the grant scheme with the Department of Finance during the Estimates process. [30928/06]
The Government, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), has, for many years now, committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country and to highlighting public awareness of radon and the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high radon concentrations. Householders, particularly those in high radon areas, are constantly encouraged to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake radon remediation works where necessary.
As stated in reply to previous Questions, most recently Questions Nos. 82 and 98 of 13 June 2006, increasing the awareness of the public is considered to be a more effective approach than the provision of State financial assistance schemes to householders for radon testing of their homes or for radon remediation works. Such schemes of assistance are not operated by the majority of EU Member States. It would be difficult for a demand led scheme of domestic radon grants to ensure appropriate and cost effective targeting of remedial action. Furthermore, such a scheme could require very significant public expenditure and administrative resources.
I should point out that the testing of houses for radon is a relatively straightforward, non-invasive and inexpensive (approximately €50) process, and that in many situations, relatively straightforward and inexpensive remediation measures, such as improved ventilation, can be effective in reducing radon concentration levels.
Government efforts and resources, together with those of the RPII, will continue to focus on highlighting public awareness of radon and on improving information to householders so as to enable and encourage them to address monitoring or remedial requirements effectively and economically.
174 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether local authorities have failed to implement the correct planning guidelines; his further views on whether planning permission for people sustaining rural areas should be introduced on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31080/06]
314 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will recommend that Mayo County Council should take example from Galway County Council and adopt the relaxation of stringent planning rules to those in Clár areas; his views on whether this is necessary in the future of these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31109/06]
321 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will revise the situation in County Mayo where the planning guidelines are failing as certain aspects are being enforced and others ignored by the planners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31115/06]
330 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the planning guidelines in County Mayo should be amended in line with new agreed guidelines in County Galway; his further views on whether increased flexibility in relation to planning is necessary in Clár areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31125/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 174, 314, 321 and 330 together.
The Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing , came into effect in April 2005. These Guidelines have a statutory basis as they were issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 which requires planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála to have regard to the Guidelines in the performance of their planning functions.
These Guidelines provide that reasonable proposals on suitable sites in rural areas for persons who are part of, contribute to, or have links with the rural community should be accommodated. The Guidelines thus affirm a presumption in favour of quality one off housing for rural communities, provided proposals meet normal standards in relation to matters such as the proper waste water disposal and road safety. The Guidelines also classify rural areas for housing purposes, and specifically address those areas, such as Clár, suffering from de-population. Following the publication of the Guidelines, planning authorities were asked to review their development plans with a view to incorporating any changes necessary to ensure that development plan policies are consistent with the policies set out in the Guidelines.
My Department held two seminars last year for local authority planning officials on the implementation of the Guidelines. The seminars dealt with the overall objectives of the guidelines and provided practical advice on the implementation of their core provisions, including preparation of development plan policies, providing better support and advice to applicants and more efficient and comprehensive consideration of planning applications.
My Department also held discussions on implementation of the Guidelines with the Planning Committee of the County and City Managers Association. These discussions were around the need to embed regard for the Guidelines, as required by section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, in the performance by local authorities of their relevant functions i.e. in making or reviewing their development plans, in providing planning services to applicants or potential applicants and in deciding on planning applications. My Department will continue to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the Guidelines.
Finally, I understand that the new agreed guidelines in Galway referred to in the Question is a design guidance booklet which outlines design types and standards which are acceptable in the context of rural housing. Other planning authorities offer similar guidance.
175 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the expected cost of the purchasing of carbon credits as envisaged by the upcoming Carbon Fund Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30966/06]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 114 of 4 May 2006. The Government has stated its intention to purchase up to a maximum of 3.607 million allowances per annum over the Kyoto Protocol commitment period 2008-2012. The Government will seek to minimise this purchasing requirement through the achievement of further emissions reductions in the economy. The ultimate cost to the Exchequer will therefore depend on the final purchasing requirement and the price of carbon when the allowances are actually purchased.
In the context of updating national projections of greenhouse gas emissions in the 2008-2012 period, independent consultants ICF Consulting with Byrne Ó Cléirigh have assessed the average price of carbon during the period to be €15 per allowance. At this price, the maximum purchasing requirement would cost €54.1m per annum over the five-year period. The price of carbon allowances in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme on 2 October 2006 was €12.95.
176 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will amend the legislation for licensing domestic waste collection in order that minimum standards of service are available to consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31020/06]
I have recently published a consultation paper on the possible regulation of the waste sector. Submissions have been invited on whether there is a need for a regulator for the sector, on what model of regulator might be most appropriate and on what powers any such regulator should be given. Among the possible powers discussed in the paper is the power to determine waste movements. Submissions in response to the consultation paper are being taken until 6 October, and I will then consider what policy proposals to take forward.
177 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has made a proposal to the Department of An Taoiseach to establish an environmental pillar within the framework of social partnership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30948/06]
Comhar, the Sustainable Development Council, is the existing forum through which environmental organisations, together with the other Social Partners, engage in the promotion of sustainable development and the integration of the environment into other sectors.
Comhar was established in 1999 as the forum for national consultation and dialogue on all issues relating to sustainable development. Its 25 members are drawn from five pillars: the State sector, economic sectors, environmental NGOs, social/community NGOs and the professional/academic sector. Comhar is supported by a full-time Secretariat based in St.Andrew Street, Dublin 2.
178 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to encourage or compel local authorities whose recycling rates are below the national target, to extend their kerbside collection of dry recyclables. [30911/06]
The Environmental Protection Agency's National Waste Reports do not give breakdowns of recycling rates on a local authority basis. The recently published Third Report of the Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government on Recycling of Household Waste in Ireland and Service Indicators in Local Authorities 2005 published last July by the Local Government Management Services Board, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library, contain certain information on recycling activity in some or all city and county council areas. However, population and geographic variations between local authority areas make comparisons difficult.
Local authorities have regard to national recycling targets when adopting Regional Waste Management Plans. The Government's policy document on recycling Delivering Change acknowledged that local authorities' Plans generally provide for segregated collections for dry recyclables in all urban areas where it is economically feasible.
My Department is continuing to provide support to local authorities as part of an overall waste management policy that has seen dramatic improvements in waste management performance in recent years as evidenced by increases in national recycling rates to over 34%: doubling the number of bring banks over the period from 1998 to 2004, rising from 837 to 1,929; increasing the number of recycling centres substantially from 30 to 69 over the same period; an increase in the diversion of household waste from landfill from 37,000 tonnes in 1998 to almost 300,000 tonnes, in 2004; the roll-out of segregated collection of recyclables which grew from 70,000 households in 1998 to over 560,000 by 2003 and is continuing to rise; 56% of packaging waste (bottles, cans, cardboard etc) recycled in 2004, one year ahead of the 50% target required under EU Law, up from 15% in 1998; and the EPA estimate that 85.2% of construction and demolition waste was recycled in 2004.
181 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide figures for the amount of greenhouse gases produced from the combustion of a tonne of domestic waste in the type of incinerators that he hopes to build here; the net amount of electricity that he hopes will be provided from the same amount of waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31088/06]
While the use of thermal treatment of waste with energy recovery is recognised by Government policy as a key component of an integrated approach to waste management, the provision of such waste to energy plants is a matter for the relevant local authorities or the private sector. All such facilities are required to be licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency so as at a minimum to meet the requirements of the EU Incineration Directive. The emissions and thermal output from individual plants will be a function of their scale and the technology employed and will be governed by the waste licence. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by the EPA of its functions in particular circumstances.
182 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department intends to initiate a scheme of energy efficiency labelling for private motor vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30939/06]
The National Climate Change Strategy proposed to implement a system of fuel economy labelling for new cars and the monitoring of carbon dioxide emissions rates for all newly registered cars. Since August 2001, regulations require all new passenger cars for sale to be individually labelled with fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions information. A report on the implementation of the National Climate Change Strategy, Ireland's Pathway to Kyoto Compliance, which was published in July 2006 for public consultation, proposed that public awareness of the carbon dioxide emissions from each vehicle model might be increased through a redesign of the existing fuel economy label. I will consider final decisions in relation to this proposal in light of submissions received from the public consultation.
183 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he intends to take to support a domestic recycling industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30935/06]
One of the main barriers to an improved and sustainable recycling performance is the lack of stable and economically attractive markets and outlets for recyclable materials and products manufactured from recycled products. The need for the establishment of a Market Development Group, which would oversee the development of a Market Development Programme, was outlined in the Delivering Change policy statement and the Agreed Programme for Government.
The Market Development Group, established in July 2004, has an independent Chairperson and comprises representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, Enterprise Ireland, the National Standards Authority of Ireland, the Irish Business and Employers Federation, the Irish Waste Management Association, the Small Firms Association, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association, the City and County Managers' Association, the Clean Technology Centre, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Enterprise Ireland provides secretariat to the Group.
The Programme which the Group is developing will identify new applications and markets for recyclable material and secondary recycled products. The Group has been asked to identify barriers to the use and marketing of recyclable material and to develop strategies to address these. The work of the Group is currently focusing on three priority waste streams: paper, plastic and compost. Among the key issues to be addressed are promoting stable demand for recovered materials, supporting the achievement of economies of scale in the production of products made from recycled materials and the need for more recycling infrastructure in Ireland to reduce reliance on overseas markets. The Market Development Programme is being finalised at present for publication later this year.
184 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to introduce a national waste waiver system through local authorities for low income households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31003/06]
Waste management services have traditionally been provided at a local level, with individual arrangements being locally determined and tailored to local circumstances. The present legal framework, as determined by the Oireachtas, reflects this. In accordance with section 52 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, the determination of waste management charges, and any associated waiver scheme, is a matter for the relevant local authority, where it acts as the service provider. Similarly, where a private operator provides the collection service, it is a matter for that operator to determine charges. I have asked local authorities to engage with commercial waste collectors to agree on arrangements to assist lower-income households by offering alternative payment methods to an annual lump-sum.
I have also recently published a consultation paper on the possible economic regulation of the waste sector. Submissions have been invited on whether there is a need for a regulator for the sector, on what model of regulator might be most appropriate and on what powers any such regulator should be given. Among the possible powers discussed in the paper is the power to impose a public service obligation which might facilitate the provision of a waste collection service to households where there is a geographical or financial barrier to service provision. When I have considered submissions in response to the consultation I will determine what policy proposals to take forward.
187 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30920/06]
Stage 2 of the Castleisland Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a scheme to commence construction in 2007 at an estimated cost of €5.5m. Kerry County Council's Preliminary Report and Water Services Pricing Policy Report for the scheme are under examination in my Department and will be dealt with shortly. Approval of these reports will allow the Council to draw up the contract documents.
188 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will launch a major initiative in areas prone to high radon levels which are known from the radon maps exercise with a view to testing homes in these areas in a concerted, co-ordinated manner in view of the statement from the RPI that they estimate that there are 91,000 homes in the State which have high levels of radon gas, and the fact that only 3,900 of these homes have been identified to date. [30922/06]
The Government has, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country and to increasing public awareness of radon. For example, the nationwide survey of radon in domestic dwellings carried out by the RPII in the 1990s enabled the RPII to identify and define high radon areas, i.e. areas where the RPII would estimate that more than 10% of the houses have radon concentrations levels above the National Reference Level of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre. These areas, as referred to in the Question, are identified in a map produced by the RPII which is available on the RPII's website www.rpii.ie.
Information to the public from the RPII, through press releases and radio and TV interviews, and published reports on radon, has regularly highlighted the risks associated with exposure to radon. Householders, particularly those in high radon areas, are constantly encouraged to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake radon remediation works where necessary. Other initiatives to further heighten public awareness of the radon issue include the RPII's annual National Radon Forum. The aim of these Fora, the first of which was held in 2002, is to provide the opportunity for those with an interest in radon to come together and discuss issues of mutual interest. These Fora are open to the public and, therefore, help to further raise public awareness of radon. The 5th Forum is scheduled for November 2006.
The RPII has published a booklet entitled Understanding Radon — A Householder's Guide, and has also produced and distributed an information poster on radon for display in libraries, medical centres, etc., advising people to have their homes checked for radon. In 2004, as part of a heightened radon awareness campaign, the RPII began a series of nationwide public information seminars, or roadshows, on the dangers of radon which are targeted at selected high radon areas. These involve the RPII meeting with local groups, including where possible, the local authority and/or the local chamber of commerce; presentations to schools; hand-outs in shopping centres, etc. over a 2 to 3 day period. So far, the RPII has held 7 of these seminars or roadshows in different locations throughout the country and more are planned.
Recent research commissioned by the RPII has found that 75% of the general population are aware of radon. In addition, over the past two years, there has been a significant increase in the number of radon measurements undertaken by householders compared with previous years. I believe that the continuous campaign advising on radon risk, radon testing and radon remediation represents a proper provision of public information. Both the RPII and my Department will continue with this approach and urge householders, particularly those in high radon areas, both to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake, if necessary, the appropriate remediation works. Every effort will also be made to provide information to householders and employers so that they can carry out monitoring and remedial work effectively and economically should it be necessary.
189 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason his Department refused to support an Office of Public Works proposal to use so-called green cement in public building projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30947/06]
199 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the representations made to his Department in relation to the Office of Public Works proposals on the use of green cement in public building projects; the main criticisms made by the cement manufacturers association to the proposal; his reasons for declining to support the proposal; the plans he has to reverse this decision in increase the use of green cement as part of the effort to meet our Kyoto commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30905/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 199 together.
My Department is committed to encouraging consideration of environmentally friendly products and processes in the construction industry generally and particularly in the local government sector for which it has overall responsibility. In line with this approach, and with the co-operation of the industry, my Department has already promoted major advances in the recycling of construction and demolition waste. In this context, my Department will write shortly to all local authorities spelling out the relevance of updated EU procurement directives, which enable environmentally friendly considerations to be taken into account when procuring public infrastructure.
The recent initiative by OPW on the specification of cements in buildings to be produced by them is welcome in this context. Concerns regarding this initiative were expressed to my Department by the Irish Cement Foundation. My Department's response was to advise that these concerns should be addressed directly to OPW.
The National Climate Change Strategy and the implementation of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme demonstrate the Government's commitment to reducing Ireland's carbon emissions and my Department will work with all concerned to make progress in this vitally important area.
190 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s policy on the election of 18 to 21 year olds to Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30943/06]
The matter was considered by the Constitution Review Group in 1996 who recommended no change in the qualifying age for membership of Dáil Éireann. The All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution, in its Seventh Report on Parliament which was published in 2002, recommended that the minimum age of eligibility be reduced to eighteen years. While electoral law is subject to ongoing review, there are no current proposals to alter the existing arrangements.
191 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he intends to take on foot of the Environment in Focus 2006 report from the Environmental Protection Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30931/06]
197 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views of the key findings of the EPA Environment in Focus Report, 2006; the measures his Department intends to include in formulating the latest National Development Plan, particularly in the area of environmental infrastructure, in response to the information contained in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30892/06]
224 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his assessment of the recently published Environment in Focus 2006 report from the Environmental Protection Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30930/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 191, 197 and 224 together.
I welcome the key findings of the EPA's Environment in Focus Report 2006 which, whilst highlighting the pressure points in our environment for the future, acknowledges that we are continuing to make steady progress in a wide range of environmental areas, including waste management, recycling, water and air quality. Without prejudice to final decisions on the National Development Plan 2007-2013, it can be anticipated the new NDP, like the current one, will make provision for major investment in environmental infrastructure to target the pressure points and challenges for the environment associated with the continued high levels of economic activity and population growth.
192 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether it is desirable to introduce a constitutional change to ensure that water cannot be privatised. [29600/06]
I assume that the question is referring to the provision of water services.
I consider that the optimum approach to water services provision is the existing arrangement with local authorities providing public water services and group water schemes, in partnership with local authorities, providing water services in rural areas outside the catchment area of public schemes. This approach is underpinned by the Water Services Bill currently before the Dáil.
A Constitutional amendment would not seem necessary or appropriate to support this approach because, inter alia, it could undermine water services delivery in rural areas, effectively preventing the group water scheme sector from providing water services.
193 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has completed his review of the disabled persons grant and when it will be published. [31010/06]
The review of the Disabled Persons Grant scheme, which incorporates the conditions governing the Essential Repairs Grant scheme and the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme, was recently finalised within my Department.
Proposals for the future operation of the schemes are now being prepared by my Department, in consultation with other public agencies concerned, and I expect to be in a position to announce these shortly.
194 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the actions he proposes to take following the announcement of the conclusion of the UK Energy Review on 11 July, 2006 which allows for the building of additional nuclear power plants in the UK, in view of his condemnation of the original decision. [30921/06]
217 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has considered an alternative strategy to persuade the British authorities to shut Sellafield on foot of the July 2006 publication of the UK energy review which favours greater reliance on nuclear power; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30960/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 217 together.
The United Kingdom Government published the report on the UK Energy Review on 11 July 2006. The report sets out the UK strategy for ensuring its energy future and makes clear that the UK Government believes that nuclear has a significant role to play in the future electricity generating mix.
The Green Paper on a European Energy Policy published by the European Commission in March recognises that each member State will have to meet its energy needs in accordance with choices based on its own national preferences and taking into account sustainability, competitiveness, energy efficiency and security of supply. This applies to Ireland which has a non-nuclear stance, and to all other Member States.
Ireland remains firmly opposed to the use of nuclear energy to generate electric power, on the grounds that it poses many risks to human health, the economy and the environment, as well as risks associated with waste and transport. While other countries are sovereign in relation to energy mix options, adverse environmental consequences have arisen for Ireland as a result of nuclear policy decisions and actions adopted by the UK in the past and any proposals by the UK to develop new nuclear capacity must be addressed in this context. In particular, the impact of UK nuclear policy decisions on the continued operation of the Sellafield reprocessing plant are of serious concern to the Government. Our concerns in this regard have been consistently articulated to the UK administration at Prime Minister, Ministerial and official level and by way of input to the consultation process undertaken by the UK as part of its Energy Review. I will be meeting the UK Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Mr. Alistair Darling, shortly and I will again outline the Irish Government's significant concerns regarding the outcome of the UK Energy review.
Irish Government policy continues to reflect our firm view that the existence of Sellafield is an unacceptable threat to Ireland and that it should be closed. We will continue to take every opportunity to make our views regarding Sellafield known to the UK Government at the highest levels. The Government will also continue to use every legal and diplomatic avenue open to it to secure the closure and safe decommissioning of the Sellafield Nuclear Plant.
195 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of investigations carried out by local authorities into developments to ensure that all new buildings, public and private, must be accessible to people with disabilities in view of Building Regulations 2000; the actions which were taken as a result of same; the measures his Department will take to ensure compliance in future. [31012/06]
Under the Building Control Act 1990, the enforcement of the Building Regulations is primarily the responsibility of each local building control authority.
According to enforcement statistics furnished by local building control authorities to my Department, the authorities carried out more than 22,000 inspections of 18,000 buildings in 2005 in order to check compliance with various Parts of the Building Regulations, including Part M (Access for People with Disabilities). The authorities served 17 Enforcement Notices and instituted 44 summary prosecutions. 24 out of 37 authorities also sought the cooperation of builders to bring about compliance through the issue of warning or advisory letters.
A breakdown of enforcement action for each Part of the Regulations is not available in my Department. In some cases, building works may have failed to comply with several parts of the building code.
I consider that the priority should be to ensure that compliance with Part M is properly addressed at design rather than seeking to address disabled access problems at the construction stage — when practical and financial problems may inhibit achieving full compliance. Accordingly, the Building Control Bill 2005 provides for the introduction of a Disability Access Certificate (DAC) system, whereby the design of new non-domestic buildings and the common areas of new apartment blocks must be certified as complying with Part M by the local building control authority. The introduction of the proposed DAC system will implement a core recommendation of the Report of the Commission on the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities.
196 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress to date on the monitoring and implementation of the National Spatial Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30982/06]
At national level substantial progress is being made in implementing the National Spatial Strategy (NSS), which is having an increasing influence on policies and programmes across a range of Government Departments and agencies.
At regional level, a key policy bridge between national development priorities and local planning has been put in place with the adoption of Regional Planning Guidelines to provide a strategic framework for local planning.
At county and city level, strategic land use and planning frameworks for all the Gateways are almost complete.
The potential impact of the Strategy in terms of achieving more balanced regional development has been underscored by the Government's decision in July 2005 that the regional dimension of the next National Development Plan, now in preparation, will be broadly based on the NSS. The priorities of the NSS and regional planning guidelines have also been recognised in the Government's 10-year investment plan for transport, Transport 21.
To support the development of the NSS Gateways, my Department in conjunction with Forfás, commissioned a major report, which has now been completed and will be published this week. It addresses their potential for accelerated development in housing, commercial and employment terms and the key infrastructure priorities that will be necessary to facilitate such development. Similar work is also being undertaken in relation to the hubs identified in the NSS.
Also, I recently launched the Atlantic Gateways Initiative which aims to identify how Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford can collaboratively create a critical mass for future economic development as a counter-balance to Dublin and the East. The report, with recommended actions and timescales, explores how the four gateways can become an increasingly interconnected and developed network of co-operating and complementary cities. This can, in turn, enhance the development potential of all four gateways and invigorate development in the hub towns and the wider urban and rural catchment areas.
Draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Development Plans were published for public consultation last April. These Guidelines emphasise the importance within such plans of creating a clear strategic framework for the proper planning and sustainable development of the relevant area consistent with the longer-term aims set out in the National Spatial Strategy and regional planning guidelines. Comments on the Draft Guidelines are currently being considered by my Department with a view to finalising the Guidelines in the near future.
My Department, in co-operation with other relevant Departments, is also pursuing measures to enhance co-operation on spatial planning and infrastructural investment across the island of Ireland, as endorsed by the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. As announced following a meeting of the Conference on 2 May, my Department, working in conjunction with the Department of Regional Development in Northern Ireland, is preparing a framework for collaborative action between the NSS and the Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland to assist in creating conditions that will facilitate enhanced competitiveness on the island.
198 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that procurement procedures by his Department and by local authorities are in line with The Green Procurement Interpretative Communication of July 2001 of EU Directives (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31086/06]
Public Procurement Directives 2004/17/EC and 2004/18/EC adopted on 31 March 2004 supersede those referred to in the Question. The circumstances under which tender specifications and award criteria may take account of environmental considerations are set out in these Directives which were brought to the attention of local authorities by circular letter issued by my Department in August 2004. My Department will be writing to all local authorities shortly pointing out again that these Procurement Directives enable environmentally friendly considerations to be taken into account during procurement.
The EU Handbook on Green Procurement, published by the European Commission, is available to all staff in my Department involved in procurement. In addition, internal departmental guidelines require all general contracts over €25,000 and all consultancy contracts, regardless of cost, to be reported to my Department's Organisation Unit, which undertakes a process audit of the procurement prior to award of contract; environmental considerations are part of this process audit.
200 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the remedial measures he will take in order to protect fresh and coastal water resources in view of the warnings from the Environmental Protection Agency following the publication of the EPA report, Water Quality in Ireland, 2005; if he is satisfied that the river basin districts established under the Water Framework Directive are operating to their fullest potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30906/06]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 117 on today's Order Paper.
A comprehensive programme of activities is currently under way by my Department, the EPA, local authorities and other relevant bodies for full implementation of the Water Framework Directive. To date, all implementation deadlines set by the Directive have been achieved on time by Ireland. The River Basin Management Plans to be adopted by June-2009 will set out the environmental objectives to be achieved during the 6-year plan period together with the programme of measures which will be required to deliver on these objectives.
The implementation of the Water Framework Directive under the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003, requires a coordinated approach to water management in respect of whole river basins. This is being supported by river basin district projects, led by local authorities, together with a wide range of research and other projects funded under the National Development Plan. INTERREG funding is also being applied in relation to cross-border projects. My Department has committed 100% funding amounting to some €63 million for these activities and considers that the river basin management projects are working very effectively.
The achievement of improvements in water quality will be significantly supported by the ongoing investment under the Water Services Investment Programme and by the implementation of the Nitrates Action Programme, which will be key elements within the overall programme of measures under the Water Framework Directive. Some €2 billion has been invested since 2000 on the provision of new and upgraded waste water services under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme. Significant funding is also being provided by my colleague the Minister for Agriculture and Food under the Farm Waste Management Scheme to support investment by farmers to meet the requirements of the Nitrates Action Programme.
I am satisfied with the progress made so far in implementing the Water Framework Directive and I expect that we will see significant improvements in the quality of our fresh and coastal water resources, which will be reflected in EPA Water Quality Reports over the coming years.
202 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of which parts of the Aarhus Convention Agreement and its associated EU Directives 2003/4/EC and 2003/35/EC have been ratified or transposed into Irish law to date; if he will set out for each part of the Aarhus Convention Agreement and its associated EU Directives 2003/4/EC and 2003/35/EC which have been ratified or transposed into Irish law; the date on which this occurred; the legislative instrument used to do this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30902/06]
Ireland signed the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters on 25 June 1998. Progress towards ratification of the Convention is closely aligned with work at EU level. To date, the European Union has adopted two directives as part of the ratification process for the Convention. These deal with public access to environmental information (2003/4/EC) and public participation in certain environmental decision-making procedures (2003/35/EC). Ratification of the Convention will take place after these Directives have been transposed into Irish Law.
Work is continuing in my Department with regard to the transposition of these two Directives and will be completed as soon as possible. When the above work on transposition is completed, the instrument of ratification of the Aarhus Convention will be laid before the Dáil in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution.
203 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of moneys given by developers to local authorities in lieu of the provision of housing units under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts since 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30968/06]
212 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he will take to ensure that local authorities prioritise the provision of affordable and social housing over the taking of financial compensation from developers; if he will give more stringent directions to local authorities to ensure that this happens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30898/06]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 203 and 212 together.
Under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006 planning authorities are required, in developing their housing strategies, to ensure that policies and objectives are in place that will counteract undue social segregation in housing developments between people of different social backgrounds. Furthermore, local authorities are statutorily obliged in their Part V negotiations to ensure that each agreement delivers the best possible result in terms of overall housing supply and social integration for their area.
Having regard to these statutory obligations, local authorities may decide that it is preferable to accept a monetary contribution. This is in lieu of a percentage of the land which is subject to the planning application and is not in lieu of housing units. All funds collected, local authorities have received some €38 million up to end June 2006, are ring fenced for housing capital purposes. It is estimated that the financial contributions received under Part V represent just 13% of the total yield from Part V.
The delivery of housing units is my preferred option when reaching agreement with developers and I have and will continue to press all authorities to vigorously pursue this option in their Part V negotiations.
206 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will publish his Department’s business plans under all headings and divisions for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30985/06]
In accordance with the Performance Management framework for the Civil Service, business plans are prepared in my Department each year, which translate the goals and objectives set out in the Department's Statement of Strategy into a set of objectives for each business unit. In accordance with the Public Service Management Act 1997, the Department's Statement of Strategy and its Annual Reports (which report progress on the implementation of the objectives set out in the Statement of Strategy) are published, but it has not been the practice to publish business plans.
208 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the procedures in place and applied to payment to members of boards of agencies in relation to taxation of payments to members of boards of agencies; the advice given by the Revenue Commissioners on this matter; the membership and payments to all members of boards of agencies under the aegis of his Department since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30989/06]
The following table sets out the membership and payments (other than travel and subsistence expenses) made since 1997 to members of the state bodies/agencies currently under the aegis of my Department. The procedures for taxation of such payments are a matter for each of the bodies/agencies concerned subject to compliance with the Revenue Commissioners Statement of Practice SP — IT/1/04 Tax Treatment of Remuneration of Members of State and State Sponsored Committees and Boards which is available on the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
|
Name of State body |
Names of appointees to boards since 1997 |
Payments to appointee |
|
€ |
||
|
Local Government Management Services Board |
Jim Lillis |
No fees payable. |
|
Peter McCann |
||
|
Danny McElhinney |
||
|
Tony Boland |
||
|
Kevin Cullen |
||
|
Peter Greene |
||
|
Joe Allen |
||
|
Aidan Kinch |
||
|
Affordable Homes Partnership |
Des Geraghty (Chairperson) |
12,441.89 |
|
Mary Lambkin |
3,068.53 |
|
|
Mary Higgins |
3,068.53 |
|
|
Maureen Lynott |
Nil |
|
|
Mary Mooney |
1,150.28 |
|
|
Dublin City Manager* |
The appointees marked * are ex-officio and do not receive payment in respect of their Board membership |
|
|
Fingal County Manager* |
||
|
South Dublin County Manager* |
||
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Manager* |
||
|
CEO of Partnership* |
||
|
An Bord Pleanála |
John O’Connor (Chairperson) |
No fees payable. The chairperson and members are paid salaries as they are executive board members. |
|
Brendan Aherne (Temporary Appointment) |
||
|
Margaret Byrne |
||
|
Lewis Clohessy |
||
|
Derek Maynard |
||
|
Ken Mawhinney (Temporary Appointment) |
||
|
Michael Ward (Temporary Appointment) |
||
|
Rosalind Nixon |
||
|
Brian Hunt (Deputy Chairperson) |
||
|
Michael Wall |
||
|
Ann Quinn (Deputy Chairman) |
||
|
Donough Murphy |
||
|
Angela Tunney |
||
|
Mary Bryan |
||
|
Berna Grist |
||
|
Brian Swift |
||
|
Jane Doyle |
||
|
Karl Kent |
||
|
Tom O’Connor (Temporary Appointment) |
||
|
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
Mary Kelly, Director General |
No fees payable. The Director General and Directors are paid salaries as they are executive members of the agency. |
|
Laura Burke |
||
|
Padraig Larkin |
||
|
Dara Lynott |
||
|
Larry Stapleton |
||
|
Former Directors |
||
|
Declan Burns |
||
|
Ann Butler |
||
|
Gerry Carty |
||
|
Iain MacClean |
||
|
Liam McCoumiskey (Deceased) |
||
|
Marie Sherwood |
||
|
*Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) |
F J Mulligan (Chairman) |
31,955 |
|
W Blunnie |
17,459.00 |
|
|
G Burke |
25,797 |
|
|
A Dowling |
21,112 |
|
|
J Fitzmaurice |
25,797 |
|
|
L Malone |
25,796 |
|
|
D Muckian |
21,905 |
|
|
A Roche |
25,797 |
|
|
E Fitzgerald |
8,541 |
|
|
T Connellan |
25,797 |
|
|
Mary Coffee |
926 |
|
|
F J Turvey |
21,819 |
|
|
K Byrne |
24,871.00 |
|
|
S Darby |
15,215.00 |
|
|
Michael Hurley |
7,959.00 |
|
|
E Kennedy (Chairman) |
1,978.00 |
|
|
P Gilligan |
1,272.00 |
|
|
Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board 2003 |
Sean Duignan (Chairman) |
€16,570.02 (Chairman’s per diem fees 2003-date) |
|
Local Government Computer Services Board |
Mr. I. Keating |
Nil |
|
Ms. B. Carter |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. F. Bradley |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. J. Fitzgerald |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. J. Tiernan |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. D. Nelson |
Nil |
|
|
Ms. P. Tyrrell |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. H. Kearns |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. S. Carey |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. J. Crockett |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. M. Riordan |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. N. Sweeney |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. T. Dowling |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. J. McGrath |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. R. O’Dwyer |
Nil |
|
|
Ms. C. Curley |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. A.. Fleming |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. D. Connolly |
Nil |
|
|
Ms. A. McGuinness |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. E. Sheehy |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. M Malone |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. M. Killeen |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. P. Donnelly |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. J. Horan |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. R. Ó Ceallaigh |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. M. Maloney |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. E. Breen |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. M. McLoone |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. P. Fahey |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. B. Treacy |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. F. Kavanagh |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. D. Connolly |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. P. D’Arcy |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. W. Soffe |
Nil |
|
|
An Chomhairle Leabharlanna |
Mr. Sean Ryan (current chairperson) |
Annual honorarium of €8,510 |
|
Cllr. Michael Abbey |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. Robert Adams |
Nil |
|
|
Cllr. Denis Burke |
Nil |
|
|
Ms. Beatrice Doran |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. John Fitzgerald |
Nil |
|
|
Ms. Ruth Flanagan |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. Richard Lennon |
Nil |
|
|
Cllr. Cora Long |
Nil |
|
|
Cllr. Luie McEntire |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. Donal Ó Luanaigh (retired) |
Nil |
|
|
Cllr. Laurence O’Neill |
Nil |
|
|
Cllr. John Byrne |
Nil |
|
|
Jo Corkery |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. Noel Dillon |
Nil |
|
|
Cllr. Maura Kilbride-Harkin |
Nil |
|
|
Cllr. James Larkin (died 28/09/98 and replaced by Cllr. Dermot Ryan on 21/12/98) |
Nil |
|
|
Cllr. Patrick Power (resigned June 99 and replaced by Cllr. Michael Leahy on 17/11/99) |
Nil |
|
|
Sean Phillips |
Nil |
|
|
Marie Reddan |
Nil |
|
|
William G. Simpson (resigned October 2002) |
Nil |
|
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority |
Lar Bradshaw |
33,382.84 |
|
Lewis Glucksman |
2,645.00 |
|
|
Jim Lacey |
2,645.00 |
|
|
John McCarthy |
Nil |
|
|
Mary Bergin |
36,824.00 |
|
|
Prof P J Drudy |
36,824.00 |
|
|
John Egan |
36,824.00 |
|
|
Sean Fitzpatrick |
73,076.00 |
|
|
Cyril Forbes |
35,867.00 |
|
|
Joan O’Connor |
81,012.00 |
|
|
John O’Connor |
Nil |
|
|
Mary Moylan |
Nil |
|
|
Declan McCourt |
44,188.00 |
|
|
Niamh O’Sullivan |
44,188.00 |
|
|
Angela Cavandish |
44,188.00 |
|
|
Donall Curtin |
44,188.00 |
|
|
Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB) |
Patrick Morrissey |
19,678.47 |
|
Tom Carey |
Nil |
|
|
Michael Collins |
Nil |
|
|
Mirette Corboy |
Nil |
|
|
Leo Crehan |
Nil |
|
|
Eugene Farrell |
Nil |
|
|
Patrick Forkan |
Nil |
|
|
Rosaleen Gallagher |
Nil |
|
|
Denise Germaine |
Nil |
|
|
Brian Hendrick |
Nil |
|
|
Brid Kelly |
Nil |
|
|
Derek Maynard |
Nil |
|
|
Jeanne Meldon |
Nil |
|
|
John McCarthy |
Nil |
|
|
Michael McCarthy |
Nil |
|
|
Sean McCarthy |
Nil |
|
|
Attracta McCay |
Nil |
|
|
Niamh O’Doherty |
Nil |
|
|
Krystyna Rawicz |
Nil |
|
|
Nicholas Ryan |
Nil |
|
|
Paul Kelly |
Nil |
|
|
Professor Owen Lewis |
35,803.72 |
|
|
Maria Melia |
Nil |
|
|
Ann Mills |
Nil |
|
|
Patsy Supple |
Nil |
|
|
Ann McGuinness |
Nil |
|
|
Sara Devitt |
Nil |
|
|
Johnny McGettigan |
Nil |
|
|
John Purcell |
Nil |
|
|
Eoin O’Cofaigh |
Nil |
|
|
Ian Lumley |
Nil |
|
|
Pat Minogue, |
Nil |
|
|
Gerard Grogan |
Nil |
|
|
Sean Balfe |
Nil |
|
|
Rose Kenny |
Nil |
|
|
Gerard Farrell |
Nil |
|
|
Erik Koornneef |
Nil |
|
|
*The Heritage Council |
Tom O’Dwyer(Chairman) |
25,564.00 |
|
Dr. Con Costello |
12,697.00 |
|
|
Eamon McEneaney |
11,427.00 |
|
|
Mary Bryan |
11,004.00 |
|
|
Deirdre Ellis King |
Nil |
|
|
Mary Moylan |
Nil |
|
|
Maurice Hurley |
17,045.00 |
|
|
Michael MacMahon |
12,697.00 |
|
|
Michael McNamara |
12,697.00 |
|
|
Nessa Dunlea |
12,697.00 |
|
|
Nioclás Ó Conchubhair |
17,045.00 |
|
|
Primrose Wilson |
12,697.00 |
|
|
Ruth Delaney |
12,697.00 |
|
|
Dr. Simon Berrow |
12,697.00 |
|
|
Fr. Tomás Ó Caoimh |
12,697.00 |
|
|
Virginia Teehan |
17,045.00 |
|
|
Professor Willie Smyth |
12,697.00 |
|
|
Ted Creedan |
4,348.00 |
|
|
Dr. Caro-lynne Ferris |
4,348.00 |
|
|
Donal Enright |
Nil |
|
|
Betty Coffey |
4,348.00 |
|
|
Noel Keyes |
4,348.00 |
|
|
Finola Reid |
4,348.00 |
|
|
Rhonwyn Hayes |
4,348.00 |
|
|
Brendan Dunford |
4,348.00 |
|
|
Martina Maloney |
Nil |
|
|
Mary Keenan |
848.00 |
|
|
Gabriel Cooney |
4,348.00 |
|
|
Billy Colfer |
4,348.00 |
|
|
Irish Water Safety |
Ms. Kathryn Byrne |
Nil |
|
Ms. Breda Collins |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. John Considine |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. Michael Cuddihy |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. Brian Farrell |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. Jim Lawlor |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. Brendan McGrath |
Nil |
|
|
Ms. Martina Moloney |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. Michael Murphy |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. Frank Nolan (chairman) |
8,000.00 |
|
|
Mr. Martin O’Sullivan |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. Kevin Ring |
Nil |
|
|
Ms. Anne Ryan |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. Martin Condon |
Nil |
|
|
Ms. Breda Doherty |
Nil |
|
|
Ms. Patricia Hutchinson |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. Ian Keating |
Nil |
|
|
Ms. Ann McGuinness |
Nil |
|
|
Mr. Paddy Phipps |
Nil |
|
|
The Fire Services Council |
Donal Connolly (Chairman) |
15,750 (in respect of 2005 and first 6 months of 2006) |
|
Margaret Adams |
Nil |
|
|
Mary Bohan |
Nil |
|
|
Stephen Brady |
Nil |
|
|
Gus Byrne |
Nil |
|
|
Jim Byrne |
Nil |
|
|
Teresa Casserly |
Nil |
|
|
Michael Cassidy |
Nil |
|
|
Anne Costelloe |
Nil |
|
|
Majella Dempsey |
Nil |
|
|
Frank Dennison |
Nil |
|
|
Bernie Doherty |
Nil |
|
|
Noreen Dunne |
Nil |
|
|
Jim Dunphy |
Nil |
|
|
John Fitzsimons |
Nil |
|
|
Michael Fitzsimons |
Nil |
|
|
Michael Forrest |
Nil |
|
|
Tony Gleeson |
Nil |
|
|
Shirley Groarke |
Nil |
|
|
Gerard Guerin |
Nil |
|
|
Fiona Holland |
Nil |
|
|
Martin Lawton |
Nil |
|
|
John L’Estrange |
Nil |
|
|
Michael Manley |
Nil |
|
|
Brendan McCoy |
Nil |
|
|
Attracta McKay |
Nil |
|
|
Frances Murray |
Nil |
|
|
Con Murphy |
Nil |
|
|
Enda Nolan |
Nil |
|
|
Teddy O’Connor |
Nil |
|
|
Mary Wheatley |
Nil |
|
|
Theresa White |
Nil |
|
|
Comhar |
John Bowman (Chairman) |
132,542.00 |
|
Jackie Healy-Rae |
Nil |
|
|
Declan Burns |
Nil |
|
|
Paddy Fitzmaurice |
Nil |
|
|
Joe Gavin |
Nil |
|
|
Joe O’Gorman |
Nil |
|
|
Geraldine Tallon |
Nil |
|
|
Des Cummins |
Nil |
|
|
Jim Devlin |
Nil |
|
|
Brendan Leahy |
Nil |
|
|
Mary Kelly |
Nil |
|
|
Terence O’Donnell |
Nil |
|
|
Fergus Whelan |
Nil |
|
|
Karin Dubsky |
Nil |
|
|
Philip Geoghegan |
Nil |
|
|
Jeanne Meldon |
Nil |
|
|
Gráinne O’Leary |
Nil |
|
|
Sadhbh O’Neill |
Nil |
|
|
Jennifer Wann |
Nil |
|
|
Anne Clune |
Nil |
|
|
Josephine Henry |
Nil |
|
|
Liz O’Brien |
Nil |
|
|
Seán Regan |
Nil |
|
|
Bernie Walsh |
Nil |
|
|
T. Kieran Kennedy |
Nil |
|
|
Richard Moles |
Nil |
|
|
Máire Ní Chionna |
Nil |
|
|
Aileen Payne |
Nil |
|
|
Cllr. Jim Shortt |
Nil |
|
|
Olga Carey |
Nil |
|
|
Donal Buckley |
Nil |
|
|
Sandra Kehoe |
Nil |
|
|
Padraig Haugh |
Nil |
|
|
Ruaidhrí Deasy |
Nil |
|
|
Elaine Nevin |
Nil |
|
|
Liz Cullen |
Nil |
|
|
Pat Finnegan |
Nil |
|
|
David Healy |
Nil |
|
|
Emer Ó Siochrú |
Nil |
|
|
Bernie Walsh |
Nil |
|
|
Br. Kevin Codd |
Nil |
|
|
Sharyn Long |
Nil |
|
|
Josephine Henry |
Nil |
|
|
Billy Murphy |
Nil |
|
|
Richard Moles |
Nil |
|
|
Rachel Kenny |
Nil |
|
|
John Hammond |
Nil |
|
|
James Pike |
Nil |
|
|
Frank Convery |
Nil |
|
|
Tony Larkin |
Nil |
|
|
Tom O’Mahony |
Nil |
|
|
Cllr. Therese Ridge |
Nil |
|
|
Laura Burke |
Nil |
|
|
Niamh Hunt |
Nil |
|
|
Donal Buckley |
Nil |
|
|
Paula Carey |
Nil |
|
|
Emer Dunne |
Nil |
|
|
Ruaidhrí Deasy |
Nil |
|
|
Aoife Cassidy |
Nil |
|
|
Pat Finnegan |
Nil |
|
|
David Healy |
Nil |
|
|
Richard Douthwaite |
Nil |
|
|
Ornagh Darcy |
Nil |
|
|
Matthew Seebach |
Nil |
|
|
Caitriona Maguire |
Nil |
|
|
Carmel Sheridan |
Nil |
|
|
Emer Colleran |
Nil |
|
|
The Housing Finance Agency |
James Hehir |
Nil |
|
Finola Kennedy (Chair) |
24,941.00 |
|
|
Ciaran Murphy |
Nil |
|
|
Daniel Hurley |
16,205.00 |
|
|
Finbarr Kennelly |
16,205.00 |
|
|
Fr. Patrick Cogan |
44,774.00 |
|
|
Terence Cosgrave |
Nil |
|
|
Mari Hurley |
968.00 |
|
|
Maureen Lynott |
44,774.00 |
|
|
Nuala Fennell |
7,871.00 |
|
|
Patricia Robinson |
16,205.00 |
|
|
Patrick d’Arcy |
16,128.00 |
|
|
Thomas Corcoran |
Nil |
|
|
Thomas Cullen |
16,205.00 |
|
|
Edward Coffey (Chair) |
42,820.00 |
|
|
Áine Stapleton |
Nil |
|
|
Brenda McVeigh |
Nil |
|
|
Jackie Maguire |
Nil |
|
|
Larry Butler |
2,736.00 |
|
|
Lorcan Allen |
25,851.00 |
|
|
Maria Graham |
Nil |
|
|
Mary Malcolm |
25,851.00 |
|
|
Michael Hayes |
28,569.00 |
|
|
Theresa White |
Nil |
|
|
Thomas Reilly |
25,851.00 |
|
|
National Building Agency |
Terry Slowey |
12,063.00 |
|
Tom Corcoran |
Nil |
|
|
Sean O’Leary |
Nil |
|
|
Richard Howlin |
67,640.00 |
|
|
Jim Barrett |
Nil |
|
|
Alison Boyle |
26,718.00 |
|
|
Cllr. Gus Byrne |
28,968.00 |
|
|
Des Dowling |
Nil |
|
|
Margaret Doyle |
45,072.00 |
|
|
Cllr. Joe Behan |
10,319.00 |
|
|
Ann Mc Guinness |
Nil |
|
|
John McCloskey |
30,816.00 |
|
|
Mary Nevin |
30,816.00 |
|
|
Sandra Nowlan |
33,070.00 |
|
|
Joan O’Connor |
45,072.00 |
|
|
Matt O’Connor |
47,322.00 |
|
|
Cllr. Pat Leahy |
13,754.00 |
|
|
Gráinne Shaffrey |
Nil |
|
|
Eddie Breen |
Nil |
|
|
Michael D. Hayes |
2,250.00 |
|
|
Cllr. P. J. Kavanagh |
2,250.00 |
|
|
Bernie Lowe |
2,250.00 |
|
|
Tom Breen |
13,334.00 |
|
|
Peter Roche |
13,334.00 |
|
|
Vincent Toher |
13,334.00 |
|
|
Private Rented Tenancies Board |
Mr. Tom Dunne (Chairman) |
26,046.00 |
|
Ms. Anne Colley |
18,619.00 |
|
|
Mr. Pat Riney |
13,181.00 |
|
|
Ms. Marjorie Murphy |
11,789.00 |
|
|
Ms. Mary Heaslip |
18,568.00 |
|
|
Mr. Fintan Mc Namara |
24,277.00 |
|
|
Ms. Aideen Hayden |
21,553.00 |
|
|
Mr. Liam O’Donnell |
13,786.00 |
|
|
Mr. Tony Taaffe |
20,860.00 |
|
|
Dr. Bairbre Redmond |
18,022.00 |
|
|
Dr. Eoin O’Sullivan |
25,514.00 |
|
|
Ms. Dervla Quinn |
27,018.00 |
|
|
Mr. Jim Bridgeman |
17,566.00 |
|
|
Mr. Conn Murray |
Nil |
|
|
Ms. Sheila McMahon |
Nil |
|
|
Rent Tribunal |
Ms. Moya Quinlan (Chairperson) |
20,061.00 |
|
Ms. Mary Doyle |
29,513.00 |
|
|
Ms. Louise Maloney |
24,679.00 |
|
|
Mr Bill Stanbridge |
20,964.00 |
|
|
Mr. Kieran Buckley |
9,685.00 |
|
|
Ms. Moretta Kinsella |
9,084.00 |
|
|
Mr. Fred Devlin |
3,393.00 |
|
|
Former Members |
||
|
Mr. Brendan Dillion |
3,028.00 |
|
|
Mr. Joseph McPeake |
6,132.00 |
|
|
Mr. Felix McKenna |
688.00 |
|
|
Mr. Val Stone |
1,229.00 |
|
|
Mr. Joseph Maguire |
881.00 |
|
|
Ms. Mary Devins |
432.00 |
|
|
Ms. Sheila O’Flynn |
1,035.00 |
|
|
Mr. Vincent Toher |
347.00 |
|
|
Mr. Patrick Riney |
5,302.00 |
|
|
Mr. John Leddin |
1,249.00 |
*The information in relation to the Heritage Council and the RPII is in respect of 2003 onwards as these bodies only came under my Department's aegis following the last change of Government.
211 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the demand from an incinerator company (details supplied) that landfill tax be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30981/06]
It is not intended in short term to increase the existing landfill levy of €15 per tonne. However, I have initiated a public consultation seeking the views of stakeholders and the general public in regard to the future regulation of the waste management sector. Views have been sought on a range of relevant issues including the determination of an appropriate waste charging structure. When I have considered the submissions in response to this consultation, I intend to take forward appropriate policy proposals.
213 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the developments which have taken place since the introduction of the emissions trading scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30973/06]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 78 and 101 of 13 June 2006. Following a public consultation by the Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland notified its National Allocation Plan for the 2008-2012 trading period to the European Commission on 13 July 2006. The notified Plan is available on the website of the Agency at www.epa.ie. A decision on the Plan is expected before the end of the year.
215 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the practice of retrospective issuing of fire safety certificates for buildings is desirable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30969/06]
The Building Control Act 1990 and the related Building Control Regulations 1997 provide for the issue of Fire Safety Certificates (FSC) for the designs of new non-domestic buildings and apartment blocks in advance of the commencement of work on the relevant building projects. However, projects have in the past started in advance of the seeking or granting of a FSC; and local building control authorities have adopted a pragmatic approach of granting FSC retrospectively provided the building complies with the fire safety requirements/ building regulations.
The Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB) recommended reforms of the FSC system; and these reforms are set out in Part 2 of the Building Control Bill 2005 and the related Explanatory Memorandum.
The enforcement of the FSC system will be greatly strengthened by a number of proposed measures in the 2005 Bill, including:
prohibition of the occupation, opening, or operation of a relevant new building without a FSC; and
the power of the local building control authority to secure a High Court injunction to enforce the foregoing prohibition.
219 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress to date on value for money spot checks on projects in non-national roads section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30987/06]
All specific non-national road projects, grant aided by my Department, must comply with eligibility criteria and conditions of grant schemes. Outputs and value for money are monitored on an ongoing basis by my Department based on returns submitted by local authorities and site visits.
221 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has devised another strategy for pursuing the MOX case as previously promised in Dáil Éireann. [30925/06]
I refer to the reply to Priority Question No. 56 of 13 June 2006. The position remains unchanged.
222 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the types of plastics which are recyclable; which of these plastics are currently being collected for recycling for each local authority; which have not yet begun to be collected for recycling; his plans and timescales to ensure that all recyclable plastics are collected and recycled. [30914/06]
In Ireland as in other countries, a diverse range of plastic materials are in use; these fall into different categories, including low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Factors influencing the recycling of plastics include the market price for the polymer in question, transport costs, the value of the end product into which the material is recycled, availability of stable markets, the availability of clean recycled plastic materials, and the level of processing required to recycle the collected material. Data in relation to the amount of plastics collected by each local authority is not available in my Department; this is a matter for local authorities in the context of their regional waste management plans.
Significant progress has been made in recent years in recovering and recycling waste plastics. The EPA National Waste Report 2004 showed that 295,890 tonnes of plastic were managed of which 55,904 (18.9%) were recovered. 211,629 tonnes (71.5%) comprised plastic packaging of which 22.3% was recovered. The EPA's best estimate of the recovery rate for plastic packaging in 1998 was just 2.6%. It is a legal requirement that all packaging, including all plastic packaging, be designed, produced and placed on the market in such a way as to permit its reuse or recovery, including recycling. I am confident that Ireland will comfortably achieve the 2011 plastic packaging waste recovery target of 22.5% set by the European Union. A range of measures is being put in place to support the achievement of this target. For example, it is intended to continue to expand the network of bring facilities for all packaging waste including plastic as well as the availability of segregated collections for dry recyclables where economically feasible. The Dublin local authorities' plans for the introduction of segregated collections of plastic bottles from households are at an advanced stage.
In addition, a Market Development Group was established in 2004 to identify market opportunities for materials recovered for recycling, including plastic materials and to develop a Market Development Programme. The Group will identify a range of initiatives to address these difficulties including measures to improve knowledge about the plastic waste stream; increase the quantity collected; develop recycling and reprocessing capacity; promote research; and promote uptake of recycled products. The Market Development Programme is currently being finalised and I expect that it will be published later this year.
223 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the directive name, directive reference number and number of cases where Ireland has been formally cautioned under Article 226 of the Treaty of the European Community, issued a reasoned opinion under Article 226 of the treaty of the European Community, the Commission has declared its intention to go the European Court of Justice, taken to the European Court of Justice by the Commission, formally cautioned under Article 228 of the Treaty of the European Community, issued a reasoned opinion under Article 228 and issued with daily fines by the European Court of Justice in regard to environmental protection. [31092/06]
In areas for which my Department has responsibility, the European Commission is currently in correspondence in respect of 34 cases relating to possible infringements of EU environmental legislation. There were 49 such cases in December 2005. This considerable improvement illustrates the positive outcomes from my intensive efforts to resolve issues in dialogue with the Commission and stakeholders. The cases are at various stages of proceedings as set out in the table below. Fines have not been ordered by the European Court of Justice in relation to any case taken against Ireland.
|
Stage in Proceedings |
|
|
Directive Number and General Reference |
Article 226 Letter of Formal Notice Article 226 Reasoned Opinion Being Referred to the European Court of Justice Before the European Court of Justice for a hearing or awaiting judgement European Court of Justice Decision to be Implemented Article 228 Letter of Formal Notice |
|
2004/ 26/EC on emission of gaseous and particulate pollutants from internal combustion engines to be installed in non-road mobile machinery |
010000 |
|
2002/88/EC relating to measures against the emission of gaseous and particulate pollutants from internal combustion engines to be installed in non-road mobile machinery |
010000 |
|
2004/42/CE on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing products |
010000 |
|
85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment |
310300 |
|
2000/35/EEC on public participation in certain plans and programmes relating to the environment |
001000 |
|
2003/4/EC on public access to environmental information |
001000 |
|
92/43/EEC on habitats |
010101 |
|
79/409/EEC on wild birds |
000101 |
|
75/442/EEC the waste directive |
421010 |
|
75/439/EEC on the disposal of waste oils |
100000 |
|
2004/12/EC on packaging and packaging waste |
100000 |
|
91/271/EEC on urban waste water treatment |
010100 |
|
91/676/EEC on nitrates |
000001 |
|
76/464/EEC on dangerous substances in water |
000001 |
|
80/778/EEC on the quality of drinking water for human consumption |
100001 |
|
80/68/EC on groundwater |
000100 |
225 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce legislation to deal with noise pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30910/06]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 106 of 13 June 2006, which sets out the range of legislation on noise pollution which is already in place. Given these extensive controls on noise pollution from various sources, I have no plans to introduce further legislation in this area.
226 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the evidence of urban sprawl found in the latest census figures particularly in the soaring populations of Fingal, Meath, Kildare and Louth are worse or better than he had predicted; the steps he plans to take to counter urban sprawl; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30937/06]
I welcome the release by the Central Statistics Office of the preliminary results of the 2006 census which shows strong population growth on a national basis. This population growth augurs well for the sustainable development of the country. The National Spatial Strategy forecasted a continuing population growth. The Regional Planning Guidelines (RPGs) for the Greater Dublin Area 2004-2016 were prepared and adopted jointly by the Dublin and Mid-East Regional Authorities, and are in the second year of their 12-year life-span. These RPGs articulate the NSS vision for the Greater Dublin Area, and relevant city and county development plans translate the vision further to local level. The 2004 RPGs contained robust population projections, which were front-loaded in terms of population increase. These projections are currently being considered in the context of the 2006 Census to see if they need amendment.
The National Spatial Strategy calls for a more balanced spread of economic activity in Ireland, but recognises that we must support and enhance the competitiveness of the Greater Dublin Area so that it continues to perform at the international and national level as a driver of national development. The NSS also accepts that it is not sustainable that Dublin should continue to spread outwards into counties on its periphery and beyond. To address this, the RPGs for the Greater Dublin Area emphasise that it is necessary to consolidate the physical growth of the Dublin metropolitan area, the city and suburbs, while at the same time concentrating development in the hinterland into strategically placed, strong and dynamic urban centres.
The substantial investment in transport that was announced by Government in Transport 21 is in accordance with the general principles of NSS and it is envisaged that future residential and commercial developments will be concentrated as close as possible to the existing and forthcoming rapid transport systems. Also, Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Residential Density were published in 1999 and included a specific objective of more compact urban development by seeking to assist planning authorities in achieving high quality residential density of a suitable scale at appropriate locations, in conjunction with improved public transport systems. These guidelines are being reviewed by my Department with a view to publishing new guidelines next year and will take account of the changing population and settlement patterns and the need for building sustainable communities. They will also take account of the extensive experience built up since the introduction of the 1999 guidelines in the design, assessment and development of higher density proposals.
227 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to track progress on the unfinished housing estates identified to him following the issue of circular letter PD/106 in early 2006; the dialogue he has had with the County and City Managers Association in relation to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30929/06]
My Department issued Circular Letter PD 1/06 in January of this year which required each planning authority to establish, as a priority, a policy on taking in charge of housing estates to be approved by the elected members. The circular also required that progress on the implementation of the policy would have to be reported on to the members on a regular basis and at least once annually. These arrangements were premised on the principle that local authorities themselves are best placed to monitor and implement action in this area. My Department's appropriate role is to assist and encourage good local authority performance. In that regard I have asked that the feasibility of including taking in charge of housing estates in the ongoing review of local authority service indicators be examined.
The issue of overall national guidance on management companies and taking in charge of residential estates is being considered by a Working Group, which includes representatives of local government nominated by the City and Country Managers Association. It is planned that, based on the outcome of the Group's work, national guidance will issue as part of expanded and revised Residential Density Guidelines, which in turn advance the Department's agenda Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities, published last December.
228 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will publish his Department’s monthly report to him on financial expenditure and the bimonthly report to the Government since January 2006; if his Department is meeting its financial and other targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30984/06]
My Department provides regular expenditure reports to the Department of Finance, including financial tables, that are used by that Department in the publication of monthly Exchequer statements on aggregate levels of receipts and expenditure. The Exchequer Statement for the period ended 30 September 2006, was published on 3 October. In addition, in accordance with the Public Service Management Act 1997, my Department's Statement of Strategy and its Annual Reports, which report progress on the implementation of the objectives set out in the Statement of Strategy, are published. The Annual Reports include summary financial accounts outlining the financial transactions of my Department for the year in question. Having regard to this, I do not propose to publish reports on ongoing financial activity levels relating to the range of programmes operated by my Department.
230 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are more than 43,684 households across the State that are in need of local authority housing in view of the fact that local authority house completion figures were down 3.3% for the first quarter of 2006. [31006/06]
The most recent assessment of need for social housing, undertaken by local authorities in March 2005, indicated that there were 43,684 households on local authority waiting lists compared with 48,413 in March 2002 — a decrease of almost 10%. The number of local authority house completions/acquisitions for the first 6 months of 2006 stands at 1,786, while the number of units in progress at the end of June was over 8,900. Further information relating to the number of local authority housing units started and completed in the 6 month period January to June, 2006 will be published shortly in the Department's Quarterly Housing Statistics Bulletin and on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.
231 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to change the spending limits for election candidates; if so, if he will explain what these changes will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30958/06]
Section 32 of the Electoral Act 1997, as amended, specifies the maximum amounts of expenditure which may be incurred on behalf of a candidate at a Dáil election. The amounts are €25,394.76 in a 3 seat constituency; €31,743.45 in a 4 seat constituency; and €38,092.14 in a 5 seat constituency. Section 3 of the Act provides that these amounts may be varied, by order of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, having regard to changes in the Consumer Price Index. Any such order must be laid before each House of the Oireachtas. No decision regarding an amending order has been made at this stage.
232 Ms Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress to date of the implementation of the Law Reform Commission’s review of the law regarding management companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30962/06]
I refer to the reply to questions 1514, 1515, 1516, and 1551 of 27 September 2006. The Law Reform Commission is currently examining legal aspects generally regarding the management of multi-unit structures and its consultation paper is expected shortly. A final report will then be prepared following the consultation period and its recommendations will be considered by the Departments concerned, including the need for new measures to be taken in this area.
Arising from earlier work, the Law Reform Commission had recommended certain changes to company law to avoid problems for management companies in relation to company law requirements. It is understood that proposals are being developed by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a Company Law Reform and Consolidation Bill which it is expected will include certain provisions relating to management companies.
233 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the costs to his Department to date accruing from the Mahon Tribunal. [30509/06]
At end-September 2006, the overall cost of the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments amounted to €58,401,332.
234 Ms Shortall asked the Taoiseach the unemployment rate for Dublin City Council by district electoral division according to latest figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31272/06]
The exact information as requested by the Deputy is not available. Statistics on employment and unemployment are compiled, at a regional level, from the Quarterly National Household Survey. There are eight regions in the State; Border, Midland, West, Dublin, Mid-East, Mid-West, South-East and South-West. Sub-regional statistics, of the kind requested by the Deputy, are not available from the Quarterly National Household Survey. The latest available figures from the Quarterly National Household Survey relate to the second quarter (period March to May) of 2006, and shows the unemployment rate for the Dublin Region is 4.8%. I refer the Deputy to the detailed table below.
|
Region (NUTS3) |
In employment |
Unemployed |
In labour force |
Unemployment rate |
Participation rate |
|
|
’000 |
’000 |
’000 |
% |
% |
||
|
Dublin |
Mar-May 2004 |
550.2 |
24.7 |
574.9 |
4.3 |
62.0 |
|
Dec-Feb 2005 |
567.3 |
23.7 |
591.1 |
4.0 |
62.9 |
|
|
Mar-May 2005 |
574.3 |
25.5 |
599.7 |
4.2 |
63.7 |
|
|
Jun-Aug 2005 |
585.6 |
28.8 |
614.5 |
4.7 |
65.0 |
|
|
Sep-Nov 2005 |
586.4 |
27.5 |
614.0 |
4.5 |
64.4 |
|
|
Dec-Feb 2006 |
594.4 |
26.7 |
621.2 |
4.3 |
64.8 |
|
|
Mar-May 2006 |
595.4 |
29.7 |
625.2 |
4.8 |
64.8 |
|
|
State |
Mar-May 2004 |
1,836.2 |
84.2 |
1,920.3 |
4.4 |
60.0 |
|
Dec-Feb 2005 |
1,908.3 |
82.1 |
1,990.5 |
4.1 |
61.0 |
|
|
Mar-May 2005 |
1,929.2 |
85.6 |
2,014.8 |
4.2 |
61.5 |
|
|
Jun-Aug 2005 |
1,989.8 |
96.7 |
2,086.5 |
4.6 |
63.2 |
|
|
Sep-Nov 2005 |
1,980.6 |
91.3 |
2,071.9 |
4.4 |
62.2 |
|
|
Dec-Feb 2006 |
1,998.1 |
88.2 |
2,086.3 |
4.2 |
62.2 |
|
|
Mar-May 2006 |
2,017.0 |
91.4 |
2,108.3 |
4.3 |
62.6 |
Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.
The Live Register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming Unemployment Assistance, Unemployment Benefit and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Figures are published for each county and each Local Social Welfare Office. The most recent information available is for August 2006 and the table below indicates the number of persons on the register in each of the Local Offices in the Dublin Region.
|
Persons |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Males |
Females |
||||||||
|
NUTS2 and NUTS3 Regions/ County/ Local Office |
August 2005 |
July 2006 |
August 2006 |
Under 25 years |
25 years & over |
Total |
Under 25 years |
25 years & over |
Total |
|
Bishop Square |
4,019 |
3,884 |
3,881 |
378 |
2,045 |
2,423 |
263 |
1,195 |
1,458 |
|
Cumberland Street |
5,673 |
5,443 |
5,456 |
716 |
2,625 |
3,341 |
391 |
1,724 |
2,115 |
|
Navan Road |
2,865 |
2,742 |
2,773 |
330 |
1,506 |
1,836 |
218 |
719 |
937 |
|
Blanchardstown |
3,598 |
3,800 |
3,872 |
448 |
1,689 |
2,137 |
343 |
1,392 |
1,735 |
|
Thomas Street |
2,399 |
2,261 |
2,252 |
248 |
1,299 |
1,547 |
145 |
560 |
705 |
|
Tara Street |
1,280 |
1,265 |
1,273 |
113 |
691 |
804 |
83 |
386 |
469 |
|
Tallaght |
3,558 |
3,733 |
3,782 |
606 |
1,728 |
2,334 |
358 |
1,090 |
1,448 |
|
Ballymun |
1,557 |
1,590 |
1,588 |
283 |
763 |
1,046 |
158 |
384 |
542 |
|
Clondalkin |
3,630 |
3,786 |
3,716 |
564 |
1,654 |
2,218 |
399 |
1,099 |
1,498 |
|
Rathfarnham |
2,219 |
2,173 |
2,184 |
187 |
914 |
1,101 |
113 |
970 |
1,083 |
|
Kilbarrack |
2,572 |
2,547 |
2,508 |
224 |
1,224 |
1,448 |
135 |
925 |
1,060 |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
2,951 |
2,774 |
2,780 |
219 |
1,288 |
1,507 |
101 |
1,172 |
1,273 |
|
Balbriggan |
1,375 |
1,462 |
1,465 |
132 |
643 |
775 |
91 |
599 |
690 |
|
Ballyfermot |
1,330 |
1,312 |
1,298 |
218 |
635 |
853 |
133 |
312 |
445 |
|
Finglas |
2,380 |
2,420 |
2,354 |
371 |
1,118 |
1,489 |
208 |
657 |
865 |
|
Coolock |
2,505 |
2,490 |
2,502 |
336 |
1,179 |
1,515 |
220 |
767 |
987 |
|
Dublin total |
43,911 |
43,682 |
43,684 |
5,373 |
21,001 |
26,374 |
3,359 |
13,951 |
17,310 |
|
State total |
169,393 |
168,946 |
169,614 |
18,816 |
76,210 |
95,026 |
14,888 |
59,700 |
74,588 |
Source: Live Register Series, Central Statistics Office.
It should be noted that:—
(a) the Live Register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, seasonal and casual workers entitled to Unemployment Assistance or Benefit. Statistics on unemployment are measured at regional level by the Quarterly National Household Survey.
(b) the exact area covered by each Local Office is not limited to the immediate locality of the particular office. For instance, in the Tallaght Local Office there may be registered persons from the Blessington area.
235 Mr. Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will allow a person (details supplied) to remain in the State on humanitarian grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31157/06]
I have been informed by officials in my Department that there is no record of the person in question having made an application for asylum. However, an application for Family Reunification on behalf of the person in question was made, by his sister, in April 2004 and this was refused in November 2004. This decision was then reviewed and upheld in December 2004. The sister of the person in question made a fresh application for Family Reunification in June 2006. This application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course.
236 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm that funding is in place for a project (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his announcement giving the go-ahead was welcomed by the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31158/06]
As part of my commitment to strengthening the Garda Youth Diversion Projects, I secured an increase of 21% in the overall budgetary allocation for the projects in 2006, bringing funding for the projects for the year to €6.6 million. Resulting from this additional funding I was pleased to be able to announce the establishment of ten new Garda Youth Diversion Projects including the project referred to.
My Department has issued initial funding to the Garda Síochána for the establishment of the project referred to. Work is ongoing on securing a premises for the project and recruiting a coordinator. I was pleased to hear of the positive response to the establishment of the project concerned, and I wish all of the new projects, including this project, every success.
237 Mr. O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the full report on issues within the Garda authorities remit which caused the bus services to Tallaght west estates to be withdrawn in the week commencing 25 September 2006; if he will resource the Gardaí to deal with crime associated with the bus service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31159/06]
The Dublin Bus Community Forum is in place to address anti-social behaviour on buses in the area mentioned and meets regularly. Local Garda management and community leaders from the area concerned participate in the Forum along with Dublin Bus management and union representatives.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management in conjunction with Dublin Bus has put Operation Saferoute in place to address public order issues on public transport in the areas concerned. This involves members of the local Community Policing Unit travelling on Dublin Bus services in the area in order to prevent and detect incidents occurring on public transport in this area.
I am further informed that an incident which occurred on Dublin Bus on 25 September, 2006 is under active investigation by the Garda authorities.
238 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of recruit Gardaí who completed their training and became full members of An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2002 to 2005; and the number of Gardaí who ceased to be members of the force in each of those years. [31160/06]
I am assembling the information requested by the Deputy and I will communicate with him within a week.
239 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if An Garda Síochána can readily access the criminal records of non-nationals who are arrested here on criminal charges if such persons are from other EU Member States; the arrangements in place in this regard; and if these arrangements are considered to be satisfactory in relation to all such Member States. [31161/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána has no direct access to criminal records from any other country. However, where a rogatory letter is not required under the mutual legal assistance regime, arrangements are in place whereby a request for a record of a person's criminal convictions, together with a set of the person's fingerprints, is forwarded to the country involved through Interpol. The Garda Interpol Office is then supplied with certified convictions for the individual in question for court use.
I understand from the Garda authorities that co-operation from EU Member States is generally satisfactory in relation to responding to requests for records of criminal convictions. Where a rogatory letter is required under the mutual legal assistance regime, the request for a record of a person's criminal convictions is forwarded by the Central Authority for Mutual Assistance, located within my Department, to the equivalent authority in the country concerned. The reply from that authority is forwarded to An Garda Síochána through the Central Authority.
240 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a visa application for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20 who has been accepted, pending the granting of a visa, into an adaptation programme for general nursing and midwifery, both of which are needed here; and when a decision can be expected. [31162/06]
My Department has no record of a current visa application in respect of the person in question referred to by the Deputy.
241 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made regarding the application for residency of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31247/06]
The person in question applied for permission to remain in the State on the basis of being a parent of an Irish citizen child, born before 1 January 2005, in accordance with the revised arrangements announced by me on 15 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme.
The person in question did not satisfy the criteria under the revised arrangements and was notified of this decision on 12 October 2005. The immigration status of the person concerned is currently being reviewed. In the event that the person in question does not have permission to remain following this review, he will then have an opportunity to make further representations as to his continued presence in the State.
242 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of motorists who are expected to escape prosecution as a result of the drafting error in the Road Traffic Act 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31249/06]
243 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if motorists who are affected by the drafting error in the Road Traffic Act 2006 will be prosecuted under alternative existing road traffic legislation provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31250/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 243 together.
Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 2006 provides the legal basis for mandatory alcohol testing (MAT). It confers a statutory power to administer a roadside breath test to a motorist stopped at a checkpoint without a member of An Garda Síochána being required to form an opinion that the motorist has consumed alcohol, been involved in a collision or breached a provision of the Road Traffic Acts.
It is an offence to refuse to give a roadside breath sample, the penalty for which is a fine of up to €5,000 on conviction and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months. A person who refuses to give a roadside breath sample can be arrested for that offence and required to provide an evidential test in the Garda station. In addition, under long standing legislation, if a Garda as a result of the test forms the opinion at the roadside that a person has consumed an intoxicant then he/she can arrest that person and bring the person back to a Garda station for the purposes of administering an evidential test.
The penalty for refusal to provide an evidential test is a fine of up to €1,270 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months. As a result of a typographical error in the Act, a refusal to give an evidential test following arrest at a MAT checkpoint cannot be pursued. This error is being addressed by my colleague the Minister for Transport in the Road Traffic and Transport Bill 2006 which is before the House today. There is no error in the provisions for mandatory alcohol testing, and Garda checkpoints continue to operate effectively as they have been since they were introduced in July.
Developments since the introduction of mandatory alcohol testing in July have been encouraging. The number of road deaths in August was 17 — the lowest number for any month since November 1999. This trend continued in September, when the number of deaths was 22, compared with 31 in 2005. I believe that the practical effect of the typographical error is limited and that if a court challenge to the section is launched on the basis of the error the State will vigorously defend it.
The provisions for mandatory alcohol testing operate in addition to the other drink driving provisions in the law. The Garda Síochána will use all legal provisions to pursue drivers detected driving while intoxicated.
244 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda authorities monitor or have speed checks at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 15 where pedestrians and cyclist claim there is speeding traffic. [31251/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Garda management at Blanchardstown, which covers the area referred to, is aware of the concerns of people in this area regarding speeding motorists. I am further informed that road traffic checkpoints are regularly established in the area by members of the Divisional Traffic Corps Units and persons found to be speeding are issued with fixed charge penalty notices.
245 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí attached to Ballymun, Finglas, Santry and Whitehall Garda Stations at 31 December 2004 and 2005; the number currently attached; and the breakdown of the numbers of community Gardaí attached to each station for each of these time periods. [31306/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 12,762 on Friday, 8 September, 2006, following the attestation of 249 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,060 (or 19%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.3 billion, a 13% increase on 2005 and an 85% increase since 1997 in real terms.
I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength (all ranks) of the Ballymun, Finglas, Santry and Whitehall Garda Stations as at 31 December, 2004, 2005 and as at 3 October, 2006 was as set out in the table hereunder:
|
Station |
31/12/04 |
31/12/05 |
3/10/06 |
|
Ballymun |
65 |
62 |
57 |
|
Finglas |
74 |
76 |
82 |
|
Santry |
107 |
119 |
122 |
|
Whitehall |
35 |
34 |
35 |
|
TOTAL |
281 |
291 |
296 |
This represents an increase of 15 (or 5%) in the number of personnel assigned to these stations during that period.
I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Community Gardaí attached to the Ballymun, Finglas, Santry and Whitehall Garda Stations as at 31 December, 2004, 2005 and as at 30 June, 2006 (the latest date for which these figures are available) was as set out in the table hereunder:
|
Station |
31/12/04 |
31/12/05 |
30/06/06 |
|
Ballymun |
7 |
9 |
12 |
|
Finglas |
13 |
12 |
10 |
|
Santry |
3 |
5 |
4 |
|
Whitehall |
3 |
5 |
4 |
It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Garda Divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other operational policing needs. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.
I should add that the current recruitment drive to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members, in line with the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government, is fully on target. This will lead to a combined strength, of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. The first three groups of newly attested Gardaí under this accelerated recruitment programme came on stream in March, June and September of this year and the fourth such group will become fully attested members of the Force later this year. Further tranches of approximately 275 newly attested Gardaí will follow every 90 days thereafter until the programme is complete. The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the Garda Stations referred to by the Deputy will be given the fullest consideration.
246 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the possible structural damage and flooding in the vicinity of the retaining wall at Dun Carraig, Leixlip, County Kildare; if he will liaise with Kildare County Council with a view to ascertaining the adequacy of the structure and the elimination of the flooding and its consequent affect on the structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31239/06]
247 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the position in regard to the proposal to alleviate flooding at Mill Lane, Leixlip, County Kildare through the aegis of Kildare County Council or the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31240/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together.
Officials in the Office of Public Works are meeting with Kildare County Council later this week. Flooding issues relating to Mill Lane and Dun Carraig will be discussed at this meeting.
248 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance the number of private aircraft from outside the State in connection with the Ryder Cup event which were subjected to customs checks; his proposals to provide permanent customs checks at the Weston Executive Airport and other small airports here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31248/06]
In light of the seizure in Belgium of 50kgs of Heroin last week, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are reviewing the risks attached to the operation of all 27 licensed aerodromes in the State. I am further assured that the monitoring of licensed aerodromes in the State by the Revenue Commissioners is currently in line with international standards. The Customs and Excise Service is continuously engaged in the analysis and evaluation of seizure trends, routes and smuggling risks and consequential resource deployment. All customs operations are risk focussed and staff is deployed to combat areas of greatest risk. The level of activity at licensed aerodromes is constantly monitored from a risk perspective. However, because of concerns raised by the seizure last week, the conditions of approval under which the Revenue Commissioners approve licensed aerodromes will be immediately reviewed by Revenue. This review will include options for improving the level of control and prior reporting of arrivals from EU and non-EU countries. The Revenue Commissioners will also examine the frequency of checking incoming flights to these aerodromes.
The Revenue Commissioners inform me they do not have information on the number of private aircraft which arrived in Ireland from outside the State in connection with the Ryder Cup.
249 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the projects to provide new Garda stations at Ballymun and Finglas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31270/06]
It is expected that a contract for the construction of the new Garda station at Ballymun will be placed this week.
Preparation of tender documents for the construction of the new Garda station at Finglas is nearing completion. It is hoped to invite tenders for construction at the end of this month.
250 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of tax designated units which are currently on the market, being constructed and received planning permission under a tax benefit scheme but have not commenced construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31130/06]
The estimated level of output of residential units and commercial units under the four tax designation schemes namely the Urban Renewal Scheme, the Rural Renewal Scheme, the Town Renewal Scheme and the Living over the Shop Scheme are set out in the Review of the Area-Based Tax Incentive Schemes. This review was conducted in 2005 by Goodbody Economic Consultants. The consultants findings on the outputs of the schemes as of November 2005 are as set out below. While the consultants output findings for commercial projects for the Rural Renewal Scheme were set out on a project basis, in the case of the remaining schemes their findings on output were expressed in terms of the actual amount of additional commercial floorspace generated.
|
Residential |
Commercial |
|
Units completed: 4,534. |
Projects completed: 147. |
|
Units work in progress: 3,031. |
Projects work in progress: 98. |
|
Units in planning: 3,031. |
Projects in planning: 99. |
|
Residential |
Commercial |
|
Units completed: 4,057. |
Projects completed: 542,654 metres square. |
|
Units work in progress: 8,561. |
Projects work in progress: 705,246 metres square. |
|
Units in planning: 2,920. |
Projects in planning: 332,515 metres square. |
|
Residential |
Commercial |
|
Units completed: 971. |
Projects completed: 66,225 metres square. |
|
Units work in progress: 704. |
Projects work in progress: 46,408 metres square. |
|
Units in planning: 1,230. |
Projects in planning: 77,342 metres square. |
|
Residential |
Commercial |
|
Units completed: 157. |
Projects completed: 4,057 metres square. |
|
Units work in progress: 159. |
Projects work in progress: 4,206 metres square. |
|
Units in planning: 124. |
Projects in planning: 3,137 metres square. |
As both my Department and the Revenue Commissioners have no direct role in either the marketing of tax designated units or the planning process, it is not possible to disaggregate the information provided further.
251 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the sum of tax forgone due to tax incentive schemes on property for each of the years from 2000 to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31131/06]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that for the tax year 2003 and earlier years claims for tax incentive schemes on property were aggregated in tax returns with other claims and could not be distinguished from other reliefs claimed. Accordingly, the specific information on costs for 2003 and earlier years are not available.
Provisions were included in the Finance Act 2004 to allow this data to be obtained separately in future. As regards the tax year 2004, the latest year available, this information was included in personal income tax returns due for filing in October, 2005. Based on the information that has been received and collated to date, a total of €586 million was included in the relevant income tax returns for 2004 as claims in respect of a range of property-based incentives. This figure would correspond to a maximum Exchequer cost of the order of €246 million for these returns in terms of income tax forgone.
This information is in respect of the following incentives:-
Urban Renewal, Town Renewal, Seaside Resorts, Rural Renewal, Multi-storey Car Parks, Living over the Shop, Enterprise Areas, Park and Ride, Hotels, Holiday Cottages, Nursing Homes, Housing for the Elderly & Infirm, Convalescent homes, Qualifying Private Hospitals, Qualifying Sports Injury clinics, Buildings used for Certain Childcare purposes, and Student Accommodation.
I should point out, however, that Revenue are concerned at preliminary indications that in some instances the new, separately categorised data on exempt income and property incentives may not have been correctly entered on the 2004 Income Tax returns. Revenue is engaging with the tax practitioner bodies to draw attention to these deficiencies and to rectify them. Revenue has also increased awareness among its own staff involved in processing tax returns of the need to ensure, through closer examination of the returns, that they are correctly completed.
Data for the tax years 2005 and 2006 is not yet available as the income tax returns for those years are not due for filing until October 2006 and October 2007 respectively.
It should be noted that all but one of these schemes were reviewed by Indecon Economic Consultants and Goodbody Economic Consultants as part of the overall review of property and area based tax incentives in 2005. These reports were published on 6 February 2006 and are available on the Department of Finance's website.
252 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Finance when will he make available to this Deputy the details of non-ionising radiation emission levels for 2 masts (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31142/06]
The Commissioners of Public Works have requested their consultants, Vilicom Limited, to measure the non-ionising radiation emission levels from the two masts referred to as a matter of urgency. The Commissioners expect the reports to be available in approximately 3 weeks and will forward them to the Deputy on receipt.
253 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance the list of all Office of Public Works projects currently on-site with a construction value in excess of €15 million; and the details of each of the appointed contractors and project teams. [31143/06]
254 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance the list of all Office of Public Works projects that are planned to be on-site between now and the end of 2007 with a construction value in excess of €15 million; and the details of each of the appointed contractors and project teams. [31144/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 254 together.
|
Project |
Voted / Non-voted |
Appointed Contractors |
Project Teams |
|
Dept of Justice, Equality & Law Reform, Irish Prison Service — Portlaoise Prison C Block |
Non-Voted |
Laing O’Rourke |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Architect: OPW Architectural Services QS: Rogerson Reddan & Associates M&E: Hayes Higgins Struc: Fearon O’Neill Rooney |
|
Dept of Justice, Equality & Law Reform Decentralisation for the Irish Prison Service, Longford |
Voted |
Duggan Brothers (Shell & Core only) |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services QS Healy Kelly, Turner, Townsend |
|
New Theatre Royal |
Non-voted |
Cleary Doyle Contracting |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Architect: Michael Williams Associates / OPW Architectural Services QS: Nolan Ryan Partnership M&E: OPW M&E Services Structural: Arups Consulting Engineers Theatre Consultant: Car & Angier Acoustic Consultant: Arup Acoustics |
|
Department of Agriculture & Food – Backweston – Office Accommodation |
Voted |
PJ Walls & Co. |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Architect: OPW Architectural Services QS: Mulcahy McDonagh & Partners Services Enginer: OPW M&E Services Structural: Michael Punch & Partners |
|
Department of Finance – 7-9 Merrion Row – Provision of Office Accommodation |
Voted |
John Paul Construction |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Architect: Grafton Architects QS: Leonard & Williams Services Enginer: OPW M&E Services Structural: Barret Mahony |
|
Department of Agriculture & Food – Relocation of Laboratories from Abbotstown to Backweston |
Voted |
Bennett Construction Ltd (nearing end of Defects Liability Period) |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Architect: RKD Architects QS: Bruce Shaw Partnership Services Enginer: Homan O’Brien Associates Structural: PH McCarthy |
|
Dept. of Justice Equality and Law Reform / Dept. of Social and Family Affairs – Ballymun — Garda Divisional HQ, Social Welfare Services |
Voted |
Michael McNamara & Company |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Architect: OPW Architectural Services QS: Bruce Shaw Partnership M&E: CH2M Hill Structural: Fitzsimmons Doyle Associates |
|
Project |
Voted / Non-voted |
Appointed Contractors |
Project Teams |
|
Dept. of Justice, Equality and Law Reform — Templemore Garda College (combined exceed €15m) |
|||
|
New Facilities Building |
Voted |
Duggan Bros. |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Arch: OPW Arch. Services Q.S. Nolan Ryan Partnership M&E: OPW Mechanical and Electrical Services Structural: Michael Punch & Partners |
|
Extension of Dining Hall and Gym |
Voted |
Duggan Bros. |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Arch: OPW Arch. Services Q.S. Nolan Ryan Partnership M&E: OPW Mechanical and Electrical Services Structural: Michael Punch & Partners |
|
Refurbishment of Garda Station and refitting of existing buildings to create 15 new classrooms |
Voted |
Tom Hayes |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Arch: OPW Arch. Services Q.S. Patrick A. Butler & Partners M&E: OPW Mechanical and Electrical Services Structural: Michael Punch & Partners |
|
Extension of Dining Area and Gym |
Voted |
Duggan Bros. |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Arch: OPW Arch. Services Q.S. Patrick A. Butler & Partners M&E: OPW Mechanical and Electrical Services Structural: Michael Punch & Partners |
|
Project |
Voted / NonVoted |
Appointed Contractors |
Project Teams |
|
Department of Defence: Decentralisation of the Defence Forces HQ to the Curragh, Co. Kildare |
Voted |
Not appointed to date |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Architect: OPW Architectural Services QS: John F. Dillon & Associates M&E: OPW in-house services Struc: OPW in-house services |
|
Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform Land Registry and Registry of Deeds – Hammond Lane/Church Street |
Voted |
Not appointed to date |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Architect: OPW Architectural Services QS: Not appointed to date M&E: Not appointed to date Struc: Malone O’Regan |
|
Buncrana Dept of Social & Family Affairs Local Office /Decentralised Offices/ Dept of Transport Driver Test Centre Dept of Justice, Equality & Law Reform Garda HQ |
Voted |
Not yet appointed |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Architect: OPW Architectural Services Q.S. Not yet appointed M & E: OPW in-house Structural: Not yet Appointed. |
|
Dept of Justice, Equality & Law Reform Decentralisation Fit out for the Irish Prison Service – Longford |
Voted |
Not yet appointed. |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Q.S.: Healy, Kelly, Turner, Townsend |
|
Dept of Justice, Equality & Law Reform: Spike Island Bridge for the Irish Prison Service |
Non Voted |
Not yet appointed. |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Architect: OPW Architectural Services Q.S: Arup Consulting |
|
National Conference Centre |
PPP |
Preferred Tenderer: Spencer Dock International Conference Centre Ltd (SDICC) |
|
|
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform – Forensic Science Laboratory |
Voted |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Architect: OPW Architectural Services QS: Tom McNamara & Partners M&E: Homan O’Brien Associates Structural: PH McCarthy |
|
Project |
Procurement Method |
Contractor |
Project Team |
|
Decentralising Offices |
|||
|
Department of Agriculture & Food – Portlaoise |
PPP |
To be appointed |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Contractor appoints Design Team |
|
Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment – Carlow |
PPP |
To be appointed |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Contractor appoints Design Team |
|
Department of Education and Science – Mullingar |
PPP |
To be appointed |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Contractor appoints Design Team |
|
Land Registry (Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform) – Roscommon |
Design / Build |
To be appointed |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Contractor appoints Design Team |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland – Dungarvan |
Design / Build |
To be appointed |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Contractor appoints Design Team |
|
Department of Defence – Newbridge |
Design / Build |
To be appointed |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Contractor appoints Design Team |
|
Office of Public Works – Trim |
Design / Build |
To be appointed |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Contractor appoints Design Team |
|
Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government – Wexford |
Design / Build |
To be appointed |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Contractor appoints Design Team |
|
Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources / Bord Iascaigh Mhara – Clonakilty |
Design / Build |
To be appointed |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Contractor appoints Design Team |
|
Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources – Cavan |
Design / Build |
To be appointed |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Contractor appoints Design Team |
|
Department of Social and Family Affairs – Donegal |
Design / Build |
To be appointed |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Contractor appoints Design Team |
|
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Garda Síochána) — Thurles |
Design / Build |
To be appointed |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Contractor appoints Design Team |
|
Revenue Commissioners — Athy |
Design / Build |
To be appointed |
Project Managers: OPW Project Management Services Contractor appoints Design Team |
255 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the specific quality proofing measures he has in place to ensure he, his officials, agents and servants, in carrying out their responsibilities, comply with the ruling of the Supreme Court in the case of the Health Amendment Bill that the State cannot abolish or reduce a right without compensation of not less than the market value and the more recent High Court ruling in the case of (details supplied) that the State cannot renege on its contractual obligations on the basis of objective public interest reasons. [31145/06]
In the case of court rulings, including the rulings to which the Deputy refers, my Department seeks advice or clarification from the Office of the Attorney General when required. All primary legislation is, of course, submitted to the Office of the Attorney General for examination prior to drafting and enactment by the Oireachtas.
256 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that over the past five years approximately 8% of the prize money awarded by the prize bond company has not been claimed; and if he will include this unclaimed money in the Dormant Accounts Fund in order that it could be put to community uses. [31146/06]
I understand from the National Treasury Management Agency that there are at present about 9,500 unclaimed prizes in the Prize Bond scheme, dating back to the establishment of the scheme in 1957 and representing approximately €1.25 million in prize money. The number of unclaimed prizes for the years 2001 to 2005 inclusive is 5,585, or just over 1% of the total number of prizes awarded in that period.
With regard to the inclusion of Prize Bonds in the Dormant Accounts Scheme, the number of Prize Bond prizes which are unclaimed for 15 years or more is very small, with only 244 outstanding, valued at €104,000. In view of the likelihood that prizes may still be claimed and the relatively small amounts involved, I do not propose to bring any additional legislation to extend the Dormant Accounts Scheme to prize bond winnings.
I am informed that the Prize Bond Company makes extensive efforts to contact each prize-winner but are not always successful, usually because bondholders have not informed the Company of changes of address. The Prize Bond Company will also check for unclaimed prizes on request from any bondholder. All unclaimed prizes are listed on the Company's website, www.prizebonds.ie. I should add that the Company takes steps periodically to raise public awareness about unclaimed prizes, e.g. by publishing a booklet listing the unclaimed prizes and through other advertising.
257 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the anger and frustration of people not being allowed to work after the age of 65; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that many people would be willing to submit themselves for an annual medical examination to prove they were fit to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31244/06]
The Government wishes to encourage and facilitate an increase in work force participation by older people. Recent measures introduced in Budget 2006 such as an increase in the income tax age exemption limits for persons aged 65 and over and the introduction of an earnings disregard for recipients of the social welfare State Pension (Non-Contributory) (previously known as the old age non-contributory pension) will make a significant contribution to that objective.
On the particular matter raised, the retirement condition associated with entitlement to the social welfare State Pension (Transition) (previously known as the Retirement Pension) at age 65 is a matter for consideration by my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. The wider issue of an entitlement by employees to work after the age of 65 is a matter for consideration by my colleagues the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and An Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in regard to their policy remits in the area of labour law and employment equality respectively.
258 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if the provisions of section 48 of the Health Act 1970 remain in place; if responsibility for this section was transferred to the Health Service Executive under the 2004 Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31138/06]
Under Section 48 of the Health Act, 1970, an applicant for a medical card may be required to make a declaration in such form as the Health Board considers appropriate in relation to his/her means. Section 59 of the Health Act, 2004 provided that functions which were the functions of a specified body, including a health board, transfer to the Health Service Executive. Furthermore, section 66 provides that references to a specified body in any Act passed before the establishment day, or in any instrument made before that day under an Act, are to be read as references to the Health Service Executive, unless the context otherwise requires. Therefore, with effect from 1 January 2005, the functions of a health board under Section 48 of the Health Act, 1970 transferred to the Health Service Executive.
259 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that constant speech and language therapy is made available for a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31139/06]
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.
260 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who was told by the Health Service Executive West orthodontic section when they were in sixth class that they did not require orthodontic treatment but now, having had a routine appointment with a dentist they have been told that they need immediate treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31140/06]
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.
261 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for refund of moneys under the national repayment scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [31150/06]
As the Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Health Repayment Scheme, enquiries relating to the scheme are referred to the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive. My Department has asked the HSE to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
262 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress on the implementation of her plan to refund nursing home charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31151/06]
The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 was signed by the President on 23 June 2006 and the legislative provisions of the Act came into effect on 30 June 2006. The repayment scheme was launched publicly by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the scheme administrator KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald on 14 August 2006. A national advertising campaign and a helpline also commenced on this date.
The HSE have informed the Department that 22,000 application forms have been issued, of which to date 11,500 forms including over 3,000 probate forms have been returned.
It is anticipated that notification of the calculated amount of repayment due, in the case of applications received in respect of approximately 9,000 claims which have been validated by the scheme administrator, will issue in October. On receipt of these notifications, applicants will have a period of 28 days in which to reject or appeal the calculated amount of repayment due prior to the issue of the money by the Health Service Executive. Provision has been made for applications to be received up to 1 January 2008 and it is anticipated that all applications will have been received by this date, however if necessary the cut off date for receipt of applications can be extended.
263 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the actions she will take to publicise the availability of the general practitioner only medical card in view of the small take up of the card since it’s introduction; her plans for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31152/06]
The GP visit card initiative was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.
Since the introduction of the GP Visit Card, the HSE has conducted two national media advertising campaigns to promote the benefit. The Executive has made available on its website ’www.hse.ie’ a calculator which will help people to get an indication as to whether they might qualify. The HSE continues to publicise all of these change to encourage people to apply and has made the application process as simple as possible. The HSE has informed me that, in addition, a specific programme of work is being undertaken, focused on further modernisation of the administrative and operational arrangements regarding the GP visit card and related primary care schemes.
264 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements or improvements proposed for dealing with the needs of Alzheimer patients in the Cork region; if St. Stevens Hospital features in such proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31153/06]
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.
265 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements in place, or being put in place, for step-down beds in the Cork region; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a Southern Health Board survey in the late 1990s found a need for over 300 such beds; the way these have been provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31154/06]
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.
266 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether school children who are in need of orthodontic treatment should be entitled to have access to such treatment within a reasonable time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31155/06]
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.
267 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason speech therapy service has not been provided for all students requiring it at a centre (details supplied) for two years; the plans in place to ensure that existing and recently graduated students are given access to the services at a later date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31156/06]
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.
268 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will urgently assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 with back up services. [31245/06]
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.
269 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the funds paid to general practitioners from the Exchequer on a county basis outlining the different grant payments and the sub-total and total paid by the Exchequer to each general practitioner for the year 2005 or for the latest year for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31246/06]
The Deputy's question relates primarily 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.
I understand that arrangements are also in place under the auspices of other Departments, whereby general practitioners are paid in respect of the provision of certain services. The remuneration arrangements involved are a matter in the first instance for the Ministers concerned.
270 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for accommodating the long-term patients in James Connolly Memorial Hospital who find that the land on which their hospital beds rest has been sold off to a builder; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31305/06]
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.
271 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reasons properly licensed oyster fisherman in Lough Swilly were told to cease fishing in early September 2006 by Fisheries Officers on a Naval vessel. [31105/06]
272 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he was lobbied by any Member on behalf of a company involved in a dispute over oyster fishing in Lough Swilly. [31106/06]
273 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the section of his Department responsible for the Lough Swilly oyster fishery; and if his attention has been drawn to the issues underlying the current dispute. [31107/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 271 to 273, inclusive, together.
The position is that all Irish fishing vessels engaged in commercial fishing activities are required to be appropriately licensed and registered as such.
In early September 2006, on foot of a joint Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and Naval Service patrol, a number of the vessels operating in the Lough Swilly Wild-Oyster fishery were found not to be correctly licensed and registered, and written warnings were issued by the Naval Service to two fishing vessels in that regard.
The other fishing vessels found to be operating in Lough Swilly on that day were given instructions by a Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Sea Fishery Officer to return to port until they could establish that they were appropriately licensed and registered to engage in commercial fishing.
Although the Naval Service operates entirely independently in carrying out its functions of fishery control, on this particular occasion the Naval Service were engaged in one of a number of joint operations with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to regulate inshore fisheries.
Licences issued by the Northern Regional Fisheries Board relate to participation in the oyster fishery in its area of responsibility only. Licences to participate in the fishery are issued by the Board on an annual basis. Approximately 30 operators are licensed to fish for wild oysters within the Lough.
The Department has received reports of encroachment by some oyster fishermen into a licensed aquaculture site within the Lough. The allegations have been investigated by the Department in consultation with the Naval Service, which has recently undertaken patrols in the Lough.
The Department has advised the representatives of the Lough Swilly Wild Oyster Development Association that fishing within a licensed aquaculture site is an offence under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, and that there are no circumstances in which such encroachment can be justified.
An application for an aquaculture licence by the Association in respect of oyster beds identified in a survey undertaken by Aquaculture Initiative is under consideration.
Officials of the Department have met representatives of the Association and advised them as to the further information required to allow consideration of their application to be progressed. Some additional information has been received and it is expected that the outstanding issues can be resolved without undue delay.
274 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if more than 800 tons of mussel seed have been transferred under authorisation from Lough Swilly to Lough Foyle; and if so, the reason and the basis on which the licence to do so was granted. [31108/06]
In line with the requirements of EU regulations, under Irish legislation, measures are in place, which provide for the control of movements of shellfish from bays around the coast. Following the detection of bonamia ostrea in Lough Foyle last year, specific controls were put in place on movements of shellfish from the lough by SI 500 of 2005. In addition, a comprehensive range of guidelines, drawn up by this Department working with the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, Northern Ireland, the Marine Institute and the Loughs Agency, has been put in place in respect of shellfish operations in Lough Foyle, following the detection of bonamia ostrea in the Lough. A copy of the guidelines was circulated to all operators on the 28th of July 2005 to help prevent the spread of the parasite. Operators have been strongly advised to adhere to these guidelines.
On 27 February 2006 a movement licence was issued by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, to move 850 tonnes of mussel seed from Lough Swilly to Lough Foyle. The period of the licence was February 20 th 2006 to April 30th 2006. This is the only licence issued for a movement of mussel seed from Lough Swilly to Lough Foyle by the Department to date, in 2006.
275 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has investigated the possible acceptance of corporate hospitality by an officer of the Petroleum Affairs Division from a person or company associated with the development of the Corrib gas field at the time of the World Cup; and the outcome of such an investigation. [31226/06]
My Department has no record of any staff member from the Petroleum Affairs Division availing of any such corporate hospitality as outlined in the Deputy's Question.
276 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the whole of the 16 million litres of biofuels which he states will be placed on the transport market here in 2007 will be produced within the State; and if not, the proportion which will be imported. [31265/06]
The Pilot Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Scheme, which commenced in August 2005, will see the production in Ireland of all 16m litres of biofuels in the two-year period to 2007 by the eight companies awarded excise relief under the scheme.
277 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the mechanisms used to determine funding for the installation of broadband to the various towns where it has been agreed to install such a service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31266/06]
278 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of towns that have broadband installed; the cost to his Department of such installations; the plans to further extend the number of towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31267/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 277 and 278 together.
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the independent regulator. The majority of towns now have at least one provider offering broadband services.
However, it has been clear for some time that the private sector has failed to invest at the level necessary to keep pace with the demand for broadband. My Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high speed open access broadband networks, in association with the local and regional authorities, in 120 towns and cities nationwide. These Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs.
Phase One of this Programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country with a total of €80 million funding provided by my Department. ENet the Management Services Entity, is currently managing those completed networks.
In planning the second phase of the MANs programme, a review of the availability of DSL broadband in the regions showed over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and above that were not being offered a broadband service by the private sector, and these towns have been targeted for the provision of MANs under Phase Two. €80 million in funding has been earmarked for this second phase between 2005 and 2007.
A further phase of the Programme to include medium-sized towns with a MAN is also being considered.
My Department also offers funding assistance for underserved smaller towns and rural communities with a population of less than 1,500, through the Group Broadband Scheme. The project proposals should demonstrate that the service is technically and commercially viable on an ongoing basis, after initial start up support. The scheme is technology-neutral, allowing the community to select the most suitable broadband delivery platform for the area. To date, over 160 projects have been approved for funding of €5,890,000 in total, under this Programme. The projects cover over 575 communities with a combined population of over 410,000. The most recent call for proposals has now closed and the question of a further round of financial assistance is under consideration.
However despite these interventions, there will still be some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. I am currently examining options to address the delivery of broadband services to these areas and I hope to be in a position to bring proposals to Government shortly.
279 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing failure of the Nigerian authorities to provide compensation for the victims of violence in Maiduguri earlier in 2006; if he will raise this issue with the Nigerian authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31133/06]
I am aware of the violent incidents which occurred in February this year in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, and then elsewhere in Nigeria. These regrettable incidents occurred following protests in Maiduguri on 18 February against the publication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad. The violence in Maiduguri resulted in at least eighteen confirmed fatalities and the burning of more than thirty Christian churches. Violent incidents subsequently spread to other areas in Northern Nigeria and also led to serious violence and attacks directed against Muslims and northerners in a number of locations in the south of Nigeria.
Our Embassy in Abuja reported extensively on these incidents at the time and also liaised closely with all members of the Irish community to ensure their safety and protection. A number of Irish religious in Kontagora, Niger State suffered loss of some property, including school buses, during the riots and consular assistance was extended to them by the Ambassador and Embassy. Irish Aid was able to provide some assistance to facilitate the continuation of their work. I am advised that any issue of compensation arising for those affected by the violence would be, in this instance, a matter to be pursued with the provincial rather than the Federal authorities in Nigeria.
The Government's serious concerns regarding these incidents, as well as those of the European Union, have been made known to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The EU pursues an active political dialogue with Nigeria within the framework of the Cotonou Agreement which provides an opportunity to discuss the sensitive issue of inter-communal relations in Nigeria as well as the challenge of confronting serious poverty which can often exacerbate ethnic and religious tensions. Our Embassy in Abuja will continue to monitor and report on these issues as they arise and will continue to make the Government's views known as appropriate. It will also offer any further appropriate consular assistance to those affected.
280 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts he has made to promote human rights in Burma and in particular, to bring Burma to the agenda of the UN Security Council; if he will ban Irish investment in Burma; if he will provide humanitarian aid to the internally displaced people in Burma and financial aid to Burmese human rights organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31134/06]
In my statement on behalf of Ireland to the 61st Session of the UN General Assembly on 26 September, I referred to the particularly grave human rights situation in Burma. I called, once again, on the Burmese régime to move towards democracy and to release all political prisoners, in particular Aung San Suu Kyi. At the ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Summit held in Helsinki earlier in September, the Taoiseach also raised the situation in Burma and called for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi.
These statements by the Taoiseach and myself are consistent with the strong position on Burma which Ireland takes on all possible occasions, including in the European Union framework and at the United Nations. Together with our EU partners, we avail of all opportunities to call for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi, to condemn the abuse of human rights and fundamental freedoms and deplore the lack of progress towards democracy in Burma.
The visit by UN Under-Secretary-General (UN USG) Gambari to Burma from 18-20 May was the first high-level visit to that country by a UN representative in more than two years. I welcome the fact that he was able to meet with the most senior Burmese leaders as well as with Aung San Suu Kyi and representatives of her party, the National League for Democracy, during the visit. It is vitally important that the Burmese government allow the UN to play a role in promoting common ground between the government and the National League for Democracy so that the National Convention, when it resumes its work, can proceed in a more inclusive way.
The situation in Burma was most recently discussed at the EU General Affairs and External Council Meeting in Luxembourg on 12 June. On that occasion the possibility of the situation in Burma coming before the UN Security Council was discussed. Subsequently, the UN Security Council decided to include Burma on its agenda. On foot of this, UNSG Gambari briefed the Security Council last Friday, 29 September. This was the first time that the UN Security Council met to discuss Burma as a formal item on its agenda. This is a welcome development. In this regard also, I welcome the news that UN USG Gambari is due to pay a return visit to Burma. Ireland and our EU partners apply a range of sanctions and restrictive measures against Burma, referred to as the EU Common Position, which had been due to expire on 30 April but which has been renewed for a further year. In the absence of any significant progress in Burma, Ireland strongly supported the renewal. The Council Regulation giving effect to the Common Position imposes, inter alia, a ban on the provision of technical assistance and on the provision of finance relating to military activities; a ban on the sale, supply, transfer or export of equipment that might be used for internal repression in Burma, and, on the provision of technical assistance or finance relating to such equipment. A Statutory Instrument provides for the implementation of this Regulation in Ireland and incorporates penalties for infringements of its provisions. In addition, the sale, supply, transfer or export of arms-related material to Burma is prohibited under the EU Common Position. Accordingly, no licences to issue such materials to Burma have been issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The question of a general ban on investment in Burma has not arisen in the EU context. I am not aware, however, of any Irish investment in Burma. Furthermore, the current level of trade is very low. The implementation of a ban on Irish investment in Burma, or in any other country, would primarily be a matter for my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Micheál Martin T.D.
Irish Aid supports human rights and democratisation in Burma through its Civil Society Fund and Multi-Annual Programme Scheme. In 2005, under Irish Aid's Multi Annual Programme Scheme, Trócaire received funding of over €500,000 in support of its programme to strengthen civil society in Burma and in support of Burmese refugees in Thailand. In 2006, this funding increased to over €650,000. In addition, €200,000 in humanitarian assistance was provided this year in support of the work of the Thai-Burma Border Consortium, which provides long term humanitarian assistance to some half a million Burmese refugees and internally displaced persons in the border area. Irish Aid is also providing over €290,000 to the Voluntary Service Overseas organisation for a three year programme promoting democratisation, human rights and reconciliation among five ethnic groups on the Burma/Thailand border.
Irish Aid also provided funding in 2005 for Burma Action Ireland to publish two reports to document and raise awareness of human rights violations in Burma. These reports were launched in Iveagh House by Minister of State Conor Lenihan T.D., on 28 June.
I will continue to raise concerns about Burma on all possible occasions and to call on the Burmese government to assume its responsibilities towards its people and to allow the fullest possible UN involvement in a genuine process of democratisation and reconciliation.
281 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to ongoing reports of religious persecution in Laos; if he has raised this matter with the Laotian authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31135/06]
While I am not aware of any specific very recent report on religious persecution in Laos, concerns about freedom of expression have been raised by the EU in the past with the authorities in Laos, most recently by the local EU Presidency last October. In addition, Amnesty International's 2005 Report referred to numerous incidents of religious repression of evangelical Christians having been reported in 2004. The Report stated that the number and consistency of such reports indicated that official government policy on freedom of religion, which is reported to have been relaxed in recent years, had not been implemented uniformly.
Ireland condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who the victims are. Ireland, with its EU partners, has previously expressed concern at various international fora, including at the United Nations, over the climate of intolerance towards religious groups in a number of countries around the world.
282 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to new anti-conversion laws in India and to reports that these laws have been used to harass and oppress members of minority religious communities; if he will raise this matter with the Indian authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31136/06]
I understand that the new laws to which the Deputy refers relate to changes to existing laws passed by State legislatures in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh States. I am not aware of any proposal for anti-conversion laws at the federal level. Indeed federal law in India provides for freedom of religious expression.
Ireland is committed to religious freedom and condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who the victims are. Ireland, with its EU partners, has previously expressed concern at various international fora, including at the United Nations, over the climate of intolerance towards religious groups in a number of countries around the world.
Together with our partners in the EU, we follow closely developments relating to the situation of Christian and other minority communities in India. These and other human rights concerns are regularly addressed within the framework of regular consultations on human rights between the EU and India.
In September 2005, the EU and India agreed a Joint Action Plan to strengthen the Strategic Partnership, in place since 2004. Continuing the dialogue on pluralism, diversity and human rights is an important goal of the Joint Action Plan, which commits both India and the EU to upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The most recent discussion on human rights issues, including the rights of minorities and the right to religious freedom, took place with the Indian authorities in New Delhi on 1 December 2005. The EU Heads of Mission Troika met with representatives from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Commission for Minorities.
I welcome initiatives such as the recent introduction by the Government of India, in the Indian Parliament, of the Communal Violence Suppression Bill, which will give special powers to the central government to deal with communal violence in Indian States. The EU is also following the questions relating to the discrimination against Christian Dalits which have been brought to the jurisdiction of the Indian Supreme Court.
I have asked our Embassy in New Delhi to continue to carefully monitor developments in this area.
283 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the human rights situation in Belarus, particularly with regard to religious freedom. [31137/06]
Within the EU, and in the relevant international and regional organisations, Ireland actively promotes respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms worldwide. In this context, we monitor reports of abuses of religious freedom wherever they occur.
Together with our EU partners, we remain very concerned about the general human rights situation in Belarus, though religious freedom has not been an issue of specific difficulty. Our concerns relate particularly to the failure of the Belarus authorities to respect international standards in the area of democracy and the rule of law. On 10 April and 18 May 2006, the EU imposed restrictive measures on members of the Belarusian leadership and on officials responsible for the violation of international electoral standards and for the crackdown on civil society and democratic opposition.
In presenting his report to the UN Human Rights Council last week, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Belarus, Mr Adrian Severin, underlined the continued refusal of the Belarus Government to cooperate with his office or recognise his mandate. He pointed to a steady deterioration of the human rights situation in Belarus, which was particularly evident in the period of the Presidential elections held on 19 March. The deterioration is characterised, the Special Rapporteur said, by a disregard for freedom of assembly, association and expression, by arbitrary use of State power and by widespread detentions. These views, moreover, coincide with numerous reports from other sources over a long period.
On the other hand, the Belarus Government has been willing to communicate with the UN Special Rapporteur on Religious Freedom or Belief, Ms Asma Jahangir. In this context, Ms Jahangir has underlined to Belarus, as she has to other countries, that the right to freedom of religion is not limited to members of registered religious communities.
As a general principle, Ireland expects each UN member state to cooperate fully with UN human rights mechanisms, including with Special Rapporteurs, and would strongly urge Belarus to meet its obligations in this regard.
284 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contacts he is maintaining with Government and other political leaders in the United States of America with regard to the plight of the undocumented Irish in America; the actions he is taking to progress the campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31147/06]
The welfare of the undocumented Irish in the United States is a matter of the highest priority for the Government. I raise our concerns in all of my dealings with contacts on Capitol Hill and in the US Administration. In particular, I emphasise our strong support for measures that would enable the undocumented to regularise their status and have open to them a path to permanent residency.
Over the St Patrick's Day period, the Taoiseach and I availed fully of our valuable meetings with President Bush and with Members of Congress to reiterate to them our views on this matter. The President helpfully assured us of his support for a comprehensive approach to immigration which advances reforms, as well as addresses enforcement issues. I am pleased to note that this is an approach which he has endorsed strongly on a number of occasions since then.
In view of the prominence of immigration on the legislative agenda in the US, I returned to Washington D.C. in May to reiterate to key legislators the importance which the Government attaches to the welfare of the undocumented Irish.
The passage through the US Senate that month of a comprehensive bill on immigration with provisions that would provide a path to permanent residency for the majority of the undocumented represented a significant and positive development in the legislative debate.
While encouraged by the passing of the Senate bill, we recognise that securing consensus on this sensitive and divisive issue remains a very considerable challenge. In view of this, we greatly appreciate the firm commitment to a comprehensive and positive approach that Senator Kennedy, Senator McCain and others continue to promote.
In addition to my on-going contacts with US political figures, I continue to liaise very closely with the Irish community organisations in the United States. While in New York last week, I met again with representatives of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, an organisation that is proving most effective in representing the views of the undocumented Irish and which the Government has been happy to support financially. I also had a valuable exchange with Irish community welfare and advisory groups in the New York area.
The Deputy can be fully assured that my efforts on behalf of the undocumented Irish will continue to be accorded the highest priority in the critical period ahead.
285 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if those approaching the age of 65 who wish to renew their passport have to pay for a further ten years renewal despite their entitlement to a free renewal of passport at the age of 65; and the proposals he has to allow shorter term and cheaper renewals for those in this situation. [31149/06]
The fees to be charged for passports are laid down by a Statutory Instrument [Diplomatic and Consular Fees (Amendment) Regulations 2005]. A person must be aged 65 years or above to be eligible to apply for a free passport. There is no provision in this Statutory Instrument to permit the Passport Office to waive the fee for persons aged less than 65 years. Apart from the legal dimension, the reality also is that, if this generous concessionary scheme is to work satisfactorily, there has to be a fixed starting date for the scheme and fixed qualifications for persons to benefit under it.
I should add also that new passports do not, of course, have to be applied for, or be valid from, the date when the previous passport expired.
286 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the figures for collective redundancies as defined (details supplied) are correct; if an employer applies to his Department and notifies of a collective redundancy, if the employer can receive a two thirds rebate on the cost of the redundancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31271/06]
The correct definition of "collective redundancies" as per Section 6(1) of the Protection of Employment Act, 1977 as amended by Article 5 of the Protection of Employment Order 1996 is as follows—
"Dismissals effected by an employer for one or more reasons not related to the individual concerned where in any period of 30 consecutive days the number of such dismissals is—
(a) at least 5 in an establishment normally employing more than 20 and less than 50 employees,
(b) at least 10 in an establishment normally employing at least 50 but less than 100 employees,
(c) at least ten per cent of the number of employees in an establishment normally employing at least 100 but less than 300 employees, and
(d) at least 30 in an establishment normally employing 300 or more employees."
Under Section 12 of the Protection of Employment Act 1977, as amended by Article 5 of the Protection of Employment Order 1996, there is an obligation on an employer proposing to effect collective redundancies to notify the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in writing of his or her proposals at least 30 days before the first dismissal takes place.
Employers who pay their employees their correct statutory redundancy lump sum entitlement under the Redundancy Payments Acts, 1967 to 2003 are entitled to a 60% rebate from my Department, financed by the Social Insurance Fund. This rebate applies to payments to all eligible employees under these Acts, regardless of whether or not a collective redundancy is involved.
287 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will abolish the means test for carers; and if he will examine other ways to assist carers and their families. [31132/06]
The carer's allowance is a social assistance payment which provides income support to people who are providing certain elderly or incapacitated persons with full time care and attention and whose incomes fall below a certain limit.
In line with other social assistance schemes, a means test is applied to the carer's allowance so as to ensure that limited resources are directed to those in greatest need. This means test has been eased significantly over the years Following Budget 2006, since April, the earnings disregard for a couple is currently set at €580 per week which is just at the level of gross average industrial earnings. This means that a couple with two children can earn up to €32,925 per annum and still receive the maximum rate of carer's allowance as well as the free travel, the household benefits package and the respite care grant. In accordance with the new social partnership agreement, towards 2016, I am committed to expanding, subject to available resources, the income limits for carer's allowance and aiming to keep the level of the disregard in line with average industrial earnings.
In Budget 2006, I provided for a significant increase in the rate of carer's allowance. From January this year, the rate of carer's allowance increased to €200 per week for carers aged 66 years and over.
Complete abolition of the means test for carer's allowance would cost an estimated €140 million in a full year. The view of some support organisations is that if this level of resources were available, it would be more beneficial to carers if it were invested in further increases to carers allowance and in the type of community care services which would support them in their caring role, such as additional respite care facilities, more home helps, public health nurses and other such services.
In addition, from June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care regardless of their income. Those persons in receipt of other social welfare payments, excluding unemployment assistance and benefit, are entitled to this payment subject to meeting the full time care condition. This arrangement was introduced to acknowledge the needs of carers especially in relation to respite. Provision was made in Budget 2006 to increase the amount of the respite care grant from €1,000 to €1,200.
I have introduced several improvements to payments from my Department in order to facilitate carers who wish to engage in employment, education or training. From 1 June this year, I increased the number of hours a person can engage in employment, self-employment, training or education outside the home and still satisfy the qualifying conditions for payment, from 10 to 15 hours per week.
In addition, in Budget 2006 I increased the length of time for which a person can claim carer's benefit from 65 to 104 weeks. The duration of the associated carer's leave scheme has also been extended to 2 years.
I am always prepared to consider changes to existing arrangements where these are for the benefit of recipients and financially sustainable within the resources available to me. Those recommendations involving additional expenditure can only be considered in a budgetary context.
288 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied). [31252/06]
The issues raised will be addressed and a reply issued directly to the correspondent shortly, a copy of which will be forwarded to the Deputy.
289 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which mental illness is catered for under the medical assessment for disability allowance; the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 was deemed not medically suited for disability allowance in view of their condition; if he intends to reform the eligibility criteria for disability allowance in order to allow that all people with a mental illness are assessed fairly and equally for social welfare entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31253/06]
Disability allowance is payable to people whose employment capacity is substantially restricted because of a disability and whose income falls below certain limits. Entitlement to the allowance is subject to the person satisfying both a means test and the medical eligibility criteria that apply and these are prescribed in legislation.
The medical criteria which must be satisfied in order to qualify for the allowance require that the person be suffering from an injury, disease, or illness which has continued or may reasonably be expected to continue for a period of at least a year, and as a result of the condition, be substantially handicapped in undertaking work which would otherwise be suitable having regard to the person's age, experience and qualifications. A person suffering from a mental illness may qualify for the allowance subject to other conditions.
When a person makes a claim for disability allowance an opinion regarding their medical condition is firstly provided by the person's own general practitioner. Where required, a second opinion is provided by the medical assessors employed by the Department. In certain instances medical examinations are undertaken, at which the medical assessor will have available the initial medical diagnosis, supplemented where appropriate, by relevant specialist and other reports. Any information provided by the claimant is also taken into account.
In the event that the medical assessor is not satisfied that the claimant meets the medical criteria for admission to the disability allowance scheme, the claim may be disallowed. In those circumstances, a person may appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, in which case a second medical assessment will be undertaken by a different medical assessor. I am satisfied that these arrangements ensure that all claims are assessed fairly and equally.
In the case of the person concerned, a medical assessor expressed the opinion that there was not enough evidence to admit him to Disability Allowance. He attended for a medical examination in connection with his application and was found not qualified for the Disability Allowance.
He appealed against this decision and was examined a second time by a different medical assessor who also considered unsuitable for disability allowance. His case will now go for full oral appeal hearing.
Medical Assessors carry out medical assessments of clients in order to provide an independent medical opinion with regard to eligibility on medical grounds for the guidance of deciding officers. I consider that these medical criteria are reasonable and I have no plans to change them.
290 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will investigate a matter where an application form under the back to school clothing and footwear allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Cork was refused by the Health Service Executive; and his views on whether they have a right to apply for this allowance and have their application assessed thereafter. [31257/06]
The back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) scheme is administered on behalf of my Department by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive.
A person may qualify for payment of a back to school clothing and footwear allowance if he or she is in receipt of a social welfare or health service executive payment, is participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education or training course, and has household income at or below certain specified levels.
The Health Service Executive has advised that it has disallowed an application by the person concerned as she was not in receipt of a qualifying payment at the time of the application but advised the claimant that she could re-apply if her circumstances changed.
291 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Transport the criteria which is used when classifying a national primary and a national secondary road; the regularity of the review of this decision; the process which is necessary to reclassify the status of these roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31129/06]
Until earlier this year, the national and regional road classification system was set out in Statutory Instrument (S.I.) 209 of 1994: Roads Act, 1993 (Declaration of National Roads) Order, 1994 and S.I. 400 of 1994: Roads Act, 1993 (Declaration of Regional Roads) Order, 1994. A major review of these Statutory Instruments — designed to take account of road improvements and route changes since 1994 — was completed earlier this year and Statutory Instruments (S.I. 187 of 2006 and S.I. 188 of 2006) were signed by me in April this year.
This review was conducted in consultation with local authorities and took account of representations received from a wide range of local interests. The criteria employed are set out below.
National Primary Roads
1. Long distance through routes, including those providing access to the key commercial seaports and State airports.
2. Serving as connections between principal cities and large towns.
3. Serving major geographical regions.
4. Having continuity throughout their length.
5. Serving in aggregate a high percentage of the total population of the country.
6. Carrying significant heavy commercial vehicles.
National Secondary Roads
1. Medium length through and semi-through routes.
2. Serving as connecting roads betweenprincipal towns.
3. Serving medium to large geographical regions.
4. Forming extensions to the national primary roads.
5. Linking national primary routes together to form a homogeneous network.
6. Serving major tourism traffic.
General
1. A by-pass of a town on a national route should be classified as the national route with the existing route being classified as non-national.
2. National roads should have continuity throughout their length and there should be no gaps within the designated network.
3. Spurs off the network should not be designated as national roads unless they connect to/from the key commercial seaports and State airports.
292 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Transport the number of private aircraft which came from outside the State in connection with the Ryder Cup event; the number which were subjected to security checks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31248/06]
I am informed by the Dublin Airport Authority that in the week of the Ryder Cup four hundred and ninety business and general aviation aircraft landed in Dublin airport compared with one hundred and fifty eight in this category for the corresponding period in 2005. I am advised by the Irish Aviation Authority that no fixed wing aircraft arrived at Weston Aerodrome during the period of the Ryder Cup.
The requirements for airport and aircraft security as prescribed by EU Regulation 2320/2002 and associated implementing legislation were applied in the normal way.
293 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on plans to limit the size of trucks in the Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31171/06]
I presume the Deputy is referring to the height of vehicles. There is currently no height limit for goods vehicles in Ireland. However, I am considering the introduction of a national height limit for vehicles taking account of more recent discussions with stakeholders. I expect to make a decision in this matter shortly.
294 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport the progress made regarding future plans for the extension of LUAS through the Templeogue area of Dublin south west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31172/06]
Transport 21, provides a Government commitment to deliver an extensive Luas and Metro network for Dublin in the period up to 2015.
Transport 21 does not include the provision of Luas to serve the Templeogue area within the timeframe of the strategy.
While Transport 21 involves a very large commitment of financial resources, those resources are also finite. It has therefore been necessary to prioritise the investments to be made over the ten year period.
The Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) strategy of 2001 did suggest that the Templeogue area be served by Luas or Metro. This remains the longer term vision for transport in Dublin. RPA expects to investigate those elements of the DTO strategy which fall outside of Transport 21 towards the latter part of the Transport 21 programme when the projects have been substantially delivered.
295 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will order an investigation into the reason bus services to Tallaght west estates were withdrawn without notice in the week commencing 25 September 2006 causing inconvenience and concern; if he will seek an assurance from Dublin Bus in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31173/06]
This is a day-to-day operational matter for Dublin Bus and not one in which I have any role.
296 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Transport when the LUAS line will be extended to Bray, County Wicklow; the possible routes which have been identified; the way these were chosen; the consultation process which took place; if additional possible routes will be identified; the means by which a person can participate in this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31174/06]
Transport 21 provides for a Luas extension to the Bray area for completion in 2015.
A large number of possible routes were identified and evaluated by the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA). Following an in-depth multi-criteria analysis a short-list of three routes were selected for public consultation.
The first of these routes runs west of the M11, the second runs east of the M11 and third route runs along the old Harcourt Street Line. In addition a possible spur linking options one and two with the DART is under consideration.
The public consultation process began on 14th August and this process is continuing. A detailed Newsletter, including a Freepost reply card and other contact details has been distributed to households, businesses and stakeholders in the areas likely to be affected. A public Open Day was held in Bray on 13 September 2006 and I am informed that this event was extremely well attended.
All comments made to the RPA before 27 October 2006 will be considered in selecting the final route, which may include variants to those put forward for public consultation.
Comments can be made to the RPA at
Freephone: 1800 676464
E Mail: info@rpa.ie
Web: www.rpa.ie
Address: PR Department
RPA,
Parkgate Business Centre
Parkgate St.
Dublin 8.
297 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the number of buses in the Bus Éireann bus fleet for each of the past nine years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31175/06]
My Department has asked Bus Éireann to forward the information sought to the Deputy.
298 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the way in which a detailed account of the passenger numbers, including numbers for individual lines and routes, peak-time and off-peak travel and so on carried on LUAS, Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann and other public transport modes is reported and recorded by his Department; the reporting mechanism in place in respect of each transport provider; the way in which this data is published; and if not, the reason for same. [31176/06]
The Railway Procurement Agency, Iarnród Éireann, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann provided to my Department, as part of their annual and other reports, information in relation to passenger carriage.
Details of passenger carriage on individual bus routes, railway lines and Luas are held by the relevant companies and are not routinely provided to my Department. Data in relation to actual and projected passenger carriage is provided as required, including in the context of business plans and capital investment projects.
In addition, the Dublin Transportation Office carries out each year a count at the canal cordon of all traffic crossing the cordon which provides valuable information on the modal split between public and private transport. This exercise also includes a monitoring of the Quality Bus Corridor network, by surveying peak and off-peak sectional journey times of buses and cars on sections. This count is carried out as follows: Dublin Bus counts bus passengers on all buses, including Bus Eireann and other buses, crossing the canal into and out of the city centre; and Dublin City Council counts all categories of traffic, including pedestrians, cyclists and categorized motorized traffic, into and out of the city centre.
This information assists the Department and transport operators in their development and consideration of transport strategies and plans.
299 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 1115 of 27 September 2006, if his decision to seek to implement the essential elements of the transitional Ireland-US bilateral arrangement from November 2006 outside of an agreed EU-US open skies agreement is contrary to the judgment of the European Court of Justice in 2002 that nationality clauses in existing bilateral aviation agreements between EU countries and the US were inconsistent with member states’ obligations under the Treaty of Rome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31258/06]
A transition period for phasing out our Shannon Stop requirement between November 2006 and March 2008 was built into the November 2005 EU-US agreement. The transitional arrangements negotiated with the EU US agreement offer significant benefits to Irish tourism and business interests opening up three new destinations in the US for Irish airlines. While we await the outcome of the US rulemaking process on ownership and control we are very concerned at any delay in commencing that transition period.
As stated in my reply to the previous question referred to by the Deputy, in the absence of progress at EU level I intend to seek to implement, the essential elements of the transitional arrangements by way of an amendment to the Ireland-US bilateral Air Services Agreement. It should be stressed that this will be done in accordance with the applicable Community law.
The European Court of Justice ruling on nationality clauses is a separate matter that applies to existing bilateral agreements and one of the objectives of the proposed EU US Open skies deal is to resolve this issue on a community-wide basis.
300 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the reason adequate notice was not given for the introduction of the child safety protection laws in order that parents could prepare financially for the purchase of additional restraints; the reason there are penalties for the enforcement of these laws but no grants of assistance available to parents (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31259/06]
The European Communities (Compulsory Use of Safety Belts and Child Restraint Systems in Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2006, which were made on 5 May 2006, transposed into Irish law EU Directive 2003/20/EC relating to the compulsory use of safety belts in motor vehicles. Member States were obliged to transpose the directive into their national laws by 8 May 2006. Directive 2003/20/EC is one of a series of important vehicle-related directives which I transposed into Irish law in the past year.
It is normal practice for regulations of this type to include penalty provisions for breaches of them. It is not proposed to provide grant assistance for the purchase of child restraint systems for motor vehicles.
301 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Transport the progress made towards making provision for resident parking only in the vicinity of Croke Park on match days and other major event days; if he will to introduce new legislation; if so, the timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31260/06]
An examination in my Department of the present road traffic legislative provisions indicates that there is no legislative provision to exclusively reserve parking on a specified public roads in the vicinity of Croke Park on match days and other major event days. The calls to reserve parking to local residents, whether in the context of match and event days at stadia or under other circumstances, is a very complex matter. The issue has been referred to the Office of the Attorney General and the matter will be considered further when advice is received on the issue.
302 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Transport the proposals he has for the general regulation of heavy goods vehicles in respect of parking in urban areas and in respect of rat running through narrow streets and roads to avoid tolls or to take short cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31261/06]
Statutory provisions are available to road authorities since 1997 to address the regulation of traffic, the application of restrictions on access by heavy goods vehicles to public roads and the application of parking restrictions by heavy goods vehicles at any location. The decision to apply such regulatory measures is a matter to be decided upon at local level by each road authority. I have no role in relation to local traffic management plans.
303 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he has received the report of the integrated ticketing project board on the review of the integrated ticketing project; if so, the conclusions of same; and the way he will proceed with the project. [31262/06]
I understand from the Chairman of the Integrated Ticketing Project Board that the report is being finalised and is expected to be submitted to me within the next day or so.
304 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the national reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31104/06]
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payments Scheme National Reserve under categories A and D. It should be noted that the rules governing the Single Payment Scheme National Reserve stipulate that an applicant who is found to be eligible under more than one category may only receive an allocation of entitlements under whichever category is most beneficial.
Category A caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May 2005 and who had leased out his/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000-2002. The person named has been deemed successful under this Category. A formal letter outlining my Department's decision has issued to the person named and payment will issue shortly.
Category D caters for farmers, who inherited or purchased land and 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. The person named did not qualify under this Category as the land applied for was leased land. If the person named 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.
305 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the recommendations of the Report on the Operation of the Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming prepared for the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food which she is in favour of implementing; if she has raised relevant issues in relation to its implementation with the relevant EU authorities; if so, the outcome of these discussions; and when she plans to implement the said recommendations within that report. [31178/06]
The Joint Oireachtas Committee published its report in February 2005. The report dealt with a range of issues and I responded in detail to it in September 2005.
In line with the Joint Committee's recommendations, I have recently increased the off-farm income limit for transferees in the current Scheme from €25,400 to €40,000 and have abolished the income limit for transferors. The Committee made certain other recommendations, some of which are still under consideration.
The Committee paid particular attention to two further issues. One was the implication of decoupling for retired farmers who had leased out land and quota to transferees before or during the Single Payment Scheme reference period. I believe we secured the best deal that we could for people in this situation, in spite of the fact that the Commission were unsympathetic at the outset. A specific mandatory category was included in the National Reserve arrangements under the Single Payment Scheme. This category caters for farmers who inherited or otherwise received a holding free of charge or for a nominal amount from a farmer who retired or died before 16 May 2005 where the land in question was leased out to a third party during the reference period.
Under these arrangements, where a farm reverted to the retired farmer at the end of a lease without any entitlements, a family member taking it over will have access to the National Reserve. Retired farmers in the current Scheme who farmed during part or all of the reference period and who hold Single Payment entitlements could activate entitlements and lease them to their transferees. If the transferee did not wish to use the entitlements, a transferor has until 2007 to lease the entitlements with land to another farmer. Once at least 80% of the entitlements have been used by the lessee, the transferor has the option to sell the entitlements with or without land; otherwise he can continue to lease the entitlements with land.
The second issue the Joint Committee focused on was the levels of payment under the two Schemes. In the course of discussions on this issue, the European Commission has pointed out that the rate in the earlier Scheme was set at the maximum amount for co-funding that the Regulation allowed, and that it would not be possible to secure co-funding for an increase in the rate of pension for existing participants in the current Scheme.
306 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will expedite the processing of a grant for farm waste management for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [31263/06]
The person concerned applied for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on 18 September 2006. The application is being processed in line with the arrangements set out in the Charter of Rights for Farmers 2005/2007.
307 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of pupils in primary schools in Cork South-West who are in classes of 24 to 28 and 29 and above; and the proposals she has to reduce teacher pupil ratios. [31110/06]
The information requested is not available in my Department in the format requested by the Deputy. As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at primary in recent years. At the beginning of the current school year there are no less than 4000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 2002. The average class size in our primary schools is 24 and there is now one teacher for 17 pupils at primary level.
Children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas are getting more support than ever before to help them to make the most of their time at school. Indeed, with the thousands of extra primary teachers hired by this Government, recent years have seen the largest expansion in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education. Over the next two school years even more teachers will be put in place both for the above priority areas of disadvantage and special education and also under a reduction in the mainstream staffing schedule.
As you know all primary schools are staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children. Of course, schools with only one or two teachers have much lower staffing ratios than that – with two teachers for just 12 pupils in some cases and so on — but the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children in the school. Next year (2007/2008 school year) this is being reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher.
A further initiative that has been of direct benefit to primary schools has been the change in the criteria for developing schools. For the current school year the threshold for getting a developing school post was reduced specifically to help schools that are seeing large increases in enrolments each year, as is the case in many schools. 170 such posts were sanctioned in the 2005/06 school year, compared to 105 in 2004/05.
This Government has shown a clear determination to improve the staffing in our schools and we will continue to prioritise this issue going forward.
308 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding permanent accommodation for a school (details supplied) in County Galway which has been waiting for 22 years for progress on this matter; the outcome of a recent meeting held in Galway as to the suitability of various sites; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31111/06]
My Department has been actively pursuing a suitable site to facilitate the construction of a permanent building for the school referred to by the Deputy. My Department is considering two site options with the intention of identifying the most suitable site to facilitate the development of a new school building.
309 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will increase an allowance (details supplied) for VTOS participants in view of the fact that the current rates of payment are in effect since 1 January 2002 and are no longer reasonable. [31126/06]
The allowance for VTOS students referred to in the question is equivalent to that paid to participants on FÁS training courses. Allowances are increased periodically in line with increases in FÁS rates.
310 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science the timeframe for the building of a new national school in Laytown, County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31127/06]
As the Deputy will be aware the Department has taken over from the Patron with regard to acquiring the necessary permanent site for the Junior School with a view to concluding the acquisition as quickly as possible to move the delivery of the permanent structure forward. It would be the Department's intention to relocate the Junior School to temporary accommodation on the new site for 2007.
311 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has replied to any of the 200,000 parents who signed letters to her in June 2006 demanding that the Government implement the promise to reduce class size in primary schools contained in the programme for Government; and if not, when she intends to provide these parents with the courtesy of response. [31128/06]
The letters referred to by the Deputy were given to me in the form of a petition by the INTO and did not call for an individual response. However, in response to the petition, I issued a statement pointing out the position with regard to staffing in our primary schools. As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at primary and post-primary level in recent years. At the beginning of the current school year there are no less than 4000 extra teachers in our primary schools, compared with 2002. The average class size in our primary schools is 24 and there is now one teacher for 17 pupils at primary level, including resource teachers etc.
Children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas are getting more support than ever before to help them to make the most of their time at school. Indeed, with the thousands of extra primary teachers hired by this Government, recent years have seen the largest expansion in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education. Over the next two school years even more teachers will be put in place both for the above priority areas of disadvantage and special education and also under a reduction in the mainstream staffing schedule.
As you know all primary schools are staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children. Of course, schools with only one or two teachers have much lower staffing ratios than that – with two teachers for just 12 pupils in some cases and so on — but the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children in the school. Next year (2007/2008 school year) this is being reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher.
A further initiative that has been of direct benefit to primary schools has been the change in the criteria for developing schools. For the current school year the threshold for getting a developing school post was reduced specifically to help schools that are seeing large increases in enrolments each year, as is the case in many schools. 170 such posts were sanctioned in the 2005/06 school year, compared to 105 in 2004/05. This Government has shown a clear determination to improve the staffing in our schools and we will continue to prioritise this issue going forward.
312 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the higher education grants have not been substantially increased in view of the cost of maintaining a student at a third level institution; if her attention has been drawn to the financial hardship that is being endured by many families particularly where there is more than one family member at a third level institution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31227/06]
This Government has shown a clear determination to dramatically improve the financial support available to those students who need it most. We introduced a Top Up Grant, which currently benefits over 12,000 students this year. The higher, non-adjacent special rate of maintenance is based on the maximum personal rate of Social Welfare Unemployment Assistance. This year the top up grant was increased by 22.5%. Indeed, with the increases that we have provided in recent years, the maximum amount of grant support available this year (including top-up) is €5,970, compared to just €2,032 in 1996/97. The payment rates for the ordinary maintenance grants have also been increased in recent years.
In relation to the reckonable income limits under the maintenance grant schemes, the practice in recent years has been to increase the limits at least in line with movements in the average industrial wage in the previous year in the reference period (September to September). This year, an increase of 5.3% was approved, in the reckonable income limits for the 2006/2007 academic year, as has the allowance by which the income limits may be increased for each dependant where two or more children are in further or higher education. This increase was ahead of the 3.2% increase in the relevant reference period. The top income limit has been increased from €44,350 to €46,700 (where there are less than four children). Higher income thresholds than this apply in cases where there are 4 or more dependent children in the family. The annual income threshold for the special rates of maintenance grant has been increased, in line with the relevant social welfare payments by over 7%.
Over €228 million has been allocated for third level maintenance grants in 2006. This Government is committed to ongoing improvements in the student support schemes, including increasing the value of maintenance grants and increasing the income limits, as resources permit.
313 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if all social welfare payments are taken into consideration when calculating eligibility for a higher education grant; if family income supplement and farm assist payments are considered in such calculations; her plan to review this policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31228/06]
The assessment of means under my Department's Third Level Student Maintenance Grant Schemes is based on gross income from all sources, with specified social welfare and health service executive payments being excluded from the calculation. The following Social Welfare and Health Service Executive Payments are excluded in the calculation of reckonable income:—
Child Benefit
Family Income Supplement
Disability Allowance (where paid to the candidate)
Blind Pension (where paid to the candidate)
Means Tested One Parent Family Payments
Orphan's Pensions
Back to Education Allowance
Foster Care Allowance
Domiciliary Care Allowance and
Carer's Allowance.
I have no plans at present to depart from the above practice in respect of the determination of income.
315 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the erection of mobile phone masts in close proximity to schools and densely populated residential areas; his further view on the expressed concerns of school authorities and local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31185/06]
In general, planning permission must be sought for the erection of an antenna support structure or mast. In July 1996 my Department issued Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures. Their purpose was to assist planning authorities, An Bord Pleanála, operators of mobile telecommunications services and the general public by providing guidance on dealing with telecommunications masts and base stations within the planning system.
The Guidelines advise that "in the vicinity of larger towns and city suburbs operators should endeavour to locate in industrial areas or in industrially zoned land". They advise that "only as a last resort should free-standing masts be located within or in the immediate surrounds of smaller towns or villages" and also that "only as a last resort should free standing masts be located in a residential area or beside schools". Planning authorities must have regard to the Guidelines in considering applications for permission for new masts in their areas.
The Planning and Development Regulations 2001 set out certain limited exemptions for telecommunications infrastructure and equipment. These include subject to certain conditions, the attachment of additional antennae to an existing antenna support structure, the replacement of an existing antenna support structure and the attachment of antennae to certain existing structures, such as telegraph poles, electricity pylons and certain public or commercial buildings. These exemptions specifically exclude attaching antennae to existing structures such as educational facilities, childcare facilities and hospitals. These Regulations were the subject of extensive debate in the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment and Local Government, and were subsequently approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas.
It is a matter for each local authority to ensure that developments permitted in their area conform to these standards.
Following the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Report on Non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts of June 2005, an inter-departmental advisory committee and an expert group, working to the committee, has been established to provide advice on the appropriate action to be taken on foot of the recommendations contained in the Oireachtas Committee report. The work of the committee and expert group is in train and I expect it to be finalised by the end of 2006, following which appropriate action will be addressed.
316 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason there has been a 33% fall in the number of homes granted planning permission in the second quarter of 2006 compared with the same period in 2005; the expected consequences of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31196/06]
I assume that the Question refers to recently released figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). These show that in the second quarter of 2006 a total of 19,097 residential units were granted planning permission, which was a decrease of 33% on the equivalent figure for the second quarter in 2005, that is, 28,818.
However figures taken over 4 quarters, that is the year up to June 2006, show a considerably smaller fall in permitted residential units, namely a decrease of 17% over the previous four quarters.
The numbers of units approved in 2004 and 2005, 101,653 and 99,352 respectively as compared to the number of units completed in those years – 76,954 and 86,188, respectively – suggests that there are many permissions yet unused.
It is also worth bearing in mind that, according to the CSO, the rate of grant of planning permission for residential units in 2004 and 2005 was significantly higher than in the 3 years prior to that with 200,000 units granted permission in those years alone – at current rate of construction, that is 2½ years supply. In contrast the rate of grant of residential units in 2001 to 2003 was less than 80,000 units annually, a rate of approval that was sufficient to deliver record numbers of constructed units. Therefore the drop in numbers may simply reflect the numbers being applied for in any one period and be a natural part of the construction cycle.
The fall is not due to a decline in the efficiency of the planning system or to any deficiency in the amount of zoned and serviced land. Insofar as the processing of all planning applications by planning authorities is concerned, the number of decisions being made by planning authorities has increased over the same period. Planning authorities decided 38,377 applications in the first half of 2006, an increase of over 1,000 decisions compared to the same period in 2005. The proportion of applications granted remains above 80% consistently. While these figures relate to all planning applications, it is reasonable to assume that they do not vary widely between housing and other types of application.
A survey conducted by my Department on the amount of zoned residential land in local authority areas that was serviced at end 30 June 2005 indicates that there is more than an adequate stock of serviced building land available throughout the country for residential development. At end June 2005, there was 14,782 hectares of serviced residentially zoned land nationally, with an estimated yield of 459,641 housing units. This equates to sufficient capacity nationally for residential development for over 5 years, based on 2005 completions of around 81,000 units.
317 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has for continuing the use of the rental accommodation scheme as a long-term option to house people who should be in social housing. [31269/06]
I am satisfied at this early stage that the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) is meeting the objectives set for it by Government in July 2004. RAS has progressed from piloting to full local authority mobilisation. RAS is being constantly monitored and its use should be continued as part of the range of local authority responses to meeting long-term housing needs.
RAS uses a range of measures to provide good quality, secure accommodation and is particularly suited to dealing with the needs of single person households, the elderly and the long term homeless. It has also provided a solution to the problems of poverty traps in the rent supplement scheme. To date over 11,000 rent supplement cases have been reviewed, 1,600 properties inspected and some 1,700 cases transferred to RAS. An additional 1,200 rent supplement households have also been allocated local authority housing.
Under RAS, eligible persons can indicate their preference to be accommodated by local authorities in social housing, continue to remain in their current private accommodation or apply for alternative private accommodation. Accommodation may also be provided by voluntary and co-operative housing bodies. RAS has taken on a pivotal role in proving local authorities with solutions to a range of accommodation demands. This has been recognised in Towards 2016. Voluntary and co-operative housing bodies, tenant representative bodies and organisations supporting the homeless are fully supportive of the scheme and bodies with the voluntary sector are active in providing accommodation.
RAS provides fresh options for local authorities to improve and accelerate the provision of social housing support. In the short term we are committed to providing an additional 1,000 new units from the private sector on long term contracts over the period 2007-2009. Over the long term RAS will become an important part of the armoury of local authorities in addressing the issue of housing need.
318 Mr. Kelleher asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if local councils can waive water charges for schools; if he proposes to change legislation to allow councils to have discretion in relation to the collection of water charges from schools; his views on whether it is fair or just to schools particularly in disadvantaged areas paying large sums of money for water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31112/06]
Local authorities are required to recover the cost of providing water services from all users of these services, with the exception of householders. The intention is that the cost of providing water services to the non-domestic sector will be recovered by local authorities by means of a meter based volumetric charge. Wavier provisions in relation to local government services are designed only to address personal hardship and cannot therefore appropriately accommodate the non-domestic sector.
In order to provide a transparent and equitable cost recovery mechanism for water services, as envisaged by the EU Water Framework Directive, local authorities are now moving towards the metering of all non-domestic users, including schools. Metering of water usage should incentivise all non-domestic users, including schools, to conserve their use of water and so minimise this element of their running costs.
319 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being created for elderly and handicapped people who have applied for assistance with funding for stairlifts and other essential repairs, by the need to have an occupational therapist's report on each such application; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that this requirement can cause delays of up to six months due to the non-availability of occupational therapists; the proposals he has to amend that requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31113/06]
I am very much aware of the importance of the efficient operation of the Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant schemes in assisting with the provision of appropriate accommodation for disabled and elderly persons in the community. The administration of the Disabled Persons Grant scheme is delegated to local authorities within the framework laid down in statutory regulations in order to give an appropriate degree of flexibility at local level. The introduction of systems of medical prioritisation as well as standardisation of costs and improved arrangements for the use of occupational therapists has enabled authorities to manage the schemes more efficiently and has allowed them to tackle the backlog of applications which had been allowed to build in a number of areas.
The issue of the availability of occupational therapists has been considered in the context of a review of the Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant schemes, including the conditions governing the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme, recently finalised within my Department. Proposals for the future operation of these schemes are now being prepared, in consultation with other public agencies concerned, and I expect to be in a position to announce these shortly.
320 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a drainage scheme will be sanctioned for a town (details supplied) in County Cork; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that urgent remedial work on the main street of the town is being deferred, pending work on the drainage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31114/06]
The proposed sewerage works at Carrigaline form part of the Cork Lower Harbour Sewerage Scheme which is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a scheme to commence construction in 2007 at an estimated cost of €71.4 million.
My Department is awaiting submission of a Preliminary Report for the scheme by Cork County Council. Following approval of the Preliminary Report the Council will be in a position to draw up Contract Documents. Responsibility for the maintenance of road surfaces in the meantime is of course a matter for the Council.
322 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Irish Rural Dwellers Association should be a nominating body to An Bord Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31116/06]
In the context of new Planning and Development Regulations to be finalised shortly I intend to make the Irish Rural Dwellers Association (IRDA) a nominating body for An Bord Pleanála.
323 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether it is incorrect that membership of An Taisce is secret; his further views on whether there should be transparency in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31117/06]
An Taisce is an independent non-governmental organisation and I have no detailed information regarding its membership.
In general terms it is a matter for non-governmental organisations to regulate their own affairs, without Government involvement. However, general provisions have been included in Section 10 of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 for the prescription of additional requirements for environmental organisations which must be satisfied in order for them to make an appeal against a decision by a planning authority on applications for development involving environmental impact assessment. Any regulations made under that provision must be of a general nature and for the purposes of promoting transparency and accountability in the operation of the non-governmental organisations involved.
324 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of any written submission that he may have made to the Railway Procurement Agency in regard to the Luas Line B2 from Cherrywood to Bray. [31118/06]
My Department has not made a submission to the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) in regard to the Luas Line B2 from Cherrywood to Bray, and there are therefore no papers from the Department in this regard which I could release to the Deputy.
However, I should point out that, in my role as constituency representative, I have written to and met with the RPA in relation to the proposed extension of the LUAS to Bray.
325 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the recognition which will be afforded to the newly convened degree courses of architecture at Waterford Institute of Technology and the University of Limerick under the terms of the Building Control Bill 2005 once enacted in law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31119/06]
The architectural degree courses referred to have only recently commenced and, consequently, are not specified as recognised architectural qualifications for the purpose of registration of the title of "architect" in Section 11 of the Building Control 2005, introduced last December. Following the enactment of the 2005 Bill, I will consider making Regulations under Section 11 (5), providing for recognition of these courses, if appropriate, in consultation with the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI).
326 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the situation in regard to levels of lead in drinking water supplies; the progress which has been made in eliminating same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31120/06]
335 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that all drinking water throughout the country is of an adequately high standard in terms of quality and pollutants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31233/06]
337 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to meet in full, current and future domestic water supply needs with particular reference to purification, storage capacity and continuity of supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31235/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 326, 335 and 337 together.
Drinking water quality in public and private water supplies is monitored and reported on by the Environmental Protection Agency. The most recent EPA report The Quality of Drinking Water in Ireland — A Report for the Year 2004 is available in the Oireachtas Library and confirms the fundamentally good quality of drinking water supplies in Ireland. The report shows an overall compliance rate with all relevant parameters, including lead, of 96.4%.
This Government has invested very considerable resources in this area. Some €3.7 billion will be spent under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 on the provision of water services infrastructure. Substantial increases in water treatment and storage capacity, both for domestic and non-domestic use, are being achieved as a result of this investment. Schemes completed in the period 1997 to June 2006 have produced additional drinking water treatment capacity equivalent to the needs of a population of over one million. The increase in storage capacity over the same period was sufficient to meet the requirements of a population of over 1.5 million. Overall, the resources being put in place by my Department should continue to ensure that the coverage and quality of the national water supply infrastructure is adequate to meet current and anticipated demands.
The European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 2000, which transposed Council Directive 98/83/EC, reduced the parametric value for lead in drinking water to 10 micrograms per litre. A December 2013 deadline is specified for achieving compliance with this standard, with an interim value of 25 micrograms per litre required since the end of 2003. Compliance with the interim standard is generally achievable through appropriate treatment at water treatment plants. I have also provided funding in the Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 for a study of the implications of the 2013 lead standard for public water supply systems. The study is being led by Dublin City Council and is currently in progress.
Management of public drinking water supplies is generally the responsibility of the local authorities, which have a range of instruments and measures available to them to produce and conserve sufficient stocks to meet anticipated needs and to ensure quality standards. In addition, my Department co-ordinates and finances a major programme of investment in improved infrastructure, active leakage control, telemetry and rehabilitation of water mains. Details of such projects are set out in the Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 which is also available in the Oireachtas Library.
The schemes included in the Programme are derived mainly from regular assessments of needs undertaken by local authorities, at my Department's request, as an input to the overall strategy for meeting necessary water supply and treatment requirements. Sanitary authorities have been requested to carry out new assessments in 2006 and these will inform project selection in the next phase of the Water Services Investment Programme.
327 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to provide for national parks legislation in order to improve the regulatory framework for the designation, management and future development of national parks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31121/06]
All of Ireland's six National Parks are managed as Category II National Parks under the criteria set out by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Under this Category, ownership and management should normally be by the highest competent authority of the State.
Accordingly, all National Parks in Ireland are fully owned and managed by the State. A large proportion of Killarney National Park is made up of the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park, which was gifted to the State in 1932 under the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park Act 1932. The other areas of Killarney National Park, together with Connemara, Glenveagh, Wicklow Mountains, the Burren and Ballycroy National Park, County Mayo are managed under the State Property Act, 1954. Most of the land in the National parks is also designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) under the EU Habitats Directive, 1992, which was transposed into Irish Law by the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997.
While I have no current proposals for National Parks legislation, I indicated in the Interim Review of the Implementation of the National Biodiversity Plan 2002-2006, that my Department is examining the legal basis for the National Parks and in this context will consider, inter alia, the need for specific National Parks legislation.
328 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the report that he may have received in regard to the odour issues and any other problems arising from the operation of the Ringsend waste water treatment plant in Dublin City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31122/06]
The operation of the regional waste water treatment plant in Ringsend is the responsibility of Dublin City Council and my Department has no direct function in the matter. I understand that remedial measures to deal with odour issues are being carried out by the plant operators on behalf of the City Council.
329 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that local authorities are complying with the requirement under Section 38 of the Planning and Development Act to make available copies of parts of planning applications at reasonable cost; his views on whether a charge of €5 is reasonable for an A4 page, €10 for an A3 sheet and €20 for a larger drawing in the case of Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31123/06]
Section 38(4) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 allows the charging of a fee for photocopies of documents relating to planning applications "not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy".
On the basis of a survey carried out in 2005, my Department determined that there was a large variation in practices in planning authorities as regards the method of calculation of charges for photocopies of planning documents. My Department issued Circular PD4/05 on 10 August 2005 requesting planning authorities to review their charging policy for copies of planning documents.
The circular advised that the reasonable cost of making a copy should include only the cost of actually making the copy, and should not include for example the cost of searching for and retrieving the document in question. The circular also states "that the charging of a minimum charge of e.g. €2-€5 for one page is not reasonable if this charge exceeds the actual cost of making the copy." This advice will be reiterated in the Development Management Guidelines which will be finalised and published in the coming months and its implementation will be kept under review.
331 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make contact with South Dublin County Council and offer assistance with regard to the need to preserve, protect and develop a house (details supplied) in Dublin 24; his views on the historical significance of this site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31229/06]
Statutory protection of the architectural heritage is primarily a matter for the planning authorities to whom my Department provides advice in the exercise of their functions in that regard under the Planning and Development Act 2000.
Under the provisions of the Act, each planning authority is required, for the purpose of protecting structures, or parts of structures, which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, to include in its development plan a Record of Protected Structures within its functional area. This may be done at the time of the preparation of the development plan, or where appropriate, at any other time. The making of an addition to, or a deletion from, a Record of Protected Structures is a reserved function.
I understand that the building referred to in the Question is included in the Record of Protected Structures for South Dublin County Council which was published in the development plan in December 2004. I am satisfied that the use of the Planning Acts, together with the County Council acting vigilantly and proactively to ensure the status of the building on the Record of Protected Structures, are appropriate in relation to its protection.
My Department funds a scheme of grants for the conservation of protected buildings, which is administered by the local authorities. It is a matter for each individual local authority to assess and prioritise applications and approve funding. The scheme is aimed at assisting owners and occupiers to carry out conservation works on structures which are included in the Record of Protected Structures.
332 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects to be in a position to utilise methane gas emissions from sewage treatment plants for energy purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31230/06]
The generation of methane gas for use as a fuel is a potential benefit of treating sludge, a waste water by-product, by anaerobic digestion. The gas produced from the sludge digestion process in Ireland's largest waste water treatment facility at Ringsend in Dublin supplies some 50% of the heating requirements of the plant. Other sewage treatment plants also recover energy from methane gas to heat the sludge digestion process.
Funding for the inclusion of energy recovery facilities in waste water treatment plants is available, where appropriate, from my Department under the Water Services Investment Programme.
333 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects fire fighting services, permanent and part-time, to be fully equipped with the most modern technology in terms of breathing apparatus, sufficient to meet requirements emanating from major accidents or terrorist attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31231/06]
The provision of a fire service, including equipment such as breathing apparatus, 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.
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 the purchase of fire appliances and other equipment, including breathing apparatus. 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 the local authorities in carrying out their statutory functions, including the provision of fire services.
334 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he has studied the monitoring of air pollution with particular reference to identification of the areas most severely affected; the plans he has to deal with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31232/06]
Air quality assessment is the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency and air quality management a matter for local authorities informed by air quality measurement data.
The Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality in Ireland 2005 report, published in July 2006 (available in the Oireachtas Library), contains details of the monitoring and assessment of national air quality, and incorporates data from all air quality monitoring stations operated by the EPA and local authorities. Air quality was good throughout the country in 2005 and complied with the air quality standards in force for all pollutants.
From its recent report Environment in Focus 2006; Environmental Indicators for Ireland, I am aware of the Environmental Protection Agency's concern in relation to increasing emissions of nitrogen oxides and the challenge for Ireland in meeting our 2010 nitrogen dioxide target under EU Directive 1999/30/EC. In this regard I refer to the reply to Question No. 116 on today's Order Paper.
Question No. 335 answered with QuestionNo. 326.
336 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 the local housing construction programme with particular reference to the need to address the requirements of applicants within a reasonable timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31234/06]
The Government's commitment to a strong local authority housing construction/acquisition programme is reflected in the record allocation of €942 million provided to local authorities under the programme for 2006. This should allow for the completion of over 5,000 housing units in the year. I have urged them to accelerate progress on the implementation of their programmes in order to commence construction and secure completion on as many social housing schemes as possible in 2006.
The Government have committed in the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, to higher levels of output to meet assessed need as part of a comprehensive programme of social housing investment. This includes an additional 4,000 new housing units over the period 2007 to 2009 through a combination of local authority and voluntary and co-operative housing, and private rented accommodation using long-term contractual arrangements.
338 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will allocate or approve increases in the funding available to local authorities for disabled persons’ grants and essential repair grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31236/06]
My Department had allocated €65 million for the funding of Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant schemes in private houses in 2006. It is expected that a further €7 million will be spent this year on works of adaptation to make local authority rented houses more suitable for a disabled member of the household, bringing the total expenditure in the area to €72 million. I am satisfied that this significant level of funding is reasonable and this is reflected in the fact that all local authorities received the capital allocation requested by them in 2006.
My Department is continually monitoring expenditure patterns of local authorities for the schemes to ensure that the resources being made available are utilised to the maximum extent possible and in this regard an amount of €1.75m has already been reallocated to local authorities this year.
339 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications currently before his Department for the upgrading of sewerage schemes throughout County Kildare; if he will ensure the availability of adequate funding to meet such requirements in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31237/06]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 1504, 1506 and 1526 of 27 September 2006. I am arranging to forward the information promised to the Deputy.
340 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will increase the allocation of capital funding to Kildare County Council to meet the full requirement in terms of the local authority housing programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31238/06]
Kildare County Council have been allocated €39 million in capital funding for their local authority housing construction / acquisition programme in 2006. My Department has not received an application from the County Council for additional funding. However, any such application will be considered taking account of the overall provision under the local authority housing construction/acquisition programme for the year.
342 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the membership of the National Heritage Council; its terms of reference and level of consultation with other heritage groups; the budget for the first 12 months; its policy on the conservation of churches which are no longer required for religious service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31242/06]
The Buildings at Risk Grant Scheme operated by the Heritage Council, a statutorily independent body established under the Heritage Act, 1995 and funded by my Department, has been deployed to certain churches which are no longer required for religious service. Enquiries should be made directly to the Heritage Council. The Council is itself broadly based in its membership and has active engagement with heritage NGOs.
The Irish Heritage Trust Limited was incorporated in July this year with the object ‘To acquire properties of significant heritage value where there is a risk to such value, so as to provide for their proper conservation, maintenance and presentation; their public enjoyment and appreciation; and public access to them in perpetuity.' The Irish Heritage Trust has been established as a charity (company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital) under the Companies Acts. The Trust provides an alternative to State acquisition of major important heritage properties where there is imminent risk to their heritage value.
The Trust has a strong remit to maximise non-Exchequer resources in support of its activities, to encourage membership and volunteers and to be financially self-sufficient over time. However in its early years the Trust will be reliant on State support and the Government has committed itself to providing support for the Trust in this starting period.
The Directors of The Irish Heritage Trust Limited are Sir David Davies (Chairman), Vourneen Collins, Desmond FitzGerald (Knight of Glin), John Hughes, Samantha Leslie, Camilla McAleese, Mary Moylan, Sean Mulryan, Carmel Naughton, Anne O'Donoghue, Nobby O'Reilly, James Osborne and Primrose Wilson.
The Memorandum of the Irish Heritage Trust Limited requires it to work closely with heritage and other bodies, in Ireland and internationally, concerned in any way with heritage, including but not limited to non-governmental organisations, tourism organisations, development authorities and State and local government authorities.
My Department is providing €0.5 million in 2006 to meet the establishment and initial running costs of the Trust.
It will be for the Irish Heritage Trust Limited to establish its own policy in relation to acquisitions and other matters, including if appropriate in relation to disused churches. The Trust can be contacted at 4 Castle Street, Dublin 2.
