Brian O'Shea
Question:109 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of Operation Gull aimed at curbing cross-Border social welfare fraud. [31739/06]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 7, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 8 to 102, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 103 and 104 answered orally.
Question No. 105 lapsed.
Questions Nos. 106 to 108, inclusive, answered orally.
Social Welfare Fraud.
Phil Hogan
Question:162 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the levels of welfare fraud detected by Operation Gull; the efforts his Department is making to combat same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31823/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 162 together.
Operation Gull is a joint control exercise undertaken periodically at Airports and Ports in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain and the operations involve personnel from the Garda National Immigration Bureau, my Department and the United Kingdom Immigration Service.
A Social Welfare Inspector was assigned to the Garda National Immigration Bureau in July 2004 to assist my Department and the Bureau in the investigation of social welfare fraud and breaches of the Immigration Acts, to provide information and intelligence and to promote the benefits of a multi-agency approach to immigration and employment law enforcement. A second inspector was assigned to the Bureau in August, 2006.
There are no figures available for savings specifically due to Operation Gull. However the work of the Social Welfare Inspectors assigned to the Garda National Immigration Bureau resulted in the termination of 234 social welfare claims in 2004 which achieved savings of €1.46 million, the termination of 591 social welfare claims in 2005 which achieved savings of €2.47 million and the termination of 488 social welfare claims in 2006 (to end September) which achieved savings of €2.51 million. Operation Gull is an example of the benefits of inter agency co-operation and my Department will continue to support such operations in every possible way.
Pension Provisions.
Martin Ferris
Question:110 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to address the shortfall in credits that many women face due to past discriminatory regulation where married women had to retire in view of the ongoing pension difficulties. [31816/06]
The social welfare pension rights of those who take time out of the workforce for caring duties are protected by the homemakers scheme which was introduced from 1994. The scheme allows up to 20 years spent caring for children or incapacitated adults to be disregarded when a person's social insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes. However, the scheme will not of itself qualify a person for a pension. The standard qualifying conditions, which require a person to enter insurance 10 years before pension age, pay a minimum of 260 contributions at the correct rate and achieve a yearly average of at least 10 contributions on their record from the time they enter insurance until they reach pension age must also be satisfied. Accordingly, the scheme will not benefit someone whose social insurance record includes only contributions at the modified rather than the full rate.
In general, the social insurance class paid by those who were required to retire because of the marriage bar was a modified rate which now gives coverage for widow(er)'s and orphan's pensions and occupational injury benefit, bereavement grant and carer's benefit only. This level of coverage reflected their occupational pension position and general contract of service at that time. Accordingly, even if they had continued in employment, contributions paid at this class would not have entitled them to an old age pension under the social welfare system.
That said, the Government is anxious to ensure that as many people as possible can qualify for contributory pensions in their own right. A number of measures have been introduced over the years which make it easier for people to qualify for contributory pensions. These include the reduction in the yearly average number of contributions required for pension purposes from 20 to 10 and the introduction of special half rate pensions based on pre-53 insurance contributions. Pro-rata pensions are also available to allow people with mixed rate insurance records to receive a payment.
This set of measures is of particular benefit to women who may have less than complete social insurance records due to working in the home. It is estimated that approximately 88% of women aged 65 years of age or over are at present receiving social welfare support, either in their own right or as qualified adults on the pension of their spouse or partner. Also in 2002, facilities were introduced to allow for the payment of qualified adult allowances direct to spouses or partners. The administrative and legal implications of improving these arrangements to provide more direct payments to spouses and partners is being examined.
The new enhanced standard State pension (non-contributory) for those over 66 years, which I introduced at the end of last month, features significant improvements in the means test which will allow some who are currently outside the social welfare pensions system to qualify for a payment.
The Government is committed to producing a Green Paper on pensions as part of the new social partnership agreement Towards 2016 with a view to developing a framework for future pensions policy. This will deal with pensions in general but it will include outstanding issues relating to social welfare pensions, including those who remain outside the system. The Green Paper will be published within months. A consultation process will then take place and the Government will publish a framework for future pensions policy.
Social Welfare Benefits.
John Gormley
Question:111 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the record 79,000 people who have asked his Department in 2006 for assistance with the costs of sending their children back to school. [31787/06]
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:128 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the take up for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance has improved in 2006; the percentage take up rate of eligible families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31831/06]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:178 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will make a statement on the operation of the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme in 2006; the number of applications received; the number of applications granted; and the amount paid out. [31748/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 111, 128 and 178 together.
The back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme (BSCFA) operates from the beginning of June to the end of September each year and is administered on behalf of my Department by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Applications for the allowance may be made between the beginning of June and the end of September each year.
The scheme provides a one-off payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when their children start school each autumn. The allowance is not intended to meet the full cost of school clothing and footwear but to provide assistance towards these costs. From June 2006, an allowance of €120 is payable in respect of qualified children aged from 2 to 11 years, or €190 in respect of qualified children aged from 12 to 22 years. Separately, the Department of Education and Science operates a book grant scheme for primary and secondary schools.
A person may qualify for payment of a back to school clothing & footwear allowance if he or she is in receipt of a social welfare payment (including family income supplement), or Health Service Executive payment, is participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education and training course and have household income at or below certain set levels.
Budget 2006 provided for a number of improvements to the scheme. These include –
an increase of €40 in rates from June 2006
Extension of entitlement to the back to school clothing and footwear allowance to recipients of guardian's (formerly orphan's) payments for the first time.
An increase in the additional income disregard for entitlement to the scheme from €50 to €100 over the relevant social welfare rate.
These improvements are very significant when viewed in the context of clothing and footwear price trends. According to the Consumer Price Index for August 2006, the overall cost of clothing and footwear has fallen by 3.6% over the past twelve months. Since December 2001, clothing and footwear costs have decreased by 18.8%.
While the closing date for applications for the scheme was 30th September 2006, processing and payment of late applications is ongoing. Current indications are that about 84,000 families with approximately 160,000 children will benefit from the scheme this year at a cost of €25.5m. This is an increase on the 2005 figures when some 76,166 families with 157,254 children benefited at a cost of €16.7m.
The increase is attributed to the easing of the means test, the information services operated by my Department and the significant level of publicity given to this scheme in the media. In previous years, the national average number of claims granted was 88.3% of all claims received.
I consider the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme to be an important support for parents at a time of financial strain. The improvements to the scheme for this year provide a major boost to meeting the financial costs associated with return to school for those who most need assistance. I will continue to monitor the scheme and to examine opportunities to further improve and expand this important scheme.
Family Support Services.
Dinny McGinley
Question:112 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the 20% increase in the number of lone parents accessing the services of a lone parent organisation in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31836/06]
I am aware of the excellent work which has been done for many years by the organisation One Family, formerly known as Cherish, in providing voice, support and action for one-parent families through membership, professional services and campaigning. The organisation works with all types and all members of one-parent families, respecting the realities of family life in Ireland. I received a copy of One Family's Annual Report recently and noted the increase of 20% in the number of one parent families and professionals accessing their services.
Overall, I believe that the increased demand for One Family's services reflects the greater level of focus there is on lone parent families. The Government, mindful of this, asked the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion to examine the obstacles to employment for lone parents and last March I launched the Government discussion paper "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents" which sought to address the increased risk of social exclusion and poverty faced by lone parents and parents on low income.
The report put forward proposals for an expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents; the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents; focused provision of childcare; an improved information service for lone parents and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children. This paper has been the subject of considerable consultation. I have met with One Family, who have participated fully in these consultations, and listened carefully to what they have had to say as I believe that the views of national organisations such as themselves must be used to inform the development of the process.
As soon as I am convinced that we have reached conclusions that are equitable, with a fully workable implementation strategy, it is my intention to bring forward proposals for legislation in this area.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:113 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he expects to be in a position to extend the carer’s allowance to cover the full extent of those providing care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31779/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:429 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which he will extend the carers allowance to include the greater number of carers to date not in receipt of a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32130/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 429 together.
Supporting and recognising carers in our society is and has been a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period, weekly payment rates to carers have been greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have been significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.
According to Census 2002, there are 148,754 people providing care to someone for at least 1 hour per week. Of these, 48,500 people are providing personal care for more than 29 hours per week or just over 4 hours per day. More than 14,300 of this group are employed for more than 15 hours per week and so would not satisfy the full time care and attention requirement for carer's allowance, carer's benefit or respite care grant. Just over 28,000 people are currently in receipt of either carer's allowance or carer's benefit from my Department.
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 job seekers assistance and benefit, are entitled to their payment subject to meeting the full time care and attention requirement. This arrangement was introduced to acknowledge the needs of carers especially in relation to respite. The grant is also now being paid in respect of each person receiving care.
In Budget 2006, I provided for an increase in the amount of the respite care grant from €1,000 to €1,200, from June 2006. Approximately, 7,000 people who are not in receipt of carer's allowance or carer's benefit have received a respite care grant in respect of 2005. Applications for the 2005 grant continue to be received.
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 has been 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 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 announced the biggest ever increases in the rates of payment to carers, specifically:
the rate of carer's allowance increased by €26.40 to €180 per week for carers under age 66;
the rate for carers over age 66 increased by €30.20 to €200 per week, making it the largest single welfare support payment; and
the rate of carer's benefit increased by €17.00 to €180.70 per week,
These represent increases of over 17% for recipients of carer's allowance and serve to acknowledge and support the invaluable work of our family carers. I have also made other improvements to the supports available to carers from my Department. From June this year, I increased the number of hours that a carer may work and still receive a carer's allowance, from 10 to 15 hours per week. I also extended the duration of the carer's benefit scheme from 15 months to 2 years. The duration of the associated carer's leave scheme has also been extended to 2 years.
Recommendations involving additional expenditure can only be considered in a budgetary context. However, 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. I will continue to bring forward proposals that recognise the valued and valuable contribution of carers in a tangible way.
National Women’s Strategy.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:114 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the contribution his Department has made towards the development of a national women’s strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31830/06]
The National Women's Strategy is being prepared to honour a commitment made both in Sustaining Progress, the social partnership agreement, and in the international forum of CEDAW, the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women.
The strategy, which is nearing completion, will be a wide ranging document setting out to foster socio-economic opportunity, well-being and active participation in decision making for women in Ireland over a ten year period, in a context where this country has a strong corpus of equality legislation in place but where women still experience difficulties in achieving true gender equality.
My Department is represented on the Inter-Departmental Committee appointed to undertake the task of preparing the strategy under the chairmanship of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. This Committee has been tasked to
take responsibility for drafting and finalising a National Women's Strategy, as committed to in Sustaining Progress;
consult with the Social Partners and National Women's Council of Ireland, through a Consultation Group, in developing the Strategy; and
advise in relation to a communication plan for the publication and launch of the Strategy.
The draft Strategy is a well structured, broad ranging document which aims to draw together all of the actions of Government which impact upon the lives of women. In relation to my Department, the Strategy will be addressing issues including social inclusion and women's risk of poverty, proposals for supporting lone parents and pension provision for women.
The Inter-Departmental Committee is currently finalising a final draft of the Strategy prior to its submission for further consideration by the Consultation Group. It is hoped that the Strategy will be ready for publication before the end of this year.
Social Welfare Code.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:115 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by the Comptroller and Auditor General regarding the rapid rise in the cost of rent supplement; his views on the replacement of the rent supplement with a new housing benefit scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31730/06]
Michael D. Higgins
Question:193 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made to date with regard to consideration by his Department of a new mortgage support plan; when he expects the consultation period to be complete; if the scheme will be directed specifically towards people currently priced out of the property market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31729/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 193 together.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The Value for Money examination undertaken by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) looked at the rent supplement scheme over the period 2000 to 2005.
One of the main issues raised by the C&AG relates to the substantial increase in expenditure on rent supplement over the period of review. As the report notes, it increased from €151m in 2000 to almost €370m in 2005. In the same period recipient numbers rose from 42,700 to just over 60,000. The factors driving the increase include an increase in the number of recipients, changes in household composition, increased rent levels and policy changes such as easing the means test.
During the period under review my Department took measures to address increases in expenditure. For example in December 2002, my Department assumed responsibility for setting limits in respect of which rent supplements are paid. Until 2002, these limits were set by the then Health Boards. Rent supplements are not paid where rents exceed the maximum levels set other than in exceptional circumstances. The limits were again reviewed in December 2003 and June 2005 and a further review will take place before the end of 2006.
It is clear to me, and the report acknowledges, that rent supplementation under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme has, over the years, developed beyond the original objective of providing short-term assistance with accommodation costs. In recent years, a significant number of people have come to rely on rent supplements for extended periods, including people on local authority housing waiting lists. For this reason, the scheme needs to be viewed in the context of overall social housing policy, particularly in the case of long-term claimants.
In response to this situation, the Government has introduced new rental assistance arrangements including the rental accommodation scheme (RAS) giving local authorities specific responsibility for meeting the longer-term housing needs of people receiving rent supplement for 18 months or more, on phased implementation basis. When fully operational, local authorities will meet the housing needs of these individuals through a range of approaches including the traditional range of social housing options, the voluntary housing sector and, in particular, new public / private partnership arrangements.
According to recent information from the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government, 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.
While RAS is the way forward, I am also conscious of the need to look at other approaches to providing appropriate housing responses for long-term rent supplement recipients. As Deputies are aware, officials from my Department and the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government are together overseeing a study to identify possible viable alternative approaches to providing an appropriate housing response for those concerned. These would be in addition or complimentary to the range of social housing options currently provided for by that Department through local government initiatives. I understand that the study is well advanced and I expect to be apprised of its findings in the near future.
I have no plans to replace rent supplement with a general housing benefit scheme. The Government's priority is to provide housing, not new types of payments in lieu of housing. I will, of course, keep the rent supplement scheme under review and I may introduce further changes in the means test to improve work incentives, as I did in last year's budget. This targeted approach, together with delivering housing solutions to long-term rent supplement recipients, is likely to provide a better outcome than replacing the rent payment.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:116 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the plans he has to offset the increases in the cost of living for those dependent on pensions or other fixed social welfare income; if he will address this issue in the forthcoming budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31778/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:428 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will offer old age pension and other social welfare recipients sufficient increase in the forthcoming budget to address increases in the cost of living in the past 12 months which completely eroded the 2006 budgetary increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32129/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 428 together.
One of the key objectives of the 2006 social welfare package was to protect and enhance the value of all weekly rates of payment in relative terms by giving increases which were far in excess of emerging inflation for this year.
State non-contributory pensions were increased by €16 per week or 9.6% while the contributory pension was increased by €14 per week or 7.8% with proportionate increases being given to those on reduced rates of payment. These increases mean that the Government is well on its way to completing its commitment to bring the basic State pension to €200 by 2007. In addition, the Over-80 allowance was also increased by €3.60 per week to €10 and the Fuel Allowance by €5 per week to €14. The increases in pensions were well ahead of the 4.5% increase recorded in the CPI for the twelve months ending last August, thereby protecting and enhancing the standard of living for all pensioners.
Budget 2006 also saw an increase of €17 per week in the weekly rates of payment for persons of working age bringing the lowest rates of payment to €165.80 per week. This represents an increase of 11.4%, which is once again well above the 2006 projected inflation rate and ensures that the Government remains on course to deliver on its commitments on social welfare rates.
By any standards, the levels of increases and other improvements announced in the Budget were exceptional. I look forward to making further progress for pensioners and all other social welfare claimants in this regard in the forthcoming Budget.
Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Trevor Sargent
Question:117 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the proposals put forward by CORI in its socio-economic review 2006 as they relate to his Department’s responsibilities. [31790/06]
The recently published CORI review Developing a Fairer Ireland is currently being examined in detail within my Department. The Deputy will appreciate that due to the broad ranging nature of the review, it would be impossible for me to cover or indeed comment on all of its detailed policy proposals in the context of this reply.
Addressing the problem of poverty and social exclusion in our society should receive the highest priority, as the review states.The commitment shared by the Government and the social partners in this regard is evidenced in the National Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016 and Ireland's National Report on Strategies for Social Protection and Social Inclusion (NSSPI), 2006-2008, submitted to the EU last month, which outlines Irelands main priorities in this area.
A more detailed National Action Plan, which will fully take into account the outcome of the consultation process on the plan, undertaken over the last year, and the views of CORI and other key stakeholders is currently being prepared. Preparation of the plan is being coordinated by the Office for Social Inclusion in my Department and will complement the National Development Plan 2007 – 2013, which will include a Chapter on social inclusion. The strategies will encompass the lifecycle approach recommended by NESC in its report entitled the Developmental Welfare State. This streamlined approach is designed to ensure that Ireland has an over-arching strategic framework governing the major national social and economic strategies.
The CORI review also deals in some detail with the issue of child poverty. This is a complex area requiring coordinated action across a range of Government services and income support payments. Income support is one of the main ways of addressing child poverty. Towards 2016 contains a number of commitments in this regard, including:
Progressing towards the existing NAPS target for those relying on social welfare payments, i.e. that the combined value of child income support measures (currently 31%) be set at 33-35% of the minimum adult social welfare rate,
Progressing, as a priority, further work aimed at assisting children in families on low incomes, to include enhancing existing provisions or the introduction of new or reformed mechanisms.
Child income supports which avoid employment disincentives will be reviewed by the Department and this work, which will be informed by the NESC study on a second tier child income support, will be completed within one year, and
A review of the re-focusing of the family income supplement in favour of larger families with low earnings.
Poverty measurement, explored in detail in the review, is a particularly complex issue, and recognised as such in Towards 2016. There is a commitment in the agreement to review the approach to effective poverty measurement as part of the wider examination of data issues in the lifecycle framework. This work will be progressed by the Office for Social Inclusion's Technical Advisory Group which will be expanded to include technical expertise from the social partner pillars. Full account will be taken of the analysis by CORI on the issue.
It is important to recall in this context the level of progress already made in recent years and the platform which creates for progress in the coming years. Between 2001 and 2006 spending on social welfare has increased from €7.8 billion to €13.6 billion. During the same period the basic rate of social welfare payment has increased by 55.5 per cent, well ahead of the 16.4 per cent increase in the CPI, and the 28.2 per cent increase in gross average industrial earnings. This represents an increase in real terms of 33.6 per cent, in comparison to a real increase in industrial earnings of 10.1 per cent.
I am confident that we can continue to achieve a similar scale of progress in the coming years towards achieving that decisive impact on poverty to which Ireland with the other EU Member States made a commitment at the Lisbon Summit in 2000 and which is a key factor in achieving the fair Ireland sought by CORI. The National Action Plan currently being prepared will reflect that goal. I can give an assurance that full account will be taken of this important report by CORI, and the views of other stakeholders, in the preparation of the plan.
Budgeting Advice.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:118 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the support he has given to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service in view of the concerns expressed by the organisation that they are being swamped with requests for advice; his views on the increasing levels of personal debt among Irish families; his further views on whether the structures and organisation of MABS require reform to cope with these new circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31733/06]
Brendan Howlin
Question:197 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when it is intended to place the Money Advice and Budgeting Service on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31732/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 197 together.
Many voluntary and statutory bodies such as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Community Welfare Service, credit unions, Citizens' Information Centres, Centres for the Unemployed and local authorities work closely with the programme. I am keen to get more quality information on the nature and trends of the debt encountered as well as the categories of people using the MABS so as to better inform policy around over-indebtedness and also enable the MABS to be even more responsive to its clients' needs.
In this respect, a new integrated software computer system, that is now being rolled out countrywide for use throughout the MABS network, will gather comprehensive statistical information that will provide valuable insights into the nature of the problems for people. The computer system, known as MABSIS, was delivered on time and within budget.
Last year almost 27,000 people used the service as compared with almost 18,000 some 4 years earlier. The growth in demand for the service can be attributed to the increase in the availability of credit and to the quality of the service provided by the MABS staff. This year I have increased the allocation from my Department to the MABS Service by in excess of twenty percent to assist the MABS in dealing with this increased workload.
I believe the support structure put in place by my Department for the MABS in recent years has worked well for clients of the service, for local management and for the staff. I also believe that a national system with delivery at the local level is the direction for the future. The MABS is highly regarded and respected and it is important that this continues to be the case.
My proposals for legislation aim to build on the best features of the MABS model of service to the public. The proposals will combine a continuation of local voluntary involvement with national leadership and ensure a high quality, coordinated budgeting and advice service for the future, in particular for people on low incomes. It is my intention to bring proposals before Government on this matter in the near future.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Dinny McGinley
Question:119 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the assertion made in a newspaper (details supplied) that many people are applying for disability rather than unemployment payments, as it is easier to get the necessary documentation to apply for disability payments rather than unemployment payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31837/06]
Olwyn Enright
Question:180 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reasons behind the significant drop in the number of applicants for unemployment payments and the significant rise in the number applications for disability payments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31838/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 180 together.
My Department administers a wide range of social welfare benefit and assistance type payments to provide income support payments for periods of illness, unemployment, retirement and other lifetime events. Illness benefit and occupational injury benefit is mainly claimed by persons who are in employment and the claim is for short durations of illness after which the claimant returns to his/her employment.
The number of persons in employment grew from 1,793 million in 2003 to 1,998 million in the first quarter of 2006, an increase of 204,700 or 11% in total. This increase in employment has resulted in an increase in numbers of persons with PRSI contributions and would be expected to lead to an increase in illness benefit and invalidity pension claims. A period of increase in employment would be equally expected to lead to a decrease in unemployment, now jobseeker's benefit and assistance claims.
There was a decrease in the numbers registered for jobseekers benefit between 31 December 2003 and end June 2006 while there was an increase in the numbers in receipt of disability payments and jobseeker's allowance. The most significant increase in the numbers in receipt of disability payments was on the disability allowance scheme.
Improvements in the means test for disability allowance such as the increases in the earnings disregards, increases in the capital disregard to €20,000 and changes to allow persons to retain disability allowance on entering hospital have increased the numbers in receipt of this payment over the years. In addition a new weekly personal payment of EUR 35 to persons who were not generally entitled to receive the Disability Allowance as long as they continue to reside in an institution was introduced in Budget 2005. This was payable to over 2,800 persons who were not previously in receipt of any social welfare payment.
In principle where a person satisfies the criteria for more than one social welfare payment they are entitled to receive the payment that best suits their own individual circumstances. Of the 8,203 people awarded disability allowance in the first nine months of 2006, 42 were in receipt of Unemployment Benefit and 843 were in receipt of Unemployment Assistance at time of application for disability allowance.
In the case of jobseeker's benefit and allowance, the claimant must be unemployed, be capable of work, be available for work and be genuinely seeking work. In the case of jobseeker's allowance the claimant must satisfy the means test and for jobseeker's benefit must satisfy the PRSI contribution conditions.
In the case of disability allowance the person must be suffering from an injury, disease, illness, congenital deformity or mental disability which has continued or may be expected to continue for at least one year, and as a result of the condition, be substantially restricted in undertaking work. The person also must satisfy a means test similar to unemployment assistance. For illness benefit the person must be incapable of work due to illness and for invalidity pension there must be permanent incapacity for work and for both schemes the person must satisfy the PRSI contribution conditions.
Where a person claims a payment from my Department in respect of disease or disability, an opinion regarding the claimant's medical condition is given in the first instance by the person's own medical doctor. Where required, a second opinion is provided by Medical Assessors employed by my Department for the guidance of the Department's Deciding Officers who ultimately determine entitlement. When a claimant is called for a medical examination, the Medical Assessor will have available to him or her the initial medical diagnosis, supplemented, where appropriate, by relevant specialist and other reports. These arrangements ensure that payments are made only in appropriate cases.
I will continue to have the situation monitored to ensure that payments are made only in appropriate circumstances.
Social Welfare Code.
Paul Connaughton
Question:120 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he will take to improve Ireland’s EU rating regarding spending and services for claimants of disability and sickness payments from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31833/06]
Paul Connaughton
Question:139 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the efforts his Department is making to improve supports and services available to recipients of his Department’s various sickness and disability payments, in particular with regard to returning these claimants to the working population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31832/06]
Joan Burton
Question:191 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he intends to take to deal with the particularly high numbers of unemployed or ill and disabled persons identified as being in consistent poverty in statistics produced by the EU and the Central Statistics Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31725/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 139 and 191 together.
My Department tries to assist and encourage long term unemployed, people with disabilities and other long term welfare recipients to return to work, training or further education through a range of measures administered by my Department's social and family support service.
The back to work allowance scheme incentivises and encourages long-term unemployed people, lone parents and certain persons with disabilities to return to work by allowing them to retain part of their social welfare payment for a period when they take up employment or self-employment. The back to education allowance programme is available to certain social welfare customers who need support to obtain educational qualifications before re-entering the labour market.
My Department also operates a special projects fund, administered by facilitators based in local social welfare offices, which enables facilitators to provide enhanced supports to people who need additional help to progress to further training and employment. Groups who may need special help of this nature include the long-term ill and people with disabilities.
In addition my Department operates small scale family services projects in certain areas, which are designed to focus supports towards specific target groups with complex needs, including people with disabilities. The provision of this additional support involves individual attention, customised information and enhanced access to services. It can increase the capacity of those in the most difficult circumstances, including people with disabilities, to improve their self esteem and personal situations through access to basic education, training and developmental opportunities.
The special projects and family services initiatives are based on the application of a partnership approach between my Department, the voluntary and community sector, the private sector and other local players in identifying and addressing local needs in terms of training and development for people dependent on social welfare payments including people with disabilities.
Customers in receipt of certain illness related payments such as disability allowance, illness benefit and invalidity pension are not debarred from working while in receipt of these payments subject to meeting certain criteria. Disability allowance is means tested and any income received would be assessed as means subject, however to the current income disregard. Illness benefit and invalidity pension customers may, in certain circumstances, be allowed to undertake work for rehabilitative reasons with a view to improving their prospects of returning to full-time work at a future date.
My Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act, 2005 sets out an ambitious programme of support for people with disabilities to help them achieve their full potential both in terms of participation in the labour market and wider society. Over the period of the Plan (2006/2009), my department will seek to deliver support to people with disabilities which will reduce their risk of dependence. The approach will be to encourage them to meet their income needs to a far greater extent from employment, as well as achieving other social outcomes, such as further education and developing life skills in a way that will ensure that the contributions, talents and aspirations of no individual is overlooked.
The specific details of the plan include matters such as examining the incentive effects of the disability payment levels, addressing benefit traps and employment disincentives within the structure of welfare disability schemes and examining the potential for extending, improving and rationalising schemes to better support people in their efforts to take up training opportunities and participate in employment. In this regard, last month I was particularly pleased to be able to lift the peak hour restriction on the use of the free travel pass so that people with disabilities may now use their passes going to work and they no longer need to apply for a restricted pass for travelling in connection with the educational, rehabilitative and therapeutic courses that are, very often, central to improving their lifestyles.
The National Action Plan against Poverty and Social Exclusion (NAP/inclusion) details a range of actions targeted at those groups who are most vulnerable in society, including the long-term unemployed and persons with disabilities. The Office for Social Inclusion, based in my Department, has overall responsibility for implementation of the plan, and works closely with all departments to ensure effective and integrated delivery on actions in several policy areas including health, education, employment, housing and transport. While consistent poverty rates for the unemployed and people with disabilities are still higher than the average, Government policies have led to a downward shift in this regard, with the consistent poverty level for the unemployed falling from 28.2 per cent in 2003 to 19.2 per cent in 2004, and for persons with disabilities from 22.4 per cent to 21.7 per cent over the same period. The next NAP/inclusion, to be published later this year, will maintain a strong focus on removing those most vulnerable out of consistent poverty.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:121 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in regard to the abolition of restrictions on peak travel times under the free travel scheme, he has had discussions with transport providers to ensure that they have sufficient capacity to meet the additional demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31745/06]
At my request my Department was in discussion with CIE over recent months with a view to agreeing the necessary arrangements for the implementation of the Government decision in relation to the free travel peak travel restrictions. These discussions resulted in the removal of all restrictions with effect from 25th September 2006.
More than 600,000 customers are in receipt of the Free Travel scheme, of which 430,000 are aged over 66 years. Some 145,000 are in receipt of an invalidity/disability type payment and a further 25,000 are carers. The peak time access restrictions have applied up to now on all Dublin Bus services and on Bus Éireann city services in Cork and Limerick.
The lifting of all travel restrictions at peak times will benefit many people, particularly older people and those with disabilities, who up to now have been severely curtailed in the times they have been allowed to travel in the main cities, and surrounding areas, on public transport services. It is also a recognition that many eligible people, especially those with disabilities, are becoming increasingly more active in the workforce and availing of other activities.
The ending of these restrictions also removes the need for people to have to go through the process of having to apply for special passes so that they can attend hospital appointments, or educational, rehabilitative and therapeutic courses that are, very often, central to improving their recovery and improving their lifestyles.
My department has been assured that any capacity issues arising as a result of additional passengers travelling at peak times can be met through the provision of additional buses as provided for under the Transport 21 initiative. Detailed discussions and arrangements for the implementation of Transport 21 are a matter between the CIE group of companies and the Department of Transport.
Question No. 122 answered with QuestionNo. 108.
Departmental Contracts.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:123 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will elaborate on the opinion of the Advocate General of the European Court of Justice in the case of the European Commission versus Ireland relating to the Government decision to extend the payment delivery services contract with An Post; and the way in which same is expected to impact future delivery of the service. [31782/06]
Seán Ryan
Question:145 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the opinion of the Advocate General of the European Court of Justice regarding the decision of his Department to extend the payment delivery services contract with An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31747/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 145 together.
Following the Government decision in 1999 to extend the An Post contract for the delivery of social welfare payments for a further 3 years, two complaints were lodged with the European Commission. The first under the competition articles of the EU Treaty was examined by the Commission and closed in March 2001 with no action taken against Ireland.
In relation to the second complaint, under the Procurement Services Directive, the Commission issued a reasoned opinion against Ireland to the effect that the An Post contract falls within the terms of Annex 1B of the Council Directive 92/50/EEC. In addition, the Commission stated that an awarding authority should respect the EU principles of non-discrimination, equal treatment and transparency which would place an obligation on my Department to advertise the payment delivery service on a European wide basis and to uphold the principles of non-discrimination, equal treatment and transparency in the award of any contract.
My Department, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, rejected the reasoned opinion. The Commission referred the case to the European Court of Justice and a hearing of the case took place in Luxembourg on the 4th April 2006. The Advocate-General gave an opinion on the case on 14th September 2006 and upheld the European Commission claim that Ireland breached competition rules by not publicly advertising the contract. The opinion concluded "that the Court should declare that, in deciding to entrust the provision of services to An Post without a prior notice, although there were no circumstances which would have allowed no advertising at all, Ireland has failed to comply with its obligations under the (EU) Treaty.” It is expected that the Court will give its judgement within a three to six month period.
My Department is consulting with the Office of the Attorney General on the legal implications of a Court decision, should it be in line with the Advocate-General's opinion. Pending the judgement, and recognizing the essential payment delivery service which An Post currently provides for my Department, the Company will continue to provide these services.
An Post and my Department have been partners in the delivery of social welfare payments since the foundation of the State and I see no reason the network of post offices should not continue to play a significant role in the delivery of social welfare payments in any changed circumstances which may arise in the future.
Social Welfare Code.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:124 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on making all qualified adult payments directly to the qualified adult automatically; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31828/06]
Over the years my Department has introduced various measures to make payments directly to qualified adults. For example, separate payments are made in case of domestic difficulty where a spouse might otherwise have no other form of income. Also, for certain categories of Old Age non-Contributory Pension, where the couple are both aged 66 or over, payment is made individually to each partner.
In October 2002, my Department introduced administrative arrangements to provide an option to have the qualified adult allowance paid directly to the spouse for all new applicants to State Pension (Transition), (formerly known as Retirement Pension) and State Pension (Contributory), (formerly known as Old Age (Contributory) Pension). Since these arrangements were implemented, some 1,400 couples have indicated their preference to have the qualified adult allowance paid directly to the spouse. This represents around 8% of the pension claims awarded with an increase for a qualified adult since October 2002.
I am aware of the desire of certain sectors of the community to have direct payment to qualified adults implemented and that various groups and reports have recommended that direct payments to qualified adults be progressed within the social welfare code. I am also conscious of the need to take account of the views of our customers regarding this matter. These issues are under active consideration by my Department and I intend to progress the matter in the coming year.
David Stanton
Question:125 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he expects the review of means tests currently being undertaken by his Department to be completed; when this review was begun; when the previous work was completed on the central means database as referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 265 of 10 May 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31857/06]
A review of the Department's approach to means testing was set up by my Department in November 2005. The objective of the review is to identify policy and administrative changes that would rationalise and simplify means testing in the Department. It is expected that this review will be completed by the end of 2006.
The possibility of creating the central means database to which the Deputy refers arose in the context of proposals drawn up in the early 1990s aimed at achieving integrated delivery of social welfare and other services. It was recognised at the time that there were considerable complications in this area which would have to be addressed before such a database could be developed.
It was concluded that it would not be possible to develop a common database at that time because of the breadth of the project and the business and technical issues to be addressed. It was clear that the technical infrastructure available in the mid-1990s across the public service would not support the requirements of a cross-organisational database.
In these circumstances, this Department undertook a project to develop within the Department a central computer based means recording system to enable staff across the organisation to access means information recorded on it. That system was developed using internal technical resources. Development work was completed at the end of 1992. Over time, as other systems were developed, for example, to support the work of the Department's investigators, the system became less critical as means were recorded on these other systems.
It is now intended to develop an enhanced means database which can be integrated with the Department's principal payment schemes and which could ultimately support a shared means service with other public sector organisations. This is a major programme which will take a number of years to complete.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:126 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if payments have been restored to all parents who recently had their child welfare halted when his Department became aware it did not have addresses for thousands of parents who had moved residence in recent months. [31784/06]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:143 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the circumstances of the discovery that between 4,500 and 5,000 people in receipt of child benefit were not living at addresses supplied to his Department; the estimate of the proportion of these that may have been fraudulent claims; the number of such payments that have been terminated; the steps which have been taken to tighten up procedures in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31741/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 143 together.
The Early Childcare Supplement (ECS) scheme was introduced in Budget 2006. The scheme is under the remit of the office of the Minister for Children, who is responsible for policy and legislation in relation to the scheme. The administration of the scheme is being undertaken by my Department.
As part of the introduction of the scheme, customers who would qualify for the payment were contacted in April 2006 with information on the new payment, including method and frequency of payment and the approximate date of the first payment. In August, customers were advised of the confirmed date of the first payment and payment dates for the remainder of 2006 and 2007. Approximately 265,000 letters issued on both occasions.
A number of letters were returned undelivered by An Post as the customer was no longer at that address. From the April mailing, approximately 6,000 letters were returned and from the August Mailing 3000 have been returned to date.
In the case of the April mailing, following checks and contact from customers, new addresses were updated for almost 2500 customers prior to the end of July. In 3500 cases, where a new address could not be found, payment of Child Benefit was suspended from August 2006. In the last two months, 2700 of these customers have contacted us with new addresses and confirmation of their continuing residency in Ireland. The remaining 800 or so are still suspended and have not received Child Benefit payments since July. These cases will be terminated if investigations currently ongoing indicate that they are no longer entitled to child benefit.
In the case of the August mailing, of the 3,000 letters returned to date as undelivered, 400 new addresses have been found, 500 customers have had payment suspended from September as no new address can be found for them, a further 2100 are still being checked and will be suspended in the coming weeks if no current whereabouts can be confirmed for them.
In total, payments of Child Benefit is still suspended for 1330 customers as a result of their ECS information letter being returned as undelivered by An Post.
Work is continuing to establish the whereabouts of these customers and if it is confirmed that they are no longer resident in the country or otherwise not entitled to child benefit, their claims will be terminated and overpayments assessed where appropriate.
My Department has put in place measures to ensure that customers in receipt of both Child Benefit and Early Childcare Allowance are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they still fulfil the qualifying conditions for the receipt of the payments. These measures will include mailshots to confirm residency of the children in Ireland and confirm insurable employment of a parent in cases paid under EU regulations. In addition home visits by Investigation staff will be used to verify and validate information given.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:127 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the success of the campaign for informing the public of the eligibility criteria and details of the family income supplement payment; and the uptake of such payments out of the amount of people eligible. [31811/06]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:176 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the percentage of eligible people who are in receipt of family income supplement; and the value of those uncollected payments to date in 2006. [31815/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 176 together.
Family income supplement is designed to provide support for people on low earnings with child dependants. This preserves the incentive for them to remain in employment in circumstances where they might only be marginally better off than if they were claiming other social welfare payments. FIS is a central element of a programme of reforms targeted specifically at addressing child poverty.
There are at present almost 19,400 families in receipt of a weekly FIS payment, which benefits more than 38,000 children. This compares with approximately 17,450 families (34,000 children) in December 2005 and represents an increase of 60% since 2002. Families can receive top-up supports of between €20 and €400 a week, depending on their income and the size of their family. The current average weekly FIS payment is €105.
With regard to the level of take up, it is not possible to estimate from administrative sources the number of families who may be eligible but do not apply for their FIS entitlements. However, research undertaken by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) in 1997, which was based on the results of the Living in Ireland Survey 1994, suggested that, at that time, fewer than one in three of potentially eligible claimants had actually made a claim and been awarded payment of FIS. Since those with a higher entitlement are more likely to avail of the scheme, the take-up in expenditure terms was then estimated to be somewhat higher, at between 35% and 38% of potential expenditure.
The provision of information is an essential element in the effective delivery of social welfare schemes and services. The underlying objective of my Department's information policy is to ensure that all citizens are made aware of their entitlement and other supports and are kept informed of changes and improvements to schemes and services as they occur.
Improvements to the family income supplement scheme, including the new increased income limits announced in Budget 2006, mean that it is now easier for families to qualify under the scheme. To ensure that families are made aware of these improvements, my Department undertook a nationwide awareness campaign last March to promote and encourage a greatly increased take up of the Family Income Supplement scheme for working families on low incomes.
This extensive week-long campaign included advertising on TV, on national and local radio and in the national and regional press. A nation-wide poster campaign was also undertaken. The total cost of the advertising campaign was €272,000. During the media campaign, my Department provided a LoCall helpline for the public to answer their enquiries regarding eligibility under the improved scheme. The helpline responded to over 2,800 calls.
In addition, the scheme was promoted through my Department's network of Local Offices, Citizen Information Centres and Citizens Information Phone service and by Comhairle, the national information support agency. Information was also made available through my Department's website.
I am very pleased with the response so far to the campaign. For example directly after the advertising campaign in the months of March and April this year, my Department received 3,013 new FIS claims; this compares with 1,337 received in the same 2 months in 2005. My Department has received 10,357 new claims in the first 9 months of this year compared with 5,489 for the corresponding period in 2005. The advertising campaign has resulted in a higher than normal number of claims on hand and I would expect a high percentage of these to translate into awards. The full impact will not be known until all of these claims have been decided.
My Department has been working closely with the Revenue Commissioners to ensure that families on low incomes are made aware of the availability of FIS. Improvements in the scheme were outlined in an information leaflet distributed by the Revenue Commissioners with the 2006 Tax Credit certificates to all PAYE taxpayers. My Department will continue to work with Revenue on other initiatives to ensure that people are made aware of their entitlements in a timely manner.
Every effort is being made to ensure that families eligible for FIS are encouraged to apply for the scheme, and every opportunity is taken by my Department to promote the benefits of the scheme.
In order to establish an up to date view of the factors influencing the level of FIS take up, my Department is commissioning a specific research project with the objective of designing and undertaking a proactive take-up campaign for a sample of 1,000 persons who have children and who may have earnings within the FIS income thresholds.
The project will also examine if access barriers exist, if so, how they can be mitigated or removed. In addition, it will assess whether alternative mechanisms to enhance take up of FIS can be implemented and finally, if customer service and access to family income supplement eligibility for low income families can be improved.
The increase in the numbers of persons receiving FIS is a positive development, reflecting the success of a range of Government measures which have improved net incomes for the low paid. Efforts are continuing to ensure that families eligible for FIS are encouraged to apply for the scheme, and every opportunity is taken to promote the benefits of the scheme.
Question No. 128 answered with QuestionNo. 111.
Pension Provisions.
Liam Twomey
Question:129 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps his Department is taking to bring unregulated areas of occupational pensions such as income continuance plans under the remit of a statutory investigatory body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31824/06]
Income continuance plans provide cover to individuals in the event of long-term illness or disability which prohibits the person from following their own normal occupation. They generally work by paying a percentage of salary from the time they become ill. Payments cease when a person recovers or reaches normal retirement age.
Income Continuance Products are established and administered by undertakings authorised under the EC(Life Assurance) Framework Regulations, 1994. They are insurance products and so the competent authority for these products is the Financial Regulator.
Income Continuance Plans can be closely allied to occupational pension schemes but, in fact, are totally separate in their legal structure, status and operations. However, very often by virtue of their association with the occupational pension arrangements, misinterpretations arise.
The Pensions Board was asked to review, in consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the position and regulation of Income Continuance Plans. A report was undertaken by Watson Wyatt and Matheson Ormsby Prentice, solicitors, and was published on the Pensions Board website at the end of 2005.
The report found that there are some 238,000 people insured under income continuance plans, with 85% being arranged through employer sponsored or voluntary group schemes.
The report identified problems in two main areas. Firstly, it found that lack of adequate disclosure has been the most significant source of misunderstandings in relation to the interaction of income continuance plans and related pension plans. In order to overcome this it was suggested that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment should introduce regulations to improve the flow of information to employees in relation to income continuance arrangements.
The second area of major concern identified in the report was the question of redress for individuals experiencing difficulties with the income continuance arrangements. Because the employer is normally the beneficial owner of the insurance policy underpinning the income continuance arrangements there is no access for the individual to the Financial Services Ombudsman, who is the authority with jurisdiction in relation to insurance arrangements.
The current position is that my Department, the Department of Finance and the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment are working together to try and identify the gaps which exist in relation to the regulation of the schemes in question and to decide the best way of providing an avenue of redress for workers who are covered by employer sponsored income continuance plans.
The issues are quite complex because they span a number of areas, financial services, employment law, employment conditions and, in some cases, pensions. The views of the two Ombudsmen operating in this area – Financial Services Ombudsman and the Pensions Ombudsman – will be important in deciding the best way forward and they are being consulted.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Seán Crowe
Question:130 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will make a statement on the work and progress of the interdepartmental implementation working group which was set up to implement the transfer of community welfare services to his Department. [31808/06]
Enda Kenny
Question:133 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the transfer of income support and maintenance schemes for people with disabilities from the Health Service Executive to his Department as outlined in his Department’s sectoral plan will take place; the costs that this transfer will entail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31855/06]
Enda Kenny
Question:157 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the intended transfer of the community welfare officers from the Health Service Executive to his Department is due to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31854/06]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:173 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of community welfare officers here at the impending transfer of community welfare services from the Health Service Executive to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31814/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 130, 133, 157 and 173 together.
The decision to transfer certain functions from the Health Service Executive (HSE) to my Department follows on from recommendations made by the Commission on Financial Management and Control Systems in the Health Service. In its report, the Commission noted that over the years, the health system had been assigned responsibility for a number of activities that are non-core in the context of a health service. In view of the range of challenges facing the health sector, it recommended that the Government consider assigning such non-core activities to other bodies.
The Government considered this issue earlier this year and has decided to transfer certain functions. The functions to be transferred include the General Register Office and various payments, including supplementary welfare allowances and payments made to or in respect of persons with a disability, namely domiciliary care allowance, mobility allowance, infectious diseases maintenance allowance and blind welfare allowance. The mechanics of transferring dental, optical and other treatment benefits from my Department to the health sector are also being examined.
As part of the National Disability Strategy, my Department has produced a Disability Sectoral plan which was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 21 July 2006. The objective of my Department's plan is to ensure that, as far as is practicable, the schemes and services provided to people with disabilities operate in a manner which facilitates their full participation in society and meet the mainstreaming principle of the equality agenda.
In this regard, the Sectoral Plan takes account of the Government decision to transfer certain non-core activities from the Health Service Executive (HSE) to my Department.
An interdepartmental implementation group comprising officials from my Department, the Department of Finance and the Health Service Executive, and chaired by the Department of Health and Children, has been established and has begun to address the implementation of this element of the transfer of functions programme. The timing of any transfer, the enabling legislation that may be required as well as any associated costs will be identified as part of the group's deliberations.
A separate interdepartmental implementation group comprising officials from my Department, the Department of Finance, the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive and chaired by my Department has been established to progress the transfer of other aspects of the community welfare service. The group's work to date work centred mainly on providing the necessary foundation for a detailed and comprehensive programme to oversee the successful transfer of the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme.
This includes identifying all of the functions at present carried out by Community Welfare Officers and Superintendent Community Welfare Officers within the community welfare service for the purpose of establishing how these will fit within the transfer of function process. The timing of the transfer and of the enabling legislation required will also form part of the part of this group's deliberations. Naturally, implementation of this programme will involve organisational, human resource and service delivery issues and the working group will undertake extensive consultation with all relevant stakeholders throughout the change process.
I recognise that a change of this magnitude can create concern for those currently carrying out the service. I would like to take this opportunity to allay any concerns that community welfare officers may have in this regard. Any issues that staff may have with regard to their terms and conditions of service will be addressed through the normal industrial relations machinery.
The Community Welfare Service plays a vital role within the overall social welfare system. The existing mechanisms of delivery allow the service to be responsive, flexible and outcome focused. These are attributes for which there will be a continuing need into the future.
I do not expect that costs will arise specifically in relation to the transfer of Departmental responsibility. The services in question will continue to be delivered as here to fore from the locations at which they are currently available. Costs, or indeed administrative savings, may arise in the future as these services are modernised and improved but any such costs or savings would accrue because of modernisation and service development rather than because of the transfer per se.
Throughout the change programme, I will be giving a high priority to supporting the continued delivery of the high standard of service currently provided by the staff concerned. Overall, I am confident that the transfer of services as envisaged will be embraced successfully and will ultimately further enhance the delivery of services to our customers, in particularly those most disadvantaged in society.
Social Insurance.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:131 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether the employee PRSI ceiling is regressive as those over the ceiling pay a smaller proportion of gross income in PRSI than those under the ceiling; and if on this basis, he will consider its removal. [24839/06]
Under the PRSI system social insurance contributions are compulsorily payable by employers and employed and self-employed workers. In relation to employee's contributions, the amount payable is determined by reference to the reckonable earnings in a weekly period, subject to a range of thresholds and an annual ceiling. The PRSI contribution which is due, which may include payment of the health contribution where appropriate, is based on a tiered contribution system, with weekly non-cumulative thresholds, a non-cumulative PRSI-free allowance and is subject to an annual cumulative ceiling on employee contributions. The employee PRSI ceiling is reviewed annually in accordance with the legislative stipulations of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005. I would point out that the ceiling does not apply in respect of the health contributions.
The employee ceiling is currently set at €46,600 per annum, and is likely to rise in line with earnings for 2007. The benefits which accrue on foot of the paid contributions are for the most part paid on a flat-rate basis. The flat-rate payment system, as opposed to a pay-related benefits system, is based on the policy of directing available resources towards those most in need by increasing the basic rate of payment, rather than through pay-related supplements. This is in line with the views expressed in 1986 in the Report of the Commission on Social Welfare which recommended that pay-related benefits be phased out as basic payment rates were increased.
I am satisfied that the policy of having an annual employee ceiling is appropriate in present circumstances and will monitor the need for any amendments to the current policy in a budgetary context.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:132 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in discussions with the EU Commission regarding the possibility of providing free travel passes to Irish pensioners resident abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31746/06]
Jerry Cowley
Question:174 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will extend free travel to older Irish pensioners living in the UK, in view of the fact that they are already in receipt of an Irish pension and receive the President’s 100th birthday cheque. [31533/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 174 together.
The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. All carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance, regardless of their age, receive a free travel pass.
The scheme is also available to people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type welfare payments, such as disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind person's pension. People resident in the State who are in receipt of a social security invalidity or disability payment from a country covered by EU Regulations, or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement, and who have been in receipt of this payment for at least 12 months, are also eligible for free travel.
The scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators.
The free travel scheme applies to travel within the State and point to point cross border journeys between here and Northern Ireland. In line with the Government objective to put in place an all Ireland free travel scheme for pensioners resident in all parts of this island, I am committed to significantly improving the North/South element of the current arrangements.
There have been a number of requests and enquiries in relation to the extension of entitlement to free travel in Ireland to Irish born people living outside Ireland, or to those in receipt of pensions from my Department, particularly in the UK, when they return to Ireland for a visit.
I have been advised that it would not be possible to extend entitlement to free travel simply to Irish born people living abroad as to do so would be contrary to European legislation which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of nationality. More recently, the European Commission has indicated that to extend the scheme to people in receipt of an Irish pension could also be considered discriminatory.
I have raised the issue with Commissioner Špidla and officials from my Department met with European Commission officials on two occasions in an effort to clarify the legal issues involved. I am keeping this issue under review and contacts with the European Commission are ongoing.
In relation to centenarian's bounty, the Government has approved in principle the extension of the scheme for the payment of the centenarians' bounty to any Irish citizen who was born in the Island of Ireland, regardless of where he or she may currently reside. Up to now the bounty, which currently amounts to €2,500, was payable only to centenarians living in the State.
The bounty is a discretionary grant and not a service or scheme and accordingly it does not come within the scope of the EC Treaty. In this way, it differs from any proposed extension of the free travel scheme.
Question No. 133 answered with QuestionNo. 130.
Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:134 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the research his Department has undertaken into rural poverty; his views on introducing new initiatives to combat rural poverty in particular regarding the elderly and women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31834/06]
Bernard Allen
Question:198 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the efforts his Department is making to combat rural poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31820/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 198 together.
Tackling rural poverty is a key objective of this government with initiatives being undertaken across many departments. My colleague the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has primary responsibility in this area and his department, together with the Department of Agriculture and Food, is currently preparing a major rural development strategy covering the years 2007-2013. This strategy will have a significant impact in rural areas.
In addition, the National Action Plan against Poverty and Social Exclusion (NAP inclusion) details a range of measures, across several policy areas, to tackle rural poverty. These include: the Rural Transport Initiative which will be placed on a permanent footing in 2007 following the successful piloting of the project; the CLAR programme, which is a nationally funded investment programme aimed at areas which have experienced more that a 50 per cent drop in population since the foundation of the state; and the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme. The agreement of social inclusion development plans within the local authorities will also constitute valuable tools for identifying and tackling social exclusion and poverty at a local level.
A revised National Action Plan is currently in preparation, coordinated by the Office for Social Inclusion (OSI), based in my Department. It is due for completion by end of year. Full account is being taken of the views expressed at consultation seminars in relation to what the plan should contain. These consultations highlighted the importance of the Plan having a strong regional and local focus given the differences that exist between the needs of the different regions and localities. A key aim, therefore, will be to ensure that a strong regional and local focus will be accommodated in the plan.
My Department makes a number of social welfare payments to assist rural communities. Farm Assist is a weekly means-tested payment for low income farmers, payable up to a maximum rate of €165.80 per week personal rate with increases of up to €110 per week for a qualified adult and €16.80 per week for each qualified child. Expenditure on Farm Assist was €67.2m in 2005 and there are currently some 7,531 households benefiting from the payment on a weekly basis. In addition to the weekly state pension my department also pays a special additional weekly payment of €12.70 for persons over 66 years of age living on certain offshore islands.
An additional weekly payment of €7.70 is made to pensioners who are living alone and an additional €10 per week for persons over 80 years old.
My Department is also cooperating with the Combat Poverty Agency, Sustainable Energy Ireland and other organisations in an action research project to improve energy efficiency in selected older dwellings and to monitor the outcomes in terms of improved cost efficiency and household comfort and health levels. A total of 300 houses are involved in this project. The project is comprised of urban houses in the Cork area and rural houses in Donegal. In addition to this, Budget 2006 provided a grant of EUR2 million to Sustainable Energy Ireland to enable further research to be undertaken into fuel poverty issues.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:135 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the efforts his Department is making to reduce poverty levels of older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31851/06]
Phil Hogan
Question:149 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way he will reduce the high rate of poverty for women over 65; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31822/06]
Seán Ryan
Question:188 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to claims made at the recent Tackling Poverty and Health Inequalities conference that Ireland has the second highest rate of poverty among older people; his views on this finding; the steps he intends to take to address the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31727/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 135, 149 and 188 together.
The measure of poverty used for the national social inclusion processes in Ireland is consistent poverty, which combines relative income poverty with deprivation measures. In order to be ‘consistently poor', a person needs to fall below an income line and be unable to afford one of 8 basic deprivation items.
While the risk of poverty results for older people are higher than for the general population (40% compared to 21% based on the EU common indicators), consistent poverty results for people aged 65 and over are lower than the general population (3.3% compared to 6.8%, from the National EU-SILC results for 2004). Consistent poverty is considered in Ireland to be a more accurate reflection of long-term accumulation of resources than relative income measures.
EU measures of poverty risk concentrate on relative incomes. When looked at in this way, the position of pensioners compared to other groups disimproved over the past 10 years. This was despite pension increases that exceeded earnings growth and price inflation. The main reason for this apparent disimprovement was that household incomes were driven by tax reform and increased employment participation, in addition to earnings growth, and not all of these factors fed into pensioners' incomes whereas people on social welfare incomes throughout the 10-year period would in fact have benefited from substantial income improvements (at least as high as earnings growth).
Over the decade to 2004, while prices (CPI) increased by 35% and average industrial earnings increased by 63%, social welfare payments increased by 86%. However, the ‘at risk of poverty' threshold increased by 122% reflecting a significant shift from one to two incomes in middle-income households. In Ireland's particular circumstances of rapid economic growth, the ‘at risk of poverty' measure has not proved to be a reliable indicator of Over the decade to 2004, while prices (CPI) increased by 35% and average industrial earnings increased by 63%, social welfare payments increased by 86%. However, the ‘at risk of poverty' threshold increased by 122% reflecting a significant shift from one to two incomes in middle-income households. In Ireland's particular circumstances of rapid economic growth, the ‘at risk of poverty' measure has not proved to be a reliable indicator of the experience of poverty. Instead, it reflects the changes in household incomes, driven by a substantial increase in female participation in the labour market. A decrease in the ‘at risk of poverty' rate from 19.7 per cent in 2003 to 19.4 per cent in 2004 was recorded by EU SILC and shows that the distorting effect of significant structural changes may well be on the ebb.
The needs of older people have been, and will remain a priority for this Government and this had been demonstrated by the numerous initiatives which have been taken in the last ten years in the area of pensions, supports for carers and household benefits. For instance, since 1996 pensions have increased by almost 104%, or nearly 50% in real terms. We are committed to achieving a target rate of €200 per week for social welfare pensions by 2007.
The question of targeted measures to improve the position of women over 65 specifically will be kept under review in the context of the forthcoming budget.
Social Welfare Code.
Pat Breen
Question:136 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the introduction of a cost of disability payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31848/06]
A working group established under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness (PPF), with cross-departmental membership, which includes my Department and the Department of Health and Children, has examined the feasibility of the introduction of a cost of disability payment. The National Disability Authority, on behalf of the working group and in line with its own remit, commissioned research into the feasibility of introducing such a payment. The purpose of this research was to advise regarding the additional costs incurred by people with disabilities, owing specifically to the direct or indirect costs of disability and the appropriate mechanisms or instruments by which to address identified additional costs. The resultant report, Disability and the Cost of Living, was subsequently published by the National Disability Authority.
The group considers it vital that comprehensive data is available on which to base consideration of the introduction of a cost of disability payment, in addition to a structured process of the assessment of need.
The working group recommended that steps be taken to improve the quality of data relating to disability in Ireland, for example, adjustment of existing data gathering exercises undertaken by the Central Statistics Office or other relevant bodies to include questions on the numbers per household with disabilities, the nature of disability and severity of impairment.
The group has also examined the scope for addressing barriers that exist for people with disabilities who wish to undertake or increase their employment and thus move to a position of greater economic independence. In this regard, as part of the Social Welfare Budget package 2006, I introduced a change to the withdrawal rate of Disability Allowance and Blind Pension for income in excess of the current earnings disregard level which means that a single person can earn up to a maximum of €390 per week from rehabilitative employment before their Disability Allowance or Blind Pension is fully withdrawn. The outcome of this change will be monitored to assess its effect on increased employment participation and to identify any further policy changes required.
In terms of ensuring adequate levels of income for people with disabilities, the current ten-year Social Partnership Agreement, In terms of ensuring adequate levels of income for people with disabilities, the current ten-year Social Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016, includes the commitment to work for the continued enhancement and integration of supports in line with overall social welfare targets. These will include a rationalisation of existing allowances for people with disabilities in the context of the Government's policy of mainstreaming and the proposed transfer of functions from the Health Services Executive to my Department which includes a number of disability-related schemes, including the Domiciliary Care Allowance, Mobility Allowance and Blind Welfare Allowance. An inter-departmental working group has now been established to progress the implementation of this transfer. Other issues around the cost of disability will be considered following the development of a needs assessment system provided for under Part 2 of the Disability Act, 2005.
My Department's Disability Sectoral Plan similarly contains actions in relation to the rationalisation of existing allowances for people with disabilities. The Plan also includes agreed protocols with the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on actions required to ensure that income supports and associated benefits do not create financial barriers to people with disabilities participating in the labour force or availing of training, educational or other developmental opportunities.
I look forward to the implementation of the sectoral plan over the next three years and to maintaining the commitment to expand and deliver services that best support, recognise and encourage people with disabilities as well as those who provide a caring role.
Budget Submissions.
Willie Penrose
Question:137 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has received the pre-budget submission from the national one parent family organisation, One Family; his views on the ten steps to equality for all families set out in the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31722/06]
Willie Penrose
Question:406 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has received the pre-budget submission from the national one parent family organisation, One Family; his views on the ten steps to equality for all families set out in the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31956/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 406 together.
I have recently received the Pre-Budget submission from One Family. Of the ten areas of concern, entitled steps to equality for all families which are set out in the submission, a number, including the issues of adequate incomes for one-parent families, adequate supports for employment and the issue of poverty traps deterring a move off social welfare dependency were all covered in the Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents" which I launched in March this year.
That paper puts forward proposals for reform of the income support system for all parents on a low income. It also put forward proposals for the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents, the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents, focused provision of childcare, improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children.
Long term welfare dependency is not in the best interests of parents, their children or society in general. This new social assistance payment will have the long term aim of assisting lone parents and parents on low incomes to achieve financial independence through supporting them to enter employment – for it is employment that offers the best route out of poverty.
I fully realise that any new payment cannot be introduced without co-ordinated supports and services being put in place by other Departments and Agencies. This is why the Government has instructed the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion to draw up an implementation plan to progress the non-income related recommendations in tandem with the development of the legislation required in my Department to introduce a new payment scheme.
Work on the development of this implementation plan is underway. Issues including access to childcare support, education, training and activation measures and options for further research will be considered. As soon as I am convinced that we have reached conclusions that are equitable, with a fully workable implementation strategy, it is my intention to bring forward proposals for legislation.
In the meantime, my officials continue to be in contact with the lone parents' representative groups, whose ongoing support I am grateful for and whose views continue to feed in to the development of the proposals. The proposals in the Pre-Budget submission will be considered in a budgetary context.
Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Michael Noonan
Question:138 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he agrees with the views of the Combat Poverty Agency (details supplied) that there have been problems regarding the effective implementation of the Governments poverty strategies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31845/06]
Joan Burton
Question:147 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he plans to publish the promised new two year social inclusion action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31726/06]
Willie Penrose
Question:177 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent annual report of the Combat Poverty Agency which called for a systematic reform of the way in which Government policies are implemented, and a whole of Government approach in order that targets to reduce poverty are reached; if he intends to act on the call made by the agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31721/06]
Gay Mitchell
Question:185 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the main barriers to implementation of his Department’s anti-poverty policies; the way he will address these barriers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31846/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138, 147, 177 and 185 together.
I was very glad to recently launch the 2005 Annual Report of the Combat Poverty Agency. In addition to outlining the work of the agency, the report includes a commentary on translating strategy into action.
The need for a strategic approach reflects the complex nature of poverty, which is multi-faceted in its causes and effects and, as a consequence, requires a multi-policy response. Since 1997, with the National Anti-Poverty Strategy (NAPS), the Government has adopted this approach. Ireland also actively promoted and engaged in EU-wide developments in this area and produced National Action Plans against Poverty and Social Exclusion (NAP inclusion) in 2001 and 2003, in accordance with EU guidelines. The most recent such development is, Ireland's Report on National Strategies for Social Protection and Social Inclusion 2006-2008 (NSSPI), which also incorporates strategies on pensions, healthcare and long-term care, submitted to the EU in September.
In tandem with the EU arrangements, a new National Action Plan is being prepared which will outline in more detail on the Government's strategies and will be completed before year-end. The Plan is also being prepared in tandem with and will compliment the forthcoming National Development Plan 2007-2013, which will contain a specific chapter on social inclusion.
The National Action Plan will build on the social inclusion priorities and objectives contained in the NSSPI and the Towards 2016 social partnership agreement. All three strategies encompass a new lifecycle approach within which the key social challenges are addressed, by assessing the risks which individuals face and the supports available to them at each stage in the life cycle. The key areas for attention are Children, People of Working Age, Older People and People with Disabilities. This strategic framework will help to create more coherent and integrated structures and facilitate better and more effective reporting and monitoring across the spectrum of government activity in the area of social inclusion. It is being designed to more systematically overcome difficulties in implementation arising from insufficient coordination and integration.
A key priority for this Government has been to reduce and, if possible, eliminate consistent poverty. The EU-SILC survey in 2004 showed a significant reduction in the consistent poverty rate, from 8.8 per cent in 2003 to 6.8 per cent in 2004 continuing a downward trend over the period since 1997. The low levels of unemployment achieved, and the substantial resources devoted to social welfare and other social services, which have been increasing in real terms since 1997, are bringing about this downward trend. It is estimated that some 250,000 people have been lifted out of consistent poverty over the past ten years.
In the ten years since the first NAPS, much has been achieved in Ireland towards the EU aim of making a decisive impact on poverty. Much has also been learned, both from our own experience in Ireland and from that of other Member States, on how more effective, coordinated implementation of strategies can be achieved.
One key priority is to apply what has been learned to the National Action Plan being prepared and in the arrangements being made for its full implementation.
Strategies for social inclusion include a range of actions on employment, social welfare, education, health, housing, disability, equality and other areas. Achieving the necessary results requires institutional arrangements encompassing Government, senior Departmental officials, social partners, key State Agencies, local authorities, community and voluntary groups and the general public. The Office for Social Inclusion (OSI) in my Department works closely with these bodies to ensure effective implementation of the National Action Plan targets. Arising from a commitment in Towards 2016, the Office will have wider responsibilities in relation to oversight of social inclusion policies.
The availability of appropriate data is necessary for monitoring policy impacts and the lack of such data is a barrier to evaluating progress towards the achievement of outcomes. The OSI will continue its work to ensure that robust and reliable data is available to facilitate effective monitoring.. The greater availability of comprehensive data will also assist the formulation of effective evidence-based policies. The OSI also recently produced new guidelines for Poverty Impact Assessment to enhance the current poverty proofing of policies. These will be an effective tool in ensuring the mainstreaming of poverty and social exclusion considerations in all policy making and by requiring a rigorous assessment of the impact of policies on those who are most vulnerable.
Question No. 139 answered with QuestionNo. 120.
Pension Provisions.
John Deasy
Question:140 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views of the comments of the Pensions Ombudsman on page 23 of his Annual Report 2005 regarding a more sinister use of section 48 (3) of the Pensions Act, 1990; if he will examine this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31852/06]
Section 48 (3) of the Pensions Act contains a provision which enables trustees of a pension scheme which is being wound up to make a transfer payment to another occupational pension scheme, without the consent of members.
This legislation was used in one case highlighted by the Pensions Ombudsman to transfer the members of a scheme to another scheme run by the same employer, rather than having their benefits secured by the purchase of an annuity.
The Pensions Board is reviewing the manner in which this section of the Pensions Act was used in this case and will, if considered appropriate, recommend legislative change which will be considered in the context of the next Social Welfare and Pensions Bill.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Róisín Shortall
Question:141 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on a national advertising campaign to promote greater awareness of social welfare entitlements, similar to the campaign being run by the Revenue Commissioners to promote greater awareness of tax allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31749/06]
The primary objective of my Department's information policy is to ensure that all citizens are made aware of their rights and entitlements and that they are kept informed of changes and improvements in schemes and services as they occur. The provision of information in a clear and accessible manner is an essential element in the achievement of this objective.
My Department takes a pro-active approach in advertising its schemes and services, by using an appropriate mix of national and provincial media, information leaflets, fact sheets, posters, direct mailshots, advertising on plasma television screens in over 60 Credit Unions nationwide and the distribution of information booklets to health centres throughout the country. Selective use is made of LoCall and Freephone services to provide information on new schemes and services at particular times of the year such as Budget time.
In addition, national advertising campaigns are undertaken periodically to promote greater awareness of a specific scheme or highlight easing of qualifying conditions for schemes and services. During 2006 to date, three such campaigns have been undertaken.
In March, my Department undertook a nationwide awareness campaign to promote and encourage take up of the Family Income Supplement (FIS) scheme. An extensive week-long campaign included advertising on television, on national and local radio and in national and regional newspapers.
In August, the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance was advertised in national and regional newspapers.
During the last week of September, an information campaign was conducted on television, on national and local radio and in national and regional newspapers to raise public awareness of supports for carers. The campaign promoted Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit and the Respite Care Grant.
A LoCall helpline was provided for all three campaigns. In addition to the LoCall number, our campaigns also highlight other sources of information available to the public, including my Department's network of Social Welfare Local Offices, Citizens Information Centres and my Department's website. The response to the campaigns have been encouraging and resulted in increases in the numbers applying for, and qualifying for, each of the support schemes.
In view of the wide and varied range of services available from my Department, nationwide campaigns are designed to highlight specific schemes and services. Targeted advertising campaigns focusing on specific schemes and services will continue to be a key priority for me in the drive to ensure that citizens are aware of and claim their social welfare entitlements.
Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Joe Costello
Question:142 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent study from the Combat Poverty Agency which shows that the increasing levels of indirect taxation here are having a disproportionate effect on persons on lower incomes; the efforts he is making to ensure that those on low incomes receive sufficient supports to deflect the impact of these indirect taxes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31728/06]
Earlier this year, I welcomed the publication by the Combat Poverty Agency of its report "The Distributional Impact of Ireland's Indirect Tax System" and the associated policy statement "Promoting Equity in Ireland's Tax System".
The report addressed whether and to what extent the Irish system of indirect taxation, namely VAT and excise duties, is regressive. The report outlines that over the period 2000 to 2005, the share of total Current Exchequer Revenues represented by VAT and excises duties combined has remained unchanged at 44.5%. The authors concluded that the indirect tax system appears to be regressive in the sense that households in the lowest decile pay a higher proportion of their income in indirect taxes relative to households in the higher deciles. However, they also noted that the indirect tax system includes some elements of progressivity such as low tax rates on food and fuel and zero tax rates on children's clothes and footwear. They also pointed out that changes to some tax elements could have negative effects elsewhere. For example, lowering taxes on drink and tobacco could have a negative health impact.
In conclusion, the authors do not recommend adjustments to indirect taxes.
This Government has greatly increased the levels of income support provided through the social welfare system and remains committed to improving the standard of living of welfare dependent and low-income households. Since 1997, the lowest rates of welfare payments have increased by almost 100%, well ahead of the 49% accumulated inflation over that period.
In the last Budget, the personal and qualified adult rates of payment were increased by unprecedented amounts. The lowest rates of social welfare payments were i increased by €17 per week to €165.80, or by 11.4%. This increase is well ahead of projected inflation for 2006 and, therefore, improves and enhances the living standards of all recipients.
The Combat Poverty Agency report also highlights the need to make work pay for low earners. This has been an important focus of Government policy and I introduced a number of important measures designed to address poverty and to reward work and enterprise in Budget 2006. These included a Child and Family Poverty package of nearly €155 million which involved major improvements for low-income families and for single parent families.
I also introduced a wide-ranging employment support package of €28 million. This contained a range of measures which will alleviate poverty and support activation by improving income disregards and tapers for people with disabilities, the unemployed and qualified adults. These arrangements maximise the benefits of work for low-income households.
I look forward to considering further improvements in income support and allied measures designed to assist low income households in the context of the forthcoming Budget.
Question No. 143 answered with QuestionNo. 126.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:144 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated increase in the cost of welfare claims in 2007 arising from the entitlement of EU migrant workers to the new child care supplement and child benefit; the level of increase in applications for such benefits that has been evident since the beginning of 2006; his views on these increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31738/06]
Eamon Ryan
Question:183 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated cost of paying child benefit to EU migrants in 2006. [31789/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 183 together.
EU migrant workers have an entitlement to Child Benefit and other "Family benefits" including Early Childcare Supplement (ECS) under EU Regulation 1408/71. Where a national of an EU State with a family is working in Ireland, the worker is entitled to payment of such benefits, even if the children are resident in the worker's home country.
Applications for family benefits from EU migrant workers who come to live in Ireland with their families are dealt with under domestic legislation. Entitlement to Child Benefit is based on the applicant satisfying the Habitual Residency condition and the child being ordinarily resident in Ireland.
Currently there are just over 31,000 EU nationals in receipt of Child Benefit for 56,000 children who are resident with them in Ireland. Of these the majority of recipients, some 16,500 — are UK nationals, with a further 10,500 recipients from the ten States that joined the EU in 2004.
EU nationals who come to work in Ireland but whose families remain in their home country may have an entitlement to Family Benefits in Ireland under EU Regulation 1408/71. Before payment of Child Benefit is made for non-resident children it is necessary to contact the authorities in the country of residency of the children to confirm details and establish what if any family benefits are payable there.
This process can take a number of months to complete and, as a result, the number of claims that have been finalised to date is relatively small. There are approximately 10,500 claims at various stages of processing and awaiting finalisation. The number of claims to Child Benefit and Early Child Supplement in respect of non resident children of EU nationals has, since the start of 2006, averaged close to 300 per week. Applications reached a peak of 400 per week in June but have been reducing somewhat in the months since.
At the start of 2006, Child Benefit was in payment under EU regulations for 650 families, in respect of 1320 children resident outside of the Republic of Ireland. Currently there are some 560 families, with 1325 children receiving Child Benefit and resident outside Ireland. Some 90% of these children are resident in the UK. The reduction in the numbers of families in payment is due to changes in the eligibility of UK residents who, because of increases in family benefits in the UK, are no longer eligible for any payment from my Department.
The total child benefit expenditure for EU migrants with non resident children in respect of 2006 is estimated at €36m or 1.8% of overall child benefit expenditure of €2.04 billion. The total cost in 2007 is difficult to estimate but on current trends, the potential accrued cost could be of the order of €80m. The corresponding figures for early childcare supplement are €8m in respect of 2006 and €17m in respect of 2007.
Question No. 145 answered with QuestionNo. 123.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:146 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he will increase the qualified adult allowance to 100% of the personal rate as promised in Sustaining Progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31829/06]
In the recently negotiated social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, which succeeds Sustaining Progress, the Government and social partners agreed to work together over a ten-year period to enhance pension provision and income supports, including an increase in the level of qualified adult allowance (QAA) for pensioner spouses to the level of the state non-contributory pension.
The cost, based on current rates of payment, of bringing all of the relevant QAA rates up to the level of the non-contributory pension personal rate is €57 million in a full year. In that context, further progress on aligning the relevant rates would fall to be considered in a Budgetary context.
Question No. 147 answered with QuestionNo. 138.
Pension Provisions.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:148 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent annual report of the Pensions Ombudsman. [31734/06]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:159 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the 30% rise in complaints to the Pensions Ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31819/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 159 together.
The function of the Pensions Ombudsman is to investigate complaints that an individual has suffered a financial loss because of maladministration in the operation of an occupational pension scheme or a personal retirement savings account. He also investigates disputes of fact or law concerning pension schemes, between members and others entitled to benefit from the schemes, with trustees or managers or employers. The Ombudsman has powers to make binding determinations in relation to disputes which come before him for decision but I am very pleased at the emphasis he places on resolving issues by mediation. This allows for a certain degree of flexibility in how problems are approached.
The Office of the Pensions Ombudsman has been in operation since 2003 but the office was not fully staffed until late 2004, so 2005 is in effect the first full year in which the Office has been fully operational. The recent Annual Report is, amongst other things, an overview of the business conducted by the Office in 2005, which was in effect, the first full year in which the Office had been operational. The Report highlights a range of issues to which the Pensions Ombudsman wishes to draw attention. These include women's pensions coverage, pensions for part-time workers in the public sector, overprotective legislation, the quality of information material supplied by pension providers to customers and problems with the Construction Federation Operatives Pensions Scheme (CFOPs).
In relation to CFOPS, the question of employment rights and compliance featured strongly in the recent partnership talks and I was pleased to see a commitment in "Towards 2016" for the establishment of the Office of the Director for Employment Rights and Compliance under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and a trebling of the Labour Inspectorate. I am sure that, when constituted, the new body will improve the enforcement of employment rights generally, including registered employment agreements, under one of which this pension scheme is constituted.
The publication of the Annual Report and the associated Digest of Cases is a way to highlight issues for a wider audience, particularly those engaged in pensions administration, and to demonstrate what the Pensions Ombudsman can do for individuals. Hopefully, it will also help those charged with administering pension schemes to identify weaknesses in their practices and possibly avoid references of complaints to the Ombudsman.
The Office complements the work of the Pensions Board and it also works closely with other regulating bodies in the financial area to ensure that complaints are directed to and dealt with in the most appropriate forum. The Pensions Ombudsman, The Pensions Board and the Financial Regulator represent a comprehensive system of protection and redress for pension scheme members. In that regard, I was very pleased to see that The Pensions Ombudsman has concluded Memoranda of Understanding with both the Financial Services Ombudsman and the Chief Executive of the Irish Financial Regulator in order to ensure that complaints are directed to the most appropriate authority for investigation. This helps to safeguard the interests of consumers of financial services generally.
The business of the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman continues to grow and in 2005 the number of complaints received for investigation rose by 31% along with a 79% increase in the level of general enquiries received. The service is still relatively new and it is therefore not surprising that the level of complaints being received is continuing to increase. The Pensions Ombudsman has worked hard to raise the profile of his office and the increase in the level of complaint is partly due to his success in this area.
The Pensions Ombudsman provides an invaluable service for pension scheme member and he can be assured of my full support for his work.
Question No. 149 answered with QuestionNo. 135.
John Perry
Question:150 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the efforts his Department is making to tackle the problem of high administration costs on occupational pension schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31827/06]
The primary responsibility for the administration of a pension scheme rests with the trustees of schemes. The trustees must, at all times, act in the best interests of the members and are required under the Pensions Act, and subject to regulations, to provide for the proper investment of the resources of the scheme. In order to discharge their responsibilities to scheme members they should ensure that they secure the best value available in terms of administration charges when arranging for the investment of scheme resources.
There are no controls on the administrative costs of occupational pension schemes. Such costs do not impact on the benefits of those in defined benefit schemes. In the case of Standard Personal Retirement Savings Accounts, the administration charges that can be applied are limited by legislation.
However, in the case of defined contribution arrangements, it is important that administration costs are kept to the minimum to ensure the maximum return on funds invested. Some defined contribution schemes provide a degree of choice for members in the manner in which their resources are invested. In such cases the Occupational Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) Regulations 2006, require that a description of the charges levied on each investment must be provided to members within 3 months of such a request.
Question No. 151 answered with QuestionNo. 108.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:152 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he intends to take to ensure that people on low incomes or dependent on social welfare payments will be able to meet fuel costs in winter 2006, in view of the increase in the cost of fuels generally and particularly in the view of increases in electricity and gas prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31744/06]
Dan Boyle
Question:163 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he intends to introduce financial support for those low income earners who are not part of those groups designated and are not benefiting from the increases in winter fuel and domestic gas allowances, in order to alleviate some of the financial strain which they are likely to come under due to increased fuel prices in winter 2006. [31781/06]
Gay Mitchell
Question:179 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the income threshold for the fuel allowance was last raised; the plans he has to raise same in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31847/06]
Martin Ferris
Question:192 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in view of the ongoing fuel poverty suffered by older and long-term people receiving disability benefit as outlined in many recent reports, he will examine new ways of addressing this problem including the removal of VAT on fuel for people in this sector, and if he will carry out a cost analysis of such a proposal per sector. [31817/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 152, 163, 179 and 192 together.
The aim of the national fuel scheme is to assist householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive (HSE) payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. I have no plans to extend the scheme to people who are not in receipt of a weekly social welfare or HSE payments. Issues in relation to VAT on fuel are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
Fuel allowances are paid for 29 weeks from end-September to mid-April. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses and is not intended to meet those costs in full. A number of improvements have been made to the scheme in recent years including the easing of the means test and extending the duration of payment from 26 weeks to 29 weeks. Most recently, Budget 2006 provided for an increase in the rate of fuel allowance of €5.00 from €9.00 to €14.00 (€17.90 in designated smokeless areas).
Eligibility to the fuel allowance scheme is subject to means and other conditions. The main conditions that apply to the fuel allowance scheme are that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment, must satisfy a means test and must either be living alone or with a qualifying dependant.
People who already qualify for means-tested pensions or allowances such as the State (non-contributory) pension, long-term jobseekers allowance (formally unemployment assistance) or one-parent family payment do not have to undergo a further means test to qualify for fuel allowance. The majority of people who receive fuel allowances qualify because they satisfy the relevant means test for their primary weekly payment. In effect, the means limits for these payments and consequently for fuel allowance, increase each year in line with the increase in payment rates announced in the budget.
In the case of contributory pensions such as state pension (contributory) — formerly old age (contributory) pension — state pension (transition) — formerly retirement pension — and invalidity pensions, which are not means tested, a person may have a combined household income of up to €51 per week, or savings/investments of up to €46,000, over and above the maximum rate of state pension (contributory) and still qualify for fuel allowance. The amount of additional income allowed was increased to €51 per week with effect from 1 June 2005. The overall fuel allowance income limits increase each season in line with the increases in the rate of the state pension (contributory).
In addition to the fuel allowance, some 340,000 pensioner and other households qualify for electricity or gas allowances through the household benefits package, payable towards their heating, light and cooking costs throughout the year, at an overall cost of €119 million in 2006. The annual value of the Natural Gas Allowance per household is currently €313.17. This covers the supply charge and up to 1674 Kilowatt hours per annum. From October 1st the annual value has been increased to €516 per household.
This will cover the recent 33.8% increase in Natural Gas and also increase the kilowatt hours per annum from 1,674 to approx. 3,600 for each household.
The Electricity Allowance covers normal standing charges and up to 1800 units of electricity. The allowance also covers the VAT applicable to these charges. In the light of the recent increase in electricity charges the allowance will be increased to cover increased standing charges and the units will also increase from 1800 to 2400 with effect from January 2007.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive a special heating supplement may be paid to assist people in certain circumstances that have special heating needs. An application for a heating supplement may be made by contacting the community welfare officer at the local Health Centre.
The term "fuel poverty" has been described as the inability to afford adequate warmth in a home, or the inability to achieve adequate warmth because of the energy inefficiency of the home. The role of the social welfare system in relation to fuel poverty is primarily to provide income support which the Government does through weekly social welfare payments and specific programmes such as the fuel allowance scheme and the household benefits package. My Department is also cooperating with the Combat Poverty Agency, Sustainable Energy Ireland and other organisations in an action research project to improve energy efficiency in selected older dwellings and to monitor the outcomes in terms of improved cost efficiency and household comfort and health levels. In addition to this, in Budget 2006 I made a grant of €2 million to Sustainable Energy Ireland to enable further research to be undertaken into fuel poverty issues.
Fuel allowances are incorporated in the recipient's weekly social welfare payment. The Government's objective is to ensure that the recipient's total weekly income, including the fuel allowance, is sufficient to meet all of their income needs, including heating costs. Budget resources have been concentrated on providing significant real increases over and above inflation each year in all primary social welfare pension, benefit and assistance rates. This is a more costly approach than increasing fuel allowances because the increase is paid for the full year and not just for the 29 weeks of the winter heating season.
This approach delivers a better outcome for pensioners and others by substantially increasing their income in real terms over the whole year, to better assist them in meeting their normal basic living costs, including heating. It is estimated that some 274,000 people (151,000 with basic fuel allowance and 123,000 with smokeless fuel supplement) will benefit in 2006 at an estimated annual cost €125.1m.
Any changes to the fuel allowance scheme such as rates of payment, income limits and eligibility — and indeed any changes in income support for particular groups through primary welfare payments — would have significant cost implications. Any such changes would have to be considered in the context of the Budget and in the light of the resources available for improvements in social welfare generally.
Social Welfare Code.
Jerry Cowley
Question:153 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on introducing a refuse waiver scheme as part of the household benefits package as the payment of refuse collections is something which is out of reach for most pensioners here; his further views on whether running this through the household benefits packages would simplify things for his Department and for the people involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31534/06]
The setting of waste management charges and the introduction of waivers in respect of waste charges is, as stated by my colleague the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, a matter for each local authority.
The introduction of a national social welfare scheme to address the issue, for example as part of the household budget scheme, would be complex given the wide range of charging regimes and cost structures that exist in respect of waste management throughout the State. Charges vary across local authorities and even within local authorities where there is more than one provider. In addition, some local authorities already operate waiver schemes. Any system put in place to assist people who rely on private domestic waste collection would have to be sensitive to the different local arrangements.
I have asked my Department to continue to explore possible options and to keep me regularly informed of developments.
Pension Provisions.
Liz McManus
Question:154 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the recent report he received from the Pensions Board (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31736/06]
Billy Timmins
Question:156 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his Department’s efforts to improve pension coverage for part-time workers since January 2005; the rate of pension coverage for part-time workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31840/06]
Billy Timmins
Question:167 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his Department’s targets for improving pension coverage for part-time workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31841/06]
Liam Twomey
Question:182 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the Pensions Board report on mandatory pensions; the action he will take as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31825/06]
Richard Bruton
Question:189 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his Department’s view regarding the lack of pension cover for many workers. [25173/06]
Paudge Connolly
Question:420 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of workers in the workforce that have private pensions; the extent of workers who do not have private pensions; the ratio of working males to females that are without pensions; if he has proposals to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32024/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 154, 156, 167, 182, 189 and 420 together.
The most recent results from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Quarterly National Household Survey show a 0.9% point decline in supplementary pensions coverage from 52.4% of the working population aged 20-69 in quarter 1 of 2004 to 51.5% in the same quarter of 2005. The decline is within the margin of error for the survey so the position appears to be that there was little change in the rate of supplementary pensions coverage over the period in question. Workers aged 35 to 44 have the highest rate of coverage at 61.3%. The survey also shows that 43% of those in self-employment aged 20-69 have private pension cover.
Pensions coverage for women increased from 46.8% in 2004 to 47.5% in 2005. Even though the coverage rate for men fell between 2004 and 2005 from 56.3% to 54.2%, men continue to have a higher rate of coverage than women. The coverage rate for women is also below the overall average for the workforce as a whole.
The reasons for this may be quite varied and could, for instance, include issues such as the interrupted nature of many women's working careers, the disparity in male and female earnings, which may make pensions less affordable for women, and the number of women who work reduced or part-time hours. Coverage for supplementary pensions for part-time workers can vary considerably depending on the number of hours worked. Those working less than 10 hours a week have a coverage rate of just over 9% while, of those working between 20 and 29 hours, just over 34% have a pension.
The Government is concerned about the adequacy of retirement income and has introduced a range of measures to encourage people to participate in occupational and private pension arrangements so that they can, when they retire, maintain their pre-retirement standard of living. These include Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs), mandatory employer PRSA access where occupational schemes are not available, and an ongoing National Pensions Awareness Campaign run by The Pensions Board.
Because of the lower than average pension coverage rates for women, the National Pensions Awareness Campaign has launched a number of initiatives targeted specifically at women. These include teaming up with a recruitment company, most of whose clients are women, to provide those seeking employment with a checklist of the main items that people need to address to ensure that they will have an adequate income when they retire.
This checklist was also provided to delegates at the Annual Conference of the Institute of Career Guidance Counsellors earlier this year. Other initiatives include promotional work around women's events such as the women's mini marathon, women's world exhibition and information booklets dealing exclusively with women's pensions.
The National Pensions Policy Initiative report which was published in 1998 outlines the fundamental policy on which current pension targets are based. It set a target of 70% for supplementary pensions coverage for those aged over 30 years. Pensions coverage for the key National Pensions Policy Initiative target group, those aged 30 years and over, stood at 58.6% in the 1st quarter of 2005. This coverage rate has moved little in recent years.
In early 2005, I asked the Pensions Board to undertake a review of overall pensions strategy because I considered that, on the basis of the progress being made at that time, there was little prospect of reaching our targets for pensions coverage within a of reasonable timescale. The Pensions Board completed its work in November 2005 and I published the National Pensions Review report in January 2006.
The Board has reaffirmed the various targets recommended in the original National Pensions Policy Initiative which included a retirement income, from all sources, of 50% of pre-retirement income, a social welfare pension equating to 34% of average industrial earnings and a supplementary pensions coverage rate of 70% for those aged over 30 years. The Pensions Board has recommended enhancements to the current voluntary system of supplementary pensions as it considers that it has the potential to deliver significant improvements in coverage.
However, no truly voluntary pensions system has delivered the sort of coverage rates for which we are aiming. In that context, I asked the Pensions Board to explore in more detail the issues in relation to a mandatory or quasi-mandatory system which had been set out in the National Pensions Review.
The ideas explored range from a mandatory system built on the existing private sector system to a greater role in pensions provision for the PRSI system.
In August, the Government published the Pensions Board report on mandatory pensions, Special Savings for Retirement. In this report the Board suggested a model which could be considered if it were decided that a mandatory system of supplementary pensions was required. The model was aimed at low to middle earners and entails mandatory contributions of 15%, shared between employers, employees and the Exchequer, on earnings between €15,000 and €60,000. This would be backed up by an improved social welfare pension, which would increase from a current level of 33% of Gross Average Industrial Earnings to 40%. A timescale of 10 years was suggested for full implementation.
The Government has committed itself to producing a Green Paper on pensions as part of the new social partnership agreement Towards 2016 and future pensions policy will be considered in that context. The Green Paper will outline the major policy choices, the challenges in this area and the views of the social partners.
The two reports completed by the Pensions Board — the National Pensions Review and their report on mandatory pensions, Special Savings for Retirement — will be major inputs to the Green Paper. It is my intention to produce the Green Paper within months. A consultation process will then take place after which the Government will publish a framework for future pensions policy.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Mary Upton
Question:155 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the uptake in the farm assist programme; the cost to the Exchequer of each participant in the programme; and the financial incentives for participation in the programme. [24619/06]
The farm assist scheme, which introduced special arrangements for farmers on low incomes, was provided for in the Social Welfare Act, 1999 and came into operation with effect from 7 April 1999.
There are currently 7,542 farm assist customers and the average weekly payment is €178.59. The cost of the scheme for the years 2004 and 2005 was as follows:
|
Year |
Outturn |
|
€m |
€m |
|
2004 |
66.343 |
|
2005 |
67.3 |
The level of take-up is less than had been anticipated when the scheme was first introduced in April 1999. This is due to the significant increase in off-farm employment in recent years and the take up of the Rural Social Scheme which is operated by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and which also specifically targets low-income farmers.
The conditions which apply to unemployment payments such as being available for and genuinely seeking work do not apply to the Farm Assist scheme nor are customers required to ‘sign on'. Eligibility is based on the actual means assessed being within specified income thresholds dependant on family size. This means test is quite favourable to the customer. 70% of self-employment income (including off-farm self-employment) is taken into account for means testing purposes. There are also child-related disregards of €253.95 for the first two children and €380.92 for each subsequent qualified child. Capital is favourably assessed, with the first €20,000 held by a claimant disregarded.
The farm assist scheme has brought about a worthwhile improvement for low income farmers and particularly for those with children and it makes a valuable contribution to supporting those who are at the lower end of the farm income spectrum.
Question No. 156 answered with QuestionNo. 154.
Question No. 157 answered with QuestionNo. 130.
Social Welfare Code.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:158 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on recent figures produced by the Central Statistics Office showing that expenditure on social protection here at 15.9% of GDP was the fourth lowest in the EU and well below the EU average of27.4%; his plans to increase the amounts spent on social protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31724/06]
The figures referred to are contained in a Central Statistics Office Report, published on the 27th of June 2006, entitled "Measuring Ireland's Progress, 2005". The information is based on figures published by Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the EU, which publishes comparisons of social protection expenditure as a percentage of GDP across the EU. This encompasses not only social welfare expenditure but also expenditure in other areas such as health care, social housing, employment support programmes and other social inclusion programmes.
The latest such statistics were released on 20 October 2005 and deal with developments up to and including 2002. No comparable figures are yet available for the period 2003, 2004 or 2005 during which the Irish economy continued to perform exceptionally.
When examining such data it is important to remember that gross expenditure measures do not take account of social charges or taxes which may be levied on benefits after they are paid, nor do they include transfers made by means of tax concessions, as opposed to direct cash payments. For example, tax relief on contributions towards occupational and private pensions, which are an important feature of Ireland's pension system, is not counted as expenditure. The EUROSTAT release draws attention to the fact that the EU average masks major national differences in the structure of social protection funding, partly related to differing levels of wealth between countries, and also reflect differences in social protection systems, demographic trends, unemployment rates and other social, institutional and economic factors.
The level of expenditure is also significantly influenced by the age profile of the population. Ireland, currently with one of the youngest populations in the EU, needs to spend less on pensions and healthcare/care of the elderly than most other member states.
In addition, social protection expenditure as a percentage of GDP is crucially dependent on the pace of economic growth and the level of unemployment. The statistics show that at EU level, between 1993 and 1996, social protection expenditure relative to GDP stabilised at a level below the peak of 28.8% in 1993. This was due to renewed GDP growth and slower growth in s-ocial protection expenditure, particularly related to unemployment benefits. Over the period from 1996 the EU average dropped from 28.4% to the level of 27.7% in 2002. Ireland's position mirrored that of the EU as a whole, except that the level of economic growth and the decline in unemployment were much greater in Ireland than in most other EU countries and consequently the drop in the percentage of GDP accounted for by social protection expenditure was greater.
The fact is that under this Government there has been a sustained and substantial increase in social protection expenditure. The EUROSTAT report states that the increase in Ireland's per capita expenditure (8.7% per annum and the highest of all EU countries) from 1998 to 2002, in comparison to that of the EU as a whole (2.5% per annum), was "particularly pronounced".
Moreover, it should be noted that social welfare expenditure will have increased substantially during the 4 year period 2002 to 2006. The overall spending on social welfare in 2006 will increase to over €13.6 billion, an increase of over EUR 1.4 billion from the 2005 figure, representing the highest ever spend on social welfare. Indeed, between 1997 and 2006 the basic rate of social welfare payment has increased by 99.7%, well ahead of the 34.2% increase in consumer prices and the 67.7% increase in gross average industrial earnings.
This Government will continue to address the scope for further improvements in Ireland's social protection infrastructure, guided by the National Anti Poverty Strategy, while at the same time continuing to take the measures necessary to maintain economic growth and competitiveness and thereby generate the resources for further social investment.
Question No. 159 answered with QuestionNo. 148.
Pension Provisions.
Olwyn Enright
Question:160 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the assertions of the Pensions Ombudsman to the Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs on 25 July 2006, that the Government is running contradictory policies on pensions which may be discriminating against women; the efforts he is making to combat same and ensure better pension coverage for women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31839/06]
The most recent figures available from the Central Statistics Office, 1st quarter 2005, show that 51.5% of workers have supplementary pension coverage. The figure for males is 54.2% while 47.5% of females are contributing to a pension. The Government is aiming for a coverage rate of 70% for those who are 30 years of age and over. The coverage rate for this group is currently about 59%.
Because pensions coverage for females is below average there is a particular focus on them in the National Pensions Awareness Campaign. This has involved special initiatives and promotions, aimed at women, built around appropriate events. The objective is to encourage women to avail of opportunities afforded to them to contribute to an occupational or a private scheme and the most recent coverage figures have shown a small improvement on the 2004 figure.
The Pensions Ombudsman has drawn attention to difficulties being experienced by women in relation to pensions in particular areas and, if possible, I would like to see these resolved. The comments made by the Pensions Ombudsman related to certain public service pension schemes. My colleague, the Minister for Finance, has overall responsibility for public service pensions policy. Each public service pension scheme operates under specific rules and conditions. The issues raised by the Pensions Ombudsman are matters for the individual public service bodies in the first instance, in consultation with the Minister under whose aegis they operate and the Minister for Finance as appropriate. In this context, the points made by the Pensions Ombudsman in July are being considered further by those concerned.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Arthur Morgan
Question:161 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the need for an increase in the fuel allowance in view of the increases in electricity and gas prices. [31812/06]
The schemes administered by my Department which assist pensioners and others with energy costs include the national fuel scheme and the electricity/gas allowance.
The aim of the national fuel scheme is to assist householders on long-term social welfare or Health Service Executive payments with meeting the cost of their additional heating needs during the winter season. The fuel allowance is paid for 29 weeks from end-September to mid-April. Budget 2006 provided for an increase of €5 per week in the rate of fuel allowance, from €9.00 to €14.00 per week and to €17.90 per week in designated smokeless areas.
In order to qualify for the national fuel scheme, a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment, satisfy a means test and be living alone or only with certain excepted people.
The household benefits package, which comprises the electricity/gas allowance, telephone allowance and television licence schemes, is generally available to people living permanently in the State, aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. The package is also available to carers and people with disabilities under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. Widows and widowers aged from 60 to 65 whose late spouses had been in receipt of the household benefits package retain that entitlement to ensure that households do not suffer a loss of entitlements following the death of a spouse. People aged over 70 years of age can qualify for the household benefits package regardless of their income or household composition.
Last month, I announced improvements in the household benefits package to protect recipients from the increased costs of gas and electricity. As a result of these improvements, the present entitlement of 1,800 free units of electricity per annum will be increased to 2,400 free units per annum from 1 January 2007. There have also been pro rata increases for customers who avail of the gas allowance which came into effect on 1 October. The allowances will continue to include payment of the standing charges.
At present, there are approximately 315,000 people in receipt of the electricity allowance and approximately 26,000 people in receipt of the gas allowance. I am confident that these increases will be of major benefit to these recipients.
Proposals to increase the value of the electricity and gas allowances or to increase further the fuel allowance are kept under review for consideration in a budgetary context.
Question No. 162 answered with QuestionNo. 109.
Question No. 163 answered with QuestionNo. 152.
Social Welfare Code.
Denis Naughten
Question:164 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to review the means test in order to waive part of a non-contributory old age pensioner’s income from land leasing in order to facilitate the release of land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31501/06]
While there were no specific measures in relation to the leasing of land in the recent Budget, it did contain a number of important measures which are designed to target resources at particular groups of older people, including the farmers in question. In considering these measures I was anxious to target resources at those who are at the greatest risk of poverty; to encourage saving, and to simplify the system of income support for older people who do not receive contributory pensions.
Budget 2006 provided for an increase of €16 per week (9.6%) for all non-contributory pensioners, bringing the weekly rate of pension to €182 per week with effect from last January. This meant that significant progress was made towards the achievement of the Government's commitment to bring the basic state pension to over €200 per week by 2007. In addition, I increased the fuel allowance by €5 per week, from €9 to €14 and the over 80 allowance by €3.60 to €10. These measures will be of considerable benefit to many thousands of non-contributory pensioners.
On Budget Day, I was also pleased to announce the establishment, in September of this year, of a standardised State (Non-Contributory) Pension, replacing the six different non-contributory schemes heretofore available to persons aged 66 and over.
All the schemes in question featured a common means disregard of €7.60 per week, which had not increased since the 1970s. The means disregard for the State (Non-Contributory) Pension is now €20 per week, an increase of €12.40 per week. Up to 34,000 pensioners who were in receipt of a reduced rate of payment have gained from this change. The increase in the personal rate of payment is up to €12.50 per week while the qualified adult rate, where applicable, has increased by up to €8.30 per week. This measure, in particular, has benefited all those farmers who were in receipt of an old age (non-contributory) pension, including farmers who have leased land.
By any standards, the levels of increases and reformed means test arrangements announced in the Budget 2006 are exceptional. The introduction of the State (Non-Contributory) Pension is also a further demonstration of our commitment to all those who are elderly, including those who continue to farm or lease land. Further improvements for pensioners generally will be considered in the forthcoming Budget.
Pension Provisions.
Liz McManus
Question:165 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he intends to take arising from criticism by the Pensions Ombudsman of what he called the theft by employers of pension contributions deducted from employees but not remitted to pension schemes, particularly in the construction sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31735/06]
Bernard Allen
Question:200 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the efforts his Department is making to solve the problems regarding construction industry pensions; when he expects the new construction workers’ scheme to come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31821/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 200 together.
The Construction Federation Operatives Pensions Scheme operates as a Registered Employment Agreement under the Industrial Relations Acts. There is a statutory obligation on employers to register eligible employees in the scheme and to pay the necessary contributions.
Compliance with the terms of the scheme is enforced through the Construction Industry Monitoring Agency, The Labour Court and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Pensions Board also has a role in relation to the scheme in so far as compliance with the various aspects of the Pensions Act is concerned.
In this regard, employers who deduct pension contributions from employees and who fail to remit these contributions to the scheme trustees are in breach of Section 58A of the Pensions Act. The Pensions Board will fully investigate all such cases which are brought to its attention.
The main difficulties with the scheme relate to failure to register employees and/or to deduct any contributions to the scheme. These issues are a matter for the Construction Industry Monitoring Agency, The Labour Court and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Given the ongoing controversy in relation to the scheme and compliance with its terms, the Pensions Board, in 2005, facilitated a report on the scheme in conjunction with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. This report, which is referred to by the Pensions Ombudsman, was undertaken by Mercer Human Resource Consulting. It found that 80% of the estimated 80,000 eligible employees in the industry are covered by the scheme. However, the report does highlight the fact that an estimated 70,000 operatives are classed as self-employed and are therefore not eligible to join the scheme. The consultants are of the view that many of these workers are not genuinely self-employed.
With regard to self-employment, designations are, in the first instance, generally made by the Revenue Commissioners. However, it is open at any time to an individual to ask for a determination on his or her employment status for social insurance purposes from the Scope section of my Department and the Pensions Ombudsman refers to the role of the Scope section in that regard.
Dealing with the issues of non-compliance with the Registered Employment Agreement is, in my opinion, the way forward. As the House will be aware, employment rights and compliance featured strongly in the recent partnership talks and I was pleased to see a commitment in "Towards 2016" for the establishment of the Office of the Director for Employment Rights and Compliance under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and a trebling of the Labour Inspectorate. When constituted, the new Office will play an important part in improving enforcement of employment legislation, including registered employment agreements, under one of which the construction industry pension scheme is constituted.
In the meantime, I have asked my Department to consider to what extent it can assist generally, having regard to the powers it has available to visit employers and inspect records. My Department carries out a significant number of employer inspections each year and, in this context, a greater emphasis will be placed on the construction sector.
It is understood that the scheme sponsors and trustees are in the process of closing the CFOPS scheme and replacing it with a new defined contribution scheme to be known as the Construction Workers Pension Scheme. The operative date of the new scheme is a matter for the sponsors and trustees.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Mary Upton
Question:166 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on concerns expressed by social welfare appeals officers regarding the number of migrant workers from EU member states being denied welfare on the grounds that they are not habitually resident here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31742/06]
Eamon Ryan
Question:190 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the finding made by the social welfare appeals office in its annual report regarding inconsistencies in the decision making process over whether to grant or deny welfare benefits to migrant workers. [31788/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 190 together.
The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for child benefit and social assistance schemes with effect from 1st May 2004.
The basis for the restriction contained in the rules is the applicant's habitual residence. The question of what is a person's "habitual residence" is decided in accordance with European Court of Justice case law, which sets out the grounds for assessing individual claims.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office Annual Report 2005 refers to earlier concerns as to the application of the habitual residence condition to certain categories of migrant workers who are nationals of the EEA and the possible conflict with relevant EU Legislation. The report notes, however, that EU legislation introduced in 1995 has alleviated their concerns and reduced the number of cases coming to appeal.
The report also drew attention to the need for adequate safeguards to ensure consistency in the decision making process for those cases and referred in particular to instances of inconsistency between decisions in the different schemes such as unemployment assistance and supplementary welfare allowance.
The Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme is administered by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive (HSE) on behalf of my Department. For schemes administered directly by my Department, straightforward decisions on habitual residence are dealt with at my Department's local offices and relevant headquarters offices while complex cases and cases where there is a doubt are dealt with in specialised units. Any applicant who disagrees with the decision of a Deciding Officer has the right to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
For the period 1 May 2004 to 30 September 2006, the number of habitual residence cases decided in specialist units was 41,571. The total number of cases deemed not habitually resident was 9,841 (24%). The number of appeals against HRC decisions determined by the Social Welfare Appeals Office for the period 1 May 2004 to end March 2006 was 832, of which the Deciding Officer's decision was upheld in 514 cases and the decision was overturned in 312 cases.
A review and ongoing contact with the HSE have confirmed that the approach taken by the HSE in relation to determination of HRC is consistent with the approach taken in my Department. The outcome of the review suggests that variances in decisions made were as a result of the provision of additional information being notified more readily to the CWO than to the Department's Specialist Unit at time of claim.
I have noted the findings as contained in the Annual Report. The fact that only a small percentage of rejected cases are brought to appeal and the fact that the majority of those appeals are not allowed suggests that the habitual residence condition is being operated in a careful manner, while at the same time ensuring that people whose cases are appropriate to the system have access to it when they need it.
Question No. 167 answered with QuestionNo. 154.
Pension Provisions.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:168 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the situation whereby many companies with defined benefit pension schemes are unilaterally changing the terms and conditions of those schemes to defined payment schemes; the number of companies who have informed his Department regarding these changes; if he has undertaken to ensure that employees affected by these changes to their pension schemes have been properly informed of the consequences of those changes; the action his Department has taken in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31737/06]
The provision of occupational pensions in this country is on a voluntary basis and depends on the willingness of employers to contribute to, and maintain schemes for their employees. Traditionally, such schemes were organised on a defined benefit basis. However, in recent years defined benefit provision has been under pressure because of volatility in the stock markets and increasing liabilities arising demographic pressures, low interest rates, increasing wage costs which translate into higher benefits and regulatory requirements. New accountancy standards, which make pensions liabilities very apparent on a company's balance sheet, are also making a major contribution to the pressures under which defined benefit schemes are now operating.
A drift from defined benefit to defined contribution schemes is now very apparent, even in cases where firms are very profitable. This is, in my view, a regrettable development. Unfortunately, there are no accurate statistics available on the number of schemes that are introducing change, as unless the defined benefit scheme is actually being wound-up, there is no requirement to notify the Pensions Board of alterations to the terms of a pension scheme.
There is no provision within the Pensions Act for employers to consult with employees in relation to proposed changes to schemes though, in many cases, this happens as part of the normal industrial relations processes within companies.
The Pensions Act and the associated regulations provide for a range of information in relation to a scheme to be made available to scheme members so that they can monitor their benefits and the financial soundness of their scheme. Certain basic information, mainly about the contribution and benefit structure of the scheme must be given by the trustees to every member on joining the scheme and to members and other specified persons on request. Material alterations to a scheme must also be drawn to the attention of members.
The Government has committed to producing a Green Paper on pensions as part of the new social partnership agreement Towards 2016. The Green Paper will outline the major policy choices, the challenges in this area and the views of the social partners. Also, as part of the agreement the Pensions Board is being asked to research benefit design options in the occupational pensions area and to examine current design issues in both defined benefit and defined contribution arrangements with a view to producing guidance as to designs which encompass the positive elements of each arrangement while adjusting the costs and risks to the parties involved.
It is my intention to produce the Green Paper over the coming months. A consultation process will follow this and the Government will respond to these consultations by developing a framework for comprehensively addressing the pensions agenda over the long-term.
National Carers Strategy.
Trevor Sargent
Question:169 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the advances which have been made in relation to the development of a national carers strategy. [31791/06]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:199 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his progress on the development of a national strategy for carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31818/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 199 together.
Supporting and recognising carers in our society has been a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period, weekly payment rates to carers have been greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have been significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.
One of the key Government commitments in the new national partnership agreement "Towards 2016" is the development of a National Carer's Strategy. This strategy, which will focus on supporting informal and family carers in the community, will be developed by the end of 2007. All relevant Departments and Agencies will be involved in the strategy and there will be appropriate consultation with the social partners.
"Towards 2016" also commits my Department to leading the development of a structured consultation process to inform future policy in relation to carers. This will involve an annual meeting of carer's representative groups as well as relevant Department and Agencies.
It is intended that the first such meeting will be held this November. My officials have been in contact with their counterparts in the relevant Departments and Agencies in order to finalise arrangements. Carer representative groups will shortly be contacted in this regard. This consultation meeting will give the representative groups an opportunity to discuss issues of concern to them with all the relevant Departments and Agencies.
The consultation meeting will also provide a good opportunity for all involved to tease out the issues to be covered by the strategy. While social welfare supports for carers will clearly be a key issue, other issues such as access to respite and other services, education, training and employment will also feature strongly.
Co-operation between relevant Government Departments and Agencies is essential if the provision of services, supports and entitlements for carers is to be fully addressed. I am committed to working for, and with, carers to deliver increased benefits, supports, and services for them and their families. In that regard, I will continue to review the scope for further development of the supports available.
Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:170 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the basis on which he believes that figures from the EU and the Central Statistics Office showing that up to one fifth of the population are at risk of poverty are flawed and overstated the extent of poverty here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31723/06]
The ‘at risk of poverty' indicator identifies persons or households who fall below the relative income threshold, which in the EU has been set at 60 per cent of median income. Results from the first two years of the EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU–SILC) show that there has been a slight decrease in the percentage of persons classified as ‘at risk of poverty' from 19.7 per cent in 2003 to 19.4 per cent in 2004. This rate, however, does not reflect the enormous improvements made, especially over the past decade in improving living standards, especially of those on low incomes.
One of the main difficulties with the "at risk of poverty" indicator is that it measures relative poverty and is thus related to two income streams. The first income stream is average household income. In Ireland as a result of our economic success there has been a major increase in overall incomes due to the fall in unemployment, more and better paid jobs, increasing female participation in the workforce leading to more two income households, and tax reform, to name the main ones. The second income stream relates to those on lower incomes.
Although there were major increases in real terms in social welfare payments, including pensions, these incomes did not increase at the same rate as those of people in employment, and therefore, the proportion on relatively lower incomes, classified as at risk of poverty, was increasing at a time when their standard of living was substantially improving.
Income measures of poverty also provide only a snap shot of the situation of individuals. They include people who may only be temporarily on a low income such as students, as well as those who are more persistently poor. Neither do they indicate the level of poverty intensity, namely the extent to which levels of income on average are below the 60% median threshold. Poverty intensity in Ireland is shallow compared to the EU average, with many people classified as at risk of poverty having incomes close to the threshold. This applies especially to the elderly. The indicator does not provide either a full picture of a person's command of resources in relation, for example, to consumption of public services such as education, health, housing, care services, transport, or to home ownership, ability to benefit from shared living expenses with family, and to draw from accumulated savings. Home ownership, for example, is relatively high in Ireland especially for older people and the income saved from not having to pay a market rent or a mortgage adds significantly to a person's real income.
In order to establish who are actually in poverty, Ireland has developed an indicator, consistent poverty, which measures actual deprivation relative to prevailing basic standards of living. This has been developed by the ESRI in consultation with my Department and the Combat Poverty Agency.
The latest EU SILC survey found that 6.8% of our population continues to experience poverty, hardship or deprivation in some form in their lives. This mainly includes those who live in households which are jobless and primarily dependent on social welfare for their incomes, particularly families with children, especially lone parents and large families, people with disabilities, the unemployed, and the elderly, especially those living alone. These findings clearly indicate what the priorities should be in our strategies to combat poverty and social exclusion.
International organizations such as the EU and the OECD are also examining the possibility of developing indicators based on deprivation. The findings of preliminary studies by both organizations show that levels of deprivation in Ireland compare favourably with other developed countries, in contrast to the outcomes for the "at risk of poverty" indicator.
A recent article in the prominent journal "Development and Transition", published by the UN Development Programme and the London School of Economics and Political Science, concluded that relative poverty indicators can not be used for international comparisons, unless countries are similar in their level of economic development. The article concluded that reliance on the "risk of poverty" indicator causes a number of problems which include that
The results too often belie common sense;
The "at risk of poverty" label sends the wrong signal to the public and policy makers;
The "risk of poverty" logic does not lead to effective national policy.
No single indicator can capture the full complexity of poverty, which is why the EU uses a range of such indicators.
The "at risk of poverty" indicator, however, has become a headline indicator. As indicated, all the evidence shows that it gives a misleading impression of poverty, and its application to Ireland has now become an example at international level of its limitations. I consider that it is important that these limitations are recognized here in Ireland as well, and especially the distorting effect it can have on policy debate, discourse and, most important, on the future direction of measures targeted at tackling poverty.
Social Welfare Code.
Róisín Shortall
Question:171 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on extending the household budget package, including the free travel scheme to polio survivors here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31750/06]
John Deasy
Question:186 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the presentation made to the Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs Committee by the Post Polio Support Group has been brought to his attention; the action he will take as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31853/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 186 together.
I am aware of the presentation the Post Polio Support Group made to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social and Family Affairs on the 3rd of October and I have considered the issues raised.
The group is concerned that their members be able to engage in employment and lead independent lives. The group considers that the free travel scheme and the household benefits package should be available to people experiencing the late effects of polio who are not in receipt of a qualifying payment without their having to satisfy a means test.
The household benefits package, which comprises the electricity/gas allowance, telephone allowance and television licence schemes, is generally available to people living permanently in the State, aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. The package is also available to carers and people with disabilities under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. People aged over 70 years of age can qualify regardless of their income or household composition. Widows and widowers aged from 60 to 65 whose late spouses had been in receipt of the household benefits package retain that entitlement to ensure that households do not suffer a loss of entitlements following the death of a spouse.
The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. All carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance, regardless of their age, receive a free travel pass. It is also available to people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type welfare payments, such as disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind person's pension. People resident in the State who are in receipt of a social security invalidity or disability payment from a country covered by EU Regulations, or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement, and who have been in receipt of this payment for at least 12 months, are also eligible for free travel.
My Department also provides a range of employment supports. In particular, the back to work allowance scheme incentivises and encourages long-term unemployed people, lone parents and certain persons with disabilities to return to work by allowing them to retain part of their social welfare payment for a period when they take up employment or self-employment. The back to education allowance programme is available to people who need to obtain educational qualifications before re-entering the labour market. There is also a special projects fund, administered by facilitators based in local social welfare offices, which enables facilitators to provide enhanced supports to people who need additional help to progress to further training and employment.
A range of proposals have been made to extend the coverage of the household benefits package and the free travel scheme. Further extensions to the free travel scheme could only be considered in a Budgetary context and taking account of the financial and other needs of those not covered by the existing arrangements.
Dan Boyle
Question:172 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether it is enough to have lifted peak-time travel restrictions for pensioners and other free travel customers in major urban centres, without introducing additional incentives for people living in rural areas where there are not sufficient public transport networks to avail of; and if he has considered introducing further measures that might remedy this situation. [31780/06]
My Department's free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years, or over, to all carers in receipt of carer's allowance and to carers of people in receipt of other allowances. It is also available to certain people with disabilities and people who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. All remaining time based restrictions have been removed from the scheme with effect from 25th September 2006.
The scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, LUAS, as well as services provided by over 90 private transport operators. The vast majority of the private operators providing services under the scheme operate in rural areas. The underlying feature of the scheme is the use of spare capacity on these transport services.
My Department is always willing to consider applications from licensed private transport operators who may wish to participate in the free travel scheme. However, while my Department pays transport providers to operate the free travel scheme, it is not the competent authority to decide on the award of an Annual Passenger Licence, nor is it in a position to provide transport services where none currently exist.
The issue of access to public transport in rural areas is being addressed at present through the Rural Transport Initiative (RTI), which is being managed by Pobal on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Transport.
My Department contributed EUR 500,000 in 2004, EUR 750,000 in 2005 and EUR 850,000 in 2006 to the Rural Transport Initiative (RTI). This contribution has been made to ensure that free travel pass holders continued to have full access to community based transport services. My department's contribution to the RTI is intended as a contribution to the overall cost of carrying free travel pass holders.
Question No. 173 answered with QuestionNo. 130.
Question No. 174 answered with QuestionNo. 132.
Question No. 175 answered with QuestionNo. 108.
Question No. 176 answered with QuestionNo. 127.
Question No. 177 answered with QuestionNo. 138.
Question No. 178 answered with QuestionNo. 111.
Question No. 179 answered with QuestionNo. 152.
Question No. 180 answered with QuestionNo. 119.
Social Welfare Fraud.
Brian O'Shea
Question:181 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether anti-fraud measures operated by his Department are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31740/06]
The prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day to day work of my Department. In this regard all staff engaged in claims processing are concerned with preventing and detecting fraud and abuse.
Systematic risk analysis is a key element of the Department's control strategy. This entails the identification, by scheme managers, of areas of high risk of fraud and abuse in the schemes for which they are responsible and putting in place appropriate measures to address them in a systematic way. The purpose of this approach is to ensure that review activity is targeted in the most effective manner.
My Department also carries out surveys of the levels of fraud and error as part of its control strategy and utilises the outcomes of these surveys to ensure that control actually is targeted as effectively as possible. Over 600 staff at local, regional and national level are engaged on a full or part-time basis on work related to the control of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system.
Controls are exercised at both the initial claim stage and at subsequent stages during the claim life-cycle. Claims are reviewed on a regular and targeted basis. During 2005, some 330,000 reviews of entitlements were carried out by staff in my Department. The records of some 5,700 employers were inspected to ensure compliance with the Department's regulations and in particular to prevent and detect abuses of the system. In 2006, to the end of August, over 220,000 reviews have been undertaken with 2,700 employers inspected.
The prosecution of offenders is a key element in my Department's overall control approach. My Department's policy is to consider all cases of fraud for prosecution.
During 2005, 440 cases were referred to the State Solicitor's Office to initiate prosecution proceedings. 271 cases were finalised in court, of which 4 were served with prison sentences, 25 received suspended sentences, 130 were fined, 85 received the benefit of the Probation Act. The remaining penalties included cases which received community service, were bound to the peace or adjourned with liberty to re-enter. Up to the end of August ‘06, 213 cases have been submitted for initiation of court proceedings.
I am committed to ensuring that social welfare payments are available to those who are entitled to them. I am also determined to ensure that abuse of the system is prevented and is dealt with effectively when detected. In this regard the control programme of my Department is carefully monitored and the various measures are continuously refined to ensure that they remain effective.
Question No. 182 answered with QuestionNo. 154.
Question No. 183 answered with QuestionNo. 144.
Anti-Poverty Strategy.
John Gormley
Question:184 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the revelation of the St. Vincent de Paul organisation that it will in 2006 spend a record €34 million on helping people afford basic necessities such as food, clothing, electricity and heat. [31786/06]
I appreciate the work undertaken by the Society of Saint Vincent De Paul and others on behalf of the most vulnerable members of Irish society and it is, of course, a matter of concern that the level of demand for the Society's services appears to be increasing.
This Government remains committed to greatly improving the standard of living of welfare dependent and low-income households and to making a decisive impact on poverty and social exclusion. This commitment has been expressed in greatly increased levels of income support provided through the social welfare system during the life of this Government. Since 1997 the lowest rates of welfare payments have been increased by almost 100%, well ahead of the 49% accumulated inflation over that period. We remain on course to achieve the income maintenance targets set out in the National Action Plan against Poverty and Social Exclusion next year.
In the last Budget, the personal and qualified adult rates of payment were increased by unprecedented amounts. The lowest rates of social welfare payments were increased by €17 per week to €165.80, or by 11.4%. This increase is well ahead of projected inflation for 2006 and, therefore, improves and enhances the living standards of all recipients.
I also introduced a number of important measures designed to address poverty and to reward work and enterprise in Budget 2006. These included a Child and Family Poverty package of nearly €155 million which involved major improvements for low-income families and for single parent families.
In addition, I announced a wide-ranging employment support package of €28 million. This contained a range of measures which will alleviate poverty and support activation by improving income disregards and tapers for people with disabilities, the unemployed and qualified adults. These arrangements maximise the benefits of work for low-income households.
I will be considering further improvements in income support and allied measures designed to assist low income households in the context of the forthcoming Budget.
Question No. 185 answered with QuestionNo. 138.
Question No. 186 answered with QuestionNo. 171.
Departmental Research.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:187 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the status of the NESC research into the development of a second tier payment targeted at children from low income families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31850/06]
The National Economic and Social Council was asked to examine the feasibility of merging the family income supplement and child dependant allowance into a second tier child income support. Such a payment would be aimed specifically at targeting child poverty by channelling resources to low-income families without creating significant disincentives to employment. NESC has indicated that, as the proposed second tier income support represents a new approach to targeting, the issues involved are complex and there are technical and policy challenges to be overcome. The Council has stated its analysis of the issues which I believe will be of significant assistance in informing the future direction of child income support policy.
In addition, the latest Partnership agreement, Towards 2016, includes a Government commitment to progressing, as a priority, further work aimed at assisting children in families on low incomes, to include enhancing existing provisions or the introduction of new or reformed mechanisms.
Question No. 188 answered with QuestionNo. 135.
Question No. 189 answered with QuestionNo. 154.
Question No. 190 answered with QuestionNo. 166.
Question No. 191 answered with QuestionNo. 120.
Question No. 192 answered with QuestionNo. 152.
Question No. 193 answered with QuestionNo. 115.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Paul Kehoe
Question:194 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reasons free travel pass holders are discriminated against regarding the purchase of rail tickets; the efforts he or his Department has made to remove these restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31843/06]
My Department's free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years, or over, to all carers in receipt of carer's allowance and to carers of people in receipt of other allowances. It is also available to certain people with disabilities and people who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. All remaining time-based restrictions have been removed from the scheme, with effect from 25th September 2006.
Policy relating to the purchase of rail tickets and the restriction of free travel pass holders to day return tickets only, when travelling by train, is a matter for CIE. Where a return journey is not made on the same day, CIE policy dictates that a single journey ticket is required for each journey. While any change in this policy is a matter for CIE, I intend to keep the matter under review in the context of further improvements to the free travel scheme.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:195 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the recent annual report of the Social Welfare Appeals Office; his further views on the fact that 47% of all appeals against original decisions were successful; and if he will consider issuing new guidelines in regard to entitlements. [31743/06]
The report to which the Deputy refers was produced by the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) in accordance with legislative requirements. It contains details of the activities of the office in 2005, as well as commentary on other issues which arose during the year. As previously stated by me on 10 August 2006, the SWAO has a pivotal role to play in ensuring that welfare customers have access to an independent review mechanism when they feel aggrieved by a decision made by my Department and wish to appeal the outcome.
My Department makes every effort to deal sensitively with all cases and to deliver entitlements to people based on need and in accordance with the legislation. However, considering that my Department makes almost one million payments a week that benefit more than 1.5 million people, and received 1.75 million claims for statutory social welfare schemes in 2005, it is understandable that there will be some people who will not agree with decisions made on their entitlements. The total number of appeals to the SWAO, viewed in the context of the number of claims received, is small.
The report highlights that 47% of appeals had a successful outcome for the appellant. It refers to the fact that of the 6,325 favourable decisions on appeal cases, in excess of half of these decisions (3,302) were in fact revised decisions made by statutorily appointed Deciding Officers of my Department, who reviewed the claim following the initial disallowance. These revised decisions arose as a result, in many cases, of new facts or fresh evidence produced by the claimant after the original decision on his/her claim. In such cases an Appeals Officer decision was not necessary. In addition, it should be noted that of the 8,484 appeals actually decided by Appeals Officers, a total of 5,461 (64%) upheld the original decision of the Deciding Officer.
The right of review to which I referred earlier, was introduced in 2002 in response to the commitment contained in my Department's Strategy Statement 2001-2004. In that Statement we undertook to "develop our systems to ensure that any decision will be reviewed in the light of any further information brought to our notice. All customers who receive an adverse decision are advised of their right to have their claim reviewed".
Customers whose claims are disallowed or who are disqualified from payment or awarded social welfare at a reduced rate are informed that if they have any new fact or evidence that has a bearing on their case, they should send it in the first instance to the Deciding Officer for re-examination and, if appropriate, for revision of the decision. They are informed that this right is in addition to their right of appeal to the SWAO. They can seek a Deciding Officer review before making an appeal or can do both concurrently. The right of appeal to the SWAO remains an option if the review by the Deciding Officer is not fruitful.
The success of this strategy has been highlighted in a number of annual reports of the SWAO. In the Annual Report 2002, for example, the contribution which the Deciding Officer Review process made in reducing the overall number of appeals that were received in the SWAO was noted. In the first full year of operation, it is estimated that 3,738 appeals were cut short as a result of a revised decision by a Deciding Officer and resulted in a favourable outcome for the appellant. The 2005 Annual Report also highlights the success of this strategy.
The ongoing discussions between the Social Welfare Appeals Office and my Department on matters of common interest are referred to in the Annual Report. Arising from such discussions, guidelines, procedures and practices are reviewed and changed where necessary. The role of the statutorily appointed Deciding Officer is to decide entitlement to statutory social welfare schemes and insurability of employment in accordance with the legislation. The conditions of entitlement are kept under review and my Department has been involved in various reviews of schemes as part of its annual business plans. I welcome the continued commitment of the SWAO to providing an accessible and independent review mechanism for people who appeal against decisions made by my Department in regard to their statutory entitlements.
Question No. 196 answered with QuestionNo. 108.
Question No. 197 answered with QuestionNo. 118.
Question No. 198 answered with QuestionNo. 134.
Question No. 199 answered with QuestionNo. 169.
Question No. 200 answered with QuestionNo. 165.
Question No. 201 answered with QuestionNo. 108.
Social Welfare Code.
Paul Kehoe
Question:202 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason rural and urban free transport pass holders are not governed by the same guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31842/06]
The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. All carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance, regardless of their age, receive a free travel pass.
The scheme is also available to people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type welfare payments, such as disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind person's pension. People resident in the State who are in receipt of a social security invalidity or disability payment from a country covered by EU Regulations, or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement, and who have been in receipt of this payment for at least 12 months, are also eligible for free travel.
The same qualifying conditions apply regardless of whether the applicant lives in an urban or a rural area. The guidelines for the scheme are available on my Department's website.
The scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators. The underlying feature of the scheme is the use of spare capacity on these transport services.
The vast majority of private contractors providing services under the scheme operate in rural areas. However, while my Department pays transport providers to operate the free travel scheme, it is not in a position to provide transport services where none exist.
The issue of access to public transport in rural areas is being addressed at present through the Rural Transport Initiative, which is being managed by Pobal, formerly Area Development Management (ADM), on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Transport. My Department contributed €500,000 to the Initiative in 2004, €750,000 in 2005 and is contributing €850,000 for the Initiative in 2006. This will ensure that free travel pass holders continue to have full access to community based transport services.
Significant improvements have been made to the free schemes, including the free travel scheme, in recent Budgets both in terms of the qualifying conditions and the coverage of the schemes. I will continue to review the operation of these schemes with a view to identifying the scope for further improvements as resources permit.
Question No. 203 answered with QuestionNo. 108.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Catherine Murphy
Question:204 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of children for whom child benefit was claimed in each year since 2004; if there is a discrepancy between this figure and the number of children eligible for such claims; the action he is taking to counteract under-claiming of child benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter [32149/06]
Child Benefit can be paid in respect of every child under the age of 16 years, who is ordinarily resident in the state. Payment can be extended to the 19th birthday if the child is in education or disabled and incapable of self support. The benefit is paid to the qualified person with whom the child resides and, since May 2004, the person making the claim for Child Benefit must satisfy the Habitual Residency Condition.
In 2004 my Department introduced a new facility to simplify the claim process for Child Benefit. Since then all births registered with the General Registers Office are notified to my Department electronically on a same day basis. This information is used to automatically issue payment of Child Benefit to the mother for her new baby without the need to submit a claim, if she is already in payment for other children.
Alternatively if she has not previously claimed Child Benefit, a partially completed claim form is issued to her, which she simply has to complete and return to activate her payment. No birth certificate needs to be provided as this information is automatically updated from the General Registers Office. In addition, my Department has arranged for an information leaflet outlining this facility to be included in information packs given to new mothers at the country's Maternity Hospitals.
In 2004 there were 61,684 births registered in the country, the figure for 2005 was 61,042. The total number of Child Benefit claims received in these years was 75,891, and 79,330 respectively, the difference being accounted for by children born outside the country who moved to Ireland with their parents during these years.
Information of the availability of Child Benefit is widely available through my Department's website, network of local offices and An Post Offices. In addition Citizen advice offices and many voluntary groups have access to the information. As no data on the numbers of children who enter or leave the state is held, it is impossible to state categorically that all eligible children are being claimed for. However I am satisfied that with the structures in place to advise parents of their entitlement, the substantial value of the payment and the recent publicity concerning the payment that there in no significant under-claiming of Child Benefit and that the availability of the benefit is widely known.
Civil Registration Services.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:205 Ms Lynch asked the Taoiseach the number of couples who were married in civil ceremonies at the Registry Office in Cork in each of the years 2002 to 2005. [31883/06]
The number of marriages in civil services in Cork City registered from 2002 to 2005 was as follows:
|
2002 |
443 |
|
2003 |
432 |
|
2004 |
480 |
|
2005 |
537 |
Figures for 2003, 2004 and 2005 are provisional and subject to revision.
Unemployment Levels.
Jerry Cowley
Question:206 Dr. Cowley asked the Taoiseach if he will provide the live register figures for each of the areas of Ballinrobe, Claremorris, Ballyhaunis, Castlebar, Westport and Ballina, County Mayo for the years 1996, 2001, 2005 and for the first six months of 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31711/06]
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 exact information as requested by the Deputy is not available as there is no Local Office in Ballyhaunis. The most recent information available is for September 2006 and the table below indicates the number of persons on the register in each of the Local Offices in County Mayo.
|
Live Register County Mayo total |
|||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Year |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Average |
|
1996 |
10,001 |
9,896 |
9,687 |
9,757 |
9,618 |
9,908 |
10,007 |
10,133 |
9,873 |
9,571 |
9,465 |
9,808 |
9,810 |
|
2001 |
6,133 |
5,990 |
5,956 |
6,017 |
5,980 |
6,246 |
6,327 |
6,401 |
5,923 |
5,815 |
5,845 |
6,094 |
6,061 |
|
2005 |
5,495 |
5,375 |
5,297 |
5,037 |
4,946 |
5,317 |
5,712 |
5,738 |
5,065 |
4,974 |
4,947 |
5,141 |
5,254 |
|
2006 |
5,144 |
5,135 |
4,933 |
4,819 |
4,701 |
5,080 |
5,255 |
5,320 |
4,640 |
|
Year |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Average |
|
1996 |
562 |
541 |
539 |
548 |
545 |
567 |
539 |
535 |
481 |
426 |
434 |
473 |
516 |
|
2001 |
312 |
296 |
305 |
301 |
295 |
308 |
310 |
311 |
282 |
271 |
271 |
285 |
296 |
|
2005 |
303 |
283 |
274 |
253 |
240 |
250 |
261 |
268 |
263 |
254 |
254 |
259 |
264 |
|
2006 |
269 |
269 |
249 |
241 |
233 |
238 |
226 |
217 |
202 |
|
Year |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Average |
|
1996 |
2,985 |
2,971 |
2,954 |
2,918 |
2,831 |
2,926 |
2,932 |
3,023 |
2,917 |
2,924 |
2,903 |
2,884 |
2,931 |
|
2001 |
1,863 |
1,829 |
1,834 |
1,890 |
1,875 |
1,964 |
1,946 |
1,955 |
1,806 |
1,798 |
1,802 |
1,853 |
1,868 |
|
2005 |
1,632 |
1,574 |
1,540 |
1,489 |
1,437 |
1,471 |
1,606 |
1,605 |
1,425 |
1,396 |
1,373 |
1,409 |
1,496 |
|
2006 |
1,421 |
1,418 |
1,353 |
1,351 |
1,308 |
1,366 |
1,431 |
1,448 |
1,313 |
|
Year |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Average |
|
1996 |
640 |
620 |
594 |
600 |
613 |
665 |
683 |
667 |
646 |
658 |
670 |
711 |
647 |
|
2001 |
389 |
375 |
363 |
377 |
375 |
382 |
401 |
426 |
397 |
385 |
392 |
419 |
390 |
|
2005 |
402 |
410 |
386 |
364 |
359 |
375 |
392 |
377 |
329 |
319 |
326 |
366 |
367 |
|
2006 |
371 |
367 |
360 |
366 |
352 |
379 |
414 |
433 |
365 |
|
Year |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Average |
|
1996 |
1,247 |
1,207 |
1,225 |
1,254 |
1,256 |
1,254 |
1,273 |
1,304 |
1,269 |
1,205 |
1,196 |
1,237 |
1,244 |
|
2001 |
825 |
795 |
787 |
806 |
829 |
851 |
887 |
858 |
805 |
795 |
803 |
825 |
822 |
|
2005 |
545 |
560 |
553 |
561 |
564 |
563 |
586 |
592 |
529 |
527 |
532 |
539 |
554 |
|
2006 |
548 |
544 |
528 |
519 |
511 |
553 |
561 |
548 |
502 |
|
Year |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Average |
|
1996 |
1,302 |
1,323 |
1,247 |
1,252 |
1,274 |
1,321 |
1,351 |
1,389 |
1,324 |
1,212 |
1,163 |
1,290 |
1,287 |
|
2001 |
763 |
760 |
770 |
780 |
806 |
869 |
864 |
911 |
868 |
806 |
837 |
888 |
827 |
|
2005 |
892 |
856 |
865 |
821 |
831 |
943 |
1,023 |
1,030 |
897 |
867 |
827 |
834 |
891 |
|
2006 |
854 |
863 |
822 |
793 |
786 |
929 |
943 |
961 |
794 |
|
Year |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Average |
|
1996 |
744 |
736 |
704 |
755 |
717 |
749 |
749 |
740 |
754 |
739 |
746 |
783 |
743 |
|
2001 |
525 |
529 |
514 |
518 |
497 |
508 |
538 |
528 |
495 |
481 |
479 |
500 |
509 |
|
2005 |
412 |
418 |
424 |
389 |
359 |
409 |
440 |
450 |
373 |
396 |
413 |
435 |
410 |
|
2006 |
419 |
407 |
402 |
373 |
364 |
402 |
423 |
433 |
362 |
|
Year |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Average |
|
1996 |
1,050 |
1,047 |
1,040 |
1,038 |
1,020 |
1,072 |
1,094 |
1,094 |
1,103 |
1,076 |
1,085 |
1,144 |
1,072 |
|
2001 |
865 |
846 |
838 |
810 |
803 |
842 |
853 |
900 |
802 |
778 |
756 |
779 |
823 |
|
2005 |
673 |
671 |
683 |
617 |
602 |
646 |
709 |
701 |
602 |
574 |
575 |
613 |
639 |
|
2006 |
609 |
622 |
623 |
611 |
595 |
672 |
695 |
720 |
619 |
|
Year |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Average |
|
1996 |
1,471 |
1,451 |
1,384 |
1,392 |
1,362 |
1,354 |
1,386 |
1,381 |
1,379 |
1,331 |
1,268 |
1,286 |
1,370 |
|
2001 |
591 |
560 |
545 |
535 |
500 |
522 |
528 |
512 |
468 |
501 |
505 |
545 |
526 |
|
2005 |
636 |
603 |
572 |
543 |
554 |
660 |
695 |
715 |
647 |
641 |
647 |
686 |
633 |
|
2006 |
653 |
645 |
596 |
565 |
552 |
541 |
562 |
560 |
483 |
Source: Live Register Series, Central Statistics Office.
Departmental Staff.
Paudge Connolly
Question:207 Mr. Connolly asked the Taoiseach the number of persons currently employed in his Department whose status has changed to that of disabled since the commencement of their employment with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32025/06]
The Deputy will be aware that the definition of a person with a disability for the purposes of the 3% target is the positive action definition set out in the Code of Practice for the Civil Service, 1994.
In this context, the term "people with disabilities" means people with a physical, sensory or psychological impairment which may: "have a tangible impact on their functional capability to do a particular job; or have an impact on their ability to function in a particular physical environment; or lead to a discrimination in obtaining or keeping employment of a kind for which they would otherwise be suited."
Given the relatively small size of my Department, it would be inappropriate to disclose the number of persons currently employed in my Department whose status has changed to disabled since the commencement of their employment with the Department. I would wish to point out to the Deputy, however, that this Department continues to meet the 3% target set by the Government for the employment of people with disabilities.
Proposed Legislation.
Joan Burton
Question:208 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals in relation to drafting legislation to allow for a property services regulatory authority; when this legislation will be brought before Dáil Éireann; the functions and powers of the proposed authority; the remedies it will be able to provide for residents who are receiving an unsatisfactory service or being overcharged by their management companies; the powers the proposed authority will have in relation to companies that are meeting their statutory obligations as an Irish company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31487/06]
The Report of the Auctioneering/Estate Agency Review Group has recommended the establishment of a Regulatory Authority with responsibility for the licensing and regulation of property service providers, including auctioneers, estate agents and property management services. The Government has accepted the Review Group's recommendation and legislation is currently being prepared to give effect to it. The Government Legislation Programme published on 26 September provides for publication of the Property Services Regulatory Authority Bill in 2007.
It is intended that the functions of the Regulatory Authority will, in addition to its licensing function, include an information and public awareness function in relation to the costs, benefits and risks associated with the provision of property services. It will also have an investigative function which will allow it to investigate the provision of property services of its own motion or in response to specific complaints. It is intended that the Regulatory Authority will have a range of sanctions at its disposal, ranging from revocation of a licence, or its suspension for a period, to the issuing of a reprimand or caution.
Garda Investigations.
Finian McGrath
Question:209 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the case of a person (details supplied). [31508/06]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 676 of 25 April, 2006.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Arthur Morgan
Question:210 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason there has been no progress report produced by the Commission on Status of People with Disabilities since 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31628/06]
The Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities was established in November 1993, by the Minister for Equality and Law Reform, Mervyn Taylor, T.D., under the chairmanship of Mr Justice Fergus Flood. On completion of its examination of the situation of people with disabilities, its report, "A Strategy for Equality", was presented to the Minister in November 1996 and accepted by the Government in principle in 1997.
"Towards Equal Citizenship", a special report was published in December 1999 by an Interdepartmental Task Force on the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission. It showed that two-thirds of its recommendations were either implemented or in the process of being implemented.
Subsequently, the substance of the recommendations of the Commission has been achieved by way of: establishment of the Disability Equality Unit with responsibility for overall coordination of disability policy, in my Department; establishment of the National Disability Authority; the enactment of comprehensive equality legislation, the disability provisions of which have been strengthened in the Equality Act 2004; establishment of Comhairle; establishment of People with Disabilities in Ireland Ltd as a grass-roots organisation for people with disabilities to make their voices heard in issues affecting them; and the enactment of the Disability Act 2005.
Major progress has also been achieved in the area of education, with the enactment of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004, and the establishment of the National Educational Psychological Service. Other, more specific recommendations continue to be implemented within a general framework of statutory and administrative reform, such as the recent extension of travel passes for disabled people and their carers to peak hours, or the enactment of the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006, which incorporates Commission Recommendation No. 287 for the need of a public review of mental incapacity and the criminal law.
These are major changes in the legal, institutional, and policy framework which affects people with disabilities in Ireland. Not only do they implement the recommendations of the Commission, but they provide their own dynamic of change. The National Disability Strategy, launched by the Government in September 2004, represents Government policy for the necessary sectoral changes in infrastructure, access and the provision of services to ensure the participation of disabled people in society and the funding necessary to achieve those changes. The Strategy is currently being implemented across all Government Departments and the entire public sector.
Crime Prevention.
Paudge Connolly
Question:211 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community alert schemes in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31684/06]
Paudge Connolly
Question:212 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community alert schemes in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31689/06]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 211 and 212 together.
The Community Alert programme is a community based crime prevention initiative in rural communities which was set up by Muintir na Tíre in association with the Garda Síochána in 1985. It is a national movement with its network comprising of approximately 1,249 local Community Alert groups of which there are 37 schemes in Co. Monaghan and 37 schemes in Co. Cavan dedicated to improving the quality of life of people in rural communities who are vulnerable, in particular the elderly, by crime prevention, neighbourliness and self reliance, general community safety and well-being, accident prevention, promotion of personal safety and having an anti-poverty focus awareness of social inclusion.
I am strongly of the view that community organisations have, through their support and co-operation with the Garda Síochána, an important role to play in crime prevention and the promotion of community safety and I very much support the work in this area being carried out by Muintir na Tíre through Community Alert.
Citizenship Applications.
David Stanton
Question:213 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is permissible for a person who has applied for naturalisation to leave the State for short periods while the application is being processed; if leaving the State for such short periods would in any way prejudice the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31490/06]
Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, requires that an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation has had a period of one year's continuous residence in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, has had a total residence in the State amounting to four years. Applicants must also intend to have their usual or principal place of residence in the State after naturalisation.
Should the applicant fulfil the aforementioned criteria, his/her application will move to be processed. During the processing stage, while it may not be deemed prejudicial to the application should the applicant wish to leave the State for short periods, each case is considered individually. In circumstances where the person in question does wish to leave the State while his/her application is being processed, he/she should notify the Citizenship section of my Department of the dates of travel and the reasons for same.
David Stanton
Question:214 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in cases of applications for naturalisation, an applicant had been employed in the public service in the country of origin prior to applying for naturalisation here, such employment has a favourable impact on the application for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31491/06]
Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. One of these conditions is that the applicant has had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of the application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, has had a total residence in the State amounting to four years.
The Deputy will also be aware that Section 16(f) of the aforementioned Act allows the Minister in his absolute discretion to grant an application although the conditions for naturalisation are not complied with where the applicant is or has been resident abroad in the public service. For the purposes of the Act, the term ‘public service' when used in relation to the employment of a person, refers to employment in the service of the Government, whether or not in the civil service, or in the service of any public corporation or authority maintained wholly or partly out of public funds or in respect of which a Minister of State is responsible.
If an applicant considers that he/she has an entitlement to a certificate of naturalisation based on his/her employment in the public service, it is open to that applicant to submit such an application.
Crime Prevention.
Seán Haughey
Question:215 Mr. Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the breakdown of figures for the surrender of weapons under the current weapons amnesty; his views on the success of the weapons amnesty to date; if he has satisfied himself regarding the rate at which weapons are being surrendered; if he is confident that predicted targets will be met if the current rate continues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31493/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that in the first four weeks of the Weapons Amnesty, which commenced on the 1st September, 2006, 124 guns, 34 knives and 34 assorted offensive weapons were handed in to Garda Stations throughout the country. In addition, a quantity of ammunition has also been surrendered. The amnesty runs for a period of 2 months, from 1st September to 31st October, 2006, and I am confident that weapons will continue to be surrendered to the Gardaí while the amnesty lasts.
My Department has engaged in an extensive advertising campaign to promote the amnesty. This includes the production of 20,000 information leaflets for distribution through Garda stations throughout the country, a media advertising campaign in the national and provincial newspapers together with an extensive billboard advertising campaign. The media advertising campaign will run for the duration of the amnesty and this campaign will be augmented in the latter stage with a nationwide billboard campaign, involving over 200 sites throughout the country, which will run from the 9th October to the 22nd October.
Garda Deployment.
Michael Lowry
Question:216 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí, of each rank, based in each Garda station in the north Tipperary area for the years 2002 to date in 2006, including Tipperary stations in the Clare and Offaly districts; if he will increase the numbers in any location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31513/06]
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 that the personnel strength of each Garda Station in the North Tipperary area including Tipperary stations in the Clare and Offaly Districts as at 31 December, 2002-2005, inclusively, and as at 6 October, 2006 was as set out in the tables hereunder:
|
Station |
C/Supt. |
Supt. |
Insp. |
Sgt. |
Garda |
Total |
|
Thurles |
1 |
1 |
1 |
10 |
49 |
62 |
|
Holycross |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Killenaule |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
2 |
|
Littleton |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Nenagh |
— |
1 |
1 |
4 |
26 |
32 |
|
Ballingarry North |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Borrisokane |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
3 |
5 |
|
Cloughjordan |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Dolla |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Portroe |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Toomevara |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Ballinderry |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Templemore |
— |
1 |
— |
3 |
22 |
26 |
|
Templetuohy |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Roscrea |
— |
— |
— |
3 |
15 |
18 |
|
Moyne |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Templederry |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
2 |
|
Borrisoleigh |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Shevry |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Moneygall |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Lorrha |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Rearcross |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Newport |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Station |
C/Supt. |
Supt. |
Insp. |
Sgt. |
Garda |
Total |
|
Thurles |
1 |
1 |
1 |
10 |
46 |
59 |
|
Holycross |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Killenaule |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Littleton |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Nenagh |
— |
1 |
1 |
4 |
26 |
32 |
|
Borrisokane |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
3 |
5 |
|
Cloughjordan |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Dolla |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Portroe |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Toomevara |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Ballinderry |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Templemore |
— |
1 |
— |
3 |
22 |
26 |
|
Templetuohy |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Roscrea |
— |
— |
— |
3 |
16 |
19 |
|
Moyne |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Templederry |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Borrisoleigh |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Shevry |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Moneygall |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Lorrha |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Rearcross |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Newport |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Station |
C/Supt. |
Supt. |
Insp. |
Sgt. |
Garda |
Total |
|
Thurles |
1 |
1 |
1 |
10 |
50 |
63 |
|
Holycross |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
Killenaule |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Littleton |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Nenagh |
— |
1 |
1 |
5 |
25 |
32 |
|
Borrisokane |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
3 |
5 |
|
Cloughjordan |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Dolla |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Portroe |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Toomevara |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Ballinderry |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Templemore |
— |
1 |
— |
3 |
21 |
25 |
|
Templetuohy |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Roscrea |
— |
— |
— |
3 |
15 |
18 |
|
Moyne |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Templederry |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Borrisoleigh |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
Shevry |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Moneygall |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Lorrha |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Rearcross |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Newport |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Station |
C/Supt. |
Supt. |
Insp. |
Sgt. |
Garda |
Total |
|
Thurles |
1 |
1 |
1 |
11 |
53 |
67 |
|
Holycross |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Killenaule |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Littleton |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Nenagh |
— |
1 |
1 |
4 |
24 |
30 |
|
Borrisokane |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
2 |
4 |
|
Cloughjordan |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Dolla |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Portroe |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Toomevara |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Ballinderry |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Templemore |
— |
1 |
— |
3 |
20 |
24 |
|
Templetuohy |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Roscrea |
— |
— |
— |
3 |
16 |
19 |
|
Moyne |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Templederry |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Borrisoleigh |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
Moneygall |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Lorrha |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Rearcross |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Newport |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Station |
C/Supt. |
Supt. |
Insp. |
Sgt. |
Garda |
Total |
|
Thurles |
1 |
1 |
1 |
10 |
52 |
65 |
|
Holycross |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Killenaule |
— |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
2 |
|
Littleton |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
G.C.V.U. |
— |
— |
1 |
3 |
— |
4 |
|
Nenagh |
— |
1 |
1 |
3 |
27 |
32 |
|
Borrisokane |
— |
— |
— |
4 |
1 |
5 |
|
Cloughjordan |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Dolla |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Portroe |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Toomevara |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Ballinderry |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Templemore |
— |
1 |
— |
2 |
23 |
26 |
|
Templetuohy |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Roscrea |
— |
— |
— |
3 |
16 |
19 |
|
Moyne |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Templederry |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Borrisoleigh |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
Moneygall |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Lorrha |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Rearcross |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Newport |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
4 |
5 |
It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within 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. Garda management state that 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 area referred to by the Deputy will be given the fullest consideration.
Departmental Staff.
Paudge Connolly
Question:217 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons currently employed in his Department whose status has changed to that of disabled since the commencement of their employment with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31546/06]
The Deputy should be aware that staff in my Department with a disability fall into four broad categories. They are those who joined the Department through special recruitment competitions run by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) for people with disabilities, the last of which I understand was held in 1999; those who more recently joined through the regular PAS competitions having declared their disability; those who did not declare their disability when joining the Department but did so subsequently; and those who developed a disability since joining.
While the Department maintains statistics on staff with a disability, the information requested by the Deputy is not held in a readily accessible format and may indeed require contact with a significant proportion of the staff concerned in order to provide accurate data.
I can, however, inform the Deputy that the proportion of staff with a disability employed in my Department exceeds the Government's 3% target for the employment of people with disabilities across the public sector and currently stands at over 5%. My Department's commitment to the employment of people with disabilities is further underlined by its active participation in a work experience programme for graduates with disabilities, under which 5 people have been placed in the Department over the last two years. I would also like to mention that my Department has appointed a senior official to the position of Disability Liaison Officer, whose role is to act as a point of contact both within and between Departments for information and advice in relation to disability. The Department's Employee Assistance Service also plays a valuable role in this regard.
Garda Recruitment.
Paul Connaughton
Question:218 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people who applied for the Garda Reserve in County Galway; the number of successful applicants; if unsuccessful applicants were informed of the reasons they were unsuccessful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31550/06]
Competitions for entry to An Garda Síochána are administered by the Public Appointments Service. I am advised by the Public Appointments Service that on 19 September 2006 there had been 343 applications to become members of the Garda Reserve from people living in County Galway.
It is the responsibility of the Public Appointments Service to advise applicants of the result of the interview process. An Garda Síochána is currently processing the application files of the applicants who were successful at interview.
The first group was called to begin training for the Garda Reserve on 30 September 2003. Five people from this group were from Galway. It is anticipated that further applicants from Galway will succeed in obtaining places in further training groups over the coming months.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:219 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on bringing the recruitment procedure for An Garda Síochána into line with European Union practice with regard to the age limit for entry in so far as time spent on compulsory civil service or compulsory military service is taken into account; and his views on whether European Union citizens who have come to live here would be treated equally by such a practice being accepted for entry into An Garda Síochána. [31566/06]
Regulation 5 of the An Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 1988 (as amended) provides that, in order to qualify for admission as a trainee with An Garda Síochána, prospective applicants must, inter alia, be at least 18 years and under 35 years of age on the first day of the month in which the relevant competition was advertised.
The eligibility criteria including age limits set out in these regulations apply equally to all citizens of member States of the European Union.
Residency Permits.
Michael Ring
Question:220 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for long-term residency and an exemption from employment permit requirements will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; when the application was received in his Department; and the stage it is currently at. [31588/06]
There is no provision for the granting of permanent residency in Irish Immigration legislation. However, the proposed Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill will, for the first time, make statutory provision for a status of long term resident. An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on the 16th June 2006.
The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements. The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not exempt the person from employment permit requirements.
Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date. I understand that applications received in April 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.
Michael Ring
Question:221 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications for long-term residency and exemptions from employment permit requirements which are currently lodged with his Department; the average processing time of these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31589/06]
The number of applications for long term residency and an exemption from work permit requirements on hand at the 30th September 2006 is 2,435. I understand that the Immigration Division of my Department are currently dealing with applications received in April 2006.
Drug Seizures.
Martin Ferris
Question:222 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda believe that other drug shipments have been, or were attempted to be, smuggled into Weston Airport in the same manner that appears to have been planned in the case of the people arrested two weeks ago in relation to an Irish owned plane that had been flown from Weston; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31606/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that arising from the seizure of drugs in Belgium on the 26th September 2006 which are believed to have been destined for Weston Aerodrome, they are carrying out an investigation into this incident, part of which will include establishing whether or not this particular route has been used previously and if there is any link with other drug seizures within the State. There is no evidence, at present, to suggest that other illegal drug shipments entered the State through Weston Aerodrome.
Residency Permits.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:223 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application for long-term residency by a person (details supplied); and if same will be expedited in view of the fact that their present work permit application will expire on 19 October 2006. [31619/06]
There is no provision for the granting of permanent residency in Irish Immigration legislation. However, the proposed Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill will, for the first time, make statutory provision for a status of long term resident. The most recent application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on the 14th September 2006.
The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not exempt the person from employment permit requirements. Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.
I understand that applications received in April 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, both the Deputy and the person concerned will be notified.
Garda Operations.
Joe Costello
Question:224 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total expenditure of Garda resources on event control and management at Croke Park for the year 1 October 2005 to 31 September 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31635/06]
As the Deputy is aware over the years numerous organisations have requested and have been given the assistance of Gardaí on a non-public duty basis. Traditionally, Gardaí have been made available for the performance of such duties and the State has charged for their services. This work is done by members of the Force who would otherwise be off duty. At present organisers of events pay for the cost of non-public duties performed by Gardaí on duty inside the event location (e.g at sporting events, major G.A.A. or soccer matches, rock concerts etc.). The cost of policing duties performed by Gardaí outside of the event location such as traffic control, beat patrols and other policing duties which would be additional to those normally performed at the location are not paid for by the organisers of the event and fall to be paid from public funds. The Garda authorities point out that in many cases, it is difficult to define where public duty ends and where non-public duty liability of the organisations begins but that the safety of the public must be the ultimate consideration.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the total cost of supplying Gardaí for duty of a non-public nature at events held at Croke Park during the period 1st October, 2005 to 31st September, 2006 was €930,097. Garda management further state that costs in respect of duty carried out by members outside of the stadium are not currently available.
Refugee Status.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:225 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the present circumstance of an application to remain in the State on humanitarian grounds by a person (details supplied) and when a decision will be reached. [31699/06]
The person concerned, a Nigerian national, arrived in the State on 1 April 2003 and applied for asylum on 25 September of the same year. His application was refused following consideration of the case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and on appeal by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, the person concerned was informed by letter dated 25 April 2005 that the Minister was proposing to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was, in accordance with the Act, given the option of making representations, within 15 working days, setting out the reasons why he should not be deported i.e. be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before the deportation order was made; or consenting to the making of the deportation order. Various representations setting out reasons why he should not be deported were subsequently received.
I expect the case file in the matter to be submitted to me for decision in due course. The decision will be taken having regard to considerations specified in section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. These considerations include matters relating to the common good, the person's family and domestic circumstances, as well as humanitarian considerations. Consideration will also be given to the prohibition of refoulement which is contained in section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended.
Court Procedures.
Michael Lowry
Question:226 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a warrant was issued to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary for non-payment of a fine, in view of the fact that the fine had been paid almost three years previously; the offences the warrant relates to; if the warrant will be withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31709/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the matter referred to relates to the Control of Dogs Act. Summonses were initiated by Tipperary North Riding County Council and the case was heard at Thurles District Court on 25 May, 2004. The person referred to was fined €150 and had expenses of €161 awarded against them.
The payment that the person referred to made was in respect of boarding and related fees for the person's dogs by the local authority's dog warden. The fines and expenses were not paid, and as a consequence two warrants were issued by the District Court. These have now expired and an application will be made to have them re-issued.
The withdrawal of these warrants is a matter for Tipperary North Riding County Council, the complainant in this case.
Garda Stations.
Róisín Shortall
Question:227 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide details of all Garda stations which do not have e-mail facilities; and his plans to provide these facilities to all stations. [31720/06]
I am advised by the Garda Authorities that the Garda Síochána Information and Communications Technology Strategy has identified the requirement for enterprise-wide email within An Garda Síochána. The approach to roll-out, which is currently ongoing, is based on operational requirements with facilities currently available to all Gardaí of Superintendent rank and above and access is also provided to other individual members of An Garda Síochána where required, based on operational needs. Accordingly the roll-out is not done on a station by station basis.
Question No. 228 withdrawn.
Citizenship Applications.
Michael Noonan
Question:229 Mr. Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for dual citizenship by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31771/06]
An application from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 23 June 2004.
I understand that the processing of the application has commenced and that the case file will be forwarded to me for a decision in the near future.
I will advise the Deputy and the person in question once I have reached a decision on the application.
Garda Stations.
Catherine Murphy
Question:230 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations by county that operate on a 24 hour basis; if he will extend this number; if so, the stations which have been identified for such expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31794/06]
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 that the number of Garda Stations open on a 24-hour basis in each Garda Division are as set out in the following table:
|
Division |
No. of stations |
|
D.M.R. South Central |
6 |
|
D.M.R. North Central |
5 |
|
D.M.R. North |
10 |
|
D.M.R. East |
10 |
|
D.M.R. South |
6 |
|
D.M.R. West |
7 |
|
Waterford/ Kilkenny |
5 |
|
Wexford/ Wicklow |
6 |
|
Tipperary |
7 |
|
Cork City |
5 |
|
Cork North |
4 |
|
Cork West |
5 |
|
Kerry |
4 |
|
Limerick |
5 |
|
Donegal |
7 |
|
Cavan/ Monaghan |
6 |
|
Sligo/ Leitrim |
4 |
|
Clare |
5 |
|
Mayo |
6 |
|
Galway |
5 |
|
Roscommon/ Galway East |
5 |
|
Longford/ Westmeath |
4 |
|
Louth/ Meath |
8 |
|
Carlow/ Kildare |
5 |
|
Laois/ Offaly |
4 |
Garda management state that the extension of the opening hours at individual Garda stations is a matter for each Divisional Officer. However, the extension of the opening hours at any Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.
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.
Garda Recruitment.
Catherine Murphy
Question:231 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on increasing the number of civil servants working within An Garda Síochána in order to enable increased numbers of gardaí to engage in non-desk based duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31795/06]
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Oral Question No. 9 of 3 October 2006 where I most recently set out the position in relation to progress with regard to the civilianisation of An Garda Síochána with a view to maximising the availability of Garda resources for front line policing duties, a process to which I remain fully committed.
Catherine Murphy
Question:232 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when will Garda numbers increase in County Kildare in response to the significant increase in the county’s population between the last census and Census 2006, as highlighted by the recently published Census 2006 Preliminary Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31796/06]
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 that the personnel strength (all ranks) of the Carlow/Kildare Division as at 31 December, 1997 and 6 October, 2006 was 292 and 361, respectively, representing an increase of 69 (or 23.6%) in the number of personnel allocated to the Division during that period.
In addition, I would point out to the Deputy that the Division's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units.
It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within 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. Garda management state that 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 Carlow/Kildare Garda Division will be given the fullest consideration.
Equality Issues.
Olwyn Enright
Question:233 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recent ruling of the European Court of Justice in the matter of pay for women in the context of length of service with an employer; the ramifications this ruling will have here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31797/06]
David Stanton
Question:249 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the European Court of Justice judgment delivered on 3 October 2006 on Case C-17/05; the possible implications of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32121/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 249 together.
My Department is in contact with the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Finance about the implications of the judgment of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in the case under reference. It is too early to say what the full implications of the case are. However, a preliminary assessment indicates that the judgment does not represent a major change to the case-law as was understood up to now. The ECJ has characterised the judgment as containing only a clarification of the case-law in this field.
Family Reunification.
John Curran
Question:234 Mr. Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made regarding an application for family unification which was made in July 2005 by a person (details supplied). [31859/06]
The person in question was the subject of an application for Family Reunification which was made by his wife in July 2005.
The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department.
Applications of this type are dealt with in chronological order. This application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course.
Citizenship Applications.
John Curran
Question:235 Mr. Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when it is expected that a decision will be maderegarding an application for naturalisation made by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22. [31860/06]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 18 November 2004.
Applications received in the second half of 2004 are currently being processed and there are approximately 1,000 applications awaiting processing before that of the person in question. It is likely that processing of the application of the person in question will commence in the first quarter of 2007.
I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the application.
Road Safety.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:236 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when will the contract for the operation of speed cameras in the state be awarded; when it will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31892/06]
Following the receipt of recommendations from a working group, consisting of representatives of my Department, the Department of Transport, the Garda Síochána and the National Roads Authority, the Government approved proposals by my colleague the Minister for Transport and me on what elements of the provision and operation of speed cameras might be outsourced by the Garda Síochána, how this might be done and what legislative changes would be necessary. Because of the characteristics of the State's road network, mobile cameras offer the most effective solution, although the use of fixed cameras may be relevant at a small number of locations.
Following the enactment of the Road Traffic Act 2006 there is now a legislative basis for outsourcing elements of the provision and operation of speed cameras.
Work has commenced on the necessary procurement process. Given the complexity of the process and in order to ensure adherence to EU and national procurement regulations, including the prescribed time periods, procurement support services required to facilitate the outsourcing process have been engaged and are working with my Department, the Garda Síochána, the Department of Transport and the National Roads Authority in moving this process forward with all possible speed.
Work is well advanced on the preparation of a call to the market for expressions of interest in tendering for the project. Following the call for expressions of interest, a number of candidates will be awarded pre-qualification status and short-listed to proceed to the next stage. A request for tenders will be made to the short-listed candidates, and the successful candidate will be selected on the basis of the tenders received.
In parallel with this process, work is ongoing with the Garda Síochána and the National Roads Authority on identifying locations that either have a speed related collision history or are of a type where a higher than expected frequency of collisions may be expected to occur. Monitoring of driver speeds by the outsourced service provider will focus on these locations.
I can assure the Deputy that I attach a very high priority to outsourcing and expanding the speed camera network and to ensuring there will be no undue delay in the procurement process. I expect that, subject to negotiations, the contract for safety cameras will be awarded and the start up phase commence in the first half of 2007.
Closed Circuit Television Systems.
Pat Breen
Question:237 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when closed circuit television cameras will be installed at Ennis town centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31984/06]
As the Deputy is aware, Ennis is one of 17 areas set to receive a Garda CCTV system under the Garda CCTV Programme. The Garda authorities are currently finalising a detailed Request for Tender (RFT) for the outsourced service provision of 17 Garda CCTV systems in the following towns: Athlone, Ballyfermot, Carlow, Castlebar, Clondalkin, Clonmel, Drogheda, Dungarvan, Ennis, Kilkenny, Kinsale, Mullingar, Portlaoise, Sligo, Tallaght, Tullamore and Waterford. The locations above are listed in alphabetical order.
As I have indicated previously, I am anxious to accelerate the implementation of this CCTV programme and reduce as far as possible the workload of the Garda Síochána in this regard. I believe that the answer is to outsource the installation of Garda CCTV systems to the greatest extent possible, making use not only of the technical but also of the project management expertise in the private sector.
Garda Management and my Department are currently in consultation with the Department of Finance with a view to proceeding as quickly as possible with the procurement process to contract outsourced service providers for the development, installation and management of these CCTV systems, including Ennis. This is now the subject of a "peer review" process organised by the Department of Finance.
Following the successful conclusion of this review it is intended to issue the Request for Tender.
Pat Breen
Question:238 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in the provision of closed circuit television cameras for Kilrush, County Clare, under his Department’s community scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31985/06]
As the Deputy may be aware, I launched the Community Based CCTV Scheme on 15 June 2005 in response to the demonstrated demand from local communities across Ireland for the provision of CCTV systems. This Scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying local organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems. The Scheme is being administered on behalf of my Department by Pobal.
Notice of the call for proposals was published in the national newspapers shortly after the launch of the Scheme. All relevant application documentation was published on the websites of both Pobal and my Department. Pobal also ran a number of information seminars during August 2005.
I am informed that no application in respect of Community based CCTV was received in respect of Kilrush. It is intended to make a further call for proposals under the Community Based CCTV Scheme in the coming months and it is of course open to any organisation in the Kilrush area to submit an application for funding at that stage.
Residency Permits.
Pat Breen
Question:239 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for permanent residency for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31986/06]
There is no provision for the granting of permanent residency in Irish Immigration legislation. However, the proposed Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill will, for the first time, make statutory provision for a status of long term resident. An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on the 21st June 2006.
The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not exempt the person from employment permit requirements. Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date. I understand that applications received in April 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.
Garda Deployment.
Seán Ryan
Question:240 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community gardaí attached to each Garda station in Lucan, Ronanstown, Ballyfermot, Clondalkin and Rathcoole; the percentage of gardaí in each Garda station who are community gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31987/06]
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 that the personnel strength of the Community Policing Unit (all ranks) at Lucan, Ronanstown, Ballyfermot, Clondalkin and Rathcoole Garda stations as at 30 June, 2006 (the latest date for which such figures are currently available) was as set out in the table below. In addition, the percentage of Community Gardaí attached to each of the stations referred to by the Deputy, as at 30 June, 2006, are also included.
|
Station |
Strength of Community Policing Unit (30/6/06) |
Percentage of Community Gardaí (30/6/06) |
|
% |
||
|
Lucan |
7 |
10 |
|
Ronanstown |
12 |
13 |
|
Ballyfermot |
8 |
10 |
|
Clondalkin |
9 |
10 |
|
Rathcoole |
1 |
4 |
It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within 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. Garda management state that 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.
Tribunals of Inquiry.
Finian McGrath
Question:241 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he had access to or has seen copies of the second Moriarty tribunal; and if he will clarify the matter. [31990/06]
I wish to inform the Deputy that I have not seen nor have had access to the Report.
Road Traffic Offences.
Róisín Shortall
Question:242 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the level of enforcement of the ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones by drivers since the inception of the ban. [32021/06]
Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 2006 which came into effect on 21 July 2006 provides for a ban on the use of hand held mobile phones. This offence was brought within the Fixed Charge Penalty Point System (FCPS) on 1 September 2006. I am informed by the Garda authorities that between 1 September and 30 September, 1,082 fixed charge notices issued for this offence.
I am also informed that prosecutions have been initiated in 43 cases for offences which occurred prior to 1 September 2006.
Garda Investigations.
Joan Burton
Question:243 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the disquiet of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly in relation to the death of their son and of their desire to have a full scale inquiry into the death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32022/06]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 217, 229, 234, 237 and 239 of 3 October, 2006.
Visa Applications.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:244 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the case of an application for a visitors visa by a person (details supplied); the stage the application is at; the likelihood of such a visa being granted; and if it is to be granted, when such a decision may be taken. [32023/06]
The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 6th October, 2006 and is awaiting examination by a Visa Officer. The application will be considered in accordance with the criteria outlined on my Department's website (www.justice.ie). A decision in respect of this application will be made in the coming weeks.
Road Traffic Offences.
Michael Ring
Question:245 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason no response issued from An Garda Síochána to this Deputy’s representations for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo regarding the incorrect endorsement of their driving licence. [32080/06]
I regret that it has not been possible in the time available to obtain the information requested by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy again when the information is to hand.
Garda Operations.
John Curran
Question:246 Mr. Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of additional Garda hours provided in Lucan under Operation Anvil and the results achieved under this operation in Lucan. [32118/06]
John Curran
Question:247 Mr. Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of additional Garda hours provided in Blanchardstown under Operation Anvil, and the results achieved under this operation in Blanchardstown. [32119/06]
John Curran
Question:248 Mr. Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of additional Garda hours provided in Rathcoole under Operation Anvil; and the results achieved under this operation in Rathcoole. [32120/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 to 248, inclusive, together.
Operation Anvil commenced in the Dublin Metropolitan Region on 17 May, 2005 with a view to addressing the problem of serious crime such as gun crime, robberies, burglaries and combating an emerging gun culture. At my request Operation Anvil was extended outside the Dublin Metropolitan Region during 2006. For the purposes of Operation Anvil Lucan, Blanchardstown and Rathcoole are covered by the Dublin Metropolitan Region West Garda Division.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that 38,024 hours have been expended by local Garda management in the two Garda Districts which cover the Lucan and Rathcoole areas and that the number of additional hours available to each District is 3,000 hours per month. I am also informed that 41,619 hours have been expended by local Garda management in the Garda District which covers the Blanchardstown area and that the number of additional hours available to the District is 6,000 hours per month. These allocations are subject to change, depending on policing requirements.
The following table, which shows the statistics for Operation Anvil in the Dublin Metropolitan Region West Garda Division up to 1 October, 2006 indicates that the Operation has contributed to encouraging successes across a number of headings.
|
Arrests |
208 |
|
Searches |
|
|
Drugs |
3,334 |
|
Thefts |
527 |
|
Total Searches |
3,861 |
|
Seizures |
|
|
Firearms |
88 |
|
Vehicle Seizures |
1,525 |
|
Total Seizures |
1,613 |
|
Number of Checkpoints Established |
7,556 |
Question No. 249 answered with QuestionNo. 233.
Citizenship Applications.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:250 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for naturalisation will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32122/06]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department on 30 June 2004. I understand that the processing of the application has commenced and that the case file will be forwarded to me for a decision in due course.
I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned once I have reached a decision on the application.
Prisoner Releases.
Tony Gregory
Question:251 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 216 of 3 October 2006, the reason the person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 referred to is permitted to reside openly at the address from which they were last returned to prison custody on 5 June 2006, in view of the fact that local gardaí are aware of his presence there but appear to be unaware that he has again absconded from prison custody; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32123/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána was advised by the Irish Prison Service that the person referred to was unlawfully at large on 29 September, 2006. This information was circulated to Fitzgibbon Street and Mountjoy Garda stations.
I am further informed that Garda management was not made aware of the person's presence at the address mentioned until further information was received from the Irish Prison Service on 6 October, 2006. Subsequent searches for the person proved negative. The additional information received from the Irish Prison Service was circulated by way of a Divisional information bulletin and a warning was placed on PULSE advising that the person referred to was unlawfully at large. Gardaí are continuing their efforts to locate the person referred to and return him to the custody of the prison authorities.
I have asked the Director General of the Irish Prison Service and the Garda Commissioner for reports on this matter.
Ministerial Appointments.
Paudge Connolly
Question:252 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce an independent system of merit based appointments to the estimated 500 public bodies that currently exist with diversity of composition of boards, transparency and accountability for those appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32026/06]
I do not propose to introduce any new system of appointments to the boards of public bodies. The arrangements for the composition of and appointment to the boards of State bodies are usually set out in the legislation establishing the bodies. Normally, these appointments are made by the Minister with responsibility for the body in question, subject to the consent of the Minister for Finance. Ministers have to consider the merits of their appointees and to ensure that they have the appropriate skills and experience for their appointments. Ministers are answerable to this House for such appointments.
Road Safety.
Pat Breen
Question:253 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Finance his views on the provision of lighting for Clare Abbey to enhance its night time view in view of the fact that the route of the new Ennis bypass will make the abbey visible to motorists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31519/06]
While Clare Abbey itself is in the care of the Office of Public Works the graveyard in which it is located is the responsibility of Clare County Council. Prior to any decision in relation to possible floodlighting of the Abbey, discussions will have to take place with the County Council with regard to the installation and maintenance of the necessary fittings. I have asked my officials to contact the Council in the matter.
Flood Relief.
Michael Ring
Question:254 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will instruct the Office of Public Works to call to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in relation to a flooding problem created by the OPW; and the way this matter will be resolved. [31520/06]
OPW has no information that would support the suggestion that it is responsible for the flooding problem in question. However, an official of the Office of Public Works has met the person involved to discuss the situation. It is not possible to carry out a detailed investigation of the problem at present due to seasonally high water levels. The Commissioners will arrange a survey of the relevant section of channel next summer when water levels have fallen.
Michael Ring
Question:255 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will ascertain from the Office of Public Works the work it carried out to a river (details supplied) in County Mayo in each of the past five years; if the OPW has been notified of any flooding problems since it last carried out this work; if so, the plans it has to resolve the flooding problems. [31521/06]
Individual channels in the area in question have been maintained by the Office of Public Works in each of the years 2003, 2004 and 2005. The only record of reported flooding in the area related to weed congestion at a bridge in November 2002 and the matter was addressed at that time. The Commissioners responsibility is to maintain drainage outfall for agricultural lands to the standard provided in the scheme design. They do not guarantee immunity from flooding beyond this level.
Tax Code.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:256 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance his views on introducing tax relief for parents who incur costs engaging educational supports, including extra tuition, for children with dyslexia, particularly in view of the fact that such additional support is often recommended by educational psychologists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31536/06]
Arthur Morgan
Question:268 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Finance his views on introducing tax relief on expenses incurred by parents of children with dyslexia; if he accepts that there are significant expenses incurred by these parents in health and education provision; and the way he will deal with this situation. [32009/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 268 together.
I am aware of the extra expense that can arise for parents who have children with dyslexia. In recent years, the Government has increased significantly the supports available through the direct expenditure system for children with disabilities, including those with dyslexia. As with many areas where State support may be required, the question arises as to whether such support may be more effectively provided through the direct expenditure route rather than through the tax system. One advantage of the former mechanism is that the support may be better targeted at those in need, irrespective of family income, whereas support through the tax system can only benefit those whose incomes are high enough to benefit from tax relief.
I have no plans to extend tax relief to cover expenses incurred by parents who have children with dyslexia. However, this matter, like any other, can be raised by the Deputies at Finance Bill time.
Public Private Partnerships.
Paudge Connolly
Question:257 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Finance if the substantial investment of taxpayers’ money in public private partnerships such as school building and roads development, will be opened to scrutiny by Houses of the Oireachtas public representatives at the Committee of Public Accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31543/06]
The same arrangements for scrutiny by the Dáil Committee of Public Accounts that apply to traditionally procured projects apply also to projects procured by means of a public private partnership arrangement. In general terms, this scrutiny applies to project expenditure in areas that are subject to audit or other examination by the Comptroller and Auditor General under the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993.
As the Deputy will be aware from the five-year capital envelopes published as part of the 2006 Budget, the majority of projects in the State will continue to be procured by means of traditional procurement. A relatively small, but nevertheless significant, proportion of planned Exchequer investment to 2010 will be funded through PPPs.
Pension Provisions.
Richard Bruton
Question:258 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that widows who left the Civil Service under the marriage ban who now rejoin are being confined to the post 1995 pension arrangements; and if he will grant them the pre-1995 terms which was available to their contemporaries who rejoined earlier. [31629/06]
Prior to 1974 female officers were generally required to resign on marriage and received a marriage gratuity in lieu of any pension benefits. Following the abolition of the marriage bar, any officer appointed before 1974 has the option of resigning within two years of marriage and receiving a marriage gratuity or of remaining in employment.
Officers who received a marriage gratuity and who are subsequently reappointed in an established capacity in the Civil Service may refund the gratuity and have all prior service aggregated with subsequent service for superannuation purposes.
Under current arrangements, where the reappointment takes place after 6 April 1995 (the date of the introduction of Class A1 Pay Related Social Insurance contributions for civil servants) then all service, including prior service is treated as post 1995 service and superannuation benefits are calculated to reflect the integration of occupational benefits with the State social welfare payments. An officer appointed or reappointed to the service before 6 April 1995 is subject, as a general rule, to Class B1 PRSI contributions and their full pension entitlements are met from the occupational scheme alone.
The Social Welfare code does not allow a person to claim two Social Welfare pensions at the same time. This has implications for staff reappointed to the civil service after 1995, who prior to their reappointment were already in receipt of a Social Welfare pension (e.g. Widows Contributory Pension) as the Old Age Pension can not be paid in addition to other Social Welfare entitlements. This specific issue is the subject of an Internal Disputes Resolution Process and I expect the case to come before me, for determination, in the near future.
Tax Code.
Bernard Allen
Question:259 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the delays in the Office of the Revenue Commissioners regarding the repayment of overpaid taxes. [31882/06]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that enquiries have revealed that there are no undue delays in the processing of repayment claims. However, if you are aware of a particular instance(s) where the repayment of overpaid taxes has been delayed, you should bring this to the attention of the Regional Office in the Revenue Region dealing with the case(s), who will investigate the matter immediately and respond accordingly.
State Property.
Pat Breen
Question:260 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Finance his views on the sale of the site of Quin Garda station in County Clare to a voluntary housing association in the village in order that suitable accommodation may be provided for the community’s elderly people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31949/06]
A request to acquire a plot of land at Quin Garda station has been received from a voluntary housing association in the village. The Commissioners of Public Works are in the process of determining, in consultation with the Garda Authorities, if the land in question is surplus to requirements.
Public Service Staff.
Arthur Morgan
Question:261 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of people with disabilities currently employed in the public sector. [31970/06]
As the Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the policy in relation to the employment of people with disabilities in the civil service. In relation to the other areas of the public sector, each Minister is responsible for compliance with and reporting on the target set in the Disability Act 2005 for the employment of persons with disabilities in the public bodies under his or her aegis.
In the Civil Service, my Department reviewed the operation of the policy in some detail and commissioned independent research from Goodbody Economic Consultants. As part of the research, a detailed study of a number of Departments was carried out which showed that 7% of existing civil service staff have disabilities. In order to review the monitoring, reporting and recording arrangements in relation to staff with a disability in Government Departments and Offices, my Department has employed a Disability Advisory Officer to review this area.
A Disability Liaison Officers network involving all Departments has been set up to share information and re-examine the current methods of recording the numbers of staff within their respective Departments. The monitoring, reporting and recording arrangements in relation to a person's disability gives rise to complex issues about confidentiality and the use of such information. My Department has met with the National Disability Authority to obtain guidance in relation to potential new approaches to monitoring, including the possible use of a survey based on voluntary self-disclosure both for new staff on appointment and for existing staff. Such methods of collecting data in relation to people with a disability will also be considered in consultation with the staff unions.
State Property.
Liz McManus
Question:262 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works are in negotiations or intend to be in negotiations with the owners of a building (details supplied) in County Donegal: the persons who own the building; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that workers are on strike due to a failure of the owners of a company (details supplied) to comply with a Labour Court recommendation on redundancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31971/06]
The Commissioners of Public Works are not in negotiations with the owners of a building (as per details supplied) in Donegal. The Commissioners are in negotiations with another party who is in the process of purchasing the property.
Tax Yield.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:263 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance his views on using the €1.8 billion in additional tax revenue received up to September 2006 to fund youth projects and other sport funding needs, whether capital or current, including the sport and playground facilities in Willie Pearse Park, Crumlin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32001/06]
In relation to the application of tax revenue to expenditure projects, in the 2006 Budget and Estimates I announced very significant increases in expenditure, particularly for priority areas such as health, education, social welfare and child-care. The allocation of funding to specific sport and playground facilities is a matter for the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, respectively.
National Development Plan.
Marian Harkin
Question:264 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Finance the profile of actual expenditure and expenditure versus profile in the Border midlands western region in the national development plan to June 2006. [32003/06]
Marian Harkin
Question:265 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Finance the amounts of extra expenditure spent in the Border midlands western region to June 2006. [32004/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 264 and 265 together.
The National Development Plan/Community Support Framework (NDP/CSF) 2000-2006 is implemented through seven Operational Programmes (OPs). The most recent expenditure data on the Plan relates to the period to the end December 2005. The data for the first six months of 2006 will be available at the end of October 2006 following the meetings of the Operational Programme Monitoring Committees and I will write to the Deputy when this information is to hand.
The House will be aware of the general state of play in relation to expenditure in the BMW region from previous debates and questions on this issue. The figures reported indicate that all demands are being met. This represents some €12.1 billion or 76% of the total original forecast for expenditure (Exchequer, EU and private), and €10.7 billion, or 88%, of forecast Exchequer expenditure had been incurred by the end of 2005. This is a healthy implementation rate in view of the slow start up in some areas at the very beginning, the relatively disappointing response in certain demand-led schemes and the fact that Exchequer spending in relation to the Structural Fund OPs for the 2000-2006 period will in fact continue up to 2008.
I have made the point previously that the overall outturn for the NDP is expected to be near to forecast by the end of 2006, but with some over-performance and underperformance of expenditure taking place within the Operational Programmes. It is also expected that co-funded measures under the Plan will achieve their full entitlement to Structural Funds in the BMW Region by the end of 2008, the timetable set out in the Regulations.
Marian Harkin
Question:266 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Finance the profile of actual expenditure and expenditure versus profile in the southern and eastern region in the national development plan to June 2006. [32005/06]
Marian Harkin
Question:267 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Finance the amounts of extra expenditure spent in the southern and eastern region to June 2006. [32006/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 266 and 267 together.
The National Development Plan/Community Support Framework (NDP/CSF) 2000-2006 is implemented through seven Operational Programmes. The most recent expenditure data for the Southern and Eastern (S&E) Region on the Plan relates to the period to the end December 2005. The data for first six months of 2006 will be available at the end of October 2006 following the meetings of the Operational Programme Monitoring Committees and I will write to the Deputy when this information is to hand.
The figures reported indicate that overall some €32.8 billion or 96% of the total original forecast for expenditure (Exchequer, EU and private) and €27.9 billion or 108% of forecast Exchequer expenditure had been incurred by the end of 2005. The Exchequer contribution to the S&E Region under the NDP has exceeded its original target by €2.25 billion to the end of 2005.
Question No. 268 answered with QuestionNo. 256.
Pension Provisions.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:269 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Finance when he expects to receive the report of the working group on possible changes to the public service spouse’s and children’s pension schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32107/06]
As outlined to the Deputy in May, a joint Union/Management Working Group was established in January 2005 to examine certain recommendations of the Commission on Public Service Pensions in relation to Public Service Spouses' and Children's Schemes and report to the Minister for Finance on the implementation of same. The Working Group comprises representatives from various Government Departments, ICTU Public Services Committee and Garda and Permanent Defence Forces representative associations.
The Group has met on a number of occasions to date (most recently in June) and there have also been a number of bilateral meetings with various Government Departments and private sector pension scheme experts. An Interim Report was completed in July 2005. A draft Final Report is still under consideration by the Group. I understand that discussions on the draft Report are at an advanced stage.
Public Transport.
Tony Gregory
Question:270 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance the plans the Office of Public Works have to introduce bus routes through the Phoenix Park, Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32108/06]
The report from the independent firm of consultants is now to hand following wide ranging consultations and makes several recommendations on the subject of public transport in the Phoenix Park. Presentations of the study with a wide range of interested bodies will take place on 10 and 11 October in the visitor centre, Phoenix Park.
Health Service Allowances.
Pat Breen
Question:271 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare has been refused the domiciliary allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31590/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Emmet Stagg
Question:272 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason Blanchardstown Hospital has an ultrasound but no mammogram test available requiring patients under investigation for breast cancer to make a trip to two hospitals. [31489/06]
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 respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.
John McGuinness
Question:273 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in arranging a hip replacement operation for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny at Waterford Regional Hospital; and if she will expedite the matter. [31511/06]
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.
Departmental Correspondence.
Enda Kenny
Question:274 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received correspondence from the Drogheda Community Drugs and Alcohol Forum; the measures she will take to address their concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31512/06]
The correspondence referred to in the 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 requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive, on 25 May 2006, to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to Drogheda Drugs and Alcohol Forum.
Care of the Elderly.
Róisín Shortall
Question:275 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans for a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 11; if it is still intended to change this into a step-down facility for the elderly; the arrangements which will be made for the existing residents; the works that will be carried out to adapt the centre for the elderly; the time-scale proposed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31515/06]
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.
Health Services.
Arthur Morgan
Question:276 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has plans to provide a State-run treatment and after care centre in the north-east region for drug abusers and alcoholics; when these essential resources will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31516/06]
The question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Repayment Scheme.
Dan Neville
Question:277 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for payment of moneys due under the national repayment scheme by a person in County Limerick. [31522/06]
Dan Neville
Question:278 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for moneys due under the national payments scheme to a persons (details supplied) in County Limerick. [31523/06]
Dan Neville
Question:279 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding repayment of moneys due form the national repayment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [31524/06]
Dan Neville
Question:280 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding repayment of moneys due under the national repayment scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who has applied on behalf of their father. [31525/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 277 to 280, inclusive, together.
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.
Voluntary Sector Funding.
Pat Breen
Question:281 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding being provided to ensure the Irish Osteoporosis Society’s continued viability; the reason half the funding the society expected was granted in 2005; the reason no funding has been received by the society to date in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31526/06]
The Irish Osteoporosis Society (IOS) was funded on a once-off basis by the former Northern Area Health Board in 2004 and 2005. Funding of €130,000 was provided in 2005. The IOS sought further funding of €128,000 during 2006. Following a series of meetings and checking of documentation, the HSE paid this amount to the IOS on the 22nd of September 2006.
Health Services.
Pat Breen
Question:282 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the Department’s estimates of the number of children who suffered irreversible damage to their teeth, gums and faces following the cessation of the orthodontic regional training programmes in 1999 and before their treatment resumed; the number of those children who wore orthodontic appliances without the appropriate supervision for a year or longer; if the parents of those children were informed that their children had been damaged; the measures which have been taken to rectify the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31527/06]
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.
Michael Ring
Question:283 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the reason a bill issued to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for their respite care in view of the fact that the Health Service Executive arranged this care for them in a private nursing home and that this person is over eighty years of age and is a medical card holder. [31528/06]
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.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:284 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has breast cancer has been waiting over six weeks for admission to a hospital in Cork to commence radium treatment; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that this person is unable to attend this hospital on a daily basis due to their age and has to be admitted as an in-patient while undergoing treatment; and if she will arrange to have a bed made available without further delay. [31537/06]
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 respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:285 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if a situation whereby a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been waiting since 18 November 2004 to see a consultant in a hospital in Cork will be investigated; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this person is a parent with two school going children and that their medial condition continues to cause them serious mobility problems. [31544/06]
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.
Departmental Staff.
Paudge Connolly
Question:286 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of disabled persons currently employed in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31545/06]
Currently 2.3% of the total staff numbers serving in my Department are recorded as having a disability. The figure is lower than the target of 3% due to a combination of circumstances.
The Public Appointments Service (PAS) undertakes the recruitment of staff to posts in my Department following approval from the Department of Finance. I understand that, in conjunction with the recently published Commission for Public Service Appointments Code of Practice "External and Internal Appointment of Persons with Disabilities to Positions in the Civil Service and Certain Public Bodies", the Public Appointments Service is making arrangements to run an E.O. competition for persons with disabilities. Irrespective of any quotas, my Department is, and always has been, willing to provide placements for persons with disabilities.
The Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) project, which is administered by the Association of Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD), aims to provide graduates with disabilities temporary placements with public and private sector employers. My Department has provided two six month placements under this project. These placements are not counted in the 2.3% figure provided above.
Garda Investigations.
Liam Twomey
Question:287 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Garda inquiries in respect of Leas Cross Nursing Home have concluded following the complaint sent to the Garda Commissioner following a television programme (details supplied) in May 2005. [31563/06]
I wrote to the Garda Commissioner on 31st May 2005, requesting that he discuss with the Health Service Executive (HSE) certain issues which had come to light in relation to Leas Cross Nursing Home. The Commissioner met with the HSE, which advised him of its decision to conduct an initial examination of all the circumstances in respect of patients at Leas Cross Nursing Home.
The HSE advised that it agreed with the Garda Commissioner that when reviews into Leas Cross were complete, they would be shared with the Gardaí. It was further agreed that if allegations of specific criminal activity came to light during the investigations these would be presented to the Gardaí immediately.
The HSE has advised that a number of individual complaints regarding care in Leas Cross are still under investigation. I understand when these investigations are complete all documents will be made available to the Gardaí.
Nursing Home Investigations.
Liam Twomey
Question:288 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children if she, her Department, of any third party made a referral to An Bord Altranais in respect of the professional conduct of nurses employed in Leas Cross Nursing Home. [31564/06]
I have been advised by An Bord Altranais that it does not disclose any information in respect of applications for Inquiry under consideration by the Fitness to Practise Committee. This policy is in accordance with provision in the Nurses Act 1985.
Health Reports.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:289 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will publish the final report of the Coombe Women’s Hospital Study of Alcohol, Smoking and Illicit Drug Use, 1988-2005. [31565/06]
The final report of the Coombe Women's Hospital Study of Alcohol, Smoking and Illicit Drug Use, 1988-2005 is currently under consideration by my Department. Officials from my Department along with the Health Service Executive will shortly be meeting with the authors of the report to discuss its findings. The report will be made public in the near future.
Hospital Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:290 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 has to wait until 2007 for a hospital appointment at Beaumont Hospital; and if assistance will be given to this person. [31580/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Finian McGrath
Question:291 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 is being treated in such a bad manner; and the action she will take regarding the lack of beds at Beaumont Hospital. [31581/06]
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.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:292 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of chronic young sick who are being catered for at the St. Philomena’s Unit, St Finbarr’s Hospital, Cork; and the spare capacity beds which are available. [31585/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Promotion.
Fiona O'Malley
Question:293 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects folic acid to be added to foodstuffs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31586/06]
The Report of the National Committee on Folic Acid Food Fortification was launched on 18 July last and the projected timescale for the introduction of mandatory fortification of most breads with folic acid is one year from that date.
Health Services.
Michael Ring
Question:294 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be assessed for orthodontic treatment. [31587/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:295 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people in County Kerry currently in possession of a full medical card; the number currently in possession of a general practitioner only medical card in County Kerry; the way these figures compare with September 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31605/06]
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.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:296 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 118 of 6 July 2006, her views on creating a separate medical card application form for patients with serious illnesses, in order to ensure that the urgency of such applications is not inadvertently overlooked. [31618/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Ambulance Service.
John Perry
Question:297 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the directive she has issued to the north-western area of the Health Service Executive with regard to the payment of fees demanded for the air ambulance services from Strandhill, County Sligo; the agreement which was put in place when the service was privatised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31631/06]
I have not issued a directive to the Health Service Executive in relation to the payment of fees for air ambulance services for County Sligo. My Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to investigate the other issues raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
John Perry
Question:298 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene with Sligo General Hospital on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31632/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
John Perry
Question:299 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene with Sligo General Hospital on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo and have an appointment made with an anaesthetist to access their suitability for surgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31633/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:300 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 with long-term residential care and assist their family in this matter. [31634/06]
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.
John Perry
Question:301 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on correspondence (details supplied). [31638/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Nursing Home Subventions.
John McGuinness
Question:302 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to a previous parliamentary question and an appeal in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, she will review the case and grant an increase in the subvention being awarded. [31639/06]
The issue of an appeal 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. The HSE has discretion to pay more than the maximum rate of subvention relative to an individual's level of dependency in a case, for example, where personal funds are exhausted. The application of these provisions in an individual case is a matter for the HSE in the context of meeting increasing demands for subvention.
The Department has been advised by the HSE that this case went through the appeals procedure and that the person is in receipt of the maximum rate of enhanced subvention allowed by that area.
John McGuinness
Question:303 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if increased subvention will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if the appeal will be expedited. [31640/06]
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.
John McGuinness
Question:304 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an appeal for increased subvention will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite the matter. [31666/06]
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.
Community Care.
Jerry Cowley
Question:305 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the work of the public health nurse has increased but the staffing levels have not; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that their daily work consists of clinical work, dealing with home care for cancer patients, postnatal mothers and babies, terminally ill patients, child welfare and development clinics and weekend work; her views on whether additional services are urgently needed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31667/06]
The work of Public Health Nurses is a key element in the delivery of community based health services. The determination of the level of service in any particular area and the related workforce planning is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE). At the end of June 2006 there were a total of 1,617 whole time equivalent public health nurses (1,912 individual public health nurses) employed by the HSE. This represents an increase of 8.6% since 1998 in the number of public health nurses employed.
In addition to public health nurses, care in the community is delivered by a mix of different skills and disciplines e.g. registered general nurses, home helps and health care assistants. Care provision at weekends is prioritised for emergency cases and public health nurses are compensated for call outs on Saturdays and Sundays.
Funding has been provided to the HSE for the establishment of 100 primary care teams in 2006. These teams, comprising a range of health professionals, will provide enhanced, integrated and accessible health services in the community. An additional €10 million has been made available to the HSE for the recruitment of an extra 300 frontline professionals to these teams this year.
Health Services.
Bernard Allen
Question:306 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding the provision of a national rehabilitation service which was originally proposed for St. Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital, Gurranabraher, Cork. [31668/06]
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.
Denis Naughten
Question:307 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive an appointment; the reason for the delay in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31675/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the Executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Finian McGrath
Question:308 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will award the costs of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 and support this family in this matter. [31696/06]
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. My Department is advised, following previous questions in relation to this matter, that the HSE has sought to address the complaints of the person concerned, having regard to the health needs of its client. My Department has again been in touch with the executive to ask that it make further efforts to try to resolve the situation.
Michael Ring
Question:309 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be re-assessed for orthodontic treatment. [31697/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
John McGuinness
Question:310 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 17 May 2006, the progress in relation to an operation and care needed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31698/06]
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.
Cancer Incidence.
Jerry Cowley
Question:311 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of deaths by cancer in County Mayo; the breakdown by areas and towns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31707/06]
The Central Statistics Office has informed my Department that there were 286 deaths registered in 2005 where the area of residence of the deceased was County Mayo, and where the underlying cause of death was cancer. The breakdown was as follows:
|
Area |
No. of deaths |
|
Ballina |
28 |
|
Castlebar |
18 |
|
Westport |
9 |
|
Rest of County Mayo |
231 |
Nursing Home Subventions.
Jerry Cowley
Question:312 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person originally from the Health Service Executive western area and now resident at a private nursing home in County Kildare is entitled to enhanced subvention in the eastern area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31708/06]
I understand from the HSE that, in general, an application for Nursing Home Subvention should be made to the Local Health Office where the person was ordinarily resident prior to their stay in the private nursing home.
Ambulance Service.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:313 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that provision is made in the health estimate for the provision of a 24 hour ambulance service for Killarney, County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31712/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:314 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of women awaiting a mammogram at Kerry General Hospital; the number of women in County Kerry awaiting a mammogram at Cork University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31713/06]
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 respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.
Care of the Elderly.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:315 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that provision is made in the health estimates for the provision for the payment of the Cúram home care grant to those who were awarded the grant but have not been paid; her plans to continue the grant scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31714/06]
Home care packages, which include home care cash grants, such as a Cúram Home Care Grant Scheme, are designed to facilitate timely discharge of older people from acute hospitals; reduce inappropriate admissions; and support older people to continue to live in their own community.
In the first instance, use of mainstream community services are maximised to support and maintain the older person at home. If further services are assessed as being required, some of these services may be provided through the home care package scheme. Referral for a home care package can be made by any health professional, whether community or hospital based. The decision to allocate a home care package is based on the assessment of needs of the individual and the identification of any assessed needs, which are not being met by mainstream services, together with consideration of the appropriateness of care in the community in the individual case.
Home care packages are, therefore, an additional support over and above existing mainstream community services and are designed to enhance rather than replace the existing home support services. The scheme is designed to be flexible and in particular targeted at those who may otherwise require admission to long term care from community, inappropriate admission to acute hospital or requiring discharge to home from acute hospital.
The HSE is in the process of finalising National Home Care Packages Guidelines which, when issued, will standardise the process of assessment of patients living in the community requiring such care. Any person who has been awaiting a Cúram home care grant is being offered mainstream services to address their specific, current requirements.
About 1,100 home care packages were in place at the end of 2005. By the end of 2006 a total of 2,000 additional home care packages will have been provided. These additional packages will support more than 2,000 persons, as some people will only require a home care package on a temporary basis. The additional funding to support the provision of these additional packages amounts to €55m in a full year — €30m of which has been allocated in 2006 and the remaining €25m will be available in 2007, when the packages will be available on a full year basis. This clearly shows the Government's focus on keeping people in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and this continues to be the priority in the Department.
Hospitals Building Programme.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:316 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of a new community hospital for Dingle, County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31715/06]
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.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:317 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the roll-out of BreastCheck to the south and west of the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31716/06]
I have met with representatives of BreastCheck and they are fully aware of my wish to have a quality assured programme rolled out to the remaining regions in the country as quickly as possible. For this to happen, essential elements of the roll out must be in place including adequate staffing, effective training and quality assurance programmes. I have made additional revenue funding of €2.3m available to BreastCheck to meet the additional costs of roll out. I have also approved an additional 69 posts. BreastCheck recently appointed Clinical Directors for the Southern and Western regions and the recruitment of Consultants and other staff is now underway.
BreastCheck also requires considerable capital investment in the construction of two new clinical units and in the provision of five additional mobile units and state of the art digital equipment. I have made available an additional €21m capital funding to BreastCheck for this purpose. Demolition works at South Infirmary/Victoria University Hospital were completed last month. The Department has issued approval to BreastCheck to award contracts for the construction of the static units at the South Infirmary/Victoria University Hospital, Cork and University College Hospital Galway. BreastCheck is confident that the target date of next year for the commencement of roll out to the Southern and Western regions will be met.
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
John McGuinness
Question:318 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an application under the housing aid for the elderly scheme in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [31766/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the provision of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, the Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Pat Breen
Question:319 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with hip surgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31768/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Pat Breen
Question:320 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 617 of 27 September 2006, when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with appointments regarding rheumatology and ear, nose and throat; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31769/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Pat Breen
Question:321 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card application will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31793/06]
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.
Care of the Elderly.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:322 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of elder abuse officers currently in the State; their locations; the number of designated elder abuse officer posts; the number of these posts which are to be filled; the date by which they are expected to be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31858/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the implementation and staffing of the elder abuse programme. 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.
Civil Registration Service.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:323 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when the public will be able to avail of the opportunity of conducting a civil marriage in places other than a registry office as provided for in the Civil Registration Act 2004; her views on whether many of these registry offices are unable to facilitate any type of substantial gathering; her further views on whether there has been an increase in the number of civil marriages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31884/06]
An tArd-Chláraitheoir, the Registrar General, is the person with statutory responsibility for the administration of the civil registration system in Ireland, including civil marriages. I have made enquiries with an tArd-Chláraitheoir and the position is as follows.
The Civil Registration Act, 2004 provides for the commencement of the various provisions of the Act on a gradual basis. Parts 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 of the Act, which relate to the administration of the service and the registration of births, stillbirths and deaths, were commenced on 5 December 2005. The new provisions for marriage are set out in Part 6 of the 2004 Act and include universal procedures for notification, solemnisation and registration of marriages, as well as a choice of venue for civil marriage ceremonies. Before the provisions can be commenced, a substantial body of work needs to be completed, including drafting and publication of regulations, guidelines and detailed procedures; establishment of a register of solemnisers in consultation with religious bodies; establishment of a register of approved venues for civil marriages; and the further development of the computer system to facilitate the administration of the new marriage provisions introduced in the Act: Work in all these areas is underway and is progressing well.
In view of the number of complex tasks involved in preparing for the commencement of the marriage provisions, it is not possible to be definitive as regards a date for signing commencement orders, but it is unlikely to be before mid-2007. I would like to assure the Deputy that a comprehensive public information campaign will be undertaken at the appropriate time.
The Deputy's query on the facilities provided for civil marriages in registry offices 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.
I am aware that there has been a significant increase in the number of civil marriages in recent years. For instance, the number of civil marriages countrywide in 1996 was 928; by 2002, this figure was 3,683, an increase of almost 396%. By way of contrast, the corresponding increase in all marriages, civil and religious, for the same period, was 21%. I am also conscious of the likelihood of a considerable and continuing increase in demand for civil marriage ceremonies.
General Practitioner Co-operatives.
Paul Kehoe
Question:324 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children when will a new doctor be appointed to an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31885/06]
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.
Care of the Elderly.
Finian McGrath
Question:325 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will assist persons (details supplied) as a matter of priority. [31886/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Bernard Allen
Question:326 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will get an outpatients appointment in Cork University Hospital. [31887/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
John Perry
Question:327 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will grant an extra two hours home help to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31888/06]
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.
Hospital Services.
Jerry Cowley
Question:328 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children if the review of all outpatient urology waiting lists at Mayo General Hospital has taken place as stated on 17 July 2006; if so, the amount of male patients awaiting urology services at Mayo General Hospital for each of the years 2001 to 2005 and for the first six months of 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31889/06]
The information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the statutory responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Paul Kehoe
Question:329 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans she has to increase resources or provide funding for assistance, such as interpreters, information technology or personal assistants for deaf persons to assist them with day to day activities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31890/06]
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.
Vaccination Programme.
Róisín Shortall
Question:330 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the definition of at-risk groups in respect of qualification for free influenza vaccinations; the changes to the qualifying criteria for free vaccinations in respect of medical card holders since 2005 and in each case the basis for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31950/06]
The criteria for those who should receive the seasonal flu vaccine are set by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, a Sub Committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, which advises me and my Department. It is recommended that those considered to be at risk of influenza related complications should go to their G.P. for vaccination. The "at risk" groups include persons aged 65 years or older, those with specific chronic illness such as chronic heart, lung or kidney disease, and those with a suppressed immune system.
There is no charge for either the vaccine or the administration of the vaccine for those in the "at risk" group who have a medical card.
Where a patient is in an "at risk" group but does not have a medical card, there is no charge for the actual vaccine as the vaccine is supplied free of charge to general practitioners from the Health Service Executive. The fee for administering the vaccine in such cases is a matter between the general practitioner and the patient.
National Drugs Strategy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:331 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of requests for access to drug treatment programmes currently before her Department; the average waiting time taken to accommodate such requests; when she expects to be able to meet in full such requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31952/06]
The 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.
Damien English
Question:332 Mr. English asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied with the extent of after care and out of hour services available to drug misusers, particularly in the north east; if she will provide details of such services as available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31213/06]
The 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.
Seán Crowe
Question:333 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will evaluate the operation of the needle exchange programme, highlighting the number of areas which are taking up the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31192/06]
The 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.
Seán Crowe
Question:334 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recommendations of the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy and its proposal to expand the provision of needle exchange and related harm reduction services in order to ensure wider geographic availability and availability at evenings and weekends, concentrating at first on areas of highest need, she will make a statement on the progress which has been made on meeting this recommendation. [31191/06]
The question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Aids and Appliances.
Willie Penrose
Question:335 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has a fund available to help community and voluntary groups to provide portable defibrillators to these groups and sporting clubs, as they would be important in the prevention of tragic sudden deaths; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31960/06]
In September 2004 a national Task Force on Sudden Cardiac Death was established in order to address the problem of sudden cardiac death in Ireland. The Report of the Task Force, published in March 2006, makes recommendations on the prevention of sudden cardiac death and on the detection of those at high risk. Among the recommendations of the Task Force is that Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) should be placed in facilities where the incidence of cardiac arrest is high, including:
inpatient health facilities;
G.P. surgeries and primary care facilities;
airports, shopping centres, major sports venues and golf courses, bus/rail terminals, ferries/ferry terminals, concert and conference venues;
universities and colleges;
gyms and fitness clubs; and
other venues for major public events.
My Department has no fund available to assist in the purchase of AEDs for these or other facilities. Where such funding is required, the Health Service Executive, which has overall responsibility for the implementation of the report's recommendations, may consider such applications, subject to financial constraints and guided by the priorities identified in the report. I understand that implementation of many of the most immediate recommendations in the report is already underway and it is planned to start implementing the others before the end of the year. My Department will continue to monitor the progress being made by the HSE in implementing the recommendations of the Task Force.
Health Services.
Liam Twomey
Question:336 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has plans to provide respite to carers on one night at the home basis to allow carers the opportunity to partake in activities outside the house that is important to the carer’s quality of life; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31961/06]
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.
Liam Twomey
Question:337 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children if concerns have been raised with her regarding the home care package and the fact that implementing this policy may be too restrictive for carers who are concerned that they are receiving a one size fits all; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31962/06]
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.
Home care packages deliver a wide range of services and may vary according to the care needs of the person. The priority is older people living in the community or those who are inpatients in an acute hospital and who may otherwise require admission to long term care. The home care packages are also available to those older people who have been admitted to long term care and who now wish to return to the community.
The packages are delivered through the HSE, by a range of providers including the Health Service Executive itself, voluntary groups and the private sector. The scheme is intended to be as flexible as possible and highly responsive to the real needs of the individual.
Suicide Incidence.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:338 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the actions which are being put in place to ensure the accurate monitoring of the target to reduce the suicide rate by 20% by 2016, as highlighted in the Report of the Joint Committee on Health and Children into the High Levels of Suicide in Irish Society; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31963/06]
Charlie O'Connor
Question:339 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that arrangements have been made to take action in respect of a number of recommendations in the recently published Report of the Joint Committee on Health and Children into the High Levels of Suicide in Irish Society; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of recommendations were planned for immediate implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31964/06]
Charlie O'Connor
Question:340 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in respect of the recently published Report of the Joint Committee on Health and Children into the High Levels of Suicide in Irish Society, she has received commitments by her Department, the Department of Education and Science, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Office of Public Works, that they will all work in partnership to reduce the high levels of suicide here; and the way in which this partnership is being facilitated. [31965/06]
Charlie O'Connor
Question:341 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has considered the important recommendations made by the Joint Committee on Health and Children on the high levels of suicide in Irish society; if her attention has been drawn to the need for a health promotion programme aimed at young people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31966/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 338 to 341, inclusive, together.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government is fully committed to the implementation of suicide prevention initiatives and the further development of our mental health services in order to prevent, and reduce further tragic loss of life.
In September 2005, Reach Out — a National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, 2005-2014 was launched. This Strategy builds on the work of the National Task Force on Suicide (1998) and takes account of the efforts and initiatives developed by the former health boards in recent years. During the two years developing the strategy, wide ranging consultation took place throughout the country to draw on the experience, perspectives and ideas of the key stakeholders and interested parties. This consultation process, combined with continuous monitoring of evidence and best practice, allowed the project team to take both an evidence-based and pragmatic approach in prioritising actions to be undertaken by the various agencies and groups in order to effect real change over the next 5 to 10 years.
Consideration was given to the setting of an overall target for the reduction of our national suicide rate as an outcome measure of this strategy. At this stage, it has been decided that a specific target will not be set for the following two reasons:
The priority is to establish the accuracy of suicide mortality in Ireland.
Due to the range and inter-play of factors that influence the suicide rate, a direct cause and effect relationship between prevention programmes and a change in the overall population rates is virtually impossible to establish.
Nevertheless, there are undoubted advantages to setting targets for an overall reduction, not least the fact that it focuses the attention of those working at all levels of suicide prevention. An overall target for the reduction of suicide rates will be set by the Government, on the advice of the Minister for Health and Children, when suicide rates have been accurately determined.
Reach Out recommends a combined public health and high risk approach. This approach to suicide prevention is also that advocated by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and is in keeping with the European Action Plan for Mental Health which was signed and endorsed on behalf of ministers of health of the 52 member states of the European Region of the World Health Organisation at the Ministerial Conference on Mental Health in Helsinki, Finland in January 2005.
The approach to the national strategy is a straightforward one. Four levels of action comprise the main body of the strategy. These are categorised as:
General population approach;
Target approach;
Responding to Suicide; and
Information and research.
At each level, Action Areas have been identified (26 in total) and specific points of action have been identified to be implemented in three phases over the coming years (an average of 3 to 4 actions per area).
Most of the Actions identified in Reach Out are consistent with the recommendations in the Report of the Joint Committee on Health and Children into the High Levels of Suicide in Irish Society. The remaining recommendations now require consideration by the National Office for Suicide Prevention and the Health Service Executive.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is taking a lead role in overseeing the implementation of Reach Out, in partnership with those statutory and voluntary organisations that have a key role to play in making the actions happen. The HSE established the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) to oversee the implementation of the strategy and NOSP has made contacts with agencies from the relevant sectors in relation to progressing the implementation. At Government level, an Interdepartmental Committee will be established with representatives of relevant Government Departments to advise on and provide support in overcoming any barriers encountered in implementing the strategy.
In 2006, an additional €1.2 million has been allocated to the Health Service Executive specifically for suicide prevention initiatives. The following 12 point plan outlines Actions in Reach Out which the 2006 funding is being used to:
prepare for the launch of a national mental well being campaign in conjunction with non-governmental organisations;
ensure full coverage in hospital A&E departments of appropriate services to respond to presentations of deliberate self harm;
deliver agreed training programmes as set out in Reach Out;
support the development of bereavement services by funding Console, a national voluntary organisation;
action the outcome of research undertaken by the National Suicide Research Foundation into appropriate methods of data collection relating to suicides;
complete research into the link between institutional abuse and suicide;
pilot a Primary Care/Deliberate Self Harm Service;
work with the media to improve reporting of suicide and deliberate self harm;
agree a national programme of appropriate research on suicide prevention in Ireland;
develop methods of reaching, in particular, young people through the medium of ICT, e.g. email, texting, messaging;
establish a national forum of key stakeholders and to brief on current activities and research on suicide prevention; and
commission research into the link between Traveller health and suicide.
The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy A Vision for Change, which was launched in January 2006, highlights the importance of mental health promotion in the prevention of mental health problems through the development of coping and problem-solving skills, help-seeking and resilience. It also recommends that mental health promotion should be available for all age groups, to enhance the protective factors and decrease risk factors for developing mental health problems. The recommendations in the Report have been accepted by Government as the basis for the future development of the mental health services.
The Health Service Executive now has responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services, including health promotion programme development and implementation and will be guided by national policy in the development of mental health promotion programmes.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
James Breen
Question:342 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare who is currently on the waiting list for a bed in St. Joseph’s Hospital will be facilitated with same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31967/06]
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.
Health Services.
Jerry Cowley
Question:343 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason people applying for home care packages in County Mayo are being informed that there is not money available to provide this service; her views on whether this is scandalous in view of the comments made by her when introducing this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31980/06]
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.
With regard to the funding available for Home Care Packages, it should be noted that Budget 2006 provided an unprecedented increase in the level of funding for older peoples' services and palliative care. This investment allocated additional resources of €150 million in a full year to these services. (€110 million in 2006 and €40 million more for 2007). Reflecting the new emphasis on home and day care, almost three quarters (€109 million) of the full year costs was committed to community care supports. €55million full year cost was allocated to the provision of Home Care Packages with €30million allocated for 2006 and €25million for 2007. The objective is to provide an additional 2,000 Home Care Package by the end of 2006 and the HSE has informed my Department that it is on target to meet this goal.
Hospital Services.
Róisín Shortall
Question:344 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans in place to furnish Temple Street Hospital with the computed tomography machine it needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31981/06]
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.
Departmental Expenditure.
Róisín Shortall
Question:345 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Exchequer returns showing end of year returns will be approximately €2.5 billion more than expected, the percentage of this surplus she expects to be spent on capital spending in the health services. [31982/06]
The funding provided for the health capital programme this year is set out in the Revised Estimates for the Public Service 2006. It is not envisaged that any additional capital funding will be provided this year.
Hospital Services.
Pat Breen
Question:346 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in the provision of a CT scanner for Ennis General hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31983/06]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the planning and management of capital projects in the health sector, including the provision of a CT scanner at Ennis General Hospital. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
John Dennehy
Question:347 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Health and Children if, arising from the work of the study group, proposals have been put forward to cater for the discrepancies in cystic fibrosis services for children and adults in the Cork region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32010/06]
I wish to see significant improvement in the level of services available to persons with cystic fibrosis and, in this context, additional revenue funding of €4.78m was allocated in 2006 specifically for the development of services in this area. My Department is advised by the Health Service Executive that Cork University Hospital received €721,000 of this funding.
I am aware of the current deficits which are widely acknowledged and which have been identified most notably in the Pollock Report, and by the HSE Working Group on Cystic Fibrosis which is looking at this issue. My Department is advised that the report of the Working Group is almost complete and will include recommendations in relation to a range of service improvements required for persons with CF, in particular the need to increase the level of clinical, nursing and allied health professional staffing in CF units around the country including Cork.
John Dennehy
Question:348 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of home care packages that have been sanctioned in County Cork; the number applied for in Cork; the proposals for increasing the scheme on a national basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32011/06]
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.
Child Care Services.
Paudge Connolly
Question:349 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Health and Children the frequency and extent of crèche inspection by the Health Service Executive throughout the country; the criteria under which crèches are evaluated by the inspectors; the most recent results published by the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32012/06]
The Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 1996 and (Amendment) Regulations 1997 give effect to Part VII of the Child Care Act 1991 and provide for notification to, and inspection by the Health Service Executive of preschool services. The Regulations apply to pre-schools, playgroups, day nurseries, crèches, childminders looking after more than three children and other similar services which cater for children under six years of age. The Health Service Executive has statutory responsibility for the implementation of these Regulations.
Judgments as to whether a pre-school service is in compliance with the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 1996 and (Amendment) Regulations 1997 are made on inspection by the pre-school services inspection teams of the Health Service Executive.
As the 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, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Joe Higgins
Question:350 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in accordance with sections 45(3) and 45(4) of the Health Act 1970, regulations granting medical cards to home helps were approved by the Houses of the Oireachtas; and, if so, the date of same. [32013/06]
I wish to inform the Deputy that no regulations in this regard have been enacted under Section 45 of the Health Act, 1970.
Health Services.
Joe Sherlock
Question:351 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if the provisions of section 38 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. [32014/06]
Section 38 of the Health Act 1970 is still in force. Under the Health Act 2004 the functions of the health boards were transferred to the Health Service Executive. Therefore those functions in section 38 of the Health Act 1970 which were functions of the health boards are now functions of the Executive.
Richard Bruton
Question:352 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many seriously ill persons being cared for at home are rationed to four incontinent pads per day, and even the local public health nurse is not given discretion to increase this allocation where there is a clear need; and if she will issue a directive to the Health Service Executive to bring this practice to an end. [32015/06]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that when a client who resides at home presents with a continence problem they are assessed by their Public Health Nurse using a clinical assessment tool based on Best Practice. The quantity of continence wear to be supplied is decided in accordance with this assessment. Normally clients' requirements are met by the supply of up to four urinary incontinence pads every 24 hours. However, when the assessment determines it, the Public Health Nurse will use his/her professional judgement to issue the required number of incontinence pads to meet the clients assessed needs even if this is in excess of four pads per day.
The HSE has asked that if the Deputy is aware of any clients whose assessed needs are not being met, perhaps he could supply the names and addresses to them for follow up.
Health Service Staff.
Michael Noonan
Question:353 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of paediatric cardiologists employed by the Health Service Executive; the hospitals to which they are attached; her views on whether the number of paediatric cardiologists for the child population here is short of best international practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32016/06]
The Deputy question relates to human resource management within the Health Service Executive. As this is a matter for the Executive under the Health Act 2004, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have it investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Jack Wall
Question:354 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive an appointment at Cappagh Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32018/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Róisín Shortall
Question:355 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding which has been provided in each of the past five years for home-help services; the basis on which this is allocated to each local health office area; the actual amount of funding provided to each LHO area in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the adequacy of the current provision. [32019/06]
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.
With regard to your question in respect of the adequacy of the current provision, I would point to the provisions made in Budget 2006 with respect to Services for Older People when an additional €33 million full year cost was allocated for the Home Help programme (€30 million for 2006). This represents a significant increase over the Estimates provision of €112 million for 2005. The additional funding of €30 million is being used to provide 1.75 million more home help hours.
Róisín Shortall
Question:356 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties experienced by patients on their discharge from hospital if they have a prescription for medication which may or may not be immediately available; if she will review this policy in respect of medical card holders with a view to arranging for patients to be supplied with two to three days medication in order to avoid such difficulties. [32020/06]
Where a patient is discharged from hospital with a prescription for a non-standard drug/medicine it is a matter for the hospital concerned to ensure that the patient is able to source that product without undue delay. If this is not possible the hospital should provide the patient with an appropriate amount of medicine which will maintain him/her until such time as the prescription can be presented and dispensed through a community pharmacy.
If the Deputy provides me with details of any particular incidents of which she has been made aware I will have the matter fully investigated.
Health Reports.
David Stanton
Question:357 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy implication that she has identified as a result of the publication of the report published in July 2006 by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (details supplied); the actions that she intends to take as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32109/06]
I recognise that there are many factors which influence the health of individuals and the population including social, economic, environmental and cultural factors. The Health Strategy Quality and Fairness (2001) identifies a number of key determinants of health, outside the provision of health services, that affect health status and it makes mention of the importance of the built environment. The Review of the Health Promotion Strategy (2004) also identifies the need to address these broader determinants of health to improve the health status of the entire population.
In recognising the influence of the built environment on health, my Department welcomes this report and the evidence provided in it which will help inform future policy in relation to tackling the broader determinants of health.
Cancer Screening Programme.
David Stanton
Question:358 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the average time it takes CUH gynaecological cytology service to process a smear test in 2006; the details of same for each year since the year 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32110/06]
David Stanton
Question:359 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of smear tests and diagnostic samples respectively processed by the CUH gynaecological cytology service in 2004, 2005 and to date in 2006; the average amount processed per week in 2006; the number of tests awaiting results; the reason for the backlog, if one exists; the action which is being taken to speed up the results process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32111/06]
David Stanton
Question:360 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of locations in the Health Service Executive southern region which offer a gynaecological cytology service; if these services are public or private; the average waiting times for public and private test results respectively in each location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32112/06]
David Stanton
Question:361 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of locations in all the Health Service Executive regions which offer a gynaecological cytology service; if these services are public or private; the average waiting times for public and private test results respectively in each location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32113/06]
David Stanton
Question:363 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the targets in each Health Service Executive area regarding the length of time it takes to process smear test results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32115/06]
David Stanton
Question:364 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied with the current gynaecological cytology service for women in the Health Service Executive southern area; her views on the way in which services could be improved; the action she intends to take to improve the service, in particular in relation to test result waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32116/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 358 to 361, inclusive, 363 and 364 together.
The Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matters raised.
David Stanton
Question:362 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to the roll-out of the national cervical screening programme, the way in which the Health Service Executive intends to cater for additional demand for test results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32114/06]
I will shortly establish a National Cancer Screening Agency to amalgamate BreastCheck and the ICSP to deliver both programmes nationally. This will maximise the expertise in both programmes, ensure improved efficiency and develop a single governance model for cancer screening. The plan is to have cervical screening managed as a national call/recall programme via effective governance structures that provide overall leadership and direction, in terms of quality assurance, accountability and value for money. All elements of the programme, call/recall, smear taking, laboratories and treatment services must be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated service. This includes an acceptable turn around time for test results. My Department understands that the current annual volume of testing of cervical smears is similar to the volume required for a national programme.
I wish to see the Irish Cervical Screening Programme (ICSP) rolled out nationally by 2008, based on an affordable model and in line with international best practice. Significant preparatory work is well underway involving the introduction of new and improved cervical tests, improved quality assurance training and the preparation of a national population register. An additional €9m is available to the Executive for cancer services development in 2006, including the continuation of preparations for the roll out.
Questions Nos. 363 and 364 answered with Question No. 358.
Health Services.
Brian O'Shea
Question:365 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on recent reports regarding the objections of members of local communities to the establishment of methadone clinics in certain parts of the country; if this threatens the future of other such clinics and rehabilitation services for drug users; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32117/06]
The 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.
Voluntary Sector Funding.
Denis Naughten
Question:366 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide funding to Downs Syndrome Ireland in line with other similar organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32143/06]
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.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Marian Harkin
Question:367 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will agree to request Sustainable Energy Ireland to review its policy of not grant aiding the purchase by the public of small wind turbines for the purpose of heating such as where the turbine is directly connected to a water heating element (details supplied). [31672/06]
I am keen to see progress in developing domestic scale renewable electricity and heat technologies. There are however, a number of technical and administrative issues which we are currently addressing and which will need to be resolved in order to make further progress in this area, and my Department is working with the relevant agencies, including Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), ESB Networks and the Electro-Technical Council of Ireland in this regard.
Sustainable Energy Ireland provides grant assistance, under its Renewable Energy Research, Development and Demonstration programme, to suppliers for demonstrating small wind turbines in domestic and small business applications. The specification, installation and performance of the wind turbines supplied will be closely monitored in this programme. The results of the monitoring will be used in SEI's public information material on domestic scale renewable electricity and may inform future policy on any Government supports, which may be required for this sector and the manner in which they might be implemented.
As part of the ongoing work to progress this area, CER is today launching a public consultation on micro generation. Much work needs to be done to ensure that the appropriate administrative, technical and safety standards and practices are in place before we can proceed with any programmes for the widespread deployment of micro generation technologies. I am confident that appropriate solutions suited to the context of the Irish electricity grid and for non-grid connected technologies will be identified as a result of this work so that we can further develop this emerging sector.
Fisheries Protection.
Enda Kenny
Question:368 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress being made in the identification of the scale of problem of the zebra mussels in western lakes and river systems; the nature and result of such analysis; his plans to deal with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31682/06]
Primary responsibility for measures to control the ecological impact of invasive species on freshwater ecology and native species and their implications for compliance with the Water Framework Directive rests with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
I can assure the Deputy that the State Agencies under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, will continue to work with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the relevant local authorities in dealing with the threat posed by the Zebra Mussel and other invasive species.
Telecommunications Services.
David Stanton
Question:369 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the funding that has been made available to the respective local authorities to develop local area networks in order to provide broadband; the plans he has to make further funding available to further expand these networks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31792/06]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the 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, supported by State and EU funding of almost €80 million. E-Net, the Management Services Entity, is currently managing those completed networks. Phase II of the MANs Programme will involve the construction of over 90 networks between 2006 and 2008. The total cost of the Phase II MANs will be 90% funded by State and EU funding.
Willie Penrose
Question:370 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in relation to the provision of broadband on a countrywide basis; the measures he intends to take to ensure that rural areas are provided with a broadband facility; if, in this context, he will list the areas in County Westmeath which have been successful to date in acquiring the broadband facility; and when areas such as Castletown-Geoghegan in County Westmeath will be so provided with broadband, as there is a strong demand in this area for same. [31801/06]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the independent regulator.
However, it has been clear for some time that the 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 the major towns and cities. These Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs. The networks offer towns opportunities to attract inward investment in advanced technology and knowledge based enterprises.
Twenty-seven MANs have been completed under the first phase and are currently being managed by ENet, the Management Services Entity. Two of which were built in Co. Westmeath, one in Mullingar and one in Athlone. The second phase extends the programme to over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and above that do not have a satisfactory broadband offering from the private sector. In this second Phase there is a MAN to be built in Moate, Co. Westmeath.
My Department also administers a Group Broadband Scheme, which offered funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities. To date, over 160 projects have been approved for funding including projects for Rochfortbridge, Kilbeggan, Kinnegad, Clonmellan, Moate (Urban), Rathowen, Street, Ballinalack, Ballinacargy, Castlepollard and Coole, Co. Westmeath.
The most recent phase of the scheme is now closed and the question of a further round of financial assistance for the provision of broadband in rural areas is currently under consideration.
A joint industry/Government fund of €18 million has been established for the Broadband for Schools Programme to resource the provision of high speed broadband connectivity to all primary and post primary schools in the country by end Autumn 2006, at no cost to the schools themselves. 95% of schools have broadband installed to date; the aim is to complete the outstanding schools in the coming weeks.
However, there are 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.
There are a number of platforms for delivery of broadband and service providers are now offering broadband by wireless, satellite, fibre or standard telephone cable in all areas of the country. My Department operates a dedicated website, www.broadband.gov.ie where broadband customers can ascertain the availability of services in their area.
Harbours and Piers.
Billy Timmins
Question:371 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had a request or application for funding for the development or restoration of Greystones Harbour, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31869/06]
Billy Timmins
Question:372 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the input or interest he has in the restoration or development of Greystones Harbour, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31870/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 371 and 372 together.
Greystones Harbour is owned by Wicklow County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development rests with the local authority in the first instance.
In 2004, under the Department's Coast Protection Programme, funding of €52,500 was provided to Wicklow County Council towards the Coastal Protection Site Investigation works at Greystones costing a total of €70,000. Wicklow County Council did not submit any further applications for funding to the Department for the current development project at Greystones Harbour.
Wicklow County Council applied to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) for planning permission for the Greystones Harbour and North Beach project. In accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000, due to the nature of the proposal and as the proponent is a Local Authority, An Bord Pleanála is the deciding authority for the foreshore element of the proposal as well as the land based planning permission consent. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources acts as a consultee to An Bord Pleanála in such cases.
An Bord Pleanála invited the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to make a submission on the proposed work. This submission was forwarded on 16 March 2006.
Energy Resources.
Martin Ferris
Question:373 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the level of Exchequer spending on research and development on renewable energy he will be requesting for 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31942/06]
Discussions are ongoing in relation to the allocations for Energy Research and Development including Renewable Energy Technologies, for 2007 as part of the Estimates process.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Martin Ferris
Question:374 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the projected cost of the greener homes scheme in 2006; and the average grant approved to date. [31943/06]
The projected spend on the Greener Homes Scheme for 2006 is in the region of €3.25m. Individuals have been awarded grant aid of between €1,100 to €6,500 depending on the individual technology used.
Offshore Exploration.
Martin Ferris
Question:375 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether all further granting of exploration licences be suspended pending the completion of the review of the current fiscal regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31944/06]
Exploration licences are issued either through an "open door" system which applies to non-frontier areas such as the Celtic Sea, or through licensing rounds which apply to frontier areas such as the deeper basins of the Atlantic Margin. Applications for licences in "open door" areas may be received at any time and licences are awarded subject to the licensing terms in force at that time.
Licences for frontier areas may only be received when the area is declared open, as happened in the North East Rockall area last year and the Slyne/Erris/Donegal area earlier this year. These licences are also awarded subject to the terms in force at the time of the award. I have signalled my intent to hold a further licensing round in the Porcupine Basin next year. It is my intent that any licences awarded pursuant to that round will be subject to the licensing terms as amended following the review that is now ongoing.
Regarding licensing and development of minerals regulated by the Minerals Development Acts 1940-1999, a review of the current fiscal regime will be undertaken following enactment of a comprehensive new Minerals Development Bill being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government. In the meantime, the current system will continue.
Martin Ferris
Question:376 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the terms of reference for the review of the fiscal terms governing oil and gas exploration referred to in the Green Paper on energy; and when it is envisaged such a review will be completed. [31945/06]
The review process referred to in the Green Paper has to date involved analysis undertaken at the instigation of my Department in relation to the existing licensing terms. This analysis included the following:
An evaluation of the current fiscal framework as an efficient means of increasing long term investment and revenue generation in the petroleum sector for the benefit of both the Irish State and investment from oil companies.
An examination of the current Irish terms as an effective and robust taxation system that best reflects the public interest.
A review of alternative options to the current system.
Recommendations for changes applicable to future licences.
My Department has engaged independent external experts to review the work undertaken internally. The external experts terms of reference are as follows:
Consideration of the Department's views on how the licensing regime could best be changed, as set out in two reports covering fiscal and non-fiscal terms respectively.
Advice on any alternative fiscal regimes which could better achieve the objectives.
Advice on peer countries (comparable in terms of size or petroleum development) considering relative tax and royalty burdens and other licence terms vs. objectives.
A quantitative analysis of the preferred regime (underlying model, specific details – thresholds, rates etc.).
Advice on any additional non-fiscal features considered beneficial to the State.
The report of the independent experts is due in early November.
Postal Services.
Seán Crowe
Question:377 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the postal service is being run down as part of a plan to privatise it in view of the cutbacks to postal collections and the delays that many people are experiencing in regard to deliveries; and if he has had meetings with An Post regarding these issues. [31972/06]
I have no statutory function in relation to the quality of postal services. Matters relating to quality and levels of postal service are a matter in the first instance for the management and board of An Post.
In addition, the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg is responsible under the European Communities (Postal Services) Regulations 2002 for monitoring quality of service standards in relation to the postal service.
The Government has no plans to privatise An Post.
Energy Resources.
Martin Ferris
Question:378 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether there is a conflict between the statement made in the Green Paper on energy that while renewable energy sources will grow rapidly within the EU they fall short of the set targets and his Department’s setting of targets much higher than those set by the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31973/06]
Directive 2001/77/EC on the promotion of Renewable Energy Sourced Electricity (RES-E) in the internal electricity market aims to increase the overall consumption of electricity from renewable energy sources within the European Union (EU) from 14% to 22% by 2010. Analysts have pointed to the rapid development of renewable energy sources to date within the EU market but continue to question whether that rapid progress will be sufficient to deliver the 22% target in the planned timeframe.
The target addressed to Ireland in the RES-E Directive is to increase the consumption of electricity from renewable energy sources to 13.2% by 2010. I recently announced plans to exceed this target and to achieve 15% by 2010. I am confident that the progress made to date and ongoing progress under the REFIT programme, which I introduced this year, will deliver this higher national target on time.
The Energy Policy Green Paper proposes an ambitious national target of 30% by 2020. Our ambitions for renewable energy fully accord with the priority being given at EU level to accelerated growth of renewable energy in the fuel mix over coming years.
Post Office Network.
Gerard Murphy
Question:379 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of post offices closed naturally since 2000; the number closed in County Cork; the number of post offices which have been downgraded to post-point nationally and in County Cork; the number of post offices awaiting a computer system; and the status of the pilot project being carried out by An Post regarding computerisation. [32089/06]
The matters of post office closures and the automation of post offices are, in the first instance, operational matters for the Board and management of An Post and ones in which I have no function. In relation to Postpoint, this is a separate non-post office network and therefore not operated directly by An Post.
I understand that the total number of post offices that have closed nationwide since the year 2000 is 241 while the number that have closed in County Cork, including Cork City, is 32.
In relation to the status of the pilot project on automation, I understand that it was finalised at the end of September 2006. I understand that the company will now review the data and assess the impact of the trial at the offices concerned in relation to various factors including additional costs of automation, additional levels of business and revenues generated as well as displacement of business. It is my understanding that the question of extending automation to non-automated offices will be guided by the outcome of the evaluation process, which I have been informed, should be completed by the first quarter of 2007.
Natural Gas Grid.
Marian Harkin
Question:380 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of the reference in the recently published draft energy policy that natural gas will only be supplied to areas where they are shown to be commercially viable, the way it is planned to provide access to Corrib gas for consumers in County Mayo and the other counties in Connacht and Ulster which on present criteria do not qualify for natural gas connection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32090/06]
Since 2002, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is a statutory independent body, has been charged with all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators who wish to develop and/or operate a gas distribution system within the State under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002.
The construction by Bord Gáis Éireann (BGÉ) of a natural gas transmission pipeline, known as the Mayo-Galway Pipeline, will be completed by the end of October 2006. The pipeline is one part of the infrastructure required to transport natural gas from the Corrib gas-field to the national gas network.
Earlier this year the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) directed BGÉ to implement a new Gas Connections Policy, which determines the economic viability of connecting towns to the gas network. The new policy allows for the appraisal of a new town either on its own or as part of a regional group of towns. Having regard for this new policy, BGÉ is carrying out a comprehensive review of towns being considered for connection to the national gas network. The review is being conducted in two phases and phase 1, which covers the towns in the proximity of the Mayo-Galway Pipeline, will be completed shortly.
I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the outcome of the BGÉ review and CER's assessment of it shortly.
My Department has also engaged consultants to undertake a Gas to the Northwest Study, in the context of the Government's objective for regional policy in the National Development Plan and having regard to the National Spatial Strategy.
The scope of this study is firstly, to determine the feasibility of bringing gas from the Mayo-Galway pipeline to Donegal Town via Sligo, considering three specified alternative routes; secondly, to examine and assess options for and issues surrounding the development of gas-fired power generation along the pipeline routes; and finally, to present options for the provision of gas pipeline infrastructure and gas-fired power generation, with recommendations as to how best the options may be pursued.
The study is scheduled for completion by end of year.
Sport and Recreational Development.
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:381 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the names of the athletes being supported for the forthcoming Beijing Olympics and the centre that they are affiliated to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31759/06]
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:382 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the role of the new departmental-led committee for the 2012 Olympics as it pertains to the elite athletes that are to perform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31760/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 381 and 382 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the Irish Sports Council, which is the statutory body charged with responsibility for the promotion and development of sport in Ireland, is directly responsible with the Olympic Council of Ireland, the Paralympic Council of Ireland and the relevant national governing bodies of sport, in all matters relating to the preparation and participation of Irish competitors at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In July, I was pleased to announce the establishment of the Irish Institute of Sport which is being developed to produce sporting champions for Ireland. The Institute will bring our high performance system to a new level, providing our best athletes with a world-class support structure. The Institute will be completely athlete focused and dedicated to meeting their needs and will help them to achieve their potential in top-level sport.
In the Institute's initial phase, up to 2008, the Sports Council intends that the work will concentrate on the fifteen focus sports whose high performance programmes are funded by the Council. It is envisaged that this will embrace around 90 athletes who are currently graded at the required standard under the Sports Council's International Carding Scheme. I am arranging for the Council to send the names of the athletes concerned to the Deputy.
The role of the London 2012 Olympic Taskforce is to ensure that Ireland can identify and maximise the complete range of opportunities, including the facilities and services available for our top athletes, arising from its proximity to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London 2012.
Sports Capital Programme.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:383 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if Dublin City Council has applied for funding amounting to €22 million, or part thereof, for the development of sport and playground facilities in Willie Pearse Park, Crumlin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31992/06]
The Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
An application was submitted to the 2006 sports capital programme by Dublin City Council in respect of a proposed Crumlin Sports and Leisure Centre to be located at Willie Pearse Park. The amount of funding sought by the application was €11 million towards an estimated cost of €17.25 million. It was one of 28 applications from Dublin City Council under the programme, of which 14 were successful and were allocated a total of €3,650,000. The application for Willie Pearse Park was unsuccessful on this occasion, though two grants totalling €250,000 were allocated towards facilities there under the 2003 and 2004 sports capital programmes. These grants have still to be drawn down by the Council.
All allocations under the 2006 sports capital programme have now been made. I intend to seek applications shortly under the 2007 programme and it will be open to Dublin City Council to submit an application for the project in question under that programme. It should be noted, however, that the programme does not provide funding for playgrounds, for which the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government has responsibility.
Swimming Pool Projects.
Catherine Murphy
Question:384 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he will reopen the applications process for the swimming pool building and refurbishment scheme administered by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32088/06]
My Department is completing an Expenditure Review of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. The Review is examining, among other things, how the programme has worked to date and what changes, if any, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. The Review is currently being finalised and I would hope that it will be completed before the end of the year.
On completion of this Review, the question of re-opening the Programme can be considered. If the Programme is re-opened, it will be open to all local authorities to submit applications under the terms that will apply.
Significant progress continues under the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, where the priority is to support those projects remaining to be completed.
Work Permits.
Jack Wall
Question:385 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the methodology that a person must use if the person wishes to change their employment from one employer to another if the person is on a work permit here from a non-EU country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31503/06]
The Work Permits section of my Department has informed me that there are no restrictions on a foreign national on a valid work permit changing employer. However their new employer must obtain a new work permit on their behalf.
Detailed guidelines for both employers and employees are available on the Department's website at www.entemp.ie.
Job Creation.
Paudge Connolly
Question:386 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created in County Cavan by IDA Ireland in each year since January 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31541/06]
Paudge Connolly
Question:387 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created in County Monaghan by IDA Ireland in each year since January 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31542/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 387 together.
In the four year period 2002 to 2005 a total of 95 new jobs were created in IDA supported companies in County Cavan while 71 new jobs were created in County Monaghan. The attached tabular statement sets out the number of jobs created in each county in each year.
The marketing of individual areas, including Cavan and Monaghan, for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for IDA Ireland. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
IDA Ireland adopts a focused approach to marketing the country, selecting specific towns in each region and setting targets for new investment. This year, for example, IDA has a target to secure a new investment in the medical devices area for Cavan town as it believes the existing 23,745 sq ft facility in its Cavan Business Park is particularly suited to this sector. Should a project be secured for Cavan the focus would then shift to Monaghan.
This does not preclude IDA Ireland from marketing each town, including Monaghan, on an ongoing basis and the Agency responds to all enquiries by potential investors. Ultimately decisions regarding where to locate are taken by the investors and IDA Ireland can only advise and market the attractions of potential sites, and work towards convincing investors that these sites meet their requirements.
I am confident that the completion of the M3 motorway, which will improve access to the airport, will improve the prospects for additional investment and jobs for the people of Cavan and Monaghan.
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
|
Cavan |
52 |
12 |
31 |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
57 |
10 |
0 |
4 |
Redundancy Payments.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:388 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on an application from Irish Ferries for a rebate of statutory redundancy payments made to up to 500 former staff members in 2005; the amount the financial rebates would amount to; his views on whether this redundancy application is genuine in the context of the 500 staff members being replaced by outsourced agency workers; his further views on whether the Irish taxpayers should assist companies in outsourcing their workforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31559/06]
The Department on 17th February 2006, 12th May 2006 and 4th September 2006 received three applications for a statutory redundancy payment from Irish Ferries under the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967 to 2003 amounting to approximately €4 million. These applications were submitted by means of the new redundancy on-line application system.
The matter was referred to the Attorney-General for advice on whether or not a genuine redundancy situation exists in this case and therefore, whether or not the rebate can be paid from the Social Insurance Fund. On receipt of this advice from the Attorney-General, a decision will be made on the issue.
It is the policy of the Government to pay a rebate only in situations where the strict criteria stipulating genuine grounds for redundancy under Section 7 of the Redundancy Payments Acts, 1967, as amended by Section 4 of the Redundancy Payments Act, 1971 and Section 5 of the Redundancy Payments Act, 2003, are applicable.
Statutory Redundancy Rebates are paid to employers who qualify under the provisions of the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967 to 2003 out of the Social Insurance Fund. Employers pay contributions to the SIF in respect of redundancy through the PRSI system.
As a result of the recent Social Partnership Agreement "Towards 2016", a proposal has emerged which is designed to address exceptional cases of compulsory collective redundancy.
Under this proposal, a new body to be known as the Redundancy Panel will be established through an amendment to the Protection of Employment Act 1977. The only function of this Redundancy Panel, having been requested either by employee representatives or the employer and having invited submissions from both parties, would be to request the Minister to ask the Labour Court to issue an opinion as to whether or not the proposed dismissals involve a collective redundancy proposal, on a compulsory basis with the planned replacement of staff by direct employees employed by the employer effecting the compulsory collective redundancy or the use of replacement workers by the employer. The establishment of the new body will be enshrined in new legislation due to be published in the coming months.
Work Permits.
Paul Connaughton
Question:389 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position of an application for a work permit by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31583/06]
The Work Permits section of my Department has informed me that this application was refused and the employer was notified of this decision in writing and of their right to appeal. To-date no such appeal has been received in the Work Permits section.
In the aftermath of EU Enlargement, it is Government policy that employers should be able to source nearly all of their workforce needs from within the EU. Accordingly, only in cases where exceptional levels of skill and qualifications are needed for the job, and the employer has made meaningful attempts to find EEA nationals first, will my Department now consider work permit applications.
Paul Connaughton
Question:390 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position of an application for a work permit for a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31584/06]
The Work Permits section of my Department has informed me that this application was refused and the employer was notified of this decision in writing and of their right to appeal. To date no such appeal has been received in the Work Permits section.
In the aftermath of EU Enlargement, it is Government policy that employers should be able to source nearly all of their workforce needs from within the EU. Accordingly, only in cases where exceptional levels of skill and qualifications are needed for the job, and the employer has made meaningful attempts to find EEA nationals first, will my Department now consider work permit applications.
Job Creation.
Billy Timmins
Question:391 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to people who need help with new ideas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31664/06]
Entrepreneurship in Ireland is encouraged by the active and constant pursuit and promotion by the Government of an economic environment that is supportive of entrepreneurial activity combined with a wide range of targeted interventions by various State enterprise development agencies.
There are, in the first instance, thirty-five City and County Enterprise Boards (CEBs) spread throughout the Country whose function is to provide a source of support for micro enterprise in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level. The CEBs offer a series of Programmes to underpin this function.
The CEBs can provide both financial and non financial assistance to a project promoter. The forms of financial assistance which are available, subject to certain restrictions, include Capital Grants, Employment Grants and Feasibility Study Grants.
The basic criteria under which financial assistance is available is based primarily on factors such as the sector of the economy in which an enterprise is operating or intends to operate and the size or proposed size of the enterprise. The enterprise must be in the commercial sphere, must demonstrate a market for the proposed product/service, must have a capacity for growth and new job creation and must not employ more than 10 people. The CEBs give priority to enterprises in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector which over time can develop into strong export entities and graduate to the Enterprise Ireland Portfolio and the CEBs must always give consideration to any potential for deadweight and displacement arising from a proposed activity.
As well as financial assistance the CEBs can offer non-financial assistance in the form support Programmes designed to help new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently as well as offering a generalised business advice and information service. Where a CEB cannot be of assistance to a person they will endeavour to re-direct that person to another more appropriate source of assistance.
The CEBs exist alongside a number of other enterprise support agencies including Enterprise Ireland and the local LEADER Groups. Enterprise Ireland is the national development agency with primary responsibility for assisting the development of larger indigenous enterprises in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector while the LEADER Groups support small enterprises outside the main urban areas.
FÁS Training Programmes.
Bernard Allen
Question:392 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will make a statement on recent comments from Government sources that a new FÁS training centre will be opened at a college (details supplied) in County Cork; when the centre will open; and the resources which are being allocated to its development. [31665/06]
The FÁS Training Centre located at Bishopstown is the major direct training resource in the Cork City area. A smaller training unit located within the Sunbeam premises provides industrial training facilities for up to 15 apprenticeship classes. In addition, FÁS provides trainee recruitment and financial support to the following community based services — Northside Community Enterprises, Blackpool Community Centre and Gurranabraher/Knocknaheeney Community Centre, and Mayfield Community Centre.
Northside Community Services have re-located one project to operate from Farranferris College.
The landlords of premises occupied by Northside Community Enterprises and Blackpool Community Centres have advised the Management Boards of their intention to commence planning/re-development proposals for their premises. In this context a feasibility review is being persuaded regarding the re-location of these community based facilities. A series of options are being actively and the consideration and the college referred to by the Deputy will be included in the review process.
Industrial Disputes.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:393 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Questions No. 257 and 258 of 28 March 2006 in relation to the need for statutory regulation and protection of self-employed commercial agents, if he has subsequently received detailed complaints from former commercial agents of a company (details supplied) along the lines outlined to him in those questions; if he or the various enforcement agencies operating under his Department were in a position to offer advice or other assistance in the case; if he or any of the agencies has a role in policing compliance with the relevant statutory requirements referred to in his reply; his views on whether such agents are in a vulnerable position due to inequality of bargaining power vis-à-vis their principals and that a protection similar to that afforded to employees is therefore appropriate; the proposals he has to amend the regulations in order to improve the protection given to self-employed commercial agents and to provide a clear policing and enforcement mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31694/06]
Further to my reply to the Deputy's previous questions on this matter on 28 March 2006, representations were made to my Office enquiring about the Commercial Agents Directive — EC Council Directive 86/653 EEC of 18/12/86 as transposed into national law by Statutory Instruments No. 33 of 1994 and No. 31 of 1997.
I understand from these representations that a number of this company's Area Managers are in dispute with the company over a number of matters including the amount of commission paid, changes to sales territories and the issue of whether or not these Area Managers are self-employed commercial agents and entitled to protection under the aforementioned Commercial Agents Directive. I understand further that these matters are the subject of legal proceedings before the High Court.
With regard to whether my Department or any of its agencies has a role in policing compliance with the relevant statutory requirements of the Commercial Agents Directive, the matters raised by the Deputy are essentially private civil matters between disputing parties and the Courts are the appropriate adjudicators of such matters.
I remind the Deputy that self-employed commercial agents are not employees and, as such, are not covered by employment rights legislation.
I am satisfied that the Commercial Agents Directive, as transposed into Irish law, provides a framework for the regulation of the relationship between self-employed commercial agents and their principals. I have no evidence to suggest that there are widespread difficulties with its operation and I have no proposals at present to amend the legislation.
Work Permits.
Tom Hayes
Question:394 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will intervene in an appeal against a decision not to grant a work permit for a person (details supplied), which was applied for by a company in County Tipperary. [31763/06]
The Work Permits section of my Department has informed me that the Appeals Officer dealing with this case has requested additional information from the employer. On receipt of that information this appeal will be considered further.
Industrial Relations.
Paul Kehoe
Question:395 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Glanbia has increased the cost of its products due to increased labour costs and so on but is not increasing the wages of people contracted to work for it; the options open to contractors to pursue an increase in wages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31764/06]
I am not aware of any issues relating to increases in production costs, including labour costs, affecting Glanbia in particular.
Terms and conditions of employment are determined in the main by a process of voluntary collective bargaining between the employers and employees or their representatives. Within this system parties are free to negotiate or not to negotiate. To support the process and ensure a level of fair play, a floor of statutory rights (e.g. minimum wages, holiday entitlements etc.) are in place that can be improved upon by negotiation but which cannot be taken away.
The State facilitates the bargaining process by providing a framework and institutions through which good industrial relations can prosper. Institutions have been established that can assist in the resolution of disputes between employers and workers such as the Labour Relations Commission, including its Rights Commissioner Service, and the Labour Court.
Job Losses.
Willie Penrose
Question:396 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts made by his Department and agencies under his control to find a replacement industry for Ballivor and the surrounding areas following the closure of the NEC factory; if in this context, their efforts are bearing fruit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31959/06]
Finding alternative employment for the workers in question is a priority for the State Development agencies and, last week, myself and the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources met with a representative group from Ballivor, including some former workers, and outlined ongoing developments and stressed the priority efforts being made in Ballivor.
The Industrial Training agency FÁS has briefed all staff on the range of services available to them and many of them continue to participate in the various programmes run by the agency. Since the announcement of the job losses, Enterprise Ireland has participated at a number of meetings with the company concerned, outlining the various types of assistance that are available. In conjunction with Meath County Enterprise Board, Enterprise Ireland is participating in a series of workshops, which started in July 2006. These workshops concern Ideas Generation and how to Start Your Own Business. These courses are on going.
A major financial services project which will provide 700 jobs over 5 years was recently announced for Navan and this will be of significant benefit to County Meath and the adjacent Counties. Notwithstanding this, IDA Ireland continues to promote Ballivor as a priority location within the County and is actively promoting the facility in question for new investment. To date, three potential investors have been introduced to the management of the existing facility. I am aware that the State Development agencies have strengthened their marketing efforts in County Meath, in partnership with local interests, in order to increase job opportunities for Ballivor and the surrounding areas.
Liz McManus
Question:397 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of State funding, including grants from Enterprise Ireland that were given to a company (details supplied); the provisions being made to recoup this money in view of the sale of the premises at Buncrana; and if he will make a statement on the failure of this company to comply with a Labour Court recommendation on redundancy for the workers. [31978/06]
Grant agreements between Enterprise Ireland and companies are a matter for those parties and for which the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment does not have a direct function.
I am advised that the company in question has been paid a total of €1.368m in supports by Enterprise Ireland since 1986. All funding provided by Enterprise Ireland is subject to a legal grant agreement between the company and Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland grant aided companies must meet the obligations to creditors and employees in the event of closure or liquidation.
When Enterprise Ireland funded companies cease manufacturing, close or liquidate and there are still contingent liabilities outstanding on the grants paid to the companies, the liabilities crystalise. In these circumstances, it is Enterprise Ireland's policy to seek revocation of grant monies paid. If there are sufficient assets available to repay secured and unsecured creditors, Enterprise Ireland expects to be treated in the same way as the latter. In terms of preference share investment, this is recovered after named creditors and before ordinary shareholders.
Statutory Redundancy has been paid to the workers in the factory named by the Deputy. Ex gratia payments are a matter of negotiation between the company concerned and the workers, represented in this case by SIPTU. The Labour Court operates as an industrial relations tribunal, hearing both sides in a trade dispute. It then issues recommendations setting out its opinion on the dispute and the terms on which it considers the dispute should be settled. Responsibility for the settlement of a dispute ultimately rests with the parties themselves.
Bullying in the Workplace.
Paudge Connolly
Question:398 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated annual cost to the economy of workplace bullying; his proposals to counter and minimise the incidence of workplace bullying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31996/06]
There are no statistics available on the cost to the economy of workplace bullying.
The Report of the Expert Advisory Group on Workplace Bullying was launched and published by me on the 17th August 2005 and it follows on from a 2001 Report by the Taskforce on the Prevention of Workplace Bullying. The recommendations of the 2001 Taskforce were implemented.
One of the recommendations in the 2005 Report of the Expert Advisory Group was that a follow up survey on workplace bullying, similar to that commissioned for the 2001 report, be conducted as soon as practicable to establish a baseline from which the effectiveness of the new structures and processes would be measured. I am implementing this recommendation in order to have up-to-date information on which to base further action. The contract for that survey was awarded to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) following a competitive tendering process. I understand that the Institute's report is expected by next January.
In the meantime, I have asked the Health and Safety Authority to update the 2002 Code of Practice on Workplace Bullying (one of the recommendations of the 2001 Report) and bring it in line with the 2005 Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act.
Industrial Development.
Róisín Shortall
Question:399 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the role played by the IDA in lobbying for a particular route for the proposed metro north; and his views on the appropriateness or otherwise in such action. [31997/06]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. While I am empowered under the Development Acts to provide funds to the agency to discharge its obligations and to issue general policy directives, I am specifically precluded from giving directives to the agency concerning individual undertakings or directives that would require the Agency to give preference to one area over another.
As part of its day-to-day operational activities IDA Ireland maintains regular contact with a wide range of national and local bodies, including planning authorities and infrastructure providers, with a view to advising and/or convincing them of the importance of meeting the needs of potential overseas investors. This is a core activity of the Agency and imperative if Ireland is to remain a preferred location for foreign direct investment.
I am informed by IDA Ireland that it has offered it's views on Metro North to the Rail Procurement Agency (RPA) in the context of the RPA request for submissions from interested parties and that the Agency considers Metro North to be a significant infrastructure project in terms of FDI promotion into Ireland and the East region.
Gerard Murphy
Question:400 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the lands owned by the IDA in Kanturk, County Cork will be sold to Cork County Council to develop an industrial site. [32103/06]
The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio, including the purchase and disposal of property, is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas and not a matter in which I have a function.
I have been informed by IDA Ireland that, in August 2006, the Agency agreed to sell the Kanturk site on a leasehold basis to Cork County Council. However, the Council subsequently indicated that it required the freehold interest on the site. This meant that IDA had to seek a new valuation for the property. The new valuation has now been received from IDA's agents and the Agency will enter into further discussions with Cork County Council with a view to agreeing a sale price for the site.
Denis Naughten
Question:401 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of grant aid provided by his Department to a company (details supplied) in County Offaly since June 2002; the ongoing discussions regarding the return of support for a sister plant in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32145/06]
Denis Naughten
Question:402 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of grant aid provided by his Department to a company (details supplied) in County Tipperary since June 2002; the ongoing discussions regarding the refund of support for a sister plant in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32146/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 401 and 402 together.
Grant aid amounting to €469,560 was approved for the company's plant at Edenderry, Co Offaly between the period June, 2002 and September, 2006. The grant amount paid to date is €159,866. The grant aid consisted of two Research and Development projects relating to new product and process development. The aid was provided under Enterprise Ireland's Research and Technology Innovation scheme.
No grant aid has been provided to the company's plant at Roscrea, Co. Tipperary since June, 2002.
Discussions between Enterprise Ireland and the company concerning grant aid to the plant at Rooskey, Co. Roscommon are still continuing. I am pleased to say that progress is being made on the negotiations and I expect that a conclusion will be reached which will take account of a very significant investment which is being undertaken by the company in its Pork Division in Ireland.
Social Welfare Benefits.
John Perry
Question:403 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a favourable decision will be made on the clothing and footwear allowance application of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31630/06]
John Perry
Question:416 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31898/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 403 and 416 together.
The back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) and the rent supplement scheme are administered on behalf of my Department by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
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 Executive has advised that it has disallowed an application by the person concerned for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance as her total household income was above the prescribed EUR 336.50 limit for entitlement to the allowance in her case. It is open to her to appeal this decision to the designated appeals officer of the Executive.
To be eligible for rent supplement, an applicant must have a housing need that they are unable to meet either from their own resources or through accommodation available to them from another source, including local authority housing.
The Executive has advised that it refused a claim for rent supplement from the person concerned, on the basis that she does not have a housing need as she is currently housed in local authority accommodation. It is open to her to appeal this decision to the designated appeals officer of the Executive.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:404 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in processing the rent supplement claim for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13. [32017/06]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive.
The Executive has confirmed that it has received an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. However, a delay in making a decision arose as the Executive were awaiting further information from the person concerned. The Executive has further advised that a decision on the rent supplement application will be made shortly and the person concerned will be notified of the position.
Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Willie Penrose
Question:405 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent annual report of the Combat Poverty Agency which called for a systematic reform of the way in which Government policies are implemented, and a whole of Government approach in order that targets to reduce poverty are reached; if he will act on the call made by the agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31955/06]
I was very glad to recently launch the 2005 Annual Report of the Combat Poverty Agency. In addition to outlining the work of the agency, the report includes a commentary on translating strategy into action.
The need for a strategic whole of Government approach reflects the complex nature of poverty, which is multifaceted in its causes and effects and, as a consequence, requires a multi-policy response. Since 1997 with the National Anti-Poverty Strategy (NAPS), the Government has adopted this approach.
A revised and updated National Action Plan is currently being prepared and will be completed before year end. This Plan is being prepared in tandem with and complementing the forthcoming National Development Plan 2007-2013, which for the first time will contain a specific chapter on social inclusion.
The National Action Plan will build on the social inclusion priorities and objectives contained in Ireland's recent progress report to the EU on Social Protection and Social Inclusion and in the Towards 2016 social partnership agreement. All three strategies will encompass a new lifecycle approach within which the key social challenges will be addressed by assessing the risks which individuals face and the supports available to them at each stage in the life cycle. The key life cycle stages are Children, People of Working Age, Older People and People with Disabilities. This strategic framework will help to create more coherent and integrated structures and facilitate better reporting and monitoring across the spectrum of government activity in the area of social inclusion. It is being designed to more systematically overcome difficulties in implementation from insufficient coordination and integration, which may have hampered progress in the past.
A key priority of this Government has been to reduce and, if possible, eliminate consistent poverty. The EU-SILC survey in 2004 showed a significant reduction in the consistent poverty rate, from 8.8 per cent in 2003 to 6.8 per cent in 2004 continuing a downward trend over the period since 1997. The low levels of unemployment, and the substantial resources devoted to social welfare and other social services, which have been increasing in real terms since 1997 are bringing about this downward trend. It is estimated that some 250,000 people have been lifted out of consistent poverty over the past ten years.
In the ten years since the first Strategy, much has been achieved in Ireland towards realising the EU aim of making a decisive impact on poverty. Much has also been learned from our own experience in Ireland and from that of other Member States on how more effective, coordinated implementation of strategies can be achieved.
Strategies for social inclusion include a range of actions on employment, social welfare, education, health, housing, disability, equality and many other areas. Making the strategy and its further development happen requires the direct involvement of a network of different entities through institutional arrangements encompassing the Government, senior departmental officials, social partners, key State Agencies, local authorities, community and voluntary groups and the general public. The Office for Social Inclusion (OSI) in my Department works closely with these bodies to ensure effective implementation of the targets. Arising from a commitment in Towards 2016, the Office will in future have wider responsibilities in relation to oversight of social inclusion policies.
The availability of appropriate data is necessary for monitoring policy impacts and the lack of such data is a barrier to evaluating progress towards the achievement of outcomes. The OSI will continue its work to ensure that robust and reliable data is available to enable effective monitoring. The greater availability of comprehensive data will also assist the formulation of effective evidence-based policies. The OSI also recently produced new guidelines for Poverty Impact Assessment to enhance the current poverty proofing of policies. These will be an effective tool in ensuring the mainstreaming of poverty and social exclusion considerations in all policy making and in requiring a rigorous assessment of the impact of policies on those who are most vulnerable.
Question No. 406 answered with QuestionNo. 137.
Pension Provisions.
Joan Burton
Question:407 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the structure of the construction industry pension scheme; if this would be a suitable prototype for the introduction of a national mandatory pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31495/06]
Joan Burton
Question:408 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the low level of pension provision among the category of self-employed construction workers operating within the relevant contracts tax scheme; if there are proposals to address this through the RCT mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31496/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 408 together.
The Construction Federation Operatives Pensions Scheme (CFOPS) operates as a Registered Employment Agreement under the Industrial Relations Acts. There is a statutory obligation on employers to register eligible employees in the scheme and to pay the necessary contributions.
In 2005 Mercer Human Resource Consulting carried out a review of the scheme and found that 80% of the estimated 80,000 eligible employees in the construction industry are covered by the scheme. However, the report does highlight the fact that there is a very high level of workers in the industry classed as self-employed.
As the House will be aware, the question of pensions coverage featured prominently in the negotiations on Towards 2016. As part of the final agreement the Government is committed to publishing a Green Paper on pensions outlining the major policy choices, the challenges in this area and the views of the social partners. It is intended to publish this within months and there will then be a consultation process. The Government is committed to responding to the consultations on foot of the paper's publication by developing a framework for comprehensively addressing the pensions agenda over the long-term.
The appropriateness of introducing a mandatory system of pensions provision, as well as the different approaches available to achieve this, will be considered as part of this process. The two reports completed by the Pensions Board in the last 12 months – The National Pensions Review and their report on mandatory pensions, Special Savings for Retirement – will be major inputs to the Green Paper.
As already indicated, there is a high level of self-employment in the building industry and this places those involved outside the terms of the registered employment agreement. However, a Labour Court decision of December 2005 has implications for the interpretation of the registered employment in so far as self employment is concerned. That said, revenue rules in relation to occupational pensions preclude self-employed persons from contributing to an employer sponsored scheme. Given the restrictions which apply at present, the most appropriate way of addressing the pension needs of those in the building industry who are registered as self employed is being considered in consultation with the revenue and other interested parties.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Michael Ring
Question:409 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded and paid the respite care grant. [31497/06]
The application for a Respite Care Grant from the person to whom the Deputy refers was received in my Department on 15th September 2006. It is currently being processed and a decision on the application will be made shortly with the person notified of the decision as soon as possible thereafter.
Jack Wall
Question:410 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made in regard to an application for a single rent allowance payment by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31505/06]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The purpose of the scheme is to provide short-term income support, in the form of a weekly or monthly payment, to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.
The Executive has advised that it has received an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. However, the Executive was unable to make a decision on entitlement as they are awaiting further information from the person concerned. The Executive has further advised that a decision will be made on her entitlement to rent supplement when the information requested has been received.
Gerard Murphy
Question:411 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork with a view to granting the respite allowance based on new medical evidence sent to his Department; and if he will expedite the matter. [31570/06]
A decision not to award the Respite Care Grant in this case was made by a Deciding Officer. The medical assessor on examination of the medical evidence submitted with the application was of the view that the person being cared for was not so incapacitated as to require full time care and attention.
The person appealed the decision of the Deciding Officer to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and this appeal was disallowed on the 23rd May 2006. Further medical evidence supporting the application was received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office and has been reviewed by the Chief Medical Advisor. The application is currently with the Social Welfare Appeals Office awaiting a final decision.
Jack Wall
Question:412 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position of the supplementary welfare allowance and rent allowance of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31599/06]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme including rent and mortgage interest supplements is administered on behalf of my Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive.
The Executive has advised that, following a routine review of the basic supplementary welfare allowance claim of the person concerned, it has suspended payment pending verification of the means of the person concerned. The Executive has also confirmed that it has received an application for rent supplement from the person concerned and further advise that a decision on this application and her basic supplementary welfare allowance entitlement will be made as soon as the position as to her means and household composition have been determined to the satisfaction of the Executive.
Michael Ring
Question:413 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is receiving in unemployment benefit; if they are receiving the full amount; if not, the reason for same; the date their claim for unemployment benefit was first received in his Department; if there are arrears due to this person; and if so when will they issue. [31702/06]
The person concerned applied for unemployment benefit on 3 July 2006. When she made her claim she was asked to submit details of her redundancy payments. She was again requested to forward this information on 31 August 2006 and on the 8 September 2006. When the information was not received, her claim was closed and she was notified accordingly.
The person concerned made a further claim on 19 September 2006. She has been awarded unemployment benefit at the maximum weekly rate of €165.80 from 19 September 2006, based on that claim. However, she also provided some details regarding her redundancy payments and her entitlement to benefit from 3 July is currently being examined, in that context. A decision will be given as soon as possible and she will be notified of the outcome. Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
Family Support Services.
Seán Haughey
Question:414 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if funding for family resource centres under the family and community services resource centre programme will be provided as part of the National Development Plan 2007-2013; when applications are expected to be sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31704/06]
Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 there is a commitment to fund 100 Family Resource Centres under the Family & Community Services Resource Centre Programme by the end of the 2006. I can confirm that the Family Support Agency will meet this target.
When the Family Support Agency was established in May 2003, there were 53 Family Resource Centres in receipt of core-funding under the Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme.
At present there are 94 Centres in receipt of core funding under the Programme and a further 6 groups have approval to join the Programme and are currently working on business plans with their Regional Support Agencies. These groups will be included in the Programme before the end of 2006. The National Development Plan for 2007-2013 is expected to be published later this year. Its final priorities and its economic and budgetary framework are still under consideration by the Government.
Social Welfare Code.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:415 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether mortgage allowance payments should be ceased if the property in question is put up for sale. [31896/06]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes mortgage interest supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The purpose of mortgage interest supplement is to provide short-term income support to people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments from their own resources in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence.
Under the legislation governing the scheme, mortgage interest supplement is not payable where the residence in respect of which the loan is payable, is offered for sale. Under these circumstances, it is not considered appropriate that the Exchequer should provide assistance towards the accumulation of a capital asset where an imminent capital return may be realised and where an alternative means of financing, such as agreement with the bank, can be reached during the sale period. In the circumstances, I do not consider the existing arrangements unreasonable.
Question No. 416 answered with QuestionNo. 403.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Catherine Murphy
Question:417 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of children who have received payments in respect of the early child care supplement since its introduction; the expenditure to date on this scheme; when the first payments of this supplement were made; if there are eligible children for whom this payment has not been claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31901/06]
The first Early Childcare Supplement (ECS) payment issued on August 14th 2006, covering the period April, May and June 2006. Payments amounting to €94,819,000 for 379,000 children have now issued. The next quarterly payment, covering the months July, August and September will issue on the 9th October, and will amount to €95,992,000, for 384,000 children. Total payments of ECS, including the October payment, amount to €190,811,000. There is no separate claim process for ECS, payment is linked to the payment of Child Benefit. If a customer has a child under 6 years of age and is in receipt of Child Benefit they will automatically be paid ECS.
Michael Ring
Question:418 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is being refused unemployment assistance in view of the fact that they have produced many letters stating that they are looking for work. [31968/06]
A claim for unemployment assistance by the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer on the grounds that he had not shown that he had made himself available for full-time employment or that he had made genuine efforts to secure employment.
The person appealed against this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and in accordance with the statutory requirements the relevant departmental papers and comments of my Department were sought. Following a summary examination of the grounds of appeal, the appeal was disallowed. Following further communication by the appellant, the Appeals Officer has now decided to re-open the appeal and proposes to hold an oral hearing. The person will be informed as soon as the arrangements for the hearing are in place.
Under Social Welfare Legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
Social Welfare Code.
Brian O'Shea
Question:419 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his proposals to abolish the up to nine weeks disallowance of unemployment benefit which applies to workers who become redundant depending on the amount of their lump sum redundancy payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31969/06]
In order to target available resources more effectively, the Social Welfare Act, 1992 introduced a provision whereby a person who received a redundancy payment over €15,240 (£12,000) would be disqualified from receipt of jobseekers benefit (previously unemployment benefit) for a maximum of nine weeks, depending on the level of the award. Claimants over 55 years of age are exempt from this ‘no fault' disqualification. The threshold was increased to €19,046.07 (£15,000) from May 1994.
It should be noted that, due to the application of the disqualification on a gradual basis, a person must receive a sum in excess of €69,850 in order to attract the maximum nine week disqualification prior to payment.
While all such provisions and thresholds are kept under review, any proposal to amend the provisions regarding entitlement following receipt of a redundancy payment could only be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of competing priorities.
Question No. 420 answered with QuestionNo. 154.
Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Paudge Connolly
Question:421 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on recent Central Statistic Office figures which found that in 2004, 21% of Irish people were at risk of poverty, one of the highest EU rates, after pensions and social welfare payments were factored in, that women are at higher risk and are more likely than men to live in consistent poverty and that almost 20% of Irish children live in income poverty for over five years; his views on the fact that Ireland’s expenditure on social protection at 15% of GDP is one of the lowest in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32027/06]
The figures that the Deputy refers to are derived from the recent Central Statistics Office publication ‘Measuring Ireland's Progress', which provides an analysis of the economic, social and environmental situation in Ireland. The source for the statistics on poverty used in this report is the EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC), which was launched last December.
It should be noted that, for the ‘Measuring Ireland's Progress' report, the CSO used a different methodology for calculating the ‘at risk of poverty' rate than is normally used for national consideration of poverty figures. This national methodology, also using the EU-SILC results, found that the ‘at risk of poverty' rate was 19.4 per cent in 2004. This was a slight decrease in the percentage of persons ‘at risk of poverty' from 19.7 per cent in 2003. These figures represent a halting of the upward trend of previous years in the numbers in the broad category of ‘at risk of poverty' and reflect the impact of improvements in employment and social provision over the past number of years.
EU statistics also show the level of poverty intensity i.e. the extent to which levels of income are below the "at risk of poverty" threshold. The level of poverty intensity in Ireland is shallow, with the proportion of those with incomes close to the threshold being higher than the EU average, especially in the case of older people.
Levels of relative income poverty are affected by increases in incomes generally. During periods of high economic growth increases in household income can outstrip even substantial increases in the incomes of households with relatively low earnings or on social welfare. This is precisely what happened in Ireland in recent years. There were particular circumstances in the period from the mid-1990s when a combination of increased female participation in the workforce, reduced unemployment generally, tax reform and, crucially, high earnings growth caused very large increases in household income. These increases in household incomes were substantially higher than increases both in individual earnings and social welfare incomes over this period, despite virtually unprecedented improvements in employment and social provision across the board in this period.
A recent article in the prominent journal "Development and Transition", published by the UN Development Programme and the London School of Economics and Political Science, insisted that relative poverty indicators can not be used for international comparisons unless countries are similar in their level of economic development. Overall, it concluded that reliance on the "risk of poverty" indicator causes a number of problems.
I am strongly of the view that a more appropriate indicator is the "consistent poverty" measure. This tells us that 6.8% of our population continues to experience poverty, hardship or deprivation in some form in their lives. This survey also tells us that women are at greater risk of poverty than men, which reflects the findings of other surveys, with 7.4 per cent of females being in consistent poverty in 2004 compared to 6.2 per cent of males. Furthermore, the surveys and indicators show that the families with children most at risk of poverty are large families and those headed by lone parents. Many of these families have not been able to avail of the greatly increased employment opportunities and the related higher incomes that accrue from employment. A range of reforms and increased welfare supports, child-centred services and child care are addressing these problems. These include: proposed reforms of the schemes for lone parents and the qualified adults of social welfare beneficiaries; payment of the new €1,000 a year early childcare supplement for all children under 6 years; increases in welfare supports and entitlements in real terms; and the creation of additional childcare places.
It is estimated that some 65,000 children remain in consistent poverty, and moving these children out of poverty remains a priority. I intend in this regard to build on the good progress we have made so far. Some 100,000 children have been lifted out of deprivation inside the last decade as a result of targeted measures and supports.
The most significant measure my own Department has taken in recent years to support families with children has been the very substantial real increases in child benefit rates. Between 1997 and 2006, the rate of child benefit rose from €38.09 per month for the first two children and €49.52 for each child thereafter to €150.00 per month for each of the first two children and to €185.00 per month for the third and each subsequent child. Child benefit is paid to over half a million families in respect of approximately 1.1 million children at a cost in 2006 of more than €2 billion.
These increases reflect the fact that under this Government there has been a sustained and substantial increase in social protection expenditure. When examining comparative social protection data it is important to remember that gross expenditure measures do not take account of social charges or taxes which may be levied on benefits after they are paid, nor do they include transfers made by means of tax concessions, as opposed to direct cash payments. For example, tax relief on contributions towards occupational and private pensions, which are an important feature of Ireland's pension system, is not counted as expenditure. The level of expenditure is also significantly influenced by the age profile of the population. Ireland, currently with one of the youngest populations in the EU, needs to spend less on pensions and healthcare/care of the elderly than most other member states.
In addition, social protection expenditure as a percentage of GDP is crucially dependent on the pace of economic growth and the level of unemployment. The statistics show that at EU level, between 1993 and 1996, social protection expenditure relative to GDP stabilised at a level below the peak of 28.8 per cent in 1993. This was due to renewed GDP growth and slower growth in social protection expenditure, particularly related to unemployment benefits. Over the period from 1996 the EU average dropped from 28.4 per cent to the level of 27.7 per cent in 2002. Ireland's position mirrored that of the EU as a whole, except that the level of economic growth and the decline in unemployment were much greater in Ireland than in most other EU countries and consequently the drop in the percentage of GDP accounted for by social protection expenditure was greater.
Moreover, it should be noted that social welfare expenditure will have increased substantially during the 4 year period 2002 to 2006. The overall spending on social welfare in 2006 increased to over €13.6 billion, an increase of over €1.4 billion from the 2005 figure, representing the highest ever spend on social welfare.
Indeed, between 1997 and 2006 the basic rate of social welfare payment has increased by 99.7 per cent, well ahead of the 34.2 per cent increase in consumer prices and the 67.7 per cent increase in gross average industrial earnings. This represents an increase in real terms of 48.8 per cent, in comparison to a real increase in industrial earnings of 25.0 per cent.
This Government will continue to address the scope for further improvements in Ireland's social protection infrastructure, guided by the National Action Plan against Poverty and Social Exclusion, while at the same time continuing to take the measures necessary to maintain economic growth and competitiveness and thereby generate the resources for further social investment. Indicators show us what groups in society are most at risk of poverty and deprivation and the intensity of that poverty, and these clearly indicate where our priorities lie in combating poverty and social exclusion.
Social Welfare Code.
Seymour Crawford
Question:422 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide increased funding to old age pensioners and disabled persons in order that they can afford to buy heating oil for their homes; his views on whether it is impossible for some of these people to fund the €200 delivery by oil distributors; his further views on whether without such a gesture many of those people could finish up in limited hospital beds at a much higher cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32082/06]
The aim of the national fuel scheme is to assist householders on long –term social welfare or health service executive payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter fuel season. Fuel allowance as paid for 29 weeks from mid-September to mid April. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating need.
Budget resources have been concentrated on providing significant real increases over and above inflation each year in all primary social welfare pension, benefit and assistance rates. This is a more costly approach than increasing fuel allowances because the increase is paid for the full year and not just the 29 weeks of the winter heating season. I consider that this approach delivers a better outcome for pensioners and others by substantially increasing their income in real terms over the whole year, to better assist them in meeting their normal basic living costs, including those associated with heating.
A detailed review of the fuel allowance was carried out in 1998. This review looked at alternatives to the weekly payment method including a single lump sum payment. A survey of recipients with the allowance on a customer panel showed that the majority (58%) preferred weekly payment, 22% wanted a once-off lump sum payment, 12% favoured direct debit to a supplier while 8% would rather have two lump sum payments during the fuel season. The review recommended continuing with the weekly payment method.
It is estimated that some 274,000 people (151,000 with basic fuel allowance and 123,000 with smokeless fuel supplement) will benefit in 2006 at an estimated annual cost €125.1m. In addition to the fuel allowance, some 340,000 pensioner and other households qualify for electricity or gas allowances through the household benefits package, payable towards their heating, light and cooking costs throughout the year, at an overall cost of €119 million in 2006. The annual value of the Natural Gas Allowance per household is currently €313.17. This covers the supply charge and up to 1674 Kilowatt hours per annum. From October 1st the annual value has been increased to €516 per household. This will cover the recent 33.8 % increase in Natural Gas and also increase the kilowatt hours per annum from 1,674 to approx. 3,600 for each household.
The Electricity Allowance covers normal standing charges and up to 1800 units of electricity. The allowance also covers the VAT applicable to these charges. In the light of the recent increase in electricity charges the allowance will be increased to cover increased standing charges and the units will also increase from 1800 to 2400 with effect from January 2007.
If a person has an exceptional heating cost by virtue of a particular infirmity or medical condition which he/she is unable to meet out of household income, it is open to him/her to apply to the local community welfare officer for a special heating supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
The purpose of the fuel allowance scheme is to provide an additional contribution towards heating costs throughout the winter months for those who most need it. While I am satisfied that the present payment arrangement is adequate in that regard, I will continue to keep the matter under review.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:423 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the basis on which occupational injury benefit is payable with particular reference to the actual period in employment and the extent of injury or disablement suffered; if he will consider ex gratia payments in the case of persons suffering from pneumoconiosis to the extent of less than 20%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32124/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:424 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he proposes to undertake a review of the medical qualification guidelines for occupational injury benefit in respect of former miners suffering from pneumoconiosis; the way in which compensation will be made payable having regard to other recipients of disablement arising from employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32125/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 423 and 424 together.
Employment under a contract of service is insurable for Occupational Injuries Benefit under the Social Welfare Acts. A person must be insurable at PRSI class A, B, D, J or M on the day of their accident or the date of development of a prescribed disease. There are no conditions requiring a minimum number of contributions to have been paid as is the case with other Social Welfare contributory schemes. Disablement benefit, payable under the occupational injuries scheme, is a compensation payment for loss of faculty arising out of or in the course of insurable employment. The legislation provides entitlement to benefit for persons suffering from certain prescribed diseases which are listed in the legislation and where that person has contracted that disease in the course of their employment.
Where an insured person has developed a disease prescribed in the legislation and they were employed in any occupation prescribed in relation to that disease, within certain time limits, it will be presumed that the disease was due to the nature of the employment unless there is evidence to prove that the disease was contracted in some other way. In cases of prescribed diseases other than tuberculosis and pneumoconiosis the employment must have been within one month immediately preceding the date on which the person is accepted as having the disease. With regard to tuberculosis, the disease must have developed not less than six weeks after the date on which the person was first employed and not more than two years after the date on which they were last employed in a prescribed occupation associated the disease. There is no time limit set in respect of pneumoconiosis except that the person must have been employed in an occupation set out in the legislation for a period of two years. Periods in several qualifying employments may be aggregated. Periods prior to 1 May 1967, the commencement date for the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme, in similar employments may also be counted for this purpose.
The minimum employment period is required because pneumoconiosis is a lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to inorganic dusts. Usually it takes some years for this condition to develop and cause symptoms. By comparison, exposure to toxic fumes or smoke inhalation would usually cause immediate or rapid onset of symptoms. It has been the administrative practice to pay disablement benefit to pneumoconiosis and byssinosis customers by way of a pension only for assessments of 10% and less than 20%. I now propose to arrange for the necessary legislative change so that in future payment by gratuity will be an option available to customers claiming disablement benefit in respect of the prescribed occupational diseases pneumoconiosis and byssinosis where loss of faculty is assessed as being under 20% percent and not less than 10% in line with all other recipients of disablement benefit.
The medical qualification guidelines in respect of former miners are regarded as being acceptable and no review is considered necessary at this time.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:425 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he intends to provide for improvement in dental benefit in the context of the forthcoming budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32126/06]
The dental benefit scheme administered by my Department provides assistance towards the cost of dental services to people who satisfy certain statutory PRSI conditions, and to their dependent spouses. The PRSI contribution classes which qualify for dental benefit are A, E, H and P.
The scheme is a contributory social insurance scheme and the qualifying conditions are set at a level which maintains a reasonable balance between social insurance contributions received and the cost of the benefits concerned, which amounted to some €50m last year.
The operation of the dental benefit scheme is subject to ongoing monitoring by my Department. Any changes in the scheme would have financial implications which would have to be considered in a budgetary context having regard to the overall availability of resources.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:426 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he intends to provide for improvement in optical benefit in the context of the forthcoming budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32127/06]
The optical benefit scheme administered by my Department provides assistance towards the cost of optical services to people who satisfy certain statutory PRSI conditions, and to their dependent spouses. The PRSI contribution classes which qualify for optical benefit are A, E, H and P.
The scheme is a contributory social insurance scheme and the qualifying conditions are set at a level which maintains a reasonable balance between social insurance contributions received and the cost of the benefits concerned, which amounted to some €12m last year.
The operation of the optical benefit scheme is subject to ongoing monitoring by my Department. Any change in the scheme would have financial implications which would have to be considered in a budgetary context having regard to the overall availability of resources.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:427 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he proposes to adjust upwards income qualification limits for means-tested payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32128/06]
I approached the last Budget with a number of key priorities in mind. In particular, I wanted to ensure that the Budget reflected the evolving new social agenda that has at its core a social welfare support system that is active instead of passive, that assists people to live with dignity and enables them to make a valuable contribution towards society. A key objective of this reform agenda is the removal of employment disincentives and the avoidance of welfare dependency.
In this context, I was pleased to be able to announce a number of significant and focused improvements to a range of means testing arrangements including: income and means disregards and the extension of tapered assessment as such; the introduction of a tapered withdrawal rate for disability allowance and blind pension recipients who engage in rehabilitative employment or self employment and have a weekly income over €120 and under €350; an increase in the income disregards for entitlement to carer's allowance, thereby fulfilling the commitment in the Programme for Government to enable all those earning up to average industrial earnings to qualify for carer's allowance; an increase in the upper income limit for the one parent family payment from €293 to €375 per week; the introduction of a 50% tapered withdrawal of earnings between €60 and €90 per week for persons in receipt of rent and mortgage interest supplement thereby increasing the incentive to take up employment or training or to pursue maintenance payments; an increase in the spouse's income disregard for entitlement to the qualified adult allowance (QAA) from €88.88 to €100 a week, as well as an increase of €30 per week to €250 for entitlement to a tapered QAA rate; significant changes to the family income supplement (FIS) thresholds designed particularly to boost child income support for larger low income families, and a weekly means disregard of €20 per week for non-contributory pensioners aged 66 or over, up from the €7.60 per week dating back to the 1970s as well as an innovative special earnings disregard of €100 per week.
The measures I have just outlined constitute a significant reform of the means assessment arrangements. I remain committed to modernising and simplifying the social welfare system and any further improvements will be considered in the context of the next Budget.
Question No. 428 answered with QuestionNo. 116.
Question No. 429 answered with QuestionNo. 113.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:430 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on offering payment of non-contributory pensions to Irish missionaries who have served overseas on the basis of establishing nominal domicile here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32131/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:431 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which he has examined further the possibility of paying non-contributory old age pensions to Irish missionaries who have served abroad but who only qualify for pensions if they return home; if an examination has been done into the number of such persons who might qualify for such payments in the event that they remain overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32132/06]
I propose to take Question Nos. 430 and 431 together.
My Department operates two main types of pension scheme; contributory and non-contributory payments. Contributory payments are paid on the basis of social insurance contributions made over a person's working life. Missionaries who have made sufficient social insurance contributions can qualify for an old age contributory pension. These pensions are payable abroad and so missionaries who qualify and who choose to settle overseas can receive a payment.
Non-contributory pensions are only payable where a person is resident in this country. Accordingly, missionaries who return here and who satisfy the habitual residence condition and a means test can qualify for a pension. Any move to pay the old age non-contributory pension outside the State could cause difficulties in the context of EU Regulations on social security arrangements for migrant workers generally.
The question of paying pensions to missionaries who remain abroad was first raised in the context of a submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs by the Irish Missionary Union. In this submission, they estimated that there are approximately 800 missionaries who could receive a pension immediately, although this may be an underestimate as it is difficult to establish exactly how many missionaries would qualify.
Subsequently, officials of my Department made a presentation to the Committee on the issue. Following that presentation, the Chairperson of the Committee decided to form a working group to look at the issues raised in more detail.
A background report is currently being finalised between my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs. The report examines the question of pensions for missionaries and the wider issue of social insurance for volunteer development workers in general. This will be forwarded shortly to the Joint Committee to inform the discussion. The options for providing pensions for missionaries will be looked at in the context of the final report of the Joint Committee.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:432 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of recipients of the family income supplement; the extent to which this number has fluctuated in the past five years; his proposals to improve, extend or increase payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32133/06]
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows.
|
Position at |
Year |
Claims Received |
Claims in Payment |
|
31 December |
2001 |
16,582 |
11,840 |
|
31 December |
2002 |
17,878 |
12,043 |
|
31 December |
2003 |
18,611 |
12,317 |
|
31 December |
2004 |
20,458 |
14,727 |
|
31 December |
2005 |
22,928 |
17,448 |
|
at 30 September |
2006 |
15,276 |
19,374 |
Improvements to the Family Income Supplement scheme, including the new increased income limits announced in Budget 2006, mean that it is now easier for families to qualify under the scheme.
To ensure that families are made aware of these improvements, my Department undertook a nationwide awareness campaign last March to promote and encourage a greatly increased take up of the Family Income Supplement scheme for working families on low incomes. This extensive week-long campaign included advertising on TV, on national and local radio and in the national and regional press. I am very pleased with the response so far to the campaign.
Social Welfare Code.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:433 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on offering the free schemes to all recipients of contributory of non-contributory widows or widowers pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32134/06]
The household benefits package, which comprises the electricity and gas allowance, telephone allowance and television licence schemes, is generally available to people living permanently in the State, aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. The package is also available to carers and people with disabilities under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. Widows and widowers aged from 60 to 65 whose late spouses had been in receipt of the household benefits package retain that entitlement to ensure that households do not suffer a loss of entitlements following the death of a spouse. People aged over 70 years of age can qualify for the household benefits package regardless of their income or household composition.
A range of proposals have been made to extend the coverage of the household benefits package of free schemes. These proposals are kept under review in the context of the objectives of the scheme and budgetary resources.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:434 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he proposes to modify qualification for payment of rent allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32135/06]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The purpose of the scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Specific exclusions relate to applicants and spouses in full-time employment, those engaged in certain courses of study and those involved in trade disputes.
A person claiming rent supplement must be also a bona fide tenant, be habitually resident in the State, have a housing need and satisfy a means test. In addition, the HSE must be satisfied that the accommodation is suited to the persons needs and the rent payable is within the prescribed limits.
Overall, I would consider the current rent supplement qualifying conditions to be adequate in meeting the objective of the scheme. This is evident in the fact that just over 60,000 people were in receipt of a supplement at the end September 2006.
The eligibility criteria for the scheme have broadened in recent years with improvements in the means test and, in the context of supporting a return to work, through the provision of special retention of entitlement arrangements for those who have been unemployed for 12 months, for part-time workers and for those on back-to-work schemes.
Any further improvements to the existing rules governing the scheme with expenditure implications will need to be considered in the light of future Budgets and overall resources available to me for social welfare payments generally.
Departmental Agencies.
David Stanton
Question:435 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the services that are available via the Public Service broker; the future structure and plans for the operation of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32136/06]
Phase 1 of the basic Public Services Broker (PSB) infrastructure has been deployed and is fully operational. The services which have been deployed and are delivering benefits, include the following. An Inter Agency messaging Service including the Death Event Publication Service which exchanges data relating to life events between the General Register Office, my Department and up to 20 other subscribing agencies. The messaging service has also been deployed between the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Agriculture and Food for exchange of documents relating to exports of agricultural produce. A project is underway to extend the messaging service to exchange documents between agencies in the criminal justice sector. A service wide interoperability framework with associated standards and guidelines and transport adapters. A comprehensive services portal giving information and access to some 1,400 public services. An identity authentication service is being provided to the Revenue On-line PAYE service in association with my Department.
Reach has been operating as a project within my Department since its establishment in 2000. Now that the PSB is operational and services are being delivered, I propose to address the appropriate future structure and operational arrangements. Following an examination of the options in this regard, I intend to bring proposals to Government in this matter.
Social Welfare Code.
David Stanton
Question:436 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a non-contributory State pensioner who earns €100 per week from insurable employment will still be entitled to the fuel allowance; if so, his views on applying a similar disregard for contributory pensioners who have additional income from occupational pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32138/06]
The aim of the national fuel scheme is to assist householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive payments with meeting the cost of their additional heating needs during the winter season. Fuel allowances are paid for 29 weeks from end-September to mid-April and are not intended to meet the full cost of heating.
Eligibility to the fuel allowance scheme is subject to means and other conditions. The main conditions that apply to the fuel allowance scheme are that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment, must satisfy a means test and must either be living alone or with a qualifying dependant.
People who already qualify for means-tested pensions or allowances such as old age (non-contributory) pension, long-term unemployment assistance or one-parent family payment do not have to undergo a further means test to qualify for fuel allowance. The majority of people who receive fuel allowances qualify because they satisfy the relevant means test for their primary weekly payment.
From 2006 a person in receipt of State Pension (non contributory) can also have up to €100 in earnings per week from insurable employment and still be entitled to fuel allowance.
In the case of contributory pensions such as state pension (contributory) — formerly old age (contributory) pension — state pension (transition) — formerly retirement pension — and invalidity pensions, which are not means tested, earnings from insurable employment and/or occupational pensions are normally regarded as means for the purpose of determining an individual's entitlement to a fuel allowance. A person may have savings/investments of up to €46,000 or a combined household income of up to €51 per week over and above the maximum rate of state pension (contributory) and still qualify for fuel allowance. This income limit was increased to €51 per week with effect from 1 June 2005.
Any changes in the means rules for the scheme, such as an increase in the means disregard for contributory pensioners, would have cost implications and would have to be considered in the context of the Budget and in the light of the resources available to me for improvements in social welfare generally.
Social Welfare Benefits.
David Stanton
Question:437 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he intends to take, in relation to the statement in the report by the International Organisation for Migration for the National Economic and Social Council of Ireland (details supplied) that highlights the lack of appropriate information and orientation for new arrivals here as to their rights and entitlements, on the website of his Department; if he will ensure that this matter is examined and rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32139/06]
My Department is committed to ensuring that relevant information and services are available to all the Department's customers, including immigrants, via the Departments website (www.welfare.ie). It contains information in relation to all the schemes and services provided by the Department as well as links to other relevant agencies and organisations. All leaflets, booklets, scheme application forms and reports published by my Department are available on the website.
The Guide to Social Welfare Services is available on the website in a number of languages including Arabic, Chinese, French, Polish, Russian, and Spanish as well as in English and Irish. In addition, my Department has also issued detailed guidance, under Freedom of Information legislation (FOI), regarding the operation of the Habitual Residency Condition and this is available on the website.
My Department plans to redevelop the website commencing early 2007 and the provision of specific information on social welfare services for immigrants, in a number of languages, will form part of this redevelopment.
My Department has provided funding to the Immigrant Council of Ireland to produce fact-sheets with information on rights and entitlements of immigrants to Ireland. These fact sheets are available in six different languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Romanian, Russian and English). There is also a link from the Department website to the Immigrant Council website where these fact sheets are available.
Comhairle, a statutory agency under the remit of my Department, is responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice and advocacy on social services and the Comhairle website provides information on the social and civil rights of everyone in Ireland, including immigrants.
Comhairle has also assisted the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU) in the production of leaflets in six different languages (Polish, Lithuanian, Latvian, Russian, Romanian, Brazilian and English) aimed at meeting the information needs of migrants working and living in Ireland.
In addition, my Department is also participating in the EUlisses project which will provide a multilingual website, pooling social security information for migrants from national and European sources. This will provide a single internet access point for Europeans who are seeking social security information. Work is ongoing on this website at present and its first phase, dealing with pensions, is expected to be on-line before the end of 2006.
My Department will continue to develop, enhance and expand the range of information services it provides to ensure that immigrants are made aware of their rights, entitlements, and obligations in relation to social welfare services.
Disabled Drivers.
Seán Crowe
Question:438 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the proposals he has to strengthen parking legislation to assist those in the disability sector in view of the difficulties being faced by disabled drivers. [31880/06]
The Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 enable each road authority to provide designated parking bays on the public roads for sole use by vehicles that display a disabled persons parking permit and which are being parked for the convenience of the permit holder.
I have already provided a series of legislative measures to strengthen and safeguard the operation of the disabled persons parking scheme and I will continue to address this area as required.
From 3 April 2006 I extended the application of the fixed charge system to a range of offences including illegal parking offences. To act as a deterrent against abuse of the designated parking bays I prescribed a fixed charge of €80, which increases by 50% to €120 if not paid within 28 days, for the offence of illegal parking in a designated disabled persons parking bay. This is double the level of fixed charge that I prescribed for other illegal parking offences.
The Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 provide for the grant of a parking permit to a person who is suffering from a disability that prevents the person from walking or causes undue hardship to the person in walking. The permit scheme for use of the designated parking bays is only intended therefore for persons who are unable to walk i.e. wheelchair users or persons who have very restricted mobility.
To assist the bodies who issue the permits and the authorities who enforce the parking law to safeguard the scheme against abuse another measure that I advanced is the amendment of section 115 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 that is provided in section 20 of the Road Traffic Act 2006.
The amendment expands the scope of the offences covered by section 115 to include offences related to any permit issued under the Road Traffic Acts. The disabled persons parking permit comes within the ambit of this provision. The amended section 115 provides that it is an offence to knowingly give particulars that are false or misleading in connection with an application for a permit and that it is an offence to forge or fraudulently alter or use any permit, or fraudulently lend to, or allow a permit to be used by, any other person.
In addition, section 35 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 was amended in section 20 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 to provide an enabling provision to facilitate the issue of permits and enforcement in relation to the use of permits. This amendment gives a power of inspection to Gardaí and traffic wardens in relation to permits and it is intended that the permits issued under the disabled persons parking will come within the scope of this provision.
Finally, the present statutory scheme for grant and use of parking permits is under review in my Department in consultation with the relevant bodies with a view to strengthening the provisions further and to ensure that the scheme is confined strictly to those who meet the restricted mobility criterion.
Aer Lingus Flotation.
Joan Burton
Question:439 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to reports that the eight participating stockbrokers in the Aer Lingus flotation came to an agreement over commission rates and that as a consequence there was no competition and high fees were charged to purchasers of Aer Lingus shares; if the Competition Authority will be launching an investigation into this matter; if so, when they will report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32002/06]
In setting out the general principles of the Aer Lingus IPO to the House on 6th July, I stated that shares would be made available to the general public through financial intermediaries. Following agreement with my Department and the Department of Finance the Joint Global Co-ordinators, who were responsible for marketing the IPO, entered into an agreement with all of the main stockbrokers concerning the conditions under which the brokers would participate in the offer.
One of the conditions set was that the maximum brokerage commission that could be charged would be capped at 1% of the aggregate Offer Price of the Shares allocated to each applicant in the Intermediaries Offer. Without a cap on commissions, investors may have been charged higher commissions by stockbrokers as they set their own commission levels in respect of other transactions.
I am not aware of any Competition Authority investigation into the matter. That would be a matter for the Authority.
Road Network.
Marian Harkin
Question:440 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Transport the spend on national roads in the Border midlands western region as against the planned spend to June 2006 under the national development plan. [32007/06]
Marian Harkin
Question:441 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Transport the spend on national roads in the southern and eastern region as against the planned spend to June 2006 under the national development plan. [32008/06]
I propose to take Questions No 440 and No. 441 together.
The outturns of expenditure on National Roads for the period 1 January 2000 to 30 June 2006, including the outturns in respect of the BMW Region and the S&E Region, will be considered by the Monitoring Committee for the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme at its normal scheduled meeting on 27 October 2006. Immediately following the meeting, the Deputy will be provided with the information requested. At this stage, I am in a position to provide the information for the period to the end of December 2005. The information is set out in the table.
|
Original Forecast of Expenditure 2000-2005 inclusive €m |
Expenditure Outturn 2000-2005 inclusive €m |
|
|
BMW Region |
2,045.902 |
1,581.495 |
|
S&E Region |
3,523.780 |
5,045.681 |
The outturn figures take into account adjustments made by the National Roads Authority to the figures previously reported for the period. In the case of both regions the adjustments made show increased levels of expenditure over and above those previously reported.
Traffic Management.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:442 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to deal with the problem in relation to match day car parking in the neighbourhoods surrounding Croke Park; the proposals which are being considered by his Department; when these will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31499/06]
I refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions No. 3 on 28 September 2006 and No. 301 on 4 October 2006 on this subject.
The issue of reserving parking on public roads to local residents is complex and is much broader than in the context of match days at Croke Park stadium. An implementation timeframe does not arise at this point because the legal issue that must first be established is whether or not it would be appropriate to provide for the application of parking restrictions of this nature on a public road.
The matter has been referred to the Attorney General for advice.
Road Safety.
Seán Crowe
Question:443 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in relation to the drafting of a new rules of the road booklet. [31514/06]
The current (Rules of the Road Booklet) was first published in June 1995. My Department has been working on the revision of the (Rules of the Road Booklet). There has been a very considerable amount of work involved in that many significant changes in the overall area of road traffic law have to be reflected in the revised booklet. The draft document was placed on the Department's website for consultation in June 2006.
Submissions received have now been considered and a draft of the new booklet is being finalised for transmission to the Road Safety Authority for design and publication.
Design and printing will of itself take a number of weeks to complete but the updated document will be made available on the Department's website during this period.
In addition to the new booklet being made available for sale, it will also be made available on-line by the Road Safety Authority. The Authority will ensure that, the booklet will provide up-to-date information on changes in traffic law and other requirements on an ongoing basis.
Pat Breen
Question:444 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport the plans there are to introduce a standards test for buses to cover emissions and safety features; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31531/06]
Since 13 September 2006 as a consequence of the Road Safety Authority (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 responsibility for matters relating to vehicle standards, including compulsory periodic testing of buses, has passed to the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the Deputy's enquiry to the Road Safety Authority for attention and direct reply.
Driving Tests.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:445 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he supports the automatic recognition of the Voluntary Driving Instructors Register of Ireland in relation to the proposed regulation of driving instruction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31554/06]
The Road Safety Authority is responsible for registering driving instructors. A consultation document published jointly by my Department and the RSA last May set out proposals for the registration of driving instructors and invited submissions to be made by the 8 September. These submissions are being considered by the RSA.
There is no proposal to automatically recognise members of the Voluntary Driving Instructors Register of Ireland as meeting the required standard. Paragraph 3.9 of the consultation document stated that "It is recognized that, both within this country and the EU, other bodies have certification processes in place where predetermined standards are required to be met. The Registrar may recognize such certification as meeting some or all of the ADI requirements where the awarding body demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Registrar, that the certification process in place meets or exceeds the ADI standard laid down by the RSA.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:446 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the number of people awaiting a driving test at the Tralee and Killarney test centres; the average waiting times at both centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31609/06]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the delivery of the driving test and the issuing of certificates of competency. Your enquiry has been referred to the RSA for direct reply to you.
EU Directives.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:447 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if EU Directive 2003/59/EC has been implemented by his Department; the practical implications of this piece of legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31610/06]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the implementation of the requirements of EU Directive 2003/59/EC. Your enquiry has been referred to the RSA for direct reply to you.
Air Services.
Marian Harkin
Question:448 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a timeframed commitment with a ring fenced budget to implement the recommendations of the mid-west tourism and economic development plan which was launched in June 2006 at Shannon Airport before he negotiates with his EU counterparts on proceeding with a new bilateral aviation treaty with the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31617/06]
In announcing the agreement reached with the US authorities in December 2005 in relation to a transitional arrangement for Shannon Airport in the context of the proposed EU/US ‘open skies' I indicated that I would prepare, in consultation with my colleagues, the Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, a tourism and economic development plan for Shannon and the West of Ireland.
What the Deputy refers to is one of a number of inputs to the plan which comes from a local liaison group under the chairmanship of the Clare County Manager. Preparation of this plan is at an advanced stage and I am considering the various submissions. The Deputy will appreciate that at this stage of the process it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any specific aspects of the plan.
Driving Licences.
Jerry Cowley
Question:449 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Transport his views on introducing a limited licence for persons in rural areas who are years driving on provisional licences, accident free, and who only drive within a small radius of their place of residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31676/06]
It is a requirement of the EU Directive on driving licences that in order to obtain a driving licence, a person must pass both a theoretical test of knowledge on driving matters and a practical driving test by demonstrating that they have the necessary skills and behaviour to drive competently. A person must also meet certain medical requirements. The Directive precludes persons from obtaining a driving licence without meeting these requirements. Moreover, I am not persuaded of the merits of the suggested approach in the Deputy's question.
Road Safety.
Róisín Shortall
Question:450 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some taxi drivers are refusing to carry customers with children on the basis that they do not have an appropriate child seat-belt or restraint; the circumstances in which taxi drivers must have such seat-belts or restraints; if this varies with the age of the child; the efforts which have been made to ensure that taxi drivers are fully aware of the exemptions that currently exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31677/06]
The European Communities (Compulsory Use of Safety Belts and Child Restraint Systems in Motors Vehicles) Regulations 2006, transposed into Irish law Directive 2003/20/EC relating to the compulsory wearing of safety belts and child restraint systems.
The Directive requires that, in general, children who are less than 150 centimetres in height and 36 kilograms in weight be restrained by an appropriate child restraint when travelling in cars (including taxis, hackneys and limousines) and goods vehicles. Member States had the option to allow children to travel without child restraints in the rear of small public service vehicles if restraints are not available and this option was exercised in the recent regulations. However, children who are 3 years of age or over and 135 centimetres or more in height travelling in the rear of small public service vehicles not fitted with child restraints are required to wear safety belts. There is no concession in relation to the requirement for child restraints for children travelling in the front seats of cars (including taxis, hackneys and limousines) and goods vehicles.
Notwithstanding the legal position, it would be my desire that owners of small public service vehicles would endeavour to provide child restraints in so far as it is practicable to do so. To that end, I have written to the Commissioner for Taxi Regulation requesting that he engage with the industry with a view to devising guidelines on best practice in relation to the carrying of children in small public service vehicles.
My Department wrote to the Irish Taxi Drivers' Federation, the National Taxi Drivers' Union and the National Private Hire and Taxi Association on 9 May 2006 informing them of the making of the 2006 regulations and enclosing copies of the regulations.
Driving Tests.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:451 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the provision of a permanent driving test centre in Killarney; the number of people awaiting a test in Killarney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31717/06]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the delivery of the driving test and the issuing of certificates of competency. Your enquiry has been referred to the RSA for direct reply to you.
Air Services.
Catherine Murphy
Question:452 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce a system of mandatory re-registration of aircraft purchased outside the State (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31775/06]
The registration of aircraft is governed by the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation 1944 and its technical annexes. It is not open to Ireland to require the re-registration of aircraft. The registry of civil aircraft in Ireland is maintained by the Irish Aviation Authority.
Catherine Murphy
Question:453 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if holding an operator’s licence is a requirement for persons leasing private aircraft; if so, if the licence required is the same as that required for the owners of private aircraft; if he intends to introduce new regulations governing the operation, leasing, and ownership of private aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31776/06]
I have no function in relation to the regulation of the use of aircraft. This is a matter for the Irish Aviation Authority and the Commission for Aviation Regulation.
Rail Services.
Catherine Murphy
Question:454 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to provide funds to cover the cost of tackling the two tier approach on rail fares in the greater Dublin suburban services as part of the public transport subvention; his views on whether not doing so would result in increased fares for inner suburban passengers, loss of revenue to Irish Rail, and continuation of the two tier structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31777/06]
The annual Exchequer subvention currently paid to CIÉ is provided to support socially and economically necessary but commercially non-viable public transport services in Dublin and throughout the country.
The structure of rail fares is a separate matter and is for Iarnród Éireann to decide having regard to its statutory obligations. I understand from the company that a study of all rail fares is currently being conducted on a nationwide basis by an internal Iarnród Éireann team with external professional assistance. Iarnród Éireann expects the study to be completed by the year-end.
Rail Network.
Willie Penrose
Question:455 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport if Iarnród Éireann has received further submissions from groups in Mullingar, Moate and Athlone, seeking the re-opening of the railway line between Mullingar, Moate and Athlone; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this would be important in the context of the Westport link and in particular in view of the fact that Mullingar and Athlone are important gateway towns of the National Spatial Strategy; if he will take steps to ensure that the re-opening of this line is progressed by the Cabinet Sub-Committee, which are examining public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31803/06]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 1113 of 27th September, 2006 regarding this matter. The position remains the same as I outlined in that reply.
Willie Penrose
Question:456 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport if he has received further reports in relation to the re-opening of Killucan Railway Station; if steps have been taken to include same in the new ten year transport plan; if his Department will assist both the local community group who are seeking to have same re-opened and Westmeath County Council, who have signalled the importance of the re-opening of this station by including it in the county development plan; if this objective will be progressed without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31804/06]
The location of stations on the rail network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that Westmeath County Council and Meath County Council have jointly engaged a consultant to look at options for another station between Enfield and Mullingar. Killucan is one of the locations being considered. Iarnród Éireann has advised me that it will co-operate with the study and consider its findings when completed.
Road Safety.
John Cregan
Question:457 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Transport the reasons articulated trucks are not permitted to use the outside lane of a motorway for the purpose of overtaking, or for the purpose of allowing additional traffic to join a motorway from a slip road; the proposals he has to change these present regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31903/06]
In relation to motorways, it is prohibited under article 33 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 to drive a heavy goods vehicle, a bus or coach that accommodates more than eight passengers and any vehicle that is towing a trailer etc, in the outside lane except where it is necessary to proceed in that lane due to an obstruction or because another lane or lanes is or are for the time being closed to traffic.
The policy behind this regulation is to take cognizance of the impact of the speed differential between different classes of vehicles in the traffic stream. The classes of vehicles that I mentioned, and which includes heavy goods vehicles, are subject to a maximum vehicle related speed limit of 80 km/h whereas the default motorway speed limit is 120 km/h. I do not propose to change the regulations in this regard.
Rail Network.
Seymour Crawford
Question:458 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Transport if he has examined the feasibility of providing a railway line structure alongside the proposed restructuring on the N3/M3 from Dublin to Cavan; his views on whether a rail service with parking facilities in strategic areas is the best alternative for commuters to Dublin City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31904/06]
Under Transport 21 the old Navan rail line will be re-opened in two phases with the first phase running off the Maynooth line, at Clonsilla, to the M3 interchange at Pace, near Dunboyne. Design work for this phase is currently underway.
Subject to further studies, it is proposed to extend the rail line to Navan within the 10-year period of Transport 21. Iarnród Éireann and Meath County Council have developed terms of reference for a scoping study that will commence shortly in respect of the extension to Navan. This scoping study will examine possible alignments for the line including its interface with the M3. There are no plans to extend the line beyond Navan to Cavan.
An essential element of the re-opened Navan rail link will be the provision of park and ride facilities to maximize use of the railway service. In this context I understand that provision is being made in Phase 1 for a major park and ride facility near the Pace interchange on the M3.
Rail Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:459 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the action he will take regarding the issue of overcrowding on the DART service and the ventilation systems on the carriages. [31951/06]
This Government is providing unprecedented levels of funding under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 and Transport 21 to ensure that Iarnród Éireann can fulfil its statutory duty to operate a safe railway and that the company can expand its services and increase capacity through the purchase of additional rolling stock. In particular, the DART service has seen significant improvements over the last six years. Since 2000 peak capacity on the service has been doubled following the introduction of an additional 78 cars to the fleet, the lengthening of platforms to accommodate 8-car trains, the renewing of overhead lines and the enhancement of the power supply along with the development of sidings to accommodate the expanded fleet. Despite this increase in capacity I understand that overcrowding occurs at peak times but that the issue is one of discomfort and inconvenience and does not give rise to safety concerns. An increase in the number of 8 car DART operating in the peak period is planned by Iarnród Éireann for implementation before the end of the year.
I understand from Iarnród Éireann that the position in relation to ventilation is that 40 of the most modern DART cars are fitted with air conditioning, while the remaining cars in the fleet have the traditional hopper windows for ventilation. These matters are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann.
Road Traffic Offences.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:460 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if penalty points were put on the licences of persons (details supplied) in County Westmeath who were recently convicted of dangerous driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31988/06]
A person convicted of dangerous driving (tried summarily) is liable to disqualification from driving for a period of not less than one year, and for a second or subsequent offence, for a period of not less than two years. However, in the case of a first offence, the court has the option, where it is satisfied that a special reason, which has been proved by the convicted person, exists, to decline to make a consequential disqualification order, or to specify a period of disqualification in the disqualification order of less than one year. In view of the penalties applicable to the offence of dangerous driving penalty points do not apply.
Driving licence records are established under section 60 of the Finance Act, 1993. Under section 60(3) only an officer of a Minister of the Government, a licensing authority or the competent authority for licensing vehicles and drivers of vehicles in another Member State of the European Communities, an officer of the Revenue Commissioners, a member of the Garda Síochána or such other persons as may be prescribed in regulations may have access to driving licence records.
John Dennehy
Question:461 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding measures to implement a testing process for drugged driving; the measures proposed to prevent such driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32029/06]
The Road Traffic Acts provides that a member of the Garda Síochána may, where he or she is of the opinion that a person in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place is under the influence of a drug or drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of that vehicle, require that person to go to a Garda station and further require that person submit to a blood test or to provide a urine sample.
The Medical Bureau of Road Safety analyses blood and urine specimens received under the Road Traffic Acts for the presence of a drug or drugs. In 2004, 569 specimens were tested for the presence of a drugs or drugs. 354 specimens tested positive and 215 were found to be negative for the presence of a drug or drugs.
There is no feasible basis for introducing a scheme of preliminary roadside testing for drugs at present. Roadside testing devices are still in the prototype stages. However, the Medical Bureau of Road Safety is keeping abreast of developments in this area.
The offence of driving under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent that the driver is incapable of having proper control of the vehicle attracts a disqualification of not less than 2 years in the case of a first offence, and, not less than 4 years in the case of a second or any subsequent offence. The courts can also impose a fine of up to €2,500 and/or 6 months in jail.
Driving Tests.
Catherine Murphy
Question:462 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the waiting times by centre for driving tests; the number of new test centres that have been established; the timeframe for reduction of test waiting times and clearing the backlog that currently exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32141/06]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the delivery of the driving test and the issuing of certificates of competency. Your enquiry has been referred to the RSA for direct reply to you.
Departmental Programmes.
Paudge Connolly
Question:463 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expenditure to date in 2006 for County Monaghan under the RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31683/06]
Paudge Connolly
Question:468 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expenditure to date in 2006 for County Cavan under the RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31690/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 463 and 468 together.
As I have indicated to the House on a number of occasions, it is a matter for individual Departments to report progress with their projects under the RAPID programme. In support of my Department, Pobal collects data from each RAPID area in respect of funding allocations received by projects from Government Departments and local state agencies. The latest data in respect of the programme is available on Pobal's website under the RAPID section (http://www.pobal.ie/live/RAPID). The Deputy may find it helpful to access this information. I understand that full data in respect of the year 2006 will not be collected until early 2007.
My Department co-funds the RAPID Leverage schemes. Since these were initiated by my Department in 2004, €305,500 has been allocated to projects in Cavan. To-date just over €200,000 has been drawn down from this allocation. Expenditure under the programme in 2006 to date amounts to €65,811. There are no designated RAPID areas in County Monaghan.
Dormant Accounts Fund.
Paudge Connolly
Question:464 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expenditure from the dormant accounts fund in County Cavan since the inception of the scheme; the schemes that were grant assisted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31685/06]
Paudge Connolly
Question:466 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expenditure from the dormant accounts fund in County Monaghan since the inception of the scheme; the schemes that were grant assisted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31687/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 464 and 466 together.
Decisions on the disbursements of funds from dormant accounts under the initial round of funding were a matter for the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board, an independent body established under the Dormant Accounts Acts. Under this round, the Board approved 521 projects for funding totalling over €60 million. Details of these allocations are included in Appendix A of the Board's 2005 Annual Report, copies of which were laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 31st August 2006 and subsequently circulated to all Oireachtas members on 8th September 2006. 4 of the projects approved by the Board, involving the allocation of €859,756 are based in Co. Cavan whereas 1 approved project allocated €166,635 is based in Co. Monaghan. A breakdown of the approved projects in both counties is provided in Appendix 1.
Following the enactment of the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2005, the Government approved a series of funding measures providing for the allocation of a further €60 million from the Fund in 2006. These measures are being rolled-out on a phased basis as the operational arrangements are finalised.
In July 2006, details of the specific projects approved in respect of the first €12 million of this 2006 allocation were announced. These allocations were in respect of funding for priority projects in RAPID areas (€11.35 million) and also supports for vulnerable immigrants (€575,000). Included in these allocations was one applicant in Co. Cavan, which was approved for 2 grants totalling €200,000 (details in Appendix 2).
It is anticipated that Government will make further decisions in relation to a number of other measures over the coming months as roll-out continues with regard to the 2006 round of funding.
|
Round 1 Awards County Cavan |
|
|---|---|
|
Group/Organisation |
Grant Approved |
|
€ |
|
|
Cavan County Council |
278,210 |
|
Drumlane Community Partnership Ltd. |
150,000 |
|
Foróige/Cootehill/BallybayAdolescent Friendly Health Project |
178,313 |
|
Cavan County Childcare Committee |
253,233 |
|
Total |
858,756 |
|
Group/Organisation |
Grant Approved |
|
€ |
|
|
County Monaghan Partnership |
166,635 |
|
Total |
166,635 |
|
Dormant Accounts 2006 Round |
|
|---|---|
|
Funding to RAPID projects |
|
|
Group/Organisation |
Grant approved |
|
€ |
|
|
Cavan County Council |
100,000 (capital) |
|
Cavan County Council |
100,000 (youth workers) |
Departmental Programmes.
Paudge Connolly
Question:465 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expenditure to date in 2006 for County Monaghan under the CLÁR programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31686/06]
Paudge Connolly
Question:467 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expenditure to date in 2006 for County Cavan under the CLÁR programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31688/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 465 and 467 together.
The CLÁR Programme is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that have suffered more than a 35% drop in population between 1926 and 2002. The Programme covers parts of 22 counties and all of Co. Leitrim and benefits a population of nearly 727,000. CLÁR schemes cover a wide variety of developments such as village, housing and schools enhancement, electricity conversion, roads, water supply, sewerage disposal, health, coastal, sports and community projects.
Allocations to counties under the CLÁR programme are based on applications received from County Councils, Leader Groups, Community Groups and others under various measures. Expenditure is paid on foot of claims received after completion of projects.
The following table outlines funding allocations and expenditure for counties Cavan and Monaghan in the year 2006 to date.
|
County |
Allocated in 2006 |
Paid in 2006 |
|
Cavan |
Approx. €1,300,000 |
€203,000 approx. |
|
Monaghan |
Approx. €350,000 |
€3,439 |
I expect further allocations and expenditure under the Programme in the two counties before the end of the year.
Question No. 466 answered with QuestionNo. 464.
Question No. 467 answered with QuestionNo. 465.
Question No. 468 answered with QuestionNo. 463.
Inland Waterways.
Denis Naughten
Question:469 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if Meelick Weir has been cleaned of all debris; if the gates have been completely opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31755/06]
As the Deputy is aware from replies to previous Questions relating to this issue, the responsibility for Meelick Weir rests with Waterways Ireland, a North/South Implementation Body set up under the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999.
Waterways Ireland informs me that Meelick Weir continues to be inspected regularly and that there is no debris there at present. I am also informed that all sluice gates have been open since 24 September 2006 and that all weir boards have been removed since 26 September 2006.
Alternative Farm Enterprises.
Martin Ferris
Question:470 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on whether the energy crops grant needs to be increased in order to encourage a greater uptake in view of the small numbers of people applying for the grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31868/06]
Support to farmers for growing energy crops may only be provided in accordance with EU Regulations. Under the EU Energy Crops scheme, aid of €45 per hectare is available for energy crops intended for use in the production of biofuels and electric and thermal energy produced from biomass. In addition to this scheme, set aside land can be used for a variety of non-food uses including the growing of crops for energy purpose and will therefore qualify to activate set-aside entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme. The EU has agreed that sugar beet will be eligible for aid under the scheme and may also be grown as an energy crop on set aside land. At the February Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting I called for a review of the energy crop premium as it was not proving effective in Ireland. The EU Commission has just published a Report on implementation of the scheme and my Department is currently studying the Report.
A number of policy initiatives are now underway to increase market penetration of biofuels in Ireland. These initiatives will help drive additional demand for the production of energy crops. The recently announced Mineral Oil Tax Relief Scheme valued at €205m which, when fully operational in 2008, will deliver some 163 million litres of biofuels per year and should result in Ireland achieving 2% market penetration of biofuels.
In the recently published Green Paper on a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland, the Government made a firm commitment to promote an indigenous biofuel sector in Ireland. In this regard, I am working closely with Ministerial colleagues, as part of the Ministerial Taskforce on Bioenergy to prepare a road map to develop Ireland's bioenergy resources to 2020. This will ensure a cohesive approach to the development of this sector across Government Departments, state agencies and relevant stakeholders. The Taskforce will prepare a comprehensive national Bio-energy Action Plan by the end of this year.
Decentralisation Programme.
Donal Moynihan
Question:471 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress made to date in relation to the decentralisation programme to Macroom, County Cork; the numbers who have volunteered to decentralise under the CAF system; and the timescale for the completion of the programme. [32000/06]
Last month, the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG) in its report to the Minister for Finance included an updated schedule from the Office of Public Works (OPW) of the likely availability of accommodation for the decentralisation programme. The schedule reiterated the indicative dates that construction of the laboratories in Macroom should start by the end of 2007 and be completed by early 2009. The OPW are actively seeking a site for the facility and my Department is in ongoing contact with them in this regard.
There have been 82 applications to the Central Applications Facility (CAF) for relocation to Macroom.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Martin Ferris
Question:472 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her Department will consider the possibility of holding a public hearing on the prospects of utilising the existing facilities at the former sugar factories of Carlow and Mallow for the processing of sugar beet and possibly other energy plants for use in the production of bioethanol; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31502/06]
Decisions on the future use of the former sugar factories at Carlow and Mallow are primarily a matter for the owners, Greencore Group plc. Anybody who expressed an interest in the possibility of utilising these factories for bioethanol production was advised to pursue the matter with Greencore.
The future use of the Mallow factory is, of course, linked to the EU restructuring scheme for the sugar industry, introduced under the agreement on reform of the EU sugar regime. Restructuring, in this context, refers to the abandonment of sugar quota production, the dismantling of the factories concerned and the allocation of restructuring aid to the affected processors, growers and machinery contractors. In Ireland, the restructuring scheme applies only to the Mallow factory since factories that had closed prior to July 2005, such as the Carlow factory, are not eligible.
The restructuring aid scheme as provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No. 320/2006 is subject to the submission by the processor of a detailed restructuring plan for the industry. The Regulation provides for payment of the full amount of restructuring aid where a sugar processor undertakes as part of the plan to fully dismantle the redundant sugar factory. A reduced rate of aid (75%) may be paid where a factory is partially dismantled and converted to non-food production, such as bioethanol. A decision on whether to fully or partially dismantle the factory is entirely a matter for the sugar processor concerned. Greencore submitted an aid application for restructuring aid in July under which they undertook to fully dismantle the Mallow factory and sought the maximum amount of restructuring aid. As the application met the requirements of the EU Regulations it was approved subject to the outcome of the Judicial Review proceedings instituted by Greencore concerning, inter alia, the percentage of aid reserved for growers and contractors.
Before the application for restructuring aid was received from Greencore I raised the possibility of using Mallow for bioethanol production with the Company having regard to the incentive under the restructuring scheme, the inclusion of sugar beet in the energy crops scheme and the extension in the last budget of excise relief of €205m which, when fully operational will support the use and production of 136m litres of biofuels annually. The Company informed me that it did not intend to produce bioethanol in Mallow.
The Government will be bringing forward further initiatives to support the development of the biofuels sector as set out in the recently-launched Energy Green Paper. The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, who has overall responsibility for developing the biofuels sector, announced the new excise relief scheme for biofuels at the end of July and indicated that capital grants for biofuels facilities are also being provided as part of the Government's overall programme to promote biofuels and biomass. I understand that the capital grants programme is currently being designed and will be rolled-out as a separate initiative to the excise relief scheme.
Grant Payments.
Dan Neville
Question:473 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding application for entitlement under the national reserve for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who has been processed under B1. [31517/06]
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category B.
Category B caters for farmers who between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003 made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and /or Arable Aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 – 2002. Investments can include purchase or long term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments.
The person named also applied under the Inheritance measure of the Single Payment Scheme and while inheritance of entitlements was awarded, it subsequently came to the Department's attention that the land was in fact purchased. In these circumstances the Private Contract Clause measure should have been used to purchase the entitlements. This case will now be processed as a Private Contract Clause whereupon the entitlements purchased can then be topped up under Category B1 of the National Reserve.
A formal letter of decision together with relevant payment due will issue shortly to the person named. If the person named is dissatisfied with my Department's decision in relation to the National Reserve he will then have 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.
Pat Breen
Question:474 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason persons (details supplied) in County Clare have not received payment from the national reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31555/06]
the persons named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payments Scheme National Reserve under categories A B C and D.
Category A caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May 2005 and who had leased out his/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000 – 2002. The persons named were not successful under this category as the land acquired was not leased out during the reference period.
Category B caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003 made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and /or Arable Aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 – 2002. Investments can include purchase or long-term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments. The persons named were not successful under this category as there was no evidence of investment, which is required for this category.
Category C caters for farmers who sold the milk quota into the Milk Quota Restructuring Scheme and converted their enterprise to a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia/or Arable Aid Schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002. The persons named were not successful under this category as they were not the herdowner who sold the milk into the restructuring scheme.
Category D caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December 2002, or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year. The persons named have been deemed to be successful under this category. A formal letter setting out my Department's decision has issued to the persons named and relevant payment due will issue shortly.
This particular case also involved Inheritance and Private Contract Clause which first had to be processed and subsequently the entitlements were topped-up by the allocation from the National Reserve. If the persons named are dissatisfied with my Department's decision in relation to the National Reserve, they now have 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.
Michael Ring
Question:475 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not received their area based compensatory allowance for 2006; the further reason for the delay; and when their payment will issue. [31614/06]
An application under the 2006 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2006. Following initial processing of this application, it appeared that the minimum stocking level required under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme had not been complied with. However, following direct contact between an official of my Department and the person named, he is to submit documentation which should satisfactorily resolve the problem and enable payment to issue.
Farm Waste Management.
Dan Neville
Question:476 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will be assessed for farm waste management. [31622/06]
The above-named person is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A pre-approval inspection will be carried out by my Department's officers shortly and a decision in respect of the application concerned will be made following that inspection.
Farm Retirement Scheme.
John Perry
Question:477 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will re-assess the early retirement pension entitlements of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31623/06]
For persons who entered the Early Retirement Scheme in the year ended 31 December 2000 the pension is payable for a maximum period of 10 years but in any event not beyond the participant's 70th birthday. The person named entered the Scheme on 24 December 2000 and payment of his pension will continue until 5 June 2010, when he reaches the age of 70.
It is a requirement of the EU Council Regulation under which the 2000 Early Retirement Scheme was introduced that the Early Retirement Pension can be paid only as a supplement to any national retirement pension, which must be applied for on reaching the age of 66, to which the participant, and his or her spouse or partner in a joint management arrangement, is entitled. This means that the value of any such national retirement pension payable must be deducted from the Early Retirement Pension.
The person named reached the age of 66 on 6 June 2006 and was awarded a Survivor's Contributory pension on 9 June 2006. In accordance with the requirements of the Early Retirement Scheme my Department was obliged to deduct his Survivor's pension from his Early Retirement pension from the date on which it was awarded.
EU Directives.
Paul Kehoe
Question:478 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans she has for changes to the nitrates directive regarding the ploughing of land; if allowances will be made for farmers to start ploughing in mid-December, in view of the fact that farmers feel they cannot get all the work done in the allotted timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31678/06]
The implementation of the Nitrates Directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, who made Regulations on 18 July 2006 giving legal effect to Ireland's National Action Programme under the Directive. The Regulations, which replaced those made in December 2005, were the subject of a comprehensive consultation process involving the farm organisations and other stakeholders.
The requirements in relation to ploughing are set out in Article 21 of the Regulations. The Regulations do not prohibit ploughing in mid-December, but impose certain requirements in relation to the subsequent sowing of crops and provision of green cover where arable land is ploughed prior to 15 January.
Grant Payments.
John Perry
Question:479 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 1216 of 27 September 2006, if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the person (details supplied) has since opted out of the lease which her Department queried in relation to an artificially created holding and that the issue at present is the fact that they have less than 3 hectares of green land according to her Department; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that they subsequently purchased 20 ewes and re-applied for a derogation from the three hectare rule on 31 July 2006, which was again rejected on 2 August 2006, without giving a reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31718/06]
The person named was refused entry to REPS on the grounds that his holding was artificially created in order to satisfy the conditions for REPS participation. Artificially creating a holding for this purpose is expressly prohibited in the terms and conditions of the scheme. The Department position was upheld on appeal to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office.
Subsequently, when deciding to refuse a request for a derogation, which sought to set aside REPS eligibility conditions, all aspects of the case, including those outlined in the question, were taken into consideration.
Compensation Payments.
Denis Naughten
Question:480 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to address the hardship being experienced by farmers in the Shannon Callows who lost summer grazing earlier in 2006 and have now lost forage crops and autumn grazing due to the rising of water levels on the river; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31756/06]
There are no funds available to me to compensate for difficulties such as those experienced by farmers in the Shannon Callows and elsewhere in the country due to the very wet weather experienced at certain times this year. However, I have secured agreement from the European Commission to make an advance payment this month, at a rate of 50%, under the Single Payment Scheme and this will be of considerable benefit to farmers including those who have experienced difficulties due to weather conditions during the year. The balance of the Single Payment Scheme will be paid with effect from 1 December.
Farm Retirement Scheme.
John Deasy
Question:481 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has decided on a replacement for the early retirement scheme when the current scheme expires in December 2006; the schemes which will apply in the period 2007 to 2013; the rates of pension which will be paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31758/06]
The Council Regulation on Rural Development for the period from 2007–2013 includes provision for member States to operate a range of measures including an Early Retirement Scheme.
Work is currently taking place on the finalisation of the new Rural Development Programme which will begin in 2007. The context of the Programme has also been discussed in the Partnership negotiations with the farming bodies. I intend to take decisions on specific measures in this context.
Milk Quota.
Seymour Crawford
Question:482 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the situation regarding negotiations on the future of milk quotas at Irish and European level; if she will advise a young farmer if there is any justification in them buying such quota if available; the length of time she expects the quotas to last; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31864/06]
As the Deputy will be aware the current milk quota arrangements were extended until the end of the 2014/15 milk quota year as part of the 2003 Luxembourg Agreement on the reform of the CAP. While a review will take place in 2008, any further proposals for reform are a matter for the EU Commission, while the Council will make decisions on such proposals. Should the Commission come forward with further proposals in the milk sector I will participate fully in the Council to ensure that the best interests of the Irish dairy sector are protected.
At national level my focus is on the need to secure greater levels of efficiency at both producer and processor level in the face of considerable future challenges on international dairy markets. I recently announced the establishment of a new Milk Quota Trading System to supersede the Milk Quota Restructuring Scheme. The new system, which was agreed following extensive consultation with the farm organisations and ICOS, will release larger quantities of quota to active and committed dairy farmers through the combined operation of a market exchange and a maximum price priority pool.
The detailed rules for the new system will be available shortly, and milk producers will be invited to submit applications to sell or purchase quota by 24th November 2006, with the first exchange being run as soon as possible thereafter. The operation of the system will be reviewed after the first exchange, and a second exchange will follow in spring of 2007. These arrangements will allow milk producers the opportunity to bid for the amount of quota required to meet the development needs of their farm enterprise at a price that will generate a commercial rate of return. Given the different levels of efficiency at farm level, such decisions are best made by individual farmers.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:483 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo did not receive their single farm payment for 2005. [31867/06]
The person named has not to date submitted an application under the Inheritance measure of the Single Payment Scheme to transfer the entitlements currently held in his late fathers name. An Official from my Department will be in contact with the person named, to ascertain the position.
Farm Retirement Scheme.
Martin Ferris
Question:484 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action her Department has taken following the decision of the EU to request that they re-examine some of the conditions relating to the early retirement scheme. [32074/06]
In May 2003, a group representing retired farmers lodged a petition with the European Parliament Committee on Petitions, alleging that Ireland had not implemented correctly the Council Regulations governing the 1994 and 2000 Schemes of Early Retirement from Farming. The Committee requested information from the European Commission. In reply, the Commission made it clear that in its considered opinion there was no question of any infringement having been committed by Ireland in the implementation of the Schemes.
The Chairman of the Committee has raised these issues with me again in a letter dated 5 September, while acknowledging the view that the Commission had taken. The Chairman also referred to the report on the same issues which was produced in February 2005 by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food, and asked for details of my response to the Joint Committee's recommendations. The contents of the Chairman's letter are currently being examined.
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:485 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to the VTOS grant to attend a VTOS course and have their child’s crèche facilities paid for under this scheme. [31548/06]
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:500 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to the VTOS grant to attend a VTOS course and have their child’s crèche facilities paid for under this scheme. [31539/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 485 and 500 together.
The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) provides full-time second-chance education and training opportunities for unemployed adults who are in receipt of specified Social Welfare payments for at least six months (156 days) and are over 21 years of age. The Scheme is funded by my Department and operated through the 33 Vocational Education Committees (VECs).
The particular Vocational Education Committee (VEC) has advised that the person named in the question has been offered and has accepted a place on VTOS. She will retain her social welfare allowance and, in addition, she will qualify for the VTOS bonus payment of €31.80 per week, meal and travel allowance. She is also eligible for funding which will assist towards child care expenses.
School Curriculum.
Paul Connaughton
Question:486 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if there has been progress by the Road Safety Authority on an educational project at secondary school level for road safety; if the Road Safety Authority is aware of a project piloted by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the person is anxious to receive opportunity to speak to the Road Safety Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31553/06]
Social Personal and Health Education is mandatory in primary schools and at junior cycle level and provides a framework under which the generic values and skills which underpin responsible decision-making and respect for the rights and safety of others can be developed and promoted among students. SPHE has a specific personal safety strand within the programme, and this provides a vehicle through which road safety issues for all can be best dealt with in an age appropriate way.
Specific materials for teaching young people about road safety have also been given to schools. At the start of the 2001/02 school year the National Safety Council, with assistance from my Department, distributed copies of Staying Alive — a road safety resource for Transition Year and the Senior Cycle — to all second level schools. This pack contained a wide range of learning opportunities and activities on topics such as personal responsibility and decision-making, environmental issues and risks and rules for road users. A CD-ROM with additional material downloaded from the internet was included in the pack along with copies of the Rules of the Road. This is also supplemented by Garda visits to primary and second level schools during which the themes of crime, road safety, personal safety and substance abuse are explored as part of the SPHE programme. There were some 1900 school visits in 2005.
The Minister for Transport recently formally established the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The RSA has already commenced work on a number of key areas including the development of a Road Safety programme for use in Transition Year. This work is being undertaken in co-operation with my Department and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. I am aware of the DriveSafe programme and my Department will bring it to the attention of the Road Safety Authority in the context of this work. The programme in question includes provision for driving instruction, and I have no plans for including this aspect in schools.
Institutes of Technology.
Paul Kehoe
Question:487 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if Waterford Institute of Technology received a funding in the recent past for the provision of bus bays and parking; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are ongoing problems in Waterford IT in relation to some buses not being able to use the college grounds for the collection and letting off of students using buses; if she is satisfied regarding the arrangement at present where buses collect and let off students on the road outside the college grounds; and her views on whether this is a safe practice. [31475/06]
At the outset, I would advise the Deputy that traffic management at Waterford Institute of Technology is a matter for the management authorities of the Institute. However, I can confirm that my Department provided funding totalling €1.137 million during the period 2000 to 2003, for the provision of car parking facilities at the Institute. These facilities are available to students, staff and visitors.
The Deputy may wish to contact the management authorities of the Institute directly regarding any specific difficulties arising.
Schools Building Projects.
Paul Kehoe
Question:488 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of the 1450 building projects in primary schools sanctioned by her Department in the past two years to proceed to tender and construction stage which have been constructed or are in the process of being constructed; the number of schools that have not proceeded to construction; and the reason for same. [31476/06]
The Deputy will be aware that responsibility for delivering school building projects to tender and construction is devolved to local school level by my Department. This approach gives school authorities a much greater degree of control over the timescale for the delivery of their projects. The school authorities are therefore best positioned to provide the detailed information sought by the Deputy. I can assure the Deputy that the transformation over recent years on the quality of school accommodation throughout the country is testament to the ability of school authorities to deliver their projects in a timely and efficient manner.
Special Educational Needs.
Catherine Murphy
Question:489 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has formally requested that support therapies be provided by the Health Service Executive to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare as is required by the relevant legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31477/06]
I can confirm that my Department has written to the Health Service Executive requesting the provision of appropriate therapeutic and support services to the Unit for pupils with autism, attended by the pupil in question.
School Transport.
Michael Ring
Question:490 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on changing a school transport route (details supplied) in County Mayo to a later time in the mornings as the pupils are arriving too early at the school; if the matter will be investigated and even changed for the next academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31478/06]
In general a school transport service is organised to ensure the maximum travel and waiting time does not exceed 2.5 hours. The school transport service referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, is operating within the guidelines of the school transport scheme. The school bus operates a double trip in the mornings to accommodate the number of pupils offering for transport.
Schools Building Projects.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:491 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are plans in place to provide extra secondary school places in the Dublin 15 area to deal with the increase in secondary school pupil numbers that will be experienced between 2007 and 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31479/06]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Department is planning the development of a new 1,000 pupil post primary school in Phibblestown to serve the growing population of the Dublin 15 area.
It is intended to progress the provision of the school as a Design Build Project. An advertisement was placed in the Official Journal of the European Union for design build teams and the short-listing of these teams is currently being undertaken. A project manager has also been appointed to manage the delivery of the project and the site acquisition process is at an advanced stage.
While it is not possible to be definitive at this early stage as to when the new school will open, the target date for delivery is September 2008.
School Planning Section is also examining the need for further post primary provision in the area.
Site Acquisitions.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:492 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if a permanent site and school building will be provided for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31480/06]
The Department accepts that there is a need to locate the school to which the Deputy refers onto a site which will be the school's permanent location. School Planning Section is working with Fingal County Council to acquire a site for this purpose. As soon as an appropriate site has been identified, the Department will move to acquire it and provide a permanent building for the school.
Special Educational Needs.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:493 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if payments to parents sending their children to privately run schools for special needs including autism are to be withdrawn; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31481/06]
I am not aware of the scheme referred to by the Deputy.
However the home tuition scheme which is administered by my Department provides funding to parents to provide education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement including pre-school children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
My Department considers that school-based education provision is the most appropriate intervention for all children including those with special educational needs and has discontinued the practice whereby children who are in full-time education provision would also be able to avail of home tuition grants.
The children for whom the service has been discontinued are enrolled in special schools or special class placements or are attending mainstream schools with additional resource teaching and special needs assistant supports, as appropriate.
School Enrolments.
Damien English
Question:494 Mr. English asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children who applied for a place in junior infants in 2006 in schools (details supplied) in Dublin 15 but were refused. [31482/06]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Department approved significant extra accommodation in Dublin 15, including the establishment of a new school, to cater for eligible pupils seeking places this September.
Officials in School Planning Section contacted the majority of the schools concerned in the third week of the new school year. At that point, Principals reported that the situation was still quite fluid i.e. some children who had accepted places did not take them up; others started in one school and then moved to another school etc. On top of that, one school where provision was made for the intake of three junior infant classes filled less than two which means there is vacant accommodation for an extra junior infant intake at that school should the need arise.
Overall, the situation would appear to be that all junior infants seeking places were or can be accommodated.
Higher Education Grants.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:495 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the grants which are available to mature students returning to further education who do not live in areas covered by partnerships; if there are circumstances where payments under the millennium partnership fund are extended outside partnership areas; if so, the body through which same occurs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31483/06]
My Department operates four student maintenance grant schemes which comprise the Post Leaving Certificate Scheme and three schemes which relate to third level courses. The Schemes are administered by the VECs and Local Authorities on behalf of my Department. Under the prescribed conditions of all four schemes maintenance grants are payable at either the adjacent or the non-adjacent rate.
In order to qualify for grant assistance, a candidate must, of course, satisfy the prescribed conditions of the schemes including those relating to residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment.
The adjacent rate of maintenance grant is payable where the grantholder's normal residence is 15 miles or less from the college or PLC Centre which he/she is attending. The non-adjacent rate of maintenance grant is payable in all other cases, with the exception of all eligible mature students who, with effect from the 1999/2000 academic year, qualify for the higher non-adjacent rate of grant.
Under the terms of the Department's maintenance grants schemes, and in accordance with the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Act 1992, a mature student is defined as a candidate who is at least 23 years of age on the 1st January of the year of entry or re-entry to an approved course.
Mature students are categorised as either independent mature students or mature students dependent on parents or guardians. An independent mature student is defined as meaning a mature student who was not ordinarily resident at home with his/her parents or guardians from the October preceding their entry to an approved course. Independent mature students are assessed without reference to The Millennium Partnership Fund, which was established in 2000, is a community-based fund that supports retention and participation among under-represented groups of students in further or higher education. The fund is available to students from area partnerships and community groups that participate in the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP). Application for Millennium funding is made annually by organisations through Pobal Ltd., the state company established to promote social inclusion, reconciliation and equality in Ireland and which has administered the fund since it was established. In 2004-5, the latest year for which figures are available, approximately 3,750 students in higher and further education benefited from the fund. The Fund primarily benefits students through the direct provision of financial assistance.
The Millennium Partnership Fund is a targeted funding programme, operating within defined urban and rural areas that are the most socio-economically disadvantaged in the country. It is well established that participation rates in higher education are significantly lower than the national average in areas targeted under the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme. Indeed, priority in allocating Millennium funding is given to partnerships and community groups that operate within CLÁR — or RAPID-designated areas.
The Millennium Fund complements the range of other education actions being implemented at community level through the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme. The Fund also complements the work being undertaken by higher education institutions' access programmes, many of these programmes working with communities that benefit from the Millennium Fund.
In March 2005, the National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education published an evaluation of the Millennium Partnership Fund. The overall conclusion of the evaluation is that the Millennium Fund serves an important function in supporting students from disadvantaged areas to attend further and higher education. The report identified and considered a number of issues including that of geographical boundaries.
In the context of discussions on the implementation of the 2005/6 Fund, the National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education requested that Pobal consider a number recommendations contained in the evaluation.
Currently, therefore, there is nothing specific in the Pobal implementation guidelines referring to individuals residing outside the geographical remit covered by community and area-based partnerships under the Millennium Partnership Fund. However, in very occasional and exceptional circumstances partnerships have used their own discretion and have extended Millennium Partnership Funding to individuals residing outside the partnership geographical remit. On occasions where this has occurred, partnerships must demonstrate that they had the money to do so in the first instance and that the selection would not ‘displace' students residing in the partnership area.
Where partnerships have not extended funding to individuals seeking monetary support and residing outside their geographical remit, they have explored and supported students to the best of their ability in identifying alternative avenues of funding where relevant.
As we move towards the beginning of a new national development plan, the National Office and Pobal are considering ways in which the impact and effectiveness of the Fund, and its complementarity with other initiatives, can be improved. Pobal have submitted a document to the National Office on the future of the Millennium Fund in the context of the new national plan. This is currently being considered by the National Office.
School Accommodation.
M. J. Nolan
Question:496 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Science when approval will be given for the construction of extra classrooms for a school (details supplied) in County Carlow. [31509/06]
Phil Hogan
Question:535 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science when finance will be approved for a school extension (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31991/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 496 and 535 together.
I can confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for major capital works from the management authority of the school to which the Deputies refer. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a Band 2 rating. To move the project forward, the long term projected staffing of the school is being assessed. This will determine the extent of any extra accommodation to be provided. Contact will be made directly with the school authority when this has been established.
In the meantime, the school authority has been made aware of the recent publication of the Department's devolved capital schemes and it has been asked to consider whether or not it would be appropriate for it to apply under these schemes. The method and timing for the delivery of the proposed project will ultimately depend on how the school wishes to proceed in this regard.
Schools Building Projects.
Michael Lowry
Question:497 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will progress the building application from a school (details supplied) as a matter of urgency; the reasons for a delay in moving the school swiftly through the building and modernisation programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31510/06]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. In July of this year my Department's Officials wrote to North Tipperary VEC giving approval to proceed to Stage 2 (Outline Sketch Scheme) of architectural planning.
When the requested stage 2 is received in my Department, my Department's Officials will be in further contact with North Tipperary VEC as to the next steps involved in progressing this project.
A decision on which School building projects will advance to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.
School Transport.
Pat Breen
Question:498 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason some of the contracted buses bringing children to a school (details supplied) in County Clare are not equipped with seatbelts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31518/06]
Bus Éireann has advised that all of its buses, and the majority of contractors' buses, operating as part of the School Transport Schemes have been fitted with seat belts. The remainder are on schedule to be fitted with seat belts by the target date of December, 2006. This is in accordance with the package of measures to enhance the safety of school transport operations announced by Minister Hanafin and myself in July, 2005.
Schools Building Projects.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:499 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science when a planning application will be made for a proposed new school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31535/06]
The Planning Application for the school referred to by the Deputy was lodged on 03/10/2006.
Question No. 500 answered with QuestionNo. 485.
School Insurance.
Pat Carey
Question:501 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department considers it necessary for some primary schools to take out additional pupil personal accident insurance in addition to the usual insurance which cover accidental injury to pupils (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31540/06]
Responsibility for arranging insurance cover, including the specific requirements of insurance cover for school property and against public liability is a matter for the managerial authorities of primary schools and would fall to be met from the capitation funding which schools receive from my Department.
My Department provides funding to primary schools by way of per capita grants, which affords schools considerable flexibility in the use of these resources to cater for the needs of their pupils. This is, in my view, in general a preferable approach to putting in place grants for specific cost items such as insurance.
There have been significant improvements in the level of funding provided to primary and post-primary schools. Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant at primary level has been increased from €57.14 per pupil to €145.58 with effect from 1st January, 2006. This represents an increase of almost 155% in the standard rate of capitation grant at primary level since 1997.
I am committed to further improving the funding position of primary schools in the light of available resources. The significant increases in the funding of primary schools in recent years is a clear demonstration of this government's commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools.
Schools Building Projects.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:502 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the decisions taken in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Galway; the proposals her Department has in relation to the school’s needs; and the meetings sought and granted on the part of the parents, teachers and board of management of the school. [31557/06]
An assessment of the school's application for capital funding for a new school has been completed and a decision taken to provide a new 16 classroom school to meet the school's long term accommodation needs.
My Department met with the school authorities in relation to this project in June 2005 and advised, upon receipt of a further request for a meeting, the school in October 2005 that a further meeting was not considered necessary at that time.
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. Currently two site options are under consideration with the intention of identifying the most suitable site to facilitate the development of a new school building. The site assessment process is not yet complete. When finalised, my officials will be in further contact with the school authorities in relation to the application for capital funding.
Higher Education Grants.
Pat Breen
Question:503 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review clause 7.6 of the higher education grant scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Clare who has previously pursued an undergraduate course and holds an undergraduate degree. [31558/06]
Under the terms of my Department's Higher Education Grants Scheme, maintenance grants are not payable to candidates who already hold an undergraduate degree and are pursuing a second undergraduate degree. Similarly tuition fees, under the Free Fees Initiative, are not payable in respect of a second period of college attendance on a course at the same level. These restrictions apply to every student who already holds a qualification at the same level, irrespective of where that qualification was obtained or whether or not funding was previously awarded. Clause 7.6 of the Higher Education Grant Scheme refers in this regard.
My Department understands that the candidate referred to by the Deputy already holds a Degree at undergraduate level, and as such is ineligible for funding for further study at undergraduate level.
It is not open to me, or my Department, to depart from the terms of the maintenance grants schemes in individual cases.
Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 provides for tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved full/part-time courses in both private and publicly funded third level Colleges and Universities in the State and any other E.U. Member State. Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from the local Revenue Commissioners Office.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Catherine Murphy
Question:504 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the average pupil teacher ratio for primary schools in each county; the ratio for each year since 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31594/06]
The information on pupil teacher ratio by school or County as requested by the Deputy is not readily available.
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 the Deputy knows 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 with 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.
Catherine Murphy
Question:505 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the fact that Kildare schools are among those with the highest pupil teacher ratio in the country, she will take action to lower average ratios to less than 20 pupils per teacher in view of the recent report of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in which class sizes here were strongly criticised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31595/06]
Catherine Murphy
Question:506 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the action she will take to reduce the pupil teacher ratio in primary school classes in view of the recent report of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in which class sizes here were strongly criticised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31596/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 505 and 506 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at 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 the Deputy knows 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 with 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.
Educational Disadvantage.
Catherine Murphy
Question:507 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she will take to reduce the de facto cost of schooling here in order to increase equal access to education for all children in view of the recent report of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child which highlighted the committee’s concern on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31602/06]
A key focus of the Government's education policy is to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk and to optimise access, participation and outcomes at every level of the system for disadvantaged groups.
The overall provision for expenditure on education has more than doubled since 1997. The allocation for that year was €3.2 billion as compared with €7.9 billion in the current year.
The total provision for educational inclusion programmes in 2006 is more than €640m across all levels of education, as compared with almost €600m in 2005. This includes additional funding for the implementation of measures under the DEIS action plan at pre-school, primary and second-level.
DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) addresses the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities, from pre-school to completion of upper second level education (3 to 18 years). The new action plan represents a shift in emphasis away from individual initiatives, each addressing a particular aspect of the problem, with the new plan adopting a multi-faceted and much more integrated approach.
Its core elements comprise: a standardised system for identifying, and regularly reviewing, levels of disadvantage; and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP) which will bring together, and build upon, some ten existing educational inclusion measures. As a result of the identification process, 840 schools were invited to participate in the SSP. These comprised 640 primary schools (320 urban/town schools and 320 rural schools) and 200 second-level schools. A further 40 schools have been invited to join the Programme following a recent appeal process.
Under DEIS, additional financial support is being provided for all primary and second-level schools in the School Support Programme. All schools will also have access to the School Meals Programme, administered by the Department of Social and the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
An additional €1m is being made available under the School Books Grant Scheme in 2006/2007 for primary and second-level schools in the School Support Programme to support the establishment, development and ongoing operation of book loan/rental schemes.
Site Acquisitions.
Marian Harkin
Question:508 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science the outstanding issues in relation to the acquisition of a new site for a new community school in Ballinamore, County Leitrim, as outlined in her response to Parliamentary Question No. 1254 of 27 September 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31615/06]
The Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has been exploring the possibility of acquiring a site for Ballinamore Community School. A number of options have been considered including the possibility of using one of the sites of the existing schools as the site of amalgamation.
The preferred option however is the location of the new school on a green field site. Over the past few years a number of green field sites have been identified as a possibility for the location of the proposed new school but their acquisition met with difficulties. Following a re-advertisement for possible sites, some new proposals were received. All site options have been examined by the OPW.
My Department is awaiting clarification from the OPW on a number of the site proposals. Due to the commercial sensitivities of site acquisitions, it is not proposed at this stage to identify specific sites being considered or perceived difficulties surrounding their possible acquisition.
School Accommodation.
Marian Harkin
Question:509 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science the timetable for completion of the detailed accommodation brief for a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31616/06]
My officials are in the process of drawing up a detailed accommodation brief for this school. A site visit is required in order to inform the final brief for the project and officials will be in contact with the school authority in the coming weeks in order to arrange a mutually convenient time for this site visit.
Following the site visit, the brief will be completed and the project will then be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.
Educational Disadvantage.
Enda Kenny
Question:510 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in County Mayo was not included under the DEIS programme for the forthcoming period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31625/06]
Enda Kenny
Question:511 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the names and qualifications of the persons who comprise the review group for appeals under the entrance to the DEIS programme for support for primary schools with disadvantage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31626/06]
Enda Kenny
Question:512 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason no contact was made with the principal or members of the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo prior to a decision being taken by the review group of her Department regarding its entry into the DEIS programme; if her Department is fully updated on the changed economic circumstances of the area in question; if she will instigate a further review in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31627/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 510 to 512, inclusive, together.
DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The School Support Programme will bring together, and build upon, a number of existing interventions in schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage.
The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in the SSP was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.
As a result of the identification process, 840 schools were invited to participate in the SSP. These comprised 640 primary schools (320 urban/town schools and 320 rural schools) and 200 second-level schools.
A review mechanism was put in place to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in the School Support Programme but regarded themselves as having a level of disadvantage which is of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme.
The review process operated under the direction of Dr Seamus McGuinness of Trinity College, Dublin who was charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. Dr McGuinness was supported by a nominated staff member from the Educational Research Centre and an official from my own Department.
Primary schools seeking a review were advised that applications must relate to data on the relevant variables included in the ERC survey of May, 2005 and to the reference date of 30 September, 2004. They were also informed that consideration would be given to major changes in a school's socio-economic composition at the mid-way point between the 2005/2006 and 2009/2010 identification process i.e. in 2007/2008.
All applications for review were thoroughly examined by the Review Group. This included making contact with schools where clarification was required on any aspect of their application.
An application for review was received from the school referred to by the Deputy. In accordance with the recommendations of the Review Group, the school has not been identified for inclusion in the School Support Programme and the Principal was informed by letter on 4th August, 2006.
My Department has recently received correspondence from the school outlining changes in the socio-economic profile of the area and has been informed that the points made will be noted in the context of the mid-term review of schools which have had a major change in socio-economic composition since September 2004.
School Staffing.
John Perry
Question:513 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the ongoing difficulties experienced by a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim regarding a reduced teacher allocation for 2006 to 2007 and a failure to secure a suitable site for their new community school sanctioned in 2001; if she will address the issues raised in correspondence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31637/06]
Teacher allocations to second level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. Each school management authority is required to organise its time-table and subject options having regard to pupils needs within the limit of its approved teacher allocation.
The rules for allocating teaching resources provide that where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation, my Department will consider applications for additional short term support i.e. curricular concessions.
An application for curricular concessions was received and Ballinamore Post Primary Schools were allocated 0.45 wholetime equivalent teacher post.
An independent appeals mechanism is available to school authorities who wish to appeal the adequacy of their teacher allocation. Ballinamore Post Primary Schools availed of this appeals mechanism and were allocated a further 0.55 wholetime equivalent teacher post. The decision of the Appeals Committee is final.
As the Appeals Committee operates independently of my Department in taking its decisions, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate to intervene in any such decision.
The Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has been exploring the possibility of acquiring a site for the school referred to by the Deputy.
A number of options have been considered including the possibility of using one of the sites of the existing schools as the site of amalgamation. The preferred option however is the location of the new school on a green field site. Over the past few years a number of sites have been identified as a possibility for the location of the proposed new school but their acquisition met with difficulties. Following a re-advertisement for possible sites, some new proposals were received. All site options have been examined by the OPW.
My Department is awaiting clarification from OPW on a number of the new site proposals.
Due to the commercial sensitivities of site acquisitions, it is not proposed at this stage to identify specific sites being considered.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Pat Breen
Question:514 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown of primary school class sizes in County Clare showing in each case the number of pupils in classes of 19 and under; 20 to 29, 30 to 39 and 40 plus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31673/06]
The information requested by the Deputy is included in the table.
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 the Deputy knows 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 with 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.
|
Class size range |
Numbers of Pupils |
|
0-9 |
150 |
|
10-19 |
1,740 |
|
20-24 |
3,242 |
|
25-29 |
3,504 |
|
30-34 |
2,476 |
|
35-39 |
640 |
|
40 and over |
41 |
|
Total |
11,793 |
The Deputy will be pleased to know that the school referred to in the chart as having a class of 41 teachers in 2005/06 has been allocated 2 extra teachers this year. The school had a principal and 5 other classroom teachers last year and an enrolment of 182 pupils on 30th September 2005. This year the school has a principal and 7 classroom teachers. Its enrolment on 30th September 2006 was 194 pupils. The school currently has 12 teachers in total, including 2 language support teachers and 2 learning support teachers.
Teaching Qualifications.
Olwyn Enright
Question:515 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the rules regarding the use of H. Dip. students as class teachers in an unsupervised manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31691/06]
As part of the Higher Diploma in Education course, a student must undertake a certain number of hours teaching practice under supervision in a recognised second level school and this teaching practice is supervised directly by the relevant University.
Arrangements in this regard are therefore a matter between the individual student, the university and the school and does not involve my Department.
Science Education Facilities.
Olwyn Enright
Question:516 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount spent on school science laboratories each year for the past three years; if all school laboratories are now adequately equipped to teach the syllabus, including experiments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31692/06]
As part of the multi-annual school building programme my Department has invested heavily in modernising school facilities throughout the country including science facilities in post-primary schools. Typically this investment involves the provision of modern science facilities in new post-primary schools or the upgrading of science facilities in existing schools either as part of a school building project or as a dedicated investment to facilitate the teaching of science.
Additionally I have provided for class materials, basic general equipment and chemicals for practical work for the Sciences.
My Department also spent in excess of €13m in 2004 to facilitate the introduction of a revised Junior Science syllabus. Schools received a basic grant of €3500 per science laboratory to enable them to provide the new curriculum. Additional funding was made available to schools where other specified equipment was required. In addition, certain schools identified as needing new or refurbished science laboratories as a result of a 1998 national survey received funding. Funding is also available this year to schools that have yet to apply for the basic grant of €3,500 per science laboratory and for other specified equipment to enable them to provide the new curriculum.
Schools have also received funding under the Summer Works Scheme in 2004 and 2005 to refurbish science laboratories. In the application for funding under the 2006 Summer Works Scheme post-primary schools were asked to specifically identify and provide details of any science and technology upgrade or refurbishment projects separate from any other projects being applied for so that consideration could be given to approving these projects for 2006. I approved funding for 26 such projects under the 2006 summer Works Scheme.
The Deputy can be assured that my Department will continue to take a proactive approach in the provision of the necessary facilities for the teaching of science in schools.
Schools Building Projects.
Niall Blaney
Question:517 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in relation to an application for an extension by a school (details supplied) in County Donegal since a previous parliamentary question dated 29 June 2006; if she will investigate the possibility of speeding up the process of putting their extension in place for use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31693/06]
The proposed extension project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning and is one of the 124 schools that I announced in April of 2005 to progress through the architectural planning process.
On the 20th March 2006 a letter issued to the School Authorities with revised schedules of accommodation requesting them to get their Design Team to revise the original stage 1 (Initial Sketch Scheme) as presented to the Department in October 2001 to reflect the impact of the revised schedules.
My Department has received the revised stage 1 (Initial Sketch Scheme) from the School's Design Team. My Department will shortly arrange a meeting with the School Authorities and the Design Team in order to evaluate the submission. It is envisaged that unless there are very exceptional circumstances involved, the meeting will be sufficient to authorise the project to progress to the next stage of architectural planning.
A decision on which school building projects will advance to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.
School Transport.
Michael Lowry
Question:518 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the breach of contract in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if, as per correspondence sent to her from this Deputy on 23 August 2006 outlining the situation, she will reconsider her Department’s position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31706/06]
Bus Éireann, which operates school transport services on my Department's behalf, has advised that an advertisement was placed in the local newspaper requesting tenders for transport services for the routes referred to by the Deputy in the details provided.
Bus Éireann has also informed my Department that a tender was received too late for consideration from the person to whom the Deputy refers.
Schools Building Projects.
Pat Breen
Question:519 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if additional funding will be considered for a building project for a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31719/06]
As part of the expansion of the devolved scheme for primary school building works, a grant of €275,000 was sanctioned in March 2006 to enable the management authority of the school in question to extend and refurbish their school.
I am pleased to inform the deputy that an additional grant has recently been sanctioned for this school.
School Transport.
Paul Kehoe
Question:520 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if assistance will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford in providing school transport; if arrangements are made to provide tickets for repeat leaving certificate students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31761/06]
In view of the fact that the student to whom the Deputy refers applied after the deadline date for receipt of applications, no seat is currently available on the relevant service. The situation will be monitored to see if a spare seat becomes available during the current school term.
Third Level Education.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:521 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects the HEA to report back to her on the issues in UCC raised by a person (details supplied); her views on the appointment of an independent person to inquire into the claims made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31762/06]
The appointment of a visitor to a university is outlined in Sections 19 and 20 of the Universities Act, 1997. It provides that "where the Minister is of the opinion that there are reasonable grounds for contending that the functions of a university are being performed in a manner which prima facie constitutes a breach of the laws, statutes or ordinances applicable to the university, the Minister may, after first advising the governing authority of his or her opinion and considering any explanation given in response, and with the concurrence of the Government, request the Visitor to the university to inquire into any matter giving rise to the Minister's opinion".
I have asked the Higher Education Authority for a report on the issues raised by this individual. Once the Higher Education Authority has furnished me with this report I will consider these matters further.
Higher Education Grants.
John Perry
Question:522 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if financial assistance or a scholarship is available to a pupil who obtains 600 points in the leaving certificate and is ineligible for the higher education grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31871/06]
My Department does not offer a specific scholarship to pupils who obtain 600 points in their leaving certificate. However, my Department offers 50 Third Level Scholarships annually under three scholarship schemes as follows:
Scéim Scoláireachtaí Tríú Leibhéal do Mhic Léinn ón nGaeltacht
Scéim Scoláireachtaí Tríú Leibhéal (Trí Ghaeilge Teoranta)
Scéim Scoláireachtaí Ghaeilge Tríú Leibhéil (Neamh-Theoranta).
These scholarships are awarded to those students who have, among other things, attended an all-Irish second level school and reached a certain minimum standard in the Leaving Certificate Examination. These scholarships are only tenable in respect of specified third level courses. Applications are required for these scholarships. The closing date for these scholarships in 2006 was 28th July 2006.
My Department also awards seven Easter Week Commemoration Scholarships annually on the basis of the Leaving Certificate results. An Easter Week Commemoration Scholarship is a highly prestigious award as only one scholarship is awarded annually in commemoration of each signatory of the 1916 Proclamation of Independence.
School Transport.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:523 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason school buses classed as mini buses do not qualify for the incentive to upgrade these vehicles; her views on whether children travelling to school in these mini buses are being treated differently from those who travel on buses which qualify for the upgrade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31872/06]
In general, larger buses tend to be older than minibuses, and contractors are being encouraged to replace these buses with more modern buses equipped with manufacturer fitted seat belts, or with buses fitted with seat belt anchorage points by the vehicle manufacturer to which type approved belts have been subsequently installed. The fittings must conform to the standards contained in the guidelines published by the Department of Transport for the installation of safety belts.
It is not clear what the Deputy has in mind when she refers to children being treated differently. As far as safety is concerned, the vast majority of vehicles operating under the school transport schemes are already fitted with seat belts and I expect that the remaining vehicles will be so fitted by the target date of end December next.
Radon Gas Levels.
Liam Twomey
Question:524 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools found by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland to have classrooms with a radon concentration of greater than 400 Becquerels per cubic metre, itemised on a county basis; the number of these schools itemised on a county basis which have undergone remediation works to address this problem; the number of these schools which, having undergone remediation works, have been retested by the RPII; the schools which have not undergone remediation works; the schools which have not been retested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31873/06]
Liam Twomey
Question:526 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Education and Science the 20 schools found by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland to have the highest concentration of radon; the concentration found in each case; the remediation work undertaken in each case; the results from re-testing following remediation work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31875/06]
Liam Twomey
Question:527 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools, itemised on a county basis, found by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland to have classrooms with a radon concentration of less that 200 Becquerels per cubic metre; the number of schools, itemised on a county basis, with classrooms with a radon concentration between 200 and 400 Becquerels per cubic metre; the number of schools, itemised on a county basis, with classrooms with a radon concentration of greater than 400 Becquerels per cubic metre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31876/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 524, 526 and 527 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. The position generally regarding my Department's Radon Remediation Programme is as follows. In 1998 my Department commissioned the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) to conduct a survey of radon levels in all primary and post primary schools. In addition, in June 2001 circular letter M46/01 issued to all Boards of Management informing them of the Department's initiative and advising schools on the course of action necessary for radon mitigation. During the course of the survey, 4072 schools were invited to participate. The RPII wrote to each of these schools, enclosing a copy of the test results, and advising that the results of the survey be made available to all staff and parents. It was also recommended that a copy of the results be filed in the school's Health & Safety Manual for future reference.
The radon reference set for the workplace under the "Radiological Protection Act, 1991 ((Ionising Radiation) Order, 2000" (Statutory Instrument 125 of 2000)) is 400 Bq/m3. Notwithstanding the fact that the radon reference for workplaces is 400 Bq/m3, my Department has issued grants to all schools for the installation of suitable vents in classrooms where radon readings show levels between 200 Bq/m3 and 400 Bq/m3. Schools where the radon readings show levels above 400 Bq/m3 have been advised to secure the services of a suitably qualified consultant architect/engineer to carry out all necessary remedial works and these works are funded by my Department.
Following completion of remediation works, post-remediation measurements are carried out by the RPII to determine if the remediation has been effective. This process is ongoing and the RPII continue to carry out post remediation testing in schools. Radon barriers are included in the design of all new school building projects.
School Transport.
Seán Ryan
Question:525 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether there is a need to provide a private school bus service for a school (details supplied). [31874/06]
In general the establishment of a dedicated school transport service is not considered where a suitable scheduled service already exists. Bus Éireann has advised that a suitable scheduled service is available to pupils attending the school mentioned in the details supplied.
Question Nos. 526 and 527 answered with Question No. 524.
Special Educational Needs.
Pat Breen
Question:528 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the provision of an ABA unit for autistic children in County Clare as part of a comprehensive policy to provide such units throughout the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31946/06]
The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with Autistic Spectrum Disorders receive an education appropriate to their needs and in this regard my Department has established: 170 Special Classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools; 5 special Classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome; 16 preschool classes to facilitate the demand for early intervention provision for children on the autistic spectrum; 12 Stand Alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodology on a pilot basis. Approval has also been given for the establishment of a further two such facilities.
My Department is of the view that children with autism, in common with all children should have access to appropriate provision delivered by suitably qualified teachers within the school system where children can mix with their wider peer group and have maximum opportunities for integration. Pupils with autism who are fully integrated into mainstream school receive individual teaching support for a number of hours per week as well as support from special needs assistants and specialist equipment if required. I can confirm that my Department received an application for an ABA stand alone centre from representatives of Clare Autism Action at a meeting held in my Department last July. My officials requested that the names and psychological assessments of the children proposing to attend the proposed centre should be forwarded to the Department in order to progress the application further. My Department is awaiting the necessary reports. I can confirm that a further meeting between representatives of Clare Autism Action and officials of my Department is scheduled for the end of this month.
Schools Building Projects.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:529 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the need for the provision of permanent accommodation for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31947/06]
The Department acknowledges the need for a permanent solution to meet the long term accommodation needs of the school to which the Deputy refers. The Department is actively looking at proposals regarding an alternative site for the school. However, due to the sensitivities surrounding site acquisitions, I am unable to comment on specifics at this time.
Martin Ferris
Question:530 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress regarding the building of a school (details supplied) as approved on 12 April 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31948/06]
The need for a new school building on a new site for Blennerville National School is acknowledged by my Department. A suitable site has recently been acquired. The building project required to deliver the new school will be progressed in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010. In the interim, my Department has approved the provision of a prefabricated classroom to alleviate immediate accommodation difficulties.
Grant Payments.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:531 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if parents of a child with special needs who is not attending national school but is of school going age, and is attending a Montessori primary school not funded by her Department, can apply for the home tuition grant in order to pay the Montessori fees. [31957/06]
The purpose of the home tuition scheme is to provide funding to parents to provide education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement. The terms of the home tuition scheme do not extend to the payment of private school fees. It is open to the family to contact the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) in the context of sourcing a school placement within the State system. Contact details for the SENO may be sourced from the NCSE at (046) 9486400. Alternatively, these details may be accessed on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.
Decentralisation Programme.
Willie Penrose
Question:532 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is expected that staff from her Department will be transferred to Mullingar as part of the decentralisation proposals; if there will be an advanced move of staff in the near future to Mullingar; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31958/06]
The latest report by the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG) published last week gives an indicative date of Quarter 1 2009 for the provision of permanent accommodation in Mullingar. The decentralisation of the 300 posts in my Department from Dublin to Mullingar as set out in the Government's Programme of Decentralisation with take place when this accommodation is ready for occupation. No decision has been made regarding an advance move to temporary accommodation in Mullingar of some of these 300 posts.
School Fees.
Seán Crowe
Question:533 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the fact that some schools are increasing registration fees in view of increasing lighting, heating, refurbishment, equipment and bin charges costs; her further views on whether this makes a mockery of free education in schools in this State; and the proposals she has to address these increasing fees being requested by schools. [31974/06]
It is a fundamental principle of the Free Second Level Education Scheme that no charge be made in respect of: (a) instruction in any subject of my Department's Programme for Secondary Schools; (b) recreation or study facilities where all pupils are expected to avail of them as part of the school programme; or (c) any other activity in which all pupils are required to take part. Accordingly, it would be a breach of my Department's policy for post-primary schools involved in the Free Second Level Education Scheme to demand or levy a fee. However, voluntary contributions by parents, or charges for optional extras over and above what is provided for in the general school programme, are permissible provided that it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own volition.
Day to day funding for our schools has also increased significantly in recent years. In respect of second-level schools the standard capitation grant of €266 per pupil in 2003 now stands at €298 per pupil from 1 January last. In addition, the support services grant for secondary schools has been increased from €127 per pupil in 2003 to €159 per pupil from January last. This per capita grant is in addition to a range of equalisation grants of up to some €15,500 per school per annum that were also approved for voluntary secondary schools. Similarly at primary level, schools have benefited from substantial increases in funding since 2003. The standard capitation grant has increased from €111.58 per pupil in 2003 to €145.58 from 1 January, 2006 while the Ancillary Services grant has been increased from €127 in 2003 to €139 in 2006. This Government is strongly committed to improving participation and achievement at every level of education. We have put the resources and supports in place to ensure that our children get the highest standard of education. With an increase of some 9%, day-to-day expenditure on education will exceed €7 billion for the first time in 2006.
Departmental Bodies.
Seán Haughey
Question:534 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is her view that the National Council for Special Education needs organisers should reply to representations from Dáil Éireann Deputies; if she will ensure same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31975/06]
I wish to advise the Deputy that it is the policy of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to respond directly to representations from Deputies, having regard to the confidentiality of the details of particular cases. If the Deputy wishes to make representations in a particular case, he should contact the Correspondence Unit of the NCSE, 1-2 Mill Street, Trim, Co. Meath.
Question No. 535 answered with QuestionNo. 496.
Detention Schools.
Pat Carey
Question:536 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is expected that the operation of an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 11 will be transferred to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; and, in the meantime, if she will have the matters dealt with as a matter of urgency. [31993/06]
Amendments to the Children Act 2001 contained in the Criminal Justice Act 2006 will result in the transfer of responsibility for four of the children detention schools currently within my remit to the remit of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Responsibility for the fifth school will transfer to the Health Service Executive. It is intended that the transfer of the children detention schools, including the organisation referred to by the Deputy, will take place in early 2007.
Schools Building Projects.
Seamus Healy
Question:537 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application for the building of a new school (details supplied); if she will approve the preferred site for the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31994/06]
Tipperary Rural and Business Development Institute (TRBDI) has proposed moving from its current location to the Ballingarrane Estate. While my consent is required by TRBDI for the re-location proposal (and I have indicated that this consent will only be given on the condition, inter alia, that the TRBDI assists in the matter of the provision of a site for the Gaelscoil) the TRBDI site is in the ownership of TRBDI Ltd. Expressions of interest have been sought by TRBDI from developers that, ideally, would result in a developer taking possession of the Institute’s current location and providing accommodation for the Institute at Ballingarrane Estate at no cost to the Exchequer with the proviso that three acres be made available for the Gaelscoil. Developers have the option of providing the three acres from the existing site or from an agreed alternative suitable location elsewhere in Clonmel. This process will take some considerable time and the outcome is difficult to predict at present. In the meantime, my Department is liaising with TRBDI and the County Manager of South Tipperary County Council to explore the possibility of other suitable options for the permanent accommodation of the Gaelscoil in Clonmel that may, potentially, be in a position to be finalised earlier than the potential option on the existing TRBDI site.
Schools Amalgamation.
Seamus Healy
Question:538 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will approve the amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31995/06]
The schools to which the Deputy refers have agreed to amalgamate. The local inspector has been requested to provide long term projections for both schools to establish the extent of accommodation which will be needed to facilitate the amalgamation. When this information has been received and assessed, progress on the proposed building project can be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.
Special Educational Needs.
Brendan Howlin
Question:539 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants employed in schools in County Wexford; the breakdown of the numbers of SNAs employed in each County Wexford school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32075/06]
The number of Special Need Assistants employed in Primary schools in County Wexford is 226 and the number employed in Post Primary schools is 12. There are approximately three thousand seven hundred primary and Secondary, Community/Comprehensive schools. The compilation of information regarding the number of SNAs employed in individual schools would require an inordinate amount of administrative time in my Department.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:540 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are grants or assistance available to facilitate special needs assistants to train as primary school teachers; if so, the criteria in relation to same and the way in which to apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32076/06]
Under the terms of my Department's Third Level Maintenance Grant Schemes, which are administered on behalf of the Department by the Local Authorities and the Vocational Education Committees, the position is that generally speaking, students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to residence, age, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. An approved course for the purpose of the Schemes means a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two year's duration and full time postgraduate course of not less that one year's duration pursued in an approved institution. Under the terms of the Department's maintenance grants schemes, and in accordance with the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Act 1992, a mature student is defined as a candidate who is at least 23 years of age on 1 January of the year of entry or re-entry to an approved course. Mature students are categorised as either independent mature students or mature students dependent on parents or guardians. An independent mature student is defined as meaning a mature student who was not ordinarily resident at home with his/her parents or guardians from the October preceding their entry to an approved course. Independent mature students are assessed without reference to either their parents' or guardians' income or address.
Under the terms of the Third Level Student Support Schemes, a student is not eligible for grant assistance in respect of a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether a grant was paid previously. The schemes also provide that grants may not be paid to candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and are pursuing a second postgraduate qualification. Notwithstanding this condition, candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and are progressing to a further postgraduate course which represents progression from the level at which the previous postgraduate qualification(s) was attained, may be deemed eligible for grant aid. Part-time courses are not approved courses under the terms of the Maintenance Grant Schemes. Any extension of the student support schemes to part-time studies would have significant cost implications. I have no plans at present to extend the grant schemes to include part-time students.
Under my Department's Free Fees Initiative the Exchequer meets the tuition fees of eligible students who are attending approved full-time undergraduate third-level courses in the State. I have no plans at present to extend this schemes to include part-time students. Further information and application forms may be obtained from the relevant local authority.
School Transport.
Gay Mitchell
Question:541 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science when a place on a school bus will be sanctioned for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 to attend a special school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32077/06]
My Department has recently sanctioned a transport service for the pupil referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied. Bus Éireann, which organises the School Transport services on behalf of my Department, has been asked to make the necessary arrangements in this regard.
Educational Disadvantage.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:542 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if different criteria are used in assessing all boys and all girls schools for qualification for DEIS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32091/06]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:543 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school which were originally designated as disadvantaged and which have lost that status under DEIS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32092/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 542 and 543 together.
The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in the new School Support Programme under DEIS was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate. The ERC's overall approach was guided by the definition of educational disadvantage in the Education Act (1998), section 32(9), as: ". . . the impediments to education arising from social or economic disadvantage which prevent students from deriving appropriate benefit from education in schools". In the primary sector, the identification process was based on a survey of all primary schools in May 2005, from which a response rate of more than 97% was achieved. The analysis of the survey returns by the ERC identified the socioeconomic variables that collectively best predict achievement, and these variables were then used to identify schools for participation in the School Support Programme. The variables involved are: unemployment; local authority accommodation; lone parenthood; Travellers; large families (5 or more children); and pupils eligible for free books
In the case of second-level schools, the Department supplied the ERC with centrally-held data from the Post-Primary Pupils and State Examinations Commission databases. Based on an analysis of these data, the variables used to determine eligibility for inclusion in the School Support Programme were as follows: Medical card data for Junior Certificate candidates (including Junior Certificate School Programme candidates); Junior Certificate retention rates by school; Junior Certificate exam results aggregated to school level (expressed as an OPS – "Overall Performance Scale" — score). This was based on each student's performance in the seven subjects in which s/he performed best; and Leaving Certificate retention rates by school. The gender composition of a school was not a factor in determining identification for SSP at either primary or second level. All schools were assessed in the same way.
As a result of the identification process, 840 schools were invited to participate in the SSP. These comprised 640 primary schools (320 urban/town schools and 320 rural schools) and 200 second-level schools. A review mechanism was put in place to address the concerns of those primary and second level schools that did not qualify for inclusion in the School Support Programme but regarded themselves as having a level of disadvantage which is of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. On foot of this process a further 40 schools have been invited to take part in the Programme. Approximately 125 schools between primary and second- level, which did not qualify for inclusion in the School Support Programme, are receiving support under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. These schools and those benefiting from other pre-existing schemes will keep the extra resources — both financial and human — that they are getting under these initiatives for the 2006/07 school year. After that they will continue to get support in line with the level of disadvantage among their pupils.
School Staffing.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:544 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools classed as over quota by her Department in the school year 2005 to 2006; the number of these which were primary schools; the number of these which were post-primary schools; and her views on whether the lowering of quota would be in everyone’s interest. [32093/06]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school for a particular school year is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30th September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. The staffing schedule for the 2005/06 school year was outlined in Primary Circular 15/05 which was issued to all primary schools.
All primary schools were staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 29 children for the 2005/06 school year. 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. This year (2006/07) this figure has been reduced to 28 children and next year (2007/2008 school year) this is being reduced to 27 children per classroom teacher. For the current school year (2006/07) 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.
With the major expansion in teacher numbers provided by this Government in recent years there are now 4,000 more teachers in our primary schools than there were in 2002. Indeed, there are 1,000 more teachers in September 2006 than there were in September 2005.
Some schools will find that they are entitled to fewer teachers as a result of having less pupils. The application of the primary staffing schedule in the 2005/06 school year warranted the withdrawal of 272 over quota posts. The Deputy will be pleased to know that the staffing schedule has been improved for the 2006/07 school year and will be improved next year.
Teacher allocations for second level schools are approved by my Department on an annual basis in accordance with generally applied rules based on recognised pupil enrolments on the 30th of September of the preceding school year. There were approximately 128 over quota teaching posts at second level for the school year 2005/06.
The pupil teacher ratio at second level has improved significantly in recent years. There is now one teacher for every 13 students at post-primary level, down from one for every 16 students in 1996/97.
This Government has shown a clear determination to improve the staffing in our schools and we will continue to prioritise this issue going forward.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:545 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in Cork City categorised as being over quota in the school year 2005 to 2006; the number of schools in County Cork categorised as being over quota in the school year 2005 to 2006; and the number of schools in County Kerry categorised as being over quota in the school year 2005 to 2006. [32094/06]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department and would involve an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:546 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of non-permanent teachers at post-primary level who did not have their contracts renewed as a result of the schools going over quota during 2005 and 2006 in view of the fact that the same number of teachers qualify every year; and if there is growing unemployment in the post-primary teaching sector. [32095/06]
The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts at second level is a matter for the individual school authority subject to agreed procedures. Teacher allocations for second level schools are approved by my Department on an annual basis in accordance with generally applied rules based on recognised pupil enrolments on the 30th of September of the preceding school year.
The pupil teacher ratio at second level has improved significantly in recent years. The ratio fell from 16:1 to 13.2:1 during the period from 1996/97 to 2005/2006.
The rules for allocating teaching posts provide that where a school management authority is unable to meet essential curricular commitments, my Department will consider applications for additional short term support. An independent appeals mechanism is available to school authorities who wish to appeal the adequacy of their teacher allocation.
In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to provide further reductions in the pupil teacher ratio within available resources and subject to spending priorities within the education sector. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas.
School Transport.
Pat Breen
Question:547 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if a bus service will be re-routed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32096/06]
Bus Éireann has advised my Department that it has not received an application for an extension to the route referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied. The parents should contact the local Bus Éireann office.
Paul Kehoe
Question:548 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science further to the ongoing difficulties regarding catchment area in Blackwater, County Wexford, the reason on 21 November 2005 and 22 June 2006 her Department issued a 1916 map as the definitive map to the vocational educational committee and the Ombudsman for Children; the reason on 11 January 2006 and in May 2006 her Department issued a 1978 map as the definitive map under the Freedom of Information Act 1997 and the Ombudsman for children; and the reason in May 2006 her Department instructed the VEC to obtain a different map mentioned as the definitive map. [32099/06]
Paul Kehoe
Question:550 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department having overruled the TLO of County Wexford and the use of the catchment area map that has been used for 38 years, then failed to provide the TLO with a valid reason for overruling the decision and the use of the map; the further reason her Department instructed the TLO of County Wexford to obtain a map from Bus Éireann and replace the vocational educational committee catchment area map with this map; the way in which her Department could approve the use of maps that corresponding boundaries do not match, local areas are shown in two catchments and local areas are shown in no catchments; and the reason the maps that have always been in use to determine transport eligibility in County Wexford have been changed or replaced. [32101/06]
Paul Kehoe
Question:551 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason, when her Department refused transport to 23 children from Blackwater, County Wexford on the basis of a map retained in the county TLO’s office, her Department then instructed the TLO to use a different map to the map issued to the Ombudsman under a freedom of information request and further referred to as the catchment area map held in her Department which is the definitive map, in the Dáil Éireann Debate of 22 November 2005 and in parliamentary questions of 26 and 31 January 2006 and 9 and 15 February 2006; the further reason the TLO of County Wexford was instructed to use a different map to the map referred to as the catchment area map held within her Department which is the definitive map to determine eligibility when the independent board of appeals ruled on the maps held within her Department. [32102/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 548, 550 and 551 together.
Under the terms of the Department of Education and Science Post Primary School Transport Scheme, a pupil is eligible for transport if he or she resides 4.8 kilometres or more from his or her local post primary education centre, that is, the centre serving the catchment area in which he or she lives. The scheme is not designed to facilitate parents who choose to send their children to a post primary centre outside of the catchment area in which they reside. However, children who are fully eligible for transport to the post primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside may apply for transport on a concessionary basis to a post primary centre outside of their own catchment area — otherwise known as catchment boundary transport. These children can only be facilitated if spare seats are available on the bus after all other eligible children travelling to their own post primary centre have been catered for. Such children have to make their own way to the nearest pick up point within that catchment area.
Catchment boundaries have their origins in the establishment of free post primary education in the late 1960's. For planning purposes, the country was divided into geographic districts, each with several primary schools feeding into a post primary education centre with one or more post primary schools. The intention was that these defined districts would facilitate the orderly planning of school provision and accommodation needs. They also facilitated the provision of a national school transport service, enabling children from remote areas to get to their nearest school.
Reviews of specific catchment boundaries may be carried out where appropriate. A number of reviews have been carried out over the years where, for example a new post primary school is established in an area where previously there was none or, conversely, where a "sole provider" school closes due to declining enrolment.
The Deputy should understand that, irrespective of the dates on the maps, eligibility for school transport at post-primary level is determined by way of distance from home to the education centre in the catchment area in which a pupil resides. A catchment area is defined within a boundary line on a map.
The Deputy will be aware, also, that a number of families from the Blackwater area lodged an appeal to the Independent School Transport Appeals Board against my Department's decision not to categorise their children as fully eligible for school transport to the Wexford post primary education centre. The Board upheld my Department's decision in the matter.
The School Transport Appeals Board is independent of my Department and it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in cases which have been considered by the Board.
Paul Kehoe
Question:549 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a number of children from Blackwater, County Wexford have been refused school transport. [32100/06]
Under the terms of the Department of Education and Science Post Primary School Transport Scheme, a pupil is eligible for transport if he or she resides 4.8 kilometres or more from his or her local post primary education centre, that is, the centre serving the catchment area in which he or she lives. The scheme is not designed to facilitate parents who choose to send their children to a post primary centre outside of the catchment area in which they reside. However, children who are fully eligible for transport to the post primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside may apply for transport on a concessionary basis to a post primary centre outside of their own catchment area — otherwise known as catchment boundary transport. These children can only be facilitated if spare seats are available on the bus after all other eligible children travelling to their own post primary centre have been catered for. Such children have to make their own way to the nearest pick up point within that catchment area. The Deputy should provide the names and addresses of the pupils concerned to the Transport Liaison Officer for County Wexford who will advise on their eligibility for school transport.
Questions Nos. 550 and 551 answered with Question No. 548.
Voluntary Sector Funding.
Denis Naughten
Question:552 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide funding to Down Syndrome Ireland in line with other similar organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32144/06]
My Department has no plans to provide dedicated funding to the Down Syndrome Ireland organisation. My Department does however provide funding for a range of initiatives within the school system to support pupils with Down Syndrome. The precise level of support is determined by the special educational needs of the particular child.
Children with Down Syndrome are entitled to additional provision in primary school, either under the terms of the general allocation system of teaching supports if the assessment places the child in the high incidence disability category or through an allocation of additional resources if the child is assessed as being within the low-incidence category of special need, as defined by my Department's circular SP ED 02/05.
My Department's policy is to ensure the maximum possible integration of children with special educational needs into ordinary mainstream schools. The precise model of provision made available will depend on the assessed needs of the pupils involved. Some pupils are capable of attending ordinary classes on an integrated basis with additional teacher and/or special needs assistant support. In other cases, the level of special need involved can be such as to warrant placement in a special school or a special class attached to an ordinary school. A range of such facilities is provided to cater for the variety of levels of need that can arise. Each special school and special class operates at a reduced pupil teacher ratio. The ratios in question can vary from 11:1 in the case of children with a mild general learning disability to 6:1 where more severe disabilities are involved. The pupil teacher ratios applicable in all cases are in line with those recommended by the Special Education Review Committee.
Children attending all such facilities also attract special rates of capitation funding and have access to special funding for the purchase of specialised equipment where required.
I am satisfied that the mechanisms are in place to provide appropriate resources for children with special needs in our schools, including those with Down Syndrome.
Summer Works Scheme.
Denis Naughten
Question:553 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide funding for a project (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32147/06]
An application has been received in my Department from the school referred to by the Deputy under the Summer Works Scheme 2007. My Department is currently assessing all applications received from schools. I intend to announce details of the approved schemes by the end of the year.
Defence Forces Reserve.
Bernard Allen
Question:554 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the number of Reserve Defence Force Officers promoted from 1 December 2005 to date in 2006 by rank and brigade. [31556/06]
The Military Authorities have advised that the number of Reserve Defence Force Officers promoted from 1 December 2005 to 30 September, 2006 by rank and Brigade, are as shown in the table.
|
Rank |
Eastern |
Southern |
Western |
Total |
|
2/Lieutenant to Lieutenant |
8 |
13 |
11 |
32 |
Radon Gas Levels.
Paudge Connolly
Question:555 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to restore the remediation grants scheme to assist householders to take preventative measures against the harmful effects of radon gas in their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31538/06]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 173 of 4 October 2006. The position remains unchanged.
Proposed Legislation.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:556 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when legislation for the regulation of management companies will be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32105/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Apartment complex management companies are generally constituted under the Companies Acts and are required to comply with the provisions of company law, which is a matter for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. 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.
The Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) will have the function of licensing, regulating and dealing with complaints relating to managing agents. These are commercial firms engaged by management companies to carry out day-to-day management and maintenance. The Authority will also have a public information function in relation to property management. The PSRA, and its functions, will be statutorily provided for in legislation now being prepared by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I understand that an Implementation Group and a Director Designate are already in place.
In addition 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.
Social and Affordable Housing.
Seán Crowe
Question:557 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that tenants purchasing dwellings under the tenant purchase scheme are paying more than persons purchasing dwellings under the affordable housing scheme; and his views on whether this anomaly needs to be addressed. [32287/06]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:573 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the terms of the national tenant purchase scheme, in view of the fact that local authority tenants can be expected to pay, in many cases, a significantly higher price for a property than participants of affordable housing schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31878/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 557 and 573 together.
It is open to local authority tenants to apply for affordable housing and their eligibility would be assessed by the relevant local authority in the normal manner. All aspects of the tenant purchase scheme are currently under review in accordance with the Government's commitment in the housing policy framework — Building Sustainable Communities, announced in December 2005. Details of the revised scheme will be announced over the coming months.
Housing Associations.
Catherine Murphy
Question:558 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he intends to take in relation to housing associations that are not conforming with the regulations under which they were set up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31484/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Voluntary and co-operative housing organisations are required to operate in accordance with the terms and conditions of my Department's capital funding schemes. Under Section 6(6) of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provision) Act 1992 the Minister may grant approved status to a housing body for the provision of housing. Approved status can be suspended or withdrawn in cases where an approved body ceases to comply with these conditions.
My Department, in consultation with the local authorities and the voluntary and co-operative housing sector, is currently examining measures to enhance governance of the voluntary and co-operative housing sector in the light of their increasing role in delivering on needs.
Housing Management Companies.
Joan Burton
Question:559 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the persons who should be responsible for the maintenance of shared facilities in relation to the role of management companies in mixed housing developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31485/06]
Joan Burton
Question:560 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the remit of the working group on management companies; the persons who are the members; when it expects to report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31486/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 559 and 560 together.
I have established a Working Group on Management Companies/Taking in Charge of Estates, representative of local authorities, builders, architects, planners and consumer interests. The Terms of Reference of the Working Group are:
To consider the question of responsibility for the maintenance of common shared facilities (roads, sewerage, footpaths, public lighting, large open spaces, smaller landscaped open spaces, car-parking, etc) in residential estates, including the newer type of mixed high-density estate, and to arrive at agreed policy solutions with a view to issuing appropriate guidance to planning authorities.
To consider the issues around completion of estates and the taking in charge process (having regard to the statutory requirements under section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000), to identify problems and arrive at agreed solutions, again with a view to issuing appropriate guidance.
The following is the list of members:
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government representatives:
Oonagh Buckley, Principal Officer, Planning Section (Chair)
Marian O'Driscoll, Assistant Principal Officer, Planning Section
Aileen Doyle, Senior Advisor, Planning
Aidan O'Connor, Principal Advisor, Housing
Liam Johnson, Assistant Principal Officer, Private Rented Sector
Local Authority representatives:
Ciaran McNamara, Executive Manager, Dublin City Council
David O'Connor, Director of Planning Services, Fingal County Council
Paul Ridge, Director of Planning Services, Galway County Council
Other interests
Catherine Courage, National Consumer Agency
Hubert Fitzpatrick, Irish Home Builders Association
Philip Jones, Irish Planning Institute/Royal Town Planning Institute
Bryan O'Rourke, Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland.
The Working Group met on 28 September and will meet again at intervals of about 3 weeks. The Group aims to produce a draft guidance document by the end of this year, to be issued as part of my Department's revised residential development guidelines. In accordance with the Terms of Reference, the question of who should be responsible for the maintenance of certain shared facilities in the newer type of mixed estate (that is, whether, and to what extent, planning authorities should take these in charge, or what responsibilities residents should have for maintenance) will be a key consideration for the Working Group.
Joan Burton
Question:561 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he proposes to take regarding the resolution of disputes between residents and management companies; his further views on the fact that many residents incur civil debts in regard to dispute resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31488/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
I am very conscious of the issues now arising in relation to apartment management generally. This system of property management is relatively new in this country and a variety of questions has emerged. A number of responses are under way involving the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Law Reform Commission and the National Consumer Agency. My Department is also engaging with local authorities and the construction industry on the matter.
Arrangements for managing and maintaining the communal elements of private apartment complexes are increasingly being addressed by management companies. In general these are constituted under the Companies Acts and are required to comply with the provisions of company law which is a matter for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It is understood that proposals are being developed by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for amendment to company law which it is expected will include certain provisions relating to management companies.
The National Consumer Agency published a report on management fees and service charges on 4 October. This was supplemented by a booklet entitled "Property Management Companies and You" which is a simple guide for persons thinking of buying or who have bought an apartment. This booklet will no doubt be of assistance to such persons and help to reduce the information deficit in this area.
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.
The Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) will have the function of licensing, regulating and dealing with complaints relating to managing agents. These are commercial firms engaged by management companies to carry out day-to-day management and maintenance. The Authority will also have a public information function in relation to property management. The PSRA, and its functions, will be statutorily provided for in legislation now being prepared by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I understand that an Implementation Group and a Director Designate are already in place.
Election Management System.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:562 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the provision he has made to ensure that people working and living abroad can obtain a postal vote for the forthcoming general election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31507/06]
In order to be able to vote at elections and referenda in this jurisdiction, a person's name must be entered in the register of electors for a constituency in the State in which the person ordinarily resides.
Postal voting is provided for in respect of certain categories of person as specified in electoral law. The Electoral Act 1992 provides for postal voting by wholetime members of the Defence Forces, members of the Garda, and Irish diplomats serving abroad and their spouses. Subsequent legislation enacted by the Oireachtas has extended postal voting to other categories: electors living at home who are unable to vote because of a physical illness or a physical disability (the Electoral (Amendment) Act 1996); electors whose occupation, service or employment makes it likely that they will be unable to vote in person at their local polling station on polling day – in these cases, the law provides for completion of the necessary voting documentation at a Garda station (the Electoral Act 1997); fulltime students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State (the Electoral Act 1997); and certain election staff employed at the poll outside the constituency where they reside (the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001).
While electoral law is subject to ongoing review, there are no proposals to alter the existing arrangements along the lines referred to in the Question.
Register of Electors.
Trevor Sargent
Question:563 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the rationale for making the edited register of electors available to commercial interests in order that it can be used for direct marketing and other purposes; if he will provide a list of the commercial or other organisations which have been provided with a copy of the register; the revenue which has been generated through this scheme; and the non-statutory uses which the register has been put to since 2004. [31561/06]
In response to concerns expressed about uses of the register of electors and following consultation with the Data Protection Commissioner, the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001 provided for an edited version of the register in addition to the full register.
The relevant provisions are aimed at ensuring that the full register is used solely for electoral or other statutory purposes, while permitting registration details to be used for other purposes, through the edited register, with the consent of the persons concerned. The edited register, therefore, contains only the names of persons who have no objection to their details being used for purposes other than electoral or other statutory purposes.
The edited register provisions came into force on 1 November 2004 and it is an offence, under section 13A of the Electoral Act 1992, to use the full register except for electoral or other statutory purposes. Details in relation to the operation of these provisions are a matter for the local registration authorities in accordance with electoral law.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:564 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the Innishannon, Ballinadee, Ballinspittle and Garretstown water supply scheme; if it will proceed; the estimated cost and expected timeframe of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31603/06]
The Innishannon (Ballinadee/Ballinspittle/Garrettstown) Water Supply Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 under the Rural Towns and Villages Initiative at an estimated cost of €6.53 million.
My Department is awaiting the submission of contract documents for the scheme by Cork County Council.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:565 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the Ballinspittle, Garretstown and Old Head sewerage scheme; the estimated cost of same; when it will go to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31604/06]
The Garrettstown Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a scheme to advance through planning at an estimated cost of €2.09m.
Cork County Council's Preliminary Report for this scheme is being examined in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible. Once the Preliminary Report has been approved the Council will be in a position to advance the scheme to construction without further reference to my Department in accordance with streamlined approval procedures I introduced earlier this year to advance progress under the Water Services Investment Programme.
Michael Ring
Question:566 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position with regard to a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo. [31674/06]
The Mayo Towns and Villages Sewerage Scheme, of which Ballyheane is an element, 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 €6.07m.
My Department is awaiting submission of Mayo County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme.
Consultancy Contracts.
Arthur Morgan
Question:567 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent to date by his Department on private consultants for their role in the implementation of each of the different regional waste management strategies. [31695/06]
Under the Waste Management Acts the statutory power for the preparation, review and adoption of waste management plans rests with the relevant local authorities, generally acting in regional groupings. Costs associated with this process are a matter for the authorities concerned. My Department has no direct role in this matter and does not directly incur costs in relation to it.
Environmental Policy.
Catherine Murphy
Question:568 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which he proposes to respond to the upcoming report of the European Environment Agency which cites Dublin as a negative example of what can happen if you let the money flow without having a vision of balanced development; the plans he has put in place or proposes to put in place to tackle the adverse effects of such urban sprawl both around Dublin and throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31765/06]
I understand that the European Environment Agency's report is not yet published but I look forward to examining its findings fully when it is released.
Nevertheless, it should be borne in mind that Ireland is experiencing huge levels of population growth across all counties, with the national population rising by over 8% in the last four years alone. This unparalleled growth, together with unprecedented economic expansion have placed large demands on housing and associated infrastructures. This represents a new challenge for the regional balance of development across the country, and for dealing with increasing pressures in the urban environs of Dublin.
The Government has acted swiftly and on a broad front to ensure that the provision of new houses and apartments is undertaken in a manner that is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable. A key policy response has been the National Spatial Strategy (NSS), which was published in November 2002.
In addition, the Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area, which were originally published in 1999 and further updated in 2004, translate the NSS into regional strategies and objectives. These guidelines emphasise the need 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 principles of the RPGs are now reflected in city and county development plans and the effects of these policies are being seen in more integrated and strategic planning policies at local level.
Moreover, the 1999 Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Residential Density included specific objectives for more compact urban development by seeking to assist planning authorities in achieving high quality residential density at appropriate locations, in conjunction with improved public transport systems. These guidelines are currently being reviewed and updated to take account of changing population and settlement patterns and the extensive experience built up since the introduction of the 1999 guidelines in the design, assessment and development of higher density proposals.
I am confident that the continuing implementation of the policies outlined above will have a positive influence on bringing about more compact urban design and sustainable development into the future.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Michael Ring
Question:569 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [31805/06]
The Rathowen Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005 – 2007 as a scheme to advance through planning at an estimated cost of €1.28m.
My Department approved the Preliminary Report for this scheme in November 2005. Certain additional information was requested from the Council and as soon as this is provided the Council may advance the scheme to construction without any further reference to my Department in accordance with the streamlined procedures I introduced earlier this year to advance progress under the Water Services Investment Programme.
Local Authority Staff.
Catherine Murphy
Question:570 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of local authorities that employ an archivist; the remit of such an archivist; the instruction which was issued to local authorities by his Department under Section 65 of the 1994 and Section 80 of the 2001 Local Government Acts respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31806/06]
Information supplied to my Department by local authorities indicates that 12 authorities currently employ an Archivist.
Local authorities were required by section 65 of the Local Government Act, 1994 and more recently Section 80 of the Local Government Act 2001 to make proper arrangements for the management, custody, care and conservation of their records and archives and to provide public access to their archives. In order to support and encourage local authorities this Department, with the assistance of the National Archives, put in place a strategy for the development of archives services.
A survey of the records and archives held by local authorities was conducted in 1995 by the National Archives on behalf of this Department, and a subsequent report on the development of the local authority archives service was published, and is available on the Department's website.
A subsidy scheme was established under which local authorities may recoup 50% of the salary of an archivist employed by them provided the archivist is employed on a regional basis. This scheme was reviewed and a revised scheme notified to local authorities in 1999.
Local authorities may also qualify for up to 50% subsidy in respect of leasing accommodation for the purposes of processing archives, and archives storage facilities have been funded as part of some library projects.
Register of Electors.
Arthur Morgan
Question:571 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if citizens of this State who are working and staying during weekly working days at a location here, but outside of the local authority area where they reside, and who are not registered to vote in the local authority area where they work, are entitled to register to vote in their home address; if there is consistency on this issue across all local authority areas; and if he will clarify this matter as soon as possible in order that the new register of electors is accurate. [31807/06]
The compilation and publication of the register of electors is a matter for each local registration authority in accordance with electoral law. While I have put in place a programme of measures to assist and support local authorities in their registration work, it is the duty of local authorities to ensure as far as possible the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the register; in carrying out this work, local authorities depend to a significant degree on the cooperation and engagement of the general public.
Section 8 of the Electoral Act 1992 states that to be eligible for registration as a Dáil elector a person must be ordinarily resident in a constituency on the qualifying date (1 September in the year preceding the year in which the Register comes into force). Section 11 of the Act places a prohibition on a person being registered as an elector more than once in any registration area or in more than one registration area.
Long standing guidance from the Department suggests that students be given the option of being registered at their parents' home or at the students residential address. While the guidance further suggests that persons who normally return to their parents' home at the weekends and for holidays should be registered where they live for work purposes, the determination of ordinary residence is a matter for decision by the local authority in the light of the circumstances of each particular case. On publication of the Draft Register of Electors on 1 November, individuals, if they wish, can make a claim to have their registration details altered and the matter will be determined by the County Registrar.
Local Government.
Catherine Murphy
Question:572 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the specific outstanding issues which remain to be resolved in order to allow the creation of new town councils to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31877/06]
The Local Government Act 2001 modernises the legislative framework, supports community involvement with local authorities in a more participative local democracy and underpins generally the programme of local government renewal. The 2001 Act also facilitates improved access, interaction, linkages and service provision for all towns and areas with their respective county councils. Local authorities, as part of the local government modernisation programme, also have extensive capacity to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances and local demands, including those of economic and population growth.
I am considering the steps necessary to commence the relevant provisions of the 2001 Act in respect of new town councils and I am in discussion with local government interests, as the opportunities arise, on the prospective functional responsibilities of such town councils. I continue to keep the position under review, while consolidating progress on quality customer service measures, with the aim of ensuring good accessible local government service delivery for all towns.
Question No. 573 answered with QuestionNo. 557.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Jerry Cowley
Question:574 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of the revised scheme and proposals for the Achill Sound sewerage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31879/06]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 316 of 28 September 2006. Detailed information about Mayo County Council's proposals may be obtained from the Council.
Seymour Crawford
Question:575 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding which has been provided by his Department towards upgrading or extending group water schemes on a county by county basis for 2006; if he is satisfied that all the funding available under this scheme will be fully utilised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31881/06]
The information requested is set out in the table. I am satisfied that the 2006 allocation for the Rural Water Programme will be fully utilised.
|
County |
Total Allocated |
|
€ |
|
|
Carlow |
2,535,000 |
|
Cavan |
7,200,000 |
|
Clare |
8,445,000 |
|
Cork (North) |
700,000 |
|
Cork (South) |
1,137,000 |
|
Cork (West) |
1,210,000 |
|
Donegal |
3,640,000 |
|
Galway |
18,583,000 |
|
Kerry |
2,385,000 |
|
Kildare |
1,677,000 |
|
Kilkenny |
2,051,000 |
|
Laois |
2,583,000 |
|
Leitrim |
3,250,000 |
|
Limerick |
11,000,000 |
|
Longford |
1,920,000 |
|
Louth |
339,000 |
|
Mayo |
17,000,000 |
|
Meath |
854,000 |
|
Monaghan |
2,244,000 |
|
North Tipperary |
5,400,000 |
|
Offaly |
1,332,000 |
|
Roscommon |
4,200,000 |
|
Sligo |
4,600,000 |
|
South Tipperary |
440,000 |
|
Waterford |
290,000 |
|
Westmeath |
750,000 |
|
Wexford |
2,911,000 |
|
Wicklow |
4,499,000 |
Control of Dogs.
Seán Haughey
Question:576 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that there is adequate legislation in place to protect innocent pedestrians walking their pets from being savagely attacked by vicious dogs such as Kerry Blue dogs and pit bull terriers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31977/06]
The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 place controls on ten breeds of dogs, including the Pit Bull Terriers and strains and crosses of these dogs. The controls, which must be observed when the dog is in a public place, require that these dogs, or types and crosses thereof, must be kept on a short lead by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling them and that they be securely muzzled. Furthermore, the Control of Dogs Act 1986 gives specific powers to the courts to order that a dog, which the court considers dangerous, must be kept under proper control or be destroyed. I am satisfied that these provisions provide an adequate level of control and it is not proposed to introduce additional measures, including in relation to additional breeds such as the Kerry Blue, at this stage.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:577 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to a scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31998/06]
The Malin Town Sewerage Scheme has been approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 under the Rural Towns and Villages Initiative at an estimated cost of €1.6 million.
My Department is examining Donegal County Council's application for a procurement/construction stage budget for the scheme and a decision will be conveyed to the Council shortly. In the meantime, the Council is free to proceed to tender and construction without further reference to my Department in accordance with the streamlined procedures I introduced earlier this year to advance progress the Water Services Investment Programme.
Local Authority Housing.
Seán Ryan
Question:578 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the grants available to the local authorities for the provision of central heating and remedial improvement works for local authority houses; if an application has been received from Fingal County Council for a grant towards the replacement of windows in houses and the installation of central hearing; and if so, when he proposes to notify the council. [31999/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
I refer to the reply to Question No. 559 of 5 July 2006. The position is unchanged.
Local Authority Funding.
Seymour Crawford
Question:579 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on changing the LIS scheme to allow lanes belonging to individuals to be grant aided in the same way as lanes where two or more people own land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32079/06]
Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides the statutory basis for the Local Improvements Scheme (LIS) and my Department's Local Improvements Scheme Memorandum, which issued in February 2002, sets out the terms and conditions for the payment of LIS grants. Under the Scheme, grants are provided to County Councils for the construction and improvement of non-public roads which provide access to parcels of land of which at least two are owned or occupied by different persons engaged in separate agricultural activities, or provide access for harvesting purposes for two or more persons, or which will in the opinion of the county council be used by the public. There is no proposal to amend the legislation or the terms and conditions governing the Scheme.
Housing Management Companies.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:580 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he will take to ensure the recommendations of the National Consumer Association in respect of management companies are enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32106/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
I refer to reply to Questions Nos. 1514, 1515, 1516, and 1551 of 27 September 2006.
The National Consumer Agency Report in relation to management fees and service charges was published on 4 October. The report is welcome and its production is timely as there are a number of ongoing developments taking place in this complex area involving a number of different Government Departments and agencies as indicated in the above reply.
Two recommendations of the report are stated to be for action by my Department.
Recommendation 12 is that the contract between the developer and the management company to convey the title of the buildings and common areas to the management company should include a contractual obligation on the developer to attend to the management company's snag list, prepared by an independent architect/surveyor and that this should be implemented by means of an amendment to planning legislation. I do not consider that planning legislation is an appropriate vehicle for implementing this recommendation measure. The regulation of the contract to convey title to property is a conveyancing matter.
Recommendation 25 refers to the completion of developments in accordance with the terms of the planning permissions and makes reference to section 35 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. As I have stated above, planning authorities already have substantial enforcement powers and duties under the legislation. Section 35 of the 2000 Act provides that planning authorities may refuse to grant planning permission, subject to the consent of the High Court, to any developer who has seriously failed to comply with a previous planning permission: the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006, which was enacted on 16 July 2006 effectively reversed the burden of proof here – the planning authority will now be empowered to refuse permission in such a case and the developer will have to go to the High Court if he wishes to apply to have this decision overturned. I intend to commence the relevant section of the 2006 Act very shortly.