Vol. 626 No. 3
12 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he expects applications will be accepted for funding under the access and capital projects relating to arts projects; the projects that have been funded by county in 2006; if those areas that have experienced rapid population growth where community facilities are deficient will receive priority in the 2007 allocations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34703/06]
On 24th July last, I announced a new scheme to support investment in arts and culture infrastructure. This new scheme, called ACCESS II, or the Arts and Culture Enhancement Support Scheme II, will run from 2007 to 2009. The scheme is intended to provide a further impetus to the refurbishment and development of arts and culture facilities — thereby enhancing the quality of life for our citizens. While the intention is to prioritise the enhancement and maintenance of existing facilities, provision is made to support new projects under the terms of the scheme.
This scheme is a successor to the highly successful ACCESS scheme, introduced in August 2001, which allocated €45.71m to the promoters of 44 projects.
Applications under ACCESS II will be accepted until 17th November 2006 and the selection of projects will be undertaken in close collaboration with the Arts Council. An independent Committee will assess project proposals received and will make recommendations to me for consideration. Obviously, the period of assessment will depend on the number of applications received. I hope, however, to be in a position to announce the successful applicants early next year.
Considerations will include the extent to which the applicant projects:
Improve and extend access to, or participation in, the arts within the catchment area of the relevant facility;
Address a gap in provision, or address a proven need, within the relevant area;
Are compatible with the National Spatial Strategy, or with objectives of other Government policies, including the Arts Council's strategy, ‘Partnership for Arts'.
On 24th August last, I also announced additional investment of €16.4 million in the arts and culture sector. This is divided between the Arts Council, the Irish Film Board and theatre and arts organisations throughout the country. This allocation was as a direct result of savings that have been made in my Department. A total of 29 arts and cultural projects will benefit from the funding which will enable them to proceed with refurbishment, renovation and repair works, to purchase equipment, fixtures and fittings and to improve access.
I will provide the Deputy with a listing of these 29 projects, broken down on a county basis, for her information.
13 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the fact that no large scale Hollywood feature film has located here since 2003; and his further views on whether there must be a review of the structure and nature of State support for film in order to allow Ireland to compete in the international film market and to promote domestically produced films. [34805/06]
31 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the efforts being made to attract international filmmakers to Ireland to shoot and produce their films here; if he has met with the new head of the Irish Film Board’s US office in Los Angeles to discuss this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34804/06]
35 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans for the extension of Section 481 beyond 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34873/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 31 and 35 together.
Primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions is a matter for the Irish Film Board. This agency is funded through my Department and is independent of the Department in its operations.
Funding from my Department to the Board in 2006 amounts to €19.426m, including an additional €2.3m. allocated in recent months. In further recognition of the importance of Ireland as a film location, I was pleased to note the recent opening by the Board of an office in Los Angeles and the appointment of a US Film Commissioner. This Film Commissioner will establish closer contacts with the leading studios in their homebase, and so help to further improve co-ordination of efforts to secure future inward productions to Ireland. Such Board appointments are a matter for that agency and I will meet the new appointee in the course of business.
Attracting major international productions to the State is a particularly complex business, subject, as it is, to the dynamics of international competition, including new and enhanced incentives; lower cost structures and exchange rates.
There is a constant need to react to changing circumstances, be it in the type of projects being developed, the audiences to be reached, or the markets to be targeted. The evidence of a capacity to adapt can be seen in the Short Film Oscar for "Six Shooter " and the Palme d'Or for "THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY" at the Cannes Film Festival.
My Department's direct function in supporting the film sector relates to the administration of elements of the Section 481 scheme. In addition to the increased supports granted to the Irish Film Board, the Government has reacted to the changing dynamics with major improvements to the Section 481 scheme, the most recent being in the Finance Act 2006. These changes lifted the maximum amount of a film budget that can be raised from €15m. to €35m. and increased the maximum percentage of a project's budget which can be raised from between 55%-66% to 80%. These changes represented the most significant improvements ever in the scheme and were designed to increase Ireland's attractiveness as a film-making location.
In conjunction with the Irish Film Board, the total effects of these initiatives are constantly kept under review. Further consideration of the operation of the Section 481 scheme will be based on the experience over time of the latest changes.
I am pleased to note however, the incentives for which we have responsibility have been successful in attracting some major Television productions to the State in the past 12 months, including the US drama series "the Tudors", and "Rough Diamond".
I wish to assure the Deputies that I exercise a close scrutiny of the effects of these incentives and am committed to examining ways of developing the Irish film sector and supporting Ireland's competitiveness abroad.
14 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he expects to launch the results of Tourism Ireland’s review of the North American market; the estimate as to the economic value of visitors from North America to Ireland; his views on whether the national tourist industry is in a position to exploit the benefits of increased numbers of North American visitors during the period of the Ryder Cup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34810/06]
As part of its operational responsibility for marketing the island of Ireland as a tourism destination overseas, Tourism Ireland carried out a major Review of the North American Market. I launched the Review on Tuesday last. The full Review is available on Tourism Ireland's website, www.tourismireland.com.
North America remains one of the core markets for Irish tourism and its visitors are particularly important because they tend to stay longer, spend more and travel more widely within Ireland than the average visitor.
In 2005, it is estimated that the almost 1 million North American visitors to Ireland generated foreign earnings of over €700 million. Current data for 2006 suggest that those visitor numbers are still growing, with an increase of close to 10% to end August compared to the similar period last year.
Notwithstanding this performance and the level of latent demand identified in the Tourism Ireland Review, we are faced with a continuing challenge in the US market, in particular, due to the access restrictions imposed by the current Bilateral Agreement on air transport.
Tourism Ireland's Review clearly identifies the need for increased capacity on the Atlantic route if Ireland is to fully exploit the US market and identifies a number of gateways where increased or new services would be beneficial.
The success of the hosting of the Ryder Cup matches in Ireland has been widely acclaimed. I am confident that there will be a lasting benefit to our tourism industry, and the golf sector in particular, as a result of the raising of Ireland's profile internationally.
International experience suggests that the real spin-off of very major international sporting events comes in the years immediately succeeding the event. It is vital, therefore, that we have a clear strategy in place to build on the exposure that the Ryder Cup matches has given us. This has been addressed by the Tourism Agencies and I believe that the industry here is well placed to reap the benefits of the great success of the event in the years ahead.
15 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the steps he is taking to support regional tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34698/06]
29 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on whether the growth of visitor numbers to this country is not matched by a growth in revenue, which is affecting rural hotels in particular, as low cost travel is bringing in a lower spending tourist for shorter periods of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34876/06]
45 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has satisfied himself with the regional balance of tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34697/06]
49 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has established the boards of the reconstituted RTA’s; the role they will play in the future development of tourism here especially in addressing the growing east/west divide as regards tourism spend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34706/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 29, 45 and 49 together.
As I have advised the House on a number of occasions this year, most recently on 6th July, individual actions and measures relating to tourism promotion or development at regional level are day-to-day functions of the State Tourism Agencies.
CSO statistics for overseas tourism for 2005 are very positive with almost 7 million visitors, and overseas revenue earnings, excluding carrier receipts, up by almost 8% to €3.5 billion. These results represent a very robust performance by the sector in an increasingly competitive industry internationally. Performance to date in 2006, too, is very encouraging with CSO figures for the first six months of the year showing almost 5.3 million visits to Ireland — an increase of 11% over the same period in 2005, well ahead of Tourism Ireland's target of 4.9%. According to the latest CSO data, the comparable increase in total foreign exchange earnings from tourism was 7% for the first six months of the year by comparison with the same period last year.
Growth in earnings is not matching the growth in numbers primarily because a 22% increase in the number of visitors from Mainland Europe for the first six months was associated with an increase of only 4% in expenditure. This reflects the large increase in arrivals from the EU accession countries, and Poland in particular. There is also evidence of a drop in the daily spend from the traditional tourist markets. A similar situation exists with regard to visitors from the rest of the world where a 5% increase in visitor numbers was accompanied by a 3% drop in expenditure. The failure of expenditure from ‘rest of world' visitors, despite a 13% increase in spend per day, to match the growth in such visitor numbers, reflects a shortening of the average length of stay. On the other hand, spend by British and North American visitors has kept pace with the increase in their numbers.
While overall the relative strength of the British and North American spend augurs well for the industry, there is concern regarding expenditure levels from the main European markets — although there may be an improvement in the performance ex Mainland Europe during the peak holiday months of July and August. Both Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland are continuing their efforts to help the industry to address the issues behind this trend that is very much a global phenomenon and by its nature impacts on the holiday business at a regional level.
The home holiday market is an increasingly important component of the tourism business in Ireland particularly in terms of seasonal and regional spread. In 2005, 86% of holiday trips and 89% of holiday nights by domestic tourists were spent outside the Dublin area. This offsets, to some extent, the relative strength of Dublin in the overseas visitors market. In 2005, expenditure on domestic tourism was up across all regions — albeit at different rates and while CSO figures for expenditure on domestic tourism to date in 2006 are not yet available, industry reports to Fáilte Ireland up to September of this year are encouraging.
I believe that the new regional tourism structures will help to optimise the benefits of our tourism success across the regions. As Deputies may be aware, on 29th August last I announced the appointment of the Chairs of the five new Regional Tourism Development Boards. I understand from Fáilte Ireland that four of the Boards are now in place, and that they expect the fifth to be finalised shortly. One of the Boards, the North West Regional Tourism Development Board, held its inaugural meeting on 13 October last, to be followed by the South East Regional Tourism Development Board on 27 October. The other Boards are expected to hold their inaugural meetings early in November. The key priority for the new Boards is to ensure a greater focus on the individual needs of each region at a national level and direct involvement for the regions in the development of national policy and tourism strategy.
With the new regional tourism arrangements facilitating enhanced tourism performance in the regions, various region specific initiatives introduced this year by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland Ltd will further help to address this situation.
In 2006, Fáilte Ireland is investing in excess of €60 million on developing regional tourism, from supporting local festivals to building capability and strengthening the tourism product itself. Of this amount Fáilte Ireland is channelling €10 million directly to the regions to strengthen and enhance their operational and marketing capabilities this year. This investment is designed to ensure both a high quality visitor servicing experience at key tourist information offices and also a strong overseas promotional effort.
The "Super-Regions" initiative launched by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland earlier this year is based on new strategic marketing alliances between adjoining Tourism Regions, positioning them to more fully exploit international market opportunities. The initiative, which presents a better, more tangible concept of Ireland's regions to potential consumers abroad, has been well received by the industry.
Other Fáilte Ireland key initiatives include:
The new Local Area Marketing Fund to support the industry in generating additional business in 2006 and 2007.
An investment of €4m by Fáilte Ireland to sustain the recent remarkable growth in the home market.
Activities and attractions — things to do and see — are central to increasing visitor spend and it is especially important for rural areas to configure their accommodation and activity offering to appeal to Irish and overseas tourists. Over the past three years, Fáilte Ireland, under its ERDF co-funded Tourism Product Development Scheme, has allocated over €45 million to support 70 capital projects across the country. It will continue to assist in product development including, for example, looped walks, angling, festivals, cycling routes, equestrian, golfing and water based activities, and to support, through its €1million innovation fund, industry groups seeking to develop and market new tourism initiatives.
16 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the fall in the number of salmon anglers visiting Ireland from overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34868/06]
The 1990s witnessed the start of a steady decline in visiting overseas anglers, driven by a combination of factors, many of which were outside the control of the industry, such as, changing angling trends in the UK, the aging of the angling population, foot and mouth disease, 9/11, depletion of fish stocks but also the development of other tourism products, such as city breaks, and poorly targeted marketing investment.
Significant research was carried out in 2004 during which key stakeholders were consulted. Issues identified by anglers in the research included:
Lack of information
Concerns regarding the quality of fishing
Difficulty in accessing fishing
Complex licensing requirements and
Declining value for money.
Following this research, an angling strategy was developed and a committee made up of representatives of Fáilte Ireland, the Fisheries Boards, regional tourism interests and Tourism Ireland was set up to implement the strategy.
A cornerstone of the strategy is the promotion of ‘Centres of Excellence' that offer the visiting angler an exceptional angling experience. The list of ‘Centres of Excellence' will cover all angling disciplines — game, coarse, sea and pike.
These centres have been identified and discussed with angling representative groups and the tourism angling industry. Fáilte Ireland will work with the industry to assist in the promotion of the best available product.
Going forward, the industry needs to focus on strategic marketing of those segments of the market where existing supply can meet expectations and at the same time, working with the various stakeholders such as the Regional Fisheries Boards, Local Authorities and angling clubs to ensure development and maintenance of fish stocks. The Government is currently considering proposals on the management of salmon stocks.
I believe that angling retains the potential to remain an important niche sector for Irish tourism, particularly in more rural parts of the country, and to provide overseas visitors in particular with an enriching experience of Ireland.
17 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the efforts he is making to ensure that funding for the arts is equally spread across all parts of the country; his views on whether funding for smaller projects has disproportionately focused on cultural and arts centres in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34814/06]
The Arts Council is the principal agency through which State funding is channelled to the arts. Neither my Department nor I have a function in deciding on the extent of Arts Council funding for particular projects or venues. Indeed, the Arts Act, 2003, underpins the Council's independence in this context. Funding for the Arts Council in 2006 comes to €72.31 million, an increase of nine per cent on the 2005 figure. In addition, I recently awarded an additional €7.5m for 2006 to the Arts Council to fund its capital programme.
The main vehicle for direct capital funding by my Department is the Arts & Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS). Under the first phase of that scheme €45.7 million was allocated for the development of 44 arts and cultural facilities throughout the country. The increase in the availability of facilities and the enhancement in their quality has greatly increased access to and participation in the arts for many people.
Last August I announced a new funding scheme called ACCESS II. This scheme will run for the years 2007 to 2009. The primary focus of the scheme will be the refurbishment and enhancement of existing arts and culture facilities. Applications for this scheme will be accepted until November 17th next.
Of the capital projects announced in August 2006, the percentage of funding available allocated to projects in Co. Kerry amounted to 3.41% of the total.
18 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the reported increase in the taking of steroids by young athletes, especially in inter-school competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34869/06]
I have been advised by the Irish Sports Council, the statutory body responsible for the operation of the National Anti-Doping Programme, that there are no indications that the taking of steroids by young athletes is an escalating problem in Ireland. However, it is an area of concern, which the Sports Council's Anti Doping Unit intends to address through its Educational and Research Programme.
Parents, teachers, coaches and athlete support personnel of young athletes must take responsibility for educating and supporting young athletes and avoid a ‘win at all costs' attitude. All involved should promote positive attitudes and values in young athletes, and encourage a drug-free sporting environment.
The use of anabolic steroids in sport is prohibited. The use of these substances is very dangerous and has caused death or severe health problems for many athletes. Designer steroids, such as THG, may not have been tested on humans and therefore their side effects are unknown.
Currently, the Anti Doping Unit of the Irish Sports Council provides high quality relevant information on anti-doping in sport. A new education programme, similar to the UK Sport ‘100% Me' initiative, will be rolled out by the Sports Council to increase understanding of drug free sport at all levels of sport in Ireland, including competitors at school-level competition.
The Irish Sports Council has a reliable doping control process in place to deter and detect the use of prohibited substances and methods. While, at present, the focus of testing is at the elite level of participation, the Anti-Doping Unit works with the National Governing Bodies of Sport to identify the most appropriate level of testing of athletes. Athletes who compete at international level, be it in school competition or outside of school-specific competition, are also subject to testing by their sport's International Federation.
19 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the 2005 annual report of Horse Racing Ireland; his plans to support the industry in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34825/06]
The 2005 Annual Report of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) highlights the unprecedented success enjoyed by Ireland's horse racing industry in 2005, both at home and abroad. There was a record nine Irish trained winners at the Cheltenham Festival in March followed by eight Irish winners at Aintree in April, while at home, the Punchestown Festival was once again a major success. On the flat Aidan O'Brien won three English Classics. There were four Irish trained winners at the Royal Ascot meeting, including Azamour who went on to take the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Newbury in great style. Aidan O'Brien's Oratorio also won the Coral Eclipse Stakes at Sandown in July.
Significant increases were recorded in all key areas of performance with attendances reaching an all time record of 1.43 million, record Tote turnover of almost €49.3 million and a record number of 2,241 races run, an increase of 45 over 2004. The Festival meetings at Galway, the Curragh, Listowel, Punchestown and Leopardstown all showed growth, with Galway recording an Irish all time daily attendance record of 52,600 on 28th July.
2005 saw many significant developments under HRI's Capital Development Fund for Irish Racecourses, which was launched in November 2004. The Fund will provide for up to €200 million capital development in Irish racecourses over a five-year period, with HRI providing €110 million and the balance to be provided by the racecourses. Galway Racecourse announced a €22 million development plan, which will involve the demolition of the existing West Stand and the construction of a new grandstand facility in time for the 2007 festival. HRI also approved the development of Ireland's first all-weather racetrack, to be built at Dundalk. HRI will provide over €10 million in grant aid for the project, which will be completed in 2007. This new track will be Ireland's first all-weather track, first floodlit track and the first combined horse and greyhound racing facility. Killarney racecourse was also approved for grant aid towards its €1.7 million re-development of the weigh room and other facilities. New facilities were also opened at Ballinrobe racecourse.
This Government's commitment to funding the Irish horse racing industry, through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, has enabled Horse Racing Ireland to undertake long-term planning, which will result in the transformation of Irish racecourses in the coming years and has generated significant revenue for the Irish economy. In 2004, the Government put in place regulations to increase the limit of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund from €254m to €550m and to continue the Fund for a further four years to 2008.
20 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a cost benefit analysis has been carried out on staging the Ryder Cup in the K Club; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34828/06]
21 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of State funding spent on staging the Ryder Cup in September 2006 in the K-Club, Co. Kildare, including tourism and Fáilte Ireland, the various Government Departments including Environment, Heritage and Local Government; if an evaluation has been carried out on the cost and benefit of the event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34701/06]
24 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the television viewership figures recorded in North America and Europe for the Ryder Cup; if these figures fell short of Government expectations; if this will have a detrimental effect on the marketing opportunities that presented themselves for Ireland for the duration of the tournament; his further views on whether this was partly caused by the failure to list the Ryder Cup as a free to air television event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34803/06]
25 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on whether longterm damage has been done to the tourism industry here by efforts to financially exploit many visitors, especially those from North America, who came here during the Ryder Cup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34824/06]
26 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the benefits of the staging of the Ryder Cup here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34823/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 21 and 24 to 26, inclusive, together.
The Agreement signed with the PGA European Tour in 1998 for the staging of the Ryder Cup in Ireland provided for a payment of €9.5m to the Tour over the intervening period. Of this, the Exchequer, through Fáilte Ireland, contributed €4.9m and the three co-sponsors contributed the balance (Bord Bia, Waterford Crystal, AIB).
An additional €4.5 million was allocated to Fáilte Ireland in 2006 specifically to support an enhanced programme of marketing and promotional activities around the Ryder Cup, including a National Branding Programme and a number of golf marketing initiatives. Additional funding is also being provided to Fáilte Ireland this year to support costs associated with a complementary programme of events with the European Tour, including the official opening and closing ceremonies that made such a positive impact on international and domestic audiences. The aim of these programmes was to capitalise on the opportunities offered by the unique event that is the Ryder Cup with a view to promoting an enduring positive image of Irish Tourism.
I am not in a position to provide the Deputy with information relating to expenditure that does not fall within the aegis of my Department.
There is, I believe, little evidence to suggest that any significant inflated pricing occurred around the Ryder Cup. The tourism agencies were particularly vigilant in all of their dealings with the various elements of the industry and urged a commonsense approach to the pricing of their product during the period of the Ryder Cup. Furthermore, the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, at the request of my Department, undertook a special initiative around that time to ensure that price lists in catering establishments and licensed premises were displayed prominently. In this regard I refer the Deputies to the reply given by my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in response to a Question, reference number 21922/06, on 11 October last.
I am informed by Failte Ireland that the research unit of the European Tour is currently undertaking a full review of delivered TV audiences in terms of both live and deferred coverage and any subsequent magazine style shows. This work will continue for a number of weeks. However, the early indications on live coverage numbers across our two key source markets, Great Britain and the USA are that the TV audiences for SKY and BBC were up when compared to previous Ryder Cup events, while NBC's viewership numbers on the Saturday and Sunday were down on the previous Ryder Cup. I am satisfied that the "free to air" issue was not a significant factor in the coverage numbers for European and American TV audiences.
The success of Ryder Cup 2006, in terms of organisation and the presentation of a positive image of Ireland, has been widely acclaimed. Based on the experience of past tournaments, it has been estimated that the economic benefits of the event to Ireland are of the order of €130m. It is expected that, over the coming years, there will also be a lasting long-term benefit to the tourism industry, and the golf tourism sector in particular, as a result of the worldwide television coverage of the event and the raising of Ireland's profile generally. Furthermore, the positive experiences of overseas visitors to the event will serve as a valuable source of word-of-mouth marketing for our tourism industry for many years to come.
Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with the PGA/European Tour, have commissioned Deloitte and Touche to conduct an economic impact assessment on the Ryder Cup in Ireland and I look forward to the results of their work, which are expected early in 2007.
The International Sports Tourism initiative was established by the Government some years ago to support efforts to attract major international sporting events with tourism potential to Ireland. From its commencement in 2000, the initiative, which is administered by Failte Ireland, has sponsored a total of 102 events to the end of 2005 with a funding allocation of close to €30m.
22 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has met with members of the Irish Sports Council to discuss their recently launched building sport for life three-year strategic plan; his views on whether more work needs to be done to promote participation in sport among the adult population; the efforts he is making in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34807/06]
Under Section 25 of the Irish Sports Council Act 1999, which established the Council as the statutory body responsible for the promotion and development of sport in Ireland, the Council is required to prepare and present to me a three-year strategy statement for the period 2006-2008. I was happy to approve and, subsequently, launch the Council's three-year strategy "Building Sport for Life" on 28th September 2006. Both my officials and I regularly meet with representatives of the Council to review implementation of Sport Policy and discuss relevant issues including the recently published strategy.
Under "Building Sport for Life", the Council will focus its efforts on increasing the number of people participating in sport and physical activity.
The following are the stated objectives of the strategy, which the Council will measure to determine the success of its work over the next three years:
Increase the number of people participating in sport in partnership with governing bodies of sport, sports partnerships and other relevant agencies. The target is to increase adult participation rates by 1.5% over the life of the strategy. This increase will be sub-divided as follows- a reduction of 1.5% in the number of totally inactive adults and an increase of 1.5% in the number of adults meeting the recommended minimum level of health-enhancing physical activity (30 minutes per day x 5 weekly)
Increase by 3% in the number of children taking part in some level of extra curricular sport and extra school sport combined
The Local Sports Partnerships are charged with increasing participation and ensuring that the experiences in sport are positive.
The Irish Sports Council has created a new Participation Unit to implement its plans for increasing participation. The Unit will ensure the national rollout of the Local Sports Partnerships network in order to deliver greater access to sport for all. It will work with specific national governing bodies to deliver large-scale participation programmes. The Unit will target sections of the community for intervention programmes such as the existing Women in Sport and Sport for Older People initiatives.
The Council will facilitate the creation of a sustainable structure to ensure the strategic development of sport by providing resources to National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships who are charged with providing evidence across a range of sports. It will strengthen its relationship with the National Coaching and Training Centre in order to encourage governing bodies and sports partnerships to develop coaching infrastructures nationally and locally.
The Irish Sports Council has made a significant contribution to Irish sport since it was established in 1999. The list of its accomplishments is long and I am confident that the Council's new strategy will be fully realised and mark another major advance for the administration and development of sport in Ireland.
23 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on whether the absence of a proper indoor running facility here is hampering the chances of elite Irish athletes in their preparations for international competition; his further views on providing State funding for the construction of such a facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34820/06]
Since 1998 this Government has provided over €900 million towards the development of new sporting infrastructure and sports programmes. Included in this figure is an amount of €469.8m in sports capital funding which has been allocated to 5,721 projects throughout the country which is now having a major impact on the range and quality of sports facilities. Almost €11m has been provided for the development of athletic specific facilities while additional funding has been provided towards multi-purpose facilities of which athletics would be one of the sports practised at the facility. Furthermore, the Deputy will be aware that the Government has provided funding for the development of a sports campus at Abbotstown and an Irish Institute of Sport. Both of these initiatives will, when completed, enhance further the range and quality of sports facilities and support for Irish athletes.
Discussions have taken place with the Athletics Association of Ireland in relation to the need for an indoor training facility and that organisation is currently embarked on the development of a strategy for such facilities which, when received, will be considered for funding. I am satisfied that there now exists a network of athletic facilities throughout the country which afford opportunities for those interested in the sport to engage in the sport. Research conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute by the Irish Sports Council has ascertained that the lack of facilities is not a serious impediment to persons involving themselves in sport.
27 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the criteria used by his Department to evaluate national lottery sport capital grant applications; if there is a noticeable trend where an applicant is more successful if they have failed in a previous sport capital grant application; the percentage of applications that fail to meet criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34700/06]
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.
Applications submitted to the programme must meet certain minimum qualifying conditions before they can qualify for funding. These include: evidence of having the minimum amount required of own funding towards the cost of the project; evidence of title to property and of applying for planning permission (where this is required) and providing a feasibility study where the project costs over €500,000. These conditions are set out in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme which accompanies the application form and are available from my Department's website www.dast.gov.ie. I have arranged for copies of the application form and guidelines for the 2007 sports capital programme to be forwarded to the Deputy for his further information.
Applications which meet the minimum qualifying conditions are evaluated in accordance with assessment criteria, which are also listed in the programme's guidelines, terms and conditions and are as follows:
Whether the project aims to increase active participation in sport and/or improve standards of sports performance in line with clearly stated targets and showing how the application will measure these increases or improvements. In particular, facilities will be prioritised which will help promote and enhance female participation in sport.
Whether the application provides evidence that the project is located in a disadvantaged area and meets a need for sporting facilities in the area.
Whether the following has been provided: evidence of title to the project site; evidence of planning permission applied for or in place; drawings/specifications for the project; and accurate costings for each element of the project.
Whether the project is realistic in terms of scale, costs and grant assistance sought.
Whether a proven history of fund-raising is shown that and a good level of own funding towards the cost which will allow the project to be finished within a realistic timeframe.
Whether the applicant has proved the level of own funding contribution towards the project
Whether the application includes realistic projections of income from the proposed facility that will be used to maintain it when it is finished.
Whether the project has a high priority in relation to the applicant's existing facilities.
Whether there is already a good level of similar sporting facilities in the area.
Whether the application includes details and evidence of consultation with other clubs, community groups, schools and the local authority, especially those that will use the facility.
Whether the application clearly explains how the applicant will attract socially excluded people to use the facility.
Whether the project fits in with the priorities for its sport as identified by the sport's national governing body (for regional or national-level projects only).
Highest priority is afforded to projects in disadvantaged areas aimed at increasing participation. High priority projects include those which are essential or integral to sports participation or performance, e.g. pitch development, floodlighting, changing rooms and showers. The assessment process also takes into account factors such as the existing level of facilities in an area, the number and quality of the applications received, the amount of funding being sought by each applicant and the strategic positioning of major facilities that may be required. At the end of the assessment process each application is given its order of priority within its own county. Every effort is made to achieve a balanced geographical spread of funds throughout the country.
Following the announcement of provisional allocations under a programme, my Department writes to applicants advising them of the outcome of the assessment process and whether or not they have been successful or unsuccessful. In the case of the latter, they are also given details of the assessment carried out on their application, indicating why the application was unsuccessful. This information can act as guidance to organisations in the submission of future applications for support under the Programme.
It is open to all applicants, both successful and unsuccessful to apply for funding under a future programme. My Department does not produce statistics in terms of the success rate of applicants which had previously been unsuccessful under the programme. In relation to unsuccessful applications, I can inform the Deputy that, of the 1,338 applications submitted under the 2006 sports capital programme, a total of 797 were awarded provisional allocations and 541 (or 40%) were unsuccessful.
The 2007 round of the sports capital programme was advertised on Sunday 15th and Monday 16th last with a closing date for receipt of applications under the programme, set for close of business on Friday 24th November next.
28 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the improvements to Ireland’s sporting infrastructure and facilities that will be made in order to allow athletes here prepare for major international sporting competitions in general, and the 2012 London Olympics in particular; his views on whether there has been little improvement in such facilities for Ireland’s elite athletes since the 2004 Athens Olympics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34818/06]
47 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will expand on his recent comments that several countries have already expressed an interest in coming here to prepare for the 2012 London Olympics; his views on whether facilities are sufficient to attract countries to base themselves here in advance of the Olympics; the expressions of interest that have been received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34819/06]
53 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide details of the new taskforce established to identify and maximise the opportunities arising from the 2012 London Olympics; the taskforce’s main objectives; the potential benefits to Ireland and sport here in particular that arise from the London Olympics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34817/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 47 and 53 together.
It is widely recognised that the selection of London as the host city for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games offers an unprecedented opportunity for Ireland particularly in the areas of sport, business, tourism, and arts and culture. Aside from the obvious economic and monetary benefits that London 2012 may bring for Ireland, this event has the potential to have a significant and long-term impact on the future of sport in Ireland, but only if early planning is undertaken and opportunities are recognised and are fully availed of.
With this in mind, I recently established a Task Force comprising representatives from the art, sport, tourism, and business sectors. The main objective of this group is to examine possible opportunities arising out of London 2012, identify the priority areas of interest, and map out a strategy to ensure that Ireland maximises this unique opportunity to benefit from its proximity to London. A list of the members of the Task Force in attached. The Task Force has held two meetings to date and I very much look forward to receiving their recommendations in due course.
London 2012 will offer obvious opportunities with regard to sport. The Olympic Council of Ireland has advised that a number of countries including the USA, Germany and Brazil have made enquiries regarding the use of Ireland as a base leading up to the Games. Ireland is an ideal location for such a training camp, possessing the advantages of being in the same climatic and time zones as London, within an hour by air travel, and Ireland will avoid most of the media hype that one often finds in the host country.
If Ireland is to be attractive to potential participating athletes, access to high quality sporting and residential accommodation must be available. An audit of national facilities is to be undertaken which will provide us with more accurate information on the range, suitability and type of facilities which are currently available. The Olympic Council of Ireland has already identified a number of individual sports facilities which are of suitable quality but may require minor upgrades. A limited number of local authority facilities may also be worth considering for the training camps. It is also possible that universities and institutions may be able to put together packages of facilities and accommodation.
Once the audit is completed, we will have a more comprehensive idea of the quality of facilities available, whether these facilities need to be upgraded, and the level of expenditure required in order to bring these facilities up to the standard required by potential visiting athletes and to cater for our own elite athletes in their preparations for future sporting competitions. Our proximity to the world's largest sporting event could produce a lasting legacy and any physical infrastructure built to attract teams will benefit future Irish athletes.
By the end of 2006, this Government will have invested in excess of €900 million in Irish sport since 1998. Of this amount, approximately €500 million has been spent on the development of sporting facilities at a national, regional and local level. A significant proportion of this investment has gone towards developing a network of top quality facilities around the country designed to meet the training, coaching and competition needs of our elite competitors in a wide spectrum of sports.
Among the major projects which have been supported are the National Aquatic centre, the National Rowing centre at Inniscarra, the National Tennis centre, the National Boxing stadium, the National Hockey stadium at UCD and the National Coaching and Training Centre at the University of Limerick, which complements the wide range of top quality facilities provided at the University, many of which have been used by international sportspersons. It is understood that some 25 Olympic medals have been won by sportspersons from abroad who have used the facilities at UL to perfect their training. Recent Government decisions to proceed with phase 1 of the Sports Campus at Abbotstown and the development of the Irish Institute of Sport are important new components of Ireland's developing sports infrastructure. It is therefore fair to say that over the past number of years, there has been a significant improvement in sporting facilities catering for our elite athletes, and this will continue in the run-up to London 2012.
From a tourism perspective, London 2012 provides an opportunity for Ireland to attract visitors before and after the Games. The successful hosting of the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2003 and the Ryder Cup held recently at the K-Club greatly enhanced Ireland's reputation and credibility on the world stage as a safe and welcoming destination. This very positive experience is something we can very usefully build on with London 2012 fast approaching. Our aim should be that tourists and teams visiting Ireland in connection with the Olympic Games would also return for visits in future years.
London 2012 will also afford opportunities for the promotion of our arts and culture during the anticipated Cultural Olympiad which will run parallel to the Games throughout London and the rest of the UK as part of the wider experience of 2012.
Furthermore, there is significant potential for Irish firms to become involved in developing infrastructure, providing services associated with the preparation for the Games and during the Games, and local services associated with training camps in Ireland. Irish companies may also seek to sponsor elements of the Games for marketing purposes.
The 2012 Olympic Games in London is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Ireland to promote our country and culture, to generate a keener interest in sport, to open up new markets for tourism, for Irish business of all sizes to be involved in the substantial construction programme and supply of services before and during the games, and to provide a massive boost and lasting legacy for sport in Ireland.
|
Philip Furlong (Chair) |
Secretary General of the Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism |
|
Gillian Bowler |
Businesswoman & Chair of Fáilte Ireland |
|
Olive Braiden |
Chair, Arts Council |
|
Des Casey |
former Honorary Secretary of the FAI & UEFA Life Member |
|
Anne Ebbs |
Secretary General of the Paralympic Council of Ireland |
|
John Fitzgerald |
former Dublin City Manager |
|
Dan Flinter |
former Chief Executive of Enterprise Ireland & Chair of the Athens Review |
|
Pat Hickey |
President of the Olympic Council of Ireland & the European National Olympic Committees |
|
Seán Kelly |
Executive Chairman of the Irish Institute of Sport |
|
Ossie Kilkenny |
Chair of Irish Sports Council |
|
Noel Murphy |
former President of IRFU & IRB Council Member |
|
Mícheál Ó Súileabháin |
Chair of Culture Ireland |
|
Paul O’Toole |
Chief Executive Tourism Ireland |
|
Peter Quinn |
Businessman & former President of GAA |
|
Ray Rooney |
Businessman & former Senior Steward of the Turf Club |
30 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the areas his Department is involved in regarding the promotion of good environmental practice within the tourism industry. [34852/06]
I would refer the Deputy to my detailed reply to Priority Question No. 3.
32 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he envisages difficulties for tourists travelling in County Kerry now that the word Dingle has been removed from all signposts in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34871/06]
I am not aware of any negative impact on tourism arising from the implementation of the Official Languages Act. Indeed, the implementation of the Act appears to have generated a vast amount of free publicity for An Daingean in particular.
As far as travel is concerned, the important thing is that the maps and guides fall into line with the official place names and signs as would be normal in other countries. I understand that this will happen. As the Deputy is well aware, tourism and marketing interests are, of course, free to use any names, including the English version of a placename, as marketing tools.
33 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position with regard to the development of the Abbotstown Sports Campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34827/06]
In November 2005 the Government gave its assent to the commencement of phase one of the development of the National Sports Campus at Abbotstown. The estimated overall cost of the Phase 1 development is €119m and development is scheduled to take place over a 4 to 5 year period. Planning and preparatory work for this project has commenced and work is already underway on the refurbishment of the State Laboratory as the new headquarters for FAI Ireland.
Phase One of the Development Control Plan will provide:
a National Field Sports training centre, catering for rugby, soccer, Gaelic games and hockey
a National Indoor Training Centre which will provide world class training facilities for over 30 Governing Bodies of Sport
accommodation for sports men and women; sports science/ medical facilities
all-weather synthetic pitches for community use; and
renovation of existing buildings to cater for needs identified by sports bodies.
Funds for the delivery of the project have been provided in my Department's capital envelope for 2006-2010.
The Fingal County Development Plan for the Abbotstown area requires that a study is undertaken to determine a suitable mix of sporting and appropriate commercial, leisure, and amenity uses to create a vibrant and sustainable sports campus and assess the possibility of opening up park lands for the residents of the Blanchardstown Area. In this regard, an inter-agency group is currently at work; it is chaired by the Office of Public Works and involving my Department, the Departments of Finance and Agriculture and Food, the Office of Public Works, Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Ltd and Fingal Country Council. Fingal County Council has undertaken a public consultation process as part of the study. The Planning Study is currently underway and is expected to be completed before the end of the year. When agreed it will act as a blue-print for the planning process for each facility to be provided at Abbotstown over the next four years. The National Aquatic Centre, the first facility developed on this site, was completed in 2003 at a capital cost of €71m.
34 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the audit of sports facilities conducted by his Department is complete; when he intends to publish this report; the way the report will used by his Department to plan and develop sporting facilities nationally; if the Census 2006 Preliminary Report figures were used in conducting this report; if the findings of the report will form a component of the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34702/06]
44 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the National audit of sport and recreational facilities will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34707/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 44 together.
The nationwide audit of sports facilities has commenced and is being carried out in stages to help speed up the availability of information. Phase one of the audit will establish a record of national and regional sports facilities and is being carried out within my Department.
The work currently being undertaken is a data gathering exercise in conjunction with the main sporting bodies and local authorities to identify the facilities for inclusion in this phase. My Department has identified a list of in excess of one hundred sports facilities of national or regional significance that have been funded under the sports capital programme since 1999 and in addition, details of facilities at third level educational institutions and swimming pools have also been included on this inventory. Further engagement with the main sporting bodies, local authorities, facility owners and managers is being undertaken so that a comprehensive database on the range and nature of sporting facilities at national and regional level can be completed.
By ascertaining and mapping what is already in place at a national and regional level, an important part of developing a strategic approach to future facility provision will be put in place, as well as establishing the level of need that exists in the sports sector and helping to determine future priorities.
This audit is taking place in the context of the development of a sports facilities strategy, which will also take into account the information contained in the 2006 Census report. As I have previously explained the enormity of completing the complete audit of sports facilities should not be underestimated and given the experience of other countries is likely to take a number of years to complete.
36 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will make representations to the Department of Finance to introduce measures in Budget 2007 to allow VAT recovery on corporate expenditure in hotels and restaurants for conference incentive travel and meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34709/06]
I continue to keep in touch with the Minister for Finance on this issue which is, of course, of key interest to those involved in seeking to develop our business tourism, in particular, our conference and meetings business.
37 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to expand the tourism industry in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34829/06]
In December 2002, I put in place a high-level Tourism Policy Review Group to report on the state of the Irish tourism industry and to indicate future strategies for the development of a sustainable tourism industry. The Group published its Report, ‘New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action', in September 2003. This Report set out a comprehensive tourism development strategy, covering a 10-year period, and included a detailed and practical action plan. The Report contained ambitious targets for the industry, namely, to achieve annual figures of 10 million visitors and €6 billion in foreign revenue by 2012. The New Horizons Report forms the blueprint for tourism development up to 2012.
Following publication of the Report, I established the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group, for a two-year period, to oversee the implementation of the 76 Recommendations in the Report. The Implementation Group, in its final Report, which was published in March of this year, reported that 63 of the 76 recommendations made in the New Horizons Report had been implemented or good progress had been made in relation to them. The Group expressed itself satisfied with the degree of progress in implementing the strategy and pointed to a number of areas where progress had been less satisfactory.
In May 2006, I appointed a successor to the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group, for the next two years, which will continue the work of the previous Groups and will advise on the implementation of the outstanding recommendations of the New Horizons Report. It will also respond to evolving issues as they arise in the course of the development of the tourism industry in a dynamic international context.
The Government has given an unprecedented level of commitment and support for the Irish tourism industry. At over €140m, record levels of Exchequer funding have been allocated for tourism this year. The most recent figures for 2006 — to end August — show that visitor numbers are up by almost 11% on the same period in 2005. This follows on a record visitor number performance in 2005 with almost 7 million overseas visitors. These figures suggest that we are on the right path in relation to our strategy for the development of the tourism industry in Ireland.
38 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide details of the recently launched Government Arts and Education Committee charged with increasing exposure to the arts in schools here; his views on whether there is insufficient reference to the arts in the early stages of education; when this committee will produce its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34806/06]
42 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the guidelines set down for the recently appointed Standing Committee on the Arts in Education; if the primary school sector is represented on the Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34704/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 42 together.
Government policy for the Arts is set out in the Programme for Government and elaborated further in my Department's Statement of Strategy. Having regard for the statutory functions of the Arts Council as set out in Section 9 of the Arts Act 2003, and in accordance with section 21 of that Act, a Special Committee has been established to advise the Arts Council on how best to align the Council's strategies for the promotion and encouragement of the arts with the priorities of the formal education system. The Committee should deliver its advice to the Council by 1st May 2007.
The five person Committee will be chaired by Mary Nunan, Arts Council member. The other members will be Jerome Morrissey, National Centre for Training in Technology, Mr. Pat MacSitric, Asst Chief Inspector, Department of Education and Science, Mr. Derek West, former Principal, Newpark Comprehensive School and Chair of NAPD Arts & Culture Committee and Orlaith McBride, Arts Council member.
Acknowledging the contribution that the Arts can make to a rounded and balanced educational experience, the Committee will have regard to
(a) the wide range of demands on the school curriculum bearing in mind that responsibility for determining the content of the school curriculum rests with the Minister for Education and Science;
(b) the need to prioritise and cost its recommendations; these recommendations must have regard both to their resource implications for the Arts Council and also to the fact that the budgetary resources likely to be available over the next four years to the Minister for Education and Science for development of services in the education sector must be allocated to fund existing policy commitments;
(c) subject to (b) above, the identification of what additional sources of funding, if any, might be available to fund its recommendations; and
(d) the roles and partnerships that are appropriate for relevant State and other agencies and bodies in this context, including the Department of Education and Science, the Arts Council, Vocational Education Committees, and Local Authorities.
The focus of the Special Committee's advice should be on making specific deliverable recommendations for implementation over three to five years.
I believe that by giving the arts a higher, more consistent profile at both primary and second level, we can not only benefit the arts, but can also bring significant benefits to the students concerned, which will stay with them for all of their lives. It is important also to stress that this applies to all students, and not just to those who are recognised as being particularly gifted artistically.
Every parent in the country wants their children to be creative, to be imaginative, and to express this creativity and imagination as best as they can. Because the future of the arts in Ireland rests with our children, it is vital that the Arts are embedded into our education system at a fundamental level, beginning at primary and pre-primary level, and continuing on from there. I have always believed that the benefits of the arts for the individual are greatly increased if exposure to the arts takes place during a person's most formative years, and for that reason it is a real priority of mine to enhance the position of the arts in our education system.
39 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the development of the proposed National Conference Centre; if he has met with the preferred bidder; the timetable for the construction of the conference centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34812/06]
43 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the building of the National Conference Centre; the expected dates of commencement and completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34866/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 43 together.
As I informed the House on 3 October last, in reply to a Written Question, Spencer Dock International Conference Centre Consortium has been appointed Preferred Tenderer for the provision of a National Conference Centre in Dublin. Subsequently, on 18 October last, I was pleased to visit the proposed site for the National Conference Centre at Spencer Dock in Dublin where I was welcomed by the Chairman/CEO of Spencer Dock International Conference Centre Ltd, and had the opportunity to acknowledge the work of those involved, on both sides of the negotiations, in bringing the project to this important stage. As the Deputies are aware, the Centre is being procured under a Public Private Partnership process under the auspices of the Office of Public Works — the Contracting Authority.
During the Preferred Tenderer phase the Consortium is required to develop and provide the full range of project documents for review and approval by the Contracting Authority. The current expectation is that the contract will, subject to Government agreement, be awarded before the end of November. It is envisaged that site enabling and related works in preparation for construction would commence shortly thereafter and that the Centre would be operational in 2009.
I am delighted that a further critical stage in the process of delivering a world-class National Conference Centre for Dublin has been completed and that delivery of another major commitment in the Programme for Government is now in sight, subject, as already indicated, to final agreement of the Government.
On the basis of consultations undertaken earlier by my Department and research reviewed, I am totally convinced of the need for a modern, dedicated National Conference Centre if Ireland is to realise its full potential in the hugely valuable international conference market. According to a number of independent estimates, the National Conference Centre, when fully operational, is expected to generate additional foreign revenue earnings of between €25m and €50m per year.
40 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the 2006 Women in Sport Initiative launched recently by the Irish Sports Council; the funding provided for projects under this scheme; the barriers to increased participation in sport by women here; the efforts he is making to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34808/06]
There is a need to increase the level of women's participation in sport and physical activity, as less than one in five women come close to achieving what the World Health Organisation deems to be the minimum levels of physical activity necessary for good health. Research by the Economic and Social Research Institute into participation rates indicated that 25% of women participate in sport regularly, compared to 41% of men. In order to address this problem, I provided a special budget of €750,000 in 2005 for the Irish Sports Council to introduce programmes specifically targeted at women.
In view of the success of the first year of the programme, I decided to increase the level of funding three-fold to €2.25m in 2006. At my request, there were special allocations made to both Basketball Ireland and Cumann Peil Gael na mBan as sports that have many women involved. This year, €370,000 was allocated to Basketball Ireland to build on its Regional Development Officer network and support its European Year of Women's Basketball. Cumann Peil Gael na mBan received €314,606 to assist in the implementation of its Strategic Plan and to build on the success of its pilot programmes in 2005.
In addition to the specific allocations made to these two National Governing Bodies (NGBs), and consistent with last year's Women in Sport programme, all of the NGBs were contacted by the Sports Council and asked to submit projects to increase the participation of women and attract new members to their sport. As a result, the Irish Sports Council allocated €1,238,561 to 20 projects under the 2006 NGB Women in Sport Grant Scheme and €193,524 to projects submitted by 15 Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs). In total, grant funding for Women in Sport has reached €2,052,085 in 2006.
As well as funding these projects, the Irish Sports Council developed a new Women in Sport Logo and a Women in Sport website. The Women in Sport website —www.womeninsport.ie — showcases all the initiatives, informs women as to when events will be on in their areas, contains links to other sites where women can find participation opportunities, provides information on fitness and invites women to send in their stories and photographs to be featured on the website. NGBs and LSPs are also encouraged to use the website to promote events or initiatives that they are organising for women and provide all contact links necessary for becoming involved.
An Ezine has also been created to which women can subscribe, which highlights upcoming events, features interesting articles from the website, highlights the profiles of women involved in sport in all capacities and gives updates on initiatives available to women in their locality. Merchandise has also been created incorporating the new logo to raise the profile of the brand and this will be featured and distributed at selected events for the remainder of the year. In the context of the allocation of funds under the 2006 Sports Capital Programme priority for funding was given to applications where it was clear that the provision of a facility was specifically to attract more women into sporting activity.
I accept that several barriers to women's increased participation in sport remain, including lack of interest, time constraints, competing social responsibilities and lack of masters/veteran opportunities. By continuing to invest in the Women in Sport initiative, this Government is specifically targeting women and ensuring that the necessary resources are in place for the Irish Sports Council to raise awareness among women of the sporting opportunities available to them and to encourage their participation in sporting activities. I am confident that we will be able to reduce the barriers and to increase the numbers of women enjoying regular physical activity.
41 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide details of the €10 million tourism marketing campaign for the autumn and winter period; the efforts he is making to promote year round tourism here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34822/06]
The development and delivery of the campaign referred to by the Deputy is an operational matter for Tourism Ireland. I understand that the campaign is being rolled out in Great Britain, the United States and Continental Europe and incorporates a strong focus on promoting a wider regional spread of visitors. The core elements of the marketing campaign include advertising on television and radio, national daily newspapers and lifestyle magazines. In addition, I understand that it includes direct mail initiatives targeted at key contacts, internet marketing and the hosting of overseas media trips to Ireland.
The campaign is just one element of the initiatives supported by the unprecedented level of Exchequer resources which I secured for tourism development — €142 million for 2006 — representing a 14% increase on the 2005 amount. This investment is enabling the Tourism Agencies — Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland — to deliver, in full, their ambitious plans for 2006 including an emphasis on extending the seasonal spread of visitors.
There has already been an improvement in the seasonal dispersal of visitor numbers. In 1999, overseas visitor numbers in July and August accounted for 27% of our yearly total. A target was set for the industry that this would be reduced to 25% by 2006 but, at 23.7%, we have already exceeded that target. The reality is that the Autumn/Winter period is now a significant part of the tourism year and the period from September to December yields as much as 30% of overall annual tourism business. This change has been helped by the international trend towards shorter and more frequent holiday breaks.
With regard to other initiatives to promote year round tourism, Fáilte Ireland already has a sustained Home Holidays marketing programme in place and, through its enhanced Regional structures, will remain active through the Autumn/Winter period promoting specific products, regions and events with particular emphasis on the Christmas/New Year period.
46 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reason he did not use the offices of the Arts Council in relation to deciding on the allocation of the recently announced €16.4 million in arts grants from surplus money in his Department’s budget; the efforts he made to ensure this money was spread evenly throughout the country and that smaller projects in one particular part of the country were not prioritised above another; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34816/06]
On 24th August last, I announced additional investment of €16.4 million in the arts and culture sector, which is to be divided between the Arts Council, the Irish Film Board and theatre and arts organisations throughout the country. This allocation was as a direct result of savings that have been made in my Department. A total of 29 arts and cultural projects will benefit from the funding which will enable them to proceed with refurbishment, renovation and repair works, to purchase equipment, fixtures and fittings and to improve access.
While an additional €7.5m was allocated to the Arts Council for its schemes, the funding of major capital arts projects and cultural institutions remains my Department's responsibility. The Arts Council's primary function is in relation to the provision of revenue funding and capital allocations form a small part of their work. The specific allocations for the additional capital this year was based on recommendations made to me by officials in my Department who identified quality substantive projects on hands to which funding allocations would be appropriate.
48 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road; the latest timetable for the planning and construction process for the new National Stadium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34826/06]
In January 2004, the Government agreed to provide funding of €191million, phased over 5 years, to the joint IRFU/FAI project for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road Stadium as a 50,000-seat stadium. The estimated total cost of the project is €365m and the IRFU and FAI will provide the balance of €174m. On 31 July 2006, Dublin City Council granted planning permission for the project, subject to a number of conditions. A number of appeals against the granting of planning permission have been lodged by local residents and it is understood that An Bord Pleanála intends to schedule an oral hearing to deal with these appeals although a date has yet to be set for such a hearing. Subject to the outcome of the planning process, it is intended that construction should commence early in 2007. I look forward to the completion of this much needed new Stadium which will be a welcome flagship facility for rugby and soccer.
50 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of primary schools that received grant aid under the sports capital programme in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34864/06]
While responsibility for funding of school sports facilities rests with the Department of Education and Science, it is open to projects located on school grounds to apply for funding for sports facilities accessible also to the wider community under my Department's sports capital programme.
Applications to the programme from primary and post-primary schools and colleges must be made jointly with local sports clubs or community groups and must, as a minimum, demonstrate that the local community will have significant access to the proposed facility when it is not being used by the school or college itself. In this regard, the significant access is a requirement for a minimum of at least 30 hours a week throughout the year.
The sports capital programme does not sub-categorise school-related applications into primary and other categories. A total of €634,000 was allocated under the 2005 programme to seven joint projects situated in schools/colleges. The amount under the 2006 programme was €1,415,000 to 12 projects.
The 2007 round of the sports capital programme was advertised on Sunday 15th and Monday 16th last with a closing date for receipt of applications under the programme, set for close of business on Friday 24th November next and it will again be open to joint projects involving schools to apply for funding should they meet the terms and conditions of the programme.
51 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the level of funding that has been made available for swimming pool projects in the Dublin area; the details of each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34699/06]
Under the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme the following projects have been/are being dealt in the Dublin area to date:
|
Pool Project |
Status |
Funding allocated |
|
€m |
||
|
Finglas (replacement pool) |
Completed |
3.8 |
|
Ballymun (replacement pool) |
Completed |
3.8 |
|
Ballyfermot (replacement pool) |
under construction |
3.8 |
|
Jobstown (new) |
under construction |
3.8 |
|
Clondalkin (replacement) |
under construction |
3.8 |
|
St Michael’s House (new) |
under construction |
3.7 |
|
Skerries (new) |
preparing contract documents |
* |
|
Glenalbyn (refurbishment) |
preparing contract documents |
* |
|
Dundrum (replacement) |
revised preliminary report submitted |
* |
|
St Joseph’s House (refurbishment) |
preparing preliminary report |
* |
*Grant aid is formally allocated at the stage when the tender for the project is approved.
My Department provides grant aid, under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, to local authorities towards the capital costs of a new or replacement public swimming pool or the refurbishment of an existing pool. Under the Programme, there are four stages in the development of a public swimming pool project. These are, in order of progress, Feasibility Study/Preliminary Report; Contract Documents; Tender and Construction. My Department's technical advisors, the Office of Public Works (OPW), evaluate each stage and prior approval is required before local authorities can proceed from one stage to the next. Grant aid is formally allocated when the tender for the project is approved.
The priority under the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme where the deadline for submission of applications was 31 July 2000 is to continue to support those projects remaining to be completed. Of the 57 projects being dealt with, 22 projects have been completed, 15 other pools are under construction or about to begin construction. The remaining 20 projects are at various stages in the programme — 6 at tender stage, 7 at contract document stage and 7 are at preliminary report stage. I am happy to note that significant progress continues under the current round of the Programme. So far this year, I have approved 8 projects for grant aid and approved contract documents for 9 public pools.
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.
52 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has considered the implications for the tourism industry of the privatisation of Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34874/06]
The Government believes that Ireland's strategic interest in aviation is best served by the provision of regular, safe, cost-effective and competitive air services linking the country to key business and tourism markets around the world. The strategic aim in selling a majority of the Government's shares in Aer Lingus is to ensure that the company has sufficient resources, over the long-term, to enable it to compete successfully, to develop its business as market opportunities emerge and to ensure that it has the strength in its balance sheet to withstand the industry downturns and external shocks that are recognised features of the aviation industry. Through the IPO, Aer Lingus raised approx. €400m to fund its expansion based business plan to meet these objectives.
Competitive and convenient air access is an important element of Ireland's tourism strategy. A competitive aviation market helps to drive down the cost of air travel and benefits Ireland as a tourism destination. My Department was involved in the inter-Departmental group, which considered the option of an Aer Lingus flotation, and brought a tourism policy perspective to bear in the deliberations of that group.
54 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the sponsorship of sporting events by alcohol brands and companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34870/06]
On 22 September 2004, my colleague the Minister for Health & Children launched the Second Report of the Strategic Task Force on Alcohol. My Department and the Irish Sports Council were represented on this Task Force. The Report recommended that national sporting bodies, with high youth participation, develop a proactive strategy to find an alternative to alcohol sponsorship. I support this recommendation, which is in keeping with the provisions of the Irish Sports Council's ‘Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in Ireland' to which national governing bodies of sport have signed up. The development of such a strategy is a matter for the individual national governing bodies of sport. This derives from the recognition that the independence and autonomy of sports organisations, their affiliates and individual clubs has remained a fundamental principle underpinning successive Governments' support for Irish sport.
In any debate on issues arising in connection with the sponsorship of sport, it is important to retain perspective. Governing bodies and clubs across the spectrum of sports freely acknowledge that sponsorship from the business and commercial sectors provides much needed financial, material and promotional support, which has the effect of freeing up other resources that can then be invested in the development of the sport, increased participation and improved facilities. Nevertheless, I agree that where alcohol is concerned great care has to be taken by sports organisations to ensure that the nature and extent of any sponsorship is proportionate and appropriate to the environment in which sporting activities take place. This is particularly important when it comes to assessing the effect such sponsorship could have on children and young people involved in sport.
I am pleased to say that the three major field sports, the GAA, FAI and IRFU, have moved away from sponsorship by alcohol interests insofar as it relates to their under-age activities and competitions. The GAA, in particular, acting in response to its Alcohol Task Force, has appointed a full-time alcohol abuse officer, who is currently developing a strategy in relation to alcohol for the Association.
I would recommend that all governing bodies ensure that restraint and good judgement is applied in relation to sponsorship at all levels of their organisations. In that regard, the recent initiative taken by the GAA serves as an example of a mature and considered response to concerns articulated by its membership and I believe it provides a model which could be followed by other governing bodies in the interests of both sports people and the health and welfare of the wider population.
55 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of funding awarded by him in respect of sporting or recreational grants in the years 2003 to date in 2006; the intended expenditure for the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34830/06]
129 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of funding available for expenditure on major and minor sporting and recreational grants in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35032/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 129 together.
Under Subhead C1 of my Department's Vote, payments are made in respect of Grants for Sporting Bodies and the provision of Sports and Recreational Facilities. A total of €67,724,000 is available for expenditure in 2006 under this subhead.
The total amount of grant allocations relating to this sub-head for the years requested by the Deputy is as follows:
2003: €56,352,733
2004: €101,783,014
2005: €63,239,419
2006: €75,065,000.
The 2004 amount includes a grant of €40m in September 2004 to the Gaelic Athletic Association towards the re-development of Croke Park.
In the case of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, which is also administered by my Department, the sum of €32.3 million is available for expenditure under the Programme in 2006. My Department provides grant aid under the Pools Programme to local authorities towards the capital costs of a new or replacement public swimming pool or the refurbishment of an existing pool. Of the 57 projects currently being dealt with, 22 projects have been completed, 15 other pools are under construction or about to begin construction. The remaining 20 projects are at various stages in the programme. So far this year, I have approved 8 projects for grant aid and approved contract documents for 9 public pools. Details of the amounts available for expenditure in 2007 for both sports capital and local authority swimming pool projects will be available when the Abridged Estimates for my Department is published next month.
56 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide details of the international competition under way to find a design for the new Abbey Theatre; when the competition will close; when he expects to be in a position to finalise design of the new theatre; the latest timetable for the construction of the new theatre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34811/06]
59 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the expected timescale for the provision of the new National Theatre at George’s Dock; when will expressions of interest be invited for the architectural design of the building; if he will proceed with a PPP arrangement to provide the theatre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34705/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 59 together.
In July 2006, the Government approved arrangements for the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre at George's Dock on a Build, Finance, and Maintain (BFM) basis. It also approved the holding of an international design competition for the new Abbey Theatre. Once a winning design has been selected the building will be procured by means of a Build/Finance/Maintain (BFM) Public Private Partnership.
The OPW are currently working on the technical specifications for the design competition. A jury is being set up to select the winning design. The jury will have representatives from the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the OPW, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, the Arts Council and the Abbey. It is hoped that a suitable design will be available by summer 2007. Once the design has been selected a competition will then be held to procure the contract for the PPP. A construction phase of approximately 18-24 months is envisaged once the PPP contract has been signed.
57 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if repairs were carried out on the National Aquatic Centre recently; if an independent structural engineering assessment has been carried out on the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34710/06]
During severe weather conditions in the west Dublin area on 1 January 2005, damage was caused to the roof of the National Aquatic Centre. Consulting Structural and Civil Engineers, Kavanagh Mansfield & Partners, were commissioned to examine the damage and oversee the repairs. Repair works at the National Aquatic Centre were completed on 20 May 2005 and the Centre was reopened to the public on that date. Kavanagh Mansfield and Partners have certified that the programme of works was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the design and secured certification from the designer's contractors and subcontractors in relation to the various elements of the works.
The repair work, which cost just over €1 million, was completed at no cost to Campus Stadium Ireland Ltd. (CSID).
In common with all new buildings, there is a process for dealing with any snags that arise in the building. In relation to the National Aquatic Centre, some repairs to snags have been carried out, although there are still some such issues to be resolved. The costs arising from any such repairs are a matter for the building contractor. No independent structural engineering assessment has been carried out in relation to these repairs.
58 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if an organisation (details supplied) will be accommodated on the proposed extended National Concert Hall site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34708/06]
The Government has agreed to the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall at its existing location on Earlsfort Terrace. It is proposed that the redeveloped Concert Hall will incorporate a main auditorium with a seating capacity for 2,000 patrons, the existing auditorium which will be retained as a rehearsal hall and a mid-scale public performance space, and a smaller flexible hall with a seating capacity of approximately 500. The redeveloped Concert Hall will also meet the requirement for universal access.
The proposal incorporates easy access for large articulated trucks transporting orchestral and concert equipment.
It is envisaged that the Earlsfort Terrace buildings would be re-united with the Iveagh Gardens, facilitating increased public access. New public rooms, cafes and restaurants would over-look the Gardens and the city.
There is no proposal to relocate the Royal Irish Academy of Music in the redeveloped National Concert Hall.
60 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions that were taken as a result of seizures of illegal fireworks in each of the years 1997 to date in 2006; the number of convictions and the penalties as a result of these seizures imposed for each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34909/06]
66 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of illegal fireworks that were seized by An Garda Síochána in each of the years 1997 to date in 2006; the number of prosecutions that were taken as a result of these seizures; the number of convictions and the penalties as a result of these seizures imposed for each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34915/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 66 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the manner in which statistics were collated prior to 2004 does not allow the number of seizures to be identified, however over 63,000 fireworks were seized between 2000 and 2003.
The following table shows the number of seizures and approximate value of fireworks seized between 2004 and to date in 2006.
|
Year |
No. of Seizures |
Value (Approx) |
|
€ |
||
|
2006* |
42 |
104,876 |
|
2005 |
126 |
454,760 |
|
2004 |
34 |
170,000 |
*Figures provided for 2006 are provisional, operational and liable to change.
I am further informed by the Garda Authorities that from 2000 to date in 2006 there have been 13 proceedings commenced, with no convictions recorded, for offences under the Explosives Act, 1875 relating to fireworks. The Explosives Act, 1875 has been amended by Part 6 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 which came into effect on 1 August, 2006.
Statistics on seizures and prosecutions prior to 2000 are not readily available and can only be obtained by the disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources.
61 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if all sections of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 in relation to fireworks have been signed into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34910/06]
I wish to inform the Deputy that on 1st August, 2006, I signed an order bringing all sections relating to fireworks in the Criminal Justice Act 2006 into immediate effect. The Criminal Justice Act 2006 provides for new offences, governing the illegal possession and use of fireworks, and increased penalties. Under these new provisions it is an offence:
to possess a firework with intent to sell or supply, without a licence,
to throw an ignited firework at any person or property, and
to light unlicensed fireworks in a public place.
The penalty for such offences is as follows:
a fine of up to €2,500 or 6 months imprisonment or both on summary conviction, and
a fine of up to €10,000 or 5 years imprisonment or both on conviction on indictment.
The simple possession of fireworks without a licence is also an offence for which a person may be liable to a fine of up to €10,000.
62 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 19 October 2006, the page number in the Garda Annual Reports of 2003 to 2005 which contains the information requested in the question, that is statistics by Garda district; if he will confirm that this information is not contained in these reports; his reason for withholding such information when preliminary figures have already been provided to other Deputies; his views on whether withholding such information provides for a transparent and accountable police force; and if he will provide the information requested. [34911/06]
I have always been an advocate of a properly transparent and accountable Garda Síochána. For that reason I introduced the Garda Síochána Bill, which was enacted as the Garda Síochána Act, 2005, to increase, among other things, the Force's transparency and accountability. In addition to establishing such bodies as the Ombudsman Commission and the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, the Act provides in section 47 for the compilation of statistical information.
Following the submission to me in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, I decided that the compilation, production and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act, 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO established a dedicated Unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, I am pleased to note that the CSO will compile and publish criminal statistics, starting with the figures for the third quarter of this year.
The information provided in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 19 October 2006 is available on page 26 of the Garda Síochána Annual Report 2005 and page 40 of the Garda Síochána Annual Report 2003. The reports in question contain statistics based on Garda division. However, I understand that the CSO will examine how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive.
63 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has received an application by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath in relation to renewal of their residency application; the position of the application as same is required in view of the fact that they have an opportunity of obtaining a job; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34912/06]
An application for a permanent residence card as the non-EU family member of an EU citizen has been received in respect of the person concerned. It is expected that a decision on the application will be made within the next few weeks.
64 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions that were taken in relation to offences committed with fireworks in each of the years 1997 to date in 2006; the number of convictions and the penalties imposed for each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34913/06]
65 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions that were taken in relation to the illegal importation of fireworks in each of the years 1997 to date in 2006; the number of convictions and the penalties imposed for each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34914/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that between 2000 and 2006 there have been 13 proceedings commenced, with no convictions recorded, for offences under the Explosives Act, 1875 relating to fireworks.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that from 2000 to date in 2006 there have been 8 proceedings commenced, with no convictions recorded, for offences contrary to the Explosives Act, 1875 relating to the possession of fireworks without having an importation licence.
Figures in relation to 2006 are provisional, operational and liable to change. The Explosives Act, 1875 has been amended by Part 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which came into effect on 1 August, 2006.
Statistics prior to 2000 are not readily available and can only be obtained by the disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources.
67 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the properties that have been acquired and sold by the Reception Integration Agency in each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34957/06]
I am informed that the Commissioners of Public Works, acting on behalf of the Reception and Integration Agency, purchased the following properties for the purpose of accommodating asylum seekers.
Property
Park Lodge, Killarney
Atlas House, Tralee
Atlas House, Killarney
Cork Airport Hotel, Kinsale Road
Johnson Marina Hotel, Tralee
Parnell West Hotel, Dublin 1 — Sold Aug 06
Broc House, Dublin 4 — Transferred to Affordable Homes Partnership Sept 06
Lynch's Lodge, Macroom — Sold Dec 05
Devereux Hotel, Rosslare — Sold July 03
Ionad Follain, Myshall, Co Carlow — Transferred to the Minister for Health and Children Aug 02.
68 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost to his Department of the increased Garda presence at Bellanaboy Shell Refinery since 2 October 2006; the cost to date with a breakdown of the Garda ranks, the salaries paid including basic salary, overtime, transfer allowance and so on; the projected costs of this exercise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34958/06]
The detailed information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in the detail sought and is currently being compiled by the Garda authorities. I will contact the Deputy again when the information is to hand.
69 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be reached on the application for residency in the State on the basis of marriage to an Irish national of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34965/06]
An application for residency in the State on the basis of marriage to an Irish national was received from the person in question in December 2005. An acknowledgement of receipt of the application was issued to the person concerned on 4 January, 2006.
Applications of this kind, in fairness to all other such applicants, are dealt with in strict chronological order and currently take approximately 12 months to process. It should be noted that marriage to an Irish national does not confer an automatic right of residence in the State.
70 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when Monasterevin Garda Station will re-open; if, in view of the growth of the local population, he will request the Garda Commissioner to increase the number of personnel stationed in the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34977/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 12,762 on Friday, 8 September, 2006, following the attestation of 249 new members. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,060 (or 19%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.3 billion, a 13% increase on 2005 and an 85% increase since 1997 in real terms.
I have been further informed by the Garda Authorities that the Garda station in Monasterevin was closed due to fire damage on 13th September, 2006. The Office of Public Works have been requested to ascertain the remedial works required to re-open the station. When the proposals are received from the Board and examined by the Garda Authorities, a decision on how best to proceed can be taken.
I have also been informed that the personnel strength (all ranks) of Monasterevin Garda Station, which forms part of the Carlow/Kildare Division, as at 26 October, 2006 was 3. The personnel strength (all ranks) of the Carlow/Kildare Division as at 31 December, 1997 and 26 October, 2006 was 281 and 362, respectively, representing an increase of 81 (or 29%) in the number of Gardaí 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 Monasterevin will be given the fullest consideration.
71 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the application for post nuptial citizenship of a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be dealt with; and the reason for the delay to date. [34998/06]
The statutory provisions providing for the process of post-nuptial citizenship were repealed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 2001, which came into effect on 30 November 2002. A transition provision contained in the Act enabled persons who married Irish citizens prior to 30 November 2002 to make a declaration on or before 29 November 2005. As the person in question married her husband on 16 January 2003, post-nuptial citizenship was not an option.
However, the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. In the case of a non national applicant who is the spouse of an Irish citizen those conditions are that the applicant must — be of full age, be of good character, be married to the Irish citizen for at least 3 years, be in a marriage recognised under the laws of the State as subsisting, be living together as husband and wife with the Irish spouse, have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the island of Ireland immediately before the date of the application and, during the four years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the island of Ireland amounting to two years; intend in good faith to continue to reside in the island of Ireland after naturalisation, have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister, for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the Citizenship section of my Department on 11 January 2006. The application was examined shortly after receipt and it was determined that the person in question did not have the required reckonable residency as she was not married for three years at the date of application and consequently was not eligible to apply for a certificate of naturalisation at that time. Her solicitors were informed of this by letter dated 10 March 2006.
On 21 July 2006, the person in question lodged a new application for a certificate of naturalisation. The average processing time for such applications is currently 24 months. Therefore, it is likely that the application of the individual concerned will be finalised in mid-2008. I will inform both the applicant and the Deputy when a decision has been made on the application.
72 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of legally held firearms here; and the estimated number of illegal firearms. [34999/06]
An Garda Síochána have informed me that at present there are 226,533 legally held firearms in the State. The very fact that firearms are held illegally precludes statistics being available of the number of such firearms. However, the Garda Síochána take all appropriate action to ensure that illegally held firearms are seized and that the holders of such firearms are proceeded against.
73 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a green card stamp will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35015/06]
I refer the Deputy to my previous reply to his question No. 165 of 24 March 2005 regarding the person in question. Despite being advised on a number of occasions by officials in the Immigration and Naturalisation Service of my Department to make an application for permission to remain in the State, the person concerned has not done so to date. The matter cannot be considered until such an application is made. Applications of this nature are dealt with in strict chronological order.
74 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review an application for family reunification in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35016/06]
As I informed the Deputy in my replies to his Dáil Questions on 8 February 2006 and on 27 September 2006, my Department has received no correspondence to date in relation to a request for a review of this case. If such a request is received it will be considered.
75 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35037/06]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of Thursday, 15th June, 2006, and 179 of Thursday, 22nd June, 2006 and the written replies to those Questions. The position is unchanged.
76 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35038/06]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 177 of Thursday, 9th February, 2006; and 393 of Wednesday, 27th September, 2006 and the written replies to those Questions. The position is unchanged.
77 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the application for extended residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35039/06]
I refer the Deputy to my previous reply to his question No. 425 of 27 September, 2006 regarding the person in question. The immigration status of the person concerned is still under review.
78 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedure to be followed in respect of residency or citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35040/06]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 468 of Tuesday, 31st January, 2006; 147 of Thursday, 27th April, 2006; 427 of Tuesday, 16th May, 2006, and 630 of Thursday, 6th July, 2006, and the written replies to those Questions. The position is unchanged.
79 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if they have been issued with a green card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35041/06]
The person in question was granted permission to remain in the State on the basis of being the dependent of the parent of an Irish born child. However the renewal of this permission is currently under consideration as the person concerned has changed circumstances. It is expected that a decision will issue shortly in this case.
80 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the application for naturalisation in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35042/06]
The persons referred to in the Deputy's question arrived in the State in 1998 and sought asylum. They subsequently withdrew their applications before a decision was reached and sought permission to remain on foot of parentage of their Irish born child in 1998. Such permission was granted for one year in September 1999.
Applications for certificates of naturalisation were lodged in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 20 March, 2003. On examination of these applications, it was determined that the applicants did not satisfy the statutory residency requirements and they were informed of this in March 2005.
The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. 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.
In the context of determining if an applicant meets the residence requirement for naturalisation, certain periods of residence in the State must be excluded. These include periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State, periods granted for the purposes of study and periods granted for the purposes of seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act, 1996.
Although both persons were granted permission to remain in the State on the basis of their Irish born child in September 1999, that permission expired on 28 September, 2000. It appears that neither person renewed their permission to remain between October 2000 and July 2002. Consequently neither party satisfied the statutory conditions at the time of their previous application.
Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department have advised me that it is now open to both parties to lodge fresh applications for naturalisation provided they have maintained their permission to remain in the State at all times.
81 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of the application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35043/06]
I refer to my replies to Parliamentary Question Nos. 209 and 76 of 29 June 2006 and 15 June 2006 respectively in which I informed the Deputy that the person concerned applied for naturalisation in November 2002 and I decided to refuse that application. I also informed the Deputy that it appears that the individual will be eligible to re-apply in January 2010 provided she maintains her permission to remain in the State at all times. This is still the position.
82 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35044/06]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 29 May, 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his 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, he was informed by letter dated 3 February, 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.
This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
83 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has re-examined the full circumstances in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15, having particular regard to humanitarian and health issues with a view to offering extended residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35045/06]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 187 of Thursday, 1 June, 2006 and the written reply to that Question. The position is unchanged.
84 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35046/06]
The persons in question were granted permission to remain in the State on 24 February 2006 under the revised arrangements for non-national parents of Irish children born prior to 1 January 2005.
85 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for naturalisation in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35047/06]
Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's question were received in the Citizenship section of my Department on 25 February, 2005. I understand that the processing of the applications is complete and that the case files have just been submitted to me for a decision. I will advise the Deputy and the people in question once I have reached a decision on the applications.
86 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the decision to deport in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 on humanitarian grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35048/06]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 11 April, 2001 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Office of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
The person concerned was informed by letter dated 10 July, 2002 that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him and afforded him three options in accordance with Section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a deportation order or to submit, within 15 working days, representations to the Minister, in writing, setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
His case was examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 on the prohibition of refoulement. Consideration was given to representations received on his behalf from his legal representatives for temporary leave to remain in the State. On 11 September 2003, I refused temporary leave to remain in the State and signed a deportation order in respect of him. Notice of this order was served by registered post requiring him to present himself to the Gardaí in Mill Street, Galway on 30 October 2003 in order to make travel arrangements for his deportation from the State. The person concerned failed to present himself as required and was classified as evading his deportation. He should therefore present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau without delay. The effect of the deportation order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter outside of it.
The Deputy might wish to note that, in addition to the eleven factors contained in Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), I must, as stated earlier, also have regard for Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement before making a deportation order. This essentially means that the safety of returning a person, or refoulement as it is commonly referred to, is fully considered in every case when deciding whether or not to make a deportation order. The enforcement of the deportation order is now an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
87 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied). [35079/06]
The person concerned, a Nigerian national, arrived in the State on 19 August, 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner on 17 June, 2004, and he was informed that in accordance with Section 13(2)(c) of the Refugee Act 1996 as amended, there was no appeal against that recommendation.
In accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, the person concerned was informed on 20 July, 2004 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. No representations were received from or on behalf of the person concerned. Judicial Review proceedings were instigated by the person concerned on 20th July, 2005 and the proceedings were settled.
I expect the case file in this matter to be submitted to me in due course for decision. This 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.
88 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if and when a decision is expected on a residency application by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35080/06]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 401 of Tuesday, 4th April, 2006 and the written reply to that Question. The position is unchanged.
89 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and proportion of struck out road traffic prosecutions that are reinstituted for a period for which reliable figures are available; and the location where such information is published. [35081/06]
I regret that the information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in the time allowed and is currently being researched. I will contact the Deputy again when the information is to hand.
90 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for a residential permit under the EU directive for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35082/06]
As I stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question 199 of 18 October, 2006 it is open to the person concerned to apply in writing to my Department setting out the grounds for further permission to remain. On receipt of same the application will be fully considered.
91 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the person received all of the documents requested in regard to their application; if not, when the appropriate forms will be forwarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35083/06]
The person referred to by the Deputy arrived in the State in July 1998 and claimed asylum. He subsequently withdrew that application and applied for permission to remain in the State based on his marriage to an EU national. Permission to remain on that basis was granted in October 1999.
In July 2003, an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person concerned was received in the Citizenship section of my Department. The Irish Nationality and Citizenship, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. Those conditions are that the applicant must:
be of full age, or by way of exception, be a minor born in the State
be of good character
have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of the application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years
intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation
have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister, for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.
It should be noted that in the context of naturalisation certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State, periods granted for the purposes of study and periods granted for the purposes of seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act, 1996. Consequently, time spent in the State prior to October 1999 by the person concerned is not reckonable for naturalisation. As the person in question did not meet the statutory residency requirement at that time, his application was deemed ineligible and he was informed of this decision in writing in July 2005 and any original documents in support of his application were enclosed. It is open to the person in question to submit a new application if and when he is in a position to meet the statutory requirements as set out above.
92 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the expertise of each member of the expert committee which qualified them as an expert in site selection for a prison to replace Mountjoy. [35095/06]
The members of the Committee established to review potential sites for a new prison facility to replace the Mountjoy complex were selected from the relevant organisations on the basis of their experience and expertise. They were as follows:
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
Mr. J. Martin, Chairperson — Assistant Secretary with responsibilities in the prisons area, considerable experience in procurement procedures and a qualified barrister;
Ms A O'Gorman — Principal Officer in charge of the Prisons and Probation and Welfare Policy Division
Mr. F. Black — recent experience in acquiring properties for the Reception and Integration Agency
Irish Prison Service
Mr. J. Conlan — Director of Finance of the IPS and a qualified accountant
Mr. J. Boyle — Estate Management IPS, experience in site acquisition and prison construction and maintenance
Mr. S. Lennon — Prison Governor with considerable experience in the operation of prisons.
Office of Public Works
Mr. D. Byers — One of the Commissioners of Public Works with considerable experience in property acquisition and developing major projects and a qualified architect.
Expert advice was also available to the committee.
93 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the proposed prison complex at Thornton Hall will contain halfway house or step down accommodation for pre-release and newly released offenders; if so, the provisions included in such accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35096/06]
The Thornton Hall Prison Project will provide specially designed facilities for prisoners in preparation for release particularly for those reaching the end of longer sentences in line with their sentence management. The new facility will enable the Prison Service to accommodate prisoners in a range of security levels.
These levels will include facilities and regimes which will cater for high security, stepping down to low security and pre-release prisoners. Each category, with an appropriate regime, will be accommodated in specially and individually designed buildings: an opportunity not heretofore afforded to any prison development in Ireland. Each category will have its own education, work training, recreational and support services areas. These will be located on a campus style development within a secure walled perimeter. There will be no accommodation for newly released prisoners or a halfway house facility on the Thornton Hall site.
94 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the expenditure and the amount of each contract awarded under published tenders to date on the proposed prison complex at Thornton Hall by his Department, the Irish Prison Service and by the National Development Finance Agency. [35097/06]
The Irish Prison Service has, to date, awarded two contracts on foot of published tenders in relation to the Thornton Hall Prison project. These tenders were awarded following an EU tender competition, advertised in the European Union Journal.
One tender related to the appointment of consultants to undertake the supply of engineering and other special consultancy services to assist in the preliminary planning of the proposed new prison complex at Thornton Hall, North County Dublin. The consultancy services included engineering, civil, mechanical and electrical as well as archaeological services, flora and fauna, topographical and geophysical surveys. €510,703 has been spent on this tender to date.
The second tender was awarded in relation to the provision of architectural, engineering, master planning, quantity surveying, development of the project brief and project management services for the substantive project. €174,285 has been spent on this tender to date.
I am advised by the National Development Finance Agency that they have engaged a firm to supply assistance in Financial Evaluation, Taxation and Insurance Services in respect of the Thornton Hall Prison Project. Deloitte & Touche were selected as the winning firm in May 2006 following a competitive tender process involving six bidders. No expenditure has arisen under this Contract to date. The Contract is a fixed price contract and the amount of the contract is not disclosed as it is commercially sensitive.
95 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance the number of licences issued to bookies in each of the past ten years; the criteria governing the issuing of such licences; the tax to date from bookies in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34946/06]
The following table, prepared by the Revenue Commissioners, provides details for the past ten years of the number of bookmakers licences issued and licence duty paid each year. Licences are renewed on an annual basis.
|
Year |
Bookmaker Licences. Numbers issued |
Bookmaker Licence. Duty Net Receipts |
|
€ |
||
|
1996 |
534 |
135,862 |
|
1997 |
572 |
145,512 |
|
1998 |
571 |
144,750 |
|
1999 |
495 |
125,196 |
|
2000 |
600 |
152,369 |
|
2001 |
582 |
146,921 |
|
2002 |
560 |
139,813 |
|
2003 |
584 |
145,124 |
|
2004 |
535 |
131,474 |
|
2005 |
588 |
147,500 |
Regarding the criteria governing the issue of such licences, a person who wishes to obtain a bookmaker's licence must first of all obtain a certificate of personal fitness from a Superintendent of the Garda Síochána. The criteria governing the issue of certificates of personal fitness are contained in section 4 of the Betting Act 1931, which provides as follows:
(1) Any person (other than a body corporate or an unincorporated body of persons) who is ordinarily resident in Saorstát Éireann and desires to obtain a bookmaker's licence may, after publishing the notice hereinafter mentioned, apply in accordance with this section to the Superintendent of the Garda Síochána for the district in which he has or proposes to have an office registered under this Act or, if he has not and does not propose to have any such office, to the Superintendent of the Garda Síochána for the district in which he ordinarily resides for a certificate (in this Act referred to as a certificate of personal fitness) that he is a fit and proper person to hold a bookmaker's licence.
(2) Every person intending to apply under this section for a certificate of personal fitness shall, not less than one fortnight nor more than one month before making such application, publish notice of his intention to make such application at least once in each of two newspapers circulating in the district of the Superintendent to whom he intends to make such application.
(3) Every application under this section for a certificate of personal fitness shall be made in the prescribed manner and on the prescribed form and shall be approved of and signed by two Peace Commissioners in the district of the superintendent to whom the application is made.
(4) A Superintendent of the Garda Síochána to whom an application for a certificate of personal fitness is duly made under this section shall, within fourteen days after the receipt of such application, do one or other as he in his discretion shall think proper of the following things, that is to say, either give to the applicant a certificate in the prescribed form that he is a fit and proper person to hold a bookmaker's licence or on any one or more of the grounds hereinafter authorised refuse to give such certificate.
Once a person has obtained a certificate of personal fitness, he or she can apply to the Revenue Commissioners for a bookmaker's licence within 21 days after the issue of the certificate. Subsection (3) of section 7 of the Betting Act 1931 provides that:
Upon delivery to the Revenue Commissioners of an application under this section for a bookmaker's licence and payment to the Revenue Commissioners by the applicant of the excise duty required by law to be paid by persons taking out such licence as is specified in such application, the Revenue Commissioners shall issue to the applicant a bookmaker's licence in accordance with this section. Provided that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other enactment, any licence commencing on or after the 1st day of October, 1993, shall not be granted by the Revenue Commissioners unless a tax clearance certificate in relation to that licence has been issued in accordance with section 242 (as amended by the Finance Act, 1993) of the Finance Act, 1992.
As regards the tax paid by bookmakers, the only information that is readily and accurately to hand is data in respect of betting duty over the last ten years, and this is supplied in the table below. The rate of duty was 10% up to 1 July 1999 when it was reduced to 5%. The rate was further reduced to 2% with effect from 1 May 2002 and was reduced again with effect from 1 July 2006 to1%. Bookmakers are treated as exempt bodies for VAT purposes.
|
Year |
Betting Duty Receipts |
|
€m |
|
|
1996 |
51.6 |
|
1997 |
57.8 |
|
1998 |
66.2 |
|
1999 |
67.8 |
|
2000 |
58.9 |
|
2001 |
68.1 |
|
2002 |
47.9 |
|
2003 |
38.4 |
|
2004 |
45.5 |
|
2005 |
45.8 |
96 Mr. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the amount of illegal fireworks that were seized by the Revenue Commissioners Customs Service in each of the years 1997 to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the following are the recorded figures for Customs seizures of fireworks from 1997 to date:
In 1997 there were five seizures totalling approximately 2,260 fireworks
In 1998 there were four seizures totalling approximately 300 fireworks
In 1999 there were two seizures totalling approximately 660 fireworks
In 2000 there were four seizures totalling 9 fireworks
In 2001 there was one seizure totalling 6 fireworks
In 2002 there were four seizures totalling approximately 100 fireworks
In 2003 there were five seizures totalling 11 fireworks
In 2004 there were nine seizures totalling approximately 70 fireworks
In 2005 there were seven seizures totalling approximately 730 fireworks
There have been no Customs seizures of fireworks in 2006 to date. Some of the above figures are approximate because fireworks are not individually counted when part of a larger consignment.
Where seizures of fireworks are made by the Customs service, it is standard practice to transfer them into Garda custody for any subsequent action. In this regard I should point out that there have been a number of cases in recent years where bulk quantities of fireworks have been encountered by Customs officers while engaged on surveillance in relation to fiscal goods. In some of these cases the fireworks were handed over directly to the Garda Síochána and are not included in the above totals. These detections will be included in the Garda annual figures, which also comprise their significant street level detections.
It may be of assistance to the Deputy to outline the legal framework and the nature of the Customs role in relation to the importation of fireworks. The Explosives Act 1875 defines fireworks as explosives and prohibits their importation unless permitted by an import licence. As a legal consequence, fireworks are listed in the Table of Prohibitions in section 42 of the Customs Consolidation Act of 1876, contravention of which is an offence under section 186 of the same Act. The above laws have effect in the State by virtue of the Adaptation of Enactments Act 1922. I would also draw the Deputy's attention to the significant amendments in this year's Criminal Justice Act to the previous penalty provisions in the Explosive Act 1875, for possession of unlicensed fireworks. The Act provides for proceedings under this provision to be taken by An Garda Síochána.
97 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer for reducing the top rate of tax by 1% and 2% and for reducing the bottom rate of tax by 1% and 2%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34942/06]
By reference to the 2007 Pre Budget ready reckoner prepared by the Revenue Commissioners the full year costs to the Exchequer of reducing the top rate of income tax by one percentage point and two percentage points are estimated to be €228 million and €457 million, respectively. The costs of corresponding reductions in the standard rate of income tax are estimated at €512 million and €1,023 million respectively. These figures are provisional and subject to revision. The ready reckoner is available on my Department's website, at www.finance.gov.ie.
98 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if there are proposals to amend Section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 as sought by the Dyslexia Association of Ireland to allow the cost of specific tuition for dyslexia to qualify for tax relief under the heading of health expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34954/06]
The position is that expenses in respect of tuition for children with dyslexia do not qualify for health expenses tax relief and have never qualified for the relief since it was first introduced in 1967. I understand from the Revenue Commissioners, who deal with such claims, that individuals may have been under the impression that tuition for children with dyslexia was allowable under the heading of health expenses relief. I also understand that the Revenue Commissioners have written to the Dyslexia Association to clarify the matter.
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 Section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 to cover expenses incurred by parents who have children with dyslexia. However, this matter, like any other, can be raised by the Deputy at Finance Bill time.
99 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance his views on allowing sole traders who employ their spouses to pay social insurance contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34996/06]
The issue raised is a matter for consideration by my colleague the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. I have no functional responsibility in this matter.
100 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance the number of private pension plans, with a value of €5 million and more, that have been granted tax relief since 1 January 2005 until the coming into being of the Finance Act 2006, giving details of the granting of such reliefs on a monthly basis. [35011/06]
I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the provision in Section 787P of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1999 (introduced by section 14 of the Finance Act 2006) which introduced a maximum allowable tax-relieved pension fund on retirement of €5 million, known as the ‘standard fund threshold' and to the higher ‘personal fund threshold' to apply where the capital value of an individual's pension rights on 7 December 2005 exceeded the standard fund threshold amount. This limit or ceiling applies to the total capital value of pension benefits that an individual can draw in their lifetime from all tax relieved pension products, including public sector pension schemes, where those benefits first come into payment on or after 7 December 2005. To avail of the higher personal threshold, the individual concerned was required to notify Revenue and provide details of the higher amount on or before 6 June 2006.
Private pension plans can take a number of forms: Occupational Pension Schemes (including small self-administered schemes used primarily by proprietary directors of companies); Retirement Annuity Contracts (used primarily by the self-employed); and PRSAs (which are open to all). The €5m standard fund threshold and the personal fund thresholds apply to all these categories of private pension plan.
However, notification to Revenue of amounts in excess of €5 million, for the purpose of these thresholds, did not arise until 2006 (as these measures were not announced until Budget 2006, and the relevant processes were put in place in Finance Act 2006.) I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that 117 notifications of personal fund thresholds in excess of €5 million were received by them before the 6 June 2006 deadline. I am further informed that, to date, Revenue has issued certificates noting the relevant personal fund thresholds in respect of 75 of the notifications received. The other 42 notifications are at various stages of enquiry.
The Deputy will be aware that, in due course, where the capital value of pension benefits drawn by an individual, whether by way of pension, lump sum or transfer to an approved retirement fund etc, exceeds the relevant threshold, the excess will be subject to an up-front income tax charge of 42%. This charge is in addition to any other income tax charge that might arise in the normal course on the pension benefits drawn down. The Deputy will also be aware that this measure was part of a suite of measures in relation to pensions announced in Budget 2006, and should not, of course, be seen in isolation.
101 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if the imposition of pay pauses for civil servants that are not applicable to private sector employees is constitutionally sound, in view of the fact that civil servants have a statutory right to pay and conditions of employment which can be enforced by the Courts and taking into account that he is obliged to fix pay and conditions of employment of civil servants in accordance with Articles 40.3.1 and 40.3.2, including relevant rulings and interpretations by the Courts in relation to articles (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35023/06]
Under each of the public service pay agreements under Sustaining Progress and Towards 2016 the effective date of the first pay increase under the new agreement was some months after the termination of the previous agreement. These terms were negotiated by the Government and the public service trade unions. I am satisfied that there is no conflict with any constitutional provision.
102 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if an organisation (details supplied) in County Louth can obtain compensation for VAT paid on building works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35076/06]
The position is that charities and non-profit groups engaged in non-commercial activity are exempt from VAT under the EU Sixth VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT law must comply. This means they do not charge VAT on the services they provide and cannot recover VAT incurred on goods and services that they purchase. Essentially only VAT registered businesses which charge VAT are able to recover VAT.
Ministerial Orders have been used in a limited way to provide refunds of VAT on certain aids and appliances for the disabled and on medical equipment donated voluntarily to hospitals. These orders are focused and are designed to target specific circumstances. However, under EU law, it would not be possible to introduce new schemes within the VAT Act 1972 to relieve charities from the obligation to pay VAT on goods and services that they purchase.
I would add that the tax code currently provides exemption for charities from Income Tax, Corporation Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Deposit Interest Retention Tax, Capital Acquisitions Tax, Stamp Duty, Probate Tax and Dividend Withholding Tax. Moreover, charities also benefit significantly from the uniform scheme of tax relief for donations, which was introduced in the Finance Act 2001 and which, for the first time, allowed tax relief on personal donations to domestic charities and other approved bodies. The relief is based on the taxpayer's marginal rate which for an individual donor could be as high as 42%. In the case of donations from the PAYE sector the relief is given directly to the charities.
103 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance the projects and final costs of the projects that involved work by a company (details supplied) for the Office of Public Works in each year since 2003 to date in 2006. [35098/06]
The information sought is being compiled at present by the Commissioners of Public Works and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
104 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance the estate agents, auctioneers and valuers who have been contracted to do work for the Office of Public Works in each year since 2003 to date in 2006; the projects in which they were involved; the value of their contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35099/06]
The information requested is not maintained in a format which is readily available within the Office of Public Works. I propose to forward the information directly to the Deputy when all the details have been collated.
105 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the need, she will review the decision to refuse domiciliary care allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34932/06]
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.
106 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Cork who successfully appealed a decision regarding domiciliary care allowance recently is entitled to a respite care grant. [35000/06]
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.
107 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount paid to staff and the amount paid to home care packages in view of the amount of funding given to County Mayo under the home care grant packages. [34908/06]
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.
108 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on further funding for a crèche (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will respond to the submissions made to him at the meeting of 15 June 2006. [34926/06]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Child care Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Child care Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.
The Group in question has been provisionally approved capital funding of €1.4 million under the EOCP, in respect of a proposal to develop a child care facility. This funding is approved subject to the Group concluding a satisfactory contractual agreement with Pobal, which is engaged to administer the grants on behalf of the Office of the Minister for Children.
Following my meeting with the Group in June 2006 to discuss the amount of capital funding provisionally approved in line with the programme criteria, I understand from enquiries I have made that revised plans for the proposal have been submitted by the Group to Pobal and that discussions are continuing with a view to bringing the project to contract.
109 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will introduce the promised legislation to fortify flour with folic acid as recommended by the National Committee for Folic Acid Food Fortification in July 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34927/06]
In accordance with the recommendations of the Report of the National Committee on Folic Acid Food Fortification, an implementation group has been established to oversee operational issues associated with the mandatory fortification of breads with folic acid. The report was launched on 18 July 2006 and the projected timescale for the introduction of the necessary legislation and for the implementation of the fortification programme is one year from that date.
110 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if the criteria for assessment of nursing home subvention are currently under review; if so the amendments being considered; the stage the review is at; when changes are expected to be implemented; if the value of an applicants home or part of that value will be considered as part of subvention applications in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34928/06]
As the Deputy may be aware, the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 and the Nursing Homes Regulations 1993 provide for the payment of subvention for private nursing home care for applicants who qualify on both medical and means grounds. General rules for the assessment of means in respect of an application for nursing home subvention are set out in the Second Schedule of the Nursing Homes Regulations 1993, as amended by the 2005 Regulations.
Under the Regulations, when considering an application for subvention, the Health Service Executive carries out a means test which takes into account the means (including assets) of the applicant and his or her spouse/cohabiting partner, where appropriate. The means test involves looking at the applicant's income for the previous twelve months. Income from all sources is taken into account and is assessed net of PRSI, income tax and the health contribution and the income of a married or cohabiting person is half the total income of the couple. In assessing an applicant's assets the first €11,000 of such assets is disregarded. The HSE may refuse to pay a subvention if an applicant has assets exceeding €36,000, (excluding their principal residence). In relation to the principal private residence of an applicant, the HSE may impute an income of 5% of the estimated market value of the principal residence of an applicant for subvention, unless the residence is occupied by a spouse or son or daughter aged less than twenty one years or in full time education or in receipt of a social welfare pension/allowance as set out in the 1993 Regulations, as amended by the 2005 Regulations. and generally does so unless there are exceptional circumstances. The HSE may refuse to pay a subvention if the value of the applicant's principal residence is in excess of €500,000 or more (where the residence is located in the Dublin area) or €300,000 or more (where the residence is located outside the Dublin area).
The HSE has discretion to pay more than the maximum rate of subvention relative to an individual's level of dependency in a case, for example, where personal funds are exhausted. The application of these provisions in an individual case is a matter for the HSE in the context of meeting increasing demands for subvention, subject to the provisions of the Health Act, 2004. The average rate of subvention paid by the HSE generally exceeds the current approved basic rates. The supports paid by the HSE vary from person to person and region to region, depending on nursing home fees for example.
The Health (Nursing Homes)(Amendment) Bill 2006 is designed to ensure that the existing subvention scheme for private nursing home care is grounded in primary legislation and to help the HSE to implement the scheme on a standardised basis across the country. In addition, national guidelines on nursing home subvention are currently being developed by the HSE to ensure an even and equitable application of the regulations nationally.
The Government is currently considering new policy on Long Term Care and several principles underlying this were agreed with the social partners in "Towards 2016". These principles include, for example, that there should be one standardised national needs assessment for older people needing care. The use of community and home-based care should be maximised. Sheltered housing options will be encouraged. Where residential care is required, it should be quality care and there should be appropriate and equitable levels of co-payment by care recipients based on a national standardised financial assessment. The level of support for residential care should be indifferent as to whether that care is in a public or private facility. The financial model to support any new arrangements must also be financially sustainable. The Department is currently drawing up proposals as agreed with the social partners in "Towards 2016".
111 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of sites on the grounds of public hospitals that she has identified for the construction of private hospitals; the estimated market value of the sites; the financial terms under which the sites will be disposed of to the private sector; the bed capacity of the proposed private sector development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34943/06]
The HSE is currently engaged in a procurement process with the private sector to build and operate private hospitals on 10 public hospital sites. This will enable up to 1,000 beds in public hospitals, which are currently used by private patients, to be re-designated for use by public patients. Proposals will be subject to detailed evaluation by the HSE. The procedure will also provide for a rigorous value for money assessment of any proposal and will take account of the value of the public site and the cost of any tax foregone. Any transaction will be on a commercial basis and will fully protect the public interest. In addition, there will be full adherence to public procurement law and best practice.
112 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children if she or her Department made a referral to An Bord Altranais in respect of the professional conduct of nurses employed in Leas Cross Nursing Home. [34944/06]
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 Practice Committee. This policy is in accordance with the provisions of the Nurses Act 1985.
113 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for return of moneys under the national repayment scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [34955/06]
114 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application by a person in County Limerick for return of moneys under the national repayment scheme on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [34956/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 114 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.
115 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34976/06]
The decision to transfer St. Luke's Hospital was taken by the Government in the context of its consideration of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology Services. The decision is based on expert advice and is designed to ensure that radiation oncology, one element of cancer care, is integrated with all other aspects of care, including surgery and medical oncology. This is in line with best international practice. I am convinced that this model will provide better patient centred treatment with improved quality of service and outcome for patients. The Board of St. Luke's Hospital and its Executive Management Team are fully committed to supporting the Government's decision in relation to the development of radiation oncology. A transfer on similar lines took place earlier this year in Northern Ireland when radiation oncology services transferred to Belfast City Hospital, a major academic teaching hospital.
In progressing the transfer, I will build on the expertise and ethos of St. Luke's. I have ensured that experts at St. Luke's are centrally involved in the planning and delivery of the National Plan. The plan consists of large centres in Dublin (at Beaumont and St. James's Hospitals), Cork and Galway and two integrated satellite centres at Waterford Regional Hospital and Limerick Regional Hospital. Medical and scientific experts from the hospital are involved in developing the output specifications for the delivery of new radiation oncology services nationally. The Chief Executive at St. Luke's will lead the management team of the new facility at St. James's. I also appointed the Chairman of St. Luke's to chair a National Radiation Oncology Oversight Group to advise me on progress on the implementation of the plan. I have also approved the provision of two additional linear accelerators at St. Luke's to provide much needed interim capacity pending the roll out of the national plan. I expect these services to commence late next year.
116 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the parts of the Civil Registration Act 2004 relating to marriage and marriage registration that have not been implemented; the objections that remain thereto; and when she expects the provisions of the Act to be fully operational. [34997/06]
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. There are no objections to the implementation of the marriage provisions that I am aware of.
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.
117 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a disabled drivers and disabled passengers tax concessions grant has been refused to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [35012/06]
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.
118 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting period for cardiac or hip replacement surgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35013/06]
Responsibility for the collation and publishing of waiting list and waiting time data, including the waiting period for cardiac or hip replacement surgery, now rests with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). The NTPF, which is a statutory body, was established as one of the key actions for dealing with public hospital waiting lists arising from the Health Strategy. My Department has, therefore, asked the Chief Executive of the NTPF to reply to the Deputy directly with regard to the information requested.
119 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will undertake a review of stroke services here as recommended in the Government’s Cardiovascular Strategy seven years ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35014/06]
In 2005, the Minister for Health and Children met with the Irish Heart Foundation to discuss inter alia services for patients with stroke. Following that meeting, the Foundation, with the support of a grant of €70,000 from my Department, convened a National Stroke Review Group (NSRG). The NSRG has representatives from the HSE (population health) and from a wide range of relevant professional and voluntary organisations (community health nurses, speech therapists, volunteer scheme etc.) The Group developed a comprehensive research proposal over a period of nine months based on methods used for an audit of hospital and community services in the UK.
The project involves six separate surveys:
hospital organisational audits;
community-based surveys of GPs;
allied healthcare practitioners (AHPs);
hospital clinical audits;
patients and carers;
nursing homes.
The entire study is scheduled to take 18 months to complete and will provide an important advance in quantifying the preparedness of Irish hospitals for modern stroke treatment, as well as providing a nationwide profile of community stroke services in the Republic of Ireland. The final reports from the hospital organisational audit and GP survey were delivered on schedule on 1 September 2006 and the final report of the survey of allied health professionals is due to be delivered on schedule on 1 December 2006. The three other elements of the study, patients and carers, hospital clinical audits and nursing homes, are currently on schedule with final reports due on 1 September 2007. The NSRG will monitor progress of the research and use the findings to make recommendations on the development of stroke services. The Department and the Health Service Executive will consider policy implications in the light of this national service audit.
120 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if provision will be made for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare currently in Naas General Hospital for their transfer to either St. Vincent’s Hospital, Athy or Maynooth Community Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35036/06]
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.
121 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue to a query on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who is awaiting work on a risk management report following the death of their spouse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35078/06]
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.
122 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the division to which a former principal officer of his Department (details supplied) was transferred on 26 June 2006. [34982/06]
The information being sought by the Deputy is a management issue for the Department's Secretary General and is not one in which I have a function.
123 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will request a former principal officer of his Department (details supplied) to furnish him with details as to the nature, venue and date of a sporting or other social events which the officer may have attended or watched on television during the World Cup 2006 as a guest of a party associated with Shell EP Ireland Ltd; and if he will make the report available to this Deputy. [34983/06]
I refer the Deputy to parliamentary Question No. 432 of the 24 October 2006. I have nothing further to add to that reply.
124 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to provide fibre optic broadband to serve a town (details supplied) in County Galway in order that the town is provided with a world class broadband service to enable it achieve it’s potential; when he will be announcing the next roll out of broadband to serve those towns not already being served with fibre optic broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35075/06]
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 private sector has failed to invest at the level necessary to keep pace with the demand for broadband. Consequently my Department's regional broadband programme aims to address 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.
Some 27 MANs have been completed under Phase One. The second Phase of the programme involves the building of MANs in over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and above that do not have a satisfactory broadband offering from the private sector. Tuam is not part of Phase Two but may be included in a further phase subject to the necessary approval and Exchequer funding being made available.
125 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the growth of the North American, European or other locations from whence tourists have come here in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35024/06]
The compilation and dissemination of Tourism and Travel Statistics is primarily an operational matter for the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and its publications are available to the Deputy. In terms of travel to Ireland, the picture, I am glad to say, is a healthy one. Last year, almost 7 million overseas visitors came to Ireland with an associated spend on the ground of almost €3.5 billion and a further €583 million on carrier receipts. The 2005 visitor numbers were up almost 10% on the corresponding figure for 2003.
All of the major tourism markets showed growth in visitor numbers between 2003 and 2005 as follows:
Britain — up almost 3% at 3.8 million,
Mainland Europe — up 28% at almost 2 million
North America — up over 5% at 953,000, and
Other Long Haul Markets — up over 14% at 285,000.
While it is too early to make final predictions regarding the 2006 season, overseas visitor numbers for the first 8 months of the year are up by almost 11% on the corresponding period for 2005, putting us on course for a record tourism season. Current performance suggests that we may not just achieve but exceed our 2006 targets of a 4.9% growth in visitor numbers and an associated increase of 6.7% in revenue. As global competition intensifies and consumer preferences evolve, these results represent a very robust performance by the sector and emphasise the dynamism and responsiveness of the Irish tourism sector.
126 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if holidays here are competitively priced with holidays in the US, Canada or throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35025/06]
Tourism is a services industry, which relies heavily on labour, and Irish public policy operates on the basis of seeking to ensure that those in employment are paid fair wages. Our fiscal model also emphasises indirect as opposed to direct taxation. While both these approaches provide a strong economic development impetus, they can impact on consumption costs for the visitor.
The Tourism Agencies continue to monitor Ireland's competitiveness as a tourism destination. While Ireland is clearly not a low-cost destination, it does seem that Ireland is not perceived as an expensive destination to get to but that there are issues about the relative cost of some on-the-ground amenities.
In 2005, Tourism Ireland undertook a pilot project that focused on benchmarking Ireland's offering on-line against our key competitors in the top four markets (GB, USA, France and Germany) in relation to the cost, availability and choice of flights, hotels and car hire. Overall, it appears that Ireland, in the on-line arena, is very competitive in these sectors.
Fáilte Ireland's Visitor Attitude Survey shows that the area of value, price and good all-round value for money remains an important prerequisite for visitors when considering Ireland as their holiday destination, as does the availability of reasonably priced accommodation and competitively priced air and sea fares. It is important to remember that competitiveness is not just about price. It is about value for money and, if our tourism sector is to be competitive, that is what it must deliver. As in most industries, there is, no doubt, scope for efficiency gains and Fáilte Ireland has a range of programmes to help the industry in this area.
127 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to encourage the development of a network of theatres with a view to the promotion of the arts here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35030/06]
128 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will offer financial assistance for the restoration of existing buildings or the development of new structures to accommodate local productions or plays, musicals or other presentations of a theatrical nature with a view to encouraging development of the arts in all areas here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35031/06]
130 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will offer recreational grants to musical or dramatic societies for the improvement, extension or restoration of their premises throughout County Kildare in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35033/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 127, 128 and 130 together.
On 24 July last, I announced a new scheme to support investment in arts and culture infrastructure. This new scheme called ACCESS II or the Arts and Culture Enhancement Support Scheme II, will run from 2007 to 2009. The scheme is intended to provide a further impetus to the development of arts and culture facilities thereby enhancing the quality of life for our citizens. While the intention is to prioritise the enhancement and maintenance of existing facilities, there will also be provision to support new build projects under the terms of the scheme.
This is a successor to the highly successful ACCESS I scheme, introduced in August 2001, which allocated €45.71 million to the promoters of 44 projects. This scheme greatly enhanced the provision of arts and culture infrastructure nationwide, increasing accessibility to the arts throughout the country. Applications under ACCESS II will be accepted until 17 November, 2006 and the selection of projects will be undertaken in close collaboration with the Arts Council. An independent committee will assess project proposals received and will make recommendations to me for consideration. I hope to be in a position to announce the successful applicants early next year.
131 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the expenditure by his Department from the proceeds of the National Lottery in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35034/06]
The elements of my Department's Vote which are part-funded by proceeds of the National Lottery are as follows:
Subhead C.1 — Grants for sporting bodies and for the provision of sports and recreational facilities under the Sports Capital Programme;
Subhead C.3 — Grant-in-Aid provided to the Irish Sports Council in respect of general assistance to sports organisations and expenditure in relation to sports activities; and
Subhead D.7 — Grant-in-Aid allocation provided to the Arts Council.
Details of National Lottery expenditure under these subheads since the establishment of my Department in 2002, together with the Revised Estimates allocations for 2006, are contained in the following table:
|
Sports Capital Programme |
Irish Sports Council |
Arts Council |
Totals |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2002 |
61,323,096 |
27,261,000 |
13,567,000 |
102,151,096 |
|
2003 |
60,990,907 |
26,597,000 |
13,249,000 |
100,836,907 |
|
2004 |
80,703,656 |
29,000,000 |
20,508,000 |
130,211,656 |
|
2005 |
56,782,491 |
32,573,000 |
23,000,000 |
112,355,491 |
|
2006 |
67,724,000* |
38,996,000 |
23,839,000 |
130,559,000 |
|
Total |
327,524,150 |
154,427,000 |
94,163,000 |
576,114,150 |
132 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average cost of grant aid per job created by the IDA in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34924/06]
The cost per job sustained in IDA supported companies is calculated by taking into account all IDA Ireland expenditure to all firms, in the period of calculation. Only jobs created during, and sustained to the end of, each seven-year period are credited in the calculations. The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
|
1994/2000 |
1995/2001 |
1996/2002 |
1997/2003 |
1998/2004 |
1999/2005 |
|
€15,232 |
€15,169 |
€17,236 |
€16,942 |
€15,040 |
€13,229 |
Constant 2005 prices.
133 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average cost of grant aid per job created by Enterprise Ireland in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34925/06]
The average cost per job, of jobs created with assistance from Enterprise Ireland from 2001 to 2005, is outlined in the following table. The cost per job is calculated by taking into account all direct agency expenditure on all Enterprise Ireland client companies in a seven year period. Only jobs created during, and sustained at the end of each seven year period, are represented in the calculations. The figures in the table are given in 2005 constant prices. The cost per job calculation takes the total grants paid to companies to undertake development projects at both start-up and expansion stages, and the new jobs that arise from these projects.
It should be noted that Enterprise Ireland follows an investment policy of 50% grant and 50% equity, and this departure from higher amounts of grant support has allowed for a greater level of risk sharing in company development projects, and allows for an increased spread of grants to a larger number of companies. The funds that are realised from the sale or repayment of equity related investments are deducted in the cost per job calculations. This has been one of the drivers in the declining cost per job figure in recent years.
|
Period/Year |
1995/01 |
1996/02 |
1997/03 |
1998/04 |
1999/05 |
|
Cost per Job |
€10,181 |
€10,675 |
€9,387 |
€8,155 |
€5,412 |
134 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to parliamentary Question No. 961 of 27 September 2006, the status of a director (details supplied) of an Irish company who has been disqualified as a director in another EU country for a period of 20 years; if this matter has come to his attention; if the matter is being investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34948/06]
The details supplied by the Deputy with the current question have been referred to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE). If the Deputy has any further information in relation to the matters she has raised, I would again urge her to bring it to the attention of the ODCE. It is not my function to deal with matters that come within the day-to-day remit of an independent statutory authority such as the Director and it would be inappropriate for me to do so. The Director is required, under section 16 of the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001, to report annually on the performance of his functions and activities and this report is laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
135 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the practice of oversupply of newspaper and magazines by distribution companies to newsagents, which in some cases amount to oversupply of 30%, particularly in view of the fact that there is currently no producer responsibility fund for the newspaper and magazine industry; and his further views on regulating oversupply to newsagents by trade practice measure as has been done in other jurisdictions. [34987/06]
The practice referred to in the Deputy's Question essentially appears to relate to transactions between businesses and as such would seem primarily to be a matter of contract law. It is understood that in a number of instances the terms and conditions of supply specified by distribution companies provide that the supplier may specify a minimum order number of newspapers, magazines etc. Newsagents who consider that the practice of oversupply is in breach of the terms agreed with their distributors may wish to consult their legal advisers to consider how best to proceed.
Although the supply of unsolicited goods is not, of itself, an offence, the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 provides that persons may not seek payment for goods that are unsolicited. In considering whether the practice of oversupply as outlined in the Deputy's question involves the supply of unsolicited goods within the meaning of the 1980 Act, consideration would have to be given to the terms and conditions of supply agreed between the parties and in particular any specific terms governing the sale or return of goods as well as the payment terms for such goods. Should the Deputy have details of specific instances of payment being demanded from newsagents in respect of unsolicited newspapers, magazines etc. he may wish to advise those newsagents to refer their complaints to the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs who enforce the provisions of the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980.
In terms of possible environmental and other impacts arising from the oversupply of newspapers, magazines etc., I am aware that my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government is currently in discussions with the newsprint industry with a view to developing an industry initiative to promote greater recycling of newsprint.
136 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment 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. [35008/06]
There are currently five persons employed in my Department whose status has changed to that of disabled since commencing their employment.
137 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if Enterprise Ireland produced a staff directory within the past three years or so; if so, the amount it cost; and if it was published or launched. [35022/06]
The production of a staff directory is an administrative matter for Enterprise Ireland, and not one in which I am directly involved. I am informed by Enterprise Ireland that it has not produced a staff directory within the past three years. However, a staff directory was developed and produced in-house approximately six years ago, and has been updated and enhanced since then from time to time, as appropriate. The staff directory is available to all Enterprise Ireland staff on the EI intranet. Primary contact points for Enterprise Ireland, and contact points for specific Enterprise Ireland programmes and events, are included on the Enterprise Ireland corporate website, as appropriate.
The Institute of Public Administration publishes summary information on Enterprise Ireland, including the names of the Board members and Executive Directors, and the Regional and Overseas Offices, in its Annual Administration Yearbook. Enterprise Ireland also publishes these details as part of its Annual Report.
138 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average waiting time for payment of respite care grants from date of application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34929/06]
The majority of respite care grants are paid to people who are in receipt of Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, Constant Attendance Allowance or prescribed Relative Allowance. In these cases, the grant is paid automatically without the beneficiaries having to make a specific application for the grant. A total of 26,909 people were paid respite care grant in these cases up to the end of August 2006.
People who are providing full-time care and attention in cases where neither Carer's Allowance nor Carer's Benefit is in payment may still qualify for Respite Care Grant by making specific application for the grant. A total of 8,174 grants have been paid so far this year in these cases. Some 5,711 of these were in respect of 2006 and a further 2,463 were paid in respect of 2005. The average time for deciding these applications for Respite Care Grant is currently just under eight weeks.
139 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average waiting time for payment of carer’s allowance from date of application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34930/06]
The average time for deciding an application for carer's allowance is currently 9.53 weeks. The average in 2005 was 8.88 weeks, while the average in 2004 was 12.70 weeks. Entitlement to carer's allowance is based on an applicant satisfying medical, means and residency conditions. In determining entitlement to the allowance there are, in certain cases, unavoidable time lags involved in making the necessary investigations and enquiries to enable timely and accurate decisions to be made. Delays can also arise if persons applying for the allowance are not in a position to supply all the necessary information in support of their claim.
Many applicants for carer's allowance are already in receipt of another social welfare payment while their claim is being processed. Such payments will normally continue until entitlement to their carer's allowance is determined. There are currently 2,042 pending cases awaiting a decision, over 65% of which were received within the last eight weeks. The majority of claims currently on hands will be processed within the next ten weeks. Some 7,746 new claims were processed to a final decision up to week ending 20 October 2006. The volume of claims finalised so far this year represents a 9% increase on the average achieved in 2005 and a 17% increase on the average achieved in 2004. There are 27,000 carer's allowances in payment, compared to 25,000 at the end of 2005 and 23,000 at the end of 2004.
The staff and other resources available to my Department must be deployed to ensure good customer service, to prevent fraud and abuse of the schemes and to achieve value for money. My Department is engaged in an ongoing process to ensure that available resources are prioritised to the greatest extent possible on front line service delivery and to ensure that the best possible standard of response is provided across the range of schemes and services. The position will be kept under review to ensure that the best possible customer service continues to be provided.
140 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of recipients of fuel allowance with a breakdown for each welfare payment. [34995/06]
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. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses.
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).
Some 264,400 people (145,800 with basic fuel allowance and 118,600 with smokeless fuel supplement) benefited from the scheme in 2005 at an annual cost of €85.4 million. 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 of €125.1 million.
The following table shows the number of fuel recipients by scheme at 20 October 2006.
|
Fuel Allowance Recipients (€14.00/week) |
Smokeless Supplement (€3.90/week) |
|
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
15,988 |
9,755 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
48,181 |
7,557 |
|
State pension (Transition) |
25,358 |
12,540 |
|
Widow’s Pension (Contributory) |
40,955 |
20,937 |
|
Widow/er’s Non Contributory Pension |
8,625 |
1,951 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
17,546 |
8,975 |
|
Deserted Wife’s Benefit |
5,661 |
4,580 |
|
Deserted Wife’s Allowance |
993 |
587 |
|
One-Parent Family Payment |
38,944 |
27,661 |
|
Occupational Injuries Benefit |
323 |
154 |
|
Back to Work Allowance |
728 |
1,348 |
|
Blind Person’s Pension |
717 |
311 |
|
Disability Allowance |
33,417 |
11,323 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
2,403 |
1,203 |
|
Farm Assist |
4,100 |
2 |
|
Long-term Jobseeker’s Allowance |
22,250 |
9,371 |
|
Pre Retirement Allowance |
7,190 |
2,743 |
|
Illness Benefit |
0 |
1,550 |
|
Long-term Jobseeker’s Benefit |
0 |
520 |
|
Others |
9 |
1 |
|
Total |
273,387 |
123,170 |
|
Year |
Standard Fuel Allowance No. |
Smokeless Supplement No. |
Expenditure |
|
€m |
|||
|
2000 |
270,000 |
109,000 |
55.5 |
|
2001 |
265,000 |
108,000 |
61.1 |
|
2002 |
259,000 |
115,000 |
80.5 |
|
2003 |
270,000 |
118,000 |
83.2 |
|
2004 |
272,000 |
121,000 |
84.7 |
|
2005 |
264,400 |
118,600 |
85.4 |
|
2006 Est. |
274,000 |
123,000 |
125.1 |
|
Consumer Price Index |
Social Welfare Rates (including fuel allowance) |
||||||
|
Year |
All Items |
Energy Products |
Liquid heating fuels |
Solid fuels |
State Pension (Con) |
State Pension (Non-con) |
Long Term Jobseekers Allowance |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|||||
|
2001 Dec. |
100 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
140.94 |
127.61 |
114.91 |
|
2002 |
102.7 |
104.8 |
106.9 |
103.1 |
156.30 (+ 10.9%) |
143.00 (+ 12.1%) |
127.80 (+ 11.2%) |
|
2003 |
106.3 |
109.0 |
105.2 |
105.2 |
166.30 (+ 6.4%) |
153.00 (+ 7.0%) |
133.80 (+ 4.9%) |
|
2004 |
108.6 |
118.2 |
134.0 |
113.7 |
176.30 (+ 6.0%) |
163.00 (+ 6.5%) |
143.80 (+ 7.5%) |
|
2005 |
112.5 |
136.9 |
158.9 |
120.1 |
188.30 (+ 6.8%) |
175.00 (+ 7.4%) |
157.80 (+ 9.7%) |
|
2006 Sept. |
117.2 |
144.9 |
176.4 |
125.3 |
207.30 (+ 10.1%) |
196.00 (+ 12%) |
179.80 (+ 13.9%) |
|
Cumulative Increase (4.75 years) |
17.2% |
44.9% |
76.4% |
25.3% |
47.1% |
53.6 % |
56.5 % |
141 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on granting individual travel passes to the spouses of travel pass recipients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35001/06]
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. 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.
Spouses of travel pass holders may travel on the same journey with their partner at no cost to them. In addition, the free travel companion pass entitles the pass holder to have any one person, aged 16 years or over, to accompany him/her free of charge when travelling. Such companion passes are available to persons who qualify for free travel and who, on account of their disability, are unable to travel alone.
The main objective of the free travel scheme is to encourage older people and people with disabilities to remain independent and active in the community, thereby reducing the need for institutional care. The purpose of allowing pass holders to be accompanied while travelling is to further facilitate this mobility. While extension of the scheme in the manner proposed would not be in keeping with this objective, I am always willing to look at proposals within the budgetary context.
142 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if arrears of invalidity pension, back dated to 2001, is payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35049/06]
The person concerned applied for an invalidity pension on 13 June 2006 and was awarded the pension from 15 June 2006. Unfortunately it has now transpired that in this case the pension was originally awarded in error. To qualify for an invalidity pension an applicant must, inter alia, have a total of 260 PRSI contributions paid and 48 PRSI contributions paid or credited in the last tax year before their claim is made. Only PRSI contributions paid at classes A, E and H are reckonable. The person concerned does not satisfy the PRSI contribution conditions for receipt of pension and the necessary arrangements are being made to reinstate payment of disability allowance of which he was previously in receipt. Any inconvenience caused to the person concerned as a result of the error is very much regretted.
143 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the reason it is not possible to book an NCT test more than five weeks ahead of a proposed appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35090/06]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the oversight and monitoring of the National Car Test scheme.
144 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the criteria of selection for the proposed route of the Metro; the way each of the alternative lines, central, western and eastern performed under each of the criteria; and the scoring weight given to each of the criteria. [35091/06]
The selection of the preferred route for Metro North is a matter for the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA). The preferred route for Metro North, which I announced last week, was approved by the Board of the RPA recently following a rigorous assessment of the options against a number of criteria which were published in February 2006 as part of the public consultation process. The selection process encompassed one of the most comprehensive public consultation exercises ever undertaken. A total of 100,000 newsletters were issued to residents along the potential routes and over 2,000 written submissions were received by the RPA. The public consultation exercise had a significant impact on the eventual route selected and on the location of stations.
The RPA has informed me that it evaluated each route with respect to seven published criteria: compliance with transport and land-use strategy, minimising environmental impacts including congestion and associated pollution problems, generating social and economic benefits, delivering good quality transport integration, optimising capital and operating costs, delivering a safe and operationally efficient system and achieving efficiency and minimising risk during construction. No percentage weightings were given to the seven criteria as it was considered that the seven published criteria were of a generally equal importance. The Preferred Route performed best against a majority of the assessment criteria. The West Route performed poorly against most assessment criteria. The Preferred Route attracted considerable local support along its route, albeit with concerns about elevated structures. Conversely, there was considerable local opposition to the East Route due to the impact of further major construction following on from the Dublin Port Tunnel works, which have adversely affected the area for the last five years.
The Preferred Route serves key facilities and institutions including hospitals, universities, sports venues leisure amenities, shopping districts and employment centres. The Preferred Route, serving Ballymun, is compliant with the relevant County Development Plans and is supported by the local authorities. The Preferred Route was evaluated the strongest in terms of environmental impacts including, congestion and air pollution. The Preferred Route has the highest benefit to cost ratio. The Preferred Route offers excellent interchange with the Maynooth Railway Line and with the Luas Red and Green lines, which are important strategic objectives. The Preferred Route has the highest forecast patronage. The Preferred Route facilitates interoperability with the planned Metro West — the East Route does not facilitate this connection. The Preferred Route has the lowest capital cost. All three routes performed similarly in terms of safety and operational efficiency, though the East Route would have a negative impact on journey times from Metro West to the city centre. The Preferred Route has advantages in terms of reducing construction impacts, the East Route would require significant mitigation measures during construction where it crosses the alignment of the Dublin Port Tunnel.
145 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the assessment carried out of the transport needs of the north side which led to the removal from Transport 21 of the LUAS network outlined in a Platform for Change that was to interconnect the western line through Drumcondra, the northern line and DART through Howth Junction and the Metro line to Swords via the airport and serving Whitehall, Beaumont, Artane and Coolock. [35092/06]
Transport 21 provides a Government commitment to deliver an extensive Luas and Metro network for Dublin in the period up to 2015. While Transport 21 involves a very large commitment of financial resources, those resources are also finite. It was necessary therefore, to prioritise the investments to be made over the ten year period. Although the Dublin Transportation Office strategy of 2001 did suggest a number of other projects across the Greater Dublin Area, including a Luas line servicing the Whitehall to Kilbarrack area, this project was not included in Transport 21. However, the Dublin Transportation Office's Platform for Change remains the longer term vision for transport in Dublin and funding is provided in Transport 21 for feasibility studies on those elements of it not included in the current 10 year programme.
146 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a decision will be made on the application for funding under the research grants for an organisation (details supplied) in County Cork to his Department. [34980/06]
148 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a decision will be made on the application submitted for a grant for locally based community and voluntary organisations by a group (details supplied) in County Cork. [35006/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 148 together.
A substantial number of applications has been received by my Department over the last few weeks under the 2006 Programme of Grants for Locally-Based Community and Voluntary Organisations. They are being assessed. Decisions in respect of all applications will be made by me following this assessment process. It is not possible at this early stage to indicate when a decision can be made on an individual application or what that decision will be, but each applicant Group will be informed of progress on their application as soon as possible.
147 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, through his Department, there is funding available under any aspect or heading for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to assist in providing English classes for persons seeking such classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34984/06]
Under the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme, my Department funds a small number of local Partnership companies to provide funds for English classes for non-nationals, but only if this fits within their own local strategy of how to support the integration of non-nationals in the area. The person in question should contact the local Partnership Company, at The Kildare Community Partnership, Jigginstown Commercial Centre, Naas, Co. Kildare — telephone 045 895450.
149 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied that the procedure used in the 2005 and 2006 round of promotions, for area superintendent and district superintendent grades was fair; if she is further satisfied that the subjective procedures used were the most appropriate; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is dissatisfaction within the ranks of persons who were interviewed regarding the process; if she will review the outcome of the interviews; her views on feedback received by her Department on the promotions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35002/06]
I am satisfied that the procedures used in the 2005 and 2006 round of promotions for Area Superintendent and District Superintendent were fair and equitable. The procedure was a competitive structured interview process, all aspects of which were agreed in advance with the Union, which represents these grades.
150 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the situation regarding the export of live horses for slaughter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35003/06]
Trade in horses for slaughter is provided for in European Union legislation, which states that horses can be exported for slaughter once they comply with health certification requirements and are transported either directly or after transit through a market or an approved marshalling centre to the slaughterhouse.
All horses exported from Ireland must apply for an export certificate, except those exported under the tripartite agreement, which permits trade from Ireland to the UK (all horses) and to France (registered horses) without health certification, on the basis of the existence of an equivalent health status in the equine sector in these countries. Although the standard EU health certificate does not distinguish slaughter as a purpose of export, the application for export certification requires the exporter to state for what purpose the horse is being exported. My Department has not received applications for health certification for horses being exported for the purpose of slaughter. All export certificates which have been issued by my Department are in respect of animals for breeding, racing, jumping /sport use.
Notwithstanding the above, because horses exported to the UK or France under the tripartite agreement do not require an export certificate, it is not possible in all cases to be certain of the purpose for which they are being exported.
151 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the numbers of staff in her Department who have indicated willingness to decentralise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35004/06]
Since the announcement of the decentralisation programme there has been an increase of some 180 full-time posts in my Department in Portlaoise. My Department's Decentralisation Implementation Plan allows for a phased movement to Portlaoise, i.e. the transfer of functions and posts over a number of years. The 2005 and 2006 phases of Decentralisation are now substantially complete and planning and preparations are ongoing for 2007 and subsequent phases. My Department is currently recruiting applicants from the Central Applications Facility for future moves to Portlaoise.
The process of recruitment for Fermoy has also begun. Initially there were 73 applicants for the 100 posts advertised for Fermoy and 74 for the 100 posts advertised for Macroom.
152 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if an extension of time will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary for participation in the land purchase and reclamation annuities discounted redemption scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35073/06]
The current discounted buy out scheme for Land Purchase Annuities is governed by Statutory Instrument No. 830 of 2005, the Land Purchase Annuities Redemption Scheme Regulations, made under the Land Act 2005. The scheme commenced on 1 January 2006 and was to terminate on the 30th June 2006. I have by Statutory Instrument No. 352 of 2006, the Land Purchase Annuities Redemption Scheme (Amendment) Regulations, already extended it beyond its original expiry date of 30 June 2006 to 31 October 2006 for all annuitants to specifically facilitate those who needed additional time to raise the finance necessary to participate. This extension has been notified to all remaining annuitants on a number of occasions and I have no plans to further extend the scheme.
153 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the land purchase and reclamation annuities discounted redemption scheme can be paid in instalments by a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35074/06]
The legislative basis for the current discounted buy out scheme for Land Purchase Annuities is contained in the Land Act 2005 which provides for the introduction of a scheme for early redemption of annuities at a discounted price provided the annuity is redeemed by a single payment to include all outstanding arrears. As the Act does not contain any provision for the exercise of discretion or for varying the conditions for participation in the scheme for any individual annuitant, the person named cannot participate in the scheme on the basis of making instalment redemption payments.
154 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of the fact that participants in the ERS only agreed to forfeit the value of their State pension while in receipt of their farm retirement pension, his Department should allow them to retain increases in the State pension; if such a mechanism would at least in part protect their income against inflation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35094/06]
It is a requirement of the EU Council Regulations under which the 1994 and 2000 Early Retirement Schemes were introduced that the Early Retirement Pension can be paid only as a supplement to any national retirement pension to which the participant, and his or her spouse or partner in a joint management arrangement, is entitled. This means that the entire value of any such national retirement pension payable must be deducted from the Early Retirement Pension. Payment under the Scheme is suspended in the case of participants whose national retirement pension exceeds the amount of their Early Retirement Pension.
It has been determined in consultation with the European Commission that the following pensions are National Retirement Pensions: Old Age Contributory pension; Old Age Non-Contributory pension; Widow/Widower's Contributory pension (at age 66); Widow/Widower's Non-Contributory pension (at age 66); Retirement pension; Invalidity pension (at age 66); Blind Person's pension.
155 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has obtained temporary accommodation in Mullingar for the decentralisation of her Department; the number of civil servants to be accommodated in the facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35093/06]
My Department is assigning officers wishing to decentralise to Mullingar to posts in Dublin due to decentralise to that location on an on-going basis with a view to being in a position to relocate 300 posts to Mullingar in 2009 when permanent accommodation is ready for occupation. The feasibility of sending an advance party to temporary accommodation in Mullingar will be kept under review but any decisions made must be based on an adequate cohort of staff being in place with sufficient experience to undertake the functions decentralising as well as the availability of suitable temporary accommodation. At this stage, no decision has been taken relating to an advance party.
156 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to announce decisions made in respect of applications made under the summer works scheme for 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34902/06]
All applications received under the Summer Works Scheme 2007 are currently being assessed. The list of successful applicants is due for publication before the end of the year as outlined in the Circular Letter governing the scheme.
157 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1306 of 27 September 2006, if her Department has agreed to the retention of special needs assistant support for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34907/06]
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has agreed to the retention of the special needs assistant support for the pupil in question until the 10th November 2006. The school has been advised of the position. My officials are currently liaising with the National Council for Special Education in the context of the pupil's needs.
158 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation with regard to radon levels in a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34921/06]
The school referred to by the Deputy was tested for radon in 2000 under my Department's remediation programme and the levels were negligible with readings below 100 Bq/m3 in all rooms. 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.
159 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if approval for an extension to a school (details supplied) has been approved; the commencement date for works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34923/06]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has applied to this Department for capital funding for a Resource Room/Parent Room. The project has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a Band 3 rating. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.
160 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science when the new replacement primary school for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 1 will be constructed; if she will provide for a rooftop canopy to protect the rooftop playground from the elements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34940/06]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that tenders are currently being examined for the new school in question. When this process is completed, my Department will be authorising the project to progress to construction. The new school will completely transform the facilities available to this school community. The tendered project does not include for a rooftop canopy in view of the significant additional cost involved.
161 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason psychological services from the national educational psychological service will not provide a service to pupils in a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, who are in autistic spectrum disorder classes in their school; and if she will arrange to have an educational assessment carried out in view of the situation which exists in this school. [34941/06]
Since the establishment of my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) in 1999, the number of psychologists in the NEPS has increased from 43 to 127 at present. Seven psychologists have been recruited in recent months.
All children allocated places in units for children on the Autism Spectrum were most likely assessed by HSE prior to entry to these units. Support for children with Autism is a complex matter and inter disciplinary collaboration is a fundamental principle.
Traditionally, health services, including psychological services, have been provided by HSE on a continuing basis. I understand that children in this school are from a number of counties corresponding to Local Health Office areas (equivalent to the previously designated community care areas).
NEPS's role in relation to the school so far has been limited, however in the past school year a psychologist from NEPS has provided support to teachers in the autism units with regard to the management of behaviour and the psychologist also supported teachers in acquainting them with a specific teacher assessment instrument.
162 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the status and early prospects for the long sought new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Monaghan; the application for which was lodged with her Department nine years ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34947/06]
My Department has received an application for capital funding towards the provision of a new building for the school referred to by the Deputy. My officials are in the process of assessing the school's accommodation needs. This assessment includes consideration of factors such as current and projected pupil enrolment, demographic trends in the area and the potential impact of ongoing and proposed housing developments. Once the assessment has been completed, the building project required will be considered in the context of the 2006-2010 School Building and Modernisation Programme.
163 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress regarding the application by school authorities in a school (details supplied) in County Limerick for capital funding towards the provision of an extension to promote ancillary accommodation. [34952/06]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension to provide ancillary accommodation has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The project has been assessed in accordance with the prioritisation criteria for assessing large scale building projects and is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.
164 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the ongoing development of the Youthreach programme here; if her Department has proposals to expand the Youthreach programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34966/06]
The Youthreach Programme is an Inter-Departmental initiative which provides two years integrated education, training and work experience to young people aged 15-20 years who are at least six months in the labour market and who have left school early without any qualifications or vocational training.
The programme funded by my Department is delivered in out of school centres and is managed by Vocational Education Committees (VECs). There are a total of ninety Youthreach Centres managed by the VEC sector throughout the country. Overall, there are approximately 6,500 places available nationally at present, 3,200 of which are in the VEC sector and the remainder in Community Training Centres under the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Basic skills training, practical work training and general education are features of the programme, and the application of new technology is integrated into all aspects of programme content. The programme provides a strong emphasis on personal development, on the core skills of literacy/numeracy, communications and IT, along with a choice of vocational options such as Catering, Hairdressing, Computers, Woodwork, photography, Video, Sports, Art and Craft and a work experience programme.
Expenditure on the programme in 2005 was nearly €47 million. In addition, my Department provides funding to VEC's annually to assist towards the childcare expenses of participants in Youthreach.
165 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of participants currently enrolled in Youthreach programmes in County Kildare; the number of participants in the past three years; if her Department has received requests for further Youthreach provision in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34967/06]
The Youthreach Programme is an Inter-Departmental initiative which provides two years integrated education, training and work experience to young people aged 15-20 years who are at least six months in the labour market and who have left school early without any qualifications or vocational training. The programme funded by my Department is delivered in out of school centres and is managed by Vocational Education Committees (VECs). There are a total of ninety Youthreach Centres managed by the VEC sector throughout the country. Overall, there are about 6,500 places available nationally at present, 3,200 of which are in the VEC sector and the remainder in Community Training Centres under the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
County Kildare VEC has an allocation of 85 Youthreach places. There are currently three Youthreach centres in operation in the county located in Leixlip, Athy and Naas. The centre in Naas commenced operating in February this year. The numbers attending Youthreach in County Kildare in the last three years are as follows: 2003 — 54; 2004 — 55; and, 2005 — 57.
There are currently 76 young people availing of Youthreach places in County Kildare. My Department has not received any request for further Youthreach provision in County Kildare.
166 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the ongoing development of the VTOS programme here; if her Department has proposals to expand the VTOS programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34968/06]
The Vocational Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) provides full-time second chance education and training opportunities for unemployed adults who are at least 21 years of age and in receipt of specified social welfare payments for at least six months. The scheme is funded by my Department and operated through the 33 Vocational Educational Committees (VECs).
Students on VTOS are offered a wide range of vocational options. Participants may also pursue subjects in the Junior and leaving certificate or acquire a portfolio of qualifications in line with their needs and interests. The scheme has proved to be successful in opening up learning and progression opportunities for people marginalised by unemployment. My Department provides funding to VECs annually to assist with childcare expenses of VTOS participants.
In 2005, over 71% of students who completed the course in that year, progressed to employment or further education and training. Expenditure on the non-pay element of the VTOS programme in 2005 was just in excess of €38 million. The authorised number of places that can be filled on the scheme annually is 5,000. There are no plans to increase this number.
167 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of participants currently enrolled in VTOS programmes in County Kildare; the number of participants in such programmes; if her Department has received requests for further VTOS provision in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34969/06]
The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is delivered locally by Vocational Education Committees (VECs) with funding from my Department, which authorises a given number of VTOS places to be filled annually by each VEC. Co. Kildare VEC has an allocation of 270 VTOS places for the academic year 2006/7. I can confirm that a request for an additional 20 VTOS places was received from Co. Kildare VEC in April of this year but that it was not possible to sanction these extra places.
168 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to correspondence (details supplied) when her Department will make contact with the persons concerned; the reason this has not happened to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34978/06]
The pupil to whom the Deputy refers is eligible for transport to the school referred to in the details supplied. My Department understands that there is not a sufficient number of pupils offering for school transport from the distinct locality in question to set up a dedicated service. However, Bus Éireann which operates the School Transport Services on behalf of my Department, has advised that it has facilitated the pupil with a transport service in the morning only.
My Department will contact the parents regarding the availability of a remote area grant towards the cost of school transport and request Bus Éireann to review the present arrangements.
169 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 221 of 8 June 2006 the reason for the delay in approving funding for a building project for a school in County Roscommon; the status of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34979/06]
The proposed refurbishment and extension project for the School referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. Additional Stage 2 (Sketch Scheme) documentation was requested from the school authorities and has been received. The documentation is currently being examined by the Technical Staff in my Department.
Department officials will be in contact with the school authorities in early November regarding the outcome of this examination. 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.
170 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if through her Department, there are grants or funding available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare seeking to provide English classes for persons seeking such classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34985/06]
Funds for Adult and Community Education services, including adult literacy, are provided by my Department to the Vocational Education Committees. The disbursement of these funds is a matter for each VEC, which, subject to its budget, decides the nature of the Adult and Community Education service to be provided in its area and the manner in which the funds should be spent.
Funding for English spoken as another language is funded through the Adult literacy budget. It is open to the person in question to submit an application to the local VEC.
171 Mr. Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans for the development of post-primary education in a town (details supplied) in County Cork. [34986/06]
Both schools referred to by the Deputy have submitted applications for major capital funding to my Department. These applications have been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria with the Education Partners and have been assigned a band rating.
Schedules of accommodation to meet the current and projected accommodation needs of one of the schools have been drawn up by my Department. In relation to the second school, a more thorough assessment of their long term accommodation needs is required to determine the extent of their accommodation needs. Both projects will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2006-2010.
172 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the VTOS travel allowance and the VTOS meal allowance; the comparison allowance rates for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35077/06]
VTOS students may be entitled to a travel allowance if they reside more than 3 miles from a centre. The rates of the travel and meal allowance are equivalent to those paid to participants on FÁS training courses. They are increased periodically in line with increases in FÁS rates; the current rates outlined below are in operation since 2002.
3-5 miles €4.60, 5-10 miles €11.90, 10-20 miles €17.60, 20-30 miles €21.60, 30-40 miles €27.70 and 40-50 miles €32.60. The meal allowance is €0.80 per day.
173 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the number of appointments unfilled at commandant and captain rank by brigade in respect of the Reserve Defence Force; the reason promotions have not been made to fill them; and the number of officers who did not apply for an appointment in the RDF who have been interviewed to determine if they wish to continue in service. [34920/06]
The Military Authorities have advised that the number of appointments unfilled at Commandant and Captain rank by brigade in respect of the Reserve Defence Force are as shown in the table.
|
Commandant |
Captain |
Lieutenant-Commander (Naval Service) |
Lieutenant (Naval Service) |
|
|
2 Eastern Brigade |
14 |
25 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
1 Southern Brigade |
7 |
18 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
4 Western Brigade |
14 |
20 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Naval Service |
N/A |
N/A |
1 |
6 |
The reasons for these appointments remaining unfilled are:
Recent retirements that will be filled in due course.
A significant number of the unfilled appointments are Corps Appointments that require specialist qualifications such as Engineer and Medical Appointments.
The imminent publication of the new Administrative Instruction R5. This Administrative Instruction has been developed to support the objectives of the White Paper on Defence and the recommendations of the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan Board. The new Administrative Instruction has been agreed with RDFRA.
The procedure for RDF Officers applying for appointments is outlined in the current Administrative Instruction R5/R6 (RDF Officers, NCOs and Privates Assignment Procedures).
The military authorities have informed me that all RDF Officers were made aware of the assignment procedure and that each Officer was responsible for deciding which appointment, if any, they would apply for.
Officers who did not apply for a specific appointment were assigned to appointments within the establishment, consistent with the terms of the Administrative Instruction. The Administrative Instruction did not provide for interviewing of RDF Officers who did not apply for an appointment.
The military authorities are not aware of any RDF Officers not wishing to continue in service due to their assigned appointment.
174 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel in the Army, Navy and Air Corps; the quantity of sick leave experienced by each sector over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34934/06]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following tabular statement.
|
Army |
Air Corps |
Navy |
Totals |
|
|
Strength as at 30th September, 2006 |
8,623 |
839 |
1,066 |
10,528 |
|
ED (person-days) |
17,992 |
1,571 |
1,868 |
21,431 |
|
SL (person-days) |
83,786 |
17,317 |
9,490 |
110,593 |
|
USL (person-days) |
13,659 |
2,067 |
767 |
16,493 |
|
Total (person-days) |
115,437 |
20,955 |
12,125 |
148,517 |
ED — Excused Duty (may only be granted by a Defence Forces Medical Officer)
SL — Sick Leave
USL — Uncertified Sick Leave
Note: The Permanent Defence Force operates on a 7-day working week i.e. 365-day year.
My Department has been addressing the sick leave situation on a number of points, and intends, as part of the ongoing modernisation process, to review current sick leave arrangements within the Defence Forces.
175 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence the number of complaints of bullying recorded in each of the past ten years made by men and women members of the Permanent Defence Forces. [34935/06]
The Military Authorities have advised that the number of complaints of a bullying or harassment nature recorded in each of the past ten years and made by men and women of the Permanent Defence Force is as follows:
|
Complaints of Bullying/Harassment nature under Redress of Wrongs Procedures |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Year |
No. of Complaints |
Upheld |
Not Upheld |
Ongoing |
|
1996 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
1997 |
4 |
Nil |
4 |
Nil |
|
1998 |
2 |
Nil |
2 |
Nil |
|
1999 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
Nil |
|
2000 |
4 |
Nil |
4 |
Nil |
|
2001 |
6 |
Nil |
6 |
Nil |
|
2002 |
6 |
1 |
5 |
Nil |
|
2003 |
6 |
Nil |
6 |
Nil |
|
2004 |
6 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
2005 |
5 |
Nil |
2 |
3 |
|
2006 |
3 |
Nil |
Nil |
3 |
|
Totals |
45 |
5 |
33 |
7 |
Redress of Wrongs — Female
There has been one complaint of a Bullying/Harassment nature made under the Redress of Wrongs Procedures by a female since 1996. This complaint was made in 1996 and was not upheld.
|
Year |
No. of Complaints |
Male |
Female |
|
2004 |
11 |
7 |
4 |
|
2005 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
|
2006 |
6 |
4 |
2 |
|
Totals |
21 |
14 |
7 |
Note: A new Administrative Instruction on Interpersonal Relationships was introduced in March 2003.
The Defence Forces and the Department have taken a wide variety of initiatives and have devoted an unprecedented level of resources to this issue, since Dr Eileen Doyle and the External Advisory Committee presented their original report "The Challenge of a Workplace" in March 2002. This independent report addressed the range of interpersonal issues within the Defence Forces. Its contents and recommendations were accepted in full.
As I have previously outlined, implementation of the recommendations of the Doyle report has been one of the highest priorities for the Defence Forces and the Department since its publication. An Independent Monitoring Group was established in May 2002 to oversee the implementation of these recommendations.
The Independent Monitoring Group's progress report "Response to the Challenge of a Workplace", which was launched by my predecessor on 24 September, 2004, is available on the Defence Forces website and describes in detail the very significant progress achieved since the publication of the original Doyle Report in 2002.
Arising from the Doyle Report, the following steps have been taken:
Firm guiding principles have been set out in the Defence Forces Dignity in the Workplace Charter
A major educational awareness programme is ongoing throughout the Defence Forces.
A new Administrative Instruction on Interpersonal Relationships was introduced in March 2003. The Instruction and a users guide were distributed to every member of the Defence Forces.
Some 184 of a planned 200 Designated Contact Persons (DCPs) have been fully trained and are deployed throughout all Defence Forces posts and barracks, both countrywide and overseas. Courses to train a further 40 DCPs will take place before the end of the year. The DCPs will facilitate the operation of the formal and informal procedures that may be used by any party wishing to institute a complaint.
An independent external confidential "Free Phone" Helpline and Counselling Service was set up for members of the Permanent Defence Force in March 2003.
An independent pilot project of Exit Interviews seeking the experiences and views of outgoing members of the Permanent Defence Force was conducted.
Leadership training has been given by external experts and has been the subject of NCO focus groups with an emphasis on "training the trainers"
Changes in Cadet School Instruction have been initiated and issues concerning the ranking, selection and training for Cadet School instructors are being addressed.
Defence Force Regulations, Administrative Instructions, policies and procedures have been reviewed by an Equality Steering Group under a Labour Court chairperson.
An officer within the Defence Forces Human Resources Management Section has been assigned responsibility for Equality matters
A Training Circular entitled "Military Code of Conduct for Students and Instructors in all Training Environments" was issued in 2004 and was followed by an extensive series of associated workshops for all relevant personnel.
In addition, the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces has been appointed.
The Chief of Staff has repeatedly emphasised his acceptance of the problems indicated by the Doyle Report. He has recognized the necessity to tackle this matter in a fundamental way at all levels of the Defence Forces and has demonstrated a very active and genuine commitment to change. He has emphasised that it is incumbent on all commanders to ensure that best practice in the management of personnel is fostered at all levels in order to eliminate the problems identified in the Doyle Report.
Policies on equality, dignity and bullying are being constantly communicated to all ranks. I am satisfied that the military authorities are alert and vigilant to this issue and are committed to addressing the matter in a continuing and proactive manner through educational modules on interpersonal relationships which are now embedded in career courses for all ranks.
It is reiterated that bullying is not training for anything. It has always been acknowledged that the project of bringing about necessary fundamental changes in attitudes and culture is not quick or easy. However, with substantial and vigorous leadership, there is every confidence that the proper environment will be firmly established and maintained throughout the Defence Forces. The matter continues to receive the highest priority in the Defence Forces in terms of incorporating the correct ethos in training at all levels and in terms of maintaining the resources necessary to assist personnel in tackling difficulties where they may arise.
176 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence if Irish soldiers are stationed in Afghanistan; if so, when the mission began; the number of soldiers serving in Afghanistan; the role of the soldiers; the person under whom they serve; the length of time they will stay; the person who decided to send Irish soldiers to Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34936/06]
On 20 December, 2001, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1386 authorising the establishment of an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) for six months to assist the Interim Afghanistan Authority in the maintenance of security in Kabul and the surrounding areas. The authorisation of ISAF has been extended by the UN Security Council since then. NATO assumed the lead in ISAF on 11 August, 2003. The current Commander of ISAF, which has a strength of approximately 8,000 personnel, is Lt. Gen David Richards (UK).
Ireland has participated in ISAF in Afghanistan since 5 July, 2002, following the Government Decision of 2 July, 2002 authorising the provision of seven members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the force.
Seven Irish personnel are currently serving with the force. Three personnel are serving as staff officers with the ISAF HQ in Kabul and four personnel are deployed in Liaison Teams in the Regional Command Capital (RC(C)) Kabul. The Liaison Teams specifically liaise between the RC(C) and the Afghan National Directorate of Security, Kabul Police and the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA). Irish personnel serving with ISAF are rotated on a four monthly basis.
It is proposed that the Defence Forces will continue to serve with ISAF in the immediate future, subject to an ongoing review by my Department.
177 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 has not had their hearing impairment claim processed after five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34937/06]
The State Claims Agency assumed responsibility for this case last March. The claim is now a matter for that Agency. I understand that the Agency has been endeavouring to contact the plaintiff's solicitor.
The plaintiff would be best advised to contact his legal representatives to ascertain the status of his claim.
178 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence if he has studied the findings and recommendations of the final report on the investigation into the Niemba ambush; if he will publish that report; if he proposes to take action on foot of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34938/06]
As the Deputy is aware I undertook during Priority Questions on 12 October to study the contents of the Report when received. I can confirm that I have received the Report from the Chief of Staff and I will revert to the Deputy with its findings when I have had an opportunity to examine the Report in full.
179 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence when details attached to an accident affecting a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will as stated in a previous parliamentary question be forwarded to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34939/06]
I undertook in a reply to a parliamentary question tabled by him on 5 October 2006 to arrange for copies of the various representations made by the Deputy to my Department regarding the person concerned to be sent to the Deputy. I subsequently wrote to the Deputy on 19 October 2006 enclosing copies of this correspondence.
180 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Defence 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. [35007/06]
My Department does not hold this information at present.
The Department of Finance in conjunction with the National Development Authority are presently examining potential new approaches to monitoring disability, including the possible use of a survey based on voluntary self-disclosure both for new staff on appointment and for existing staff. This would assist my Department to identify those with disabilities including those who have acquired a disability. In the meantime staff who declare a disability are supported by my Department.
181 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the top rate of pay for the rank of commandant within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35055/06]
182 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the top rate of pay for the rank of colonel within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35056/06]
183 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the top rate of pay for the rank of lieutenant colonel within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35057/06]
184 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the retirement age for the rank of commandant, colonel, lieutenant colonel and all ranks of general within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35058/06]
185 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the number of commandants due to retire on age grounds for each of the years 2007 to 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35059/06]
186 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the number of colonels due to retire on age grounds for each of the years 2007 to 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35060/06]
187 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the number of lieutenant colonels due to retire on age grounds for each of the years 2007 to 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35061/06]
188 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the number of generals due to retire on age grounds for each of the years 2007 to 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35062/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 to 188, inclusive, together.
The Minister for Finance announced in his 1994 Budget Statement that modified PRSI would no longer apply to new public sector employees recruited on or after 6 April, 1995. The position therefore, is that there are two sets of pay scales for officers of the Defence Forces, i.e. rates for those recruited prior to 6 April, 1995 and who are liable to pay PRSI at Class C and for those recruited on or after 6 April, 1995 and who are liable to pay PRSI at Class A.
The rates paid to members of the Defence Forces is dependent on whether they are Line Officers (Rate 1), Technical Officers i.e. Engineer Officers, Legal Officers, Army School of Music Officers, Executive Branch and Communications Officers of the Naval Service, Psychologists and Military Analyst (Rate 2), Medical Officers i.e. Doctors and Dentists (Rate 3) and Pharmacists (Rate 31). The top rate of pay for the members of the Defence Forces in the ranks of Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel are outlined in the following Tabular Table ‘A': The retirement ages for the rank of Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel and all rank of General are as follows.
|
Rank |
Retirement age |
|
Commandant |
56 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
58 |
|
Colonel |
60 |
|
Brigadier General |
61 |
|
Major General |
62 |
|
Lieutenant General |
63 |
With regards to your questions in relation to the number of officers due to retire on age grounds. Please see the following Tabular Statement ‘B' which details the number of officers in the rank of Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier General, Major General and Lieutenant General respectively due to retire on age grounds in each of the years 2007 to 2011 inclusive. There are no immediate plans to extend the retirement age of officers ranks in the Defence Forces.
The 2000 White Paper on Defence and the earlier Defence Force Review Implementation Plan both recommended reduction to retirement ages in an effort to address the age profile and fitness of the Defence Forces. More recently on the other hand, the retirement age for people recruited into some areas of the public service has been increased. A trend of improvement in the age profile in the Defence Force has been achieved through a programme that included early retirement packages, regular recruitment and short-term contracts.
A key element in military life is the need for personnel to maintain a level of fitness for combat readiness. There is constant need to balance this requirement with the need to retain experience and expertise particularly at managerial level in the Defence Forces. I will continue to monitor the needs of the Defence Forces in this area and mindful of ongoing experiences in other areas of the public services will introduce change in this area if required.
|
Top rate of pay for Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Commandant |
Lieutenant Colonel |
Colonel |
||||
|
Class C |
Class A |
Class C |
Class A |
Class C |
Class A |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Rate 1 |
66,126 |
69,605 |
72,842 |
76,674 |
€91,392 |
96,209 |
|
Rate 2 |
76,951 |
81,006 |
85,124 |
89,610 |
104,350 |
109,841 |
|
Rate 3 Doctors |
85,415 |
89,910 |
94,994 |
100,006 |
113,647 |
119,639 |
|
Rate 3 Dentists |
85,311 |
89,801 |
89,941 |
94,674 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Rate 31 Pharmacists |
76,009 |
80,015 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
(a) There is no establishment for Pharmacists above the rank of Commandant.
(b) There is no establishment for Dental Officers above the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
|
The numbers of officers from the rank of Commandant upwards due to retire on age grounds in each of the years 2007 to 2011 inclusive |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Year |
Commandant |
Lieutenant Colonel |
Colonel |
Brigadier General |
Major General |
Lieutenant General |
|
2007 |
12 |
10 |
9 |
1 |
Nil |
1 |
|
2008 |
12 |
12 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
Nil |
|
2009 |
17 |
9 |
7 |
2 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
2010 |
19 |
18 |
8 |
2 |
1 |
Nil |
|
2011 |
32 |
20 |
5 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
189 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the number of other ranks that have been enlisted since 1994 and are subject to short-term contract; the duration of this short-term contract now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35063/06]
190 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence if, when a member of the Defence Forces on short-term contract is promoted, the length of time their contract is extended for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35064/06]
191 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the retirement age for other ranks that enlisted before 1994; the duration of this short-term contract now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35065/06]
192 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the retirement age for corporals, sergeants and senior non-commissioned officers who enlisted in the Defence Forces since 1994; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35066/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 to 192, inclusive, together.
In 1997 agreement was reached with the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) on a new manpower policy for the Defence Forces. This policy, applying to personnel enlisted after 1 January 1994, provided that service for Private Soldiers would initially be for five years with the option to be extended to a maximum of twelve years. Extension from 5 to 9 years and from 9 to 12 years were subject to the individual soldier meeting certain criteria including standards of medical and physical fitness, conduct and courses attended or period of overseas service.
In 2004 PDFORRA submitted a claim under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for a further review of the terms of service applying to personnel enlisting in the Permanent Defence Force after 1 January, 1994. Following detailed and prolonged discussion on this claim a set of criteria has been agreed. The criteria meet PDFORRA's desire to provide longer careers in the Permanent Defence Force while continuing to address the Government's previously stated objective of having an appropriate age profile to meet the challenges of a modern defence forces. The criteria require that any person re-engaging must be able to continue to operate at their current level both at home and overseas on an ongoing basis.
Re-engagements will be subject to the individual soldier meeting specified criteria in regard to physical fitness, medical category, successful completion of military courses of instruction, service overseas and conduct ratings.
Following a ballot of all post 1994 personnel PDFORRA have advised that their members accepted the agreed criteria for re-engagement (after 12 years service) and continuance in service (after 21 years service). As a result personnel enlisted after 1 January 1994 may now serve beyond the current 12 year limit.
Since 1994 and up to 24 October 2006, the latest date for which figures are available, a total of 7,488 personnel have enlisted for general service under the 5 year contract.
Promotion does not directly affect the duration of an enlisted person's contract. An enlisted person who has been promoted has to apply and meet the normal criteria for extension.
In relation to retirement ages, in accordance with Defence Force Regulations, a person:
who enlisted in the Permanent Defence Force before 1 January 1994 may be permitted to continue in service up to the age of sixty years, and
a person who enlisted in the Permanent Defence Force on or after 1 January 1994 may be permitted to continue in service up to the age of fifty years in the rank of Sergeant and to the age of fifty-six in all higher ranks.
Enlisted Personnel, in the rank of Corporal, who enlisted after 1 January 1994, may not serve beyond 21 years service.
193 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the regulations including statutory instruments and article references governing where and when obscure glass may or must be used in buildings in built-up areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34949/06]
There are no such provisions in Building Regulations or Planning Regulations.
194 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the provision being made for the elderly in rural areas, where the recycling facilities are being withdrawn and there is no local authority refuse collection. [34953/06]
Under Section 33 of the Waste Management Act 1996, it is a matter for each local authority to ensure that adequate arrangements for the collection of waste are available in its functional area, except where the cost of collection would be unreasonably high or where adequate arrangements can reasonably be made by the holder of the waste.
195 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received an application from Athy Town Council for the appointment of two community wardens; if he will approve this application; if funding will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34970/06]
There is no such application before my Department.
196 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the densities of developments being granted by local authorities in provincial areas; his further views on whether high density developments are more suited to town centres, or large urban areas; his views on whether there is currently too high an emphasis in the marketplace on the provision of small apartment units, that do not provide for life-long occupancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34971/06]
A wide range of policies and measures have been put in place to ensure that the unprecedented rate of housing development in Ireland is planned for in a manner that supports the creation of sustainable communities within a high quality environment, as well as providing affordable options for those seeking housing.
Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Residential Density were published in 1999. These Guidelines set out the basis on which locations appropriate for higher residential densities may be identified, the range of varying densities appropriate to different locations and the controls and safeguards to be addressed in promoting such development. The purpose of the guidelines is to assist in achieving high quality residential density of a suitable scale 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.
In order to inform the revised guidelines on residential densities my Department commissioned a research study into apartment size and space standards earlier this year, with a specific focus on the need to make apartment living more attractive for family living. The study is available from the ‘publications' section of my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
A new Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities was approved by the Government and published in December 2005. This sets out an agenda for an integrated package of housing policy initiatives. These include supporting higher densities and compact urban settlement through quality design in the creation of new homes, new urban spaces and new neighbourhoods.
Furthermore, with regard to the sustainable development of smaller towns around the country, my Department's Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines which were published last year, recognise that the development of the rural environs of major urban areas, including the gateways and hubs identified in the NSS and county and other larger towns, needs to be carefully managed to ensure their orderly development and successful functioning into the future.
I am confident that the continuing implementation of the policies outlined above will have a positive influence on bringing about better urban design and sustainable development into the future.
197 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if having regard to the provision of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, he will require local authorities to enter into detailed agreements with developers at pre-planning stage in relation to the delivery of social and affordable housing, as per each local authority housing strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34972/06]
It is a matter for planning authorities and developers to negotiate Part V agreements as an integral part of the planning process for residential developments. In making agreement with developers, authorities must have regard to the social and affordable housing needs identified in their housing strategy.
The intention of the Part V legislation is to provide for a two-way process involving the planning authority and the applicant seeking planning permission. Section 247 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides for pre-planning consultations. The need to undertake such consultations, involving both the planning and housing sections of authorities, has been communicated to local authorities on a number of occasions since the introduction of Part V; most recently, in a Part V resource pack developed by the Affordable Homes Partnership in conjunction with my Department.
While planning authorities have been strongly advised to engage in pre-planning consultation with applicants, and where possible, to reach an agreement in principle prior to the submission of a planning application, the conclusion of a detailed final agreement is subject to the granting of planning permission, where it is included as a specific planning condition. However, pre-planning agreements should ensure that final agreements are concluded quickly.
198 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if having regard to the provision of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2006, he will take steps to ensure that local authorities do not concentrate social housing units in any one part of a development in view of the requirement to achieve social integration, and local authorities be encouraged to ensure that social and affordable units are spread throughout all developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34973/06]
The Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006 require planning authorities, in developing their housing strategies, to ensure that policies and objectives are in place, which will counteract undue social segregation in housing developments. The manner in which local authorities avail of Part V arrangements for the provision of social and affordable housing is determined by them based on the needs for such housing identified in their housing strategies.
In finalising a Part V agreement involving an alternative option to on-site land, the authority must consider, inter alia, whether such agreement will counteract undue segregation.
199 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to change the situation to allow tenants of voluntary housing associations to purchase their houses outright; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34974/06]
There is no provision at present in the voluntary housing schemes for the purchase of individual houses by tenants. However, it was agreed under Housing Policy Framework — Building Sustainable Communities that consideration would be given in consultation with the voluntary and co-operative sector, to pilot a tenant purchase scheme for some new voluntary homes under the scheme. The timing and modalities of such a scheme, including any legislative element, will be developed in the coming months.
200 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when officials from his Department will visit Athy to meet officials from Athy Town Council to discuss the proposed remedial works scheme in estates (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34975/06]
My Department sanctioned the provision of funding to Athy Town Council in March of this year for refurbishment works to houses at Carbery Park / Townspark in Athy under the Remedial Works Scheme. A meeting was provisionally arranged for 11 October 2006 but had to be postponed due to unavailability of staff. My Department has been in contact with Athy Town Council seeking a new date for a meeting and this is currently being finalised.
201 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of local authority parks or parks and landscape services departments that are staffed with professionally qualified landscape horticulturists, landscape architects or landscape managers; the local authorities which run such departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34988/06]
The information requested on the number of local authority parks or park departments in local authorities is not available in my Department, and staffing returns received from local authorities do not contain the classification of employees referred to in the Question. It is a matter for the manager of each local authority, under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, to make such staffing and organizational arrangements as may be necessary for the purposes of carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible.
202 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the Ministerial directives, strategies or policies, his Department has issued in relation to the planning, design and management of green spaces and parks during the current Government’s term of office; if guidelines or directives to county managers in respect of parks or open spaces matters have been issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34989/06]
203 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is a unit or permanent staff in his Department responsible for policy development for parks and green spaces. [34990/06]
204 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department provides specific, ring-fenced financial supports for the capital development of parks or green space infrastructure at local Government level. [34991/06]
205 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is a statutory basis to the provision of green spaces and parks, not including the planning codes; and if there is a duty on local authorities to provide parks. [34992/06]
206 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the recent situation in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 6, he is preparing legislation for the protection, planning, design and management of green spaces and parks. [34993/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 to 206, inclusive, together.
Section 67 and Schedule 13 of the Local Government Act, 2001 empower local authorities to take such measures, engage in such activities or do such things (including the incurring of expenditure) as they consider necessary to promote the interests of the local community. This includes general recreational and leisure activities such as the provision of parks, gardens and open spaces. The exercise of these powers is a matter for individual authorities. I have no proposals to amend the legislation to alter discretionary functions which are appropriately located at local authority level.
While there is no specific provision in my Department's Vote for the funding of local authority parks and open spaces, my Department provides significant financial support to local authorities through the Local Government Fund which is usable at the discretion of the authority. The provision of open spaces and amenity areas in local authority housing schemes is also a matter for the individual housing authorities in the first instance. Certain facilities of this kind may be funded from my Department's capital allocations where the work is undertaken in conjunction with the provision of new local authority housing or the refurbishment of existing housing under regeneration/remedial measures.
To assist local authorities in discharging their functions, my Department, in 1987, issued A Parks Policy for Local Authorities which outlined a national policy for the provision, development, administration and maintenance of a graded system of parks, open spaces and outdoor recreation areas by local authorities. Guidance in relation to the provision of open space and other amenities in social housing projects is also contained in my Department's Social Housing Guidelines — Design Guidelines published in 1999.
In addition, Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Residential Density were published in 1999. The Guidelines, inter alia, address issues such as the criteria to be taken into account for higher densities including the provision of social and community facilities, pedestrian and cycle linkages and the need to address the needs of children and elderly people. The Guidelines also focus on the need to place a greater emphasis on the quality of open space including spaces suitable for children's play and passive amenity. 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 April 2006, my Department published for public consultation Draft Guidelines on Development Plans for Planning Authorities. The Draft Guidelines highlight the requirements regarding recreation and amenities, under the Planning and Development Act 2000 to which local authorities must have regard in preparing their development plans. These include objectives for: the preservation, improvement and extension of amenities and recreational amenities; and the provision of public open space and recreation space including space/places for children to play. It is intended to finalise these guidelines shortly.
207 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a copy of the training specification for the BER inspection programme. [35009/06]
A copy of the training specification for BER Assessors (New Dwellings) is available in the Oireachtas library. This specification is also available on the Sustainable Energy Ireland website: www.sei.ie/epbd.
208 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the numbers of staff in his Department who have indicated willingness to decentralise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35010/06]
At this stage, a total of 224 staff have confirmed their availability to decentralise with my Department to Wexford, Kilkenny, Waterford, and New Ross. 118 of these are now working in the Department and the process of arranging for the transfer of the other staff to the Department is continuing.
A total of 147 of my Department's staff indicated their intention to decentralise with other Government Departments/Offices and State Agencies; 22 of these have already transferred out of my Department.
