Vol. 638 No. 2
7 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Jan O’Sullivan den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cé mhéid airgid a tháinig óna Roinn a caitheadh i ngach ceann de na Gaeltachtaí in 2006; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [20996/07]
Glacaim leis go bhfuil Ceist an Teachta dírithe ar an soláthar atá sonraithe i Vóta mo Roinne ar mhaithe le forbairt na Gaeltachta, ar a n-áirítear na hoileáin Ghaeltachta, mar aon le caomhnú agus láidriú na Gaeilge mar theanga phobail inti.
Faoi scéimeanna mo Roinne, bíonn deontais chaipitil ar fáil sa Ghaeltacht chun
tograí infrastruchtúir ar nós bóithre agus muiroibreacha a fhorbairt;
tithe a thógáil nó a fheabhsú; agus
áiseanna ar nós hallaí pobail agus páirceanna imeartha a chur ar fáil nó a fheabhsú.
Anuas ar sin, cuirtear deontais reatha ar fáil d'eagraíochtaí atá ag obair ar mhaithe le buanú na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht, chomh maith le cúnamh a thabhairt i leith imeachtaí cultúrtha ina bhfuil ról lárnach ag an nGaeilge nó a rachaidh chun tairbhe na Gaeilge agus do shaol cultúrtha agus sóisialach na gceantair Ghaeltachta. Ina theannta sin, bíonn airgead reatha ar fáil chun tacú le soláthar seirbhísí iompair chuig oileáin Ghaeltachta.
Suim thart ar €43.6m a caitheadh san iomlán faoi na scéimeanna réamhráite sin sa bhliain 2006 agus tá sonraí faoin gcaiteachas sin de réir contae agus de réir na bhfo-mhíreanna cuí den Vóta (D, F, G agus H) leagtha amach sna Táblaí leis seo, a chuirfear timpeall sa Tuiarisc Oifigiúil.
Chomh maith leis sin, ar ndóigh, cuireadh soláthar iomlán €42.776m ar fáil d'Údarás na Gaeltachta i 2006 ó Fho-mhír I de Vóta mo Roinne — €15.776m a caitheadh ar imeachtaí reatha agus riarachán agus €27m a caitheadh ar thograí caipitil agus deontais do thionscail. Anuas ar sin, d'íoc mo Roinn €214,000 leis an Údarás i leith riaradh na Scéimeanna Sóisialta Tuaithe sa Ghaeltacht agus €739,000 i leith chomhtháthú eagraíochtaí pobail. Tá briseadh síos ar chaiteachas Údarás na Gaeltachta ar fáil i dTuarascáil Bhliantúil agus Cuntais 2006 na heagraíochta, a foilsíodh le déanaí agus atá ar fáil ar www.udaras.ie.
TÁBLAÍ: Caiteachas ó Vóta na Roinne Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta (fo-mhíreanna D, F, G agus H) sa Ghaeltacht, ar a n-áirítear na hoileáin Ghaeltachta, i 2006.
|
Contae |
Áiseanna Pobail agus Tithíocht Fo-mhíreanna G.4 agus D (caipiteal) |
Gníomhaíochtaí Teanga agus Cultúrtha Fo-mhíreanna F.1, F.2 agus F.3 |
Iomlán |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Dún na nGall |
1,016,151 |
2,060,360 |
3,076,511 |
|
Maigh Eo |
504,065 |
548,862 |
1,052,927 |
|
Gaillimh |
3,399,797 |
4,969,163 |
8,368,960 |
|
Ciarraí |
373,116 |
1,076,790 |
1,449,906 |
|
Corcaigh |
548,219 |
417,484 |
965,703 |
|
Port Láirge |
45,029 |
274,906 |
319,935 |
|
An Mhí |
62,263 |
122,069 |
184,332 |
|
Iomlán |
5,948,640 |
9,469,634 |
15,418,274 |
Fo-mhír G.4: Áiseanna pobail agus caithimh aimsire
Fo-mhír D: Deontais faoi Achtanna na dTithe (Gaeltacht)
Fo-mhír F.1: Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge
Fo-mhír F.2: Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge
Fo-mhír F.3: Imeachtaí cultúrtha ilghnéitheacha
Nóta: Tá airgead áirithe eile nach bhfuil san áireamh sa Tábla thuas de bharr nach mbaineann sé le haon chontae ar leith, e.g. Feachtas Feasachta (€418,870) agus an Staidéar Teangeolaíochta ar Úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht (€165,066).
|
Contae |
Oileáin Fo-mhír H (caipiteal) |
Infrastruchtúr Gaeltachta Fo-mhíreanna G.1, G.2 agus G.3 |
Iomlán |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Dún na nGall |
457,609 |
5,670,867 |
6,128,476 |
|
Maigh Eo |
361,843 |
3,885,034 |
4,246,877 |
|
Gaillimh |
2,378,111 |
8,650,493 |
11,028,604 |
|
Ciarraí |
— |
3,125,611 |
3,125,611 |
|
Corcaigh |
86,299 |
112,493 |
198,792 |
|
Port Láirge |
— |
252,824 |
252,824 |
|
An Mhí |
— |
198,935 |
198,935 |
|
Iomlán |
3,283,862 |
21,896,257 |
25,180,119 |
Fo-mhír H: Clár Oileánda (caipiteal)
Fo-mhír G.1: Bóithre Áise, Portaigh, Straitéiseacha agus Athnuachan Baile
Fo-mhír G.2: Uisce agus Séarachas
Fo-mhír G.3: Céanna (Beaga agus Straitéiseacha)
|
Contae |
Oileáin Fo-mhír H (reatha) |
|
€ |
|
|
Dún na nGall |
369,386 |
|
Maigh Eo |
19,816 |
|
Gaillimh |
2,498,151 |
|
Corcaigh |
104,126 |
|
Iomlán |
2,991,482 |
8 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the additional funding he is considering making available to allow for the introduction of new services and the expansion of existing services to address the drugs crisis and in particular the cocaine emergency in view of the tour of the local drugs task force areas conducted over the summer 2007. [21095/07]
13 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals, in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to develop and strengthen the range of projects being undertaken through the local and regional drugs task forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20974/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 13 together.
The National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008 has achieved considerable success across a range of areas in reducing the hardship caused to individuals and society by problem drug use.
Under the Strategy, the Government continues to address problem drug use in a co-ordinated way through the original four pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment and research. These have been augmented, following the mid-term review of the Strategy in 2005, by the fifth pillar regarding rehabilitation.
In particular, the Deputy should note that:
the level of drugs seizures by the Gardaí and the Customs Service have been well in excess of the targets set out in the Strategy and they include a number of significant operations;
under the prevention pillar, the SPHE and Walk Tall programmes have been rolled out to all schools; awareness campaigns have been organised and tremendous achievements have been made under the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF);
treatment facilities have increased significantly, with approximately 8,500 in receipt of methadone in July, and a range of services are being provided across the statutory, voluntary and community sectors for various types of problem drug use; and
research in areas such as drugs prevalence, the outcome of heroin treatment, families and drugs, the effect of drugs on communities and cocaine issues have all helped to inform our progress.
The specific achievements of my own Department under the Strategy include the programmes developed by Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces, capital projects developed under the Premises Initiative Fund and preventative actions undertaken through the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund.
The 14 Local Drugs Task Forces (LDTFs) are well established, having been in operation for nearly 10 years now. At this stage, over 440 community-based projects are being supported, employing more than 300 people and delivering a wide range of services and supports for problem drug users, their families and their broader communities. Furthermore, through the Emerging Needs Fund, approximately €4m was allocated to 67 projects last year to ensure that the drugs problem was being combated on the ground in the most timely and flexible way.
An evaluation of approximately 270 interim funded LDTF projects is currently underway and it is expected to be completed later this year. The outcome of this evaluation will help to inform the way forward for any development and strengthening of projects at LDTF level.
Ten Regional Drugs Task Forces (RDTFs) were also established in 2003, thus ensuring that all parts of the country now benefit from the operation of a Drugs Task Force. Following extensive consultation processes, each region prepared a Strategic Plan which are now being rolled out in the different areas. The RDTFs will be pressing ahead towards full implementation of their plans in the coming year or two at a full cost of approx. €14m.
In regard to capital funding, a Premises Initiative Fund is now open to applications from all Drug Task Forces to address the accommodation needs of community based drugs projects. It is envisaged that RDTFs will come forward with an increased range of proposals under this Fund in the coming period.
The Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund was established to assist in the development of youth facilities (including sport and recreational facilities) and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop. The main aim of the Fund is to attract "at risk" young people in disadvantaged areas into these facilities and activities and divert them away from the dangers of substance abuse. The target group of the programme is young people in the age range of 10 to 21 years who are defined as "at risk" due to factors such as family circumstances, educational disadvantage, or involvement in crime or substance misuse.
Earlier this week, I was delighted to announce additional capital allocations of nearly €7m to support 42 projects under the Fund. To date, allocations of just over €125m have been made to almost 500 facility & services projects in LDTF areas in Dublin Bray and Cork, as well as in Galway, Limerick and Waterford cities and Carlow town.
The Government is committed to maximising the successful outcomes of the current National Drugs Strategy. The allocation of €50m this year in my Department's Vote clearly illustrates this point. This amount represents an increase of 16% on the 2006 figure and is 87% up on the corresponding figure for 2004. In all, over €200m was spent on various drugs programmes across Government Departments and agencies last year. Indeed, this figure is exclusive of the many mainstream services that are availed of, in the normal way, by those affected by problem drug use.
Meanwhile, we continue to adapt our approach to drugs issues in a flexible manner to address evolving situations. In that regard, I am overseeing the implementation of the recommendations of the report of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs entitled "An Overview of Cocaine Use in Ireland" largely through the Inter-departmental Group on Drugs, which I chair. In this context, the Deputy should note that significant efforts are being made at both statutory and community level to tackle that problem.
Looking forward, the Programme for Government contains commitments in regard to the implementation of the recommendations of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation, developing and strengthening the range of Drug Task Force projects, continuing and extending the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund and providing cocaine specific facilities. I can assure the Deputy that I will be working to ensure that these commitments are fulfilled.
Finally, the Deputy should note that I will shortly be initiating the process that will lead to the formulation of a new National Drugs Strategy for the period post 2008. While the challenges ahead are clearly significant, I am confident that we can build on our experiences and achievements to date in meeting them.
9 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in regard to the review of sceim labhairt na gaeilge in the context of modern day needs and ways to promote the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20990/07]
A review of Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge was carried out in the context of modern day needs and recommendations arising from that review are under consideration at present. The matter is being examined in the overall context of the recently completed study on Irish language usage in the Gaeltacht, which was conducted on behalf of my Department by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, University of Ireland, Galway, in conjunction with the National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis, University of Ireland, Maynooth. A Report arising from that study is being examined by my Department at present and will be presented to Government in due course. I do not anticipate making any decisions in relation to amendments to Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge until that process is completed.
10 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the up to date position regarding the strategic review in relation to the employment support work of Údarás na Gaeltachta with a view to identifying new strands of employment creation in Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20985/07]
The strategic review carried out by the Working Group on Employment Creation in the Gaeltacht contained a number of recommendations that focused on new strands of employment creation in the Gaeltacht.
Arising from this review and the development strategies of Údarás na Gaeltachta, significant progress has been made in reversing the downward employment trend in the Gaeltacht and in effecting the transition from a declining manufacturing sector to employment in the services sector.
Particular emphasis has been placed on maximising the potential of indigenous resources, the promotion of new training and educational initiatives and the provision of third-level courses through the medium of Irish in the Gaeltacht.
In terms of employment creation, 2006 was the best year for Údarás na Gaeltachta since 1998, with an overall gain of 295 in the number of persons in full-time employment. At the end of 2006, 7,953 persons were employed on a full-time basis and 4,380 were employed on a part-time/seasonal basis in Údarás assisted companies.
Under the current National Development Plan, funding of €233m has been earmarked for Údarás na Gaeltachta to continue its ongoing work in developing the economy of the Gaeltacht. Sectors such as technology, natural resources and services will continue to be afforded priority, in addition to training and upskilling of the Gaeltacht workforce.
11 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta leis an bhfoclóir leictreonach Béarla-Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [20991/07]
Tuigim ó Fhoras na Gaeilge gur fhógair siad an comórtas tairisceana do Chéim 2a den tionscadal seo i mí Lúnasa, is í sin céim na gcreatlacha oibre Béarla. Is é atá sa chéim seo ná bunachar sonraí a chur le chéile de na hiontrálacha a bheidh san fhoclóir ó thaobh an Bhéarla de. Tá na tairiscintí a bhaineann leis an gcomórtas le bheith ag Foras na Gaeilge go luath. Tá an Foras ag súil leis go mbeidh siad in ann conradh a shíniú i leith na céime seo den obair faoi dheireadh na bliana.
Tá i gceist chomh maith an comórtas tairisceana do Chéim 2b, céim an aistriúcháin ar an mbunachar Béarla, a fhógairt go luath tar éis tús a bheith curtha le Céim 2a.
Beidh soláthar ar leith á dhéanamh don leagan leictreonach den fhoclóir an fhad is atá an obair ar na céimeanna éagsúla den tionscadal ag dul ar aghaidh.
Tuigtear dom freisin gur ceapadh Bainisteoir Tionscadail i mí Feabhra seo caite, atá ag obair ó shin chun an próiseas a chur chun cinn, agus go bhfuiltear ag súil le hEagarthóir Foclóireachta a bheith ceaptha go luath.
12 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for the introduction of a restriction on the right to purchase pay as you go mobile phones over the counter, without requirement to register the number or a name or address, in view of their reported widespread use in drug dealing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20964/07]
As Minister with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, I would obviously support any initiatives that would inhibit illicit drug dealing. The widespread use of mobile phones in drug dealing is common knowledge and the problem was reinforced to me in a recent meeting with representatives of the Garda National Drugs Unit. Furthermore, the Programme for Government contains a commitment that all mobile phones will require to be registered with name, address and proof of identity in order to stop drug pushers using untraceable, unregistered phones.
However, the Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources in their analysis of the issue, identify a number of problems in achieving this objective. These include the ease with which a foreign or stolen SIM card can be used, the difficulties that would be posed in verifying identity and data protection issues arising from the development of a register.
I understand that the issue will be considered further by the relevant parties with a view to achieving an outcome that will be satisfactory to all involved.
14 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress which has been made in relation to the provision of increased public transport services in rural areas after hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18136/07]
As the Deputy may be aware, in many rural areas, there are no public transport services at night. While there are, in the more developed rural areas, either hackney or taxi services, these are at the discretion of the providers of these services and do not provide a guaranteed service to rural people.
It was against this background, therefore, that earlier this year I introduced a new evening transport service, on a pilot basis, to allow rural people to fully participate in the various activities — community, sporting and social — that take place in their areas. The new Scheme also aims to address the market failure that currently exists in this area.
The 34 groups currently delivering the Rural Transport Programme — operated by the Department of Transport — were invited to submit applications to be considered under my Department's new scheme. Following the appraisal of the proposals submitted, seven groups were selected to run the pilot Scheme, namely:
West Cork Rural Transport;
Avondhu Development Group in East Cork;
Meath Accessible/Kilnaleck Community Cavan;
County Sligo LEADER Partnership;
Tumna Shannon Development Company Roscommon;
Síob Teoranta Donegal; and
Laois Trip.
The budget for the pilot is €500,000. The first service commenced in June and service numbers and passenger numbers are expected to increase throughout the Autumn. Although still in the early stages, I understand that the services are being very well received by communities and passengers alike. Early indications are that older people, people with a disability and young people are particularly enthusiastic about the new services and new activities are being planned around the availability of services.
16 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his future proposals in relation to rural development; the effect it has on existing schemes; the anticipated impact on rural communities and rural development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21023/07]
42 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps he will take to ensure the retention of the maximum number of rural households and family farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20976/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 42 together.
One of the key goals of my Department is to promote and maintain living and working populations in rural areas by helping to foster sustainable and culturally vibrant communities. Since its establishment in 2002, my Department has been vigorously pursuing policies and programmes that seek to address the changing nature of rural communities, support their development and promote better regional balance.
In the new National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2013, a chapter has been dedicated to the development of the rural economy. The chapter outlines how the Plan, within the framework of national policies and programmes, will assist the social and economic development of rural areas in the coming years. In this context, it outlines a range of interventions — which are currently being implemented or are planned — in areas such as broadband, non-national roads, rural transport initiatives, rural water services, CLÁR, the Rural Social Scheme and LEADER/Rural Economy programmes.
I might briefly set out the position in relation to the latter three schemes, which come within the remit of my Department:
CLÁR
Under the NDP, the CLÁR sub-programme will be allocated in the region of €141 million for the on-going regeneration of rural areas suffering from population decline in the period 2007-2013.
Rural Social Scheme
Since the introduction of the Rural Social Scheme (RSS), it has become a key part of many rural communities and is very popular with both participants and local sponsors. The Deputies should note that funding for the RSS for the period 2007-2013 is included in the NDP which clearly confirms the Government's continued and on-going commitment to the Scheme in the coming years.
A key feature of the RSS is the flexibility and farmer-friendly nature of the Scheme. One of the key characteristics that has proven attractive for many participants is the Scheme's capacity to offer flexible working arrangements that meet the needs of farming enterprises. Allowing participants to meet their time obligations under the Scheme while not allowing their farming practices to suffer is a very important element of the Scheme's design.
At present, there is provision for 2,600 participants and 130 supervisors on the Scheme and all available places have been allocated. The number of places available on the Scheme for the coming year will be decided in the context of the annual Budgetary process.
EU Rural Development programme
In tandem with the NDP, the new EU Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 will be rolled out over the coming months. Under the Programme, over €425m will be allocated to support LEADER-type activities. Priorities under the new Programme will include the continued development of the rural/agri-tourism, craft and small food sectors and the delivery of the Countryside Recreation Strategy. Supports for the continued development of rural enterprise will also be a significant feature under the new Programme.
Looking to the future, I believe that the signs are very encouraging for rural communities. As well as the funding that I have just outlined, the implementation of the National Spatial Strategy over the coming years will, I believe, also have a significant positive impact on the development of rural communities.
17 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in relation to funding under the new rural development programme for LEADER programmes; when this funding will come on-stream; when this funding will be given the go-ahead from him; the funding that will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21022/07]
29 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when it is intended to establish the new programme for rural enterprise development as promised in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20981/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 29 together.
The new Rural Development Programme for Ireland was approved on July 24th last. The new Programme will see over €425m in funding for Axis 3 (improving the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification of economic activity) and Axis 4 (LEADER) of the Programme delivered through a number of area-based Local Action Groups (LAGs).
Prospective LAGs will shortly be asked to submit their business plans which will be evaluated by independent assessors. It is hoped to start the delivery of the Programme, at a local level, in Spring 2008.
The measures to be funded under the new Programme include the following:
Diversification into non-agricultural activities for farm families;
Support business creation and development;
Encouragement of tourism activities;
Basic services for economic and rural population;
Village renewal and development;
Conservation and upgrading of rural heritage;
Training and information; and
Adapted and new skills.
18 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide details of the organisations that have been allocated funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund since the start of 2007; the amount allocated on each occasion; the name and location of each organisation; the purpose of the funding; the amount allocated to date under the Dormant Accounts Fund, since the scheme became operational; the amount estimated to be available for further disbursement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20959/07]
33 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the organisations that have been allocated funding under the Dormant Accounts Fund since 1 January 2007 to date in 2007; the amounts allocated on each occasion to each individual organisation with details of their name, location and the purpose of the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21024/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 33 together.
Since the Dormant Accounts scheme became operational in 2003, approximately €125 million has been approved for allocation from the Fund to support over 3,800 groups and organisations involved in tackling disadvantage and assisting persons with a disability. A further €62.4m has been allocated to support the Early Intervention Programme for Children and the Rural Social Scheme.
Initially decisions on the disbursements of funds from dormant accounts were a matter for the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board, an independent body established under the Dormant Accounts Acts. Under the initial round of funding in 2003 and 2004, the Board approved 521 projects for funding totalling over €60 million. Details of these individual grants and organisations are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.
Following the enactment of the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2005, decisions on disbursements are made since 2006 by Government following a transparent process. The following table summarises the €65 million allocations approved by Government since the beginning of 2006. Details of the individual grants and organisations are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.
|
Funding Measure |
Category |
Applications Approved |
Value of Approvals |
|
€ |
|||
|
Priority Projects in 46 RAPID Areas |
Economic & Social Disadvantage |
198 |
11.665 |
|
Supports for Vulnerable Immigrants |
Economic & Social Disadvantage |
6 |
0.574 |
|
Supports for Suicide Prevention |
Economic & Social Disadvantage |
20 |
1.000 |
|
Supports for Offenders/Ex-offenders |
Economic & Social Disadvantage |
6 |
0.502 |
|
Older People Initiatives |
Economic & Social Disadvantage |
127 |
4.263 |
|
Sub-Total of Government Approvals in 2006 |
357 |
18.004 |
|
|
ICT Initiatives for Disadvantaged Youth |
Economic & Social Disadvantage |
39 |
2.347 |
|
Projects addressing Alcohol Misuse |
Economic & Social Disadvantage |
18 |
1.062 |
|
Small scale Equipment Grants for Youth Groups |
Economic & Social Disadvantage |
1,446 |
2.025 |
|
Recreational and Personal Development Opportunities for Disadvantaged Young People |
Economic & Social Disadvantage |
51 |
1.123 |
|
Sports Initiatives for Disadvantaged Young People |
Economic & Social Disadvantage |
781 |
1.990 |
|
Flagship Projects |
All categories |
12 |
13.234 |
|
Support for outdoor play facilities for schools in or serving disadvantaged areas |
Educational Disadvantage |
448 |
4.965 |
|
Projects aimed at providing access to education/recreation for the broader community |
Educational Disadvantage |
6 |
2.100 |
|
Small scale Building/Building enhancements in Residential Care Units. |
People with Disabilities |
28 |
3.704 |
|
Transition from Residential Care Settings to Community Care Housing. |
People with Disabilities |
15 |
7.151 |
|
Aids and Appliances for People with physical and sensory Disabilities. |
People with Disabilities |
15 |
2.266 |
|
Grants to provide accessible transport for people with disabilities |
People with Disabilities |
37 |
1.841 |
|
Grants to enable people with profound disabilities attend special sporting events |
People with Disabilities |
7 |
0.182 |
|
Grants to support persons with a disability who present with severe challenging behaviour |
People with Disabilities |
16 |
0.688 |
|
Grants to provide opportunities for people with a disability to participate in sport through the appointment of Sports Development Officers |
People with Disabilities |
19 |
2.376 |
|
Sub-Total of Government Approvals to date in 2007 |
2,938 |
47.054 |
|
|
Total Government Approvals |
3,295 |
65.058 |
19 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the recent report of the Working Group on Drug Rehabilitation that represents the fifth pillar of the National Drugs Strategy; the main recommendations of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20960/07]
One of the main recommendations arising from the Mid-term Review of the National Drugs Strategy (NDS), was that rehabilitation should become its fifth pillar.
In this context, a Working Group, chaired by my Department and involving representatives of all key players in the NDS, was established to examine the issues involved and to make recommendations on how best to progress the rehabilitation of recovering problem drug users. Their report was accepted by both the Inter-Departmental Group on Drugs and the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion in March 2007 and was subsequently published in May. I very much welcome the report and I wholeheartedly support the implementation of its recommendations. The key recommendations focus on:
an effective inter-agency approach based on a continuum of care for the individual (this will involve protocols for inter-agency working, service level agreements, enhanced case management and quality standards);
an expansion of the range of treatment options (including an increased number of residential detoxification beds);
building on the rehabilitative impact of Community Employment Schemes; and
broader life issues including medical support, access to employment, access to education, housing, particular issues relating to the rehabilitation of offenders, childcare, the role of families in the rehabilitation process and research.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to implement the recommendations in the Working Group's report. My Department, together with the HSE and the Departments of Health & Children and Enterprise, Trade & Employment are currently taking a joint approach to ensuring that the necessary steps are taken to successfully implement the recommendations of the report.
20 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the up to date position regarding the review of the sports and funding schemes in the context of their impact in the Gaeltacht and islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20988/07]
My Department carried out a review of expenditure under its Gaeltacht Improvement Schemes, including supports for recreational facilities, during 2005 and the resulting Report was laid before the Oireachtas Select Committee for Arts, Sports, Tourism, Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in October 2006. I have arranged that a copy of this Report be forwarded to the Deputy for her information.
As part of review process, four representative sample recreational facilities were specifically evaluated under the following headings:
1. Strength of the Irish language in the area;
2. Value for Money for the State in terms of language;
3. Community benefit;
4. Level of use; and
5. Achievement of Department aims.
The appraisal of results indicates that the scheme is achieving Departmental aims with regard to developing infrastructure and public facilities in the Gaeltacht and islands.
In addition, an independent review of my Department's Gaeltacht Summer Camp Scheme has been completed and a revised scheme put into operation.
21 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans he has to increase the number of participants on the rural social scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21020/07]
Overall, there is provision for 2,600 participants and a further 130 supervisors on the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) and all available places at both participant and supervisor level have now been allocated. In order to assess the ongoing demand for places and to ensure that places do not remain vacant over a protracted period of time, Implementing Bodies have been encouraged to form a waiting list of suitable eligible applicants, which can then be used to fill vacancies as and when they arise.
As of last Friday (21st September), there were 2,573 participants and 129 supervisors on the Scheme. The Implementing Bodies are actively filling these vacancies and I expect that the overall number of 2,600 will again be reached in the coming weeks. My Department monitors the situation on an ongoing basis to ensure that any vacancies arising are filled without delay.
Since its introduction, the Scheme has become a key part of many rural communities and is very popular with both participants and local sponsors. The Deputy should note that funding for the RSS for the period 2007-2013 is included in the National Development Plan which clearly confirms the Government's continued and on-going commitment to the scheme in the coming years.
The number of places available on the Scheme for the coming year will be decided in the context of the annual Budgetary process.
23 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an dtabharfaidh sé cuntas ar na deontais atá ceadaithe ag a Roinn do gach oileán ar chósta Dhún na nGall ó thosach na bliana 2007. [20919/07]
Mar is eol don Teachta, tá mo Roinn freagrach as réimse leathan scéimeanna agus deontas. Seo a leanas liosta na ndeontas a ceadaíodh ó thús 2007 go data i gcóir na n-oileán ar chósta Dhún na nGall:
|
Ainm an Oileáin |
Scéim/ Clár |
Sonraí |
Méid ceadaithe |
|
€ |
|||
|
Toraigh |
Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge |
14 iarratasóir |
3,640 |
|
Toraigh |
Clár Oileánda 2007 |
Bóithre |
100,000 |
|
Toraigh |
Miontograí Oileánda |
Deontais bheaga ilghnéitheacha |
6,626 |
|
Toraigh |
Achtanna na dTithe |
6 iarrasatóir |
42,000 |
|
152,266 |
|||
|
Árainn Mór |
Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge |
47 iarratasóir |
7,670 |
|
Árainn Mór |
Scéim na bhFoghaimeoirí Gaeilge |
21 iarratasóir |
106,239 |
|
Árainn Mór |
Clár Oileánda 2007 |
Bóithre |
160,995 |
|
Árainn Mór |
Miontograí Oileánda |
Deontais bheaga ilghnéitheacha |
3,013 |
|
Árainn Mór |
Achtanna na dTithe |
15 iarratasóir |
89,210 |
|
367,127 |
Chomh maith leis sin, cheadaigh mo Roinn deontas de €4,160 d'Ancaire, Comharchumann na nOileán Beag i nDún na nGall, le haghaidh bróisiúir maidir leis na hoileáin sin a chur i gcló.
Anuas air sin, tá deontas bliantúil de €95,000 ceadaithe ag mo Roinn do Chomhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann chun a chur ar chumas na heagraíochta feidhmiú mar ghrúpa ionadaíoch ar son na n-oileán uilig, na cinn i nDún na nGall san áireamh. Ceadaíodh deontais eile don Chomhdháil freisin mar a leanas:
|
Scéim |
Méid |
Sonraí |
|
€ |
||
|
An Scéim Shóisialta Tuaithe |
12,835 |
Riarachán |
|
An Scéim Shóisialta Tuaithe |
3,000 |
Fógraíocht ar an Scéim |
|
An Scéim Shóisialta Tuaithe |
10,000 |
Caiteachas caipitil ar ábhar agus ar threalamh |
|
Clár LEADER |
458,915 |
Riarachán |
Maidir le seirbhísí iompair chuig na hoileáin, tá conarthaí de luach €155,509 agus €169,584 in aghaidh na bliana tugtha amach ag mo Roinn i leith sheirbhísí farantóireachta Thoraigh agus Árann Mhór, faoi seach. Chomh maith leis sin, íoctar thart ar €70,000 in aghaidh na bliana i leith sheirbhís ingearáin doThoraigh.
24 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans, in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government for the further use of the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund to assist in the development of youth facilities and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop; when it is intended to extend the fund to towns in Leinster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20975/07]
The Young Peoples Facilities & Services Fund (YPFSF) was established in 1998 to assist in the development of facilities (including sport and recreational facilities) and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem existed or had the potential to develop. To date, over €125m has been allocated, with approximately 330 staff being supported.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to continue the operation of the YPFSF. I fully endorse this decision and, indeed, from my experience on the ground and my involvement in youth work, I am strongly of the view that the YPFSF constitutes a very important part of the preventative pillar of the overall National Drugs Strategy. I also believe that it has contributed significantly to diverting many young people away from the dangers of drug dependency by providing positive alternatives.
At present, the Fund operates in Local Drug Task Force areas in Dublin, Bray and Cork, as well as Limerick, Waterford and Galway cities and Carlow town. The Programme for Government further commits to extending the Fund to further towns, mainly in Leinster. My Department is currently considering how best to do that and I hope to make announcements in this regard in the coming months.
I am determined that the YPFSF will continue to successfully facilitate the delivery of quality services to people in the 10 to 21 years age group with the aim of ensuring that the young people involved maintain a drugs-free lifestyle.
25 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Eamon Gilmore den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an mó post atá cruthaithe sa Ghaeltacht i mbliana le cabhair Údarás na Gaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [20993/07]
Tuigim ó Údarás na Gaeltachta nach mbeidh figiúirí maidir leis an líon post atá cruthaithe acu i 2007 ar fáil go dtí go bhfoilseofar torthaí shuirbhé fostaíochta na heagraíochta ag tús 2008.
Is féidir liom a chur in iúl don Teachta, áfach, go raibh 2006 ar an bhliain ab' fhearr ó 1998 agus gur tháinig glanmhéadú de 295 ar an líon daoine i bhfostaíocht lánaimseartha sa Ghaeltacht. Ag deireadh 2006, bhí 7,953 duine fostaithe go lánaimseartha agus 4,380 duine fostaithe go páirtaimseartha/séasúrtha i gcomhlachtaí a fuair cúnamh ón Údarás.
26 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if discussions have taken place between him and his Department with EU Commissioner Charlie Mc Creevy in relation to the regulations for one-off houses; if discussions have taken place in this regard; if he or his Department has made any recommendations to the EU Commissioner in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21018/07]
My officials and I have had no discussions with Commissioner McCreevy or his officials in relation to the Guidelines for Planning Authorities.
The guidelines, published by former Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dick Roche T.D., provide a detailed framework for planners, based on the approach set out in the NSS regarding rural housing policy. The guidelines reflect my own view that rural housing within the confines of good planning practice is appropriate. These guidelines are important in ensuring clarity and consistency in the implementation by planning authorities of Government policy on rural housing. I have had discussions however in relation to this matter with my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
27 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad iad na moltaí atá aige i leith theorainn na Gaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [20992/07]
37 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Eamon Gilmore den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cathain a fhoilseodh sé an staidéar agus na moltaí faoi theorainn na Gaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [20994/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 37 together.
Tá an Staidéar Teangeolaíoch a rinneadh ar úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht críochnaithe anois agus cuireadh Tuarascáil faoi mo bhráid níos túisce i mbliana. Faoi lathair, tá mo Roinnse ag déanamh anailíse ar na torthaí ón staidéar agus ar na moltaí atá déanta sa Tuarascáil, ina measc moltaí maidir le teorainn na Gaeltachta. Chomh luath agus a bheidh an scagadh sin déanta, tá i gceist agam an Tuarascáil a chur faoi bhráid an Rialtais. Glacaim leis go mbeidh sí le foilsiú i dtráth cuí agus beidh mé sásta cóipeanna a chur ar fáil i Leabharlann an Oireachtais ag an am sin.
28 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs what is the up to date position regarding the implementation of the provisions of the Official Languages Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20989/07]
As I have indicated previously in reply to similar Questions in this House, considerable progress has been made to date in the implementation, on a phased basis, of the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003.
All provisions of the Act are in operation since 14 July 2006.
A total of 62 language schemes, which cover almost 100 public bodies, including my own Department, have now been confirmed by me and published. All 62 schemes are available on the website of An Coimisinéir Teanga at www.coimisineir.ie. In addition, in excess of 50 additional schemes, covering some 120 public bodies, are currently in preparation and my Department is in discussion with the public bodies concerned in relation to the completion of the process of drafting these schemes.
On 14 December 2006 both the Dáil and the Seanad approved a draft of Regulations dealing with the use of the Irish and English languages by public bodies in pre-recorded oral announcements, on stationery and on signage. My Department has since carried out a further consultation exercise with all public bodies covered by the Act in relation to the draft Regulations. I expect to be in a position to make the Regulations shortly after further discussion by the appropriate Oireachtas Committee.
Oifig Choimisinéir na dTeangacha Oifigiúla has been established. The Coimisinéir published his Annual Report for 2006 earlier this year.
In April 2006, I made Regulations that updated the list of public bodies covered under the Act. I intend to make further Regulations as soon as possible in order to further update the list.
I have made 10 Placenames Orders to date including An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Ceantair Ghaeltachta) 2004.
At my request, Foras na Gaeilge has developed an acreditation system for Irish language translators.
As I have stated from the beginning, while it will not be possible to achieve everything overnight, my main objective is that improvements in the range and quality of services available through Irish will be achieved over the lifetime of a number of schemes, subject to demand.
30 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the need to offer added support to community based groups involved in combating drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21141/07]
Tackling the problem of drugs misuse is a key priority for Government and will continue to be so. This commitment is evidenced by the increasing levels of funding in my Department's Vote. The allocation of €50m this year represented an increase of 16% on the 2006 figure and was an increase of 87% over the corresponding figure for 2004.
In all, over 440 community-based projects are being supported through the Local Drugs Task Forces, employing more than 300 people. An amount of €8m is being provided by my Department for the implementation of Regional Drugs Task Force plans in 2007 and the full implementation of their plans will be rolled out over the coming years at a full cost of €14.2m p.a. On top of this, all of the Task Forces can access capital funding under the Premises Initiative, established by my Department to address the needs of community based drugs projects.
Earlier this week, I was delighted to announce additional capital allocations of nearly €7m to support 42 projects under the Young Peoples Facilities & Services Fund. To date, allocations of just over €125m have been made to almost 500 facility & services projects in LDTF areas and in Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Carlow.
I can assure the Deputy that I am determined to ensure that adequate resources will again be provided in the coming years so as to maintain the progress that is being made in tackling the drug problem in Ireland.
31 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals for the reform of the charities sector; if his attention has been drawn to the need for regulation of the charities sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20957/07]
The Charities Bill 2007, the purpose of which is to regulate charities so as to ensure accountability and to protect against abuse of charitable status and fraud, was originally listed for Second Stage in the Dáil on 3 May 2007 but was not taken following the dissolution of that Dáil. The Bill has since been restored to the Order Paper and is expected to proceed to Second Stage in the Autumn Dáil session, subject to the agreement of the Whips.
32 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his legislative priorities for the 30th Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20956/07]
My main legislative priority at this time is the Charities Bill 2007, the purpose of which is to regulate charities so as to ensure accountability and to protect against abuse of charitable status and fraud. The Bill was originally listed for Second Stage in the Dáil on 3 May 2007 but was not taken following the dissolution of that Dáil. The Bill has since been restored to the Order Paper and is expected to proceed to Second Stage in the Autumn Dáil session, subject to the agreement of the Whips.
In addition, draft Heads of a Bill in regard to the powers and functions of Údarás na Gaeltachta have been under consideration in my Department. However, I consider it appropriate to examine any such legislative proposals in the wider context of the Linguistic Study of Irish Language Usage in the Gaeltacht, which was completed recently. It is my intention to bring proposals in regard to the Linguistic Study to Government in due course.
34 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals to extend, expand or restrict any of the grant aiding projects under his aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21140/07]
As the Deputy is aware, my Department implements and funds a wide range of measures, schemes and programmes for the development and support of various communities, urban and rural. Details of these can be found on my Department's website, www.pobail.ie.
The future operation and funding supports provided by my Department's schemes and programmes for the development of urban and rural communities will be line with the Agreed programme for Government the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and the ongoing emerging needs of communities — both urban and rural.
35 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the number of reported deaths from cocaine use; the steps he will take to reduce cocaine use here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20961/07]
The National Drug Related Death Index (NDRDI) — which is jointly funded by the Departments of Health & Children and Justice Equality & Law Reform — is being prepared at present by the Health Research Board. I am informed that a preliminary report will be made in 2008.
While firm figures are not available at this time, I am aware that the Dublin County Coroner recently gave a warning about the dangers of cocaine when considering a number of deaths related to the use of the drug on one day. He cautioned that cocaine use can be lethal even in small doses, sometimes on the first time of use.
I am fully aware of the threat posed by cocaine and see the implementation of the recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs report "An Overview of Cocaine Use in Ireland", which was published earlier this year, as being central to the response to this threat. The report outlines 13 recommendations and these are now being followed up. I am committed to ensuring that the recommendations are implemented and this is being pursued through the Inter-Departmental Group on Drugs, which I chair.
The report also highlighted the extremely high risks associated with cocaine and the physical and mental health problems that arise from its use. As you may be aware, cocaine is particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol and other substances and these messages on the real dangers associated with its use need to be continually highlighted. The social and economic harm also needs to be stressed, not only to the users of cocaine, but also to their families and to communities that bear the brunt of the behaviour and criminal activity associated with the supply and use of cocaine. Furthermore, the dangers associated with so-called "recreational" or "week-end" cocaine use and the glamorising of cocaine in some quarters need to be repeatedly stressed.
Other initiatives sponsored by my Department in regard to the cocaine problem include the funding of four pilot projects and a training programme for service providers. Also, under the Emerging Needs Fund, six cocaine specific projects in Local Drugs Task Force areas have been funded and support for a further nine projects aimed at polydrug/cocaine use has been provided under that Fund.
The challenges posed by cocaine use are significant, but I am confident that we can meet these challenges through a co-ordinated approach utilising the structures of the National Drugs Strategy.
36 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of his meeting with the Northern Ireland Minister for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on 11 September 2007. [20979/07]
I met with Northern Ireland Minister for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle Gildernew, MP MLA, on 7 September in Dromahair, Co Leitrim. We discussed issues of mutual interest in the areas of rural development, rural recreation and the EU Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, which will bring significant financial benefits to the island of Ireland.
We also discussed the positive work already undertaken by our two Departments and considered further opportunities for co-operation. As both North and South face common challenges in rural areas, the meeting provided an opportunity to foster closer working relationships on how best we can jointly address these challenges. It also provided an opportunity to consider how to further develop and deepen co-operation in the future.
There have been many positive examples of the two Departments working together, in particular through the current INTERREG and LEADER Programmes. This cross border co-operation has supported the creation of new industries and jobs in the Border areas. I am confident that this co-operation will continue in the future in order to address a range of issues facing our rural communities.
38 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in regard to An Foras developing materials specifically for families who wish to raise their children through the medium of Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20986/07]
I am informed that support for language transmission through the family has been identified as one of its key strategic objectives by Foras na Gaeilge since its foundation. To meet that objective, Foras na Gaeilge provides a range of resources and supports to parents who raise their children through Irish. These include:
Gaschaint, a booklet and CD of useful phrases and sentences for parents;
a package of teaching resources for Irish language medium schools, Séidean Sí, of which specific elements are aimed at parents, for example, booklets suitable for reading to young children; and
a series of CDs, publication of which commenced last year and will continue next year, to accompany children's booklets for which there has been most demand. The concept is to encourage parents to read aloud with their children and thereby assist the child in mastery of both the oral and written language.
Foras na Gaeilge also provides financial support for voluntary Irish language organisations that support Irish-speaking families, as well as a wide range of community-based initiatives and services that operate through the medium of Irish and support its use in daily life.
39 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad iad na deontais a ceadaíodh do chomhlachtaí (sonraí tugtha) go dtí seo; an méid de na deontais a íocadh go dáta; an gaol idir an dá chomhlacht; an méid oibrithe a bhí fostaithe acu; an bhfuil éinne fostaithe faoi láthair; an bhfuil aon iarratas ar dheontais bhreise á mheas faoi láthair; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [20920/07]
Ag deireadh 2002 bhí 36 duine fostaithe go lánaimseartha ag an gcéad comhlacht atá luaite ag an Teachta (Comhlacht 1) agus bhí 30 fostaithe go lánaimseartha agus 15 fostaithe go páirtaimseartha ag deireadh 2003. Ceapadh leachtaitheoir i Meitheamh 2004 agus chuaigh an comhlacht as gnó an bhliain sin. Tá sé leachtaithe go hiomlán ó 6 Meitheamh 2007 agus níl aon iarratas ar chúnamh ar láimh ag Údarás na Gaeltachta dá réir.
Tar éis do Chomhlacht 1 dul as gnó i 2004, tuigtear dom ón Údarás gur bhunaigh grúpa de sholáthróirí an chomhlachta gnó nua (Comhlacht 2), sé sin, an dara chomhlacht atá luaite ag an Teachta sa Cheist. Chomh maith leis sin bhunaigh príomhaí amháin agus iarfhostaithe ó Chomhlacht 1 comharchumann nua (ar a dtugtar Comhlacht 3 sa bhfreagra seo) le haghaidh seirbhísí bainistíochta agus gnó a sholáthar do Chomhlacht 2.
Bhí 24 duine fostaithe ag deireadh 2006 ag Comhlacht 2 agus 3 mar chomhfhiontar, 14 go lánaimseartha agus 10 go páirtaimseartha. Tá an gnó sin dúnta anois agus níl aon fhostaí ann. Ceapadh leachtaitheoir ar an dá chomhlacht seo i mbliana ach níl an leachtú críochnaithe fós. Níl aon iarratas ar chúnamh ar láimh ag Údarás na Gaeltachta ó cheachtar den dá chomhlacht.
Tuigim ó Údarás na Gaeltachta gurb iad seo a leanas na sonraí maidir leis an gcúnamh atá ceadaithe agus íoctha don trí chomhlacht seo:
|
Comhlacht 1 |
Comhlacht 2 agus 3 |
|||||
|
Ceadaithe |
Íoctha |
Fuílleach |
Ceadaithe |
Íoctha |
Fuílleach |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Deontais Fhostaíochta |
380,000 |
345,000 |
35,000 |
190,000 |
145,000 |
45,000 |
|
Deontais Oiliúna |
45,000 |
35,324 |
9,676 |
— |
— |
— |
|
Scaireanna |
250,000 |
250,000 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
Tuigim gur faoi chomhaontú deontais amháin idir an tÚdarás agus Comhlachtaí 2 agus 3 a híocadh an tsuim €145,000 atá luaite sa tábla. Rinneadh aisghairm deontais i gcoinne an dá chomhlachta sin le chéile freisin.
40 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has received an application from a group (details supplied) for grant aid under the new scheme to support national organisations in the community and voluntary sector to assist in their work with people with disabilities; if he will grant the request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20914/07]
An application from the group referred to by the Deputy has been received under the new Funding Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector. Assessment of the large number of applications received under this Scheme is currently underway, with a view to having new funding arrangements in place before the cessation of the current funding at the end of November this year. The group has been notified of this position. All applicants will be contacted again once the assessment process is finalised.
41 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the timescale for the extension of the Royal Canal to Longford Town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19220/07]
I understand from Waterways Ireland that the Royal Canal will be re-opened to navigation from Dublin to the River Shannon in 2009. Thereafter, Waterways Ireland proposes that, under the National Development Plan 2007-2013, it will undertake a feasibility study of the Longford Branch to assess both the technical and cost implications of restoring the branch line.
43 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if it is intended to implement the recommendations of the study on roll-on and roll-off transport services for the Aran Islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20980/07]
A report on the feasibility of providing roll-on roll-off transport services to the Aran Islands, The Aran Islands Ro-Ro Service Feasibility Study Report, was commissioned by my Department and can be accessed at its website at www.pobail.ie. The feasibility study was carried out by Saltire Management Ltd, a marine consultancy firm from Scotland, which has extensive experience in this sector. Amongst the main findings it was noted that:
the Aran Islands are well served in respect of passenger services;
the present cargo service is well run, given the available vessels and the constraints imposed by the island piers and it is generally approved of by island residents;
there is a strong case for the introduction of a restricted roll-on roll-off service carrying cargo, residents' cars and public service vehicles; and
such a service would be likely to bring economic and social advantages to the island communities. However, it would need to be properly managed in order to address the different requirements of each island, protect the environment and preserve the island way of life. The report includes detailed recommendations as to suitable options for establishing such a service. It also notes that it would not be possible to introduce a ro-ro service to all three islands in the immediate future as procurement of the required infrastructure and vessels would be a lengthy process.
The report will assist my Department in planning the further development of the Aran Islands and I look forward to consulting widely with the island communities and other interested parties in this regard. Any decisions in regard to the implementation of its recommendations will take account of the consultation process, the cost and effectiveness of existing passenger, cargo and air services to the Aran Islands and the level of funding available for the development of the islands in general.
44 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on reports of the spread of crack cocaine in urban Ireland; if his attention has been drawn to recent reports that crack cocaine could potentially spread to increasing numbers of cities and towns here; the efforts he has made to combat the spread of crack cocaine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20958/07]
I am aware of the dangers that crack cocaine use can pose in terms of the potential harm it can cause to individuals, families and communities. I am also aware of the risk that crack cocaine could potentially spread to increasing numbers of cities and towns here.
However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that, while there has been an increase in the number of seizures of crack cocaine over the past two years or so, this represents a small proportion of the total number of cocaine seizures recorded annually. Also, it is worth noting that in my visits to various Drugs Task Force areas since my appointment in June, the issue of crack cocaine did not arise to any great extent in my discussions with community representatives and others on the nature of the drug problem in their areas.
At the same time, vigilance is undoubtedly necessary and the Gardaí continue to take a number of measures to address the matter. In this context, I understand that the Garda National Drugs Unit, as well as local drug units, conduct intelligence gathering on individuals and groups suspected of involvement in the sale and distribution of drugs. Also, targeted patrolling by uniform and plain-clothes personnel of potential problem areas is undertaken in order to detect and disrupt persons involved in such activity.
The most up to date figures on prevalence come from the 2002/2003 All-Island Drug Prevalence Survey. That survey showed that the use of crack cocaine was very low at that time — 0.3% reported lifetime use; 0.1% reported use in the previous 12 months and there were no positive respondents in relation to last month use. However, a second Drug Prevalence Study has recently been carried out and the first report on national prevalence figures and trends is expected later this year. The outcome of this study will give an up-to-date picture of overall problem drug use in Ireland.
In addition, I understand that a research study into the nature and extent of crack cocaine use in Dublin is currently being undertaken by the Alcohol and Drug Research Unit (ADRU) of the Health Research Board. The study is being funded by the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform and it is hoped that the work will be completed early in 2008.
45 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the proposals he will bring to Government in regard to alterations to the boundaries of the Gaeltacht; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20987/07]
108 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the linguistic study on the use of the Irish language in the Gaeltacht; when he will publish the study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21270/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 108 together.
The Linguistic Study of Irish Language Usage in the Gaeltacht has now been completed and a Report was presented to me earlier this year. My Department is evaluating the contents of this Report at present, as well as the recommendations that have been made as a result of this study, including recommendations in relation to the Gaeltacht boundaries. As soon as this examination has been completed, it is my intention to bring the Report to Government with my proposals. I anticipate that the Report will be published in due course and I will be happy to make copies available in the Oireachtas Library at the appropriate time.
46 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on the operation of the RAPID scheme over the past 12 months; if he is satisfied with the operation of RAPID; his views on whether more communities should be designated as RAPID areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20955/07]
The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within the 46 designated RAPID areas.
As I have indicated to the House on a number of occasions, it is a matter for individual Departments to report on the provision of funding and progress on delivery with respect to projects under their responsibility in the RAPID areas.
The Deputy will be aware that Pobal commissioned an evaluation of the RAPID programme on behalf of my Department. The report indicates that the experience of the RAPID Programme has been very positive in many areas and the evaluators have concluded that the Programme has made substantial progress in identifying the needs of disadvantaged communities and in implementing important local projects in response to those needs.
The main strengths of the Programme are stated to be the facilitation of a significant number of local development projects addressing the most pressing needs of the local community. In the opinion of local stakeholders, these projects would not have progressed without the establishment of the RAPID programme. Another key strength noted was the establishment of structures that have provided a mechanism for disadvantaged communities to identify needs and to influence policy. These structures allowed for the development of effective working partnerships between the key players, the levering of greater national and local government investment in RAPID areas and the development of innovative practice with regard to projects, community participation and engagement.
The evaluators recommended enhanced monitoring structures, the adoption of annual work programmes, and improved corporate and business planning in agencies to prioritise RAPID areas for investment. I have considered the evaluation findings and recommendations set out in the Report. My officials have been working with other Departments and agencies over the last number of months in implementing some of the key recommendations in the report. This work recognises not only the continuing priorities identified by areas in the previous plans but also the need to build on the work and experience gained through completed projects as well as the need to develop new projects. The aim is to help in bringing a tighter focus to the area plans as each Area Implementation Team (AIT) will prioritise projects within the themes.
I initiated the Leverage schemes in 2004 in order to support small-scale projects identified locally by the Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas. These schemes are co-funded by the relevant agencies and fund projects that focus on estate enhancement, graffiti clean-up, traffic calming, CCTV, health and sports facilities, and the provision of playgrounds. Since the introduction of these schemes I have increased the cumulative amount of funds allocated from some €6.5m in 2004 to over €15m to-date.
As I have previously indicated I have no plans at present to further extend the areas covered by the RAPID Programme, however, I intend to examine the full updated Census data, and its application to RAPID areas, over the next few months.
47 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will take steps to ensure that a general waiver of rates on all registered childcare facilities is implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21249/07]
The Valuation Act, 2001 which came into effect on 2 May 2002 provides that all buildings used or developed for any purpose including constructions affixed thereto are rateable. In regard to the Valuation Act, 2001, I should point out that the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties under the Act, and that I, as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, have no function in decisions in this regard.
The basic premise under the Act is that all interests (including buildings) are rateable unless expressly exempted under schedule 4. Schedule 4 of the Valuation Act 2001 outlines the categories of property and the various uses that are deemed to be non rateable under the Act. Paragraphs 10 (education) and 16 (charitable purposes) are two areas in that schedule which may be relevant to the rateability of child care facilities. Accordingly, purpose-built childcare buildings designed and used to make profit are rateable as commercial buildings. Houses which have been adapted for commercial use in a dedicated area (i.e. converted garage for exclusive use as childcare ) are rateable, for that specific area.
It was not intended that the Valuation Act 2001 would expand or contract the valuation base. The effect of removing any category of property such as commercially operated childcare centres from the valuation base would be to increase the rates burden on other ratepayers. At the time of drafting the Valuation Act 2001 it was considered that where Exchequer assistance to certain sectors was desirable it should be direct assistance rather than interfering with local authority funding by way of rates relief.
The rateable valuation of commercial property is based on net annual value (NAV) i.e. the rental value of the property. Any ratepayer, dissatisfied with the rateability of a property, the valuation assessed on a particular property, or the method of calculation can appeal to the Commissioner of Valuation in the first instance and subsequently to the independent Valuation Tribunal. There is also a further right of appeal to the High Court and ultimately to the Supreme Court on a point of law.
The core objective of Government policy in the area of child support is to provide assistance which will offer real choice to parents and which will benefit all children. Budget 2006 also marked the introduction of a National Childcare Strategy costing a cumulative €2.65bn over five years to address the supply and the cost of childcare. This strategy included:
The introduction of the Early Childcare Supplement worth €1,000 annually for each child up to his/her sixth birthday
A four week extension to both paid and unpaid maternity/adoptive leave in each of 2006 and 2007 bringing the duration of paid leave up to 26 weeks and the duration of unpaid leave to 16 weeks
A major new multi-annual National Childcare Investment Programme, running from 2006-2010 to support the creation of an extra 50,000 childcare places. To complement the roll-out of these new places, a total of 17,000 childcare workers will be trained over the period
A new childminding tax relief was also introduced to support the informal childcare sector.
This National Childcare Strategy is also included as part of the Social Inclusion Priorities set out in the recently published National Development Plan. Furthermore, there is a commitment in ‘Towards 2016' to increase the number of childcare places by 100,000 over the lifetime of the framework through a combination of National Childcare Investment Programme, appropriate successor programme(s) and other providers.
I would also mention that in December 2005, the Government established the Office of the Minister for Children (OMC) to bring greater coherence to policy making for children. I have no plans at present to provide for special treatment of purpose-built childcare buildings under the Valuation Act.
48 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when criteria for grant aid relating to tourism projects within 12 km of the river Shannon as announced in April 2007 will be issued; the specific bodies responsible for administering the grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21353/07]
The mid-Shannon Tourism Infrastructure Investment Scheme is a tax incentive scheme introduced in Section 29 of the Finance Act 2007. The legislation provides for the appointment of a mid-Shannon Tourism Infrastructure Board which will be responsible for approving and certifying buildings and structures that qualify for relief under the Scheme. In carrying out this function the Board will be guided by detailed guidelines to be issued by the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, in consultation with the Minister for Finance. The necessary consultations are at an advanced stage and I expect the guidelines to be finalised shortly.
The Revenue Commissioners will have responsibility for the granting of tax relief under the scheme in accordance with the specific provisions of Section 29 and with such other provisions of tax law that may apply.
49 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he plans to reduce the amount of inheritance tax a person has to pay for inheriting land from a relative, namely an aunt or uncle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21237/07]
Inheritance tax is part of the capital acquisitions tax (CAT) code, which includes both gift tax and inheritance tax. It was first introduced in 1976 and replaced estate duty taxation. The Finance Act 2000 introduced a package of measures specifically designed to reduce the impact of CAT where assets are transferred. These measures included increased thresholds, the introduction of a single low rate of tax at 20% and the exemption of the family home in certain circumstances. These measures constituted the most radical reduction in the incidence of gift/inheritance tax since its introduction in 1976.
The CAT code includes group thresholds, below which no CAT is liable. The relationship between the person who provides the gift/inheritance (i.e. the disponer) and the person receiving the gift/inheritance (i.e. the beneficiary) determines the tax-free threshold applicable to the inheritance (the group threshold). There are three categories of relationship with regard to relief from CAT and these are increased on an annual basis in accordance with the CSO Consumer Price Index. The indexed group thresholds applying to a gift or inheritance for 2007 are set out in the table.
|
Group |
Relationship to Disponer |
Group Threshold 2007 |
|
€ |
||
|
A |
Son/Daughter |
496,824 |
|
B |
Parent/Brother/Sister/Niece/ Nephew/Grandchild |
49,682 |
|
C |
Relations other than Group A or B |
24,841 |
Any other gifts/inheritance that might have been received within the same group by an individual since 5 December 1991 are also taken into account when applying the thresholds for the purposes of calculating CAT. If the total value of all inheritances and gifts, within the group, which were received since this date is above the relevant threshold, then a 20% CAT will apply on the difference.
Favourite niece/nephew relief is available to certain nephews and nieces who take a gift or an inheritance of a business or farm from the disponer. If the niece/nephew qualifies for the relief, they are treated as a child of the disponer for CAT purposes, and instead of a Group B threshold, they are entitled to a Group A threshold for the business or farm assets only. This means that if a gift or inheritance includes business/farm and non-business/farm assets the Group B threshold will apply to the non-business/farm assets and the Group A threshold will apply to the business/farm assets.
In order to qualify for the relief, the applicant must be a child of a brother or sister of the disponer (in other words, a nephew/niece in law will not qualify) and he/she must have worked substantially on a full-time basis for the disponer for a minimum of five years ending on the date of the gift or inheritance.
This relief is intended to take account of the close working relationship that exists between certain nieces/nephews and their uncles/aunts and was not intended to apply generally to all gifts or inheritances taken by nieces/nephews. Applying the relief to all such disposals would lead to a reduction in the tax base. I have no plans to introduce any changes.
50 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the square footage of leased or rented office space now vacant due to decentralisation with details of the length of leases still to run; the rent being paid per lease, per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21263/07]
51 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the square footage of office space now vacant in premises owned by the State due to decentralisation; if he will provide a list of these premises; his intentions in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21264/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 51 together.
The policy in relation to vacant space arising from decentralisation is to dispose of it in an appropriate and cost effective manner where it is not needed for other State use. Any space which has become vacant to date has been managed in accordance with this policy. As of now, the main vacant space is in the following leased premises.
|
Building |
Area (Sq.ft.) approx. |
Rent/sq.ft. |
Break/Expiry. |
|
€ |
|||
|
S.I.A.C. Building, Clondalkin |
22,500 |
24 |
1/5/2011 |
|
Park West |
10,000 |
21 |
1/9/2016 |
|
Setanta Centre |
17,000 |
39 |
18/1/2011 |
|
Molesworth Building |
4,000 |
36 |
15/8/2011 |
The above premises are now being actively considered for reallocation to meet other requirements which have arisen in recent times. It is the objective of the Commissioners of Public Works to continue to monitor emerging vacant space in consultation with the relevant Departments and to ensure that any vacant space is used to best advantage.
52 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his view, in the interests of promoting renewable energy sources, of allowing companies based in Northern Ireland to benefit from the mineral oil tax. [21316/07]
Mineral Oil Tax is applied to mineral oil products which are released onto the market in the State by producers, importers and distributors located in the State. However, as part of the Government commitment to promote renewable energy I introduced a relief from Mineral Oil Tax for biofuel projects under the Finance Act, 2006. The relief from Mineral Oil Tax for biofuel projects under the Finance Act 2006 is confined to operators of approved projects in the State.
53 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food regarding the tax implications of the sugar beet diversification payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21324/07]
The tax treatment of income derived from the payment of diversification aid to former sugar beet growers is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I am informed by the Commissioners that based on the information available to them on the current proposals for the payment of such aid the payments will be subject to income tax. My Department has advised the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of this position.
54 Deputy John Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if PAYE repayments for years 2005 and 2006 will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21335/07]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a repayment for 2005 has been processed for the named person and a cheque will issue shortly. When a return for 2006 is filed, the question of a liability or refund for that year will be examined.
55 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason workers from County Donegal, working in Northern Ireland, who are contributing to The National Insurance Fund are availing of medical entitlements but can not avail of the 70% contribution to child care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21238/07]
Regulation (EC) 1408/71 provides for the coordination of social security systems, including healthcare, among EU member states, with the aim of ensuring the free movement of persons. It provides, inter alia, that persons who are employed in one member state and residing in another are entitled to receive healthcare provided by the state of residence on behalf of the member state of employment, with the cost to be borne by the member state of employment.
Persons residing in Ireland who are employed in Northern Ireland and who return to Ireland every day or at least once a week are classed as frontier workers under the Regulation. The Regulation entitles such persons to access healthcare in either jurisdiction.
However, the 70% contribution to childcare to which the Deputy refers is not provided by this government. The Deputy will appreciate that queries regarding entitlement to specific payments or other assistance available within Northern Ireland, whether under Regulation (EC) 1408/71 or under UK legislation, are a matter for the authorities in that jurisdiction.
56 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 has been waiting ten years for orthodontic treatment; the reason the C treatment category has been discontinued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21170/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
57 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the proposed new health centre for Glenties, County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21174/07]
The Primary Care Strategy aims to increase health service capacity through the development of services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multidisciplinary teams of occupational therapists, general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists and others.
It has been estimated that up to 95% of people's health and social services needs can be properly met within a primary care setting and the establishment of new Primary Care Teams can contribute greatly to enhancing community based health services.
The provision of the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of primary care services is being considered by the HSE, having regard to a number of factors. These include the type and configuration of the services involved, the mixed public/private nature of our health system, the suitability of existing infrastructure and the capital requirements of the health services generally over the coming years.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. 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.
58 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the anticipated start up date of BreastCheck in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21191/07]
I am committed to ensuring that the BreastCheck service is rolled out to the remaining regions in the country as quickly as possible. I have allocated additional revenue funding of €8 million to the National Cancer Screening Service for this year to meet the additional costs involved. The full complement of 111 staff for roll-out has been approved. BreastCheck appointed the Clinical Directors for the South and West last November and has also appointed four Consultant Radiologists, two Consultant Surgeons and two Consultant Histopathologists, all with a special interest in breast disease. The recruitment of Radiographers and other staff is underway. BreastCheck will commence national roll-out in October.
I have also made available an additional €26.7m capital funding for the construction of two new clinical units and the provision of seven additional mobile units and state of the art digital equipment. The static units at the South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital in Cork and at University College Hospital Galway are due to be completed in late Autumn. The expansion of the BreastCheck programme to the Southern region will cover counties Kerry, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Tipperary South Riding. Screening in individual counties will be dictated by BreastCheck's management and operational considerations.
59 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on this Deputy’s concern regarding any downgrading of Ennis General Hospital, particularly in relation to the golden hour, which is the standard international maximum time limit to treat accident, stroke and heart attack victims; and the position regarding improvements in Ennis. [21197/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular question raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
60 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason persons (details supplied) have been told that they are not entitled to a recoupment of the moneys paid for accommodation at a nursing home. [21210/07]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
61 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the claim for a person (details supplied) under the nursing home repayment scheme was rejected; if there are further options available to them at this time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21213/07]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
62 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will carry out a mid term review of the five year programme for the development of disability services, which should include in particular a review of the provision of new residential places in view of the fact that in the case of one northside service provider the number of new residential places has more than halved since the initiation of this new programme. [21224/07]
As the Deputy may be aware an additional sum of €75m for revenue purposes was provided to the Health Service Executive for Disability Services in the 2007 Budget. This amount incorporates the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is committed to enhancing, among other services, residential services for people with intellectual and physical or sensory disabilities.
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.
63 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of cases that have been initiated against her Department in respect of the Government’s refusal to meet necessary medical care provided to medical card holders in private facilities, at a time when public facilities were unable to meet their needs; the provision in the Health Acts she is relying upon to refuse these claims; if she has agreed to any out of Court settlements in respect of such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21225/07]
I understand that the Deputy's question refers to legal cases concerning people in private long stay in-patient facilities. The Department of Health & Children and the HSE are involved in a number of cases relating to this area. These cases are being dealt with in the ordinary way in accordance with legal advice that the Department is receiving from its legal advisers. It would not be appropriate to make further comment at this time as these matters are currently before the courts.
64 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay of 27 months for orthodontic treatment for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21232/07]
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.
65 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason it has been decided to penalise working parents through the cessation of the equal opportunities childcare programme and making the new NICP scheme available only to those in receipt of social welfare payments or family income supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21240/07]
The main supports the Government makes available to parents to assist them with their childcare costs are Child Benefit and the Early Childcare Supplement. The latter payment, which is in recognition of the higher childcare costs of pre-school children, is the responsibility of my Office, and it alone amounts to expenditure of over €400m in a full year. These payments are universal and benefit all parents, regardless of their income, labour market status or the type of childcare they choose and regardless of whether they live in urban or rural areas. In addition to these universal supports, Government childcare policy has also recognised the need to target additional supports towards disadvantaged families.
Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000 — 2006 (EOCP), which is co-funded under the EU Social Fund (ESF), targeted support was provided through the staffing support grant scheme whereby community based not-for-profit childcare providers with a strong focus on disadvantage were awarded grant aid towards their staffing costs to allow them to operate reduced fees to disadvantaged parents. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question.
As signalled at the launch of the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), the successor programme to the EOCP, a new scheme to support community childcare services with a focus on disadvantage will be introduced on 1 January 2008 and will continue to complement the universal supports in place for all parents. The Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) has been allocated €153 million over the next 3 years representing a 16% increase in funding over the EOCP staffing scheme. Under the new scheme, services will be grant aided according to the service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. In turn, the subvention received by the services will be reflected in the reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme.
In practice, this will mean that parents with children in such services and in receipt of most social welfare payments (or participating in a scheme such as Community Employment which demonstrates an underlying entitlement to same) will see a €80 weekly subvention in respect of full daycare (with pro-rata reductions in respect of shorter hour services). Parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS), will see a €30 weekly subvention in respect of full daycare (with pro-rata reductions). A further subvention of €30 per week will be paid where the subvented child is a baby, in recognition of the higher costs associated with the care of children aged under 1 year. Parents who do not qualify under either of these categories will be charged the cost price for their childcare service, however, as community not-for-profit services will, generally, have availed of capital grant aid under the EOCP or NCIP removing the requirement to cover rent and/or a mortgage, and as the services are run on a not-for-profit basis, this should still be significantly below the market price.
It is considered that the new scheme will provide an effective framework for the continued targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community childcare services generally. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme.
Transitional arrangements have been made under which existing grant recipients will continue to be funded at their current levels until 1st July 2008. This is to ensure that existing childcare services are facilitated to adjust to the new scheme, including making any adjustments necessary to their fee structures. I have also signalled that the more detailed and comprehensive data which will be generated by the new scheme will be monitored by officials in my Office over the coming months and, if appropriate, any adjustments necessary to secure the best outcomes for childcare services and for disadvantaged parents and their children will be considered at that time.
66 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans in place to employ much needed additional full time equivalent positions in the ambulance service with the HSE west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21241/07]
Over 120,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the number of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of the Actual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
67 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children when the first phase of phase 2B will be completed and ready for handover at the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath; when the second part of phase 2B will commence construction; the elements that will be incorporated therein; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21250/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
68 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children her intentions in relation to the recent report issued in the UK regarding the adverse effects of certain E numbered food additives on children’s behaviour; her views on the banning of such; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21258/07]
There has been a considerable amount of anecdotal evidence in the past on the effects of certain food additives on children's behaviour but the UK research is the first carefully controlled scientific study that has demonstrated these effects.
In light of this research on the effects of combinations of certain artificial colours and the preservative sodium benzoate on children's behaviour, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) considered it important to inform parents of the findings. The FSAI has advised that parents of children who display symptoms of hyperactivity or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) should consider limiting their children's consumption of foods containing these additives. The FSAI also recommends that parents read food labels when buying products so that they can identify if they contain these additives and thus, they can make an informed purchasing decision. A list of the additives studied in the research is available on the FSAI website.
The FSAI has also written to Food and Drink Industry Ireland and to the major retailers in Ireland recommending they continue to build upon ongoing work to remove the additives in question from their products.
The European Commission has asked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to review the data from the study as a matter of urgency. Once the results of the EFSA evaluation are available (expected by the end of 2007) Member States and the Commission will agree what action is necessary to protect consumers on a Community-wide basis.
69 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the dangers inherent in the use of hydrogenated vegetable oils in the manufacture of foods such as biscuits, cakes, and so on; and her intentions in relation to this urgent matter. [21262/07]
Hydrogenated vegetable oil is currently used in a range of food products on the market. If "partially hydrogenated" oil, or "hydrogenated" oil is mentioned in the list of ingredients, this indicates the use of unsaturated vegetable oils (or occasionally fish oils) high in polyunsaturated fatty acids which have been subjected to industrial hydrogenation and deodorisation. This industrial process may lead to the presence of trans fatty acids which are of concern in respect of consumers who are trying to follow a healthy diet which is protective against cardiovascular disease.
Trans fatty acids (also referred to as "trans fats") are often used as a substitute for saturated fats: consequently, foods labelled 'low in saturated fats' may be high in trans fats. This is a matter of concern, as it may potentially lead to consumers who are trying to follow a healthy diet and protect against cardiovascular disease being misled.
Under current EU legislation, the concentration of trans fatty acids does not have to be specified. Consumers may not therefore be aware of the levels of trans fats that they are consuming or the levels contained within foods, for easy comparison. However, a fundamental review of European labelling legislation is currently underway. As part of the Irish submission in respect of this review, it was submitted that in order to enable consumers to make informed choices, information on both saturated fat and trans unsaturated fat, in addition to total fat, should be provided. This is being vigorously pursued in current discussions on this issue. It is hoped that if manufacturers are required to declare trans fats on nutrition labels, they may be encouraged to reformulate those products which are high in this type of fat.
70 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children when advance payments to pharmacies under the GMS will be reinstated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21267/07]
As a result of a decision of the High Court earlier this year, arising from legal action taken by the IPU and five named plaintiff pharmacists, declaratory orders in favour of the named pharmacists were made in order to have advance payments restored to them. My Department understands that the Health Service Executive is making arrangements to comply with the declaratory orders.
71 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if and when dental treatment will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21277/07]
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.
72 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if consideration will be given to an application to her Department for National Lottery funding by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21278/07]
My Department received an application for a grant from the Health and Children allocation of National Lottery funds from the organisation referred to.
There is a protocol in my Department for processing applications for National Lottery grants. Following assessment, evaluation and recommendation, applications are considered in the context of the recommendation and the overall level of funds available to me. This application is one of many under consideration for a grant from my Department and the organisation in question will be informed as soon as a decision has been made.
73 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be offered a full time carer due to their ill health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21279/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
74 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm receipt of an application in relation to a claim submitted under the health repayments scheme from a person (details supplied) in County Laois and correspondence dated 14 March 2007 from this Deputy’s office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21295/07]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
75 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 449 of 20 March 2007, if a further assessment on this person (details supplied) in County Laois is necessary; the reason the assessment will only be carried out by a general practitioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21296/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
76 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when scans required in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be arranged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21304/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
77 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the HSE regarding its decision to impose staffing and other cuts in hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21342/07]
The Deputy will be aware that the Health Service Executive has a statutory duty to deliver a balanced budget. In this regard, it has taken steps to ensure that it meets this objective in 2007 by means of its Breakeven Plan 2007. This includes a pause in recruitment for an initial period of one month beginning on 5 September. The HSE is to review this position on 1 October in the light of the financial position then pertaining. Other features of this plan include
cancelling all foreign travel for the remainder of the year
cancelling all domestic hotel bookings for the remainder of the year, and
reviewing all non front-line expenditure to ensure that it is authorized at an appropriately senior level.
I am in regular contact with the CEO of the Health Service Executive on a range of matters, including in relation to the management by the Executive of its budget. I wish to put on record my support for the HSE in taking this corrective action to ensure it remains within its Vote for 2007.
I wish to advise the Deputy that employment in the health service has already increased significantly in 2007. 2,500 new posts have been approved so far this year by the Health Service Executive arising from new service developments contained in the National Service Plan 2007. The total number of posts will be in excess of 4,800.
According to the Health Service Personnel Census the total number employed in the public health service increased by 57% between end 1997 and end 2006. This represents an increase of over 38,000 in wholetime equivalent terms. As at end June this year, the number employed in wholetime equivalent terms was approximately 111,500.
To date this year, the HSE has already exceeded its targets and has treated substantially more people than the same period last year. For example, over 20,000 more patients have been treated in acute hospitals on both an in-patient and day case basis compared with last year. Day case attendances are up 11% and outpatient attendances are also up nearly 6% compared to the same time last year. Overall, the national figure for the number of in-patient discharges is up 3.8% and the number of births continues to rise and is currently up 10% compared to July 2006.
78 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding the development of planned radiation oncology centres; the estimated timetable of delivery of these centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21343/07]
It is my objective and that of the Health Service Executive (HSE) to see the earliest delivery of the Government's National Plan for Radiation Oncology. Considerable progress is being made in implementing the Plan which I have supported by substantial additional investment. Additional revenue funding of €3.25m this year will support the appointment of five additional Consultant Radiation Oncologists, seven Specialist Registrars and five support staff.
My Department and the HSE have been working closely on the examination of procurement options in order to expedite the delivery of the Plan. I met with Department officials and with the HSE yesterday. It is now clear that we will have in place radiation oncology capacity to meet the needs of the population by 2010. After 2010 we will continue to increase capacity to ensure that these needs continue to be met. I am fully confident that this will be achieved through a combination of direct Exchequer provision, PPP and where appropriate in the interim, the use of capacity in the private sector.
Developments to date include the procurement of additional capacity (2 linear accelerators) for St. Luke's Hospital Rathgar. These linear accelerators will be commissioned in February and March 2008 and two replacement linear accelerators will be commissioned in August and September 2008. The contract for the design consultants for the interim facilities in Beaumont and St. James's has commenced. The evaluation process for procurement of the supply contract is also underway and a technical subgroup is preparing the equipping specification for the phase 1 developments.
79 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made on the implementation of the recommendations of the report of the Joint Committee on Health and Children on The High Level of Suicide in Irish Society; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21344/07]
I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government is fully committed to the implementation of suicide prevention initiatives and the further development of our mental health services to prevent and reduce further tragic loss of life.
In September 2005, "Reach Out" — a National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, 2005-2014 was launched. The National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) oversees the implementation of the strategy and has taken on board the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Health and Children into the "High Levels of Suicide in Irish Society".
In 2006, €1.2m additional funding was allocated for suicide prevention initiatives and research. A further €1.85 million has been allocated for 2007 bringing the total funding available in 2007 to support suicide prevention initiatives to approximately €8 million. This funding is being used to develop and implement national training programmes, to complete the availability of self-harm services through A&E Departments, to implement recommendations arising from a review of bereavement services and to support voluntary organisations working in the field of suicide prevention.
80 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 was charged for medical expenses; and if she will review this decision in view of the information supplied. [21351/07]
Under Department of Health and Children Circular 5/91 hospitals are required to establish if patients wish to be treated as public or private patients. A patient who has private health insurance is entitled to choose to be treated as a public patient. To ensure that those who opt to be treated privately are clear on the financial implications of admission as a private patient, they should be asked to sign a form to thiseffect.
As you indicate that the patient was designated private without his consent, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issue directly to the Deputy.
In relation to insurance cover for the procedure, at present private health insurers are entitled to apply an initial waiting period of 26 weeks in respect of persons aged under 55, 52 weeks in respect of those aged between 55 and 64, and 104 weeks for persons aged 65 and over before private health insurance cover becomes effective. In addition, insurers are entitled to apply longer waiting periods, up to 10 years, in relation to pre-existing conditions.
Enquiries have been made of VHI and having established the history of the condition that necessitated the treatment involved, and confirmation by the individual's G.P. that the condition was present prior to his joining VHI, the claim was rejected.
81 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport and the Marine the plans in place to introduce legislation to allow Gardaí to test drivers for drugs and to compulsorily test for drugs and alcohol at the scene of an accident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21243/07]
The legislative provisions in relation to the testing of drivers for alcohol at the scene of road traffic collisions are currently under review within my Department. At the same time my Department, in association with the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) and the Road Safety Authority are keeping under review the development of technology internationally for roadside testing for drugs. When suitable technology becomes available, any measures applied to the roadside testing of drivers for alcohol will also be applied in relation to drugs.
82 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Transport and the Marine the status of the proposed new Shannon bridge crossing for the towns of Ballina and Killaloe, County Tipperary; when construction will commence; when the increased population of the area can expect relief from traffic congestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21352/07]
The provision of non-national roads, including bridges, in its area is a function of the relevant road authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants. Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary County Councils have undertaken the development of a proposal for a new Shannon Crossing. Clare County Council is the lead authority for the project.
From 2004 to the end of 2006, non-national road grants totalling approximately €371,000 have been provided to the three authorities to develop proposals for the provision of a new Shannon Crossing Bridge. The 2007 grant allocation, provided to Clare County Council under the Strategic Non-National Road stream of grants, is €500,000.
A number of consultants were invited by Clare County Council to submit tenders for the design stage of the Shannon Crossing Bridge project and associated road schemes. The closing date for receipt of tenders was 24 September 2007 and the tenders received will now be considered by the Council.
Further progression of the Shannon Crossing Bridge project is a matter for consideration by Clare County Council.
83 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Transport and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 93 of 3 April 2007, the reason he is not taking the action as outlined in the response to the question. [21354/07]
The safeguards put in place at the time of the IPO against disposal of slots, as outlined in the reply to parliamentary Question No. 93 of 3 April 2007, relate only to the sale of slots and/or transfer of slots between airlines and do not apply to the re-allocation of slot pairs to new or existing bases.
The slot protection mechanism set out in the Articles of Association was agreed with the EU Commission following extensive consultation. At the time of the IPO, it was recognised that there was a need to balance the State's strategic interests in relation to Heathrow slots with a need to allow the company to have reasonable commercial flexibility in its operations.
84 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport and the Marine the incentives he is putting in place to encourage cyclists to wear helmets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21363/07]
The consensus of public authorities concerned with road safety has been that the wearing of helmets by cyclists is best promoted on a voluntary basis by way of educational and publicity campaigns as opposed to going down the regulation route of compelling compulsory use.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has now responsibility for the promotion and awareness of road safety including the promotion of safety for cyclists.
The new Rules of the Road book that was published last March and a copy distributed to each household countrywide contains expanded advice and recommendations to cyclists in relation to the use of protective equipment and recommends that a helmet be worn at all times.
85 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department will assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 to trace the whereabouts of their spouse; and if he will arrange for his Department officials to speak to the person concerned. [21212/07]
The Department of Foreign Affairs provides consular assistance to Irish citizens overseas through its embassies and consulates. However, the Department does not have the authority or capacity to independently investigate the whereabouts of a person, or to disclose any personal information relating to a person, in the absence of that individual's agreement or a court order.
The person referred to by the Deputy may wish to contact the Gardaí in order to pursue the matter further.
Officers from my Department are available to explain this position to the person concerned.
86 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position on the US/India Nuclear Agreement as this currently stands; the discussions that have taken place recently on this agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21318/07]
In July 2005, President Bush and Prime Minister Singh agreed to establish a new strategic partnership between their two countries. One element of that partnership was to be a proposed agreement on civil nuclear cooperation. In March 2006, the two leaders announced that broad agreement on the elements of a deal on the nuclear issue had been reached. In December 2006, President Bush signed into law the Henry J. Hyde United States-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act. In July 2007, negotiations on a formal bilateral agreement were concluded.
Further steps remain before civil nuclear cooperation can commence between the US and India, including the negotiation by India of a safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a decision in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to exempt India from its export guidelines, and final approval of the US-India bilateral agreement by the US Congress.
We have been very closely following developments on the US-India deal, and have had useful contacts with both the US and India on the issue. A number of separate discussions on the proposed agreement have been held at the NSG since March 2006, most recently in mid-September, and Ireland has played a leading role, along with several other like-minded countries, in seeking to clarify the complex issues involved. In the course of all discussions, Ireland has consistently emphasised our deep-rooted commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and our concerns about the potential impact of the US-India deal on the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime.
Before formal consideration in the NSG, India must negotiate a safeguards agreement with the IAEA and this must be approved by the IAEA Board of Governors. Our current sense is that the NSG will not be asked to consider any proposal in the matter before the end of this year.
87 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, further to previous correspondence, the reason the adopted children of an Irish person (details supplied) cannot obtain an Irish passport; and the arrangements that will be put in place to facilitate this family’s future visits to Ireland. [21361/07]
The two children referred to by the Deputy are not Irish citizens and are therefore not entitled to be issued with Irish passports.
As the Deputy is aware, these children were adopted in Libya. The position is that the Adoption Board does not recognise Libyan adoptions under Irish law, and that these adoptions cannot be entered in the Register of Foreign Adoptions recognised by the Board. The children could only have become Irish citizens, in accordance with the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, if it were possible for their adoptions to have been entered in the Register of Foreign Adoptions.
I indicated in my letter of 18 July 2007 to the Deputy that, in order to facilitate future visits to Ireland by this family, an application could be made for multiple entry visas for the children.
As there is no Irish embassy in Libya, any such application should be sent directly to the Visa Office of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), which is located at the Department of Justice, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.
88 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in respect of the tragic killing of an Irish citizen overseas (details supplied) he will consider introducing or has plans to introduce legislation to make funding available, in line with ex gratia, to ensure families of victims in such circumstances can receive full and proper representation during the process of investigation and during any pending court case. [21374/07]
The death of the person mentioned by the Deputy was a dreadful tragedy and I have the greatest sympathy for the family concerned.
My Department, through the consular section of our embassy in Madrid and our Honorary Consulate in Lanzarote, has been providing extensive consular assistance in relation to this case. Officials from my Department have met with the family concerned several times and continue to provide them with a wide range of practical assistance. As the Deputy will appreciate, the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the person concerned is a matter for the Spanish authorities. I understand that the investigating magistrate will shortly decide whether to make public the findings to date.
When a death of an Irish citizen occurs abroad, my Department offers all possible assistance and support, including, where necessary, with autopsies, death certificates, lists of lawyers, and liaising with undertakers and airlines. This assistance was provided to the family in this case. As an exceptional additional measure, the Honorary Consul also arranged for the services of a local lawyer to be provided on a pro bono basis for the family during the current phase of the investigation. They have therefore received free legal representation for almost two months. However, my Department is not in a position to pay fees of solicitors or barristers retained by families abroad, and does not intend to introduce legislation in this area.
89 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of visits undertaken and arranged by the IDA to visit the IDA industrial park and lands at Marlinstown; the position in relation to securing industry for the said location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21248/07]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas, including Mullingar, for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
I understand from the Agency that there have been four site visits to the IDA Park in Marlinstown, Mullingar, two in 2006 and two to date in 2007.
In line with the National Spatial Strategy, the locations of emphasis for IDA Ireland in the midlands counties are the Gateway towns of Athlone, Tullamore and Mullingar. In addition, the Agency actively promotes the county towns of Portlaoise, Longford and Roscommon. IDA has been promoting the Marlinstown site of 70 acres to investors seeking substantial acreage. I have been informed that the Agency is now re-submitting a planning application for a new 25,000 sq. ft. Advance Office Building. This will be followed by a further submission for a 25,000 sq. ft. Advance Technology Building. These buildings will be promoted by the IDA's overseas and property division to Medical Technology, Financial Services and ICT companies to secure new investments for Mullingar. All decisions regarding where to visit, as well as where to locate, ultimately are matters for the investing company.
90 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the waiting times for processing each category of work permit and green card; the number awaiting a decision under each category; the number of staff dealing with each type of application; his plans to review the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21340/07]
The Employment Permits Section has indicated that it is currently processing applications for Green Cards and Work Permits within 15 working days and for Spousal or Dependant permits within 20 working days.
It is not possible to provide a breakdown by permit type of applications on hand. However, the overall number of employment permit applications awaiting processing at this time is approximately 2,700. The number of staff deployed to deal with each category of employment permit is adjusted as the workload requires. The Section currently has a total of 51 staff. This figure includes both permanent and temporary staff from Assistant Principal Officer to Clerical Officer grades.
The Department recently allocated additional staff resources to the area and is currently reviewing the staff allocation of the Employment Permits Section.
91 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of field staff in the Labour Inspectorate; the timetable for the increase in numbers of inspectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21341/07]
In accordance with commitments given under Towards 2016, the Social Partnership Agreement, the number of Inspectors is scheduled to increase to 90, from the starting position of 31, by the end of 2007. The number of Labour Inspectors appointed with the National Appointment Rights Authority (NERA) currently stands at 51.
Preliminary interviews for the recruitment of a further 10 Inspectors with specific language skills were held on 18th September by the Public Appointments Service. Final interviews are proposed for Mid October. Competitions for the remaining Inspector posts, to be filled through a combination of internal promotions within the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and applications from other Government Departments, have been advertised.
I am encouraged by the progress made to date in the recruitment of additional Inspectors and I am confident we will achieve our Towards 2016 objectives in this regard.
92 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the proposed closure of a plant (details supplied) in County Louth with the loss of 256 jobs; the steps he will take to save whatever jobs are possible; the advance information the IDA had in relation to this closure; his views on whether State financial support for other plants here influenced the company decision to close the plant in Drogheda; his proposals to attract new manufacturing industry and inward investment to Drogheda and the priority such efforts will have within his Department; if he will visit Drogheda as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21357/07]
On 29 August last, IDA Ireland was informed by the company in question that it intended to announce the closure of its manufacturing and distribution operations in Drogheda on that day. The decision was due to excess capacity in Ireland. All manufacturing and distribution currently carried out in Drogheda will be transferred to the company's other Irish plants in Athy and Ballina. Both of these plants have sufficient capacity to meet future demand. The company's shared services operation in Drogheda will remain in place and employ 112 people. The company expects to create an additional 90 jobs in Co. Kildare and Co. Mayo with employees having an option of transferring from Drogheda.
I should point out that the company will continue to employ over 500 people in its business here in Ireland. I know that, over the years, the company has enjoyed a warm relationship with the people of Drogheda and other businesses in the town and I am confident that it will continue to play an active role in the local community.
The company is committed to supporting its employees through a generous redundancy package, retraining, business start up assistance, a high level of outplacement and by promoting the skills and expertise of its employees. The services of FÁS, the Industrial Training agency, will also be available to those workers who wish to avail of them.
The Industrial Development agencies will continue to promote Drogheda and Co. Louth in general for new industrial development. There were two significant job announcements for Drogheda last year involving some 350 new jobs. Over 430 new jobs were announced for Dundalk last year in two major developments.
93 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the progress of the swimming pool project in Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon, in view of the fact that a detailed feasibility study has been completed and submitted to his Department; when it is envisaged the contract documents will be issued and completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21220/07]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 557 on Wednesday, 26 September 2007.
94 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of money which will be made available to the Arts Council for the year 2008; if it will be near the €100 million they have requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21236/07]
I refer the Deputy to my reply in the House yesterday to Question No. 558.
95 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the mechanisms available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in order that they can obtain funding to ensure that they can provide special heating in the family home for their ill child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21218/07]
97 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department has means or special payment mechanisms that can provide funding to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21219/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 97 together.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case. Eligible people would normally be in receipt of a social welfare or health service executive payment.
The Dublin / Mid-Leinster Area of the Executive have advised that the person concerned called to the local Community Welfare Office (CWO) of the Executive in early June 2007 and also in September 2007 in order to obtain assistance with regard to clothing and bedding costs. The person concerned received an exceptional needs payment in both instances from the community welfare officer.
Under the terms of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, a recipient of a social welfare or a Health Services Executive payment who has exceptional heating costs due to ill health or infirmity can apply to their local community welfare officer for a special heating supplement. The Dublin / Mid-Leinster Area of the Executive have advised that no application has been received from the person concerned for a heating supplement. An application for a heating supplement may be made by contacting the local community welfare officer.
96 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reference under EU regulation EEC No. 1408/07, including article and paragraph, that allows Ireland apply the (AxB)/C formula (details supplied) to State pension applicants who wish to combine their Irish social security contributions with those of another EU country; the statutory instrument and reference within that statutory instrument where this formula is provided for in Irish pension legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21207/07]
The social security rights of people living and working in the EU are governed by EU Regulations 1408/71 and 574/72. The Regulations co-ordinate social security systems and are designed to ensure that people are not disadvantaged by moving within the EU to take up work. This is achieved primarily by setting out rules as to which State's social security system covers a person when, for example, s/he moves from one Member State to another to take up work or where s/he lives in one State and works another. In addition, the Regulations also set out rules as to which State will pay benefit in the event of the sickness, unemployment old-age etc.
The general rule is that a person is insured in the State in which s/he works and the State of employment has, in general, responsibility for paying benefits when, for example, a person becomes unemployed or ill. The Regulations also provide that when entitlement to benefit is being examined account must be taken of insurance paid in any other Member State where the person worked. In the case of pensions, in general, a person will get a pension from each State in which s/he worked in proportion to the periods of insurance completed in each Member State.
These rules are set out in Chapter 3 of Title III of Regulation (EEC) 1408/71. Article 46(2)(a) provides that each State in which a person has been insured must first calculate the theoretical amount of pension i.e. the pension to which a person would be entitled if s/he had completed all periods of insurance under the legislation of that State. Article 46(2)(b) provides that each State must then calculate the proportioned pension i.e. by multiplying the theoretical amount of that State by the result of the ratio of periods of insurance in that State to the full insurance record of the person concerned.
For administrative and customer service reasons these calculations are referred to in the Departmental Guidelines by the formula (A x B)/C, where A is the theoretical amount of pension; B is the number of contributions paid in Ireland; and C is the number of contributions paid in total (i.e. in Ireland and other Member State/s).
Regulation 1408/71 is directly applicable in all Member States and therefore transposition measures in national legislation are not required. Accordingly, it is not necessary to provide for this formula in Irish legislation.
If the Deputy has a particular case she may wish to contact my office for further assistance.
98 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [21229/07]
The Health Service Executive has advised that it has received an application for rent supplement from the person concerned and has further advised that a decision on entitlement will be made following determination of her entitlement to back to education allowance.
People in full-time education are excluded normally from receipt of rent supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. However, people participating in approved courses under the back-to-education allowance scheme receive a standard weekly rate of payment equivalent to the maximum rate of their previous social welfare payment and those who qualify for back to education allowance may also qualify for rent supplement, subject to the standard qualifying conditions of the rent supplement scheme.
99 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will award credit for pension purposes to carers who have not given up their employment to become a carer but who have cared for a person with special needs over a long period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21286/07]
Credited contributions, or 'credits' as they are termed, are intended to protect the entitlements, particularly the pension rights, of employees and other persons participating in the social insurance system when they are ill or unemployed. A person who is providing full time care and attention as a carer is awarded credits on the same basis as if they were out of the workforce due to illness or unemployment.
Under the current statutory provisions governing the award of credited contributions, recipients of the carer's allowance may be awarded credits if they switched to that payment from another credit-bearing payment such as jobseeker's allowance. From April 1999, formal provision was made for the award of credits to claimants of carer's allowance who have left insurable employment to engage in caring duties. People in receipt of carer's benefit or on carer's leave are awarded credits at the same rate as their last paid contribution.
Recipients of carer's allowance, who are not entitled to credits, may be eligible for homemaker's disregards which preserve the carer's entitlement for contributory pension purposes. The homemaker scheme provides that years spent working in the home while caring on a full-time basis for a child up to 12 years of age or an incapacitated person will be disregarded in calculating a person's yearly average number of contributions for State Pension (contributory) purposes. The provisions apply from the contribution year commencing on 6 April 1994 and up to 20 contribution years may be disregarded.
The award of credits is subject to certain conditions. For example, when a person has no paid or credited contributions for a period of two years, they cannot be awarded further credits until a further 26 contributions are paid. In recognition of their caring role, this rule is waived where claimants of carer's allowance were eligible for homemakers disregards immediately prior to claiming carer's allowance.
This, in effect, means that credits will be awarded where a person who has a gap of two years in their paid or credited contributions was eligible for homemakers disregards before claiming carer's allowance. This will protect the position of people who did not give up work to become carers but may have qualified for homemakers disregards due to child-minding duties and who subsequently became carers after a two year period had expired.
From June 2006 the number of hours a person can engage in employment, self employment, education or training outside the home and still be eligible for carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant was increased from 10 to 15 hours per week. Where a carer remains in employment he or she will continue to pay the appropriate social insurance contribution.
All aspects of the carer's allowance scheme and supports for carers are kept under review and ways of increasing and expanding services for carers will continue to be examined.
100 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if recipients of the back to education allowance will be granted any other allowances or benefits from his Department while in receipt of this allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21291/07]
The back to education allowance (BTEA) facilitates people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force. The scheme enables qualified people who have been getting a social welfare payment to continue to receive a payment while pursuing an approved full-time education course. The payment they receive is equivalent to the standard weekly personal rate of the relevant Social Welfare payment they were in receipt of prior to participation in the scheme.
To qualify for participation in the scheme an applicant must be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment and must be at least 21 years of age prior to commencing an approved course of study. People in receipt of disability related payments may access the scheme at 18 years of age. Similarly, lone parents and people in receipt of unemployment payments can qualify at 18 years of age provided they are out of formal education for at least 2 years.
In addition to providing income support for participants on the back to education programme, the scheme also provides an annual cost of education grant of €400. This allowance is paid at the start of each academic year. A person in receipt of free travel or household benefits package prior to award of the back to education allowance will continue to receive these benefits. Participants may also continue to receive any secondary benefits such as Christmas bonus, fuel allowance, diet supplement, rent supplement and mortgage interest supplement that they may have been in receipt of prior to applying for back to education allowance.
Furthermore, from today, a person in receipt of back to education allowance who satisfies the conditions for carer's allowance may also get half the rate of carer's allowance together with their existing payment.
101 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent allowance will be granted to recipients of the back to education allowance who have not been in receipt of same prior to this allowance being granted. [21293/07]
People in full-time education are normally excluded from receipt of rent supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. However, people participating in approved courses under the back-to-education allowance scheme may apply for rent supplement in respect of private rented accommodation if they have not been previously getting a supplement. A person who has been receiving rent supplement before taking up full-time education with the assistance of the Back To Education may retain any secondary benefits, such as rent supplements, which had been in payment prior to the commencement of their education course.
The benefit to those participating in the back-to-education allowance scheme is that their status as a full time student does not preclude them from receiving rent or mortgage interest supplements. I consider this to be a positive financial incentive to take up educational opportunities and I would regard the existing arrangements applying as satisfactory. I would encourage people availing of the back to-education allowance to contact their local community welfare officer to clarify their entitlement to rent supplement in their circumstances.
I would also encourage people who have been receiving rent supplement on a long-term basis to contact their Local Community Welfare Officer to discuss the options available to assist them in progressing from welfare dependence. Options include the Back To Education and Back To Work allowance programs.
102 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent allowance will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21306/07]
The Health Service Executive has advised that the rent supplement claim has been re-instated in this case with effect from 1st June 2007 and that arrears of €3614 has issued to this person this week for the period June 2007 to September 2007.
103 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a one off payment to help with rent arrears will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21311/07]
The Health Service Executive has advised that the person concerned is in receipt of a rent supplement at the maximum rate payable appropriate to her circumstances. The Executive has further advised that the person concerned should contact her Community Welfare Officer concerning any difficulties she may have concerning payment of rent arrears.
104 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a small long-term illness pension is treated differently than other income in relation to the disregards applied to lone parent benefit and family income supplement; and his views on changes in this matter in relation to the Social Welfare Act 2008. [21313/07]
In assessing means for social assistance purposes account is taken of any cash income the person may have, together with the value of capital and property (except the home). Cash income may be derived from a wide variety of sources including earnings from employment, income from self-employment including farming, income from foreign social security pensions and income from occupational pensions including pensions payable as a result of illness or disability. Income derived from social welfare pensions payable by my Department is not assessed, except in the case of Family Income Supplement.
In the case of One Parent Family Payment and analogous schemes such as Jobseeker's Allowance and Disability Allowance, specific disregards from earnings and tapered assessment rates have been introduced over the years. In the case of One-Parent Family Payment, the first €146.50 of earnings (and income from self-employment) is disregarded and half of any earnings in excess of this amount are assessed as means. The purpose of these arrangements is to encourage persons to enter or re-enter the workforce. Disregards do not normally apply where a person has cash income from other sources, including non-social welfare pensions.
Family Income Supplement (FIS) is a social welfare payment for low income families with children where one (or both of a couple) is in employment for 19 hours or more per week. All cash income is assessed including income from social welfare payments. A supplement is payable at 60% of the difference between the appropriate weekly income threshold for that family and the families net cash income after income tax and PRSI payments.
Any change to the current means testing arrangements in relation to income from private or occupational pensions, including illness related pensions, would have to be considered in a Budgetary context, having regard to available resources.
105 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cross-Departmental practices and procedures in place to ensure that welfare recipients with benefits such as medical cards or differential rents are not disadvantaged by improvements in welfare rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21358/07]
Improvements in welfare rates of payment are announced on Budget day in early December each year. Local authorities are responsible for determining rents payable under the differential rents scheme including the income to be assessed for this purpose, subject to broad principles laid down by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I understand that these guidelines recommend that no more than 15% of any increase in welfare income should be absorbed by an increase in rent. Around Budget time, my predecessors have, in recent years, written to the Minister of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government requesting him to remind local authorities of this. It is my intention to make a similar request this year.
The Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive monitor the number of medical cards and GP visit cards on an ongoing basis and the need for changes to the guidelines is kept under review, having regard to factors such as changes in income levels generally, the nature of typical household outgoings and also changes to the various social welfare schemes.
106 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the information available to his Department on the growing problem of rent supplement recipients having to supplement their rent supplement to pay the full cost of their rent; and his strategy to combat this problem. [21359/07]
Rent supplements are subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant for rent supplement may incur. Rent supplement is not normally paid where the rent is in excess of the limits. Notwithstanding these limits, under existing arrangements the Health Service Executive may, in certain circumstances, exceed the rent levels as an exceptional measure, for example:
where there are special housing needs related to exceptional circumstances for example, disabled persons in specially-adapted accommodation or homeless persons,
where the tenant will be in a position to re-assume responsibility for his/her rent within a short period
where the person concerned is entitled to an income disregard and has sufficient income to meet his or her basic needs after paying rent, taking into account the appropriate rate of rent supplement that is otherwise payable in the case.This discretionary power ensures that individuals with particular needs can be accommodated within the scheme and specifically protects against homelessness.
My Department has received no specific evidence of rent supplement recipients having to supplement their rent above the amount stated for the purpose of receiving rent supplements.
In January 2007 a review of the maximum levels of rent which a person may incur and still be eligible to receive a rent supplement was completed. The purpose of the review was to inform the process of setting new limits, applicable from January 2007 until 30th June 2008. I am satisfied that the new limits reflected realistic market conditions throughout the country. Setting maximum rent limits higher than are justified by the open market would have a distorting effect on the rental market, leading to a more general rise in rent levels. This in turn would worsen the affordability of rental accommodation unnecessarily, with particular negative impact for those tenants on lower incomes enable the different categories of eligible tenant households to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation to meet their respective needs.
The limits will be reviewed next year. Any revision found to be necessary will be implemented with effect from 1st July 2008.
107 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals other than legislative proposals in regard to the Irish language for implementation in the new Dáil term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21269/07]
In line with the Government's commitment, as provided for in its Statement on the Irish Language launched in December 2006 and also in the Agreed Programme for Government, my Department is currently in the process of engaging consultants to assist in developing a 20-year Strategy for the Irish language. It is envisaged that the preparation of the Strategy will involve extensive consultation with the public and will take up to two years to complete.
The Deputy will also be aware that some time ago I commissioned a linguistic study on the usage of Irish in Gaeltacht areas. The position with respect to this study is set out in my reply to Question No. 45 on today's Order Paper.
A further priority will be to continue to support An Foras Teanga/The North South Language Body in its work in fostering and developing the Irish language and Ulster Scots throughout the island of Ireland. My Department will also continue to work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and with the EU Institutions in meeting the challenges arising from the official and working language status accorded to Irish since 1 January of this year.
Finally, we will continue to progress the implementation, on a phased basis, of the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003 with the objective of ensuring that improvements in the range and quality of public services available through Irish will be achieved over time, subject to demand.
109 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford in relation to the refusal of their application under the scheme for decommissioning of fishing vessels has been allowed; if she will ensure that the rights of this individual as determined by the appeal process are vindicated with immediate effect on the principle that justice delayed is justice denied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21172/07]
The determination in question has given rise to some legal and other issues which are being considered in full by this Department. Once this process has been completed the applicant will be notified as a matter of priority.
110 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures that are in place within her Department to promote the live export of weanlings in autumn 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21182/07]
Live exports continue to be an important outlet for our weanling trade and for overall beef sector. My Department is, consequently, closely involved with Bord Bia in the promotion of the live weanling trade. Activities undertaken include:
Showcase events for Irish weanlings involving exporters, importers, feedlot owners and media;
Promotional support to the trade including trade advertising and distribution of information and literature to potential customers in the markets;
Inward buyer visits to Ireland; and
Varied support to exporters including market and customer research, credit checks, translations, facilitating meetings, market information and study visits.
111 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she is satisfied that there is sufficient awareness amount the agricultural community of the threat by the Bluetongue virus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21183/07]
My Department has been particularly proactive in providing information and advice to the farming community and the veterinary profession in relation to Bluetongue.
Earlier in the summer my Department sent an information leaflet to every farmer and veterinary practitioner in the country providing information on the disease, including the clinical signs with which farmers and veterinarians should familiarise themselves. My Department organised an industry seminar in July which was attended, amongst others, by representatives of the farm bodies. My Department has also placed notices on Bluetongue in the farming papers including in this week's Irish Farmers Journal.
In addition, my Department has a dedicated Bluetongue website which contains a comprehensive range of useful information and advice and this website will continue to be updated and will be a very useful source for farmers, veterinarians and any other handlers of livestock. The website can be accessed at www.bluetongue.ie.
I am very conscious of the need to ensure that the Irish farming community is sufficiently informed, not least following confirmation that the presence of the disease has been confirmed in England, and my Department and I will ensure that our communications strategy is kept under review and revised as appropriate.
112 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she is satisfied that adequate control mechanisms are in place at EU level to ensure the continuing importation of Brazilian beef does not present a risk to human or animal health; her views on the call by farmers’ organisations here for a complete ban on the Brazilian product; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21184/07]
All consignments of beef coming from third countries must first be landed at a EU approved Border Inspection Post (BIP) and there undergo documentary, identity and physical checks that are prescribed under harmonised EU rules. In Ireland BIPs approved for the processing direct imports into this country of animal products are located at Dublin Port and Shannon Airport. The Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) of the European Communities carries out monitoring and inspection of each Member State's BIPs to ensure the conditions for import of animal products into Europe, provided under the harmonized legislation, are being correctly applied. Under the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act 1998 contract with my Department, application of import controls on animal products destined for human consumption are also monitored by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. I am satisfied that these import controls are correctly applied in Ireland.
Animal products that have met all the required conditions are released for free circulation within the Community. Copies of the BIP clearance document and the health certificate must accompany the consignment to its destination. Imports failing to comply with these veterinary control checks may be detained for further examination. If non-compliance is established they are returned to the exporting country or destroyed.
I brought the IFA's report on Brazilian Beef production to the attention of Commissioner Markos Kyprianou Commissioner for Health some time ago and received a detailed response and assessment from the Commission. While I fully accept the Commission's reassurance that all appropriate measures would be taken to protect EU consumers, I have noted that certain deficiencies highlighted by the IFA were recognised by the EU Food and Veterinary Office. I have been informed that further FVO missions are being undertaken to Brazil and that the Commission would reassess the authorisation of exports from Brazil in the light of the outcome of these missions. I have impressed on the Commissioner the need to ensure that the deficiencies noted are properly and promptly addressed.
In relation to these imports I have been consistent in my view that Irish farmers deserve fair play in the market place. At EU level I have clearly advocated that produce imported from non-EU countries must meet standards equivalent to those required of Community producers. In the interests of both EU producers and consumers I will continue to adopt this approach. The debate in recent months has been important in highlighting the need for the highest possible public and animal health standards. This has always been a priority for me.
113 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an application for transfer of entitlements to the single payment scheme will be completed for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [21201/07]
The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme to the person named was submitted on the 20th February 2007.
During processing of the Transfer application it was necessary for an official of my Department to seek clarification on certain matters relating to the application. The requested information was received and the application is now fully processed. Letters of Approval issued on the 24th September 2007.
114 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an inspection will be carried out under the new farm improvement scheme 2007 on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary in relation to their farm water management application 2006 and their dairy hygiene application. [21228/07]
The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. A pre-approval inspection will be carried out on the applicant's premises as soon as possible.
115 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her proposals to deal with the crisis in the pig industry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21268/07]
I am aware of the current difficulties for pig producers arising from the escalation of feed prices in recent months. While I appreciate the need for increased pigmeat prices to compensate for higher input costs, I do not have a role in price setting. I am glad to see, however, that Irish producer prices increased by around 7% in the last few weeks while prices throughout the EU are in line with the average for the past 5 years. I have asked Bord Bia to intensify its Autumn pork and bacon promotion campaign.
As regards the reference to imported pigmeat being sold under Irish brand names, I am working with the Department of Health and Children on draft legislation that will require the country of origin to be shown on pigmeat, poultry and sheepmeat. A public consultation is currently being conducted on the website of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. This legislation will require the approval of the European Commission.
A number of factors have contributed to the dramatic rise in feed prices over the last 6 months. These factors include (i) heavy demand for cereals in Asia (ii) the increased demand for feed materials from the biofuel industry and (iii) unfavourable weather conditions which affected many of the major cereal growing countries.
The decision at the September Agriculture Council of Ministers, to set at zero the set-aside rate for 2008 will have significant impact on the availability of cereals in the EU next year.
116 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the first instalment of the 2007 single farm payment will be made; when the compensatory allowance payment will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21321/07]
With regard to the Single Payment Scheme, I approached Commissioner Fischer Boel earlier this year, seeking her agreement to have payments made with effect from 16 October, rather than 1 December as is provided for in the relevant EU regulations. While the Commissioner indicated that she could not agree to this request at the time, she did make it clear in her written response that she agreed with the need to work for greater simplification, proposing that the matter be further pursued in the broader context of the CAP Health Check, scheduled to commence later this year. The commitment by the Commissioner to pursue this matter is important to Ireland, as I will be seeking, as part of the Health Check negotiations, a change in the Regulations to provide for a Single Payment Scheme payment commencement date of 16 October.
I subsequently approached the Commissioner a second time, outlining the adverse weather conditions that pertained during June, July and August, which seriously affected farming. I was particularly conscious of the difficulties caused for farmers, with significant delays in production of winter fodder, fodder intended for use next winter being fed to animals and some animals being housed early, as land was too wet to graze. I am pleased to say that, in response to this approach, a proposal to provide for advance payments, at a rate of 50%, was unanimously approved by the Direct Payments Management Committee at it's meeting last week.
Work in my Department is at an advanced stage to maximise the number of payments that will be made on 16 October and thereafter and, in this regard, I would urge any applicants who have received correspondence from the SPS Unit of my Department in relation to specific problems on their SPS applications, to reply to these letters immediately. Until such time as a given query is resolved, no payment can be made. I might add that the level of errors on this year's applications is much higher than might have been expected, with many applicants making minor errors. Each of these requires to be resolved in order to allow payment to issue.
With regard to the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, payments commenced last week and, to date, payments worth in excess of €223 million have issued to over 91,000 farmers. Payments are continuing to issue as cases become clear and, again, I would urge anybody who has received correspondence from my Department highlighting problems in relation to DAS, to respond without delay as, by doing so, those cases can then be processed to finality and payments issued.
Mindful of the significant numbers of applications under both the Single Payment Scheme and the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme which have been shown to contain errors, I have again arranged to have a series of Lo-call telephone numbers set up, to assist farmers who wish to contact the SPS Unit of my Department, in order to resolve outstanding queries. These numbers are as follows:
1890 252 235: Clare, Cavan, and Limerick;
1890 252 236: Cork, Westmeath;
1890 252 242: Kildare, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Waterford and Wicklow;
1890 252 243: Carlow, Kilkenny, Louth, Monaghan, and Sligo;
1890 252 244: Donegal, Dublin, Offaly and Wexford;
1890 200 502: Galway, Kerry, Mayo, Meath and Roscommon;
1890 250 598: Tipperary.
It is likely, however, in view of the high level of queries identified under both schemes, that large numbers of farmers will seek to telephone the SPS Unit, particularly in the days immediately following the initial issuing of payments. Again, I would stress that these farmers should, in the first instance, ensure that they have adequately replied to any correspondence, which they have received from the Unit in relation to problems with their applications.
117 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she will introduce the animal health schemes for sheep and suckler cows; the annual budget available for both schemes; the maximum payment available per herd owner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21322/07]
The proposals for an Animal Welfare, Recording and Breeding Scheme for Suckler Herds were originally submitted to the European Commission in December 2006 as part of the Draft Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP). Following consultations with the Commission services on the details of this scheme, certain modifications were made and a revised application for state aid approval was submitted to them on 15 August 2007. This is currently under consideration by the Commission. My Department is in regular contact with the Commission with a view to obtaining approval as rapidly as possible.
A budget of €250 million has been allocated to the scheme with annual payments of €80 per cow, payable over five years, envisaged for suckler cow farmers who undertake to comply with the welfare measures set out. A payment ceiling of a 100 suckler cows in any herd will apply.
As regards sheep I must emphasise that sheep farmers are already major beneficiaries under REPS. However under the REPS 4 a new supplementary measure aimed at sheep farmers has been introduced. The purpose of this measure is to support the mixed grazing of sheep and cattle that would yield both environmental and sector development benefits. The practice of mixed grazing is beneficial both to the protection of biodiversity and to traditional landscapes. They also contribute to animal welfare by facilitating mixed/rotational grazing, thus reducing stomach parasite load. A budget of €28m a year has been allocated to fund the proposed new supplementary measure at an overall cost of over €170m for the period to 2013.
118 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the first and second instalment of the sugar beet diversification fund will be paid; the discussions she has had with the Department of Finance regarding the tax implications of this payment; when the restructuring fund will be paid to farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21323/07]
The compensation package negotiated in the context of the reform of the EU sugar regime comprises three elements worth in excess of €310m to Ireland. The first element is the compensation for the reduction in the minimum price of beet, which has been incorporated into the Single Payment Scheme since last year. It is worth approximately €123 million to Irish beet growers over seven years.
The second element is the EU restructuring aid for the sugar industry. Payments of restructuring aid worth approximately €15 million were made to former beet growers and machinery contractors earlier this year. Amended EU proposals on restructuring will result in an increased allocation to growers. The level and timing of this additional payment must await an EU Commission Regulation setting out detailed rules for payment.
The third element is the diversification aid, worth almost €44m in Ireland's case. Payments worth almost €22 million have begun to issue to the farmers concerned. A further payment of diversification aid, worth an additional €22 million will be made subject to clearance with the EU Commission. Discussions have taken place between my Department and the Department of Finance in relation to the taxation of the Diversification aid. Taxation issues are however ultimately a matter for the Minister for Finance and the Revenue Commissioners.
119 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the countries to which Ireland is prohibited to export live cattle; the reason for the prohibition in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21326/07]
Ireland is banned from exporting live cattle to most countries outside of the European Union. This is because of the worldwide ban on live animals and beef products from Ireland and other EU member states following the BSE crisis in the EU in late 2000.
There had been a good trade in live animals to the Lebanon in recent years but it has declined due to commercial reasons.
With the abolition of all export refunds for live exports it is unlikely that markets can be secured outside the EU because of the lower market returns there.
120 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps which she is taking to promote the live export of sheep to continental Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21327/07]
There is a good trade in the export of live sheep to Northern Ireland and Great Britain but there has been no such trade to continental Europe for many years. Trade in that direction has been in the form of chilled lamb carcases and value-added cuts for which there is strong demand. Irish sheepmeat exports account for about two thirds of total sheepmeat production, the balance being consumed on the domestic market.
Bord Bia is responsible for the promotion of Irish meat exports.
121 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of staff employed in the Farm Development Service in North Tipperary to process applications under the farm improvement scheme; the way this number compares with adjoining counties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21362/07]
The Agricultural Environment and Structures office in North Tipperary has a full complement of staff. Staffing levels there compare favourably with the levels in neighbouring offices.
The staffing levels in the local AES offices of my Department are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that the necessary staffing resources are in place in order to ensure delivery of the Scheme concerned.
122 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans she has and the legal position in relation to booster seats for children travelling on school buses. [21178/07]
The Road Safety Authority has informed my Department that the law in relation to the use of safety restraint systems in buses reflects the requirements in relation to these vehicles as set down in EU Directives 91/671/EEC and 2003/20/EC relating to the compulsory use of safety belts and child restraint systems in motor vehicles. The Directives do not require the provision of child restraint systems for children travelling on buses fitted with safety belts. Under the European Communities (Compulsory Use of Safety Belts and Child Restraint Systems in Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 240 of 2006), occupants of buses who are 3 years of age or more must wear safety belts where they are fitted. All nominated buses operating within the school transport scheme are fitted with safety belts.
123 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects construction to begin on the proposed new national school at Nurney County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21185/07]
I wish to advise the Deputy that tenders have been invited for the school building project in question and are due to be returned to the Consultant Architect shortly. Upon receipt and opening of tenders, the Consultant Architect will submit a tender report to my Departments School Building Section for assessment, after which the Board of Management will be advised of the position.
124 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application for the home based July education provision grant for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21202/07]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that July Provision was sanctioned for the child in question and correspondence to this effect has issued to the parents.
125 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason funding for an alternative educational provision for a town (details supplied) in County Wexford has not been forthcoming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21206/07]
The Deputy will be aware that the Department is providing a new post primary school for the town to which he refers. This new school will be delivered by way of a Public Private Partnership. The Department is currently engaged in identifying a suitable site for this development and progress on the building project itself will be considered as soon as this matter has been finalised.
126 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a progress report on an application for a new school at Rathcroghan, County Roscommon, which has been with her Department’s building section in Tullamore for some time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21222/07]
The building project for the school will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
127 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science the actual building programme for the new secondary school in Ballinamore, County Leitrim; if she will provide a target date for completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21223/07]
The Office of Public Works (OPW) are acting on behalf of the Department in relation to the acquisition of a site for the project and the acquisition of same is currently at contract/conveyancing stages. On completion of the site acquisition process the project will progress in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
128 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will assist persons (details supplied) in County Donegal urgently with special needs for resource hours for their children. [21234/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
The NCSE will undertake to review a decision taken by a SENO on foot of a request from a school or parents/guardians, when accompanied by relevant additional information, which may not have been to hand at the time of the decision. The NCSE has outlined this process in its Circular 01/05.
129 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if consideration has been given by her Department or other interested parties in relation to the provision of a third level facility in Mullingar or if same is being considered as part of the development plan for the provision of third level facilities here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21245/07]
In the State as a whole there are over twenty publicly-funded higher education institutions — seven of which are universities and fourteen institutes of technology. In its review of Irish Higher Education published in 2004, the OECD observed that Irish Third Level Institutions were relatively small by international standards and that this posed particular challenges in terms of achieving critical mass for academic provision, infrastructure, research and support mechanisms.
In view of the current level of third level provision nationally, there are no plans to develop third level education facilities in Mullingar.
130 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the provision of temporary accommodation in Mullingar to facilitate personnel from her Department who wish to come there as part of the decentralisation project for Mullingar; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a significant number of people wish to come to Mullingar as part of decentralisation; if she will take steps to ensure that same is realised in providing the accommodation necessary for an advance number of such civil servants who wish to decentralise at this point in time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21246/07]
Last week, the Office of Public Works announced progress towards the provision of permanent accommodation in Mullingar for my Department.
To date no decision has been taken as to whether a number of posts will be located into temporary accommodation in Mullingar in advance of the full decentralisation of 300 posts into the new permanent accommodation. The issue has been examined from time to time.
One hundred posts (100) in my Department will relocate from Dublin to Athlone next year, so my Department will relocate 400 posts from Dublin into new permanent accommodation in Athlone and Mullingar over a period of approximately 2 years. The capacity of my Department to manage its business if this process is accelerated will be a major consideration deciding as to whether it is appropriate to relocate a number of posts into temporary accommodation in Mullingar in advance of the full move of 300 posts into the new permanent accommodation.
131 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the grants and the level thereof which are available to schools who purchase an area of land, to provide car parking facilities adjacent to the school in the interest of the safety of the students and all who attend there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21247/07]
In general, the Department does not provide grant aid to purchase additional land for non State owned Schools. However, should the School purchase such additional lands it may apply under the Summer Works Scheme for works to provide a car park.
132 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals in regard to simplifying the grammar of the Irish language in order to facilitate students in achieving an earlier spoken confidence in the language; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21271/07]
Grammar is the study of forms of speech and their relation to one another and is concerned with the application of the rules of a language in speech and in writing. The Irish language is a living language, which in common with other languages, evolves and changes through usage. The grammar of a language reflects the consensus of academics, lexicographers and linguists on the standard usage at any given period in time. As it is language usage that determines grammar, it would not be appropriate for the Minister for Education and Science to propose changes to, or simplification of, the grammar of the Irish language, and I have no proposals in this regard.
I fully agree with the approach recommended in the primary curriculum that pupils should be taught Irish in a lively communicative way, where they hear Irish spoken regularly and have frequent opportunities to practice using the Irish language in a variety of contexts. This authentic approach to language acquisition is in keeping with international best practice for teaching and learning additional languages. This can be augmented by introduction to more formal grammar as learners develop fluency in communicating through Irish.
133 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to provide assistance to Gaeltacht national schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21272/07]
I presume that the Deputy is referring to the staffing in Gaeltacht schools. The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule which is issued annually to all primary schools. I am aware of the unique position of primary schools situated in Gaeltacht areas and of the particular problems that they experience as a result of losing teaching posts. Under current arrangements the enrolment figure required for the appointment of a mainstream class teacher in a Gaeltacht school is the same as that which applies in the case of an ordinary primary school. However the figure required for the retention of a mainstream class teacher in a Gaeltacht school is lower in the case of posts from the 3rd to the 10th mainstream teacher, relative to ordinary primary schools. This retention policy has applied to Gaeltacht schools since the 1999/2000 school year. Gaeltacht schools operate under the same criteria that applies to ordinary schools for all other staffing within a primary school. Allowances are paid to teachers in primary schools in the Gaeltacht in respect of teaching through the medium of Irish.
134 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare is adequate to meet current and future requirements; her plans to provide extra facilities there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21273/07]
The Department is not in receipt of application for capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. If the school requires such funding, it should make contact with the School Planning Section of the Department.
135 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which the facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare are adequate to meet requirements; her plans to provide extra facilities there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21274/07]
The Department is not in receipt of application for capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. If the school requires such funding, it should make contact with the School Planning Section of the Department.
136 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which the requirements in respect of both primary and secondary level education at Naas, County Kildare, have been evaluated; her proposals to meet these requirements in the future having particular regard to the situation at the various schools in the town; her further proposals to meet in full the accommodation and other facilities required in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21275/07]
I am aware that Naas continues to experience population growth, a position that almost inevitably places some strain on existing educational provision. However, a range of significant measures has been undertaken by the Department to address the current and future need for pupil places in these areas. At primary level, an entire new school has been provided at Killashee, Naas. In addition, a brand new 16 classroom school has been provided for Naas together with the provision of temporary accommodation at Scoil Corbain, St. Conleth's & St. Mary's NS, St. Conleth's Naofa and Mercy Convent in Naas. A major building project is at Stage 3 of architectural planning to provide Caragh NS, Naas, with an additional 12-classrooms and ancillary accommodation. Gaelscoil Nás na Riogh has recently been approved to commence architectural planning for the provision of a new 16-classroom school. On top of this, approval has been given for the provision of a new 32-classroom school for Kill. Additionally, there are proposals to improve accommodation at St. David's National School and Two Mile House National School. The accommodation needs of the national schools at Ballycane, Convent of Mercy and Scoil Corbán in Naas and Scoil Pádraig in Johnstown are also currently being assessed. At Sallins National School, a seven classrooms extension is completed and this extension has increased capacity from 9 classrooms to 16 classrooms. An extension to bring the school up to 24 classrooms has commenced architectural planning.
At post primary level, the management authority of St. Patrick's Post Primary School, Co. Kildare V.E.C., is currently progressing plans to re-locate the school and extend capacity to 1000 pupil places. Additionally, an extension project is completed at St. Mary's College, Naas which increases capacity at the school to 900 pupils. A similar extension was recently completed at Meanscoil Iognaid Rís, Naas and a further extension at the school is currently in architectural planning. All of these initiatives represent huge capital investment and demonstrate my commitment to meeting the needs of the area concerned. The School Planning Section of the Department will keep the position under review to ensure that any additional emerging needs are met as expeditiously as possible.
137 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if an educational grant will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21276/07]
The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required. If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department. Alternatively, as already indicated, the local authority or VEC may, itself, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department.
138 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of autism units in primary and secondary schools; the number of students in the autism units in each of these schools; the number of children on waiting lists for entry to the autism units in each of schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21287/07]
139 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will grant recognition to the ABA schools awaiting recognition by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21288/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 139 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for the establishment of special classes for autism and for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs.
In excess of 265 autism-specific classes at primary and post primary level have now been approved around the country. The NCSE will continue to establish autism provision where the need arises and in particular where pupils are on waiting lists for classes. Each special class attracts a staffing of 1 teacher and a minimum of 2 SNAs per group comprising a maximum of six pupils. Additional SNAs are allocated on a case by case basis if deemed appropriate.
The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government commits to the long-term funding for the centres that are currently in the ABA pilot scheme subject to agreement with my Department on standards that will enable the Department to support them as primary schools for children with autism and I am pleased to advise her that discussions have commenced in this regard.
140 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department does not provide assistance to parents of autistic children to try to locate tutors; if her attention has been drawn the difficulties they have in obtaining them in some areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21289/07]
141 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of autistic children receiving financial support to attend pre-school; the average cost per child for one year of such schooling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21290/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the home tuition scheme provides funding to parents to provide education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement and also to provide early intervention for pre-school children with autism.
Children diagnosed with autism are eligible for 10 hours home tuition per week from age 2.5 and the allocation increases to 20 hours per week when they reach 3 years of age. The associated cost reflects the appropriate part time teacher's rate of payment and the actual hours undertaken. My Department sanctioned home tuition for approximately four hundred children of a pre-school age during the 2006/2007 school year.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, cognisant of the difficulties being experienced by parents in securing home tutors the Programme for Government commits to providing a central database of suitably trained personnel seeking employment as home tutors.
142 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if a grant will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21328/07]
The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required.
If an individual applicant considers that she or he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she or he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his or her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department.
Alternatively, as already indicated, the local authority or VEC may, itself, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department.
143 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will intercede with Dublin City University on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo who is undertaking a BA in communication studies to ensure that a waiver of fees be granted in view of the fact that this person has an Irish passport, received a derogation on fees in 2006, and the extreme financial pressure these fees cause; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21330/07]
The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department.
Alternatively, as already indicated, the local authority or VEC may, itself, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department.
144 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will intercede with County Sligo VEC to ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Sligo is granted the higher education grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21336/07]
The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department.
Alternatively, as already indicated, the local authority or VEC may, itself, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department.
145 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will intercede with the CAO to ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Sligo can transfer from Dundalk Institute of Technology to Letterkenny IT to study psychiatric nursing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21337/07]
The responsibility for managing access to third level places rests with the Central Applications Office (CAO) and the third level institutions generally.
The higher education institutions have delegated to the CAO the task of processing applications to their first year undergraduate courses. However, the participating institutions retain the function of making decisions on admissions.
The CAO is a private company limited by guarantee and my Department does not have any function in relation to its operational arrangements.
146 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review her Department’s decision to withdraw funding for the outreach resource teaching previously provided to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon in view of the fact that this matter is outside the remit of the NCSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21338/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. Another specific function of the SENO is to identify appropriate educational placements for children with special educational needs.
My officials have been in contact with the NCSE and I understand that the SENO has been liaising with the parents of the child in question to assist them in securing a school placement. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the child enrolled in a special class attached to a special school on 19th September last.
147 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the refurbishment or improved accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21349/07]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy was one of 56 approved to start architectural planning earlier this year. The building project required to meet the long term accommodation needs of the school will be considered in the context of the multi annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
148 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the examiners she has approved under Section 4 of the Legal Practitioners (Qualifications) Act 1929; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21376/07]
Section 4 of the Legal Practitioners (Qualification) Act 1929 was repealed by the Solicitors Act 1954. Section 88 of the Solicitors Act 1954 made for transitional provisions in respect of the Solicitors (Ireland) Act 1898 and section 4 of the Legal Practitioners (Qualification) Act 1929. The appointment of Irish Language Examiners was henceforth to be made pursuant to the provisions of section 40 of the Solicitors Act 1954. Section 40(6) made provision for the approval of the Minister for Education and Science in the appointment of an examiner in the Irish language.
In 2005 the Law Society's appointment of Dr. Siobhán Ní Laoire as principal examiner and Ms. Rita Bhreathnach as assistant examiner were approved in accordance with the provisions of section 40 of the Solicitors Act 1954, as amended.
149 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Defence the names of Government nominees to the central council of the Irish Red Cross. [21360/07]
The Government nominated the following persons to membership of the Central Council of the Irish Red Cross Society for the period 9 May 2006 to 30 April 2009:
Mr. David Andrews (chairman)
Mr. Tom Beary
Ms Jennifer Bulbulia
Prof. Roger Downer
Ms Breda Flynn
Sr. Marie Hennessy
Mr. Fintan Hudson
Mr. Des Kavanagh
Ms Helen Kirwan
Mr. Scott Keenan
Mr. Rory McCabe
Ms Siobhan McGee
Mr. Patrick O'Reilly
Ms Saundra Ní Chíosóig
Mr. Ted Noonan
Ms Brigitta O'Doherty
Mr. Liam O'Dwyer
Mr. Tom Beary resigned from council on 7 December 2006.
Ms Julianne Maher was subsequently nominated to the Central Council on 31 January 2007.
150 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of mobile telephones which have been seized in each prison in the past twelve months; if any prosecutions for possession of mobile phones have taken place or are pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21173/07]
I am informed by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that the information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Prison |
Number of Mobile Phones Seized |
|
Arbour Hill |
4 |
|
Training Unit |
39 |
|
Shelton Abbey |
24 |
|
Portlaoise |
44 |
|
Castlerea |
91 |
|
Midlands |
97 |
|
Cloverhill |
104 |
|
Limerick |
202 |
|
Mountjoy |
551 |
|
Dóchas |
57 |
|
St. Patrick’s Institution |
102 |
|
Wheatfield |
179 |
|
Loughan House |
82 |
|
Cork |
68 |
|
Total |
1,644 |
Along with the mobile phones seized inside prison walls, staff of the Prison Service Escort Corps have also intercepted 3 mobile phones while escorting prisoners to and from court.
Section 36 of the Prisons Act 2007, which was brought into operation from 1 May, 2007 makes it an offence for prisoners to have unauthorised possession of, or use mobile telecommunications devices. Under the Act it is also an offence to supply such a device to a prisoner. The penalty for such an offence, on summary conviction, is a fine not exceeding €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both, and on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding €10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both.
It is Irish Prison Service policy to report seizures of mobile phones to the Garda authorities. It is important to note that prosecutions will not arise in respect of all instances of mobile phone seizure, owing to the number of mobile phones found in double cells, toilet areas or in the prison yards. It would be impossible to determine in such instances what prisoner was the owner or intended recipient of such devices.
I can assure the Deputy that I am determined to deal with the problem of prisoners using mobile phones and, in this context, I believe technology offers the only real answer to dealing with the problem. In that regard the Prison Service is at an advanced stage in the examination and procurement of technological options for dealing with the use of mobile phones within prisons. In the time available, it is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy concerning the number of prosecutions for possession of mobile phones. I will furnish the information to the Deputy as soon as possible.
151 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been brought to the fact that third level grants are not available to the non-Irish parents of Irish born children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21171/07]
As the Deputy is aware the question of third level grants is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, who, I understand addressed this matter yesterday in response to parliamentary questions.
152 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the continuing delay in citizenship being granted to persons (details supplied) in Dublin 16; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in March 2007, his predecessor advised that the applications were in the process of being dealt with and should be finalised in approximately two months time; and the reason no substantive response has been received from his office this Deputy’s letter of 31 July 2007 requesting that citizenship be granted and seeking to ascertain the expected timescale for processing their long outstanding applications. [21180/07]
Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the individuals referred to were received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in April 2004. Officials in that section inform me that processing of the files is ongoing and they will be forwarded to me for a decision in the near future. I have written to the Deputy in this regard in response to his representations of 31 July, 2007. I will inform the Deputy and the applicants when I have reached a decision on the applications.
153 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications for membership of the Garda Reserve his Department has received from the people of County Kildare; the number of reservists that have been recruited within the county to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21186/07]
Recruitment for the Garda Reserve is being carried out by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and, since August 2006, 456 people from Kildare have expressed an interest to the PAS in becoming Garda Reserve members.
All of those people from Kildare who expressed an interest in joining were subsequently contacted by the PAS and many have not, to date, come forward for interview. As the nature of the Reserve is that participation is purely voluntary, Garda Reserve members have work, family and other commitments which they have to balance with their service in An Garda Síochána.
An Garda Síochána and the PAS is offering maximum flexibility in order to accommodate those who wish to put themselves forward for service. Recruitment is ongoing and new applications are accepted at any time. It is open to those who have initially shown interest in becoming Garda Reserve members to renew that interest now, or at any stage in the future, and An Garda Síochána and the PAS will continue to facilitate those who are interested. I have been informed that the PAS intend contacting people from Kildare again in the near future in order to arrange interviews for them in the coming months.
There are currently 5 people from County Kildare in training to become Garda Reserve members. It is expected that they will be fully qualified and operational in the Carlow/Kildare Division by November 2007.
154 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if having regard to the increasing membership of An Garda Síochána, additional personnel will be deployed to the growing towns and villages in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21187/07]
As of 31 August, the latest date for which Garda numbers are readily available, the personnel strength (all ranks) of the Carlow/Kildare Division was 393. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, the overall strength of the organisation may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc. It is the responsibility of the Garda Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his or her Division taking everything into account.
The situation will be kept under review by the Garda Commissioner and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Carlow/Kildare Division will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.
155 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for long-term residency by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will be processed and completed. [21217/07]
The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants.
Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.
An application for long term residence from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in May 2007. I understand that applications received in early July 2006 are currently being dealt with.
156 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will refer to the case history of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary and determine if an error has been made in issuing the person with notification that they must leave Ireland by 15 November 2007; the basis on which this was issued; the response of his Department to their request to return to the status they enjoyed prior to their recent short trip home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21230/07]
I understand that the Immigration Division of my Department has recently been in contact with the person referred to by the Deputy with regard to her immigration status in the State.
157 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for citizenship by a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be dealt with; if he will take steps to have same expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21251/07]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in August 2007.
The application has not been examined in detail. Examination of the residency requirement will take place in the near future and the applicant will be contacted at that time informing them when their application will be furthered examined or, of any shortfall in their residency.
158 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm having received an application for leave to remain by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who has an Irish born child; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this is the third application made by this person; if he will take steps to have same expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21252/07]
I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that an application for permission to remain in the State was received in September 2007 from the person referred to by the Deputy. There is no record of any other application being received.
I understand that the Immigration Division will be in contact with the person concerned shortly with a decision in the matter.
159 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21280/07]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question number 210 on 6 February 2007. The position remains as stated.
160 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if persons (details supplied) will be transferred to alternative hostel or temporary accommodation to accommodate both parents and their child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21281/07]
The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers through the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal.
The female parent named in the details provided with this question is currently availing of RIA accommodation at Millstreet Accommodation Centre, Cork. The male parent named is not availing of RIA accommodation and is at a private address. The RIA has no role in respect of asylum seekers residing in private accommodation.
However, should the male parent present himself at the RIA office in Timberlay House, Mount Street seeking to be accommodated with his spouse, the RIA will consider arrangements for the placement of this family in direct provision accommodation.
161 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21282/07]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 327 of Wednesday 27 September, 2006 in regard to the first named person and the written reply to that question. The position regarding the first named person is unchanged.
The second named person arrived in the State on 20 May, 2005 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her 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, she was informed by letter dated 26 April, 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she 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.
162 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in regard to the application for subsidiary protection in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21283/07]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 6 August, 2003 and claimed asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
The person concerned was informed by letter dated 3 November, 2004 that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her and afforded her 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, written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why she should not be deported.
Her case was examined under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to all representations submitted on her behalf for permission to remain temporarily in the Sate. On 21 January, 2005 my predecessor refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of her. Notice of this Order was served by registered post requiring the person concerned to present herself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), on 24 February, 2005, in order to make travel arrangements for her deportation from the State. She failed to present herself as required and was classified as evading her deportation. She should therefore present herself to the GNIB without any further delay.
By correspondence dated 15 May 2007 the legal representative of the person concerned wrote to my Department providing new information and advising that his client should be permitted to make a new asylum claim on behalf of herself and her two children. My Department is currently awaiting the lodgement of supporting documentation in respect of this claim.
In addition, my Department does not appear to be in receipt of any documentation requesting the exercise of my discretion under Regulation 4 (2) of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 — Statutory Instrument No. 518 of 2006 to accept and consider an application for Subsidiary Protection. The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter outside the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order remains an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
163 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in the matter of family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21284/07]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made an application for Family Reunification under the provisions of Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996 in May 2005. The application was refused on 29 August 2006. However, the application is being re-examined following the receipt of further requested documentation. In this regard a decision will issue to the person in question as soon as possible.
164 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in respect of residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21285/07]
I refer the Deputy to the written replies to Parliamentary Questions No. 126 of Thursday, 8 March, 2007, and No. 334 of Wednesday, 27 September, 2006. The position remains unchanged.
165 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a visa or permission will be given for the return to Ireland of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21297/07]
A multiple entry reside visa valid until 4th October 2009 was approved by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service on 8th September 2006 for the person referred to by the Deputy. In addition she has a valid permission to reside in Ireland. The problem which arose in Heathrow Airport is a matter for the Authorities in the United Kingdom.
166 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a transfer to an alternative hostel will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Clare. [21298/07]
The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers through the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. The person referred to in the question is currently availing of RIA direct provision accommodation at Clare Lodge centre, Ennis, Co. Clare. The RIA has not received any correspondence from the person requesting a transfer from his current accommodation. If such a request is made directly to the RIA, it will be given due consideration.
167 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or intended residency or reunification status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21299/07]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 317 of the 31st January 2007. I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the review of this application is completed. The person in question has been notified that the original decision is upheld.
168 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or intended residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21300/07]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 16 May, 2002 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 23 April, 2003, 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.
His 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.
169 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the review of residency entitlement in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21301/07]
As this case is the subject of legal proceedings, I am unable to comment on same.
170 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21302/07]
The applicant applied for asylum on 16th November, 2000. Her application was refused and a Deportation Order was made on 13 May, 2005. The applicant instituted Judicial Review proceedings on 10 June, 2005 challenging the Deportation Order made in respect of her and accordingly, as the matter is sub judice, I do not propose to comment further
171 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the whereabouts of the passports in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21303/07]
Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to were received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in October 2005. On examination of these applications it was determined that the applicants did not meet the statutory residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. A letter informing them of this was issued on 21 November 2005. It is open to the individuals concerned to lodge new applications if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.
172 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of a residency application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if his Department has dealt with the matter as determined by the High Court; the reason the applicant has not as yet received all of the information that they supplied to his Department that they have requested to be returned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21319/07]
I refer the Deputy to my previous reply to parliamentary question ref: 20276/07 dated 26th September 2007 regarding the person in question. I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that a final decision has issued to the person concerned.
173 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill will be published; the matters that will be addressed in the Bill itself; the status of the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21320/07]
The Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2007, which was initiated in the Seanad on 25 April 2007, sets out a legislative framework for the management of inward migration to Ireland and represents a comprehensive overhaul of the State's laws on immigration, and on the protection of refugees and others, dating back to the Aliens Act 1935. It lays down a number of important principles governing the presence in the State of foreign nationals, including the obligation on a foreign national who is unlawfully in the State to leave. It also sets out statutory processes for applying for a visa, for entry to the State, for residence in the State, for protection in the State and for being required, when necessary, to leave.
The Government, as part of its agreed Programme for Government, committed itself to reviewing the Bill. In the context of that review, a significant number of amendments, many of which are technical in nature, have been identified as being required to the published Bill. In addition, other matters under development at the time of publication, and intended to be brought forward by way of Committee Stage amendment, are now ready for inclusion in the text.
Accordingly, rather than seeking to have the published Bill restored to the Order Paper of the recently-elected Seanad, it is my intention to bring a proposal to Government seeking approval for the publication of a new Bill, incorporating the substance of the published Bill, as early as possible in this Session. The Bill as published in that form will facilitate debate on the details.
174 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the waiting times for processing each category of entry and residency visas; the number awaiting a decision under each category; the number of staff dealing with each type of application; his plans to review the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21339/07]
There are two main categories of visa — a single journey and a multiple journey. Within those categories, there are two types — one allows a stay of up to 90 days and the other a longer period.
Irish visas are sought for a wide variety of purposes, e.g. holiday, visit, business, conference, employment, exam, interview, join family, medical reasons, sports tournaments, study, training, etc. All applicants are advised to make an application at least eight weeks before their proposed travel date. At present it takes, an average, four to six weeks to process an application.
The number of staff dealing with specific visa categories can vary dependent on the volume of applications at hand. However, there is a core group of sixteen visa officers in my Department based in Dublin; there are also staff based in Embassies and Consulates abroad who come under the control of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Department of Foreign Affairs has been given delegated sanction to approve visas in certain circumstances and, in fact, the vast majority of visa applications are approved under this delegated sanction without reference to my Department. Applications not within the delegated sanction are referred to my Department for processing. At present there are no plans to review the visa processing/application processes.
175 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the necessary visa will be granted to persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21373/07]
The application referred to by the Deputy for a "Join Spouse" visa was made to the visa office in Cairo. It was refused on 31st July 2007 because the Visa Officer had concerns regarding the bona fides of the applicant's relationship. An appeal against the decision was received in Dublin on 31st August 2007 and is currently awaiting examination by an Appeals Officer. It is expected that the decision of the Appeals Officer will be available shortly.
176 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals to repeal Section 3 of the Legal Practitioners (Qualification) Act 1929; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21375/07]
I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 213 of 20 March 2007 which indicated that consultations on this matter were ongoing with the legal professions and other Government Departments. I expect to bring proposals to Government shortly.
177 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the serious difficulties with sewerage treatment in Glenties, County Donegal, if there are plans to upgrade sewerage facilities in the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21175/07]
The Glenties Sewerage Scheme is being advanced as a joint project that also includes schemes for Dungloe and Gweedore. My Department has approved Donegal County Council's Preliminary Reports for each location and the overall scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 to begin construction in 2008.
Donegal County Council recently submitted proposals to my Department to proceed with the Glenties and Dungloe elements of the project in advance of Gweedore, and my Department has requested additional information from the Council which will be examined as quickly as possible on receipt.
178 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed sewerage scheme for Killybegs, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21176/07]
The Killybegs Sewerage Scheme is approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to begin construction in 2008. Donegal County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme was approved in November 2006. The waste water treatment plant for Killybegs is being procured under a single Design/Build/Operate contract that also includes Bundoran, while the collection system and outfall will be procured under a separate traditional style contract. My Department is awaiting submission of Contract Documents by Donegal County Council for the treatment plants. Additional information is awaited from the Council in relation to the Contract Documents for the other elements of the Killybegs scheme.
179 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of a new fire station (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21177/07]
An application from Donegal County Council for the provision of a new fire station in Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal was received in the Department on 15 February, 2006. The project was subsequently included in the 2006 Fire Services Capital Programme. In May 2007, the Department sanctioned Donegal County Council's proposal to accept a tender for the construction of the new fire station. I understand from the Council that construction work has commenced on this project, which involves the provision of a new 2 bay fire station.
180 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the grant scheme for the provision of community playgrounds made available to local authorities in 2005 and 2006 will be available in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21190/07]
Ready, Steady Play: A National Play Policy, which was published in 2004, provides a framework for the development of public play facilities in Ireland, with the overall aim of ensuring that children have access to a range of quality play opportunities to enrich their childhood. As part of the implementation of this policy, my Department has allocated funding of over €8 million to County and City Councils for the development of 167 new or refurbished playgrounds since 2004. The location of the playgrounds which benefit from these moneys is a matter for the local authority to decide. Grant aid of approximately €4.1m in respect of over 80 playgrounds remains to be drawn down from my Department by local authorities. An assessment of the overall scheme will be made by my Department when full information is available upon completion of all the projects in those local authorities currently approved for grant aid. The question of inviting further proposals from local authorities will be kept under review in the light of progress made and the availability of funds to my Department for these purposes.
181 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 232 of 6 October 2005, when the person will be awarded the top-up payment; the reason for the ongoing delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21193/07]
I understand that a payment issued in this case on 12 October 2005.
182 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 1041 of 24 April 2007, when the sale will be agreed; the reason for the ongoing delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21195/07]
My Department has been informed by the Chief State Solicitor's Office that the vendor is not willing to proceed with the sale in this case.
183 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 242 of 28 June 2007, if his Department differentiates between guest-houses and bed and breakfast operations; if bed and breakfasts will be classed as non-domestic premises in respect of the water framework directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21199/07]
The Government's pricing policy for water services, in accordance with the polluter pays principle and the requirements of Article 9 of the EU Water Framework Directive, requires local authorities to recover the cost of providing water services from the users of these services, with the exception of households using the services for domestic purposes.
While water services provided to a household for domestic purposes are provided free of charge, services used in the course of a business, including short-term accommodation in Bed and Breakfast establishments (whether or not registered with Fáilte Ireland), guesthouses, hotels, self-catering accommodation, etc. are subject to charge. Accordingly, no distinction between guesthouses and Bed and Breakfast establishments should be made by local authorities in applying water charges. Where there is a mixture of domestic and non-domestic use in a premises, an annual allowance, based on the local authority's reasonable estimation of the domestic element of water consumption in the premises, is applied to reduce the overall charge to the consumer.
184 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has traced and fully audited all of the stone infill taken from a quarry (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21203/07]
185 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if material from a quarry (details supplied) in County Dublin is being used in any present development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21204/07]
186 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the alleged presence of pyrite in homes in an estate (details supplied) in Dublin 13, he will take an injunction to prevent the builders reducing their assets below €10 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21205/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 to 186, inclusive, together.
I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 1150, 1151, 1153, 1155 and 1167 of 26 September 2007, in which I comprehensively addressed the issue.
187 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when work is expected to commence on a new fire station in Castlecomer, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21231/07]
Approval in principle was granted in April 2005 for a new fire station in Castlecomer, County Kilkenny. The Council submitted design documents to the Department on 21 June 2006. In May 2007, the Department conveyed approval to the local authority to invite tenders in respect of this project. I understand from the Council that tender documentation is currently being prepared with a view to inviting tenders for this project by the end of October 2007.
188 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason his Department is planning to move the Turoe Stone Galway from its environment; if his attention has been drawn to the local opposition to this; if international practice has been considered in the case of The Turoe Stone; if this policy is extended to other national monuments around the country; if the policy will not be extended, the reason the Turoe Stone has been singled out. [21255/07]
The Turoe Stone in Galway is a national monument in the ownership of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. While the Stone itself is in State ownership, it is located on privately owned lands, currently in use as a pet farm. The monument was moved before in the 19th century, having originally been located several miles away at the Rath of Feerwore.
Concerns have been increasing about the deterioration in the condition of the monument. Reports from a specialist company, commissioned in 1995 and again in 2005, by the Office of Public Works, which manages the monument on behalf of my Department, found it to be suffering from adverse weathering, water damage and human contact with considerable loss of carved detail on the stone's surface.
In the course of subsequent discussions between my Department and OPW on the future conservation of the Stone it was agreed, as an initial temporary measure, to build a small shed-like structure around it to protect it from further weathering. This work was carried out in 2005 and the temporary shed remains in place. A notice was placed in the local papers stating that the Stone was being closed to the public until further notice.
Further environmental monitoring of the Stone's condition since it was put under cover has confirmed that : covering the stone has killed off organic growths or rendered them dormant ; areas of surface friability are still present, with a high risk that loose grains will continue to be lost; reduction in lichen cover has revealed previously unnoticed damage; and, the temporary shelter for the stone has not eliminated the risk of freeze/thaw damage. It was concluded in the circumstances that the necessary cleaning and stabilising of the surfaces of the Stone should be undertaken as a priority and that moving the Stone to an environmentally controlled indoor location would be in the best interests of ensuring that it does not suffer more, irreversible damage.
My Department subsequently requested the views of the Director of the National Museum on the long-term protection of the Stone. In response, the Director indicated his agreement that the only way to ensure it remains in good condition and retains its unique decorative features would be to move it to a controlled indoor environment. In the light of the advice I have received I am in agreement that, to secure its protection in the longer term, the Stone should be moved to an environmentally-controlled indoor location, where it will not be further exposed to the effects of weathering.
The National Museum has indicated that it is satisfied, following discussions and an inspection, that the new Galway City Museum is a suitable location for the Turoe Stone. A high quality replica has been completed and will be put in place at the same time as the original stone is moved. Given the international importance of the Stone there is clearly an onus on the State to secure its integrity in the longer-term. Its replacement by a high quality replica on site will at the same time serve to give visitors an appropriate impression of what the Stone is like in its current setting. The proposed approach, which is fully in accordance with archaeological best practice, was communicated to local public representatives and to the land-owner. To date my Department has received one letter from a local member of the public objecting to the proposal.
Arising from deterioration in their condition and threats of further damage a number of other monuments have been moved to indoor locations either in their vicinity or to a museum. High Crosses at Clonmacnoise, a stone carved in the La Tene style formerly located at Killycluggan, Co. Cavan and Crosses at Durrow, Co. Offaly have all been protected in this manner. The question of whether any other monuments under threat of damage require protection from the elements in a similar way, will be considered, as appropriate on a case by case basis. There is increasing evidence at European level that the effects of climate change can have serious implications for archaeological monuments.
189 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his intentions in relation to the voting machines which are currently in storage. [21256/07]
Significant progress has been made in the transfer of the electronic voting equipment to centralised premises in Gormanston; arrangements are being made to transfer further such equipment to Gormanston. I am at present considering the next steps to be taken in relation to the electronic voting and counting project, in as0sociation with the provisions in the Agreed Programme for Government relating to electoral reform generally.
190 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his intentions in relation to the re-issuing of hunt licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21259/07]
Applications for hunting licences under the Wildlife Act, 1976, are processed by my Department. Each licence application is dealt with individually and any conservation impact on the particular species is taken into account in line with the provisions of the Act. The hunting control measures currently in place are sufficient to ensure the conservation of protected species; however I will implement any additional measures as and when required.
My Department recently issued a licence to the Irish Coursing Club allowing most of its affiliated clubs to net hares for the purpose of hare coursing. One Club (Westmeath United Coursing Club) has been excluded from the netting licence for the 2007/2008 season following a successful prosecution for the illegal netting of hares in 2006. It was also decided to curtail the number of courses allowed by Cappoquin and Dungarvan coursing clubs. There is no current evidence that coursing has a significant effect on hare populations and my decision to issue this licence took into consideration the final report of the Status of Hares in Ireland — Hare Survey of Ireland 2006/07.
My Department is currently in discussions with representatives of the Ward Union Stag Hunt concerning their application for a hunting licence for the coming season. I have raised a number of issues of serious concern with the Ward Union Hunt including in relation to conservation and protection of stags generally and compliance with previous licence conditions. When the discussions with my Department are concluded I will be making my decision on the licence application.
191 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the additional safeguards that have been added to incineration technology that now makes it an acceptable form of the disposal of waste products; and his views on this matter. [21260/07]
Proposed waste incinerators must obtain planning permission from a local authority or An Bord Pleanala and a waste licence from the Environmental Protection Agency under regulatory processes from which Ministerial involvement is precluded. The EPA must, at a minimum, ensure compliance with the stringent standards set by the EU Incineration Directive, standards which represent best international practice in providing for the protection of human health and the environment. While incineration is not a cornerstone of current waste management policy, this rigorous licensing process ensures that the best available technology and safeguards are used in respect of those incinerator proposals that may be licensed by the EPA.
192 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when moneys will be allocated to a local authority (details supplied) in County Kildare for the purchase of social houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21265/07]
The local authority made a submission in respect of the development in question recently. The matter is still under consideration.
193 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the level of funding he plans to provide to local authorities for the provision of specialised housing units for older people which is both affordable and appropriate to their housing needs as outlined in the Programme for Government. [20696/07]
Housing policy and support, as set out in my Department's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, is designed to reflect the needs of our growing and diverse population and to target supports at the particular needs of people in different phases of their life. Backed by an unprecedented €18 billion investment in housing programmes provided for under the National Development Plan, 2007-2013, my Department's social housing investment programme is focused on meeting the needs of individual residents by providing them with homes for life in safe and well-planned neighbourhoods.
State support for the accommodation needs of older people or people with special housing needs, ranges from grant schemes which allow people to remain in their homes to the provision of specific sheltered housing options. For many older people, grants to adapt or improve their homes or address mobility problems can prolong independent living for as long as possible. New grant schemes to replace grant support for adapting homes of people with a disability and of older people, will be rolled out later this year. The new schemes will be more streamlined with greater targeting to those most in need.
Assessment of need is critical in determining housing supports, including supports for older people, and my Department is implementing a new means of assessment to provide an improved basis for policy development and service delivery. Local authorities have in place multi-annual Housing Action Plans which encompass delivery of social and affordable housing in their areas. These plans provide the framework for the delivery of a coherent and holistic response to local housing need, including specific housing needs of older people. This includes provision by the Voluntary and Co-operative Housing sector.
Capital allocations to individual local authorities are determined on the basis of the Housing Action Plans submitted. Exchequer capital spending in 2007 on social housing new build and renewal programmes will amount to over €1.2 billion and some €66m will be spent on grants to adapt private housing. The Department does not have data on the proportion of this spending which will specifically benefit older people.
194 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the establishment of a separate stand alone authority which would have jurisdiction for matters of water quality and for compliance with water directives, in particular with regard to the way such would impact on ongoing crises affecting the River Corrib; and if he will make a statement on both the general, and specific, points of this question. [21317/07]
Primary responsibility for the monitoring, management, protection and improvement of water quality is currently assigned to local authorities under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts and related legislation. The EPA, through its Office of Environmental Enforcement, exercises general supervision in relation to the performance of these functions by local authorities.
In addition, since 1997, my Department has been promoting a comprehensive, catchment-based, national strategy to combat eutrophication in rivers and lakes. As part of the process of implementing the EU Water Framework Directive, this catchment-based strategy was expanded to include all waters — including groundwaters, estuaries and coastal waters.
The Water Framework Directive requires a co-ordinated approach to water management in respect of whole river basins. A total of eight River Basin Districts (RBDs) have been identified on the whole island of Ireland to form the "administrative areas" for co-ordinated management.
Under the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 722 of 2003), the competent authorities for the purposes of the establishment of environmental objectives and programmes of measures and the making of river basin management plans, are the relevant local authorities in each RBD. In addition, the Regulations specify that, in each of the RBDs, one of the local authorities will act as a coordinator for all of the others. These Regulations also require the EPA to take such measures as it considers appropriate to promote and facilitate the co-ordination of activities for the purposes of implementating of the Water Framework Directive. I have no proposals to establish a separate, stand-alone authority with responsibility for water quality.
195 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the procedures in place for water pricing through metering; if he will provide specific funding to local authorities to address the issue of leakage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21325/07]
Metering is an essential pre-requisite to the introduction of consumption based water charges for non-domestic users and the proper application of the polluter pays principle as required by the Water Framework Directive. Accordingly, I do not propose to review metering policy and I welcome the fact that the metering programme should be substantially completed by local authorities by the end of this year.
The Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009, which I launched on 17 September 2007, incorporates a national water conservation sub-programme under which €288 million is available to local authorities to fund:
(a) management systems to monitor water use and loss in the public supply networks;
(b) targeted leakage control measures, whereby local authorities locate and repair leaking pipes; and
(c) the rehabilitation and replacement of obsolete supply networks, where repair has proven to be uneconomic due to the age/condition of the pipes.
These measures will enable local authorities to reduce unaccounted for water levels in public distribution networks, to improve the quality of supply to consumers, to lower operating costs and to maximize the value of investments in new works. Details of the allocations to individual authorities under the Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009, including the allocations for water conservation works, are available in the Oireachtas Library.
196 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ensure that a house in the ownership of persons (details supplied) is inspected by his Department officials for rural renewal eligibility immediately as the impending sale of the house, which is due in the next few days, is subject to rural renewal status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21329/07]
An inspection with a view to issuing a Certificate of Reasonable Cost, if in order, will be carried out as soon as possible.
197 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the meetings he has had or plans to have with the legal system to determine the reason solicitors allow home owners purchase houses in housing estates that are clearly not completed to the specifications and conditions of the planning permissions granted to the developer due to the fact that the roads, paths, landscaping, street lighting and so on are not completed and the home owners are thus taking legal ownership of properties that do not meet the planning guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21332/07]
198 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans or legislation he has or intends to implement to ensure that housing estates are completed to the specifications and conditions of the planning permission granted in relation to the estate before the developer is permitted to sell the houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21333/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.
The non-completion of any development in line with the planning permission for that development is unauthorised development, which is an offence under the Planning Acts. Enforcement of planning control is a matter for the planning authorities, which have substantial enforcement powers and duties under the Planning Acts, including the new power to refuse planning permission, without recourse to the High Court, to a developer who has substantially failed to comply with a previous planning permission.
The 2000 Planning Act also contains other relevant provisions in relation to the completion of housing estates, including provision for planning conditions requiring the giving of adequate security for the satisfactory completion of a development and conditions for the phasing of developments i.e. requiring that one phase of a development would have to be completed in its entirety before the next phase could be commenced.
Also, Section 180 of the Planning Act provides that where estates have not been completed properly and enforcement proceedings have not been commenced within the relevant period, the planning authority must, if requested to do so by the majority of the residents of the estate, initiate the procedures for taking the estate in charge. The decision whether to take the estate in charge is ultimately one for the discretion of the elected members.
Wider issues relating to the reform of land and conveyancing law are matters for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
199 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the new Legan and Kenagh Water Schemes have not been provided despite a two year wait and the fact that 200 houses have no sewerage facilities due to overload of the existing schemes and that raw sewerage is flowing into the River Inny which supplies domestic water for the whole of the south Longford area, threatening a Galway like health risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21348/07]
The Legan and Kenagh areas are to be serviced by the Ballymahon Regional Water Supply Improvement Scheme which is included in my Department's recently published Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to begin construction next year. My Department is currently examining Longford County Council's Design Review Report for the scheme. The Council will be in a position to prepare Contract Documents once the Design Review has been approved.
The Legan and Kenagh Sewerage Scheme was fourth on the list of water and sewerage schemes submitted by Longford County Council in response to my Department's request to all local authorities in 2006 to undertake assessments of needs for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of these assessments. The priority lists were taken into account in framing the Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. Given the level of competing demand for the available funding, and the priorities identified for Longford, I regret that it has not been possible to include the scheme in the current Programme.
200 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to reintroduce the remediation grants scheme to assist householders to take precautionary measures against the harmful effects of radon gas in their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21350/07]
There are no plans to create a scheme of grant assistance for remediation of homes with radon levels that exceed the National Reference Level adopted by the Government in respect of houses. No such scheme has been introduced in Ireland previously.
Increasing the awareness of the public to the risks posed by radon in the home is considered to be a more effective approach than the provision of State financial assistance schemes to householders for radon testing of their homes or for radon remediation works. Such schemes of assistance are not operated by the majority of EU Member States.
It would be difficult for a demand led scheme of domestic radon grants to ensure appropriate and cost effective targeting of remedial action. Furthermore, such a scheme could require significant public expenditure and administrative resources.
The testing of houses for radon is a relatively straightforward, non-invasive and inexpensive (approximately €50) process.
The Government, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), has, for many years now, committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country, and to highlighting public awareness of radon and the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high radon concentrations.
Householders, particularly those in high radon areas, as identified by the RPII in a nationwide survey (see RPII website www.rpii.ie), have been strongly encouraged to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake remediation works where necessary. This will continue to be the focus so as to enable and encourage householders to address monitoring and remedial requirements effectively and economically.
In addition, the Building Regulations introduced by the Department in 1998 and up-dated in 2004 also require all new buildings, including new houses, to incorporate radon protection measures at the time of construction.
Technical guidance on radon remediation techniques is available in a booklet issued by this Department called Radon in Buildings — Corrective Options and which is available on the department's website at www.environ.ie. The RPII has also issued guidance entitled Understanding Radon Remediation — A Householders Guide. This is available on the RPII website, as is a list of companies who can provide a radon remediation service and can offer specific advice and recommendations.
201 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in relation to the breakwater for the RNLI in an area (details supplied) in County Donegal; the reason for the delay in progressing a project that was allocated finance over one year ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21181/07]
This case relates to the drafting and acceptance by the relevant parties of a lease in respect of the proposed breakwater at Buncrana. The Council requested a reduction or total waiver of foreshore charges on the basis that the facility was to be used by the RNLI.
Following extensive discussions and as an exceptional matter, the Department, with the agreement of the Department of Finance, informed the council that it would consider waiving the rental charges if the council could confirm that the proposed facility would be for the exclusive use of the RNLI. In addition, the council was also informed that if it was unable to confirm that the facility would be used exclusively by the RNLI, the Department was prepared to apply a reduced rental charge based on the ratio of usage of the facility by the RNLI.
On 20th December last the council confirmed that the works being proposed at Buncrana Harbour are being constructed solely for the use of the RNLI and are not being constructed for the benefit of any other party. On foot of this confirmation the Department entered into detailed discussions and correspondence with the Chief State Solicitor's Office with a view to preparing an appropriate draft lease, which will best facilitate the council's proposal and also safeguard the State's ongoing interest in the management and protection of the foreshore in the public interest.
The draft lease will involve the insertion of specific conditions which will reflect the fact that the arrangements involved are unusual and are based on the need to provide a permanent location for the RNLI which will enable the launch of their boat on a 24-hour basis. The Department's discussions with the Chief State Solicitor's Office have focussed on the public interest provisions of the Foreshore Acts, the proposed arrangements which the council will need to make with the RNLI and other legal issues designed to protect the interests of all parties. The lease, when drafted, will require the agreement of all relevant parties.
Every effort is being made to expedite the completion of the draft lease and, to that end, a further meeting has been scheduled between my Department and the county council to further clarify outstanding issues.
202 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the situation surrounding the lease of a foreshore (details supplied) in County Donegal, when the situation will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21242/07]
There are two aspects to the question put down by the Deputy. The first relates to siltation at the harbour and in this regard a Dumping at Sea Permit was issued to the council on 22 December 2006 to facilitate maintenance dredging.
The second aspect relates to the drafting and acceptance by the relevant parties of a lease in respect of the proposed breakwater at Buncrana. The council requested a reduction or total waiver of foreshore charges on the basis that the facility was to be used by the RNLI.
Following extensive discussions and as an exceptional matter, the Department, with the agreement of the Department of Finance, informed the council that it would consider waiving the rental charges if the council could confirm that the proposed facility would be for the exclusive use of the RNLI. In addition, the council was also informed that if it was unable to confirm that the facility would be used exclusively by the RNLI, the Department was prepared to apply a reduced rental charge based on the ratio of usage of the facility by the RNLI.
On 20th December last the council confirmed that the works being proposed at Buncrana Harbour are being constructed solely for the use of the RNLI and are not being constructed for the benefit of any other party. On foot of this confirmation the Department entered into detailed discussions and correspondence with the Chief State Solicitor's Office with a view to preparing an appropriate draft lease, which will best facilitate the council's proposal and also safeguard the State's ongoing interest in the management and protection of the foreshore in the public interest.
The draft lease will involve the insertion of specific conditions, which will reflect the fact that the arrangements involved are unusual and are based on the need to provide a permanent location for the RNLI, which will enable the launch of their boat on a 24-hour basis. The Department's discussions with the Chief State Solicitor's Office have focussed on the public interest provisions of the Foreshore Acts, the proposed arrangements which the Council will need to make with the RNLI and other legal issues designed to protect the interests of all parties. The lease, when drafted, will require the agreement of all relevant parties.
Every effort is being made to expedite the completion of the draft lease and, to that end, a further meeting has been scheduled between my Department and the County Council to further clarify outstanding issues.
