Pádraic McCormack
Question:9 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Transport the role his Department has in the provision of bus services to utilise the port tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24403/07]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, answered orally.
Public Transport.
The provision of any public bus services on a specific route by a private bus operator is subject to the 1932 Road Transport Act. In the case of the State bus companies, the initiation or alteration of a bus service is subject to compliance with a Ministerial requirement to give advance notice to my Department and to compliance with the provisions of section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 concerning competition with licensed private operators.
It is an operational matter for the private bus operators themselves to apply for a licence or in the case of Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann to notify my Department of their intention to provide public bus services which utilise the Port Tunnel. The Tunnel is currently being used by Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and a number of private operators, resulting in significant time savings for commuters. My Department is open to authorising additional services through the Tunnel, given the benefits it offers to commuters.
Road Safety.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:10 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport the reason for his decision not to provide a default speed limit on non-public roads in view of the fact that it means that no urban speed limit is applied to estates not taken in charge by the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24277/07]
Under the provisions of road traffic legislation a speed limit applies to every public road and the legislative basis for the application of speed limits on public roads is set out in the Road Traffic Act 2004. A county council or a city council can only make special speed limit bye-laws in relation to public roads that they are responsible for. A county or city manager can only make a road works speed limit order in respect of a public road. A road authority can only provide traffic signs, including speed limit signs, on a public road and the Garda Síochána can only enforce speed limits on a public road.
However, non-public roads in housing estates are classified as ‘public places' since the public have access to them with vehicles. Provisions of the road traffic legislation relating to drink driving, careless driving, driving without reasonable consideration, dangerous driving, dangerous parking, obligations to use seat belts and a range other road traffic offences can be enforced by the Garda Síochána where an offence is committed in a public place. I have no authority to apply a default speed limit to non-public roads in private residential developments.
Rail Network.
Róisín Shortall
Question:11 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport his views on the slippage in the originally proposed planning and construction times for metro north; if he will report on his Department’s invigilation of the work of the Railway Procurement Agency in this regard; the timeframe for the planning, construction and opening of metro north; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24281/07]
Andrew Doyle
Question:35 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport when a definitive route for the metro north will be established; when public consultation will cease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24352/07]
John Perry
Question:40 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Transport the cost cutting measures for the metro north line that were recommended; the decisions that have been taken in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24396/07]
Richard Bruton
Question:112 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the planning and the analysis of the metro service. [23573/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 35, 40 and 112 together.
Metro North is a project of critical importance to the sustainable growth of the economy of the Dublin region. Current projections indicate that in the next ten years the population of Fingal in North Dublin will nearly double and employment will continue to grow significantly particularly in the city. There is a clear transport case for a new high capacity rail link connecting Fingal with the city centre to meet both existing demand and projected future demand. It is also a prerequisite for the construction of Metro West.
The Metro North project has been through a rigorous economic and transport evaluation undertaken by the Railway Procurement Agency in accordance with Guidelines issued by the Department of Finance and which was independently assessed for the Department of Finance and the Oireachtas Transport Committee. I am satisfied that the economic and transport evaluation of Metro North has been in accordance with best practice for such a project.
In February 2006 public consultation on the preferred alignment for Metro North got underway and in October of that year my predecessor announced the preferred alignment selected by the RPA. Since then the RPA has undertaken significant detailed design work and engaged extensively with local communities and businesses. Arising from these consultations local alterations have been made to the preferred alignment. These changes include the decision to go underground through Ballymun and to maximise the green space under which the Metro will run in the Drumcondra area. Both of these changes arise from concerns from local interests raised in public consultations and the RPA has at all times sought to address these legitimate concerns whilst ensuring the overall integrity of the project.
Clearly, these public consultations and consequential design changes already referred to have impacted on the timescale for the project. However, I am satisfied that the approach taken by the RPA in seeking to address the concerns of local communities is the correct one. The Agency hopes to be in a position to lodge an application for a railway order to An Bord Pleanála early next year. The railway order, where granted by An Bord Pleanála, will determine the final alignment for Metro North. Subject to the grant of an enforceable railway order the RPA plans to commence construction of the project in 2009 with a target of commencing Metro operations in 2013.
Throughout the planning and design process, the RPA has sought, and continues to seek, to identify measures to reduce the cost of the overall project. The RPA is responsible for delivery of Metro North and a number of other public transport projects under Transport 21. My Department approves the budget and business cases for these projects. It also monitors the work of the Agency and a joint Department/RPA Monitoring Committee meets monthly to review projects and there are also regular ad hoc meetings on project-specific issues. My Department has also retained independent advisers to review business cases and to advise on specific issues as the need arises, right across the Transport 21 investment programme.
Air Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:12 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which discussions took place with Government or representatives of Government prior to the cessation of Aer Lingus flights from Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24463/07]
A media article on 13th June 2007 reported the possibility of Aer Lingus opening a new base at Belfast. Following a query to the Company by my Department on foot of that article, the Company, on 13th June, indicated that it was considering opening a new base at Belfast and that, if the proposal proceeded, there would be implications for Shannon. An official conveyed the concerns of the Department, from an aviation and regional development perspective, about the implications for Shannon and asked the Chief Executive to give full consideration to the ways in which a new base might be accommodated before arriving at a decision, which he agreed to do. The matter was not brought to my attention.
Subsequently, an official of the Department contacted Aer Lingus on 27th July arising from a query to the Company on industrial relations matters. In the course of that conversation, it was confirmed that the Company's plans for a new base had solidified and that a formal announcement was to be made on 8th August. It was also confirmed that opening the new Belfast base would involve the reallocation of Shannon Heathrow slots to Belfast from early 2008. The official expressed concern about the impact of the loss of a Shannon — Heathrow service from an aviation and regional policy perspective, emphasised the importance of Aer Lingus commitment to Shannon and indicated that these matters would be raised with the Chief Executive of the company.
In an e-mail to my private office on 27th July the official stated "The Company intends to announce the new Belfast base on 8 August. This will involve the reallocation of Shannon-Heathrow slots to Belfast from early 2008" and referred to the concerns that he had raised. A meeting with the Chairman and Chief Executive was arranged for the earliest opportunity — 3rd August — to enable me to discuss these matters with the Company. At the meeting with the Chairman and Chief Executive of Aer Lingus on 3rd August, I was informed of the decision to open a hub in Belfast and of the re-allocation of all the Shannon-Heathrow slots to a new Belfast Heathrow service.
It is very clear with the benefit of hindsight that any possibility that Aer Lingus might withdraw its Shannon Heathrow service should have been brought to my attention immediately. I have asked my Secretary General for an urgent report setting out fully the circumstances and sequences of events which led to me not being informed or briefed on the matter before end July. I intend to make this report public.
Road Safety.
Frank Feighan
Question:13 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Transport the proposals his Department has to deal with regulating boy racers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24404/07]
This cohort of drivers, generally men aged between 17 and 25 years, are the target of much road safety effort in Ireland and other countries. That effort is directed through road safety advertisement, education and enforcement measures. The Road Safety Authority has developed advertising campaigns targeted at encouraging young people to consider their attitudes, behaviour and the consequences of their actions as road users, especially as drivers. Those campaigns are supported by high visibility enforcement by the Garda Síochána, particularly in relation to speeding, seat belt wearing and intoxicated driving.
The introduction of Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) and the proposed privatised operation of speed cameras, will have a significant impact on such driving behaviour. Measures have also been introduced by the RSA to reduce driving test waiting times, a critical contribution to road safety and improved driver behaviour, with the recent announcement by the RSA that the average waiting time for a driving test is now down to 23 weeks. This represents a 30% drop in waiting times as the average waiting time stood at 33 weeks a year ago. The RSA have also said that they will reduce the average waiting time down to 10 weeks by March next year.
Road Network.
Leo Varadkar
Question:14 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that all motorways under construction and planned will include an adequate number of rest areas and service stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24378/07]
Enda Kenny
Question:75 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the progress of plans to retrofit rest areas on motorways here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24377/07]
Brian O'Shea
Question:80 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport the action he proposes to take under section 41 of the Roads Act 1993 or otherwise, to ensure that the National Roads Authority provides a more effective policy on the provision of lay-bys and set down areas on motorways and major inter-urban routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24255/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 75 and 80 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The detailed planning, design and implementation of national road projects including the possible provision of service and/or rest areas on or near these routes, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Act 1993, as amended by the Roads Act 2007, in conjunction with the relevant local authorities concerned.
In recognition of the important role service area facilities can play in improving the safety of the national road network my predecessor as Minister for Transport asked the NRA in late 2005, to review their service area policy. Arising from this review the NRA announced a strategy to provide service areas at intervals (where feasible and practicable) of approximately 50-60kms along national routes. I understand that these service areas will offer a full range of services including retail services as well as extensive car and HGV parking facilities.
Late last year, the NRA identified optimum locations for up to 12 service areas on the major-inter-urban routes (M1, M4/N4, N6, M7/N7, N8, N9) as well as the N6/N18 and N11 routes. The NRA is giving priority to the roll out of the service areas programme in view of the range of facilities they will afford to road users. The distribution envisaged, approximately at intervals of 50-60 kms, should substantially cater for road user needs. I understand that they are in dialogue with local authorities on issues relating to the provision and operation of rest areas, including operational and maintenance issues. Future strategy in this regard will be kept under review in light of these discussions and the extent to which the prioritised service areas programme addresses user needs taking account of the characteristics of the national road network, including distances between urban centres and journey times.
Service area facilities will be procured through open, competitive tendering using the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mechanism. The NRA has already begun the PPP procurement process for two service areas on the M1 and one on the M4. They are also actively pursuing site acquisition for other proposed areas on the rest of the national road network. It is anticipated that the first service area facilities will begin to come on stream on Ireland's motorway network by 2009.
Air Services.
Noel Coonan
Question:15 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that Aer Lingus will call an EGM of the board of Aer Lingus to reverse its decision to abandon the Shannon-Heathrow connection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24333/07]
The legal advice available to the Government is that shareholders do not have the power to over-rule management decisions on business matters. Even if the Government on its own or in conjunction with other shareholders called an EGM and voted for the restoration of the Shannon Heathrow service, the directors of Aer Lingus would not be obliged to follow any direction from its shareholders. The management of Aer Lingus has made it very clear that they are not minded to reverse their decision.
Public Transport.
Dinny McGinley
Question:16 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Transport when he will update the bus licensing system; when that legislation will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24360/07]
Pat Rabbitte
Question:19 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the way he proposes to reform bus licensing; the timescale he is working to in this regard; when legislation will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24267/07]
Catherine Byrne
Question:73 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Transport when the 100 private buses promised in 2006 will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24368/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 19 and 73 together.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to improve bus services under Transport 21 by reforming bus licensing to facilitate the optimum provision of services by providing a level playing field for all market participants. The precise arrangements for the procurement of buses from the private sector will be dealt with in this context. The new licensing regime will be designed in a manner consistent with the recently adopted EU Regulation on Public Service Obligations in the transport sector.
While it is not possible at this time to indicate a precise time as to when the legislative proposals on regulatory reform of the bus market will be published, applications and notifications from bus operators will continue to be processed under the provisions of the Road Transport Act 1932, as amended, or the notification system with reference to the Transport Act 1958, as appropriate.
Rail Network.
James Bannon
Question:17 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on the proposed Navan railway link. [24402/07]
Michael D. Higgins
Question:78 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Navan rail line project; when the Navan rail line will be reopened; if the scoping study has been completed; if so, if he will publish it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24249/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 78 together.
Transport 21 provides for the re-opening of the railway line to Navan in two phases — Clonsilla to Pace and Pace to Navan. The position regarding Phase 1 is that Irish Rail submitted an application for a Railway Order to An Bord Pleanala in September 2007. The company is targeting a late 2008 start (subject to Railway Order) and a Spring 2010 completion. The proposed line from Clonsilla to Pace includes three stations at Hansfield, Dunboyne and a major Park and Ride at Pace.
In regard to the Pace/Navan phase, the position is that the feasibility work has commenced. A scoping survey is currently underway to survey the alignment and establish what engineering and technical issues are likely to be encountered in the subsequent work to construct and open the line. This work is expected to be completed shortly.
Proposed Legislation.
Jack Wall
Question:18 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce primary or secondary legislation to set higher standards for the testing of heavy goods vehicles in view of the high percentage of Irish trucks found to be in breach of standards in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24276/07]
Commercial vehicle testing is currently provided by independent garages around the country, supervised and regulated by the local authorities. A review of these arrangements was undertaken by PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on behalf of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The Report of that review, which has been submitted to me, includes among its proposals the recommendation that the Road Safety Authority, rather than the Local Authorities, is best placed to manage future service delivery and that the function of supervision and regulation of the network of garages should be transferred to the RSA from the local authorities. Subject to finalising the necessary consultation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on this recommendation, I intend to conclude my consideration of the PWC report and respond to the Road Safety Authority in the coming weeks.
Question No. 19 answered with QuestionNo. 16.
Road Safety.
Michael Creed
Question:20 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date on the discussions his Department is having with relevant bodies in relation to the issue of road safety and the new role being adopted by the Health and Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24407/07]
The Department of Transport, The National Roads Authority and (until responsibility for non-national roads was transferred to the Department of Transport) the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, have worked closely with local authorities and the Local Government Management Services Board to develop comprehensive new guidelines for the control and management of road works sites, for use within the local government sector. The Guidelines represent best practice and, inter-alia, address concerns which have been raised by the Health and Safety Authority. The Guidelines have issued this week to local authorities under cover of a Circular Letter from my Department.
Foreshore Licences.
Joe McHugh
Question:21 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the progress regarding the lease of a foreshore (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24320/07]
This matter is not under the remit of this Department.
Transport 21.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:22 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the fact that the Government commissioned communication strategy sees its role as demonstrating value for money, openness, and full accountability, he will provide information to the public in respect of the individual costings, timing, business cases, and priority accorded to the 39 major Transport 21 projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24398/07]
When Transport 21 was launched in November 2005, details of the major projects to be implemented in the ten-year period 2006 to 2015 were provided together with an indicative completion date for each. Updated information on all major projects is provided on my Department's Transport 21 website and on the websites of the relevant implementing agencies.
Every project in Transport 21 is required to be evaluated in accordance with the Department of Finance Capital Appraisal Guidelines and Value for Money criteria. Most of the projects must also go through statutory approval processes, which usually means a public hearing before an independent inspector where the case for the project, including the overall business case, is set out. Only when statutory approval is given can the implementing agency award the relevant construction contracts.
I do not consider it prudent to release commercially sensitive information on projects while these processes are continuing. However, it is my intention to provide relevant business case information and cost details once a project has successfully completed the statutory processes, all contracts have been awarded and the project is underway.
Departmental Functions.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:23 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the marine related functions for which he has responsibility in view of the considerable confusion that exists in relation to ministerial responsibility. [22325/07]
Responsibility for functions related to maritime safety, maritime security, ship-source pollution prevention, national ports policy, shipping and maritime commerce policy transferred to the Minister for Transport on 1st January 2006. I have confined my reply to the maritime functions directly within my sphere of responsibility.
Cycle Facilities.
Terence Flanagan
Question:24 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if he will appoint a national cycling and walking officer to his Department who would co-ordinate all bicycle commuting issues such as the provision of cycle-craft training free to all primary and secondary students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24321/07]
Phil Hogan
Question:92 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken to introduce a new national cycle network to promote both local and long distance cycling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22739/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 92 together.
My Department has provided funding to support the development of cycle routes and facilities. It has also assisted specific initiatives such as the Safe Routes to Schools Programme supported by the Dublin Transportation Office. I am committed to increasing the use of cycling as a mode of transport and I am commissioning research on international best practice at present, which will inform the development of a National Cycle Policy. This, in turn, will feed into a Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan, which I intend publishing in 2008 after a full public consultation process. The process will inform the precise measures to be adopted in relation to cycling and other issues.
State Airports.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:25 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the establishment of an independent Cork Airport; the way the debt associated with this process is to be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24280/07]
Deirdre Clune
Question:50 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Transport when he will establish Cork and Shannon Airports as independent entities as outlined under the State Airports Act 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23977/07]
Simon Coveney
Question:69 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Transport the status of the business plan for Cork Airport in view of the State’s offer to absorb a proportion of its debt; if it is envisaged that autonomy is imminent for Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24345/07]
Deirdre Clune
Question:70 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Transport if he will transfer the new airport terminal to the Cork Airport Authority on a debt free basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23978/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 50, 69 and 70 together.
The State Airports Act, 2004 provides the framework for the establishment of Shannon and Cork as independent airports. Under the Act, both the Minister for Finance and I will have to be satisfied as to the state of operational and financial readiness of the three airports before any vesting of assets can take place. The actual timing of airport restructuring will continue to depend on the creation of the appropriate conditions that will ensure the financial sustainability of each State Airport. The airports will require coordinated strategies for the achievement of operational and financial readiness and the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has a key role to play in finalizing the financial framework and coordinating business plans that would enable airport separation to take place. I will be considering the complex issues involved in the coming months.
I understand that the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has been advised by consultants on an appropriate financing proposal that would facilitate the statutory objective of the separation of Cork Airport from the DAA in a timely manner, consistent with the requirements of the State Airports Act 2004 and the Companies Acts. The approach to the debt issue is crucial to the business planning process and will have to be addressed by the Cork airport board and the DAA, in the first instance, before any business plan is submitted to me and the Minister for Finance for our approval under the State Airports Act 2004.
The Government's position is that the funding of the new terminal and other works at Cork Airport will have to take account, not only of what is commercially and financially feasible for Cork Airport, but also what is commercially and financially feasible for Dublin Airport. In deciding what level of debt is to be borne by Cork, it will have to be manifest to all concerned that it is a manageable debt burden that would not put at risk the airport's commercial future.
Railway Stations.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:26 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on the proposed new railway station at Drogheda north. [24401/07]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:102 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport his proposals regarding his plans to reopen Dunleer railway station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24400/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 102 together.
Decisions in relation to the location and development of new stations and the reopening of closed stations are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann.
Air Services.
John Deasy
Question:27 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport the reviews the Government is planning for its aviation policy in response to the precedent set by the Aer Lingus pull out of Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24392/07]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:41 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if an aviation policy for Ireland must encourage attracting a range of airlines rather than continued dependence on one or two providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24348/07]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:64 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport if he will publish a Green Paper on aviation policy and on the Government’s strategy for the future of aviation here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24260/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 41 and 64 together.
As I have said previously, the Aer Lingus withdrawal of its Shannon-London Heathrow service is very disappointing. However, I do not believe that this specific action requires that a fundamental review of our aviation policy be undertaken or that a Green Paper be published. In line with the requirements of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, my Department is currently preparing a new Statement of Strategy for the period 2008-2010 which will, inter alia, set out our aviation strategy for the period.
In general terms, our strategy to date has been to promote the development of as wide a range as possible of competitive international air services to and from Ireland to underpin our economic growth and competitiveness and this will continue to be the case. We need to have regular, safe, cost-effective and competitive air services linking the country to key business and tourism markets around the world.
To this end, within the European Union, Ireland has consistently supported market liberalisation measures, which have served as the platform for the rapid expansion of aviation generally. We have also sought to influence the emerging EU and wider international framework for aviation to ensure that it continues to promote competition and innovation in the market-place. We have promoted market liberalisation on a wider basis most recently in pressing for the conclusion of the EU-US Open Skies agreement and in concluding a more liberal agreement on a bilateral basis with Canada.
I should add that our approach to the encouragement of air services is complemented by our policy on the development of airport infrastructure within the country. The main objective is to ensure that the three State Airports have sufficient capacity to respond to the growth opportunities of a competitive airline sector and to provide vital international access. In fulfilling this objective it is proposed to establish Cork and Shannon as independent airports, once financial and operational readiness has been demonstrated under the State Airports Act 2004. In addition the six regional airports have a key role to play in promoting regional development.
The further key components of our strategy are to ensure that our aviation safety and security policies comply with, or exceed, the highest international standards and that the policy framework for air navigation services ensures that the requirements of airlines for efficient routings and the avoidance of delays are met as far as possible without compromising safety. My Department's Statement of Strategy will be published before the end of the year within the prescribed statutory timeframe.
Liz McManus
Question:28 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding preparations for the final implementation of the EU-US open skies agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24265/07]
The full provisions of the EU US Open Skies Agreement will come into effect from 30 March 2008. However, the transitional measures which had been agreed, relating to Ireland, came into effect following political agreement at the Council of Ministers on 22 March 2007. In accordance with Article 26 of the Agreement, formal entry into force requires an exchange of diplomatic notes between the parties confirming that all the necessary procedures for entry into force have been completed. We are taking the necessary steps to comply with these arrangements.
Proposed Legislation.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:29 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposed establishment of the new Dublin Transport Authority; when the Dublin Transport Authority Bill will be introduced; the responsibilities and functions the DTA will be mandated with; if any of the present responsibilities of the Railway Procurement Agency or other national, regional or local transport agencies will be transferred to the DTA; the timeframe for the full establishment and effective functioning of the DTA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24259/07]
Andrew Doyle
Question:33 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport when the legislation to establish the Dublin Transportation Authority will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24351/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 33 together.
The Agreed Programme for Government includes a commitment to expediting the establishment of a statutory Dublin Transport Authority. The new Authority will have overall responsibility for surface transport in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) subject to direction by Government in respect of significant policy issues. Accordingly establishment of the new Authority will involve some alteration to existing institutional arrangements for the planning and delivery of surface transport in the GDA. The details will be set out in the planned legislation.
The principal functions of the proposed Authority will include:
strategic transport planning.
procurement of public transport infrastructure.
procurement of public transport services.
allocation of current and capital Exchequer funds for the provision of public transport infrastructure and services.
regulation of public transport fares, routes, and service levels.
delivery of integrated ticketing, integrated passenger information and integrated fares.
better integration of transport and land use planning.
ensuring effective traffic management.
Preparation of the necessary legislation is well advanced and I will bring a Memorandum to Government in due course. My overriding priority is to establish as quickly as possible a statutory Authority which will be effective.
Railway Stations.
Willie Penrose
Question:30 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport if he is currently reviewing a feasibility study carried out by the Athlone Institute of Technology on the redevelopment of Killucan station, County Westmeath and the provision of a park and ride facility there to facilitate a large catchment area of commuters including Ballivor, Rochfordbridge and east Mullingar on the Dublin to Sligo railway line; when he will respond publicly to this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24251/07]
Decisions in relation to the redevelopment of Killucan station are a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. I understand from the company that Westmeath and Meath County Councils have submitted to them the results of a feasibility study on the re-opening of a station at Killucan or Hill of the Down. I understand that Iarnród Éireann are currently considering this report and will respond in due course to the Councils.
Road Traffic Offences.
Sean Sherlock
Question:31 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the progress made on the mutual recognition of penalty points between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland; the reason for the ongoing delay; when he will bring the full list of penalty point categories into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24272/07]
Brian Hayes
Question:103 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the discussions that have taken place between his Department and the relevant Department in Northern Ireland regarding the introduction of a system of mutual recognition of penalty points to north and south of the Border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22323/07]
Leo Varadkar
Question:105 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport when the remaining unimplemented penalty points will be brought into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24379/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31, 103 and 105 together.
The North/South Work Programme, which was agreed by the North South Ministerial Council, included a commitment to examine the mutual recognition of penalty points between the Republic of Ireland and the North. However, separate penalty point systems operate in the two jurisdictions on this island, and the system that operates in Northern Ireland differs from that applying in Great Britain.
For that reason, it was agreed that it would be more appropriate to pursue the question of mutual recognition of penalty points on the basis of the operation of the three systems and that it would also be more appropriate that it would be dealt with under the auspices of the British Irish Council (BIC). As Northern Ireland has the lead role for transport matters in the BIC, the authorities in that jurisdiction are taking the lead in considering this issue.
The development of any bilateral agreement on such mutual recognition will require consideration of complex legal questions, which will take time and may require the passage of primary legislation to support such an agreement. The terms of reference for a feasibility report have been agreed at Ministerial level and a scoping report has been commissioned by the UK Department for Transport (DfT), with our agreement and that of our Northern Ireland colleagues. The DfT's In-House Policy Consultancy is carrying out the scoping exercise. This process is at an advanced stage.
The focus of the roll-out of the penalty points system to date is on offences that relate primarily to the behaviour of drivers. This reflects the fact that 86% of all road deaths can be attributed to driver behaviour in its broadest sense. The relevant support systems must be put in place to support the extension of the penalty points system, and where applicable, the fixed charge system. Discussions are held in advance with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and other relevant agencies regarding the timing of each scheduled roll-out of new offences to ensure that the relevant interfaces are in place between the Garda Síochána and the Court Services IT systems, and the administration of the National Driving File. The progressive extension of the penalty point system will continue to be pursued.
Marine Accidents.
Sean Sherlock
Question:32 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date with regard to plans to recover the fishing vessels, the Pere Charles and the Maggie B, which sank off the south-east coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21786/07]
The Contract to raise the two vessels was awarded to Irish Diving Contractors Ltd (IDC) on 19th September. Phase 1 of the operation, which involved the mobilisation of equipment to Dunmore East and the placing of wire slings on the wrecks in preparation for the lifting of the vessels, has now been completed. For phase 2, IDC are mobilising a crane barge to lift the vessels from the seabed. Completion of this phase is subject to suitable weather and sea conditions.
Question No. 33 answered with QuestionNo. 29.
Road Network.
Olwyn Enright
Question:34 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Transport if he has examined the implications of health and safety imposed costs on local authority roads programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22391/07]
Olwyn Enright
Question:84 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the cost implications for local authority roads programmes as a result of health and safety compliance; if he will assist local authorities in meeting this commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22390/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 84 together.
Overall responsibility for local government finance is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In so far as roads are concerned, the improvement and maintenance of non-national roads in its area is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Accordingly, in the case of works on non-national roads, costs associated with the proper and safe management of such works are a matter for local authorities to be funded from their own resources supplemented by State road grants provided by my Department.
My Department provides grants to local authorities for works on non-national roads under a number of grant categories. The level of grants allocated to individual authorities is determined each year having regard to a number of factors including the total funds available in a particular year, eligibility criteria for the different grant schemes, road pavement conditions, length of road network, the need to prioritise projects and competing demands from other local authorities. In determining the annual non-national road grant allocations, the overall objective is to resource each local authority appropriately in relation to their ongoing and special needs.
All non-national road grants for 2007 have now been committed and there are no additional funds at my disposal from which further grant allocations could be made at this time. Road grants for 2008 will be determined early in the New Year. Funding of works on national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority.
Question No. 35 answered with QuestionNo. 11.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
P. J. Sheehan
Question:36 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Transport the proposals he envisages for the reduction in greenhouse gases arising from fossil fuels used in the State’s transport sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24358/07]
As part of my overall objective for sustainable urban transportation I have requested CIE to move to a 30% bio-diesel blend in all new buses as part of their fleet replacement policy commencing in 2008. In line with the Programme for Government I have also asked the company to set out an action plan to convert the existing fleet to a 5% biofuel blend taking account of logistical, technical and financial issues. Discussions are ongoing with CIE to determine a specific programme to meet the above.
Public Transport.
Paul Kehoe
Question:37 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if he will significantly increase the Dublin Bus fleet in order to justify future quality bus corridors in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24393/07]
Joe Costello
Question:51 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport the number of buses currently in the Dublin Bus fleet; when he will increase the size of the bus fleet; when he will ensure that all Dublin bus routes are fully accessible for citizens with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24262/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 51 together.
Transport 21 provides for a programme of investment to fund increased integrated radial and orbital bus services in the Dublin area. Dublin Bus are currently bringing into service the 100 additional buses for which Exchequer funding of €30 million was approved in September last year. This will bring the total Dublin Bus fleet to 1,182 buses — up from just over 900 in 1997. A further €15.04 million was approved earlier this year towards the cost of 100 replacement buses for the Dublin Bus fleet; 50 of these replacement buses will be tri-axle buses, which offer greater passenger carrying capacity than the buses being replaced.
The capacity of the Dublin Bus fleet, taking into account the 100 additional buses is now over 106,000 — an increase of more than 34% on the 2000 capacity. This increase reflects the fact that many of the replacement buses purchased over this period were of higher capacity than the smaller, single decker buses being replaced. Over the same period, Dublin Bus passenger numbers have grown from 134 million to 146 million passengers per annum, an increase of 9%. The provision of additional buses, over and above the 100 currently being brought into service, is currently being considered in the context of the Programme for Government.
As regards accessibility, all buses purchased by Dublin Bus since 2000 are low-floor wheelchair accessible. I understand from Dublin Bus that currently over 60% of the fleet is accessible and that the company plans to have all of the fleet accessible by 2012. The policy of purchasing accessible buses will continue as the bus fleet is replaced and expanded over time.
Air Services.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:38 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Transport the reason he did not appoint the Government’s two nominees to the Aer Lingus board of directors at the earliest date; and the date he will do so. [24423/07]
Immediately after the Aer Lingus IPO, Ryanair's attempted takeover bid was launched. Under the applicable law, the State representative on the board was excluded from board meetings at which the takeover was discussed. It would not have made any sense in such circumstances to have appointed all three State directors at that time. The circumstances are now different and it is appropriate to make those appointments. I hope to be in a position to make the appointments shortly.
Road Safety.
Shane McEntee
Question:39 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Transport his views on the recent report of the European Transport Safety Council which found that Ireland was ranked 20 out of 29 countries in reducing road deaths since 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24314/07]
Alan Shatter
Question:88 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Transport his views on the recent report of the European Transport Safety Council which found that Ireland has reduced road deaths since 2001 by 10.9% compared to France which has reduced road deaths by 42.3%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24316/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 88 together.
According to the recent report published by the European Transport Safety Council, Ireland has improved its road safety standing in Europe by climbing 4 places in the last year to become the 12th lowest country for road deaths per million population of the 29 countries surveyed. The report also shows that road deaths in Ireland have dropped by 11% since 200. While the report has tracked Ireland's progress up to the 31st December 2006, the downward trend in road deaths and collisions, which commenced in August 2006 with the introduction of roadside Mandatory Alcohol Testing, is clearly evident in 2007.
Since the introduction of key changes in the road safety area including Mandatory Alcohol Testing, the increase in penalties for drink driving offences, the extension of the penalty points system, greater Garda visibility and enforcement and, the establishment of the Road Safety Authority, there has been a marked reduction in the number of road deaths, despite ever increasing numbers of vehicles on our roads. The number of road deaths in 2006 at 368 was the second lowest rate recorded in 40 years and the downward trend continues.
Question No. 40 answered with QuestionNo. 11.
Question No. 41 answered with QuestionNo. 27.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:42 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport the action he will take through mechanisms such as vehicle standards, road pricing, public transport provision or otherwise to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24269/07]
A number of measures relating to transport are included in the revised National Climate Change Strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These include technology improvements, rebalancing of motor taxes and fuel economy labelling, Dublin Traffic measures, Mineral Oil Tax Relief for biofuels, modal shift through Transport 21, alignment of transport investment with spatial planning, and the achievement of a 5.75% biofuels blend in fuels by 2010. In all the transport sector will provide up to 13% in total national emission savings under that Strategy.
I have also announced the preparation of a Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan, which will set out a broad suite of policies and measures to help the transport sector progress along a more sustainable trajectory and make a further contribution to reducing emissions to 2020. The Action Plan will consider measures necessary to achieve reduction in greenhouse gas emissions along with other elements of sustainability relating to economic competitiveness and quality of life. The aim is to publish the Plan in the Spring of 2008.
Taxi Regulations.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:43 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if he has made a decision in respect of the proposal by the office of the taxi commissioner for the introduction of a subsidy scheme to assist with the purchase of wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24274/07]
The Commission for Taxi Regulation is completing an assessment of the submissions received to its consultation paper on vehicle standards for small public service vehicles. The consultation paper incorporated a number of proposed changes in vehicle specifications and standards, including in the area of accessibility. It is understood that the Commission has commenced a regulatory impact assessment on these proposals and continues to liaise with key stakeholders, and will publish revised vehicle specifications for small public service vehicles before the end of 2007.
While this process of public consultation is underway, my Department is in discussion with the Commission about an outline proposal for a draft subsidy scheme or some other mechanism to assist with the purchase of wheelchair accessible taxis and wheelchair accessible hackneys. The subsidy proposal and associated vehicle specification are still being researched and developed by the Commission. The proposal is to provide assistance with the purchase of a fully accessible small public service vehicle, the specification for which is being developed by the Commission.
Upon completion of the consultation process and the preparation and introduction of new and fully accessible vehicle standards by the Commission, with definitive associated costs, a final decision will be made on the subsidy scheme proposal.
Road Safety.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:44 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the number of cars classified as write-offs in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; when he expects the conclusion of the investigation led by his Department into the allegations that cars classed as total write-offs and unfit for road use are being put back on the road; his views on whether the national vehicle file may have to be reviewed and overhauled in view of these allegations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24245/07]
Details received from vehicle insurers in relation to write offs are included among the general category of vehicle scrapped entries recorded on the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) in relation to scrapped vehicles. In 2005 some 21,817 notices of scrapped vehicles were recorded on the NVDF, in 2006 the number was 23,955 and to date in 2007, a total of 25,571 instances of scrapping have been recorded.
The arrangements covering the treatment and notification of write-offs are currently being examined by the RSA, the Garda Síochána, the Revenue Commissioners who are responsible for the registration of vehicles and my Department in its role in relation to the NVDF. This examination will be concluded as soon as possible and any recommendations arising there from will be considered.
Question No. 45 answered with QuestionNo. 8.
Road Network.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:46 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the directions he has made to the National Roads Authority under section 41 of the Roads Act 1993 since coming into office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24252/07]
I have given no direction to the National Roads Authority (NRA) under Section 41 of the Roads Act, 1993. As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of and allocation of funding to individual national road projects is a matter for the NRA under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities concerned.
Traffic Management.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:47 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the measures he will introduce under his recently established One Small Step campaign in view of recent statistics indicating that less than 40% of children walk to school even though they live two kilometres or less from their school, to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24261/07]
The public information campaign One Small Step encourages drivers in the Greater Dublin Area to examine their car usage patterns and to think about using other ways of getting around, such as walking, cycling or public transport, whenever they can. The campaign targets car drivers specifically. The campaign promotes cycling as one of the best ways of getting fresh air, regular exercise, saving money, saving journey time and benefiting the local and general environment.
It also emphasises safety and points to improved conditions for cyclists in Dublin City Centre since the Port Tunnel opened. There are now far fewer heavy vehicles in the city centre and extra sections of cycle lane and bus lane (which cyclists can use) on the north quays and, in general, an improved traffic environment in the city centre.
My Department has also provided funding to the Dublin Transportation Office who initiated the Safer Routes to School project in 2000, with 6 pilot schemes being implemented. The objectives of the Green Schools Initiative are to raise awareness of sustainable travel and transport, increase the number of children who walk and cycle, increase the number of families who ‘park and stride' or ‘carpool', improve safety on the school run by promoting safe practices and awareness of hazards, reduce school-related congestion, and improve physical health and fitness.
The programme was extended and currently has 29 schools with a combined student population of approximately 10,400 with 545 teachers. Results from the initiative show that, of journeys to school, between March and June 2006, walking increased by 7% to 40%, and car use decreased by 8% to 46%, while, on the journey from school, walking increased by 4% from 37% to 41% and car use fell by 9%. A further roll-out of the programme is being considered at present.
My Department is currently in the process of commissioning research in relation to best practice which will assist in the development of a National Cycling Policy. This will, in turn, feed into the Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan, which the Government is committed to publishing in the Spring of 2008. That Plan will specifically address the issues relating to children travelling to and from school.
Public Transport.
Paul Kehoe
Question:48 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the European Commission’s investigation of payments and grants awarded to Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann to determine if they are compatible with the EU state aid rules; if he anticipates that this investigation will instigate a change in Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24383/07]
The European Commission informed my Department in July 2007 that, as a result of a complaint received by them, it had decided to initiate a formal investigation into whether the Exchequer capital and current funding provided to CIÉ contravenes European Union law. My Department is currently preparing its response to the considerations raised by the Commission and a reply will be issued very shortly. Any change in Government policy will depend on the outcome of the investigation.
Rail Services.
John O'Mahony
Question:49 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport if Transport 21 will result in the upgrading of the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24323/07]
Transport 21 provides for the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor on a phased basis. Phase 1, between Ennis and Athenry, on which work is underway, is due for completion by late 2008.
Question No. 50 answered with QuestionNo. 25.
Question No. 51 answered with QuestionNo. 37.
Port Development.
Bernard Allen
Question:52 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Transport the role he envisages for himself in the implementation of ports policy and specifically in ensuring this island has sufficient capacity to allow for the growth of imports and exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24350/07]
Phil Hogan
Question:53 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the recent concerns expressed by business and exporter interests regarding the lack of capacity in ports here and international ports; the impact that these capacity constraints will have on exporters and importers; the steps his Department has taken to address these matters in the context of their impact on trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19316/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 53 together.
The most recent capacity study carried out by my Department indicates that Irish ports are well positioned to supply sufficient capacity to serve the growing demand. Carried out in 2005/2006, the study concluded, inter alia, that: There is currently significant available capacity for further growth in LoLo traffic at Irish ports; Current available capacity for RoRo traffic also exists, although less so than in the case of LoLo. The study demonstrated that the projects being progressed by the ports sector have the potential to deliver adequate capacity going forward, in line with the established policy.
I believe that our key commercial ports are well positioned to continue to function efficiently as vital economic gateways to the rest of the world. My Department is continuing to actively monitor the capacity situation and has recently received update reports from the seven ports that made submissions as part of the study. I am encouraged by the fact that the ports continue to make significant progress with their proposals.
With regard to capacity at international ports, it is true to say that Ireland relies heavily on the European hub ports such as Antwerp and Rotterdam. Capacity is being increased at these and other trans-shipment ports. The healthy competition that exists for port services in the EU should deliver adequate capacity to serve our needs. The Irish Maritime Development Office, which advises my Department on these matters, keeps in close contact with relevant international developments.
Question No. 54 answered with QuestionNo. 7.
Ferry Services.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:55 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport his views on the re-establishment of the Cork Swansea ferry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23843/07]
I welcome the renewed interest in the re-establishment of the Cork Swansea ferry. I have been assured that every effort is being made by the Port of Cork Company to facilitate resumption of the Swansea Cork Ferry Service at the earliest possible date. The Irish Maritime Development Office is supporting the Port of Cork Company on this issue. Recent mid-year traffic data published by the IMDO indicates a positive 5 per cent increase in passenger traffic on sea ferries to the UK for the first 6 months of 2007. This should further add to the current level of interest being expressed in development of new services.
State Airports.
Brian O'Shea
Question:56 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce a public service obligation contract between Waterford Airport and Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24254/07]
I refer the Deputy to my earlier written reply of 2nd October 2007, (Dáil Question 286), which sets out the position regarding this matter.
Driving Licences.
Catherine Byrne
Question:57 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Transport when legislation for changing the driver licensing laws will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24369/07]
Joe McHugh
Question:63 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport when the promised new regime in respect of provisional drivers will be introduced and specifically those relating to the requirement for an accompanying driver and other such restrictions which would encourage a serious attitude in taking and passing the driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24359/07]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:98 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when he will introduce a graduated drivers licence system scheme; the measures he will include in this new system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24263/07]
Denis Naughten
Question:110 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to reform the provisional driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23034/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 57, 63, 98 and 110 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for the oversight of the operation of the driver licensing system including the preparation of proposals for draft regulatory provisions relating to driver licensing and testing. At my request the Road Safety Authority has examined the driver licensing system, so as to identify what further reforms might be introduced in the interests of road safety.
Road Traffic Offences.
Emmet Stagg
Question:58 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if he has reviewed the comments made by the Courts Service to find an alternative method for the collection of fines for motoring offences; if he has made a submission to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform or had discussions with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in this regard; his views on further comments by the Courts Service that urgent changes to road traffic legislation are necessary after Garda figures show that up to 50% of all motorists are failing to pay fines for offences such as speeding and the non-wearing of seat-belts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24246/07]
My Department is liaising with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Courts Service in relation to these issues.
Parking Regulations.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:59 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport his policy in relation to the growing problem of larger vehicles parking in residential areas; the measures he will take to combat same; when he will comprehensively update the law in relation to parking; the further measures he will introduce in a newly updated law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24266/07]
Road authorities already have power under article 38 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 to apply restrictions on the parking of large vehicles at any location on the public road. It is a matter for each road authority to identify locations where they wish to apply the prohibition on the parking of large vehicles and to identify the weight threshold that would apply an appropriate measure at each location. No road authority has sought any updating or amendment to the 1997 provisions in relation to the parking of large vehicles.
The application and enforcement of parking controls under the road traffic law only applies to public roads which are roads that have been taken in charge by a road authority. The imposition of parking controls in private residential developments is a matter for the management company of that estate to pursue under contract and civil law remedies as applicable.
A road authority has no remit to provide traffic signs and apply parking controls on private property. The Garda Síochána, local authority traffic wardens or clamping immobilisation operators engaged by the local authority have no power to enforce parking on private property. I do not propose to seek to extend the application of the road traffic statutes to private roads i.e. non-public roads.
State Airports.
David Stanton
Question:60 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has for progressing the promised third terminal at Dublin Airport in view of the An Bord Pleanála decision to grant permission for a smaller terminal than that envisaged necessary in the medium term by the DAA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24349/07]
The Government's primary concern over the last number of years in relation to Dublin Airport has been to ensure that the capacity needs of the airport in the short to medium term were addressed. An Bord Pleanála's recent decision with regard to the granting of permission for the development of phase one of Terminal 2 now provides the basis for moving ahead with that much needed additional capacity.
As to a third terminal, based on current passenger growth rates, I understand that there will be a need for such a terminal in the medium to long term when terminals one and two are at full capacity. My Department is in discussion with the DAA on the future infrastructure needs of the airport. This includes the timescale for planning for the delivery of a third terminal, in line with the Government decision of May 2005. This set as an objective of Government policy the cost effective, efficient and timely delivery of Terminal 3, in line with emerging aviation trends, through an open transparent and competitive process.
Road Safety.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:61 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the safety reviews taking place in view of the fire brigade’s concerns over the transit of fuel tankers via the port tunnel, and its opinion that one fire officer accompanying the tanker is not sufficient protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24389/07]
Issues such as those raised by the Deputy are operational matters for the NRA and Dublin City Council.
Road Traffic Offences.
Mary Upton
Question:62 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Transport the legislative or other measures he will introduce to ensure that foreign registered vehicles are subject to the same laws, regulations and penalties as Irish registered vehicles and that fines or penalties accrued by a driver of a foreign registered vehicle are realised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24257/07]
Denis Naughten
Question:90 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the steps he will take to attach penalty points to persons holding a licence other than an Irish driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23643/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 90 together.
All drivers are subject to road traffic law and it is a matter for An Garda Síochána to enforce the law. Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for ensuring that penalty points are endorsed on a licence record. Data in relation to penalty points is held on the National Driver File. As foreign licence holders do not have an Irish driving licence record, penalty points incurred in this State are recorded against that person on a separate record in the National Driver File. The realisation of fines and penalties imposed by the Courts is a matter for the Courts Service.
I am conscious that enforcing penalties for road traffic offences on foreign registered drivers raises many legal, organisational and procedural issues, which make it very difficult for any one State to enforce such penalties. For that reason, my Department is pursuing this question at the European, British/Irish and North/South levels where mutual recognition and cross border enforcement possibilities are under consideration.
Question No. 63 answered with QuestionNo. 57.
Question No. 64 answered with QuestionNo. 27.
Air Services.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:65 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Transport the reason the Government through its nominees on the Aer Lingus board of directors did not retain executive powers over the Heathrow slots at all times; if the Government will seek to regain these executive powers; and if, following the appointment of the two further Government nominees to the Aer Lingus board, there will be a request for a special meeting of the board to demand an immediate reversal of the decision to end the Aer Lingus Shannon to Heathrow route. [24424/07]
The Heathrow slots are the defined time intervals during which aircraft are scheduled to take-off from and land at Heathrow airport. In view of the scarcity and value of slot allocations at Heathrow, it was considered appropriate to put in place measures to prevent the sale of Aer Lingus's slot allocation to other airlines. Arrangements to safeguard the Heathrow slots are built into the Company's Memorandum and Articles of Association. The effect of these arrangements is that any sale or long-term lease of Heathrow slots to other airlines can be prevented by 30.4% of the votes cast at an Extraordinary General Meeting.
The re-deployment of slots and other resources in this particular case was a commercial decision made by the executive management team in the Company. The decision was taken by management of Aer Lingus on foot of a mandate from the Board to examine and develop commercial opportunities, in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company. There is clear legal advice to the effect that, having regard to the duties of the Board of Directors pursuant to the Companies Acts and the Memorandum and Articles of Association of Aer Lingus, shareholders do not have the power to overrule management decisions on business matters.
In law, the Directors are responsible for managing the company's business and all Directors, including the State appointees, are bound by their fiduciary responsibilities under the Companies Acts. I have decided to appoint two further directors to the board of Aer Lingus. I will ask the State appointees to seek to ensure that all future decisions of the company, that have significant implications for wider Government, aviation or regional development policies, are considered at board level. That will give the State appointees the opportunity to raise the public policy implications of each decision and to ensure that the full commercial implications for the company are taken into account. The State appointees to the board do not, nor will they, have a veto on board decisions.
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 while respecting the EU Treaty requirements relating to ‘golden shares'. The safeguards put in place at the time of the IPO against disposal of slots were devised on the basis of legal advice. It was clear from contacts with the European Commission that any measure for the protection of Heathrow slots that could be solely exercised by the Government would be regarded by the Commission as a special right, which would be challenged before the European Court of Justice.
Public Transport.
Joan Burton
Question:66 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the integrated ticketing project following the recent report of the Comptroller and Auditor General; the timescale and budget this project is working to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24270/07]
Richard Bruton
Question:109 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport when it is envisaged that integrated ticketing will be available. [24365/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 109 together.
The Chairman of the Integrated Ticketing Project Board has informed me, in a recent report, that he is pleased to be able to report good progress with the project progressing in accordance with the agreed programme. The Integrated Ticketing Project Board has agreed a programme for the delivery of an integrated ticketing system in the Dublin area within a capital budget of €49.6 million. This involves the integrated ticketing system being launched initially on the scheduled services of Dublin Bus, LUAS and Morton's Coaches, a private bus operator, by end August 2009.
Irish Rail DART and commuter rail services will be included within a further 12 months, and Bus Éireann will implement a pilot scheme on one of its commuter routes in the Greater Dublin Area. It is also envisaged the other private bus operators will join the integrated ticketing system over this timeframe. In the meantime a number of magnetic strip integrated tickets which allow transfer between Bus and DART/commuter rail, Bus and LUAS, and LUAS and DART/commuter rail are currently in place.
Motor Fuels.
Bernard Allen
Question:67 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Transport when the biofuel usage requirements outlined by Government will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24367/07]
The Government remains committed to meeting the indicative target agreed in the Biofuels Directive 2003/30/EC of 5.75% by 2010 through 5% obligatory fuel blending by 2009 and excise relief. Ireland remains on course to meet its revised interim target of 2% for 2008, which was agreed by the EU, through the Mineral Oil Tax Relief (MOTR) Scheme II, announced in November 2006. This Scheme will place 163 million litres of biofuels on the market at a cost to the Exchequer of €200 million over the period 2006-2010. It is expected that, at full capacity in 2008, the Biofuels MOTR Scheme II will result in 2.2% of transport fuels being met by biofuels resulting in savings of over 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) over the five-year period.
As part of my overall objective for sustainable urban transportation I have requested CIE to move to a 30% bio-diesel blend in all new buses as part of their fleet replacement policy. In line with the Programme for Government I have also asked the company to set out as quickly as possible an action plan to convert the existing fleet to a 5% biofuel blend taking account of logistical, technical and financial issues.
Transport Policy.
Simon Coveney
Question:68 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Transport his views on the recent reported delays in the provision of Transport 21 projects and the potential to fast-track other projects in Transport 21 as a result of those delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24355/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:106 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if the full Transport 21 programme is expected to be implemented on time and within budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24464/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 106 together.
Transport 21 is, essentially, a financial framework representing the funding that the Government has indicated it is prepared to commit for capital investment in transport for the ten-year period 2006-2015. At the launch of Transport 21, the Government identified the projects in the national roads, public transport and regional airports sectors that it wishes to see prioritised for development in the ten-year period and estimated the cost of implementing these projects at €34 billion, in current cost terms. An indicative timetable for completion of the major projects was also provided at that time.
The original timetable was designed to set challenging targets for the agencies and was drawn-up at a time when many of the projects mentioned were only at design/planning stage. Inevitably, within a programme of this scale, it will be necessary to amend estimated completion dates as projects develop. Final completion dates for projects will only be determined when the planning process and contract negotiations have been concluded. So far, it has been necessary to revise the indicative completion dates for some projects because of circumstances arising before construction, while other projects have been delivered ahead of schedule.
My Department is closely monitoring and very actively managing the Transport 21 programme to ensure that projects are delivered in the shortest possible timescale, consistent with the annual funding available. In overall terms, there is no evidence to suggest that all of the projects identified in Transport 21 will not be completed by 2015, within the overall budget of €34 billion.
Questions Nos. 69 and 70 answered with Question No. 25.
Question No. 71 answered with QuestionNo. 8.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
P. J. Sheehan
Question:72 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to reduce the CO2 emissions from transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24357/07]
A number of measures relating to transport are included in the revised National Climate Change Strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These include technology improvements, rebalancing of motor taxes and fuel economy labelling, Dublin Traffic measures, Mineral Oil Tax Relief for biofuels, modal shift through Transport 21, alignment of transport investment with spatial planning, and the achievement of a 5.75% biofuels blend in fuels by 2010. In all the transport sector will provide up to 13% in total national emission savings under that Strategy.
I have also announced the preparation of a Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan, which will set out a broad suite of policies and measures to help the transport sector progress along a more sustainable trajectory and make a further contribution to reducing emissions to 2020. The Action Plan will consider the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions along with other elements of sustainability relating to economic competitiveness and quality of life and the aim is to publish the Plan in the Spring of 2008.
Question No. 73 answered with QuestionNo. 16.
Air Services.
Dinny McGinley
Question:74 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the rapid provision of the promised marketing package for the mid-western region identified as essential in the context of open skies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24375/07]
My Department has prepared an Economic and Tourism Development Plan for the Shannon Airport catchment area. The Plan has been prepared in consultation with the Department of Finance, the Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism, the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and will be finalised in the context of the forthcoming Budget.
The purpose of the plan is to ensure that the region is well placed to respond to the challenges and opportunities emerging in the context of full liberalisation of the transatlantic aviation market and the phasing out of the Shannon Stop as envisaged under the EU-US Open Skies Agreement.
Question No. 75 answered with QuestionNo. 14.
Proposed Legislation.
Emmet Stagg
Question:76 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport the stage the proposed consolidation of the 32 Merchant Shipping Acts 1894 to 2005 is at; when he will bring the consolidated Act before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24279/07]
This is a long-term project, given the number and complexity of the Acts involved and my primary objective of reviewing and updating the primary legislation on merchant shipping. The consolidation phase of this project is to provide a consolidated working text of all the extant Acts, on which the review can then be based. It is not my intention to prepare a Consolidation Act per se, but rather to introduce in due course a modern, updated and single replacement Merchant Shipping Act.
The informal consolidation phase of the project should be completed by the end of the year. The review will take place in 2008, to be followed by the preparation of a new Merchant Shipping Bill. Merchant shipping is a complex and rapidly evolving sector, given its globalised nature, the increasing focus on the safety agenda, the pace of change driven by international maritime conventions and the European Union, and the rise in marine leisure activities. It is important that the framework for Ireland's merchant shipping legislation is both up to date and flexible, and that is my objective in pursuing this project.
Road Safety.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:77 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the progress in completing a new road safety strategy; the budget he proposes to allocate to it over its duration; when he expects to publish same; the action he proposes to take under section 41 of the Roads Act 1993 or otherwise to review the use of wire crash barriers on roads here; if he will make a submission on behalf of the Government to the EU Standards Committee review of the use of wire crash barriers; when he proposes to legislate for the compulsory fitting of cyclops mirrors on all heavy good vehicles; if he has plans to amend legislation to make it a specific requirement of cyclists to wear high visibility clothing and to require the mandatory usage of safety helmets by children and young people using bicycles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24244/07]
Charles Flanagan
Question:100 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if he has received recommendations from the Road Safety Authority on road safety measures; the details of those recommendations; the legislative changes required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24370/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 100 together.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA), who have responsibility for its development, have submitted to me a draft Road Safety Strategy for the period 2007-2012. I intend to launch this new strategy, in conjunction with the RSA in the coming weeks. The issue of the type of barrier to be used on national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act 1993. The NRA is a member of the European Committee for Standardisation of Safety Barriers.
The NRA, as a matter of practice, keep road design standards, including safety aspects, under regular review and I understand that they are currently carrying out research on the use of wire barriers across Europe. In accordance with EU Directive 2003/97 new HGVs entering into service from 26 January 2007 must be equipped with enhanced mirrors including cyclops mirrors to improve the fields of indirect vision of drivers of these vehicles.
In the case of HGVs which entered into service between I January 2000 and 25 January 2007 the European Union has recently adopted a directive (EU Directive 2007/38) which provides for the retrofitting of enhanced mirrors on the passenger side of these vehicles to be undertaken by 31 March 2009. During consideration of this directive as a proposal, Ireland together with a number of Member States, sought unsuccessfully to have it expanded to include the retrofitting of cyclops mirrors. However, the European Commission undertook to consider further the question of accidents associated with blind spots on HGVs.
Finally, under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the issue of wearing high visibility clothing and the mandatory usage of safety helmets by cyclists is now a matter for the Road Safety Authority.
Question No. 78 answered with QuestionNo. 17.
Air Services.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:79 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the measures he proposes to introduce to ensure the maintenance of Aer Lingus’s Cork-Heathrow and Dublin-Heathrow airport slots and the protection of critical air connectivity for both of these airports and regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24253/07]
Arrangements to safeguard Heathrow slots are built into the Company's Memorandum and Articles of Association. The effect of these arrangements, at present, is that any disposal of Heathrow slots can be prevented by 30.4% of the votes cast at an Extraordinary General Meeting. 25.4% of the shares in the Company are held by the Minister for Finance on behalf of the State.
Also, under the memorandum and articles of association, the State is entitled to appoint three directors to the board of Aer Lingus. Currently, there is one State appointed director serving on the board and it is now proposed that two further appointments be made. I envisage that the State appointees, will be mandated to seek to ensure that future decisions of the company that have significant implications for wider Government aviation or regional development policies are considered at board level. This will give the State appointees the opportunity to raise the public policy implications of decisions and to ensure that the full commercial implications for the company are taken into account. All directors, including the State appointees, will of course be bound by their fiduciary responsibilities under the Companies Acts.
Question No. 80 answered with QuestionNo. 14.
Paul Connaughton
Question:81 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport the role the Government is playing in attracting new airlines to establish routes into this country in the context of open skies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24346/07]
Paul Connaughton
Question:89 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that the national airports have made all the necessary efforts to attract users from new airport destinations in the US in the context of open skies; if his attention has been drawn to the intense competition from the airports of other European countries to make such arrangements for their countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24347/07]
Tom Sheahan
Question:107 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Transport the action the Government has taken to attract airlines to Shannon Airport in response to future pull outs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24391/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 89 and 107 together.
The State airports at Dublin, Shannon and Cork are owned and managed by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) who operate them to a commercial mandate. The company has statutory responsibility for all day-to-day matters at these airports, including their marketing for new routes and new airlines.
Under its commercial mandate DAA has the key role in developing the airports and thereby promoting the provision of as wide a range as possible of air services into and out of Ireland. Recent traffic growth at the airports confirms the success of the DAA in attracting airline interest and developing new air routes. I envisage that this commercial approach to air services development will be central to the operation of the airports concerned in the future.
With specific reference to Shannon Airport I know that an incentive scheme for new services to European hubs was recently launched there. More generally, the Deputy will be aware that in the light of the recent report of the Senior Officials Group on Aviation the Government has asked relevant Ministers to consult further with the local and regional authorities and report back with proposals for unlocking the further development potential of the Limerick-Shannon Gateway and its wider region.
Transport Policy.
Terence Flanagan
Question:82 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport the Government initiatives under Transport 21 that will improve bus and train services to the west of Ireland from Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24322/07]
Bus and rail services to the west of Ireland will benefit from investment, under Transport 21, in the completion of the Railway Safety Programme, the introduction into service of 183 new inter-city railcars, the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor, investment in other rail upgrade projects including removal of speed restrictions and investment in improved bus services such as the 235 new buses currently being purchased by Bus Éireann.
The investment in the railway network and rolling stock will facilitate the introduction of hourly peak and two hourly off-peak services between Dublin and Galway and two hourly services between Dublin and Sligo from 2009. It will also enable the company to increase the frequency of service on the Dublin/Westport line from the current level of three services each way to five services each way.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:83 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport the action he will take to accelerate the interconnector project as announced on 24 March 2007; the timescale now proposed for this accelerated project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24271/07]
The planning, design and construction of the Interconnector is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. Transport 21 currently provides for the completion of the Interconnector by 2015. The acceleration of the project will be considered in the context of the feasibility and planning design studies currently being undertaken by Iarnród Éireann and its consultants and due for completion this month.
Question No. 84 answered with QuestionNo. 34.
Road Safety.
David Stanton
Question:85 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport when the maximum vehicle height decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24372/07]
Regulations to give effect to a national maximum vehicle height of 4.65 metres are currently being prepared by the Road Safety Authority.
Question No. 86 answered with QuestionNo. 7.
Taxi Regulations.
Jack Wall
Question:87 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport his intentions to amend regulations to allow hackneys to use bus lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24275/07]
The current rules governing use of bus lanes were established through the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997-1998. These regulations restrict the use of bus lanes to buses or minibuses operating under a public service licence, as well as allowing taxis and pedal cycles to use bus lanes which are with-flow (as opposed to contra-flow).
I have now received a request from the Commission for Taxi Regulation to amend regulations so as to permit the use of bus lanes by hackneys and limousines. In considering this request, I have received the views of several interested bodies. However, a case is now pending before the High Court in which a limousine operator is challenging the provisions of the existing regulations. I intend to await the outcome of this case before making a final decision on the Taxi Regulator's request.
Question No. 88 answered with QuestionNo. 39.
Question No. 89 answered with QuestionNo. 81.
Question No. 90 answered with QuestionNo. 62.
Public Transport.
Brian Hayes
Question:91 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport his views on the need to establish a transport police for the purpose of deterring anti-social and violent behaviour on all public transport systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24114/07]
Day to day operation of rail and bus services including the provision of supervisory and security personnel and facilities such as CCTV to deal with anti social behaviour is a matter for the transport operator in conjunction, where necessary, with the Garda Authorities.
Question No. 92 answered with QuestionNo. 24.
Road Traffic Offences.
Joan Burton
Question:93 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport when he will respond to the request from the Medical Bureau of Road Safety for increased funding and resources to allow for an expansion of its drug-testing programme; if he will bring forward a comprehensive policy on drug-testing of drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24268/07]
With regard to drug testing of drivers, the Road Traffic Acts already provide that a member of the Garda Síochána may, where he or she is of the opinion that a person in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place is under the influence of a drug or drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of that vehicle, require that person to go to a Garda station and further require that person to submit to a blood test or to provide a urine sample.
There is no feasible basis yet in Ireland or in Europe for the introduction of a preliminary roadside test for drugs as testing devices are still in the prototype stages. However, my Department with the MBRS, is keeping abreast of developments in this area. The issue of funding and resources for the MBRS is under consideration in the context of the overall funding and resources for my Department and its non-commercial State agencies for 2008.
Road Safety.
Enda Kenny
Question:94 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the progress made on the introduction of mandatory training for motor cyclists in view of the high death rate in this group of road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24376/07]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the publication of a consultation document on compulsory training for motorcyclists.
Public Transport.
Seán Barrett
Question:95 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to enter into discussions with Dublin Bus, Iarnród Éireann and the Luas management company Veolia with a view to providing linking Imp buses between the three transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22321/07]
The provision of feeder and bus services to/from and between rail stations is a day-to-day operational matter for the relevant bus operators, Iarnród Éireann and the RPA and not one in which I have any role.
Light Rail Project.
Joe Costello
Question:96 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposed Luas D line to serve Grangegorman and Liffey Junction; the stage planning and development for this route is at; when he expects this line to commence and be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24264/07]
Dublin City Council is currently undertaking a traffic modelling exercise as part of its examination of revised traffic management arrangements in the city centre, which will be required for the delivery of the Luas city centre link (line BX), the further extension to Liffey Junction (line D) and also Metro North.
In addition, the RPA is considering ways of streamlining and combining construction works on these projects in order to minimise the impact on the city centre.
Following completion of further detailed design work and subject to a satisfactory outcome to the city centre traffic management planning work, the RPA plans to submit a Railway Order application for Luas Line BX to An Bord Pleanála next year. This will influence the timing of Luas Line D, the route for which will be decided having regard to the route of Line BX.
Public Transport.
Seán Barrett
Question:97 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he will enter into discussions with local authorities regarding policy in relation to introducing quality bus corridors and their locations, operating times and days with a view to ensuring some uniformity of approach; if he will ensure that public consultation will take place before they are introduced. [22290/07]
In the Greater Dublin Area, the Quality Bus Network Project Office of Dublin City Council works to ensure that there is a uniform approach to the design standards and specifications of the quality bus network among the local authorities in the Greater Dublin Area. The design and specification for each scheme is integrated to take account of the most appropriate bus priority measures for the route in question, the concerns of residential and business communities along the proposed route, the needs of all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians and the potential for road safety improvements.
The local authorities in Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway city regions are also involved in the provision of bus priority measures in their areas. The location of such measures as well as operational issues are addressed at the planning and design stages by the local authorities concerned, in the context of local development or transportation plans, such as the Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP). Public consultations are undertaken as a matter of course by the sponsoring agencies during the design and planning of all bus priority measures.
Question No. 98 answered with QuestionNo. 57.
Road Network.
Seymour Crawford
Question:99 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made with the Northern Ireland authorities regarding the Dublin/Derry road where a dual carriageway has been promised under the St. Andrew’s Agreement; if work has been carried out regarding the possible route; when this issue will come to public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24116/07]
A meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (Transport Sector) took place on 14th September 2007. The Council discussed and agreed the necessary steps to progress the A5 road project which will provide dual carriageway standard on the route within Northern Ireland serving the North West Gateway. The Council agreed to the formation of a management structure for the A5 project comprising a Cross Border Steering Group, Technical Group and a dedicated Roads Service Project Team to evaluate and monitor progress as required, and the early appointment of consultants to enable a route corridor study of the A5 project to commence. These arrangements are in hands.
Question No. 100 answered with QuestionNo. 77.
Motor Fuels.
Brendan Howlin
Question:101 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce a grant scheme for people having their cars modified to enable them to use low CO2 emission biofuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24273/07]
The Minerals Oil Tax Relief (MOTR) Scheme II, announced in November 2006, aims to place 163 million litres of biofuels on the market per annum at a cost of €200 million over the period 2006-2010. When the scheme is fully operational, it is expected that it will contribute 2.2% of total transport fuel consumption. In addition, obligatory fuel blending of 5% will be introduced by 2009 which will help to achieve the indicative target of 5.75% set out in the Biofuels Directive 2003/30/EC. The remainder will be achieved through higher biofuel blends and use of pure plant oil (PPO) in captive fleets maintained by private and public transport operators. My Department has also provided support for transport operators to convert their vehicles to run on 100% PPO as part of a scheme operated by the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce in 2007.
Despite the success of this pilot scheme and the interest expressed in it by operators, I have no immediate intention to extend it or provide any other additional grants for vehicle modification, until the proposed Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan emerges in 2008. Notwithstanding this, there is currently a provision for a 50% VRT relief on flexi-fuelled vehicles (FFV), which are capable of operating on 85% blend, for 2006 and 2007. Furthermore, it is expected that changes to the current VRT and motor tax system will reward purchasers and owners of low-carbon vehicles.
Question No. 102 answered with QuestionNo. 26.
Question No. 103 answered with QuestionNo. 31.
Park and Ride Facilities.
John Perry
Question:104 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to address the critical lack of park and ride facilities in Dublin; if he has plans to meet the target of 74 park and ride sites in Dublin as was stated at the outset of Transport 21; the number of additional such sites provided since they were announced in December 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24395/07]
Good progress is being made on the provision of park and ride facilities in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). Iarnród Éireann is currently undertaking a nationwide programme of expanding and upgrading station car parks and 17 of these are in the GDA. New facilities at Leixlip Louisa Bridge and Adamstown were opened already this year and plans are well advanced at Donabate, Rush, Lusk and Sallins. Upgraded facilities at Gormanston for 250 cars have also recently been provided.
To date, 800 extra spaces have been provided in the GDA, along with the 200 extra spaces at Sallins which will be opened shortly. I have approved funding for Iarnród Éireann for a further 600 spaces at 3 other sites and proposals for a further 500 spaces are being considered by my Department. The park and ride sites on the proposed Luas and Metro lines will open simultaneously with the start-up of services. The extension of the Luas line to Cherrywood will include a park and ride sites with 350 spaces at Carrickmines which will open in late-2010. Proposals from local authorities for rail-based park and ride facilities will also be considered for Transport 21 funding.
A DTO report has concluded that bus-based park and ride has a limited role in Dublin because of the city's size and consequent distances. Nonetheless, where there is a sound business case, my Department will give favourable consideration to funding. I understand that Dublin South County Council is awaiting the outcome of its application to An Bord Pleanála for permission for a bus-based park and ride facility close to Leixlip. I am confident that the Transport 21 commitments on park and ride facilities will be comprehensively delivered.
Question No. 105 answered with QuestionNo. 31.
Question No. 106 answered with QuestionNo. 68.
Question No. 107 answered with QuestionNo. 81.
Road Network.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:108 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide the necessary funding to enable a new bridge to be provided at Ballinagare, Lixnaw following the collapse of the original bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22292/07]
The provision or improvement of non-national roads, including bridges, in its area is a matter for Kerry County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants. In August this year, applications were invited from road authorities for funding under the non-national roads Specific Improvements Grant scheme in 2008. The proposals submitted by Kerry County Council included an application for grant aid for a bridge at Ballinagare.
All applications received for funding under the scheme will be considered by my Department, having regard to compliance with eligibility criteria, the need to prioritise projects, competing demands from other local authorities and the funds available for the scheme in 2008. The 2008 non-national road grant allocations to local authorities will be announced early next year.
Question No. 109 answered with QuestionNo. 66.
Question No. 110 answered with QuestionNo. 57.
Airport Development Projects.
John O'Mahony
Question:111 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport his views on the recent submission made to him by Ireland West Airport Knock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24324/07]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to a letter sent by the Group Managing Director of Ireland West Airport Knock to the Secretary General of my Department following a media report concerning Shannon airport. My Department has acknowledged receipt of the letter and has indicated that a further reply will follow when the issues raised have been fully considered.
Question No. 112 answered with QuestionNo. 11.
Site Acquisitions.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:113 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the status of the negotiations for the acquisition of a site for the proposed new community college in Skibbereen, County Cork; the number of sites that have been examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24567/07]
The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland act as agents for the Department of Education and Science in the acquisition of sites for some schools. We were requested by the Department to acquire a site for the amalgamation of 3 schools in the Skibbereen area. A total of 12 site options were examined. However, none of the sites were considered suitable and the matter is presently with the Department of Education and Science who I understand will continue to explore options.
Tax Code.
Paul Kehoe
Question:114 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the status of the claim for mortgage interest relief for persons (details supplied) in County Wexford; when it will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24589/07]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that an application for mortgage interest relief for the current year was received from the persons in question on 4 September 2007. An application for interest relief for prior years was also received on the same date.
It is expected that the persons will receive mortgage interest relief for the current year from 1 November. The mortgage provider in this instance operates a gross payment policy, meaning that the persons will pay the full monthly mortgage amount and the mortgage provider will credit their funding account with the monthly tax credit. Mortgage relief for the earlier months of this year will be the subject of a lump sum credit to the funding account.
With regard to the interest relief for prior years, this will be refunded during November — the mortgage provider will refund for the year 2006 and Revenue will refund for the years 2003-2005 inclusive.
National Development Plan.
Enda Kenny
Question:115 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of PPP investment invested under the national development plan to date; the amount estimated to be invested by the end of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24627/07]
Enda Kenny
Question:118 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount spent to date under the national development plan programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24630/07]
Enda Kenny
Question:119 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of funding spent to date on the national development plan; the amount estimated to be spent by the end of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24631/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115, 118 and 119 together.
The National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2013 was launched by the Government on 23 January of this year. Investment under the Plan is grouped under five Priorities: Economic Infrastructure; Enterprise, Science and Innovation; Social Infrastructure; Human Capital and Social Inclusion. Each Priority contains a number of programmes which are further divided into sub-programmes. In relation to funding total investment under the Plan in the period 2007-2013 will amount to approximately €184 billion which is broken down as follows:
|
Priority |
2007-2013 |
|
Total €m |
|
|
Economic Infrastructure |
54,660 |
|
Enterprise, Science and Innovation |
20,006 |
|
Human Capital |
25,796 |
|
Social Infrastructure |
33,612 |
|
Social Inclusion |
49,636 |
|
Total |
183,709 |
The €184 billion total investment under the NDP over the period 2007-2013 is comprised of approximately €100 billion of capital and €84 billion of current investment. Some €143 billion of investment over the period will be funded by the Exchequer. It is expected that PPPs will contribute some €13 billion and investment by Commercial State Bodies will total some €16 billion over the lifetime of the Plan. The remainder of the investment will be made up of Local Authority own resources and other sources (including the Local Government Fund, the Environment Fund and the National Training Fund).
Monitoring of progress under the Plan at Priority, Programme and Sub-Programme level will be undertaken by the Central Monitoring Committee (CMC) for the Plan which is chaired by my Department. The CMC is comprised of representatives from all relevant Government Departments, the Social Partners, Regional Assemblies and Authorities and Environmental Interests. The first meeting of the CMC is scheduled for later this year. As stated in the NDP, the CMC will assess progress under the NDP by reference to a Report which will be prepared by my Department based on material received from Departments and Implementing Agencies. My Department will also coordinate the drafting of an Annual Report on NDP implementation which will be submitted to the Government and subsequently laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas where it shall be subject to debate.
Details of the first year of implementation figures in relation to spend in 2007, including PPP investment, will be set out in the 2007 NDP Annual Report which will be produced and submitted to the Oireachtas in 2008. I can, however, inform the Deputy that Exchequer capital issues were above profile for the period to end September and this indicates that NDP spending from that source is going well.
Enda Kenny
Question:116 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount spent to date on the south and east regional programme under the national development plan; the amount estimated to be spent by the end of the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24628/07]
Enda Kenny
Question:117 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount spent to date on the Border midland western regional programme under the national development plan; the amount estimated to be spent by the end of the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24629/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.
The National Development Plan/Community Support Framework (NDP/CSF) 2000-2006 has made a major contribution to our economic growth and employment levels and has significantly enhanced Ireland's competitiveness. The benefits of projects and programmes in areas including childcare, housing, rural development, training and business innovation have been experienced nationwide and the completion of many of these programmes has both improved our social infrastructure and encouraged regional development.
The ESRI (Oct 2006) in its ex-ante assessment of investment priorities for the NDP 2007-2013 concluded that "The NDP/CSF 2000-2006 has greatly enhanced the economic and social infrastructure of the State with major benefits to economic development throughout all regions".
The NDP/CSF 2000-2006 is implemented through seven Operational Programmes, two of these are the Border, Midlands and Western (BMW) Programme and the Southern and Eastern (S&E) Programme which are managed by the two Regional Assemblies. Both of these Regional Programmes complement the National Programmes and make a significant contribution to the socioeconomic development of the two regions.
The most recent information available to my Department, following the June NDP/CSF Monitoring Committee meeting, regarding expenditure under NDP/CSF 2000-2006 to the end of December 2006 indicates that some €2.8 billion and €4.1 billion has been invested under the BMW and S&E Programmes respectively.
The four priorities set out in the Regional Programmes are local infrastructure; local enterprise; local agriculture/rural development; and social inclusion and childcare. Highlights of the BMW programme include the improvement, restoration and maintenance of more than 26,000 kilometres of non-national roads; the creation of more than 18,500 jobs by County Enterprise Boards in supported enterprises; and the provision of over 12,000 additional childcare places. Highlights of the S&E Programme include the improvement, restoration and maintenance of more than 28,000 kilometres of non-national roads; the creation of more than 14,000 jobs by County Enterprise Boards in supported enterprises; and the provision of over 22,000 additional childcare places.
In terms of forecasting expenditure until the end of the NDP/CSF 2000-2006, it is important to point out that spending on EU co-financed measures can continue until 2008 as set out in the EU regulations. At this stage, based on the information available, it is estimated that some €3 billion and €4.3 billion will have been invested under the BMW and S&E Programmes, respectively, when the programme is completed.
Questions Nos. 118 and 119 answered with Question No. 115.
Tax Code.
Róisín Shortall
Question:120 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 181 of 10 October 2007, the estimate of the number and percentage of tax payers liable for income tax at the higher rate based on their gross income and before tax credits are deducted. [24638/07]
As the Deputy is aware, the data relating to the numbers paying tax at the higher rate, the standard rate and exempt were set out in my reply to her question on 10 October 2007. An explanation as to why the data are presented in this way is contained in the 2007 Budget booklet, pages C.23 to C.28.
What matters to earners is the amount of their earnings that they keep in their pockets. For all income earners, whether single or married, the position is that their take home pay has increased very significantly in real terms over the last ten years. As indicated in An Agreed Programme for Government, the aim over the next five years is to keep the overall tax burden low and implement further changes to enhance the reward for work while increasing the fairness of the tax system.
Róisín Shortall
Question:121 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 61 of 15 February 2007, if he will provide the information requested in relation to the highest individual pension relief in respect of each of the years subsequent to 2003. [24644/07]
Róisín Shortall
Question:122 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the numbers of single persons and married persons availing of the maximum pension relief allowable in each of the age categories in 2003 and in each of the subsequent years. [24645/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 122 together.
With regard to occupational pensions (that is approved superannuation schemes set up by the employer) I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there is no statistical basis on which to provide an estimate of the highest individual value of tax relief as the required data at individual employee level is not available to the Revenue Commissioners. Individuals claiming tax relief on contributions to Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) or Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) make that claim by way of a tax return to the Revenue Commissioners.
Figures illustrating the highest value of tax relief achievable (and how this is arrived at) for pension contributions by individuals in the years 2004 to 2007 are set out in the table.
|
Year |
Contribution earnings cap |
Highest proportion of contribution earnings cap allowable |
Amount of highest contribution allowable |
Top rate of income tax |
Value of highest amount of contribution allowable in terms of tax saving |
|
€ |
% |
€ |
% |
€ |
|
|
2004 |
254,000 |
30 |
76,200 |
42 |
32,004 |
|
2005 |
254,000 |
30 |
76,200 |
42 |
32,004 |
|
2006 |
254,000 |
40 |
101,600 |
42 |
42,672 |
|
2007 |
262,382 |
40 |
104,953 |
41 |
43,031 |
The relief can be doubled in the case of a married couple where each spouse qualifies for the maximum individual relief.
On the basis of the information available from tax records, the highest values of tax relief allowed in 2004 (the most recent year for which the necessary detailed information is available) were €64,008 for RACs and €42,000 for PRSAs. These are the amounts of tax relief corresponding to allowable contributions of €152,400 and €100,000 respectively, as relieved at the top tax rate of 42%.
In relation to the numbers of single and married persons availing of the maximum pension relief allowable, the most recent year for which the necessary detailed information is available is also 2004. A breakdown of contributions to RACs and PRSAs by reference to age is not available.
Following are the figures that are available for income tax years 2003 and 2004:
|
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Single & widowed persons |
87 |
102 |
|
Married persons |
463 |
688 |
|
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Single & widowed persons |
none |
none |
|
Married persons |
4 |
10 |
The figures provided for the numbers availing of the maximum pension relief allowable assume that, in the case of married couples where both spouses are earning, the maximum allowable contributions can be confined to €76,200 (where only one spouse is a contributor) or to any amount falling between €76,200 and double that amount at €152,400 (where both spouses contribute the maximum allowable).
Health Service Funding.
Mary Upton
Question:123 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding available to public and private gyms and fitness clubs who wish to purchase an automated external defibrillator for the safety of their members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24572/07]
Mary Upton
Question:137 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the State funding available to sports clubs and voluntary organisations who wish to purchase an automated external defibrillator for the safety of their members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24574/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 137 together.
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, 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.
Child Care Services.
Denis Naughten
Question:124 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that as little as 10% of children will be eligible for some support under the new child care staffing grant and the impact this will have on the viable operation of community child care facilities and as a result the educational development of pre-school children; if she will reinstate the existing funding model from January 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24591/07]
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 conditional on a strong focus on disadvantage and that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question which ensured that childcare places subsidised were targeted towards those most inneed.
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.
I cannot comment on the figure of 10% the Deputy has quoted for the number of children in participating facilities who will benefit from subvention, as until the childcare groups make their returns next month, it will not be possible to establish the relevant figure. I am however informed that such a percentage would be inconsistent with the data provided by groups when they applied for EOCP staffing funding.
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.
The new scheme has clear advantages over its predecessor. There is an increase in the level of funding available under it, and a majority of services will benefit from the changes it introduces. 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. As signalled when I announced the new scheme in July this year, the transitional period between now and 1 July 2008 will also be used to monitor and review the impact it will have on individual groups, on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data which is due to be received from applicants in November. If appropriate, any adjustments necessary to secure the best outcomes for childcare services and for disadvantaged parents and their children will be considered on the basis of this data and well in advance of the commencement of the new funding levels in July 2008.
Denis Naughten
Question:125 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that application forms for the new child care staffing grants have not been issued to community groups; if it is acceptable to leave such a short window to complete such forms in view of the confidential information which is required; if she will postpone the implementation of the new funding structure for a 12 month period due to the unacceptably tight timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24592/07]
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 in the form of Child Benefit and the Early Childcare Supplement. 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.
Following the Government decision in July 2007 to adopt the new Scheme, officials in my Office wrote to all of the community childcare services in receipt of existing grant support to advise them of the changes being introduced and inviting them to attend information seminars which were arranged in a number of venues around the country for late September and early October. These have taken place and have provided very useful feedback. The details of the new scheme, the rates of subvention which will be available to community childcare services in respect of disadvantaged parents, and the timeframe within which the new arrangements are being implemented, were also outlined. The information seminars have been followed up by updated information packs, which take account of some of the issues raised and responded to at the seminars. These have issued this week along with the forms which the services will need to complete and return by 2 November 2007 as part of the application process.
As signalled when I announced the new scheme in July this year, the transitional period between now and 1 July 2008 will be used to monitor and review the impact it will have on individual groups, on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data which is due to be received from applicants in November. Childcare providers are urged to respect the deadline and based on the data received, if appropriate, any adjustments necessary to the scheme to secure the best outcomes for childcare services and for disadvantaged parents and their children will be considered on this basis and well in advance of the commencement of the new funding levels in July 2008. However under the transitional arrangements which accompany the introduction of the new scheme, existing grant recipients entering the new scheme can 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.
Health Services.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:126 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are physiotherapy services available to children attending a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24515/07]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:127 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 18 receives physiotherapy; and her views on whether it is vital for any young child with a severe mental and physical disability to receive physiotherapy as early as possible in life and on a daily basis. [24516/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.
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, the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with autism, including therapy services.
The Disability Act, 2005 is a central element of the National Disability Strategy. The Act is a positive measure designed to advance and underpin participation by people with disabilities in everyday life. Under Part 2 of the Act a person with a disability (or their parent, spouse relative, guardian or personal representative) is entitled to apply for an independent assessment of need. An Assessment Officer will coordinate this Assessment and shall commence the assessment process as soon as possible after the completed application form has been received but not later than three months after that date. At the end of this process the person will receive an Assessment report.
This report will state if the person has a disability (as defined in the Act) and where it is determined that the person does, the report will contain a statement of the nature and extent of the disability, a statement of the health and education needs (if any) occasioned to the person by the disability and a statement of the services considered appropriate by the Assessment Officer. The Executive shall complete the assessment, the assessment report and forward the assessment report to the Liaison Officer within a further three months from the date on which the assessment commenced, save for in exceptional circumstances, when the assessment will be completed without undue delay. This report must be written without regard to the cost or capacity to provide any of the services they need.
Part 2 commenced for children aged under 5 years with effect from 1st June 2007. This prioritisation reflects the importance of intervention early in life, which can have a significant impact on the disabling effects of a condition or impairment. Part 2 will be commenced in respect of children aged 5-18 in tandem with the implementation of the EPSEN Act. The statutory requirements of Part 2 of the Disability Act will be extended to adults as soon as possible but no later than 2011.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal 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.
Judicial Proceedings.
Finian McGrath
Question:128 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is substance to allegations (details supplied). [24517/07]
Issues raised in the correspondence that the Deputy refers to are the subject of ongoing legal proceedings. It would be inappropriate to comment further.
Health Services.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:129 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Dublin is urgently in need of speech and occupational therapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24528/07]
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 sum incorporates the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is committed to enhancing the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with autism.
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 theDeputy.
Mental Health Services.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:130 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding future plans for St. Edmundsbury Hospital, Lucan, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24530/07]
St. Edmundsbury Hospital is a private psychiatric hospital and responsibility for the operation of the hospital and its future plans is a matter for the management of the hospital. They must however, comply with the provisions of the Mental Health Act 2001. In addition the Mental Health Act 2001 (Approved Centres) Regulations 2006 require that the closure of an approved centre be notified to the Mental Health Commission.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:131 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist persons (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [24537/07]
The question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the specific matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Finian McGrath
Question:132 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding services for cases (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [24538/07]
The question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the specific matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospitals Building Programme.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:133 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the building of a new Limerick maternity hospital to be located on the grounds of the Mid-West Regional hospital. [24542/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to 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 this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Margaret Conlon
Question:134 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for improvements which are needed to support carers (details supplied) including better community based dementia services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24549/07]
The development of Services for Older People, including the development of services for people living with dementia, is a priority for the Government. This is reflected in the funding committed to Services for Older People in Budgets 2006 and 2007. Last year, the Government funded the largest ever expansion in Services for Older People with a full year cost of €150m. This year a full year package of €255m has been allocated for Services for Older People. This gives a total of over €400m added to services for older people over two years.
Government policy in relation to older people is to support people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and, where this is not possible, to support access to quality long-term residential care. This policy approach is renewed and developed in the latest partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
There is a complementary link between Government policy in the area of the care of older people and care for people with dementia. Both policies stress the need to provide support in dignity and independence, through the provision of appropriate services to the people concerned and their carers. The Government is fully committed to providing such support and service improvement, including the expansion of community and residential care services for people with dementia. This commitment is reflected in the additional funding of approximately €109 million in Budget 2006 and €82 million in Budget 2007 which was allocated to community supports for older people, including those with dementia. These supports include Home Care Packages, the Home Help Scheme and Respite Care.
The additional funding provided for Home Care Packages and the Home Help Scheme will further enhance the supports available to families caring for people with dementia at home. In 2006 a total of 2,000 extra Home Care Packages were provided at a full year cost of €55 million (prior to this date only 1,100 Packages had been in operation on a pilot basis). A similar increase in the number of Packages will be provided in 2007, benefiting some 4,000 people. An additional €21 million has been provided in 2007 to fund the cost of some 780,000 additional Home Help hours in 2007. This brings the total funding allocated to Home Helps to approximately €171 million per annum.
Among the areas where funding has been provided are day care and respite care which are an integral part of delivering a comprehensive community service for older people. Day care and respite care offer respite for family members and/or carers and provide social stimulation in a safe environment for older people with mild forms of dementia. The provision of an additional €9 million in 2006 funded a further 1,325 additional places per week in these centres, together with additional programmes for specific needs such as activity therapy. It also means that many day care centres can increase the number of days per week they open. Additional funding of €3.5 million provided in Budget 2007 will cater for a further 1,100 day places per week in day care centres.
The HSE has responsibility for the planning and management of capital projects in the health sector, including the development of services for people suffering from Dementia. The HSE's Capital Plan for 2007 includes significant investment provision to progress projects in the older people sector.
The Deputy may be aware that one of the key Government commitments in the national partnership agreement "Towards 2016" is the development of a national carer's strategy and this commitment is reiterated in the Programme for Government. The strategy will focus on supporting informal and family carers in the community. While financial support for carers will clearly be a key issue in the strategy, other issues such as access to respite and other services, education, training and employment will also feature strongly. Co-operation between relevant Government departments and agencies is essential if the provision of services, supports and entitlements for carers is to be fully addressed.
The Department of Social & Family Affairs has lead responsibility for the development of the Carer's Strategy and is currently considering how best to ensure all relevant Departments and agencies can be involved in the strategy. My officials in the Department of Health & Children will continue to work with their counterparts in the Department of Social & Family Affairs to progress matters.
Róisín Shortall
Question:135 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the situation which exists in relation to occupational therapy services within the Health Service Executive; and the action she proposes to take to remedy the situation. [24554/07]
Róisín Shortall
Question:136 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of adults and the number of children waiting for occupational therapy assessments in each of the local Health Service Executive areas; and the number of occupational therapist posts vacant in each of these areas. [24555/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 136 together.
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 sum incorporates the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is committed to enhancing the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services including therapy services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with autism.
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.
Question No. 137 answered with QuestionNo. 123.
Hospital Services.
Pat Breen
Question:138 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Clare could be facilitated as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24582/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal 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.
Pat Breen
Question:139 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be facilitated with surgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24583/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to 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 this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Michael Ring
Question:140 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people currently employed by the Health Service Executive on a regional basis; the number of those employees who are medical; and the number who are administrative. [24604/07]
Almost 130,000 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 numbers 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 its Annual 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 directly to the Deputy.
National Development Plan.
Enda Kenny
Question:141 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount spent to date on the child care measure under the national development plan; the estimated amount to be spent by the end of the NDP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24632/07]
The National Childcare Investment Programme is a key element of the Social Inclusion Priority of the National Development Plan 2007 -2013. The Programme aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality childcare supports and services for families, which are grounded in an understanding of local needs. The Programme has an overall budget of €575 million over five years 2006 to 2010, with the objective of creating an additional 50,000 childcare places over the period. The Programme has a greater focus on preschool places for 3 to 4 year olds and school age childcare places.
Since the Programme was launched in January 2006 a total of €137 has been approved in funding towards childcare services of which €17.8 million had been disbursed to beneficiaries by the end of September 2007. At the end of 2010, progress under the Programme in addressing childcare needs will be reviewed to ensure that Programme has responded to emerging needs. This review will be carried out in tandem with the midterm review of the National Development Plan and will inform any subsequent policy response to childcare.
Enda Kenny
Question:142 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount spent to date under the non-acute and continuing care hospital measure of the national development plan; the amount estimated to be spent under this measure by the end of the NDP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24633/07]
Enda Kenny
Question:143 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount spent to date under the acute measure of the national development plan; the estimated amount to be spent by the end of the NDP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24634/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.
The Government's sustained high level of investment in healthcare has enabled the completion and commissioning of numerous new facilities in both the acute and the non-acute sectors. This year, overall capital funding of €546 million has been provided to the Health Service Executive. Responsibility for the planning and management of capital projects in the health sector are a matter for the Health Services Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Enda Kenny
Question:144 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of dental service provided by the Health Service Executive in County Mayo; if an extra machine was bought in November 2006; if this machine has been installed and is in use; the level of dental service available to children in the Ballinrobe area, County Mayo; if children from this locality have had to travel to Headford to have treatment provided by a private dentist paid by the HSE; if children in Headford have a dental service provided to them by the same method; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24639/07]
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.
Enda Kenny
Question:145 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting list and number thereon in Ballina, County Mayo for dental hygienist treatment and service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24640/07]
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.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Denis Naughten
Question:146 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene in an impasse between the Health Service Executive and the registrar of the wards of court regarding the nursing home reclaims scheme for patients who are wards of court; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that it is not possible for the registrar to sign the reclaim form as currently worded; the action she is taking to address the problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24643/07]
The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 provides that applications for repayments to Wards of Court can be made by the Registrar of the Wards of Court or the relevant County Registrar as the Circuit Court has concurrent jurisdiction in wardship matters.
The scheme administrator, the Health Service Executive and officials from my Department met with the Registrar of the Wards of Court in advance of the submission of applications on behalf of Wards of Court, to provide whatever assistance possible with the application process. The scheme administrator is working in conjunction with the Registrar of the Wards of Court to ensure that the application process is as simple as possible. The HSE is not aware of any impasse with the Registrar of the Wards of Court and has informed my Department that 200 applications on behalf of Wards of Court have been received to date.
Hospital Staff.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:147 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when an appointment at Tallaght Hospital for physiotherapy will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24647/07]
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.
Medical Cards.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:148 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a family medical card will issue in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24648/07]
Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.
Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, childcare and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Road Network.
Enda Kenny
Question:149 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent to date on non-national road measures under the national development plan; the amount estimated to be spent by the end of the programme; the breakdown of each for the Border midland western and south and east regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24626/07]
The National Development Plan 2007-2013 envisages that, over the period of the Plan, some €4.3 billion will be invested by the Exchequer and the Local Government Fund in the non-national road network. This investment will be primarily aimed at restoring and maintaining the extensive rural road network and investment in strategic non-national roads. A breakdown of investment between the regions over the period of the Plan has not been identified. Total funding being provided for non-national roads under the Plan in 2007 is €607.5 million. The provisional percentage breakdown between the regions of this allocation is 58% for the Southern & Eastern Region and 42% for the Border, Midland and Western Region.
Total road grants paid to local authorities to end September 2007 for non-national roads under the Plan is €348,876,307 i.e. €208,445,554 in the Southern & Eastern Region and €140,430,753 in the Border Midland and Western Region.
Public Transport.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:150 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Transport his proposals to ensure that all private and public buses will be accessible for disabled people; when it is expected that this will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24553/07]
My Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005, titled Transport Access for All, contains time bound targets for the progressive realisation of accessible transport in Ireland. In general, the timescales for the various elements of the Plan are expected to be completed within the ten year timeframe of Transport 21.
The Plan envisages that by end 2012 all urban bus services will be fully accessible and that by 2015 practically all vehicles to be used for stage carriage and rural services will be wheelchair accessible and incorporate facilities to assist people with mobility, cognitive and sensory impairments.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:151 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a company (details supplied) has recently ceased providing a service to Malin Head and Manorcunningham village in County Donegal and is expected to scale down its services further to sustain its overall business; the reason that his Department ceased the provision of a subsidy to this company for providing this public service to the people of north Donegal and Derry city in the 1980s and has failed to resume the provision of subsidies since; and the reason his Department has not intervened to ensure that the people of north Donegal have the same level of public transport as elsewhere in the State. [24596/07]
My Department has issued Annual Passenger Licences and International Authorisations issued under EU law to the Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway Company (LLSR), enabling them to provide public bus services in the North West Donegal region and services to and from destinations in Northern Ireland. LLSR recently applied to my Department to amend their licences and authorisations to reflect their proposed winter schedule which the company wanted to introduce from 03 September 2007. This included the withdrawal of services from the Malin Head area and Manorcunningham village.
While the withdrawal of any service is regretted, the provision of bus services on specific routes is a commercial and operational matter for bus operators provided they comply with the relevant legislation. It is open to any operator to apply to my Department for a licence or International Authorisation to provide bus services in the area. There is currently no legal framework enabling my Department to pay subvention to private operators.
Road Safety.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:152 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on recent meetings with the Road Safety Authority; and if he has raised or intends to raise the issue of initiating legislation regarding the usage of bicycle helmets for all cyclists. [24597/07]
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. There are no legislative proposals under consideration to make it mandatory for all cyclists to wear helmets and to thereby bring the matter into the remit of the criminal law code.
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.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:153 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the specifications including speed capacity of vehicles imported into the State; if he will meet the key manufacturers and distributors of the major marques which dominate the Irish market; and if he plans to upgrade safety specifications for vehicles sold here. [24614/07]
The EU Type Approval System provides for a harmonised structure for motor vehicles. Vehicles which meet these standards have access to all EU markets. Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the issue of vehicle standards including type approval is now a matter for the Road Safety Authority. Any discussions with the motoring sector and the preparation of any proposals on safety specifications would be a matter for the Authority in the first instance.
National Development Plan.
Enda Kenny
Question:154 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent to date under the economic and social infrastructure operational programme under the national development plan; the breakdown of the amount spent in each region under the plan; the amount estimated to be spent by the end of the NDP with a breakdown for each region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24635/07]
The Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme (ESIOP) is one of five main Operational Programmes prepared within the framework of Ireland's National Development Plan (NDP) and the Community Support Framework 2000-2006 (CSF) agreed between the Irish Government and the European Commission. The Programme provided for a total infrastructural investment of €26.019 billion, of which €6.999 billion was earmarked for the BMW Region and €19.020 billion for the South and East Region.
Total cumulative expenditure from the start of the Programme in 2000 up to the end of 2006 was €28.539 billion. Of this sum, €6.828 billion was spent in the BMW Region and €21.711 billion was spent in the South and East Region. The NDP 2000-2006, of which the ESIOP is a major component, came to a formal end on 31st December, 2006 and has been succeeded by the NDP 2007-2013. However, projects in four areas (National Roads, Public Transport, Waste Water and Sustainable Energy) continue to benefit from EU financial assistance provided from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) towards the ESIOP. Expenditure on these EU co-funded projects continues to be eligible for EU aid up to the end of December, 2008. The Department of Transport, as the managing authority for the ESIOP under EU Regulations, is currently collating expenditure data on the EU co-funded areas for the first 6 months of 2007, together with forecasts, for presentation to a meeting of the Monitoring Committee which oversees the implementation of the ESIOP. This information will be provided to the Deputy following review and approval by the Monitoring Committee at its next meeting on 14th November, 2007.
Rail Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:155 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the daily passenger throughput at Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip, Confey, Hazelhatch, Sallins, Newbridge, Kildare and Monasterevin rail stations; the anticipated increase in each case; the deadline for meeting such targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24658/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:156 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he intends to increase the number of car parking spaces at each rail station in County Kildare; the existing number of places in each case; and the expected number when augmented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24659/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:157 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the need to further increase the frequency and capacity of commuter trains serving Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip, Confey, Hazelhatch, Sallins, Newbridge, Kildare and Monasterevin, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24660/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:161 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the feeder bus services serving rail stations throughout County Kildare with a view to encouraging the use of rail transport and alleviating traffic chaos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24665/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155, 156, 157 and 161 together.
My Department has asked Iarnród Éireann to provide the detailed data regarding passenger throughput and parking capacity for each station in County Kildare to the Deputy. The position in regard to the improvement of railway services on the Maynooth line is that capacity has been trebled in the last five years. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that it is currently reviewing its plans for resignalling in the city centre area as part of its broader plans for the upgrade of railway infrastructure in the Dublin area and that in this context it is considering the removal of level crossings and resignalling of the Maynooth line as a means of substantially further increasing capacity on the line.
With regard to the Kildare line, capacity has increased by 160% on this line in recent years, along with platform extensions allowing for longer trains, introduction of Sunday services and the turnback facility at Newbridge that provides for Newbridge specific trains to operate. Furthermore, the Kildare Route project will see four-tracking between Cherry Orchard and Hazelhatch that will allow intercity trains to bypass the commuter services serving the outer Dublin area leading to more efficient use of the rail network. In the medium term the Interconnector and the associated electrification will also provide a significant increase in capacity and service on the Kildare Line. The provision of feeder and linking bus services to railway stations is a matter for the bus operators in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann.
Air Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:158 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if Aer Lingus has available to it other landing slots at Heathrow that could be availed of to resolve the difficulties caused by the recent developments at Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24661/07]
The issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Aer Lingus. I have no function in relation to such matters.
Public Transport.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:159 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if it is intended to enhance bus services to include new urban developments not currently in receipt of services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24662/07]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Dáil Questions Nos. 309 and 310 which I answered on Tuesday last and Question Nos. 37 and 51 which I answered earlier today regarding additional buses for Dublin Bus. These buses, together with the new buses to be purchased by Bus Éireann, and the provision of services by private operators, will facilitate the expansion and extension of services to serve new developments. Detailed deployment of additional buses by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, including the areas and routes to be served and the frequency of service is a matter for the companies having regard to the level of demand and resources available to them. In addition, private bus operators may be licensed on new routes in accordance with the provisions of the Road Transport Act, 1932.
Transport Policy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:160 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if Transport 21 is expected to be delivered in its entirety as anticipated or with modifications; the cost of such modifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24664/07]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar Question from him of today's date.
Question No. 161 answered with QuestionNo. 155.
Road Traffic Offences.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:162 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the number of penalty points already imposed; the number of cases in respect of which maximum points have been imposed; the consequences of same; the number of cases that have been legally contested; the result of such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24666/07]
At the end of September 2007, a total of 469,117 drivers had received penalty points on their driving licence record. A driver who accumulates 12 or more penalty points in a three-year period is disqualified from holding a driving licence for a period of 6 months. At the end of September there were 86 drivers currently on 12 penalty points resulting in 6 months disqualification. The compilation of statistics on road traffic offences in relation to the level of prosecutions taken, details of cases contested, the number of court convictions or of any other outcome are matters for the Garda Síochána and the Courts Service respectively.
Air Accident Investigations.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:163 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if the cause or causes have been determined in respect of all air accidents involving helicopters in the past five years; if there is one particular cause for such accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24667/07]
I have been advised that a total of 23 helicopter accidents have been reported to the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) of my Department over the past 5 years. Of these 23 accidents a total of 19 have been investigated and reports have been published with a probable cause. The 4 remaining accidents are still under investigation and final reports will be published in due course. The causal factors vary throughout the spectrum of operational, technical and human factor issues. No one specific cause can be attributed to all these accidents. All published reports can be viewed on the AAIU website www.aaiu.ie
Pension Provisions.
Phil Hogan
Question:164 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are problems relating to the payment of contributions for construction workers and the lack of pension cover for this category of worker; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24557/07]
The Construction Industry (Pension Assurance and Sick Pay) Registered Employment Agreement (REA) requires employers in the construction sector to become and remain a party to a contributory pension scheme approved by the Revenue Commissioners and sets out the conditions upon which pension and mortality payments are payable and the associated minimum amounts and benefits. The REA does not specify the particular pension scheme to apply but rather sets out the general parameters within which any such scheme should operate.
The Construction Workers Pension Scheme has been established on foot of the Registered Employment Agreement. While it is not a legal requirement for employers and employees in the construction industry to pay into this pension scheme, it is a legal requirement that employers provide for pension, mortality and sick benefits for those workers to whom the REA applies. The conditions upon which such pension, mortality and sick pay benefits are payable and the amounts thereof must not be less favourable than those which are set out in the REA. The Scheme is administered and monitored on behalf of employers and employees by the Construction Industry Monitoring Agency (CIMA).
Enforcement of the provisions of a Registered Employment Agreement may be effected by direct complaint to the Labour Court. A trade union may complain to the Labour Court that a particular employer is not complying with a Registered Employment Agreement. If, after investigating a complaint, the Court is satisfied that an employer is in breach of a Registered Employment Agreement the Court may by order direct compliance with the agreement. Failure to comply with such an order is an offence punishable by a fine. In exercising its powers in this regard, the Court can request the assistance of the National Employment Rights Authority in inspecting employer records to assess compliance.
Health and Safety Regulations.
Mary Upton
Question:165 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will amend the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 in order to make the provision of automated external defibrillators a legal requirement for public and private gyms and fitness clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24570/07]
Mary Upton
Question:166 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will amend the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 in order to require training in the use of automated external defibrillators a legal requirement for all employees of public and private gyms and fitness clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24571/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.
From 1 November 2007, new Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 299 of 2007), made under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, relating to First-Aid at places of work, generally replace and revoke similar provisions in the 1993 Regulations of the same name (S.I. No. 44 of 1993).
The 2005 Act and the 2007 General Application Regulations, as they apply to public and private gyms and fitness clubs as places of work, relate to the safety, health and welfare of the employees there rather than that of patrons per se. While the legislation does not explicitly require the provision of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all places of work, I understand that draft Guidance on the General Application Regulations, which the Health and Safety Authority is about to publish, advises that:
The provision of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in workplaces to prevent sudden cardiac death should be considered, and that early defibrillation using an AED is one of the vital links in the chain of survival. Ideally, wherever there is an occupational first aider(s) in a workplace, provision of an AED should be considered. The training of other employees who are not occupational first-aider(s) in the use of AEDs is also encouraged.
Whereas it may be practicable and desirable to have an AED in every workplace, due to cost considerations it would be unreasonable to expect all employers (especially small and medium size enterprises (SMEs)) to have one on their premises, even if there is an occupational first-aider present. These costs not only include the purchase price but also the cost of maintenance of the equipment and refresher training for those trained in how to use AEDs.
However, different employers at the same location, such as in shopping centres, small business enterprise centres etc., where relatively large numbers of employees or other persons are likely to be habitually present, might find it feasible to co-operate in the provision of shared AED equipment, training and assistance.
Employers have a duty to provide first-aid equipment at all places of work where working conditions require it. Depending on the size or specific hazards (or both) of the place of work, trained occupational first-aider(s) must also be provided. I have no plans to amend the legislation referred to as it deals with first aid at places of work.
Work Permits.
Willie Penrose
Question:167 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will give consideration to and review the application for a work permit by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24576/07]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that an application was received in respect of the above. The application in this instance was refused as it did not fall within the ambit of Section 4 of the Employment Permits Act 2006. A right of appeal within 21 days applies to decisions under this Act. Outside of this appeal period, a new application will be considered on its specific merits.
National Development Plan.
Enda Kenny
Question:168 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount spent to date under the employment and human resources programme under the national development plan; the breakdown in terms of the amount spent in each region; the amount estimated to be spent by the end of the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24624/07]
The Employment and Human Resources Operation Programme was the second largest of the national Operational Programmes under the National Development Plan 2000 to 2006. Nationally overall expenditure under the Employment and Human Resources Development Operational Programme 2000-2006, to the end of 2006, was over €14.9 billion or 105% of forecast, with the ESF element presently standing at almost €907 million or 102% of forecast. Whilst expenditure on the NDP part of the Operational Programme ceased at the end of 2006, some ESF funding remains to be spent during 2007 (under the EU N+2 rule). The ESF element of the EHRD OP has satisfied the requirements of the N+2 rule for each year of the programme and full utilisation of allocated ESF funding is expected for the overall programming period.
Under the South and East Region, at the end of 2006, total expenditure reached €10.6 billion or 102.6% of the forecast. Expenditure on the ESF for the same period reached €549.5 million or 104.3% of forecast. Under the BMW Region, at the end of 2006, total expenditure reached €4.3 billion or 97.4% of forecast. The ESF expenditure for the same period reached €357.7 million or 97.9% of forecast.
Work Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:169 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if and when he will issue a work permit in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has been offered suitable legitimate employment here but has had previous unfortunate experiences of exploitation; if he will expedite the process in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24646/07]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department has informed me that no application has been received for this person.
Decentralisation Programme.
Phil Hogan
Question:170 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans for the decentralisation of the National Museum to a location such as Kilkenny city in view of the large amount of museum material that is stored away from public view; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24556/07]
The Government's decentralisation programme announced in December 2003 did not include plans for the decentralisation of the National Museum to a location such as Kilkenny City and there are currently no plans to relocate the Museum to Kilkenny or to any other location outside of Dublin. The Deputy may be aware, however, that the Arts Council, which is one of the bodies under the aegis of my Department, is scheduled to relocate to Kilkenny.
National Development Plan.
Enda Kenny
Question:171 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount spent to date under the culture, recreation and sport measure of the national development plan; the amount estimated to be spent by the end of the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24618/07]
Funding of €904 million has been allocated in the National Development Plan (2007-2013) Culture sub-programme in respect of areas under the remit of my Department.
€288 million of this amount has been allocated to Public Private Partnership (PPP) developments in relation to the new National Theatre and National Concert Hall. This figure reflects the Government investment in these two PPP projects. The actual draw-down will be in respect of unitary payments when the projects have been delivered under the Public Private Partnership process.
Expenditure to end September 2007 on the Culture sub-programme from my Department's Vote is as follows:
|
€m |
|
|
Irish Film Board |
12.00 |
|
Cultural Infrastructure |
|
|
Theatre Royal Wexford |
6.44 |
|
Gaiety Theatre |
6.23 |
|
ACCESS |
1.97 |
|
ACCESS II |
0.02 |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
3.98 |
|
National Library of Ireland |
1.19 |
Under the NDP Sport sub-programme €991 million will be invested in sporting infrastructure over the period 2007 to 2013. Expenditure to end September on the Sport sub-programme from my Department's Vote is as follows:
|
€m |
|
|
Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme |
17.6 |
|
Sports Capital Programme |
43.20 |
|
Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon |
11.14 |
|
Lansdowne Road Stadium project |
21.1 |
|
Sports Campus Abbotsown |
3.94 |
The details of the allocations for the programmes, projects and funds under the remit of my Department are contained in the National Development Plan. The full allocations in the Plan are expected to be spent.
Sports Capital Programme.
Willie Penrose
Question:172 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when application forms for lottery grants will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24636/07]
The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The date of the next round of the Programme has not yet been decided. As in previous years, advertisements announcing the next round of the Programme will be placed in the national press and application forms will be available at that stage.
Decentralisation Programme.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:173 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will reiterate a previous commitment (details supplied) that the long promised decentralisation of staff from his Department to Buncrana, County Donegal will take place in 2009. [24541/07]
Under the Government's Programme of Decentralisation, 118 posts in my Department are to be relocated to Buncrana. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the acquisition of all decentralised accommodation for my Department. In this regard, the OPW have obtained a site in Buncrana and planning permission was obtained on 30 January 2007. The project is expected to take 21 months and is scheduled to finish mid-2009. The Department is committed to fulfilling its obligations under the decentralisation programme.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Denis Naughten
Question:174 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the processing time for a child benefit application and the number of applications on hand; the corresponding figures for Irish residents where the children reside in another EU country and the number of such applications approved to date; the annual cost to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24594/07]
The majority of Child Benefit applications received are for children born in Ireland. Claims are processed automatically if child benefit is already in payment for other children in the family once the birth details are registered with the General Registrar's Office. Parents are contacted in most cases by the Child Benefit office within two days of the registration of their child's birth. If there is no Child Benefit claim already in payment, then a pre-prepared application form is issued as soon as the birth details are registered. On return of the completed form the claim is awarded and payment issues normally within 7-10 days.
With regard to claims for children born outside Ireland, these fall into two categories — those born outside Ireland and now living here; and those born, and remaining resident, outside Ireland.
There is a total of some 6,000 claims for non-Irish national children born outside Ireland and now resident in Ireland at various stages of processing. These cases can be slow to process as the customer must first satisfy the Habitual Residence condition. This may entail contacting employers, the Department of Justice and other relevant bodies to confirm their status in the State. In addition, checks are made with schools to confirm the permanent residency of the children in Ireland. The average processing time for these claims is 6 months.
There is a further 19,000 claims from EU nationals for non-resident children in the course of being processed at present. EU nationals who come to work in Ireland but whose families remain in their home country may have an entitlement to Family Benefits (of which Child Benefit is one) in Ireland under EU Regulation 1408/71. Before payment of Child Benefit is made in respect of non-resident children it is necessary to contact the authorities in the children's country of residence to confirm their details and establish what, if any, family benefits are payable there. This process can take a number of months to complete. The average time at present for this category of claim is some 12 months.
Child Benefit is currently in payment under EU Regulations to some 1,300 families, in respect of almost 3,000 children resident outside the Republic of Ireland. The estimated cost of such claims in 2007 is €25 million. Efforts are ongoing to process Child Benefit claims in respect of non-Irish national children as efficiently as possible. Measures being taken include examination of the processes involved to ensure they are as streamlined as possible; the judicious use of overtime working; and the addition of extra staff on a temporary basis to process these claims.
Social Welfare Code.
Michael Ring
Question:175 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person who is the adult dependent on their spouse’s jobseekers payment can take up employment on a Sunday; the effect this will have on their income; the allowance they will receive against their travel to work costs; and the amount they are allowed to earn before it will affect their adult dependent allowance. [24605/07]
Payment of a qualified adult allowance is dealt with differently depending on whether the customer is in receipt of jobseeker's allowance or jobseeker's benefit.
Jobseekers Allowance
From the 26th September 2007 a new means assessment applies to persons in receipt of jobseeker's allowance. This is based on a family rate of payment which is made up of a personal rate, a full qualified adult rate and full child dependant allowance rate less means applicable. Under the new assessment insurable earnings of the spouse/partner are calculated as the gross earnings less PRSI, Superannuation and Trade Union Subscriptions. There is no disregard for deductions in respect of income tax and Health Insurance premiums e.g. VHI etc. or travel expenses. A disregard of €20.00 a day also applies for each day worked by the spouse/partner up to a maximum of €60 a week inclusive of Sunday and the balance of income is assessed at 60%.
By way of example, if the spouse of a customer were to work on Sunday only and earned €60 (having made appropriate allowances for PRSI, Superannuation and Health Insurance) a disregard of €20 would be allowed in respect of 1 day's work and the balance of €40 would be assessed at 60% i.e. €24 means would be deducted from the family rate for that customer. The family rate for Jobseeker's Allowance is currently, €185.80 personal rate, €123.30 qualified adult rate and €22.00 for each qualified child.
Jobseekers Benefit
The payment of a qualified adult allowance on jobseeker's benefit is based on the income of the spouse/partner. A full qualified adult allowance is payable if the spouse's/partner has weekly income up to or including €100.00 gross. A reduced rate is payable if the weekly income is between €100.01 and €280.00 (gross). No allowance is payable if the income is more than €280.00 (gross).
Care of the Elderly.
Pat Breen
Question:176 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with a service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24533/07]
My Department operates the Scheme of Community Support for Older People. The Scheme is open to people aged 65 and over who have a genuine need for assistance and is administered by local community and voluntary organisations throughout the country with support provided by my Department.
Maximum individual grants are provided under the scheme as follows:
€300 in respect of the once-off installation cost of socially monitored alarms
€200 in respect of physical security equipment
€200 in respect of security lighting
€50 in respect of smoke alarms
€150 in respect of interior emergency lighting for qualifying older people living on our offshore islands.
No request for funding on behalf of the person in question has been received. I understand that an Official from my Department has been in contact with this person's local group and they are now in the process of submitting an application her behalf. My Department will process this application, upon receipt.
Community Development.
Seán Barrett
Question:177 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason for withdrawing funding under the community service programme from a club (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24548/07]
The club to which the Deputy refers submitted their business plan for 2007-2009 for appraisal under my Department's Community Services Programme. In appraising the business plan, the view was taken that it did not adequately reflect the new emphasis in the programme of providing services to disadvantaged people in particular sections of society.
No final decision has been made in relation to this application. It was felt however that the business plan presented initially by the club was deficient in terms of its focus on disadvantage and an opportunity was given to the group to resubmit a revised business plan by 31st October 2007.
Voluntary Sector Funding.
Mary Upton
Question:178 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the State funding available to voluntary organisations who wish to purchase an automated external defibrillator for the safety of their members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24575/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department provides funding for a wide range of community projects, through a number of schemes and programmes. Each of the schemes and grant programmes operated by my Department are governed by rules and eligibility criteria, which projects have to meet in order to qualify for funding.
With regard to the specific project referred to by the Deputy, elements of such a project may be eligible for funding under my Department's Programme of Grants for Locally Based Community and Voluntary Organisations, the Rapid programme or the CLÁR programme. Detailed information in respect of these programmes can be found on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.
Ferry Services.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:179 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if an application has been made to his Department by Donegal County Council for a contribution towards the cost of subsidising the Lough Swilly ferry in County Donegal; and his views on assisting with maintaining this important tourist initiative. [24595/07]
Earlier this year, my Department received an enquiry from Donegal County Council in regard to providing financial assistance for the Lough Swilly ferry service operating between Rathmullan and Buncrana. Donegal County Council was informed that subventions paid by my Department for the provision of ferry services are specifically in respect of islands with a permanent resident population.
National Development Plan.
Enda Kenny
Question:180 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount spent to date on the young people’s facilities and services fund under the national development plan; the amount estimated to be spent by the end of the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24620/07]
The Young People's 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.
At the end of 2006, approximately €129m had been spent under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. This figure includes expenditure on projects which were mainstreamed to the Department of Education & Science and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, as well as the Springboard Initiative under the aegis of the Department of Health & Children. It is envisaged that total YPFSF expenditure under the NDP 2000-2006 will amount to approximately €137m, taking account of expenditure which continued beyond the end of 2006.
Under the new National Development Plan 2007-2013, a total of €319m has been allocated under the National Drugs Strategy Sub Programme. Of that sum, approximately €118m will be in respect of the YPFSF.
Enda Kenny
Question:181 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount spent on the rural development measures of the national development plan to date; the amount estimated to be spent by the end of the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24621/07]
The new National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2013 has a chapter dedicated to the development of the rural economy. This 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 sets out a range of interventions — 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 schemes which come directly within the remit of my Department:
CLÁR
Under the NDP, the CLÁR sub-programme is being allocated €141m over the period of the plan for the on-going regeneration of rural areas suffering from population decline. To date €8m has been spent in 2007.
Rural Social Scheme
Funding of €214m for the RSS for the period 2007-2013 is included in the NDP for the RSS. This clearly confirms the Government's continued and on-going commitment to the Scheme in the coming years. At present, there is provision for 2,600 participants and 130 supervisors on the Scheme and all available places have been allocated. To date, a total of €38,160,306 has been spent in 2007.
Farm Relief Services
Under the NDP Farm Relief Services is being allocated in the region of €4 million for the expansion of existing farm relief services. €593,000 has been spent to-date.
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 development of rural enterprise will also be a significant feature under the new Programme.
Organic Farming.
Michael Creed
Question:182 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Department has established a single approved standard for organic produce; and if not, the action she will take to meet the target of 5% of acreage to organic farming by 2012. [24558/07]
Standards for organic production are laid down in the Council Regulation on organic production (EEC) No. 2092/91 as amended. The Council Regulation is given full effect in Ireland by the European Communities (Organic Farming) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 112 of 2004). These national Regulations also specify certain additional standards for the production of livestock and livestock products in Ireland. The Regulations are implemented both directly by my Department and, on the basis of a service agreement, by three private organic certification bodies — Demeter Standards Ltd, Organic Trust and the Irish Organic Farmers' and Growers' Association.
In relation to the 5% land area target, there are significant financial supports in place to encourage producers to convert to and remain in organic production. The new Organic Farming Scheme was launched in August 2007 as part of the new Rural Development Programme, which will run from 2007 to 2013. The objective of this Scheme is to deliver enhanced environmental and animal welfare benefits and to encourage producers to respond to the market demand for organically produced food. Payment rates have increased by approximately 17% compared to comparative rates under the Supplementary Measure in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS). Under the new Organic Farming Scheme, it is now possible for organic farmers to obtain organic support payments without having to be in the REPS Scheme as was previously the case. This is designed to encourage small-scale horticultural producers to convert to organic production, and conventional tillage producers to convert part or even all of their holdings. Both of these areas are very much in deficit production-wise and there is a ready-made market for the organic product. Organic producers will still, of course, be able to join REPS as well, and I would encourage them to do so.
As a further incentive to encourage non-REPS farmers solely involved in tillage production to convert to organic farming, there is an additional payment of €240 per hectare available in the in-conversion period, up to a maximum of 40 hectares, provided they grow green cover crops during that period.
My Department also offers significant development grants both to farmers and to processors under the Schemes of Grant Aid for the Development of the Organic Sector. Grant aid is available for investments by farmers and processors in equipment and facilities. The Schemes provide grant aid of 40% of the cost up to a maximum grant of €60,000 in the case of on-farm investments and €500,000 for investments off-farm. I am pleased to note that applicants are showing significant interest in these Schemes. Other initiatives include the recent appointment by Teagasc of three additional specialist organic advisor posts, an enhanced demonstration programme and the extension of agronomist expertise to include the pig and poultry sectors this year. We will continue to raise awareness among consumers about the benefits of organic food and the third National Organic Week takes place next week with that specific purpose in mind.
It is clear that all stakeholders will have to play a proactive role to enable this challenging target to be realised. To this end I have asked for and received submissions from the organic farming bodies with their proposals for the development of the sector. I have also asked the National Steering Group for the Organic Sector and its two sub-groups, the Partnership Expert Working Group and the Organic Marketing and Development Group, to give me their considered views on the best ways to move towards the Programme for Government target.
Food Exports.
Michael Creed
Question:183 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she proposes to establish the high level strategic interdepartmental group to exploit new overseas markets for Irish food and drink products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24559/07]
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to consolidate all aspects of the development and promotion of the agri-food industry within my Department and to establish a Cabinet Sub-Committee on the food and beverage sector, shadowed by a high level Inter-Departmental Group. Arrangements are being made to establish the high level group and relevant Departments have been asked to submit their nominees.
World Trade Organisation.
Michael Creed
Question:184 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the initiatives she has taken to date in 2007 to ensure that non-trade issues will form an integral part of the next round of World Trade Organisation talks. [24560/07]
The negotiating mandate for the current round of WTO negotiations, set out in the November 2001 Doha Ministerial Declaration, states that non-trade concerns must be taken in account in the final agreement of the round.
It is on this basis that I have sought and continue to seek recognition in the WTO agriculture negotiations of the additional costs incurred by EU producers in implementing non-trade measures such as environmental, animal welfare and animal health controls. I have consistently outlined my position on non-trade concerns in the Council of Agriculture Ministers, most recently on 26 September, by emphasising that the Commission must pursue recognition of these issues in the ongoing negotiations.
If the Doha mandate is to be fulfilled, non-trade concerns must be dealt in the final WTO agreement, and I will continue to insist that these matters are addressed as part of a successful conclusion of the round.
Food Safety.
Michael Creed
Question:185 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her proposals to protect consumers here from Brazilian beef which clearly does not meet the same animal health and traceability standards as those required of Irish and EU farmers. [24561/07]
Approval of countries to trade with the EU is a matter for the EU Commission and the EU Commissioner for Health has assured me that the Commission will not hesitate to take the appropriate protection measures if a product, imported from a third country represents a risk for the health of EC consumers, livestock or plants. In this context the EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) is to carry out a further mission to Brazil in November to assess progress in the implementation and operation of controls by the competent authorities in that country.
Consumers are entitled to information on the country of origin of beef. For this reason I collaborated with the Minister for Health & Children to ensure the introduction of legislation providing that beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector must carry an indication of the country of origin. Responsibility for enforcement of this legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).
Organic Farming.
Michael Creed
Question:186 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the level of farm land currently used for organic purposes here; the way this category of land use is determined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24562/07]
The total land area under organic production is currently at 38,216 hectares, which represents 0.9% of the total utilisable agricultural area. This can be further broken down in terms of land use as follows: grassland 37,048 hectares, cereals 830 hectares and horticulture 338 hectares. This category of land use is determined in accordance with the definitions laid down in EU Regulations, and specifically in the Council Regulation on organic production (EEC) No. 2092/91 as amended. The European Communities (Organic Farming) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 112 of 2004) give full effect to the EU Regulation in this country.
Genetically Modified Organisms.
Michael Creed
Question:187 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will clarify the situation regarding the growth of genetically modified foods in Northern Ireland; the negotiations that have taken place with her Northern Ireland counterparts on these matters; her definition of a GM free zone; and the action she will take to achieve same. [24563/07]
I presume the question put forward by the Deputy refers to the commitment in the Programme for Government to seek to negotiate the establishment of an all Ireland GM free zone. I am currently engaged in discussions with my Cabinet colleagues on how best this commitment can be effected, while taking into account the views of all interested parties and the sectors most directly affected.
When those deliberations are complete I will make contact with my Northern Ireland colleagues.
Sheep Industry.
Michael Creed
Question:188 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made to date in implementing the recommendation of the sheep industry strategy group; the money that has been transferred to sheep producers to date arising from the implementation of this strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24564/07]
The Sheep Industry Strategy Development Group, under the chairmanship of Mr. John Malone, issued its report in June 2006. The report contained a total of 37 recommendations as to how the future of the sheep sector could be secured going forward. I established an Implementation Group, also under the chairmanship of Mr. Malone, in July 2006, to oversee the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report.
The Implementation Group reported in April. Most of the recommendations in the report fall to be implemented by the industry itself and it is too early at this stage to assess their impact. The recommendations do not set out specific payments for sheep farmers but are supported by my Department through assistance for breeding and management, processing facilities, mechanical grading, quality assurance and health and welfare.
In addition and in line with the Group's report, sheep farmers are major beneficiaries of various schemes being operated by my Department. Under REPS 4, a new supplementary measure aimed at sheep farmers has been introduced. 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. Assistance is also available to sheep farmers for on-farm investments under the new Rural Development Programme. These schemes have only recently been launched and payments have not yet been made.
Goat Farming.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:189 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of goat farmers registered with her Department; the size of the Irish goat herd; and her Department’s policy in relation to the future development of this industry. [24566/07]
The National Sheep and Goats Census, conducted by my Department in December 2006, indicated that there were 296 goat farmers in Ireland and that the national herd stood at 6,194 head. In accordance with the European Communities (Goat Identification) Regulation 2005 (S.I. 792 of 2005), goats are registered under the National Goat Identification Scheme for animal health purposes.
Goat farming serves a small niche market for dairy and meat products. My Department provides grant-aid to eligible farmers for, inter alia, construction of goat housing, handling facilities and fencing under the Farm Improvement Scheme introduced last July. The maximum eligible investment ceiling under the Scheme is €120,000 and the standard grant-rate is 40%. Aid for fencing is limited to an overall eligible investment ceiling of €20,000.
Grant Payments.
Paul Kehoe
Question:190 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in processing the applications under the farm improvement scheme due to the health and safety policy; when this will be resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24587/07]
I am glad to confirm that the health and safety issues in relation to certain applications under the Farm Improvement Scheme have been resolved and that the approvals are now issuing to the relevant applicants under the Scheme.
Olwyn Enright
Question:191 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she will be in a position to consider an installation aid application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24608/07]
The person concerned is an applicant for grant-aid under the Installation Aid Scheme. His application is currently being examined within my Department and the outcome will be notified to the person concerned shortly.
National Development Plan.
Enda Kenny
Question:192 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount spent to date on the agriculture and rural development measure of the national development plan; the amount estimated to be spent by the end of the NDP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24617/07]
Of the projected spend of €8.7bn under the NDP for the period 2007-2013 my Department has spent close to €694m in the period January to September 2007.
The measures in the NDP are spread over four sub-programmes focused on:
Competitiveness (€1.7bn) — This will provide increased support for restructuring through improved rates under the early retirement and installation aid schemes. On-farm capital investment, training, advice, quality, breeding and establishment of energy crops will also be assisted.
Environment (€6bn) — The rural environment protection scheme and related support for Natura 2000 will account for some €3 billion. A 17% increase in rates and enhanced options will build on the scheme's already substantial positive contribution. There will be an 8% increase in disadvantaged areas scheme payments and a 15% increase in forestry premiums. Support will also be provided for animal welfare in the suckler herd and for the organic sector.
Food Industry (€289m) — This amount relates specifically to investment in capital infrastructure and marketing. The food industry will also benefit from general industry provisions elsewhere in the NDP and from the huge investment in transport and other infrastructure that is key to continuing competitiveness.
Agri-Food Research (€641m) — Actions under this sub-programme will provide scientific support to the sector. They will assist the generation of new knowledge and technologies that are critical to the growth of a market-orientated and sustainable industry.
School Enrolments.
Brian Hayes
Question:193 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the practice, particularly in Counties Wicklow, Dublin, Meath and Kildare, whereby some secondary schools are demanding that before pupils enter such a school, they would have already attended a private primary school attached to that secondary school; if her attention has further been drawn to the pressure that this is putting on existing primary schools in such areas; her views on whether this is an appropriate enrolment policy that can be pursued by secondary schools in this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24522/07]
Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and the Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. It is not unusual for some second-level schools to prioritise named feeder schools in their admissions policies. This often reflects long standing connections between certain schools.
However, in formulating an admissions policy a school must ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with Section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000 which, subject to very limited exceptions, prohibits schools from discriminating against people in relation to a number of matters including the admission of a pupil to the school. Currently, under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, parents of a student who has been refused enrolment in a school may appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. Such appeals are dealt with within 30 days of their receipt and where an appeal is upheld the Secretary General is empowered to direct the school to enrol the student. Otherwise, the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child.
Departmental Reports.
Brian Hayes
Question:194 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of reports initiated by her in each year over the past five years relating to any aspect of educational policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24523/07]
The information sought by the Deputy is being compiled in my Department and will be sent to him as soon as possible.
Site Acquisitions.
Brian Hayes
Question:195 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if land for the proposed new community primary school at Diswellstown in west Dublin has been purchased by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24524/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Department is liaising with Fingal County Council in relation to a number of sites to be acquired under the Fingal School Model Agreement for educational provision in September 2008. The location for the new school, to which the Deputy refers, is being actively considered in that context.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:196 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of plans for a new school for Monreagh, Carrigans, County Donegal. [24539/07]
The Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has been requested to source a site for a new national school in Monreagh. When the site acquisition process is finalised, consideration will be given to progression of the project in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Third Level Fees.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:197 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has engaged in discussions with her Northern counterpart on third level education, Minister for Employment and Learning, Mr. Reg Empey, on the financial burden faced by students from the 26 counties who must pay fees for studying in third level institutions in the Six Counties; and the way she proposes to alleviate that burden, particularly on students from disadvantaged regions such as Donegal. [24540/07]
Under my Department's Free Fees Initiative the Exchequer meets the tuition fees of eligible students who are attending approved undergraduate third-level courses in the State. There are no plans to extend this initiative to cover third level institutions in Northern Ireland. Under my Department's Higher Education Grant Schemes, maintenance grants are available to eligible students pursuing approved undergraduate courses in other EU Member States, including Northern Ireland. In general, approved courses are those pursued in a third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds. However the payment of undergraduate tuition fees under these schemes does not extend to approved courses outside the State and there are no plans to change this position at present.
It is understood however that students attending Higher Education Institutions in Northern Ireland and who are ordinarily resident in a Member State of the European Union will be eligible for a fee loan from the Northern Ireland Authorities up to the amount charged by the Higher Education Institution. Further clarification can be sought by the individual from Department of Employment and Learning in the Northern Ireland. Their e-mail address is studentfinance@delni.gov.uk.
Section 473A Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 also provides for tax relief on tuition fees, at the standard rate of tax in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU and non-EU member states.
School Funding.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:198 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if and when, in relation to her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 2 October, 2007, and in particular in relation to the fact that she does not intend to provide State funding for any new fee-paying schools, she proposes to give effect to that intention, under section 12 of the Education Act 1998, by determining and publishing under that section, with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance, criteria by which classes of recognised schools are to be funded in the following school year from moneys provided by the Oireachtas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24543/07]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:199 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the existing determined and published criteria, under section 12 of the Education Act 1998, by which a class or classes of recognised schools are to be funded in the following school year from moneys provided by the Oireachtas in relation to her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 2 October 2007, and in particular in relation to the fact that she does not intend to provide State funding for any new fee paying schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24544/07]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:200 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in relation to her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 2 October 2007, and in particular in relation to her statements to the effect that the differentiation between fee-paying and non fee-paying secondary schools arises essentially from the arrangements put in place when free second level education was introduced and those arrangements took account specifically of the position of minority religions with dispersed membership, through the creation of the Protestant block grant, she is satisfied that the maintenance of the Protestant block grant, under the provisions of section 12 of the Education Act 1998 is compatible with the requirements of Article 44.2.4° of the Constitution to the effect that legislation providing State aid for schools shall not discriminate between schools under the management of different religious denominations; the arrangements that exist for the funding of Protestant schools, to the extent that they differ from arrangements for Roman Catholic schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24545/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 to 200, inclusive, together.
The funding arrangements for existing recognised schools and the terms governing those arrangements are set out in Department circulars and notices including the arrangements for the payment of additional monies to schools having regard to the level of educational disadvantage of students in schools. These arrangements carry from year to year and amendments, which generally involve improvements to those funding arrangements, are published in the context of the estimates and budgetary process as agreed with the Minister for Finance.
In relation to any request that might be received in the context of Section 8 of the Education Act, 1998 from an intending patron to establish a new recognised second level school, I have in my answer to Question 110 of 2 October 2007 stated that recognition will not be granted for a school that proposes to charge fees.
There are currently 56 fee-charging second level schools in the country, of which 21 are Protestant, 2 Inter-denominational, one Jewish and the remainder Catholic. Fee-charging schools, with the exception of the Protestant and Jewish fee-charging schools for which special arrangements apply, do not receive capitation or related supports. A payment is made to the Central Protestant Churches authority — the Secondary Education Committee — of a grant (the Protestant Block Grant) for distribution among needier Protestant students to enable them to meet the cost of attending Protestant schools. The grant is calculated by reference to the number of pupils in Protestant schools, on a broadly similar basis to the per capita grant payable to schools in the Free Education Scheme. Applications for assistance are made to the Committee by parents which on the basis of a means test distributes the funds by individual schools on the basis of pupil needs. In addition, Protestant fee-charging schools are eligible for payment of such grants as the transition year support grant, the secretarial grant and caretaking grant.
Minority religion schools also receive capital funding for building projects and have done so under successive Governments on the same basis as other secondary schools, while approximately 50% of capital costs for Catholic fee-charging schools building projects are met by the State. However, school building projects, whether for fee charging schools or schools in the free education sector, are selected for inclusion in the Schools' Building and Modernisation Programme on the basis of priority of need. In that regard the Deputy should note that the proportion of the school building programme spent in fee-charging schools in recent years has been extremely small.
As with all public expenditure measures I will keep the funding arrangements for the schools concerned under review to ensure that they remain consistent with their original policy basis. If these arrangements were subjected to legal challenge and it was determined that the Protestant block grant offends the Constitution, clearly I would have to cease payment of the grant.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:201 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether a constitutional requirement, in Article 44.2.4° of the Constitution, to the effect that legislation providing State aid for schools shall not be such as to affect prejudicially the right of any child to attend a school receiving public money without attending religious instruction at that school, is compatible with admission policies in schools receiving public moneys that admit persons of certain religious denominations in preference to others or refuse to admit as a student a person who is not of that denomination on the grounds that the refusal is essential to maintain the ethos of the school; if she is undertaking a review of the difficulties that inevitably arise in this area; the arguments she has received and considered in relation to the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24546/07]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:202 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science her meetings with the stakeholders in primary and secondary education dealing with the constitutional, legal and administrative framework within which primary and secondary education services are delivered in the State, with particular reference to the role of religious denominations in the delivery of those services and the availability of public funding for schools with discriminatory admission policies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24547/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 together.
Schools receiving State aid, including denominational schools, take into account the wishes of parents in relation to the religious education of their children, including the wishes of parents who may not want to have their children follow any programme of religious education and this is provided for in Section 30 of the 1998 Education Act. As the Deputy will be aware, the vast majority of our primary schools were set up by religious authorities, in the main by the Catholic Church. However, they have historically welcomed pupils from all backgrounds and continue to do so. In fact, many Catholic schools now have large numbers of newcomer children with a diversity of faiths enrolled.
In order to provide greater choice and to cater for the requirements of an increasingly pluralist society, my Department is developing a new model of primary school patronage which will cater for the diversity of religious faiths represented in growing urban areas. It is also intended to cater for the wishes of parents who do not wish to have their children follow a programme of religious instruction. This new model of community primary school will be piloted next year in Dublin under the patronage of Co. Dublin VEC. Consultations have taken place with all of the education partners in the context of the development of this new model of patronage and many of the issues mentioned by the Deputy have arisen in the course of these consultations.
I accept that providing sufficient pupil places in all rapidly developing areas, including those with large immigrant communities, is absolutely vital to ensuring that enrolment policies do not lead to the exclusion of any child on religious or ethnic grounds and to this end, the Government is committed to substantially increasing the level of school accommodation in rapidly developing areas under the €4.5 billion school building programme included in the National Development Plan. The Government is also committed to integration as set out in the National Action Plan against Racism and it is the policy of my Department to ensure there is no discrimination in the provision of education in this country.
Teacher Training.
Jack Wall
Question:203 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 434 of 2 October 2007, if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is entitled to attend one of the primary teaching colleges to do a graduate diploma course in view of the fact that they are now a temporary resource teacher in a primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24551/07]
I understand that what is at issue here are the entry requirements that must be satisfied by applicants for the Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Teaching). I consider that in the case of primary school teacher training it is essential that participants applying for the course meet the required criteria, as currently set down, which are common to all Colleges of Education that provide teacher training, and which include an honours level primary degree (a degree at Level 8 on the National Qualifications Framework).
Road Safety.
Michael Creed
Question:204 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will provide funding for the provision of flashing amber lights on the road immediately outside all schools as is currently provided for in CLÁR areas by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. [24565/07]
In general, individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care, including traffic management measures. The issue of road safety measures outside the vested site areas of schools, such as road signage, traffic calming measures etc., is a matter that should be raised in the first instance with the relevant Local Authority.
Educational Disadvantage.
Niall Collins
Question:205 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science when an application under the dormant accounts scheme for a school (details supplied) in County Limerick will be decided. [24577/07]
Among the priority funding measures approved for support in 2006/2007 under the Educational Disadvantage category of the Dormant Account Fund and the RAPID Leverage Fund, was a scheme addressing educational infrastructure in disadvantaged schools. Eligibility for the scheme was restricted to primary and post primary schools participating in my Department's DEIS programme; schools in, or serving, RAPID areas; and special schools.
The scheme consists of four measures and a number of sub-measures. The four measures are: (1) Outdoor Play Facilities; (2) Libraries; (3) Parent Rooms; and (4) Dining Areas. Eligible schools were allowed to submit prioritised proposals under each of the measures. Proposals were sought in respect of improvements to existing facilities ('enhancements' or ‘non new-builds') and the development of new facilities ('new-builds').
A total of €20.5m, (€14.5m from the Dormant Accounts and €6m from the RAPID Leverage Fund, which is administered by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs), has been made available to fund the scheme. The scheme was launched on 16th January 2007, with a closing date for applications of 1st March 2007. The scheme was very heavily over-subscribed with 2,271 individual project proposals submitted for funding. The total amount of grant aid sought greatly exceeded the funding available under the scheme.
In light of the very large number of project proposals received and the level of oversubscription the Dormant Accounts Fund Inter-departmental Educational Disadvantage Committee recommended that arrangements should be made to transfer some 300 new-build proposals, including the one referred to by the Deputy, to the Department's Planning and Building Unit for considered for funding in the context of the Department's overall Schools Building and Modernisation Programme and available resources. These new build proposals have recently been transferred to the Planning and Building Unit. However, given the number of proposals and the scale of the Modernisation Programme assessing these applications will take some considerable time.
School Staffing.
Terence Flanagan
Question:206 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposal to tackle the problems associated with under-performing teachers (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24584/07]
As part of the modernisation agenda for teachers under the Social Partnership Agreement Towards 2016 it was agreed to address the issue of difficulties in relation to Teacher performance. It was recognised that while the vast majority of teachers fulfil their teaching function and professional duties adequately and well, there are, as in all professions, a small number of under performing personnel in schools.
In that context discussions under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council have commenced to review and revise existing procedures for the suspension and dismissal of teachers. One of the issues under consideration is the provision of assistance, where appropriate, to teachers who are experiencing professional difficulties as provided for in the Towards 2016 agreement.
The Teachers Conciliation Council is the recognised forum for dealing with matters relating to pay and conditions of service of teachers. The parties to the forum include representatives of the managerial authorities of schools, the teacher unions and the Departments of Education and Science and Finance. As the proceedings of the Conciliation Council are confidential it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment at this time.
Teacher Training.
Terence Flanagan
Question:207 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of pupils from an area (details supplied) who have registered and graduated from each teacher training college over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24585/07]
In 2003, my Department informed each of the Colleges of Education of its support for the inclusion of the Bachelor of Education Degree programme within the Direct Application Scheme for third level places in order to facilitate socio-economically disadvantaged school leavers who wished to train as primary teachers.
The Direct Entry Scheme, with a maximum of 5% of all entrants, excluding those entering under the mature persons competition, is administered in the two biggest teacher training colleges — St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra and Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. St. Patrick's College commenced the scheme in 2004, Mary Immaculate in 2005. Details on the numbers of entrants under this scheme to these Colleges are provided below. The minimum entry requirements specified by my Department for admission to the B.Ed. programme applies to entrants via this scheme in the same way as to all other applicants.
The other three Colleges of Education — Froebel, Colaiste Mhuire, Marino and CICE are officially part of the Higher Education Direct Access Route (HEAR), which prior to 2005 was known as the Higher Education Direct Access Scheme (HEDAS). Under this scheme there is a 15% maximum intake for the disadvantaged, disabled, and mature streams in aggregate. It is roughly 5% for each of the three categories but this will vary from year to year according to the number of applications received. My Department is currently seeking data on the number of entrants from disadvantaged areas under the direct access scheme to these three colleges and will forward them to the Deputy directly when received.
Below are the figures for Entrants and Graduates under the Direct Entry Scheme to St. Patrick's and Mary Immaculate College:
|
College |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
St. Patrick’s College Drumcondra |
2 |
6 |
3 |
4 |
|
Mary Immaculate College, Limerick |
n/a |
21 |
21 |
17* |
|
College |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
% |
% |
% |
% |
|
|
St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra |
0.53 |
1.65 |
0.79 |
1.00 |
|
Mary Immaculate College, Limerick |
n/a |
5.12 |
5.12 |
4.27 |
|
College |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2** |
|
Mary Immaculate College, Limerick |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
*A further 6 persons were offered places but 3 refused and 3 deferred take-up to the following year.
**Both of the Direct Entry students who entered St. Patrick's College in 2004 graduated with a B.Ed in 2007.
School Transport.
Jack Wall
Question:208 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not received a bus pass; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24598/07]
My Department has requested the Transport Liaison Officer for County Kildare to examine the background to the matter referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied. The Transport Liaison Officer will communicate directly with the family in question when this investigation is completed.
Higher Education Grants.
Olwyn Enright
Question:209 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the grant assistance available to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24599/07]
Students from this State who are attending undergraduate courses in any EU Member State can apply for maintenance grants in respect of approved courses which are pursued in colleges approved for the purposes of the schemes. My Department's Third Level Student Maintenance Grant Schemes were extended to provide maintenance grants to eligible students pursuing approved full-time undergraduate courses of at least two years duration (pursued in a university or a third level institution which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds) in other EU Member States with effect from the 1996/97 academic year.
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. The candidate should, therefore, apply to their relevant awarding body in the first instance. 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.
Departmental Websites.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:210 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the fact that there are up to 50,000 Romanian citizens living here, many of them children of school age, she will instruct her Department to include Romanian as a language on her Department’s website along with the six already available. [24600/07]
As the Deputy is aware, my Department has translated and made available on its website documents in Polish, Lithuanian, Latvian, Spanish, German and Russian. The information translated is aimed at assisting parents of school going children and the languages currently provided were identified, based on available data, as meeting the greatest need.
The final element of this project has involved the compilation of a list of ‘Frequently Asked Questions' for parents of children of primary school going age. This is now being translated in to the six languages listed above and will be published on my Department's website, along with the Irish and English versions. Once this is completed, my Department will evaluate the need for the provision of information in additional languages, including Romanian.
National Development Plan.
Enda Kenny
Question:211 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount spent to date under the education infrastructure of the national development plan; the amount estimated to be spent by the end of the NDP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24622/07]
The budget for 2007 is the first year of the roll out of the new NDP. This funding will enable my Department to continue to take a proactive approach to the provision of modern school accommodation particularly in developing areas. This year alone around over €540 million will be spent on school building infrastructure with over 1,500 projects on my Department's school building programme. Construction in 2007 alone will deliver over 700 classrooms to provide permanent accommodation for over 17,500 pupils, mainly in developing areas. €428m of this year's budget had been spent by the end of September.
€4.5 billion will be provided under the new National Development Plan (NDP) for investment in school building infrastructure. The main focus of the school building programme is to deliver additional capacity in the rapidly developing areas. It is projected that 100,000 additional school places will be required over the next number of years and these are being delivered. The funding under the NDP 2007-2013 will allow my Department to continue the acceleration of the school building programme which commenced during the lifetime of the last NDP when well over €2.6 billion was invested on school development, delivering over 7,800 projects.
Enda Kenny
Question:212 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount spent to date under the back to education initiative under the national development plan; the amount estimated to be spent by the end of the NDP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24623/07]
Provision was made in the National Development Plan 2000-2006 through the Employment and Human Resources Development Operational Programme for funding for Lifelong Learning — Back to Education Initiative. The Back to Education Initiative provides new opportunities for learning through the provision of flexible part-time and full-time programmes that consolidate and build on existing further education services. It provides a progression route for school leavers and a re-entry route for those adults who wish to update their skills at levels 1-6 on the National Framework of Qualifications. The Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) and Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) programmes comprise the full time educational options under this initiative. The BTEI is the part time programme available.
Expenditure on the Back to Education Initiative, full and part time, between 2000 and 2006 amounted to €587.1 million. A total of €57.7 million of this expenditure was spent on the part time component of the initiative from 2002, when it commenced, up to the end of December 2006. It is estimated that provision for the full time and part time components of the Back to Education Initiative under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 will be in the region of €1,764.6 million.
School Transport.
Willie Penrose
Question:213 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that her Department has received an application for school transport to a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are eleven children who will use this transport, of which seven are entitled to free transport and the parents of the other four are willing to pay the appropriate rate for same; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that in relation to the said application, the provision of this bus service for this particular geographical area would ease school car parking problems at this school, in relation to the dropping and collection of children; if, in this context, this application will be considered favourably; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24637/07]
A list of pupils and their addresses was received by my Department's School Transport Section. This list was forwarded to Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department, in order to determine these pupils' eligibility for school transport. The families concerned should liaise with the local Bus Éireann office in Athlone regarding the outcome of their applications. The telephone number is 090-6473277.
Common Travel Area.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:214 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason non-EU passengers travelling between the UK and Ireland are required to obtain a re-entry visa every time they enter the State even where they are legally resident in the UK or in Ireland; if his attention has been drawn to the impact that this is having on demand for flights from the airlines travelling to Belfast rather than to the Republic of Ireland as those with resident permits can then re-enter the State from Britain without the need for a re-entry visa or indeed even a passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24514/07]
As the Deputy is aware, Ireland and the United Kingdom operate a ‘‘Common Travel Area'' which permits passport free travel for citizens of both jurisdictions if travelling within the Area. The benefit of passport free travel does not apply to persons who are not Irish or British citizens. Nor does the operation of the Common Travel Area do away with the obligation on a visa required person to be in possession of a valid visa when entering the State.
The Immigration Act 2004 (Visas)(No.2) Order 2006 (SI No. 657 of 2006) sets out the classes of persons who are not required to obtain an Irish entry visa. Classes of Non-EEA nationals who are not set out in that Order are required to be in possession of a visa upon arrival in Ireland, regardless of whether that arrival is from within the Common Travel or otherwise. In addition, non-EEA nationals when travelling within the Common Travel Area are subject to the requirement to present to an immigration officer in accordance with section 4 of the Immigration Act 2004. Such persons may be refused permission to enter or be in the State if not in receipt of appropriate documentation, including a visa where so required. The section further provides that a person who enters the State in contravention of certain requirements set out in that section, including the requirement to be in possession of a valid visa where so required, is guilty of an offence.
I am, of course, conscious of the fact that the sharing of a land border within the Common Travel Area can be open to abuse by those seeking to gain illegal entry to the State. The situation in this regard is monitored on an ongoing basis by my Department in consultation with their counterparts in the United Kingdom.
I should also mention that the visa regime generally, including the question of re-entry for certain categories of person with permission to reside in the State, is currently under examination in the context of the forthcoming Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill.
Garda Stations.
Brian Hayes
Question:215 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to repeated requests on behalf of residents in the Tallaght, Dublin 24 area to have a second Garda station established in west Tallaght; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24525/07]
In accordance with section 22 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations are a matter, in the first instance, for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the Annual Policing Plan. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that their accommodation requirements for policing the Tallaght area will be best met by the re-development of the existing site at the Square.
The Commissioners of Public Works, who have responsibility for the provision, refurbishment and maintenance of Garda buildings, are appraising the existing site with a view to maximising its development potential for the State. Planning is under way for a major development of the site to include all Garda requirements for Tallaght. It is expected that the necessary planning process will be initiated shortly. I assure the Deputy that there will be no avoidable delay in addressing Garda accommodation needs in Tallaght.
Visa Applications.
Pat Breen
Question:216 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24526/07]
The Immigration Division of my Department has recently requested documentation from the person referred to by the Deputy and on receipt of this documentation, a decision will be made on the case.
Residency Permits.
Mary Upton
Question:217 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the passport, green card and travel documents of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 will be renewed and their situation regularised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24527/07]
The person in question was originally granted permission to remain in the State based on her parentage of an Irish born child under the particular scheme which existed at that time. This permission expired on 05/10/2007 and is now due for renewal. The person in question should renew their permission with the Garda National Immigration Bureau. The onus is on the applicant to produce the relevant documentation, including a valid passport, when seeking registration with the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
Garda Stations.
Shane McEntee
Question:218 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when it is proposed to build a Garda station in Stamullen, County Meath in view of the dramatically increased population in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24536/07]
In accordance with section 22 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations are a matter, in the first instance, for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the Annual Policing Plan.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Stamullen area is covered by Balbriggan Garda Station. The personnel strength of Balbriggan Garda Station as of 30 September last, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 40 (all ranks). Balbriggan Garda Station is open to the public on a 24 hour basis. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that opening a Garda Station at Stamullen would necessitate the deployment of additional Garda personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively deployed on outdoor policing duties. The assignment of Garda personnel is continually monitored and reviewed to ensure that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
Garda Deployment.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:219 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí assigned to each division in County Cork; the population per Garda division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24568/07]
Joanna Tuffy
Question:220 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community gardaí assigned to each division in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24569/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 220 together.
As of 30 September last, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the number of Gardaí and Community Gardaí in each Garda Division in Cork are as set out in the table.
|
Division |
Garda Strength |
Community Gardaí |
|
Cork City |
655 |
24 |
|
Cork North |
281 |
1 |
|
Cork West |
291 |
5 |
In addition, 3 members are assigned on a temporary basis to the Garda Districts of Cobh (1), Mallow (1) and Midleton (1). All Gardaí have a responsibility, inter alia, to be involved in Community Policing issues as they arise.
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 the next allocation of Probationer Gardaí takes place on the 23 November 2007, the needs of the Southern Region, which includes the Cork Divisions, will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.
I understand that the Central Statistics Office is currently preparing the Small Area Population Statistics (SAPS) based on the 2006 census. It is not expected that these SAPS figures will be available until mid-November 2007. It is, therefore, not yet possible to provide the population per Garda Division based on the 2006 Census figures.
Visa Applications.
Thomas Byrne
Question:221 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the visa application of a person (details supplied). [24579/07]
The person in question is the subject of a Family Reunification application made by her husband in March 2007. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department. This application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course. At the present time Family Reunification applications are taking up to 24 months to process.
Citizenship Applications.
Beverley Flynn
Question:222 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for naturalisation for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [24586/07]
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 June 2005. Officials in that Section are currently processing applications received at the beginning of 2005 and have approximately 1,500 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the application will commence in the coming months. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the matter.
Illegal Immigrants.
Richard Bruton
Question:223 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the legal status in relation to the recent occupation of public wastelands by prospective EU member citizens who do not have employment rights; the way the gardaí and other agencies should handle such cases; and the policies that were adopted to deal with this and other cases. [24607/07]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the group of Romanian nationals who were living recently in a makeshift encampment near the M50 Ballymun Roundabout. The persons concerned were all EU citizens. Like all EU citizens their rights to move to and reside in Ireland are set out in the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) (No.2) Regulations 2006 which transpose the relevant Directive.
The Regulations state that EU citizens may reside in Ireland for up to 3 months without conditions. The persons may reside in the Member State for longer than 3 months if he/she:— (i) is in employment or is self-employed in the State, (ii) has sufficient resources to support himself or herself, his or her spouse and any accompanying dependants, and has comprehensive sickness insurance in respect of himself or herself, his or her spouse and any accompanying dependants, (iii) is enrolled in an educational establishment in the State for the principal purpose of following a course of study there, including a vocational training course, and has comprehensive sickness insurance in respect of himself or herself, his or her spouse and any accompanying dependants, or (iv) is a family member accompanying or joining a Union citizen who satisfies one or more of the conditions referred to in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) above.
In the case of Romanian and Bulgarian nationals, they have the right to work in the State on condition that they obtain the necessary employment permits unless they are otherwise exempt from employment permit requirements. The above Regulations provide for a removal process in respect of EU citizens on a number of grounds including where "in the opinion of the Minister, the conduct or activity of the person is such that it would be contrary to public policy or it would endanger public security or public health to permit the person to remain in the State". (Regulation 20(1)(a)(iv)).
The situation in relation to the illegal encampment obviously gave rise to serious concerns on the grounds of public policy impinging on a number of state agencies and the Garda National Immigration Bureau. Various discussions took place between the parties. Having considered the matter in line with the Regulations I concluded that the conduct of the persons involved presented a genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat to the safety and well-being of themselves, their children and members of the public. An offer of free flights to their homeland was made to the group. This offer was refused.
My Department then initiated a removal process pursuant to Regulation 20 of the above Regulations. Following the service of proposal to remove letters by members of the Garda National Immigration Bureau, all of the Romanian families involved decided to voluntarily repatriate to Romania.
I believe that this difficult matter was dealt with very effectively by the GNIB and that the experience of this case will be of benefit in the event of other similar cases arising in the future. It is important of course that each case is considered on its merits and in line with the Regulations. It must be borne in mind finally that this case involved a substantial abuse of the rights of free movement afforded to EU citizens and that such abuses are not acceptable.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:224 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a new application for naturalisation or citizenship has been received from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; when the matter will progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24649/07]
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 November 2005. Officials in that Section inform me that processing of the application has commenced and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in the coming months.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:225 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in the matter of an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24650/07]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a Family Reunification application in September 2005. In the course of processing the application issues arose which are currently being investigated. This application is under consideration and a decision will issue when the investigation is completed.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:226 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to his reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 697 and 699 of 26 June 2007, the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); if further consideration is being given in respect of family reunification and return of children’s passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24652/07]
I refer the Deputy to my previous answers to Questions 697 and 699 of the 26th June 2007 and Question 962 of the 26th September 2007. The person concerned was granted refugee status and has permission to remain on that basis until the 4th January 2008. The person concerned is registered with the Garda National Immigration Bureau and has been issued with a Certificate of Registration under the Immigration Act 2004.
The person concerned made an application for Family Reunification in July 2004 on behalf of two children. The application was refused on the 7th November 2006 and the applicant was notified accordingly. The children's passports were forwarded to the Garda National Immigration Bureau for investigation as outlined in the refusal letters. I understand from the Immigration Division of my Department that the matter is still under investigation by the Garda authorities.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:227 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he or his Department has received an application for long-term residency or naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; when a decision is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24653/07]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 993 on 26 September 2007. The position remains as stated. Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department inform me that no new application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person in question has been received to date.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
P. J. Sheehan
Question:228 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm that funding is available for improvement works to the sewerage and water schemes for the Baltimore and Skibbereen area; the works involved; the timescale for completion of these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24520/07]
New wastewater treatments plants for Baltimore and Skibbereen have been approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as part of a grouped project that also includes Dunmanway and Schull. My Department is examining Cork County Council's contract documents for the four treatment plants and they are being dealt with as quickly as possible. My Department has approved the County Council's Preliminary Report for the works to the collection system in Baltimore and it is a matter for the Council to proceed with the procurement process. My Department is awaiting submission by the Council of its tender recommendation in respect of the upgrade of the Skibbereen collection system.
The Baltimore/Leap Water Supply Scheme is included in the Investment Programme as a scheme to commence construction in 2008. Cork County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme is being examined in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible. Stage 4 of the Skibbereen Water Supply Scheme is also in the Programme as a scheme to advance through planning. My Department is awaiting a Preliminary Report from the Council in this case.
Water Services.
Brian Hayes
Question:229 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to examine the provision of waste and water allowances to schools, with charges becoming effective after these are exceeded; when he expects this examination will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24521/07]
Article 9.1 of the EU Water Framework Directive requires Member States to take account of the principle of water services cost recovery, including environmental and resource costs, in accordance with the polluter pays principle. The Directive is being implemented in Ireland in relation to the non-domestic sector, which includes those engaged in the provision of educational services, on the basis of recovery of all non-domestic water services costs from non-domestic users of the services through water charges by means of a meter based volumetric charge to ensure charging accords to actual consumption. There is no provision for the exemption of any classes of non-domestic users from water charges.
The Education section of the Agreed Programme for Government contains a commitment to examine the provision of a water allowance to schools, with charges becoming effective after such allowance is exceeded. It will be necessary for any proposals to assist schools in meeting this aspect of their running costs to be framed in a way that is consistent with Ireland's obligations under the Water Framework Directive and my Department will co-operate with the Department of Education and Science in examining this issue.
Flood Relief.
Seán Barrett
Question:230 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the recent serious flooding in the Blackrock area, he will approve the major Carysfort Maretimo stream improvement scheme submitted by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24532/07]
The Carysfort — Maretimo Improvement Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a Scheme to start construction in 2008. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme is under examination in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.
Architectural Heritage.
Paul Kehoe
Question:231 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the grants available to refurbish community based heritage buildings from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24588/07]
My Department administers a Civic Structures Conservation scheme of grants for the restoration and conservation of buildings of significant architectural heritage merit and which are in public ownership or open to the public generally. The deadline for completed applications for the 2007 scheme was 29 March 2007. Details of the 2007 scheme are on the Department's website www.environ.ie. This scheme is intended to be an annual grant scheme; contact details of those who make enquiries in relation to the scheme are retained by my Department and details of the proposed scheme for 2008 will be notified to them in due course.
My Department also funds a scheme of grants for the conservation of protected buildings, which is administered by the local authorities. It is a matter for each individual local authority to assess and prioritise applications and approve funding. The scheme is aimed at assisting owners and occupiers to carry out conservation works on structures of architectural significance which are listed in the Record of Protected Structures contained in the Local Authority Development Plan. Enquiries about this scheme should be made directly to the relevant local authority.
Social and Affordable Housing.
Jack Wall
Question:232 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of an application by a local authority (details supplied) in County Kildare to purchase social houses; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the local authority gave a commitment in January 2007 to purchase the houses; if, in view of the number of persons on the housing list, his Department will provide a definitive date when sanction will be given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24601/07]
The local authority made a submission in respect of the development in question on 24 July 2007. The submission was considered by my Department and a letter issued to the authority on 12 September 2007 requesting clarification on a number of points. A reply is awaited from the local authority.
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
Michael Ring
Question:233 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if under the framework of Delivering Homes Sustaining Communities, the administration of the special housing aid for the elderly scheme will be taken from the Health Service Executive and carried out by the local authority; and the guidelines and details in relation to the new scheme being planned. [24602/07]
Michael Ring
Question:234 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the changes proposed for schemes (details supplied) administered by the local authorities and the Health Service Executive; the new guidelines that have been agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24603/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.
Details of the revised housing adaptation grant schemes for older people and people with a disability were announced earlier this year as part of the Government's new housing policy statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities. Three new schemes are to be introduced, a Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, a Mobility Aids Grant Scheme, and a scheme of Housing Aid for Older People. The new framework of grants will become operational on 1 November 2007.
The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability will assist in the provision/adaptation of accommodation to meet the needs of people with a disability. The grant will be increased from the current effective maximum of €20,320 to a maximum of €30,000, which may cover up to 95% of the cost of works. Prioritisation of eligibility will be on the basis of medical and financial need with 95% of the approved cost of work available to those with annual household incomes of less than €30,000, tapering to 30% for those with annual household incomes of €54,001 to €65,000.
The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme will provide grants to cover a basic suite of works to address mobility problems primarily but not exclusively associated with aging. It will fast track grant aid to people on lower incomes (maximum annual household income threshold €30,000). The maximum grant available will be €6,000 and may cover 100% of the cost of works.
The new Housing Aid for Older People scheme will provide targeted support to improve conditions in the existing housing of older people, and amalgamates the provisions of the existing Essential Repairs and Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Schemes. The maximum grant available will be €10,500 and may cover 100% of the cost of works for applicants with an annual household income of less than €30,000, tapering to 30% for those with annual household incomes of €54,001 to €65,000.
In the case of the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme, it has been agreed with the Health Service Executive that, in order to facilitate transitional arrangements, the scheme will continue to operate, and be administered by the Health Service Executive until 31 March 2008. All applications received up to this date will be processed by the Health Service Executive under the existing terms and conditions governing the scheme. From 1 April 2008, the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme will cease operation and all future applications for grant aid will be processed by the local authorities under the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme.
Local Government Policy.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:235 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is considering new models of management structure for local Government in view of the ongoing failure by the current management structures to deliver proactive local services in a timely and efficient manner. [24609/07]
In accordance with the Programme for Government, my Department will be publishing a Green Paper on local government reform in the coming months. The Green Paper will examine a number of issues with the objective of making local government more transparent and responsive, and will set out options for reform in advance of a subsequent White Paper. Issues to be considered in the Green Paper include the provision of quality customer service to the public and ensuring a proper balance of power at local levels between the manager and the elected representatives. Work on the Green Paper should be finalised by the end of the year, with a White Paper to follow next year.
Notwithstanding that improving customer service will be a cornerstone of the local government reform process, it should be noted that local authorities have led the way on a range of initiatives aimed at improving service delivery in recent years. These include customer action plans, the decentralisation of services, a greater focus on the use of ICT to deliver services, the putting in place of customer complaint and consultation procedures, and the introduction of local government wide service indicators. The third annual Service Indicators Report, which was published in August 2007, measured the performance of local authorities across a range of services in a uniform way. It is my intention to ensure that local government in Ireland makes further substantial progress on customer service as part of the reform agenda.
Housing Statistics.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:236 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of new homes and new apartments built and completed in Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council operational areas for the years 2002 to 2006 and to date in 2007. [24611/07]
Details in relation to the number of houses and apartments completed in each local authority area, for each of the years requested and in the first 6 months of 2007 inclusive, are published in my Department's Quarterly and Annual Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library. These details are also available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. The table includes data on house and apartment completions in the first 8 months of 2007 for the two local authority areas concerned.
|
Houses |
Apartments |
|
|
Dublin City |
861 |
3,249 |
|
Fingal County |
2,119 |
1,103 |
Social and Affordable Housing.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:237 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applicants on the Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council housing waiting list under the categories, housing and transfer lists, homeless lists and affordable including Part V housing lists for the years 2002 to 2006 and to date in 2007. [24612/07]
The most recent assessment of need for social housing was undertaken by local authorities in March 2005. The results of that assessment indicated that there were 5,617 households on Dublin City Council's waiting list in 2005, a drop from the 2002 figure of 6,993. The corresponding figures for Fingal County Council are 1,976 in 2005 and 1,769 in 2002. The numbers of homeless households in Dublin City and Fingal in 2005 were 1,348 and 25, respectively. There was no corresponding breakdown of the homeless figures for 2002; however, based on an assessment carried out by the Homeless Agency, the number of homeless households in the Dublin Region (comprising Dublin City, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin Councils) in 2002 was 2,560. The next statutory assessment of housing need will take place in March 2008.
Comprehensive information on the number of people seeking affordable housing (including Part V affordable housing) and the number of people seeking transfers in each local authority area is not collected by my Department.
Building Regulations.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:238 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will take action under the building regulations to ensure that Dublin City Council carries out its duties in relation to a construction company (details supplied) which is refusing to carry out testing for pyrite infill at new houses in the north fringe, Dublin 13. [24613/07]
Under the Building Control Act 1990, responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations is a matter for the owner or builder of a building. Responsibility for enforcement of the Building Regulations is vested in the 37 local Building Control Authorities. Under the Act, authorities are empowered to carry out inspections of buildings and to take such samples of materials used in the carrying out of any construction work or take such other action in relation to such construction work as may be necessary to establish whether the requirements of Building Regulations are being complied with in relation to the building.
Under the Act, it would be a matter for the relevant Building Control Authority, in this case Dublin City Council, to initiate any necessary enforcement action in regard to the case referred to in the Question.
National Development Plan.
Enda Kenny
Question:239 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent to date on the local authority housing measure of the national development plan; the amount estimated to be spent on this measure by the end of the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24625/07]
The housing component of National Development Plan 2007-2013 is being delivered through two sub-programmes: Social Housing Provision and Renewal, and Affordable Housing and Targeted Private Housing Supports. Investment under each sub-programme of some €14 billion and €4 billion, respectively, has been committed over the period of the plan and expenditure at the end of September 2007 totalled more than €1.3 billion, of which some €1 billion was in respect of the social housing provision and renewal element.
Fishing Industry.
P. J. Sheehan
Question:240 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason trawlers are prohibited from landing hake and monkfish at Schull, County Cork; the steps he will take to correct this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24519/07]
The designation of ports for the landing of specific fish species is necessary to satisfy EU requirements and also for the purpose of appropriate control of landings. Ireland's list of designated ports is designed to be a balance between the needs of the Industry and the level of resources which must be made available by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority at each designated port to fulfil its responsibility under European and National law.
Union Hall and Castletownbere are designated ports for the purposes of landing Monkfish and Hake in the West Cork area. The requirement for whitefish vessels to land into designated ports only applies when the landings exceed a significant quantity for specified stocks. There is no restriction on whitefish vessels landing in non-designated ports if the quantities on board are below the threshold levels for the specified species.
I am therefore satisfied that there is a designated port within reasonable range of fishing vessels wishing to land in the vicinity. Furthermore, I am also satisfied that there are no circumstances where the Control Authorities would give precedence to their regulatory responsibilities over consideration for the safety of a fishing vessel or its crew.
Salmon Management Scheme.
Brian O'Shea
Question:241 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the €5 million hardship fund in areas where drift-net salmon fishing has been prohibited; the amount being allocated to each region; if the fund will be administered by the Leader companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24616/07]
Officials from my Department and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRGA), are making arrangements for the management of the community support scheme. The focus of the scheme will primarily be those communities where commercial salmon fishing has been a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacts on the economic and social fabric of the area.
I am advised that details of the scheme are being finalised with a view to allocating the available funds to those affected fishery districts, proportionate to the impact of cessation of mixed stock fishing. Consultations with the LEADER companies, conducted through DCRGA, will inform the most effective distribution of funds. I understand DCRGA are awaiting outstanding responses. As soon as this exercise has been completed, details will be published through the LEADER companies.
National Development Plan.
Enda Kenny
Question:242 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount spent to date on the e-commerce and communications infrastructure measure under the national development plan; the amount estimated to be spent under this measure by the end of the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24619/07]
Under the 2000-2006 National Development Plan (NDP) a total of €115 million was spent on the e-commerce and communications measure to the end of December 2006. The total amount to be spent is likely to be €144 million comprising €115.36m of NDP and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding and €29m ERDF co-financed expenditure in 2007. As regards the 2007-2013 NDP, a figure of €435 million was allocated to the Communications and Broadband Programme. €28.6 million has been spent to date. It is anticipated that the full €435 million will be fully utilised over the lifetime of the programme.
The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department will undertake initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. Over the 2007-2013 period, the current phase of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) programme will be completed. Consideration will be given to a further phase of the MANs once the effectiveness of spending under the first phase has been addressed. The National Broadband Scheme which aims to provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved is also under development. This scheme, which will also be funded under the 2007-2013 Plan, will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband in unserved areas are met.