Pat Breen
Question:67 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in receipt of the age allowance; the amount paid out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26195/07]
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 15, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 16 to 57, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 58 to 66, inclusive, answered orally.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:76 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he proposes to take to improve the income of older pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26272/07]
Emmet Stagg
Question:77 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he will extend the age allowance to qualified adults over 80 years of age. [26289/07]
Enda Kenny
Question:112 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will amend the qualifying criteria for the age allowance; if there are plans to increase the allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26196/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67, 76, 77 and 112 together.
The Programme for Government features a number of commitments in relation to social welfare pensions. These include the commitment to increase the basic State pension to €300 per week by 2012. Over the last number of Budgets, pension increases have been well ahead of inflation ensuring that not only is the real value of pensions maintained but that they are significantly improved in real terms.
The Department monitors regular statistical releases such as the EU Survey of Income and Living Conditions (SILC) to track the effectiveness of income policies. In this regard, using the official consistent poverty indicator, older people are in a relatively better position than the rest of the population with 3.7% in consistent poverty against 7% overall in 2005.
The risk of poverty rate based on relative incomes is more or less the same for both groups with the rate for older people showing significant improvement from 2004 to 2005, with the rate falling from 27% to 20%. Significant increases in pension rates implemented in 2006 and 2007 should see the position of older people improving further. The Social Portrait of Older People, published by the Office for Social Inclusion earlier this year, shows that poverty rates for older pensioners i.e. aged 75 and over, were lower than for younger pensioners.
The over 80 allowance was increased in 2006 to its present level of €10 per week. There are about 115,000 people currently in receipt of the over 80 allowance, at an annual cost of some €60 million per annum. There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to pay the allowance also in respect of the qualified adult portion of the pension. This measure will be addressed over the lifetime of the Government. I will continue to keep the range and adequacy of the supports provided to older pensioners under review, including the issues of increasing the over 80 allowance and amending the qualifying criteria for it.
The needs of older people have been, and will remain, a priority for the Government. Further reforms and improvements will be considered in the context of the Green Paper on pensions policy, published on the 17th October. A major consultation process in relation to future pensions policy is now underway. Following the completion of the consultation process, the Government will develop a framework for future pensions policy.
Social Welfare Appeals.
John Perry
Question:68 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of oral hearings for social welfare appeals held each year, by county; the way the locations are determined for each hearing; if there are mechanisms in place to speed up the process where delays are experienced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26176/07]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:93 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average time taken to process social welfare appeals; and if he has proposals in this regard. [26246/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 93 together.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that statistics on a county basis are not maintained for the number of oral hearings held each year. During 2006, 4,220 oral hearings were conducted by the Social Welfare Appeals Office at 59 venues around the country with a further 1,700 held at its headquarters in Dublin. Overall, Appeals Officers made 171 week long visits throughout the country during the year
The selection of locations to be visited is based on the number of appeals on hand in a particular area in a given week. In general, those who are waiting longest can expect to be scheduled for a hearing when an Appeals Officer is next in the area. A small number of cases are given priority when exceptional circumstances arise.
During 2006, 75% of all appeals were processed within 14 weeks, while on average all appeals were cleared within 21 weeks. In addition to affording customers the right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, all customers who receive an adverse decision are advised of their right to have their claim reviewed by a Deciding Officer of my Department where new facts or fresh evidence comes to light. These procedures can enable a speedy resolution of the appeal as the Deciding Officer may make a revised decision on foot of the new evidence received. Of appeals cleared in 2006, 23 % were disposed of in that manner.
The social welfare appeals process is quasi-judicial and it is necessary for the Appeals officer to be satisfied that he/she has all the facts before making a decision on a case. Gathering all the evidence takes time and impacts on the speed at which appeals can be decided. Furthermore, the Appeals officer must give the person making the appeal and the Deciding Officer the opportunity to make their views known on the facts of the appeal. In addition, where illness or disability is involved, it may be necessary to have a further examination carried out by a Medical Assessor of my Department.
I am advised that improving processing times is a major objective of the Social Welfare Appeals Office. However, it is necessary at all times to ensure that progress in this regard is achieved in a manner which is not in conflict with the demands of natural justice and the requirement that every appeal be fully investigated and examined on all its merits.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:69 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in receipt of the one parent family payment; the amount paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26178/07]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:70 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the introduction of a cost of returning to work allowance to lone parents and other parents on low income moving from social welfare to work, in order to reflect the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26179/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 70 together.
There are currently some 84,400 people, with approximately 137,700 children, in receipt of the one parent family payment. The annual cost of the scheme is €835 million.
The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents," put forward a range of proposals for removing obstacles to employment for lone parents and other low income families. These proposals include the expanded availability of education and training opportunities for lone parents and other parents on low income; the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents; focused provision of childcare; improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children. The paper also proposed the abolition of the cohabitation rule as a condition for receipt of the proposed social assistance payment.
One of the proposals in the report was that the upper income limit for the new social assistance payment should be set at €400 per week. This proposal was implemented in Budget 2007, which in effect meant that the upper income limit increased by more than one third in two years. This disregard means that a lone parent can earn up to €400 per week and still receive one-parent family payment. This will also be the case with the proposed new social assistance payment.
The new social assistance payment, under development in my Department, has the long term aim of assisting people to achieve financial independence through supporting them to enter employment — the avenue that is widely agreed to offer the best route out of poverty.
As the Deputy knows, any proposed new payment can only be introduced when the necessary co-ordinated supports and services are put in place to help ease that transition from social welfare to employment. Income supports from my Department include earnings disregards currently in place for the One Parent Family Payment and also Family Income Supplement, which is a weekly tax-free payment for families, including one-parent families, at work on low pay.
The non-income proposals contained in the Government discussion paper on childcare, education, training and activation supports are currently being progressed by the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion, with the cooperation of the relevant Departments and Agencies.
As part of this process, my Department, with the co-operation of FAS, the Office of the Minister for Children and the Department of Education and Science, is testing the non-income activation proposals in Coolock, Dublin and in Kilkenny. These tests are focused on identifying and resolving any practical and administrative issues that may arise in advance of the scheme being introduced. The tests are expected to run until the end of the year, with a report then being made to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion. They will allow for operational and logistical co-ordination between the relevant Departments and Agencies to be considered. They will also facilitate the development of the policy and operational details of the new scheme and accompanying supports.
Arthur Morgan
Question:71 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the actions his Department is taking to combat food poverty. [25883/07]
My Department through its various social insurance and assistance schemes provides income supports to people to meet their basic living needs, including food, clothing, heat and light. Supplements are also payable in certain circumstances for specific needs, for example fuel allowances, rent supplements, living alone allowance for older people or the household benefits package for pensioners, eligible disabled people and carers. Where people on low incomes have particular medical conditions or dietary requirements, diet supplements are available through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive. It is expected that expenditure on diet supplements will amount to €5.4 million this year and benefit over 10,000 people.
My Department also provides funding for school meals through two programmes, the urban school meals scheme and the local projects scheme. School meals make a real and important contribution to ensuring that children receive better nutrition. Such services can also contribute to improved school attendance and quality of learning. In 2007, approximately 165,000 pupils in 1,800 schools will benefit from the scheme at a cost of some €28m. The number of meals being provided on a daily basis to disadvantaged children through the school meals local projects scheme doubled from 89,915 in the school year 2005/2006 to 179,660 in the school year 2006/2007.
The school meals scheme is currently providing meals to over 165,000 children. The scheme is a direct intervention providing meals to children experiencing or at risk of poverty and it is reaching the most disadvantaged children. My Department is involved in a Healthy Food for All initiative to draw up a code of best practice for school meals.
Healthy eating is affected by dietary and nutritional awareness, cultural attitudes and access to good quality grocery shopping, as well as to the adequacy of social welfare income supports. In recent years, budgetary increases in social welfare payment rates have consistently exceeded increases in the cost of living. This key policy is the primary focus of Budget allocations to my Department each year, and it has helped ensure that those depending on social welfare experience real improvement in their ability to meet their basic needs, including provision of adequate food, heating, etc.
Consumer price index information from the Central Statistics Office indicates that the cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages has increased by 2.7% over the past 12 months. From December 2001 to date, food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by just 6.8% in aggregate while increases in social welfare payment rates increased by between 61% and 77% in the same period. As overall total inflation amounted to 22.7% in that period, there has been a very significant real increase in purchasing power for people on social welfare.
I am satisfied that the policy of providing substantial real increases in primary social insurance and assistance payment rates has been effective in ensuring that those who depend on social welfare income have sufficient income for healthy food.
Terence Flanagan
Question:72 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will develop new support measures for surviving spouses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26188/07]
Widows and widowers can qualify for one of a number of different schemes depending on their particular circumstances. The contributory widow(er)'s pension is available to those who satisfy the necessary PRSI contribution conditions, either on their own record or that of the deceased spouse. Those qualifying for this benefit are not subject to a means test.
Those without the necessary PRSI contributions can, if they have qualifying children, receive the one-parent family payment. Widow(er)s without dependant children who do not qualify for the contributory payment may, if they are under 66 years of age, qualify for widow(er)'s non-contributory pension, or the State non-contributory pension if they are over 66 years of age.
The widowed parent grant, introduced in 2000, also provides additional assistance to those with children and is paid in addition after death payments such as the bereavement grant, currently €850. This grant was increased by €1,300 to €4,000 in the last Budget in recognition of the particular difficulties faced by widows and widowers with children on the death of a spouse.
One of the key objectives of the 2007 social welfare package was to protect and enhance the value of all weekly rates of payment, in relative terms, by giving increases which are well in excess of projected inflation for this year. Younger widows and widowers receiving the widow/er's non-contributory pension (aged under 66) and the one parent family payment, benefited from a €20 per week increase, or 12.1%, in the weekly rates of payment. This increase brings the rates of payment for widows and widowers under age 66 to €185.80 per week for non-contributory payments, and €191.30 for contributory payments. Widows and widowers over 66 years of age receive the same rate of payment as those applying to State pensions. Increases in the rates of child benefit and child dependent allowance also assist those widowed with children.
Widowed persons are also entitled to the fuel allowance, back to school clothing and footwear allowance and other secondary benefits on the same basis as other social welfare recipients. I will continue to keep the range and adequacy of the supports provided under review.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:73 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he has taken in respect of the commitment in the Programme for Government to examine the possibility of introducing a paternity benefit. [26261/07]
Responsibility for questions relating to entitlement to paternity leave rests with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The question of a social insurance funded payment for paternity leave would be contingent on an underlying entitlement to statutory paternity leave.
While male employees are not entitled under Irish law to either paid or unpaid paternity leave, they may be entitled to parental leave. Parental leave entitles both parents who qualify to take a period of up to 14 weeks' unpaid leave from employment in respect of children aged up to eight years of age. There is no provision for a social insurance based payment for periods of parental leave, but employees may be entitled to credited contributions to maintain their social insurance record for the period.
The introduction of paid parental leave or paternity leave would have significant cost implications for employers and/or the Exchequer and the social insurance fund. Any proposals for introducing any such payments would have to be examined with regard to its effect on the sustainability of the social insurance fund and employers costs in terms of global competitiveness and in the case of paternity leave would require legislation on the part of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to provide for a statutory entitlement to the leave.
Social Welfare Code.
Dinny McGinley
Question:74 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will alter the qualifying criteria for the back to education allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26186/07]
The back to education allowance (BTEA) is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force. The scheme enables people to continue to receive a payment while pursuing an approved full-time course of study. The scheme also provides an annual cost of education grant of €400.
As part of the Government's Expenditure Review Programme, a working group chaired by my Department reviewed the back to education allowance scheme in 2005. The Group comprised representatives of the Departments of Social & Family Affairs, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Education and Science, Finance and FÁS. The working group made nine recommendations, some of which have already been implemented.
These include earlier access to the allowance for participants of the National Employment Action Plan (NEAP). Access is now available to the third level option for qualified participants who have been in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance for nine months as opposed to the standard requirement of twelve months. Additionally the scheme has been extended to include all those of working age in receipt of a Social Welfare payment.
Recent Budgets have also provided for improvements to the back to education scheme. The 2006 Budget provided that time spent in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance from the Health Services Executive or in the direct provision system operated by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform can count towards the qualifying period in circumstances where the person establishes an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment prior to commencing an approved course of study. This provision came into effect from 1 September 2006.
In Budget 2007 it was provided that people who are awarded Statutory Redundancy may access the scheme immediately provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study. In addition the qualifying period for illness benefit recipients was reduced from three to two years. These further improvements to the back to education scheme came into effect from the beginning of the current academic year i.e. 1 September 2007.
The operation of my Department's employment support measures, in the context of current labour market conditions, is continually monitored to ensure that it continues to support those people who are the most distant from the labour market and whose needs are greatest. At present it not proposed to make any further changes in qualifying criteria.
Question No. 75 answered with QuestionNo. 63.
Questions Nos. 76 and 77 answered with Question No. 67.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:78 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if and when it is intended to implement the proposal to transfer the administration of rent allowance from health centres to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24009/07]
There are no plans to transfer the administration of the rent supplement scheme to local authorities.
The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, which includes rent supplement, is currently administered on my behalf by the community welfare division (CWS) of the Health Service Executive. As the Deputy will be aware, in February of last year, the Government decided to implement the recommendations of the Core Functions of the Health Service Report. This provided for the transfer of certain functions, mainly from the Health Service Executive (HSE) to my Department. The main element of the decision was that income support and maintenance schemes including the SWA scheme should be transferred from HSE to my Department.
At present some 700 CWOs and 59 superintendents and supporting clerical and other staff within the CWS have responsibility for the local delivery of the rent supplement scheme as part of their overall administration of SWA. The transfer of the CWS to my Department will not change this and the CWS will continue to have responsibility for administering the rent supplement scheme.
Enda Kenny
Question:79 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on increasing the back to school, clothing and footwear allowance applied to the family income supplement using the threshold for two parent and one parent families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26197/07]
Jack Wall
Question:127 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the justification for including carers allowance as part of the means test for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme; and if he will commit to amending legislation in the next Social Welfare Act to disregard income from carer’s allowance in these circumstances. [26279/07]
Mary Upton
Question:135 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his response to the suggestion that a new back to school payment be introduced with higher qualifying income thresholds in place of the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme. [26280/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 127 and 135 together.
The back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides a one-off payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when their children start school each autumn. The allowance is not intended to meet the full cost of school clothing and footwear but only to provide assistance towards these costs.
A person may qualify for payment of an allowance if they are in receipt of a social welfare or Health Service Executive payment, are participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education and training course and have household income at below certain levels. The family income supplement (FIS) scheme is one of the qualifying payments for the purposes of the BSCFA scheme.
I consider the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme to be an important support for parents at a time of particular financial strain. I am satisfied that improvements to the scheme in recent years, namely an increase in income limits and an increase in the rates of payment respectively, provide a major boost to meeting the financial costs associated with return to school for those who most need assistance.
Any changes to the structure of the scheme, rates of payment, income limits or amendments to the qualifying criteria would have cost implications and would have to be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of resources available to me for improvements in social welfare payments generally.
Billy Timmins
Question:80 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review or change the criteria for qualification for the blind persons pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26190/07]
The qualifying criteria for entitlement to Blind Person's Pension are that a person must be over 18 years of age, satisfy a means test and be so blind that he or she cannot perform any work for which eyesight is essential or cannot continue his or her ordinary occupation. In that regard, Blind Person's Pension has always been regarded as a scheme providing income maintenance for persons of working age i.e. up to 66 years.
The Blind Person's Pension was recently reviewed as part of the 2003 Review of the Illness and Disability Payment Schemes, which concluded that these schemes are successful in meeting their objective of providing income support to people with disabilities.
Any future changes to the qualifying criteria for Blind Person's Pension will be considered within the context of the transfer of the Blind Welfare Allowance scheme to my Department, as provided for by the recent Government decision that "income support and maintenance schemes together with associated resources should be transferred from the Health Services Executive (HSE) to the Department of Social and Family Affairs".
Social Insurance.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:81 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the implications for the proposals contained in the Programme for Government to cut PRSI contribution rates of the findings of the recently published 2nd Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund. [25885/07]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:82 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way he will fund the commitments set out in the Programme for Government on State contributory pension and other contributory schemes in view of the projected deficit in the Social Insurance Fund by 2011. [26269/07]
Martin Ferris
Question:89 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the publication of the latest actuarial review of the Social Insurance Fund. [25887/07]
Arthur Morgan
Question:95 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the findings of the latest actuarial review of the Social Insurance Fund which found that while total income to the fund is projected to equal or exceed benefit outgo up to 2010 thereafter the fund’s net cash flow position is projected to decline rapidly. [25884/07]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:111 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when his Department received the latest actuarial review of the Social Insurance Fund. [25889/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 82, 89, 95 and 111 together.
The second Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund, which was required under Section 10 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005, was received by my Department on the 8th of June, 2007, following its completion by Mercer Human Resources Consulting, and was approved for publication at the Cabinet meeting of July 18th. It was decided that it would be appropriate to publish the Actuarial Review in due course in conjunction with the Green Paper on Pensions and both were published on 17 October 2007.
The focus of the Review, which covers the period from 2006 to 2061, is the income of the Social Insurance Fund including the accumulated surplus, the contributory pensions and benefits paid from the Fund, including associated non-cash benefits, and other payments. The report examines matters from a number of different aspects in the context of surpluses or deficits, whether benefit payments are up-rated to prices or earnings, and as a percentage of GNP. It also projects the number of years that existing reserves can be used to keep contributions rates below break-even rates. The report also examines the impact of number of potential enhancements to social insurance coverage into the future and the extent to which the Fund is redistributive through examining value for money in notional cases.
The findings of the Review include:
That the Fund will move from being in surplus to running a deficit in 2009;
That on foot of the annual deficits from 2009, the accumulated surplus will be exhausted by 2016;
That the ratio of people of working age to people over pension age, or pensioner support ratio is projected to fall from 5.6 to 1.81 over the period to 2061.
In the short-term, the Fund has sufficient resources to provide for the changes to the PRSI system and the increases in benefits committed to in the Programme for Government. Obviously, however, decreasing contributions whilst also increasing benefits will bring forward the time when exchequer subvention will be required.
In this context it should be noted that legislation provides that the Exchequer is the residual financier of the Fund and Exchequer contributions to cover shortfalls in contributions were the norm for over forty years. Any shortfall in the cost of benefits paid would, in the normal way, be addressed by Exchequer subvention. Other approaches to such an annual deficit would be a matter for the Government to consider in a future budgetary context.
Question No. 83 answered with QuestionNo. 65.
Employment Support Services.
Róisín Shortall
Question:84 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the pro-active measures currently undertaken by his Department to discourage welfare dependence among teenagers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26263/07]
Since the early 1990's my Department has been developing its policy to move from largely passive income support provision to a more active social welfare system. Under the National Employment Action Plan all persons, including the young unemployed, who are approaching 3 months on the Live Register are identified by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and referred to FÁS for interview with a view to job placement or an offer of training.
My Department also has a number of specific employment and training incentives available to encourage and facilitate people, including young people on welfare to take up available work or training options. These include the Back to Work and Back to Education Allowances, as well as income disregards on means tested payments such as lone parents allowance and disability allowance. Recipients of disability schemes may undertake employment of a rehabilitative nature in certain circumstances.
In addition my Department's Social and Family Support Service (SFSS), through the facilitator network, assists people most marginalised in social and economic terms, including, in some instances teenagers, and gives much help by way of intensive training, counselling and other supports to groups at risk of developing long-term welfare dependency. Examples of some of the initiatives for young people supported by my department include:
Support for a training and educational programme for young mothers in Carlow.
Support in respect of a training project for young school leavers from disadvantaged backgrounds in the South Leitrim area.
Contribution in respect of a training project for a group of early school leavers based in Sligo. Participants are from disadvantaged backgrounds, a number have been involved in anti-social behaviour in their communities.
The projects are usually supported on an interagency basis and the aim is to identify barriers to progression and support the participants to further education, training and work. My Department sees the funding provided as a means of supporting innovative responses to increasing employability and tackling social inclusion.
With regard to young people in receipt of other contingency-based payments; the impact of the payment of Disability Allowance (DA) from age 16 on retention rates in second level education was recently examined by the Department and the conclusion reached was that DA does not have a significant effect in encouraging early school leaving and may in fact promote second level retention among the majority of young people with disabilities.
The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents," put forward proposals for the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents. It is important to note that activation, as referred to in the proposal, is ‘positive' in nature; it encompasses interview/advice meetings, access to education and training and providing people with the skills to enable them to achieve financial independence and therefore, a better life for themselves and their children.
Furthermore, under the social partnership agreement "Towards 2016" and the National Development Plan 2007-2013 my Department is committed to the introduction of an innovative programme of activation measures aimed at all people of working age, including young people on welfare payments. The particular added value that will be provided by my Department is an active outcome-focused individual case management of all social welfare customers of working age who are not progressing into employment or accessing training or education opportunities.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:85 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he proposes to take to alleviate hardship to recipients of rent allowance whose rent has increased and who are expected to make up the shortfall from their own resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26241/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:347 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will increase rent allowances in line with recent rent increases thereby eliminating hardship for those dependant on rent support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26643/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:348 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the freezing of rent allowances which is causing hardship to recipients of rent support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26644/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 85, 347 and 348 together.
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support, in the form of a weekly or monthly payment, to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Rent supplements are subject to a means test. They are normally calculated to ensure that, after payment of rent, an eligible person has income equal to the rate of basic supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to their family circumstances, less a minimum contribution, currently €13, which each recipient is required to pay from his or her own resources. Many recipients pay more than €13 because recipients are also required to contribute any additional assessable means that they have over and above the appropriate basic supplementary welfare allowance rate towards their accommodation costs.
Rent supplement is also subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant for rent supplement may incur. These rent limits, provided for in Regulations, are set at levels that enable the different categories of eligible tenant households to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation, having regard to the different rental market conditions that prevail in various parts of the State. Setting maximum rent limits higher than are justified by the open market would have a distorting effect on the rental market, leading to a more general rise in rent levels. This in turn would worsen the affordability of rental accommodation unnecessarily, with particular negative impact for those tenants on lower incomes.
Notwithstanding these limits, under existing arrangements the Health Service Executive may, in certain circumstances, exceed the rent levels as an exceptional measure, for example:
where the person concerned is entitled to an income disregard AND has sufficient income to meet his or her basic needs after paying rent, taking into account the appropriate rate of rent supplement that is otherwise payable in the case
where there are special housing needs related to exceptional circumstances, for example, disabled persons in specially-adapted accommodation or homeless persons,
where the tenant will be in a position to re-assume responsibility for his/her rent within a short period
This discretionary power ensures that individuals with particular needs can be accommodated within the scheme and specifically protects against homelessness.
In January 2007 my Department completed a review of the maximum levels of rent which a person may incur and still be eligible to receive a rent supplement. The purpose of the review process was to ensure that the new rent limits, applicable from January 2007, reflect realistic market conditions throughout the country, and that they would continue to enable the different categories of eligible tenant households to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation to meet their respective needs. The existing limits are applicable from January 2007 until 30th June 2008.
The review involved a broad consultation process and included consultation with the HSE, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Private Residential Tenancies Board and voluntary agencies working in this area.
There are currently over 58,700 rent supplements in payment of which 23,819 have been awarded since the current rent limits were set in January 2007. These statistics show that rented accommodation is available within the current rent limits. In that regard, I do not intend to amend the existing limits. All limits will be reviewed again next year and any revision found to be necessary will be implemented from 1st July 2008 following expiry of the current limits.
Billy Timmins
Question:86 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on transferring the administration of the blind welfare allowance to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26191/07]
The decision to transfer certain functions from the Health Service Executive (HSE) to my Department follows on from recommendations made by the Commission on Financial Management and Control Systems in the Health Service. In its report, the Commission noted that over the years, the health system had been assigned responsibility for a number of activities that are non-core in the context of a health service. In view of the range of challenges facing the health sector, it recommended that the Government consider assigning such non-core activities to other bodies.
The Government considered this issue early last year and has decided to transfer certain functions. The functions to be transferred include the General Register Office and various payments, including supplementary welfare allowances and payments made to or in respect of persons with a disability, namely, domiciliary care allowance, child respite care grant paid with domiciliary care allowance, mobility allowance, infectious diseases maintenance allowance and blind welfare allowance. Detailed proposals for the transfer of dental, optical and other treatment benefits from my Department to the health sector are also being developed.
As part of the National Disability Strategy, my Department has produced a Disability Sectoral Plan which was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 21 July 2006. The objective of my Department's plan is to ensure that, as far as is practicable, the schemes and services provided to people with disabilities operate in a manner which facilitates their full participation in society and meet the mainstreaming principle of the equality agenda. In this regard, the Sectoral Plan takes account of the Government decision to transfer certain functions activities from the Health Service Executive (HSE) to my Department.
I am satisfied that the transfer of these income support and maintenance payments related to disability, such as the blind welfare allowance, allows for their administration within the mainstream income support framework and that this is consistent with the principle of mainstreaming supports for people with disabilities and the National Disability Strategy. This will result in a better service for people on Blind Welfare Allowance.
Incorporating the blind welfare allowance and other disability related payments identified for transfer within the social welfare framework will require amending legislation and I intend to provide for this in the context of the Social Welfare and Pension Bill 2008.
Advocacy Services.
Richard Bruton
Question:87 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if work has begun on establishing a personal advocacy service for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26168/07]
Terence Flanagan
Question:117 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of personal advocates to be recruited for the new personal advocacy service under the Citizens Information Board; where the advocates will be located; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26171/07]
David Stanton
Question:120 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the new personal advocacy service for people with disabilities, under the Citizens Information Board, is on target to become operational in January 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26259/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 87, 117 and 120 together.
The development of personal advocacy services is a priority for my Department and in this regard additional funding of €1.9m has been provided for the Citizens Information Board in 2007 for the development of an advocacy service for people with disabilities and for the implementation of the Disability Sectoral Plan.
The personal Advocacy Service will be initially located in Dublin. When the service is well established, it is anticipated that advocates will be located in a number of key highly populated areas around the country. However, it is not possible at this stage to give estimates of the number of advocates to be employed.
An organisational structure has been developed by the Citizens Information Board to meet the needs of the Personal Advocacy Service. Discussions between my Department, the Department of Finance and the Citizens Information Board are ongoing in relation to these structures and the additional staffing resources required for the provision of the service. Temporary accommodation has been identified to facilitate the immediate needs of the service and it is envisaged that the post of Director of the Personal Advocacy Service will be advertised shortly.
The establishment of the new service is on target and will commence when the Director is appointed and the appropriate structures have been put in place and the service will be up and running in the early part of 2008.
I am meeting with the Chairman and the CEO of the Citizens Information Board this week to discuss the implementation of the Personal Advocacy Service and its development in to the future. I am committed to the introduction of a Personal Advocacy Service in this regard.
Combat Poverty Agency.
Joan Burton
Question:88 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department has received either or both reviews recently undertaken of the Combat Poverty Agency; and the action he will take on foot of these reviews. [26282/07]
At this time, there are a number of reviews, in relation to the work of the Combat Poverty Agency which are at different stages of progression.
A review of the Agency's Research Programme was initiated in May 2007, by the Agency and the Office for Social Inclusion of my Department. The review is being carried out by Goodbody Economic Consultants and it will inter alia
Assess the activities, output and outcomes of the research programme;
Review the programme's contribution to research on poverty;
Benchmark the Agency's research programme against best practice in the design and implementation of similar social research programmes in Ireland and internationally;
Advise on the future direction of the research programme, particularly with regard to the most effective allocation and optimum use of research resources, both within the Agency and in collaboration with other organisations.
A steering committee comprising representatives of the Combat Poverty Agency, the Office for Social Inclusion, relevant government departments, and Goodbody Economic Consultants is overseeing the work. I have been advised that the Review is nearing completion and will be made available to the Board and to my Department before the end of 2007.
In line with a commitment in Towards 2016, a review of the Combat Poverty Agency's programmes that facilitate the participation of the community and voluntary sector and people experiencing poverty in the policy making process, has been in progress over the period 2006 and 2007.
I have been advised that aspects of that review remain to be considered further by the Review Steering Committee, which oversaw the project, before it is finalised for the Board of the Agency and my Department.
The Government have decided that a review of the Combat Poverty Agency will be undertaken by my Department in association with other relevant departments. The review will commence shortly. It will be undertaken as part of my Department's Value for Money and Policy Review Initiative programme for 2006-2008 and, when completed, will include recommendations to the on the future role and functions of the Agency in a changed environment.
Arrangements are in hand to establish a Steering Committee comprising senior officials from my Department and other relevant Government departments, and representatives from the Agency to oversee the task. I expect that the review will be completed in mid 2008.
Question No. 89 answered with QuestionNo. 81.
Social Welfare Code.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:90 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the timeframe envisaged for the completion of his Department’s technical review of the entire social welfare code to examine its compatibility with the Equal Status Act 2000; his views on the recommendation of the Law Reform Commission that same sex co-habitants should be treated in the same way as opposite-sex cohabitants for social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26286/07]
The purpose of the review of the social welfare code, which is currently being undertaken in my Department, is to examine its compatibility with the Equal Status Act, 2000 (as amended). The review will examine all the schemes and services provided for both in social welfare legislation and the administrative schemes operated by the Department. It will identify any instances of direct or indirect discrimination, on any of the nine grounds under the Act that are not justified by a legitimate social policy objective or where the means of achieving that objective are either unnecessary or inappropriate.
A decision was taken that the review would take place in two phases. Phase 1 involved the undertaking of a scoping exercise to establish the most appropriate approach and methodology to carrying out the main review, which would be robust and verifiable. The results of Phase 1 then formed the basis of the terms of reference of the main review. A request for tender for Phase 2 of the main review, issued in April 2007. Consultants were selected to carry out the work in July 2007 and that work has now commenced. The expected completion date for the work is end 2008.
The recommendation of the Law Reform Commission arose from one of two important pieces of work regarding different types of partner relationships and how they should be treated and recognised in Irish society. The first report an ‘Options Paper, presented by the Working Group on Domestic Partnership' to the then Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, focuses on different types of cohabiting relationships, both same and opposite sex, and presents a range of options with regard to giving legal recognition to these relationships. Officials from my Department contributed to the work of this Group.
The second report — the ‘Report of the Law Reform Commission on the Rights and Duties of Cohabitants' — makes substantial recommendations for reform of the law concerning cohabitants including both opposite sex or same sex couples who live together.
These reports come at a time of wide public debate on the question of according legal status to cohabitants generally, and same sex couples in particular. The review being carried out in my Department, together with the debate on these reports, will inform future policy development with a view to ensuring that the social welfare system is equitable in addressing the needs of citizens.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Paul Kehoe
Question:91 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in receipt of the living alone allowance; the amount paid out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26193/07]
Pat Breen
Question:102 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will amend the qualifying criteria for the living alone allowance; if there are plans to increase the allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26194/07]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:132 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he proposes to raise the rate of the living alone allowance; his policy in relation to the future development of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26271/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 91, 102 and 132 together.
The living alone increase is an additional payment of €7.70 per week made to people aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments and who are living alone. It is also available to people who are under 66 years of age who are living alone and who receive payments under one of a number of invalidity type schemes. The increase is intended as a contribution towards the additional costs people face when they live alone. Currently, about 157,500 people are in receipt of the living alone increase, at a cost of approximately €64 million per annum.
The policy in relation to support for pensioners has been, for many years, to give priority to increasing the personal rates of pension rather than supplements like the living alone increase. The objective is to use resources to improve the position of all pensioners to the fullest extent possible rather than focusing on particular groups. This approach was continued in Budget 2007 with increases of up to €16 and €18 per week granted on personal rates.
The needs of older people have been, and will remain, a priority for the Government. Further reforms and improvements will be considered in the context of the Green Paper on pensions policy, published on the 17th October. A major consultation process in relation to future pensions policy is now underway. Following the completion of the consultation process, the Government will develop a framework for future policy.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:92 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide further details regarding the commitment in the Programme for Government to implement significant improvements to the back to school clothing and footwear allowance and the school meals programme. [25886/07]
The Programme for Government commits the Government to implementing significant improvements in both the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance and to the School Meals scheme.
I consider the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme to be an important support for parents at a time of particular financial strain. It provides a major boost to those who most need assistance in meeting the financial costs associated with return to school.
The improvements as committed in the Programme for Government will be implemented over the course of the next five years and will build on the progress made in that scheme recent years . The improvements already implemented are very significant when viewed in the context of clothing and footwear price trends. According to the Consumer Price Index for September 2007, the overall cost of clothing and footwear has fallen by 4% over the past twelve months. Since December 2001, clothing and footwear costs have decreased by 17.9%.
The school meals assists schools and projects to provide healthy, nutritious food to the most disadvantaged children in our society who, by reason of lack of food, are unable to take full advantage of the educational opportunities presented to them. The scheme is currently providing meals to over 165,000 children.
The implementation of improvements in the School Meals scheme is well underway. The Department of Education and Science has identified a total of 875 disadvantaged schools under the ‘Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools' (DEIS) action plan. These DEIS schools have been targeted for inclusion in the scheme and, to date, a total of 668 DEIS schools are participating on the scheme. The scheme will be extended in 2008 to as many of the remaining DEIS schools as wish to participate. As a result, I expect that expenditure on the scheme in 2008 will show a considerable increase on 2007 levels.
Question No. 93 answered with QuestionNo. 68.
Social Insurance.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:94 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether there is an injustice arising from many self employed spouses on family farms and in family businesses not having PRSI coverage and consequently not qualifying for contributory pensions; and if he has proposals to remedy this anomaly. [26245/07]
Spouses working for self-employed contributors are specifically excepted from social insurance contributions. This exclusion recognises the practical difficulties in establishing the nature of a genuine employment relationship in circumstances such as when a person employed under a contract of service by his or her spouse is classed as an "excepted" contributor under social welfare law. As a result, farming spouses, in common with spouses of other self-employed persons, do not generally pay PRSI contributions. There are, however, three situations where spouses may pay contributions.
Spouses who are actively engaged in a commercial partnership, as opposed to simply being the joint owners of a property, are treated as individual self-employed contributors and are thus liable to social insurance contributions. These contributions — made under PRSI Class S — enable them to build up an insurance record in their own right and to receive accruing benefits. A partnership is commonly understood to be an association of two or more persons for the purpose of gain or of sharing in the work and profits of an enterprise. Liability for PRSI contributions is not contingent on the ownership of property but rather on the nature of the business arrangements between the couple. Co-ownership of property does not in itself create a partnership.
In the situation, where a family business or farming enterprise is incorporated as a limited company, spouses involved in the business can establish a social insurance record as either employees or as self-employed contributors — depending on whether a contract of service exists.
Finally, a spouse engaged in "off-farm" employment, will pay social insurance contributions in his or her own right. This enables farming spouses who might otherwise not be insured to develop a social insurance record on the basis of their "off-farm" earnings.
While there are no plans to alter these provisions, an information leaflet is currently being developed between the Department of Social & Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to set out the social welfare and tax implications of families co-working in a shared business. It has been agreed, with the farming representatives, that their views and input will feed into this process to ensure the new publication meets with their information needs and is customer orientated. It is hoped to publish the new information leaflet by end 2007.
It should also be noted that under the Programme for Government there is a commitment to improve the income limits associated with the qualified adult allowance to enable more people to qualify for it. The limits will be reviewed in the context of the budget.
Question No. 95 answered with QuestionNo. 81.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Dinny McGinley
Question:96 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on allowing people to transfer the free electricity to the free gas allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26187/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:354 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will extend or expand the availability of the free schemes operated by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26650/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 354 together.
The household benefits package, which comprises the electricity/gas allowance, telephone allowance and free television licence schemes, is generally available to people living in the State, aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. The package is also available to carers and people with disabilities under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. Widows and widowers aged from 60 to 65 whose late spouses had been in receipt of the household benefit package or free travel retain that entitlement. This measure is in place to ensure that households who have this entitlement do not lose it on the death of a spouse.
People aged over 70 years of age can qualify for the household benefits package regardless of their income or household composition. Those aged under 70 must live alone or only with certain excepted people in order to qualify.
With effect from January 2007 the number of units of electricity covered by the scheme was increased from 1,800 to 2,400. An equivalent increase in the natural gas allowance came into effect in October 2006. These allowances also cover increased standing charges and the associated VAT. Only one allowance is paid per household.
The annual value of both allowances is the same and, recipients are free to transfer from one allowance over another to suit their individual needs.
Budget 2007 provided for the telephone allowance to be extended to cover mobile phones. Under this new arrangement, customers have the choice to opt either for a direct credit to a telephone company for their landline as before or for a cash payment in respect of their mobile phone. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to extend the scheme further to incorporate broadband services.
A range of proposals has been made to extend the coverage of the household benefits package. These proposals are kept under review in the context of the objectives of the scheme and budgetary resources.
Social Welfare Fraud.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:97 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he is satisfied that the new measures planned to control overpayments are sufficiently robust; the targets that have been set in terms of reducing overpayments or fraud; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26265/07]
The overall goal of my Department's new Debt Management Strategy is to actively pursue the recovery of debt to maximise recovery levels, with due regard to value for money and with particular emphasis on recovery from people no longer dependant on welfare payments. The objectives of the strategy are
To maximise the recovery of overpayments
To efficiently record, report and monitor the occurrence and recovery of overpayments
To fulfil statutory, accounting and reporting obligations
To conduct overpayment and debt management as efficiently as possible
One of the key elements to the strategy is the introduction of the Overpayment and Debt Management (ODM) computer system which will record all overpayments and debt recovery data and will allow for timely and efficient management of debt. The new ODM system is now in operation in a number of areas in my Department and is being rolled out on a phased basis to all other sections. It is expected that all areas will be using the new system by the second quarter of 2008.
The debt management strategy will be achieved by the introduction of a strengthened policy on overpayments and debt management in the Department and by making the organisational and procedural changes necessary to achieve this. The strategy will be kept under review to ensure the achievement of its primary goals.
The debt management strategy is the fourth pillar of my Department's control strategy to deal with overpayments and to combat fraud and abuse of schemes, the other three pillars being prevention of fraud and error at the initial claim stage, early detection through effective review of claims in payment and measures to deter fraud.
Targets for control activity for 2007 include 422,480 reviews of entitlements over all scheme areas. A total of 258,433 reviews have been carried out to end-September 2007, which is 81% of the Department's year to date target.
Overpayments are attributed to fraud, customer or third party error, or departmental error. In 2006, overpayments attributed to fraud amounted to €20.3m (45% of all overpayments), while customer or third party error totalled €23m (51%). Departmental error overpayments came to €1.8m (4%).
Question No. 98 answered with QuestionNo. 65.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:99 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the proposed fundamental changes in State support for lone parents, referred to as activation strategies for lone parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26180/07]
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:100 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of the proposed reform of lone parent State supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26181/07]
Paul Connaughton
Question:106 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of incentives to further encourage lone parents in the labour market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26182/07]
Liz McManus
Question:123 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his strategy in relation to eradicating poverty and welfare dependancy among lone parents; when he will formally reform the restrictive rules on cohabitation; the reasons for the delay in fully implementing the proposals for reform contained in Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents. [26274/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 100, 106 and 123 together.
The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents," put forward proposals for the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents; the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents; focused provision of childcare; improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children. The paper also proposed the abolition of the cohabitation rule as a condition for receipt of the proposed social assistance payment.
One of the proposals in the report was that the upper income limit for the new social assistance payment should be set at €400 per week. This proposal was implemented in Budget 2007 which in effect meant that the upper income limit increased by more than one third in two years.
In addition, the report recommended increasing the qualified child increase for recipients of the one-parent family payment. In Budget 2007 the three rates of qualified child increase, which had been maintained at the same levels for a number of years, were combined into a single rate of €22 per week in respect of over 340,000 children of welfare families.
The new social assistance payment, under development in my Department, has the long term aim of assisting people to achieve financial independence through supporting them into education, training and ultimately employment — the avenue that is widely agreed to offer the best route out of poverty.
As the Deputies know, any proposed new payment can only be introduced when the necessary co-ordinated supports and services are put in place on the ground by other Departments and Agencies. This is why the Government has asked the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion to create an implementation plan to progress the non-income recommendations in tandem with the development of the legislation required in my Department to introduce any new payment. Discussions are ongoing with the relevant Departments and Agencies on issues including childcare, education, training and activation measures.
As part of this process, my Department, with the co-operation of FAS, the Office of the Minister for Children and the Department of Education and Science, are testing the non-income activation proposals in Coolock, Dublin and in Kilkenny. These tests are focused on identifying and resolving any practical and administrative issues that may arise in advance of the scheme being introduced. The tests are expected to run until the end of the year, with a report then being made to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion. They will allow for operational and logistical co-ordination between the relevant Departments and Agencies to be considered and will facilitate the development of the policy and operational details of the new scheme and accompanying supports. At the moment there is no definite date available for the nationwide rollout of these reforms, but following the outcome of the tests it is hoped to move forward with the proposals as soon as possible.
Question No. 101 answered with QuestionNo. 63.
Question No. 102 answered with QuestionNo. 91.
Departmental Schemes.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:103 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide details of each of the non-statutory schemes provided by his Department; the expected expenditure on each of these schemes in 2007; and the reason his Department operates a policy of not back-dating old claims on such schemes. [26283/07]
My Department operates the following non statutory schemes:
Household Benefits Package
Free Travel
Back to Work Allowance
Back to Education Allowance
National Fuel Allowance
Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
Household Benefits Package
The household benefits package, which comprises the electricity, natural gas allowance, telephone allowance and free television licence is available to persons living permanently in the State who satisfy specific qualifying conditions. There are currently some 350,000 customers in receipt of the household benefits scheme at an annual cost of €315 million in 2007.
Provisions for backdating of household benefit applications have been aligned with regulations on backdating of late claims in the SocialWelfare (Consolidated Payments Provision) (Amendment) (No. 8) (Late Claims) Regulations, 2000 (S.I. No. 159 of 2000)]. Under the Regulations an application for household benefit package may be backdated for a maximum of six months where there is an underlying entitlement. In certain circumstances a claim can be backdated for a period in excess of six months.
Free Travel
The Free Travel scheme provides free travel on a range of transport services on the island of Ireland to 600,000 customers at an annual cost of €64 million in 2007. It is not the policy of my Department to backdate entitlement to free travel.
Back to Work Allowance
The back to work allowance scheme is part of programme of initiatives designed to assist long term unemployed people, lone parents and other social welfare recipients to return to the active labour force. The allowance provides a monetary incentive designed to make return to work financially attractive and viable. The expenditure on the back to work/back to work enterprise allowance scheme for 2007 is estimates at €73.5m.
Back to work applications should be submitted 14 days before the employment commences, in order to be approved. However, applications may be accepted up to one month after work commencing, provided that the claimant has signed off at the appropriate time. In certain limited circumstances applications may be accepted outside the one month limit.
Back to Education Allowance
The back to education allowance (BTEA) facilitates people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force. The scheme enables qualified people who have been getting a social welfare payment to continue to receive a payment while pursuing an approved full-time education course. The estimated expenditure on the scheme for 2007 is €68.5m.
National Fuel Allowance
The national fuel allowance scheme assists householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive (HSE) payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. Fuel allowances are paid for 29 weeks from end-September to mid-April. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. It is estimated that some 286,200 households benefit under the scheme at an annual cost of €161.5m. Fuel allowance is paid from the date of application, backdating may occur where there are extenuating circumstances and applies to individual cases only.
Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
The back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme (BSCFA) operates from the beginning of June to the end of September each year and is administered on behalf of this Department by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The BSCFA scheme provides a one-off payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when their children start school each autumn.
Current indications are that 82,000+ families with approximately 174,000+ children will benefit from the scheme this year. A total of €38.1 million has been allocated for BSCFA for 2007 and it is expected that this amount will be expended in full.
BSCFA claims are only paid for the year in which applications are made, however depending on the circumstances of a particular case; Community Welfare Officers have the discretion to make exceptional needs payments in the event of late applications for BSCFA.
Question No. 104 answered with QuestionNo. 65.
PPS Numbers.
Denis Naughten
Question:105 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he is satisfied with the procedures in place regarding the issuing of PPS numbers to foreign nationals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26256/07]
Denis Naughten
Question:126 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he is taking to ensure the integrity of the issuing of PPS numbers to foreign nationals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26255/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 126 together.
The Personal Public Service Number is an individual's unique reference number for dealings with Government Departments and public bodies. My Department assumed sole responsibility for the registration of customers and subsequent allocation of PPS Numbers in June 2000. At that time and to facilitate customer service, all Local and Branch Offices were delegated the task of registering applicants for these numbers. However, due to the significant increases in the detection of identity fraud and misrepresentation of documents, my Department decided to rationalise the process to specially designated registration centres. Significant progress has been made to date with 13 Centres established outside Dublin. The remaining Centres will be established in 2008. In addition, 4 Centres have been established in Dublin, these will be amalgamated to 1 centre when new accommodation comes on stream in 2009. This approach was acknowledged as a step towards improving control during a recent audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General's Office.
As centres are established, emphasis is placed on specialised training and equipment and the development of expertise for the task of registering new customers. As a result, Departmental officials are becoming more effective in detecting false documentation and bogus applications. Consequently there has been an increase in the number of customers prosecuted who were attempting to obtain a PPS number fraudulently. The establishment of these centres is also facilitating the introduction of an improved and more specialised customer service to those seeking a PPS number.
It is necessary to have effective controls around the PPS Number registration process to guard against fraud and to protect the integrity of data under my Department's control. Processes are in place to ensure that a person receives only one number, and that the number is allocated based on information that is accurate and verified. Applicants for PPS Numbers are asked to present themselves at one of the Department's offices, complete an application form and supply documentation to establish their identity. These processes apply regardless of the nationality of the applicant.
Evidence of identity is a vital element of the allocation process. My Department has a dedicated section dealing with identity fraud in PPS No. allocations. The staff in this section receives training in the area of document fraud from a number of sources, including the relevant issuing authorities, via their embassies, and from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). This section operates a full time help desk facility for front line staff and provides training and support to them in dealing with identity issues.
In addition to the central help desk facility, plans are in place to expand the role of my Department's inspectorate in identity work, increasing its focus on the issue of hijacked and bogus identities, as well as improving the support to local offices involved in registering applications for PPS numbers.
The Department has also introduced legislation to greatly enhance its ability to deal with fraudulent applications. Under Section 32(ii) of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 the Department can now retain documents including a passport, visa, identity card, driving licence, birth certificate or marriage certificate or any other document establishing a person's identity or nationality, for checking. As well as the power to retain identity documents for examination, the 2007 Act introduced increased penalties for fraudulent application for a PPS Number.
I am committed to the highest standards of control in the allocation of the numbers and to an efficient and effective management of the issue of identity fraud.
Question No. 106 answered with QuestionNo. 99.
Social Welfare Fraud.
Joe Costello
Question:107 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he is taking to reduce the rate of fraud or overpayments generally and specifically among non Irish national groups; the mechanisms in place to authenticate foreign documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26266/07]
The prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day-to-day work of my Department. A key objective of my Department's control strategy is to ensure that we pay the right person the right amount of money at the right time. This applies to all customers regardless of nationality.
A four pronged approach has been adopted by the Department to meet this objective, namely prevention of fraud and error at the initial claim stage, early detection through effective review of claims in payment, measures to deter fraud and the pursuit and recovery of overpayments.
Systematic risk analysis is a key element of the Department's control strategy. This entails the identification, by scheme managers, of areas of high risk of fraud and abuse in the schemes for which they are responsible and putting in place appropriate measures to address them in a systematic way. The purpose of this approach is to ensure that review activity is targeted in the most effective manner.
My Department carries out surveys of the levels of fraud and error as part of its control strategy to identify the types of claims which should be prioritised for review purposes.
Over 600 staff at local, regional and national level are engaged on a full or part-time basis on work related to the control of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system.
Controls are exercised at both the initial claim stage and at subsequent stages during the claim life-cycle. Claims are reviewed on a regular and targeted basis. During 2006, some 334,000 reviews of entitlements were carried out by staff in my Department. The records of some 4,800 employers were inspected to ensure compliance with the Department's regulations and in particular to prevent and detect abuses of the system. In 2007, to the end of September, over 258,000 reviews and 3,200 employer inspections have been undertaken.
My Department has a dedicated section dealing with identity fraud in PPS No. allocations. The staff in this section receives training in the area of document fraud from a number of sources, including the relevant issuing authorities, via their embassies, and from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). This section operates a full time help desk facility for front line staff and provides training and support to them in dealing with document fraud issues.
I am committed to ensuring that social welfare payments are available to those who are entitled to them. I am also determined to ensure that abuse of the system is prevented and is dealt with effectively when detected. In this regard the control programme of my Department is carefully monitored and the various measures are continuously refined to ensure that they remain effective.
Employment Support Services.
Liz McManus
Question:108 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progression rate of long-term recipients of disability payments off welfare and back into the workforce; and his Department’s targets in this regard. [26275/07]
My department has a range of illness and disability payments. The two largest schemes in terms of the numbers of recipients are illness benefit and disability allowance. Illness benefit is a social insurance payment for people who cannot work due to illness. Recipients must comply with certain rules of behaviour that are set out in legislation. One of the rules of behaviour states that a person cannot work while receiving illness benefit.
Approximately 80% of people leave illness benefit within six to eight weeks and return to the workforce. In order to encourage longer term claimants to take up employment or training opportunities, an exemption to the general rules of behaviour states that the claimant may engage in employment or training which is part-time (i.e less than 20 hours per week) and of a rehabilitative or therapeutic nature. The claimant must apply to my Department in advance of taking up such employment or training so that a decision can be made on whether the employment meets the criteria of part-time and rehabilitative or therapeutic in nature. At the end of September 2007 there were 71,280 on Illness Benefit, 1,187 were availing of an exemption from the rules of behaviour to engage in employment or training for rehabilitative or therapeutic purposes.
The Disability Allowance scheme currently allows for claimants to return to the workforce and remain on a full or partial Disability Allowance payment. If a person supplies a letter from their Doctor stating that the employment is of a rehabilitative nature, they may qualify for a means disregard of €120 per week.
A Disability Allowance payment may be terminated when a claimant returns to the work force and no longer requires social welfare support. Some 200 to 300 claims are terminated each year for that reason and significant numbers of other claims are terminated on means grounds, many of which also relate to taking up employment.
My Department's targets in this area flow from the National Disability Strategy which the Government launched in September 2004 to underpin the participation of people with disabilities in Irish society. The implementation of this Strategy provides the framework for policy initiatives under Towards 2016, the National Development Plan and the NAPinclusion for this group.
In line with the National Disability Strategy, the NAPinclusion high level goal in relation to people with disabilities emphasises participation in education, training and employment. The goal in the NAPinclusion is to " Increase the employment of people with disabilities who do not have a difficulty in retaining a job. The immediate objective is to have an additional 7,000 of that cohort in employment by 2010. The longer term target is to raise the employment rate of people with disabilities from 37% to 45% by 2016, as measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey. The overall participation rate in education, training and employment will be increased to 50% by 2016. These targets will be reviewed in the light of experience and the availability of better data".
The overall policy in relation to supporting employment incentives for people with disabilities will continue to be kept under review and will be monitored in the context of the NAPinclusion high level goal in relation to participation of people with disabilities.
Charles Flanagan
Question:109 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in receipt of the blind persons pension; the amount paid out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26189/07]
Paul Kehoe
Question:122 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will clarify what is regarded as rehabilitative work, with regard to employment support, for people with sight loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26192/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 122 together.
Blind Pension is paid to blind people and certain people with low vision, between the ages of 18 and 66 who are habitually resident in the State, and satisfy a means test. Items which are assessed as means include:
Cash income of claimant and or spouse partner
The value of savings, investments, shares, land etc.
Any property they may have, other than their own home
Maintenance paid to applicant if deserted/separated
There are currently some 1,458 customers in receipt of the Blind Pension at the annual cost of €14.7 million.
My Department supports customers with disabilities to engage in employment of a rehabilitative nature by disregarding earnings of up to €350 per week from rehabilitative employment. To avail of a disregard for income from rehabilitative work a customer must provide medical evidence to that effect from their General Practitioner to my Department. This information is then taken into account when the customer's means are being assessed.
Money Advice and Budgeting Service.
Phil Hogan
Question:110 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he will take to fulfil the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government where the Money Advice and Budgeting Service will be given a central role in increasing access to affordable credit for low income earners and social welfare customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26175/07]
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. There are 53 independent companies nationwide with over 230 money advice staff operating the service. Last year, MABS provided services to almost 12,500 new clients throughout the country. To date, in 2007, some 9,300 new clients have approached the service. The number of active cases at the end of September was 18,500. In 2006, €16.4 million was provided to fund the service and in 2007 the annual allocation was increased to €17.67 million to assist the MABS in dealing with its workload.
The issues that give rise to problems of over-indebtedness for people are highly complex. The cost and availability of credit for people on low incomes and the barriers they face in accessing mainstream and cheap forms of credit add to the difficulties people encounter in managing their finances. I am particularly concerned about the high level of interest rates currently being charged by some financial institutions, loan companies and by legal moneylenders in situations where people have no alternative sources of credit available to them.
The issues in this policy area are complex. For example, the regulation of money lending comes under the Consumer Credit Act 1995 and the Financial Regulator has statutory responsibility for the licensing process. My view is that MABS has a unique and expert contribution to make, on behalf of people on low incomes, in shaping the strategies that need to be put in place, including those of services providers, such as the banks and the credit unions, to ensure greater financial inclusion in Ireland.
Officials of my Department have had discussions with the Department of Finance on these matters. They also continue to engage with the Financial Regulator and other key interests on the options for tackling the barriers which arise for people on low incomes accessing the full range of mainstream financial services that is available to the wider community.
In line with the Programme for Government, I am developing proposals for a new structure for the MABS geared to meeting the needs of people with debt difficulties in today's society. These proposals will include initiatives to improve the situation of people on low incomes in securing access to affordable credit.
My proposals will build on the best features of the MABS model of service to the public to ensure a high quality, coordinated budgeting and advice service to meet the challenges posed by the changing face of debt in Ireland.
Question No. 111 answered with QuestionNo. 81.
Question No. 112 answered with QuestionNo. 67.
Pension Provisions.
Joan Burton
Question:113 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his policy in relation to relaxing or abolishing the means test for qualified adults on contributory pensions. [26281/07]
All contributory payments include, where appropriate, an increase for a dependent spouse or partner. However, this increase is means-tested with a full increase payable where a spouse's income is less than €100 per week, with reduced rates payable until income exceeds €250 per week. Unlike the means test for non-contributory payments, a household means test does not apply, i.e. a decision is made on the basis of the income enjoyed by the qualified adult only. However, where capital or property (other than the family home) is jointly owned, then the qualified adult will be assessed with 50% of any actual/notional income or capital value deriving from that asset.
As set out in the Agreed Programme for Government, the policy in relation to the means testing of qualified adult payments is to increase the income limits that apply in the means test so that more people will qualify for the allowance. These limits are kept under review in a budgetary context. The issue of means testing qualified adult payments is discussed in the Green Paper on Pensions.
Decisions in relation to the future of these arrangements will be made in the context of the framework for long-term pensions policy which will be developed following the completion of the Green Paper consultation process.
Social Welfare Code.
Martin Ferris
Question:114 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether it is time to develop a new longer term benchmark against which the evolution of social welfare rates can be measured. [25888/07]
The appropriateness of benchmarking social welfare rates has been actively considered from time to time.
In 2001 the Social Welfare Benchmarking and Indexation Group was established to examine the issues involved in developing a benchmark for adequacy of adult and child social welfare payments. The Group published its final report in September 2001 but did not achieve a consensus position on the desirability of establishing a formal benchmark.
The illustrative benchmark options examined in the report included 30% of Gross Average Industrial Earnings and 50% of Average Weekly Household Income.
The Group could not agree about which of these would be the better option as there were advantages and disadvantages associated with each.
The report provides a valuable resource for the assessment of the implications of adopting particular approaches to the up rating of social welfare payments and was considered by Government as part of the review of the National Anti-Poverty Strategy (NAPS) in 2002. Recognising that the exact rate was a matter for Government, the Strategy set a target of €150 per week (in 2002 terms) for the lowest social welfare payments to be met by 2007. This target was achieved in this year's Budget.
The current social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, commits the Government and social partners to working together to achieve the NAPS target and to maintaining the value of the lowest social welfare rates at this level over the course of the agreement, subject to available resources.
Social Insurance.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:115 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of personnel devoted to the enforcement of the law requiring employers to make PRSI contributions; the level of activity of his Department in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26264/07]
Contributions due to the Social Insurance Fund are collected in the main by the Revenue Commissioners, together with income tax due. My Department's Inspectorate, appointed under Section 250 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 is responsible, inter alia, for ensuring that employers and the self employed comply with the Act in relation to Pay Related Social Insurance contributions. Employer compliance in this regard is monitored by Inspectors conducting employer inspections whose remit includes a detailed examination of employers' records to ensure that correct PRSI payments are being made in respect of all their employees. In addition, any irregularity in a customer's PRSI record either detected at claim processing stage or reported directly by the customer, is referred to the Inspectorate for follow up action.
My Department currently employs 380 Social Welfare Inspectors throughout the country. The duties of a Social Welfare Inspector are wide ranging. They include the investigation of eligibility to a broad variety of means tested schemes, as well as enforcing the law in relation to employers' responsibilities in regard to PRSI matters. Social Welfare Inspectors are also engaged in specialist control work. It is not possible to give an exact figure on the number of personnel devoted to the enforcement of the law requiring employers to make PRSI contributions as there are no social welfare inspectors devoted exclusively to this work.
Employer inspections, carried out by the Department's Inspectors, comprise a number of tasks:
detailed examination of employer records to ensure that accurate records of employees are being maintained and that correct PRSI payments are being made in respect of all their employees and that the correct PRSI class is being applied;
checks to ensure that employees are not concurrently working and claiming social welfare payments;
outlining employers responsibilities with regard to Social Welfare legislation and where Revenue staff are part of the inspection team, tax legislation;
general advice and information to employers on matters such as the operation of the PRSI system, incentives available to employers, the correct classes of contributions, employees' entitlements etc.
Where PRSI undercharges are confirmed, the Inspector will set out PRSI arrears/underpayment in respect of each employee for each tax year and issue a demand to the employer for payment. Should the employer fail to respond satisfactorily, a statutory demand will issue by registered post and the employer given 14 days to respond. If the employer fails to respond the case is prepared for consideration of prosecution.
In the absence of wage records, an employee statement (Form IN12) detailing evidence of employment and payment of earnings is obtained. Based on confirmation of employment, either by way of wage inspection or employee statement, my Department's Central Records Unit is advised to update the employee's PRSI record for the period of employment in question. Where a benefit claim is pending the relevant Local Office/Section is similarly advised.
The number of employer inspections undertaken to date this year is 3,475.
My Department is committed to delivering an effective and efficient regime of employer inspections, and ensuring that PRSI deductions and remittances are made in an accurate and timely manner.
Charles Flanagan
Question:116 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he proposes to take in respect of the recommendation of the Irish Human Rights Commission that those elderly persons who contributed to the social insurance scheme as self-employed persons expecting on retirement to receive an old age contributory pension but who were denied this benefit due to the fact that they did not satisfy the minimum period of contributions by reason only of their advanced age when the relevant legislative provisions came into force be afforded a reduced benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24835/07]
It is a fundamental principle of our social insurance system that those qualifying for benefits must satisfy a range of contribution and other conditions. In the case of contributory pensions this involves commencing payment of contributions 10 years before pension age, payment of a minimum number of contributions at an appropriate rate and reaching a minimum average annual contribution rate. The state pension (contributory) is a valuable benefit and the conditions are designed to ensure that those qualifying have had a sufficient and ongoing attachment to the social insurance system.
The case reported on by the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) involves a couple who were over 56 years of age in 1988 when compulsory social insurance for the self-employed was introduced. Accordingly, they were unable to satisfy one of the basic requirements for pension as they did not commence paying insurance 10 years before pension age.
In 1999 a special half-rate pension was introduced for this group based on the payment of 260 contributions and, again, the couple involved did not satisfy the qualifying condition. While one of the couple could have qualified had they paid the necessary contributions, because of advanced age the other person would not have been able to contribute the necessary level of contributions before reaching pension age. A refund of part of the social insurance contributions was available to such people.
Having considered the case, the IHRC has recommended that a reduced benefit should be paid to people who, because of advanced age, could not satisfy the conditions for the special pension introduced in 1999. The recommendations of the IHRC are based on its assessment of the situation under the European Convention on Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the European Code of Social Security. In relation to the European Code of Social Security, the IHRC places particular emphasis on provisions in relation to the position of people, who by reason of age when provisions are introduced, cannot satisfy contribution or employment conditions.
The Department makes annual reports on compliance with this Code to the Council of Europe, summarising changes to the social welfare system. These reports are then referred to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Committee of Experts for their examination. The Department's 1999 report included details of the self-employed provisions which are now the subject of the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) investigation. At that time, the ILO Committee confirmed that Ireland met its obligations.
Accordingly, as an initial step in its review of the IHRC report, my Department has asked the ILO Committee of Experts for its views on the way in which the IHRC has interpreted the relevant articles. While the Department has received an informal opinion which is at variance with the conclusions of the IHRC, it has asked the Committee of Experts for a formal review of the situation in the context of our annual report on compliance with the European Code of Social Security which my Department submitted recently. The annual report has drawn specific attention to the IHRC report and the manner in which it interprets our obligations under Article 29.5 of the Code.
The views of the supervising committees have been sought on the conclusions of the IHRC report and as soon as these are received the position will be reviewed. My Department is anxious to finalise this matter and will press for an early response from the supervising committee.
Question No. 117 answered with QuestionNo. 87.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Sean Sherlock
Question:118 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he will take to extend the all-Ireland free travel pass to all free-travel pass holders. [26288/07]
The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. All carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance, regardless of their age, also receive a free travel pass. It is also available to people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type welfare payments, such as disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind person's pension. People resident in the State who are in receipt of a social security invalidity or disability payment from a country covered by EU Regulations, or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement, and who have been in receipt of this payment for at least 12 months, are also eligible for free travel.
The all Ireland free travel scheme is based on a reciprocal agreement between my Department and the Department for Regional Development in Northern Ireland, which operates the Northern Ireland concessionary fares scheme.
Under the scheme, free travel pass holders age 66 or over can travel free on services operating within Northern Ireland and senior smartpass holders from Northern Ireland can travel free on participating services here. Effectively, institutions in this State and in Northern Ireland recognise free travel arrangements for older people in each jurisdiction as equivalent arrangements.
The concessionary fares scheme in Northern Ireland is available only to people aged 65 and over so it is not possible to develop reciprocal arrangements in respect of free travel pass holders aged under 66. Any extension to the scheme would have to be agreed with the Northern authorities.
Willie Penrose
Question:119 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason he refuses to progress the commitment to establish a new subsidy or assistance on a pilot basis to assist wheelchair users with the cost of taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26277/07]
The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. All carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance, regardless of their age, receive a free travel pass. It is also available to people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type welfare payments, such as disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind person's pension.
The scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators.
I am aware of the difficulties that some free travel pass holders have in accessing public transport and my officials have discussed this issue with the Commission for Taxi Regulation. Various alternatives to the existing system, including the use of vouchers, have been examined. A study, "A Review of the Free Schemes," published in 2000 under the Department's programme of expenditure reviews concluded that a voucher type system, which would be open to a wide range of transport providers including taxis and hackneys, would be extremely difficult to administer, open to abuse and unlikely to be sufficient to afford an acceptable amount of travel. This position remains unchanged.
I will continue to review the operation of the free travel scheme with a view to identifying the scope for further improvements as resources permit.
Question No. 120 answered with QuestionNo. 87.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:121 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has received the NESC research on the possible merging of family income supplement and child dependent allowances; and the way he proposes to proceed. [26260/07]
Under the terms of an earlier Social Partnership agreement the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) was asked to examine the feasibility of merging the family income supplement with qualified child increases and possibly including other child supports such as the back to school clothing and footwear allowance, resulting in a single second tier child income support. Such a payment would be aimed specifically at targeting child poverty by channelling resources to low-income families without creating significant disincentives to employment. This commitment to examining such a change was subsequently embodied in the current social partnership agreement ‘Towards 2016'.
While the final results of the NESC study have not been received to date, the importance of targeted income support to families and children continues to be a high priority for this Government and the significantly improved and targeted measures announced in Budget 2007 represent substantial improvements in this area.
Family income supplement income thresholds were raised in Budget 2007, increasing the weekly payments of almost all existing FIS recipients by €9 for a one child family, to €111 for a family with eight or more children. Research has shown that poverty is more likely to be concentrated in larger families and this improvement continues the re-focusing of thresholds towards larger families which started in Budget 2006, thereby further targeting resources at low-income households.
In Budget 2007 all three rates of qualified child increase, which had remained unchanged since 1994, were consolidated to a single rate of €22 per week. In addition, the annual back to school clothing and footwear allowance, which provides income support for the poorest families at a particularly difficult time of the year, was increased by €60 for children aged 2 to 11, and by €95 for children aged 12 to 22, bringing the rates of payment to €180 and €285 respectively.
These changes represent a more selective approach to child income support through targeting children in poorer households while at the same time limiting the extent to which employment disincentives are increased. Maintaining this balance will remain a priority in consideration of future policy changes in this area.
The merging of family income supplement and qualified child increases would provide an opportunity to further target income support at the poorest families. However, the issues involved are complex and there are technical and policy challenges to be overcome.
NESC research on the subject is expected to be available soon. The Council's analysis of these issues will, when received, be of assistance in informing the future direction of child income support policy.
Question No. 122 answered with QuestionNo. 109.
Question No. 123 answered with QuestionNo. 99.
Pension Provisions.
Bernard Allen
Question:124 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he will take to fulfil the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government to introduce phased retirement which allows workers a greater say in their retirement age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26173/07]
It important that those who wish to continue in employment after normal retirement age should, as far as is possible, be facilitated and supported. Longer working can play an important role in ensuring that the pensions system is sustainable in the future and can be beneficial to the individual.
The Green Paper on Pensions includes proposals for the examination of issues surrounding retirement age and the barriers faced by older workers who wish to remain in employment.
In the context of the Green Paper on Pensions and the Agreed Programme for Government, I will be considering how to introduce flexibilities into the social welfare pensions and social insurance systems to encourage and facilitate longer working. These include options such as allowing people to receive a higher rate of payment if they defer claiming pension and the question of making work after normal retirement age insurable for pension purposes.
Changes to social welfare pensions represent only one aspect of the responses which will be needed in this area. Both employer and employee attitudes in relation to longer working will have to change in order for changes in the pension area to impact. While neither employment nor equality law impose a compulsory retirement age, employers may decide on one for particular employments. In future, at the workplace level, employers must seek to retain older employees by creating the working conditions which will make longer working both attractive and feasible for them if change is to be achieved.
Departmental Expenditure.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:125 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his priority areas for additional expenditure in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the pre-Budget 2008 outlook in so far as it affects his Department. [26292/07]
The recently published Pre-Budget Outlook provides for total social welfare expenditure between Vote and Social Insurance Fund of €16.113 billion in 2008. This is a 5.1% increase over the 2007 allocation and reflects the full-year impact of the Budget changes announced last December, as well as forecasted changes in numbers of recipients. The Pre-Budget estimates are on an existing level of service basis. They do not provide for any changes to qualifying conditions or rates of payment.
Improvements in social welfare schemes and services are introduced by way of the Budget. In this regard, I will be developing proposals having regard to various factors.
My priority will be to make progress in delivering on the commitments contained in the Agreed Programme for Government, the Social Partnership Agreement Towards 2016 and the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016. These commitments relate to increases in pensions and other social welfare payments as well as a wide range of measures to benefit vulnerable groups in society including older people, children, and carers.
Question No. 126 answered with QuestionNo. 105.
Question No. 127 answered with QuestionNo. 79.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:128 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way and when he will increase eligibility for the carer’s allowance. [26273/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:345 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which he plans to re-evaluate the carers allowance with a view to extending payments to a greater number of carers thereby achieving a reduction in institutional care and good value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26641/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:346 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which he will expand the carers allowance in the coming year with particular reference to the need to provide payments to all persons providing care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26642/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 128, 345 and 346 together.
Supporting and recognising carers in our society is, and has been, a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period, weekly payment rates to carers have been greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have been significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.
Most recently, significant reforms came into force, which allow people in receipt of certain other social welfare payments, who are also providing full time care and attention to a person, to retain their main welfare payment and receive another payment, depending on their means. The maximum payment will be the equivalent of a half rate carer's allowance.
Carer's allowance, in line with other social assistance schemes, is means tested. This ensures that scarce resources are directed at those in greatest need. The means test has been significantly eased over the years, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Budget 2007, provided for an income disregard for a couple of €640 per week. This ensures that a couple can earn in the region of €36,000 per annum and still receive the maximum rate of carer's allowance and the associated free travel and household benefits. This measure surpasses the "Towards 2016" commitment to ensure that those on average industrial earnings continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance. In addition, the rates of carer's allowance have been increased to €200 per week for those aged under 66 and to €218 per week for those aged over 66.
One of the fundamental qualifying conditions for carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant is that the person be providing full-time care and attention to a person who needs such care. The number of hours a person may engage in employment, self employment, training or education outside the home and still be considered to be providing full-time care and attention for the purposes of the schemes was increased from 10 to 15 hours per week in June 2006.
In Budget 2006, the duration of carer's benefit was extended from 15 to 24 months. The associated carer's leave scheme was extended in the same manner. In Budget 2005, the respite care grant was extended to all people providing full time care and attention regardless of their means or social insurance contributions. In addition, since June 2005, the respite care grant is payable in respect of each care recipient. I will keep the supports for carers available from my Department under review in order to continue to improve the schemes and ensure that commitments in relation to income support are delivered.
Sean Sherlock
Question:129 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action being taken to improve the information available to the public on entitlements in other EU countries in view of the increase in the mobility of welfare and State pension recipients across the EU. [26287/07]
My Department provides a range of information on social welfare entitlements aimed and people moving to and from Ireland. A combination of information is available from the Departmental website, printed material and directly from staff.
The Departmental website, www.welfare.ie, provides a multi-lingual guide to Irish Social Welfare Services as well as information on entitlements of the customer if they choose to move to another EU Member State. The site also provides links to websites of other countries, and to information sites such as EUlisses. EUlisses is in the process of being developed by the EU commission, and is a guide to social security in Europe for people who have lived or worked in another member state. It is designed to help people understand how they are protected when they go to work, take up residence, or simply stay temporarily in another member state. My department is co-operating fully with the provision of information for the EUlisses website.
In 2005, my Department published EU Guidelines on its website, which provides an in-depth, user friendly guide to EU Regulations 1408/71 and 574/72. These Regulations govern the social security rights of people living and working in the EU by co-ordinating the rights of migrant workers moving within the European Union. These Guidelines are also available, upon request, in hardcopy.
In addition, my Department is currently in the process of creating a Guide entitled "Your Social Security Rights in Ireland", which aims to provide the same information as the Guidelines already mentioned, will be available in multi-lingual hardcopy form, as well as on our website, and is specific to social security rights of persons coming to Ireland. It is anticipated that the Guide will be published by the end of this year.
My Department's Information Services Unit provides core funding each year to the "Emigrant Advice" organisation which is an information, advocacy and referral organisation for vulnerable migrants. As part of its range of services Emigrant Advice provides information to people intending to emigrate from Ireland to other countries, including other EU Member States. Emigrant Advice has published a practical guide entitled "Thinking of Going to the UK", and they continue to provide information services at its premises in Cathedral Street, Dublin 1, over the telephone and via its website.
The Citizens Information Board, one of my Department's agencies, is the national agency responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice and advocacy on social services. The Board provides general information for people leaving Ireland on claiming social security within the EU and also provides the equivalent information for people moving to Ireland. This information is provided on the Board's public service website www.citizensinformation.ie and can also be accessed by members of the public who telephone the Citizens Information Phone Service or who call into one of the Citizens Information Centres located around the country. Finally, if a person is in receipt of a social welfare benefit from my Department, and decides to go abroad for whatever reason, they will be given expert advice on the possibility of exporting that benefit, by staff in their Social Welfare Local Office, upon notifying them of their intention to move abroad.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:130 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the rationale for the policy of backdating valid late claims to six months only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26284/07]
The legislative provisions relating to late claims for social welfare benefits are set out in Section 241 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, and in Regulations made under that section. These provisions set out the times within which a person must claim, the disqualifications which apply where a claim is made late, and the circumstances in which the time limits may be extended.
Since 1997 a number of improvements have been made to the provision relating to late claims for social welfare payments. For example, prior to 1997 arrears of state pension contributory claims were limited to either three months or six months before the date of claim. Regulations made in 2000 put certain extra-statutory provisions that had applied in the case of late claims under certain schemes on a statutory basis. All late claims are now determined in accordance with the legislation.
The legislation also provides for payment to be made on foot of late claims in the case of a range of other schemes for a period of 6 months prior to the date of claim provided there was good cause for the late claim. The legislation now also provides for relaxation of the restrictions on backdating late claims under all schemes apart from Unemployment Benefit, Unemployment Assistance and Supplementary Welfare Allowance, and for further payment to be made, up to the level of full retrospection where the circumstances would warrant it, where:
the delay was due to incorrect information having been given by my Department, or
illness or a force majeure prevented a person from claiming earlier or,
the person is dependent on the arrears of payment to relieve financial hardship.
It is generally accepted that there is an obligation on people to claim their social welfare entitlements in time. However, cases will inevitably arise where they fail to do so and the legislative provisions are designed to cater for such situations. I am satisfied that the current provisions strike a reasonable balance between, on the one hand the need to exercise supervision and control of claims and the requirements of sound financial management and control of public expenditure and, on the other hand, the need for appropriate recognition to be given to cases of genuine hardship or difficulty.
Joe Costello
Question:131 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he will take in relation to the cap on rent supplement in view of the considerable increase in the cost of renting in 2007; his views on amending the qualification criteria in order that qualification is based on a means test rather than on holding a social welfare payment; the projected expenditure on rent supplement in 2007 and in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26268/07]
In January 2007 my Department completed a comprehensive review of the maximum levels of rent which a person may incur and still be eligible to receive a rent supplement. The purpose of the review process was to ensure that the new rent limits, applicable from January 2007, reflect realistic market conditions throughout the country, and that they would continue to enable the different categories of eligible tenant households to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation to meet their respective needs. The existing limits are applicable from January 2007 until 30th June 2008.
Setting maximum rent limits higher than are justified by the open market would have a distorting effect on the rental market, leading to a more general rise in rent levels. This in turn would worsen the affordability of rental accommodation unnecessarily, with particular negative impact for those tenants on lower incomes.
There are currently over 58,700 rent supplements in payment of which 23,819 have been awarded since the current rent limits were set in January 2007. These statistics show that rented accommodation is available within the current rent limits. I intend to have all limits reviewed next year and any revision found to be necessary will be implemented from 1st July 2008.
Notwithstanding these limits, under existing arrangements the Health Service Executive may, in certain circumstances, exceed the rent levels as an exceptional measure, for example:
where the person concerned is entitled to an income disregard AND has sufficient income to meet his or her basic needs after paying rent, taking into account the appropriate rate of rent supplement that is otherwise payable in the case
where there are special housing needs related to exceptional circumstances, for example, disabled persons in specially-adapted accommodation or homeless persons,
where the tenant will be in a position to re-assume responsibility for his/her rent within a short period
This discretionary power ensures that individuals with particular needs can be accommodated within the scheme and specifically protects against homelessness.
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to assist eligible people who are unable to provide for their immediate accommodation needs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme is targeted at those most disadvantaged in society and for that reason, those qualifying for the payment are primarily dependent on a social welfare or health service executive (HSE) payment as their main source of income.
Improvements to the means test for rent supplement have been made in recent years to encourage recipients of rent supplement to engage in employment without losing all of their rent supplement. Furthermore, people who are accepted by local authorities as eligible for the Rental Accommodation Scheme may take up full-time employment and still receive rent supplement, subject to the standard means test.
I am satisfied that the scheme is currently being targeted at those who most need support. I do not consider that any further change to the existing qualifying criteria is warranted at this point in time. The projected expenditure for rent supplement for 2007 and 2008 is estimated at €392 million and €410 million respectively.
Question No. 132 answered with QuestionNo. 91.
Pension Provisions.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:133 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the time-frame envisaged for completion of the public consultation on pension reform and acting on any policy proposals that emerge. [26270/07]
The Green Paper on pensions policy was published on the 17th October and a major consultation process in relation to future pensions policy is now underway. Following the completion of the consultation process the Government is to respond to the views expressed by publishing a framework for future policy.
Pensions is one of the major issues the country must tackle for the future and any decision taken at this stage will impact on society for decades to come. Given the importance of the issue, I am anxious to ensure that the consultation process is as inclusive as possible and that people have ample time to study the Green Paper and to formulate their ideas and comments. Therefore, I intend to leave it open until mid-2008. Once the consultation process is completed, work on developing the framework for future policy will commence. At this stage, it would be my intention to see this work completed and proposals submitted to the Government for consideration.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Paul Connaughton
Question:134 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in receipt of qualified children’s allowance; the amount paid out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26183/07]
As a qualified child increase is considered to be a part of the relevant social welfare weekly payment to which it is attached, it is not normally presented as a separate cost. However, as of the end of June 2007, there were 253,433 full rate and 82,730 half rate qualified child increases in payment across the range of social welfare schemes, with an estimated annual cost of some €340 million.
Question No. 135 answered with QuestionNo. 79.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:136 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cross-Departmental practices and procedures in place to ensure that welfare recipients with benefits such as medical cards or differential rents are not disadvantaged by improvements in welfare rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26285/07]
Local authorities are responsible for determining rents payable under the differential rents scheme including the income to be assessed for this purpose, subject to broad principles laid down by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I understand that these guidelines recommend that no more than 15% of any increase in welfare income should be absorbed by an increase in rent. Around Budget time, my predecessors have, in recent years, written to the Minister of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government requesting him to remind local authorities of this. It is my intention to make a similar request this year.
Pension Provisions.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:137 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he will take on foot of the issues highlighted in the Pension’s Ombudsman’s 2006 annual report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26291/07]
My Department is in regular contact with the Pensions Ombudsman in relation to changes to the Pensions Act he feels are necessary to deal with issues which have come to his attention in the course of his investigations or where he feels his powers to investigate particular problems are not adequate. In this regard, a number of changes have already been made to the Pensions Act at the request of the Pensions Ombudsman and the Department is at present considering a number of further suggestions from him which, if considered appropriate, will be included in Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2008.
In his annual report for 2006, the Pensions Ombudsman has drawn attention to a range of issues including pension scheme design, communications, investment arrangements, use of discretionary powers by trustees, etc. and I would urge pension providers and others to study his comments and, where appropriate, to amend their administrative practises.
The Pensions Ombudsman also pointed to difficulties in a number of Government Departments and I have been in touch with the appropriate Ministers requesting them to examine the issues raised to ensure that administrative practises are in accordance with the Pension Act.
Industrial Wages.
Damien English
Question:138 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the average industrial wage for persons in the State for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and most recent available for 2007 with a breakdown for each year for male and female employees in tabular readable form. [26545/07]
The average earnings per week for industrial workers for the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and quarter 1 of 2007 (the latest quarter for which figures are available) with a breakdown by gender is presented as follows:
|
Period |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2004 |
620.48 |
407.16 |
560.77 |
|
2005 |
637.59 |
430.75 |
580.88 |
|
2006 |
655.68 |
451.79 |
601.21 |
|
2007Q1* |
669.73 |
460.14 |
614.44 |
* Preliminary estimate.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Arthur Morgan
Question:139 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Taoiseach when he will meet with the family of a person (details supplied); when he will establish a commission to investigate the matter as proposed by the Joint Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25879/07]
The Deputy will be aware that I have met with victims and their families on many occasions. I have recently received a request for a meeting with the family of the person concerned and that is under consideration. As is usual in these circumstances, I have asked that a meeting be arranged with officials in the first instance. Many of the Joint Committee's recommendations have been implemented. Others require further consideration, including in the context of ongoing work on the question of dealing with the past in Northern Ireland.
Commemorative Events.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:140 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Taoiseach if the inter-Departmental committee he established to consider the putting in place of an annual commemoration of the Great Famine has reported to him; if so, the proposals in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26228/07]
The issues relating to the commemoration of the Great Famine on an annual basis are currently under consideration by the inter-Departmental committee. I understand that they have yet to finalise their recommendations.
Departmental Staff.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:141 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Taoiseach the number of people working in his Department’s media monitoring unit; the cost of same; the rates of pay paid and to whom; the type of contract each individual is on; if they are civil servants, their rank and pay scale; the arrangements regarding rostering of staff; if any staff were on duty for the month of June 2007 and the issues reported by them and to whom; the persons to whom the staff of the unit report to; the issues reported on for the month of June 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26398/07]
There are six staff working in the Communications Unit. All are established civil servants, five of whom are on secondment from other Departments. The total cost incurred by the Communications Unit to date in 2007 is €311,270, with €144,698 being a direct cost to the Department of the Taoiseach and €33,314 on average being borne by the five other Departments who have staff seconded to the Unit. The estimated total annual cost for the Communications Unit in 2007 is €373,524.
The staff in the Unit comprise five Executive Officers and one Clerical Officer. The pay scales are the same as those applicable throughout the Civil Service for serving Executive Officers and Clerical Officers. The current scale for Executive Officer and Clerical Officer in the Civil Service range from €29,093 to €47,980 and €24,302 to €38,469 respectively. Staff in the Unit work an 18 hour day, based on a flexible rota of three working shifts and are accordingly paid a shift allowance based on one sixth of their salary.
The Unit provides a media information service to Government Ministers and their Departments by furnishing news updates and transcripts. The staff in the Unit report directly to an Assistant Principal in the Government Information Service. All of the Communications Unit's staff were on duty during June 2007, providing news updates, synopsis of newspaper headlines and transcripts as required.
Employment Levels.
Damien English
Question:142 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the number of people employed in the construction industry on a county basis in the years 2002 and 2006; if he expects this trend to continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26543/07]
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to 2002 and 2006 is contained in the following table. Projected employment data for the construction sector is not available.
|
Construction Industry |
Census 2002 |
Census 2006 |
|
Geographic Area |
||
|
Leinster |
77,271 |
108,142 |
|
Carlow |
1,994 |
2,711 |
|
Dublin |
32,334 |
41,756 |
|
Dublin City |
12,928 |
15,992 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
4,021 |
4,732 |
|
Fingal |
6,291 |
9,841 |
|
South Dublin |
9,094 |
11,191 |
|
Kildare |
7,665 |
10,981 |
|
Kilkenny |
3,641 |
5,024 |
|
Laoighis |
2,628 |
4,351 |
|
Longford |
1,273 |
2,055 |
|
Louth |
3,805 |
5,350 |
|
Meath |
7,298 |
11,010 |
|
Offaly |
2,838 |
4,428 |
|
Westmeath |
3,069 |
4,641 |
|
Wexford |
5,942 |
9,369 |
|
Wicklow |
4,784 |
6,466 |
|
Munster |
42,279 |
61,532 |
|
Clare |
4,172 |
6,071 |
|
Cork |
17,527 |
25,799 |
|
Cork City |
3,897 |
4,850 |
|
Cork County |
13,630 |
20,949 |
|
Kerry |
5,494 |
8,216 |
|
Limerick |
6,094 |
8,224 |
|
Limerick City |
1,287 |
1,475 |
|
Limerick County |
4,807 |
6,749 |
|
North Tipperary |
2,278 |
3,433 |
|
South Tipperary |
3,249 |
4,789 |
|
Waterford |
3,465 |
5,000 |
|
Waterford City |
1,128 |
1,518 |
|
Waterford County |
2,337 |
3,482 |
|
Connacht |
19,463 |
29,761 |
|
Galway |
8,521 |
13,158 |
|
Galway City |
1,686 |
2,775 |
|
Galway County |
6,835 |
10,383 |
|
Leitrim |
1,140 |
1,971 |
|
Mayo |
5,357 |
7,787 |
|
Roscommon |
2,381 |
3,690 |
|
Sligo |
2,064 |
3,155 |
|
Ulster (part of) |
10,258 |
15,749 |
|
Cavan |
2,569 |
4,082 |
|
Donegal |
5,439 |
8,124 |
|
Monaghan |
2,250 |
3,543 |
|
State |
149,271 |
215,184 |
Departmental Expenditure.
Damien English
Question:143 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the amount that was spent by his Department on official hospitality in the past 12 months. [26584/07]
The total spend by my Department on official hospitality in the past 12 months (October 2006 to September 2007) amounts to €345,771. This includes expenditure in relation to State protocol, such as State dinners and receptions organised in association with visits by Heads of State or Heads of Government. It also includes entertainment of other foreign dignitaries and other official entertainment such as arises in association with official meetings and events.
Departmental Facilities.
Damien English
Question:144 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the number of buildings within his Department that have a canteen or hot food service for staff; the location of each building; the country of origin for beef, pork, chicken and lamb sourced for each building; if he will provide the information in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26616/07]
My Department has no staff canteens and does not provide hot food services for staff.
Drug Seizures.
Michael Kennedy
Question:145 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the number of drug arrests at Dublin Airport arising from the Johannesburg, Zurich, Dublin route; the number of such arrests there have been in the past 24 months; the measures being taken to tackle traffickers on this route and all routes coming into Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25999/07]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there have been 2 drugs arrests from the Johannesburg — Zurich — Dublin Airport route in the past 24 months. However, during that period, there were 7 drugs arrests in total of passengers who arrived in Dublin Airport from Johannesburg via European Airports.
The total Drug seizures from passengers originating in Johannesburg over the past 24 months amount to 120.64kg of Herbal Cannabis and 1.5kg of Cocaine with a total combined value of €607,680. The total value of Drugs seized in Dublin Airport in 2006 was €7,225,480 and the value so far in 2007 is €5,457,179.
Revenue's Customs Service in Dublin Airport is continuously engaged in the analysis and evaluation of seizure trends, traffic frequency, route and similar risk indicators. In addition to local intelligence, the Customs Service in Dublin Airport shares and receives information and intelligence on drug smuggling from a number of international bodies including the World Customs Organisation, United Nations Drug Control Programme, Interpol, Council of Europe, Europol and the UK's Serious Organised Crime Agency.
The Customs Service in Dublin Airport also liases on an ongoing basis with other national and international enforcement services such as the Garda Síochána, the Air Corps, and foreign customs and police services. It regularly takes part in European, bilateral and national surveillance operations focused at specific drug smuggling methodologies.
I am also advised that an additional 14 staff resources were recently appointed to Dublin Airport to increase the regular enforcement operational resources there to 50. Furthermore, in early 2007, the Customs Service in Dublin Airport set up a dedicated Intelligence, Risk Analysis and Profiling Unit in support of operational enforcement teams. This unit will develop and improve intelligence-gathering methods, profiling and risk analysis in relation to approximately 3,800 flights arriving into and departing from Dublin Airport each week.
Garda Stations.
Margaret Conlon
Question:146 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position regarding the new Garda station at Shantonagh, Castleblayney, County Monaghan. [26205/07]
Advertisements were placed in the National and local newspapers seeking a site for a new Garda Station at Shantonagh, Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan. Seven responses were received and an assessment of these sites is currently being undertaken.
EU Funding.
Joe McHugh
Question:147 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the mechanisms that have been agreed upon to facilitate the distribution of funding under the forthcoming INTERREG programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26435/07]
The ERDF-funded INTERREG programmes aim to address the economic and social disadvantage that can result from the existence of a border. During the period 2007-2013 these programmes will take place under the EU's European Territorial Cooperation Objective 3. During this period Ireland will participate in all of the three strands of the Objective 3 programmes, cross-border, transnational, and interregional.
Ireland will participate in two cross-border programmes, the Ireland/Northern Ireland/ Western Scotland Programme, and the Ireland/Wales Programme. The aim of the Ireland/Northern Ireland/Western Scotland Programme is to support strategic cross-border cooperation for a more prosperous region and improve access to services to enhance the quality of life. This Programme will have EU funding of €192 million. The Ireland/Wales Programme is primarily a maritime cross-border programme the aim of which is to achieve a sustainable development by a progressive integration of local economic, social and environmental development. The Programme will have EU funding of €52.7 million.
Ireland will participate in three transnational programmes. These are the Atlantic Area Programme which will include Ireland, UK, parts of west France, northern Spain and Portugal. The programme will have EU funding of €104 million. The North West Europe Programme will include Ireland, the UK, northern France, Benelux countries and part of Germany. The programme will have EU funding of €335 million. The Northern Periphery Programme will include the south and west coast of Ireland, Northern Ireland, part of Scotland, parts of Sweden and Finland and the non-Member States of Greenland, Iceland and Faroe Islands. The programme will have EU funding of €35 million. Finally, Ireland will participate in the interregional Programme which covers all 27 EU Member States as well as Norway and Switzerland. The programme will have EU funding of €321 million.
Tax Code.
Liz McManus
Question:148 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he plans to extend the tax saver scheme in Budget 2008 to include the purchase by employers of bicycles and electric bicycles for the transportation of their employees to work, especially in rural areas where public transport does not exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26482/07]
There are no plans to extend the scheme referred to by the Deputy to include the purchase by employers of bicycles and electrical bicycles for their employees to travel to work. There is provision in the existing Benefit-in-Kind arrangements to allow an employer to provide an employee with a small benefit to a value not exceeding €250 in any one year without applying PAYE and PRSI to that benefit. The purchase by an employer of a bicycle for an employee could be covered by this provision, subject to the €250 limit on the value of any such benefits.
Debt Relief.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:149 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the writing off of odious and illegitimate debt by the World Bank, the IMF and other international lending agencies; and if he will propose such or make other proposals to the forthcoming meeting of these institutions. [25998/07]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:164 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on initiatives to relieve the debt of highly indebted poor countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26439/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 164 together.
Ireland has been strongly supportive of the full implementation of debt relief and, where appropriate, cancellation.
In 2002, the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs published a joint paper on the question of debt relief to which I refer to the attention of the Deputies. That set out our position in detail regarding such issues as debt sustainability and cancellation. In particular, it emphasised the need for donor support for debt cancellation, which has been partially successful. The poorest countries are already eligible for 100 per cent — debt cancellation on their bilateral debts under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, as well as 100 per cent debt cancellation on their debts to the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and African Development Bank under the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI). In addition to an earlier contribution of €30m towards the costs of implementation of the HIPC Initiative, we were the first country to pay its full share of the costs of the MDRI — €58.6m out of the approximately US$37 billion total cost. We will remain actively engaged in ensuring that international commitments to dealing with the debt burden on developing countries are met.
Tax Code.
John Deasy
Question:150 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of people affected by the amendment of Section 86 of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act 2003; the number of people as a result of this legislation who do not qualify for relief that they did under Section 130 of the Finance Bill 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26071/07]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that particulars are received mainly in respect of claims which qualify under section 86 of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act 2003 for exemption from CAT in relation to gifts or inheritances of certain dwellings.
As corresponding information is not required in relation to gifts of houses which no longer qualify for the exemption, by virtue of the amendment of section 86 by section 116 of the Finance Act 2007, there is no statistical basis on which an estimate of the numbers so affected could be provided.
Pension Provisions.
Terence Flanagan
Question:151 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if, in relation to the new pension regulations for the self employed, IT14, he will respond to a query by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26099/07]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the situation in relation to the individual who is the subject of the Deputy's question is as follows:
Section 19, Finance Act 1999 introduced new options for certain individuals (including proprietary directors) who have contributed to pension funds and who have reached retirement age. These entitlements are set out in a Revenue leaflet IT 14 and may be summarised as follows: 25% of the pension fund may be taken as a tax free lump sum and the balance may be used to either purchase an annuity, invest in an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) or withdrawn in cash subject to taxation at the individual's marginal income tax rate. Before these options may be exercised, however, the individual concerned must be able to show that, having taken 25% of the fund as a tax- free lump sum, he/she has "specified income" of at least €12,700 per annum. Specified income is defined as a pension or annuity (including a Social Welfare pension) which is payable for the life of the individual and is being paid at the retirement date from which the benefits of the pension fund become payable. Where an individual does not have the required "specified income", an amount of €63,500 or the full balance in the pension fund if less than this amount, must be transferred to an Approved Minimum Retirement Fund (AMRF). The capital in an AMRF is not available to an individual until he or she reaches 75 years though any income generated by the fund can be drawn down subject to tax. The purpose of an AMRF is to ensure a capital or income "safety net" for certain individuals throughout the period of their retirement.
As regards the "specified income" requirement, any pension or annuity payable to a spouse cannot be regarded as the specified income of the individual pension fund beneficiary, as it is not payable for the life of that individual but rather for the life of the spouse. In the specific case in question, the specified income requirement was not met. The individual seems to have taken the view that the full Social Welfare pension payable to a married couple should be reckoned as specified income whereas only the amount attributable to him personally may be reckoned.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they have no role in advising taxpayers in relation to the various pension products which may be available in the market place. Moreover, I am not in a position to comment on the information which may or may not have been provided to the individual when he established the AMRF.
Parking Regulations.
Tony Gregory
Question:152 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works will examine the car parking requirement for Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin 9 in the context of the ten year development plan in progress for the cemetery and the lack of car parking locally other than residential roads; if an underground car park will be considered nearby; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26105/07]
The Office of Public Works is assisting the Dublin Cemeteries Committee in the refurbishment of Glasnevin Cemetery and the development of both it and the Botanic Gardens as a combined Visitor destination. In conjunction with the Committee, OPW are now presently examining parking issues at the Cemetery with a view to seeing what improvements might be possible in that area.
Tax Code.
Mary Upton
Question:153 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if, in view of the Government’s stated ambition to promote the use of commuting options other than the private car, he has considered extending the tax saver commuter scheme to the purchase of bicycles and electric peddled bicycles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26207/07]
There are no plans to extend the scheme referred to by the Deputy to include the purchase by employers of bicycles and electrical bicycles for their employees to travel to work. There is provision in the existing Benefit-in-Kind arrangements to allow an employer to provide an employee with a small benefit to a value not exceeding €250 in any one year without applying PAYE and PRSI to that benefit. The purchase by an employer of a bicycle for an employee could be covered by this provision, subject to the €250 limit on the value of any such benefits.
Garda Stations.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:154 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when work will commence on the extension for refurbishment to the Garda station at Mallow, County Cork to be used by the Traffic Corps; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the delay in carrying out the works is slowing down the work of the Gardaí. [26212/07]
The Commissioners of Public Works are currently considering all site options for the construction of the new Divisional Headquarters to be located in Mallow, Co. Cork. The Commissioners are also assessing the State owned site adjoining Mallow Garda Station with a view to facilitating the new Garda Traffic Corps there on a temporary basis.
Revenue Commissioners Investigations.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:155 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of unauthorised used car dealers in County Louth that will be audited by the Revenue Commissioners as part of their ongoing investigation into the industry. [26213/07]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that from time to time, they initiate a number of projects aimed at tackling tax evasion in specific sectors. One such project, which is ongoing and is expected to extend into 2008, involves the targeting of unauthorised trading in vehicles. Revenue are not in a position at this stage to say how many unauthorised used car dealers in County Louth will be identified as a result of this project — the numbers of cases to be targeted in each geographic area will depend on local intelligence and risk-based selection criteria. However, I am advised that since the project started, Revenue have so far identified 72 instances of unauthorised vehicle dealing nationwide, including 1 identified in County Louth.
State Property.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:156 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the premises the State is renting or leasing in County Louth; the amount of rent paid for each such premises; if the premises are presently occupied; if not, the period they are vacant; the cost of unoccupied premises to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26214/07]
Details of the properties that are leased by the Office of Public Works in County Louth including the annual rent for each are scheduled in the table below. Properties Leased by the Office of Public Works in County Louth:
|
Property Name |
Address |
Annual Rent |
|
€ |
||
|
Ardee Social Welfare Office |
William Street, Ardee |
5,282.11 |
|
Drogheda Agriculture Car Park |
Fitzwilliam Court Carpark, Dyer Street, Drogheda |
18,150.00 |
|
Drogheda Customs & Excise |
Steam Packet Quay, Drogheda, Drogheda |
12,697.38 |
|
Drogheda Education Office |
C C O House, Industrial Estate, Drogheda |
70,089.52 |
|
Drogheda Probation & Welfare Service |
23 Laurence Street, Drogheda |
66,000.00 |
|
Drogheda Social Welfare Office |
Singleton House, Laurence Street, Drogheda |
70,533.00 |
|
Drogheda Social Welfare Office/Customs & Excise |
Abbey Shopping Centre, West Street, Drogheda |
3,301.32 |
|
Drogheda SWO Car Park |
Haymarket Multi-Storey Car Park, Dyer Street, Drogheda |
8,800.00 |
|
Dundalk Education Office |
Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Dundalk |
9,570.00 |
|
Dundalk Fairways Hotel (temp driver testing) |
Dublin Road, Dundalk |
OPW only pay for days where tests are scheduled by the Department of Transport. |
|
Dundalk Garda Office |
Dundalk Railway Station, Dundalk |
2,800.00 |
|
Dundalk Government Office |
Brook Street, Ardee Road, Dundalk |
35,000.00 |
|
Dundalk Government Office |
Earl House, 13-14 Earl Street, Dundalk |
177,763.33 |
|
Dundalk Revenue Warehouse |
Coes Road, Dundalk |
130,000.00 |
Earl House has previously been used by the Revenue Commissioners who have now moved to the Coes Road premises. However, Revenue are currently using the premises for temporary storage purposes. The OPW is in the process of arranging to surrender the lease back to the landlord.
Garda Headquarters.
Noel Grealish
Question:157 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the stage the Office of Public Works are at regarding the design for a new Garda divisional headquarters for Galway in view of the fact that a site has been identified; when he envisages that work will begin on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26299/07]
A site survey was carried out in September and is now complete. Work on a Sketch Scheme for the new Divisional Headquarters will commence on receipt of the survey report and drawings which are expected shortly.
Disabled Drivers.
Jack Wall
Question:158 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position of an application for vehicle registration tax by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26301/07]
The initial application for a Primary Medical Certificate under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994, is made to the Senior Medical Officer of the relevant local Health Service Executive administrative area. If the Primary Medical Certificate has been refused in this case, the named person may appeal the refusal to the Medical Board of Appeal, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. I would point out that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.
Garda Stations.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:159 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if there plans by the Office of Public Works to refurbish and renovate Coolock Garda Station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26341/07]
Coolock Garda Station is ranked at No. 60 on the Garda Building Programme priority list. The Office of Public Works concentrates its efforts on Stations with a high priority and has no immediate plans to refurbish and renovate this Station.
Budget Submissions.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:160 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the IFA Budget 2008 submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26397/07]
I have received a pre-Budget submission from the IFA. Its contents will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget and Finance Bill. As Deputies are aware it would not be appropriate for me to comment in advance of the Budget on possible Budget decisions.
Tax Code.
Seamus Kirk
Question:161 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the way the money value of the entitlements are determined where entitlements under the single farm payment system are sold and there is a capital gains tax liability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26422/07]
Where an entitlement under the single farm payment system is sold, the normal capital gains tax rules apply. The net gain attracts a liability at 20%. Where the entitlement was originally acquired on the commencement of the scheme, the cost price, for capital gains tax purposes, is nil. However, the single farm payment entitlement will qualify as an asset for the purposes of capital gains tax retirement relief provided the farmer fulfils the 10 year rule in relation to ownership and usage of the land which is disposed of at the same time as the entitlement.
Richard Bruton
Question:162 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has reviewed the operation of the tax credit on research and development available here; the way this compares with the UK, Sweden, Finland and Denmark; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26423/07]
Since 2004, a tax credit of 20% of incremental expenditure by a company on research and development (R&D), over a base level of previous R&D expenditure, is available for offset against its corporation tax liability.
A preliminary review of the R&D tax credit scheme, involving consultation with industry, was undertaken last year prior to Budget 2007. A number of changes were introduced in the 2007 Budget and Finance Act, including the fixing for a further 3 years from 2007 to 2009, of expenditure in 2003 as the base against which qualifying incremental expenditure on R&D is measured under the tax credit scheme. With the incremental period gradually widening over this time, the scheme will become progressively more beneficial to companies that are active in R&D.
Also, from 1 January 2007, expenditure by companies on sub-contracting R&D work to unconnected parties qualifies under the tax credit scheme up to a limit of 10% of qualifying R&D expenditure in any one year. This is in addition to the existing provision in the scheme under which payments made by a company to a university in the European Economic Area undertaking R&D qualify for the credit up to an amount not exceeding 5% of the expenditure incurred by the company on R&D activities. It should also be noted that expenditure on buildings used for R&D is allowed on a volume based system and the credit at 20% of cost is allowed over a period of four years.
According to a recent consultant's report in this general area, fifteen EU member states currently have fiscal incentives in place to encourage business research and development, including Ireland, Denmark and the UK. The structure of these various incentives differ from one member state to the next which makes direct comparison of schemes difficult. For example, the incentives in the UK and Denmark operate by way of tax allowances (which reduce taxable income before application of tax) whereas tax credits (as operated in Ireland and elsewhere) reduce the final tax bill. Moreover, comparing discrete fiscal incentives in isolation would serve to ignore other important considerations such as, in Ireland's case, the low corporation tax rate on trading profits from which firms involved in R&D also benefit.
The R&D tax credit scheme is a very important part of the Government's overall strategy to encourage the undertaking of more research and development in this country. I will keep the operation of the scheme under review to ensure that it continues to make a strong contribution in that direction.
Richard Bruton
Question:163 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will change the system whereby the vehicle registration tax payable on a second hand imported car is set based on manufactures recommended prices and remains fixed at that level for the entire twelve months in such a way that recognises that second hand cars trade at well below the manufactures recommended prices and avoids the substantially higher VRT paid on the same car in December, compared to the following January. [26424/07]
The Revenue Commissioners are the vehicle registration authority in the State. As a general rule all vehicles imported permanently into the State must register for vehicle registration tax (VRT) purposes at any vehicle registration office within one week of their arrival in the State.
VRT is charged on the open market selling price (OMSP) of a vehicle in the State at the time of registration. The OMSP is defined in Section 133 of the Finance Act 1992 as the price inclusive of all taxes and duties which a vehicle might reasonably be expected to fetch on a first arm's length sale in the open market in the State by retail.
The OMSP of imported second hand vehicles is determined by the Revenue Commissioners by reference to trade publications, price lists, trader opinions, actual selling prices and information collected during the course of audits. It is applied to individual vehicles and adjusted on an on-going basis throughout the year to allow for factors such as age, mileage and the condition of that vehicle.
In determining the age of the vehicle, Revenue take into account the actual month of manufacture so that the difference in the OMSP of a vehicle imported in December vis-à-vis the OMSP of the same model imported in the following January reflects the market forces at the time of registration and not a value that was fixed for the entire year.
Question No. 164 answered with QuestionNo. 149.
Liz McManus
Question:165 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on extending the tax saver scheme in Budget 2008 to include the purchase by employers of bicycles and electric bicycles for the transportation of their employees to work, especially in rural areas where public transport does not exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26483/07]
There are no plans to extend the scheme referred to by the Deputy to include the purchase by employers of bicycles and electrical bicycles for their employees to travel to work.
There is provision in the existing Benefit-in-Kind arrangements to allow an employer to provide an employee with a small benefit to a value not exceeding €250 in any one year without applying PAYE and PRSI to that benefit. The purchase by an employer of a bicycle for an employee could be covered by this provision, subject to the €250 limit on the value of any such benefits.
Margaret Conlon
Question:166 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has plans to ensure that where joint ownerships of family farms are dissolved and the jointly owned assets are divided and transferred to the individual family owners at that point, no chargeable gain to capital gains tax will apply. [26492/07]
Section 30 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 deals with the treatment, for capital gains tax (CGT) purposes, of partnerships. It provides, in the case of a business partnership, that chargeable gains accruing to the partners on the disposal of partnership assets are assessed and charged on them separately and not on the partnership itself. In this case, the dissolution of a business partnerships, might involve three forms of asset disposal, two of which incur a CGT liability. An asset that was brought into a partnership by a particular partner and is subsequently taken back by that same partner is not considered a disposal for CGT purposes and, as such, no CGT liability arises.
Where an asset was brought into a partnership by one partner and is subsequently disposed of to a different partner, the disposal is treated as a disposal from the partner who originally contributed the asset to the partner that subsequently receives the asset. In this case the partner who contributed the asset is liable to CGT on any gain in its value. The third form of asset disposal that might arise on the dissolution of a business partnership relates to assets acquired by the partnership which are subsequently disposed of to its partners. In this situation the assets concerned are taxable and the liability to tax is apportioned according to the apportioning of the assets between the partners concerned.
I have no plans to make any changes to the current CGT treatment of business partnerships. To do so would effectively treat one group of taxpayers more generously than other taxpayers and it would lead to calls for similar relief from other interested parties. In addition, such a measure could open the CGT regime to abuse from a taxpayer who might use the medium of business partnerships as a means to avoid paying CGT.
Relief from CGT is available for persons aged 55 or over who are retiring from business where the assets being disposed of have been owned and used for ten years prior to disposal. Relief in this case is available on assets up to the value of €750,000. Where such assets are disposed of to a child of the individual, who undertakes to continue to run the business or farm, there is no limit to the value of assets that may be claimed under this relief.
Margaret Conlon
Question:167 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will direct the new Commissioner on Taxation to examine the equity issue in relation to farmers’ and other self-employed in relation to the fact that they did not receive the substantial increases in personal tax credits which are available to employees and others whose income is paid through the PAYE system. [26493/07]
I will be bringing proposals to Government in the near future on matters relating to the establishment of the proposed Commission on Taxation including its membership and terms of reference. The Commission will be specifically charged with considering and making recommendations on the following: examine the balance achieved between taxes collected on income, capital and spending and report on it; review all tax expenditures with a view to recommending the discontinuation of those that are unjustifiable on cost/benefit grounds; consider options for the future financing of local government; in the context of maintaining a strong economy, investigate fiscal measures to protect and enhance the environment including the introduction of a carbon tax.
Pending consideration by the Government of these proposals, I am not in a position to elaborate further on matters pertaining to the Commission. In relation to the different tax treatment of farmers and other self-employed vis-à-vis PAYE workers, the PAYE allowance was introduced in 1980 to improve the tax progression of PAYE taxpayers and to take account of the fact that the self-employed generally then had the advantage of paying tax on a preceding year basis. The argument was also made at the time that the general scheme of allowances discriminated against employees and in favour of other taxpayers. There have been changes since 1980 — the self–employed now pay tax on a current year basis, for example. However, the PAYE allowance has become a tax credit. Moreover, given that there can be significant timing advantages in the payment of tax for the self employed, the employee credit is still perceived as necessary to ensure a balance in the system.
Decentralisation Programme.
Damien English
Question:168 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to a previous parliamentary question the grades of staff and the number of each grade of staff that will move to Navan in the first quarter of 2008 under his Departments decentralisation programme for the Revenue Commissioners. [26557/07]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the indicative numbers of each grade of staff moving to Navan in the first quarter of 2008 are as follows:
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal |
4 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
14 |
|
Executive Officer |
22 |
|
Clerical Officer |
42 |
|
Service Officer/Attendant |
2 |
Departmental Expenditure.
Damien English
Question:169 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount that was spent by his Department on official hospitality in the past 12 months. [26579/07]
Of a total of €115,000 classified in the accounts for 2006 as entertainment, it is estimated that my Department spent some €38,000 on official hospitality per se. The remainder related to various incidental expenses.
Departmental Facilities.
Damien English
Question:170 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of buildings within his Department that have a canteen or hot food service for staff; the location of each building; the country of origin for beef, pork, chicken and lamb sourced for each building; if he will provide the information in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26611/07]
There are serviced canteen facilities in three of the buildings occupied by my Department. These buildings are Government Buildings, Dublin, 2, Lansdowne House, Dublin, 4 and the Department's decentralised office in the Central Business Park Tullamore County Offaly. All three facilities are operated by commercial caterers. It is a matter for the companies providing the service to make their own commercial decisions as to where to source their supplies. However, I am informed by the caterers that the majority of meat used by them is sourced in Ireland.
Tax Code.
Róisín Shortall
Question:171 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the justification for the regime whereby the same income tax exemption threshold for persons over 65 is applied to widowed persons as to single people; the reason no extra tax exemption is applied to widowed persons over 65 years when widowed persons enjoy extra tax credits and wider tax bands to reflect the extra costs associated with their circumstances; the cost in a full year of allowing an income tax exemption threshold to widowed persons of 1.5 times the single persons limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26623/07]
The position is that the income tax code has many favourable provisions relating to the tax treatment of widowed persons, particularly widowed parents with dependent children. This includes widowed persons aged 65 or over. In the year of bereavement, a widowed person may receive a personal tax credit which is equivalent in value to the married tax credit, currently €3,520. Following the year of bereavement, a widowed parent with a qualifying child or children may qualify for the one-parent family tax credit of €1,760 in addition to the single personal tax credit of €1,760.
In addition, a further credit, the widowed parent tax credit, is available on a sliding scale for the first five tax years following the year of bereavement as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
Year 1 |
3,750 |
|
Year 2 |
3,250 |
|
Year 3 |
2,750 |
|
Year 4 |
2,250 |
|
Year 5 |
1,750 |
Therefore, in the first year following bereavement, a widowed parent may be entitled to aggregate tax credits of €7,270, that is, a single personal tax credit of €1,760; a one-parent family tax credit of €1,760 and a widowed parent tax credit of €3,750. In addition, by virtue of entitlement to the one-parent family tax credit, the widowed parent may also have entitlement to a standard rate band of €38,000 which is €4,000 greater than the band available for a single person.
Where a widowed person has a mortgage outstanding, the person may be entitled to relief — at the standard rate — equivalent to that for a married couple. Rent relief available to widowed persons is the same level as that received by married couples. It might also be noted that widowed persons who are in receipt of the social welfare non-contributory widow's pension are not liable to the health levy of 2% on any part of their income. Widowed persons who are 65 or over may avail of the above reliefs as appropriate. There is no impediment on age grounds. In addition, such persons would have entitlement to an age tax credit of €275 in the current tax year.
The age exemption limits are available to all elderly taxpayers, including those who are widowed. They are intended to focus assistance on elderly earners with lower incomes. In the case of a single person aged 65 or over, the limit is €19,000 in the current year. In the case of a married couple where one spouse is aged 65 or over, the limit is €38,000 in the current year. In the last 6 years, these limits have increased by 76%. This compares with an increase in the cost of living as measured by the CPI of about 24% in the six years 2002 to 2007.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year cost to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2008 incomes, of increasing the exemption limit for widowed persons aged 65 or over to a level of 1.5 times the corresponding limit for single persons is of the order of €20 million. This figure is provisional and subject to revision.
Health Services.
John Perry
Question:172 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of a long stay repayment claim for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25944/07]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Ulick Burke
Question:173 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on extending medical card cover to patients who are celiacs, asthmatics and diabetics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25958/07]
At present, medical cards are granted primarily on the basis of means and individual circumstances. Under the Health Act, 2004, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Persons aged seventy years and over are automatically entitled to a medical card, irrespective of means. The HSE has discretion, in cases of exceptional need, to provide assistance to individuals where undue hardship would otherwise be caused.
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 lower incomes who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP. In June 2006 I agreed with the HSE to raise the assessment guidelines for GP visit cards and these are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards. For Medical Card and GP Visit Card applications, the HSE now considers an applicant's income after tax and PRSI are deducted, rather than total income. Allowances are also made for expenses on child care, rent and mortgage costs and the cost of travel to work.
I have no plans to provide for the granting of medical cards to any particular group as a whole. However, my Department is currently reviewing all legislation relating to eligibility for health and personal social services with a view to making the system as fair and transparent as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, under the 1970 Health Act, the Health Service Executive may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, for the treatment of that condition, through the Long Term Illness Scheme (LTI). The LTI does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments. The conditions are: mental handicap, mental illness (for people under 16 only), phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions. Products which are necessary for the management of the specified illness are available to LTI patients. Other products are available according to the patient's eligibility.
Non-medical card holders and people whose illness is not covered by the LTI can use the Drug Payment Scheme, which protects against excessive medicines costs. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €85 per calendar month, or approximately €20 per week, towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines. In addition, the Deputy will be aware that non-reimbursed medical expenses above a set threshold may be offset against tax.
Michael Ring
Question:174 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of medical cards in County Mayo at 1 June for each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25959/07]
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, child care, and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the assessment guidelines for GP visit cards and 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 arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:175 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive much needed treatment. [25964/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case by the Deputy. The 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.
Pharmacy Services.
Seán Ardagh
Question:176 Deputy Seán Ardagh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take action to resolve the dispute between the Health Service Executive and the pharmacists, particularly where if affects people on methadone (details supplied); and the position regarding the matter. [25972/07]
Pat Breen
Question:182 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she is taking to resolve the dispute between the Health Service Executive and pharmacists; if she will appoint an independent facilitator; if her Department are prepared to negotiate with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26026/07]
Michael Ring
Question:200 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is breaking the contract with the pharmacies sector by forcing them to do something without negotiating with them. [26164/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 176, 182 and 200 together.
I have previously outlined in detail to the Oireachtas the legal reasons why it is not possible for the HSE to negotiate with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) on fees, prices or margins for their members. A detailed, fair and transparent consultation process, including independent economic analysis and public consultation, informed the final determination of the new reimbursement arrangements announced by the HSE. The evidence available to the HSE indicates that the impact on individual pharmacies will not be detrimental, having regard to the totality of fees and mark-ups under the GMS and community drugs schemes.
In regard to the reimbursement prices for drugs and medicines under the GMS and community drugs schemes, the main wholesaler companies have recently confirmed to the HSE they will charge community pharmacists the same price for these drugs and medicines as pharmacists will be reimbursed by the HSE for these products.
All the evidence available to the joint HSE/Department of Health & Children team dealing with this issue indicated that the State was paying a premium for this service and that the new arrangements will save the HSE about €100m in 2008.
The impact of the new arrangements on the incomes of pharmacists will depend on the extent of the discounts which individual pharmacists were getting from wholesalers under the previous arrangements. I am advised that large urban pharmacies and chains typically got discounts of up to 12% whereas small and rural pharmacies got discounts of 2-3%.
In relation to the withdrawal by some pharmacists from dispensing under the Methadone Treatment Protocol, the HSE put in place a contingency plan under which it provided an alternative service to the patients affected. As the Deputy will be aware, pharmacists resumed their dispensing methadone service last week and in that context the HSE has completed, in line with safety protocols, the transfer back to the community pharmacists of the patients involved.
A process of dialogue was established, chaired by Bill Shipsey SC, to explore ways in which concerns raised by the IPU about the implications of this legal advice might be addressed. At a meeting on 11 October, the IPU maintained that it has a fundamental right as a trade union to fully represent its members on all issues. It appears, therefore, that the Union does not accept the legal position under competition law regarding negotiation on fees. In an effort to resolve the current impasse, renewed engagement will take place this week between the Irish Pharmaceutical Union and the HSE under the auspices of Mr. Shipsey.
Health Services.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:177 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the application to the health repayment scheme by a person (details supplied) was rejected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25975/07]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Jack Wall
Question:178 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare with a medical card has to pay for a blood test each month; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25980/07]
The vast majority of General Practitioners (GPs) providing services to General Medical Services (GMS) patients hold the GMS GP capitation contract. These contracts for service are with the Health Service Executive (HSE). In accordance with the contract the GP receives an annual fee from the HSE which is based on the number of patients on his/her GMS patient panel and the GP undertakes to provide all proper and necessary treatment of a kind generally undertaken by a GP to these patients.
Accordingly, under this contract a GP should not demand or accept any payment or consideration for services provided by him/her, including blood tests, where they are indicated as part of a recognised treatment of an ongoing medical condition of a patient.
Under the Health Act 2004, the management and delivery of health and personal social services are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. This includes operational responsibility for GMS contracts between the Executive and participating GPs. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Terence Flanagan
Question:179 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take action to deal with the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25993/07]
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.
Hospital Services.
John O'Mahony
Question:180 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the action that will be taken regarding the equipment for cancer treatment at Mayo General Hospital, that has been fundraised for and presented by the people of Mayo, if services are downgraded at the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26011/07]
The implementation of the National Cancer Control Programme is a major priority for me and for this Government. I fully support the appointment by the Health Service Executive (HSE) of Prof. Tom Keane as Interim National Cancer Control Director. The delivery of cancer services on a programmatic basis will serve to ensure equity of access to services and equality of patient outcome irrespective of geography. The decisions of the HSE in relation to four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres will be implemented on a managed and phased basis. The HSE plans to have completed 50% of the transition of services to the cancer centres by end 2008 and 80-90% by end 2009.
The HSE has designated University College Hospital Galway and Limerick Regional Hospital as the two cancer centres in the Managed Cancer Control Network for the HSE Western Region, which includes Mayo. The designation of cancer centres aims to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care while at the same time allowing local access to services, where appropriate. Where diagnosis and treatment planning is directed and managed by multi-disciplinary teams based at the cancer centres, then much of the treatment (other than surgery) can be delivered in local hospitals, such as Mayo GeneralHospital.
The specific question raised by the Deputy regarding equipment at Mayo General Hospital relates to the management and delivery of health, personal and social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.
Health Services.
Pat Breen
Question:181 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding of home care packages and nursing home packages is adequate to allow the discharge of patients from the National Rehabilitation Clinic in Dun Laoghaire; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26025/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter 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.
Question No. 182 answered with QuestionNo. 176.
Hospital Services.
Pat Breen
Question:183 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26027/07]
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.
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
Pat Breen
Question:184 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26028/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. The 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.
Hospital Services.
Michael Ring
Question:185 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for an appointment. [26064/07]
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.
Patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.
Health Services.
Denis Naughten
Question:186 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will approve funding for a service (details supplied) in County Roscommon following their submission of 29 August 2007 to Roscommon PCCC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26072/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case 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.
Denis Naughten
Question:187 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to implement the five recommendations of the second report of the Irish Diabetes Prevalence Working Group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26073/07]
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.
Health Service Funding.
Tom Sheahan
Question:188 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children the structures in place to cover the deficit of €46,000 at a centre (details supplied) in County Kerry which has arisen due to a freeze in funding since 2002. [26079/07]
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.
Health Services.
Michael D'Arcy
Question:189 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on introducing an appeals process for the Health Service Executive’s fosters maintenance allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26089/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and social services which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Office 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.
Jack Wall
Question:190 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the date on which travel allowances were first agreed to be paid to home helps within the Health Service Executive; the amount of funding paid in relation to such allowances for each year for each area since that date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26090/07]
Jack Wall
Question:191 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the administrative system that operates the travel pay system for home helps in the Kildare and west Wicklow areas cannot operate a travel allowance system similar to all other areas that has such a mechanism for paying such a payment to personnel; when the matter will be rectified; the amount of arrears due for each year since the inception of the travel allowance payment for home helps to the home helps in the Kildare and west Wicklow areas; when her attention was drawn to the discrepancy that the home helps in the Kildare and west Wicklow areas are not on a par with home helps in the other areas of the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26091/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 191 together.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 191 answered with QuestionNo. 190.
Jack Wall
Question:192 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in receipt of home help hours in the Kildare and west Wicklow areas for each year since 2003; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26102/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter 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.
Care of the Elderly.
Jack Wall
Question:193 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of home care packages provided in the Kildare and west Wicklow areas for each year since the inception of the scheme; the cost for each year; the average cost of each package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26103/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter 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.
Health Services.
Michael D'Arcy
Question:194 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children when an occupational therapy appointment will be offered to a child (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26108/07]
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.
Mental Health Services.
Dan Neville
Question:195 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if Budget 2008 will provide for significant increase to resources for the mental health service reflecting the economic and social benefits of investing in prevention and more effective intervention in mental health. [26118/07]
Dan Neville
Question:196 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether mental health problems account for 12% of what economists call the global burden of disease should the funding for mental health services progressively reach a minimum of 12% which is the total health spend to achieve parity with other areas of the health service. [26119/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.
The proportion of overall health spending on mental health is frequently used to make a point on the adequacy of funding. However, it is not valid to make this comparison. As the nature and scope of total health services change, funding ratios automatically change. The amount spent on mental health services as a proportion of the total expenditure on health services was estimated to be 7.7% in 2007. This amount only reflects expenditure on specialist mental health services. This will amount to €1 billion in 2007.
It is important to bear in mind that some 90% of public mental health services are provided at primary care level. The expenditure on these services is not captured in the figure of 7.7%. This underlines the need for caution when drawing conclusions from percentages of total health expenditure.
It is more meaningful to note that, since 1997, public expenditure on specialist mental health services has trebled. The spending on other services at primary care level has also increased substantially.
Future funding for mental health services will be considered as part of the estimate process for 2008 and future years.
Health Services.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:197 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath was refused a drug which would benefit their medical condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26121/07]
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Joe McHugh
Question:198 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Donegal has been on the waiting list for three years for the cochlear implant programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26146/07]
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.
Patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.
Child Care Services.
Joe McHugh
Question:199 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people employed by community child care groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26152/07]
The National Childcare Census which was carried out in 1999/2000 reported that 2,027 paid staff, of which 732 were full time and 1,295 were part time, were employed by community services at that time. A further 1,235 trainee staff were employed in community services under the Community Employment and Jobs Initiative Schemes. To put these figures in context the Census also reported that 4,248 paid staff, of which 2,163 were full time and 2,085 were part time, were employed in the private sector.
Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), all grant recipients are asked to respond to a detailed annual survey. While the survey does not cover the whole sector, it does provide a valuable snapshot of current trends in the sector. In 2006, the most recent survey, questionnaires were issued to 1,575 grant recipients of which 1,208 (76.7%) were returned. From the information returned, which is summarised in the following table, it is clear that the number of childcare staff employed by both community and private sector providers has increased significantly (155%) under the Programme.
|
Before Funding |
After Funding |
Percentage Change |
|||||
|
Full Time |
Part Time |
Total |
Full Time |
Part Time |
Total |
||
|
Paid staff |
|||||||
|
Community |
436 |
773 |
1,209 |
1,599 |
1,636 |
3,235 |
168% |
|
Private |
702 |
324 |
1,026 |
1,635 |
822 |
2,457 |
139% |
|
1,138 |
1,097 |
2,235 |
3,234 |
2,458 |
5,692 |
155% |
|
|
Trainee Staff |
|||||||
|
Community |
82 |
856 |
938 |
94 |
1,264 |
1,358 |
45% |
|
1,220 |
1,953 |
3,173 |
3,328 |
3,722 |
7,050 |
122% |
Question No. 200 answered with QuestionNo. 176.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
James Reilly
Question:201 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money donated to the repayment scheme donations fund in respect of the nursing home refund scheme for the repayment of illegal nursing home charges; the services that have or will benefit from this fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26198/07]
In accordance with Section 11 of the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 a Repayment Scheme (Donations) Fund has been established and will be managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) for the purposes of implementing improvements in the public health services provided to dependent older persons and persons with disabilities. Donations received will be used to improve facilities in the institution or service specified by the donor. All donated monies will be used for the benefit of the patient and will be used to provide items of a non recurring nature including patient comforts.
The HSE has informed my Department that up to 30th September 2007 there has been a total of 161 expressions of interest from clients and 13 donations have been received amounting to €16,583 in total. The HSE have also informed my Department that many claimants who have expressed an interest in making a donation have indicated that they would make their donation directly to their local institution.
Mental Health Services.
James Reilly
Question:202 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of child and adolescent community mental health teams that have been established in respect of the Vision for Change strategy; the number that are fully staffed as recommended in Vision for Change; the composition of these teams; the number of positions that remain to be filled; the geographic area covered by these teams; the population of each of the areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26199/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
James Reilly
Question:203 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of adult community mental health teams that have been established to date in respect of the Vision for Change strategy; the number that are fully staffed as recommended in Vision for Change; the composition of these teams; the number of positions that remain to be filled; the geographic area covered by these teams; the population of each of the areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26200/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Terence Flanagan
Question:204 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 will receive a kidney transplant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26201/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 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.
Hospital Services.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:205 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she will investigate the delays that have occurred in providing surgical intervention in this case; if the necessary treatment at Beaumont Hospital will be expedited or if alternative routes to treatment will be identified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26216/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. My Department has been advised that the patient referred to by the Deputy, was admitted to Beaumont Hospital on 24 October, 2007, and had his procedure carried out.
Health Services.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:206 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children awaiting assessment for speech and language therapy in County Louth and in the electoral areas of Julianstown and St Mary’s in County Meath; the length of time they have been waiting for such service; the number in this area presently receiving this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26218/07]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:208 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children awaiting pre-school autism assessment in County Louth and in the electoral areas of Julianstown and St Mary’s in County Meath; the length of time these children are waiting; the extra resources she is allocating to this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26220/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 208 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, an additional sum of €75m for revenue purposes was provided by 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.
Medical Cards.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:207 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of medical cards and doctor-only medical cards held by patients in County Louth and in the electoral areas of Julianstown and St Mary’s in County Meath for each year since doctor-only cards were introduced; the number of applicants in each category who were refused; the number of medical card holders who were given doctor-only medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26219/07]
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 assessment guidelines for GP visit cards and 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 arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 208 answered with QuestionNo. 206.
Health Services.
Pat Breen
Question:209 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26229/07]
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.
Mental Health Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:210 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the full extent of the child psychiatric services in County Kildare: the number of cases on hand or pending; the degree of availability of services as required by general practitioners, schools or other referrals; the extent to which it is expected to meet the requirements on an ongoing basis; her proposals to address these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26243/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:211 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has had discussions with the Health Service Executive regarding proposals to reopen the Grove Hospital in Tuam as a health care facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26247/07]
Discussions have taken place between the Minister for Health and Children and the Health Service Executive concerning the Grove Hospital, Tuam with a view to advancing the proposal.
Any proposals in relation to this would in the first instance be a matter for the HSE.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Michael Ring
Question:212 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo went on a waiting list to be seen at an orthopaedic outpatient clinic. [26250/07]
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.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Enda Kenny
Question:213 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the proportion of total payments repaid to date in the refunding of nursing home charges; the number of payments processed each week; the number of refunds outstanding; her views on whether all the payments will be reclaimed before the cut-off date of 31 December 2007; if these payments are not refunded by that date, the action that will be taken in respect of the remaining funds; the cost to the State on the private administration of these repayments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26253/07]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the health repayment scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator KPMG/ McCann Fitzgerald.
The HSE has informed my Department that since the commencement of the scheme over 30,000 claims have been received and to date over 4,120 payments totalling over €82.3m have issued while 6,501 offers of repayment totalling over €123.8m have been made.
All eligible applications received prior to the closing date will be repaid in full and an appropriate provision will be made as necessary to meet any costs arising under the scheme. The HSE has advised that the private administration costs associated with the scheme are capped at €15 million exclusive of VAT and the Scheme Administrator has received €1 million to date in payment.
The Scheme Administrator and the HSE are confident that all claims submitted by eligible applicants by 31st December 2007 will be dealt with within the 2 year time frame allotted for the Scheme which is due to end in July 2008.
Hospital Charges.
Denis Naughten
Question:214 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the uncollected hospital charges in each hospital on 31 December 2005, 31 December 2006, and for the latest available date in 2007; the steps being taken to recover these moneys; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26257/07]
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.
Medical Cards.
Richard Bruton
Question:215 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has costed the proposal of extending medical card cover to all children under the age of five years; and if she will introduce such cover over the five year Programme for Government. [26304/07]
I have no plans to extend medical card coverage to all children aged under five and my Department has not carried out a detailed costing exercise to estimate the cost of extending medical cards to all children in this age cohort.
In 2006, on foot of a Parliamentary Question, my Department estimated the cost of extending medical cards to children under 6 years. Based on these figures (using 2006 prices), it is estimated that the direct cost to the GMS Scheme of extending medical card coverage to all children under five would be in the region of €80m per annum.
Were eligibility provisions to be adjusted to enable a particular cohort of the population to qualify for a medical card, the actual costs arising would depend on the precise demographic profile of those additional clients. The capitation payments to GPs, for example, are calculated according to clients' age, sex and distance of their residence from the GP's centre of practice. Furthermore the effect on the General Medical Services (GMS) drugs budget and on certain other services available free of charge to medical card holders cannot be predicted with accuracy and would be dependent on the health status of the clients concerned.
The estimate of approximately €80 million does not take account of the following matters: Potential additional costs in terms of income forgone by public hospitals in respect of A & E attendance and in-patient charges; The possible cost, depending on the circumstances of the additional children obtaining medical cards, of such services as aids and appliances and public health nursing; Costs in other areas of Government in which the holding of a medical card may be used as a means of determining entitlement to services or benefits; Any offsetting effect of a potential reduction in costs under the Drug Payments Scheme.
The Programme for Government commits to the following: Indexing the income thresholds for medical cards to increases in the average industrial wage; Doubling of the income limit eligibility of parents of children under 6 years of age, and trebling them for parents of children under 18 years of age with an intellectual disability; Allowing people with disabilities to work without losing key essential medical card cover after 3 years; Implementation of an annual publicity campaign and making applications easier so as to increase uptake amongst those who are eligible for Medical Cards and GP Visit Cards.
My Department is at present considering the steps required to enable these commitments to be implemented. My Department is also examining the steps necessary to give effect to the Towards 2016 commitment to review the eligibility criteria for the assessment of medical cards in the context of medical, social and economic/financial need with a view to clarifying entitlement to a medical card.
Hospital Services.
Seán Connick
Question:216 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Health and Children when funding will be provided to increase the bed capacity of Our Lady of Lourdes National Rehabilitation Centre, Rochestown Avenue, Dún Laoghaire from 150 beds to 250 beds. [26328/07]
Approval has been given for the development of a new 235 bed hospital at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.
As the development of the hospital is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive 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.
General Practitioners.
Róisín Shortall
Question:217 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the way general practitioner practices are currently regulated; the way the number is determined; the number of doctors currently in GP practice and the number of doctors in GP practice in wholetime equivalent terms; the way the number of GPs per capita here compares with the typical per capita number in other EU countries; if she is satisfied that the regulatory regime is delivering a sufficient number of GPs to allow demand be met within a reasonable timeframe; and the actions she is taking to ensure that GPs are available to the public at reasonably short notice. [26329/07]
The Medical Council is the statutory body charged with responsibility for the registration of all medical practitioners, including General Practitioners, and the regulation of their activities. The function of the Medical Council is to protect the public through implementing appropriate standards and controls on the medical profession. All doctors practising medicine in Ireland must be registered with the Medical Council.
General practitioners are self-employed and my Department does not collect official statistics on the number of such doctors in practice or the hours they work. Information from the Health Service Executive (HSE) indicates that in 2006 some 2,100 GPs held a General Medical Services (GMS) contract for service with the Executive.
General Practitioner vocational training is conducted under the auspices of the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) through vocational training programmes funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Since 2005 an additional €6 million has been provided to enable the creation of 36 additional GP training places. There are now 12 GP training programmes in place, involving a total of 120 GP training places, and these programmes are accredited by the ICGP. It has been agreed between my Department, the HSE and the ICGP that the number of GP training places per year should be increased to 150 as soon as possible. I understand that the HSE has also indicated its intention to begin a more detailed exercise to examine longer-term GP manpower requirements and how these can be addressed.
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for arranging for the provision of general practitioner services to persons covered by the GMS Scheme.
At present the HSE is required, under the terms of the agreement negotiated with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), when deciding to fill a vacant GP patient panel or to create a new patient panel, to take account of the potential viability of such a panel under a range of headings.
I regard the existing arrangements in this regard as unnecessarily restrictive and it is my wish, therefore, that new contractual arrangements, which are to be developed for the provision of publicly funded general practitioner services, should ensure that HSE contracts are open to all suitably qualified and equipped doctors.
GPs who hold a GMS contract with the HSE undertake under these arrangements to provide general practitioner services for their assigned patients for a total of 40 hours, to cover surgery and domiciliary visits, on five or more days per week, as agreed with the Executive. They are also obliged to put in place arrangements that enable contact to be made with them or a deputy/locum for emergencies outside these times.
GP out-of-hours co-operatives are now available in all HSE areas, providing coverage in all or in part of all counties. In 2007, almost €37 million is available to the HSE to fund the operation of GP out-of-hours co-ops. This figure does not include the fees of the participating doctors.
Ambulance Service.
Michael Creed
Question:218 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of ambulance cover at locations (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26335/07]
Michael Creed
Question:220 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children her Department guidelines for the level of ambulance cover in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26337/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 220 together.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Michael Creed
Question:219 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of community physiotherapy available at a location (details supplied) in County Cork; and the reason this service is being curtailed. [26336/07]
The Primary Care Strategy aims to develop services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, physiotherapists, nurses, home helps, occupational therapists and others.
It has been estimated that up to 95% of people's health and social services needs can be properly met within a primary care setting and the establishment of new Primary Care Teams can contribute greatly to enhancing community based health services.
The HSE received an additional €10m in funding in 2006 to enable the establishment of up to 100 Primary Care Teams in development; a further €22m is being provided in 2007 to meet the full year costs of the 2006 developments and to enable a further 100 Primary Care Teams in development to be established. The development of these teams will facilitate a significant increase in capacity for delivery of physiotherapy services in primary care settings.
The Government has committed under the Towards 2016 agreement to the establishment of 300 Primary Care Teams by 2008; 400 by 2009; and 500 by 2011. A review of these targets will be undertaken in 2008.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 220 answered with QuestionNo. 218.
Ambulance Service.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:221 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the figures for ambulance response times for Dublin for each of the years 2002 to 2006 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26344/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Procedures.
Joe Carey
Question:222 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that post mortem facilities covering County Clare which operate out of Limerick are under threat due to the Health Service Executive recruitment freeze, as there is only one pathology technician in Limerick and if they are away on holidays or fall ill no cover will be provided; if she approves of these cutbacks; if she will take the appropriate measures to ensure that this most important service will not be effected regardless of the current recruitment embargo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26360/07]
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.
The Deputy may wish to note that the current recruitment pause is a temporary measure initiated as part of the HSE financial break-even plan and will be reviewed at the end of this month. The HSE recognises that there are some critical or exceptional circumstances where appointment of staff may be necessary in frontline services. Accordingly a process has been put in place to evaluate, monitor and approve requests for derogation from the general recruitment pause. A group has been established which meets weekly to consider such applications.
Health Services.
Jack Wall
Question:223 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the figures in relation to waiting times for a child to see a speech and language therapist in County Kildare; the number of therapists working in the county; if this number is in line with the agreed figures for such a service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26366/07]
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.
Hospital Services.
Jack Wall
Question:224 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people that have used an x-ray facility at a Kildare Hospital (details supplied); the opening hours of this facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26367/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter 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.
General Practitioner Co-operatives.
Jack Wall
Question:225 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of complaints to a medical facility (details supplied) in County Kildare; the amount of money invested in this facility by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26368/07]
Out of hours co-operatives allow general practitioners to put in place arrangements to provide services to their patients, while their surgeries are closed in the evenings, on weekends and bank holidays. The development of GP co-operatives is in line with the overall health service policy of strengthening primary care services and ensuring that to the greatest extent possible, people's care needs are met in the primary care setting.
Out of hours co-operatives are now in place in all Health Service Executive (HSE) areas, providing coverage in all or in part of all counties. K Doc covers the areas of County Kildare and West Wicklow. It commenced providing services on 5th March, 2001. Its treatment centres are based in Newbridge, Celbridge and Athy. Between 2000 and 2005, almost €12 million was allocated to the HSE, Eastern area (Dublin, Kildare & Wicklow) for the expansion of their GP out of hours co-operatives. This figure does not include the fees of the participating doctors.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for this service, it is the appropriate body to provide the other information sought 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.
Health Services.
Michael Creed
Question:226 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details attached) in County Cork will receive an out-patient appointment. [26376/07]
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.
Patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.
Health Service Staff.
Jack Wall
Question:227 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 459 of 26 September 2007, if she will provide a breakdown of the whole time equivalent of the number of vacant places in the mental health sector of the Health Service Executive in County Kildare; the concerns she has due to lack of these vacancies for the mental health sector; the action she will take to overcome these vacancies in the mental health sector within County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26400/07]
Jack Wall
Question:228 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 459 of 26 September 2007, if she will provide a breakdown of the whole time equivalent of the 23.1 vacancies in the elderly section of the vacant posts within the Health Service Executive in County Kildare; the concerns that the lack of services that this entails for this sector in Kildare; the actions she will take to overcome such vacancies for the elderly group in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26401/07]
Jack Wall
Question:230 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 459 of 26 September 2007, the breakdown of the whole time equivalent of the vacancies in community nursing within the Health Service Executive in County Kildare; the effect this shortfall has on services within the county; her views in relation to such vacancies; the action she is taking to overcome such a shortfall within the community nursing sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26404/07]
Jack Wall
Question:231 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 459 of 26 September 2007, the breakdown of the whole time equivalent of the number of vacancies in the therapy section of the Health Service Executive in County Kildare; her views in relation to such vacancies in the therapy section in County Kildare; the action she will take to overcome this staffing shortfall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26405/07]
Jack Wall
Question:232 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 459 of 26 September 2007, the breakdown of the whole time equivalent of the number of vacancies in the therapy sector of the Health Service Executive in County Kildare; the effect these vacancies have on the therapy service within the county; her views in relation to such vacancies; her plans to overcome such vacancies within the therapy sector within County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26415/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 227, 228 and 230 to 232, inclusive, together.
I understand that the Deputy has received a reply from the Health Service Executive which provides an overall figure for the number of vacant posts in each of the sectors mentioned in his questions i.e. elderly, therapy grades, mental health and community nursing and that more detailed information is now being sought.
As the Deputy is aware, subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of the Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matters raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Michael D'Arcy
Question:229 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children when a school (details supplied) in County Wexford will be allocated a second full time speech and language therapist and a full time occupational therapist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26403/07]
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.
Questions Nos. 230 to 232, inclusive, answered with Question No. 227.
Health Service Report.
Jack Wall
Question:233 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to the Health Service Executive of an independent review (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26425/07]
The Report referred to by the Deputy was commissioned by the HSE. Accordingly the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular questions raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.
Health Services.
Jack Wall
Question:234 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 452 of 26 September 2007 the position of training for home helps; if she will explain each model and the several different approaches; the number of home helps to date who have received or are on training courses; the cost of the courses to the Health Service Executive to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26426/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Care of the Elderly.
Tony Gregory
Question:235 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children if occupational therapists are available from the Health Service Executive, Rathdown Road, Dublin 7 to elderly persons who require special disability facilities at home and require a recommendation from an occupational therapist regarding same; if this service has been withdrawn due to cutbacks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26429/07]
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.
The Deputy may wish to note that the current recruitment pause is a temporary measure initiated as part of the HSE financial break-even plan and will be reviewed at the end of this month. The HSE recognises that there are some critical or exceptional circumstances where appointment of staff may be necessary in frontline services. Accordingly a process has been put in place to evaluate, monitor and approve requests for derogation from the general recruitment pause. A group has been established which meets weekly to consider such applications.
Additionally, as an interim measure, it has been decided that a derogation of the suspension in appointments should be made to facilitate the following service enhancements: Staff recruited to establish and operate Cherry Orchard Community Nursing Units in Dublin; Staff recruited as Case/Liaison Officers in respect of services for people with a disability; Staff required to open a new Admissions Unit/Community Hostel for the Central Mental Hospital; and Staff required to introduce the ‘Fair Deal' arrangements relating to Nursing Home Subventions for Older people.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Joe McHugh
Question:236 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications in relation to the reimbursement of nursing home charges that have been processed; the number of applications that have been paid out to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26436/07]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the health repayment scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator KPMG/ McCann Fitzgerald.
The HSE has informed my Department that since the commencement of the scheme over 30,000 claims have been received and to date over 4,120 payments totalling over €82.3m have issued while 6,501 offers of repayment totalling over €123.8m have been made.
Hospitals Building Programme.
Joe McHugh
Question:237 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if there has been negotiations between the Health Service Executive and potential investors regarding the construction of a private hospital in Letterkenny; if this is the case, the possible timeframes and commitments to the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26437/07]
I met with a delegation from North West Healthcare on 10 September 2007, at their request, for the purpose of briefing me on their proposal to develop a private hospital in Letterkenny. No action was envisaged, or arises, for me from this meeting. Any discussions between the HSE and the investors is a matter for themselves.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued concerning this matter directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Róisín Shortall
Question:238 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children her estimate of the number of people holding a medical card on the basis of the EU pension rule; and the percentage this represents of total medical card holders. [26447/07]
Regulation (EC) 1408/71 deals with the coordination of social security schemes, including healthcare, for those moving within the European Union. Under its provisions, persons residing in Ireland who are attached to the social security system of another member state are entitled to receive healthcare services in Ireland at the cost of the member state with which they are affiliated. This is in accordance with Annex VI of the Regulation (text relating to Ireland), which states that such persons "are entitled free of charge to all medical treatment provided for by Irish legislation where the cost of this treatment is payable by the institution of a Member State other than Ireland." Such persons receive a medical card as evidence of their entitlement, although this is not based on national legislation.
Persons covered by the above Regulation include persons in receipt of a qualifying pension who are not also in receipt of a qualifying Irish pension, and their dependants. In regard to the number of such pensioners residing in Ireland, the most recent statistics provided to my Department indicate that in 2006, of the 110,000 pensioners resident in Ireland in receipt of a contributory pension from the UK, approximately 51,000 were entitled to hold a medical card under EU regulations. This represents 4.03% of the total number of medical card holders as at 1 October 2007 (1,264,434, representing 29.82% of the total population). The number of pensioners from other countries holding medical cards under the EU regulations is not readily available but is understood to be very small.
Health Services.
Catherine Byrne
Question:239 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children when a new dentist will take up their position in the Inchicore Dental Service; when they will start seeing patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26463/07]
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.
Catherine Byrne
Question:240 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the supports in place in the health service for patients with alopecia; if there is funding available for the purchase of wigs; her views on the provision of such funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26464/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have the issue examined and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Catherine Byrne
Question:241 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people on the waiting list for an appointment with the dermatology service in St. James's Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26465/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Catherine Byrne
Question:242 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people on the waiting list for an appointment with the dermatology service in Tallaght Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26466/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Michael McGrath
Question:243 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the Health Service Executive’s plans to provide a new health centre in Carrigaline, County Cork; the amount of funding that has been allocated for the project; and when work is expected to commence on the site. [26478/07]
The Primary Care Strategy aims to increase health service capacity through the development of services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of occupational therapists, general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists and others.
It has been estimated that up to 95% of people's health and social services needs can be properly met within a primary care setting and the establishment of new Primary Care Teams can contribute greatly to enhancing community based health services.
The provision of the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of primary care services is being considered by the HSE, having regard to a number of factors. These include the type and configuration of the services involved, the mixed public/private nature of our health system, the suitability of existing infrastructure and the capital requirements of the health services generally over the coming years.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:244 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason she has not provided funding to a school (details supplied) in County Dublin to enable the school employ a physiotherapist to provide physiotherapy to the children who attend this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26494/07]
As the Deputy may be aware, additional funding 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.
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.
Mental Health Services.
Denis Naughten
Question:245 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, further to a recent meeting (details supplied) her Department will take to support the development of services in the Ballinasloe area for persons with an intellectual disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26495/07]
As was stated at the meeting, the management and delivery of health and personal social services are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Michael McGrath
Question:246 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of BreastCheck services in the Health Service Executive south region. [26565/07]
BreastCheck commenced the screening process in the Southern region last week. I am committed to ensuring that the BreastCheck service is rolled out to the remaining regions in the country as quickly as possible. I have allocated additional revenue funding of €8 million to the National Cancer Screening Service for this year to meet the additional costs involved. The full complement of 111 staff for roll-out has been approved. I have also made available an additional €26.7m capital funding for the construction of two new clinical units and the provision of seven additional mobile units and state of the art digital equipment. The expansion of the BreastCheck programme to the Southern region covers counties Kerry, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Tipperary South Riding. Screening in individual counties will be dictated by BreastCheck's management and operational considerations.
Child Abuse.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:247 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an enquiry that was established over nine years ago by the then Western Health Board into alleged abuse (details supplied); if that investigation is now under the auspices of the Health Service Executive; when the report will be completed; when it will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26569/07]
I understand from the Health Service Executive that it is finalising a report into allegations of abuse at the Brothers of Charity Services at Kilcornan, Clarenbridge, Co Galway. I am informed by the Health Service Executive that this report is due to be completed before the end of the year.
Departmental Expenditure.
Damien English
Question:248 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount that was spent by her Department on official hospitality in the past 12 months. [26581/07]
The amount spent by my Department, which includes the Office of the Minister for Children, Adoption Board and the General Register Office, on official hospitality in the past twelve months was € 58,427.45. This amount is the cost associated with State Receptions.
Health Insurance.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:249 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her Department’s role in regulating the health insurance market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26592/07]
My Department's role in relation to the regulation of the health insurance market is to provide the appropriate regulatory framework, thereby providing adequate statutory protection for the core principles of community rating, open enrolment and lifetime cover and also facilitating the development of the market.
The Health Insurance Authority was set up under the Health Insurance Acts with a role to monitor the operation of this Act and the carrying on of health insurance business and developments in relation to health insurance generally. It is also to advise the Minister either at his or her request or on its own initiative on matters relating to the functions of the Minister under this Act, the functions of the Authority and health insurance generally.
Under the current regulatory framework the proportion of the population availing of voluntary health insurance cover has continued to grow with 51% of the population now availing of health insurance as an alternative to their public eligibility.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:250 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the fair deal for people in nursing homes is still scheduled to be commenced in January 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26593/07]
The Department is currently working on the Bill for the new Nursing Home Support Scheme — A Fair Deal. It is intended to publish the Bill for the scheme in November, and to have the legislation in place by 1 January 2008. The scheme will be made effective from that date.
Departmental Facilities.
Damien English
Question:251 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of buildings within her Department that have a canteen or hot food service for staff; the location of each building; the country of origin for beef, pork, chicken and lamb sourced for each building; if she will provide the information in tabular readable form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26613/07]
Canteen services are available in my Department in Hawkins House. These services are provided on a contract basis by a private company which complies with the Féile Bia accreditation scheme. The company has advised my Department that the beef, pork, chicken and lamb provided are of Irish origin.
Medical Cards.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:252 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26635/07]
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, child care 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.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:253 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26636/07]
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, child care 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.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:254 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if and when entitlement to rebate through the national nursing home charges scheme can be ascertained in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26637/07]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Bobby Aylward
Question:255 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be admitted for an operation to Cork University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the delay in having this person called for surgery. [26653/07]
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.
Patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.
Search and Rescue Service.
Joe McHugh
Question:256 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Malin Head and Valentia coast guard radio stations and the plans for their future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26004/07]
The Irish Coast Guard and Maritime Administration of my Department at present operates three manned Co-ordination Centres at Dublin, Malin and Valentia. The equipment at these locations is dated and in need of replacement. As part of continuing investment in improving maritime safety a tendering process for a new Integrated Communications System equipment for delivery and commissioning in 2009 is underway.
This will provide for a two-centre operation, geographically separated. Each centre will be equipped and manned in such a way that if one centre ceased to operate the other could take over the maritime emergency management of Ireland for the required period. The Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) and the Marine Emergency Room will be transferred from Dublin and co-located with a new HQ for the Irish Coast Guard and Maritime Administration in Drogheda. The second national centre, a Marine Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC), will be in an urban or near urban location on the west coast.
There is no suggestion that Malin or Valentia will be closed or be disposed of as Irish Coast Guard locations. The Stations will be retained as part of the Coast Guard infrastructure and some operations will continue to be delivered from these locations although the precise nature of their long-term function has yet to be finalised. The quality of the marine emergency response capability in Ireland will be enhanced by the provision of the new equipment and premises as outlined above.
The background to this development is that following the transfer of the maritime transport functions to the Department of Transport on 1 January 2006 my predecessor asked officials to review arrangements for the delivery of these services. As part of this review the needs of each of the rescue co-ordination units were finalised with a view to undertaking the necessary investment, training, development and re-equipping work.
The process of migrating from the present situation to the new developments will be planned and implemented in consultation. That process will take account of the safety needs of local communities, and ongoing improvement of the service to the public and the concerns of individual staff members.
Air Development Projects.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:257 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if his Department’s media monitoring unit brought press reports relating to the establishment of a hub by Aer Lingus in Belfast to his attention; the response taken in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26586/07]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:258 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if the media monitoring staff working in his Department received any queries regarding Aer Lingus during the month of June 2007 and from whom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26398/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 258 together.
There is no Media Monitoring Unit in my Department.
Public Transport.
Joe Costello
Question:259 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport the number and distribution of park and ride facilities in the Dublin metropolitan area and in neighbouring counties; the number and distribution of such facilities to be provided in these areas under Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25961/07]
Transport 21 provides for the doubling of the number of park and ride (P&R) facilities in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) in the period up to 2015.
I am informed that there are Park and Ride (P&R) facilities on the Irish Rail network at Adamstown, Balbriggan, Blackrock, Booterstown, Bray, Clontarf, Connolly, Dalkey, Gormanston, Greystones, Heuston, Killester, Killiney, Leixlip Confey, Leixlip Louisa-Bridge, Malahide, Maynooth, Raheny, Sallins, Salthill & Monkstown, Skerries and Sutton.
Plans are at an advanced stage for construction of further P&R facilities at Iarnród Éireann stations at Newbridge and Kildare, Arklow, Rush, Lusk, Donabate, Grange Road Baldoyle and at Pace in Co Meath when Phase 1 of the Navan Rail Line opens in 2010.
My Department has also funded studies looking at the feasibility of parking facilities at Kilcock, Hazlehatch and Athy, Portmarnock and Coolmine, Enfield and Laytown and at Wicklow Town.
There are currently five P&R sites along the existing Luas network at Red Cow, Sandyford, Stillorgan, Balally and Exchange Hall. I understand that the RPA is currently investigating the possibility of opening a further, temporary, P&R site near the Stillorgan Luas stop during the construction of the new line which will require the temporary closing of the Sandyford facility. The Luas extension from Sandyford to Cherrywood will have a P&R site at Carrickmines and the Luas Red Line to Citywest will have a P&R facility at Cheeverstown.
Metro North will have 3 P&R sites at Lissenhall, Metropark, between the Airport and the M50, and Fosterstown, south of Swords.
The preferred route for the extension of the Green line from Cherrywood to the Bray area includes a P&R facility at Fassaroe.
As part of Metro West, the RPA hope to provide P&R facilities from the N2 (Ashbourne) at the Huntstown stop, N3 (Navan) at the Blanchardstown stop and N4 (Lucan) at the Liffey Valley stop. Additional facilities might also be provided at other locations.
The proposed Luas line to Lucan is currently subject to public consultation on possible route options and depending on the preferred route may have a P&R facility in the Liffey Valley area.
There is also funding available from my Department for the development of P&R facilities by local authorities. It is a matter for the local authorities to identify sites and to apply to my Department for funding. While no applications have been received to date, I understand that South Dublin 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 the M4 Lucan/Leixlip interchange.
My Department will consider any further funding requests for new or improved P&R facilities over the lifetime of Transport 21.
Road Network.
Joe McHugh
Question:260 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to upgrade the Bridgend-Buncrana road to a national primary road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25996/07]
I have no plans to reclassify the Bridgend Buncrana road as a national primary road.
Public Transport.
Michael Kennedy
Question:261 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the 41X bus route; the date the private bus operator was granted a bus licence by his Department; the date the private service will operate its service from; if Dublin Bus will be given priority in order for it to run the 41X through the Dublin Port tunnel; and the date he expects to grant a licence to Dublin Bus. [26001/07]
Dublin Bus is not subject to licensing in accordance with the provisions of the 1932 Road Transport Act, as amended. However, the initiation or alteration of a bus service by the Company is subject to compliance with the necessary regulatory requirement of giving 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.
On the 22nd March, 2007, Dublin Bus notified my Department of its proposal to re-route four of its existing Route 41X services from Swords via the Port Tunnel. At that time, my Department advised the Company that a decision on the proposal was being deferred until such time as an application from a private operator for a high frequency service from Swords via the Port Tunnel to the City Centre was finalised.
On the 3rd October, 2007, my Department issued a licence in accordance with the Road Transport Act, 1932 to the private operator concerned. It is a condition of the licence that the services are in operation in their entirety within 4 months from the date of issue of the licence. While it is a matter for the operator concerned to introduce the services within the timeframe, my Department understands that the operator proposes to commence operations within a matter of weeks.
My Department is now considering the Route 41X proposal from Dublin Bus, taking into consideration the newly licensed service. My Department will revert to Dublin Bus as soon as possible on the proposal.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:262 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 151 of 18 October 2007, the reason that his Department was able to provide a subsidy to Lough Swilly Bus Company to provide a public bus service to the people of north Donegal and Derry City in the 1980s and subsequently removed this subsidy; 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. [26034/07]
The instigation of bus services in any location in the country is in the first instance an operational matter for bus operators and I have no power to direct operators to provide bus services in a particular area or to directly subvent such services. Private bus operators may apply to my Department for the grant of licences under the Road Transport Act 1932 in respect of the operation of services or, Bus Éireann or Dublin Bus, as appropriate, may notify my Department of their intention to provide such services. In addition, both private and public bus operators may apply for approval for the issue of International Authorisations in respect of services that operate to and from destinations in Northern Ireland.
While some limited funding was made available to the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Bus Company by CIE in the nineteen eighties, EU policy in relation to the funding of public bus services has been evolving over recent years culminating in the recent adoption of a new EU Regulation on Public Service Obligations in the transport sector.
Under those Regulations, the grant of financial support to a private bus operator for the provision of bus services can only be contemplated on the grounds that a "public service obligation" has been identified as being required in respect of those services. The Regulations also require that the payment of compensation for fulfilling the public service obligation must be established in a contract between the relevant competent authority and the prospective provider of the services. Such contracts may only be entered into following an open tendering exercise.
The Regulations establish strict conditions that must be complied with before a contract can be determined. These include compliance with provisions relating to the funding of public bus services established by the European Court of Justice in July 2003 in its judgement in the Altmark case.
The position in relation to the evolution of this new legal framework was outlined to officials of the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Bus Company at a meeting with officials of my Department on 15th March 2007. It is expected that the EU Regulation will come into effect in late 2009.
Road Safety.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:263 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the estimate his Department has made of the survival chances of a pedestrian hit by a vehicle travelling at speeds (details supplied) in view of the existing research findings by other EU transport departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26045/07]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006) the carrying out of research or analysis of research on road safety awareness is now a matter for the Road Safety Authority. The new Rules of the Road, which is available on the Authority's website, contains information on pedestrian survivability of the type sought by the Deputy.
Motor Insurance.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:264 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport his most recent estimate of the number of vehicles without motor insurance on the road here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26047/07]
The number of drivers without motor insurance is estimated by the insurance industry to be in the range of one hundred thousand drivers. This is calculated by taking the number of registered vehicles from the National Vehicle and Driver File maintained by the Vehicle Registration Unit and subtracting the number of exempted vehicles, e.g., State vehicles. The resulting figure is compared to the number of policies in force. An allowance is also made for fleet insurance where a number of vehicles are insured on a single policy.
Several steps have been taken in recent years to reduce the level of uninsured driving. The Garda Traffic Corps has been substantially expanded to improve compliance with all road traffic legislation including motor insurance requirements. Legislation has also been put in place to extend the powers of the Gardaí to permit the seizure of all uninsured vehicles. In addition, since the introduction of the Penalty Points system, 6,539 persons have received penalty points for uninsured driving up to the end of September 2007. It is also planned under the recently published Road Safety Strategy 2007 — 2012 to establish a system to ensure current insurance details for all drivers can be accessed in real time by the Gardaí to facilitate enforcement.
Public Transport.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:265 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the estimate he has made of the change in cost to the passenger of public transport in real terms in each year since 1997, broken down by mode of transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26048/07]
As private operators are free to set their own fares policy, I am not in a position to estimate the change in cost to the passenger of public transport since 1997.
However, since 1997 Ministerial approval has been granted for the following CIÉ and Luas fares' increases:
|
Year |
Increase |
|
1997 |
0 |
|
1998 |
0 |
|
1999 |
0 |
|
2000 |
Increase averaging 5.5% |
|
2001 |
0 |
|
2002 |
0 |
|
2003 |
Increase averaging 9% |
|
2004 |
Increase averaging 3.2% |
|
2005 |
Increase of 3.5% in fares revenue yield |
|
2006 |
Increase of 3.8% in fares revenue yield |
|
2007 |
Increase of 2.75% in fares revenue yield |
Luas
|
Year |
Increase |
|
2005 |
Increase of 3.8% in fares revenue yield |
|
2006 |
Increase of 2.75% in fares revenue yield |
Over the period 1997-2006 the CSO reported Consumer Price Index annual percentage changes as follows:
|
Year |
Average |
|
1997 |
+1.5% |
|
1998 |
+2.4% |
|
1999 |
+1.6% |
|
2000 |
+5.6% |
|
2001 |
+4.9% |
|
2002 |
+4.6% |
|
2003 |
+3.5% |
|
2004 |
+2.2% |
|
2005 |
+2.5% |
|
2006 |
+4.0% |
The detailed design of fare structures, including promotional and incentive fares, is a matter for CIÉ and the RPA. All three CIÉ companies and Luas use discounted fares of various types, including the tax saver annual and monthly ticket scheme.
Airport Security.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:266 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the number of security alerts there have been at each commercial airport here in each of the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26050/07]
It is not the practice to comment on specific security measures or incidents at the State's airports. However, aviation security arrangements at Irish airports are kept under continuous review by my Department and the National Civil Aviation Security Committee, which is chaired by a senior official from my Department. The Committee comprises representatives of Government Departments, State Airports, airlines, the Garda Siochana, the Defence Forces, Customs and Excise, An Post, Irish Aviation Authority, the Irish Airline Pilots' Association and the Regional Airports.
Satellite Navigation.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:267 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to undertake a review on the use of global positioning in-vehicle information systems; his views on all safety aspects of human-machine interface aspects of satellite navigation and other route guidance systems for drivers and hence for other road users; if the guidance offered by such systems is designed in order to avoid inappropriate routing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26052/07]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the issue of vehicle standards on construction, equipment and use including the use of global positioning in-vehicle information systems and the consideration of road safety aspects in that regard is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.
Road Safety.
Joe McHugh
Question:268 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the upgrade of a bridge (details supplied) in County Donegal which is posing a serious hazard to the safety of motorists and pedestrians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26154/07]
The provision and improvement of non-national roads, including bridges, in its area is a matter for Donegal County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants.
In August this year, local authorities were invited to submit applications for consideration for funding in 2008 under the Specific Improvements Grant Scheme. The initial selection of projects to be submitted for consideration for funding under this scheme is solely a matter for local authorities. Accordingly, it is open to the Council to submit an application for eligible works on Cockhill Bridge for consideration for funding under the scheme in 2008.
Applications for funding under the scheme in 2008 have not yet been received in my Department from Donegal County Council.
Public Transport.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:269 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the reason a licence has not been granted for Dublin Bus to operate the proposed 141 bus route from Swords to Dublin city centre via Santry, Whitehall and Drumcondra; the further reason the new Swords express service and the proposed Dublin Bus 141 route cannot both receive a licence as they have proposed significantly different routes; when he will reform the bus licensing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26203/07]
Dublin Bus is not subject to licensing in accordance with the provisions of the 1932 Road Transport Act, as amended. However, the initiation or alteration of a bus service by the Company is subject to compliance with the necessary regulatory requirement of giving 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.
On the 23rd October, 2006, Dublin Bus notified my Department of its proposal to introduce a new Route 141 service to operate between Swords and Rathmines via Drumcondra. At that time, my Department advised the Company that a decision on the proposal was being deferred until such time as an application from a private operator for a high frequency service from Swords via the Port Tunnel to the City Centre was finalised. Dublin Bus is aware of these procedures.
On the 3rd October, 2007, my Department issued a licence in accordance with the Road Transport Act, 1932 to the private operator concerned.
My Department has not refused the Dublin Bus Route 141 proposal, but is now considering the service taking into account the newly licensed service. My Department will revert to the Company as soon as possible on the proposal.
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 new licensing regime will be designed in a manner consistent with the recently adopted new 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.
Cycle Facilities.
Mary Upton
Question:270 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the positive benefits of cycling in terms of gridlock and CO2 emissions, he will lobby to have the purchase of bicycles and electric pedlec bicycles included in the tax saver commuter scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26208/07]
I recognise the positive benefits of cycling and I am committed to increasing the use of cycling as a mode of transport. My Department is 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, including fiscal measures, to be adopted in relation to cycling and other issues.
Public Transport.
Michael McGrath
Question:271 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of new buses it is planned to provide to Bus Éireann for services in Cork City and county in the next twelve months as part of Transport 21. [26236/07]
In September 2006 my predecessor announced expenditure of €50 million on 160 (69 additional and 91 replacement) buses for Bus Eireann as part of Transport 21. Another €23 million was approved earlier this year for the purchase of a further 75 replacement buses in 2008. The deployment of buses to particular areas is a matter for the company and one in which I have no function.
Road Safety.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:272 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if it is his intention to make the maximum permitted blood alcohol content 0.5 mg/ml in all Member States as per the European Commission recommendation of 17 January 2001 on the maximum permitted blood alcohol content for drivers of motorised vehicles and subsequent declarations made during EU level meetings of road safety experts by the Governments of Ireland and Luxembourg that they intend to join the countries which already have this 0.5 mg/ml limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26297/07]
The new Road Safety Strategy for the period 2007 — 2012, which was prepared by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and published last week, identifies the need to legislate for and introduce a reduction in the legal Blood Alcohol concentration for drivers. The Government has accepted that recommendation.
The decision on the specific level to which the BAC will be lowered will follow consideration of the outcome of research being carried out by the RSA.
The target completion date in the Strategy for the reduction in the legal BAC is second quarter 2009, to allow for enactment of legislation, adaptation of enforcement technology etc. It is my intention, however, to complete the implementation of this measure earlier than that date if possible.
Public Private Partnerships.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:273 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the annual cost and termination year of each public private partnership and private finance initiative contract with his Department and its agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26339/07]
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. As the Deputy is aware, the implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Also, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads, is vested in the NRA under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007).
Airport Security.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:274 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the recent assessment he has carried out into the length of delays at airports here as a result of changes to security measures introduced in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26340/07]
Management of security practices and procedures at Irish airports is a day-to-day operational matter for the relevant airport authority. These practices and procedures are subject to monitoring by my Department's Aviation Security Division to ensure that they meet the requirements laid down in EU Regulations. Periodic reviews by international organisations, such as the EU Commission and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) are also undertaken.
Regulation (EC) No. 2320/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing common rules in the field of civil aviation security has been in force since January 2003. This Regulation and a number of implementing regulations adopted subsequently, including the new security restrictions on liquids and gels introduced in November 2006, have been adopted into our National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP).
A common position of the Transport Council on a Regulation to replace Regulation 2320/2002 was adopted on 11 December 2006. The proposed new Regulation sets out to clarify, simplify and further harmonise requirements in relation to civil aviation security with the objective of enhancing overall levels of security.
I am satisfied that the aviation security practices and procedures implemented at Irish airports conform to the highest standards set down in the European Union common rules.
Driving Licences.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:275 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the statistics for the years 2001 to 2006 for the number of driving licences issued for class A, B, C, D and E; and the number of provisional driving licences for cars only differentiating between first-time provisional driving licences and second or subsequent provisional driving licences. [26345/07]
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 issue of all classes of driving licences for the categories of vehicles A, B, C, D and E and all statistics in relation to these matters.
Marine Safety.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:276 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport the legally required ratio of passengers to crew on ferries sailing between the mainland and the islands. [26349/07]
Joanna Tuffy
Question:277 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has received complaints detailing breaches of the legally required ratio of passengers to crewmen on board ferries sailing between the mainland and the islands in the past twelve months; if so, the number of complaints received in this time period; the way they were investigated; the penalties that were imposed on those found guilty of breaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26351/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 276 and 277 together.
The number of crew members required to be onboard passenger ships operating to the islands of the state takes account of the number required to ensure the safe navigation of the vessel to effectively deal with any emergency situation that may occur onboard. The type of safety equipment carried is also taken into account.
As vessels carrying similar numbers of passengers can differ significantly in terms of onboard equipment, there is no generic minimum crew requirement and each vessel is considered on an individual basis before it is issued with a Passenger Certificate. During the last twelve months the Department has received reports detailing allegations against 4 passenger ships. In each case the Department's marine surveyors have investigated the reports or have assisted the Gardaí in following up on such complaints.
The Department's investigations in respect of one of these vessels concluded that the vessel was manned in accordance with the requirements of the regulations and no further action was required. In the case of two passenger ships, the investigations revealed that the vessels had proceeded to sea with less than the stipulated manning, but that no passengers were onboard during the voyages concerned. Verbal warnings were issued to the operators of these vessels. The investigation regarding the fourth vessel is still ongoing.
Road Network.
Joe Carey
Question:278 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will designate and identify the R352 road from Tulla, County Clare to Whitegate, County Clare to be a strategic route as it is the main arterial route through east Clare which provides access to Lough Derg; if he will allocate funding to upgrade the remaining section of the R352; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26361/07]
In accordance with Section 10 of the Roads Act 1993, public roads may be classified as national roads, regional roads or local roads. There is no statutory classification of strategic road or route. The improvement and maintenance of regional roads in its area is a statutory function of each road authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. My Department provides grants to local authorities under a number of grant categories to assist them in discharging their functions in relation to the improvement and maintenance of non-national roads. In 2007, total grants for non-national roads allocated to Clare County Council were €22,144,959. This included a specific grant of €1 million for works on the R352 between Ennis and Portumna.
In August this year, local authorities were invited to submit applications for consideration for funding in 2008 under the Specific Improvements Grant Scheme. The initial selection of projects to be submitted for consideration for funding under this scheme is solely a matter for local authorities. The only proposal submitted by Clare County Council in relation to the R352 relates to works between Ennis and Portumna. The 2008 non-national road grant allocations to local authorities will be announced early next year.
Michael Creed
Question:279 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the allocation per kilometre for each local authority for non-national roads for each of the past five years. [26379/07]
The total grant allocated to each local authority in each of the years 2003 to 2007 for non-national roads is set out in Table 1.
The only grant categories which are calculated by reference to length of road are the discretionary improvement and maintenance and restoration maintenance categories. The grants allocated per kilometre to each county council under these categories are set out in Table 2 below. Separate grants are allocated to urban authorities, none of which is calculated by reference to length of roads in their areas.
|
Local Authority |
2003 Allocation |
2004 Allocation |
2005 Allocation |
2006 Allocation |
2007 Allocation |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Carlow County Council |
4,208,389 |
3,969,741 |
6,102,486 |
7,178,227 |
7,667,071 |
|
Cavan County Council |
15,439,921 |
15,659,376 |
15,918,634 |
17,564,357 |
18,853,428 |
|
Clare County Council |
15,718,621 |
16,799,620 |
17,771,307 |
20,776,281 |
22,144,959 |
|
Cork County Council |
36,554,163 |
38,510,640 |
41,933,282 |
52,825,361 |
60,726,347 |
|
Donegal County Council |
27,173,437 |
27,901,208 |
28,298,562 |
39,005,923 |
44,595,166 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
9,007,366 |
9,166,000 |
8,901,296 |
9,205,000 |
14,841,650 |
|
Fingal County Council |
9,288,000 |
12,821,954 |
9,433,138 |
7,345,389 |
7,119,239 |
|
Galway County Council |
24,940,326 |
24,959,334 |
25,284,849 |
30,767,341 |
33,623,386 |
|
Kerry County Council |
18,145,534 |
18,496,892 |
19,055,022 |
23,161,906 |
25,250,677 |
|
Kildare County Council |
15,207,097 |
18,486,215 |
27,765,517 |
27,083,874 |
23,685,337 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
10,536,092 |
10,604,497 |
11,056,629 |
13,414,112 |
15,131,887 |
|
Laois County Council |
7,788,303 |
7,954,332 |
8,626,569 |
10,622,428 |
12,935,313 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
9,998,862 |
10,117,491 |
10,609,518 |
12,606,066 |
13,375,901 |
|
Limerick County Council |
16,224,892 |
16,880,350 |
15,668,823 |
17,613,559 |
18,666,457 |
|
Longford County Council |
7,056,879 |
7,234,891 |
7,467,448 |
8,628,741 |
9,444,621 |
|
Louth County Council |
6,337,859 |
6,199,055 |
6,767,287 |
7,718,475 |
8,874,488 |
|
Mayo County Council |
19,918,068 |
22,829,132 |
22,033,841 |
28,062,577 |
31,625,821 |
|
Meath County Council |
21,224,098 |
23,289,825 |
29,513,483 |
29,913,888 |
29,653,934 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
13,674,097 |
13,787,629 |
14,008,038 |
15,804,200 |
17,006,610 |
|
North Tipperary County Council |
9,098,072 |
9,407,733 |
9,747,139 |
11,506,830 |
12,775,794 |
|
Offaly County Council |
7,448,621 |
7,876,394 |
8,610,161 |
14,322,051 |
11,563,685 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
12,723,076 |
13,031,804 |
13,361,089 |
16,002,409 |
17,938,263 |
|
Sligo County Council |
9,956,755 |
10,154,111 |
11,111,773 |
13,385,596 |
15,371,958 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
14,498,904 |
20,667,760 |
14,170,464 |
10,290,069 |
12,594,380 |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
9,432,748 |
9,756,443 |
10,660,265 |
13,187,054 |
14,662,008 |
|
Waterford County Council |
9,650,734 |
10,500,595 |
10,398,222 |
12,805,364 |
16,189,769 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
7,319,835 |
7,617,161 |
8,399,789 |
10,431,125 |
16,148,885 |
|
Wexford County Council |
12,900,392 |
12,714,613 |
14,445,997 |
16,733,657 |
17,576,319 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
10,302,118 |
10,879,317 |
12,593,413 |
18,378,522 |
20,147,558 |
|
Cork City Council |
6,034,695 |
8,016,208 |
6,570,037 |
7,360,000 |
7,797,795 |
|
Dublin City Council |
14,929,000 |
11,547,837 |
14,442,957 |
14,523,816 |
14,727,000 |
|
Galway City Council |
2,758,015 |
1,822,000 |
2,083,155 |
2,203,000 |
2,795,000 |
|
Limerick City Council |
3,735,000 |
4,269,668 |
4,258,846 |
4,220,122 |
5,590,655 |
|
Waterford City Council |
6,707,000 |
10,637,072 |
9,268,688 |
3,773,142 |
6,060,859 |
|
Clonmel Borough Council |
508,000 |
775,000 |
970,000 |
583,000 |
707,000 |
|
Drogheda Borough Council |
568,500 |
570,000 |
621,000 |
647,000 |
676,200 |
|
Kilkenny Borough Council |
525,000 |
552,000 |
566,000 |
607,000 |
625,000 |
|
Sligo Borough Council |
1,150,000 |
1,105,000 |
1,146,000 |
1,277,000 |
3,565,000 |
|
Wexford Borough Council |
508,000 |
530,000 |
545,000 |
583,000 |
673,250 |
|
Arklow Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Athlone Town Council |
488,000 |
510,000 |
525,000 |
563,000 |
581,000 |
|
Athy Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Ballina Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Ballinasloe Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Birr Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Bray Town Council |
522,000 |
550,000 |
565,000 |
606,000 |
624,000 |
|
Buncrana Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Bundoran Town Council |
169,000 |
178,000 |
183,000 |
197,000 |
204,000 |
|
Carlow Town Council |
240,000 |
532,000 |
546,000 |
587,000 |
605,000 |
|
Carrickmacross Town Council |
169,000 |
178,000 |
183,000 |
197,000 |
204,000 |
|
Carrick-on-Suir Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Cashel Town Council |
169,000 |
178,000 |
183,000 |
197,000 |
204,000 |
|
Castlebar Town Council |
340,000 |
503,000 |
460,000 |
379,000 |
287,000 |
|
Castleblaney Town Council |
169,000 |
178,000 |
183,000 |
197,000 |
204,000 |
|
Cavan Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Clonakilty Town Council |
169,000 |
178,000 |
183,000 |
197,000 |
204,000 |
|
Clones Town Council |
169,000 |
178,000 |
183,000 |
197,000 |
204,000 |
|
Cobh Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Dundalk Town Council |
522,000 |
550,000 |
565,000 |
606,000 |
624,000 |
|
Dungarvan Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Ennis Town Council |
488,000 |
532,000 |
546,000 |
587,000 |
605,000 |
|
Enniscorthy Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Fermoy Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Kells Town Council |
169,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Killarney Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Kilrush Town Council |
169,000 |
178,000 |
183,000 |
197,000 |
204,000 |
|
Kinsale Town Council |
169,000 |
178,000 |
183,000 |
197,000 |
204,000 |
|
Letterkenny Town Council |
240,000 |
510,000 |
525,000 |
563,000 |
581,000 |
|
Listowel Town Council |
189,000 |
178,000 |
183,000 |
197,000 |
204,000 |
|
Longford Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Macroom Town Council |
169,000 |
178,000 |
183,000 |
197,000 |
204,000 |
|
Mallow Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Midleton Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Monaghan Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Naas Town Council |
240,000 |
532,000 |
546,000 |
587,000 |
605,000 |
|
Navan Town Council |
240,000 |
532,000 |
546,000 |
587,000 |
605,000 |
|
Nenagh Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
New Ross Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Skibbereen Town Council |
169,000 |
178,000 |
183,000 |
197,000 |
204,000 |
|
Templemore Town Council |
169,000 |
178,000 |
183,000 |
197,000 |
204,000 |
|
Thurles Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Tipperary Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Tralee Town Council |
780,000 |
789,500 |
821,000 |
587,000 |
605,000 |
|
Trim Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Tullamore Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Westport Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Wicklow Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Youghal Town Council |
240,000 |
253,000 |
260,000 |
279,000 |
287,000 |
|
Local Authority |
2003 Allocation |
2004 Allocation |
2005 Allocation |
2006 Allocation |
2007 Allocation |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Carlow County Council |
1,045 |
1,156 |
1,230 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
Cavan County Council |
1,083 |
1,156 |
1,229 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
Clare County Council |
1,080 |
1,156 |
1,229 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
Cork County Council |
1,090 |
1,156 |
1,229 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
Donegal County Council |
1,085 |
1,156 |
1,229 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
1,994 |
2,311 |
2,457 |
2,873 |
3,044 |
|
Fingal County Council |
1,525 |
1,735 |
1,844 |
2,157 |
2,285 |
|
Galway County Council |
1,086 |
1,156 |
1,230 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
Kerry County Council |
1,088 |
1,156 |
1,230 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
Kildare County Council |
1,087 |
1,157 |
1,230 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
1,089 |
1,156 |
1,229 |
1,438 |
1,522 |
|
Laois County Council |
1,074 |
1,156 |
1,229 |
1,437 |
1,523 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
1,119 |
1,157 |
1,230 |
1,438 |
1,524 |
|
Limerick County Council |
1,085 |
1,156 |
1,230 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
Longford County Council |
1,057 |
1,156 |
1,229 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
Louth County Council |
1,089 |
1,156 |
1,229 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
Mayo County Council |
1,069 |
1,156 |
1,230 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
Meath County Council |
1,082 |
1,157 |
1,230 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
1,086 |
1,156 |
1,229 |
1,437 |
1,523 |
|
North Tipperary County Council |
1,100 |
1,156 |
1,230 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
Offaly County Council |
1,030 |
1,156 |
1,230 |
1,437 |
1,523 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
1,171 |
1,157 |
1,230 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
Sligo County Council |
1,111 |
1,156 |
1,230 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
1,461 |
1,735 |
1,843 |
2,157 |
2,284 |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
1,075 |
1,156 |
1,230 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
Waterford County Council |
1,100 |
1,156 |
1,230 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
1,085 |
1,156 |
1,230 |
1,437 |
1,522 |
|
Wexford County Council |
1,093 |
1,156 |
1,230 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
1,078 |
1,156 |
1,229 |
1,438 |
1,523 |
Air Services.
Pat Breen
Question:280 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport the reason his Department did not inform the Shannon Airport Authority as a statutory body formed under the State Airports Act 2004 of the Aer Lingus intention to end the Shannon-Heathrow route when they informed the Dublin Airport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26380/07]
An official of my Department had contact with the Dublin Airport Authority on 13 June 2007 in order to determine the performance, in terms of passenger numbers and load factors, of the Shannon Heathrow route. The approach was made in the context of separate contacts between the Department and Aer Lingus concerning the media coverage of a possible Belfast base. The discussion with the DAA was on a confidential basis since it concerned commercially sensitive information about Aer Lingus.
Freedom of Information.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:281 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if the Freedom of Information Act 1997 will be extended to cover the Dublin Airport Authority, Shannon Airport Authority and Cork Airport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26381/07]
Responsibility for the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 1997 rests with the Minister for Finance. However, I can inform the Deputy that my Department recently expressed the view, in reply to a query from Department of Finance, that it would not be considered appropriate for the Dublin Airport Authority, Cork Airport Authority and Shannon Airport Authority to be subject to the FOI Acts, in view of the fact that they are commercial State bodies.
Air Services.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:282 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if his attention was drawn by the Department of the Taoiseach’s media monitoring unit or his own Department's media unit to the decision of Aer Lingus; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26462/07]
The circumstances in which I was informed of Aer Lingus's decision on the Belfast hub and its implications for Shannon are already on the record of the House and are set out in the report completed by the Secretary General of my Department and published on the Department's website on 25 October 2007.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:283 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he had discussions or meetings with the former executive chairman of the Shannon Airport Authority regarding the decision of Aer Lingus to cease the Shannon-Heathrow service; the details of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26484/07]
As soon as I became aware of the decision of Aer Lingus to discontinue its Shannon Heathrow service, I had discussions with the former executive chairman of the Shannon Airport Authority. I expressed my deep disappointment with the decision, I indicated that the Government would assist the Authority in any way it legally could and I encouraged the Authority in its efforts to attract new business. Contact with the Authority is ongoing with a view to helping in any way possible the Airport to secure a replacement service for the Aer Lingus Shannon Heathrow service.
Road Safety.
Damien English
Question:284 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport his views on introducing on to his Department’s website an interactive rules of the road section. [26552/07]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority (RSA) the publication and distribution of the Rules of the Road is a matter that is being dealt with by the Road Safety Authority. The Rules are available on the Authority's website — www.rsa.ie and via a link from my Department's website, www.transport.ie. Consideration of the electronic publication of the Rules in any alternative interactive format is a matter for the Authority. My Department has no proposal to pursue the development and publication of an interactive format of the Rules of the Road on the Department's website.
Public Transport.
Michael McGrath
Question:285 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated towards the roll-out of green routes and quality bus corridors (details supplied) in County Cork. [26567/07]
My Department has been providing funding for a number of Green Routes (bus priority routes) in Cork over the past number of years. The Carrickaline/Ringaskiddy Route, which includes a Donnybrook Hill spur, is situated partly in the City Council and partly in the County Council area. The two Councils have agreed that for such Green Routes the City Council will undertake the actual works on both sides of the administrative boundary. For this reason, all of my Department's funding for this Green Route goes to the City Council.
In the current year, my Department allocated €2.4 million for Phase 1 of the Carrickaline/Ringaskiddy Green Route. This Phase covers approximately 40% of the full intended Route, including all of the City Council area section and a part of the County Council section, including the Donnybrook Hill spur. I understand that the County Council hopes to finalise the Part VIII planning process before the end of the year, and that work on the County Council part of the Route will begin some time in the new year.
Michael McGrath
Question:286 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the details of a licence issued by his Department to Bus Éireann for a planned new bus route (details supplied) in County Cork including number of services per day and details of the commencement of the service. [26568/07]
Bus Éireann is not subject to licensing in accordance with the provisions of the 1932 Road Transport Act, as amended. However, the initiation or alteration of a bus service by the Company is subject to compliance with the necessary regulatory requirement of giving 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.
On 4th May 2007, Bus Éireann notified my Department of its proposal to introduce a new Cork City Route 16 to operate between Cork City Centre and Mount Oval. On the 14th May, 2007, my Department requested further clarification from the Company in order to consider the proposal. This was not received. My Department contacted Bus Eireann again on 24th August, 2007 and to date no clarification has been received. The introduction of services once noted by my Department would be an operational matter for Bus Éireann.
Departmental Expenditure.
Damien English
Question:287 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the amount that was spent by his Department on official hospitality in the past 12 months. [26582/07]
The total amount spent by my Department on official entertainment and catering costs in the past 12 months has been €136,612. This amount covers such items as catering costs in relation to staff meetings and training, as well as entertainment and catering costs relating to staff and visitors on official business.
Air Services.
Martin Ferris
Question:288 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that the airport coordinator, as defined by Council Regulation 95/93 and amended by EC 793/2004, has a veto on transferring routes to second airports. [26587/07]
Martin Ferris
Question:289 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if the airport coordinator can reject a route change on the basis that the proposed change would be detrimental to the vital interests of the region from which the route would be transferred. [26588/07]
Martin Ferris
Question:290 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if the airport coordinator or Aer Lingus is required to carry out an impact study on the Shannon region to assess the affects of the proposed transfer. [26589/07]
Martin Ferris
Question:291 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if grandfather rights adhere to the airline or the route in view of the fact that Regulation 790/2004 states that the system provides for the reallocation of slots with established precedence to incumbent carriers. [26590/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 to 291, inclusive, together.
The EU regulation to which the Deputy refers is of no relevance to the decision of Aer Lingus to discontinue its Shannon to Heathrow service. The regulation in question is Council Regulation (EEC) No. 95/93, as amended, on common rules for the allocation of slots at community airports.
This regulation lays down common EU rules for the allocation of slots to air carriers at airports in the community. Essentially the regulation took responsibility for the slot allocation process out of the hands of airport authorities at congested airports and made it the responsibility of slot co-ordinators who are designated by the member states. The Commission for Aviation Regulation has been designated as the competent authority for the regulation in Ireland.
Under the regulation, airports in the community are either co-ordinated or schedules facilitated. Generally, congested airports will be designated as co-ordinated airports by the relevant authority in the member state concerned which means that a carrier cannot operate a landing or a take-off at such an airport without being allocated a slot. A more flexible regime can be operated at schedules facilitated airports where capacity is not so constrained.
The application of Regulation 95/93 in Ireland is concerned only with the allocation of slots at Irish airports and Dublin airport is the only airport in the State that has been designated as a co-ordinated airport by the Commission for Aviation Regulation. The slot allocation process at London Heathrow is entirely a matter for the UK authorities.
School Transport.
John Perry
Question:292 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide clarification on the new regulations within the school transport scheme that may come into effect from September 2008, in relation to the pull test; if it will result in prohibitive costs; the details in relation to the guidelines for the pull test for all school bus providers; if this is a DOE requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26591/07]
In June 2006, as part of public policy to enhance the safety of bus occupants, changes to the compulsory annual roadworthiness test for vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats fitted with safety belts were approved.
These changes provided that, from September 2008, the grant of a Certificate of Roadworthiness for a bus fitted with safety belts would be contingent on the presentation to the test centre of appropriate certification concerning the standard of installation of the safety belts. These standards would require that the vehicle has EU type-approval certification in respect of the safety belt installation or that the safety belt installation had met a defined pull test standard which equates to the type-approval requirements. This matter is now being progressed by the Road Safety Authority, which has responsibility for vehicle standards including the issue of safety belts on motor vehicles under the Road Safety Authority, Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006).
Departmental Facilities.
Damien English
Question:293 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the number of buildings within his Department that have a canteen or hot food service for staff; the location of each building; the country of origin for beef, pork, chicken and lamb sourced for each building; if he will provide the information in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26617/07]
The information sought by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Building Location |
Transport House, 44 Kildare Street, Dublin 2. |
|||
|
Meat |
Beef |
Pork |
Chicken |
Lamb |
|
Country of Origin |
Irish |
Irish |
Irish |
Irish |
Referendum Commission.
Finian McGrath
Question:294 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will set up a referendum commission soon with time and resources to inform citizens about the new European Union Treaty. [25802/07]
The Government will shortly be seeking legal advice from the Attorney General on whether ratification of the EU Reform Treaty requires an amendment to the Constitution. If it is the view of the Attorney General that a referendum is required, in accordance with established procedures a Referendum Commission will be created to inform the public about the Treaty and to encourage citizens to exercise their right to vote. As was the case with the previous EU referendum in 2002, the Referendum Commission will be properly resourced to enable it to carry out its role in an effective manner.
Diplomatic Representation.
Billy Timmins
Question:295 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to a person (details supplied); if he will facilitate same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25971/07]
The next of kin of a deceased person may request that the person's remains be exhumed. However, as the Deputy will appreciate, a number of legal and logistical issues arise in such situations, particularly where the death occurred many years ago.
I asked our Embassy in London to make some preliminary enquiries regarding the request referred to by the Deputy. The Embassy has been informed that the family of the person mentioned does not own the grave and, therefore, must first obtain the permission of the present owners to have the ownership of the grave transferred into their name before the process of exhuming the body can begin. If this is agreed, I understand that the caretakers of St Pancras and Islington cemetery will then require written proof of an airline's willingness to transport the remains to Ireland. A cemetery in Ireland will also have to provide a statement of willingness to accept the person's remains.
The Embassy, (Consular Section, telephone 00 44 207 235 2171), would be pleased to provide a list of undertakers and lawyers who could assist the person concerned in taking the matter forward.
Military Neutrality.
Finian McGrath
Question:296 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure that Ireland retains its impartial, independent and neutral status at UN and EU level; and if changes are planned in the new treaty. [26031/07]
Nothing in the Reform Treaty will affect Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality, nor our capacity to pursue our foreign policy. Under the Treaty, as under previous Treaties, Ireland will continue to participate actively in the formulation of the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Unanimity will remain the rule for substantive decisions in the area of the CFSP, which ensures that the views of all member states must be taken into account in agreeing common EU approaches.
Overseas Development Aid.
John Deasy
Question:297 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures in place to ensure that money allocated to overseas aid is not misappropriated through corruption in recipient countries; if he is satisfied that those measures are fully effective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26353/07]
Irish Aid works in some of the poorest countries in the world. It is a reality that in some of these countries, there are concerns surrounding governance issues, including corruption . It is for this reason that accountability and good governance are central components of our programme strategies. We support the building of capacity, including audit capacity, in our programmes. In this way Irish Aid is fostering the conditions for sustainable development.
In addition, programme strategies include monitoring and oversight frameworks to ensure that our assistance is implemented for the benefit of those for whom it is intended. Irish Aid has in place rigorous accounting and audit controls which are essential to ensuring a transparent, effective and high quality programme. Irish Aid programmes are regularly audited and evaluated by independent audit firms, by Irish Aid's Evaluation and Audit Unit and by the independent Audit Committee of the Department. Programmes are evaluated to ensure that funds are used for the purposes intended and in respect of outcomes and value for money. I am satisfied that the programme strategies of Irish Aid, combined with its audit and evaluation systems, are effective, efficient and in accordance with the highest standards.
Departmental Expenditure.
Damien English
Question:298 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount that was spent by his Department on official hospitality in the past 12 months. [26580/07]
In the past 12 months, costs of €757,417 were accrued by my Department in respect of official hospitality provided in Ireland. The purpose of this hospitality is to promote bilateral relations with other states in the context of visits by Heads of State, Heads of Government, Foreign Ministers and other high-level guests.
Departmental Facilities.
Damien English
Question:299 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of buildings within his Department that have a canteen or hot food service for staff; the location of each building; the country of origin for beef, pork, chicken and lamb sourced for each building; if he will provide the information in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26612/07]
While all buildings used by my Department in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Balbriggan have kitchen facilities, none of them provide a hot food service for staff.
Genetically Modified Organisms.
Michael Creed
Question:300 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has sought the views of the Government’s chief scientific adviser on the issue of genetically modified feed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25878/07]
The Chief Scientific Adviser to Government, Professor Patrick Cunningham, has examined the scientific aspects of Genetically Modified Foods and Feeds and, arising from his role in providing advice to Government on relevant scientific issues, provided a paper on this topic in September 2007. I circulated this to all members of the Cabinet Subcommittee on Science, Technology and Innovation for information and consideration.
Employment Support Services.
Damien English
Question:301 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of employees that remained in employment as a result of the employee retention grant scheme for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [26559/07]
Damien English
Question:302 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of employers that have availed of the employee retention grant scheme for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; and the cost of this scheme to the Exchequer for each of these years in tabular readable form. [26594/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 301 and 302 together.
The purpose of the Employee Retention Grant Scheme is to assist employers to retain employees who acquire an illness, condition or impairment which impacts on their ability to work. The scheme is open to all companies in the private sector. Funding is available to support the retention of any existing employee, at any level or occupation within the company. FÁS does not have readily available data on the number of employers or employees availing of the Employee Retention Grant Scheme over the years in question. Equally, FÁS does not have information on those retained in employment. This information is being assembled by FÁS and will be provided directly to the Deputy at the very earliest possible opportunity. The annual budgets and expenditures on the Employee Retention Grant Scheme from 2004 to date are in the attached tabular statement.
|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
||||
|
Yearly Budget |
Year to Date (Aug) |
Yearly Budget |
Budget Spent |
Yearly Budget |
Budget Spent |
Yearly Budget |
Budget Spent |
|
€122,000 |
€5,000 |
€228,000 |
€15,000 |
€250,000 |
€8,000 |
€175,000 |
€4,000 |
Note: Budget figures are based on FÁS Board reports, Actuals are based on published FÁS Annual Reports up to 2006, YTD August 2007 is based on August 2007 FÁS Board Report.
Job Losses.
Niall Blaney
Question:303 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to the loss of jobs (details supplied) in County Donegal; the measures that have been or will be put in place for those that are laid off in relation to redundancy plans or training opportunities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25979/07]
I understand from IDA Ireland that Boston Scientific recently announced a head count and expense reduction plan which is part of the company's overall plan to bring expenses in line with revenues and restore competitiveness.
The company confirmed that the vast majority of the cuts announced will be in non-manufacturing jobs in the United States. The process of deciding the exact rationalisation plans in each Boston Scientific plant worldwide has only just commenced.
Donegal is a key target location for IDA and the County is now competing for a different type of business to labour intensive manufacturing, on which it relied so heavily in the past. Investors are, in the main, seeking a large urban base with third level education facilities, well developed infrastructure as well as top quality business services that are international in focus. In line with this, IDA Ireland has adopted a focused approach in the County with Letterkenny as the main location for IDA development efforts.
The IDA strategy fits with the National Spatial Strategy, which sets out a framework for use in planning and investment in the public and private sectors. The Strategy seeks to enhance the performance of strategically placed ‘Gateways', in Donegal's case the linked gateway of Letterkenny and Derry. This Gateway will create the conditions necessary to drive economic growth and will be at the heart of extending balanced regional development to the region.
Progress has been made by IDA in securing new investments from Pacificare, Pramerica, SITA and Abbott Diabetes with approximately 1,200 new jobs being added in the County by overseas firms over the last five years. These companies continue to recruit and are actively seeking new staff.
I can assure the Deputy that enterprise development in County Donegal is, and will remain, a priority for the State development agencies under the auspices of my Department.
Job Creation.
Joe McHugh
Question:304 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of meetings he has had with the IDA in relation to creating employment in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26005/07]
Since my initial appointment as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in September 2004, I have had many meetings and briefings with and from the IDA as well as Enterprise Ireland, FÁS and the County Enterprise Board. I have also visited County Donegal on a number of occasions since my initial appointment and met with local business and representative organisations in towns and villages such as Letterkenny, Buncrana, Moville, Donegal, Ballybofey and Stranorlar, Lifford, Killybegs and Ballyshannon.
Donegal is a key target location for IDA and the County is now competing for a different type of business to labour intensive manufacturing, on which it relied so heavily in the past. Investors are, in the main, seeking a large urban base with third level education facilities, well developed infrastructure, as well as top quality business services that are international in focus. In line with this, IDA Ireland has adopted a focused approach in the County with Letterkenny as the main location for IDA development efforts.
The IDA strategy fits with the National Spatial Strategy, which sets out a framework for use in planning and investment in the public and private sectors. The Strategy seeks to enhance the performance of strategically placed ‘Gateways', in Donegal's case the linked gateway of Letterkenny and Derry. This Gateway will create the conditions necessary to drive economic growth and will be at the heart of extending balanced regional development to the region.
Progress has been made by IDA in securing new investments from Pacificare, Pramerica, SITA and Abbott Diabetes with approximately 1,200 new jobs being added in the County by overseas firms over the last five years. These companies continue to recruit and are actively seeking new staff.
I can assure the Deputy that enterprise development in County Donegal is, and will remain, a priority for the State development agencies under the auspices of my Department.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:305 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created by the IDA, by location in County Louth for each year since 2000 to date in 2007; the investment in each case; the jobs lost by location for each such year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26221/07]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:306 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of visits made by IDA clients by location in County Louth for each year since 2000 to date in 2007 for the purpose of job creation; the priority allocated by the IDA to each such area; the land bank held in each area; the cost of same; if the land bank has been serviced the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26222/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 305 and 306 together.
The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matters for the agency and not a matter in which I have a function.
The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains and losses in companies that are clients of the industrial development agencies. Information is aggregated at county level. 2006 is the latest year for which such figures are available. The number of jobs created and lost in IDA supported companies in County Louth in each of the years from 2000 to 2006 is set out in the tabular statement below.
The Forfás Annual Employment Survey of 2006 also reveals that County Louth has the largest concentration of IDA supported companies with 2,060 permanent employees in 19 companies. In relation to data on investment, IDA can only provide this data on projects announced, providing the data has been disclosed by the company.
I have been informed by IDA Ireland that, in the period from the beginning of 2000 to date in 2007, a total of 224 site visits have been paid by potential clients to towns in County Louth. Details of these site visits are set out in the tabular statement below.
I have also been informed that IDA Ireland owns a total of 204.16 hectares of land in County Louth (including the Drogheda Business and Technology Park.). Details of the location of these parks are set out in the tabular statement below. The historic cost of the acquisition of these lands was €16,738,682. The lands have been serviced at a cost of €23,768,183.
IDA Ireland is actively marketing County Louth for new inward investment and, in line with the National Spatial Strategy, the gateway town of Dundalk has been designated a primary development centre. Dundalk is being targeted by IDA for new investment in the pharmaceutical ICT, Financial Services and Internationally Traded Services sectors.
In March 2006 IDA Ireland completed a five million euro development at Finnabair Business Park in Dundalk. In addition the Agency has developed a major land bank at Mullagharlin to the south of the town. This extends to approximately 60 hectares in two parcels of 44 hectares and 16 hectares respectively and is particularly targeted at Bio Pharma type activities, for which the town is being actively marketed. A €10m investment programme is under way to develop the sites at Mullagharlin. This includes the connection of the sites to the M1. The contract will be completed by end of 2007.
|
Year |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|
Jobs gained |
1,012 |
155 |
179 |
39 |
101 |
110 |
228 |
|
Jobs Lost |
759 |
1,305 |
276 |
410 |
117 |
128 |
287 |
|
Year |
Dundalk |
Drogheda |
Ardee |
|
2000 |
6 |
2 |
2 |
|
2001 |
10 |
5 |
|
|
2002 |
17 |
10 |
1 |
|
2003 |
17 |
13 |
|
|
2004 |
18 |
6 |
|
|
2005 |
29 |
18 |
|
|
2006 |
28 |
19 |
|
|
2007 (to date) |
16 |
7 |
|
Holding |
Land Cost |
Site Development Cost |
Total Area (Hectares) |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
Greenore |
8,855 |
— |
3.08 |
|
Finnabair, Dundalk |
879,854 |
5,945,364 |
42.68 |
|
Mullagharlin, Dundalk |
8,911,561 |
9,532,920 |
60.3 |
|
Drogheda, Rathmullan |
767,844 |
378,182 |
43.48 |
|
Ardee |
1,339,623 |
43,662 |
27.39 |
|
Drogheda, Business & Technology Park* |
4,830,945 |
7,868,055 |
27.26 |
*This Business Park is in County Meath.
Work Permits.
Michael Ring
Question:307 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a work permit will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [26249/07]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department has informed me that a work permit application was received in this case. This application was refused on the basis that her immigration status renders her ineligible to apply for a work permit while in this country.
The Employer was notified of this decision in writing, and has since lodged an appeal. This appeal will be heard within the next seven days.
Industrial Development.
Jack Wall
Question:308 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number and location of vacant IDA sites in Kildare; the number of these sites that have being placed on the open market for sale; the number that have been offered to the local authority for sale; if there has been any interest in the sites; if not, the plans the IDA has for them; if there will be advanced factories built on them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26364/07]
The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matters for the agency and not a matter in which I have a function.
I have been informed by IDA Ireland that the Agency owns six individual landbanks in County Kildare — Naas, Athy, Monasterevin, Castledermot, Newbridge and Kildare Town. Of these sites, the lands at Kildare Town lands are the only ones which have been offered to the open market by public tender.
I understand that, in 2003, three sites — Kildare Town, Castledermot and Monasterevin were offered to Kildare County Council but an agreement was not reached on land valuation and the sale did not proceed. However, I understand that, at present, there are ongoing negotiations regarding site sales in Naas and Newbridge.
IDA has invested in excess of €1.4 million in associated site development and upgrade works across the respective sites in Kildare over the past twelve months. However, there are no immediate plans for the construction of buildings.
Trade Missions.
Jack Wall
Question:309 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of trade missions that he and his Department have been involved in during the past year; the destination of these missions; if they included delegates from County Kildare; if he has satisfied himself with the number and destinations of these missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26365/07]
The table below lists the Ministerial-led Trade Missions undertaken in the last 12 months.
In the case of the Trade Mission to the Gulf (Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) in January 2007, three of the companies who participated in that Mission were based in County Kildare. There were no other instances of Kildare addresses being given by participants, but it could be the case that some other companies based in multiple locations, may also have operations in Kildare.
The selection of destinations for Trade Missions is undertaken in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland and is based on that Agency's assessment of the different markets at any given time. I am satisfied that the destinations selected over the last year were appropriate with a view to consolidating and expanding exports to our traditional markets and also developing new prospects in emerging locations.
|
Date |
Destination |
Minister |
|
31 Oct., 2006 |
UK |
Minister of State Ahern |
|
2/3 Nov., 2006 |
UK |
Minister Martin |
|
23/24 Nov., 2006 |
Slovakia |
Minister of State Ahern |
|
14/19 January, 2007 |
Gulf region |
Taoiseach & Minister Martin |
|
8/15 March, 2007 |
Singapore/ Malaysia |
Minister of State Ahern |
|
26/28 March 2007 |
Croatia |
Minister of State Ahern |
|
2/5 April, 2007 |
Pakistan |
Minister of State Ahern |
|
25/27 April, 2007 |
Czech Republic/Hungary |
Minister of State Ahern |
|
1/4 Sept. 2007 |
Dubai |
Minister of State McGuinness |
|
20/22 Sept. 2007 |
France |
Minister Martin |
|
24/28 Sept., 2007 |
USA |
Minister Martin |
|
24/27 Sept., 2007 |
Russia |
Minister of State McGuinness |
|
11/12 Oct., 2007 |
UK |
Minister Martin |
|
21/24 Oct., 2007 |
Canada |
Minister of State McGuinness |
Industrial Development.
Joe McHugh
Question:310 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the grant support or assistance available to a small to medium business, employing 18 people, manufacturing textiles, and exporting around the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26434/07]
The provision of grant assistance for individual companies is a matter for the development agency or body concerned, and not one in which I have a direct function.
Enterprise Ireland has primary responsibility for indigenous companies in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. Enterprise Ireland supports companies employing 10 or more people, and start-up companies which have the potential to employ 10 or more people and reach or exceed €1m in exports over three years.
Enterprise Ireland's range of supports for companies includes strategy development, production and operations, marketing, human resources development, finance and research and development. In addition, a wide range of support and knowledge services are provided by specialists in Enterprise Ireland through its Dublin and 34 offices worldwide.
This independent support involves a range of services including identifying new opportunities, providing technical "know how" and expertise and promoting clients both in Ireland and overseas.
Enterprise Ireland's Innovation Vouchers scheme is open to all small companies with less than 50 employees in the country. Companies can apply for a voucher worth €5,000 and if successful, the voucher can be exchanged for advice and expertise from accredited knowledge providers. The only exclusions are companies in the transportation and agricultural sectors in line with state aid guidelines. Details of services available from Enterprise Ireland are available on its website at www.enterprise-ireland.com
National Minimum Wage.
Damien English
Question:311 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of people employed in the State that work for the minimum wage as of 30 September for each of the years 2004 to 2007 inclusive in tabular readable form. [26537/07]
Specific data in the format requested by the Deputy are not available. However, since the introduction of the national minimum wage legislation in April, 2000, three surveys of firms have been carried on behalf of my Department by the Economic and Social Research Institute. The studies estimated, inter alia, how many employees were on the minimum wage.
The table below shows the number of employees on the minimum wage in private sector non agricultural firms at the time of the ESRI surveys.
It is planned to begin work on a further survey before end-2007.
|
Year |
Number of employees on minimum wage |
% of employees earning minimum wage |
|
2000/1 |
55,000 |
4.3 |
|
2002 |
57,500 |
4.5 |
|
2005/6 |
70,000 |
5.2 |
Industrial Development.
Damien English
Question:312 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new start up SMEs that have commenced trading in the State for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 with a breakdown on a county basis in tabular readable form. [26538/07]
My Department does not compile specific annual statistics on the number of new start up SMEs that have commenced trading in the State nor their geographic basis. As an assistance to the Deputy, the closest approximation to the information sought may be derived from the number of new companies registered each year and the yearly number of VAT registrations. However these figures in themselves must be seen as indicative only, bearing in mind that SME start-ups may involve unincorporated entities e.g. sole traders and /or may not require immediate VAT registration. In addition, new companies registered would include large companies and companies not immediately trading. Similarly, VAT registrations would also include large companies.
The annual reports of the Companies Registration Office show the total of new companies registered each year since 2004 as follows:
|
Year |
Number |
|
2004 |
15,592 |
|
2005 |
17,234 |
|
2006 |
19,190 |
|
2007 |
n/a |
The numbers of VAT registrations over the same period were:
|
Year |
Number |
|
2004 |
31,937 |
|
2005 |
35,842 |
|
2006 |
n/a |
|
2007 |
n/a |
As part of its process in producing thematic reports to assist policy-making, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has recently published its first thematic report focused specifically on the importance of small business in Ireland. The publication of this CSO "Small Business In Ireland" Report (May 2007) followed on from a recommendation of the Small Business Forum for a publication of robust data on a range of indicators relevant to the small business sector. The CSO intends to compile and publish a similar report on an annual basis and will seek to improve the range of information made available.
Job Losses.
Damien English
Question:313 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of redundancies made in the State for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [26539/07]
The actual redundancies for the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and year to date are laid out in tabular form below.
The Deputy should be aware that all of these figures are available on the Redundancy home page of the Departmental website-www.entemp.ie.
|
Year |
Number |
|
2004 |
25,041 |
|
2005 |
23,156 |
|
2006 |
23,684 |
|
2007 |
19,218 (Jan-Sept) |
Industrial Relations.
Damien English
Question:314 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications made to the Employment Appeals Tribunal for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 that secured a hearing; and the number of applications that did not receive a hearing; the number of outstanding applications in tabular readable form. [26540/07]
The information recorded by the Tribunal is set out in the Tabular Statement below.
|
Year |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 (at 26 October) |
|
Applications Received* |
3,754 |
3,727 |
3,480 |
2,630 |
|
Applications Disposed of** |
3,625 |
3,467 |
3,169 |
2,261 |
|
Sittings (Hearings)*** |
1,108 |
1,141 |
1,062 |
963 |
|
OutstandingApplications**** |
776 |
1,104 |
1,379 |
1,701 |
*Applications can be lodged under a number of legislative instruments — such applications are heard simultaneously.
**Applications disposed of may relate to applications lodged in previous year.
***A sitting may include more than one application.
****Outstanding includes new and part-heard applications.
Job Creation.
Damien English
Question:315 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created by State agencies under his Department’s control for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 on a county basis in tabular readable form. [26541/07]
Employment data in respect of companies supported by the enterprise agencies (Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Shannon Development) is collated by Forfás on an annual basis and accordingly there is no data available for 2007. The attached tabular statements show the number of new full time jobs created in Enterprise Agency assisted companies for each of the years 2004, 2005 and 2006.
In addition to these new permanent full time jobs, over the same period the County Enterprise Boards have assisted in the creation of 630 net new jobs throughout the country.
|
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
Total |
|
|
South East |
||||
|
Carlow |
196 |
205 |
251 |
652 |
|
Kilkenny |
260 |
256 |
276 |
792 |
|
Tipp SR |
247 |
295 |
362 |
904 |
|
Waterford |
584 |
514 |
1,070 |
2,168 |
|
Wexford |
511 |
484 |
339 |
1,334 |
|
Border |
||||
|
Cavan |
547 |
1,021 |
808 |
2,376 |
|
Donegal |
408 |
705 |
537 |
1,650 |
|
Leitrim |
177 |
62 |
70 |
309 |
|
Louth |
620 |
578 |
662 |
1,860 |
|
Monaghan |
348 |
540 |
425 |
1,313 |
|
Sligo |
316 |
306 |
338 |
960 |
|
Mid West |
||||
|
Clare |
645 |
706 |
742 |
2,093 |
|
Limerick |
1,025 |
1,173 |
1,649 |
3,847 |
|
Tipp NR |
236 |
302 |
249 |
787 |
|
South West |
||||
|
Cork |
3,027 |
2,716 |
3,588 |
9,331 |
|
Kerry |
289 |
397 |
304 |
990 |
|
Dublin |
9,482 |
10,308 |
9,210 |
29,000 |
|
West |
||||
|
Galway |
1,634 |
1,894 |
1,370 |
4,898 |
|
Mayo |
329 |
485 |
331 |
1,145 |
|
Roscommon |
189 |
187 |
92 |
468 |
|
Mid East |
||||
|
Kildare |
1,104 |
939 |
910 |
2,953 |
|
Meath |
452 |
677 |
486 |
1,615 |
|
Wicklow |
550 |
771 |
348 |
1,669 |
|
Midlands |
||||
|
Laois |
101 |
132 |
207 |
440 |
|
Longford |
257 |
417 |
326 |
1,000 |
|
Offaly |
358 |
261 |
425 |
1,044 |
|
Westmeath |
520 |
571 |
456 |
1,547 |
|
Totals |
24,412 |
26,902 |
25,831 |
77,145 |
Job Losses.
Damien English
Question:316 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of job losses from employment created by State agencies under his Department’s control for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 on a county basis in tabular readable form. [26542/07]
Employment data in respect of companies supported by the enterprise agencies (Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Shannon Development) is collated by Forfás on an annual basis and accordingly there is no data available for 2007. The attached tabular statements show the number of full time jobs lost in Enterprise Agency assisted companies for each of the years 2004, 2005 and 2006.
|
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
Total |
|
|
South East |
||||
|
Carlow |
-479 |
-399 |
-258 |
-1,136 |
|
Kilkenny |
-331 |
-88 |
-245 |
-664 |
|
Tipp SR |
-261 |
-245 |
-347 |
-853 |
|
Waterford |
-888 |
-1,140 |
-696 |
-2,724 |
|
Wexford |
-418 |
-454 |
-283 |
-1,155 |
|
Border |
||||
|
Cavan |
-160 |
-357 |
-99 |
-616 |
|
Donegal |
-650 |
-647 |
-901 |
-2,198 |
|
Leitrim |
-89 |
-247 |
-190 |
-526 |
|
Louth |
-552 |
-338 |
-537 |
-1,427 |
|
Monaghan |
-572 |
-274 |
-266 |
-1,112 |
|
Sligo |
-305 |
-221 |
-290 |
-816 |
|
Mid West |
||||
|
Clare |
-556 |
-893 |
-718 |
-2,167 |
|
Limerick |
-1,102 |
-777 |
-891 |
-2,770 |
|
Tipp NR |
-354 |
-264 |
-178 |
-796 |
|
South West |
||||
|
Cork |
-1,720 |
-2,271 |
-3,579 |
-7,570 |
|
Kerry |
-539 |
-602 |
-523 |
-1,664 |
|
Dublin |
-11,042 |
-9,829 |
-5,643 |
-26,514 |
|
West |
||||
|
Galway |
-1,005 |
-923 |
-1,182 |
-3,110 |
|
Mayo |
-616 |
-393 |
-240 |
-1,249 |
|
Roscommon |
-246 |
-135 |
-263 |
-644 |
|
Mid East |
||||
|
Kildare |
-812 |
-489 |
-714 |
-2,015 |
|
Meath |
-420 |
-388 |
-610 |
-1,418 |
|
Wicklow |
-1,018 |
-1,897 |
-463 |
-3,378 |
|
Midlands |
||||
|
Laois |
-260 |
-34 |
-121 |
-415 |
|
Longford |
-141 |
-117 |
-343 |
-601 |
|
Offaly |
-319 |
-78 |
-184 |
-581 |
|
Westmeath |
-440 |
-180 |
-435 |
-1,055 |
|
Totals |
-25,295 |
-23,680 |
-20,199 |
-69,174 |
Employment Rights.
Damien English
Question:317 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans he or his Department has to put in place legislation that will compel employers to grant bereavement leave to workers. [26546/07]
The Government is committed to a two-pronged approach to achieving the goal of making workplaces more family friendly — the provision of statutory entitlements through legislative measures, and promoting a partnership approach at the level of the enterprise. Legislative measures which provide for statutory entitlements include maternity leave, adoptive leave, carer's leave and parental leave, along with all the other employment rights legislation. There is no general statutory entitlement to bereavement leave. Whether an employee is entitled to take time off in such circumstances depends on whether any provision exists in the employee's terms and conditions of employment providing for such leave.
Legislation is clearly important in terms of protecting workers and providing a base level of protection. However, in general, conditions of employment in excess of statutory entitlements are determined by negotiation and agreement between employers and employees or trade union acting on their behalf.
The challenge to achieving work life balance in individual enterprises is to establish policies that reflect the reality of the workplace and meet the many diverse needs of employees. It is considered that a partnership approach is the best method of addressing work life balance policies at this level in order to achieve tailor made solutions to the benefit of the workforce and the employer. Accordingly, I have no plans to introduce legislation to compel employers to grant bereavement leave to workers.
Youth Employment.
Damien English
Question:318 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of 15 to 18 year olds in full-time employment for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and as of 31 September 2007 in tabular readable form. [26549/07]
Data in relation to the number of people in employment classified by age group is compiled by the Central Statistics Office and is available on the CSO website (www.cso.ie).
The data, covering the age group 15-19, and broken down between part-time and full-time, is set out below. The latest data in respect of 2007 is Quarter 2 (May 2007).
|
Total ’000 |
Full-time ’000 |
Part-time ’000 |
|
|
Nov 2004 |
69.1 |
37.7 |
31.4 |
|
Nov 2005 |
71.2 |
34.3 |
36.9 |
|
Nov 2006 |
70.0 |
37.0 |
33.0 |
|
May 2007 |
67.8 |
31.5 |
36.3 |
Departmental Expenditure.
Damien English
Question:319 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount that was spent by his Department on official hospitality in the past 12 months. [26577/07]
I am interpreting the Deputy's question as relating to expenditure on Official Entertainment, for lunches, dinners and receptions hosted for official delegations.
The total amount spent by my Department on Official Entertainment in the period 1 November 2006 to 30 October 2007 was €40,432.73. This sum includes expenditure incurred by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, the Labour Court, the National Employment Rights Authority, the National Consumer Agency, and the Companies Registration Office. My Department processes payments for those bodies.
Export Licences.
Damien English
Question:320 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of international import certificates, military licences, community general export authorisation, global dual-use export licences and individual dual-use export licences issued by his Department for each of the years 2004 to 2006 inclusive and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [26595/07]
I am unable to supply the information sought by today's deadline. I am arranging to have it assembled and will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is ready.
Job Creation.
Damien English
Question:321 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the counties and local authorities that have a skills register; his views on the introduction of a skills register for each county and local authority that currently does not have one in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26597/07]
Damien English
Question:322 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans he has for the future use of skill registers in the State to aid job creation. [26598/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 322 together.
Several county and local authorities have taken initiatives to improve the information available on skills in their respective localities. Skills databases have been established in Laois, Meath and Carlow where residents can register their skills and qualifications profile. Similarly both Waterford County Enterprise Board and North Cork Enterprise Board are currently advertising skills registers in their respective areas.
Other initiatives include the Fingal Skills Observatory. It brings together key education and skills stakeholders in the county and aims to better ensure that employer skills needs are met. Fingal County Development Board established the Observatory and Fingal County Council undertakes skills demand surveys of employers on its behalf. As part of the LookWest initiative, the Western Development Commission has also established a skills database for the region covering Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Roscommon, and Clare. I am aware that other county and local authorities are considering the establishment of a skills register for their respective areas. However, I would encourage these bodies to develop a skills register for their respective areas.
On a national level the FÁS Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU) is charged with acting as a central data gathering, analytical and research resource for the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN). The SLMRU maintains the National Skills Database containing all available statistics relating to skills and the labour market in Ireland. The National Skills Database has been designed to collate all available information about the supply and demand of skills in Ireland. As such, it provides a resource for analysis and forecasting of the labour market at skills level.
In addition, the Programme for Government provides for funding of Regional Skills Advisory Groups. These involve both firms and education and training providers cooperating to ensure that the needs of each region are adequately defined and catered for. The Regional Advisory Groups will provide information regarding the existing skills base of each region. This will allow State agencies to identify skill deficits and to respond with specifically targeted training programmes. They will also identify skills surpluses — information that can be effectively used to attract companies to establish a presence in the particular region.
In this general context I have requested the EGFSN to review processes currently in place for information exchange and transfer between enterprises and training providers at regional level and to advise me on the development of possible new mechanisms needed to ensure that the skills needs of each region are most effectively catered for. This work is currently underway and I expect the Expert Group's report to be finalised in the near future.
Small Business Forum.
Damien English
Question:323 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 251 of 28 March 2007 and 546 of 26 September 2007, if he is proposing to introduce additional measures to ensure that there is a supportive environment for small business here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26599/07]
The extent of the Government's commitment to the small business sector is already obvious from the substantial changes already implemented in response to the recommendations in the Small Business Forum Report.
The measures outlined in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 546 of 26 September 2007 clearly ensure that there is a supportive environment for small business in Ireland. The implementation of the recommendations contained in the Small Business Forum Report, to the maximum extent possible, remains a priority for the Government. Work is continuing on the implementation of the remaining recommendations.
Departmental Agencies.
Damien English
Question:324 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total budget and the estimated administrative costs of each State agency under the control of his Department. [26602/07]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the attached tabular statement. All figures quoted refer to 2007 and are in millions of euro.
InterTradeIreland, the all-island trade and business development body, is co-sponsored by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland and is funded in a ratio of 2:1 (South and North). The above figures assume an exchange rate of Sterling £1 = €0.701.
In respect of the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) figures, the amounts quoted are the aggregate total budget and estimated administrative costs associated with the operation of the 35 Boards across the State.
|
Agency |
Total budget |
Estimated administrative costs |
|
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) |
159.4 |
8.7 |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) |
21.2 |
21.2 |
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) |
14.5 |
11.0 |
|
FAS |
1,067.4 |
161.9 |
|
Competition Authority |
6.1 |
6.1 |
|
Forfás |
35.6 |
35.6 |
|
IDA Ireland |
314.5 |
47.9 |
|
Shannon Development (SFADCo) |
40.7 |
26.5 |
|
Enterprise Ireland (EI) |
313.0 |
110.0 |
|
InterTradeIreland (ITI) |
14.8 |
4.1 |
|
City and County Enterprise Boards (CEBs) |
34.2 |
13.6 |
|
Health and Safety Authority (HSA) |
22.5 |
22.5 |
|
National Consumer Agency (NCA) |
8.4 |
8.4 |
|
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) |
2.5 |
2.5 |
Departmental Facilities.
Damien English
Question:325 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of buildings within his Department that have a canteen or hot food service for staff; the location of each building; the country of origin for beef, pork, chicken and lamb sourced for each building; if he will provide the information in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26609/07]
My Department has only a small canteen in two of its buildings at Adelaide Road and Kildare Street. These canteens are run by outside caterers (who operate independently of my Department) and who have indicated that all of the beef, pork, and lamb supplied in each canteen is Irish. Raw chicken fillets used by the caterers are Irish. Cooked chicken fillets used by the caterers are from an Irish supplier who has indicated that the raw chicken fillets are sourced from European countries and Brazil; these chicken fillets are cooked and packed in Belgium. It would be impractical to provide this information in tabular format.
Sports Recognition.
Tony Gregory
Question:326 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism further to his reply to Parliamentary Question Nos. 102 and 103 of 11 October 2007; if the National Sports Council has received confirmation that the organisation in question is in fact affiliated to the relevant recognised international sporting federation; and if their request for recognition as a sport will now be reconsidered. [26018/07]
In my reply to Question No. 554 on 26th September, I informed the Deputy that the Irish Sports Council (ISC) eligibility committee had decided that the organisation's application did not comply with a number of essential eligibility criteria for recognition as a National Governing Body (NGB) of sport.
I am informed by the ISC that it received correspondence last week confirming that the organisation in question is affiliated to its international federation, one of the criteria required for recognition purposes.
My Department has no role in the assessment of applications for recognition as an NGB. That responsibility rests with the Irish Sports Council under its statutory remit. Therefore, the organisation is advised to liaise with the ISC in relation to any possible reconsideration of its application for NGB status.
Sports Capital Programme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:327 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will make funding available for the provision of youth indoor facilities in Clane, County Kildare with particular reference to the need to provide off-street recreational facilities for young people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26244/07]
Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, grants are allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country for the provision of sports facilities, including indoor sports facilities.
The 2007 sports capital programme was advertised in the national press in October 2006. The closing date for receipt of completed applications was 24th November 2006. Over 1,530 applications were received for the programme and provisional allocations totalling €85 million were made to 935 projects on 5th April last.
While no date has been set for the 2008 programme, advertisements announcing the next round of the programme will be placed in the national press and application forms will be available at that stage. Applicants who feel that they have a project that meet the Guidelines, Terms and Conditions of the programme are free to apply at that stage.
Road Signage.
Damien English
Question:328 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has plans to undertake a survey of overseas visitors to Ireland in order to establish the effectiveness of road signage and their attitudes towards them on a practical level. [26558/07]
The provision of signage is an operational matter for the National Roads Authority or NRA, under the aegis of the Department of Transport, in relation to national roads, and for local authorities in relation to non-national (i.e. regional and local) roads.
Having said that, signposting is, of course, important in helping many visitors to make the most of their trips to Ireland. The report of the Tourism Policy Review Group, New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action, published in September 2003, identified addressing and upgrading of signage and prioritising "major tourism routes in the National and Regional Road Signposting programmes..." (New Horizons p94), as a key action.
The Tourism Policy Implementation Group, which was set up by my predecessor to monitor implementation of the Action Plan contained in the New Horizons Report, met the senior management of both the Department of Transport and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, with whom it discussed signage amongst other things.
My Department does not carry out visitor surveys. This is the role of Fáilte Ireland. Fáilte Ireland's ‘Survey of Overseas Travelers' monitors the attitudes of overseas visitors throughout the year and the results are publicly available on www.failteireland.ie. In 2006, 5% of overall visitors and 12% of visitors using a car while in Ireland said that signposting in Ireland was unsatisfactory or in need of improvement.
Following consultation with my Department and Fáilte Ireland, the National Roads Authority (NRA), this year published a "Policy on the Provision of Tourist and Leisure Signage on National Roads". I am advised that a Programme to upgrade tourist and leisure signage on national roads is being implemented, in line with the Programme set out for the upgrading of directional signage on national roads. This re-signage scheme includes both directional signs and white-on-brown tourist signs. I understand that appropriate consultations are taking place with Fáilte Ireland on the provision of tourist signage as part of this scheme, on a route-by-route basis.
Following completion of the programme noted above, I would hope that future traveller surveys will reflect increasing visitor satisfaction.
Swimming Pool Projects.
Michael McGrath
Question:329 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he will re-open the local authority swimming pool programme; and if he will provide funding for a project (details supplied) in County Cork. [26560/07]
The construction of new or the refurbishment of existing public swimming pools is grant aided under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme which is administered by my Department. The current round of the programme closed to applications on 31 July 2000 and no application was made in respect of a public swimming pool in Douglas before that closing date. The priority since than has been to progress the 57 projects under the programme. To date, 28 have been completed, 14 are under construction and the remainder are at various stages in the Programme.
My Department is completing a Value for Money and Policy Review Report of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme at present. The Report is examining, among other things, how the programme has worked to date and what changes, if any, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. Thereafter, following consideration of the recommendations in the Report, it is my intention to launch a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. When the programme is re-opened, it will be open to all local authorities, including Cork City Council on behalf of Douglas, to submit applications under the terms that will apply.
Departmental Expenditure.
Damien English
Question:330 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount that was spent by his Department on official hospitality in the past 12 months. [26572/07]
The amount spent by my Department on official hospitality in the past 12 months under it's Administrative Budget is €36,322.
Departmental Facilities.
Damien English
Question:331 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of buildings within his Department that have a canteen or hot food service for staff; the location of each building; the country of origin for beef, pork, chicken and lamb sourced for each building; if he will provide the information in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26604/07]
The only building within my Department which has a canteen or hot food service for staff is at Kildare Street. The responsibility for this service lies with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Programmes for Government.
Olwyn Enright
Question:332 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the National Carer’s Strategy will be published before the end of 2007 as promised in the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, and the Agreed Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26535/07]
Supporting and recognising carers in our society is, and has been, a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period, weekly payment rates to carers have been greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have been significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.
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. I am aware that one of the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social and Family Affairs "Report on the Position of Full Time Carers" which was published in 2003 was that such a strategy should be developed. I am pleased that we are now in a position to act on that recommendation.
The strategy will focus on supporting informal and family carers in the community. While social welfare supports 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. For that reason all relevant departments and agencies will be involved in the strategy and there will be appropriate consultation with the social partners.
My officials have been in discussions with their colleagues in other relevant Departments in order to decide on the best approach to the development of the strategy.
In view of the need to ensure that appropriate arrangements and structures are in place to support its development, it will not be possible to complete the strategy by the end of this year as had been intended originally.
An inter-Departmental working group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, will be established in the coming weeks to draw up the strategy and I expect it to be completed by summer of 2008.
The recent improvements in the income supports available from my own Department together with improvements in home care and related services provided by the Minister for Health and Children, represent major improvements in the services and supports available to carers in the community. The development of a national carer's strategy provides us with an opportunity to build further on these improvements and to consider other areas where progress can be made.
Pension Provisions.
Róisín Shortall
Question:333 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the timescale envisaged for the completion of the Green Paper and consultation phases on pension reform. [26627/07]
The Green Paper on pensions policy was published on the 17th October and a major consultation process is now underway. Following the completion of the consultation process the Government is to respond to the views expressed by publishing a framework for future policy.
Pensions is one of the major issues the country must tackle for the future and any decision taken at this stage will impact on society for decades to come. Given the importance of the issue, I am anxious to ensure that the consultation process is as inclusive as possible and that people have ample time to study the Green Paper and to formulate their ideas and comments. Therefore, I intend to leave it open until mid-2008.
Once the consultation process, is completed work on developing the framework for future policy will commence. At this stage, it would be my intention to see this work completed and proposals submitted to the Government for consideration by the end of 2008.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard Allen
Question:334 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason rent allowance and other benefits have been withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [25942/07]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on behalf of my Department by the Health Service Executive. It provides for the payment of a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of rent to eligible persons in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation needs. In general people engaged in full-time employment are not entitled to receive rent supplement. For these purposes, full-time employment means working in excess of 30 hours per week. However, since June of this year recipients of rent supplement who are accepted by local authorities as eligible for the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) may take up full-time employment and still continue to receive rent supplement subject to their satisfying the standard means test.
The Health Service Executive has advised that payment of rent supplement has been terminated in this case as the person concerned is in full-time employment. The Executive has further advised that a letter has issued on 25th October 2007 to the person concerned advising her of the reason for termination of rent supplement and advising of her right to appeal.
Michael Ring
Question:335 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if elderly people living in boarded out accommodation can be allowed to retain their fuel allowance. [26035/07]
The aim of the national fuel scheme is to assist householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive payments with meeting the cost of their additional heating needs during the winter season. Fuel allowances are paid for 29 weeks from end-September to mid-April and are not intended to meet the full cost of heating.
The main conditions that applies to the scheme are that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment, satisfy a means test and must either be living alone or only with:
a dependent spouse or partner
a dependent child
a person who gives full-time care and attention where the applicant requires constant care and attention
a person who is in receipt of a qualifying payment from the Department
a person in receipt of a short-term unemployment assistance payment
a person in receipt of a carer's allowance
The purpose of the household composition and means test rules for fuel allowance scheme qualifying purposes is to ascertain the ability of applicant households to meet their normal heating requirements out of their own resources. A fuel allowance is unlikely to be payable where there is a working adult residing in the applicant household, unless that person is in one of the above categories. People in boarded out accommodation will not qualify for a fuel allowance, or will not retain their fuel allowance, unless they satisfy the scheme criteria as outlined above.
Any changes in the rules for the scheme, such as including people in boarded out accommodation would have cost implications and would have to be considered in the context of the Budget and in the light of the resources available to me for improvements in social welfare generally.
Thomas Byrne
Question:336 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review the disability allowance awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement with regard to the payment of disability allowance to Irish citizens who are involuntarily moved to residential care in Northern Ireland. [26113/07]
One of the qualifying conditions for entitlement to Disability Allowance is that an applicant must be resident in the State. Section 249 6(a) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, states "a person shall be disqualified for receipt of jobseeker's allowance, pre-retirement allowance, disability allowance or farm assist while he or she is—
(a) resident, whether temporarily or permanently, outside the State."
The person concerned was awarded disability allowance in May 2001 which was stopped in 2004 when he was admitted to residential care in Northern Ireland. He was subsequently awarded disability allowance from 24 May 2006 when he returned to the State. His request that his Disability Allowance be awarded for the period 6 October 2004 to 23 May 2006 when he was in residential care in Northern Ireland was refused on grounds that he was absent from the State.
I am satisfied with the current arrangements regarding payment of Disability Allowance as it is preferable that the income needs of people outside the State are met by authorities in the relevant jurisdiction. In that regard, a person concerned, while resident in Northern Ireland, may apply for Incapacity Benefit under United Kingdom legislation.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:337 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason rent subsidy is being refused to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [26141/07]
Rent supplement is subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant for rent supplement may incur. These limits take household size into account. The objective is to ensure that rent supplement is not paid in respect of overly expensive accommodation.
The Health Service Executive which administers the scheme on behalf of my Department has advised that the person concerned was in receipt of rent supplement from 8th January 2007 to 31 July 2007. His rent supplement was terminated on the grounds that the rent payable was in excess of the prescribed limits for a person in his circumstances. The current rent limit applying in County Westmeath for a household comprising one parent with one child is €140 per week or €606.67 per month. The Executive advises that the person concerned was in private rented accommodation with rent of €750 per month.
The Executive further advises that the person concerned was initially granted rent supplement from January 2007 on an interim basis to afford him time to seek alternative rented accommodation within the rent limits applying to his circumstances.
Michael Ring
Question:338 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will qualify for the Christmas bonus payment. [26165/07]
A special Christmas Bonus payment was first introduced in December, 1980, for social welfare pensioners and people who depend solely on their social welfare payments for income support. I will make an announcement in relation to the special Christmas Bonus payment for 2007 shortly.
The person concerned is not currently in receipt of any income support from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. However, should she apply and become entitled to a social welfare payment her entitlement to a Christmas bonus will be considered in light of the criteria applying to the bonus this year.
School Meals.
Beverley Flynn
Question:339 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when moneys which were promised by 1 October 2007 for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo to subsidise a lunch club will be awarded. [26356/07]
The school meals programme operated by my Department gives funding towards provision of food services for disadvantaged school children through two schemes. The first is the long-standing statutory urban school meals scheme, currently operated by 36 local authorities. The second is the school meals community (local projects) scheme through which funding is provided by my Department to participating schools and voluntary community groups in both urban and rural areas who are running specific school meals projects, including breakfast clubs.
An application for funding under the school meals local projects scheme for the school year 2007/2008 from the school concerned has now been processed and payment will issue shortly.
Pension Provisions.
Seymour Crawford
Question:340 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) who applied for an Irish pension in July 2006 can expect a decision on their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26392/07]
According to my Department's records, the person concerned has a total of 72 Irish insurance contributions paid over the 48 year period from 1953 to 2001. This gives a yearly average of 2, which is not sufficient to qualify the person concerned for a standard State Pension Contributory. A minimum yearly average of 10 is required to entitle a person to a State Pension Contributory.
As the person concerned was employed in the UK, his Irish and UK contributions can, under European Union regulations, be combined to establish entitlement to a proportional or pro-rata pension. Details of his UK insurance record has been requested from the Department of Social Security and a decision on his entitlement to a pro-rata pension will be made as soon as this information is received.
Disadvantaged Status.
Michael Ring
Question:341 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if all schools that come within the CLÁR area and have the disadvantaged status are receiving the school meals scheme. [26444/07]
The school meals programme operated by my Department gives funding towards provision of food services for disadvantaged school children through two schemes. The first is the long-standing statutory urban school meals scheme, currently operated by 36 local authorities. The second is the school meals community (local projects) programme through which funding is provided by my Department to participating schools and voluntary community groups in both urban and rural areas who are running specific school meals projects, including breakfast clubs.
The Department of Education and Science has identified a total of 875 disadvantaged schools under its ‘Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools' (DEIS) action plan. To date, a total of 668 DEIS schools are participating in the school meals scheme. Priority is being given to DEIS schools, regardless of whether they are located in CLÁR areas or not.
The focus of the school meals scheme will remain on disadvantaged children and the inclusion of all eligible DEIS schools in the scheme will continue to be my Department's main priority.
Social Insurance.
Róisín Shortall
Question:342 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way, under current rules, the taking of parental leave affects a worker’s PRSI contribution record. [26445/07]
The Parental Leave Act, 1998, allows fathers and mothers to take unpaid leave to look after young children. It may be taken either as a continuous block of 14 weeks or, with an employer's agreement, broken up over a period of time. The Act also allows limited paid leave, known as force majeure leave, of up to 3 days in any 12 months, or up to 5 days in any 36 months, to deal with emergencies resulting from a family member's injury or illness.
There is no provision for a social insurance based payment for periods of parental leave but employees may be entitled to credited contributions to maintain their social insurance record for the period. In these cases, employers should write to the Records Update Section in My Department confirming the number of weeks and the exact dates of the parental leave so that the appropriate number of credits can be awarded.
The necessity for the award of a credit will depend on the way the parental leave is structured. For example, if an employee works for part of a week it is likely that they will meet the €38 minimum earnings threshold and thereby make a PRSI contribution in the normal way. If, however, they take a full week of leave or fail to meet the threshold, a statement from their employer and subsequent award of a credit will be required. The PRSI Policy Section in my Department can provide the deputy with any further information she requires on this matter.
Departmental Expenditure.
Damien English
Question:343 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount that was spent by his Department on official hospitality in the past 12 months. [26583/07]
My Department spent €39,168.38 on official hospitality in the 12 month period to the end of September 2007.
Departmental Facilities.
Damien English
Question:344 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of buildings within his Department that have a canteen or hot food service for staff; the location of each building; the country of origin for beef, pork, chicken and lamb sourced for each building; if he will provide the information in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26615/07]
My Department provides facilities for a canteen service for staff in a number of locations i.e. in Longford, Sligo, Letterkenny, Áras Mhic Dhiarmada and Kilmainham. However, it is not directly involved in the provision of meals or in the running of these facilities. Arrangements for the provision of services in these facilities are put in place by voluntary committees of staff in the locations in question. As a rule this involves the appointment of a commercial company to provide the service under the committee's general supervision.
The procurement arrangements of these companies are not subject to direction by my Department and, accordingly, details of the food sources are not available.
Questions Nos. 345 and 346 answered with Question No. 128.
Questions Nos. 347 and 348 answered with Question No. 85.
Social Insurance.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:349 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which carers qualify for social insurance credits; his intentions to improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26645/07]
Credited contributions, or ‘credits' as they are termed, are intended to protect the entitlements, particularly the pension rights, of employees and other persons participating in the social insurance system when they are ill or unemployed. A person who is providing full time care and attention as a carer is awarded credits on the same basis as if they were out of the workforce due to illness or unemployment.
Under the current statutory provisions governing the award of credited contributions, recipients of the carer's allowance may be awarded credits if they switched to that payment from another credit-bearing payment such as jobseeker's allowance. From April 1999, formal provision was made for the award of credits to claimants of carer's allowance who have left insurable employment to engage in caring duties. People in receipt of carer's benefit or on carer's leave are awarded credits at the same rate as their last paid contribution.
Recipients of carer's allowance, who are not entitled to credits, may be eligible for homemaker's disregards which preserve the carer's entitlement for contributory pension purposes. The homemaker scheme provides that years spent working in the home while caring on a full-time basis for a child up to 12 years of age or an incapacitated person will be disregarded in calculating a person's yearly average number of contributions for State Pension (contributory) purposes. The provisions apply from the contribution year commencing on 6 April 1994 and up to 20 contribution years may be disregarded.
The award of credits is subject to certain conditions. For example, when a person has not paid or credited contributions for a period of two years, they cannot be awarded further credits until a further 26 contributions are paid. In recognition of their caring role, this rule is waived where claimants of carer's allowance were eligible for homemakers disregards immediately prior to claiming carer's allowance.
This, in effect, means that credits will be awarded where a person who has a gap of two years in their paid or credited contributions was eligible for homemakers disregards before claiming carer's allowance. This will protect the position of people who did not give up work to become carers but may have qualified for homemakers disregards due to child-minding duties and who subsequently became carers after a two year period had expired.
From June 2006, the number of hours a person can engage in employment, self employment, education or training outside the home and still be eligible for carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant was increased from 10 to 15 hours per week. Where a carer remains in employment, he or she will continue to pay the appropriate social insurance contribution. All aspects of the carer's allowance scheme and supports for carers are kept under review and ways of increasing and expanding services for carers will continue to be examined.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:350 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on offering social insurance credits to all carers providing full-time care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26646/07]
The social welfare pension rights of those who take time out of the workforce for caring duties are protected by the homemaker's scheme which was introduced in and took effect from 1994. The scheme allows up to 20 years spent caring for children or incapacitated adults to be disregarded when a person's social insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes. However, the scheme will not of itself qualify a person for a pension.
The standard qualifying conditions, which require a person to enter insurance 10 years before pension age, pay a minimum of 260 contributions at the correct rate and achieve a yearly average of at least 10 contributions on their record from the time they enter insurance until they reach pension age, must also be satisfied. The minimum paid contributions will increase to 520 in 2012. These conditions are designed to ensure that those qualifying for pensions have had an adequate and sustained commitment to the social insurance system as well as to uphold the contributory principle that underpins the qualifying conditions for all social insurance payments.
While there are no plans to alter these arrangements in the immediate term, the operation of this scheme is subject to review in the context of the Green Paper on Pensions, with particular regard being paid to the operative date of the scheme and the use of credits for pension purposes rather than the current system of disregards.
International Agreements.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:351 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the degree to which bilateral social welfare arrangements are in place with other jurisdictions; the extent of which expeditious process has been achieved; if it is intended to address particular areas which have not achieved the desired response levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26647/07]
Ireland has social security agreements with Austria, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the USA and Switzerland. These agreements came into effect between 1989 and 1999, except for that with the UK which covers the Isle of Man and Channel Islands and came into effect on 1st October 2007. Ireland also has a bilateral understanding with Quebec since 1 October 1994. In the cases of Austria and Switzerland the bilateral agreements have limited application as the EU Regulations normally apply in these cases. Arrangements have been made for the signature today of an Agreement with the Republic of Korea and it is hoped to complete the necessary steps to bring it into effect before the end of next year.
All of these agreements are currently in operation and are generally working satisfactorily. The main purpose of the agreements is to protect the social security pension rights of workers who have worked both in Ireland and the other country to which the agreement applies. For all schemes, the time taken to process claims that fall to be examined under bilateral agreements is longer than that for standard Irish entitlements, reflecting the added complexity that arises in determining entitlements under these agreements. For instance, entitlement under the Irish contributions alone will be examined before recourse is made to the bilateral agreement.
Liaison procedures to ensure the secure transfer of personal data have been established with each country and are kept under constant review. Regular contact is made with the appropriate agencies to ensure the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of transfer of the information required to decide on claims. Where particular delays occur in the exchange of information, every effort is made to minimise processing times, while the overriding objective in dealing with these claims is to ensure that people receive their full and correct entitlements. Delays in processing applications do not ultimately result in any losses to pensioners in that those who qualify for payment have their claims backdated fully in accordance with the normal regulations for backdating pension claims.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:352 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he proposes to ease the qualifications for the back to education allowance in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26648/07]
My Department provides a wide range of second chance education opportunities to facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force.
The back to education allowance (BTEA) is one of these second chance education opportunities schemes. It is paid at a standard weekly rate equivalent to the maximum rate of the relevant social welfare payment that qualifies the applicant for participation in the scheme. It essentially replaces their existing social welfare income and in addition an annual €400 cost of education allowance is payable.
To qualify for participation an applicant must, inter alia, be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for a period of time and be at least 21 years of age prior to commencing an approved course of study. Persons in receipt of disability related payments may access the scheme at 18 years of age. Similarly, lone parents and persons in receipt of unemployment payments can qualify at 18 years of age provided they are out of formal education for at least 2 years.
As part of the Government's Expenditure Review Programme, a working group chaired by my Department reviewed the back to education allowance scheme in 2005. The group comprised representatives of the Departments of Social & Family Affairs, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Education and Science, Finance and FÁS. The working group made nine recommendations, some of which have already been implemented.
These include earlier access to the allowance for participants of the National Employment Action Plan (NEAP). Access is now available to the third level option for qualified participants who have been in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance for nine months as opposed to the standard requirement of twelve months. Additionally the scheme has been extended to include all those of working age in receipt of a Social Welfare payment.
Recent Budgets have also provided for improvements to the back to education scheme. The 2006 Budget provided that time spent in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance from the Health Services Executive or in the direct provision system operated by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform can count towards the qualifying period in circumstances where the person establishes an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment prior to commencing an approved course of study. This provision came into effect from 1 September 2006.
In Budget 2007 it was provided that people who are awarded Statutory Redundancy may access the scheme immediately provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study. In addition the qualifying period for illness benefit recipients was reduced from three to two years. These further improvements to the back to education scheme came into effect from the beginning of the current academic year i.e. 1 September 2007.
The operation of my Department's employment support measures, in the context of current labour market conditions, is continually monitored to ensure that it continues to support those people who are the most distant from the labour market and whose needs are greatest. At present it not proposed to make any further changes in qualifying criteria.
Social Welfare Code.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:353 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he proposes to ease the habitual residency clause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26649/07]
The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1st of May 2004. The basis for the restriction is the applicant's habitual residence. The restriction is not based on citizenship, nationality or any other factor. The question of what is a person's "habitual residence" is decided in accordance with European Court of Justice case law, which sets out the grounds for assessing individual claims.
Each case received for a determination on the Habitual Residence Condition is dealt with in its own right and a decision is based on application of the guidelines to the particular individual circumstances of each case. Any applicant who disagrees with the decision of a Deciding Officer has the right to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) who take up employment in the State are protected under the EU Regulations governing social security for migrant workers. Migrant workers from outside the EEA qualify for social insurance benefits in respect of the unexpired part of their work permits if they satisfy the normal qualifying conditions. The habitual residence condition does not apply in these cases. Such workers may also satisfy the habitual residence condition for receipt of social assistance payments and child benefit.
The habitual residence condition is being operated in a careful manner to ensure that Ireland's social welfare system is protected, while at the same time ensuring that people whose cases are appropriate to the system have access to it when they need it. The reason for the introduction of the habitual residence condition in May 2004 was to ensure that persons who have not worked in Ireland or who have not established habitual residence in Ireland should not avail of assistance schemes or child benefit.
The operation of the condition was reviewed by my Department in 2006 and the report of the Review was published on 1st February 2007. The full content of the Review may be accessed on the Department's website, www.welfare.ie. It is not proposed to introduce any changes to the current policy in this regard as the original reason for the policy is still valid.
Question No. 354 answered with QuestionNo. 96.
Ferry Services.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:355 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason his Department has not put out a tender for the contract to provide a ferry service from Baltimore to Sherkin Island in County Cork in view of the fact that the current five year contract runs out at the end of October 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26350/07]
I can confirm that the Department are committed to the maintenance of a subsidised ferry service on this route. My Department has a three-year contract in place for the period 1 November 2004 to 31 October 2007 for the provision of a passenger ferry service between Sherkin Island and the mainland.
Officials of my Department are currently in discussion with the operating company, Carbery Isle Ferries Ltd, regarding an extension of the contract for the provision of this service. The decision to open these discussions was taken with a view to securing administrative efficiencies and in the context of the limited number of service providers available in this sector. It should be noted that only one tender was received in response to the previous tender competition for this particular service.
Rural Development.
Ulick Burke
Question:356 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the guidelines for the new LEADER programme 2007 to 2013 will be published; the reason for the delay in issuing the guidelines in view of the many projects awaiting sanction and approval for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26402/07]
The new Rural Development Programme for Ireland for the 2007-13 period was approved by the European Commission on July 24th this year and is available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie. The selection process for the Local Action Groups (LAGs) to deliver the Programme will commence shortly. In this context, the Deputy should note that my Department has appointed an independent advisor to make recommendations on the selection of the LAGs.
Coistí Ranna.
Brian O'Shea
Question:357 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le cur i bhfeidhm mholtaí an Ráitis ar an nGaeilge ó d’fhoilsigh an Rialtas é ar an 20 Nollaig 2006, an mó cruinniú den Choiste Feidhmiúcháin a bhí ann ó shin; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [26441/07]
Mar is eol don Teachta, seoladh Ráiteas an Rialtais i leith na Gaeilge 2006 ag ócáid i dTeach bhFarmleigh anuraidh. Is é an príomh-chinneadh a fógraíodh mar chuid den Ráiteas sin ná go n-ullmhófar Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge. Ag cruinniú a bhí agam le Fóram na Gaeilge ar 5 Márta 2007, aontaíodh go mbunófaí fo-choiste den bhFóram a d'fheidhmeodh mar nasc idir an Fóram agus mo Roinnse ó thaobh ullmhú na Straitéise de.
Bhí cruinniú ag an bhfo-choiste i mí na Bealtaine 2007 chun, i measc nithe eile, plé a dhéanamh ar fhostú comhairleoirí chun cuidiú le mo Roinnse an Straitéis a ullmhú. Tá mo Roinn ag plé ó shin leis an bpróiseas — soláthar tairiscintí san áireamh — i ndáil le fostú comhairleoirí dá leithéid. Tá cruinniú eile den bhfo-choiste socraithe i dtaca leis an bpróiseas seo don Aoine seo chugainn, 2 Samhain 2007.
Ní miste dom a lua go bhfuil i gceist go rachfar i gcomhairle leis an bpobal mar dhlúth-chuid den phróiseas chun an Straitéis a ullmhú agus go reachtálfar sraith cruinnithe poiblí i gcodanna éagsúla den tír. Meastar go dtógfaidh sé dhá bhliain nó mar sin sula mbeidh ball críche curtha leis an Straitéis.
Local Development Companies.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:358 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the procedure in selecting the organisation that would be a nominating body for position on partnership boards in Ballyfermot and elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26487/07]
This is primarily a matter for the Boards concerned. Model procedures for the nomination and appointment of members to the Boards of Local Development Companies and Urban Partnerships are set out in the Guidelines on the Governance of Integrated Local Development Companies and Urban Based Partnerships issued by my Department on 1st October last. These are available on my Department's Website at www.pobail.ie. Copies of these guidelines were provided to all members of the Oireachtas in recent weeks and have also been placed in the Dáil Library.
Community Development.
Michael McGrath
Question:359 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is participating in a community services programme; and if there are opportunities for them to transfer to a different scheme. [26561/07]
My Department is not the employer of any of the persons participating in the Community Services Programme and does not have details of individual participants in local projects. The Deputy should raise this matter with the project concerned.
Departmental Expenditure.
Damien English
Question:360 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount that was spent by his Department on official hospitality in the past 12 months. [26574/07]
Expenditure on official hospitality is included under subhead A.3.1 (Entertainment) of my Department's Vote which was approved by the Oireachtas Select Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The total outturn for that subhead in 2006 was €56,082 and expenditure to date in 2007 is €23,354.
Departmental Facilities.
Damien English
Question:361 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of buildings within his Department that have a canteen or hot food service for staff; the location of each building; the country of origin for beef, pork, chicken and lamb sourced for each building; if he will provide the information in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26606/07]
My Department has no canteen or hot food service for staff.
Industrial Development.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:362 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the development of a business park in the Ardara area of County Donegal. [26620/07]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No 1296 of 31 Eanáir 2007. I understand from Údarás na Gaeltachta that a consultant has been engaged to carry out a feasibility study which is exploring various ways to develop the 2.2 hectares site purchased by it for industrial development in Mín na Coilleadh, close to Mín an Bhealaigh, Ard an Rátha, Co Donegal. The study is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Íochaíochtaí Deontaisí.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:363 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Eamon Gilmore den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist deontais a chur ar fáil do bhóthar áise i gContae Dhún na nGall i mbliana; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [26621/07]
Tá deontais de €127,995 san iomlán ceadaithe ag mo Roinn i mbliana chun bóithre áise i nGaeltacht Dhún na nGall (na hoileáin Ghaeltachta san áireamh) a fheabhsú.
Gréasán Bóithre.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:364 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Eamon Gilmore den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta ,mar gheall ar an droch-chaoi atá ar an mbóthar réigiúnach ó Chroithlí go hAerfort Dhún na nGall, an féidir breis airgid a chur ar fáil le haghaidh plean eile chun an bóthar seo a fheabhsú; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [26622/07]
Tá an príomh fhreagracht maidir leis an mbóthar seo ar Chomhairle Contae Dhún na nGall. Cheadaigh mo Roinn deontas de €200,000, áfach, níos luaithe i mbliana chun 500m den bhóthar seo, a áirítear mar bhóthar straitéiseach Gaeltachta, a fheabhsú. Ciallaíonn sé seo go bhfuil os cionn €2 mhilliún ceadaithe ag mo Roinnse i gcomhar an bhóthair seo le trí bliana anuas.
Tuigim gur bóthar tábhachtach é seo do cheantar Gaeltachta Iarthuaisceart Dhún na nGall go ginearálta agus d'Aerfort Idirnáisiúnta Dhún na nGall ach go háirithe agus mar is léir, tá tosaíocht ard dá réir tugtha ag mo Roinn dá fheabhsú. Déanfar aon iarratas breise ar chúnamh ina leith a mheas i gcomhthéacs riachtanais na hoibre, éileamh eile ar láimh agus an tsoláthair airgid atá ar fáil do mo Roinn chun caitheamh ar oibreacha den chineál seo.
Harbours and Piers.
Joe McHugh
Question:365 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has plans to invest in infrastructure for a pier (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26155/07]
The Dept. of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food runs an annual Harbour Development Programme. Each year invitations are sent to all coastal Local Authorities to submit priority funding proposals for works at Fishery Harbours owned by the Local Authorities. Projects are allocated grand-aid based on Exchequer funding and overall national priorities going forward. In the case of Leenan Pier, Urris Co. Donegal, no funding provision is possible as the pier is privately owned and as a result does not qualify under the aforementioned Programme.
Aquaculture Development.
Beverley Flynn
Question:366 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the aquaculture grants that were awarded in Mayo in 2006; the persons to whom they were awarded; and the precise purpose for which they were awarded. [26357/07]
The following grants were paid through an Bord Iascaigh Mhara during 2006:
|
Beneficiary |
Exch. Grant |
EU Grant |
Total Grant |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
1. Blackshell Farm Ltd Purpose: Conversion of rope mussel growing system to continous rope system; replacement of barrels with environmentally friendly floats. |
73,114.00 |
— |
73,114.00 |
|
2. William Budd Purpose: Development of technology for cleaning salmon nets. |
8,188.34 |
— |
8,188.34 |
|
3. Clew Bay Marine Forum Purpose: Development of an integrated approach to coastal zone management in Clew Bay. |
30,744.00 |
— |
30,744.00 |
|
4. Carraun Blue Limited Purpose: Investigating the strain, environmental conditions, feed and potential of growing sea reared rainbow trout at a location that previously held low numbers of fish. |
44,282.25 |
— |
44,282.25 |
|
5. Eirshell Ltd Purpose: Trial to investigate the holding and feeding of native clawed lobster to achieve greater size for market. |
46,874.00 |
— |
46,874.00 |
|
6. Gerard & Martin McNulty Purpose: Expansion of oyster project in Clew Bay. |
3,729.01 |
— |
3,729.01 |
|
7. P. Mulloy Shellfish Ltd Purpose: Extension of existing foreshore shellfish holding tank wall to include a ramp. |
4,629.00 |
— |
4,629.00 |
|
8. Shannon Estuary Oysters Purpose: Investigation of the feasibility of a new nursery system for the cultivation of pacific oysters in Clew Bay. |
13,290.00 |
— |
13,290.00 |
|
9. Feirm Farraige Oilean Chliara Purpose: Improvement of environmental impact and modernisation of a salmon farm in Clew Bay. |
78,486.00 |
338,409.00 |
416,895.00 |
|
Totals |
303,336.60 |
338,409.00 |
641,745.60 |
The following grants were paid through Udaras na Gaeltachta during 2006:
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
1. Ezo Teo Purpose: Abalone Farm development. |
121,891.00 |
426,617.00 |
548,508.00 |
Foreshore Licences.
Michael McGrath
Question:367 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she is required to provide Ministerial consent under Section 10(1) of the Foreshore Act 1933 for a marina development. [26477/07]
In accordance with the Sea Fisheries, Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2007 responsibility for the Foreshore Acts 1933 to 2005 and the associated functions has been transferred to my Department. However, it should be noted that some of the foreshore functions being transferred to my Department are being transferred only pending their further transfer to the Minister for Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 in respect of port companies and harbour authorities governed by the Harbours Acts 1946, 1996 and 2000 and any other harbour or harbour related developments intended for commercial trade, and for all energy developments (including oil, gas, wave, wind and tidal energy) and aggregate and mineral extraction developments on the foreshore would transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions. When the order transferring those functions appropriate to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government comes into effect, as set out in paragraph 3 above, my Department will process the Foreshore License\Lease application for the Marina development unless it is located within an area governed by port companies and harbour authorities specified in the Harbours Acts 1946, 1996 and 2000, in which case the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government will process the application.
Animal Diseases.
Ulick Burke
Question:368 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that hay is being imported from continental Europe as fodder, mainly for horses, and this could possibly transfer the Bluetongue disease to Ireland; if her Department has monitored the origin of this importation; her views on whether this could be a danger to animal health here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25946/07]
As part of my Department's contingency arrangements, several potential risks for the introduction of bluetongue to Ireland have been considered and these include the possibility that it might be introduced in hay or straw. The two principal potential routes for the introduction of the disease are through infected live animals or through infected wind-blown midges. The importation of live susceptible animals from bluetongue-affected areas is currently not permitted. However, EU rules dealing with the movement of animals and animal products from such areas under defined conditions come into effect 1 November. My Department is continuing to assess the risk of the introduction of the disease and should such an assessment conclude that further control measures are appropriate, I will have no hesitation in introducing them.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:369 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive the disadvantaged area scheme payment. [25947/07]
An application under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme / Disadvantaged Area Scheme was received from the person named on 16 April 2007. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 20 September, with payments issuing in respect of those cases cleared for payment at that stage. Payments continue to issue as further cases subsequently become clear. The application of the person named has now been fully processed and the person named was paid €4,456.75 on 25 October 2007, directly to his bank account.
Animal Welfare.
Tony Gregory
Question:370 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of mink, arctic foxes, silver foxes and other animals that were killed on fur farms here in 2006 and 2007; the methods used for killing; and the number of animals that were killed under the direct supervision of her Department’s veterinarian. [26015/07]
In 2006, approximately 170,000 mink and approximately 300 foxes were slaughtered in Ireland. Statistics for 2007 are not yet available. Licensed fur farms may only utilise slaughter methods permitted under the Sixth Schedule of the European Communities (Protection of Animals at Time of Slaughter) Regulations, 1995. The methods used in Ireland included gassing and electrocution. Inspections by veterinary officers of my Department have confirmed that the methods used by Irish fur farms are in compliance with the aforementioned legislation. While slaughtering of mink and foxes was supervised during these inspections, the number of animals slaughtered in the presence of a Department veterinarian was not recorded.
Tony Gregory
Question:371 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has plans to prohibit the usage of a method (details supplied) for the killing of foxes on fur farms here; and if her attention has been drawn to the public concern regarding this method of killing. [26016/07]
I am aware of public concern regarding the method of killing foxes referred to by the Deputy. Such slaughter method is permitted under the Sixth Schedule of the European Communities (Protection of Animals at Time of Slaughter) Regulations, 1995 and I have no plans to prohibit it.
Tony Gregory
Question:372 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of licensed mink farms operating here at present; the number of fur farms with foxes; and the value of mink and fox pelts produced from these farms in 2006 and 2007. [26017/07]
Under the Musk Rats Act, 1933 (Application to Mink) Order 1965, the keeping of mink is prohibited except under licence, obtained from my Department. There are currently 5 licensed fur farms in Ireland. There is no legislation requiring the licensing of fox farms. There is one known fox farm, which is operated in conjunction with a mink farm. CSO figures indicate that the value of mink and fox pelts produced in 2006 was €3.6 million. Statistics for 2007 are not yet available.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:373 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when persons (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their DAS payment. [26070/07]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme / Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 2 May 2007. With regard to the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, one of the primary requirements of the Scheme require, inter alia, that applicants maintain a minimum stocking density on their holding of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare declared for at least three consecutive months. However, where the holding of an applicant is identified as not meeting this minimum requirement, the person in question is invited to submit evidence of satisfactory stocking i.e. Flock Register, Horse Passports, or details of a REPS or Commonage Framework Plan, which provides for a lower stocking level. The person named was written to and invited to submit appropriate evidence of the number of sheep maintained on the farm. On receipt of a satisfactory response from the person named, the application will be further processed with a view to payment at an early date.
Food Labelling.
Denis Naughten
Question:374 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her plans to introduce country of origin for the labelling of pig meat; the measures she is taking at EU level to address the issue of substantial transformation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26074/07]
Joe Carey
Question:380 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the plans she has to introduce country of origin for the labelling of pig meat; the measures she is taking at EU level to address the issue of substantial transformation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26114/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 374 and 380 together.
Draft regulations requiring the origin labelling of pigmeat, poultrymeat and sheepmeat were prepared in my Department and forwarded to the Department of Health and Children as the Regulations will be made under the Health Act 1947. A public consultation on the proposed regulations took place during the past month via the website of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. The consultation period has now passed and comments will be examined and the proposed legislation will be reviewed in the light of these comments. This process will take approximately three weeks. Thereafter the draft legislation will have to be forwarded to the European Commission for approval. The commencement date for the legislation will depend on the Commission's response and possibly that of other Member States.
In the proposed legislation ‘origin' will be defined as the country where the animal was reared and, if different, the country of slaughter. This will have to be indicated on meat and meat products containing over 70% meat. Regardless of the nature, extent or location of processing or packaging that has gone into the manufacture of the product the requirement to show actual country of rearing and slaughter of the animal will remain in place and this will not be superseded by any ‘substantial transformation'.
The concept of substantial transformation is the basis used throughout the EU and elsewhere to define the origin of goods as being from the country where the last substantial economic change was made to them. In my view it should not be used to disguise the origin of certain products or to mislead the consumer as to the origin of raw materials. Last year, the Health and Consumer Protection Directorate of the European Commission undertook a consultative process with a view to reviewing food labelling legislation. In its submission to the Commission, Ireland recommended that the term "substantial transformation" should be strictly interpreted. It is essential that this process should not be used to hide the true origin of products and that labelling systems be adapted to ensure that consumers are not misled as regards the true provenance of food. The EU Commission is expected to present a proposal on labelling in December. I will continue to press for provisions that ensure full transparency for the consumer.
Organic Farming.
Denis Naughten
Question:375 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps which she will take via Teagasc and secondary legislation to promote the use of organic manure as a preferential fertiliser source; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26075/07]
Joe Carey
Question:381 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps which she will take via Teagasc and secondary legislation to promote the use of organic manure as a preferential fertiliser source; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26115/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 375 and 381 together.
Legislative requirements covering the storage and management of animal manures, fertiliser limits and the timing and method of application of fertilisers are contained in the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006, made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
It is normal agricultural practice to apply animal manures produced on the holding to the land as fertiliser, subject to the conditions laid down in the Regulations. The use of imported animal manure as a source of additional nutrients, or as a substitute for chemical fertiliser, may be appropriate in certain circumstances and I would encourage farmers to do so when possible.
I am aware that for certain sectors of farming, such as the pig and poultry industry, it is desirable that farmers in general should use organic manures in preference to chemical fertiliser whenever possible. I believe that farmers, producers and farming organisations have an important role to play in promoting the utilization of organic manures. I have also asked Teagasc to make farmers aware of the nutrient value of slurry and the savings that they can achieve by substituting it for chemical fertiliser.
In its proposals to European Commission for REPS 4, which forms part of the Rural Development Programme 2007-13, by Department had sought approval for a supplementary measure designed to promote the use of pig and poultry manure by REPS farmers as a substitute for chemical fertiliser. Unfortunately the Commission rejected this element of the proposals and it was not possible to include such a measure in the new REPS.
Animal Feedstuffs.
Denis Naughten
Question:376 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action she will take to address the rapid increase in the cost of imported feed as a result of the Government position at EU level on genetically modified import; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26076/07]
Joe Carey
Question:382 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action she will take to address the rapid increase in the cost of imported feed as a result of the Government position at EU level on genetically modified imports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26116/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 376 and 382 together.
The increase in the price of animal feed being experienced by Irish farmers over the last 12 months has impacted most significantly on pig enterprises. I have, in recent times, worked with my EU colleagues, both at Council and bilaterally, to have steps taken aimed at improving the situation and ameliorating some of the difficulties being caused by the price increases. These steps include a suspension of the obligation to set 10% of arable land aside; the introduction of an aid for private storage of pigmeat package; and at last week's Council of Minister I called on the Commission to introduce export refunds to provide additional support for the pigmeat sector.
In the context of Genetically Modified feed, it is also worth noting that the European Commission approved Herculex and two other maize products last week. I welcome recent statements from the European Food Safety Authority indicating that steps are being taken in conjunction with the US authorities to identify ways of minimising the time lag between the authorisation of new GM events in the US and in the EU.
Grant Payments.
Tom Sheahan
Question:377 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive their single farm payment. [26077/07]
The person named did not draw down any premia payments during the reference period (2000-2002) and therefore did not establish any Single Payment entitlements. The person named submitted applications for allocations of entitlements from the 2005, 2006 and 2007 National Reserve.
The person named applied under the New Entrant Category of the 2005 and 2006 National Reserves. This category caters for farmers who inherited or purchased land and who commenced farming after 31 December 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year. The person named received his herd number in September 2000 and while he did not claim any premia payments during the reference period he has however received Area Based payments in 2001, 2002 and 2003. Therefore the person named has been actively farming during the reference period and cannot be regarded as a New Entrant to farming and my Department has notified him of this decision.
The person named appealed this decision to the Independent Single Payments Appeals Committee. The Committee have completed their review of his 2005 appeal and they have upheld my Department's decision and the person named has been notified in this regard. The Appeals Committee are currently carrying out a full review of the 2006 appeal and will correspond directly with the person named following the outcome of their review.
In his 2007 National Reserve application the person named applied again under the New Entrant category and also under Category A. Category A caters for farmers who inherited, leased or otherwise received free of charge, or for a nominal amount, from a farmer who retired or died before 16 May 2005, a holding that was leased out to a third party during the reference period 2000-2002. My Department has requested further documentation with regard to a lease submitted by the person named. When this documentation is received my Department will be in a position to fully process both the New Entrant category and Category A applications. The person named will be notified of the outcome in due course.
In relation to 2007 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, payment for €3,778.10 issued on 19 September 2007 in respect of 37.93 hectares.
Paul Connaughton
Question:378 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application for the area based payment by a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [26096/07]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme / Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 2 May 2007. The case was selected for inspection, which is now completed. Accordingly, the advance payment under the Single payment Scheme and the full payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme will issue to the person named shortly.
Paul Connaughton
Question:379 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason payment of the single farm payment to a person (details supplied) in County Galway has been reduced as a result of their receipt of a forestry grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26097/07]
The person named submitted a Single Payment application on 17 April 2007, including parcel number G19315004. Due to inconsistencies as to how this parcel should be declared on the application, the processing of the application was delayed pending clarification from the applicant. This is now resolved and payment in relation to this parcel will issue in due course.
Question No. 380 answered with QuestionNo. 374.
Question No. 381 answered with QuestionNo. 375.
Question No. 382 answered with QuestionNo. 376.
Michael Lowry
Question:383 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment of 2006 pruning grant payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26120/07]
An application for a pruning grant under the Woodland Improvement Scheme was received from the person in question in January 2007. This scheme was one of several measures introduced under the last Rural Development Programme which closed on 31st December 2006. Accordingly, it is not possible to process this application until such time as a new Forestry Programme is introduced and this is under consideration at present.
Michael Creed
Question:384 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the situation regarding a person (details supplied) in County Cork and their entitlement to the single farm payment. [26137/07]
The issue regarding the unpaid element of the Single Payment due to the person named has now been satisfactorily resolved and the balancing payment will issue in the coming days.
Questions Nos. 385 and 386 withdrawn.
Pension Provisions.
Michael Lowry
Question:387 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the spouse of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who was in receipt of a pension from her Department has an entitlement following their death. [26145/07]
The person named was not a member of the Spouses and Childrens Pension Scheme, therefore her spouse has no entitlement to a pension following her death.
Animal Feedstuffs.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:388 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the factors that have contributed to the increase in feed prices for pigs. [26223/07]
The rise in feed prices over the last 6 months can be attributed to a number of factors such as (i) heavy demand for cereals in Asia (ii) the increased demand for feed materials from the biofuel industry and (iii) unfavourable weather conditions which affected many of the major cereal growing countries.
The EU Council of Agriculture Ministers has, in response to the pressures on the international cereal and feed markets, agreed to suspend the obligation to set 10% of arable land aside. This will ensure that more arable land is available for cereal cultivation in 2008.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:389 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will establish a crisis strategy to deal with the problems that are currently forcing 30% of pig producers to operate at a loss. [26224/07]
I appreciate the concern at the current problems in the pig sector and I will continue to pursue appropriate solutions. At both EU and national level, measures are being taken to alleviate the difficulties.
The EU Council of Agriculture Ministers has, in response to the pressures on the international cereal and feed markets, agreed to suspend the obligation to set 10% of arable land aside. This will ensure that more arable land is available for cereal cultivation in 2008.
A scheme of financial assistance for the private storage of pigmeat has been in place since last Monday. This was adopted by the European Commission in response to a request from me and some other Member States. I have also impressed on the Commission the desirability of export refunds for fresh and frozen pigmeat and this will be kept under consideration.
At national level, pigmeat features prominently in Bord Bia's programme of promotion on the home and export markets. I have asked the Bord to intensify its Autumn pork and bacon promotion campaign in order to ensure that the market remains firm over the coming months. Additional funding is being made available for this. The Bord Bia quality assurance schemes are also a good tool in maintaining consumer confidence and, in this context, the pigmeat scheme is well established and managed.
I am working with the Minister for Health and Children towards the introduction of legislation to provide better information to consumers on the origin of pigmeat and other meats. The public consultation on the proposed regulations has been completed and the comments received will now be examined. Following that, the European Commission's approval of the legislation will be sought
Other relevant support actions include the extension of the farm waste management scheme to the pig sector and my Department's programme of financial assistance for the transition to welfare-friendly sow-housing.
While there is no denying the current challenging situation, I am glad to see that the Irish pig price has held firm in recent weeks, at a time of the year when prices normally deteriorate. As a result, the positioning of the Irish price relative to the EU average has improved considerably. Within the framework of the EU common agricultural policy, I will continue to ensure that pig producers' problems are highlighted with a view to suitable action.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:390 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on the merits of genetically modified based animal feed stuffs. [26225/07]
The rules governing the marketing and use of GM crops for animal feed within the Community are set down in EU legislation that has been jointly adopted by the European Parliament and Council of Ministers. This legislation is binding on all Member States.
In the context of the current production and marketing environment in which the Irish livestock industries operate, I am of the view that GM feed is acceptable when it has been authorised for placing on the market within the EU under the relevant legislation following the delivery of a European Food Safety Authority opinion concluding that the placing of it on the market is unlikely to have any adverse effects on human or animal health or the environment in the context of its intended use and that the GM cereals from which it is derived are as safe as their conventional counterparts.
Grant Payments.
Eamon Scanlon
Question:391 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when forestry grants will be awarded to persons (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26251/07]
My Department approved the payment of both forestry grants last week on 24 October. Payment should reach the individual about this time.
On-farm Investment Schemes.
Seán Connick
Question:392 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if applications for the farm improvement scheme will be accepted if in excess of 10,000 applications have been received prior to 31 December 2013; and the length of the delay in processing applications for the farm improvement scheme. [26326/07]
The Farm Improvement Scheme launched last July. The level of applications was being closely monitored having regard to the financial commitment agreed for this Scheme in the current Partnership Agreement.
I announced today that applications under the Farm Improvement Scheme have reached the level of funding available and that, as a result, the scheme is closed to new applications for now. Funding for the Scheme is provided as part of the overall package of measures amounting to €8.6 billion of public funding for the agri-food sector which was agreed under the Partnership agreement and is set out in the National Development Plan, 2007-2013.
The rush of applications in recent weeks has resulted in the full envelope of funds for the scheme being reached. Total applications received in the past few weeks accounted for 37% of the 11,000 applications received since the scheme was launched in July. This is on top of the 48,000 applications under the Farm Waste Management Scheme.
In accordance with the published terms of the scheme, my Department is now proceeding to process applications and to issue approvals up to the level of funding available. Payment of grant aid will issue in respect of all approved projects in due course when the work involved had been completed.
The funding for the Scheme was agreed under the Partnership agreement, Towards 2016, as part of an overall programme of investment in the agri-food sector. A total of €350 million was provided for farm waste and other on-farm investment measures, of which, €79 million was provided for investments in farm improvements. I had indicated, at the time of the launch of the Scheme, that the Scheme would be terminated when this financial ceiling had been reached. The level of demand has meant that funding for the Scheme had now been fully committed in terms of applications received.
My Department is already committed to expenditure substantially in excess of the €350 million provided for on-farm investment as a result of the large number of approvals under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. The overall package of funding under Partnership also includes substantial increases in respect of REPS and payments in disadvantage areas which will continue into the future.
The funding for the Farm Improvement Scheme is provided under Partnership which provides for a review in 2008. In accordance with the terms of the agreement, the review will take stock of the outcomes achieved in relation to the overall goals and will consider opportunities to refocus and reprioritise.
Genetically Modified Organisms.
Michael Creed
Question:393 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is legally permissible to grow genetically modified grain varieties here. [26332/07]
Only GM crops authorized in accordance with EU Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release of GM crops into the environment and listed in the EU Common Catalogue of Plant Varieties can be cultivated within the EU. At present the only genetically modified crop which is authorized for cultivation on an EU wide basis is a GM Maize variety (MON 810) which is resistant to the European cornborer. This particular crop is of little or no interest to Irish farmers as the cornborer is not an indigenous pest here.
Grant Payments.
Michael Creed
Question:394 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been awarded the single farm payment entitlements of their parents. [26333/07]
The person named has already benefited under the New Entrant Measure of the Single Payment Scheme. He commenced farming in 2002. Under the anti-accumulation rules in the EU Regulation, he cannot be granted both the Inheritance and the New Entrant Provisions. He was given New Entrant status because it was more beneficial than the Inheritance. This case is now being reviewed and an official from my Department will be in contact shortly with the person named to explain the position.
Alternative Farm Enterprises.
Jack Wall
Question:395 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the growth of farmers markets throughout the country, she or her Department has plans to support these markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26363/07]
One of our commitments under the Programme for Government is the encouragement of more direct selling from farmer to customer by restoring and promoting a national network of farmers' markets. In this context both myself and my Ministerial colleagues have participated at events including launches of new markets etc. to champion the scope of this route to market for the overall benefit of our food industry and our local communities.
An Bord Bia, which operates under the aegis of my Department, works closely with other State and local agencies to exploit the growing opportunities for farmers markets including sponsorship of the RTE Television series Fresh From the Farmers' Markets in 2007 an initiative that will be repeated in 2008. My Department in co-operation with Bord Bia will host a Conference on Local Food — Exploring the Opportunities — on 13th November next to raise awareness of local food, to highlight the benefits of local food initiatives for both the consumer and the producer and to provide relevant information and support for those involved in local food production.
Grant Payments.
Paul Connaughton
Question:396 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a 1% penalty was imposed on a person (details supplied) in County Galway in view of the fact that the owner was genuinely unable to state the name or breed of the sire for a calf born to a 17 months old heifer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26383/07]
An application under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on the 3 May 2007. As part of the control procedures under EU legislation governing the Single Payment Scheme, the application was selected for, and was the subject of, a ground eligibility and cross-compliance inspection. During the course of the cross-compliance inspection the birth of one animal, tag number 181594690358 that was over 27 days of age, was found not to be registered with the Cattle Movement and Monitoring System (CMMS) and, therefore, the animal did not have a corresponding bovine passport. Under the Regulations governing the identification and registration of bovines, animals must be tagged within 20 days of birth and registered within 7 days of tagging. This error resulted in a 1% cross compliance penalty being recorded. The person named was officially notified of the outcome of the inspection on 5 October 2007. The application was processed and an advance payment was made to the person named on the 16 October 2007, with a reduction made for the 1% penalty.
If the person named is not satisfied with the result of the inspection, he may seek a review. To date no review has been sought, however, I have instructed the officials involved to re-examine the details of this case. The outcome of this process and any change to the outcome of the inspection will be communicated to the person named shortly. The person named can still request a review by contacting his Local Office. He also has the right to appeal the outcome of any such review to the Agriculture Appeals Office.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:397 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive forestry premium for 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26387/07]
The person concerned was a recipient of premiums under the Western Forestry Package. Under that Scheme, premiums were paid for a maximum of 15 years in respect of conifer plantations. This individual's fifteenth and final premium was paid in April 2005. Given the age of the plantation, the person in question may wish to take advice on the future management of the forest, including thinning and the potential income stream arising therefrom. Forestry advice is available from the local Teagasc service.
Animal Diseases.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:398 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the plans in place to ensure that equine influenza presently raging in Australia does not reach Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26389/07]
Equine Influenza is endemic in Ireland, Europe and North America and, accordingly, is not a notifiable disease. Ireland has an industry-led compulsory vaccination programme for all racehorses, which is endorsed by the Turf Club and Horse Racing Ireland, with annual booster shots required. Entry into sales within the thoroughbred sector is also subject to appropriate vaccination. In addition, the Federation Equestrienne International (FEI) stipulates that all thoroughbred horses competing in FEI worldwide competitions must be vaccinated against Equine Influenza with 6 monthly booster shots. With regard to the non-thoroughbred sector, it remains a best practice recommendation that horses should also be vaccinated.
The last epidemic of Equine Influenza in Ireland was in 1989 with sporadic outbreaks since. These have passed without any significant consequence as an adequate base line protection rate against this disease has now been achieved within the equine population.
There were eleven Irish stallions in quarantine in Australia at the time of the Australian outbreak in August. A protocol has been agreed for their return to Ireland which requires that the horses, on their return, must be
accompanied by the appropriate veterinary health certificates for horsestravelling from Australia to the EU;
inspected at the Border Inspection Post;
isolated at a suitable facility and kept apart from all other equidae for a period of not less than fifteen days; and
subject to periodic examination by veterinary staff of my Department while in isolation and before being released from the isolation facility.
Grant Payments.
Bobby Aylward
Question:399 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will issue grant aid approval to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to allow them proceed with work on a farm building. [26416/07]
The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. A decision will be made in relation to the application as soon as possible.
Bobby Aylward
Question:400 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment under the REP scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [26417/07]
The person named was informed that he needed to submit a consolidated plan before his application could be processed. This consolidated plan was received on 25 October 2007 and the application is now being processed.
Bobby Aylward
Question:401 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [26418/07]
An application under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 3 May 2007. The case was selected for satellite inspection, which is now completed. Accordingly, the advance payment under the Single Payment Scheme will issue to the person named in the coming days.
Bobby Aylward
Question:402 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when all outstanding payments of grants will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [26419/07]
An application under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme / Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 15 May 2007. The case was selected for satellite inspection, which is now completed. Accordingly, the advance payment under the Single Payment Scheme and the full payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme will issue to the person named in the coming days.
Departmental Programmes.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:403 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 402 of 23 October 2007 in relation to responsibility for marine related functions, the foreshore functions that are being transferred to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government decision of 2 October 2007; and the functions that are to be retained in her Department. [26438/07]
The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 in respect of port companies and harbour authorities governed by the Harbours Acts 1946, 1996 and 2000 and any other harbour or harbour related developments intended for commercial trade, and for all energy developments (including oil, gas, wave, wind and tidal energy) and aggregate and mineral extraction developments on the foreshore would transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions.
My Department will carry forward responsibility for all other foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933, including in respect of all aquaculture developments and piers and harbours, other than in respect of port companies and harbour authorities governed by the Harbours Acts 1946, 1996 and 2000 and any other harbour or harbour related developments intended for commercial trade.
Grant Payments.
Damien English
Question:404 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) will receive their disadvantaged area payment and area aid payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26554/07]
An application under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 25 April 2007. Following initial processing of the application, an official of my Department was in direct contact with the person named, to request the submission of a map for an additional area of land he included on his Amendment form. On receipt of this map, the application will be further processed with a view to payment.
Departmental Expenditure.
Damien English
Question:405 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount that was spent by her Department on official hospitality in the past 12 months. [26571/07]
The amount spent by my Department on official hospitality in the past 12 months was €46,197.
Departmental Facilities.
Damien English
Question:406 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of buildings within her Department that have a canteen or hot food service for staff; the location of each building; the country of origin for beef, pork, chicken and lamb sourced for each building; if she will provide the information in tabular readable form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26603/07]
My Departments' offices in Castlebar, Dublin, Portlaoise and Wexford all provide hot food service for staff. These facilities are provided by private companies under a franchise agreement. The sourcing of food supplies is, of course, a matter for the franchise holders. However, I understand that all the meat is sourced from local suppliers.
School Accommodation.
Tom Hayes
Question:407 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary will receive funding for much needed additional classroom facilities. [25941/07]
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to the Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a band 2 rating. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
School Staffing.
Ulick Burke
Question:408 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation of the 217 Montessori trained teachers employed by her Department working in the special needs area in mainstream schools who, due to changes in conditions to special needs provision, are no longer secure in their positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25950/07]
Two Montessori qualifications are recognised for restricted recognition by my Department, namely the AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) qualification, which has been recognised for teaching in special education settings since 1963, and the B.A. in humanities in Montessori Education from St. Nicholas Montessori College, Dún Laoghaire, which has been recognised since 1997, and is accredited by HETAC (formerly NCEA). Both courses are full-time and of at least three years duration.
Teachers with the above recognised Montessori qualifications are granted restricted recognition to teach in special schools and in the categories of special classes in mainstream schools where Irish is not a curricular requirement. Such teachers are also eligible for posts as resource teachers (low incidence) for children with special needs in mainstream schools (Circular 02/2005). The conditions governing the recognition of qualifications are set out in Circular 25/00, Recognition of Teacher Qualifications for the Purpose of Teaching in National Schools.
The Deputy may be aware that, with effect from 28th March, 2006, the Teaching Council is the designated authority for recognition of qualifications for the regulated profession of primary teacher.
Physical Education Facilities.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:409 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will make funds available to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry to carry out essential drainage works on the soccer pitch and surrounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25974/07]
The school referred to by the Deputy has applied for funding for these works under the Summer Works Scheme 2008. The closing date for the Summer Works Scheme 2008 was 28th September 2007. Decisions on the Scheme will be made later in the year.
Schools Building Projects.
James Bannon
Question:410 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans she will put in place to copper-fasten a realistic time-scale for the completion of the new schools which her Department has proposed and outlined for Mullingar, with suggested locations in Curraghmore, Lynn, Marlinstown, Robinstown and Mullingar west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25985/07]
The Department intends making additional primary school accommodation available in Mullingar commencing in 2008. The ability of the Department to make this provision, however, is contingent on lands reserved for educational provision being acquired very soon. To achieve this, the Department is currently engaging with the Local Authority. Subsequent provision will be delivered commensurate with the rate and pace of housing developments in the area. On-going contacts with the Local Authority will inform decisions on the required timescale for delivery in this regard.
Health and Safety Issues.
David Stanton
Question:411 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to her recent comments regarding the provision of defibrillators in schools and the training of students and staff in using such defibrillators, the progress she has made; her further plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26014/07]
The provision of defibrillators in schools would not address the specific health issue unless accompanied by complementary training. Such training cannot be confined to the operation and use of defibrillators but must also involve training in other related life saving techniques. The provision of such training necessitates the involvement of health personnel and that is beyond the remit of my Department.
Schools Refurbishment.
Tony Gregory
Question:412 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if a request for funding was received from a school (details supplied) in Dublin 1 for remedial works; and when the funding will be granted. [26020/07]
As part of the expansion of the Permanent Accommodation Scheme, a grant of €240,000 was sanctioned to enable the management authority of the school in question to provide additional accommodation. The scheme allows Boards of Management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives them control of their building project.
This school has already been approved for additional funding of €112,000 to cover unavoidable extra costs on their project. A further appeal for additional funding has been received and will be examined by the Review Committee in due course. The result of the appeal will be conveyed to the school management as soon as it becomes available.
School Accommodation.
James Reilly
Question:413 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction an extension at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26021/07]
While the school to which the Deputy refers has applied to the Department for capital funding for ancillary accommodation, it has not applied for extra classroom accommodation. It is open to the school to revise its application in this regard. There is no doubt that additional post primary places will be needed in the coming years in the area concerned and the Department is already taking action under the Fingal School Model process to ensure that these will be delivered commensurate with the need. In the meantime, the Department is satisfied that, between them, the four existing post primary schools have adequate provision to cater for current demand.
Special Educational Needs.
Terence Flanagan
Question:414 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to establish a secondary school for autistic children in Dublin (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26038/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for the establishment of special classes for autism and for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. In excess of 270 autism-specific classes at primary and post primary level have now been approved around the country, 90 of which are in special schools. The Deputy should be aware that special schools cater for students up to 18 years of age. The NCSE will continue to establish additional autism classes where the need arises in both special schools and mainstream post-primary schools.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
Terence Flanagan
Question:415 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans she has made to reinstate the one-to-one teaching support which was previously supplied to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26039/07]
As the Deputy is aware the general allocation model was introduced in May 2005 and became operational in schools from September 2005. The general allocation is intended to cater for pupils with higher incidence special educational needs, that is, pupils with borderline mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability. The allocation is also intended to support those with learning support needs.
The general allocation system means that rather than schools having to make individual applications to this Department for resources for such pupils, resources are provided in advance to the school. The school attended by the pupil referred to by the Deputy has been allocated 1.64 teaching posts (1 full-time post and 15 hours) to provide for the educational needs of the pupils with high incidence special needs and learning support needs. The school can use its professional judgement to decide how these hours are divided among the pupils in the school, to ensure that all their needs are met. Research shows that some pupils with special needs will respond better with one-to-one tuition. Others, however, do better when taught in small groups. Often it is best for resource/learning support teachers to work with pupils in the classroom rather than taking them away to a separate room, as the pupils then have to catch up on work done by the rest of the class in their absence.
My Department issued a comprehensive circular, SP ED 02/05 to schools which provides guidelines on the manner in which they should use the resources that have been allocated to them to best effect.
Terence Flanagan
Question:416 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants employed in secondary schools in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26040/07]
Terence Flanagan
Question:417 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants employed in primary schools in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26041/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 416 and 417 together.
There are currently 2,449 Special Needs Assistants (whole time equivalents) employed in schools in Dublin. The break-down by sector is as follows:—
Primary 2,020
Post-primary (including VECs) 429
It is not possible to give a breakdown of the SNA numbers employed in specific geographical areas of Dublin.
Terence Flanagan
Question:418 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children awaiting places in special needs schools in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26043/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is not retained by my Department. The Deputy may also be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has been operational since 1st January 2005, and is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs supports from primary and post primary schools through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs). The SENO is also a focal point of contact for parents and schools. One of the specific functions of the SENO is to identify appropriate educational placements for children with special educational needs. Parents should also contact schools directly in the context of enrolling their children.
The SENOs are appointed to districts which include primary and post primary schools and their role includes planning for transition to post primary schools within this local environment. The approach taken is outlined in the guidelines which the NCSE issued to schools in March 2007 and which are available on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie. It is open to parents to contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on the NCSE's website.
School Transport.
Noel Coonan
Question:419 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the status on the extension of a bus route for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when a decision will be made; her views on the urgency of this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26058/07]
The Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, submitted the names and addresses of a number of pupils who wished to avail of a school transport service. This list was forwarded by my Department to Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme, in order to determine these pupils' eligibility for school transport.
Following this determination, School Transport Section sanctioned the establishment of a school transport service for the relevant number of eligible pupils concerned.
Schools Building Projects.
Noel Coonan
Question:420 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the status on an application for grant aid for major capital works for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when a decision will be made; her views on the urgency of this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26059/07]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of additional accommodation has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. An assessment of projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and housing developments in the area will be required in order to determine the long term projected staffing figure on which the school's accommodation needs will be based.
Once the long term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities the required building project will be considered in the context of the Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme
Dan Neville
Question:421 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding funding for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [26123/07]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of additional accommodation has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. An assessment of projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and housing developments in the area will be required in order to determine the long term projected staffing figure on which the school's accommodation needs will be based.
Once the long term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities the required building project will be considered in the context of the multi annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
Shane McEntee
Question:422 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals and time frame to meet the current and future classroom needs of a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26134/07]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the necessary site acquisition for the school to which he refers has recently been finalised. Progress on the building project itself will now be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
School Staffing.
Joe Carey
Question:423 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will grant a school (details supplied) in County Clare a temporary teacher for the remainder of the 2007-08 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26135/07]
According to data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy, the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2006 was 312 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0020/2007), which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2007/08 school year is a Principal and 11 mainstream class teachers.
The school also has the services of 3 Permanent Learning Support/Resource Teachers and 1 Temporary Resource Teacher for Travellers.
My Department understands that the information given by the Deputy in his question in relation to the size of individual classes in the school is incorrect.
Within the terms of the staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30th September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30th September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.
It is open to the Board of Management of a school to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. An appeal in relation to the staffing for the 2007/2008 school year was submitted by this school and the appeal was considered by the Appeal Board on 23rd October, 2007. The Board, having considered the appeal with regard to the criteria outlined in Circular 0024/2007, was satisfied that a departure from the staffing schedule is not warranted in this case.
The Board of Management of the school was notified in writing of the decision of the Appeal Board on 24th October 2007.
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operations of the Independent Appeal Board.
Schools Building Projects.
Charles Flanagan
Question:424 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is intended that building work will commence on a new national school (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26136/07]
The tender report for the school referred to by the Deputy is under examination in my Department at present. The school's Board of Management will be kept advised of developments when the examination is complete.
Michael Ring
Question:425 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if tenders have been prepared for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; if so, if they have been advertised; the position in relation to same; when this will to go to tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26163/07]
The tender documentation for the project referred to by the Deputy is almost complete.
Progression of all projects to tender and construction will be considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
School Transport.
Bobby Aylward
Question:426 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will issue approval to Bus Éireann to provide school transport for a child (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in view of the child’s special circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26167/07]
The provision of transport under the School Transport Scheme may be considered in respect of education facilities which are recognised by my Department.
As the facility referred to by the Deputy in the documentation supplied is neither recognised nor funded by my Department, the question of providing transport for the pupil in question, at this time, does not arise.
Education Welfare Service.
Margaret Conlon
Question:427 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Education and Science when an educational welfare officer will be appointed for County Monaghan. [26204/07]
The National Educational Welfare Board is developing a nationwide service on a continuing basis that is accessible to schools, parents/guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people. For this purpose, Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) have been deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the Board's functions locally operating through 5 regional teams, with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. A service is provided from 26 locations nationwide. Staff are deployed in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme. In addition, the Board follows up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education.
Educational Welfare Officers play a pivotal role in implementing the service provided by the NEWB through monitoring school attendance and working to improve it. The EWOs also help parents that are experiencing a difficulty with getting a school place for their child. The NEWB has advised that the matter for additional resources for all areas is kept under continuous review. Areas are prioritized for additional service based on a combined analysis of demographic data, absence data reported from schools and other indicators of disadvantage. An additional 15 staff have been allocated to the NEWB in 2007. This brings the current authorised staffing of the Board to 109 posts of which 90 are allocated to working directly in the service delivery area. The staffing complement is comprised of 19 HQ and support staff, 5 regional managers, 13 Senior EWO's and 72 EWO's.
This government is determined to do all that is possible to ensure that every child gets all the opportunities and support they need to enable them to achieve their potential and participate fully in education. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department's Estimates for 2007 includes a provision of €9.808 million for the National Educational Welfare Board. This represents an increase of 20% on the 2006 allocation and of 50% on the 2004 level. This substantial increase in funding is a clear indication of this Government's commitment to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk. Through increased investment and improved services we are determined to optimise access, participation and educational outcomes at every level of the system for disadvantaged groups. I will be keeping the issue of the NEWB's staffing under review in light of the rollout of services, the scope for integrated working and any proposals that the Board may put to me in relation to clearly identified priority needs.
In respect of the Deputy's specific question relating to Monaghan, I am informed that the county currently has the services of a Senior Educational Welfare officer who provides a service to all schools in Monaghan and for children in the area who fit the criteria of 20 days unexplained absence.
Teaching Qualifications.
Michael McGrath
Question:428 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork for registration with her Department as a secondary school teacher here. [26215/07]
The Deputy may be aware that, with effect from 28th March, 2006, the Teaching Council is the designated authority for recognition of qualifications for the regulated profession of primary and secondary teachers.
Persons wishing to be registered as a teacher in this country must apply to the Teaching Council for recognition of their qualifications. I do not have any role in such matters.
The Teaching Council has informed me that there was correspondence between the Council and the person referred to. However, I understand a request for further documentation in support of the application was made (June 2007) and a response is awaited. Any queries in connection with the application should be made directly to the Teaching Council by the individual concerned.
School Curriculum.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:429 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the dispute between parents, students and the board of management at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry, which relates to the difficulties being experienced by a significant proportion of students and parents regarding the way subjects are being taught to those students in the school with weaker Irish comprehension skills, including their concerns as to the way this will impact on their academic performance; if she or her Department have been in touch with the board of management, the principal and other parties in relation to this issue to see if a satisfactory resolution can be reached; the plans in place to ensure that the needs of the students are prioritised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26232/07]
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:431 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the legal obligations on second level schools in Gaeltacht areas regarding the teaching of subjects through the medium of Irish; if the relevant Acts state that Irish should be the primary language as opposed to the sole language; if it is the primary language, does this allows boards of managements some leeway in terms of the way students with a poor comprehension of Irish are taught subjects or supported, particularly in situations where amalgamations of schools takes place and changes in the levels of flexibility afforded to students changes suddenly; if this could include the possibility of teaching some subjects to specifically identified students through English or provide explanations in English as to the meaning of Irish technical and scientific terms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26234/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 429 and 431 together.
Section 9 of the Education Act, 1998 sets out the functions of a school. It states that a recognised school shall provide education to students which is appropriate to their abilities and needs and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, it shall use its available resources to, inter alia, ensure that the educational needs of all students, including those with a disability or other special educational needs, are identified and provided for.
Section 9 also states that it is a function of schools located in a Gaeltacht area to contribute to the maintenance of Irish as the primary community language. As the Deputy points out the requirement is to contribute to the maintenance of Irish as the primary, as distinct from the sole, community language in a Gaeltacht area.
I am anxious to ensure that the school continues to guarantee an education through the medium of Irish to those students from the Gaeltacht and from Irish speaking homes who wish to be educated through the medium of Irish. Equally, I am anxious that to the greatest extent possible the new Community School should make a contribution to maintenance of Irish as the primary community language. Provision also has to be made for those living in the community who have no Irish at all or those who, because their Irish is too weak, are unable to learn in classes conducted exclusively through the medium of Irish.
In order to inform how those objectives can be met, I have asked the Chairman of the Commission on School Accommodation Mr. Frank Murray, with administrative support from the Regional Office of my Department, to survey all parents and students in the school to establish the level and range of provision being sought through Irish or English that will cater for the spectrum of student needs. The intention is to conduct the survey as soon as practicable after the current mid-term break.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:430 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the international evidence that supports claims by representative bodies of Gaelscoileanna that the practice of teaching junior and senior infants solely through the medium of Irish helps to develop Irish language comprehension skills substantially without impacting negatively on the development of English language skills after that time; her views on whether a further detailed debate is necessary on the matter; if she will postpone the implementation of regulations regarding the teaching of English to students at junior and senior infant level in Gaelscoileanna and allow the continuation of choice of model until such a debate has taken place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26233/07]
I am aware that a range of reports have considered the use of immersion models of education in other jurisdictions. A review of literature in this area undertaken on behalf of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in 2006 has concluded that "existing international research is not adequate to decide the reading sequencing issue clearly in the context of Irish immersion, either in a general way or in particular schools."
The revised primary curriculum was launched in 1999 and provides an integrated programme of learning in the spheres of Languages, Mathematics, Social Environmental and Scientific Education, Arts Education, Physical Education, Social Personal and Health Education and Religious Education. Page 27 in the Introduction to the Curriculum states "It is a particular feature of Irish primary education that children, from the beginning of schooling, have experience of language learning in two languages." The curriculum also specifies a set of learning objectives for each area of the curriculum for 4 groupings — infant classes, first and second class, third and fourth class, and fifth and sixth class. It also sets out a suggested minimum weekly time framework for tuition. This provides that where a first language is being taught, there should be four hours instruction per week, and 3 hours per week where there is a shorter day for the infant classes. Where a second language is being taught, the suggested minimum timeframe is 3.5 hours per week, and 2.5 hours per week for infant classes with a shorter day.
In granting recognition to Gaelscoileanna I am supporting parental choice in relation to education through the medium of Irish but this does not obviate the need for such schools, as recognised primary schools, to implement all elements of the national curriculum. Furthermore the achievement of the curriculum objectives in every curriculum area at each of the four levels of primary schooling is an over-riding requirement in all schools. I have therefore determined as a public policy issue that the introduction of a minimum of 2.5 hours per week for English as Language 2 in Irish medium schools should not be delayed beyond the start of the second term in Junior Infants.
I am convinced of the importance of ensuring that all children have access to the full primary curriculum from the earliest possible stage.
Question No. 431 answered with QuestionNo. 429.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Richard Bruton
Question:432 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress towards the objective of achieving class sizes of no more than 20 for children under the age of nine made during 2002 to 2007; if this continues to be an objective of the Government; her target for general class size at primary level for the new Government; and the number of teachers it will take to deliver this from within the overall 4,000 teachers promised. [26296/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at primary level in recent years. There are 5,000 more primary teachers than there were in 2002. By the 2006-07 school year, we had reduced the average class size in our primary schools to 24, while the pupil teacher ratio was 16.4:1, including resource teachers etc. In that year, schools were staffed on the basis of a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children. Given that the national average was 24, many schools benefited from more favourable staffing ratios. Extra teachers were provided by the Government for the 2007-08 school year to improve primary school staffing so schools would generally get at least one classroom teacher for every 27 children. A further initiative in recent years that has been of direct benefit to primary schools has been the change in criteria for developing schools. For the current school year, the threshold for getting a developing school post was reduced specifically to help schools that are seeing large increases in enrolments each year. Over 350 such posts have been sanctioned in the 2007-08 school year compared to 280 in 2006-07. The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are unparalleled. The Government is committed to providing more teachers to primary schools over the next five years to reduce class sizes. We will continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children. In relation to staffing targets, the Deputy may be aware that the programme for Government contains a specific commitment to reduce the primary staffing schedule to a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 24 children. This would allow schools to have smaller classes for particular age groups if they wish.
Schools Refurbishment.
Noel Grealish
Question:433 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans regarding the upgrading and modernisation of a school (details supplied) in County Galway; the stage this school is at in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26300/07]
An application for an extension has been received from the school to which the Deputy refers. An assessment of projected enrolments, demographic trends and housing developments in the area will be required to assist in determining the long-term projected enrolment for the school on which the school's long-term accommodation needs will be based. When the long-term projected enrolment has been finalised and agreed with the school authorities, the Department will draw up schedules of accommodation for the project which will be notified to the school management authority. The required project will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.
School Management.
Denis Naughten
Question:434 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Question No. 472 of 23 October 2007, the way parents who are not fluent in the language are to participate on boards of management who conduct the majority of their business through the Irish language, as stipulated in the handbook; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26324/07]
I would like to reiterate my Department's position in relation to the issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has not directed that parents' representatives on boards of management of Gaelscoileanna must be fluent in the Irish language. Furthermore, there is no requirement in the board of management handbook for parents' representatives to be fluent in the Irish language to participate on boards of management. Apart from the requirement that they are parents of children currently enrolled in the school, there is no specific criterion set out in the handbook with regard to parents' representatives on the Board.
School Curriculum.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:435 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the fact that children from low income families are less likely to choose home economics as a school subject; her plans to promote the advantages that home economics as a subject can have for a person’s health and to modernise the subject by making it a core subject for the junior certificate; if she will provide funding for materials that are used in compulsory work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26346/07]
All Junior Certificate students in second level schools must study Irish, English, Mathematics, Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and Civic, Social and Political Education. Each student following an approved Junior Certificate course must take at least three other subjects of his or her own choosing. For the Leaving Certificate, students choose all their subjects except for Irish which is the only compulsory subject. Since curricular choice is important in ensuring that young people can avail of a balanced range of subjects that is in keeping with their interests and abilities, I have no plans to make Home Economics a compulsory subject for the Junior Certificate. Some 35% of the cohort sat Home Economics in the Junior Certificate examination in 2007, compared with 24% in the Leaving Certificate. In relation to support for students from low income families, the Deputy may be aware that schools participating in initiatives such as the School Completion Programme have considerable discretion in how they use the funding they receive to support individual students and the provision of materials for practical work can be one element of such support. Regarding education for health, it should be noted that SPHE has been mandatory for all Junior Cycle pupils since September 2003. As this course builds on SPHE in the Primary School Curriculum, it is clear that SPHE, when considered at primary level and in the junior cycle, provides all students with opportunities to develop skills and competences to enable them to engage in responsible decision-making and to promote their physical, mental and emotional health and well-being. Nutrition and physical activity are specifically addressed in the SPHE module on ‘Physical Health'.
Special Educational Needs.
Michael D'Arcy
Question:436 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are special services available in County Wexford for children (details supplied) in County Wexford with high IQ; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26352/07]
Teachers can use strategies such as curriculum differentiation, curriculum enrichment and acceleration to facilitate the development of students at primary and second level who are exceptionally able. In recent years, new syllabi and curricula have been devised for second-level schools. They have been designed in such a way that the differing needs of a wide range of pupil ability can be catered for by their teachers. The revised primary curriculum, which has been supplied to every primary teacher, recognises the importance of developing the full potential of the child and caters for pupil diversity, including meeting the needs of exceptionally able pupils. In addition, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in collaboration with its counterpart in Northern Ireland, the Council for Curriculum Examination and Assessment, has produced draft guidelines for teachers of exceptionally able students. It is intended that these guidelines will be distributed to all primary and post-primary schools in November 2007. My Department provides annual funding to the Centre for Talented Youth at Dublin City University to support its work in delivering programmes which are designed specifically for exceptionally able students of first and second level age. This year's grant is €97,000. Of particular significance at second level are the International Olympiads in the science subjects, information technology and mathematics, in which the most exceptionally able and highest achieving pupils compete. I am informed that The Irish Centre for Talented Youth provides services for the parents of high ability children and the children themselves in various centres throughout the country including the Wexford area. It is open to parents to contact the CTYI directly by telephone at 01 7005634 or by accessing its website, www.dcu.ie-ctyi, for further information.
Capitation Grants.
Beverley Flynn
Question:437 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the capitation grant due to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in September 2007 was not paid until 12 October 2007. [26354/07]
My Department usually issues the capitation grant to second level schools in three instalments in September, January and April. This year, in the context of overall expenditure management, my Department issued the instalment a number of weeks later than originally planned.
School Management.
Beverley Flynn
Question:438 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason no payment has been made for principals who act as secretaries of boards of management despite being due since September 2006 (details supplied). [26355/07]
The negotiations on the scheme referred to by the Deputy concluded in May 2007. My Department issued 2 Circulars (Circular 0065/2007 at Post-Primary and Circular 0079/2007 at Primary) in June 2007 and July 2007 respectively, advising schools that this scheme had been agreed. The circulars also included an application form. As the application forms, (properly completed), have been received in my Department, arrangements have been made to pay the appropriate allowance to the Principals concerned backdated to the 1st September 2006.
Schools Building Projects.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:439 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that a secondary school (details supplied) in Dublin 24 submitted building proposals for a four classroom block, sports hall and improved science facilities in March 2004, that a similar request was re-submitted in 2007, that an inspector from her Department has visited the school and that her Department recognises that the school is located in an area of substantial urban renewal with an expected population growth; when the school will be authorised to proceed, without delay, to arrange for the design planning application and construction of the essential additional facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26358/07]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has applied to the Department for major capital funding. The project has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a band 2 rating. Progress on the project will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
School Transport.
Dan Neville
Question:440 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will allow a person (details supplied) in County Limerick to obtain a bus ticket to allow them to use her Department’s transport. [26391/07]
As the Deputy is aware, under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, a pupil is eligible for transport if s/he resides 4.8 km or more from her/his local post primary education centre. The scheme is not designed to facilitate parents who choose to send their children to a post-primary centre outside of the catchment area in which they reside. However, children who are fully eligible for transport to the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside may apply for transport on a concessionary basis to a post-primary centre outside their own catchment area, otherwise known as catchment boundary transport. These children can only be facilitated if spare seats are available on the bus after all other eligible children travelling to their local post-primary centre have been catered for. Such children have to make their own way to the nearest pick-up point within that catchment area. The Transport Liaison Officer for County Limerick and Bus Éireann have advised that the transport service in question is operating to capacity. The family in question should continue to liaise with Bus Éireann about the availability of catchment boundary seats in the future. My Department is aware, since the phasing out of the three for two seating arrangement on school buses, that vacant seats, where they arise, are now more conspicuous than heretofore. It is a matter of concern that some parents are reserving seats for their children and then not making full use of the seats.
In circumstances where a complaint of this nature is received, Bus Éireann arranges to monitor the situation. Those who are identified as using the school transport services on an irregular basis can be asked to surrender their tickets and make alternative transport arrangements to allow their seats to be reallocated to other families in accordance with the terms of the school transport schemes. Bus Éireann relies on the co-operation and goodwill of parents to release seats for the benefit of others in such circumstances. If the Deputy has precise information which may assist in identifying those who appear not to be using their seats on a regular basis, my Department will be pleased to have the matter investigated.
School Accommodation.
Niall Blaney
Question:441 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application for additional accommodation at a school (details supplied); if she will have it expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26394/07]
The process of appointing a Design Team to the school building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage. Progression of all projects through the architectural planning process will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
Schools Recognition.
Deirdre Clune
Question:442 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria she uses to establish a post primary school in an area; the way the provision of such a school can be initiated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26395/07]
A new post primary school can be established either under the Department's normal planning processes or by way of an application by a sponsor/patron. With regard to the former, it is the function of School Planning Section to assess the educational infrastructural needs of an area at both primary and post primary level and to plan, in that context, for the establishment of new schools where this is deemed necessary. The process of assessing the need for new or additional facilities entails consideration of all relevant factors, including enrolment and demographic trends, housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet the demand for places. Apart from this, it is open to a prospective sponsor to apply for the establishment of a new post primary school. In this event, among the criteria used to assess an application are that the needs of students likely to attend the school cannot reasonably be met by existing schools; the Patron is registered with the Department; the proposed enrolment is sufficient to ensure that the school will be viable in the long term; the enrolment will be sufficient to ensure that the school can operate a broad and balanced curriculum; the availability of suitable accommodation for the school; and that the Patron will comply with the rules and regulations governing post primary schools and all relevant Sections of the Education Act, 1998.
Capitation Grants.
John Deasy
Question:443 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will negotiate with An Post to allow schools an exemption from the television licence fee particularly in view of the fact that there is no educational programming for schools, that they are being used to show videos and DVDs of an educational quality and the cost of the licence to small rural schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26428/07]
Primary school's running costs are met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. These grants are intended to contribute towards the general operating costs of schools which would include heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, painting, teaching aids and other miscellaneous charges. There are no proposals to change these arrangements. The primary school capitation grant has been increased substantially in recent years. Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from €57.14 per pupil to €163.58 with effect from 1st January, 2007. This represents an increase of over 186% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 1997. Enhanced rates of capitation funding are paid in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools. The current rates range from €418 to €805 per pupil. The capitation grant is in addition to the Ancillary Services Grant which provides additional funding for primary schools towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services. The standard rate of grant per pupil under the scheme was increased from €102 per pupil in 2002 to the current rate of €145.50 per pupil. Under the Programme for Government, we are committed to doubling the standard capitation grant for primary schools over the next five years. Grants to schools for the employment of secretaries and caretakers will also be increased significantly.
Educational Projects.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:444 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if measures are in place ensuring school books in braille ordered before the summer break are provided when returning to school in the new term in September. [26467/07]
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:445 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in the provision of the braille school books to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; if there is a timescale for the delivery of the remaining braille books; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26468/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 444 and 445 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Braille Production Centre (NBPC), which is an integral part of the services provided by St. Joseph's School for the Visually Impaired in Drumcondra, Dublin, was established in 2000 to provide blind/visually impaired pupils at first and second level with textbooks in braille and other alternative formats. The NBPC produces educational materials in braille, large print format and text-only for children who are blind or visually impaired. It is an essential service to children and young people who are blind or visually impaired and without it many of them would not be able to access mainstream education or undertake the Junior and Senior Cycle examinations. My Department's Visiting Teacher Service for the Visually Impaired (VTVI) has a significant role to play in the process of ordering books or materials on behalf of a particular student. In 2006, a protocol was agreed between the NBPC and the VTVI regarding the provision of educational materials in alternative formats. Due to the technical processes involved, the NBPC requires a significant notice period in relation to orders for the materials in question.
In this particular case, the order was placed in July 2007. A significant proportion of the books required has already been made available for the pupil. I understand that, taking the special circumstances of this particular case into consideration, the NBPC is working towards having the order for the remaining books completed by the end of the current school term. It is accepted practice that the Braille books are delivered in volumes throughout the school year, due to the lengthy transcription process. I understand that officials from the NBPC have been in contact with the parents of the pupil referred to by the Deputy and have invited them to a meeting to discuss their concerns.
Bainistíocht Scoile.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:446 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cé mhéad scoil den 30 scoil nua a fógraíodh le déanaí go mbeidh siad le tógáil a bheidh ina nGaelscoileanna agus an fíor go mbeidh 20 den 30 scoil faoi phátrúnacht Educate Together; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [26488/07]
Níl cinntí ar bith déanta go fóill ar na struchtúir bainistíochta do na scoileanna a bhunófar i 2008. Tá cead ag aon Comhlachas Pátrúnachta, gur mian leis scoil nua a oscailt, iarratas a chur chuig Coiste Comhairleach na Scoileanna Nua. Ba é 20ú Meán Fómhair seo caite an spriocdháta do iarratais a fháil do 2008 agus tá Coiste Comhairleach na Scoileanna Nua faoi láthair ag próiseáil an uile iarratas a fuarthas.
Physical Education Facilities.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:447 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she and her Department have taken to have a school sports hall built for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12, in view of the fact that many of the pupils come from nearby RAPID areas, that it is within a drugs taskforce area, that physical education is a key component of the curriculum, that it is a Government strategy to tackle obesity in society and the proven value of PE for children in ensuring a healthy future. [26489/07]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:449 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she and her Department has taken to address the fact that classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12 are being held in old prefabs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26491/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 447 and 449 together.
The Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding for general classroom accommodation and a PE hall, from the school to which the Deputy refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a band 2 rating. Progress on the project will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:448 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she has taken to address the severe lack of sports halls in schools in the Dublin 12 area; and her views on the fact that Dublin 24 has 100% sports hall coverage, while Dublin 12 only has sports halls in 44% of the schools in the area. [26490/07]
The Department is committed to funding the provision of PE, general purpose and outdoor play areas in schools as part of the schools' capital investment programme. Applications for the provision of PE or sports facilities in existing schools are considered in the context of all other applications on hand for capital investment e.g. applications for new schools; refurbishment projects; extensions; new sites; remediation programmes and so on. The provision of sports facilities will be done in the context of available resources and the published criteria for prioritising school building projects. I would point out to the Deputy that as part of a joint Government programme to provide community sports facilities in drugs task force areas, the Department provided funding for a dual purpose PE Hall in the Dublin 12 area and in the adjacent Dublin 8 area. These are located at St Michael's Vocational School, Inchicore and Pearse College, Crumlin. The stated objective of the programme is that each hall would be "dual use" in nature i.e. they would be accessible to the wider community, as well as to the local school population. The aim is that, apart from normal school usage, the facilities would be available as much as possible to the community and, in particular, to target groups such as youth at risk.
The overall average area of the halls is approximately 1,700m2. This compares to a maximum standard PE hall for very large post-primary schools of 799m2. The 1,700m2 is made up of a Physical Education area with a floor space of 637m2, a crèche of 57m2, offices, meeting rooms, a balcony area that can be subdivided into a fitness studio and a multipurpose area, and changing facilities. As part of the same programme, a major leisure facility at Le Fanu Park in Ballyfermot was co-funded by the City of Dublin VEC and Dublin City Council. The Department provided funding towards the Sports Hall which forms part of the overall development. This facility is used by Ballyfermot College of Further Education and Kylemore College, Ballyfermot.
Question No. 449 answered with QuestionNo. 447.
School Enrolments.
Damien English
Question:450 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of fifteen to eighteen year olds enrolled in second level education in the State for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and as of 31 September 2007 in tabular readable form. [26551/07]
The data requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table. Data are not yet available for the 2007/2008 academic year.
|
2004/2005 |
2005/2006 |
2006/2007 |
|
177,272 |
176,722 |
178,783 |
Note: Figures exclude second level students in Institutes of Technology, as data are notavailable for 2006/2007
Schools Building Projects.
Michael McGrath
Question:451 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of an extension at a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [26562/07]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The Department has received a Stage 3 submission (developed Sketch Scheme and detailed Costings) and officials will be in contact with the School Authorities in due course. Progression of all projects to tender and construction will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Michael McGrath
Question:452 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a proposed extension to a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [26563/07]
The Project that the Deputy refers to is currently at an early stage of architectural planning. Officials from my Department are currently examining the revised Stage 1(Site suitability, Site Report and initial sketch scheme) which was submitted by the school and its Design Team recently. Officials from my Department will be in further contact with the School Authorities on completion of this review.
Progression of all projects to tender and construction will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
Departmental Expenditure.
Damien English
Question:453 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount that was spent by her Department on official hospitality in the past 12 months. [26576/07]
A total of €165,046.93 was spent by my Department on official hospitality in the past twelve months. This total includes: €114,442.02 was spent on catering for meetings and other events hosted in the Department's offices in Dublin, Athlone and Tullamore. This amount includes the provision of teas/coffees, refreshments, lunches and dinners for meetings, conferences and receptions. €50,035.95 was spent on official hospitality for meetings, seminars and conferences hosted by the Department in other venues. For example, the cost includes refreshments for a briefing seminar on the 2007 Student Support Schemes attended by 136 people from Local Authorities and VECs. Refreshments were also provided for over 550 school representatives who attended two briefing sessions on the Devolved School Building Scheme, hosted by the Department's School Building Unit. A total of €568.96 was spent on events hosted by myself and the Ministers of State.
Departmental Facilities.
Damien English
Question:454 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of buildings within her Department that have a canteen or hot food service for staff; the location of each building; the country of origin for beef, pork, chicken and lamb sourced for each building; if she will provide the information in tabular readable form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26608/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table.
|
Office |
Beef |
Pork |
Chicken |
Lamb |
|
Cornamaddy, Ballymahon Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath |
Ireland |
Ireland |
Ireland |
Ireland |
|
Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 |
Ireland |
Ireland |
Ireland |
Ireland |
|
Government Buildings, Portlaoise Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly |
Ireland |
Ireland |
The Netherlands |
Not used |
Schools Building Projects.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:455 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of a new national school at Gortahork, County Donegal. [26619/07]
The Office of Public Works (OPW) who acts on behalf of my Department generally on the acquisition of sites for schools has been asked to source a suitable site for Gortahork National School. A suitable site has been identified and the acquisition of the site is at conveyancing stage. Agreement to enter a contract for purchase of this site will be considered in the context of the Department's 2008 budget for the acquisition of sites, which has yet to be finalised.
Special Educational Needs.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:456 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a person (details supplied) will be offered urgent course subject tuition in view of the fact that they are sitting their junior certificate in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26634/07]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that home tuition has been sanctioned for the pupil in question.
Defence Forces Personnel.
Michael Lowry
Question:457 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Defence if it is possible to issue confirmation that a person (details supplied) underwent and passed a test for driving licence for a motorcycle while they were a member of the Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26117/07]
The military authorities have advised that Director of Cavalry has undertaken an extensive examination of result sheets for motorcycle driving tests between January 1971 and December 1977. No documentation has been found to support the claim that the person whose details are supplied underwent and passed such a test.
Departmental Expenditure.
Damien English
Question:458 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the amount that was spent by his Department on official hospitality in the past 12 months. [26575/07]
The amount spent by my Department on official entertainment in the twelve month period up to 31 October 2007 is €11,174.40. In addition, the Defence Forces incurred an amount of €102,333 on official entertainment in the period from 1 January 2007 to date.
Departmental Facilities.
Damien English
Question:459 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the number of buildings within his Department that have a canteen or hot food service for staff; the location of each building; the country of origin for beef, pork, chicken and lamb sourced for each building; if he will provide the information in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26607/07]
In my Department there is one food facility available to staff in the Finance Branch which is located in Renmore, Galway. The current suppliers of Beef, Lamb and Pork source their products in Ireland and Poultry is sourced in Denmark.
Food (hot and/or cold) is served to members of the Defence Forces from forty eight main locations across the country. The current suppliers of Beef, Lamb and Pork to the Defence Forces source all of their products in Ireland and the Poultry supplied is sourced in both Ireland and the United Kingdom.
EU Treaties.
Joe Costello
Question:460 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the areas in which Ireland exercises opt-outs and opt-ins from treaty provisions; the instances in which opt-outs and opt-ins have been availed of; if an assessment has been carried out by his Department of the use, value and effectiveness of such provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25963/07]
Ireland is entitled to exercise an opt-in for measures coming within Title IV of the Treaty establishing the European Community, covering the areas of visas, asylum, immigration and civil law. Insofar as these measures apply to my Department, the list below sets out the Title IV measures where Ireland has opted in. The decision on whether to opt in to a particular measure is considered on a case by case basis. This is an ongoing process. I will continue to ensure that each measure is thoroughly examined in line with the Declaration annexed to the Treaty of Amsterdam where it is stated that Ireland would seek to participate in Title IV measures to the maximum extent compatible with the maintenance of the Common Travel Area.
Summary position in relation to decisions by Ireland regarding opt-ins in asylum, immigration and civil law areas
1. Asylum
1.Decision 2000/596/EC on European refugee fund (OJ 2000 L 252/12)
2.Regulation 2725/2000 on Eurodac (OJ 2000 L 316/1) and — Regulation 407/2002 implementing Eurodac Regulation (OJ 2002 L 62/1)
3.Directive 2001/55 on temporary protection (OJ 2001 L 212/12)
4.Dublin II Regulation 343/2003 (OJ 2003 L 50/1) and — Commission Regulation 1560/2003 implementing Dublin II (OJ 2003 L 222/3)
5.Directive 2004/83 on refugee/subsidiary protection definition and content (OJ 2004 L 304/12)
6.Decision on second European Refugee Fund (OJ 2004 L 381/52)
7.Directive 2005/85 on asylum procedures (OJ 2005 L 326/13)
8.Refugee Fund Decision (OJ 2007 L 144/1)
2. Legal Migration
1.Regulation 1030/2002 on residence permit format (OJ 2002 L 157/1)
2.Regulation 859/2003 on 3rd-country nationals' social security (OJ 2003 L 124/1)
3.Directive 2005/71 on admission of researchers (OJ 2005 L 289/15)
4.Decision on asylum and immigration information exchange (OJ 2006 L 283/40)
5.Decision establishing European integration Fund (OJ 2007 L 168/18)
3. Borders and Visas
1.Regulation 333/2002 on visa stickers for persons coming from unrecognised entities (OJ 2002 L 53/4)
2.Regulation 334/2002 amending Regulation 1683/95 on common visa format (OJ 2002 L 53/7)
4. Irregular Migration
1.Decision on joint flights for expulsion (OJ 2004 L 261/28)
2.Return Fund Decision (OJ 2007 L 144/45)
5. External treaties
1.Hong Kong (OJ 2004 L 17/23): in force 1.3.04 (OJ 2004 L 64/38)
2.EC/Norway/Iceland re: Dublin Convention (OJ 2001 L 93)
3.Dublin treaty with Denmark: in force, 1.4.2006 (OJ 2006 L 66/38):
6. Institutional Decision
1.Decision changing decision-making rules on immigration and asylum (OJ 2004 L 396/47)
7. Civil Law
1.Council Regulation (EC) No 1347/2000 on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and in matters of parental responsibility for children of both spouses ("Brussels II").
2.Council Regulation (EC) No 1348/2000 on the service of judicial and extra-judicial documents in civil and commercial matters
3.Council Regulation (EC) No 44/2001 on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters ("Brussels I")
4.Council Regulation (EC) 290/2001 extending the programme of incentives and exchanges for legal practitioners in the area of civil law (Grotius –Civil — now expired)
5.Council Decision establishing a European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters
6.Council Regulation (EC) No 1206/2001 on co-operation between the courts of the Member States in the taking of evidence in civil and commercial matters
7.Council Regulation (EC) No 743/2002 establishing a general framework for Community activities to facilitate the implementation of judicial cooperation in civil matters
8.EC Council Regulation No.1346/2000 on Insolvency Proceedings (corporate insolvency elements of this fall within the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment while bankruptcy as such is dealt with by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform)
9.Proposal for a Council Regulation on the mutual enforcement of judgments on rights of access to children (subsumed into 12 below)
10.Proposal for a Council Regulation on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matters of parental responsibility (subsumed into 12 below)
11.Council Directive 2002/8/EC to improve access to justice in cross-border disputes by establishing minimum common rules relating to legal aid for such disputes
12.Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 concerning jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and in matters of parental responsibility, repealing Regulation (EC) No. 1347/2000 ("Brussels II Bis")
13.Regulation (EC) No 805/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council creating a European Enforcement Order for Uncontested Claims
14.Council Directive 2004/80/EC relating to compensation to crime victims
15.Council Decision on the accession of the Community to the Hague Conference on Private International Law (2006/719/EC)
16.Regulation (EC) No 1896/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council creating a European Order for Payment Procedure
17.Regulation (EC) No 864/2007 of the European Parliament and the Council on the Law Applicable to Non-Contractual Obligations ("Rome II")
18.Regulation (EC) No 861/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council creating a European small claims procedure
19.Decision 1150/2007/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing for the period 2007-2013 the specific programme "Civil Justice" as part of the general programme "Fundamental Rights and Justice
20.Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on certain aspects of mediation — COM (2004) 718
21.Proposal for a Council Regulation on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of judgments and cooperation in matters relating to maintenance obligations — COM (2005) 649
22.Council Decision calling on the Council to provide for measures relating to maintenance obligations taken under Article 65 of the Treaty establishing the European Community to be governed by the procedure laid down in Article 251 of that Treaty — COM (2005) 648
23.Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the law applicable to contractual obligations ("Rome I") — COM (2005) 650
Visa Applications.
Terence Flanagan
Question:461 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will contact a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25983/07]
In the case of the application referred to by the Deputy, a "Join Spouse" visa application was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on the 30 August 2007. It was refused by the Visa Officer on 21 September 2007 for a number of reasons. The principal reason for refusal was the immigration history of the applicant, who was deported from the state in 2003.
It is the general policy of my Department not to grant a visa to persons who are the subject of a deportation order. It is, however, open to an individual who wishes to re-enter the country to make an application for revocation of the order under Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act, 1999.
Garda Equipment.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:462 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of accidents involving heavy goods vehicles reported to the Gardaí in each of the past five years for which figures are available; the number that involved foreign registered heavy goods vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26054/07]
In the time available it has not been possible to compile the information requested by the Deputy. A reply will issue to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Proposed Legislation.
Joan Burton
Question:463 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals for legislation in respect of property management companies and property management agents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26372/07]
Joan Burton
Question:510 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals for legislation in respect of property management companies and property management agents; the position in respect of the promised legislation on the property service management regulatory authority; the budget for the agency; the staff allocation for the agency; and if the agency is fully established. [26373/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 463 and 510 together.
I refer the Deputy to my detailed responses to Questions No. 902 and 903 on 26 September in which I outlined the current position regarding the Property Services Regulatory Authority and to my response to Question No. 94 on 9 October in which I outlined the current position regarding the regulation of property management companies and property management agents. I have nothing further to add to the details given in those replies.
Anti-Social Behaviour.
Seamus Kirk
Question:464 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of behaviour warnings issued in respect of adults and children in County Louth since their inception under the ASBO legislation. [25938/07]
Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which provides for civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults, was commenced on 1 January, 2007. Part 13 of the Act relating to anti-social behaviour by children was commenced on 1 March, 2007. These provisions set out an incremental procedure for addressing anti-social behaviour by adults and children. With regard to children, these range from a warning from a member of An Garda Síochána, to a good behaviour contract involving the child and his or her parents or guardian, to referral to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme and to the making of a behaviour order by the Childrens' Court.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that up to 30 September, 2007, 264 behaviour warnings have been issued to adults and 80 behaviour warnings to children.
During this period the Louth/Meath Garda Division, which includes Drogheda and Dundalk Garda Districts, issued nine behaviour warnings to adults. Figures are provisional, operational and liable to change.
Criminal Prosecutions.
Joe Costello
Question:465 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals for dealing with the annual mayhem at Halloween; the way he will police the proliferation of illegal fireworks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25960/07]
As the Deputy may be aware, the Explosives Act, 1875 provides for control of the importation, manufacture, storage and sale of fireworks. The 1875 Act was amended by the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 which came into effect in August, 2006, to provide for new offences governing the possession of illegally imported fireworks with intent to supply. They also provided for significantly increased penalties governing the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks.
Under the provisions, it is an offence
for any person to possess a firework with intent to sell or supply, without a licence,
to throw an ignited firework at any person or property, and
to light unlicensed fireworks in a public place.
The penalty for such offences is now a fine of up to €10,000 or 5 years imprisonment or both. The simple possession of fireworks without a licence is also an offence for which a person may be liable to a fine of up to €10,000. A nationwide advertising campaign was run over the past two weeks in the national and regional newspapers to highlight to the public the dangers of fireworks and the significant penalties that exist for their illegal use. This campaign will run up to Halloween.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that Operation Tombola, the annual Garda operation, is in place for policing during the Hallowe'en period. Operational Orders have been put in place in every Garda Region, in particular in the Dublin Metropolitan Region and Border Divisions, to prevent and detect the organised importation for sale of fireworks in the lead up to Halloween and to police the Halloween period. Persons suspected of engaging in the importation, supply or sale of fireworks will be identified and targeted, including intelligence-led operations and searches will be conducted.
An Garda Síochána is also engaging with local communities, Local Authorities and other stakeholders, such as Dublin Bus, in putting plans in place to address the issues that arise around the Halloween period. Through the Schools Programme and other local programmes members of An Garda Síochána also emphasise that fireworks are illegal and highlight the dangers associated with illegally imported fireworks. Gardaí have a liaison mechanism in place with Local Authorities for the removal of identified stockpiles of combustible materials, in advance of 31 October 2007. Gardaí have also advised Managers of Off-Licences to ensure that staff are appraised of their obligations and responsibilities under Licensing legislation relating to the sale of alcohol, in particular to underage persons.
I am also informed that proactive policing arrangements are in place covering the period coming up to and on the night of the 31 October 2007 and the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 will be rigidly enforced. Additional patrols will be carried out by uniform personnel as part of high-visibility policing initiatives supported by plain-clothes personnel, including District Detective and Drug Units, Divisional Crime Task Force, Traffic Corps personnel and Community Policing and Mountain Bike Units.
Given the new offences and increased penalties that now exist, the enforcement capability of An Garda Síochána is greatly strengthened and I expect that the Garda operations will be even more successful this year, in combatting the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks.
Asylum Support Services.
P. J. Sheehan
Question:466 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the criteria necessary to enable an immigration officer to issue a stamp four certificate for a resident of more than five years residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25992/07]
I should clarify at the outset that there is a range of categories of non-EEA nationals who may be granted Stamp 4 before completing 5 years legal status in the State e.g. refugees, spouses of Irish citizens, certain family members of EU citizens who qualify under the relevant Regulations.
I take it that the Deputy is referring to other non-EEA persons who were in the State in their own right as employment permit holders and who are seeking long-term residence after 5 years in the State. For those non-EEA nationals who were lawfully working in the State an administrative long-term residence scheme was introduced by my predecessor in May 2004. This enables non-EEA workers to apply for an additional 5 years permission to remain. The conditions which must be satisfied by an applicant are as follows:-
The applicant must have been legally resident in the State for over five years;
The applicant must have held a work permit; work authorisation; or, work visa;
The applicant must have no criminal record from his/her time in the State.
Applications may be made to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. Successful applicants will be granted Stamp 4. The holder of Stamp 4 will then be exempt from employment permit requirements and may operate a business without obtaining the normal business permission. Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long-term residence.
While applicants for long-term residence are awaiting a decision they should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date. Applications for long-term residence received in July 2006 are currently being processed.
Crime Levels.
Joe McHugh
Question:467 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide a breakdown on the crime figures for each county from 2004 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26008/07]
Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003. I understand that the CSO are examining how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive.
I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
Garda Stations.
Joe McHugh
Question:468 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a Garda station (details supplied) only opens for three hours each day in view the fact that the town is bordering on the fourth largest city on the island; the opening hours of all Garda stations in County Donegal in view of the fact that crime has increased by 30% in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26009/07]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that Burnfoot Garda Station is normally open between 10 am and 1 pm each day, subject to the availability of resources and policing demands. Buncrana Station, the District Headquarters for the area, provides a further 24 hour support service. Additional support services are regularly provided by the Divisional Traffic Corps and the District Detective Unit based in Buncrana Station. Targeted patrolling and high visibility checkpoints are also conducted as part of Operation ‘Anvil'. As of 30 September 2007, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of the Donegal Division was 478. Any extension of the opening hours of Burnfoot Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional Garda personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties and I am informed that local Garda management is satisfied that the present opening hours of Burnfoot Garda are sufficient to meet the policing needs of the area.
The incidence of reported Headline Crime for the Burnfoot sub-district, for the twelve month rolling period ending the 30 September 2007, is down by 33%. The current detection rate is 35% for the same twelve month period. This represents a 16% increase in the detection rate on the previous year.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his or her Division taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review by the Garda Commissioner and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Burnfoot area will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Districts/Divisions throughout the country.
A list of the opening hours of all Garda Stations in the Donegal area follows:
|
Station |
Monday-Friday |
Saturday |
Sunday |
|
District: Letterkenny |
|||
|
Letterkenny |
24 Hour |
24 Hour |
24 Hour |
|
Carrigans |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Castlefin |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Brocach |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Newtownmountcunningham |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Raphoe |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Lifford |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Ballybofey |
24 Hour |
24 Hour |
24 Hour |
|
Convoy |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
District: Buncrana |
|||
|
Buncrana |
24 Hour |
24 Hour |
24 Hour |
|
Burnfoot |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Carndonagh |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Clonmany |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Malin |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Culdaff |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Moville |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Muff |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
District: Milford |
|||
|
Milford |
24 Hour |
24 Hour |
24 Hour |
|
Carrigart |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Kerrykeel |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Kilmacrennan |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Churchill |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Dunfanaghy |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Craosloch |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Falcarragh |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Ramelton |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Rathmullen |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
11am – 1pm |
|
District: Glenties |
|||
|
Glenties |
24 Hour |
24 Hour |
24 Hour |
|
Annagry |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Ardara |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Bunbeag |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Burtonport |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Clougher |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Doochary |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Dungloe |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Carrick |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Gleann Cholmcille |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
11am – 1pm |
|
Distict: Ballyshannon |
|||
|
Ballyshannon |
24 Hours |
24 Hours |
24 Hours |
|
Ballintra |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Bundoran |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm 7pm – 8pm |
|
Donegal Town |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Pettigo |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Dunkineely |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Na Cealla Beaga |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
|
Mountcharles |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
10am – 1pm |
Irish Prison Service.
Terence Flanagan
Question:469 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department will confiscate all mobile phones in prisons here; the reason it is possible for prisoners be able to phone national radio chat shows using mobile phones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26012/07]
One of the major challenges in prisons worldwide lies in preventing access to contraband items, primarily mobile phones and drugs, which for obvious reasons, are viewed as highly valuable commodities which could assist in illegal activity. Efforts are made on a continual basis to prevent the flow of such contraband into our prisons, by for example, the installation of nets over exercise yards, vigilant observation of prisoners by staff, upgraded CCTV monitoring, the use of screened visits and prisoner and cell searches. In addition, new visiting arrangements are in place in all closed prisons whereby only persons who have been pre-approved by the Governor are permitted to visit.
I can also assure the Deputy that I am determined to deal with the problem of prisoners using mobile phones and, in this context, I believe technology offers the only real answer to dealing with the problem. The first phase of a pilot programme to inhibit the use of mobile phones in prisons has been completed at Midlands Prison. The second phase of the pilot programme is expected to be completed next month. Evaluation of the project so far has yielded positive results and, if confirmed, the inhibitors will be installed in all our closed prisons over an 18 to 24 month period.
The Deputy will be aware that Section 36 of the Prisons Act 2007, which was brought into operation from 1 May 2007, makes it an offence for prisoners to have unauthorised possession of or use mobile telecommunications devices. Under the Act it is also an offence to supply such a device to a prisoner. The penalty for such an offence, on summary conviction, is a fine not exceeding €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both, and on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding €10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both.
Random searches of cells and their occupants and searching of correspondence and other items entering the prison have all intercepted significant quantities of contraband in recent years. When a person is admitted to prison custody, he or she is searched and prohibited items and money are taken. Similarly, searching takes place of prisoners returning from court, temporary release or after visits. Searches of prisoners also take place where their behaviour or information received raises suspicions that they may be in possession of contraband. The Prison Service has recently purchased a number of cameras and probe systems which assist in searching previously difficult areas such as hollow chair or bed legs, U-bends in toilets, drain holes, under floor boards and other cavities. The new prison estates at Thornton Hall and Kilworth will also make it harder for contraband to enter the prison by locating recreation yards away from perimeter walls and having a cordon sanitaire.
In addition to the measures detailed above, an Operational Support Group has been established which will be available in addition to the normal prison staff and can target specific problem areas. They will also gather and collate intelligence information in their prison, carry out high profile escorts and assist the officer in charge of security in the continuing assessment and improvement of security.
Exchequer Returns.
Tony Gregory
Question:470 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amounts seized and returned to the Exchequer under Sections 39 and 62 of the Criminal Justice Act 1994 each year to date in 2007. [26019/07]
I regret that it has not been possible in the time available to obtain the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in touch with the Deputy in relation to this matter when it becomes available.
Public Order Offences.
Finian McGrath
Question:471 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will put a safety and security plan in place at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [26030/07]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of anti-social behaviour and other public order offences in the area concerned. These incidents are under active investigation and have resulted in a number of arrests for public order offences, criminal damage and drug-related offences.
I am further informed that the area referred to is in Coolock Garda District and is patrolled by Garda foot and mobile patrols from that Garda station. Members of the local Community Policing Unit are also allocated to this area and liaise with the local community providing crime prevention and security advice.
Garda patrols, including patrols by the District patrol car, District Detective and Drug Units, the Community Policing Unit and the Mountain Bike Units have been directed to pay particular attention to this area.
Current policing policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property, the prevention of public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of the policing service in this area.
Road Traffic Offences.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:472 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of breathalyser tests, that is, tests conducted with either an alcometer or the blow in the bag Alcolyser, conducted in each of the years 2002 to date in 2007; the breakdown for each Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26044/07]
The information sought by the Deputy is currently being researched. A reply will issue to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Visa Applications.
Joe Costello
Question:473 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant a visa to a person (details supplied) in County Louth to facilitate family reunification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26061/07]
The applications referred to by the Deputy were received in the Visa Office, Dublin, on 18 October 2007 and are currently pending examination by a Visa Officer. Visa applications are processed as speedily as possible having regard to the numbers on hand and the resources available to process them. As a general rule, the process takes four to six week from receipt in the Visa Office. At present, however, applications are being processed within a shorter timeframe and I would expect an outcome in this case within the next two weeks.
Public Order Offences.
Finian McGrath
Question:474 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will deal with anti-social activity at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [26063/07]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of anti-social behaviour in the area concerned. To date a number of seizures of alcohol have been made in the area, and the situation will continue to be monitored by local Garda management.
I am further informed that the area referred to is in Coolock Garda District and is patrolled by Garda foot and mobile patrols from that Garda station. Members of the local Community Policing Unit are also allocated to this area and liaise with the local community providing crime prevention and security advice.
Garda patrols, including patrols by the District patrol car, District Detective and Drug Units, the Community Policing Unit and the Mountain Bike Units have been directed to pay particular attention to this area.
Current policing policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property, the prevention of public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of the policing service in this area.
Garda Remuneration.
Tom Sheahan
Question:475 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the members of An Garda Síochána in the Muscraí Gaeltacht are not receiving the Gaeltacht allowance. [26080/07]
Historically, the Gaeltacht allowance has been payable only in certain Gaeltacht areas in the country. I am now in consultation with my colleague the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Garda Commissioner on this issue with a view to identifying whether changes ought to be made to the allowance.
Citizenship Applications.
Joe Costello
Question:476 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedure for a child born in Ireland to a non-Irish national to receive a passport; if he will contact a person (details supplied) in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26086/07]
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 2004, which commenced on 1 January 2005, provides that certain non-nationals are required to be resident in the island of Ireland for a three year period prior to the birth of their child, for that child to be entitled to Irish citizenship. This altered the previous situation whereby a child born in the island of Ireland was automatically entitled to Irish citizenship.
Section 4 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 2004 excludes certain types of residency, and these depend, in part, on the nationality of the parent during that period of residence. Periods of unlawful residence and periods of lawful residence for the purpose of study or as an asylum applicant are not reckonable for that purpose.
The Deputy has not provided sufficient information in regard to the person in question to enable me to give a detailed response. However, if the Deputy wishes to furnish further particulars, officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department will be happy to advise.
Public Order Offences.
Tony Gregory
Question:477 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the proprietor of licensed premises (details supplied) in Dublin 7 will be requested to ensure that their customers do not congregate late at night in a public laneway which adjoins family houses and is a cause for concern to the residents there. [26106/07]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of the issue raised by the Deputy. The proprietor of the premises referred to has been reminded of the relevant provisions of the Liquor Licensing Acts and his obligations under these and other relevant legislation as well as the rights of the local community.
I am further informed that the area referred to is regularly patrolled by Garda foot and mobile patrols and the situation will continue to be addressed by local Garda management.
Garda Operations.
Tony Gregory
Question:478 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is in agreement with the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors who believe that the establishment of forums representative of the community, Garda and local authority in areas with serious drug crime is essential to combat drug crime; the steps he is taking to assist in the establishing of such fora; if his attention has been drawn to the work of the main prototype here, the community policing forum in the north east inner city in Dublin; his views on whether similar fora with the same level of resources should be established in other areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26107/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, currently funding is made available via the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to a number of community policing fora, including the one in operation in Dublin's north inner city, which have been set up in the context of the Government's National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008.
The establishment of further community policing fora is being delivered in the context of the policy framework set out under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This will ensure that such initiatives are developed in an appropriate, coherent and properly planned manner.
Under the 2005 Act, Joint Policing Committees (JPC's) will be established in each of the local authority administrative areas throughout the State. They will bring together representatives from the local authority, An Garda Síochána, the Oireachtas and the community and voluntary sector to discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the area, including issues relating to drug misuse.
This is a significant new statutory arrangement with regard to how An Garda Síochána and local authorities will interact in relation to policing matters.
As the first phase towards implementation, the Government has established pilot JPCs in 29 local authority areas. An evaluation of the pilot phase is being undertaken with the intention that JPCs will be established in all local authority areas as early as possible in 2008.
The provisions of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 reflect the Government's view that in certain areas the establishment of more locally focused and based policing fora feeding into the work of Joint Policing Committees are required under this policy framework. Section 36 (2) (d) of the Act provides for the establishment of local policing fora by a JPC where they are deemed necessary. Taking account of these provisions, priority will be given to establishing local policing fora in all Local Drugs Task Force areas and other areas experiencing problems of drug misuse.
Work, which includes examining the issue of resources required for this initiative, is underway in this regard led by my Department. This is being done in conjunction with the continued implementation of Action 11 of the National Drugs Strategy by An Garda Síochána.
I commend the continuing important work being done by the Dublin North Inner City Community Policing Forum and by the other similar fora already set up under the Drugs Strategy for, as I have previously stated, I want, as much as I can as Justice Minister, to foster a spirit of national partnership in tackling crime.
I am very much in favour of fora where members of a local authority and the senior Garda officers responsible for policing the area, together with Oireachtas members and community and voluntary interests, can consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting policing of their community. These committees make policing more responsive to community needs and make the job of the Garda in tackling particular problems easier by providing a forum for co-operation with all the interests involved.
All of this reflects the Government's strong view that community policing fora initiatives continue to play an important role in enhancing drug supply reduction measures being taken under our National Drugs Strategy.
Prison Building Programme.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:479 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a new road will be built to allow access and egress to the proposed prison at Thornton Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26125/07]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:480 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if and when an invitation to tender will be issued for the construction of a new road to the proposed prison at Thornton Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26126/07]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:481 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if cost estimates have been determined for the construction of a new road and ancillary services for the proposed prison at Thornton Hall; if so, what is included in those estimates and the estimated cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26127/07]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:482 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is intended that a new road will be developed by the preferred tender for the Thornton campus; if an invitation to tender will be issued to take account of this significant change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26128/07]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:483 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the role Fingal County Council will have regarding the provision of access and egress to the proposed prison at Thornton Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26129/07]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:484 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the environmental impact assessment for the possible route or routes for a new road for the proposed prison at Thornton Hall will be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26130/07]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:485 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the results of environmental impact assessment carried out for the proposed prison at Thornton Hall will be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26131/07]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:486 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way it is envisaged that a new road serving the proposed prison at Thornton Hall will integrate with or traverse the existing R130; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26132/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 479 to 486, inclusive, together.
I can confirm that it is intended that access to the proposed prison development at Thornton Hall will be provided via a new road. This will have the effect of removing from the existing R130, which services Kilcoskan National School, traffic generated by the prison development both during the construction and operational phases. I should point out that the provision of an alternative access to the development was strongly urged by representatives of the local community including the school referred to following the announcement of the project in 2005. I am therefore happy to be in a position to respond positively to the wishes of the local community in this matter.
The detailed design of the interchange with the existing R130 has not yet been finalised but it is intended that it will enable both roads to function independently. I can confirm also that these proposals have been discussed in detail with the relevant officials in Fingal County Council who have been kept fully informed. The role of Fingal County Council, as the relevant local authority, will of course include reviewing the proposed arrangements for traffic to and from the prison development including the design of the access road and associated works as well as any implications for the existing local road network.
The procurement of the construction of the road and associated works is being addressed in the context of the main prison development which has been subject to an EU wide public tender competition. I cannot, for obvious commercial reasons, and in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines, provide details of the costs involved.
The Environmental Impact Assessment for the overall Thornton Hall project will, when published in the near future, address both the prison development and the access route lands on an integrated basis. The studies, surveys, etc., in relation to the proposed access route have been completed and the information is now being assessed and prepared for inclusion in the Environmental Impact Assessment, in line with the provisions of Part 4 of the Prisons Act 2007.
Citizenship Applications.
Barry Andrews
Question:487 Deputy Barry Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the naturalisation application by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if same will be expedited. [26138/07]
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 July 2005. Officials in the Citizenship Section inform me that processing of the application has commenced and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in the near future. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the matter.
Garda Strength.
Joe McHugh
Question:488 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in County Leitrim as opposed to the number stationed in the Inishowen peninsula in County Donegal, in view of the fact that there are 3,000 more people in Inishowen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26147/07]
As of 30 September 2007, the latest available end of month figures, the personnel strength of the Sligo/Leitrim Division was 295. The personnel strength of the Garda Districts in County Leitrim as of the same date was 105 (50 in the Manorhamilton District and 55 in the Carrick-on-Shannon District). The personnel strength of the Donegal Division as at the 30 September 2007 was 478. The Inishowen Peninsula is covered by the Buncrana District. The personnel strength of the Buncrana District as at the 30 September 2007 was 92. It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the force taking everything into account. The situation in these counties will be kept under review by the Garda Commissioner and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the above areas will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Districts/Divisions throughout the country.
Garda Deployment.
Joe McHugh
Question:489 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are plans in place to encourage gardaí to live in rural Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26148/07]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are a number of official residences for Garda use, mainly in rural areas and that it is the policy of An Garda Síochána to have Gardaí resident in official accommodation where this is appropriate. I am advised that the Garda Síochána plan to prepare a new Garda accommodation strategy and I expect that the requirements for official residential accommodation in the future will be examined as part of that strategy. I am further informed by the Garda authorities, who have responsibility for the detailed allocation of Garda resources and deployment of Garda personnel, that plans are continually monitored and reviewed so that optimum use is made of Garda resources and personnel to ensure that the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
Joe McHugh
Question:490 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are plans to roll out community gardaí in urban and rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26153/07]
On 30 September 2007 (the latest date for which figures are readily available), the total personnel strength of An Garda Síochána was 13,531. The total personnel strength attached to Community Policing at that time was 578. This represents a percentage of 4.27% of the total strength of the Force. Of course community policing involves more than a single unit within An Garda Síochána. All Gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues. Community Policing is a central feature of current policing policy and members of Community Policing Units are encouraged to engage with the local communities where they are assigned. I agree with the view of the Garda Inspectorate, expressed in its most recent report, that community policing is a fundamental policing philosophy and that there is a strong foundation of it in Ireland. I welcome the review of community policing currently underway in the Garda Síochána and I look forward to its outcome.
Road Traffic Offences.
Denis Naughten
Question:491 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of summonses issued in relation to driving without tax or insurance respectively in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26157/07]
Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003. I understand that the CSO are examining how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
Garda Investigations.
Michael Ring
Question:492 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to any form of monitoring or surveillance of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if as an Irish citizen, this person has a right to privacy under Irish or international law. [26161/07]
For obvious reasons of security, it is not the practice and it would be contrary to the public interest to reveal whether or not any form of covert monitoring or surveillance by the Garda Síochána was or is being conducted in any particular instance. With respect to the issue of privacy, it would not be appropriate for me to seek to provide an interpretation of national or international law for any individual.
Official Engagements.
Tony Gregory
Question:493 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will attend the conference organised by the community policing forum of the north east inner city, Dublin 1 on 9 November 2007 in view of its unique work in bringing the community, the Garda and the local authority together to confront the common enemy of drug crime in Dublin’s north inner city. [26166/07]
I can advise the Deputy that I have recently received an invitation from the Board of Management of the Community Policing Forum to attend its forthcoming conference which I am currently considering.
Residency Permits.
Catherine Byrne
Question:494 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for residency for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26202/07]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that a decision in relation to the application for residence in the State based on EU Treaty Rights issued to the person concerned on 26 April 2007. The application for residence in the State was refused under Regulation 3(2) of S.I. 656 of 2006 (Free Movement of Persons Regulations). This Regulation requires that in order to avail of residency rights under these Regulations, applicants must submit evidence showing lawful residence in another EU Member State prior to arrival in Ireland. The person in question did not meet the criteria for eligibility for residence in the State in accordance with the above Regulations.
Garda Deployment.
Charles Flanagan
Question:495 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way the pre-budget 2008 outlook as published will impact on the functioning of An Garda Síochána, on Garda manpower, on Garda overtime and the number of individual operations that will carried out under Operation Anvil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26211/07]
The pre-budget outlook allocation for 2008 for An Garda Síochána is €1.522 billion representing an increase of €110 million or 8% over the 2007 budget allocation of €1.412 billion. This allocation is published in advance of any changes or additions to be announced on budget day by the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance. I am currently finalising our policing priorities with the Garda Commissioner for 2008 and, as I outlined to the Dáil in the recent debate on crime, specific emphasis will be placed on gun crime, organised crime and drug trafficking. One of the key ways this will be done is through targeted operations such as Operation Anvil. I am confident that the total resources that will be at the disposal of the Commissioner in 2008 will allow him to continue high level prioritised policing operations such as Operation Anvil as well as other operational priorities that need to be funded through overtime. The current Programme for Government re-affirms the commitment to increase Garda strength to 15,000, with a target date of 2010. In addition, there is a significant expansion under way in the number of civilian staff being made available to the Commissioner. This Government and I are committed to continue resourcing the Force so that it can meet the challenges it faces into the future.
Public Transport.
Joe Costello
Question:496 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the role the Garda had in designating a bus depot for Dublin Bus at Mountjoy Square at the entrance to a public park, crèche and children’s playground; if he is satisfied that health and safety matters were considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26231/07]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Written Question no. 258 of 24 October, 2007.
Garda Reserve.
Michael McGrath
Question:497 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda reserves that have been appointed to Cork city and county to date; the stations they have been allocated to; and the number of reserves expected to come on stream over the period ahead in the same area. [26235/07]
The total personnel strength of the Garda Reserve including trainees as at the 26th October 2007 was 247. A total of 171 members are fully attested. There are 20 attested Reserve Gardaí attached to stations in Cork — 18 in Anglesea Street and two in Midleton. Two Cork-based personnel are currently at phase IV of training and a further four are at phase II of training.
The recruitment of members to the Garda Reserve is ongoing with intakes into the Garda College every 4-6 weeks. The next intake will be on the 3rd and 4th November 2007. I welcome the prospect of further assignments of Garda Reserve members to Cork as additional members from Cork become available.
Deportation Orders.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:498 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons deported from this jurisdiction during the month of October 2007; the locations to which they were deported and the reason for same; if any were Irish citizens with or without Irish passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26242/07]
I wish to advise the Deputy that 4 persons were deported during the period commencing Monday 1 October 2007 and including Tuesday 30 October 2007. Of the 4 persons deported, 2 went to China, 1 to Brazil and the remaining one to Georgia. Three of the four persons deported were in the asylum process and 1 person consented to deportation.
During the same period 23 transfers were effected to various third countries pursuant to the provisions of the Dublin II Regulation, Council Regulation (EC) No. 343/2003. The table below provides the relevant details.
|
Number of orders |
Third countries |
|
17 |
United Kingdom |
|
2 |
Germany |
|
1 |
Sweden |
|
1 |
Norway |
|
1 |
Hungary |
|
1 |
Italy |
In relation to the latter part of his Question, I presume the Deputy is referring to Irish Citizen children born to non-Irish national parents. That being the case, Irish citizen children cannot be the subject of deportation/transfer orders issued by the State and therefore cannot be deported/transferred from the State. Statistics are only maintained by my Department in respect of deportation/transfer orders made and effected in respect of non-Irish nationals. As Irish citizen children are not subject to deportation/transfer orders, statistics are not available in respect of the numbers of such children who accompanied their non-Irish national parents when they were being deported/transferred, or indeed the number of such children left behind in the State following the deportation/transfer of their parents.
Residency Permits.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:499 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 566 of 23 October 2007, his Department’s policy on which visa or stamp is to be issued at ports of entry when a non-EEA citizen arrives into the State for the first time, accompanied by their Irish citizen spouse and declaring their intention to apply for residency on the basis of marriage to an Irish citizen. [26248/07]
Marriage to an Irish national does not automatically confer on a non-EEA spouse the right to enter or remain in the State. All foreign nationals arriving in the State must present to an immigration officer at the port of entry. The immigration officer has the power under section 4 of the Immigration Act 2004 to grant permission to enter the State. The spouse of an Irish national who is visa-required must hold a valid Irish visa in order to present at the port of entry. Assuming that the spouse is granted permission to enter, he/she will normally be given a landing stamp which will instruct him/her to report before a certain date to a Registration Officer (member of the Garda National Immigration Bureau) in the area where they will reside in order to register his/her presence in the State.
Non-EEA spouses of Irish nationals who entered the State with a ‘C' — Visit Visa or who have no current permission to remain in the State are required to make an application for permission to remain on the basis of marriage to an Irish national to the Immigration Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department. Such applicants cannot register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau until their application has been processed. Normally where the non-EEA national qualifies for permission to remain as the spouse of an Irish national he/she will be granted Stamp 4.
If the Deputy has a particular case of concern he should make further inquiries with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.
Departmental Investigations.
Charles Flanagan
Question:500 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will assist in the release of a report to a person (details supplied) in respect of an ongoing inquiry in his Department. [26254/07]
Following consideration of a Garda report and submissions made by legal representatives of the person referred to, my predecessor as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform appointed a Senior Counsel to conduct an independent review and thorough examination of the Garda Síochána papers and any other available relevant material relating to the case and related complaints made, with a view to ascertaining the adequacy and completeness of the handling of the complaints and of the case.
The Senior Counsel has now submitted his report. I have arranged for a copy of this report to be sent to the Attorney General's Office for his advice. On receipt of that advice I will consider further the contents of the report and any further action that should be taken on foot of it, including the issue of whether to release all or part of the report, taking into account the Attorney General's advice.
Drug Seizures.
Martin Ferris
Question:501 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of houses that were searched for drugs in each of the Kerry Garda divisional areas in the past year; the number of arrests made for possession of drugs; and the quantity and type of drug seized. [26293/07]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the following tables show the number of seizures of drugs, by type, made during searches for drugs and number of related arrests made in the Garda Districts of Tralee, Listowel and Killarney for the period 1 November 2006 to 24 October 2007 inclusive.
|
Type of Drugs |
Quantity of Drugs seized |
No. of houses searched |
No. of Arrests |
|
Ecstasy |
360 tablets |
38 |
28 |
|
Amphetamine |
76 grms |
||
|
Heroin |
204 grms |
||
|
Cannabis Grass |
4 grms |
||
|
Cannabis Plant |
255 grms |
||
|
Cannabis Resin |
51 grms |
||
|
Cocaine |
61 grms |
|
Type of Drugs |
Quantity Drugs seized |
No. of Houses searched |
No. of arrests |
|
Cocaine |
221 grms |
14 |
4 |
|
Ecstasy |
503 tablets |
||
|
L.S.D. |
15 tablets |
||
|
Cannabis |
40 grms |
|
Type of Drugs |
Quantity Drugs seized |
No. of Houses searched |
No. of arrests |
|
Cocaine |
90 grms |
31 |
74 |
|
Cannabis |
80 grms |
||
|
Ecstasy |
75 tablets |
||
|
Heroin |
10 grms |
||
|
L.S.D. |
20 tablets |
In addition to the above, the Garda authorities have informed me that during the same period, ten houses in the Cahirciveen area were searched for drugs with the result that assorted drug-related paraphernalia was seized. No persons have been arrested as yet in relation to those searches.
Garda Stations.
Noel Grealish
Question:502 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation regarding the provision of a new Garda divisional headquarters for Galway; when he envisages that work will begin on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26298/07]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that it is planned to build a new Regional and Divisional Headquarters in Galway. The Commissioners of Public Works, who have responsibility for the provision, refurbishment and maintenance of Garda buildings, with the agreement of An Garda Síochána, have identified a suitable site for the project and I am informed that they are at present finalising the framework and scoping of works for the engagement of a design team. I assure the Deputy that there will be no avoidable delay in progressing this project.
Citizenship Applications.
Seán Connick
Question:503 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the month and year in which applications for naturalisation currently being processed by his Department were originally received. [26327/07]
The citizenship section of my Department is currently processing applications received in February 2005.
Legal Profession.
Róisín Shortall
Question:504 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he has taken in relation to each of the 29 recommendations contained in the Competition Authority’s December 2006 report on competition in the legal profession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26331/07]
Of the 29 recommendations contained in the Competition Authority Report on Solicitors and Barristers, 15 relate to actions by my Department some of which are also directed at the Bar Council and the Law Society. Implementation of recommendations directed at the Bar Council or the Law Society is a matter for those bodies.
The main recommendation is that legislation be brought forward to establish a Legal Services Commission to regulate both solicitors and barristers and the market for legal services. A further 7 recommendations relate to the functions of the Legal Services Commission. The Commission would have responsibility for the regulation of the legal services but would delegate many regulatory functions to other/existing bodies. The Commission would have statutory powers to make new regulations and to veto the rules of self-regulatory bodies. The Commission would set standards for the provision of professional education for solicitors and barristers. The Law Society and King's Inns, in common with other education providers, would be required to apply and meet these requirements. The Law Society and the Bar Council would be obliged to set out detailed criteria pursuant to which they would licence institutions to provide courses.
Government policy on the need for changes in relation to the legal professions is reflected in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006 which provides for the establishment of a Legal Services Ombudsman and provides also for a number of other matters. The Legal Services Ombudsman will—
provide a form of review for customers of legal services who are dissatisfied with the outcome of a complaint made to the Law Society or Bar Council.
oversee the complaints procedures of the Law Society and Bar Council by examining a selection of complaints files each year taken on a random basis.
oversee admission to the legal professions, particularly with regard to the adequacy of numbers admitted.
Consultations are ongoing with the legal professions and other Government Departments on the matter of the statutory Irish language requirements for barristers and solicitors which the Authority has recommended be abolished. I have proposals to proceed on the issues by way of Committee Stage amendments to the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006.
A number of other recommendations made by the Authority fall to be considered within the context of the Legal Costs Bill that is included in the Government's Legislative Programme approved by the Chief Whip on 25 September 2007. Work is underway in my Department on the development of proposals. There are no proposals for the establishment of a Legal Services Commission.
I should point out that both the Law Society and Bar Council have on several recent occasions indicated their willingness to take measures to improve the services which they offer to the public. The Law Society established a Regulatory Review Task Force to examine the procedures and systems by which the Society regulates its members and interacts with the public. The Task Force, chaired by Joe Brosnan, a former Secretary General, carried out a thorough review and made fifty-six recommendations, all of which were accepted by the Council of the Law Society. Examples of other measures are the setting up in September 2006 of a second training school in Cork for solicitors by the Law Society and the introduction in March 2006 of reforms by the Bar Council to update its code of conduct. The Bar Council have also improved its work practices, allowed for advertising, allowed for free transfer between the two professions and provided for cost-sharing amongst barristers. I welcome these measures which I consider to be very positive steps in embracing change rather than opposing it.
A number of the recommendations in the Brosnan Report and other matters raised in consultation between the Law Society and my Department require statutory backing (e.g. by providing for a majority of lay membership of regulatory committees and better enforcement of orders of the Solicitors Disciplinary Committee) and these are being provided for in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006.
Crime Levels.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:505 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the value of property stolen for each of the years 2000 to 2006 inclusive; the value of stolen property recovered for each of the years 2000 to 2006 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26342/07]
Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.
Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003. I understand that the CSO are examining how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
Garda Deployment.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:506 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí who are stationed at Dundalk, Drogheda, Navan and Ashbourne Garda Stations in the years 2001 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26343/07]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Gardaí stationed in Drogheda, Dundalk, Navan and Ashbourne Garda Stations in the years 2001 to 2006 are as set out in the table below.
|
Station |
31/12/01 |
31/12/02 |
31/12/03 |
31/12/04 |
31/12/05 |
31/12/06 |
|
Drogheda |
89 |
89 |
90 |
89 |
93 |
93 |
|
Dundalk |
99 |
96 |
97 |
101 |
101 |
109 |
|
Navan |
44 |
47 |
49 |
46 |
45 |
48 |
|
Ashbourne |
36 |
37 |
37 |
40 |
37 |
49 |
It is the responsibility of the Garda Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his or her Division taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review by the Garda Commissioner and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the above Garda Stations will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Districts/Divisions throughout the country.
Visa Applications.
Mary Upton
Question:507 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will issue a visa for a person (details supplied) to come to this country to be with their mother. [26362/07]
The person in question made a Family Reunification application in respect of family members in January 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.
Garda Stations.
Jack Wall
Question:508 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position on the refurbishment of a Garda station (details supplied) in County Kildare; the timeframe involved; if more gardaí will be allocated to the station once the refurbishment takes place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26369/07]
The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation around the country is based on agreed priorities established by An Garda Síochána in consultation with the representative associations. The programme is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the refurbishment of the station referred to by the Deputy has been placed on the Minor New Works Programme and will be progressed during 2008. I am also informed by the Garda authorities that the situation will be kept under review and the relevant Garda officials will continue to liaise closely with the Office of Public Works to ensure that the Garda accommodation requirements in this station are met.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the force taking everything into account. The needs of the station referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Districts/Divisions throughout the country.
Visa Applications.
Jack Wall
Question:509 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a study visa was refused for a person (details supplied); if the applicant can appeal this decision; the other means available for this person to study here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26370/07]
The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on 25 September 2007. It was refused by the Visa Officer on 22 October 2007 for a number of reasons:
1.There was insufficient documentation submitted in support of the application
2.There was no clear link to the reference shown
3.There were no social, economic or professional ties in the home country shown
4.It was the opinion of the Visa Officer that the applicant may not observe the conditions of the visa.
The decision of the Visa Officer may be appealed within two months of the date of decision, in this case before 22 December 2007. Guidelines on making an appeal can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service at www.inis.gov.ie.
Question No. 510 answered with QuestionNo. 463.
Citizenship Applications.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:511 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who has applied for Irish citizenship; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this person is over seven years here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26374/07]
Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.
Residency Permits.
Mattie McGrath
Question:512 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for long term residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [26375/07]
The Immigration Division of my Department has recently requested documentation from the person referred to by the Deputy and on receipt of this documentation, the application will be further processed.
Citizenship Applications.
Chris Andrews
Question:513 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26382/07]
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 March 2006. 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. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the application.
Michael D'Arcy
Question:514 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and the expected period of time it will take to complete the processing of same. [26384/07]
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 October 2005. On examination of the application it was determined that the person concerned did not satisfy the residency criteria set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. A letter informing him of this was issued on 7 December 2005. It is open to the individual in question to lodge a new application if and when he is in a position to meet that statutory residency requirements applicable at that time.
Michael D'Arcy
Question:515 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and the expected period of time it will take to complete the processing of same. [26385/07]
Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.
Michael D'Arcy
Question:516 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and the expected period of time it will take to complete the processing of same. [26386/07]
Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.
Work Permits.
Tony Gregory
Question:517 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 holds a visa that entitles them to undertake employment; and if not, the steps they can take to be granted such a visa. [26396/07]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person concerned has permission to remain in the State until the 22nd February 2008 as the dependant spouse of a working visa holder. The conditions of this permission to remain do not entitle her to enter employment in the State. If she wishes to enter employment in the State it is open to the person referred to by the Deputy to contact the Work Permit Section of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Closed Circuit Television Systems.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:518 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the closed circuit television programme promised for an area (details supplied) in Dublin 24 may not be capable of being implemented due to a shortfall in funding; the steps he proposes to take in respect of the shortfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26399/07]
The Community-based CCTV Scheme was launched in June 2005 in response to a demonstrated demand from local communities across Ireland for the provision of CCTV systems. The scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying local organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems. Grant aid funding of up to €100,000 is available from my Department with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs providing matching funding for successful applications from RAPID areas. Pobal has been engaged to administer the Scheme on behalf of my Department. It interacts with the applicants to the scheme, carries out evaluations of every application, oversees the installation and provides advice and assistance as required.
As the Deputy is aware, grant-aid funding of €100,000 from my Department was awarded for the system referred to by the Deputy under the Community-based CCTV Scheme. As this area is a RAPID area, the proposal also benefits from matching funding of €100,000. This is the maximum that may be awarded under the scheme. I am advised that there has been an increase in the installation costs related to the scheme in question and that considerations are ongoing at local level as to how the matter may be addressed.
Visa Applications.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:519 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who seeks to have their spouse re-united with them here; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this person has been married for over six months and that a special appeal was made on their behalf approximately six weeks ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26406/07]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question 565 of the 23rd October, in which I stated the reason why a visa had not been approved in this case. No appeal was received within the normal two-month timeframe. In all the circumstances of the case, however, an appeal will be considered at this stage on an exceptional basis. It should be addressed to the Visa Appeals Officer and the applicant should ensure that the reason the visa was not approved at first instance is comprehensively addressed.
Garda Investigations.
Tony Gregory
Question:520 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ask the Garda Authorities for a report stating the number of times they have been called out in recent weeks to an alarm at a premises (details supplied) in Dublin 7 which remains on all night; if the Gardaí have contacted the management of the centre concerned so that they will not be needlessly called out again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26430/07]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the premises referred to is in the Mountjoy Garda District. The alarm at the premises is monitored by an alarm monitoring company. I am also informed that the Garda authorities have not received any call outs in respect of an alarm at the premises concerned in recent weeks. Local Garda management have spoken to the manager of the premises who has informed them that problems with the alarm are currently being rectified. He has advised adjacent neighbours of these difficulties and certain measures have already been taken to deal with the situation. The owner has been advised by the Garda authorities of his responsibilities under the noise pollution regulations.
Public Order Offences.
Tony Gregory
Question:521 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ask the Garda Authorities to report on the action they are taking further to repeated telephone calls to Store Street Garda Station in recent weeks regarding the group of twenty or so persons congregating at a centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26431/07]
Tony Gregory
Question:522 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ask the Garda Authorities if they will liaise with those in charge of a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 1 to evolve a strategy to dissuade clients of the centre from congregating adjacent to the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26432/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 521 and 522 together.
The centre referred to by the Deputy provides treatment services for a large number of recovering drug addicts. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that during the recent pharmacists' dispute involving methadone dispensing, additional numbers of recovering addicts also attended the centre. This led to some difficulties as a number of these individuals turned up at irregular and non-appointed times, during which time they congregated in the vicinity of the centre.
Additional patrols by high-visibility uniformed Gardaí and plain-clothes personnel, including the divisional drug unit, were directed by local Garda management because of the impact of the dispute, particularly in this area. The provisions of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 were utilised as appropriate.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a liaison mechanism exists between local Garda management, the management at the centre, as well as with other stakeholders involved and regular meetings take place where issues of concern in relation to the centre's operation are raised and discussed. I am assured by the Garda authorities that the location continues to receive regular and ongoing attention from mobile and foot patrols, including members of the local community policing unit and the divisional drug unit.
Residency Permits.
Tony Gregory
Question:523 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) can expect a decision on their application for family reunification; and the reason there has been such a delay in processing this application. [26469/07]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the delay in processing this application is due to the high volume of applications received in the Family Reunification section.
My Department will be in contact with the person in question shortly.
Emmet Stagg
Question:524 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in granting a stamp four to a person (details supplied) in County Meath. [26472/07]
The Immigration Division of my Department will be in touch shortly with the person referred to by the Deputy outlining the options open to her concerning her immigration status.
Citizenship Applications.
Michael McGrath
Question:525 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship through naturalisation of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [26479/07]
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 March 2007.
Officials in that section are currently processing applications received at the beginning of 2005 and have approximately 12,300 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person in question. 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 second half of 2009.
I will inform the Deputy and the applicant when I have a reached a decision on the matter.
Employment Rights.
Brian O'Shea
Question:526 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals he has to ensure that seafarers are paid their full wages due to them if their ship is arrested and sold (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26486/07]
I understand that the case giving rise to the Deputy's question is listed before the Admiralty Judge. As the matter is sub judice, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to make any comment on the case in question other than to indicate the following by way of general information insofar as my Department may be concerned with the law that operates in this area.
In relation to admiralty proceedings generally, the High Court (sitting as the Admiralty Court) may make an order for a ship to be arrested. The High Court can also order that a ship be sold by public auction. The proceeds of the sale will be paid into court and dealt with as the Court orders. In the period between the order for arrest and the sale the Admiralty Marshal — an officer of the Court — arranges for the ship to be berthed and has power to make payments for such essential outlay as food and lodgings, if necessary, for the crew of the ship. The priority of claims against the proceeds of the sale of the ship is a matter for the Admiralty Judge.
While I have no proposals for change at present, the operation of the law in this area continues to be kept under review by my Department.
Garda Investigations.
Damien English
Question:527 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if complaints made to An Gardaí by members of the public regarding PIPS, a bogus investment scheme originating from Malaysia, are still been investigated; the number of complaints received at Kells Garda Station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26536/07]
I have been advised by the Garda Authorities that to date, a total of 15 complaints have been received at Kells Garda Station in relation to the operation of a People in Profit System (PIPS).
The Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation is assisting in the investigation of these complaints and An Garda Síochána is continuing to liaise with the Malaysian Authorities with regard to this matter.
Crime Levels.
Damien English
Question:528 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of recorded headline crimes in the Louth/Meath Garda Division for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 with a breakdown by each district and by each offence group in tabular readable form. [26547/07]
Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003. I understand that the CSO are examining how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive.
I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
Juvenile Offenders.
Damien English
Question:529 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of 15 to 18 year olds in custody of the Prison Services for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 with a breakdown for each institution in tabular readable form. [26548/07]
I am advised by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that the information as requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table. This table details the total number of committals per institution for persons aged 15 to 18 years inclusive for the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007.
|
Institution |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Castlerea |
19 |
19 |
21 |
19 |
|
Cloverhill |
258 |
238 |
244 |
137 |
|
Cork |
67 |
76 |
62 |
48 |
|
Dóchas |
62 |
45 |
54 |
33 |
|
Limerick |
45 |
61 |
68 |
58 |
|
Mountjoy |
19 |
12 |
10 |
4 |
|
St. Patrick’s |
505 |
454 |
511 |
435 |
|
Total* |
975 |
905 |
970 |
734 |
* It should be noted by the Deputy that the 975 committals in 2004 accounted for 708 individuals. The figure of 905 in 2005 accounted for 658 individuals. The 970 committals in 2006 accounted for 643 individuals while the 734 committals to date in 2007 account for 531 individuals.
Ministerial Transport.
Damien English
Question:530 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 549 of 23 October 2007 the engine capacity for each Ministerial vehicle; and the carbon emissions for each in tabular readable form. [26553/07]
The additional information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below. The Deputy will be aware that the cars used by Members of the Government are operated and maintained as part of the Garda fleet. The figures provided by An Garda Síochána are those established by the vehicle manufacturers in accordance with EU standards for vehicle emissions testing.
|
Government Member |
Vehicle cc |
Emissions C02gm/km |
|
Taoiseach |
3498 |
281 |
|
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance |
2597 |
238 |
|
Minister for Health and Children |
2398 |
240 |
|
Minister for Transport |
2597 |
238 |
|
Minister for Foreign Affairs |
2995 |
232 |
|
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
2521 |
244 |
|
Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism |
2597 |
238 |
|
Minister for Social and Family Affairs |
2597 |
238 |
|
Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs |
2521 |
244 |
|
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food |
2597 |
238 |
|
Minister for Education and Science |
2597 |
238 |
|
Minister for Defence |
2995 |
232 |
|
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform |
3199 |
252 |
|
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
1498 |
104 |
|
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources |
1498 |
104 |
|
Minister of State with Special Responsibility as Government Chief Whip |
3456 |
186 |
|
Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Children |
3456 |
186 |
|
Attorney General |
2995 |
232 |
Decentralisation Programme.
Damien English
Question:531 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to a previous parliamentary question the grades of staff and the number of each grade of staff that will move to Navan by the end of 2007 under his Department’s decentralisation programme. [26556/07]
As I previously indicated, sixty-eight posts will transfer to Navan by the end of 2007, involving the relocation of three agencies.
The grades and numbers involved in respect of the Garda Civilian Human Resources Division and the National Property Services Regulatory Authority are as follows:
|
Garda Civ. HR Div. (39) |
Grade |
Number |
|
Director |
1 |
|
|
A.P. |
3 |
|
|
H.E.O. |
8 |
|
|
E.O. |
8 |
|
|
S.O. |
2 |
|
|
C.O. |
15 |
|
|
Service Officer |
2 |
|
|
N.P.S.R.A. (7) |
Director |
1 |
|
A.P. |
1 |
|
|
H.E.O. |
2 |
|
|
E.O. |
2 |
|
|
C.O. |
1 |
The remaining twenty-two posts are in the Office of the Director of Probation Service and the precise grading structure will be finalised in the coming weeks.
Departmental Expenditure.
Damien English
Question:532 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount that was spent by his Department on official hospitality in the past 12 months. [26585/07]
The cost of official entertainment i.e. the costs associated with hosting visiting dignitaries, official functions and so forth for my Department for the period January 2007 to end-Sept 2007 was €28,000.
Departmental Facilities.
Damien English
Question:533 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of buildings within his Department that have a canteen or hot food service for staff; the location of each building; the country of origin for beef, pork, chicken and lamb sourced for each building; if he will provide the information in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26614/07]
My Department's staff are located in a number of buildings in Dublin, and one in Killarney. A hot food service is not provided at any of these locations.
Deportation Orders.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:534 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26638/07]
This applicant applied for asylum on 16 September 2002. Her application was refused and a Deportation Order was made on the 11 March 2005.
The applicant instituted Judicial Review proceedings on 18 April 2005 challenging the Deportation Order made in respect of her and accordingly, as the matter is sub judice, I do not propose to comment further.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:535 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26639/07]
I refer to the replies given to the Deputy's questions, No 371 on 31 January, 2007 and No 704 on 26 June, 2007.
As I have previously advised the Deputy the case of the person concerned falls under the terms of the Dublin II Regulation, (Council Regulation (EC) No. 343/2003). Following investigation by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner a Transfer Order was signed in respect of the person concerned on 13th October, 2005, obliging her to present to the Garda National Immigration Bureau, (GNIB), in order for arrangements to be made for her transfer to the Netherlands where she had previously made an asylum application. The GNIB attempted to effect her transfer on 28th October, 2005, but the person evaded.
The person concerned continues to evade her transfer and is illegally present in the State. I would therefore urge the person concerned to come forward and present herself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau without further delay in order to allow her transfer to the Netherlands to be effected.
Deportation Orders.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:536 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26640/07]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 26 March, 2004 and claimed asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
The person concerned was informed by letter dated 16 November, 2004 that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him and afforded him three options in accordance with Section 3 (3) (b) (ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a Deportation Order or to submit, within 15 working days, written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why he should not be deported.
His case was examined under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to all representations submitted on his behalf for permission to remain temporarily in the State. On 11 May, 2005 my predecessor refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of him. Notice of this Order was served by registered post requiring him to present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), on 16 June, 2005, in order to make travel arrangements for his deportation from the State. He presented as requested and was given further presentation dates which he kept. He is due to present again on 6 November 2007 in Ennis Garda Station. The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State.
The enforcement of the Deportation Order remains an operational matter for the GNIB.
Garda Stations.
Eamon Scanlon
Question:537 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans his Department have for the upgrading of a Garda Station (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26652/07]
The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation around the country is based on agreed priorities established by An Garda Síochána in consultation with the representative associations. The programme is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the refurbishment of the station referred to by the Deputy has been placed on the Minor New Works Programme and will be progressed in that framework. I am also informed by the Garda authorities that the situation will be kept under review and the relevant Garda officials will continue to liaise closely with the Office of Public Works to ensure that the Garda accommodation requirements in this station are met.
Communications Masts.
Terence Flanagan
Question:538 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the law regarding the placing of mobile phone masts and generators next to residential developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26037/07]
Michael McGrath
Question:542 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines that have been issued to local authorities for use in considering planning applications for telecommunications infrastructure. [26475/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 538 and 542 together.
The legislative framework for development consent is set out in the Planning and Development Acts 2000 — 2006. In general, planning permission must be sought for the erection of an antenna support structure or mast, and generators, subject to certain exemptions, as set out in the planning regulations under the above Acts.
In addition to the legal framework, my Department also provides policy guidance for planning authorities through the Guidelines on Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures. The Guidelines, which are available on my Department's website http://www.environ.ie, are designed to support planning authorities in implementing Government policy in rolling out telecommunications services in an efficient and effective manner.
The Guidelines advise that in development plan policies, planning authorities should indicate their acceptance of the need for a high quality telecommunications service. They further advise that visual impact considerations should be taken into account when considering planning applications for masts and associated infrastructure, they set out a locational hierarchy in relation to the siting of radio masts, and advise that free-standing masts should only be located within or in the immediate surrounds of smaller towns or villages as a last resort.
The Commission for Communications Regulation is responsible for ensuring that telecommunications operators comply with their licence conditions relating to non-ionising radiation. It is also the function of the Commission to ensure that all operators are compliant with international guidelines for general exposure to electromagnetic fields from telecommunications masts and antennae. Planning authorities have no function in this matter.
Under the standard licence conditions, a telecommunications operator must notify the Commission for Communications Regulation of the location (including geographic coordinates) of new base stations. The locations of the sites are published by the Commission for Communications Regulation in map form for public viewing on the website http://www.askcomreg.ie/ mobile/.
Motor Taxation.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:539 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his most recent estimate of the number of vehicles without motor tax on the road here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26047/07]
The number of drivers without motor insurance is estimated by the insurance industry to be in the range of one hundred thousand drivers. This is calculated by taking the number of registered vehicles from the National Vehicle and Driver File maintained by the Vehicle Registration Unit and subtracting the number of exempted vehicles, e.g., State vehicles. The resulting figure is compared to the number of policies in force. An allowance is also made for fleet insurance where a number of vehicles are insured on a single policy.
Several steps have been taken in recent years to reduce the level of uninsured driving. The Garda Traffic Corps has been substantially expanded to improve compliance with all road traffic legislation including motor insurance requirements. Legislation has also been put in place to extend the powers of the Gardaí to permit the seizure of all uninsured vehicles. In addition, since the introduction of the Penalty Points system, 6,539 persons have received penalty points for uninsured driving up to the end of September 2007. It is also planned under the recently published Road Safety Strategy 2007 — 2012 to establish a system to ensure current insurance details for all drivers can be accessed in real time by the Gardaí to facilitate enforcement.
Turbary Rights.
Noel Coonan
Question:540 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status in relation to the purchase of bog lands (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for delay in the processing of this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26057/07]
I have been advised by the Chief State Solicitor's Office that a letter has re-issued to the Solicitor acting for the vendor on 23 October, seeking information originally requested on 8 August 2007. The contracts cannot be executed until a satisfactory response has been received.
Proposed Legislation.
Peter Power
Question:541 Deputy Peter Power asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Government is planning legislation on the regulation of professional lobbyists; and if so, when the legislation will be put before the Dáil. [26442/07]
Arising from previous research completed by the Institute of Public Administration on behalf of the Department in 2004, my Department commissioned further research by a Trinity College / Dublin City University joint team to establish a clear profile of formal systems for regulating lobbyists in public life in certain jurisdictions, thereby facilitating an assessment of their relevance to public life in Ireland. This research report, entitled Examining and Assessing the Regulation of Lobbyists in Canada, the USA, the EU institutions, and Germany has been published electronically on my Department's website and copies of the report were placed in the Oireachtas Library in June 2007.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to consider legislation to regulate lobbyists, and this will be taken forward having regard to the conclusions of the Trinity College / Dublin City University report and emerging developments at international level.
Question No. 542 answered with QuestionNo. 538.
Planning Issues.
Ulick Burke
Question:543 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the planning guidelines for one off rural housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25951/07]
Among the core objectives of my Department's 2005 Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities is the need to maintain the rural fabric of society, secure more balanced regional development which will facilitate continued economic prosperity in both urban and rural locations and reverse population decline in remoter rural areas. Accordingly, the guidelines are aimed at achieving a balance between:
facilitating rural communities to meet their own internal housing requirements by allowing a certain number of new dwellings, and
avoiding large-scale and widespread suburbanisation of the countryside through a highly permissive approach to development of houses in rural areas close to the main cities and towns.
My Department will continue to monitor implementation of these sustainable rural planning policies to ensure an appropriate level of consistency in the application of the guidance across all counties.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Michael Ring
Question:544 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be provided for a sewerage scheme in a village (details supplied) in County Mayo. [25952/07]
A sewerage scheme to serve Binghamstown was forty-sixth on the list of water and sewerage schemes submitted by Mayo County Council in response to my Department's request to all local authorities in 2006 to undertake assessments of needs for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of these assessments. These assessments were taken into account in preparing the Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 which I published on 17 September 2007 and which is available in the Oireachtas Library. Given the level of competing demands for the available funding, and the priorities identified by the elected members of Mayo County Council, I regret that it was not possible to include the Binghamstown scheme in the current Programme.
Michael Ring
Question:545 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be approved for a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo; the position in relation to same; if funding has been approved to date; the estimated costs of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25953/07]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 570 and 571 of 16 October 2007.
Local Authority Housing.
Michael Ring
Question:546 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses completed per local authority in each of the past ten years and to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25954/07]
Details of the number of housing units completed in each local authority in each of the past ten years to 2006 and for the 6 months to end June 2007, have been published in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletins, which are available in the Oireachtas Library, or on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.
Michael Ring
Question:547 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses purchased in private housing estates by local authorities, per local authority, in each of the past five years and to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25955/07]
Details of the number of housing units completed in each local authority in each of the past ten years to 2006 and for the 6 months to end June 2007, have been published in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletins, which are available in the Oireachtas Library, or on the Department's website at www.environ.ie. The tenure mix of the surrounding areas for individual acquisitions varies considerably and is not recorded by my Department.
Michael Ring
Question:548 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social and affordable houses which have been made available, per local authority, by developers in each of the past five years and to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25956/07]
Michael Ring
Question:549 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of housing developments, per local authority, where the developer did not provide social and affordable housing but rather entered into an alternative arrangement with that authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25957/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 548 and 549 together.
Details of the number of housing units completed in each local authority area in each of the past ten years to 2006 and for the 6 months to end June 2007, have been published in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletins, which are available in the Oireachtas Library, or on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.
Detailed information on alternative arrangements to the transfer of land within any proposed development, including the provision of social and affordable housing in specific housing developments, is not available in my Department and may be obtained from the relevant local authority. Composite figures on the yield of social and affordable housing under Part V arrangements are also available in the above mentioned Housing Statistics Bulletin.
Archaeological Sites.
Ulick Burke
Question:550 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will re-consider his decision to allow the Turoe Stone located at Bullaun, Loughrea, County Galway to be removed to a museum in Galway City and instead provide proper protection at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25962/07]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 262 of 24 October 2007. The position remains unchanged.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
John O'Mahony
Question:551 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a decision will be made in respect of the application (details supplied) for funding for Crossboyne sewerage scheme. [25978/07]
The Mayo Towns and Villages Sewerage Scheme, which includes Charlestown, Cross, The Neale, Ballyheane and Crossboyne is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2008.
Mayo County Council's proposals to service Crossboyne under a Serviced Land Initiative scheme, under which waste water from Crossboyne would be treated in Claremorris, are being examined in my Department as quickly as possible in light of additional information received from the Council.
Joe McHugh
Question:552 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Letterkenny sewage system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26006/07]
The Letterkenny Sewerage Scheme is approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 at a cost of €29.2 million.
Donegal County Council's contract documents for the procurement of a new wastewater treatment plant for Letterkenny are currently under examination in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible. Once approved, the Council will be in a position to seek tenders for this project. Work on upgrading the town's sewage collection system under the Scheme is almost completed.
Housing Grants.
Martin Ferris
Question:553 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide an undertaking to reintroduce a grant scheme to provide funding for householders to allow them to install protective systems in their homes to prevent the harmful effects of radon gas. [26022/07]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 90 of 10 October, 2007. The position is unchanged.
Local Authority Housing.
Jack Wall
Question:554 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the date an application was first made in relation to the purchase of a number of housing units by a local authority (details supplied); if the local authority answered the request by his Department to the clarification sought on 12 September 2007; if so, when a decision will be reached in relation to the matter in view of the fact that the units are ready for occupancy since January 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26036/07]
Initial papers were received from the authority on 25 April 2007. I refer to the reply to Question No. 232 of 18 October 2007. The position is unchanged.
Archaeological Sites.
Noel Coonan
Question:555 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review and reconsider a decision made by his Departments heritage section not to allow proposed works at a graveyard (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26060/07]
In April 2007 my Department was asked for its view on a proposal to develop an access road to the graveyard in question.
This graveyard, like many others throughout Ireland, is located within an ancient church site, which dates back to between the fifth and seventh century AD. In cases like this, the surviving walled graveyard is usually part of a much larger archaeological site defined by one or a number of concentric enclosures. The buried archeological features and deposits in the area around the graveyard can be of great importance from an archeological point of view specifically because they have not have been disturbed by burials. Where my Department, in the exercise of its functions in relation to heritage protection, is asked for its views on works at or in the vicinity of such sites it takes account, in considering the matter, of the relevant circumstances in each particular case.
A Senior Archaeologist from my Department visited the graveyard in September 2007 to examine, having regard to current levels of use of the graveyard and any accompanying requirement for an access road, whether it might be possible to improve access in a sensitive manner, while minimising any impact on the archaeological features and deposits in the vicinity of the graveyard. The archaeologist was satisfied, however, that the existing graveyard is at the core of a much larger archaeological site on which any access road would have a significant impact.
Nevertheless, in recognition of the Committee's wish to improve access to the graveyard I have arranged for the National Monuments Service of my Department to meet with the Graveyard Committee again to see what might be possible in terms of improving access in a manner that is sensitive to the archaeological features, perhaps by way of a pedestrian pathway, rather than a road as proposed.
Architectural Heritage.
Tom Sheahan
Question:556 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on providing funding for the restoration of Killarney House. [26078/07]
A series of works has been carried out at Killarney House in Killarney National Park over recent years: the golden gates and railings of the house have been restored, a security system has been installed; and heating pipes and radiators have been upgraded. Earlier in 2007 the Gate Lodge at Killarney House was renovated for use as an assembly and information point for walking tours, at a cost of over €250,000. Essential works are also underway, in consultation with the Office of Public Works, to avoid any deterioration to the fabric of the building. These are being funded by my Department and include works to prevent dampness, the provision of dehumidifiers to all the main rooms on the ground floor and other important trench and draining works.
The Killarney National Park Management Plan 2005-2009 sets out the policy to retain and preserve the integrity and character of Killarney House both internally and externally and to provide for visitor access to certain parts as appropriate, particularly the three main furnished reception rooms. To this end, most of the contents of the house have been acquired by my Department, including some important pieces of furniture and art dating back to the Earls of Kenmare.
Detailed specialist surveys commissioned by the Office of Public Works have made it clear that significant infrastructural works are required. In particular, adequate plumbing, heating and electrical systems must be installed before the house can be opened to the public. The total cost of these works will be considerable. Planning permission for a change of use will also be necessary. Decisions on the nature and extent of works to Killarney House will, therefore, depend on the future availability of capital funding, having regard to other demands on my Department's budget.
Environmental Policy.
Dan Neville
Question:557 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make funding available for the implementation of the recommendations as outlined in the Rathkeale area task force document; and if he will fund the activities of the committee which has been set up to implement the recommendations. [26092/07]
I understand that the preliminary report of the Rathkeale Interagency Forum is due to be completed shortly and will, in due course, be submitted to relevant Government Departments, including my Department.
Natural Heritage Areas.
Paul Connaughton
Question:558 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the sale of a bog to Dúchas by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26098/07]
My Department executed the contracts and issued the relevant funds to the Chief State Solicitor's Office in July 2007; that office has advised that they are preparing the transfer of title in order to finalise the purchase.
Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Eamon Scanlon
Question:559 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position with regard to an application under the rural renewal scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26100/07]
Following an inspection of this development in May 2007, my Department requested the applicants to complete a number of specified remedial works and to submit documentation with regard to Part L of the Building Regulations. On receipt of this documentation, together with confirmation that the required works have been completed, a further inspection will be arranged with a view to issuing Certificates of Compliance, if in order.
Architectural Heritage.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:560 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has considered the proposal put forward by Athlone Town Council for the re-generation of an estate (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26122/07]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 619 of 23 October 2007. The position is unchanged.
Planning Issues.
Mary Upton
Question:561 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on amending the relevant legislation in order to require developers to consult with local residents before applying for planning permission for a significant development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26149/07]
Under the Planning and Development Acts 2000 — 2006, any person or body is entitled to participate in the planning process; the process provides for third party participation at all stages i.e. forward planning, development management, and appeals stages. Ireland is one of the few EU Member States to have a third party appeal system. With regard to planning permission for significant developments or strategic infrastructure developments, there is also a provision for pre-application consultation with the public.
Section 37B(1) of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 provides for mandatory pre-application consultation between a prospective applicant and An Bord Pleanála. Regulations made under this section give the Board powers to require a prospective applicant to undertake a full public pre-application consultation. In practical terms this enables the Board, under article 210 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2006, to oblige a prospective applicant to do one or more of the following in advance of making an application proper: erect site notices; provide a specific place or a specific website to make available the application, environmental impact statement and any other relevant documentation for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy; use national or local media; and hold public meetings.
In addition the Board may also require a prospective applicant to give notice at pre-application stage to bodies prescribed for the purposes of the Act.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Michael Ring
Question:562 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo; the stage it is at; when the necessary funding will be provided for this scheme to progress to construction phase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26160/07]
The Achill Sound Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2008.
My Department approved Mayo Council's revised Contract Documents and the invitation of tenders for the scheme in May 2007. Further progress on the scheme is a matter for the Council.
Local Authority Housing.
Margaret Conlon
Question:563 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the remedial works scheme will be approved for an estate (details supplied) in County Monaghan. [26206/07]
On 15 October 2007, my Department issued approval to Monaghan Town Council to proceed with remedial works to the estate in question. It is now a matter for the Council to progress this project.
Hunt Licences.
Alan Shatter
Question:564 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the licence application to hunt deer made by a hunt (details supplied); if the licence sought will be refused; and when he expects to make a decision on the application. [26210/07]
My Department wrote to the Ward Union Hunt on 22 October 2007 seeking further clarification on a number of issues of serious concern to me. The Hunt has now responded and I will make my decision on the licence application as soon as possible.
Architectural Heritage.
Joe Costello
Question:565 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department have guidelines to prevent bus depots from being installed in architectural conservation areas without consultation with local stakeholders as recently happened when the Gardaí, Dublin Bus and Dublin City Council combined to designate a bus depot on the eastern side of Mountjoy Square at the entrance to a children’s playground and crèche; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26230/07]
The designation of Architectural Conservation Areas is a function of the relevant planning authority under the Planning and Development Act 2000.
General guidance in relation to development control in Architectural Conservation Areas is contained in Chapter 3 of my Department's Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines to Planning Authorities (December 2004) which is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
Community Fora.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:566 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the campaign in Tallaght to set up a Tallaght community forum; if such a provision is possible under current legislation; if he will discuss the matter with South Dublin County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26295/07]
I am not aware of a campaign to set up a Community Forum on the lines set out in the question. My Department has consulted with South Dublin County Council, which is also unaware of this matter. However, annual funding is provided by my Department to South Dublin County Council to support the work of the South Dublin Community Forum and South Dublin Community Platform.
Local Government Elections.
Jack Wall
Question:567 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the criteria laid down for deciding the number of elected members of a county council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26325/07]
The number of elected members in each local authority is set out in section 21 and schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2001. Unlike in the case of constituencies for the purpose of elections to Dáil Éireann, there are no specified criteria for determining the number of members appropriate for each authority.
Local Authority Funding.
Brian O'Shea
Question:568 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 597 of 23 October 2007, if he will address the particular problem of Waterford County Council in regard to its low commercial rates base (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26347/07]
The income that each local authority generates from commercial rates is one of a number of factors taken into account in determining annual general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund. These grants are my Department's contribution towards meeting the cost to local authorities of providing an acceptable level of day-to-day services for their customers, a general purpose grant of €22.848m has been provided to Waterford County Council in 2007, representing some 32.3% of total budgeted expenditure. The Waterford grant increased by 10.8% in 2007 over 2006 and by 199% since 1997. These increases have outstripped the national average increases in general purpose grants of 8% and 179% in the same periods.
Local variations in expenditure and in income sources are an inherent feature of the local government system and take account of local circumstances and priorities and the decisions of democratically elected local authorities. Across the county and city councils, rates income as a percentage of total current expenditure varied from 6.3% to 45.6% in 2006. In the case of Waterford County Council, its rates base increased by 12.6% in the period 2005 to 2007, compared to an increase of 7.6% in Waterford City. This reflects an expansion in the rates base of the County relative to the City over this period. I am satisfied that the level of general purpose grant from the Local Government Fund notified to Waterford County Council for 2007, together with the income available to it from other sources, will enable it to provide an acceptable level of services for its customers.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:569 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the proposed sewerage scheme in Skibbereen, County Cork; when he expects work to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26348/07]
The Skibbereen Sewerage Scheme has been approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to start construction in the current year.
I understand that Cork County Council is currently assessing the tenders received for the upgrade of the town's sewage collection system and expects to be in a position shortly to award this contract, with a view to work starting before the end of the year. Under devolved procedures, Departmental approval of the Council's recommended tender is not required in this case provided the Council proposes to accept the most economically advantageous tender and the tender sum is within 10% of my Department's approved construction stage budget for the scheme.
The new wastewater treatment plant for Skibbereen is grouped with other wastewater treatment plants at Baltimore, Dunmanway and Schull under a single contract, for procurement purposes. The Council's revised contract documents for this project are currently under examination in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible. Once approved, the Council will be in a position to seek tenders for the project.
Housing Grants.
Joe Carey
Question:570 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to increase the maximum grant payable under the disabled persons grant scheme from €20,300 to a more appropriate level of funding as the current sum is inadequate; when his plans will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26359/07]
To facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their own homes by older people and people with a disability, my Department has reviewed the operation of the Disabled Persons, Essential Repairs and Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Grant schemes. Details of the revised framework of grant aid to assist 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.
As part of the new framework, a revised grant scheme to be known as the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability will be introduced on 1 November 2007, and will assist in the provision/adaptation of accommodation to meet the needs of people with a disability. Under the revised scheme, the maximum grant available will be increased from the current €20,320 to €30,000, and will now cover up to 95% of the approved cost of works, compared to 90% previously. The grant level will increase annually in line with the building cost index, thus protecting its value into the future.
Waste Disposal.
Phil Hogan
Question:571 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the problems being experienced by gardeners who seek a permit to deposit waste into landfill facilities at Clondalkin and Fassaroe, Bray; the bureaucracy and cost associated with the procedures; if he will intervene to assist this business to streamline the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26433/07]
Under the Waste Management Acts statutory responsibility for the granting of a waste permit rests with the local authority (or local authorities) concerned. The Minister has no function in this regard and my Department is not aware of the particular cases referred to in the Question.
The Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations, 2001, which provide for a system of permitting by local authorities of commercial waste collection activities, have in the main operated well. However, in recognition of concerns expressed by the business sector, and of the need better to reflect current waste management practices, my Department is revising and amending the regulations to address issues of cost and administrative complexity. The Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007, which I will shortly finalise, will inter alia minimise the administrative and cost burden on applicants and harmonise the administration and implementation of the permitting system.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Phil Hogan
Question:572 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the latest estimate from each local authority required to meet capital requirements to provide good quality water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26470/07]
The latest assessment of infrastructural requirements for water services for each local authority is set out in the Assessment of Needs produced by each County and City Council in response to my Department's request to them in 2006 to carry out fresh assessments of the need for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of the assessments. These assessments were taken into account in drawing up the Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009, which I published on 17 September 2007 and which is available in the Oireachtas Library. Information in relation to proposals included in the assessments for any particular area, as well as information on devolved projects that may be undertaken under the Small Schemes Programme of the Rural Water Programme, may be obtained from the relevant local authority.
Natural Heritage Areas.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:573 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in the context of the river basin proposals the Frenchfort Wetlands in their entirety, that is, the current special areas of conservation to the east and the westland to the west, which are dissected by the dual carriageway, are both to be protected insofar as they are integrally related, forming the one water plain; and if the river basin study acknowledges the integral connection of the water plain and its significance as water flows through it before making its egress to the sea. [26471/07]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 508 and 509 of 9 October 2007.
All three wetlands in this area will be listed in the Environmental Protection Agency's Register of Protected Areas. The relevant draft River Basin Management Plan is due to be published for public consultation in 2008 and to be adopted in 2009.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Damien English
Question:574 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of money allocated to Meath County Council for future sewerage scheme works with a breakdown of proposed cost by project and the proposed timeframe for each project. [26544/07]
Details of sewerage schemes in County Meath, including estimated costs and timeframes, are set out in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007–2009 which is available in the Oireachtas Library. In addition, Meath County Council received a block grant allocation of €750,000 under the Small Public and Water and Sewerage Schemes measure of the Rural Water Programme 2007.
Michael McGrath
Question:575 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the planned Cork Harbour main drainage scheme. [26564/07]
The Cork Lower Harbour Sewerage scheme is approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2009, at an estimated to cost of over €73 million. My Department awaits the submission of Cork County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme.
Departmental Expenditure.
Damien English
Question:576 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount that was spent by his Department on official hospitality in the past 12 months. [26578/07]
The total amount spent on official hospitality by my Department from 1 October 2006 to 30 September 2007, amounted to €218,147.
Waste Management.
Damien English
Question:577 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the money raised from the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2007 will be specifically ring fenced for road repairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26596/07]
The Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2007 impose obligations on persons who supply tyres to the Irish market, whether as manufacturers, wholesalers, suppliers, traders, or retailers and on the collectors of waste tyres. An exemption from these obligations is available to persons who participate in a voluntary compliance scheme operated by an approved body. Persons covered by the Regulations have an option of self complying or participating in a voluntary compliance scheme.
The only financial provisions in the Regulations relate to registration fees payable by self complying persons and by or on behalf of farmers who accept waste tyres from self complying collectors. The purpose of these fees is to cover the costs incurred by local authorities in the registration process. No registration fees will be payable to local authorities in the event of all persons involved opting to participate in a voluntary compliance scheme operated by an approved body.
These new Regulations will now provide a proper regulatory framework for comparing quantities of waste tyres arising with the amounts placed on the market and for tracking the movement of waste tyres from the time they are discarded until they are either reused or processed for recycling.
There is scope for the beneficial use of waste tyres for applications including in farming activities. Therefore the Regulations allow farmers, who require waste tyres to anchor silage covering, to store up to eight waste tyres for every square metre of the floor area of their silage pit, without the need to have a waste permit. Others requiring waste tyres for genuine reuse, such as marinas, will be able to source them subject to the approval of local authorities and compliance with the existing Regulations governing waste permits.
Ireland has had considerable success in improving its recycling performance for other waste streams in packaging, farm plastics and, most recently, in the successful WEEE recycling scheme. The tyre industry is now required to meet a similar challenge by participating in a modern approach to the management of this waste stream.
Departmental Facilities.
Damien English
Question:578 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of buildings within his Department that have a canteen or hot food service for staff; the location of each building; the country of origin for beef, pork, chicken and lamb sourced for each building; if he will provide the information in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26610/07]
A canteen and hot food service is only provided for staff in my Department's Headquarters in the Custom House. This service is provided by private contractors and I am informed by the company that Ireland is the country of origin of the produce in question.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:579 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in regard to the Glenties sewerage scheme, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26618/07]
The Glenties Sewerage Scheme was being advanced as a joint project that also includes schemes for Dungloe and Gweedore. My Department has approved Donegal County Council's Preliminary Reports for each location and the overall project is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 to begin construction in 2008.
Donegal County Council recently submitted clarification to my Department on a proposal to proceed with the Glenties and Dungloe elements of the project in advance of Gweedore, and my Department will examine this proposal as quickly as possible.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Margaret Conlon
Question:580 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there are proposals to reinstate the grant rates under the greener homes schemes for heating systems based on renewable energy sources. [26473/07]
Margaret Conlon
Question:581 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there are plans to extend the greener homes schemes to include log stoves, boilers and gas fires. [26474/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 580 and 581 together.
Phase I of the Greener Homes Scheme fulfilled all of its initial objectives and surpassed its targets ahead of schedule.
In light of the success of Phase I, Phase II of the Greener Homes Scheme was launched on 1st October with some adjustments reflecting market developments. The grant levels have been reduced for some technologies where the market has reached a level of maturity to allow it to continue at a lower rate of support. Other grant levels remain unchanged. The products that continue to be grant aided under Phase II are solar panels, wood pellet and woodchip boilers, combined heat and power (CHP) units and geothermal pumps.
The objective of Phase II is to consolidate the market, underpinning it with quality standards and training and providing for a long-term future that is not necessarily grant dependent. With this in mind the new phase is about ensuring that the market for the qualifying products, services and fuels continues to develop in a robust and competitive manner. In this was Phase II will help secure a range of objectives including more competitive offerings, revised product standards, improved training standards and greater stability across the renewable heating industry.
I am keeping under review the future scope for including other renewable energy products under the Greener Homes Scheme. In addition to overall budgetary considerations relevant factors would include product standards, supplier capability, installation quality assurance, energy and CO2 saving impact, market impact potential and, ultimately, value for money for the taxpayer.
Electricity Generation.
Terence Flanagan
Question:582 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the arrangements made to compensate ESOP as a result of his decision to alter the ESB and give away sites (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25949/07]
The Energy Policy White Paper and the Programme for Government contain a range of actions to deliver greater competition, energy security of supply and a low carbon future for Ireland, including the transfer to EirGrid of ownership of the transmission assets and the sale or divestment of ESB capacity under the CER-ESB Asset Strategy.
While the decisions regarding practical implementation of the CER-ESB Asset Strategy are a commercial matter for the company, in consultation with the Regulator, the mechanisms to implement the transfer to EirGrid of ownership of the assets comprise a range of legislative, commercial, legal and financial dimensions, which are currently under consideration.
In line with successive Partnership Agreements, there will be a full process of engagement with the management and unions of both ESB and EirGrid on implementation of the transfer of the asset ownership function. The process will also include engagement on legitimate concerns of the ESB's Employee Share Ownership Trust (ESOT).
Government policy will be implemented in a way that ensures the future of both EirGrid and ESB as strong Semi State companies, as well as reflecting the position of the State and the ESOT as shareholders. It is my intention that the ESB Group will remain a strong, commercially viable and integrated entity after completion of this process.
Broadcasting Services.
Joe McHugh
Question:583 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on providing a channel dedicated to the democratic discussions in Dáil Éireann and make it available on terrestrial television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25995/07]
Section 28(2)(b) of the Broadcasting Act, 2001 mandates RTÉ to provide programmes of news and current affairs in the Irish and English languages, including programmes that provide coverage of proceedings in the Houses of the Oireachtas and the European Parliament.
Section 45(4)(c) of the 2001 Act mandates TG4 to provide coverage of proceedings in the Houses of the Oireachtas and the European Parliament.
Whilst both RTÉ and TG4 devote considerable resources and efforts, within the constraints of their programming schedules, to coverage and commentary of the proceedings of the Houses of the Oireachtas, I believe there is a need for direct public access to live proceedings of both Houses and to the work carried out by committees of the Oireachtas.
In that regard, and in the light of the opportunities offered by the introduction of digital terrestrial television, I propose to work with the Houses of the Oireachtas to explore the possibilities for the introduction of programming carrying live feeds of Oireachtas business.
Alternative Energy Projects.
John O'Mahony
Question:584 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there is grant-aid available from his Department in respect of the proposed project (details supplied); and his Department’s policy in this area. [26440/07]
The Government is fully committed to developing both domestic and commercial scale renewable technologies. In relation to biomass heating, support has been focussed on stimulating demand for wood heating products in the market, both at domestic and commercial level. A range of measures are in place which are designed to increase market penetration of renewable energy in the heat sector and which will support delivery of our targets of 5% renewable heating by 2010 and 12% by 2020. The Greener Homes, ReHeat and CHP programmes provide grants for the installation of renewable heat technologies across a wide range of sectors including the domestic, community, voluntary, public sector, and commercial and business sectors. These grant schemes are implemented by Sustainable Energy Ireland.
These support mechanisms are stimulating significant demand for renewable heat technologies which in turn is supporting the expansion of market opportunities on the supply side including wood pellet production facilities. I welcome the growth in economic activity in the Renewable energy sector and we will continue to support that growth through incentivising the demand side as necessary.
I can also advise the Deputy that my colleague Deputy Mary Coughlan, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, has introduced a special scheme of supports funding €1.2 million to grant aid biomass harvesting machinery, such as harvesters and chippers for processing of forest biomass.
Communications Masts.
Michael McGrath
Question:585 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the person who is responsible for testing emissions from telecommunications masts; the legislative framework for monitoring and testing masts. [26475/07]
The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is responsible for ensuring compliance by mobile network operators with certain conditions, one of which relates to non-ionising radiation emissions from radio installations associated with Mobile Telephony networks.
Section 5(4) of Statutory Instrument No.339 of 2003, entitled Wireless Telegraphy (GSM Mobile Telephony Licence) (Amendment) Regulations, 2003, sets out as a condition of a licence requirements in relation to the control of non-ionising radiation emissions from radio installations associated with mobile telephony networks operated by companies licensed by ComReg.
The way in which ComReg ensures compliance with these statutory obligations is a matter for ComReg and I have no function in the matter.
More generally, since 1st May, 2007, all matters pertaining to the potential health effects of electromagnetic radiation are the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Departmental Expenditure.
Damien English
Question:586 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount that was spent by his Department on official hospitality in the past 12 months. [26573/07]
I wish to advise the Deputy that an amount of €52,750.06 was spent by my Department in respect of official hospitality, including official entertainment and official gifts, in the period 1 October 2006 to 30 September 2007.
Departmental Facilities.
Damien English
Question:587 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of buildings within his Department that have a canteen or hot food service for staff; the location of each building; the country of origin for beef, pork, chicken and lamb sourced for each building; if he will provide the information in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26605/07]
There are staff restaurants in two buildings operated by my Department at the following locations: DCENR, 29/31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, and DCENR, Leeson Lane, Dublin 2. Both restaurants are operated through external franchise by Regent Catering, which purchases its meat from certified Irish sources.