Vol. 640 No. 5
10 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the basis on which he proposes to reduce the number of LEADER committees from 36 to 22; if his attention has been drawn to the concern expressed by those in LEADER programmes at the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26500/07]
Arising from the joint Ministerial initiative on the review of local and community development structures the Government agreed a series of measures in January 2004 to improve arrangements under which community and local development initiatives are delivered and to improve cohesion and focus across various measures. This process is informed by the following guiding principles:—
improving on the ground services
streamlining structures so as to avoid overlaps, duplication and undue administrative overheads
bringing transparency, co-ordination and improved control to the funding and operation of local and community development measures;
strengthening the democratic accountability of agencies and providers in this area.
The core objective of the process is to simplify and improve local delivery of programmes operated by my Department through the integration and alignment of local delivery structures. The intention is that for the future there will be one local development company in any given area and fewer local development companies overall. This will provide full county coverage and eliminate overlaps and previous fragmented arrangements.
Following exhaustive consultations with and between the local agencies to develop the most suitable configurations of groups, Government decided on revised areas of coverage for local development companies in March of this year and clarified the arrangements in relation to the membership of the boards of these bodies in late July. LEADER and Partnership groups have been asked to give effect to this decision. At the request of and in consultation with the representative bodies LEADER and Partnership groups, my Department has provided detailed guidelines to secure this outcome.
The realignment of local delivery structures will bring the overall number of local development delivery bodies to 55 comprising 38 integrated LEADER/Partnership bodies in rural areas and 17 Partnerships covering urban areas. Deputies will be aware that the integrated LEADER/Partnership model is already a proven success in a number of areas.
11 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to review the boundary areas under the CLÁR programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26319/07]
115 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if arising from previous years experience, he will expand or extend the remit of the CLÁR programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26829/07]
116 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals for expenditure under the CLÁR scheme in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26830/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 115 and 116 together.
The CLÁR Programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme in rural areas. It was launched in October 2001 and the areas originally selected for inclusion in the Programme were those which had suffered an average population loss of 50% between 1926 to 1996, with the exception of the Cooley Peninsula (which was included based on the serious difficulties caused there by Foot and Mouth disease). The total population benefiting was 284,000 across 17 counties.
Following analysis of the 2002 census data, the CLÁR areas were extended in January 2003 with the total population covered increasing to 362,000 across 18 counties.
I announced a further extension of the Programme in April 2006 to include areas with an average population loss of 35% between 1926 and 2002. This resulted in a doubling of the population benefiting from the Programme to nearly 727,000. The total number of counties now covered is 23 with Kildare, Wicklow and Dublin now being the only counties not included in CLÁR. I have no plans at present to carry out a further review of the areas covered by the Programme.
The Programme provides funding and co-funding to Government Departments, State Agencies and Local Authorities to accelerate investment in selected priority developments. These investments support physical, economic and social infrastructure across a variety of measures. The measures introduced under the Programme reflect the priorities identified by the communities in the selected areas. The CLÁR schemes cover a wide variety of developments such as village, housing and schools enhancement, electricity conversion/installation, roads, water supply, sewerage schemes, health, coastal, sports and community projects. The measures funded by the Programme are regularly reviewed.
A budget of €18.6m has been allocated to the CLÁR programme for 2007 of which €9.46m has been spent to date. The table below gives details of the current position in relation to expenditure.
|
Scheme |
Expenditure to date in 2007 |
|
€ |
|
|
Class II & III Roads |
842,779.30 |
|
Coillte |
98,991.77 |
|
Courthouse Enhancement Scheme |
50,000.00 |
|
Flashing Amber Safety Lights at Schools |
865,310.28 |
|
L.I.S. Roads |
470,783.04 |
|
Small Public Water & Sewerage |
1,717,445.50 |
|
Group Water Schemes |
257,908.75 |
|
Village and Countryside Enhancement |
204,908.78 |
|
Bi-lingual Signage Scheme |
13,199.34 |
|
Primary School Outdoor Play Facilities |
634,046.71 |
|
Local Authority Housing |
13,182.00 |
|
CLÁR Community Initiatives |
512,146.14 |
|
Coastal Projects |
7,500.00 |
|
Sports Capital Grants |
1,296,942.00 |
|
Gaeltacht Sports & Community Grants |
321,997.29 |
|
Electricity Conversions |
1,241,084.19 |
|
Western Rail Corridor |
654,779.00 |
|
Red Cross |
241,589.94 |
|
Fibre Optic |
5,342.15 |
|
Wireless |
16,063.83 |
|
Total |
9,466,000.01 |
12 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Michael D. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén plean atá aige chun go leor aistritheoirí Gaeilge cáilithe a chur ar fáil go práinneach chun freastal ar éileamh an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh [26529/07]
27 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Michael D. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta ar cuireadh scrúdú cáilíochta d’aistritheoirí Gaeilge ar ceal i Mí Mheán Fómhair de bharr easpa airgid ar Fhoras na Gaeilge [26530/07]
42 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le haistritheoirí Gaeilge nua a chur ar fáil; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [26528/07]
51 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad é líon na n-aistritheoirí creidiúnaithe atá sa tír [26527/07]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimhreacha 12, 27, 42 agus 51 le chéile.
Mar atá tugtha le fios agam sa Teach seo cheana, tá Foras na Gaeilge ar iarratas uaimse tar éis córas creidiúnaithe d'aistritheoirí Gaeilge a fhorbairt. Is é seo an chéad chóras dá leithéid d'aistritheoirí Gaeilge na tíre seo. Reachtáladh dhá scrúdú i 2006 agus, de thoradh na scrúdaithe sin, tá an caighdeán cuí bainte amach anois ag 76 aistritheoir. Reachtáladh scrúdú eile níos túisce i mbliana agus tuigim ó Fhoras na Gaeilge go mbeidh torthaí an scrúdaithe sin ar fáil go han-luath. Tuigim chomh maith go bhféadfadh suas le 97 aistritheoir san iomlán a bheith cáilithe ach na torthaí sin a bheith foilsithe. Tá i gceist scrúdú eile chur ar bun i mí Feabhra 2008 agus ag tráthanna rialta as sin ar aghaidh. Tá sonraí iomlána an phainéil aistritheoirí foilsithe ar shuíomh idirlín an Fhorais, www.forasnagaeilge.ie. Ta tugtha le fios dom nár cuireadh scrúdú cáilíochta d'aistritheoirí Gaeilge ar ceal i mí Mheán Fómhair.
Is cinnte gur cúnamh praiticiúil fíor-thábhachtach atá sa phainéal seo do chomhlachtaí poiblí a úsáideann seirbhísí ó aistritheoirí príobháideacha, go háirithe i ndáil lena ndualgais faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla a chomhlíonadh. Is cúnamh tábhachtach é chomh maith ó thaobh aistritheoirí a chur ar fáil chun freastal ar riachtanais an Aontais Eorpaigh ó thaobh na Gaeilge de. Ó thaobh an Aontais Eorpaigh de, reachtáladh dhá sheiminéir i bhForas na Gaeilge go dáta, i gcomhar leis an gCoimisiún Eorpach, chun aistritheoirí Gaeilge a chur ar an eolas faoi folúntais d'aistritheoirí Gaeilge sa Choimisiún.
Is fiú dom a lua freisin go dtuigim ó Fhoras na Gaeilge go mbíonn ceardlanna d'aistritheoirí á reáchtáil go rialta acu chun cabhrú le hiarrthóirí an caighdeán cuí a bhaint amach agus go bhfuil ag éirí go breá leis na ceardlanna sin. Sa bhreis ar sin, i mí Mheán Fómhair na bliana seo, cuireadh tús le cúrsa ar-líne d'aistritheoirí, atá á chur ar fáil ag Ollscoil na hÉireann Má Nuad. Tá an cúrsa seo, a leanann dhá bhliain, dírithe ní amháin ar dhaoine atá ag feidhmiú mar aistritheoirí cheana féin ach freisin ar dhaoine a bhfuil i gceist acu dul ag obair mar aistritheoirí amach anseo. Rinneadh an cúrsa seo a fhorbairt le cabhair ó Fhoras na Gaeilge.
Mar fhocal scoir, ní miste dom a lua go bhfuil ciste ar leith curtha ar bun agam chun maoiniú a chur ar fáil do shainchúrsaí tríú leibhéal trí Ghaeilge. Mar atá mínithe agam don Teach cheana, tá an togra seo dírithe ar líon na gcéimithe le scileanna sonracha Gaeilge i réimsí ar leith a mhéadú, go mór-mhór i gcomhthéacs Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla agus an Ghaeilge a bheith mar theanga oifigiúil san Aontas Eorpach.
15 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the level of volunteerism here; if he is satisfied that the recent trend of a drop in such in relation to community, charity work and so on is checked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26514/07]
The Taskforce on Active Citizenship, which reported earlier this year, found during the course of its consultations and research that voluntary activity appears not to have declined. In comparing the 2002 and 2006 Surveys by the ESRI, volunteering is up from 17.1% in 2002 to 23.1% in 2006. Active community involvement is also up from 21.7% to 29%.
Support for Volunteering has been steadily increased since a number of measures, aimed at strengthening and supporting volunteering, worth almost €2m, were announced in March 2005. Following on from this package of measures on volunteering the Department has continued to develop policies on volunteering and to fund a range of initiatives in this area. The Government indicated in TOWARDS 2016 its commitment to further developing policy to support volunteering, drawing on the experience in delivering the measures of 2005/6 and informed by the recommendations of the Task Force on Active Citizenship. The Agreement also indicates increased funding of €5m per annum to support volunteering and this Department will work with stakeholders to identify the most appropriate way to use this funding to further promote and develop volunteering in Ireland.
16 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he expects to assist by way of financial support various community based groups involved in combating drug abuse in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26629/07]
Tackling the problem of drugs misuse is a key priority for Government and will continue to be so. This commitment is evidenced in many ways, including through the increasing levels of funding in my Department's Vote. The allocation of €50m this year for Drugs Initiatives/Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF) represents an increase of 16% on the 2006 figure and was 87% more that the corresponding figure for 2004. Overall, more than €200m was expended in 2006 by various Departments and Agencies in tackling the problem of illicit drugs.
Most of the financial support provided by my Department to community-based groups involved in combating drug abuse is provided through the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces and the YPFSF.
Over 440 community-based projects, employing more than 300 people, are being supported through the Local Drugs Task Forces. Such funding will continue over the coming year. Meanwhile, current funding of nearly €8m is being provided by my Department this year for the implementation of the action plans of the 10 Regional Drugs Task Forces. This level of funding will increase in the coming years as these Task Forces move to the full implementation of their plans at a full cost of approximately €14.2m per annum. On top of this, both Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces can access capital funding under the Premises Initiative, established by my Department to address the needs of community based drugs projects.
I recently announced additional capital allocations of nearly €7m to support 42 projects under the YPFSF and this brings the overall amount allocated to date under the Fund to approx €132m. This funding is supporting in the region of 500 facility & services projects in Dublin, Bray, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Carlow. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, the extension of the Fund to further towns, mainly in Leinster, is envisaged.
I can assure the Deputy that I am determined to ensure that adequate resources will again be provided in the coming year to maintain the progress that is being made in tackling the problem of illicit drugs in Ireland.
17 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is satisfied with the level of recreational activities on waterways here, that is canals, lakes and rivers; the funding his Department has allocated towards improving such facilities; the areas where such funding was allocated; the number of events funded; the number of applications with his Department for decision for funding; the proposals to extend unused canals to facilitate other areas for boating; the areas of the canal banks developed for recreational walking routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26515/07]
The Deputy will be aware that Waterways Ireland, a North/South Implementation Body set up under the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999, is responsible for the management, maintenance and development, principally for recreational purposes, of specified inland waterways.
I am satisfied that, since its establishment, Waterways Ireland has contributed significantly to the recreational use of the waterways coming within its remit. For example, the number of boats registered and using the navigations has more than doubled — from 5,544 registered boats at the start of 2000 to 11,468 boats in 2007. In addition, 8,500 additional metres of moorings have been provided across the waterways, thereby increasing mooring capacity by over 60% during the same period. The waterways are also used extensively for a range of other recreational purposes, including angling, walking, cycling and canoeing. Waterways Ireland has an extensive marketing and sponsorship programme in place to help promote the recreational use of the waterways and, in this context, has funded 48 sponsorship events this year, including the World Cup Skiing Championships at Enniskillen and the Tri-Athlone event at Athlone. In 2006 it is estimated that such sponsored events drew over 80,000 spectators to the waterways.
In 2007, €9m in capital funding was allocated by my Department for the development of recreational infrastructure on the waterways. Projects undertaken include the addition of 120 metres of moorings at Kilglass, Co Roscommon, on the Shannon Navigation and the completion of a bridge at Begnagh, Co Longford, as part of the restoration of the Royal Canal, which is scheduled for reopening in 2009.
At a meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council on 17 October last, approval was granted to Waterways Ireland to proceed with the restoration of the stretch of Ulster Canal from Upper Lough Erne to Clones.
The Deputy will be aware that the canals are part of the Waymarked Ways of Ireland and sections of the canal banks identified as recreational walking routes include:
the Grand Canal Way, from the 12th Lock at Lucan to Shannon Harbour;
the Royal Canal Way, from the 10th Lock at Ashtown to Abbeyshrule; and
the Barrow Way, from Lowtown to St. Mullins.
The Deputy might also wish to note that, under the Dublin City Canals Programme, Waterways Ireland has undertaken works with Dublin City Council to enhance the towpaths along stretches of both the Royal and Grand Canals.
18 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views in relation to the retention of the maximum number of rural farm units and development of rural life in general; the action he is taking to ensure that all such aspects is being addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26496/07]
119 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the action he has taken to date to address rural depopulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26833/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 119 together.
One of the key goals of my Department is to promote and maintain living and working populations in rural areas by helping to foster sustainable and culturally vibrant communities. Since its establishment in 2002, my Department has been vigorously pursuing policies and programmes that seek to address the changing nature of rural communities, support their development and promote better regional balance.
In the new National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2013, a chapter has been dedicated to the development of the rural economy. The chapter outlines how the Plan, within the framework of national policies and programmes, will assist the social and economic development of rural areas in the coming years. In this context, it outlines a range of interventions — which are currently being implemented or are planned — in areas such as broadband, non-national roads, rural transport initiatives, rural water services, CLÁR, the Rural Social Scheme and LEADER/Rural Economy programmes.
I might briefly set out for the Deputies the position in relation to the latter three schemes, which come within the remit of my Department:
CLÁR — Under the NDP, the CLÁR sub-programme will be allocated in the region of €141 million in the period 2007-2013 for the on-going regeneration of rural areas suffering from population decline. The funding will provide for small scale economic and social infrastructure in rural communities and will help to achieve access to a range of essential services such as water supply, sewerage disposal, road access etc.
Rural Social Scheme — Since the introduction of the Rural Social Scheme (RSS), it has become a key part of many rural communities and is very popular with both participants and local sponsors. The Deputies should note that funding for the RSS for the period 2007-2013 is included in the NDP which clearly confirms the Government's continued and on-going commitment to the Scheme in the coming years.
A key feature of the RSS is the flexibility and farmer-friendly nature of the Scheme. One of the key characteristics that has proven attractive for many participants is the Scheme's capacity to offer flexible working arrangements that meet the needs of farming enterprises. Allowing participants to meet their time obligations under the Scheme while not allowing their farming practices to suffer is a very important element of the Scheme's design.
At present, there is provision for 2,600 participants and 130 supervisors on the Scheme and all available places have been allocated. The number of places available on the Scheme for the coming year will be decided in the context of the annual Budgetary process.
EU Rural Development Programme — In tandem with the NDP, the new EU Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 will be rolled out over the coming months. Under the Programme, over €425m will be allocated to support LEADER-type activities. Priorities under the new Programme will include the continued development of the rural/agri-tourism, craft and small food sectors and the delivery of the Countryside Recreation Strategy. Supports for the continued development of rural enterprise will also be a significant feature under the new Programme.
Looking to the future, I believe that the signs are very encouraging for rural communities. As well as the funding that I have just outlined, the implementation of the National Spatial Strategy over the coming years will, I believe, also have a significant positive impact on the development of rural communities.
19 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals to assist in the training and qualification of Irish language interpreters for European languages other than English; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26525/07]
47 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the extent to which the shortage of Irish language interpreters is impeding the implementation of the Official Languages Act 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26526/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 47 together.
The Deputy may be aware that I have established a dedicated fund in order to provide funding for advanced Irish language third-level courses. This initiative has been put in place in order to increase the number of professionals with particular skills in the context of the requirements arising from the Official Languages Act 2003 and from the status accorded to Irish as an official and working language of the EU.
The courses being funded under this initiative include courses in the area of translation and interpretation. I should also say that funding has been provided to enable a number of students with fluency in the Irish language attend a dedicated course for interpreters at the University of Westminster. With regard to interpretation, my Department will continue to work with the EU Institutions to assist in relation to training needs they identify, but the position at present — having regard to those expressed needs and the qualifications of students presenting for the available courses — is that training is being undertaken for interpretation between the Irish and English languages only.
I am not aware that issues have arisen in relation to the implementation of the Official Languages Act 2003 being impeded by a shortage of Irish language interpreters.
20 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress in terms of implementing the recommendations of the report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation including the establishment of a national drug rehabilitation implementation committee, and the appointment of a senior rehabilitation coordinator, 10 regional rehabilitation coordinators and support staff. [26633/07]
I very much welcome the publication of the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation. Since my appointment as Minister of State, I have consistently stressed my commitment to the implementation of the recommendations therein. I see the development of a comprehensive rehabilitation pillar in the National Drugs Strategy as being vital to the overall effort against problem drug use.
A commitment to the implementation of the recommendations of the Working Group is included in the Programme for Government and I am already working to ensure that this commitment is fulfilled. The key recommendations focus on:
an effective inter-agency approach based on a continuum of care for the individual (this will involve protocols for inter-agency working, service level agreements, enhanced case management and quality standards);
an expansion of the range of treatment options (including an increased number of residential detoxification beds);
building on the rehabilitative impact of Community Employment Schemes; and
broader life issues including medical support, access to employment, access to education, housing, particular issues relating to the rehabilitation of offenders, childcare, the role of families in the rehabilitation process and research.
As set out in the Report, the HSE will fulfil the lead role in rehabilitation. As part of this role, the HSE will chair the National Drug Rehabilitation Implementation Committee and employ and manage the Rehabilitation Co-ordinators. Meanwhile, a cross-departmental/agency approach is being taken to ensure that the implementation of the recommendations can commence from early 2008 and can be progressed steadily from there.
I am confident that real progress will be made on the implementation of the recommendations of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation in the short term and I look forward to the benefits that this will bring to recovering drug users.
21 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress he has made to advance the use of the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26314/07]
22 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the assistance he will provide to aid the development and setting up of new Irish speaking communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26523/07]
29 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will consider applications for funding or the provision of grants to assist groups in rural Ireland to initiate classes for Irish dancing and Irish language classes in areas other than Gaeltacht areas where there is a willingness to commence such classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26506/07]
44 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the European Commission provides through his Department grants in relation to the development of the Irish language in rural areas of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26509/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 22, 29 and 44 together.
As I have previously indicated in response to similar Questions in this House, a wide range of policies and initiatives in relation to the Irish language have been put in place in recent years.
These include the following:
The enactment of the Official Languages Act in 2003 in July 2003. All provisions of the Act have been in operation since 14 July 2006. To date 69 language schemes covering 124 public bodies have been confirmed by me and published. Both the Dáil and the Seanad have approved a draft of Regulations dealing with the use of the Irish and English languages by public bodies in pre-recorded oral announcements, on stationery and on signage and I expect to be in a position to make these Regulations shortly.
The recognition of Irish as an official working language of the European Union with effect from 1 January 2007.
The publication by the Government in December 2006 of its Statement on the Irish Language. This Statement provides for the development of a 20-year Strategy for the language based on the objectives set out in the Statement. It is intended that the Government's policy statement will be the foundation for practical action for supporting and promoting the Irish language, based on a modern approach and an integrated strategy. My Department is currently in the process of engaging consultants in order to assist it in preparing the Strategy.
Significant advances have been made in line with the recommendations made in the Gaeltacht Commission's Report in 2002. A number of new initiatives continue to be implemented in Gaeltacht areas, including the development of public awareness measures aimed at the Gaeltacht community in particular, as well as the continuing roll-out of the language planning initiative. These practical measures continue to further consolidate the language.
Significant resources continue to be made available to support the work of Foras na Gaeilge on an all-island basis and of Údarás na Gaeltachta in Gaeltacht areas.
The continued provision of grants from Ciste na Gaeilge to foster and promote the Irish language. During 2006 four sub-funds were launched within the Ciste:
(1)Fund for Irish Courses in 3rd Level Institutions abroad.
(2)Business Fund — which will cover organisations such as Gael Taca, Gaillimh le Gaeilge and Tiobraid Árann ag Labhairt.
(3)Placenames Research Fund to provide bursaries to post graduate students who select placenames as a subject for research.
(4)Fund for the provision of Irish language DVDs for children.
I am satisfied that the measures outlined above, as well as the ongoing work of Foras na Gaeilge, has helped to increase the number of people who are able to speak the Irish language countrywide as shown in the Census returns. They also help to foster significant goodwill towards the Irish language.
With regard to the provision of funding to aid the development and setting up of new Irish-speaking communities and to assist groups in rural Ireland to initiate Irish language classes, Foras na Gaeilge — which is responsible for the promotion of the Irish language on the island of Ireland — has in place a number of language support structures and schemes in place, including Scéim Phobail Ghaeilge/The Irish Language Community Scheme. Foras na Gaeilge also funds a number of schemes targeted at a range of events through Irish. I have no function in relation to Irish dancing.
Finally, I wish to confirm that the European Commission does not provide any direct funding to my Department to support the development of the Irish language.
23 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the grants available to the farming or rural communities through any aspect of funding from his Department towards the up-grading and refurbishment of out housing gate lodges and so on towards providing tourist facilities in rural areas for tourists involved in angling, walking or other such rural based recreation. [26507/07]
36 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position of the rural enterprise development as promised in the Programme for Government; the areas that are proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26512/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 36 together.
The funding available for the delivery of LEADER-type activities under the new Rural Development Programme will almost treble from €150m for the 2000 — 06 period to €425.4m for the 2007 — 13 period. Key priorities under the new Programme will be supports for the development of rural enterprises, the continued development of the small food and craft sectors and countryside recreation.
The measures will be delivered through Axis 3 of the Programme and will aim to meet the key Programme objectives of improving the quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy through:
Increasing economic activity and employment rates in the wider rural economy through encouraging on-farm diversification into non-agricultural activities;
Supporting the creation and development of micro-enterprises in the broader rural economy;
Encouraging rural tourism built on the sustainable development of Ireland's natural resources, cultural and natural heritage including product development, accommodation and marketing;
Improving the access to basic services by rural dwellers by, for example, addressing inadequate recreational facilities;
Regenerating villages and their surrounding areas by improving their economic prospects, and the quality of life; and
Maintaining, restoring and upgrading the natural and built heritage
The measures to be funded under the Programme will include the following:
Diversification into non-agricultural activities for farm families;
Support for business creation and development;
Encouragement of tourism activities;
Basic services for the economy and rural population;
Village renewal and development;
Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage; and
Training and information on adapted and new skills.
The Programme will be delivered at a local level through area-based groups. The Irish Programme was agreed by the European Commission on July 24th 2007 and it is planned that the selection process for the Groups to deliver the Programme will commence shortly.
24 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on his address at the Galway Institute of Technology on 1 October 2007 on Adapting Regional Economies for Global Competitiveness, particularly in regard to views he expressed on infrastructural deficiencies in the west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26497/07]
30 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has undertaken an assessment on the possible implications for rural development in the west and mid western regions of the Aer Lingus decision to end its Shannon to Heathrow air service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26498/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 30 together.
I recently addressed two conferences on this issue, and am arranging to send the full text of both speeches to the Deputies, which clearly outline by views in relation to the question.
I addressed the Global Competitiveness Conference on 1 October 2007, as I have a passionate interest in balanced regional development.
Like all of my colleagues in Government, I was disappointed at the unilateral decision by Aer Lingus to move the London Heathrow slots to Belfast. My Department has not carried out an assessment of the implications of the announcement.
26 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals in relation to altering the boundaries in Gaeltacht areas following the report on the Linguistic Study of Irish Language Usage in the Gaeltacht; and the recommendations made in the report. [26310/07]
28 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will bring proposals to Government before the end of 2007 in regard to the alternation of Gaeltacht boundaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26524/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 28 together.
I can inform the Deputies that the Government recently decided to publish the Report on the Linguistic Study of Irish Language Usage in the Gaeltacht. While noting the Report, the Government made clear that it did not necessarily accept its recommendations.
The Government also decided to establish a Cabinet-level committee to consider matters arising in the context of the Report's analysis and recommendations, including the question of Gaeltacht boundaries. This committee will bring forward an integrated action plan to secure the future of Irish as the community language in the Gaeltacht.
The Report on the Linguistic Study of Irish Language Usage in the Gaeltacht is currently available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie. I understand that hard copies will be available shortly and I will arrange for copies to be forwarded to the Deputies.
31 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding currently being provided, on a county basis, towards community development programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26312/07]
My Department provides funding to projects under the Community Development Programme. The Programme is designed to reduce social exclusion by targeting support at disadvantaged and socially excluded communities in order to improve their capacity to benefit from social and economic development.
Under the Programme, funding of €23.947 million has been provided for 182 projects in 2007. The Programme is currently closed to new applicants. A break down of the allocation by county is provided below:
|
County |
€ |
|
Carlow |
132,350 |
|
Cavan |
251,000 |
|
Clare |
409,510 |
|
Cork |
1,622,960 |
|
Donegal |
1,072,230 |
|
Dublin |
8,865,570 |
|
Galway |
1,881,700 |
|
Kerry |
495,500 |
|
Kildare |
305,100 |
|
Kilkenny |
134,800 |
|
Laois |
78,980 |
|
Leitrim |
214,400 |
|
Limerick |
1,720,983 |
|
Longford |
107,690 |
|
Louth |
368,650 |
|
Mayo |
1,036,090 |
|
Meath |
329,500 |
|
Monaghan |
692,520 |
|
Offaly |
193,830 |
|
Roscommon |
198,660 |
|
Sligo |
239,000 |
|
Tipperary |
576,850 |
|
Waterford |
1,342,890 |
|
Westmeath |
187,160 |
|
Wexford |
788,400 |
|
Wicklow |
544,250 |
My Department operates a wide range of programmes and schemes supportive of communities both urban and rural and of local, community and voluntary groups. Details of the schemes and programmes operated by my Department are available on its website at www.pobail.ie. Details of funding is not always maintained on a county basis. If the Deputy has specific questions about a programme I or my Department will be happy to assist him.
32 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he has financially supported or assisted rural transport initiatives to date; his future proposals in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26628/07]
40 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals for rural transport; the expected sources of funding required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26313/07]
46 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department have had further contact with the Vintners Association in view of their call to extend the rural transport programme to allow a night time service to rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26520/07]
123 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to enhance the rural transport option with particular reference to areas not covered by public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26838/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 40, 46 and 123 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, in many rural areas, there are no public transport services at night. While there are, in the more developed rural areas, either hackney or taxi services, these are at the discretion of the providers of these services and do not provide a guaranteed service to rural people.
It was against this background, therefore, that earlier this year I introduced a new evening transport service, on a pilot basis, to allow rural people to fully participate in the various activities — community, sporting and social — that take place in their areas. The new Scheme also aims to address the market failure that currently exists in this area.
The 34 groups currently delivering the Rural Transport Programme — operated by the Department of Transport — were invited to submit applications to be considered under my Department's new scheme. Following the appraisal of the proposals submitted, seven groups were selected to run the pilot Scheme, namely:
West Cork Rural Transport;
Avondhu Development Group in East Cork;
Meath Accessible/Kilnaleck Community Cavan;
County Sligo LEADER Partnership;
Tumna Shannon Development Company Roscommon;
Síob Teoranta Donegal; and
Laois Trip.
The annual budget for the pilot is €500,000. The first service commenced in June and service numbers and passenger numbers are expected to continue to increase throughout the remainder of the year.
Although still in the early stages, I understand that the services are being very well received by communities and passengers alike. Early indications are that older people, people with a disability and young people are particularly enthusiastic about the new services and new activities are being planned around the availability of services. My intention is to review the scheme after it has been in operation for 12 months and to consider its future in the context of the findings of that evaluation. My Department has had no further contact with the Vintners Association since the introduction of the pilot scheme.
Finally, the Deputies should note that under the Department of Transport's Rural Transport Programme, some €9m is being provided for the Programme in 2007. It is envisaged that this will lead to an increase in the frequency of existing services, extended coverage and additional groups of customers accessing rural transport.
33 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number and location of the regional drugs task forces; the amount of money invested in these task forces over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26521/07]
39 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the population of the areas served by each of the regional drugs task force; the number of persons employed in each region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26522/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 39 together.
Ten Regional Drugs Task Forces (RDTFs) were established in 2003. Following extensive consultation processes, each RDTF prepared a Strategic Plan to respond to illicit drug use in their areas and the implementation of these Plans is now progressing.
As one would expect at the plan development stage, expenditure was low in the early period and is now building up as progress on the implementation of the Plans accelerates. Over the three year period 2004–2006, a total of approximately €5.2m was spent by the RDTFs on the implementation of their Plans. Of that amount, over €4m was expended in 2006 and expenditure in 2007 is likely to exceed €7m. Expenditure will increase further in 2008 as the RDTFs progress towards the full implementation of their Plans which have a full cost of approx €14m per annum. Furthermore, It is now open to RDTFs to seek capital funding under the Premises Initiative and approx €0.8m has been allocated for this so far in 2007. It is expected that allocations under this heading will increase next year.
The following table sets out the area covered by each of the ten RDTFs, current expenditure 2004-2006, the approximate population and the number of people whose employment is funded through each RDTF
Regional Drugs Task Forces
Regional Drugs Task Force: Mid West
Region: Clare, Limerick and Tipperary NR
Expenditure 2004-2006: €0.437 million
Approximate Population: 361,028
No. of Persons employed: 7
RDTF Personnel: 3
Project Workers: 4
Regional Drugs Task Force: Midlands
Region: Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath
Expenditure 2004-2006: €0.210 million
Approximate Population: 251,664
No. of Persons employed: 4
RDTF Personnel: 3
Project Workers: 1
Regional Drugs Task Force: North East
Region: East Cavan, Louth, Meath and Monaghan
Expenditure 2004-2006: €0.671 million
Approximate Population: 362,096
No. of Persons employed: 21
RDTF Personnel: 3
Project Workers: 18
Regional Drugs Task Force: North West
Region: Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo and West Cavan
Expenditure 2004-2006: €0.241 million
Approximate Population: 269,109
No. of Persons employed: 7
RDTF Personnel: 2
Project Workers: 5
Regional Drugs Task Force: Southern
Region: Cork and Kerry (excl Cork City)
Expenditure 2004-2006: €0.398 million
Approximate Population: 501,754
No. of Persons employed: 23
RDTF Personnel: 1
Project Workers: 22
Regional Drugs Task Force: Western
Region: Galway, Mayo and Roscommon
Expenditure 2004-2006: €0.501 million
Approximate Population: 414,277
No. of Persons employed: 12
RDTF Personnel: 2
Project Workers: 10
Regional Drugs Task Force: East Coast
Region: Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown and Wicklow
Expenditure 2004-2006: €0.468 million
Approximate Population*: 188,231 (excl Bray and Dún Laoghaire)
No. of Persons employed: 16
RDTF Personnel: 3
Project Workers: 13
Regional Drugs Task Force: Northern Area
Region: North Dublin City and Fingal
Expenditure 2004-2006: €0.390 million
Approximate Population*: 239,992 (Fingal only)
No. of Persons employed: 10
RDTF Personnel: 2
Project Workers: 8
Regional Drugs Task Force: South West
Region: South Dublin City, South Dublin, Kildare and West Wicklow
Expenditure 2004-2006: €0.455 million
Approximate Population*: 433,270 (Kildare and South Dublin)
No. of Persons employed: 8
RDTF Personnel: 3
Project Workers: 5
Regional Drugs Task Force: South East
Region: Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary SR, Waterford and Wexford
Expenditure 2004-2006: €1.437 million
Approximate Population: 460,838
No. of Persons employed: 26
RDTF Personnel: 0 (vacant)
Project Workers: 26
Total Expenditure 2004-2006: €5.208 million
(*The population figures are approximate, with particular reference to the latter three above which cover parts of Dublin.)
34 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding allocated under Scéim na mBóithre Áise on a Gaeltacht area basis in 2006 and to date in 2007; the estimated budget for this scheme in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26317/07]
Grants totalling €1,944,908 were approved by my Department under Scéim na mBóithre Áise sa Ghaeltacht (the Gaeltacht Accommodation Roads Scheme) in 2006 and 2007. Details of the funding allocated on a county basis are set out in the Table below.
The allocation of almost €570,000 to Scéim na mBoithre Áise in 2007 to date has been made from an overall budget of €4.965m for Gaeltacht road improvements in my Department's 2007 Vote, the remainder being utilised for improvement works to strategic Gaeltacht roads (bóithre straitéiseacha) and various village renewal projects.
|
Gaeltacht area (by county) |
Allocation 2006 |
Allocation 2007 to date |
Total Allocation |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Donegal |
365,719 |
37,000 |
402,719 |
|
Mayo |
426,157 |
0 |
426,157 |
|
Galway |
236,250 |
291,250 |
527,500 |
|
Kerry |
234,912 |
119,000 |
353,912 |
|
Cork |
59,788 |
82,192 |
141,980 |
|
Waterford |
37,040 |
40,000 |
77,040 |
|
Meath |
15,600 |
0 |
15,600 |
|
Total |
1,375,466 |
569,442 |
1,944,908 |
Note: Additional allocations of €62,500 and €116,295 were provided under the Islands subhead of the Department's Vote in 2006 and 2007 respectively in respect of accommodation roads on Gaeltacht islands.
35 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the grants allocated under the Housing (Gaeltacht) Acts in 2006 and to date in 2007, in each category such as new house, essential improvement and so on; his views plans to review these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26318/07]
Under the Housing (Gaeltacht) Acts, assistance is available to qualified applicants in Gaeltacht areas towards the construction of new houses and for improving existing houses. In 2006 grants totalling €3,931,336 were sanctioned under the Acts and in 2007 to date a total of €6,114,271 has been sanctioned. Details in relation to the categories under which these grants were approved are set out in the following Table.
My Department introduced a special improvement grant this year to assist the 700 householders providing accommodation for Gaeltacht students under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge in fulfilling the conditions specified in new guidelines issued by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2006 regarding fire safety in such households.
I have no plans at present to initiate an overall review of the Housing (Gaeltacht) Acts grant schemes.
|
Type of grant |
2006 |
2007 to date |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
New house grant |
1,391,018 |
978,878 |
|
Essential Improvement grant |
2,306,993 |
1,872,833 |
|
Water supply grant (where there is no existing water scheme) |
3,100 |
2,700 |
|
Sewage system (where there is no existing scheme) |
3,680 |
4,800 |
|
Bathroom (where there is no bathroom in the house already) |
13,900 |
21,280 |
|
Improvement to sanitation facilities |
164,135 |
170,240 |
|
Special extension for visitors (per room — maximum 3 rooms) |
34,510 |
24,096 |
|
Renewal of thatched roofs |
14,000 |
22,200 |
|
Special Improvement Grant 2006 |
— |
3,017,244 |
|
Total |
3,931,336 |
6,114,271 |
37 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding his Department allocates to a group (details supplied); the number of meetings he or his officials has had or proposes to have with the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26503/07]
The Group in question is a community based educational and rehabilitation day programme for women in treatment for drug addiction. While it was formerly funded by my Department, it has now been mainstreamed to FÁS who fund it directly.
The Group also acts as a project promoter for another project which receives interim funding from my Department through the North Inner City Local Drugs Task Force (LDTF). An allocation of €57,392 has been provided in that regard for the employment of a person to work in a case management role, identifying barriers for clients who are moving between various addiction services and seeking to resolve any issues arising.
I was delighted that my first official engagement as Minister for State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs was to address a conference on cocaine at Croke Park on 28th June. This conference was jointly organised by the Group and the National Drugs Strategy Team, with my Department being the main funders.
On 19th July last, I visited the North Inner City LDTF area and met with representatives of the Group as part of a meeting with people from a number of projects in the area. Earlier in the year, my officials organised and attended a meeting with a representative of the Group (and others) in the context of finalising the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation. If the Group wish to meet with me, or with my officials, we would be happy to accede to such request.
38 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views in relation to the provision of funding or grant assistance by his Department or other such Departments towards consolidation of community groups in rural areas in relation to community development where such groups, whilst entitled to maintain and retain their special identifies, need such funding to provide much needed local facilities but due to the local contribution are unable singularly to meet such a contribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26516/07]
My Department operates a wide range of programmes and schemes supportive of communities both urban and rural and of local, community and voluntary groups. Details of the schemes and programmes operated by my Department are available on its website at www.pobail.ie. If the Deputy has specific questions about a programme I or my Department will be happy to offer further assistance.
41 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the meetings he has had with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to ensuring the provision of proper community recreational facilities in residential housing estates; his views in relation to the lack of such facilities being raised with that Department through community representative groups or organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26517/07]
The provision of community recreational facilities in residential housing estates in primarily a matter for the Minster for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Funds are also available to local authorities under the RAPID and CLÁR leverage schemes and the Dormant Accounts Funds operated by my Department to accelerate investment in the most disadvantaged areas. Funding is also available under the Young Peoples Facilities and Services fund for designated areas. I and my officials stay in touch with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and his officials on an ongoing basis in order to ensure the effective implementation of these schemes.
43 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the applications processed by his Department; the average waiting time to process each application; the steps he is taking to speed up the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25131/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department funds a wide variety of schemes, programmes and measures for the development and support of communities. Details of these can be found on the Department's website.
My Department is committed to delivering a high quality service to all its customers in a timely manner. The Department's Enhanced Strategy for Customer Service 2004-2007 sets out the standards of service customers can expect when dealing directly with my Department. The target delivery times for our various schemes and programmes including the processing and decision times on applications are set out in Appendix II to the Strategy. This Strategy is available on the Department's website www.pobail.ie.
The Department's Customer Strategy and Customer Charter are currently being examined with a view to developing a new improved strategy and charter for the period 2008-2010. When this process is completed the charter and strategy will be published and available on the Department's website.
45 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost in relation to the decentralisation of his Department’s office to date; the status of the programme; the cost of leasing alternative accommodation due to planning decisions effecting the decentralisation; the position and plans for the original offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26505/07]
Costs incurred by my Department to end-July 2007 come to a total of €817,467
The Office of Public Works has also incurred costs relating to the lease of temporary accommodation for my Department in Tubbercurry. This arrangement commenced on 1 June 2006 at a cost of €86, 755 per annum.
It is not possible at this stage to quantify what additional costs will arise on foot of the planning decision referred to by the Deputy. This will be dependent on the additional time that staff will be located in our advance offices in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo We will not have a firm timescale on this until a replacement for the Knock Airport site has been acquired in Charlestown, Co. Mayo and our new headquarters is completed and ready for occupation at that location. Following on the Government decision of 25 July 2007 I understand that the Office of Public Works is actively pursuing the acquisition of a suitable site in Charlestown.
Notwithstanding the planning issue, the programme has been very successful to date. Of the original 150 posts identified for decentralisation, 83 (55%) have been relocated since August 2006, mainly in our advance offices in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo and a further 30 posts will be relocated there early next year. At that stage, some 75% of the Department's original target will have been achieved.
48 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applicants in each Gaeltacht area who have applied for and were approved Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge for the past two years; the number of applicants that were unsuccessful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26309/07]
Details broken down by district electoral division for the school years 2005/06 and 2006/07 (to date) in respect of the number of households that: submitted applications to my Department under Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge; received the full grant; received the reduced grant; or were refused are set out in Tables that are being circulated with the Official Report. It may be noted that a small number of applications in the current year have not yet been examined by my Department.
|
Toghroinn Cheantair |
Líon na dTeaghlach a rinne iarratas ar SLG |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Iomlán |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Laghdaithe |
Líon Diúltaithe |
Líon iarratais le scrúdú fós |
|
Abhainn Brain |
5 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
|
Acaill |
23 |
0 |
16 |
7 |
0 |
|
An Ceapach Dubh |
6 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
An Geata Mór Theas |
59 |
25 |
26 |
8 |
0 |
|
An Geata Mór Thuaidh |
6 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Baile Odhbha (Cuid) |
4 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Baile an Chalaidh |
10 |
3 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
|
Barr Rúscaighe |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Béal Deirg Mór |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Béal an Mhuirthid |
15 |
2 |
7 |
6 |
0 |
|
Cnoc an Daimh |
37 |
25 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
|
Cnoc na Lobhar |
25 |
0 |
10 |
15 |
0 |
|
Cnoc na Rátha |
6 |
0 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
|
Corrán Acla |
18 |
0 |
12 |
6 |
0 |
|
Dumhach Éige |
30 |
3 |
14 |
13 |
0 |
|
Gleann Chaisil |
4 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
|
Gleann na Muidhe |
7 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
0 |
|
Muing na Bó |
19 |
1 |
14 |
4 |
0 |
|
Na Muingí |
5 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
|
Partraighe (Cuid) |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
IOMLÁN |
284 |
68 |
133 |
82 |
1 |
|
Toghroinn Cheantair |
Líon na dTeaghlach a rinne iarratas ar SLG |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Iomlán |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Laghdaithe |
Líon Diúltaithe |
Líon iarratais le scrúdú fós |
|
Abhainn Brain |
5 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Acaill |
18 |
1 |
16 |
1 |
0 |
|
An Ceapach Dubh |
8 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
An Geata Mór Theas |
58 |
23 |
28 |
4 |
3 |
|
An Geata Mór Thuaidh |
10 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
|
Baile Odhbha (Cuid) |
4 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Baile an Chalaidh |
10 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
|
Barr Rúscaighe |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Béal Deirg Mór |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Béal an Mhuirthid |
20 |
2 |
5 |
12 |
1 |
|
Cnoc an Daimh |
37 |
18 |
9 |
2 |
8 |
|
Cnoc na Lobhar |
19 |
0 |
10 |
9 |
0 |
|
Cnoc na Rátha |
4 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
|
Corrán Acla |
16 |
0 |
8 |
6 |
2 |
|
Dumhach Éige |
24 |
3 |
16 |
5 |
0 |
|
Galltacht |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Gleann Chaisil |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Gleann na Muidhe |
5 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
|
Guala Mór (Cuid) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Muing na Bó |
17 |
0 |
8 |
4 |
5 |
|
Na Muingí |
7 |
0 |
4 |
3 |
0 |
|
Partraighe (Cuid) |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Tamhnaigh na Groighe |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
IOMLÁN |
270 |
59 |
123 |
65 |
23 |
|
Toghroinn Cheantair |
Líon na dTeaghlach a rinne iarratas ar SLG |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Iomlán |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Laghdaithe |
Líon Diúltaithe |
Líon iarratais le scrúdú fós |
|
Alt na Péiste (Cuid) |
10 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
|
An Clochán (Cuid) |
41 |
9 |
24 |
8 |
0 |
|
An Clochán Liath |
24 |
1 |
10 |
13 |
0 |
|
An Croisbhealach (Cuid) |
95 |
59 |
31 |
5 |
0 |
|
An Grafadh |
5 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Anagaire |
119 |
75 |
40 |
4 |
0 |
|
Ard an Rátha (Cuid) |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Baile na Finne |
18 |
10 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
|
Carraig Airt (Cuid) |
9 |
0 |
8 |
1 |
0 |
|
Cill Charthaigh |
21 |
4 |
7 |
10 |
0 |
|
Cill Ghabhlaigh |
7 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
Crannphort (Cuid) |
3 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Cró Beithe |
9 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Cró Caorach |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Dún Lúiche |
43 |
37 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
|
Fánaid Thiar (Cuid) |
10 |
6 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
|
Fánaid Thuaidh (Cuid) |
20 |
9 |
9 |
2 |
0 |
|
Galltacht |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ghleann Gheis. (Cuid) |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Gleann Cholmcille |
23 |
9 |
10 |
4 |
0 |
|
Gleann Léithín |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Gort an Choirce |
145 |
120 |
24 |
1 |
0 |
|
Inis Chaol |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Inis Mhic an Duirn |
11 |
2 |
4 |
5 |
0 |
|
Leitir Mhic an Bháird |
18 |
5 |
10 |
3 |
0 |
|
Loch Caol (Cuid) |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Machaire |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Machaire an Chlochair |
238 |
196 |
42 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mulmusóg (Cuid) |
3 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Málainn Bheag |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Mín an Chladaigh |
126 |
115 |
11 |
0 |
0 |
|
Na Dubhcharraigh |
6 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
|
Na Gleannta (Cuid) |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Ros Guill |
22 |
2 |
13 |
7 |
0 |
|
Sidhe-chor (Cuid) |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tearmon (Cuid) |
5 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Árainn Mhór |
40 |
19 |
18 |
3 |
0 |
|
IOMLÁN |
1090 |
703 |
303 |
84 |
0 |
|
Toghroinn Cheantair |
Líon na dTeaghlach a rinne iarratas ar SLG |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Iomlán |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Laghdaithe |
Líon Diúltaithe |
Líon iarratais le scrúdú fós |
|
Alt na Péiste (Cuid) |
8 |
4 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
|
An Clochán (Cuid) |
33 |
12 |
19 |
1 |
1 |
|
An Clochán Liath |
19 |
2 |
13 |
4 |
0 |
|
An Croisbhealach (Cuid) |
112 |
56 |
50 |
5 |
1 |
|
An Grafadh |
6 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
An Leargan Mhór (Cuid) |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Anagaire |
125 |
76 |
47 |
2 |
0 |
|
Ard an Rátha (Cuid) |
4 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
Baile na Finne |
22 |
12 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
|
Carraig Airt (Cuid) |
13 |
1 |
11 |
1 |
0 |
|
Cill Charthaigh |
16 |
2 |
10 |
4 |
0 |
|
Cill Ghabhlaigh |
8 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Crannphort (Cuid) |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cró Beithe |
9 |
7 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cró Caorach |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dún Lúiche |
47 |
40 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
|
Fánaid Thiar (Cuid) |
14 |
5 |
8 |
1 |
0 |
|
Fánaid Thuaidh (Cuid) |
23 |
8 |
12 |
0 |
3 |
|
Galltacht |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ghleann Gheis. (Cuid) |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Gleann Cholmcille |
20 |
9 |
9 |
2 |
0 |
|
Gleann Léithín |
7 |
0 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
|
Gort an Choirce |
136 |
120 |
15 |
0 |
1 |
|
Inis Chaol |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Inis Mhic an Duirn |
8 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
|
Leitir Mhic an Bháird |
17 |
4 |
11 |
1 |
1 |
|
Loch Caol (Cuid) |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Machaire |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Machaire an Chlochair |
247 |
207 |
38 |
1 |
1 |
|
Mulmusóg (Cuid) |
5 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
|
Málainn Bheag |
5 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Mín an Chladaigh |
119 |
109 |
8 |
1 |
1 |
|
Na Dubhcharraigh |
7 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
|
Na Gleannta (Cuid) |
7 |
1 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
|
Ros Guill |
30 |
4 |
19 |
3 |
4 |
|
Sidhe-chor (Cuid) |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tearmon (Cuid) |
4 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
Árainn Mhór |
45 |
18 |
21 |
6 |
0 |
|
IOMLÁN |
1,126 |
710 |
351 |
49 |
16 |
|
Toghroinn Cheantair |
Líon na dTeaghlach a rinne iarratas ar SLG |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Iomlán |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Laghdaithe |
Líon Diúltaithe |
Líon iarratais le scrúdú fós |
|
Abhainn Ghabhla |
28 |
24 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
An Caisleán Gearr (Barda) |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
An Carn Mór |
4 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
An Chorr |
7 |
3 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
|
An Cnoc Buidhe |
70 |
62 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
|
An Crampán |
218 |
208 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
|
An Fháirche |
8 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
An Ros |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
An Spidéal |
70 |
53 |
14 |
1 |
2 |
|
An Turloch |
40 |
37 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
Baile Chláir na Gaillimhe |
3 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Bearna (Barda) |
36 |
15 |
14 |
6 |
1 |
|
Bearna. Tuathcheantar. (Cuid) |
44 |
10 |
24 |
9 |
1 |
|
Camus |
28 |
27 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ceathramha Bhrún |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cill Aithninn |
68 |
66 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cill Chuimín (Gaillimh) |
113 |
107 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
Cill Chuimín (Uachtar Ard) |
5 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Conga |
30 |
15 |
15 |
0 |
0 |
|
Eannach Dhúin |
3 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Galtacht |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Garmna |
132 |
128 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
|
Inis Mór |
108 |
100 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
|
Leitir Breacáin (Cuid) |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Leitir Móir |
90 |
85 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
|
Mionlach (Barda) |
7 |
3 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
|
Muighros (Cuid) |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mágh Cuilinn |
26 |
10 |
12 |
4 |
0 |
|
Na Forbacha |
50 |
20 |
22 |
7 |
1 |
|
Na hUilleannaí |
5 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Sailchearnach |
132 |
126 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
|
Scainimh |
71 |
67 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
Sliabh an Iongna |
18 |
9 |
6 |
3 |
0 |
|
Tulach Aodháin (Cuid) |
5 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
|
IOMLÁN |
1,428 |
1,193 |
175 |
48 |
12 |
|
Toghroinn Cheantair |
Líon na dTeaghlach a rinne iarratas ar SLG |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Iomlán |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Laghdaithe |
Líon Diúltaithe |
Líon iarratais le scrúdú fós |
|
Abhainn Ghabhla |
25 |
22 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
An Caisleán Gearr (Barda) |
5 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
An Carn Mór |
4 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
An Chorr |
7 |
4 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
An Cnoc Buidhe |
62 |
53 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
|
An Crampán |
206 |
190 |
7 |
5 |
4 |
|
An Fháirche |
14 |
5 |
8 |
1 |
0 |
|
An Leaca Bheag (Cuid) |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
An Ros |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
An Spidéal |
62 |
47 |
9 |
3 |
3 |
|
An Turloch |
43 |
42 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Baile an Bhriotaigh (Barda) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Baile an Teampaill (Cuid) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Baile Chláir na Gaillimhe |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
Beann Corr (Cuid) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Bearna (Barda) |
24 |
12 |
10 |
1 |
1 |
|
Bearna. Tuathcheantar. (Cuid) |
40 |
13 |
11 |
10 |
6 |
|
Camus |
33 |
32 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ceathramha Bhrún |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cill Aithninn |
61 |
54 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
|
Cill Chuimín (Gaillimh) |
106 |
90 |
7 |
3 |
6 |
|
Cill Chuimín (Uachtar Ard) |
4 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cloch na Rón (Cuid) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cnoc na Ceárach (Barda) |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Conga |
33 |
17 |
15 |
0 |
1 |
|
Eannach Dhúin |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galtacht |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Garmna |
125 |
122 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Inis Mór |
99 |
89 |
1 |
0 |
9 |
|
Leitir Breacáin (Cuid) |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Leitir Móir |
85 |
80 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
|
Lisín an Bhaile |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mionlach (Barda) |
8 |
2 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
|
Muighros (Cuid) |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Mágh Cuilinn |
20 |
8 |
10 |
0 |
2 |
|
Na Forbacha |
54 |
18 |
23 |
11 |
2 |
|
Na hUilleannaí |
4 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sailchearnach |
127 |
115 |
6 |
2 |
4 |
|
Scainimh |
68 |
59 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
|
Sliabh an Iongna |
15 |
10 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
|
Tulach Aodháin (Cuid) |
8 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
|
IOMLÁN |
1,356 |
1,098 |
158 |
47 |
53 |
|
Toghroinn Cheantair |
Líon na dTeaghlach a rinne iarratas ar SLG |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Iomlán |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Laghdaithe |
Líon Diúltaithe |
Líon iarratais le scrúdú fós |
|
An Rinn (Cuid) |
59 |
23 |
36 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ard Mhór (Cuid) |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Baile Mhac Airt |
11 |
1 |
9 |
1 |
0 |
|
IOMLÁN |
71 |
24 |
45 |
2 |
0 |
|
Toghroinn Cheantair |
Líon na dTeaghlach a rinne iarratas ar SLG |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Iomlán |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Laghdaithe |
Líon Diúltaithe |
Líon iarratais le scrúdú fós |
|
An Rinn (Cuid) |
59 |
36 |
20 |
3 |
0 |
|
Ard Mhór (Cuid) |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Baile Mhac Airt |
11 |
2 |
8 |
1 |
0 |
|
IOMLÁN |
71 |
38 |
28 |
5 |
0 |
|
Toghroinn Cheantair |
Líon na dTeaghlach a rinne iarratas ar SLG |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Iomlán |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Laghdaithe |
Líon Diúltaithe |
Líon iarratais le scrúdú fós |
|
Baile Átha Buí (Cuid) |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cill Bríde (Cuid) |
6 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Domhnach Pádraig(Cuid) |
15 |
3 |
11 |
1 |
0 |
|
Galltacht |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ráth Mór (Cuid) |
29 |
15 |
14 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tailtín (Cuid) |
5 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
|
IOMLÁN |
58 |
26 |
31 |
1 |
0 |
|
Toghroinn Cheantair |
Líon na dTeaghlach a rinne iarratas ar SLG |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Iomlán |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Laghdaithe |
Líon Diúltaithe |
Líon iarratais le scrúdú fós |
|
Baile Átha Buí (Cuid) |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cill Bríde (Cuid) |
9 |
6 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Domhnach Pádraig(Cuid) |
15 |
8 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galltacht |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ráth Mór (Cuid) |
35 |
24 |
11 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tailtín (Cuid) |
5 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
|
IOMLÁN |
68 |
42 |
26 |
0 |
0 |
|
Toghroinn Cheantair |
Líon na dTeaghlach a rinne iarratas ar SLG |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Iomlán |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Laghdaithe |
Líon Diúltaithe |
Líon iarratais le scrúdú fós |
|
An Clochán |
24 |
6 |
14 |
4 |
0 |
|
An Daingean |
27 |
10 |
14 |
3 |
0 |
|
An Gleann Iarthach |
3 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
An tImleach (Cuid) |
8 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
|
Baile Bhric (Cuid) |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Baile Dubh |
3 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Baile an Sceillig |
12 |
0 |
7 |
5 |
0 |
|
Cathair Domhnall (Cuid) |
3 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Ceanúig (Cuid) |
5 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
|
Cill Chúáin |
42 |
37 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cill Maolchéadar |
43 |
36 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cinnáird |
19 |
7 |
11 |
1 |
0 |
|
Cnoc Bréanainn |
7 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
|
Doire Fionán (Cuid) |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Doire Ianna |
7 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Dún Caoin |
15 |
13 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Dún Urlann |
33 |
26 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
|
Fionntraigh |
22 |
13 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galltacht (Co. Chiarraí) |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Loch an Choireáin (Cuid) |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Maistir Gaoithe |
4 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mináird |
30 |
13 |
17 |
0 |
0 |
|
Márthain |
14 |
13 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Na Beitheacha (Cuid) |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Na Gleannta |
59 |
26 |
29 |
4 |
0 |
|
IOMLÁN |
388 |
209 |
151 |
28 |
0 |
|
Toghroinn Cheantair |
Líon na dTeaghlach a rinne iarratas ar SLG |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Iomlán |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Laghdaithe |
Líon Diúltaithe |
Líon iarratais le scrúdú fós |
|
An Clochán |
24 |
7 |
9 |
8 |
0 |
|
An Daingean |
34 |
8 |
22 |
4 |
0 |
|
An Gleann Iarthach |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
An tImleach (Cuid) |
8 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
|
Baile Bhric (Cuid) |
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Baile Dubh |
5 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
|
Baile an Sceillig |
11 |
1 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cathair Domhnall (Cuid) |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ceanúig (Cuid) |
6 |
0 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
|
Cill Chúáin |
40 |
33 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cill Maolchéadar |
41 |
32 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cinnáird |
24 |
9 |
12 |
3 |
0 |
|
Cnoc Bréanainn |
9 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
0 |
|
Doire Fionán (Cuid) |
4 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Doire Ianna |
3 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Dún Caoin |
12 |
11 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dún Urlann |
33 |
25 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
|
Fionntraigh |
22 |
14 |
7 |
1 |
0 |
|
Galltacht (Co. Chiarraí) |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Loch an Choireáin (Cuid) |
3 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Maistir Gaoithe |
6 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mináird |
32 |
12 |
17 |
3 |
0 |
|
Márthain |
14 |
12 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Na Beitheacha (Cuid) |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Na Gleannta |
60 |
21 |
30 |
9 |
0 |
|
Sráidbhaile (Cuid) |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
IOMLÁN |
404 |
199 |
162 |
43 |
0 |
|
Toghroinn Cheantair |
Líon na dTeaghlach a rinne iarratas ar SLG |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Iomlán |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Laghdaithe |
Líon Diúltaithe |
Líon iarratais le scrúdú fós |
|
Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh (D) (Cuid) |
15 |
1 |
10 |
4 |
0 |
|
Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh (M) (Cuid) |
33 |
14 |
18 |
1 |
0 |
|
Ceann Droma (Cuid) |
10 |
2 |
7 |
1 |
0 |
|
Cill na Martar (Cuid) |
12 |
1 |
6 |
5 |
0 |
|
Claonráth (Cuid) |
5 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Doire Finghín |
9 |
5 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
|
Gort na Tiobratan |
29 |
18 |
8 |
3 |
0 |
|
Na hUláin |
23 |
6 |
15 |
2 |
0 |
|
Oileán Cléire (Cuid) |
6 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sliabh Riabhach |
38 |
10 |
25 |
3 |
0 |
|
IOMLÁN |
180 |
63 |
98 |
19 |
0 |
|
Toghroinn Cheantair |
Líon na dTeaghlach a rinne iarratas ar SLG |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Iomlán |
Líon a thuill an Deontas Laghdaithe |
Líon Diúltaithe |
Líon iarratais le scrúdú fós |
|
Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh (D) (Cuid) |
11 |
0 |
10 |
1 |
0 |
|
Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh (M) (Cuid) |
31 |
15 |
15 |
1 |
0 |
|
Ceann Droma (Cuid) |
10 |
6 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cill na Martar (Cuid) |
14 |
2 |
9 |
3 |
0 |
|
Claonráth (Cuid) |
6 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Doire Finghín |
13 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
0 |
|
Gort na Tiobratan |
27 |
15 |
9 |
3 |
0 |
|
Na hUláin |
22 |
7 |
14 |
1 |
0 |
|
Oileán Cléire (Cuid) |
7 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Sliabh Riabhach |
34 |
14 |
18 |
2 |
0 |
|
IOMLÁN |
175 |
70 |
89 |
16 |
0 |
49 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le haerstráice d’Oileán Thoraí; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [26511/07]
Faoi mar is eol don Teachta, tá obair réamh-phleanála chun aerstráice a thógáil ar Oileán Thoraí ar siúl le cúpla bliain anuas.
Is é an staid reatha ná go bhfuil iarrtha ag mo Roinn ar Chomhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall Orduithe Ceannacháin Éigeantaigh a chur i bhfeidhm ar an talamh a theastaíonn don togra. Tuigim go bhfuil socruithe dá réir idir lámha ag oifigigh na Comhairle Contae faoi láthair agus go bhfuil siad i gcomhairle le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta maidir le gnéithe den phróiseas a chur i gcrích.
50 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding that is available for community alert groups under the scheme of community support for older people in 2007; the funding allocated on a county basis to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26315/07]
122 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way his Department can assist with community alert or alarm for the elderly in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26837/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 122 together.
The Scheme of Community Support for Older People is operated by my Department and provides funding to local community and voluntary groups who identify vulnerable older people over the age of 65 years in their communities and arrange for the installation of socially-monitored alarms and other items of psychical security equipment. Any local voluntary or community-based organisation, especially those working with or providing support for older people, can apply to my Department for funding under the Scheme and applications are accepted throughout the year. Expenditure on the scheme in 2007 is likely to be about €3.5 million. The funding allocated on a county basis to date in 2007 is as set out below:
|
County |
€ |
|
Carlow |
48,826.06 |
|
Cavan |
33,453.23 |
|
Clare |
96,512.17 |
|
Cork |
201,046.49 |
|
Donegal |
94,867.19 |
|
Dublin |
925,040.22 |
|
Galway |
222,852.15 |
|
Kerry |
177,585.64 |
|
Kildare |
80,877.38 |
|
Kilkenny |
60,110.2 |
|
Laois |
35,330.85 |
|
Leitrim |
41,190.22 |
|
Limerick |
117,468.8 |
|
Longford |
8,358.25 |
|
Louth |
39,910.7 |
|
Mayo |
117,459.43 |
|
Meath |
83,281.33 |
|
Monaghan |
17,198.62 |
|
Offaly |
61,605.44 |
|
Roscommon |
41,775 |
|
Sligo |
21,953.4 |
|
Tipperary |
144,129 |
|
Waterford |
79,987.71 |
|
Westmeath |
99,348.76 |
|
Wexford |
90,388.62 |
|
Wicklow |
155,883.36 |
|
Grand Total |
3,096,440.22 |
52 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make a statement on his meeting with the Northern Ireland Ministers for Culture, Arts and Leisure and Regional Development in Cavan on 7 October 2007. [26499/07]
A meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in Inland Waterways Sectoral Format took place at the Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, on 17 October 2007. This was the first NSMC meeting on Inland Waterways since the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly.
I represented the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland delegation was represented by Mr Edwin Poots, MLA, Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure, and Mr Conor Murphy, MLA, Minister for Regional Development.
The business of the meeting mainly covered a number of Waterways Ireland's business activities and, in particular, focused on the proposed restoration of the Clones-Upper Lough Erne section of the Ulster Canal. In that regard the meeting approved the proposal that Waterways Ireland should appoint a single entity consortium to design and construct the restoration. It noted that Waterways Ireland will establish a project team for the day-to-day management of the project, which will report monthly on progress to a Monitoring Committee chaired jointly by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. The estimated cost of the restoration works is €35m and the full capital cost will be met by the Irish Exchequer. Annual maintenance costs on the completion of the project will be met by the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government. The meeting also noted that good liaison will be key to the smooth running of the project and that Waterways Ireland will engage with all key stakeholders in taking forward the project. It welcomed Waterways Ireland's intention to put in place a targeted marketing programme during construction to highlight the attractions and uniqueness of the Clones-Lough Erne stretch of the Ulster Canal. It was agreed that the NSMC should meet again in Inland Waterways Format in March 2008.
53 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of areas that have RAPID status; the number of areas that have CLÁR status; the funding that has being allocated to each area; the proposal to further extend such status to other areas; the research carried out by his Department as to the effectiveness of such schemes; the future plans in relation to both schemes as a results of such research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26504/07]
The RAPID Programme operates in 46 designated urban areas and the CLÁR Programme is available across 23 counties that have suffered significant levels of depopulation. I intend to examine the full updated Census data when it is available, and its application to RAPID areas, over the next few months. There are no plans to further extend the CLÁR areas which have been reviewed twice already since 2002.
An independent national evaluation of the RAPID Programme was published in June 2006. This report is available on Pobal's website at http://www.pobal/media/Publications. The recommendations of this evaluation are currently being implemented. A Value for Money review of the RAPID and CLÁR leverage schemes is scheduled to be undertaken during 2008.
Further details of the programmes and the funding provided under each are set out in the attached appendices.
Appendix 1 — RAPID
The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within the 46 designated RAPID areas. As I have indicated to the House on a number of occasions, it is a matter for individual Departments to report progress under the RAPID programme. In support, Pobal collects data from each RAPID area in respect of funding allocations received by projects from Government Departments and local state agencies. The latest data in respect of the programme is available on Pobal's website under the RAPID section (http://www.pobal.ie/ live/RAPID). The Deputy may find it helpful to access this information. I understand that full data in respect of the year 2007 will not be collected until early 2008.
I initiated the leverage schemes in 2004 in order to support small-scale projects identified locally by the Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas. These schemes are co-funded by the relevant agencies and fund projects that focus on estate enhancement, graffiti removal, traffic calming, CCTV, health and sports facilities, and the provision of playgrounds. Earlier this year I agreed to co-fund the provision of facilities in schools located in, or mainly servicing children from, RAPID areas.
Each of the 46 RAPID areas are allocated €66,000 under the playgrounds leverage scheme, €100,000 under the traffic calming measures leverage scheme and €100,000 under the Housing Estate Enhancement Leverage scheme. Differing levels of funding are allocated in each RAPID area under the Health Co-fund and Sports Capital Programme. The total allocation by my Department for each leverage scheme is set out in the table below.
|
Leverage Scheme |
Allocation |
|
€m |
|
|
Housing Estate Enhancement 2004 |
1.15 |
|
Housing Estate Enhancement 2005/06 |
2.03 |
|
Playground 2004 |
3.00 |
|
Playground 2005 |
2.97 |
|
Traffic Measures 2005 |
1.01 |
|
Traffic Measures 2006/07 |
1.01 |
|
Health Sector Co-Fund |
2.30 |
|
Sports Capital 2004 |
2.20 |
|
Sports Capital 2005 |
2.30 |
|
Sports Capital 2006 |
3.70 |
In addition, I have provided €2m to support initiatives in RAPID areas undertaken by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to install community CCTV and remove graffiti.
Under the initial round of funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund approximately €32 million was approved for projects based within RAPID areas. Following enactment of the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2005, funding totalling over €19m has been ring-fenced to support priority projects in RAPID areas in 2006 and 2007.
Appendix 2 — CLÁR
The CLÁR Programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme in rural areas. It was launched in October 2001 and the areas originally selected for inclusion in the Programme were those which had suffered an average population loss of 50% between 1926 to 1996, with the exception of the Cooley Peninsula (which was included based on the serious difficulties caused there by Food and Mouth disease). The total population benefiting was 284,000 across 17 counties. Following analysis of the 2002 census data, the CLÁR areas were extended in January 2003 with the total population covered increasing to 362,000 across 18 counties.
I announced a further extension of the Programme in April 2006 to include areas with an average population loss of 35% between 1926 and 2002. This resulted in a doubling of the population benefiting from the Programme to nearly 727,000. The total number of counties now covered is 23 with Kildare, Wicklow and Dublin now being the only counties not included in CLÁR.
The Programme provides funding and co-funding to Government Departments, State Agencies and Local Authorities to accelerate investment in selected priority developments. These investments support physical, economic and social infrastructure across a variety of measures. The measures introduced under the Programme reflect the priorities identified by the communities in the selected areas.
Funding is allocated on a measure basis rather than on a County basis. The only measure which is allocated based on demographics is the Non National Roads measure, where the allocation to each Local Authority is determined by the county's percentage of the total population in CLÁR areas with each local authority receiving a minimum grant allocation of €30,000.
In 2006 €23.06m was spent across the various measures. In the years 2002-2006, €71m was expended on investments under the programme along with related public and private expenditure in the region of €61m. A budget of €18.6m has been allocated to the programme for 2007 of which €9.46m has been spent to date.
The table below gives details of the current position.
|
Scheme |
Expenditure to date in 2007 |
|
€ |
|
|
Class II & III Roads |
842,779.30 |
|
Coillte |
98,991.77 |
|
Courthouse Enhancement Scheme |
50,000.00 |
|
Flashing Amber Safety Lights at Schools |
865,310.28 |
|
L.I.S. Roads |
470,783.04 |
|
Small Public Water & Sewerage |
1,717,445.50 |
|
Group Water Schemes |
257,908.75 |
|
Village and Countryside Enhancement |
204,908.78 |
|
Bi-lingual Signage Scheme |
13,199.34 |
|
Primary School Outdoor Play Facilities |
634,046.71 |
|
Local Authority Housing |
13,182.00 |
|
CLAR Community Initiatives |
512,146.14 |
|
Coastal Projects |
7,500.00 |
|
Sports Capital Grants |
1,296,942.00 |
|
Gaeltacht Sports & Community Grants |
321,997.29 |
|
Electricity Conversions |
1,241,084.19 |
|
Western Rail Corridor |
654,779.00 |
|
Red Cross |
241,589.94 |
|
Fibre Optic |
5,342.15 |
|
Wireless |
16,063.83 |
|
Total |
9,466,000.01 |
54 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the aggregate cost of the taxation measures and the expenditure measures outlined in the Programme for Government agreed by the parties who make up the Government; and the costings involved, distinguishing current and capital items. [26657/07]
The Programme for Government is an agreed five year programme between the Government parties, in which we have set out our guiding policy principles.
Specifically our guiding economic principles for the next five years are: We will aim to achieve further significant, sustainable growth with our programme based on an average growth rate of 4.5%. We will operate a responsible fiscal policy characterised by broad budget balance and a declining debt burden. We will deliver the National Development Plan in full, on time and within budget to raise our productivity, to enhance our competitiveness and to secure our future prosperity. We will invest in increasing the productive capacity of the economy, particularly in terms of ensuring high-level of high-quality employment.
In terms of Budgetary Policy our guiding principles for fiscal policy for the next five years are to: keep the budget in broad balance and fully within our commitments under the Stability & Growth Pact; retain the flexibility to deal with any future shocks; set aside a minimum of 1% of GNP per annum to provide for the future pensions of today's workers; implement a series of significant and sustainable increases in key public services such as pensions, health and schools; keep the overall tax burden low and implement further changes to enhance the rewards of work while increasing the fairness of the tax system.
As the Deputy knows I recently published my Pre-Budget Outlook which sets out my Department's latest economic and budgetary assessment for the current year and the coming three years. The Pre-Budget Outlook is based on the technical assumption of providing for the existing level of public services. It also specifically provides for, in the aggregate, the capital commitments required to deliver the National Development Plan; and makes a technical indicative unallocated current provision. The Pre-Budget Outlook sets out a technical budgetary position for the coming three years. On that basis, it is forecast that the General Government position will be in deficit at -0.4% of GDP in both 2008 and 2009 before returning to a balanced position in 2010. This fiscal position is predicated on a weaker economic outlook than generally expected earlier in the year when the Programme was agreed. My Department's latest assessment is that GDP growth will average 3½% over the period 2008 — 2010.
The Pre-Budget Outlook is another important step in the budgetary process which will be a unified process this year. The next step is the formulation and agreement by Government of spending and taxation plans for 2008. These will be presented to the House on Budget day which is 5 December next. At that time, I will announce my first instalment of this Government's delivery of the agreed Programme for Government and as is the norm the Budget measures will be costed in the usual comprehensive fashion.
I would remind the Deputy that the Programme for Government is a five year programme. Budget 2008 will be the first instalment of the delivery of this Programme.
55 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the details of the increases in expenditure outlined in the existing level of service which are due to demographic change. [26658/07]
56 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the details of the increases in expenditure, outlined in the existing level of service, which are due to the funding of the full year costs of items partially implemented in 2006. [26659/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 56 together.
In relation to the makeup of the increase in Gross Current Expenditure provided for in the Pre-Budget Outlook, I would direct the Deputy's attention to the Chart on page B.10 of that publication.
This Chart shows that the increases for: non-pay demographic and demand-led expenditure account for 35% or €819 million of the gross current increase; non-pay full-year costs account for 6% or €135 million of the gross current increase; increased pay services account for 11% or €265 million of the gross current increase; pay inflation accounts for 36% or €843 million of the gross current increase; and non-pay inflation accounts for 12% or €272 million of the gross current increase.
The individual cost elements relate in the main to the Departments of Social and Family Affairs; Education and Science and the Health Vote Group. A further breakdown of these costs is a matter for the particular Departments concerned.
57 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the detail and cost of Government approved new initiatives sanctioned for implementation which have not been included in the existing level of service expenditures, and which will have to await Budget Day 2008 to ascertain if money will be found to implement them as intended. [26660/07]
The cost of new spending initiatives will be set out on Budget day together with the Government's overall fiscal funding provisions for 2008. I cannot provide further details at this stage.
58 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will examine the feasibility of removing the burden of rates from voluntary and community sports clubs here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26672/07]
In regard to the Valuation Act, 2001, I should point out that the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties under the Act and that I, as Minister for Finance, have no function in decisions in this regard.
The Valuation Act, 2001 provides that "community halls" including clubhouses which are not licensed to sell alcohol and whose facilities are not used primarily for profit or gain, are not rateable.
However, the Act provides that where a club is licensed to sell alcohol under the Registration of Clubs Act 1904, the premises occupied by that club are registered and rateable in their entirety which includes all the buildings in the club, notwithstanding their various uses at different times.
The sale of alcohol is a commercial activity and these premises are competing with other commercial premises. The effect of removing any category of rateable property from the valuation base would be to increase the rates burden on other ratepayers.
Where a community hall or a sports club ceases to be licensed for the sale of alcohol it will no longer be rateable. I have no plans at present to amend the valuation legislation as it applies to voluntary and community sports clubs.
59 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will work with local community groups in Navan, County Meath to make available Government buildings (details supplied) in order to develop youth facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26673/07]
Due to health and safety considerations it was decided to relocate the existing Government services from the premises in question. The vacation of the offices will be completed shortly. The future use of the property is under consideration and will take account, inter alia, of potential Government Office requirements in the area.
60 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will expand the disabled drivers relief to allow the deciding officer to use their discretion in deciding applications as is the case with procedures in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26674/07]
The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax (up to a certain limit) on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities, as well as relief from excise on the fuel used in the car, up to a certain limit.
The disability criteria for these concessions are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. To get a Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled within the terms of these Regulations.
As the Deputy will be aware, there was an interdepartmental review of the Scheme. However, given the scale and the scope of the scheme, any possible changes can only be made after careful consideration and with regard to the existing and prospective cost of the scheme and the available resources.
In this context, I consider any possible changes within the framework of the annual Budgetary process.
61 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 23 October 2007, the number of Office of Public Works headquarter staff who have accepted offers to date under the decentralisation programme to move to Trim, County Meath from the intended three hundred and thirty headquarter staff his Department intends to move. [26680/07]
I am informed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) that under the decentralisation programme two hundred and nineteen (219) people have accepted offers to move to Trim, County Meath, of whom one hundred and eighty-five (185) are OPW headquarter staff. A further thirty-eight (38) OPW staff have applied on the Central Applications Facility for a transfer to Trim.
62 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of 23 October 2007, the area in square feet or square metres for each property that is leased by the Office of Public Works in County Meath, in tabular readable form. [26681/07]
The details of the properties in County Meath leased by the Office of Public Works, including the measurement of each in square metres, are scheduled in the table below.
|
Lease Code |
Name |
Address |
SqM |
|
LSE0416 |
Kells Social Welfare Office |
Headfort Place, Kells |
55.74 |
|
LSE0564 |
Navan Education Office |
7 Trimgate Street, Navan |
205.88 |
|
LSE1264 |
Navan Education Office |
Beechmount Shopping Centre, Navan |
285.02 |
|
LSE1162 |
Navan Gov Off Athlumney |
Athlumney, Navan |
3217.67 |
|
LSE1066 |
Navan NEPS Office |
43 Cannon Row, Navan |
341.42 |
|
LSE0968 |
Navan Social Welfare Office |
Kennedy Road, Navan |
938.78 |
|
LSE0563 |
Navan VRT Commons Road |
Commons Road, Navan |
241.55 |
|
LSE1072 |
Navan Wildlife Office |
Unit 4, Navan Enterprise Centre, Limekilnhill, Navan |
112.5 |
|
LSE0586 |
Oldcastle Garda Station |
The Square, Oldcastle |
108.18 |
|
LSE1272 |
Scurlockstown Temporary Agriculture Office |
Unit 1, Scurlockstown Business Park, Scurlockstown, Trim |
381.58 |
|
LSE1048 |
Trim NCSE |
Mill Street, Trim |
407.17 |
|
LSE0732 |
Trim Social Welfare Office |
Town Hall, Trim |
25.00 |
63 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason he continues to levy a charge of €40 on credit cards, €20 on laser cards and €10 on ATM cards which acts as a disincentive to use these electronic payment methods in view of his stated support for a move towards electronic payments and a cashless system of payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26712/07]
All stamp duties, including the stamp duties on financial cards, are reviewed in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill.
Stamp duty is a significant contributor to the Exchequer, which helps fund public services such as health and education, while keeping the direct tax burden low thereby facilitating continued economic success, which is of benefit to all taxpayers.
64 Deputy John Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will intervene with the Office of Public Works in the matter of the withdrawal of funding for a prefab building at a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26717/07]
The original prefab at this school was removed by the OPW at the request of the school as part of the Asbestos Management Programme of The Department of Education and Science. It was in very poor condition, structurally unsound and unused for a number of years prior to demolition. There were no plans to replace it at that time.
The Department of Education and Science have advised that if the school authorities wish to apply for additional temporary accommodation they should contact the Planning Section of the Department directly.
65 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will ask the Revenue Commissioners to ensure that persons (details supplied) in Dublin 10 do not have to wait until January 2008 to have their income tax allowances granted. [26771/07]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the persons in question will, in accordance with Section 1020 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, be treated as single persons during the year of marriage. On receipt of a claim by either party, their tax liability will be reviewed after the end of the year to ensure that the tax paid as single persons was not in excess of tax which would have been paid had they been married to each other throughout the year of marriage. Married tax treatment will automatically be granted from 1 January 2008.
66 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will detail and itemise the performance-based bonuses or other bonuses paid to Secretaries General and Assistant Secretaries General in his Department and offices in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26811/07]
The scheme of performance-related awards in the civil service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. It does not apply to Secretaries General. Details of awards to individual officers under the performance related scheme are not disclosed on the basis that they are confidential to the officer concerned. However I can say that during 2007 awards totalling €164,000 were made to 13 officers in my Department in respect of 2006 (as shown on page 10 of the CPA report for 2006). Details of the operation of the scheme are available in the report of the Committee for Performance Awards which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Finance www.finance.gov.ie.
67 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when a C45 will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26841/07]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have today issued a letter to the principal contractor in this case. The letter advises them that, under Section 17 of the Finance Act 1970, they are obliged to deduct tax at 35% from each payment made to a contractor, and that they should issue a Form RCTDC (C45) when such payments are being made. They have been advised to do this immediately in the person in question's case.
68 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of requests for access to drug treatment programmes before her Department; the average waiting time taken to accommodate such requests; when she expects to be able to meet in full such requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26836/07]
The question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the specific matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
69 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concern by community crèches and playgroups regarding the proposed changes in funding; her proposals in respect of subvention for child care for parents on social welfare and working parents on low incomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26655/07]
The main supports the Government makes available to parents to assist them with their childcare costs are Child Benefit and the Early Childcare Supplement. The latter payment, which is in recognition of the higher childcare costs of pre-school children, is the responsibility of my Office, and it alone amounts to expenditure of over €400m in a full year. These payments are universal and benefit all parents, regardless of their income, labour market status or the type of childcare they choose and regardless of whether they live in urban or rural areas. In addition to these universal supports, Government childcare policy has also recognised the need to target additional supports towards disadvantaged families.
Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), which is co-funded under the EU Social Fund (ESF), targeted support was provided through the staffing support grant scheme whereby community based not-for-profit childcare providers with a strong focus on disadvantage were awarded grant aid towards their staffing costs to allow them to operate reduced fees to disadvantaged parents. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to a requirement, as a condition of funding, that services implement a tiered fee structure. This was intended to ensure that the grant aid received by services was reflected in reduced fees being charged to disadvantaged parents with non-disadvantaged parents being charged the full cost for their childcare service.
With the closure of the EOCP in December 2007, to continue to support community childcare services to provide affordable childcare to disadvantaged parents, the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) is being introduced from January 2008 under the Exchequer funded National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), the successor programme to the EOCP. The CCSS has been allocated €153 million over the next 3 years, representing a 16% increase in funding over the EOCP staffing scheme, and will continue to support community childcare services to provide reduced childcare fees for disadvantaged parents, complementing the universal supports in place for all parents. Under the new scheme, it will be possible to ensure that the level of grant aid which individual services qualify for will reflect the actual level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. As part of their application for funding under the new scheme, services will be required to ask parents using their services to complete a simple declaration form which will be included in a return to my Office and on which basis the level of subvention for each service will be determined. The subvention received by services will, in turn, be reflected in the reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme. As a self-declaration system, the OMC will validate the returns forwarded by community services and will not require them to engage in means testing of parents.
In practice, this will mean that parents with children in such services and in receipt of most social welfare payments (or participating in a scheme such as Community Employment which demonstrates an underlying entitlement to same) will see a €80 weekly subvention in respect of full daycare (with pro-rata reductions in respect of shorter hour services). Parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS), will see a €30 weekly subvention in respect of full daycare (with pro-rata reductions). A further subvention of €30 per week will be paid where the subvented child is a baby, in recognition of the higher costs associated with the care of children aged under 1 year. Parents who do not qualify under either of these categories will be charged the cost price for their childcare service, however, as community not-for-profit services will, generally, have availed of capital grant aid under the EOCP or NCIP removing the requirement to cover rent or a mortgage, and as the services are run on a not-for-profit basis, this should still be significantly below the market price.
It is considered that the new scheme will provide an effective framework for the continued targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community childcare services generally. While it was difficult to ensure that all community services were implementing the required tiered fee structure, the more streamlined arrangements under the new scheme will help to ensure that this will no longer be the case. The new scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme.
The new scheme has clear advantages over its predecessor. There is an increase in the level of funding available under it, and a majority of services will benefit from the changes it introduces. Existing EOCP staffing grant recipients who enter the new scheme will continue to be funded at their current levels until July 2008. My Office has engaged in a series of meetings with existing grant recipients to outline to them the details of the new scheme and to gather feedback from the services themselves. A meeting with representatives of the City and County Childcare Committees has also taken place.
Transitional arrangements have been made under which existing grant recipients will continue to be funded at their current levels until 1st July 2008. This is to ensure that existing childcare services are facilitated to adjust to the new scheme, including making any adjustments necessary to their fee structures. As signalled when I announced the new scheme in July this year, the transitional period between now and 1 July 2008 will also be used to monitor and review the impact it will have on individual groups, on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data which will be generated under the new grant application process. If appropriate, any adjustments necessary to the scheme to secure the best outcomes for childcare services and for disadvantaged parents and their children will be considered on the basis of this data and well in advance of the commencement of the new funding levels in July 2008.
70 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a clinic (details supplied) has been closed down in the last number of weeks at the orthopaedics hospital in Clontarf; the reason this clinic which treats up to 60 people a week has been discontinued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26663/07]
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.
71 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to reduce the number of maternity facilities here; her further plans to increase capacity to address the increase in births which appears likely to continue in the coming years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26666/07]
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 issues 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 directly to the Deputy.
72 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of funding in the National Treatment Purchase Fund; if the fund is adequately resourced to meet the demand from patients for operations and procedures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26682/07]
The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has received the following levels of funding since its establishment as a statutory body in 2002:
2002: €5m.
2003: €30m. Increase of 600% on 2002
2004: €44m. Increase of 47% on 2003
2005: €64m. Increase of 44.5% on 2004
2006: €78m. Increase of 22% on 2005
2007: €88.5m. Increase of 13.5% on 2006
Increasing public awareness of the NTPF has led to a year on year rise in demand for the service it offers. The numbers of persons treated have risen in line with demand. In 2002, the NTPF arranged treatment for 1,920 persons. At this stage in 2007, the Fund has treated over 75,000 persons.
I am satisfied that the NTPF is adequately resourced for the levels of service it is providing in accordance with its service plan for this year. Its funding requirements and activity levels are kept under constant review by my Department.
73 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a general practitioner (details supplied) in County Longford has been forced to endure years working in inadequate premises, in terms of space, access and parking despite repeated requests to the Health Service Executive; if, in view of the fact that they have acquired new premises at considerable cost, the HSE will assist them in furnishing, equipment and other related expenses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26706/07]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has the responsibility for the appointment of General Practitioners (GPs) to provide services under the GMS Scheme. GPs, as self-employed professionals, are generally responsible for the provision of their own practice accommodation. In some circumstances, as local factors may determine, it may be considered appropriate for contracted GPs to provide some or all of their services from HSE owned premises.
As the Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004, 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.
74 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if extra staff will be reallocated to a house (details supplied) in County Cork in order to ensure that home helps are paid correctly and on time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26711/07]
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.
75 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children the facilities that will be put in place for medical card holders and persons with long-term illness cards in the event of an escalation of the dispute between the Health Service Executive and the IPU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26716/07]
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 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.
76 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the new care home in Balrothery and in the former Beaumont Convalescent Home has not been opened on schedule; and if this is resulting in patients remaining in Beaumont without the opportunity for convalescent therapies and is preventing admissions to a hospital which already has the worst problems in handling accident and emergency caseload here. [26722/07]
I understand that the newly-opened care home in Balrothery is a private facility and that the Beaumont Convalescent Home (now known as "Rockfield") is run by a voluntary body. Therefore, I must advise the Deputy that the issue of when these homes were scheduled to open is a matter for the individual home. 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. This includes responsibility for arrangements pertaining to contract beds and admissions to acute hospitals such as Beaumont. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to respond to the 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.
77 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will be admitted to St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin for surgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26729/07]
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.
78 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will ensure that fair reimbursement for medical card services is made to pharmacists, especially those in rural areas with a high medical card carrying population. [26744/07]
Community pharmacists are reimbursed for dispensing under the GMS and community drugs schemes under the terms of the Community Pharmacy Contractor Agreement with the Health Service Executive (HSE). The following reimbursement rates apply for dispensing under these schemes:
GMS Medical Card — dispensing fee ranging from €3.27-€18.83 per item.
Drug Payment, Long Term Illness, Hepatitis C (HAA) and EEA Schemes — dispensing fee ranging from €2.86-€32.92 per item.
The majority of dispensing transactions under these schemes would attract dispensing fees at the lower end of the fee ranges outlined. Under the DPS and LTI schemes, community pharmacists also receive a mark-up of 50% on the ingredient cost of each item dispensed.
In addition to the foregoing, pharmacists also benefit from discounts on wholesale supply. Information provided to the HSE recently, in the context of determination of revised wholesaler pricing arrangements, indicates that discounts available to pharmacists range from 12% (approx) for larger urban pharmacies and chains, to 2-3% for smaller and rural pharmacies.
While certain pharmacies in rural areas may have a higher proportion of medical card dispensing I understand that, in general, the majority of rural pharmacies would dispense under all of the schemes, in addition to their private dispensing business.
In line with ongoing reform of all aspects of the pharmaceutical supply chain, the HSE will be seeking to reform the pricing structure for the GMS and community drugs schemes, to achieve greater value for money consistent with patient safety and continuity of supply. This will involve the separation of the price of drugs and medicines dispensed in community pharmacies from reimbursement for professional services, through the introduction of a flat fee arrangement across all the schemes. The aim is to achieve a fairer and more transparent fee reflecting the level of service provided.
In order to address concerns by community pharmacists regarding the implications of recent legal advice on competition law, a process of dialogue was established under Mr Bill Shipsey S.C. to examine available options for advancing pharmacy contractual negotiations in compliance with Irish and EU competition law. This process is continuing.
79 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the terms of agreement with the wholesale suppliers of medicines to pharmacists. [26745/07]
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 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.
80 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when persons (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with orthodontic treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26766/07]
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.
81 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if further action has been taken by her Department to regulate the sponsorship of sporting and youth-related events by alcohol companies as per the strategic task force on alcohol since her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 106 of 16 February 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26790/07]
82 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects to receive a report from the alcohol marketing communications body; the reason no report was produced in 2006 as previously stated; the number of times the body have met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26791/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 82 together.
The first Annual Report of the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body for 2006 was submitted to the Minister for Health and Children for consideration on 19th July 2007. The Monitoring Body met on 9 occasions up to 19th July 2007. A copy of the Report is being supplied separately to the Deputy.
Following consideration of the Report my Department has decided to commence discussions with the relevant stakeholders with a view to strengthening and expanding the current voluntary codes on alcohol marketing and communications in order to provide significantly greater protection for children and young people. I will give further consideration to the possibility of using legislation in this area depending on the outcome of these discussions.
With regard to sponsorship of sporting and youth events by alcohol companies, the Programme for Government states that the Government will "Discuss the question of the sponsorship of sporting events by the alcohol industry with the aim of phasing it out". My Department intends to raise this issue with the alcohol industry representatives during the course of the broader discussions on advertising and marketing referred to above.
83 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will detail and itemise the performance based bonuses or other bonuses paid to Secretaries General and Assistant Secretaries in her Department and Offices in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26813/07]
The scheme of performance-related awards in the civil service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. It does not apply to Secretaries General. Details of awards to individual officers under the performance related scheme are not disclosed on the basis that they are confidential to the officer concerned. As shown in the Committee for Performance Awards Report for 2006, (page 10) awards totalling €100,000 were made in 2007 to 8 officers in my Department in respect of 2006. Details of the operation of the scheme are available in the report of the Committee for Performance Awards which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Finance at the following link:
http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/publications/ reports/CPArep2006.pdf
84 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if persons (details supplied) in County Galway will be assisted. [26819/07]
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 the Deputy.
85 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied). [26842/07]
I presume the correspondence which the Deputy's question refers to is in regard to the Long Term Illness Scheme.
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.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.
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.
86 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money being paid for travelling and subsistence to employees of the Health Service Executive in view of the crisis and service cutbacks; if she will provide a breakdown for HSE west; the figure spent for the years ending 2005 and 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26844/07]
As the management and delivery of health and personal social services, including related budgetary issues, are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act, 2004, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
87 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport when his Department’s Press Office first became aware of press reports relating to the establishment of a hub by Aer Lingus in Belfast; the way they became aware of such reports; the date and time of such awareness and their subsequent action on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26703/07]
I would refer the Deputy to my answer to Dail Question No. 182 of the 24th October (ref: 25736/07). The staff of my Press Office became aware of the suggestion of an Aer Lingus hub in Belfast through press cuttings of the papers of the 13th June 2007. No action was taken by the press office staff.
88 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the detail and dates relating to e-mails between his Department and the Dublin Airport Authority as mentioned in his response to Parliamentary Question No. 195 of 24 October 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26710/07]
The email exchanges with the DAA, as referred to in the response to Parliamentary Question No. 195 of 24 October 2007, took place on 13th June. They related to information on traffic on the Shannon-Heathrow route. This was provided in the form of a spreadsheet by the DAA.
89 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of all representations made during the past 10 years in relation to a proposed rail link between Letterkenny and Derry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26720/07]
The information sought by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
90 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the operators who are registered as legal hauliers or registered as holders of the road transport operators licence; if the list is available on-line or in an electronic format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26721/07]
As at 25 October 2007, there were 5,135 road haulage operators licensed by the Road Transport Operator Licensing Unit of my Department. The total number of vehicles authorized on those licences is 18,444.
Section 10 of the Road Transport Act 1986 provides for a register of road haulage operator licences to be kept and to be open for inspection by any person. The Road Transport Acts (Fees) Regulations 1994, S.I. No 141 of 1994, provides for a fee of €6.35 per hour for the inspection of that register, along with the same fee for a copy of an entry in the register. That register is available for inspection by any person in the offices of the Road Transport Operator Licensing Unit, Clonfert House, Bride Street, Loughrea, Co. Galway.
My Department had, until recently, published the register of road haulage operators, along with a similar register of licensed passenger transport operators, on the Department's website. The register could be read by anyone who wished to check if the road haulage or road passenger transport operator they were considering contracting was appropriately licensed.
However, it emerged in May this year, following correspondence from the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, that the publishing of the register on the Department's website was not in accordance with the 1986 legislation providing for the register, or with data protection rules generally. Accordingly, my Department removed the register from the website immediately.
Officials in the Road Transport Operator Licensing Unit of my Department have been exploring with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner how this difficulty can best be remedied. It would appear that new legislation might be needed enable the register to be published on the website once more. My officials are looking at which legislation needs to amended, and will be writing to the Office of the Data Protection Commission soon to consult with them in that regard.
I can assure the Deputy that it is my intention, and that of my officials, that the appropriate information about licensed haulage and passenger transport operators will, as quickly as possible, be restored to my Department's website, so that the general public will be able to ensure that operators they are considering contracting are fully and appropriately licensed.
I should clarify for the Deputy that any person wishing to engage either a road haulage or a road passenger transport operator should ensure that the operator they are engaging is properly licensed by asking to inspect the operator's licence. In addition, every vehicle authorized for use on that licence will be listed in a schedule to the licence, and every such vehicle will also have a Transport Disc, which should be visible in the windscreen of the vehicle, which will have the registration number of the vehicle, along with the name of the operator and the period of validity of the licence. The Road Safety Authority has recently engaged in an advertising campaign to that effect, which my Department actively co-operated with.
91 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff in the section which has responsibility for interaction with the National Roads Authority and local authority capital investment scheme. [26747/07]
There are 10 staff members in the Division which deals with the National Roads and the National Roads Authority. There are 12 staff in the Division which oversees the Non-National Roads investment programme.
92 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport if he will detail and itemise the performance based bonuses or other bonuses paid to Secretaries General and Assistant Secretaries in his Department and Offices in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26816/07]
The scheme for performance-related awards in the Civil Service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. It does not apply to Secretaries General. Details of awards to individual officers under the performance-related scheme are not disclosed on the basis that they are confidential to the officer concerned. However I can say that during 2007 awards totalling €64,000 were made to 5 officers in my Department in respect of 2006 (as shown in the Committee for Performance Awards report for 2006).
Details of the operation of the scheme are available in the report of the Committee for Performance Awards which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Finance www.finance.gov.ie.
93 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 could not be issued with a 10 year Irish language version of their passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26691/07]
A passport is an identity document issued by the State to facilitate foreign travel. It is issued in the official name of the holder of the passport which is normally the name in which the person's birth was registered, or in his or her married name when so requested. The long form of the birth certificate and, as the case may be, the marriage certificate, are required as supporting documents.
If a person seeks a passport in a form of his or her name other than that entered on his or her birth or marriage certificate, the Passport Office will require proof of usage of the form of name over a period of two years. This is sought in all cases, including when a person seeks a passport in the Irish form of the name but the birth certificate shows the English version, and vice versa.
The period of validity for which the passport is issued will depend on proof of usage of the name requested. Where two years proof of usage is submitted a full ten year passport will issue. In the absence of such proof a restricted passport of two years validity may be issued. An applicant can subsequently make a new application for a full 10 year passport when he or she has acquired the necessary two years proof of usage of the new name.
In the case of name change for reasons other than marriage, it is the practice to enter an observation on the passport indicating the name by which the passport holder was previously known. This helps to avoid difficulties that may arise, for example, when applying for visas or work permits abroad, due to the name on the passport differing from the name entered on a person's birth certificate or previous passport. While this is optional in the case of applicants who have the required two years evidence of usage of the new name, it is a requirement in the case of applications where such evidence is not provided.
94 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will detail and itemise the performance based bonuses or other bonuses paid to Secretaries General and Assistant Secretaries in his Department and Offices in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26812/07]
The scheme of performance-related awards in the Civil Service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. It does not apply to Secretaries General. Details of awards to individual officers under the performance related scheme are not disclosed on the basis that they are confidential to the officer concerned. Details of the operation of the scheme are available in the report of the Committee for Performance Awards which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Finance at the following link:
http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/publications/ reports/CPArep2006.pdf
However, I can say that during 2007 awards totalling €608,750 were made to 45 officers in my Department in respect of their performance in 2006. As the Deputy will be aware, I do not have any involvement in decisions concerning this issue.
95 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will challenge the recent US foreign policy activity which is damaging to the Cuban people and raise this issue at EU and UN levels. [26821/07]
Ireland and our European Union partners believe that the United States' foreign policy toward Cuba is fundamentally a bilateral issue. Nonetheless, the European Union has clearly expressed the opposition of its Member States to all unilateral measures against Cuba which are contrary to commonly accepted rules of international trade. Ireland, in common with our partners in the European Union, is of the view that the US economic embargo on Cuba seriously hampers the economic development of Cuba and negatively affects its entire people. On 30 October, 2007, Ireland and our EU partners voted at the United Nations General Assembly in favour of the annual Cuban-tabled resolution calling for an end to this embargo.
As the Deputy will be aware, the European Union's 1996 Common Position on Cuba remains the basis of both the European Union's and Ireland's approach to relations with that country. The overriding objective of Ireland and our European Union partners in our relations with Cuba is to encourage, but not to enforce by external coercion, a process of transition to pluralist democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Common Position was most recently reviewed at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 18 June 2007. The Council's Conclusions deplored the fact that the human rights situation in Cuba has not fundamentally changed, and noted that the Cuban Government continues to deny its citizens internationally recognised civil, political and economic rights and freedoms. We also recognised the right of Cuban citizens to decide independently about their future.
While the European Union will continue to pursue its dialogue with Cuba's civil society and to offer to all sectors of society practical support towards peaceful change in Cuba, the Council also emphasised the Union's willingness to resume a comprehensive and open political dialogue with the Cuban authorities on all areas of mutual interest. In order to sound out the potential for such a dialogue, which should take place on a reciprocal and non-discriminatory basis, the Council decided to invite a Cuban delegation to Brussels.
The Council Conclusions represent a balanced approach, which is in accordance with the principles of the Common Position. The decision which we took in Council to invite a Cuban delegation to Brussels would provide an opportunity for establishing an open political dialogue with the Cuban authorities. The Cuban authorities have rejected this invitation. However, we remain hopeful that such a dialogue will be established in the future. In this regard, on foot of a further initiative of the European Union, a Ministerial-level meeting between the European Union Troika and Cuba was held en marge of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 24 September 2007.
96 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of inspections and prosecutions under the Protection of Young People (Employment) Act 1996, in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26788/07]
The National Employment Rights Authority's Inspection Services undertakes both day-time and night-time inspection activity in respect of enforcement of the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996. The night-time element of Inspectors' activities has an exclusive focus on such enforcement. Inspection Services initiate prosecutions in all cases where breaches are detected (subject to the advice of the Attorney General/Chief State Solicitor).
The following table sets out details of inspections/visits and prosecutions initiated insofar as breaches of the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996 in the years 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 is concerned.
|
Year |
Inspections/Visits |
Prosecutions Initiated |
|
2005 |
2,007 |
25 |
|
2006 |
3,347 |
1 |
|
2007 (to 12/10/07) |
799 |
9 |
97 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the permanent redundancies in a plant (details supplied) in County Tipperary and of their future plans for restructuring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26800/07]
I understand from Enterprise Ireland that 31 redundancies were recently announced at the company in question and a further 15 people are ceasing work on 2 November, 2007. I am very conscious of the implications of these redundancies for the workers involved. The relevant State agencies, particularly the Industrial Training agency FÁS, will provide every support they can to any of the workers who wish to avail of agency services.
The company has experienced a reduction in sales of its premium cider brand in the United Kingdom, primarily due to the impact of the bad weather there during the summer. I understand that the company's volume cider sales in the UK are 30% below target. Employment in the company has risen rapidly from 330 people in 2004 to 610.
Enterprise Ireland is in regular contact with the company and is currently discussing how the agency can be of assistance to the company with its research and development programme. To date, Enterprise Ireland has approved almost €300,000 in funding under its Research Technology and Innovation Scheme for the company and the agency expects all of this funding to be drawn down. The agency will continue to work very closely with the company during this challenging period.
98 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will detail and itemise the performance based bonuses or other bonuses paid to Secretaries General and Assistant Secretaries in his Department and Offices in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26809/07]
The scheme of performance-related awards in the civil service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. It does not apply to Secretaries General. Details of awards to individual officers under the performance related scheme are not disclosed on the basis that they are confidential to the officer concerned. However I can say that during 2007 awards totalling €168,000 were made to 14 officers in my Department and associated Offices in respect of 2006 (as shown on page 10 of the CPA report for 2006). Details of the operation of the scheme are available in the report of the Committee for Performance Awards which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Finance at the following link:
http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/publications/ reports/CPArep2006.pdf
99 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will detail and itemise the performance based bonuses or other bonuses paid to Secretaries General and Assistant Secretaries in his Department and Offices in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26804/07]
The scheme of performance-related awards in the civil service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. It does not apply to Secretaries General.
Details of awards to individual officers are not disclosed, or where there are less than 5 officers covered by the scheme in a Department which would allow them to be identified, which is the case in my Department, on the basis that the awards are confidential to the officer concerned. Details of the operation of the scheme are available in the report of the Committee for Performance Awards which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Finance at www.finance.gov.ie/documents/publications/ reports/CPArep2006.pdf
100 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there are plans to introduce pension and PRSI changes, in view of the fact that the number of people over 65 is expected to double by 2050; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26675/07]
The Green Paper on Pensions was published on the 17th October and sets out the key issues and challenges facing the Irish pensions system now and for the future, and some suggestions on how these might be addressed. In addition to the Green Paper, the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund 2005 was also published and this provided important information and context that informed the development of the Green Paper.
A consultation process on the Green Paper is now underway and will run until about June 2008. Following the completion of the consultation process the Government will develop and publish a framework for long-term pensions policy. The objective of the process is the development of a pensions system that is both adequate and sustainable in the long-term. Decisions in relation to the design of the system and its financing will be made in that context.
101 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there are plans to increase the carers’ allowance, and for increased provision of respite; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26676/07]
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.
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 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 the 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.
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. From June 2007, the level of the grant was increased by €300 per year to €1,500 per year in respect of each person being cared for. The provision of respite care services is of course a matter for the Health Service Executive. The Programme for Government commits the Government to further increasing eligibility for carer's allowance and to doubling the level of the respite care grant. I will keep the supports for carers, available from my Department under review in order to continue to improve the schemes.
102 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will detail and itemise the performance based bonuses or other bonuses paid to Secretaries General and Assistant Secretaries in his Department and Offices in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26815/07]
The scheme of performance-related awards in the civil service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. It does not apply to Secretaries General. Details of awards to individual officers under the performance related scheme are not disclosed on the basis that they are confidential to the officer concerned. However, I can say that during 2007 awards totalling €89,000 were made to 6 officers in my Department in respect of 2006 (as shown on page 10 of the Committee for Performance Awards report for 2006). Details of the operation of the scheme are available in the report of the Committee for Performance Awards which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Finance at the following site:
http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/publications/ reports/CPArep2006.pdf
103 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it is policy to distribute social welfare payments only on Fridays resulting in long queues at certain post offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26824/07]
The current range of payment options offered by my Department to customers includes payment to a bank or building society account, or at a local post office. Customers opt for a particular payment option having regard to their own circumstances. My Department administers a variety of schemes which have weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual payment cycles. For operational and administrative reasons, and to facilitate the distribution of payments through the bank and Post Office networks, each scheme is assigned a day of the week for payment. This ensures that payments to be distributed through Post Offices are evenly spread across the week. In addition, to meet customers needs, payments can be collected on the due date or over a number of days there after.
The post office network, and the operation of any individual post office, is a matter for An Post which is under the remit of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. If the deputy is aware of difficulties arising in any particular office he should bring it to the attention of the management of An Post.
104 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of local drugs task forces in the city of Dublin; the location of same; the support provided to each in 2005 and 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26787/07]
Twelve of the fourteen Local Drugs Task Forces are located in Dublin. The LDTF areas benefit from annual current funding under the Drugs Task Force process and the Emerging Needs Fund. Capital funding is available under the Premises Initiative Fund which addresses the accommodation needs of community based drugs projects. Details of the expenditure under these headings in 2005 and 2006 are attached.
Meanwhile, LDTF areas also benefit from expenditure under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF) which provides facilities, programmes and activities for the most "at risk" young people (10-21yrs), with the aim of diverting them from the dangers of drug misuse. Combined current and capital funding under the YPFSF in Dublin LDTF areas in 2005 and 2006 amounted, in addition to €10.9m and €10.2m respectively.
|
2005 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Task Force |
LDTF |
ENF |
Premises |
Total |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Ballyfermot |
1,203,381 |
0 |
0 |
1,203,381 |
|
Ballymun |
1,054,697 |
0 |
252,760 |
1,307,457 |
|
Blanchardstown |
543,284 |
0 |
0 |
543,284 |
|
Canal Communities |
1,292,722 |
0 |
0 |
1,292,722 |
|
Clondalkin |
1,298,340 |
0 |
0 |
1,298,340 |
|
Dublin North East |
1,217,198 |
0 |
0 |
1,217,198 |
|
Dublin 12 |
850,937 |
0 |
0 |
850,937 |
|
Dun LaoghaireRathdown |
920,088 |
13,904 |
0 |
933,992 |
|
Finglas/Cabra |
660,089 |
0 |
0 |
660,089 |
|
North Inner City |
1,774,211 |
0 |
50,000 |
1,824,211 |
|
South Inner City |
1,319,308 |
0 |
0 |
1,319,308 |
|
Tallaght |
952,634 |
0 |
150,000 |
1,102,634 |
|
Total |
13,086,889 |
13,904 |
452,760 |
13,553,553 |
|
Task Force |
LDTF |
ENF |
Premises |
Total |
|
Ballyfermot |
1,320,362 |
200,639 |
0 |
1,521,000 |
|
Ballymun |
974,357 |
103,800 |
74,000 |
1,152,157 |
|
Blanchardstown |
904,370 |
269,000 |
674,237 |
1,847,607 |
|
Canal Communities |
1,145,313 |
158,917 |
0 |
1,304,230 |
|
Clondalkin |
940,058 |
0 |
158,000 |
1,098,058 |
|
Dublin North East |
944,180 |
44,934 |
60,000 |
1,049,114 |
|
Dublin 12 |
850,885 |
150,000 |
0 |
1,000,885 |
|
Dun LaoghaireRathdown |
595,147 |
14,251 |
0 |
609,398 |
|
Finglas/Cabra |
804,855 |
83,009 |
30,000 |
917,864 |
|
North Inner City |
2,315,171 |
99,503 |
166,548 |
2,581,222 |
|
South Inner City |
1,327,162 |
510,323 |
100,000 |
1,937,485 |
|
Tallaght |
843,985 |
169,341 |
0 |
1,013,326 |
|
Total |
12,965,842 |
1,803,716 |
1,262,785 |
16,032,343 |
105 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications for grant aid assistance to his Department for each of the past four years from applicants within the Border Midland Western region; the number of successful applications; the number refused or still in the investigative position; the reason for the refusals; the amount of funding drawn down; the amount of funding available; the position of the funding not drawn down; if this aspect of funding is being withdrawn from possible grant applications within the BMW region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26701/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department funds a wide range of grant schemes across the entire range of its remit. Many of these schemes are administered on behalf of the Department by subsidiary agencies such as POBAL and local LEADER groups around the country. In the circumstances, the Deputy will appreciate that my Department is not in a position to provide the information requested in respect of applications received by such bodies.
In the case of many of the schemes for which application is made direct to the Department, applications are not generally classified on a BMW region basis and the information requested by the Deputy is, therefore, not readily available. In view of the wide range of schemes and the large volumes of applications received on an ongoing basis, the work involved in compiling and collating a BMW region breakdown of applications and funding on the basis sought by the Deputy is likely to exceed the information value of such statistics. However, if the Deputy wishes to contact me with a query in respect of any application made under a specific scheme under the remit of my Department, I will, of course, be happy to assist him.
106 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number, names and areas covered by non-governmental organisations funded by his Department or by EU funding through his Department that deal with the Border Midland Western region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26714/07]
As the Deputy will be aware my Department provides funding to a significant number of non-governmental organisations that deal with the Border Midlands Western region.
It is not practical, within the time available to provide the information sought. I am arranging for the material to be compiled as a priority and provided directly to the Deputy.
107 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of reports carried out or pending financed by his Department, State agencies within the remit of his Department or by agencies at the behest of his Department dealing with rural development and the development of the Border Midland Western regions; the names of such reports; the decisions reached by his Department as a result of such reports; the cost of such reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26715/07]
I am arranging for the material to be compiled as a priority and provided directly to the Deputy. It is not practical, within the time available to provide the information sought.
108 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will allocate funding in three year blocks to community development projects in the future, instead of year to year funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26725/07]
Community Development Projects are normally funded on the basis of three-year renewable contracts based on workplans submitted to the Department and endorsed by the relevant City or County Development Board. The funds provided by the Department contribute to the costs of employing two full-time equivalent employees, administrative expenses and overheads. The level of funding provided to each project annually is individually determined based on information provided by the project and on the level of resources made available to the Programme. At present, my Department is reviewing the Programme and funding to Projects is being provided on an interim basis. When I am satisfied with the future direction of the Programme, funding based on a three year timeframe can be expected.
109 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views in relation to the recent census figures for areas within the Borders Midland Western region; the proposals he has to address within the National Development Plan, the further development of each area in relation to infrastructure to meet the demands of the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26728/07]
As the Deputy is aware, the new National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-13 sets out a 7-year programme of integrated investments throughout the country. The NDP integrates strategic development frameworks with common economic and social goals for regional development, for rural communities, for all-island co-operation and for the protection of the environment. My Department's involvement in the NDP covers a variety of programmes within the Enterprise, Science and Innovation Priority, the Social Infrastructure Priority and the Social Inclusion Priority. The recent census figures have been noted by my Department and will be borne in mind in the context of its ongoing involvement in the NDP.
110 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will detail and itemise the performance based bonuses or other bonuses paid to Secretaries General and Assistant Secretaries in his Department and Offices in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26806/07]
The scheme of performance-related awards in the civil service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. It does not apply to Secretaries General. Details of awards to individual officers under the performance related scheme are not disclosed on the basis that they are confidential to the officer concerned. However I can say that during 2007 awards totalling €38,400 were made to 3 officers in my Department in respect of 2006 (as shown on page 10 of the CPA report for 2006). Details of the operation of the scheme are available in the report of the Committee for Performance Awards which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Finance at the following link: http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/ publications/reports/CPArep2006.pdf
111 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he has or intends to offer financial assistance to community groups attempting to combat anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26825/07]
Addressing anti social behaviour is a matter primarily for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. That said, my Department operates a number of programmes and schemes supportive of communities both urban and rural it might be said that some or all of these schemes through the provision of financial or other types of support might have a positive impact indirectly on the incidence of anti-social behaviour in communities. Details of the schemes and programmes operated by my Department are available on its website at www.pobail.ie. If the Deputy has specific questions about a programme I or my Department will be happy to oblige.
In this context I should specifically mention the RAPID leverage scheme and the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund.
RAPID Leverage Scheme.
Since the introduction of the RAPID leverage schemes, I have allocated over €5m to improving the general environment of housing estates, including the provision of funds to install traffic calming measures; €6m to provide playgrounds and over €8m to provide additional resources to sporting organisations located, or servicing young people, in RAPID areas. I have also allocated €2m to support initiatives being undertaken by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in the development of community CCTV and dealing with the removal of graffiti in RAPID areas.
Young People's Facilities and Services Fund.
Over €130 million has been allocated to date to support the work of the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund in Local Drug Task Force areas (Dublin, Bray and Cork, as well as in Limerick, Galway, Waterford and Carlow). The main aim of the fund is to attract "at risk" young people in disadvantaged areas into recreational facilities and activities, and to divert them away from the dangers of substance misuse and associated anti-social behaviour.
There are now over 560 community-based projects, employing more than 400 people, which are supported through the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces and the work carried out in these projects is supportive of communities in their endeavours to combat anti-social behaviour.
112 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of urban based support programmes set up by his Department in the past twelve months; the location of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26826/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department implements and funds a wide range of measures, schemes and programmes for the development and support of various communities, urban and rural. Details of these can be found on my Department's website www.pobail.ie. My Department has not set up any new urban based support programmes during the past twelve months.
113 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he proposes to support community based organisations in County Kildare in the next twelve months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26827/07]
114 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which urban or rural community groups in County Kildare are expected to qualify for grant aid under the various schemes run by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26828/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 114 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department implements and funds a wide range of measures, schemes and programmes for the development and support of various communities, urban and rural. Details of these can be found on my Department's website www.pobail.ie.
In relation to the provision of support to community based organisations in County Kildare over the next twelve months, I can confirm that the funding supports provided by my Department over the coming period for the development of urban and rural communities country wide, including Co. Kildare, will be in line with the Agreed Programme for Government, the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and the ongoing emerging needs of communities, both urban and rural.
Application forms and detailed guidelines in respect of the schemes and programmes operated by my Department, including eligibility and assessment criteria are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie. It is open to any individual or group to consider making an application for funding under these schemes and programmes.
117 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the full extent of the community based programmes run or funded by his Department; his intentions to expand or extend such activity in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26831/07]
As the Deputy will be aware my Department administers and delivers a wide range of programmes, measures and schemes for the development and support of various communities, both urban and rural.
The community based programmes operated or funded by my Department include:
The Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP)
RAPID Programme
PEACE II and INTERREG III
Community and Voluntary Supports
Funding Scheme for Training and Supports in the Community and Voluntary Sector
The Scheme of Community Support for Older People
The Programme of Grants for Locally-based Community and Voluntary Organisations
Community Services Programme
Community Development Programme
LEADER Programmes
Rural Social Scheme
CLÁR
Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund
Gaeltacht and Islands Schemes
Details in relation to the administration, operation and the extent of the funding available for these community based programmes over the coming period can be accessed on my website at www.pobail.ie.
I can confirm to the Deputy that the future operation and development of these community based programmes will be in accordance with the Agreed Programme for Government and the National Development Plan 2007-2013.
118 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which the decentralisation programme for his Department has progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26832/07]
In the context of Budget 2004 it was decided that my Department, Pobal and Foras na Gaeilge would decentralise a total of 220 posts. Of that total, 108 posts (almost 50%) have been relocated since last year and plans to relocate an additional 40 posts by early 2008 have been approved and are being implemented.
120 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of community based schemes involved in drug rehabilitation funded by his Department in 2007; the extent to which he proposes to increase such support with a view to dealing with the drugs issue for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26834/07]
121 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he proposes to allocate funding under the various schemes available to his Department to groups involved in drug treatment programmes and rehabilitation in County Kildare for 2008; the breakdown of expenditure under those schemes since January 2007 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26835/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 121 together.
Over 440 Local Drugs Task Force (LDTF) projects, including those under the Emerging Needs Fund, are receiving interim funding from my Department. Of these, in the region of 200 projects focus on treatment and rehabilitation and funding for these will continue in 2008.
Across the ten Regional Drug Task Force (RDTF) areas, work is progressing on the implementation of their Action Plans. To date, 67 treatment and rehabilitation projects have been funded and this number is expected to rise to approx. 90 projects in 2008.
With regard to Co. Kildare, an allocation of €203,000 has been made to the Community Drug Team for Kildare and West Wicklow following an application from the South West Area RDTF and this funding will continue next year. Some of the other funding provided to that Drugs Task Force also provides benefit broadly across their region of operation, including Co. Kildare. On top of this, a sum in the region of €170,000 has been made available to Teen Challenge, a rehabilitation project at Shechem House, Richardstown, Co. Kildare, arising from applications through the South Inner City LDTF in Dublin.
Meanwhile, as regards capital funding, €22,354 was approved to Newbridge Family Resource Centre in June 2007 under the Premises Initiative. This is in respect of the purchase and installation of a semi-permanent structure for the Centre to provide a dedicated drop-in facility for "at risk" youth.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation was published in May. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to implement the recommendations of the Report and I am actively seeking to initiate their implementation. In that context it is likely that further rehabilitation initiatives will be funded by my Department over the coming years.
124 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the moneys on a county basis awarded by his Department by way of a grant or other support in the year ending 31 December 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26839/07]
As I have informed the Deputy previously, my Department administers and delivers a wide range of programmes and measures, descriptions of which are available on its website at www.pobail.ie. While expenditure under these programme areas takes place countrywide, it is not possible to give a county-by-county breakdown of that expenditure. For example, a number of my Department's programmes are delivered through agencies and other intermediary bodies that operate across county boundaries and in respect of which there is no detailed breakdown on a county basis held by my Department. In addition, groups and organisations that receive grants directly from my Department are not necessarily constituted on a single-county basis.
In view of the wide range of my Department's schemes and programmes and the large volumes of applications received thereunder on an ongoing basis, I am satisfied that the work involved in compiling and collating a full county-by-county breakdown of expenditure would exceed the information value of such statistics. If, however, the Deputy would like specific information in relation to a particular county and/or scheme, I would be glad to arrange to have consideration given to any such request from him.
125 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expected expenditure under the RAPID scheme in County Kildare in 2007: the way this compares with 2006; his plans in this regard for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26840/07]
The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within 46 designated RAPID areas. This Department, with the support of Pobal, has overall responsibility for the co-ordination of the RAPID programme. It is a matter for individual Departments to report progress with their projects under the RAPID programme. The latest data in respect of the programme is available on Pobal's website under the RAPID section (http://www.pobal.ie/live/ RAPID). Athy is the only area in County Kildare that has RAPID status.
The Deputy will be aware that I introduced the RAPID Leverage Schemes in 2004. Under these schemes, my Department directly funds schemes with other Departments and agencies to provide playgrounds, traffic safety measures, CCTV, health facilities, and improve the environment of local authority housing estates and flat complexes. In addition, top-up funding is provided to sporting organisations that have been successful in receiving support under the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism's Sports Capital Programme.
The total funding allocated to projects in the Athy RAPID area under the leverage schemes in 2006 was €211,000 and €96,750 in 2007. The Deputy will be aware that expenditure is dependent on the speed with which projects are completed. Some €200,000 in outstanding commitments made to the end of 2006 remain to be claimed in the Athy RAPID area. The amount expended in respect of projects funded by the leverage schemes in the Athy RAPID area in 2006 was €92,000 and €86,000 in 2007.
I am constantly monitoring the schemes to ensure that they are serving the needs identified by people in the RAPID communities. Last year, in response to requests, I broadened the Playground Scheme to provide funding for Multi-User Games Areas, which has proved very popular. The Deputy will be aware of the joint initiative announced earlier this year with my colleague the Minister for Education and Science that will enable €18m worth of investment in schools in RAPID areas funded by Dormant Accounts. I understand that the Minister of Education and Science and I will be in a position to announce allocations under this scheme following a detailed assessment of applications received.
126 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the rules regarding the granting of mussel licenses on traditional native wild oyster grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26704/07]
Aquaculture licences, including licences to grow mussels, are issued under the Aquaculture Acts 1997 to 2006. These acts comprise the following:
Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, No. 23 of 1997;
Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Fisheries and Foreshore (Amendment) Act 1998, No. 54 of 1998;
Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2001, No. 40 of 2001; Section 101 of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 No. 8 of 2006.
Section 8(1) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 prohibits the licensing of aquaculture within the limits of an oyster bed or oyster fishery without the prior consent of the person who is beneficially entitled to the oyster bed or oyster fishery.
Applications for aquaculture licences are made under the Aquaculture (Licence Application) Regulations 1998, SI No. 236 of 1998. These regulations set out the information required to accompany an application and the decision making process to decide on an application for an aquaculture licence. In addition to the aforementioned, other environmental legislation may apply where there is potential for aquaculture to impact on the environment.
127 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the assistance that may be available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork regarding purchase of a thoroughbred stallion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26665/07]
The Quality Stallion Purchase Incentive Scheme which operated under the NDP 2000-2006 provided for grant aid for the purchase of stallions. This aid was approved by the European Commission under the terms of the State Aid Guidelines in place at that time. The Scheme terminated on 31 December 2006
The Deputy will be aware that under the current Community Guidelines for State Aid in the Agriculture Sector it is prohibited to make direct payments to producers save in certain exceptional circumstances. As a result my Department does not have any scheme currently in place to provide grant assistance for the purchase of a stallion.
128 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person who sells land for development purposes which had entitlements attached can sell the entitlements to another person or consolidate on the sale of the farm; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26750/07]
The EU regulations governing the transfer of entitlements allow that Single Payment entitlements can be transferred with or without land but may only be transferred without land if 80% have been used in one calendar year. A farmer uses entitlements by declaring one hectare of eligible land per entitlement on his/her Single Payment application form.
Under the relevant EU regulations, the position in relation to the consolidation of entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme is that an applicant can consolidate on the sale of land, only in cases where the land is acquired a public authority, for non-agricultural purposes.
It is not possible for a person who has sold land for development purposes to a private individual or concern to consolidate. In order for persons concerned to benefit for their full Single Payment, the lands so sold would have to be replaced by other lands acquired by purchase, lease or rent.
129 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there is an upper or lower age limit for new entrants to farming and particularly to purchase single farm payment entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26751/07]
The position is that under the rules governing the transfer of Single Payment entitlements in respect of the 2006 and 2007 Single Payment Scheme, there was no claw-back applied where entitlements were transferred to a new entrant to farming. For this purpose a new entrant was defined as a person who was at least 18 years of age and the holder of a registered herdnumber. Certain educational and income criteria also applied. There was no upper age limit but the new entrant must not have pursued an agricultural activity at his/her own risk during the five years immediately preceding the new agricultural activity. All persons qualifying as a new entrant under these criteria were free to purchase single payment entitlement without a claw-back.
The Deputy should note however that, following a recommendation from the Single Payment Advisory Committee (comprising representatives of the farming organisations, Teagasc and officials from my Department) I decided, some time ago, that no claw-back would be applied to entitlements sold with or without land for the 2008 and subsequent years' Single Payment Scheme regardless of whether the entitlements were being sold to a new entrant to farming.
130 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a single farm entitlement purchaser is required to lease a hectare of land for each entitlement sought for activation purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26752/07]
Eligibility under the Single Payment Scheme requires, inter alia, that applicants hold one eligible hectare for each payment entitlement claimed. A person would need to have established entitlements in his/her own right during the 2000 to 2002-reference period, or otherwise have acquired entitlements to qualify for payment under the Single Payment Scheme.
131 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the trading entitlements application for persons (details supplied) in County Mayo will be processed. [26754/07]
An application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme to the persons named was submitted on the 20 April 2007. During processing of the transfer application, it was necessary for an official of my Department to write to the persons named requesting an additional signature on the transfer application form. Upon receipt of the requested information my Department will process the application.
132 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will provide a detailed listing of all trees felled in the Sutton and Bayside areas due to the recent suspected presence of fireblight; if she will provide a copy of the laboratory test results to support the felling of these trees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26797/07]
Since my reply to you of 3rd October, there has not been any further findings of positives in the Sutton and Bayside areas. The laboratory has confirmed the following samples to be positive for fireblight and a copy of the laboratory results will be provided to the Deputy.
|
Location |
Tree Species |
Result |
Date Samples Taken |
|
Bayside Boulevard North |
Crataegus monogyna |
Positive |
13-8-2007 |
|
Bayside Boulevard North |
Sorbus aria |
Positive |
13-8-2007 |
|
Bayside Boulevard North |
Crataegus monogyna |
Positive |
13-8-2007 |
|
Verbena Avenue |
Sorbus aria |
Positive |
13-8-2007 |
|
Verbena Avenue |
Sorbus aria |
Positive |
13-8-2007 |
|
Verbena Avenue |
Sorbus aria |
Positive |
13-8-2007 |
|
Verbena Avenue |
Sorbus aria |
Positive |
8-8-2007 |
|
Verbena Avenue |
Sorbus aria |
Positive |
8-8-2007 |
|
Verbena Avenue |
Sorbus aucuparia ‘Joseph Rock’ |
Positive |
17-8-2007 |
|
Bayside Walk |
Sorbus aria |
Positive |
23-8-2007 |
These findings resulted in the removal by the local authority of 177 affected and associated trees in the Sutton and Bayside area. The majority of the trees have been Sorbus Aria and Sorbus aucparia with a small number of Cotoneaster sp. and Malus sp.
133 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will ensure that Fingal County Council plants semi-mature trees to replace the trees felled by her Department in Sutton and Bayside and puts in place a management plan to ensure their survival which would include watering during periods of dry weather; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26798/07]
As Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food I do not have responsibility for local authorities or their work.
134 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of the 2007 budget for farm improvement schemes that has been spent; and if the scheme will be retained for its planned five year length. [26799/07]
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 yesterday 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.
135 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will detail and itemise the performance based bonuses or other bonuses paid to Secretaries General and assistant secretaries in her Department and offices in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26803/07]
The scheme of performance-related awards in the civil service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. It does not apply to Secretaries General. Details of awards to individual officers under the performance related scheme are not disclosed on the basis that they are confidential to the officer concerned.
However I can say that during 2007 awards totalling €144,000 were made to 11 officers in my Department in respect of 2006 (as shown on page 10 of the CPA report for 2006). Details of the operation of the scheme are available in the report of the Committee for Performance Awards which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Finance at the following link: http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/publications/ reports/CPArep2006.pdf
136 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry has an entitlement to a single farm payment. [26863/07]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme / Disadvantaged Areas Schemes was received from the person named on 1 May 2007. The 50% Advance Payment, which amounted to €2,343.36, was paid to the applicant on 30 October. My Department will commence balancing payments to all eligible applicants on 1 December 2007 as provided for in the relevant EU Regulations.
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 DAS payment (€4,456.75) will issue shortly.
137 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science if she plans to introduce legislation that will permit the Office of Public Works or the Department of Education and Science to acquire land for school building projects by way of a compulsory purchase order; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26670/07]
The Programme for Government sets out a number of measures in relation to school provision including improving arrangements for the acquisition of sites. In this regard, I recently met with my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to discuss these matters and the scope for greater liaison with the local government sector.
138 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if mature students who work in low paid jobs, below €19,000, in the year preceding their return to education, will be awarded the special rate of maintenance grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26654/07]
The report of the Action Group on Access to Third Level Education made detailed recommendations concerning the introduction of special rates of maintenance grants for disadvantaged students. The target group of "those most in need" was defined in terms of the dependants of people receiving long-term welfare payments, where the necessary conditions are fulfilled. The special rates of grant are also available to mature students who meet the prescribed conditions.
The special rate of maintenance grant is available to students under each of my Department's four maintenance grant schemes. In order to qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant the following conditions must be satisfied:
1.An applicant must qualify for the standard maintenance grant.
2.The relevant income, in the prescribed tax year, must not exceed the lower income limit as set out in the appropriate maintenance grant scheme — net of Child Dependent Increase, where applicable.
3.As at the prescribed date — i.e. 31st December of the relevant tax year — the source of income must include one of the eligible long-term social welfare payments.
The following Social Welfare and Health Service Executive Payments are excluded in the calculation of reckonable income:—
Child Benefit
Family Income Supplement
Disability Allowance (where paid to the candidate)
Blind Pension (where paid to the candidate)
Means Tested One Parent Family Payments
Guardian's Pension (Previously known as Orphan's Pensions)
Back to Education Allowance
Foster Care Allowance
Domiciliary Care Allowance and
Carer's Allowance
139 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of all school building projects in County Laois including projected time-frames for completion of same. [26661/07]
I wish to inform the Deputy that there are currently thirteen school building projects being progressed in my Department for County Laois. The process of appointing Design Teams to three school building projects is under way. One school building project is at stage 3 (Developed Sketch Scheme); four projects are at stage 4/5 (Detail Design/Bill of Quantities), one of which has submitted a tender report to my Department; five projects are at stage 7/8 (Post Contract Control/Practical Completion and Handover of Building), of which three are currently on site and two are practically completed.
As the projects range from the appointment of Design Teams to Practical Completion, this is a further indication of progress under the Schools Building and Modernisation Programme. However, as with all major building projects, it is impossible to predict with certainty the exact date of completion for those projects not yet under construction.
140 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the moneys paid to primary teachers in promoted positions in the last financial year; the moneys paid to voluntary secondary school teachers in promoted positions in the last financial year; the moneys paid to community and comprehensive school teachers in promoted positions in the last financial year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26667/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and I will arrange for it to be forwarded to him as soon as possible.
141 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the recent decision by the High Court in Belfast to deny access to Derry schools to children whose parents have moved just over the border to County Donegal, resulting in the displacement of these children; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that similar practices take place in every city on the island as city residents move out to surrounding villages and smaller towns for quality of life or affordability reasons but continue their children’s education in the school from their previous address; and if she will liaise with her northern counterpart, Minister for Education, Ms Caitríona Ruane, to resolve this issue which has arisen as a result of the separate educational jurisdictions on this island. [26677/07]
In relation to schools under the aegis of the Department of Education and Science, it is a matter for the managerial authorities to determine enrolment policies. In doing so, they must act in accordance with the requirements of the Education Act 1998 and equal status legislation. Enrolment policies in Northern Ireland are a matter for the relevant Northern Ireland authorities.
My Department, together with the Department of Education Northern Ireland, has responsibility for the development of co-operation and common action in the field of education between both parts of the island of Ireland, in the context of the Good Friday Agreement. My Department is required to take forward this co-operation through the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and to develop,within that framework, common policies in the designated areas of special education needs, educational underachievement, teacher mobility and school, youth and teacher exchanges.
The re-establishment of the NI Assembly structures including the North South Ministerial Council will present opportunities to enrich and develop cooperative activities with Northern Ireland in the education and youth sector.
142 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has had consultation with the Union of Students of Ireland regarding the proposed Student Support Bill; if not, if there is an intention to engage with the USI regarding this piece of legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26678/07]
143 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Student Support Bill has gone to the Attorney General; when it was sent; if it has come back; and if she will make a statement on the reason there has been a delay in publishing this Bill. [26679/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.
As the Deputy may already be aware, I plan to introduce a single unified scheme of maintenance grants for students and to consolidate the administration of this unified grants scheme in the VEC sector. This will, I believe, provide for a more coherent administrative system. The scheme, which will be underpinned by a new Student Support Bill, will facilitate consistency of application, improved client accessibility and timely delivery of grants.
My Department has, as I have indicated previously, engaged in substantial consultations with the key stakeholders, including the Union of Students, on the future structure and administration of the student support schemes.
This process of consultation with the key stakeholders is on-going, in order to map the most logical and effective arrangements for the administration of the student support schemes, including the arrangements for the 2008/09 academic year. These consultations are a priority for my Department at present.
The Student Support Bill is at an advanced stage of preparation and my Department is currently working closely with the Office of the Attorney General to finalise outstanding issues. I hope to be in a position to have the Bill published during the current Dáil session.
144 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Galway in relation to their efforts to have a new school built; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26685/07]
The Office of Public Works which acts on behalf of my Department generally on the acquisition of sites for schools has been requested to source a suitable site for this school.
When a suitable site has been identified its acquisition will be considered in the context of my Department's budgetary allocation for site acquisitions which has yet to be finalised for 2008.
145 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if tuition will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26702/07]
The Deputy will be aware that the home tuition scheme provides funding to parents to facilitate the provision of education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement.
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has no record of receiving an application for home tuition in respect of the pupil in question. Details of my Department's home tuition scheme together with an application form may be accessed on my Department's website www.education.ie.
146 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science the grants or supports available to schools to undertake road safety measures outside schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26723/07]
The issue of road safety measures outside the vested site areas of schools, would be a matter that should be raised in the first instance with the relevant Local Authority.
Local Authorities have the power to decide on road safety measures outside schools and should ensure that measures are in place to protect the safety of local school children.
Individual school authorities are responsible in the first instance for health and safety issues within the school site. Primary school authorities may use their minor works grant to deal with urgent issues. In November last I increased funding for the minor works grant by 44% on the previous year and around €27m was paid out to primary schools throughout the country to enable thousands of small scale works to be completed without the need to interact with my Department.
Other avenues for grant-aid from my Department to provide improved health and safety measures include the Summer Works Scheme and Emergency Works Grants. In 2007, of the funding available to improve infrastructure in primary and post-primary schools, close to €120million is allocated to the Summer Works Scheme, involving over 1,100 individual projects at 965 schools.
147 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the location, in view of the recent announcement by Fingal County Council and the DEIS that sites were being acquired for a new primary school in Phibblestown and Phoenix Park, where a school (details supplied) or the proposed new VEC school will be located; if permanent sites for such schools have been agreed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26724/07]
The New School Advisory Committee (NSAC) has received formal notifications of intention to apply for the recognition of new primary schools in September, 2008 in the locations to which the Deputy refers.
The (NSAC) is an independent advisory group established to process applications for the recognition of new primary schools and to make recommendations to me. I would expect that the NSAC will produce its report early in 2008.
In the meantime, the Department has prioritised site acquisitions in the areas concerned under the Fingal School Model Agreement process.
148 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science when a language teacher will be appointed to schools (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26743/07]
In order to meet the language needs of students in our schools whose first language is not English or Irish, additional support is given to their schools which can take the form of financial assistance, additional teaching posts or portions of posts.
The level of extra financial or teaching support provided to any school is determined by the numbers of eligible non-English speaking students enrolled. Schools with 14 or more such pupils are entitled to one or more language support teachers. Schools with between 3 and 13 eligible pupils receive grant assistance towards the cost of employing part-time teachers. Schools with 3 to 8 such pupils receive a grant of over €6,300, while schools with between 9 and 13 such pupils receive over €9,500. These amounts are based on the full school year. If the school only becomes eligible for a grant during the year, they would receive the pro-rata amount due. The position is outlined in Circular 0053/2007 which is available on my Department's website.
Each of the schools referred to by the Deputy qualify for grant assistance towards the employment of a part-time teacher. The appointment of a part-time teacher is a matter for the Board of Management of the individual schools concerned.
149 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 228 of 24 October 2007, the funds already committed under the new National Development Plan in 2007, 2008 and 2009; the percentage of the total permitted annual commitment in each year; the projected cost of the recently announced new builds for 2008; if this figure is included in the 2008 committed funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26753/07]
The total capital allocation for the Primary and Post-Primary sectors in 2007 is over €540m and this allocation will be expended by year-end. It is not possible to determine the level of contractual commitments that will be a constituent part of the 2008 allocation until later this year. This arises as projects on site will incur further expenditure in 2007 and a number of projects may reach contract stage and commence construction works before year end. Consequently, the actual level of contractual commitments that will feature in 2008 cannot be accurately determined at this time.
The annual Department of Finance sanction under the Capital Investment Framework denotes the level of contractual commitments permissible for following years and my Department intends to adhere to such direction for 2008.
150 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if all the national guidelines for primary schools were considered in the application by a school (details supplied) in County Kildare for an extension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26774/07]
When a school is given approval to enter architectural planning the first step in the process is the appointment of a Design Team to design and plan the works.
All Design Teams are made aware of the Department's Design Team procedures which include relevant and appropriate guidelines and these must be adhered to in advancing a school through the architectural design process.
151 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science her views in relation to the fact that no traffic impact study was carried out regarding an application for the extension of a primary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if a traffic impact study is one of the guidelines for the provision of funding for such a school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26775/07]
Following a pre-planning discussion between the Design Team and officials from the Roads Section of Kildare County Council, it was confirmed that a traffic impact assessment was not required. During this discussion, Kildare County Council suggested alterations to the scheme to take account of traffic requirements and these alterations have been incorporated into the design.
Kildare County Council granted planning permission for the prepared scheme. This was subsequently appealed to An Bord Pleanála. My Department is awaiting the outcome of this appeal.
152 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria for a top up grant; the reason a person from a disadvantaged background who had the top up grant during their degree and masters studies has been refused same for their PhD studies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26796/07]
The special rate of maintenance grant is available to students under each of my Department's four maintenance grant schemes. In order to qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant the following conditions must be satisfied: 1. An applicant must qualify for the standard maintenance grant; 2. The relevant income, in the prescribed tax year, must not exceed the lower income limit as set out in the appropriate maintenance grant scheme — net of Child Dependent Increase, where applicable. 3. As at the prescribed date — i.e. 31st December of the relevant tax year — the source of income must include one of the eligible long-term social welfare payments. Decisions in relation to eligibility for the special rates of maintenance grants are a matter for the local authority or VEC concerned. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular condition is desired.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused the special rate of maintenance grant, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the conditions correctly in his/her case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department. Alternatively, as already indicated, the local authority or VEC may, itself, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department. Eligibility criteria for the Back to Education Allowance are determined by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
153 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will detail and itemise the performance based bonuses or other bonuses paid to Secretaries General and Assistant Secretaries in her Department and Offices in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26808/07]
The scheme of performance-related awards in the civil service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. It does not apply to Secretaries General. Details of awards to individual officers under the performance related scheme are not disclosed on the basis that they are confidential to the officer concerned. However I can say that during 2007 awards totalling €93,000 were made to 8 officers in my Department (including Chief Executive posts of civil service bodies under Department aegis which are covered by the scheme) in respect of 2006 (as shown on page 10 of the CPA report for 2006). Details of the operation of the scheme are available in the report of the Committee for Performance Awards which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Finance at the following link:
http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/publications/ reports/CPArep2006.pdf
154 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a commitment that funding will be provided early in 2008 for a project for a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26846/07]
The school referred to by the Deputy has applied for funding for the upgrade of toilet facilities under the Summer Works Scheme 2008. The closing date for the Summer Works Scheme 2008 was 28 September 2007. Decisions on the scheme will be made later in the year.
155 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the structure, management system and number of personnel in her Department’s Tullamore building unit; the number in each grade working on the administrative and professional or technical areas; the number and title of positions which are currently vacant; when they will be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26849/07]
The Planning and Building Unit of my Department, which is located in Tullamore, has a total staffing level of 128 posts. The unit deals with first, second and third level infrastructure, as well as Public Private Partnership. Details of the staff allocation at each grade are set out below. There are 5.5 vacancies in the unit and arrangements are being made to fill these. 8 — Principal Officer/ Technical Manager (1 vacancy); 11 — Assistant Principal Officer (1 vacancy); 6 — Senior Architect; 3 — M&E Engineer Gr1; 5 — Architect (1 vacancy); 4 — Snr Quantity Surveyor; 10 — Architectural Assistant (1 vacancy); 17.5 — Higher Executive Officer (1.5 vacancies); 40.5 — Executive Officer; 2 — Staff Officer; 21 — Clerical Officer.
156 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the system in operation in her Department’s building unit which contains information on the condition of each primary school, the year of its construction, the number of classrooms, ancillary facilities, the number of temporary classrooms and prefabs and related data; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26850/07]
The information to which the Deputy refers is acquired by the Department in the context of applications which are made by schools under the various Capital Programme Schemes. The information received is maintained on an individual school basis and is used to assess applications under the published prioritisation criteria attaching to each Scheme.
The Government is delivering on its commitment to provide modern facilities in schools and will invest a further €4.5 billion in educational infrastructure under the new National Development Plan. The allocation for 2007 alone is over €540m and this funding will deliver over 1,500 building projects.
157 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of the approximately 800 primary schools here that have lodged requests for financial assistance to renovate, extend, or rebuild a part of or whole of their present school buildings and related facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26851/07]
It is not clear what the Deputy is referring to, however, as he will be aware, funding of €4.5 billion is being provided by the Government under the new National Development Plan (NDP) for investment in school building infrastructure over the lifetime of the Plan. This will be the largest investment programme in schools in the history of the State and will enable the Department to ensure that school places are available where needed as well as continuing to upgrade existing school facilities. This investment will allow the Department to continue the acceleration of the school building programme which commenced during the life time of the last NDP when well over €2.6 billion was invested on school development, delivering over 7,800 projects.
The budget for 2007 is the first year of the rollout of the new NDP. This funding will enable the Department to continue to take a proactive approach to the provision of modern school accommodation particularly in developing areas. This year alone over €540 million will be spent on school building infrastructure with over 1,500 projects on the Department's school building programme. Construction in 2007 alone will deliver over 700 classrooms to provide permanent accommodation for over 17,500 pupils, mainly in developing areas.
Innovations in the delivery of school buildings such as Generic Repeat Designs and the use of the Design and Build model ensure that new school buildings are delivered in the fastest time-frame possible. The Department has also adopted a policy of devolving much greater authority to local school management boards to manage and deliver smaller building projects, thereby freeing the Department to concentrate on the larger scale projects. The Department has also improved forward planning through greater cooperation between it and Local Authorities and the publication of Area Development Plans.
The main focus of the school building programme is to deliver additional capacity in the rapidly developing areas. It is projected that 100,000 additional school places will be required over the next number of years. I am conscious of the need to provide more school places quickly and these are being delivered.
158 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of contracts her Department has entered into, directly or sanctioned indirectly, for the renting of temporary accommodation; the yearly average rent, per unit, per annum; the duration of the rental contract; the life expectancy of the temporary accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26852/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is not available as the parties to the contracts are generally the school authority and the rental company and as such the Department provides grant aid to individual school authorities towards these costs.
The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years mainly due to the rapid expansion in teacher numbers particularly in the area of special needs, the growth in the school-going population in rapidly developing areas and the demands to cater for diversity through the recognition of new Gaelscoileanna and Educate Together schools.
The total capital expenditure at primary and post-primary level in 2006 was €524.68m The expenditure on rental for the same period was €24.5m. Therefore, the expenditure on rental of temporary school accommodation for the same period represents 4.6% as a % of the total capital expenditure.
159 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of private consultant architects that have been retained, directly or indirectly, by her Department to provide professional architectural led services for the construction or renovation of the primary school system here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26853/07]
There are currently 230 large scale projects progressing from early design through to post-contract control stage in the primary sector. At the commencement of the process a Design Team is appointed to each of these large scale projects and comprises the services of an architect, structural engineer, mechanical and electrical engineer and a quantity surveyor. There are 120 consultant architect firms engaged on the large scale projects.
On the devolved projects (Summer Works Scheme, Small School Scheme and Permanent Accommodation Scheme) the standard practice involves the appointment of a single consultant to such a project with ancillary services bought in if required. Architects, engineers or building surveyors all perform this function but in the majority of cases an architect is the likely appointment. While there are over 1,000 projects devolved to the primary sector for 2007, individual consultants are generally associated with a number of projects.
160 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary school teachers that are employed and paid for by her Department; the amount she expects to retire at the end of this academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26854/07]
The most recent public service figures for September 2007 indicated that there were to the order of 29,720 teaching posts in primary schools.
It is expected that circa 650 primary teachers will retire during or at the end of the current academic year.
161 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the formal relationship between her Department and Science Foundation Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26855/07]
My Department engages with Science Foundation Ireland on a regular basis. SFI is a member of the Higher Education Research Group (HERG), an implementation structure established under the Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation, chaired by my Department and representative of all stakeholders in research in higher education, including the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department under whose aegis SFI operates.
162 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the student population in second level schools by category for each of the years from 2000 to date in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26856/07]
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the pupil population in second level schools by sector is contained in the attached file. The data includes post leaving certificate pupils. All of the details with the exception of the 2005/06 and 2006/07 years have been published in my Department's annual statistical report. Data in relation to pupil enrolment in the 2007/2008 school year is not yet available to my Department.
|
Mixed |
|||||
|
Category |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Secondary |
53,637 |
76,680 |
35,772 |
31,287 |
197,376 |
|
Vocational |
309 |
219 |
48,864 |
47,450 |
96,842 |
|
Community |
1,022 |
671 |
21,555 |
19,660 |
42,908 |
|
Comprehensive |
286 |
231 |
4,112 |
3,629 |
8,258 |
|
TOTAL |
55,254 |
77,801 |
110,303 |
102,026 |
345,384 |
|
Mixed |
|||||
|
Category |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Secondary |
52,376 |
76,206 |
34,628 |
29,226 |
192,436 |
|
Vocational |
299 |
203 |
48,043 |
47,922 |
96,467 |
|
Community |
944 |
712 |
21,683 |
19,612 |
42,951 |
|
Comprehensive |
270 |
246 |
4,085 |
3,623 |
8,224 |
|
TOTAL |
53,889 |
77,367 |
108,439 |
100,383 |
340,078 |
|
Mixed |
|||||
|
Category |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Secondary |
51,661 |
74,609 |
34,026 |
28,797 |
189,093 |
|
Vocational |
273 |
191 |
48,485 |
49,284 |
98,233 |
|
Community |
611 |
711 |
22,323 |
20,103 |
43,748 |
|
Comprehensive |
252 |
254 |
4,051 |
3,600 |
8,157 |
|
TOTAL |
52,797 |
75,765 |
108,885 |
101,784 |
339,231 |
|
Mixed |
|||||
|
Category |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Secondary |
51,044 |
73,700 |
34,278 |
28,541 |
187,563 |
|
Vocational |
251 |
172 |
47,927 |
49,784 |
98,134 |
|
Community |
622 |
741 |
22,485 |
20,187 |
44,035 |
|
Comprehensive |
232 |
285 |
4,051 |
3,551 |
8,119 |
|
TOTAL |
52,149 |
74,898 |
108,741 |
102,063 |
337,851 |
|
Mixed |
|||||
|
Category |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Secondary |
50,716 |
71,738 |
33,645 |
28,927 |
185,026 |
|
Vocational |
225 |
603 |
47,232 |
49,633 |
97,693 |
|
Community |
611 |
748 |
22,549 |
20,403 |
44,311 |
|
Comprehensive |
230 |
242 |
4,050 |
3,610 |
8,132 |
|
TOTAL |
51,782 |
73,331 |
107,476 |
102,573 |
335,162 |
|
Mixed |
|||||
|
Category |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Secondary |
50,611 |
71,998 |
33,344 |
27,813 |
183,766 |
|
Vocational |
0 |
577 |
47,158 |
49,168 |
96,903 |
|
Community |
601 |
748 |
22,261 |
20,143 |
43,753 |
|
Comprehensive |
0 |
0 |
4,180 |
3,805 |
7,985 |
|
TOTAL |
51,212 |
73,323 |
106,943 |
100,929 |
332,407 |
|
Mixed |
|||||
|
Category |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Secondary |
50,946 |
71,495 |
33,330 |
27,950 |
183,721 |
|
Vocational |
0 |
537 |
47,596 |
49,548 |
97,681 |
|
Community |
600 |
711 |
22,769 |
20,350 |
44,430 |
|
Comprehensive |
0 |
0 |
4,127 |
3,759 |
7,886 |
|
TOTAL |
51,546 |
72,743 |
107,822 |
101,607 |
333,718 |
163 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of permanent wholetime teacher positions in second level schools here by category in each of the years from 2000 to date in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26857/07]
The number of Permanent Wholetime Teacher Positions in Secondary and Community/Comprehensive schools from the 2000/2001 to the 2007/2008 school years is attached. The information regarding permanent wholetime teachers employed by Vocational Education Committees is available from the individual committees.
|
2000/01 |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
||
|
Secondary |
Female |
7,482 |
7,818 |
7,776 |
7,876 |
7,995 |
7,973 |
7,627 |
6,983 |
|
Male |
4,137 |
4,362 |
4,292 |
4,436 |
4,440 |
4,415 |
4,234 |
3,900 |
|
|
C & C |
Female |
1,976 |
2,020 |
2,021 |
2,031 |
2,053 |
2,063 |
2,065 |
1,874 |
|
Male |
1,277 |
1,298 |
1,289 |
1,326 |
1,319 |
1,323 |
1,313 |
1,219 |
164 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of retirements from PWT positions in each of the years from 2000 to date in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26858/07]
The number of retirements from Permanent Wholetime positions in Secondary and Community/Comprehensive schools as recorded on my Department's database from 2000 to 2007 is as follows:—
|
Year |
2000/01 |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
|
Female |
142 |
160 |
176 |
201 |
241 |
219 |
311 |
|
Male |
187 |
170 |
189 |
222 |
247 |
253 |
297 |
|
Total |
329 |
330 |
365 |
423 |
488 |
472 |
608 |
165 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of new PWT contracts issued in each of the years 2000 to date in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26859/07]
The number of teachers appointed for the 2007/2008 school year to a PWT contract in Secondary and Community/ Comprehensive schools is currently 359. The information in respect of previous years for secondary and community comprehensive schools for contracts is not readily available and will be forwarded to the Deputy at a later date. The number of teachers appointed to new PWT contracts for teachers employed by Vocational Education Committees is available from the individual Committees.
166 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the age and gender profile of those accepting new PWT contracts (details supplied) in each of the years from 2000 to date in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26860/07]
The age and gender profile of new teachers in Secondary and Community/ Comprehensive schools appointed to a PWT contract for the 2007/08 school year is as follows:—
|
Male |
Female |
|
|
20-23 yrs |
9 |
7 |
|
24-27 yrs |
37 |
80 |
|
28-31 yrs |
60 |
133 |
|
Age 32 yrs |
14 |
19 |
The information regarding the age and gender profile of teachers awarded new PWT contracts employed by Vocational Education Committees may be obtained from the individual committees. The age and gender profile of new teachers appointed to a PWT contract in previous years in Secondary and Community/Comprehensive schools is not available.
167 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of CID contracts issued in each year since 2005 to date in 2007 in categories (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26861/07]
The cumulative number of CID contracts held by teachers paid by my Department in recognised posts in Secondary and Community/Comprehensive schools in the 2005/ 2006, 2006/2007 and the 2007/ 2008 school years is outlined in the attached table. The information regarding the number of CID contracts held by teachers employed by Vocational Education Committees is available from the individual Committees.
|
Post Primary |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
School Year |
||||||
|
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
||||
|
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
|
|
0-11 hrs |
6 |
42 |
6 |
45 |
6 |
47 |
|
11-15 hrs |
10 |
119 |
12 |
123 |
12 |
134 |
|
15-18 hrs |
5 |
81 |
7 |
88 |
6 |
95 |
|
18-22 hrs |
260 |
857 |
265 |
902 |
299 |
999 |
168 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers employed and their hours (details supplied) in other categories in each year since 2005 to date in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26862/07]
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to secondary and community comprehensive schools is being compiled and I will arrange for it to be forwarded to him. The information regarding the number of teachers employed by Vocational Education Committees and their hours is available from the individual Committees.
169 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence if he will detail and itemise the performance based bonuses or other bonuses paid to Secretaries General and Assistant Secretaries in his Department and Offices in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26807/07]
The scheme of performance-related awards in the civil service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. It does not apply to Secretaries General. Details of awards to individual officers under the performance related scheme are not disclosed on the basis that they are confidential to the officer concerned. However I can say that during 2007 awards totalling €22,400.00 were made to 2 officers in my Department in respect of 2006 (as shown on page 10 of the CPA report for 2006). Details of the operation of the scheme are available in the report of the Committee for Performance Awards which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Finance at the following link: http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/ publications/reports/CPArep2006.pdf
170 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Ground Rents Bill will be enacted; when it will be brought before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26795/07]
I refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 283 on 10 October. I have nothing further to add to the details given in that reply.
171 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who have been committed to prison for non-payment of fines resulting from penalty point convictions in the Courts. [26683/07]
The Irish Prison Service does not record information relating to the imposition of penalty points.
In any event, according to information available to the Irish Prison Service, non-payment of fines arising from motoring offences featured in the committal orders of 1022 persons sent to prison since 1st September 2006. However, it would be misleading to suggest that the non-payment of fines by them contributed exclusively to their imprisonment as many committals had also been convicted of other offences which would in their own right have resulted in the imposition of a custodial sentence.
172 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the annual cost of the lease of a building (details supplied) in County Mayo; the length of the lease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26694/07]
The Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is charged with two sets of responsibilities (1) to accommodate asylum seekers while their applications for asylum are processed and (2) to develop, drive and coordinate integration policy across other Government departments, agencies and services for all legally resident migrants and to coordinate the Government's resettlement programme.
In fulfilling its responsibilities in respect of the accommodation of asylum seekers, the RIA does not ‘lease' premises from commercial contractors. Rather it ‘contracts-in' a comprehensive range of services, which include accommodation, catering, housekeeping, etc., for a fixed period of time. The RIA endeavours to achieve the best value for money in relation to such contracts, in respect of which negotiations can take place with a number of commercial entities. It is not in the interests of the taxpayer that details of individual contracts are made known both to the public and to other parties who are, or may be in the future, engaged in negotiations with the RIA.
I am therefore unable to provide, in respect of the premises cited in the question, the detailed financial information requested by the Deputy, as its release could negatively affect the competitive position of the State. I can confirm, however, that the rates are within the normal range of €189-255 per person per week (pppw) for direct provision centres. The current contract at the premises will expire on 19 January, 2010.
173 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the annual cost of the lease of a building (details supplied) in County Mayo; the length of the lease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26695/07]
The Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is charged with two sets of responsibilities (1) to accommodate asylum seekers while their applications for asylum are processed and (2) to develop, drive and coordinate integration policy across other Government departments, agencies and services for all legally resident migrants and to coordinate the Government's resettlement programme.
In fulfilling its general accommodation responsibilities, the RIA does not ‘lease' premises from commercial contractors. Rather it ‘contracts-in' a comprehensive range of services, which include accommodation, catering, housekeeping, etc., for a fixed period of time. The RIA endeavours to achieve the best value for money in relation to such contracts, in respect of which negotiations can take place with a number of commercial entities. It is not in the interests of the taxpayer that details of individual contracts are made known both to the public and to other parties who are, or may be in the future, engaged in negotiations with the RIA.
I am therefore unable to provide, in respect of the premises cited in the question, the detailed financial information requested by the Deputy, as its release could negatively affect the competitive position of the State. I can confirm, however, that the rates are within the normal range of €133-165 per person per week (pppw) for self catering centres The current contract at the premises will expire on 27 August, 2010.
It is important to record here that the premises in question are specifically in fulfilment of RIA's integration function. The building does not accommodate asylum seekers. Rather, it is an Orientation Centre for Programme Refugees used to temporarily accommodate and provide facilities for such refugees. Refugees receive health screening and a cultural orientation programme on a range of topics such as household and money management, law and order, child welfare, the education system, how to access services and so on, all of which are designed to prepare them for independent living. Children attend a short course to prepare them for entry into mainstream education. This programme has been put in place following consultation with previously resettled refugees and service providers.
174 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the long promised closed circuit television facilities for Mullingar town, County Westmeath has not materialised; when same will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26696/07]
An Garda Síochána is at present expanding its town centre CCTV programme and Mullingar is one of the 14 new locations involved. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that tenders for the provision of a CCTV system for Mullingar have been fully evaluated and it is expected that a contract for installation of the system will be awarded in the coming weeks. Once contracts are in place, work will commence on the installation of the CCTV system, subject to planning permissions, wayleaves and any civil works required. It is expected that the system in Mullingar will become operational during 2008.
175 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for long term residence by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26697/07]
As outlined in Parliamentary Question put down for answer on the 16th October 2007 (PQ No. 527) persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.
An application for long term residence from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in July 2007. I understand that applications received in July 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.
176 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the expected timetable for the installation of closed circuit television facilities for Athlone town, County Westmeath; the reason the anticipated date for the installation of same has not been met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26698/07]
Athlone is one of 14 locations into which the Garda town centre CCTV programme is being expanded. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the tenders received for the provision of a town centre CCTV system for Athlone are currently being evaluated and this process is expected to be completed shortly. Following approval of the preferred suppliers it is planned that the contract for the system will be awarded before the end of 2007. Works on the installation of the CCTV system should commence shortly after that, subject to planning permissions, wayleaves and any civil works required.
Earlier this year the Garda authorities carried out a project involving three locations and included the use of wireless and digital technologies. Evaluation of these technologies was required to be completed before progressing to further locations.
177 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of legal actions pursuant to the functions of the Criminal Assets Bureau in each year of its operation to date, including fees discharged by the Chief State Solicitor’s Office. [26719/07]
Since the inception of the Criminal Assets Bureau in 1996 the Bureau has been the subject to orders for legal costs by the Courts of €2.418 million. It has also expended €145,000 for legal services in pursuance of receivership orders. Both these sums were borne out of the Criminal Assets Bureau Annual Budget.
These amounts do not include fees discharged by the Chief State Solicitor's Office to the legal profession for actions taken by the Bureau, which are a matter for the Chief State Solicitor.
178 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress on the application for subsidiary protection by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26730/07]
The person concerned was refused refugee status by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. She was considered for temporary leave to remain in the State pursuant to Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended and was refused. My predecessor signed a deportation order in respect of her on 21 August 2006. This order was served by letter dated 6 October 2006.
By letter dated 7 November 2006, my Department informed the person concerned that as her removal letter had issued circa 10 October 2006 being the date on which my predecessor gave effect in Irish Law by way of Statutory Instrument No. 518 of 2006 — European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 to the EU Council Directive 2004/83/EC of 29 April 2004, that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, as an exceptional measure, was prepared to give an undertaking not to deport the person concerned before a decision had been made on her eligibility for "subsidiary protection" under the aforementioned regulations.
Her case is currently being considered by my Department for Subsidiary Protection pursuant to the provisions of the aforementioned regulations. Her case is amongst many to be considered by my Department. The Subsidiary Protection application lodged will be considered on its individual facts, merits and circumstances and a decision will issue as soon as practicable to the person concerned and to her legal representative.
I wish to advise the Deputy that no removal action will be undertaken by my Department in respect of the person concerned pending the determination of her application for Subsidiary Protection under the Regulations.
179 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of convictions there have been under Part 3, Section 25 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007, which refer to the commission of another offence within a specified period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26732/07]
180 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people who have been convicted under Part 9 Section 46 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007, which concerns the possession of an article intended for use in connection with certain offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26741/07]
181 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people who have been convicted under Part 9 Section 47 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007, which amends Section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26742/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 179 to 181, inclusive, together.
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being researched. I will contact the Deputy again when the information is to hand.
182 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 334 of 17 October 2007 and the statement in the CAB Annual Report that the CAB in its first decade received High Court Orders to seize €90 million worth of illegal assets, the reason only €5 million approximately was returned to the Exchequer in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26748/07]
The difference with regard to the amount of the value of the assets seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau to date and the amount which has been returned to the Exchequer to date is explained by the following.
The Criminal Assets Bureau operates under the Proceeds of Crime Act, 1996. Under this legislation, monies or property frozen pursuant to Section 2 or 3 of the Act remain frozen for a period of at least seven years and therefore the first applications under section 4 of the Act for "disposal orders" of the assets which have been seized by the Bureau could not come before the courts until 2004.
The only exception to this minimum seven year waiting period is whereby all relevant parties agree to the application of a section 4a order which allows for a disposal order to be made by the High Court within the seven year period with the consent of all parties. These consent provisions only came into force in 2005 under the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act of that year.
As the Deputy will appreciate, no monies or property frozen by the Criminal Assets Bureau can be forwarded to the Exchequer until a final decision on such assets has been determined by the courts although, of course, the persons involved are deprived of such monies.
183 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 258 of 24 October 2007, if the Garda authorities will confirm that the green area referred to is in fact a large children’s play centre and preschool with numerous children entering and exiting obscured from passing traffic by parked buses giving rise to serious safety concerns; and if he will review this as a matter of urgency. [26749/07]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the green area concerned is a secure, railed, public park having within its confines a children's nursery centre at the north-eastern corner and a separate children's playground at the south-eastern corner. There are a number of entrance gates on all sides of the park.
I am further informed that local Garda management have received no complaints or representations in relation to inadequate traffic controls in the area. However, An Garda Síochána is willing to assist in any safety review undertaken by Dublin City Council and / or Dublin Bus in respect of this issue.
184 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 219 of 5 July 2007, when a decision will be made on an application for persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26757/07]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question No. 219 on 5 July 2007. The position remains as stated.
185 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 266 of 27 February 2007, the status of an application for residency visa for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26758/07]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the person in question was granted long term residency in June 2007. He was granted permission to remain for a 5 year period with an exemption from work permit requirements.
Enquires carried out with the Garda National Immigration Bureau indicate that the person concerned attended at his local Immigration Office on 2nd July 2007 and was granted permission to remain in line with his current passport. Following the renewal of his passport it is open to him to return to his local Immigration Office to have the remaining period endorsed on his passport.
186 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm that a case for naturalisation for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17 will be decided upon in the near future. [26770/07]
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 January 2007.
Officials in that Section are currently processing applications received in the beginning of 2005 and have approximately 11,600 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the application will commence in the second half of 2009. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the matter.
187 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects to make a decision regarding an application for long term residency by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22. [26776/07]
The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants. Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.
An application for long term residence from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in September 2006. I understand that applications received in early July 2006 are currently being dealt with.
188 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects a decision will be made regarding an application for long term residency by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [26777/07]
The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants.
Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.
An application for long term residence from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in August 2007. I understand that applications received in early July 2006 are currently being dealt with.
189 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí located in the Dublin South-Central electoral area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26778/07]
190 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations located in the Dublin South-Central electoral area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26779/07]
191 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí patrolling on pedal bicycles located in the Dublin south central electoral area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26780/07]
192 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community Gardaí per station located in the Dublin south central electoral area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26781/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 to 192, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that Garda District boundaries differ from the boundaries of electoral districts/wards and constituencies. A Garda District can cover several electoral areas and similarly an electoral area can include parts of more that one Garda District.
There are four Garda Stations located in the Dublin South Central Constituency. The following table provides the information requested by the Deputy, as of 30 September 2007, for each of these Garda Stations:-
|
Station |
Strength |
Bicycles |
Community Gardaí |
|
Crumlin |
103 |
3 |
4 |
|
Sundrive Road |
78 |
2 |
5 |
|
Kilmainham |
86 |
3 |
7 |
|
Ballyfermot |
87 |
2 |
6 |
193 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí by rank in each division located in the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26782/07]
As of 30 September last, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the strength, by rank, of each Garda Division in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, is as follows:
|
Division |
CR |
D/C |
A/C |
C/SUPT |
SUPT |
INSP |
SGT |
GDA |
Total |
|
DMR South Central |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
3 |
22 |
90 |
651 |
769 |
|
DMR Southern |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
4 |
16 |
85 |
503 |
609 |
|
DMR Northern |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
4 |
18 |
96 |
564 |
683 |
|
DMR West |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
4 |
16 |
100 |
622 |
743 |
|
DMR North Central |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
4 |
23 |
91 |
578 |
697 |
|
DMR Eastern |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
4 |
16 |
82 |
508 |
611 |
|
TOTAL |
— |
— |
1 |
7 |
23 |
111 |
544 |
3,426 |
4,112 |
The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day the overall strength of the organisation may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the above Divisions will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Districts/Divisions throughout the country.
194 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of reserve gardaí allocated to Dublin City; the stations to which they are assigned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26783/07]
The total personnel strength of the Garda Reserve including trainees as at 30th October 2007 was 247. A total of 171 members are fully attested.
There are 91 attested members attached to the Dublin Metropolitan Region. They are allocated to the following Stations:
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL DIVISION — Pearse St, Kevin Street, Kilmainham and Donnybrook.
DMR NORTH CENTRAL DIVISION — Store St, Bridewell and Fitzgibbon Street.
DMR WEST DIVISION — Clondalkin, Finglas, Lucan, Ballyfermot and Blanchardstown.
DMR NORTH DIVISION — Santry, Raheny, Swords, Clontarf, Coolock and Ballymun.
DMR SOUTH DIVISION — Crumlin, Sundrive Road, Rathmines and Terenure.
DMR EAST DIVISION — Bray, Dún Laoghaire and Blackrock.
195 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of crimes recorded from January 2005 to date in 2007 in each area of the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26784/07]
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 her.
196 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the protection that currently exists for people who provide sensitive information to the Garda; if he is considering amending or introducing new legislation in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26785/07]
All persons with information regarding the commission of crime are encouraged to provide this information to the Garda Síochána.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Síochána has introduced best international practice in its policy and procedures for the management and use of intelligence sources by its members. Persons who meet specific criteria, as set out in the Garda Síochána's policy, are evaluated and, where considered appropriate, are managed by Garda personnel who have been specifically trained to internationally recognised standards in this area.
In addition, since 1997, the Garda Síochána has operated a Witness Security Programme in response to attempts by criminal and other groups to prevent the normal functioning of the criminal justice system, including threats of violence and systematic intimidation of witnesses. Although legislation was not required to establish this Programme, its operation is supported by complementary legislative provisions in the Criminal Justice Act 1999. I have no plans to introduce legislation in respect of intelligence sources, although the matter will be keep under review.
197 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the legislation that applies in relation to the setting up and running of a casino; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26786/07]
Under Irish law, gaming and gambling is illegal, except where it is specifically permitted under the 1956 Gaming and Lotteries Act. Certain gaming activities, such as those carried out in casinos, are prohibited.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that they are aware of a number of private clubs offering casino-like activities around the country. These private clubs are visited by the Gardaí and I am informed that to date irregularities have not been detected that would justify a prosecution under the Gaming & Lotteries Acts 1956-86. I am assured that such premises will continue to receive Garda attention and if breaches of the legislation are detected the directions of the DPP will be sought.
As the Deputy is aware, in mid 2006 my predecessor established an inter-departmental committee chaired by Mr Michael McGrath BL to report on the possibilities for a legislative basis for the strict regulation of casino-style operations in the State, and related matters.
The Casino Regulation Committee presented their Report in April of this year. It is a lengthy document which deals with a range of complex and inter-related public policy matters. The Report is currently being considered within my Department and when this process is concluded I intend to bring the Report before Government.
The Deputy will understand that I do not propose to comment on the Report or any future policy proposals it may contain prior to bringing it before Government.
198 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if stamp four status will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26802/07]
The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants.
Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency.
While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.
A request for information regarding long term residence was received from the legal representatives of the person referred to by the Deputy in October 2007. Correspondence issued on 18th October 2007 outlining the criteria for long term residence. I understand that applications received in early July 2006 are currently being dealt with.
199 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will detail and itemise the performance based bonuses or other bonuses paid to Secretaries General and assistant secretaries in his Department and Offices in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26814/07]
The scheme of performance-related awards in the civil service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. It does not apply to Secretaries General. Details of awards to individual officers under the performance-related scheme are not disclosed on the basis that they are confidential to the officer concerned. However, I can say that during 2007 the following awards were made to Deputy Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades in respect of 2006.
|
Total Awards |
No. of Staff |
|
|
€ |
||
|
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform Deputy/Assistant Secretaries |
134,000 |
10 |
|
Heads of Agencies (reporting to a Board) |
108,000 |
5 |
|
Other Heads of Agencies (not reporting to a Board) |
55,000 |
4 |
|
Total |
297,000 |
19 |
A further €179,000 was paid in respect of Deputy/Assistant Commissioners (14) in An Garda Síochána for the same period.
Details of the operation of the scheme are available in the report of the Committee for Performance Awards which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Finance at the following link: http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/ publications/reports/CPArep2006.pdf
200 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the recent High Court ruling on 19 October 2007 regarding gender dysphoria and gender identity disorder; and the plans being put in place to change the law. [26818/07]
I understand that the effect of the judgment of the High Court in this case is that the system of registration of births, as it relates to those with gender dysphoria, is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. The system of registration of births and the legislation governing that system do not come within the functional responsibility of my Department.
201 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress on the application by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 to remain here on humanitarian grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26843/07]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 20 September, 2004 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 05 January, 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.
This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
202 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the length of time it takes forensic results to be analysed and to be reported back to the originating Garda station; the location where Galway based forensic tests are analysed; the length of time it takes the Gardaí to read the results once received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26845/07]
I can inform the Deputy that a service level agreement is in place between An Garda Síochána and the Forensic Science Laboratory which oversees processing and reporting times according to agreed priorities and which applies on a nationwide basis. This agreement incorporates arrangements to ensure that high priority cases are examined immediately upon receipt and is reinforced by ongoing interaction between the Laboratory and the Garda authorities. All analysis takes place at the Forensic Science Laboratory, which is based at Garda Headquarters, Dublin.
203 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing spate of burglaries in an area (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he recognises that the area is within easy reach of those with criminal intentions from the city and therefore especially vulnerable; if he will arrange for increased Garda presence particularly as the festive season approaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26848/07]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are aware of a number of burglaries in the area referred to.
I am further informed that uniform and plain-clothes personnel, including District Detective and Drug Unit personnel, supplemented as necessary by District and Divisional Traffic Corps personnel, carry out patrols and checkpoints in this area. Crime prevention patrols have also been conducted in the area as part of Operation Anvil which is targeting persons suspected of involvement in organised criminal activity and theft-related offences.
I am advised that crime trends and the allocation of personnel are closely monitored and kept under constant review by local Garda management, who are satisfied with the current availability of personnel to patrol this area.
However the situation will be kept under review by the Garda Commissioner and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Carlow/Kildare Division will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Districts and Divisions throughout the country.
204 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the figures his Department has in relation to the amount of water that is available from present sources to supply Dublin’s needs; if there has been an analysis carried out by his Department in relation to a potential shortfall in water supply for Dublin with the additional housing and other development that is to occur over the next five years; the figures projected in relation to such shortfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26668/07]
Responsibility for ensuring that an adequate water supply is available to, and planned to meet the needs of, consumers in the Dublin area rests primarily with the local authorities in the Dublin region.
The current demand in the Greater Dublin Water Supply Area, which consists of Dublin City, Fingal, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, South Dublin, and parts of Wicklow, Kildare and Meath, is 540 million litres per day. Work is under way on an expansion of the Ballymore Eustace Treatment Plant to provide an additional 44 million litres per day and an expansion of the Leixlip Works to provide an additional 67 million litres per day is in planning.
However, there is limited potential to abstract additional water from existing sources to service growth in demand in the Greater Dublin Area and it is necessary to consider new options for potential long-term sources. My Department provided €2.55m under the Water Services Investment Programme to Dublin City Council to fund a study of longer term water supply needs and options to meet the needs of the greater Dublin area. This study, which was completed in 2006, estimated that the region will require an extra 300 million litres of water per day from a new source by 2031. It also concluded that only two options, taking water from the Shannon or the provision of a sea-water desalination facility in the region, could meet the capacity requirements in the medium and long term.
Consultants engaged by Dublin City Council are preparing a Preliminary Report, which will outline the options for source development, the type of treatment to be provided and how the water should be delivered/distributed, and make recommendations on the optimum solutions. Both the Shannon and desalination options will be addressed in this Preliminary Report.
205 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps taken by his Department in relation to the requirement under the National Spatial Strategy that the strategic planning guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area issued in 1999 be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26669/07]
In accordance with sections 21 and 22 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the Dublin Regional Authority and the Mid-East Regional Authority, in May 2004, jointly made Regional Planning Guidelines for the whole of the area of their two regions, i.e. the area known as the Greater Dublin Area. These guidelines replaced the non-statutory Strategic Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area (1999) and incorporated the aims and policies of the National Spatial Strategy.
Section 26 of the Act requires that the regional authorities review their Regional Planning Guidelines not later than six years after the making of the Guidelines i.e. in the case of the GDA, not later than May 2010.
206 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the knowledge his Department has of the proposed Loughrea/Kilrickle/Killimor water scheme in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26686/07]
The Loughrea Regional Water Supply Scheme, which will serve Kilrickle, is included in the Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007- 2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2009. The Department approved Galway County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme in October 2006 and is now awaiting submission of the revised Contract Documents from the Council. Additional details of proposals for serving Killimor may be sought from the Council.
207 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of the proposed sewerage treatment plant at Glenamaddy, County Galway; the involvement of his Department in relation to same at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26687/07]
The Glenamaddy 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 Galway County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme in December 2006 and further progress is a matter for the Council.
208 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, further to his comment that Ireland requires no more than two incinerators to deal with waste, which are to be located in Counties Cork and Meath, and in view of An Taoiseach’s recent announcement that based on his examination of new technologies, perhaps Ireland will not need eight incinerators, there are plans to replace the proposed Poolbeg incinerator with a waste management technology other than incineration. [26690/07]
I have not made any statement in regard to the number or location of any future incinerators. I have, however, signalled a move away from an over-reliance on incineration towards alternative technologies such as mechanical and biological treatment. This would greatly reduce residual waste requiring thermal treatment, which may include use as refuse derived fuel as a further alternative to incineration.
Under the Waste Management Acts statutory responsibility for the making of regional waste management plans, which includes determinations in regard to the waste management infrastructure appropriate to each region, rests with the local authority (or local authorities) concerned and my Department has no function in this regard.
The Poolbeg project is at present going through the statutory planning and waste licensing processes and I as Minister am precluded, under both the Planning and Development and Waste Management Acts, from involvement in these processes in any particular case.
209 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, further to the Dáil Éireann adjournment debate of 10 October 2007 in regard to the proposed new fire station in Tallow, County Waterford and subsequent contacts and correspondence from his Department, the allocated pre-construction funds of €600,000 are available to Waterford County Council for the Tallow project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26693/07]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 1132 of 26 September 2007.
I am informed that the figure of €600,000 referred to in the question represented an early estimate of potential financial commitments in respect of the construction of a fire station in the town rather than an actual commitment under the Fire Services Capital Programme for 2007.
The Department recently requested Waterford County Council to prioritise projects it wishes to progress under the Fire Services Capital Programme. The council responded to the effect that Lismore and Portlaw were its first and second priorities for replacement fire stations ahead of Tallow.
The provision of exchequer funding for a replacement fire station in Tallow will be considered under future capital programmes having regard to Waterford County Council's priorities, the existing facilities at the station, the proximity of other stations, and the competing demands from other fire authorities for available funding.
210 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for the preservation of the Market House, Castlepollard, County Westmeath which is the oldest building in the town and is a valuable link to the 18th century; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26705/07]
The Market House, Castlepollard, is in the ownership of Westmeath County Council. Statutory protection of the architectural heritage is primarily a matter for the planning authorities in the exercise of their functions under Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
Under the provisions of the Act, each planning authority is required, for the purpose of protecting structures, or parts of structures, which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, to include in its development plan a Record of Protected Structures (RPS) for its functional area. This may be done at the time of the preparation of the development plan or, where appropriate, at any other time.
On 5 October 2007, I formally launched my Department's Survey of the Architectural Heritage (NIAH) of County Westmeath. Included in this NIAH survey are structures throughout the county, including Castlepollard Market House, which are rated as being of regional importance or higher. Under Section 53 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, I have recommended to Westmeath County Council that these structures are included in its RPS. I also met with representatives of the Castlepollard Market House Campaign Group on 5 October and understand that the Group will have further contact with Westmeath County Council, and my Department as appropriate.
211 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the under-representation of councillors in Fingal County in view of the increases in population particularly in Dublin 15 with over 92,000 population per the last census and only eight councillors; if he has proposals to increase the number of councillors; if he will appoint a commission to examine the issue and report on local authority representation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26707/07]
212 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the relevant sections of the acts dealing with local authorities and the creation of additional council seats; if the relevant sections of the legislation are fully in force; if not, the sections of such legislation not in force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26708/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 211 and 212 together.
The last review of local electoral areas was carried out in 1998. I am at present considering the issues around a review of local electoral areas and I expect to be in a position to make a statement on the matter shortly. The number of elected members in each local authority is set out in section 21 and schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2001. Section 22 of the 2001 Act provides for the alteration of the number of members of a local authority. The operation of section 22 would require the establishment of the Local Government Commission, which would report on proposals to alter the number of elected members of a local authority in addition to having a number of other functions concerning local government organisational matters. Section 22 and part 11 of the 2001 Act, which provides for the Commission, have not been commenced to date.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to publish a Green Paper on Local Government Reform in the coming months, which will examine a number of issues in relation to the organisation of Irish local government. A White Paper on Local Government Reform will then follow next year. I will give consideration to those parts of the Local Government Act 2001 which have not yet been commenced as part of this reform process.
213 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the rise in the number of chimney fires across the country; if he has plans to help prevent chimney fires; if he will introduce minimum standards for those employed in chimney sweeping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26767/07]
I am concerned about any increase in the number of chimney fires. A Community Fire Safety Programme is being advanced by the Department to enhance fire safety generally and to contribute to bringing about a safer society. A priority project under the Programme dealing with fire safety in the home is being implemented through educational and promotional campaigns. Chimney fire prevention is an important part of this project. The setting of employment and related standards are not a matter for this Department.
214 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the response to the previous parliamentary question on the issue, he will give a commitment to add Georgian Dublin to the tentative list for nomination as a UNESCO world heritage site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26772/07]
As outlined previously, it is intended to review the current tentative list of sites submitted to UNESCO which was compiled in 1992. Georgian Dublin can be considered in the context of that review. UNESCO Natural and Cultural World Heritage sites are only considered for inscription where they are deemed to be of ‘Outstanding Universal Value' i.e. "has cultural and/or natural significance which is so exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity and the permanent protection of it's heritage is of the highest importance to the international community as a whole".
A property is deemed to be of Outstanding Universal Value if it satisfies prescribed criteria, as per Section 77 of the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention. In addition, it must also meet prescribed standards in relation to integrity and-or authenticity, protection and management etc. As for the previous list, the advice of relevant experts will be sought on whether each proposed site meets all of these criteria.
215 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to a European Parliament petition (details supplied); if the documents mentioned by the authorities here in their June 2007 response to the Commission’s letter of 17 April 2007 relating to the way the operation of the plant in question prior to 2001 sought to fulfil the requirement of Council Directive 84/360/EEC on the combating of air pollution from industrial plants, for the application of or adaptation to the best available technology, have been located and transmitted to the Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26789/07]
My Department responded to the European Commission's requests for information relating to this petition in December 2006, January 2007 and June 2007. The European Parliament's Committee on Petitions visited Ireland in June 2007 and met with officials to discuss, amongst other issues, the subject matter of this petition. My Department has not yet located the files referred to in the response to the European Commission in June 2007.
216 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures taken to comply with Article 3(5) of Directive 2003/4/EC on Access to Information on the Environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26792/07]
Article 3(5) of the Directive 2003/4/EC deals mainly with practical arrangements by public bodies to assist persons to access information on the environment. The Directive has been transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 133 of 2007). Article (5)(a) requires a public authority to inform the public of their rights under these Regulations (the AIE Regulations) and the Directive, and to provide advice and guidance on the exercise of these rights.
Article 14 of the AIE Regulations enables me to publish guidelines in relation to their implementation by public authorities and obliges these authorities to have regard to any such guidelines. Guidelines under Article 14 were issued at the time of the making of the AIE Regulations. Paragraph 7.3 of the guidelines sets out the practical steps to be taken by public authorities to assist persons seeking environmental information, and is especially relevant in the context of Article 3(5) of the Directive. The detailed arrangements necessary to give effect to these requirements are matters for the public bodies concerned.
Finally, my Department arranged for the publication of a notice in the national newspapers at the time of the making of the AIE Regulations. The notice drew attention to the making of the Regulations and to the guidelines accompanying them.
217 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the boundaries for county council electoral purposes; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26793/07]
Unlike for Dáil and European Parliament constituencies, there are no legal requirements in relation to the frequency of local electoral area reviews. The last review of local electoral areas was carried out in 1998; the next local elections are due to take place in 2009. I am at present considering the issues around a review of local electoral areas and I expect to be in a position to make a statement on the matter shortly.
218 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will detail and itemise the performance based bonuses or other bonuses paid to Secretaries General and Assistant Secretaries in his Department and Offices in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26810/07]
Civil service posts at the levels of Assistant Secretary and Deputy Secretary are covered by a scheme of performance related awards. It does not apply to Secretaries General. The operation of the scheme is overseen by the Committee for Performance Awards. Since 2002, the funding for awards is based on 10% of the payroll for the posts covered by the scheme. Within this overall limit, payments of up to 20% can be made to individuals.
Details of the procedures, the numbers covered by the scheme, the range of awards and the total amounts paid in Departments are outlined in the annual reports of the Committee for Performance Awards (available on the website www.finance.gov.ie). The Committee does not identify the amount paid to individuals as this is regarded as personal information.
Payments for 2006 in the sum of €96,000 were made to 8 staff members in my Department. Payments under the scheme have not yet been made for 2007.
219 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans he has to tackle the growing problem of postal spam, or junk mail; his views on restrictive measures against those who send unsolicited mail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26768/07]
The public receives a wide variety of mail from a number of sources, much of which could be regarded as unsolicited mail, including unaddressed mail material, which may be delivered by An Post or other operators. An Post is statutorily obliged under Section 12 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983 to satisfy all reasonable demands for postal services throughout the State.
Measures are already in place to manage the impact of direct mailing. Under Section 2(7) of the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003, individuals have the right to request that they be removed from any direct mailing lists used by businesses. Householders also have the option of limiting the amount of unsolicited mail they receive by completing a Mailing Preference Service form requesting that their names be removed from mailing lists controlled by members of the Irish Direct Marketing Association. Individuals may contact the Irish Direct Marketing Association directly or alternatively, can complete a form available from post offices. This form goes directly to the Irish Direct Marketing Association and applies to addressed mail sent by their members. I have no intention at this time to introduce additional measures in respect of direct mailing.
220 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will detail and itemise the performance based bonuses or other bonuses paid to Secretaries General and Assistant Secretaries in his Department and Offices in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26805/07]
The scheme of performance-related awards in the civil service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. It does not apply to Secretaries General. Details of awards to individual officers under the performance related scheme are not disclosed on the basis that they are confidential to the officer concerned. However I can say that during 2007 awards totalling €51,200 were made to 4 officers in my Department in respect of 2006 (as shown on page 10 of the CPA report for 2006). Details of the operation of the scheme are available in the report of the Committee for Performance Awards which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Finance at the following link: http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/publications/ reports/CPArep2006.pdf.
