Vol. 642 No. 3
65 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made on preparing for a referendum here on the European Union Reform Treaty; if there will be a consultative process between the Government parties and other parties supportive of the treaty; if a budget has been agreed for possible advertising purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30886/07]
326 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he expects all EU countries to ratify the reform treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31221/07]
334 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a date has been set for the EU Treaty of Reform Referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31229/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65, 326 and 334 together.
The EU Reform Treaty will be signed by Heads of State and Government, including the Taoiseach, on 13 December. The Treaty is expected to be ratified by each Member State before 1 January 2009. Member States will proceed with ratification under their respective constitutional provisions and in accordance with their own timetables.
The Government has sought legal advice from the Attorney General on whether ratification of the EU Reform Treaty requires an amendment to the Constitution. While it is necessary to await this advice, I expect that the Irish people will have an opportunity to vote on the Treaty, probably in mid-2008.
The Government will wish to consult fully with other parties on the Treaty throughout the ratification process. I have already written to all members of the Oireachtas providing them with a summary of the Treaty's provisions and we will shortly be in contact with party spokesmen to arrange for further consultations on the Treaty and its ratification.
A referendum campaign will need to be preceded by an active information effort and an initial short explanatory pamphlet on the Treaty will be published next month. A dedicated website is being established shortly. In accordance with established procedures, a Referendum Commission will be created to inform the public about the Treaty and to encourage citizens to exercise their right to vote.
As was the case with the previous EU referendum in 2002, the Referendum Commission will be properly resourced to enable it to carry out its role in an effective manner. In line with normal practice, the Government would intend to publish further material on the Reform Treaty in the early part of 2008, including a White Paper.
66 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has been party at European level to discussions amongst his fellow Ministers for Foreign Affairs on issues pertaining to immigration within the EU; his view of the decision taken by the Italian Government to allow Member States to expel citizens of another EU Member State under certain circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30887/07]
The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has primary responsibility for immigration policy and, in the EU context, these issues fall within the remit of the JHA Council.
The recent decision by the Italian Government to introduce an emergency decree, which provides for immediate expulsion of EU citizens believed to constitute a threat to public security, has not been discussed by either Justice and Home Affairs or Foreign Affairs Ministers of the EU.
EU nationals are entitled to free movement within the EU, as set out in Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (the Free Movement Directive). This Directive has been transposed into Irish Law by the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) (No. 2) Regulations 2006.
Rights to free movement within the EU are not absolute. For example, in Ireland, the Habitual Residence Condition restricts access to social welfare benefits for persons who have been here for less than 2 years. In addition, there are specific circumstances under which an EU citizen may be issued with an order to leave the State, or be excluded from entering the State for a specified period, for example, if the person refuses to comply with a requirement under Regulations relating to public policy, public security or public health.
Where an EU citizen is removed from, or restricted from entering Ireland, this is done in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities Free Movement of Persons Regulations.
The Italian Government have stated that their emergency decree is in accordance with EU Regulations and this has been accepted by the Commission.
67 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the type of pre-departure training and preparation the volunteers in the Rapid Response Corps have completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29325/07]
All members of the Rapid Response Corps are obliged before deployment to participate in an intensive training programme. Two training programmes were held during 2007.
The training, which was designed especially for the Rapid Response Corps, is delivered in two parts over 6 days by the Kimmage Development Studies Centre (D-TALK) in Dublin and by the Defence Forces UN School (UNTSI) at the Curragh Camp.
The D-TALK component covers issues such as working in humanitarian emergencies, humanitarian law, UN systems, UN humanitarian reform, civil/military cooperation, and medical and stress preparation. The Defence Forces address issues relating to personal security and communications in the field, as well as basic first aid.
The training has been particularly well received by the participants and I am very grateful to D-TALK and UNTSI, and to the Department of Defence, for their assistance and cooperation to Irish Aid in designing and running the courses provided.
All Rapid Response Corps members are required to undergo a medical check by medical practitioners expert in the field of travel health. Irish Aid has agreed with those medical practitioners that all Corps members are medically prepared, as far as it is possible to do so, for deployments anywhere in the world. Finally, all members must be deemed fit for duty by those practitioners before they will be considered for a deployment.
There are also ongoing opportunities for members of the Corps to volunteer for training courses organised and delivered by our UN partners.
Fifty two (52) Rapid Response Corps members are now ready to deploy if needed, having completed their pre-departure training and checks.
68 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he proposes to honour the work of C.J. Hambro with a statue or similar memorial befitting his important work on behalf of Ireland. [30892/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, C.J. Hambro was a distinguished Norwegian political leader in the earlier part of the last century. Mr. Hambro was a defender of the rights of small nations in an era when these rights were far from being guaranteed. His belief in the national rights of small nations led him to defend the cause of Irish independence and gave rise to his admiration for Éamon de Valera.
I am aware of a recent initiative regarding a proposed commemoration of Mr. Hambro in Muckross House. While I would be willing to lend my support to such a proposal in view of Mr. Hambro's distinguished background, the issue of a commemorative memorial there is a matter for the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In this regard, I understand that the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has recently been in contact with the interested party to indicate that they are not in a position to accede to such a request, but have advised of alternative possibilities for commemorating Mr. Hambro.
69 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent matters dealt with by the clearing house of COREPER in terms of foreign policy of the European Union. [30866/07]
The Common Position 931 Working Party, formerly known as the Clearing House, is an advisory technical Working Group whose work is related to the enforcement of UN Security Council Resolution 1373 on terrorists' assets. The group is mandated to examine and evaluate information with a view to the listing and de-listing of persons, groups and entities pursuant to European Union Common Position 931 of 2001, to assess whether the information meets the criteria set out by the Council in Common Position 931, to prepare a regular review of the terrorist list, and to make recommendations for listings and de-listings to be reflected in the necessary legal instruments, to be endorsed by the Permanent Representatives Committee with a view to their adoption by Council.
70 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the targets established in the multi annual programme scheme were reached; the audits that were carried out on these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29338/07]
73 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the basis on which the funding of projects (details supplied) for the multi annual programme scheme two, 2007 to 2011, was established; the evaluations that were carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29337/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 73 together.
The Multi Annual Programme Scheme, (MAPS), is a funding scheme which has been established with a number of core NGOs with the aim of strengthening strategic and programmatic co-operation and providing a flexible and predictable funding framework. Five NGOs participated in MAPS — Christian Aid Ireland, Concern, Goal, Self Help Development International and Trócaire.
The objective of the MAPS I Scheme, 2003-2005 were:
To facilitate receipt by NGOs of Irish Aid funding in such a way as to promote flexibility within their own programme framework of visions and strategies, insofar as these visions and strategies are in line with the Government's policy of development cooperation.
To permit NGOs with a proven capacity to act in a predictable and coherent framework insofar as funding from Irish Aid is concerned, thereby allowing longer-term relations to be established with partners in the South.
To enhance and strengthen dialogue and mutual learning between Irish Aid and the NGOs in matters relating to strategies, approaches and the adoption of best practices.
An independent evaluation of the MAPS Scheme was conducted in 2005. The evaluation endorsed the Scheme as an effective mechanism for channelling funding to major Irish NGOs. A number of recommendations were made which have been incorporated into the second phase of the Scheme which will run from 2007-2011. The Evaluation of the Development Cooperation Ireland Multi-Annual Programme Scheme 2003-2005 is available at www.irishaid.gov.ie.
The Guidelines to the MAPS II Programme provide that the amount of funding to be granted to each participating agency will be determined in accordance with:
The Government's overall development cooperation budget and the allocation of funds between the various strands of the programme.
An analysis of the overall portfolio of funds of each participating agency, ensuring that Irish Aid's contribution is balanced by grants from other institutional donors and/or voluntary contribution.
‘Liquidity ratio' of 70:30 whereby participating agencies are expected to generate 30% of their total income in the form of voluntary funds raised in Ireland or demonstrate a capacity to do so incrementally over the period of MAPS II.
The quality of the programme based on the MAPS Guidelines.
The efficient use and value for money evident in the programme proposal.
All of the MAPS II funding proposals were subjected to a rigorous appraisal and approval process by Irish Aid's Projects Appraisal and Evaluation Group which includes independent appraisal by external development specialists. In addition, a mid-term review of MAPS II will be undertaken to assess progress followed by an end of programme evaluation. As required by the MAPS scheme, MAPS partners submit each year full audited accounts.
71 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans for the distribution of overseas development aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30785/07]
The White Paper published in September last year sets out the key principles and priorities for the Irish Aid programme as it expands to meet the target of 0.7% of our gross national product allocated to overseas development assistance by 2012.
The core objective of the Irish Aid programme is to tackle global poverty and exclusion. For this reason, the White Paper reaffirms that Africa will remain the principal focus for our assistance in the coming years. The number of our partner countries will increase from eight to ten. Malawi has been selected as our ninth partner country and a programme of development cooperation will begin there next year.
Irish Aid will continue to prioritise sectors, such as health and education, which are central to the fight against poverty. The struggle against HIV and AIDS is particularly important and we allocated over €100 million to this area and other communicable diseases last year. We also need to maintain our ability to respond quickly and effectively to humanitarian disasters, which disproportionately impact the most vulnerable members of society. The Rapid Response Initiative announced in the White Paper has already considerably improved our capacity to respond to these crises, wherever they occur. Other priority areas for the aid programme in future years include good governance, gender and the environment.
Global development challenges require concerted international action. Ireland will play its part by building on our strong relationships with non-governmental organisations, multilateral institutions and global partnerships.
NGOs and missionary organisations play a key role in responding to humanitarian disasters and also in longer-term development work. Our commitment to working in partnership with these organisations is as strong as ever. Last year alone Irish Aid provided over €140 million to support the work of development NGOs.
Irish Aid is increasing the level of assistance channelled through United Nations programmes and we are working to put framework agreements in place with UNICEF, the UNDP and the UNHCR. Support for UN agencies totalled €63 million in 2006. It is crucial that development assistance is managed to the highest standards and Ireland will continue to be at the forefront of UN reform efforts and work to improve the effectiveness of overseas development assistance.
The European Union is the largest development assistance donor in the world and Ireland's contribution to this effort through the European Development Fund is expected to reach €206 million between 2008 and 2013. Ireland plays an active role in shaping and monitoring EU expenditure on aid.
We are also working with global initiatives, particularly in the areas of health and education, to deliver long-term change. Between 2002 and this year Irish Aid will have contributed €80 million to the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria for example. This support has provided access for over 700,000 men, women and children to treatment and extended HIV prevention programmes and care services to many more.
Our plans for the distribution of Ireland's overseas development assistance are guided by the principles of partnership, transparency and effectiveness. The programme will continue to operate in an efficient, accountable and innovative way to meet its ultimate aim which is to respond to the needs the poorest and most marginalised people in the world.
72 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide information on the recent claim by the National Commission on Human Rights in Kenya that police were to blame for the execution of some 500 members of the Mungiki tribe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30885/07]
I am aware of the report from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to which the Deputy refers.
The Mungiki came into existence in 1980 as a political grouping of members of the Kikuyu tribe, but over time has transformed into a criminal syndicate which is allegedly involved in extortion and may be responsible for several murders. It goes without saying that all police operations aimed at criminal activity of any kind should comply with Kenyan law and with international human rights standards, and any allegations of wrongdoing must be fully and energetically investigated.
Preliminary investigations by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights suggest that, between June and October 2007, over 450 bodies of young men have been found which display evidence of their having been summarily executed. The very large number of killings of young men in Kenya during the period in question is a matter of concern, irrespective of who is responsible, and every effort needs to be made by the Kenyan authorities to bring the assailants to justice.
Considering the seriousness of these allegations, European Union Heads of Mission in Nairobi will be pursuing the issue with the Kenyan Government. The European Union has regular political dialogue with Kenya in Nairobi under Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement, and governance and human rights issues are raised regularly in this context. Our Embassy in Tanzania, which is responsible for Kenya, will also be following the issue closely and maintaining contact with EU Missions resident in Nairobi.
74 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on the situation in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29339/07]
79 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he has taken or proposes to take directly or through the EU or UN to bring about an improvement in the situation in Pakistan with particular reference to the need to re-establish the democratic process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30948/07]
83 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government has expressed its concern at the detention of opposition leaders and spokespersons and members of the judiciary, the suspension of the constitution and the declaration of martial law in Pakistan by General Musharraf. [30877/07]
105 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has expressed his concerns to the Ambassador for Pakistan in relation to the imposition of martial law in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29300/07]
106 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contacts he has had with the Pakistani Ambassador in relation to current events in Pakistan. [30876/07]
113 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current position in Pakistan; if he has plans to assist over the period leading up to the upcoming election and the elections themselves in January 2008 to provide observers or other such means, on its own or with the cooperation of the European Union, in order to ensure free and fair elections. [30878/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 74, 79, 83, 105, 106 and 113 together.
The situation in Pakistan was discussed at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 19 November. My colleagues and I expressed our deep concern at developments in that country and again reiterated our call for the immediate lifting of emergency rule.
Our position remains clear. The Government of Pakistan must take urgent action to restore the Constitution, follow up on its commitments on holding free and fair elections on schedule in January, and ensure that the necessary conditions for this are put in place, and President Musharraf must honour his commitment to step down as Chief of Army Staff. At the same time we also call for the release of all political prisoners, including members of the judiciary, lawyers, journalists and human rights defenders; for reconciliation with the political opposition; and for the relaxation of media restrictions.
This position, and the Government's deep concerns about the State of Emergency in Pakistan, the dismissal and arrest of members of the judiciary, the harassment and arrest of opposition figures, and the situation of lawyers and human rights defenders in Pakistan have been directly communicated to the Ambassador of Pakistan in Dublin. This also included the Governments outrage at the arbitrary house arrest of Ms Asma Jahangir, UN Special Rapporteur on the Freedom of Religion or Belief and Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, a Pakistani citizen. I understand that an arrest warrant has also been issued in respect of her sister, Ms Hina Jilani, Special Representative to the UN Secretary General on Human Rights Defenders. I would again implore Pakistan to reconsider its actions, by cancelling the arrest warrants issued against human rights defenders and by releasing those human rights defenders already detained.
Along with our EU partners, the Government will be keeping the situation in Pakistan under close review and will do all possible to encourage the reinstatement of the Constitution, the holding of free and fair elections, and the earliest possible return to democratic, civilian rule.
In this context, the EU is continuing to look at the possibility of sending an observation mission for the elections in Pakistan. This would clearly depend on the necessary conditions being in place, but would be something that Ireland would see as valuable and would fully support. Should the mission proceed, Ireland would certainly look at contributing observers. However, if emergency rule is not lifted in advance of the elections, it is difficult to see in those circumstances how the elections could possibly be regarded as free and fair by the international community. I believe that the reinstatement of an independent judiciary would also play an important role in ensuring the validity of any elections.
75 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the meetings he attended during his recent visit to the Western Balkans; the persons who attended these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29326/07]
308 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to the Balkan region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30971/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 308 together.
I visited Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo during 6-9 November for a series of meetings with senior political figures.
While in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I met with Foreign Minister Alkalaj and Prime Minister Spiric. Discussions focused on recent political developments in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the country's relations with the EU, regional issues including Serbia and Kosovo, and questions of bilateral interest. I also visited Srebrenica, where I met with Mayor Malkic, and visited the cemetery and Memorial at Potocari, laying a wreath in honour of those who died in the massacre of July 1995. In my contacts, I underlined Ireland's strong support for Mr. Miroslav Lajcak, who serves as both the international community's High Representative and the European Union's Special Representative, and his introduction of measures aimed at improving the functionality of the State and compliance with the provisions of the Dayton Agreement. I also expressed our support for the European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and urged all political parties to work together for progress on police reform to help ensure that this can become a reality.
In Serbia, I met with President Tadic, Prime Minister Kostunica, Deputy Kosovo Minister Alender, and State Secretary Bogojevic. Discussions focused primarily on the Kosovo status question, EU-Serbia relations, regional issues and bilateral questions of interest. During these talks, I expressed Ireland's support for Serbia's European perspective and urged the Government there to ensure full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, which will clear the way for signature of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the European Union.
In Kosovo, I met with President Sedjiu, Prime Minister Ceku, and other leading political figures from the Serb and Albanian communities. Meetings also took place with the Head of the UN Mission (UNMIK), Mr. Ruecker and with KFOR Commander, General de Marnhac. In all cases, discussions focused on the political and security situation in Kosovo, in view of ongoing attempts to resolve the issue of Kosovo's final status. The trip to Kosovo concluded with a visit to the Irish KFOR contingent at Camp Ville. I wish to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the excellent work of our Defence Forces personnel in Kosovo, who are playing a vitally important role in a complex and sensitive environment.
In my discussions with politicians in Kosovo and Serbia, I expressed Ireland's strong support for the efforts of the international Troika, which is facilitating the talks between Belgrade and Pristina on the question of Kosovo's final status, and urged both parties to take a constructive approach to try to find an agreed solution to this difficult and sensitive issue.
76 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that the right of return is being respected in relation to the Serb, Roma, Croat or Gorani communities to return to Kosovo; if such a return is being assisted in practice by the international forces, KFOR and the UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30901/07]
Along with our partners in the EU, Ireland's position on the Kosovo final status issue has been that a final settlement must provide for a multi-ethnic, secure and democratic Kosovo, consistent with EU values and standards and contributing to the stability of the region. The EU has consistently highlighted the protection of minorities, and the right to return of refugees and internally displaced persons, as key priorities in this context.
The Contact Group's Guiding Principles for a settlement of Kosovo's status in 2005 also highlighted that any future settlement should provide effective constitutional guarantees and appropriate mechanisms to ensure the implementation of human rights for all citizens in Kosovo and of the rights of members of all Kosovo communities, including the right of refugees and displaced persons to return to their homes in safety.
As part of the gradual transfer of competences from the interim UN Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK) to the Provisional Institutions of Self Government (PISG), provided for under UN Security Council Resolution 1244, most of the functional responsibilities for voluntary returns have now been assumed by the PISG, primarily the Ministry of Community and Return (MCR). However, UNMIK continues to provide assistance and guidance to the MCR as appropriate. In a report dated 28 September last, UNMIK noted that although there have been noticeable improvements in the conditions for returns, such as greater acceptance of the returnees by the receiving communities and an increasing capacity of municipalities to directly implement elements of the returns projects, the main factors affecting returns continue to be lack of economic opportunities and inadequate funding for approved return projects, as well as persisting perceptions of insecurity. It also noted in this context that the number of voluntary minority returns to Kosovo continued to be low.
The Report adds that during the course of 2007, six projects to support organised returns by 140 families, with a total budget of €3.7 million, have been launched. The MCR, in consultation with the international community, has approved 47 Community Development and Stabilization projects worth €2.08 million to facilitate the equitable integration of all communities and their members currently residing in Kosovo.
The return to Roma Mahala is one of the biggest return projects in Kosovo and involves UNMIK, the OSCE, the UNHCR, and the municipality of Mitrovica. The Government, through Irish Aid, has funded this project to the amount of €250,000. The return of 24 families to their original place of residence on 16 October marked the end of the first phase of the project. At a local level, KFOR has also been involved in the development of facilities for Roma, with members of the Irish Defence Forces contingent in Kosovo contributing to the construction of a Roma education centre in the Serb municipality of Gracanica.
The Government believes that a comprehensive policy on the right to return must form an integral part of any final status settlement for Kosovo. In this context, I note that the Ahtisaari final status proposal, which Ireland has supported, includes detailed provisions on the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, and stresses that they shall have the right to return and reclaim their property and personal possessions in accordance with domestic and international law. Irrespective of the outcome of the final status process, I believe that such provisions should be integrated into Kosovo's future legal framework. I therefore urge the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government to intensify their efforts in cooperation with international organisations in Kosovo to achieve, in parallel with the status process, concrete and rapid progress on these important issues.
77 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the research programme proposed for Irish Aid in the coming year; and if such a programme includes research on technology transfer, good governance, or strategies for indigenous development. [30889/07]
The high quality of Ireland's aid programme is recognised internationally. In ensuring that Irish assistance is of the highest quality, Irish Aid recognises the importance of research in order to ensure that decisions are informed by a strong evidence base. In the coming year, Irish Aid will continue to invest in practical research, through a variety of partnerships and networks in a range of priority areas.
For example one of the key priority areas outlined in the White Paper on Irish Aid is addressing the global HIV and AIDS pandemic. Irish Aid will continue to support investment into the research and development of new prevention technologies in pursuit of a cure for AIDS. Funding will be provided to the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative and the International Partnership for Microbicides. Both organisations are involved in clinical trials of new candidate vaccines and microbicides leading to the potential for new products to prevent the spread of HIV.
In 2008, Irish Aid will continue to support a range of operational research to evaluate the impact of global and country HIV initiatives it funds. One example is support for the Joint Learning Initiative on Children and HIV/AIDS which engages practitioners, policymakers, and scholars in collaborative problem-solving, research, and analysis to address the needs of children living in the context of HIV/AIDS.
In order to address food insecurity and hunger, we will continue to support the network of agricultural research institutions known as CGIAR (the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research). The aim of this work is the production of pro-poor agricultural research that makes a difference in the food security status of the poorest people in the world.
At country level, support will be provided for research prioritised by local and national partners that will contribute to indigenous solutions to addressing poverty. For example in Uganda we will provide support for a local NGO, Raising Voices, for research on effective community based interventions to prevent gender based violence.
In South Africa, where challenges persist in delivering water and sanitation services to rural populations, Irish Aid plans to support a three year research programme through the Water Research Commission. The research will focus the development and transfer of technology for improved water quality, sustainable sanitation and franchising of water services. Models developed through this research will have practical application in the Irish Aid water and sanitation programme in Limpopo Province.
Irish Aid also supports research commissioned by the Advisory Board for Irish Aid (ABIA). In the coming year the Board will, inter alia, fund ongoing research in the areas of policy coherence, measuring the impact of aid, and good governance. A range of partners will be involved including Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin.
The research on good governance arises from the growing concerns about the impact of governance on the delivery of aid. The research will focus on these issues both from the perspective of donors, including Irish Aid, and that of recipient governments.
Research is an important tool in learning new and better ways of delivering aid more efficiently and effectively. In the development context it is essential that it is focused and practically oriented and can provide decision makers with the information to make better and more informed judgements. I believe that the research funded by Irish Aid scores very well on these criteria.
78 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions that have been held within the European Council of Ministers with regard to a prisoner (details supplied) whose case has received the support of European institutions previously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30898/07]
The individual to whom the Deputy refers, a former member of the American Indian Movement, was convicted of the 1975 murder of two United States Federal Agents by the United States District Court in Fargo, Minneapolis in 1977. Mr. Peltier was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences, a sentence which has been upheld on numerous occasions by the US appellate courts. I am aware that, in December 1994 and again in February 1999, the European Parliament adopted resolutions calling for clemency for Mr. Peltier.
The European Union holds bi-annual human rights consultations with the United States, during which both general principles and individual cases are discussed. The European Union raises individual cases of human rights violations with third countries in accordance with the European Union Guidelines on Human Rights; notably, the Guidelines on the Death Penalty, the Guidelines on Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders. The case of Mr. Peltier is not considered to fall within any of these Guidelines. The Council of Ministers has not discussed the case raised by the Deputy.
80 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government policy with respect to the Middle East conflict in Israel and Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29343/07]
99 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his position in relation to the road map for peace in Palestine and Israel; the progress made recently in regard to the peace process in this region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30884/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 99 together.
Ireland is a long-standing and active proponent of the establishment of an independent Palestinian State. The Government has argued strongly within the EU and internationally that a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East is more urgently needed now than at any time in the past sixty years. It must be based on a negotiated two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
There is now an opportunity to make progress by restoring credibility to the peace process. Political leaders from across the region are today in Annapolis for the important international meeting hosted by the US Administration. The EU has strongly supported the preparations for this meeting, and the courageous political dialogue between the Prime Minister of Israel and the President of the Palestinian Authority. It is important that these discussions result in meaningful and urgent final status negotiations. These will have to address the most sensitive issues in the conflict: borders, settlements, refugees, security, water and the status of Jerusalem. The launching of such a process will provide a new opportunity for a just and lasting regional settlement, building on the historic Arab Peace Initiative, which was reaffirmed at the Arab Summit in Riyadh earlier this year.
I believe that, to be credible, a renewed political process must not only address the core issues of the conflict, it must be bolstered by action to improve the daily lives of the people most affected. The parties must implement their obligations under the Quartet Roadmap. This must involve an end to all violence in and from the Occupied Territories, a genuine freeze on the building of settlements and the lifting of checkpoints. Prisoner releases will also make a vital contribution to the reduction of tensions. The Government also believes that there must be an end to policies aimed at isolating the people of Gaza, and has called for the re-opening of crossing points for people and for goods.
The EU will have a crucial role to play in the coming period, working directly with the parties and as an active member of the international Quartet. The EU has for long been the strongest supporter of the Palestinian people. Total EU assistance this year will amount to over €800 million. Ireland's bilateral assistance will increase to over €7 million. We will work for the success of the major international donors' conference for Palestine which is scheduled to take place in Paris on 17 December. The aim will be to provide the necessary political and humanitarian support for the building of democratic institutions and a viable economy for the future Palestinian State.
81 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken or can take to raise concerns regarding the possible violation of North Korean peoples' fundamental human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29391/07]
Ireland, together with our EU partners, remains seriously concerned at the grave and persistent human rights abuses and the lack of fundamental freedoms in North Korea. Regrettably, while we avail of every opportunity to raise these issues, any meaningful dialogue on human rights with the North Korean authorities has so far proved impossible.
North Korea maintains that there can be no progress on a human rights dialogue until the EU refrains from tabling resolutions against it at the United Nations. The EU has refused to accept any preconditions. Given the lack of any improvement in the human rights situation, the EU again tabled a resolution on North Korea at this year's General Assembly, which was adopted on 21 November 2007. Ireland fully supported this resolution.
Following on from the breakthrough in the Six-Party Talks process in February, an EU delegation visited Pyongyang in March. Human rights issues have also been raised on a number of recent visits to North Korea by delegations from EU member states. During a visit to North Korea earlier this year, Ireland's Ambassador, based in Seoul, accompanied by a senior official from Dublin, expressed our deep concern. Similar points were made at senior official level to the DPRK Ambassador when he visited from London earlier this year.
We will continue, with our EU partners, through the UN and other relevant fora, to make clear our serious concerns about the human rights and humanitarian situation in North Korea.
82 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of senior and principal development specialists that have been decentralised to Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29334/07]
Under the Government's decentralisation programme, the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs will decentralise to Limerick. In May 2007 an advance party comprising over 50 staff moved to Limerick.
There are three categories of Specialists employed by Irish Aid: Principal Development Specialists, Senior Development Specialists, and Development Specialists.
There are currently two Principal Development Specialists working in Irish Aid in Dublin. No Principal Development Specialist has so far decentralised to Limerick.
There are currently seven Senior Development Specialists serving with Irish Aid in Dublin and two serving in Limerick. There are currently eight Development Specialists serving with Irish Aid in Dublin and two serving in Limerick.
The development specialists perform an important role in the business of Irish Aid. The specialists work alongside diplomatic and general service staff, in close contact and co-operation with each business unit within the Division. There are a number of issues to be worked out with regard to the specialist posts which are scheduled to move. Discussions are on-going at a very senior level with representatives of the specialists, with their union IMPACT and with the Departments of Finance and Foreign Affairs in order to resolve the outstanding issues. Significant progress has been made and I hope that these discussions can be brought to a successful conclusion at an early date.
84 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the honorary consuls appointed to represent Ireland; and the way and when they can be contacted by persons seeking information. [30899/07]
At present, Ireland has a total of 86 Honorary Consuls and Honorary Consuls-General in some 57 countries who are available, as the need arises, to provide information. Their names and locations are contained in the list below.
Contact details for each Honorary Consul are to be found on this Department's website www.dfa.ie. Honorary Consulates are generally open during office hours each day, in line with local practice. An after hours emergency service is provided by the Honorary Consulate or the nearest Irish Embassy.
Our Honorary Consuls are not full-time officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs but are honorary appointees who undertake, in addition to their own occupations, to do invaluable work on behalf of Ireland. In particular, the dedicated and personal consular services that they provide to Irish citizens who find themselves in difficulty are greatly valued.
|
Country |
Location |
Name |
|
Australia |
Perth |
Michael George Nolan |
|
Australia |
Melbourne |
Jarlath Ronayne |
|
Belgium |
Antwerp |
Ivan Rombouts |
|
Bermuda |
Hamilton |
John R. Kane |
|
Bolivia |
La Paz |
Peter O’Toole |
|
Botswana |
Gaborone |
Barney O’Reilly |
|
Brazil |
Sao Paolo |
Myles McGourty |
|
Canada |
Vancouver |
John P. Cheevers |
|
Canada |
Toronto |
Edward J. McConnell |
|
Canada |
Calgary |
Cameron Milliken |
|
Canada |
Edmonton |
Bridget Cahill |
|
Canada |
Montreal |
Michael Kenneally |
|
Channel Islands |
Jersey |
Pamela O’Neill |
|
Chile |
Santiago |
Miguel Aylwin |
|
China |
Hong Kong |
Harry Eugene O’Neill |
|
Colombia |
Bogota |
Carlos Gomez Lecompte |
|
Croatia |
Zagreb |
Emil Tedeschi |
|
Croatia |
Split |
Ante Cicin-Sain |
|
Ecuador |
Quito |
Dominique Kennedy |
|
Egypt |
Alexandria |
Hisham Helmy |
|
El Salvador |
San Salvador |
Robert W. Murray Meza |
|
Finland |
Helsinki |
Erkki Yrjola |
|
France |
Antibes |
Pierre Joannon |
|
France |
Cherbourg |
Ole Bockmann |
|
Germany |
Frankfurt |
Klaus von Frieling |
|
Germany |
Hamburg |
G. Michael Fisser |
|
Germany |
Cologne |
Brigitte Wagner Halswick |
|
Germany |
Munich |
Erich L. Lejeune |
|
Ghana |
Accra |
Len Comerford |
|
Greece |
Corfu |
Spiridon Lemis |
|
Greece |
Crete |
Ioannis Xenikakis |
|
Greece |
Rhodes |
Skevos Mougros |
|
Greece |
Thessaloniki |
Theadoros Mavroudis |
|
Guatemala |
Guatemala |
Roberto Carroll Rios Sharp |
|
Guyana |
Georgetown |
Deen Sharma |
|
Iceland |
Reykjavik |
David S. Thorsteinsson |
|
India |
Bangalore |
Kiran Mazumdar |
|
India |
Bombay |
Cyrus Guzder |
|
Italy |
Milan |
Antonietta Marsaglia |
|
Japan |
Osaka |
Kunio Takeda |
|
Jordan |
Amman |
Ramsey Khoury |
|
Kenya |
Nairobi |
Joseph T. O’Brien |
|
Korea |
Seoul |
Yang Ho Cho |
|
Lebanon |
Beirut |
Khaled Daouk |
|
Malawi |
Blantyre |
Sean O’Neill |
|
Monaco |
Monte Carlo |
Michael Smurfit |
|
Morocco |
Casablanca |
Abdelhak Bennani |
|
Morocco |
Agadir |
Mahfoud Chafik Filali |
|
Netherlands |
Rotterdam |
Jacobus G.A. Fontein |
|
New Zealand |
Auckland |
Rodney Walshe |
|
Nigeria |
Lagos |
Cecil Quinn |
|
Oman |
Oman |
Mohamad Hassan Darwish |
|
Pakistan |
Karachi |
Hasib Ahsan Mozzaffer |
|
Panama |
Panama |
Juan Carlos Rosas O’Donnell |
|
Peru |
Lima |
Michael G. Russell |
|
Philippines |
Manila |
Noreen Trota |
|
Poland |
Poznan |
Jacek Ksen |
|
Serbia |
Belgrade |
Ann Pesic |
|
Sierra Leone |
Freetown |
Wadi Aboud |
|
Spain |
Tenerife |
Jaime K. Willis |
|
Spain |
Malaga |
Jose Miguel de la Torre y Morin |
|
Spain |
Palma de Mallorca |
Pedro Pablo Marrero Henning |
|
Spain |
Barcelona |
Enrique Cucurella |
|
Spain |
Seville |
Fernando de Parias Merry |
|
Spain |
Galicia |
Tomas Diaz Del Rio |
|
Spain |
Gran Canaria |
Victor Auz Castro |
|
Spain |
Alicante |
Rory Byrne |
|
Spain |
Bilbao |
Rocco Caira |
|
Sri Lanka |
Colombo |
Manik Pereira |
|
Sudan |
Khartoum |
Ronald Shaoul |
|
Sweden |
Gothenburg |
Carl Gomer Brunius |
|
Switzerland |
Zurich |
Marcel Studer |
|
Syria |
Damascus |
Naji-Pierre Chaoui |
|
Thailand |
Bangkok |
Gary Biesty |
|
Thailand |
Phuket |
Helene Fallon-Wood |
|
Trinidad and Tobago |
Port of Spain |
Brian O’Farrell |
|
Tunisia |
Tunis |
Moncef Mzabi |
|
Turkey |
Istanbul |
James Geary |
|
Ukraine |
Kiev |
Volodymyr Sai |
|
USA |
St. Louis |
Joseph B. McGlynn |
|
USA |
Houston, Texas |
John B. Kane |
|
USA |
Reno |
Bernard Brady |
|
USA |
Los Angeles |
Finbar Hill |
|
USA |
Naples, Florida |
Cynthia Byrne-Hall |
|
Venezuela |
Caracas |
Peter A. Macaulay |
|
Zimbabwe |
Harare |
Garrett Killilea |
In addition, there is an Honorary Consular Agent in Manama, Bahrain (Mr. Tony Scannell) and an Honorary Vice-Consul in Lanzarote (Ms Eileen Izquierdo Lawlor) who has jurisdiction for the same Province, comprising Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, as the Honorary Consul in Gran Canaria.
85 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans he has to foster relations between Ireland and Argentina; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29344/07]
Longstanding and close bilateral ties have characterised relations between Ireland and Argentina since resident diplomatic missions were opened in both Dublin and Buenos Aires in 1948.
The close nature of our relations is evident in the number of high-level visits to Argentina in recent years. In 1995, former President Robinson paid a State visit to Argentina, while President McAleese paid a State visit in 2004. In 2001, the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern T.D., made the first official visit to Argentina. There have been Cabinet-level visits for St. Patrick's Day events in 2005, 2006, and 2007.
In March 2006, the L.E. Eithne visited Argentina and, on its return to Ireland, transported a statue of Admiral Brown, the Mayo-born founder of the Argentine navy. In September 2006, the Argentine Minister for Defence, Ms. Nilda Garré, and the Chief of Staff of the Argentine Navy, Admiral Jorge Godoy, visited Dublin to participate in the unveiling ceremony for this statue, which took place in the presence of the Taoiseach.
In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the death of Admiral Brown, a lengthy programme of events took place in Argentina from 1-9 March 2007. An Irish delegation led by Major General Dermot Earley, the then Deputy Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, and Commodore Frank Lynch, Flag Officer Commanding of the Naval Service, took part in the commemoration ceremonies. In the context of this anniversary, the Argentine Navy tall ship, the Fragata Libertad, visited Ireland for 10 days from 16 June to 26 June 2007, docking in Galway and Dublin.
Consultations between senior officials of my Department and their Argentine counterparts also take place on a regular basis, most recently in Dublin in May this year.
Argentina has the largest population of Irish descent outside the English-speaking world, estimated at 400,000. In recognition of the close historical and cultural ties between Ireland and Argentina, on 7 August 2006, my Department announced first-time grants totalling €42,000 to three Irish-Argentine associations. The Fahy Club received a grant of €15,000, as did the Federation of Irish-Argentine Associations, while the Southern Cross newspaper received €12,000.
Trade relations between Ireland and Argentina are also strong, with total trade in 2006 amounting to approximately €110 million.
I very much welcome the continuing close nature of the relationship between Ireland and Argentina and I would certainly wish to see the bilateral relationship develop further under the new administration of President-Elect Fernández de Kirchner.
86 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to strengthen links with people of Irish ancestry since 1 January 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29331/07]
Reaching out to and strengthening links with our communities abroad, and with those of Irish ancestry, is a cornerstone of Government policy. The establishment and operation of the Irish Abroad Unit within the Department of Foreign Affairs has greatly enhanced our capacity to develop and implement long term policies aimed at building relations and providing practical and financial assistance to our Irish communities overseas. Officials in our diplomatic missions have been, and continue to be, extremely active in this regard and work closely with Irish community organisations across a wide range of important issues.
The funding of community groups working with emigrants is an essential and positive element in strengthening our outreach to the wider "Irish Family" worldwide. The very substantial level of funding now available — over €15 million in 2007 — to assist in the provision of services and support to vulnerable Irish, helps also to promote and sustain valuable community structures into the future.
While the primary emphasis of Government funding continues to be directed at supporting frontline welfare services in Britain and the United States, I am pleased that the additional funding available in recent years has made it possible for me to broaden the range of projects and extend the geographic reach of our activity. In the past year, for example, I have been happy to approve funding for Irish community organisations in South Africa and Zimbabwe, and to support organisations who promote Irish heritage and cultural activities in Argentina, Mexico, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Government support for these projects represents an acknowledgement and appreciation of the role that generations of Irish, past and present, who have settled across the globe, have played in developments abroad and at home.
In April of this year, I called for a national debate on our attitude to our Diaspora at a conference on this important subject which I hosted in Dublin Castle. The conference provided the opportunity to launch a review of our overall approach to our community across the globe and, where necessary, reshape our policies in this key area. In this regard, I provided support, including financial, for the US-Ireland Forum held in New York on 7-8 November, which included discussion of the relationship with our Diaspora.
As we near the end of 2007, the plight of our undocumented citizens in the US continues to be of the utmost concern to the Government. The Government has been steadfast in its support for the undocumented. The Taoiseach and myself have used every possible opportunity to advocate on their behalf and will continue to do so in the future.
Officers in the Irish Abroad Unit and at our Embassies and Consulates abroad help to keep our people abroad in touch with Ireland and with each other. They will continue to maintain very close and interactive contact with front-line organisations that support our community abroad. This helps to ensure that the Irish voluntary sector around the world has an effective channel of communication with the Government, and that everything possible gets done to advance the interests and well-being of our overseas communities.
88 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a cultural policy component to Irish Aid strategy. [30891/07]
The White Paper on Irish Aid underlines that culture can contribute to public awareness and understanding of complex development issues and plays an important role in building stronger public appreciation for the diversity of the partner countries and societies within which Irish Aid works.
Irish Aid strategies for improving the lives of people in developing countries are devised and delivered taking full account of local cultural factors. It is essential to have a thorough understanding and sensitivity to local traditions and customs in order to deliver effective development assistance. Moreover, activities such as theatre and art can and are harnessed in the development programme to help convey important messages, notably in the areas of HIV/AIDS and gender-related issues.
While support for explicitly cultural activities does not absorb the level of funds that go into other sectors, some support is provided directly. For instance, financial support is made available for events to mark Africa Day on 25 May to promote a more positive and comprehensive understanding of Africa in Ireland.
Irish Aid is concerned in its work to challenge negative images of Africa and to ensure that these are balanced by an understanding of the positives that Africa has to offer including in terms of history, culture and art. This diversity should be highlighted. In that respect development-related events with a cultural component will form an important part of the work of the Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre which will open on O'Connell Street in Dublin early next year.
89 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the briefing provided by his Department on the issues affecting the region in preparation for the deployment of Irish troops to Chad. [30871/07]
My officials have provided information to the Department of Defence on the political and humanitarian situation in Chad, the Central African Republic and the wider region in the context of preparations for Irish involvement in EUFOR Tchad/RCA. I also briefed my Cabinet colleagues on the results of my visit to Sudan and Chad at the Government meeting on 20 November at which a decision was taken on an Irish contribution to EUFOR Tchad/RCA. For more information on my visit as well as details of the current situation in Chad and neighbouring Darfur, I refer the Deputy to my reply today to Questions Nos. 115 and 120.
As regards the Central African Republic (CAR), the already fragile situation has been exacerbated by the activities of criminal gangs, the spill-over of instability from Darfur and Chad and armed rebellions in the north-west and north-east. Since late 2006, UN reports have described the conflict in the border areas between Darfur, Chad and CAR as a threat to peace and security in the whole region. Approximately 170,000 people have fled their homes in CAR since 2005; more than 43,000 refugees from CAR reside in camps in southern Chad; and 20,000 people are thought to have fled to Cameroon. These displaced people are in dire need of protection and humanitarian assistance. Deployment of the EUFOR Tchad/RCA mission is obviously intended to assist in this regard. Gender based violence is widespread, and some rebel groups use child soldiers. Both the CAR military and police are in need of urgent reform to allow them to provide security while abiding by basic human rights standards. Since late 2006, President Bozizé has been trying to reunite the country through a process of inclusive political dialogue, involving the opposition and civil society. Through talks he also reached a peace agreement with some of CAR's rebel factions in early 2007. These efforts have been welcomed by the international community but much more remains to be done.
90 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiatives he has taken since 2004 to assist and encourage reform of the UN Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29332/07]
I acted as one of the previous Secretary-General's five Special Envoys in the preparation of the UN 2005 World Summit. At the Summit, world leaders reaffirmed the primary responsibility of the Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security, and despite the absence of agreement on the various models advanced, they unanimously supported the principle of its early reform. The General Assembly was asked to review progress by the end of 2005. In November 2005, a debate in the General Assembly reconfirmed widespread agreement both that there is a need to expand the Security Council with a view to making it more broadly representative and that enlargement of the Council's membership should contribute to its efficiency and effectiveness. However, the debate also showed widely divergent views concerning the size of the Council and the categories of its expanded membership, highlighting the difficulty of finding an agreed way forward.
Ireland's view is that a more representative, efficient and transparent Security Council is an essential aspect of reforming the UN to meet the many global challenges which we face. Our approach is based on the following key principles: The Security Council should be increased in size to reflect the realities of the twenty-first century; That increase should be regionally balanced, including enhancing the role of Africa; Any change should not lessen the capacity of smaller Member States, like Ireland, to continue to aspire to membership from time to time; While we would ideally wish to see the complete removal of the veto, there should be no conferral of new veto powers. An expanded Security Council should accommodate member states that play a particularly significant role in the UN system, for instance financially, in peacekeeping or through their capacity for regional leadership.
Regrettably, wide differences of view among the UN membership have meant that little progress has been made on the issue in the period since 2005. In an effort to reinvigorate the debate, facilitators were appointed last February by the then President of the General Assembly to carry out consultations on Security Council reform. The facilitators concluded that it was not possible at this stage to find an agreement which would reconcile the positions of all the different parties. Instead, they flagged the possibility of a transitional approach, with an interim arrangement which would be subject to review in the future. They suggested various possibilities for an interim arrangement such as a new category of re-electable seats with an extended term.
In May, the facilitators' report was discussed by an informal meeting of the General Assembly, and in September, the Assembly adopted a report by its outgoing President, which included the earlier findings. At a debate of the General Assembly on 12 November, the new President, Ambassador Kerim of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, stressed the need to build on this work and agree the elements that could form a basis for intergovernmental negotiations with a view to achieving concrete results during the session.
Ireland regrets the lack of progress to date on this critical issue. We welcome the efforts by the President of the General Assembly to reinvigorate the debate and we look forward to participating actively in future discussions of the issue, on the basis of the principles set out above, once the President has outlined the next steps in the process.
91 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the response from Ireland to the damage to areas in southern Bangladesh from the recent cyclone, which it is claimed might result in over 1,000 casualties; and the efforts being made by Ireland and the European Union to alleviate the distress of those affected, injured and displaced by this tragedy. [30864/07]
Cyclone Sidr, with wind speeds of up to 240 kilometres per hour, hit Bangladesh on the evening of 15 November. The storm caused extensive damage to the southern districts of the country. More than 4 million people in 28 southern districts are now known to have been directly affected by the cyclone. As of 20 November, the Government of Bangladesh had reported a death toll of 3,447 people, although this may rise. It is estimated that over 300,000 homes were destroyed and a further 626,000 houses were partially damaged. An estimated 870,000 acres of crops were affected. Extensive damage to roads, schools and public buildings is also evident.
I announced on 16 November initial assistance of €500,000 to those affected by Cyclone Sidr. This funding will be distributed through partner relief organisations operating in the region and will help meet the immediate needs of those worst affected. Funding of approximately €10 million is committed to the Cyclone Sidr emergency from the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), to which Ireland provided €20 million in January of this year. The CERF was established specifically to be able to immediately respond to emergencies such as Cyclone Sidr and I am glad that it is proving effective.
In addition, the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) allocated approximately €175,000 from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to respond to the urgent needs of the population affected by Cyclone Sidr. Ireland is also a significant contributor to that fund, having contributed €1 million in 2006 as part of our two year agreement with the IFRC. The European Commission has announced funding of €6.5 million to assist the victims of Cyclone Sidr. This funding will help provide water, food, shelter and household items to those affected by the cyclone.
It is important to note and commend the exceptional work done by the Government of Bangladesh in disaster preparedness. An effective early warning system and a network of shelters in vulnerable coastal areas helped ensure that the loss of life in this instance was not even greater. Ireland has already pledged €125,000 to disaster preparedness projects in Bangladesh in 2007. This is in addition to emergency funding of €640,000 provided earlier this year for victims of previous floods in Bangladesh.
92 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the decisions reached at the most recent foreign affairs meeting of the European Union he attended with regard to the most recent assessment by the IAEA of Iran’s enrichment of plutonium programme. [30879/07]
330 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his EU and UN colleagues have engaged in the ongoing situation in Iran with particular reference to the alleged development of the nuclear industry for other than domestic purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31225/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 330 together.
The Government and our EU partners share the widespread international concern at Iran's continuing refusal to comply with its international obligations in relation to its nuclear programme.
At the meeting of the General Affairs and External Affairs Council which I attended in Brussels on 19 November, we reviewed developments on Iran, including the latest report by the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Dr. Mohammed El Baradei, which was published on 15 November. He reported on the operation of the Work Plan agreed between the IAEA and Iran in August, indicating that progress had been made in answering outstanding questions on the history of Iran's nuclear programme, and that some of these questions have been satisfactorily resolved. However, he also reported that Iran was not yet providing the active cooperation and full transparency needed for the full implementation of the Work Plan, and stated that the Agency's knowledge of Iran's current nuclear programme was in fact diminishing. The report again confirmed that Iran continues to ignore the unanimous demand of the UN Security Council to suspend its uranium enrichment activities.
I welcome the reported progress in relation to Iran's past activities, even if it is long overdue. I hope it will continue, and draw attention to the IAEA's statement that Iran needs to continue to build confidence about the scope and nature of its present programme. It is important to emphasise that progress under the Work Plan does not negate Iran's obligation to comply with the demands of the UN Security Council, which reflect the genuine and serious concerns of the international community, including Iran's neighbours.
The UN Security Council is now considering what further action it should take in view of Iran's non-compliance with its clear demands, most recently set out in Resolution 1747 of 24 March 2007. The EU is firmly committed to the search for a diplomatic solution, and is working in close cooperation with the United States, Russia and China. I hope that High Representative Solana will meet again shortly with Iran's chief negotiator on the nuclear issue. I expect that we will have further detailed discussions on the way forward at the meetings of the Council in December and in January, and that we will consider what additional measures the EU might take in order to support the UN process and the shared objectives of the international community.
93 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals for the improvement of accountability to parliaments of Member States of the European Union in relation to decision making on common, foreign and security policy and European security and defence. [30865/07]
323 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the EU process for law making and the impact of the proposed treaty changes on this process; the scrutiny process in place here of EU legislation; the changes that are proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31068/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 323 together.
A key purpose of the EU Reform Treaty, which will be signed by Heads of State and Government on 13 December 2007, is to strengthen the democratic legitimacy of the Union. Since 2006, the Houses of the Oireachtas and other national Parliaments in the Union have received European Commission proposals directly from the Commission. The Reform Treaty will strengthen current arrangements by giving national Parliaments longer to respond to Commission proposals and by increasing the onus on the Commission to take into account national parliaments' reasoned opinions on whether or not a Commission proposal respects the principle of subsidiarity. The Commission can be obliged by National Parliaments to review and to justify a proposal. This strengthened role for national Parliaments, which has become known as a "yellow card" system, is a positive development which will enhance accountability and democratic legitimacy within the Union.
The Reform Treaty aims to simplify the EU's decision-making procedures. In most instances, a double majority voting system will be used in the Council of Ministers whereby a qualified majority will require 55 per cent of the Member States and 65 per cent of the Union's population. The role of the European Parliament will also be strengthened by the Reform Treaty, with additional policy areas being subject to co-decision between the Council of Ministers and the Parliament. At national level, the European Union (Scrutiny) Act in 2002 improved the arrangements for scrutiny of EU business by the Dáil and the Seanad. Thanks to the work of the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny, parliamentary oversight of proposed EU measures has been greatly enhanced. At national level, the European Union (Scrutiny) Act in 2002 improved the arrangements for scrutiny of EU business by the Dáil and the Seanad. Thanks to the work of the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny, parliamentary oversight of proposed EU measures has been greatly enhanced. Under the Scrutiny Act, the following measures are subject to scrutiny: regulations or directives; joint actions and common positions under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP); and a range of measures in the Justice and Home Affairs area.
In relation to CFSP/ESDP measures, my Department informs the Oireachtas as to the content, purpose and the national implications of such proposals. 56 such proposals were scrutinised in detail in 2006. I also arrange to brief the Joint Committee on European Affairs, in advance of each meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, on items to be discussed, the majority of which usually relate to CFSP/ESDP issues. I welcome the establishment of the new Joint Committee on European Scrutiny under the Chairmanship of John Perry T.D. The establishment of the new Joint Committee may have implications for the Guidelines for Departments on Oireachtas Scrutiny of EU Business, which are prepared by my Department. We will consult with other Government Departments and the Houses of the Oireachtas in the coming weeks in relation to the preparation of the new Guidelines.
95 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions, under the rubric of constructive engagement, held between his Department and representatives of the Chinese Government in advance of the Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing; the progress made in particular areas in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30890/07]
In our regular contacts with the Chinese authorities at various levels we have stressed the importance that Ireland attaches to human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, including freedom of speech and freedom of religion. We have stressed our hope that every effort possible will be made to facilitate freedom of movement and expression, including the right to peaceful protest, in the run-up to and during the Olympic Games in Beijing next year. We have also highlighted the opportunity which China's hosting of the Games presents, in terms of show-casing a positive, progressive image to the world. While I welcome the decision by the Chinese Government from the beginning of this year to temporarily relax some restrictions on foreign journalists in China for a period up to and including the Games, I believe it would be a significant gesture if these rules were made permanent and expanded to include local journalists, which would allow for a deeper understanding of China and its development.
Human rights issues continue to be a constant and important point of dialogue with the Chinese authorities at both bilateral and European Union levels. The EU-China Human Rights Dialogue is the agreed formal framework through which the EU raises its concerns with China about general human rights issues, as well as individual human rights cases. The Dialogue, the most recent round of which took place in Beijing on 17 October 2007, has allowed the EU to engage with China on such issues as freedom of expression, the death penalty, the independence of the judiciary, freedom of religion and minority rights. The EU has used the Dialogue to press its case for Chinese ratification of such international instruments as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and, in that context, reform of the criminal justice system. Significant individual human rights cases are also raised and followed up in subsequent contacts with the Chinese authorities.
Human rights and the role of China in international issues such as Burma and Darfur, as well as development issues, including Africa, will be important topics for the upcoming EU-China Summit, due to be held in Beijing on 28 November 2007.
96 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 83 of 23 October 2007 in relation to countries expected to fail to meet the Millennium Development Goals, if he will provide details of Irish Aid’s pro-poor growth initiatives; and if such initiatives have been assessed in terms of a human rights perspective. [30870/07]
As indicated in my earlier reply referred to by the Deputy, progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals has been mixed. There has been good progress on reaching some targets, with more intensive effort required on others. On the positive side, if current trends continue we are on target to reach the MDG on the poverty reduction target for the world as a whole. Extreme poverty is beginning to fall in Sub Saharan Africa and child mortality has declined globally. However, there is significant geographical disparity, with progress in sub-Saharan Africa being still far too slow.
Ireland is committed to playing our part in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. We intend to keep the achievement of the MDGs at the centre of our development efforts and will encourage other donors to increase and improve the quality of their aid, as we are doing, and to ensure that governance and respect for human rights are strengthened in developing countries. Human rights are at the core of Irish foreign policy. The close relationship between human rights and development is emphasised in the White Paper on Irish Aid. Our commitment to reducing and eradicating poverty is made within the framework of achieving the MDGs and is consistent with a rights-based approach.
Aid on its own will not be enough. Achieving the MDGs will require sustained economic growth especially in the poorer African countries. Much of Ireland's aid is used to fund basic services such as health, education and water supply as well as roads and agricultural services. We are also strengthening our support for the private sector. Economic growth will increase developing countries' own revenues allowing them to finance more and better services for the poor. A growing economy also provides opportunities for poor people to increase their incomes through their own productive activities such as smallholder agriculture or through paid employment.
These poverty reducing benefits of economic growth do not just appear by chance. Pro-poor economic growth requires appropriate policies and planning by Government. As I said in my reply to the previous question on this issue, the best way to ensure that economic growth benefits the poor is for the poor to participate directly in generating that growth. The pattern of growth is critical for poverty reduction. For poor people to benefit, growth must occur in sectors of the economy where the poor are economically active and make their livelihoods. The poor must be directly involved in growing economic activity as producers, traders, processors or employees.
In its partner countries Irish Aid provides funding for public expenditure programmes at overall exchequer level and to specific sectors such as health, education and agriculture. As an important funding partner we have the opportunity and responsibility to discuss budgets and economic and other policies with our partner Governments, the International Financial Institutions and other donors. Irish Aid uses these opportunities to ensure that policies for sustaining growth in our partner countries — including those promoting macro-economic stability and improving the investment climate — should be designed to increase poor peoples' incentives, opportunities and capabilities for employment and entrepreneurship, so that they too can participate in and benefit from growth.
Irish Aid also uses this dialogue to ensure that funding of basic services and other poverty reduction programmes is protected and increased in the allocation of aid and other public resources. Progress in other, non-income areas of poverty such as education, literacy and health status is a key driver of poor peoples' ability to benefit from economic growth.
97 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of the measures in place to ensure that development aid to all African countries is used for the benefit of those for whom it was intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30947/07]
I would like to assure the Deputy that it is of particular importance to me that Ireland's overseas aid to African countries is used for the benefit of the poor. The overall objective of Ireland's overseas development assistance is to help the poorest and most vulnerable people in developing countries, particularly in Africa. There is a wide range of measures in place to ensure that Irish taxpayers' money is contributing to achieving positive and lasting changes in the lives of poor people.
In our bilateral Programme Countries, support is planned in close consultation with national Governments and other partners at country level. We support our partner countries' national poverty reduction plan. These plans are developed to respond to the needs of the poorest people and have a strong focus on providing basic social services such as health and education. In addition, Irish Aid is actively engaged with Governments and other donors in national policy and budget allocation discussions. These discussions are aimed at ensuring that funding for basic services and poverty reduction programmes are protected or increased. A number of Programme Countries are introducing special social protection programmes to target those who are chronically poor.
Monitoring of programmes and projects is carried out by national Auditors General, donors and civil society groups on an annual basis. Particular attention is paid to progress in relation to reducing the number of people living below the poverty line and increasing access to basic health, education and water and sanitation.
We realise that poor governance is a problem in many developing countries and there are concerns regarding corruption. This is a symptom of the level of underdevelopment that exists. We are working with other donors to help strengthen public financial management systems and the institutions of governance, such as the Offices of the Auditor General.
In addition, Irish Aid has in place, rigorous accounting and audit controls. These are essential to ensure a transparent, effective and high quality programme. Programmes are regularly audited and evaluated by independent audit firms and by the Department of Foreign Affairs' Evaluation and Audit Unit. Programmes are evaluated to ensure that funds are used for the purpose for which they are intended and for value for money.
I am satisfied that the methods used by Irish Aid for planning and monitoring programmes, together with the audit and evaluation systems we have in place, serve to protect the funding provided. Such methods are in accordance with international best practice and the highest standards in this area.
98 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the threatened invasion of northern Iraq and the implications for the semi-autonomous region controlled by those aspiring to an independent Kurdistan. [30883/07]
116 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current political situation in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29342/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 116 together.
At the meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council which I attended in Brussels last week, we held a detailed discussion with the Iraqi Foreign Minister on the political and security situation in Iraq. We were encouraged by the substantial improvement in the security situation in recent months. It is clear that while there are still appalling incidents of violence, there has been a significant reduction in almost all areas. The most striking improvements have been in Baghdad and in the neighbouring province of Anbar, which is a largely Sunni area and was until recently one of the most dangerous in Iraq.
It is generally agreed that there a number of factors behind these positive developments. The increased US troop deployment, along with Iraqi forces, has resulted in a more focused security effort. Sunni forces which had previously supported the insurgency have cooperated to drive out elements linked to Al Qaeda, which brought terrible suffering upon the local population. The ceasefire by the main Shia militia has seriously reduced the level of sectarian killings. None of these factors is irreversible and the situation remains fragile. However, the Iraqi people have been given some hope and there is now an urgent need to grasp the opportunity which exists for political progress.
I have always argued that, while improved security is an essential requirement for progress, there are no security solutions to Iraq's complex problems. Lasting peace and stability can only be assured through a process of genuine political reconciliation between the communities in Iraq and the cooperation of all its regional neighbours. Regrettably, progress towards political reconciliation has continued to be very disappointing. The national unity Government of Prime Minister Al Maliki has appeared paralysed by disputes between the parties, and the key issues identified as the main requirements for closer involvement of the Sunni community in Government remain deadlocked. These are the review of the new Constitution, the easing of the exclusion of former Ba'ath Party members, and the question of redistribution of oil revenues. The Government and our EU partners have made it clear that Iraq's leaders must act urgently in the new security climate to achieve real progress in these crucial areas.
A new element of concern in recent months has been the dangerous prospect of a major Turkish military incursion, directed at the PKK militia which has been responsible for serious attacks in Turkey and which maintains some bases in the Kurdish area of northern Iraq. Such a development would have the potential to destabilise the one region of Iraq which has largely escaped the turmoil and violence since the invasion in 2003. The EU, the US and others have strongly urged Turkey not to launch military operations into Iraqi territory. The Council last week welcomed the dialogue now taking place between Iraq and Turkey and called on the Iraqi Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to ensure that their territory is not used for attacks on a neighbouring country.
The horrific violence of the past few years has forced large numbers of Iraqi families to flee their homes. There are now over two million refugees outside Iraq and a further two million internally displaced. Syria and Jordan have borne a particularly heavy burden. There have been encouraging reports that as many as 1,000 people a day have begun returning from Syrian refugee camps in the hope that the security situation may be stabilising, but the humanitarian needs are still enormous. Ireland is playing its part in helping address the crisis. On 16 November, the Government announced additional funding of €2.9 million for relief programmes in Iraq, Syria and Jordan, bringing the overall level of assistance for the Iraqi people to over €5 million this year.
100 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the allocation or co-operation his Department has undertaken to achieve the Irish Congress of Trade Union’s global solidarity project. [30893/07]
Irish Aid has provided significant support in recent years to the Irish Congress of Trade Union's global solidarity project under our Development Education Funding Scheme. Grants totalling €230,000 were awarded to ICTU for the 2005-2007 phase of the project and a total of €84,764 was awarded in 2003-2004. This funding reflects our support for the aims of the programme. These include ensuring an informed and active Irish trade union voice on development issues and deepening cooperation between trade unions in Ireland and in developing countries.
Activities supported through the global solidarity project include awareness raising, education, campaigning and capacity building with partner organisations in the developing world. I will give sympathetic consideration to any new funding proposals submitted by ICTU in respect of the global solidarity project.
101 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the mission abroad that was the most recent to be audited by the audit unit in his Department; the outcome of this audit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29333/07]
Audits of Missions are carried out as part of a Departmental three-year rolling audit work plan and associated annual operational plans. The work plan consists of two streams — one focusing on Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs), the other on Vote 29 (International Cooperation). The work programme seeks to ensure that sufficient coverage is obtained to provide the Secretary General of the Department, as Accounting Officer with audit assurance that the Department's systems of oversight and financial control are working satisfactorily. The agreed annual programme of audits is approved by the Accounting Officer and endorsed by the Department's external Audit Committee.
The Missions audited under Vote 28 in 2007 included: Paris, Ottawa, The Hague, Budapest, New Delhi and Washington. One further audit remains to be undertaken, namely that of the Mission in Prague. This audit is scheduled to take place by the end of 2007. The six audits conducted to date have all yielded positive audit opinions.
The most recently completed audit was that of The Hague in the Netherlands. The outcome of this audit was that the Department's Evaluation and Audit Unit was satisfied with the operation of the internal financial control system at the Mission. It was also satisfied that the system of controls in place is sufficient to ensure that:
(a)All consular monies received are fully recorded, lodged intact and properly reconciled;
(b)Payments are made only for goods and services appropriate to the Mission, and are properly checked and authorised.
The Missions under Vote 29 oversee the disbursement of significant sums of money under Ireland's Aid Programme. They are audited annually by internationally recognised audit firms. Further assurance is provided by Internal Auditors, based at most Missions, who report to the Evaluation and Audit Unit. In addition, the Evaluation and Audit Unit itself conducts a series of audit visits annually. During 2007, it has undertaken visits to Uganda, Mozambique and Zambia. With regard to both Votes, audit issues that arise are reported to Senior Management as appropriate, and also to the external Audit Committee. Management responses are provided in reply to each audit.
102 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in Darfur as it affects refugees, those displaced and those seeking the prospect of return. [30894/07]
The humanitarian situation in Darfur remains extremely fragile, characterised by ongoing armed clashes, continuous new population displacements, increased violence inside the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps and seriously constrained humanitarian access to an ever growing number of conflict affected people.
In October, armed clashes in Muhajiriya (South Darfur) and Um Dukhum (West Darfur) led to a further displacement of thousands of civilians, bringing the total tally of newly displaced this year to some 270,000 people. Adding to the complexity of the Darfur crisis is the increased presence of armed men, from all sides, jeopardizing the security of the IDPs. This, in combination with Government pressure for returns to the villages of origin has led to widespread violence amongst the IDPs along tribal lines. One example of this is the long simmering animosity amongst IDPs in Kalma camp, which recently burst into a spike of violence leading an estimated 10,000 IDPs to flee to nearby camps and Nyala town. The camp remained virtually closed for humanitarian operations for a week.
There have been some moves by the Government to get people to return to their villages of origin. However, both the United Nations and many Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) do not believe that the conditions currently exist for large numbers of people to return home. During his recent visit to Sudan and Chad, my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern T.D., raised Ireland's concerns about the humanitarian situation in Darfur, as well as about access for humanitarian workers to affected populations, directly with President Bashir and with the acting Foreign Minister of Sudan, Ali Karti.
Alleviating the suffering in Darfur is a priority for the Government. Since 2006, Ireland has provided approximately €9 million directly in response to the situation in Darfur, including almost €4 million in 2007. Since 2004, Irish Aid has also committed €5m in funding for AMIS, the African Union Mission in Sudan, currently deployed in Darfur.
103 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received a recent communication from Amnesty International outlining a framework for the closure of Guantánamo Bay, the operation of which has seriously undermined international human rights law; his views on this letter; if he or members of his Department have raised the issue with US counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30895/07]
I have received the correspondence from Amnesty International to which the Deputy refers. A response outlining the Government's position on this matter has been issued by my Office. As the Deputy will be aware from my responses to previous Parliamentary Questions on this matter, Ireland holds the view that those detained in Guantánamo must be treated in accordance with the requirements of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, a position which is shared by the EU as a whole. Human rights and humanitarian standards have to be maintained while combating terrorism. The Government has repeatedly stated its desire to see the United States Administration take steps to release or bring to trial all detainees in accordance with established legal norms, and to close Guantánamo Bay as soon as possible. Ireland has raised the issue of the detainees in Guantánamo Bay with the US authorities on numerous occasions. In all contacts with the US authorities, Ireland has been assured that the US is aware of their obligations under international law. The United States is well aware of the Government's concerns about reports of prisoner abuse in Guantánamo Bay as outlined above.
104 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts, in view of the large number of fatalities following the tragic floods in Tabasco State in Mexico, which have been made by the international community in order to help the stricken and displaced following this disaster; and the contribution Ireland has made to this process. [30882/07]
I was shocked by the severity of the floods experienced in the Mexican states of Tabasco and Chiapas in the aftermath of Hurricane Noel. These were the worst floods suffered in the southern Mexico region for 50 years. As much as 80% of the state of Tabasco was under water, while it is estimated that as many as 900,000 people were made homeless.
The response by the international community to the disaster has involved relief assistance on the ground by UN agencies, international organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), in support of Mexican Government authorities. Many countries, including Ireland, have provided funding to facilitate this assistance. Hurricane Noel also provoked considerable damage and flooding in other countries throughout the Caribbean and Central America.
On 6 November, I announced emergency funding of €1 million to assist international efforts to provide shelter and relief to those who had been worst affected by the flooding. This funding is being delivered via our key partners: the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
107 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when Ireland proposes to ratify the United Nations Convention against Corruption. [30900/07]
I refer the Deputy to previous replies to similar questions concerning the United Nations Convention against Corruption, most recently on 23 October 2007. The Convention against Corruption was adopted by the UN General Assembly in October 2003 and was signed on behalf of Ireland, when it opened for signature, in December 2003. The Convention entered into force on 14 December 2005.
My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has arranged for his officials to undertake a detailed examination of the text of the Convention, in order to ascertain what, if any, changes to the domestic criminal and civil law and to administrative practice will be required in order for Ireland to ratify this Convention.
Following extensive consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, it has been concluded that Ireland largely fulfils the criminal justice requirements of the Convention either through existing anti-corruption statutes or via legislation that is in progress, such as the forthcoming Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill and the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Bill 2005.
A number of other issues in the civil and administrative area will also have to be addressed in advance of Ireland's ratification of the Convention. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is pursuing these matters with the relevant Departments and Agencies.
108 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress his Department has made, unilaterally and in cooperation with EU States, to supply transport and medical supplies to humanitarian missions to Chad. [30872/07]
My colleague, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D., has recently returned from a visit to Chad. While there, he was able to observe at first hand the humanitarian situation in the country, and the tremendous difficulties involved in providing essential relief to those in need across the vast expanse of Eastern Chad. During his visit, Minster Ahern pledged an additional €2 million in humanitarian funding for Chad.
His visit confirmed the serious humanitarian and security situation obtaining in that vulnerable region and the valuable role which Ireland, as part of the EUFOR Tchad/RCA mission, can play in helping to address and improve this situation.
Since 2006, Ireland has provided humanitarian funding of over €6 million to United Nations agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working in Chad. These agencies and organisations operate in a wide variety of fields, including medical relief and emergency food supply. Transportation of humanitarian relief is an integral part of many of the projects funded. The European Community's Humanitarian Aid Office has contributed in excess of €20 million towards humanitarian efforts in Chad this year.
As part of Ireland's overall emergency response, my colleague Mr. Trevor Sargent T.D., Minster of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food, has provided funding of €2 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Chad. This funding was specifically for the UN Humanitarian Air Service, which provides transportation of food to remote regions.
109 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress being made in terms of the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals by the G8; and his views of the progress, or lack thereof, in achieving universal access to prevention treatment and care of persons suffering from AIDS, the strengthening of health systems, the care of orphans and vulnerable children, affordable treatment and the promise to establish a G8 working group on AIDS. [30873/07]
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are a framework for development for the whole international community, involving cooperation between developed and developing countries, and are not confined to the G8. Their achievement will require a large push forward, not only by donors, but also by the developing countries which will benefit from a sustainable reduction in poverty.
The MDGs report, launched last July, gave us a snapshot of the progress achieved at the midpoint of the 2015 MDG target date. It is indeed a mixed picture. On the positive side, it shows, for example, that the proportion of people living in extreme poverty fell from nearly a third, to less than one fifth, between 1990 and 2004. If this trend continues then the MDG poverty reduction target will be met for the world as a whole. However, this is not the case for sub-Saharan Africa. Though the poverty rate there has declined by six percent since 2000, the progress is far too slow.
Although HIV and AIDS continue to be the single biggest obstacles to reducing poverty and to attaining the MDGs, significant progress is being made in some areas. Current statistics from the United Nations Joint Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) released last week, reveal that global HIV prevalence has levelled off and that the number of new infections has fallen, in part due to the impact of HIV programmes. However, with over 33 million people estimated to be living with HIV and an estimated 6,800 new infections occurring each day, there is still significant work to be done to achieve Universal Access to comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.
Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the epicentre of the epidemic. The increase in availability of HIV treatment and the impact of HIV prevention efforts are bringing results in some countries there. Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe are all showing signs of stabilising or decreasing HIV prevalence. About 25% of the people who are in need of HIV treatment are accessing anti-retroviral drugs. However, mortality from AIDS remains high in Africa due to the extensive unmet treatment need.
Key obstacles to progress include significant human resource shortages in many health sectors in sub-Saharan Africa, weak health systems, and the growing numbers of children orphaned as a result of AIDS. Over fifteen million children have been orphaned by AIDS and millions more are vulnerable.
HIV and AIDS have been on the agenda of the G8 nations and in response to a call to set up a G8 working group on AIDS, they have promised to regularly review progress made on AIDS. At the last G8 meeting in Germany in July of this year, they committed to making a total of US$60 billion available to combat HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria, over the coming years. These funds are to be used to safeguard universal access to comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment and care programmes and to develop health systems at local level. They will go a long way in making progress to achieve Universal Access.
Responding to the global problem of HIV and AIDS is a key priority for the Irish Government. Funding for HIV and AIDS and other communicable diseases is now at €100 million per year. This funding is directed at programmes at international, regional and country levels to provide increased access to HIV prevention, treatment and care services. Ireland will continue to work with the international community in advocating for a sustained and resourced global response to HIV and AIDS, strengthened leadership at all levels and improved coordination of resources for effective HIV and AIDS prevention and control.
110 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures his Department will recommend to be made by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, by way of orders or regulations to control brokering activities he proposes to make under the Control of Exports Bill 2007. [30869/07]
The Control of Exports Bill, when enacted, will enable Ireland to fulfil its obligations under EU Common Position 2003/468/CFSP of 23 June 2003 on the control of arms brokering. The objective of this Common Position is to control arms brokering in order to avoid circumvention of UN, EU or OSCE embargoes on arms exports, as well as the Criteria set out in the European Union Code of Conduct on Arms Exports. The proposed legislation has been drafted in accordance with the recommendations of a 2004 report by Forfás on the export licensing of military and dual-use goods in Ireland. The Department of Foreign Affairs has been fully involved in the work of the inter-departmental group charged with the implementation of the Forfás report. The Minister endorses the approach being taken in the draft legislation.
The Department will continue to collaborate with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and other authorities, on the measures necessary to give effect to Ireland's obligations under the EU Common Position.
115 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current political situation in Darfur and Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29341/07]
120 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his visit to Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30784/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 120 together.
I visited both Sudan and Chad from 14-16 November last. Whilst in Khartoum on 14 November, I met with President Bashir, acting Foreign Minister Ali Karti, and Minni Minnawi, the leader of the SLA faction which signed the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) in 2006. I also met with representatives of the main UN agencies and of Irish and international NGOs which are active in Darfur. In my meetings with the Government, I expressed Ireland's disappointment at the lack of progress in implementing the DPA, and at the failure of many rebel groups to travel to Libya for the current talks process. I urged that the Government re-consider its unwillingness to agree to deployment of non-African personnel and capabilities with the UN/African Union hybrid force, UNAMID. I also emphasised in my discussions with President Bashir and the acting Foreign Minister the importance Ireland attaches to access for humanitarian agencies and personnel in their life-saving work in Darfur. I urged that the UN/Government of Sudan Joint Communiqué on humanitarian access be renewed when it expires in January.
I also expressed my concern over difficulties with implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between north and south. I am satisfied that the Sudanese Government remains committed to the CPA and has no wish to return to war with the south. I subsequently travelled to N'Djamena on 15 November for discussions with Chadian Government representatives, including Prime Minister Coumakoye, Foreign Minister Allam-Mi, Defence Minister Nour (a former rebel leader), and the State Secretary for the Interior. I also met with opposition leader Lol Chouat, and with representatives of UN agencies and non-governmental organisations active in Chad. I outlined Ireland's expected role in the UN-mandated EUFOR Tchad/RCA mission and our commitment to the humanitarian objectives of that mission and also referred to the Government's plans to increase support for humanitarian and recovery activity in Chad. Prime Minister Coumakoye and his colleagues expressed warm appreciation for the deployment of EUFOR Tchad/RCA as well as Ireland's lead role within the Mission.
I travelled to Abeche in eastern Chad on 16 November where I visited a number of camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees and met with local government and UN representatives. My visit to eastern Chad confirmed the serious humanitarian and security situation obtaining in that vulnerable region and the valuable role which EUFOR Tchad/RCA can play in helping to address and improve this situation.
Negotiations between the Government of Sudan and the Darfur rebel factions began on 27 October in Libya under joint AU/UN mediation. However, the start of this process was overshadowed by the absence of many of the principal rebel groups, which boycotted the talks. The UN and AU have sent representatives to Darfur and Juba to find and speak with the rebels who did not attend, and it is hoped that the talks will recommence in December. Although there have been some improvements in recent months on humanitarian access in Darfur on foot of the UN/Government of Sudan Joint Communiqué agreed last March, the humanitarian situation is again becoming more difficult. The fragmentation of the rebel groups, growing tensions within camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and banditry in the countryside are making the tasks of both peace negotiators and humanitarian agencies increasingly difficult.
Since 2002, the stability of Chad has been threatened by armed rebellion arising from clashes between ethnic-based militias and Government forces, incursions by Janjaweed from Sudan, and inter-Chadian Arab/non Arab clashes. Following an agreement with the rebel Front Unifie pour le Changement in 2006, the Chadian Government reached a similar agreement in October 2007 with representatives of four of the main remaining armed rebel groups. This agreement calls for an amnesty and a role for rebels in government, in return for a ceasefire and the integration of their forces into the army. However, implementation will present challenges, and not all of the rebels have yet laid down their arms. The Chadian Government also reached an agreement with the peaceful political opposition in August 2007, which postponed legislative elections to 2009 while a new electoral system is introduced. Chad's unsettled internal situation has been exacerbated by a spill-over of instability from Darfur, and more than 180,000 internally displaced Chadians and 236,000 Sudanese refugees live in camps in eastern Chad.
117 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the composition of the Conflict Resolution Unit; when and the location where the Irish academic centre will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29328/07]
I refer the Deputy to the answer given to PQ 304 on 23rd October 2007 (attached), in which I outlined the structure of the Conflict Resolution Unit and explained that my Department is in the final phase of completing its work programme in this area, which will set out the Unit's key objectives. The Unit will be a cross-cutting one, working closely with Irish Aid and Anglo-Irish Divisions and relevant Desks in Political Division. The Programme for Government sets out a number of key goals to support Ireland's activities in the field of conflict resolution, including a Stability Fund, a system of roving ambassadors to crisis regions, and the creation of an Irish Academic Centre for Conflict Resolution. The Centre is intended to provide academic and analytical capability in the area of conflict resolution, drawing on national expertise to strengthen the policy research and knowledge base for greater Irish involvement in international conflict resolution.
Developing and drawing on Irish academic resources is an exciting but challenging goal. The Conflict Resolution Unit is currently completing a study of comparable academic centres abroad. This will identify best practice and offer a range of possible options for the remit and structures most appropriate to our own resources and goals. No decisions as to the configuration of the proposed Centre or its location have yet been taken.
118 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the EU mission to Chad; the reason for delays in the mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30949/07]
The EU military mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, entitled EUFOR Tchad/RCA, was authorised by a Joint Action of the Council of the European Union on 15 October, in accordance with the mandate set out in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1778 of 25 September.
The Joint Action included the appointment of Lieutenant General Pat Nash of the Defence Forces as Operation Commander. The Government on 2 October agreed to the nomination of General Nash for the position. The nomination of General Nash, and support staff, was approved by Dáil Éireann on 9 October. Following reconnaissance visits by the Defence Forces to the region, and my own visit to Sudan and Chad earlier this month, the Government on 19 November authorised the Minister for Defence to arrange, subject to Dáil approval, for the despatch of a contingent of up to 400 members of the Defence Forces for service with EUFOR Tchad/RCA, making Ireland the second largest contributor to this Mission.
Lt Gen Nash, as Operation Commander, has had primary responsibility for the Force Generation process which aims to ensure that the mission has the capacity to undertake the tasks envisaged for it by the United Nations, namely to protect civilians in danger, particularly refugees and displaced persons, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and protect UN personnel.
To date, three Force Generation meetings have taken place, and very significant commitments of personnel and equipment have been made, including by third countries outside the European Union. It is the Union's and the Operation Commander's hope that formal Initial Operating Capability can be declared by year end, or very soon thereafter. Deployment of the Irish contingent would take place in line with the overall deployment.
As with the Force Generation process for any substantial mission, certain shortfalls have been identified. In this case, transport aviation and medical support facilities have been the key shortfalls thus far. The Taoiseach has indicated to the House that deployment of members of the Defence Forces will be conditional on adequate logistical support being in place. Given the importance of the Mission, and its key role in addressing the humanitarian crisis and regional instability resulting from the Darfur crisis, I expect that these shortfalls will be addressed in the coming period and the Mission will proceed on schedule.
119 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding ongoing talks on an eventual entry into the European Union by Turkey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30888/07]
Following the adoption of conclusions by the Council on 3rd October 2005, accession negotiations were opened with Turkey. Under the terms of the agreed Negotiating Framework, these accession negotiations are an open-ended process, the outcome of which cannot be guaranteed beforehand.
In all, there are thirty five negotiating chapters which deal with a range of policy areas. To date, four chapters have been opened with Turkey. Benchmarks have been agreed for thirteen other chapters. These benchmarks identify areas where further progress should be made by Turkey before negotiations begin on these particular chapters. On 6th November last, the European Commission published its annual package of enlargement reports. These include an assessment of progress made by candidate countries in meeting EU membership criteria.
In respect of Turkey, the Commission noted that following the constitutional crisis in spring of this year, early parliamentary elections were held in full respect of democratic standards and of the rule of law. Against this background, only limited progress was achieved on political reforms during 2007. Significant further reforms are needed in particular on freedom of expression, the rights of non-Muslim religious communities and on civilian control of the military. Further progress is also needed in the fight against corruption, the judicial system, trade union rights and women's and children's rights. In the South-East, Turkey needs also to create the conditions for the predominantly Kurdish population there to enjoy full rights and freedoms.
The Commission reports that Turkey continued to make progress against economic criteria for accession over the course of the last year. With regard to the alignment of Turkey's legislation with that of the EU, progress was reported in a number of areas and further alignment should be pursued in areas including agriculture, fisheries, food safety and the environment. The Commission also noted that Turkey has not yet fulfilled its obligations under the Ankara Protocol by opening its ports and airports to vessels and aircraft from the Republic of Cyprus. In December 2006, the Council of Ministers agreed that eight specific negotiating chapters cannot be opened, nor will any chapters be provisionally concluded, until the Commission verifies that Turkey has fulfilled its commitments under this Protocol.
121 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views that in view of this country’s experience in the resolution of conflict in the island of Ireland, the Irish Government could assist the Government of Sri Lanka in conflict resolution in its own peace process, therefore preventing a slide towards full civil war; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29768/07]
I am deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka. Ireland, together with our partners in the EU, takes a close interest in developments in Sri Lanka, and in the peace process in particular and regrets the fact that neither party appears willing to engage in meaningful negotiations. We continue to take the firm view that there can be no military solution and that the only way to a just and lasting peace in Sri Lanka is a rapid return to comprehensive talks between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) to resolve outstanding differences. Ireland remains firmly committed to assisting the Norwegian facilitator in his work in this regard.
The EU continues to play an active role as one of the four Co-Chairs of the 2003 Tokyo Conference on Reconstruction and Development of Sri Lanka. At their last meeting in June 2007 the Co-Chairs expressed their concern about the conflict and said that there can be no justification for the use of military means. An important part of the work of my Department's new Conflict Resolution Unit will be drawing together the lessons of the Northern Ireland peace process in a way which will make it possible to share them in a useful fashion. While of course all conflicts have their own specific character, there may be lessons from Northern Ireland that could be useful to the parties in Sri Lanka in re-engaging in their peace process. I recall that over the last few years there have been a number of visits, including by Mr. John Hume and Mr. Martin McGuinness, aimed at sharing experiences. The Government would of course be willing to offer advice if sought by relevant parties but there currently appears little scope to do so in light of the negative situation there.
123 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the number of total population and the aggregate number of households in each year since 2002; and his estimate for 2007 and 2008. [30501/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is shown in the following table in respect of April of the years indicated.
|
Population |
Private Households |
|
|
Thousands |
||
|
2002 |
3,917.2 |
1,344.4 |
|
2003 |
3,978.9 |
1,383.8 |
|
2004 |
4,043.8 |
1,405.9 |
|
2005 |
4,130.7 |
1,453.9 |
|
2006 |
4,234.9 |
1,488.4 |
|
2007 |
Not yet available |
1,533.3 |
The population estimates for 2003-2006 inclusive are being revised at present and it is expected that the revised series incorporating the 2007 estimates will be published in December 2007. The estimated number of private households is taken from the Quarterly National Household Survey. Estimates for 2008 on a consistent basis are not available.
124 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the number of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices which have been established in the past ten years and the number which have been abolished under the remit of his Department. [30502/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below:
|
Body |
Year of Establishment |
Abolished/Still in Existence |
|
National Forum On Europe |
2001 |
Still in existence |
|
Taskforce on Active Citizenship |
2006 |
March 2007 |
|
(First) Information Society Commission |
1997 |
December 2000 |
|
(Second) Information Society Commission |
2001 |
December 2004 |
|
National Centre for Partnership and Performance (NCPP) |
2001 |
Still in existence |
|
National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) |
2007 |
Still in existence |
|
Campus and Stadium Ireland Development (CSID) |
2000 |
Still in existence |
|
Digital Media Development Limited |
2000 |
Still in existence |
|
National Millennium Committee |
1998 |
April 2000 |
125 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the number of people as of 31 October 2007 who were employed in his Department; the number who were permanent employees; the number who were temporary staff; the number who were contracted staff; if he will provide comparative figures for 31 October 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [30618/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the tables below:
|
Number Employed |
Permanent Staff |
Temporary Staff |
Contract Staff |
|
215 |
190 |
0 |
25 |
|
Number Employed |
Permanent Staff |
Temporary Staff |
Contract Staff |
|
222 |
192 |
0 |
30 |
126 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the amount spent by his Department in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 for air travel, business class flights and first class flights in tabular readable form. [30633/07]
The table below provides details of the amount spent by my Department between 2004 and to date (end of October) in 2007 for air travel, business class flights and first class flights:
|
Year |
Business class |
First class |
Economy |
Total |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2004 |
187,432 |
65,256 |
77,937 |
330,625 |
|
2005 |
76,830 |
95,108 |
67,288 |
239,226 |
|
2006 |
108,211 |
Nil |
78,557 |
186,768 |
|
2007 (up to end October) |
90,049 |
Nil |
64,646 |
154,695 |
|
TOTAL |
462,522 |
160,364 |
288,428 |
911,314 |
The costs included refer only to commercial flights and do not refer to any details in relation to the Ministerial Air Transport Service which are borne by the Department of Defence.
127 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the amount spent by his Department on courier documents, registered post and standard post to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [30648/07]
The total amount spent by my Department on courier documents, registered post and standard post, up to the end of October 2007 is detailed in the table below:
|
Details |
Amount spent to end of October 2007 |
|
€ |
|
|
Courier Documents |
7,350 |
|
Registered Post |
303 |
|
Standard Post |
58,150 |
128 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the ten largest bonus payments made to staff in his Department and each of its agencies in the past 12 months. [30663/07]
The scheme of performance-related awards in the civil service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. 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, 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 (www.finance.gov.ie). In October of this year, eight individual Departmental staff members were given employee recognition awards of €500 each.
With regard to the bodies under the aegis of my Department: no bonus payments made to the staff of the Law Reform Commission in the past twelve months; and the ten largest bonus payments made to staff in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the last 12 months are as follows:
1. €20,400
2. €11,500
3. €11,500
4. €11,500
5. €500
6. €500
7. €500
8. €500
9. €250.
10. €250
Payments 1 to 4 were made to staff at or above Assistant Secretary level and were approved by the Committee for Performance Awards. Payments 5 to 10 were made under a scheme for the payment of exceptional performance awards to staff below the level of Assistant Secretary; and the ten highest bonus payments paid to staff in the Central Statistics Office in the last twelve months are as follows:
1. €8,456.71
2. €6,820.49
3. €6,423.93
4. €6,384.50
5. €6,081.27
6. €6,075.49
7. €6,054.93
8. €6,039.98
9. €5,788.34
10. €5,864.35.
The above payments were awarded to permanent field staff under the CSO Completion Payments Scheme. The staff are at Clerical Officer grade.
129 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the number of civil servants in his Department who have transferred to other Departments or left the Civil Service in each of the past five years in tabular readable form. [30678/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Transferred to other Government Departments in the past 5 years |
Left the Civil Service in the past 5 years |
|
2003 |
4 |
5 |
|
2004 |
14 |
7 |
|
2005 |
9 |
6 |
|
2006 |
14 |
7 |
|
2007 |
10 |
2 |
130 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the number of allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing that have been reported to his Department by departmental staff since 1 January 2007. [30693/07]
No allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing have been reported to my Department by Departmental staff in the period concerned.
131 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Taoiseach the number of persons aged under four years in County Carlow according to the recent census; if he will provide a breakdown of the figures according to the main urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30836/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table:
|
Geographic Area |
Age |
|||||
|
Under 1 year |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
0-4 |
|
|
Carlow County |
713 |
767 |
802 |
823 |
737 |
3,842 |
|
Towns with a population of 1000 and over* |
||||||
|
Bunclody-Carrickduff, Carlow/Wexford |
31 |
29 |
24 |
32 |
25 |
141 |
|
Carlow, Carlow/Laoighis |
310 |
362 |
350 |
355 |
295 |
1,672 |
|
Graiguenamanagh-Tinnahinch, Carlow/Kilkenny |
12 |
18 |
14 |
21 |
18 |
83 |
|
Muinebeag, Carlow |
27 |
32 |
38 |
33 |
33 |
163 |
|
Tullow, Carlow |
49 |
43 |
50 |
43 |
47 |
232 |
|
Urban/Rural** |
||||||
|
Urban |
333 |
382 |
389 |
384 |
330 |
1,818 |
|
Rural |
380 |
385 |
413 |
439 |
407 |
2,024 |
132 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the buildings occupied by his Department which are and which are not fully accessible to people with disabilities in tabular readable form. [31036/07]
My Department occupies and administers the West Block of Government Buildings, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2 and for many years has been conscious of our duty to ensure access to our buildings and services by people with disabilities. At the time of the adaptation of the building for the Department in the early 1990's, many facilities were provided, which have subsequently been improved upon, and we will continue to review facilities and upgrade them as necessary. As part of our endeavours to adopt best practice, hearing loops to facilitate those with hearing aids have been installed in the Welcome Pavilion, at Reception, in the Press Centre and in all conference rooms throughout the building. People with disabilities can access all areas of Government Buildings included in the Saturday Tours and a portable hearing loop is also available on request.
The Department of the Taoiseach website is continually monitored to ensure compliance with WAI and W3C Accessibility Guidelines. We have also recently installed a number of induction coupler telephones and Minicoms (Telephone devices for the Deaf, TDD's) throughout the Department. My Department provides access to information to people with a disability in a variety of formats on request (this can include Braille, simple text documents or large print). Assistive technologies are supplied to staff and visitors as necessary and accessibility tools are part of the standard desktop used in my Department. As part of this Department's ongoing Customer Services initiatives, an access audit of the Department was carried out in December 2006. The intent was to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Disability Act, 2005 and to further improve on the Department's existing facilities and services. Arising from the audit, a programme of work has been prepared in conjunction with OPW to address many of the issues raised. The access audit identifies a range of barriers that potentially restrict access for disabled people to the built environment and its recommendations now form part of the Department's ongoing and strategic plans to ensure its buildings and services are accessible to all.
The audit report noted that due to the building's features, its location and protected heritage conservation status, most of the major works that are required to comply with Best Practice for accessibility are not practical to effect. However, it also found that the building was open and well designed for universal accessibility. The Department's Disability Monitoring Committee will continue to explore and implement opportunities to improve services to people with disabilities. This Committee seeks to ensure that the range of services provided by the Department is accessible to people with disabilities and that staff of the Department engage proactively in the process. In line with the requirements of the Disability Act, 2005, we have also appointed an Inquiry Officer (who will deal with complaints where the Department fails to comply with the Act) and an Access Officer (to ensure compliance with the Act in terms of facilities, services and the built environment). We also have a Disability Liaison Officer and an Employee Assistance Officer.
133 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the cost of running his Department’s press office in each of the first three quarters of 2007 in tabular readable form. [31051/07]
The cost of running the Press Office in my Department for the first three quarters of 2007 is detailed in the table below:
|
€ |
|
|
1st quarter |
263,226 |
|
2nd quarter |
172,408 |
|
3rd quarter |
164,968 |
|
Total |
600,602 |
134 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the websites that are run by his Department and each of its agencies; the date on which each became live; if the sites are kept updated; the cost of each site to the State to date; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [31066/07]
As requested by the Deputy, the table below outlines the websites associated with the Department of the Taoiseach:
|
Name of Website*1 |
Date went live |
Updated regularly |
Cost to date |
|
€ |
|||
|
www.taoiseach.gov.ie Department of the Taoiseach www.betterregulation.ie Better Regulation www.bettergov.ie Better Government |
June 2002*2 |
A Web Liasion Officer has been appointed to maintain each Division’s area of the various Departmental websites. |
116,497.46*3 |
|
www.isc.ie Information Society Commission |
October 2002 |
No. The term of office of the previous Commission ceased at end December 2004. |
15,058.51 |
|
www.activecitizenship.ie Taskforce on Active Citizenship |
May 2006 |
Last update followed the completion of the Final Report of the Taskforce in March 2007 |
17,429.88 |
|
www.ncpp.ie (includes two micro sites www.workplaceofthefuture.ie and www.workplacestrategy.ie) National Centre for Partnership and Performance |
March 2002 |
Yes |
48,550 |
|
www.nesdo.ie (includes a microsite www.futuresireland.ie) National Economic and Social Development Office |
October 2004 |
Yes |
16,611 |
|
www.nesc.ie National Economic and Social Council |
October 1998 |
Yes |
18,764 |
|
www.nesf.ie National Economic and Social Forum |
November 2000 |
Yes |
16,000 |
*1The table does not include details in relation to agencies such as the Law Offices of the State and the CSO, who are not funded from the Vote of the Department of the Taoiseach. Details in relation to the National Forum on Europe are also not included as it is an independent body comprising representatives of the political parties in the Houses of the Oireachtas.
*2A review of the Department's existing websites commenced in 2001. As a result of this review, the current suite of three websites in their present form went live on 6 June, 2002.
*3The main websites associated with the Department of the Taoiseach are treated as a suite of three sites. The cost indicated in the table reflects the costs associated with all three websites as follows: Department of the Taoiseach main website; Better Regulation website; and Better Government website. The majority of costs relating to the three websites have been incurred since 2002. They reflect annual maintenance/upkeep and software upgrade costs for the websites. The figures given do not include any costs associated with providing content.
135 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach the organisations or authorities operating within his Department’s policy area, set up by statute or statutory instrument, for which he does not have official responsibility to Dáil Éireann. [31119/07]
I am officially responsible to Dáil Éireann for the general activities of my Department. However, there may be specific activities undertaken by officials of my Department for which I do not have official responsibility e.g. decisions made in relation to freedom of information applications. I account to the Dáil in a limited way in respect of a number of state offices, for example, the legal offices of the state and the Central Statistics Office. By and large, I answer questions in the House in relation to matters of administration connected with those offices. Similarly, the nature of my responsibility to the House in respect of any Tribunal, Commission or other independent inquiry established "under the aegis" of my Department is confined primarily to the arrangements relating to their establishment and ongoing administration. The specific nature of my accountability in respect of any body operating within my Department's policy area has long been established by precedent in each case.
136 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach his estimate from the household budget survey of the aggregate expenditure by families on doctors, prescribed medicine or over the counter medicines, hospital consultants, hospitals or nursing homes and so on; and his estimate of spending under the different elements of health expenditure. [31188/07]
The Household Budget Survey (HBS), which is carried out every five years by the Central Statistics Office, provides information on the average weekly income and expenditure of all private households in the State. The table below provides information on the average weekly expenditure by private households on medical costs from the most recent HBS, which represented the period October 2004 to December 2005:
|
Category |
€ |
|
Medical fees: |
|
|
Doctor1 |
3.71 |
|
Dentist |
2.70 |
|
Optician |
0.32 |
|
Acupuncturist |
0.07 |
|
Chiropractor |
0.12 |
|
Massage |
0.14 |
|
Physiotherapist |
0.37 |
|
Orthodontist |
0.15 |
|
Speech therapist |
0.03 |
|
Other medical fees |
0.18 |
|
Total medical fees (A) |
7.79 |
|
Medicines: |
|
|
Medicines on prescription |
4.54 |
|
Other medicines (e.g. painkillers, cough mixtures etc) |
1.78 |
|
Medical disinfectants |
0.13 |
|
Vitamins and supplements |
1.01 |
|
Alternative/complimentary medicine |
0.37 |
|
Total medicines (B) |
7.83 |
|
Hospital/residential care |
|
|
Hospital charges (before insurance refunds) |
6.92 |
|
Payments for stay in residental care |
0.13 |
|
Total hospital/residential care (C) |
7.05 |
|
Total Medical Costs (A + B + C) |
22.67 |
|
Health insurance refunds2 (D) |
-6.25 |
|
Net Medical costs (A + B + C - D) |
16.42 |
1Includes hospital consultant fees.
2Includes overall medical insurance refunds.
137 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach his latest estimate of the number of houses here distinguishing those which are owner occupied, occupied by tenants and vacant; and his estimate of the population living in owner occupied and in rented homes. [31189/07]
The total housing stock in April 2006 was 1.77 million units according to the Census carried out at that time. Of these, 1.46 million were occupied by their usual residents on Census Night. The remaining 310,000 units consisted mainly of vacant houses or flats and holiday homes. Of the 1.46 million occupied housing units 1.09 million were owner occupied, accounting for a population of 3.1 million. A further 323,000 housing units were rented, with 807,000 residents. No nature of occupancy was stated in the case of some 47,000 housing units, and 22,000 were occupied free of rent. This covers the remaining 166,000 persons resident in permanent housing units. The above figures are taken from Volume 6 — Housing of the 2006 Census.
138 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Taoiseach the procedures in place to protect personal data within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31245/07]
To protect personal data within my Department, we comply fully with the provisions of the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003, the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003 and the National Archives Act 1986 in managing both electronic and paper based records. The physical personal files of Departmental staff are stored in locked, fire proofed safes in secured, designated locations within my Department. These may only be accessed by authorised staff. Access to personal information held electronically within my Department is controlled by application security and confined to relevant authorised personnel only. In addition, the Department has the services of a qualified archivist to advise on all aspects of records management.
139 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Civil Service Personnel Code, An Cód Pearsanra is made available for public inspection by his Department; if so, the format in which it is made available; if not, the reason for same; if he will lay an up to date copy of the Civil Service Personnel Code before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31386/07]
The Personnel Code is issued and updated by the Department of Finance. The Code aims to make the various instructions governing personnel matters readily available to all civil servants. The Code is contained in four volumes and holds relevant circulars, circular letters and letters to heads of Departments and Personnel Officers on terms and conditions of civil servants. The Code covers matters such as recruitment, employment legislation, retirement, conduct, sick leave, disciplinary and grievance procedures. Since January 2002 the Personnel Code is available to civil servants electronically on the website www.personnelcode.gov.ie. Members of the public can also access this website. In the light of the information being freely available it is not considered necessary to lay the Civil Service Personnel Code before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
140 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the tax paid on a litre of petrol selling for €1.22 to the public. [30595/07]
141 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the tax paid on a litre of diesel selling for €1.20 to the public. [30596/07]
142 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the tax paid on a litre of petrol selling for €1.52 to the public. [30597/07]
143 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the tax paid on a litre of diesel selling for €1.50 to the public. [30598/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 to 143, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the tax paid on a litre of petrol and diesel selling at the stated prices is as set out in the following schedule. I would draw to the Deputy's attention that excise on both petrol and diesel is relatively low in Ireland compared to our main trading partners, particularly the UK.
|
Commodity |
Price per Litre (a) |
Excise Content |
VAT Content |
Total Tax Content |
Tax Exclusive Price |
Tax as a % of Price |
|
(Cent) |
(Cent) |
(Cent) |
(Cent) |
(Cent) |
% |
|
|
Petrol |
122.0 |
44.268 |
21.17 |
65.44 |
56.56 |
53.6 |
|
Petrol |
152.0 |
44.268 |
26.38 |
70.65 |
81.35 |
46.5 |
|
Diesel |
120.0 |
36.805 |
20.83 |
57.63 |
62.37 |
48.0 |
|
Diesel |
150.0 |
36.805 |
26.03 |
62.84 |
87.16 |
41.9 |
144 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of people as of 31 October 2007 who were employed in his Department; the number who were permanent employees; the number who were temporary staff; the number who were contracted staff; if he will provide comparative figures for 31 October 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [30613/07]
Details of staff employed in my Department are listed below:
|
31 October 2002 |
31 October 2007 |
|
|
Permanent/Probationary |
666 |
646 |
|
Temporary/Contract |
19 |
39 |
|
Total |
685 |
685 |
* The numbers represent the actual number of people employed, rather than the wholetime equivalent.
145 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount spent by his Department in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 for air travel, business class flights and first class flights in tabular readable form. [30628/07]
The following table gives details of the amount spent by my Department on flights taken in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date for 2007.
|
Year |
Spend on First Class Flights |
Spend on Business Class Flights |
Spend on Economy Flights |
Amounts recouped from the EU* |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2004 |
Nil |
309,165 |
150,430 |
84,863 |
|
2005 |
38,459 |
107,744 |
183,500 |
45,232 |
|
2006 |
46,067 |
66,512 |
197,413 |
72,043 |
|
To Date in 2007 |
Nil |
70,417 |
176,316 |
58,664 |
146 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount spent by his Department on courier documents, registered post and standard post to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [30643/07]
The following table gives details of the amount spent on courier services, registered post and standard post to date in 2007.
|
Amount spent to date in 2007 |
|
|
€ |
|
|
Courier Services |
95,897 |
|
Standard Post |
236,204 |
|
Registered Post |
15,150 |
147 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the ten largest bonus payments made to staff in his Department and each of its agencies in the past 12 months. [30658/07]
The payments made to staff in my Department and its agencies over the last 12 months range from €14,000 to €20,000. I would not consider it appropriate to itemise the payments made to each of the individuals concerned. This information does not include the NTMA, where the pay and conditions of staff are the subject of confidential and personal contracts.
148 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of civil servants in his Department who have transferred to other Departments or left the Civil Service in each of the past five years in tabular readable form. [30673/07]
The number of Civil Servants from my Department who have transferred to other Government Departments or have left the Civil Service directly from my Department in each of the past five years is detailed below:
|
Transferred to other Government Departments |
Left the Civil Service |
|
|
2007 |
18 |
15 |
|
2006 |
49 |
14 |
|
2005 |
32 |
30 |
|
2004 |
16 |
21 |
|
2003 |
25 |
20 |
149 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing that have been reported to his Department by Departmental staff since 1 January 2007. [30688/07]
I presume the Deputy is referring to issues which, in particular, are dealt with in section 5 of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 in relation to complaints made in good faith to the Standards in Public Office Commission. No allegations of victimisation for whistle blowing were reported to my Department by Departmental staff in the period concerned.
150 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when the capital gains tax roll-over for businesses which upgrade to a new premises was abolished; the reason for doing so; the amount of tax take gained as a result for each year since this change was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30697/07]
Capital gains tax roll-over relief was abolished in Budget 2003 as a means of widening the CGT tax base after the CGT rate was halved from 40% to 20% in Budget 1998. Other changes to the CGT code in the 2003 Budget included the abolition of indexation relief and the change in the CGT payment date. These changes were made in accordance with the overall taxation policy of widening the tax base in order to keep direct tax rates low. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that information is not compiled on a basis which enables an estimate to be made of the tax yield from abolishing the capital gains tax roll-over for businesses upgrading to a new premises. Accordingly, the specific information is not readily available and it either could not be obtained or could not be obtained without conducting a protracted investigation of the Revenue Commissioners' records.
151 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare seeking a marital separation can not obtain a certificate from the Revenue Commissioners stating that their tax affairs are in order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30707/07]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Affordable Housing Certificate presented for signature to them by the taxpayer required confirmation that the taxpayer had not previously claimed income tax relief in respect of interest paid on money borrowed to purchase or build a dwelling. The Revenue Commissioners were unable to certify the certificate as the taxpayer has claimed and received tax relief at source in respect of mortgage interest paid on the family home since 2005. The Revenue Commissioners have no record of a request from the taxpayer for a certificate stating that their tax affairs are in order. Following the Deputy's query a letter, dated 21 November 2007, issued to the taxpayer confirming that their income tax affairs are in order.
152 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the cost in 2008 of reducing the top rate of income tax by 1%. [30717/07]
Using the data in the Pre-Budget 2008 income tax ready reckoner, a 1% reduction in the top rate of income tax would cost about €280 million in a full year. The cost quoted is provisional, subject to revision and estimated to the nearest €5 million. The ready reckoner is available on my Department's website, at
www.finance.gov.ie.
153 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the cost in 2008 of delivering commitments he made to the people here on taxation reform during the immediate run-up to the general election 2007. [30718/07]
As I have indicated in recent responses to similar questions, the Programme for Government is an agreed five year programme between the Government parties, in which we have set out our guiding economic and budgetary policy principles. We are fully committed to pursuing the implementation of responsible fiscal policy. Formulation and agreement by Government of spending and taxation plans for 2008 is currently ongoing. These will be presented to the House on Budget Day, 5 December and will represent the first instalment of this Government's delivery of the agreed Programme for Government. As is the norm all Budget measures will be costed in the usual comprehensive fashion.
154 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason for the delays in issuing refunds of tax; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that people are being advised by tax offices that they may not receive their repayment before Christmas 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30738/07]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are not aware of any delays in issuing tax refunds to PAYE taxpayers and that they are currently being dealt with within the time limit indicated in the Commissioners' customer service standards. I am also informed that repayment cheques for refunds relating to reviews carried out for 2006 and prior years will continue to be generated up to 14 December inclusive and will all be posted prior to the last day for mailing in order to guarantee delivery before Christmas, which is 19 December. Reviews for the current year which are dealt with through the issue of amended Tax Credit Certificates (TCCs) will continue to be generated up to 7 December inclusive. No further amended TCCs for 2007 will issue after this date because employers would not have the opportunity to input them into their payroll systems in time to have any repayment due included in the employee's last pay cheque before Christmas.
155 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on whether the removal of the refund on excise duty on fuel used in passenger transport services will cause hardship for the industry; the alternative scheme he will introduce following the discontinuation of the rebate of excise duty on fuel used in the passenger transport service; when the new scheme will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30816/07]
157 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the concerns and anxieties of passenger transport services at the proposed removal of refund of excise duty on fuel used in these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30848/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 157 together.
The 2003 EU Energy Tax Directive incorporated special derogations which allowed specific excise duty reliefs to be applied in a number of Member States. In the Irish context, these derogations allowed for reduced rates to apply to fuel used for public transport services which includes school transport services. While these derogations expired on 31 December 2006, Ireland, along with other Member States, sought retention of its derogations beyond that date. However the European Commission, who are the deciding authority, have to date refused all such requests. The Commission maintain that, in keeping with the EU Energy Tax Directive, Member States must apply at least the EU minimum rates of excise on fuels in such circumstances and that any further favourable excise treatment is not allowable. In this regard the Commission's decision was published on its website in March 2007. At the Commission's behest my officials have indicated that Ireland will avail of the forthcoming Finance Bill to make the necessary legislative changes to conform with the Directive. In the circumstances, the relevant line Departments who have primary responsibility in this regard are, in conjunction with my Department, exploring alternative non-tax support mechanisms that could be put in place where appropriate to maintain the assistance currently being provided, subject of course to compatibility with EU State Aid requirements. In the interim the reduced rates applicable to fuel used will be maintained.
156 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when a section of stream (details supplied) in County Limerick will be serviced. [30838/07]
As stated in my letter of 15 November, 2007 to the Deputy, maintenance work on the river referred to will be undertaken before the end of the year.
158 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the tax treatment on the compensation paid to Greencore following the closure of the sugar industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30910/07]
The tax affairs of individual taxpayers are a matter for the Revenue Commissioners who, under the duty of confidentiality which they have to taxpayers, do not comment on particular cases.
159 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position regarding a project (details supplied). [30999/07]
The Office of Public Works has been carrying out works on the River Tolka in the Dublin City area in conjunction with Dublin City Council since 2003. The works have been carried out as a result of the recommendations contained in the River Tolka Flooding Report completed in 2003. The Report recommended a number of works which should be undertaken to provide the standard level of protection against a flood with a 1% probability of occurring in any year along both banks of the channel in the Richmond Road area. All these measures have now been undertaken, including raising of some existing walls, the construction of new walls and embankments, widening of the channel and the replacement of Distillery Road Bridge. Dublin City Council was asked by residents of the Tolka Road area in 2006 to have the river wall replaced in the area downstream of Distillery Road Bridge to Luke Kelly Bridge. The original Report indicated that the existing wall was structurally sound and not in need of replacement. However, following these requests from the local residents, the City Council again had the wall assessed in 2006, and this assessment confirmed that the wall was in good condition. As the wall does not require replacement from a flood defence perspective, such a replacement does not fall within OPW's remit on activities under the Flood Relief programme.
160 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the buildings occupied by his Department which are and which are not fully accessible to people with disabilities in tabular readable form. [31031/07]
A table outlining my Departments buildings and their accessibility status is provided below:
|
Building |
Fully Accessible |
|
Government Buildings, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2 |
Yes |
|
Unit 2, Central Business Park, Tullamore, Co. Offaly |
Yes |
|
Lansdowne House, Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4 |
Yes |
|
14-16 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2 |
Yes |
|
2-4 Merrion Row, Dublin 2 |
Yes |
|
Ballagh House, 73-79 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2 |
Accessible by prior arrangement |
|
Frederick Buildings, Sth Frederick Street, Dublin 2 |
Accessible by prior arrangement |
|
File Archive Building — Jamestown Business Park |
Not accessible |
There is full or partial accessibility to all buildings occupied by my Department, except to our file archive building in Jamestown Business Park. In the case of Ballagh House and Frederick Buildings access is via the respective car parks. The Department will be vacating the offices in Ballagh House in 2008 and Frederick Buildings will be upgraded as part of the Office of Public Works Universal Access Programme for public offices. The Department has appointed Access and Disability Liaison Officers, in accordance with section 26(2) of the Disability Act 2005, who are available to assist both the public and staff with any issues relating to access to the Department's buildings.
161 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the cost of running his Department’s press office in each of the first three quarters of 2007 in tabular readable form. [31046/07]
The direct costs associated with my Department's Press Office are detailed below:
|
Quarter 1 2007 |
Quarter 2 2007 |
Quarter 3 2007 |
Total |
|
|
Salaries and Employer’s PRSI |
53,192.70 |
60,125.03 |
53,762.93 |
167,080.66 |
|
Travel and Subsistence |
535.37 |
656.67 |
535.80 |
1,727.84 |
|
Other |
9,976.00 |
7,348.32 |
4,299.92 |
21,624.24 |
|
Grand Total |
63,704.07 |
68,130.02 |
58,598.65 |
190,432.74 |
The cost of shared services such as telephone, ICT and heating costs are not broken down by Business Unit.
162 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the websites that are run by his Department and each of its agencies; the date on which each became live; if the sites are kept updated; the cost of each site to the State to date; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [31061/07]
In the time available, it has not been possible to collate the data required by the Deputy. This process is underway and my Department will forward the information to the Deputy as soon as the process is completed.
163 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when works carried out by the Office of Public Works at a location (details supplied) in County Laois will be completed; and the progress on this matter. [31101/07]
It is estimated that these works will be completed by April next.
164 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the organisations or authorities operating within his Department’s policy area, set up by statute or statutory instrument, for which he does not have official responsibility to Dáil Éireann. [31114/07]
The extent of my responsibility varies in accordance with the nature of the legal arrangements. I have responsibility in relation to Government policy in each case. The legislation and statutory instruments establishing organisations or authorities operating within my Department's policy area varies according to the nature of the body involved, the functions it performs and the need for it to be independent in the performance of these functions.
165 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his plans to carry out improvements at offices (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31122/07]
A feasibility study is being undertaken on a proposal to extend the existing premises with a view to resolving congestion issues.
166 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount spent in 2006 and 2007 on leasing properties for Government Departments or State agencies which are not being used because decentralisation has not proceeded as planned. [31165/07]
I am informed by the Commissioners of Public Works that no money has been spent in 2006 and 2007 for Government Departments or State agencies on leasing properties which are not being used because decentralisation has not proceeded as planned.
167 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of green field sites the Office of Public Works identified in Skibbereen for a new community school; and the problems associated with them that deemed each unsuitable. [31167/07]
The Commissioners of Public Works act as agents for the Department of Education and Science for the acquisitions of sites for schools.
In the case of Skibbereen a total of twelve sites were examined and assessed. One site was withdrawn by the Vendors. One site was regarded as suitable by the Local Authority but would require very extensive pre-construction works. The remainder were regarded as unsuitable by the Local Authority for various reasons.
It would seem that the solution to the problem in this case is for the Local Authority to make a variation to its existing Local Area Plan identifying/zoning land for Educational use or to zone such land in the next Development Plan whichever is soonest.
168 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when it is expected to issue certificates containing tax credits, standard cut-off points and so on to taxpayers which will incorporate the changes that are made in Budget 2008; and if an initial certificate based on existing 2007 provisions will first be issued at or before the start of the tax year on 1 January 2008. [31190/07]
I an informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, on the completion of the required computer developments, it is intended to commence by mid January, 2008 the issue of Tax Credit Certificates to employers and employees reflecting any changes that are made in the forthcoming Budget.
In cases where a change in circumstances has been notified to Revenue by a taxpayer, a revised Tax Credit Certificate, based on existing 2007 provisions, will be issued to employers prior to the start of the new tax year on 1 January, 2008. In all other cases the existing certificate will continue to be used by the employer until receipt of the new certificate reflecting any changes made in the Budget. Upon receipt of the new certificate, the employer will make any tax adjustments required, backdated to 1 January 2008.
169 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his latest estimate of the numbers of persons who are claiming a refund or relief (details supplied); and the aggregate value of the tax relief provided. [31191/07]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information available which has been compiled on the basis of income tax returns is as follows:
|
Tax refund/tax credit/relief |
Year |
Numbers availing |
Estimated cost to the Exchequer |
|
€ million |
|||
|
Refund of DIRT |
2006 |
900 |
1.19 |
|
Rent a room |
2004 |
2,300 |
2.70 |
|
Childminding tax exemption |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Service charges |
2004 |
229,600 |
12.70 |
|
Third level education fees |
2004 |
26,600 |
11.10 |
|
Rent paid in private tenancies |
2004 |
118,500 |
33.00 |
|
Job assist allowance |
2004 |
550 |
0.40 |
|
Trade Union subscriptions |
2005 |
256,400* |
10.9* |
*Provisional and likely to be revised.
Statistics on the childminding tax exemption, which was introduced by Section 13 of the Finance Act 2006, are not available at this time. Preliminary data derived from 2006 income tax returns filed by self-employed taxpayers via the ROS system should become available from early 2008.
170 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of persons in the present tax code who are single, who are married one earner couples, married two earner couples and widowed. [31192/07]
It is assumed that what the Deputy requires are the numbers of income earners, both PAYE and self-employed, on the income tax record for the current income tax year. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested is as follows:
|
Single |
Married one-earner |
Married two-earner |
Widowed |
Total |
|
1,398,600 |
379,600 |
427,400 |
79,800 |
2,285,400 |
Figures in the table are rounded to the nearest hundred.
The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax forecasting model using actual data for the year 2004 adjusted as necessary for income and employment growth and are therefore provisional and likely to be revised.
It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
171 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of persons who are claiming the additional personal credit for a one parent family; and the way this number has increased since the year 2000. [31193/07]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated numbers of income earners availing of the one parent family tax credit from 2000/01 to date are as set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Numbers |
|
2000/01 |
101,200 |
|
2001 |
97,600 |
|
2002 |
102,700 |
|
2003 |
109,200 |
|
2004 |
101,700 |
|
2005 |
106,800 |
|
2006 |
111,700 |
|
2007 |
115,800 |
The figures for 2005, 2006 and 2007 are estimates from the Revenue tax forecasting model using actual data for the year 2004 adjusted as necessary for income and employment growth for the years in question and are therefore provisional and subject to revision.
The numbers availing represent income earners who were in a position to absorb at least some of the one parent family tax credit and thereby give rise to an Exchequer cost. They do not include the numbers of potential claimants whose entitlements to other tax credits were sufficient to reduce their liability to tax to nil without reference to the one parent family tax credit. The numbers availing of the credit are rounded to the nearest hundred as appropriate.
The costs and numbers shown as availing of tax reliefs and credits represent income earners who were in a position to absorb at least some of each tax credit or relief and thereby give rise to an Exchequer cost. They do not include the numbers of potential claimants whose entitlements to other tax credits were sufficient to reduce their liability to tax to nil without reference to the home carer's credit.
A married couple which has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
172 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of people who are claiming home-carers credit at present. [31194/07]
I refer the Deputy to the answer I gave to a similar question (PQ 30483/07, Dáil Question 70) which he tabled on 22 November last.
173 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when the heating system in the National Library will be replaced with an air conditioned system, similar to the effective system in operation at the Berkeley Library in Trinity College; if it is included in the work being carried out on the library at the moment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31206/07]
There are no immediate plans to replace the heating system in the National Library with air conditioning. The Berkely Library in Trinity College is a modern building and very different from the National Library in Kildare Street, which is a very old building (built in 1890) and a protected structure. Buildings such as the National Library pose significant challenges in balancing conservation needs with the provision of services such as air conditioning.
When undertaking any new projects in the National Library, the Commissioners of Public Works assess the feasibility of installing air conditioning and if practical, install it, e.g., the former NCAD building. The new Book Repository, which is the top priority for the National Library, will be air conditioned.
174 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the status of the former offices of the Department of Social and Family Affairs at Barrack Street, Dundalk; if there are plans to dispose of the building on the open market; the costs of maintenance and security on the building which has been empty since the Department of Social and Family Affairs moved to new premises in 2002; if he will provide a breakdown of these costs for each year since then; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31211/07]
The future of the building is currently being considered in the context of Public Service demand for accommodation in the Dundalk area.
The following Maintenance related costs were incurred since the Department of Social and Family Affairs moved:
|
Year |
€ |
|
|
2004 |
Cleaning front of Building |
240.00 |
|
2005 |
Securing gate at rear of building |
39.73 |
|
2006 |
Transfer of records |
2,224.60 |
|
2007 |
Boarding up windows to make property secure and safe |
885.30 |
175 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the procedures in place to protect personal data within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31240/07]
My Department complies with the Data Protection Act and is registered as a data controller with the Data Protection Commissioner under Section 16 of the Data Protection Acts, 1988 and 2003. My Department has a limited number of disclosees to whom data may be disclosed and the Department consults with the Office of the Data Commissioner on these matters.
All of my Department's databases and systems that hold data utilise controls which limit access solely to those authorised to carry out certain prescribed functions. In relation to paper files stored in my Department, appropriate levels of security are applied to ensure confidentiality.
176 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the cost per year of pay raises awarded to An Taoiseach, Ministers, Ministers of State and TDs over the past five years. [31343/07]
The table below shows for each of the years 2004 to 2007 the year-on-year increase in cost of the pay of the Taoiseach, Ministers, Ministers of State and TDs. This takes account of all pay increases (i.e. those arising from nation wage agreements, recommendations of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector and the Benchmarking Body).
Report No. 38 of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector recommended that the salary of a TD should be set at the ordinary maximum of the grade of Principal (standard) in the civil service and should be revised for the future on that basis. Following implementation of this recommendation the salary of TDs is no longer examined by the Review Body.
The salaries of the Taoiseach, Minister and Minister of State are made up of two elements: the office holder's salary plus the TD's basic salary. While the TD's element of the salary is determined in the manner set out above, the office holder's element is examined from time to time by the Review Body on Higher Remuneration. The office holder's salary does not attract increases recommended by the Public Service Benchmarking Body.
|
Office Holder |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
Taoiseach |
No increase |
5,806 |
8,379 |
14,416 |
12,308 |
|
Minister (14) |
No increase |
54,810 |
79,156 |
136,038 |
122,528 |
|
Minister of State (17) |
No increase |
29,053 |
41,956 |
72,080 |
85,174 |
|
TD Basic (166) |
No increase |
1,242,510 |
744,178 |
695,872 |
748,494 |
Note: The table gives the approximate cost for the year on the basis of 14 Ministers, 17 Ministers of State and 166 TDs serving. In the case of Ministers of State the numbers serving increased from 17 to 20 in 2007. The 2007 shows the full cost, however not all members of State were appointed for the full year. The TD rate is calculated on the basic rate (i.e. exclusive of long service increment).
177 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of clinical psychologists available to schools in County Kerry. [30520/07]
178 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide an undertaking to increase the number of clinical psychologists available to County Kerry schools. [30521/07]
179 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children currently awaiting being seen by a clinical psychologist; and the average waiting time. [30523/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 to 179, inclusive, together.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement including that of Clinical Psychologists. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
I would point out that my colleague the Minister for Education and Science provides, through the National Education Psychological Service, a psychological service to schools.
180 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children under the age of 18 currently homeless in Dublin City; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30529/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and social services which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Office has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
181 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities available to homeless children in Dublin City at night time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30530/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and social services which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Office has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
182 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if experimentation on human embryos is a specific offence here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30703/07]
At present there is no legislation in Ireland governing the intervention in the natural process of creating human life; instead, medical practice is governed by guidelines issued by the Medical Council. These provide that the creation of new forms of life for experimental purposes or the deliberate and intentional destruction of in vitro human life already formed is professional misconduct.
In March 2000 the then Minister for Health and Children established the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction (CAHR). Its terms of reference were: to prepare a report on the possible approaches to the regulation of all aspects of assisted human reproduction and the social, ethical and legal factors to be taken into account in determining public policy in this area.
The CAHR comprised largely of persons with expert knowledge spanning medical, scientific, social and legal domains. This expertise was a prerequisite to a precise examination of the issues concerned and the Commission published its report in May 2005. Its report was the first step in determining a policy response to Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) and it made 40 recommendations on AHR services in Ireland.
The Government decided to refer the report to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children so that the Committee could consider and report in due course on its views of the recommendations of the Commission. The Committee was considered an appropriate forum in which to subject the report to structured democratic and political analysis and scrutiny.
In the meantime, cognisant of the amount of work required, I instructed my Department to begin work on the development of an appropriate regulatory framework. As part of the analysis of the complex issues involved in developing an appropriate regulatory framework for this area (including the issue raised by the Deputy), the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children -when completed- along with any judgement of the Supreme Court in the RvR (frozen embryo) case, will be taken into account.
183 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that 8,000 leaving certificate pupils and several hundred junior certificate pupils will be leaving secondary schools in west Dublin and North Kildare incompletely vaccinated, against the recommendations of the 2002 National Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland in view of the country being awash with 70,000 doses of DiTe vaccine; if this difficulty has been communicated to her Department by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30754/07]
220 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the National Immunisation programme; DiTe or Td vaccine for secondary school pupils as advised by the 2002 National Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland has never been implemented in the former ERHA region and is five years overdue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30751/07]
223 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason second level schools in west Dublin and North Kildare are being denied important vaccinations in the former ERHA area headquartered in Naas and other parts of the country; the reason the national immunisation programme of Td vaccinations in secondary schools as advised by the 2002 National Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland has never been implemented in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30758/07]
224 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the National Immunisation Office has not released the DiTe vaccine for immunisation in schools despite receiving a large consignment from SSI recently and that doctors are available to vaccinate; if her attention has been drawn to the concern being expressed by parents, teachers and parents in schools in relation to diphtheria and tetanus boosters, which students were supposed to belatedly receive in November 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30759/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 183, 220, 223 and 224 together.
The Deputies' questions relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Services Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputies.
184 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of introducing a disability payment of €40 per week for people with disabilities regardless of whether they are in work or not. [31166/07]
The social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, includes a commitment that the issues around the introduction of a cost of disability payment will be considered following the development of a needs assessment system under the Disability Act. This follows an inter-departmental examination of the issue by a working group and research commissioned on its behalf by the National Disability Authority.
Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 establishes a system for the assessment of individual needs for people with a disability. The assessment of need process has been implemented for persons aged under 5 years of age with effect from 1st June 2007. It is intended that the assessment of need process for all persons with a disability will be in place by 2011. My Department is committed to considering the issues around a cost of disability payment following the development of this needs assessment system.
In the meantime, there is already significant assistance available to mitigate the impact of the additional costs incurred by people with a disability. These measures include weekly/monthly allowances, additional income supports, other benefits such as medical cards/free travel/mobility allowance and tax concessions.
185 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the implementation of the recommendations of the November 2006 Joint Committee Report on Child Protection. [31347/07]
186 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the action taken to date to implement the recommendations contained in the report of the Joint Committee on Child Protection published in November 2006; and the action she proposes to take during the next 12 months. [31368/07]
265 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made to date in relation to each of the recommendations in the Report of the Joint Committee on Child Protection. [31213/07]
266 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if a particular Minister or Department has been given overarching responsibility for bringing forward recommendations from the Report of the Joint Committee on Child Protection. [31214/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 185, 186, 265 and 266 together.
The Report of the Joint Committee on Child Protection contains over 60 recommendations. The majority of these recommendations fall within the remit of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, with other recommendations falling within the remit of other State departments and agencies. The Office of the Minister for Children (OMC) has taken overall responsibility to ensure that the recommendations contained in the Report are addressed by the appropriate department or agency. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform are also putting into place a co-ordinating structure of responsibility to address recommendations that fall within their remit. The OMC have requested up to date reports from the departments and agencies concerned and on receipt of same will reply to the Deputies directly.
187 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the pharmacies dispute; and if she will work with them in resolving the matter and their concerns. [30509/07]
214 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will have the impact of the Health Service Executive proposals on pharmacy services fully evaluated and have a fair and independent process for the determination of fees and services. [30723/07]
235 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made to date in relation to resolving the issues that have arisen as a result of the Health Service Executive’s decision to refuse to continue to negotiate with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union on the price changes that have been proposed; if her attention has been drawn to the significant impact that these changes will have on pharmacies throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30962/07]
236 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will appoint an independent arbitrator to resolve the dispute between the Health Service Executive and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30974/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187, 214, 235 and 236 together.
As the Health Service Executive (HSE) has operational responsibility, under the Health Act 2004, for the management and delivery of health and personal social services, the issue of revised reimbursement prices for community pharmacy under the GMS and community drugs schemes, following the announcement by the HSE on 17 September 2007 of new wholesaler arrangements, is being managed by a HSE-led team which includes representation from my Department.
The revised pricing arrangements were arrived at following a detailed consultation process accompanied by independent economic analysis. In the light of the position on competition law previously outlined by me, the HSE obtained legal advice, confirmed by advice to my Department, that a fair and transparent consultation process was the most appropriate means to allow for the determination of new reimbursement arrangements. This process involved direct discussion with wholesaler companies and a call for public submissions, published on 20th December 2006, in response to which a total of 161 submissions (including 143 from community pharmacy contractors) were received.
Following the completion of public consultation, and informed by the independent economic analysis, carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants, new reimbursement arrangements were announced by the HSE on 17th September 2007. The report by Indecon was published by the HSE on 13 November 2007. All aspects of the Indecon report were considered by the HSE in making its determination. To address concerns expressed by the IPU, on behalf of community pharmacists, about the implications of the legal advice on competition law on their right to negotiate fees through the Union, a process of dialogue was established, chaired by Bill Shipsey SC, to explore ways in which concerns raised by the IPU about the implications of this legal advice might be addressed. Despite suspension of this process during the recent withdrawal by individual pharmacists of methadone services, there has recently been renewed engagement between the Irish Pharmaceutical Union and the HSE under the auspices of Mr. Shipsey.
I am also exploring, in consultation with the Attorney General, the other relevant Government Departments and the HSE, the best way of progressing the development of a new contract with pharmacists.
188 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist on a query in relation to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [30510/07]
The aim of the home help service is to enable older people and other dependent persons, who would otherwise need to be looked after in residential care, to live at home. The HSE acknowledges the importance of home helps as part of the community services team in supporting older people and other dependent persons to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
The level of home help required by an existing or new client is informed by an assessment of need which is carried out by HSE professional staff. This is monitored and reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that the assessed needs of clients continue to be met. This would include a requirement to provide additional home help hours, if needed. In that regard, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
189 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will name the 13 centres designated by Professor O’Higgins to be centres of excellence for cancer care; when that designation was made; when the decision was taken to change the numbers from 13 to 8; the rationale behind the change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30511/07]
The Report on the Development of Services for Symptomatic Breast Disease (‘the O'Higgins Report') was published in 2000. The Report recommended 13 specialist breast cancer centres nationally based on a requirement for each centre to manage a minimum of 100 new primary breast cancer cases per annum as follows: South Eastern Health Board — Waterford Regional Hospital; Southern Health Board — South Infirmary and Cork University Hospitals; Mid-Western Health Board — Limerick Regional Hospital; Western Health Board — University College Hospital Galway; North-Eastern Health Board — Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; North-Western Health Board — Sligo General Hospital, (Letterkenny General Hospital linked to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry); Midland Health Board, — Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore or Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise; Eastern Health Board — Mater Hospital, Beaumont Hospital, St Vincent's University Hospital, St James' Hospital and Tallaght Hospital.
Last June I approved National Quality Assurance Standards for Symptomatic Breast Disease Services under the Health Act 2007 which were prepared by a multi-disciplinary expert group chaired by Professor Niall O' Higgins. The Standards require that each centre providing breast cancer care manages a minimum of 150 new cases per year. Based on the new Standards, and the fact that the BreastCheck screening programme will reduce significantly the number of symptomatic breast cancer presentations, the Health Service Executive (HSE) determined that we require a total of eight specialist breast cancer centres nationally.
Arising from the designation of eight cancer centres nationally and in order to comply with the Standards, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has directed a number of hospitals with very low case volumes to cease breast cancer services. The National Hospitals Office has already planned the redirection of this symptomatic caseload. Further staged reductions in the number of hospitals providing breast cancer services will occur over the next two years in line with the development of quality assured capacity in the eight designated centres.
190 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that the Mater Hospital is in a position to cater for female cancer patients from Longford and Westmeath now that Mullingar Hospital has been told to stop dealing with these patients; the number of such patients who were treated in Mullingar Hospital during 2006 and 2007; the transport arrangements that have been put in place to enable people to get to and from the Mater who do not have transport themselves; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30512/07]
Arising from the designation of eight cancer centres nationally and in order to comply with the National Quality Assurance Standards for Symptomatic Breast Disease, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has announced that within the coming weeks, breast cancer services at the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar will be transferred to the Mater Hospital in Dublin. In 2006 a total of 19 breast cancer procedures were carried out at the Midland Regional Hospital at Mullingar.
The HSE and the Mater Hospital are in discussions concerning the planning of an orderly transfer of patients from Mullingar. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy in relation to the specific questions regarding the transfer of services from Mullingar to the Mater Hospital.
191 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the mobility allowance is only payable to persons between the ages of 16 and 66; her views on making this allowance accessible to parents of young children under the age of 16 who require transportation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30527/07]
The mobility allowance is a monthly payment administered by the Health Service Executive, which provides financial support to severely disabled people, between the ages of 16 and 66, who are unable to walk or use public transport and is intended to enable them to benefit from a change in surroundings, for example, by financing the occasional taxi journey. I have no current proposal to amend the scheme.
192 Deputy M. J. Nolan asked the Minister for Health and Children when payment will be made under the long stay hospital scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [30536/07]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
193 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the domiciliary care allowance will be made payable to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick in view of the fact that a psychologist’s report has been submitted to the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30537/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
194 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of discretionary medical cards distributed by the Health Service Executive per region, including eastern, midland, mid western, north eastern, north western, south eastern, southern and western; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30551/07]
195 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of eligible individuals and family units for discretionary medical cards by the Health Service Executive per region including eastern, midland, mid western, north eastern, north western, south eastern, southern and western; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30552/07]
196 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of discretionary medical cards registered on the primary care reimbursement service database; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30553/07]
197 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money paid to general practitioners for discretionary medical cards in 2007; the number of discretionary medical cards this figure is based on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30554/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 to 197, inclusive, together.
I understand that the Health Service Executive (HSE) has detailed operational guidelines in place for the assessment of applications for a medical card or GP visit card. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that every person entitled to a medical card or GP visit card is given the opportunity to avail of their entitlement and that there is a consistent approach to means-testing nationally.
The guidelines include provisions dealing with the exercise of discretion in the medical card/GP visit card application process, where an applicant would not qualify solely on the basis of an assessment of means. The term "discretionary medical card" has come to be applied to cards awarded to persons whose income exceeds the guideline figure and whose health status is such that they have greater care requirements than the average medical card holder.
In 2001, in the context of industrial relations negotiations aimed at giving effect to the extension of eligibility for a medical card to all persons aged 70 or over, it was agreed to pay additional amounts totalling €2 million per annum to contracted GMS GPs in respect of a notional figure of 20,000 "discretionary medical card" patients. The payments to individual GPs were calculated on a pro rata basis in relation to the size of each GP's GMS patient panel. In 2002, in the context of further difficult industrial relations discussions and in order to ensure the continued provision of GMS services to the eligible population, it was agreed that the pro rata payment in respect of "discretionary medical cards" would be increased such that it would be calculated by reference to an estimated population of 75,000 holders of such cards. It was contended by the Irish Medical Organisation that the number of persons with a "discretionary medical card" was in the region of 75,000 and information received by the Department from several health boards appeared to support a number of this order.
My Department and the HSE are currently working on the development of a new GMS GP contract. It is intended that the remuneration arrangements attaching to this will involve a simplification of the current arrangements, which include the capitation and a range of associated payments, including those in respect of "discretionary medical card" patients.
As aspects of the Deputy's questions relate 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, 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.
198 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department or the Health Service Executive received a letter from a medical professional expressing concern about cancer services at Portlaoise Hospital prior to the recent letter referred to in the media from a consultant in 2005; if so the action that was taken on foot of that letter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30563/07]
My Department has not located any letter relating to cancer services at Portlaoise other than one in July 2005 which has been referred to in the media and by the Deputy. If the Deputy believes that there was another letter, I would ask him to let me have details so that I can have further enquiries made.
199 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of women screened by the BreastCheck mobile unit in County Roscommon since it opened in early 2007. [30587/07]
200 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the time-lines in place, in view of the fact that the roll-out of BreastCheck has not commenced and the National Cancer Screening Service has not responded to this Deputy’s question (details supplied) for individual counties and areas in the regions for the roll-out of BreastCheck. [30588/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 200 together.
The National Cancer Screening Service has informed my Department that a response to the Deputy's question of 20 October was issued on 8 October 2007. I understand that the Service advised that 1,200 women had been screened by BreastCheck in County Roscommon up to that date.
The Service also advised that the screening sequence for roll out to other counties in the West will be dictated by BreastCheck's operational considerations such as maximising uptake, most efficient use of mobile and static units and radiographic personnel.
201 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the in-house cleaning costs and contract cleaning service costs for each hospital in the State in tabular readable form. [30594/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the HSE under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services, including cleaning costs, 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.
202 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the average cost of providing hospital meals to patients in each year since 2002 with a breakdown for each Health Service Executive region in tabular readable form. [30599/07]
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 matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
203 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the average management costs for the Health Service Executive in cash terms and as a percentage of the HSE’s budget to date in 2007. [30600/07]
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. 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.
204 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount spent to date on salaries by the Health Service Executive in 2007 with a breakdown in management, administrative staff, medical staff and all other staff in tabular readable form. [30601/07]
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. 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.
205 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people as of 31 October 2007 who were employed in her Department; the number who were permanent employees; the number who were temporary staff; the number who were contracted staff; if she will provide comparative figures for 31 October 2002; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [30615/07]
The wholetime equivalent number employed in offices of my Department at the end of October 2007 was 586.77 including 20 temporary/contract staff. This figure includes staff employed in
the Department of Health and Children, including the Office of the Minister for Children
the General Register Office
the Adoption Board
the Office of the Ombudsman for Children
the Office of the Disability Appeals Officer and
the Repayment Scheme Appeals Unit.
The figure does not include Ministers, staff who are seconded to other Departments, staff on career break, etc.
The figure of 566.77 permanent staff includes a number of staff who are temporarily transferred or seconded from other Government Departments or agencies such as the Office of the Attorney General and the Health Service Executive. These staff will return to their parent Department or agency once the term of their secondment or transfer expires, normally after three years.
At the end of December 2002, 645.18 wholetime equivalents, including approximately 17 temporary/contract staff, were employed in the offices of my Department. At that time those offices consisted of
the Department Health and Children
the General Register Office
the Adoption Board and
the Social Services Inspectorate.
206 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount spent by her Department in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 for air travel, business class flights and first class flights in tabular readable form. [30630/07]
The table below identifies the amounts invoiced for air travel by the travel company currently holding the contract for Civil Service Departments and the amounts paid by the Department in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to the 9th November, 2007. The differential between the amounts invoiced and the amounts paid is due to the timing difference between receipt and payment of invoices.
|
Year |
Business |
Economy |
First Class |
Total Invoiced |
Total Paid |
|
2004 |
160,693 |
173,933 |
— |
334,627 |
361,648 |
|
2005 |
98,441 |
151,367 |
— |
249,809 |
250,751 |
|
2006 |
113,996 |
141,913 |
— |
255,910 |
248,178 |
|
2007 |
39,296 |
107,791 |
— |
147,087 |
171,053 |
207 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount spent by her Department on couriered documents, registered post and standard post to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [30645/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Service |
Spent to date in 2007 |
|
€ |
|
|
Couriered Documents |
13,829 |
|
Registered Post |
11,513 |
|
Standard Post |
154,666 |
208 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the 10 largest bonus payments made to staff in her Department and each of its agencies in the past 12 months. [30660/07]
The scheme of performance related awards in my Department relates to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and the Chief Medical Officer only. The Committee for Performance Awards oversees the scheme, monitors its application and brings independent judgement to bear in approving objectives for the officers concerned and in approving recommendations for awards. 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 atthe following link: http://www.finance.gov.ie/ documents/publications/reports/CPArep2006.pdf.
Based on Report No. 38 of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector, a scheme of performance related awards has been in operation in the Health Services since 2002, for senior management grades. The Scheme provides for a total award pool of 10% of the payroll of the qualifying grades and awards of up to 20% of salary may be made to individuals.
In relation to the specific details requested by the Deputy, my Department is asking the relevant health agencies to reply directly to the Deputy.
209 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of civil servants in her Department who have transferred to other Government Departments or left the Civil Service in each of the past five years in tabular readable form. [30675/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the following table:
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 to date |
Total |
|
|
Resigned |
13 |
6 |
9 |
7 |
7 |
42 |
|
Retired |
3 |
9 |
6 |
11 |
8 |
37 |
|
Transferred on Promotion |
2 |
4 |
8 |
6 |
8 |
28 |
|
Transferred not on Promotion |
6 |
8 |
2 |
8 |
5 |
29 |
|
Decentralised under current Government Programme |
0 |
0 |
3 |
25 |
21 |
49 |
|
Total |
24 |
27 |
28 |
57 |
49 |
185 |
210 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing that have been reported to her Department by Departmental staff since 1 January 2007. [30690/07]
I am advised that my Department's Human Resources Unit has not received any allegation of victimisation for whistleblowing since 1 January 2007.
211 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will add Huntington’s Chorea to the list of long-term illnesses particularly as it used to be classified as Parkinson’s disease until 1993 when it was identified as a separate condition and Parkinson’s is included on the list of long-term illnesses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30714/07]
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 a range of measures including the household income guidelines, particular circumstances and the medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. In addition people over the age of 70 years have an automatic entitlement to a medical card regardless of income. Application should be made to the local area office of the HSE.
In November 2004, I introduced a new graduated benefit — the GP Visit Card to extend free GP care and treatment to individuals and families on moderate incomes.
In June 2005, I simplified the means test for both medical and GP visit cards. It is now based on an applicant's and spouse's income after income tax and PRSI, and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, childcare and travel to work. In 2005 the income guidelines for medical cards were increased by a cumulative 29 per cent. The income assessment guidelines used for the GP visit card are 50% higher than those used for medical cards. These improvements have made the assessment process much fairer and ensure that those on low to moderate incomes can qualify for free GP care.
Non-medical card holders 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.
212 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children if the community ophthalmologist employed elsewhere by the Health Service Executive will be sanctioned to take up their appointment to the Rathdown Road Clinic in Dublin 7 following their recent selection; if she will ensure that this appointment will not be held up by the HSE recruitment embargo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30716/07]
213 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the recently appointed community ophthalmologist at Rathdown Road Clinic has not been permitted to take up the post due to the Health Service Executive recruitment embargo. [30719/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 213 together.
Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
The current recruitment pause is a temporary measure initiated as part of the HSE financial break-even plan and will be reviewed at the end of this month. In any instance where a critical or essential vacancy arises it may be filled through redeployment of existing staff by the line manager or re-assignment of responsibilities based on assessment of priority need.
Notwithstanding this, the HSE recognises that there are some circumstances where appointment of staff may be necessary in frontline services. Accordingly, a process has been put in place to evaluate, monitor and approve requests for derogation from the general recruitment pause. A group has been established which meets weekly to consider such applications.
215 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a long term illness book was taken off a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason they were not notified of this by the Health Service Executive; and the reason this child is suffering as their parent is unable to get the special food for them. [30729/07]
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.
216 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost of administering the nursing home repayment scheme (Donations) fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30740/07]
In accordance with Section 11 of the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 a Repayment Scheme (Donations) Fund has been established for the purposes of utilising donated money to provide improvements in the public health services for dependent older persons and persons with disabilities.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has indicated that it will administer the Fund and absorb any associated administration costs. All donated monies will be used entirely for the benefit of the patient which will include the provision of patient comforts.
The HSE has informed my Department that as of 16 November 2007 there has been over 260 expressions of interest from clients and donations have been received amounting to over €43,000. The HSE has also informed my Department that many claimants have indicated that they would make a donation directly to their local institution.
217 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will receive a decision on their claim for repayment in respect of charges for long-term care. [30744/07]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
218 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30747/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
219 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 101 of 17 October 2007. [30749/07]
I have been advised that the Health Service Executive (HSE) has issued a reply to the Deputy in relation to Question No. 101 of 17 October 2007.
221 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide this Deputy with an organisational structure for the Health Service Executive in Clare including role descriptions and responsibilities of all personnel. [30753/07]
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
222 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to a new drug (details supplied) which helps prevent meningitis and septicaemia; if there are plans for this drug to be permitted here as a means of fighting meningococcal septicaemia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30757/07]
Ireland's recommended immunisation programme is based on the guidelines of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. These guidelines are prepared with the assistance of an active committee from associated disciplines in paediatrics, infectious diseases, general practice and public health. A vaccine to prevent against meningococcal infections, including meningococcal septicaemia, caused by the Meningococcus C strain of the bacteria is already included in the primary immunisation schedule. The vaccine referred to by the Deputy is pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PVC) which protects against pneumococcal infections, which include pneumonia, septicaemia and bacterial meningitis. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has recently completed a review of our immunisation schedule and the Chief Medical Officer of my Department has received the updated guidelines. These new guidelines include the addition of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PVC) to the schedule. PVC vaccine provides a high level of protection to young children from pneumococcal infections. It is proposed to introduce the new schedule in 2008.
225 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a wheelchair will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo as they are suffering great hardship with the wheelchair they have as it is totally unsuitable for their needs. [30781/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
226 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the care facilities here for the treatment of teenage cancer; her plans to develop these facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30813/07]
We have made substantial progress in cancer care for children and adolescents already and we are determined to build on that progress in the context of the National Cancer Control Programme. Prof. Tom Keane took up his position as interim Director of the National Cancer Control Programme last Monday.
The HSE is putting arrangements in place to enable Prof. Keane to take control of all new cancer developments from 1 January 2008 and progressively all existing cancer services and related funding and staffing. Further investment in cancer control will be based on the reform programme now being implemented by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
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 questions raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy in relation to the matters raised.
227 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 will be assisted. [30826/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
228 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 will be assisted. [30827/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
229 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of staffing grant aid for a childcare centre (details supplied) in County Kerry; if she will commit to providing the existing childcare subvention scheme until December 2008 to allow time for her Department to address the anomalies and difficulties created by the proposed new scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30911/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.
Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), which is co-funded under the EU Social Fund (ESF), targeted support was provided through the staffing support grant scheme whereby community based not-for-profit childcare providers with a strong focus on disadvantage were awarded grant aid towards their staffing costs to allow them to operate reduced fees to disadvantaged parents. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question.
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 are 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.
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) or parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS), will see a weekly subvention in respect of their child. A higher subvention 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 for subvention 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. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme.
The new scheme has clear advantages over its predecessor. There is an increase in the level of funding available under it, and a majority of services will benefit from the changes it introduces. 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 received this month. Where 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.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Group in question has been approved for transitional funding under the NCIP Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS), and a letter of approval has issued this week from the Childcare Directorate of my Office. This funding will, for the first six months of 2008, be based on the level of funding currently being provided to the Group under the EOCP staffing support grant scheme and subject to the necessary contractual arrangement with Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the EOCP and NCIP.
230 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a minimal dentist service available in the Cavan Monaghan region and a schoolchild (details supplied) in County Monaghan due for a dental appointment in September or October 2007 has been told no such appointment is available due to no dentist being available; her views on whether this could have serious consequences for the child’s future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30912/07]
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.
231 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo went on the waiting list to be called for an appointment; when exactly did they go on the waiting list; the length of time they have been on the waiting list to the present time; and when can they expect to be called as this query was not answered in the last parliamentary question reply from the Health Service Executive. [30936/07]
My Department has been informed by the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive that it wrote, on 15th November 2007, to the Deputy in reply to his previous parliamentary question of 31st October 2007 about this case. The Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive has been asked by my Department to look into the further matters now raised by the Deputy in the case and to reply directly to him on these.
232 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with a place for residential living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30951/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
233 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Longford whose mother is waiting a long time for an appointment with the psychologist in the Health Service Executive. [30959/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular 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.
234 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who has been in residential care for a number of years and who is looking forward to being housed in community housing; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this move is being long delayed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30960/07]
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.
237 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 291 of 26 June 2007, when the community houses in question were purchased; the condition they were in at that point; the condition that they are currently in; and the time-scale of the refurbishment works. [30978/07]
I understand that the Deputy has had further correspondence from the Health Service Executive within the last seven days on the matters raised by her in this Parliamentary Question.
238 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on progress towards the establishment of the much needed out of hours general practitioner service in Tallaght, Dublin 24; her views on the strong support for such a development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30983/07]
Out of hours co-operatives allow general practitioners to put in place arrangements to provide services to their patients, while their surgeries are closed in the evenings, on weekends and bank holidays. The development of GP co-operatives is in line with the overall health service policy of strengthening primary care services and ensuring that to the greatest extent possible, people's care needs are met in the primary care setting.
Out of hours co-operatives are now in place in all Health Service Executive (HSE) areas, providing coverage in all or in part of all counties. In 2007, almost €37 million is available to the HSE to fund the operation of GP out of hours services. This figure does not include the fees of the participating doctors.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for this service, it is the appropriate body to provide the information sought by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
239 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children when she asked the Health Research Board to establish a national drug related death index; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30986/07]
The Department of Health and Children and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform jointly asked the Health Research Board in 2005 to establish a National Drug-Related Deaths Index (NDRDI).
This Index was established to comply with Action 67 of ‘Building on Experience: National Drug Strategy 2001-2008'. The Index is a census of drug and alcohol-related deaths and deaths among substance users in Ireland which is one of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction's (EMCDDA) key indicators to measure the consequences of the drug situation.
Prior to the establishment of the NDRDI, the main source of information on drug related deaths was the General Mortality Register. Statistics in the General Mortality Register are collected by the Central Statistics Office which measures — as it is required to do — direct drug-related deaths based on an international classification system. It does not have a reliable measure of deaths which are indirectly related to drug use and so does not provide the full picture of drug-related deaths. For example, a death through an infectious disease contracted through drug use may not feature in the General Mortality Register as drug-related.
To remedy the above limitations the NDRDI was established. The data for the Index is drawn from a number of sources including the General Mortality Register; the Coroner's Service; the Hospital In-patient Enquiry (HIPE); and the Central Treatment List. The Index includes statistics from the coroner's service on "sudden and unexpected deaths with positive drug toxicology or a history of drug dependency". These data are extracted from closed coroner files. Files may not be closed for a period of time due to a number of reasons such as awaiting toxicology results, pathology results, Garda reports and delay in criminal court proceedings. These processes must be complete before an inquest is held and the file closed. For example, for some deaths which occurred in 2003 the inquest was held in 2005. This indicates that there may be up to a 2 year delay before the cause of death is ascertained and the file is closed. 2004 is the latest year for which data is available as the work is done retrospectively.
A steering committee, co-chaired by the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform provides general and technical advice on the development of the Index and the first report from the NDRDI will be available in late 2008.
240 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the nursing home refund due to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20 can not be awarded to their family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30989/07]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
241 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to a letter (details supplied); if she will change the terms of the new subvention scheme for crèches to accommodate similar gaps in the funding system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30997/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children. My Office will respond to the letter enclosed shortly.
Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), which is co-funded under the EU Social Fund (ESF), targeted support was provided through the staffing support grant scheme whereby community based not-for-profit childcare providers with a strong focus on disadvantage were awarded grant aid towards their staffing costs to allow them to operate reduced fees to disadvantaged parents. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question.
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 are 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.
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) or parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS), will see a weekly subvention in respect of their child. A higher subvention 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 for subvention 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. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme.
The new scheme has clear advantages over its predecessor. There is an increase in the level of funding available under it, and a majority of services will benefit from the changes it introduces. 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 of this year, the transitional period between now and 1 July 2008 is being used to monitor and review the impact it will have on individual services, on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data received as part of the application process for transitional funding. Where 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.
242 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children when payment from the nursing home repayment fund will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [31006/07]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
243 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 265 of 16 October 2007, the amount paid to each of the 41 firms in tabular form. [31012/07]
The additional information sought by the Deputy 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.
244 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the buildings occupied by her Department which are and which are not fully accessible to people with disabilities in tabular readable form. [31033/07]
All the buildings occupied by my Department are fully accessible to people with disabilities. These are:
|
Name of Building |
Address |
Fully Accessible for People with Disabilities |
|
Department Headquarters |
Hawkins House, Hawkins Street, Dublin 2. |
Yes |
|
General Register Office (Genealogy Research) |
Irish Life Mall, Dublin 1. |
Yes |
|
Adoption Board |
Shelbourne House, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. |
Yes |
|
General Register Office |
Government Buildings, Convent Road, Roscommon. |
Yes |
245 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of running her Department’s press office in each of the first three quarters of 2007 in tabular readable form. [31048/07]
There are 5 Departmental staff in my Department's Press Office and I also have a special adviser in this area. The associated annual pay cost is €346,489 (cost for Departmental staff calculated on the mean of the scale). The estimated quarterly costs for mobile phones for the Press Office is €1,262. The costs for media monitoring for the first three quarters of 2007 were as follows:
January-March: €27,725.55
April-June: €19,258.78
July-September: €16,000.49.
The costs for information communications technology, heat and lighting are not recorded on an individual office basis in my Department.
246 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the websites that are run by her Department and each of its agencies; the date on which each became live; if the sites are kept updated; the cost of each site to the State to date; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [31063/07]
The following tables list all the websites currently run by my Department and associated costs. All the sites are live and are regularly updated, except where the site is now maintained for information purposes only. The cost table shows estimated expenditure for website infrastructure in my Department since 2000. It is not possible to quantify the costs specific to each website, as in many cases they share a common infrastructure.
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive has direct responsibility for the planning and management of health sector developments for both the HSE itself and the majority of other health agencies. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy in relation to the HSE and those agencies.
In relation to other health agencies which are directly funded through my Department, arrangements are being made to have the required details collated. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as this exercise iscompleted.
|
Web Site |
Departmental Business Owner |
Year site went live |
Status |
|
www.adoptionboard.ie |
The Adoption Board |
2004 |
Updated regularly |
|
www.blooddirective.ie |
Blood Policy Division |
2006 |
Updated regularly |
|
www.cchepc.ie (Consultative Council on Hepatitis C) |
Blood Policy Division |
2001 |
Updated regularly |
|
www.fluoridationforum.ie |
Public Health Division |
2000 |
Not Updated – For information purposes |
|
www.mentalhealthpolicy.ie |
Mental Health Division |
2004 |
Not Updated – For information purposes |
|
www.groireland.ie |
The General Register Office |
2000 |
Updated regularly |
|
www.healthreform.ie |
Health Reform Unit |
2003 |
Not updated – For information purposes |
|
www.dohc.ie |
ICT Internal |
2000 |
Updated regularly |
|
www.lcnhi.ie (Leas Cross Nursing Home Investigation) |
Long Stay Charges Unit |
2007 |
Updated regularly |
|
www.studentcouncil.ie |
Office of the Minister for Children |
2004 |
Not Updated – For information purposes |
|
www.nco.ie (subsequently subsumed into the OMC) |
Office of the Minister for Children |
2004 |
Not updated – For information purposes |
|
www.omc.gov.ie (also incorporates www.childrensdatabase.ie) |
Office of the Minister for Children |
2007 |
Updated regularly |
|
www.cpsqa.ie (Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance) |
Patient Safety and Quality Unit |
2007 |
Updated regularly |
|
Year |
Estimated Costs for Web Infrastructure |
|
€ |
|
|
2000 |
26,895.90 |
|
2001 |
33,841.54 |
|
2002 |
46,673.91 |
|
2003 |
47,618.44 |
|
2004 |
72,380.65 |
|
2005 |
62,774.98 |
|
2006 |
50,632.13 |
|
2007 |
45,540.35 |
247 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be accommodated in a public nursing home bed at St. Finbar’s Hospital, Cork. [31073/07]
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 this 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.
248 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children the organisations or authorities operating within her Department’s policy area, set up by statute or statutory instrument, for which she does not have official responsibility to Dáil Éireann. [31116/07]
While it is not clear what is meant by the reference to ‘official responsibility' in the Deputy's question, I trust the following information will assist.
As Minister for Health and Children I am responsible for the legislative and policy framework for our system of health and social services. Broadly speaking, this involves setting, evaluating and developing policies for the sector. These policies are implemented by a range of bodies which have their own statutory functions and governance arrangements covering operational policy, management, administration, service delivery and accountability.
It should be noted also that such bodies are subject to general Government policy with regard to matters such as remuneration.
In the above context I set out for the Deputy's information a list of organisations and authorities in the health sector:
The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council
The Adoption Board
The Consultative Council on Hepatitis C
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service
The National Haemophilia Council
The National Cancer Registry Board
The National Cancer Screening Services Board
The Women's Health Council
The Health Research Board
The Health Information and Quality Authority
The Dental Council
The Medical Council
The Postgraduate Medical and Dental Board
The Irish Medicines Board
The Mental Health Commission
An Board Altranais
National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery
The Office of the Ombudsman for Children
The Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services
The Children Acts Advisory Board
The National Social Work Qualifications Board
The Health and Social Care Professionals Board
The Health Service Executive
The Health Insurance Authority
The Voluntary Health Insurance Board
The Crisis Pregnancy Agency
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland
The National Council on Ageing and Older People
The Drug Treatment Centre Board
The Office of Tobacco Control
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
In addition to the above mentioned bodies, the Food Safety Promotion Board was established under the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999 and reports to the North-South Ministerial Council.
249 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she has taken to ensure the provision of youth cafes in cities and towns that have a high number of young people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31121/07]
Youth cafés offer great potential for providing a wide range of developmental, educational and information programmes to young people.
The launch of the National Recreation Policy in September this year highlighted Government's commitment to the development of youth cafés. While a number of youth cafés have emerged around the country on an ad hoc basis, funded by a variety of providers, an integrated approach is now proposed in the provision of youth cafés. A number of steps are already in train to support this process.
A small survey of some of the existing youth cafés (around 20) has been completed by my Office to establish vision, objectives, structures, governance, funding, staffing, accessibility and overall usage.
I have formally requested the National Children's Advisory Council's support in the production of a toolkit and guide to setting up a youth café.
In the meantime, consideration is being given to how best to develop a coherent structured programme for the development of youth cafés as well as the most appropriate lead agency for the management and administration of a funding scheme.
250 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the annual cost of delivering into the hospital system the additional 3,000 hospital beds required. [31159/07]
The Health Strategy 2001 included a commitment to provide an additional 3,000 acute hospital beds. Significant progress has been made on this commitment. The average number of in-patient beds and day places available in public acute hospitals was 12,145 in 2001 (11,374 in-patient beds and 771 day places). The provisional number recorded by the Health Service Executive (HSE) for 2006 was 13,771 (12,574 in-patient beds and 1,197 day places).
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to provide an additional 1,500 public acute hospital beds. About 1000 beds will be delivered through the co-location initiative and the balance of 500 through the HSE capital plan.
My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to supply the Deputy with an estimate of the annual running costs of the additional beds.
251 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has plans to increase the full medical card qualification threshold. [31160/07]
252 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the annual cost of increasing the full medical card threshold to €337.35 per week for 2008 in order that all those on the minimum wage would qualify. [31162/07]
259 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the date in 2008 on which the income limits for medical cards are due to be reviewed; if provision has been made within the pre-Budget 2008 outlook for the indexation of income limits; if the index of industrial wages will be used; and if the movement in the most recent twelve months as published on 31 October 2007 by the Central Statistics Office is what is intended by the Programme for Government. [31197/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 251, 252 and 259 together.
Since the beginning of 2005 I have introduced a number of significant changes to the manner in which the assessment for medical cards and GP visit cards is undertaken. The assessment guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29%. Applications are now considered on the basis of income net of tax and PRSI and allowance is made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, childcare and travel to work. In June 2006, I agreed with the Health Service Executive (HSE) a further adjustment to the assessment guidelines for GP visit cards and these are now 50% higher than those used in respect of medical cards. As of 1st November 2007, the number of persons holding a medical card exceeded 1.27 million, an increase of some 125,000 since the beginning of 2005.
My Department does not hold data which would enable it to assess the effect, and hence estimate the cost, of increasing the medical card threshold to €337.35 per week in order that all those on the minimum wage would qualify. However, based on a recent medical card costing exercise undertaken by my Department, on foot of a Parliamentary Question, it is estimated that the average annual cost of providing a medical card to a person aged between 18 and 65 years is approximately €1,200 per annum.
This figure does not take account of the following:
Potential additional cost in terms of income forgone by public hospitals in respect of A&E attendance and in-patient charges;
The possible cost, depending on the circumstances of a person retaining a medical card, of such benefits as aids and appliances;
Costs in other areas of Government in which the holding of a medical card may be used as a means of determining entitlement to services or benefits.
The Programme for Government commits to the following:
Indexing the income thresholds for medical cards to increases in the average industrial wage;
Doubling of the income limit eligibility of parents of children under 6 years of age, and trebling them for parents of children under 18 years of age with an intellectual disability;
Allowing people with disabilities to work without losing key essential medical card cover after 3 years;
Implementation of an annual publicity campaign and making applications easier so as to increase uptake amongst those who are eligible for Medical Cards and GP Visit Cards.
My Department is at present considering the most appropriate approach to the implementation of these commitments. In addition my Department and the HSE will continue to monitor on an ongoing basis factors which may have a bearing on the setting of the qualification thresholds for a medical card or GP visit card, such as changes in income levels generally, the nature of typical household outgoings and changes to the various social welfare schemes.
My Department is also examining the steps necessary to give effect to the Towards 2016 commitment to review the eligibility criteria for the assessment of medical cards in the context of medical, social and economic/financial need with a view to clarifying entitlement to a medical card.
253 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount it would cost to extend the cervical cancer screening programme across the State in 2008. [31163/07]
The Deputy's question in relation to the National Cervical Screening Programme is the responsibility of the National Cancer Screening Service. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Chief Executive Officer of the Service to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to this matter.
254 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated annual cost of increasing the number of years for which a person entering the labour market can keep their medical card from three to five as recommended by the National Economic and Social Forum Report Creating a More Inclusive Labour Market 2006. [31164/07]
The Health Service Executive has detailed operational guidelines in place for the assessment of medical card applications. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that every person entitled to a medical card or GP visit card is given the opportunity to avail of their entitlement and that there is a consistency of approach to means-testing nationally. The guidelines include provisions dealing with persons in receipt of certain allowance/benefits, for a period of 12 months or more, who are entitled to retain their medical card for 3 years on taking up employment. These include persons receiving Job Seekers Allowance and Job Seekers Benefit.
My Department does not hold data which would enable it to assess the effect, and hence estimate the cost, of increasing the number of years from 3 to 5 for which a person entering the labour market may keep their medical card, as recommended in the 2006 Report by the National Economic and Social Forum titled ‘Creating a More Inclusive Labour Market'. However, based on a recent medical card costing exercise undertaken by my Department, on foot of a Parliamentary Question, it is estimated that the average annual cost of providing a medical card to a person aged between 18 and 65 years is approximately €1,200 per annum. Accordingly, the estimated average additional cost of allowing a person with full eligibility and entering the labour market to keep their medical card for five years instead of three is approximately €2,400.
This figure does not take account of the following:
Potential additional cost in terms of income forgone by public hospitals in respect of A&E attendance and in-patient charges;
The possible cost, depending on the circumstances of a person retaining a medical card, of such benefits as aids and appliances;
Costs in other areas of Government in which the holding of a medical card may be used as a means of determining entitlement to services or benefits.
The Programme for Government commits to the following:
Indexing the income thresholds for medical cards to increases in the average industrial wage;
Doubling of the income limit eligibility of parents of children under 6 years of age, and trebling them for parents of children under 18 years of age with an intellectual disability;
Allowing people with disabilities to work without losing key essential medical card cover after 3 years;
Implementation of an annual publicity campaign and making applications easier so as to increase uptake amongst those who are eligible for Medical Cards and GP Visit Cards.
My Department is at present considering the most appropriate approach to the implementation of these commitments.
255 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been draw to the fact there are concerns that the new childcare subvention scheme will result in parents of children utilising the services presently provided by a playgroup (details supplied) having to pay substantially higher fees; will result in some parents withdrawing their children, and will place at risk the continuing financial viability of this childcare service and the employment security of those providing the services; the action she will take to address these concerns; and her proposed amendments to the proposed childcare subvention scheme. [31174/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.
Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), which is co-funded under the EU Social Fund (ESF), targeted support was provided through the staffing support grant scheme whereby community based not-for-profit childcare providers with a strong focus on disadvantage were awarded grant aid towards their staffing costs to allow them to operate reduced fees to disadvantaged parents. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question.
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 are 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.
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) or parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS), will see a weekly subvention in respect of their child. A higher subvention 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 for subvention 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. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme.
The new scheme has clear advantages over its predecessor. There is an increase in the level of funding available under it, and a majority of services will benefit from the changes it introduces. 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 received this month. Where 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.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Group in question has been approved for transitional funding under the NCIP Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS), and a letter of approval has issued this week from the Childcare Directorate of my Office. This funding will, for the first six months of 2008, be based on the level of funding currently being provided to the Group under the EOCP staffing support grant scheme and subject to the necessary contractual arrangement with Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the EOCP and NCIP.
256 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact there are concerns that the new childcare subvention scheme will result in parents of children utilising the services presently provided by a playgroup (details supplied) having to pay substantially higher fees that will result in some parents withdrawing their children, and will place at risk the continuing financial viability of this childcare service and the employment security of those providing the services; the action she will take to address these concerns; and her proposed amendments to the proposed childcare subvention scheme. [31175/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.
Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), which is co-funded under the EU Social Fund (ESF), targeted support was provided through the staffing support grant scheme whereby community based not-for-profit childcare providers with a strong focus on disadvantage were awarded grant aid towards their staffing costs to allow them to operate reduced fees to disadvantaged parents. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question.
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 are 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.
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) or parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS), will see a weekly subvention in respect of their child. A higher subvention 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 for subvention 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. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme.
The new scheme has clear advantages over its predecessor. There is an increase in the level of funding available under it, and a majority of services will benefit from the changes it introduces. 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 received this month. Where 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.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Group in question has been approved for transitional funding under the NCIP Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS), and a letter of approval has issued this week from the Childcare Directorate of my Office. This funding will, for the first six months of 2008, be based on the level of funding currently being provided to the Group under the EOCP staffing support grant scheme and subject to the necessary contractual arrangement with Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the EOCP and NCIP.
257 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects that a new multi-disciplinary team for the child and adolescent mental health services in east Limerick will be appointed to address the long waiting times for this important service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31176/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
258 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimate of health levy contributions in 2007 and in 2008; and the rates, thresholds and ceilings assumed in the pre-budget 2008 outlook. [31196/07]
The estimated receipts from health contributions (the health levy) for 2007 are €1,265,734,000. Any changes in relation to the rates, threshold and ceilings for 2008 will be announced as part of the provisions of Budget 2008.
260 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of patient payment provided for in the pre-budget 2008 outlook figures in the drug refund scheme; and if no change has been made, when she will announce intended changes for 2008. [31198/07]
The Drug Payments Scheme, which protects against excessive medicines costs, is available to non-medical card holders. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €85 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is available to all age groups, is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
The Pre Budget Outlook 2008 provides for the same level of patient payments under the Drug Payment Scheme as are in force in 2007. Any change for 2008 related to the scheme will be announced as part of Budget 2008.
261 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of charges provided for in the pre-budget 2008 outlook in respect of the charges for attending public hospitals as a public or private patient; and if no change has been made, when she will announce intended changes for 2008. [31199/07]
The Pre Budget Outlook provided for the same level of charges for attending public hospitals as a public or private patient as are in force in 2007. Any change related to the charges will be announced as part of the provisions of Budget 2008.
262 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting times for different appointments or procedures after which a patient can have recourse to the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and the procedures for which it has not been possible to provide treatment within promised treatment times via the fund. [31200/07]
As the Deputy's question relates to the operation of the National Treatment Purchase Fund, my Department has asked the Chief Executive of the Fund to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the information requested.
263 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of charges provided for in the pre budget 2008 outlook, in respect of the charges in public nursing homes or contracted nursing home beds for patients already there; and if no change has been made, when she will announce intended changes for 2008. [31201/07]
The rate of charges applicable to long stay care have not been increased since their introduction in July 2005. These charges are currently under review and a decision will be taken in the matter in due course.
264 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that acute orthopaedic services have been severely downgraded in the past 12 months in the Health Service Executive South Region (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31209/07]
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.
267 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the procedures in place to protect personal data within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31242/07]
All data held in my Department, both paper and electronic are handled in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Acts 1998 and 2003. The Department has policies in relation to the acceptable use of ICT facilities and the handling of manual records including personal information as set out in the Department's Records Management Protocol. The policy in relation to usage of ICT facilities exists to ensure that ICT systems are protected from a range of threats. Procedures exist for the management of computer backups and the secure storage of the requisite media in offsite locations. Prior to the disposal of obsolete equipment, all data are removed in line with best practice. My Department deploys a range of ICT security measures including firewalling, virus, spam and spyware protection to ameliorate any risks to its data.
Handling of manual records including data of a personal nature are covered under the Department's Records Management Protocol which has been issued to all staff. The protocol also covers, where appropriate, the management of records of a personal and/or a sensitive nature. Such records can be flagged as restricted files with limited access to specified named persons. Secure cabinets and store rooms are available for storage of such records. Handling of GRO data is governed by the Civil Registration Act 2004 and the security procedures in place are in accordance with best practice.
My Department is aware of the ongoing challenges in relation to protecting its data and is constantly reviewing its procedures.
268 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are concerns that the new childcare subvention scheme will result in parents of children utilising the services presently provided by playgroups (details supplied) in County Mayo having to pay substantially higher fees and will result in some parents withdrawing their children, place at risk the continuing financial viability of this childcare service and the employment security of those providing the services; and if she will take action to address these concerns; her proposed amendments to the proposed childcare subvention scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31247/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.
Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), which is co-funded under the EU Social Fund (ESF), targeted support was provided through the staffing support grant scheme whereby community based not-for-profit childcare providers with a strong focus on disadvantage were awarded grant aid towards their staffing costs to allow them to operate reduced fees to disadvantaged parents. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question.
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 are 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.
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) or parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS), will see a weekly subvention in respect of their child. A higher subvention 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 for subvention 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. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme.
The new scheme has clear advantages over its predecessor. There is an increase in the level of funding available under it, and a majority of services will benefit from the changes it introduces. 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 received this month. Where 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.
Applications from Groups entering the new scheme are currently being processed and when validated, these Groups are issued with letters from the Childcare Directorate of my Office approving transitional funding under the NCIP Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS). To date seven of the Groups named by the Deputy have been approved transitional funding. This funding will, for the first six months of 2008, be based on the level of funding currently being provided to the Group under the EOCP staffing support grant scheme and subject to the necessary contractual arrangement with Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the EOCP and NCIP.
269 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are facilities available through her Department or the Health Service Executive for children to obtain support mechanisms that can assist the children with their health needs and as such their educational opportunities (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31248/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
270 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare under the housing aid for the elderly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31253/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. The Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
271 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are concerns that the new childcare subvention scheme will result in parents of children utilising the services presently provided in Skull, County Cork having to pay substantially higher fees and will result in some parents withdrawing their children, place at risk the continuing financial viability of this childcare service and place at risk the employment security of those providing the services; if she will take immediate action to address these concerns; her proposed amendments to the proposed childcare subvention scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31254/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.
Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), which is co-funded under the EU Social Fund (ESF), targeted support was provided through the staffing support grant scheme whereby community based not-for-profit childcare providers with a strong focus on disadvantage were awarded grant aid towards their staffing costs to allow them to operate reduced fees to disadvantaged parents. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question.
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 are 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.
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) or parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS), will see a weekly subvention in respect of their child. A higher subvention 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 for subvention 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. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme.
The new scheme has clear advantages over its predecessor. There is an increase in the level of funding available under it, and a majority of services will benefit from the changes it introduces. 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 received this month. Where 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.
272 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the genuine concerns that the new childcare subvention scheme will result in parents of children presently using the services provided by a centre (details supplied) having to pay substantially higher fees; and if she will take immediate action to address their concerns by introducing amendments to the proposed childcare subvention scheme. [31342/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.
Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), which is co-funded under the EU Social Fund (ESF), targeted support was provided through the staffing support grant scheme whereby community based not-for-profit childcare providers with a strong focus on disadvantage were awarded grant aid towards their staffing costs to allow them to operate reduced fees to disadvantaged parents. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question.
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 are 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.
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) or parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS), will see a weekly subvention in respect of their child. A higher subvention 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 for subvention 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. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme.
The new scheme has clear advantages over its predecessor. There is an increase in the level of funding available under it, and a majority of services will benefit from the changes it introduces. 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 received this month. Where 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.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Group in question has been approved for transitional funding under the NCIP Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS), and a letter of approval has issued this week from the Childcare Directorate of my Office. This funding will, for the first six months of 2008, be based on the level of funding currently being provided to the Group under the EOCP staffing support grant scheme and subject to the necessary contractual arrangement with Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the EOCP and NCIP.
273 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if a child (details supplied) in County Kildare suffering from dyspraxia is entitled to a medical card in their own right; the criteria laid down as Government policy as to the criteria a child must adhere to in order that they would be entitled to a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31344/07]
The assessment of eligibility to medical cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and, with the exception of persons aged over 70 who have an automatic entitlement to a medical card, is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants. Under Section 45 of the Health Act, 1970 medical cards are provided for persons who, in the opinion of the HSE, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants.
This provision also entitles qualifying dependants to avail of a medical card. The HSE may also grant a person full eligibility for a particular service, where the person would be unable, without undue hardship, to provide that service for themselves or their dependants.
In assessing an application for a medical card on behalf of a child, the HSE uses guidelines based on the means of the child's parent(s)/ guardian(s), which includes their income, certain allowable outgoings and the effect of other factors which may impact on their ability to meet the cost of GP services. Under the assessment arrangements, income derived solely from Department of Social and Family Affairs payments or HSE payments is disregarded, even if these exceed the assessment guideline limits.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
274 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the facilities available to children to access an occupational therapist service in the Kildare-west Wicklow areas of the Health Service Executive; the number of OTs available in this region of the service; if there are vacancies for OTs; if so, when the positions will be filled; if there is a waiting list for such services; and if so, the period a child (details supplied) in County Kildare will have to wait for an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31345/07]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
275 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Transport the tertiary road grants to Limerick County Council for 2007. [30837/07]
The improvement and maintenance of non-national roads in its area is a matter for each individual road authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.
Specific grants for the improvement and maintenance of tertiary county roads were not allocated to local authorities in 2007. Works on such roads may, at the discretion of the local authority, be funded on foot of discretionary grants or under the pavement restoration programme.
The grants allocated to Limerick County Council in 2007 under those grant categories were:
(a)Restoration Improvement €8.612 million
(b)Restoration Maintenance €3.098 million
(c)Discretionary Improvement €0.956 million
(d)Discretionary Maintenance €1.130 million.
276 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding made available for local improvement schemes and community involvement schemes to Cork County Council in 2006 and 2007 respectively. [31216/07]
The grants allocated under the Local Improvements Scheme to Cork County Council in 2006 and 2007 were €1,889,115 and €2,365,465 respectively.
The Community Involvement in Road Works Scheme is a voluntary scheme for works on non-national public roads. Specific grants are not allocated to local authorities for the Scheme. However, local authorities may reserve a portion of their Discretionary Grant allocation for eligible schemes. Furthermore, up to 7.5% of a county council's Restoration Programme grants may be set aside for Community Involvement Schemes in cases where local contributions (in money or in kind) meet not less than 25% of the total cost of a project.
277 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport when consultations will commence with the trade unions on the business plan for Shannon Airport as committed under the State Airports Bill 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30505/07]
The State Airports Act, 2004 provides the framework for the establishment of Shannon and Cork as independent airports. Under the Act, both the Minister for Finance and I will have to be satisfied as to the state of operational and financial readiness of the three airports before any vesting of assets can take place.
Shannon Airport Authority recently submitted its draft business plan to the DAA. I understand that there will shortly be engagement between the two parties on the plan's content. A similar engagement will be expected to occur between the Cork Airport Authority and the DAA relating to the Cork airport business plan, once that plan has been submitted to the DAA.
Subject to satisfactory progress being made on the plans, I await the DAA's overall considered views on airport separation to enable the plans to be examined by the Minister for Finance and myself.
While there is no express provision for consultation with the trades unions on the business plans in the State Airports Act 2004, my Department has given commitments to consult with the Irish Congress of Trades Unions. At the appropriate time my Department will be in contact with ICTU with regard to these consultations.
278 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 439 and 440 of 6 July 2007, if commitments of 400,000 transatlantic passengers received by himself will be affected by a reduction of Aer Lingus direct US services from Shannon Airport for the winter of 2008 as rumoured in recent days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30506/07]
It is understood that Shannon Airport is making every effort to ensure that year-round transatlantic services are maintained. I would be confident that the Airport Authority, with the continued support of business and tourism interests in the region, can respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by Open Skies.
Experience has shown that the liberalisation of aviation markets results in a greater level of competition among airlines, lower fares and the development of a wider range of services. I understand that several studies have projected that the Open Skies agreement will lead to considerable economic benefits for Ireland, for the business sector, for the tourism industry and for the air transport industry itself.
It should also be borne in mind that the new services by Aer Lingus from Washington, San Francisco and Orlando, and the potential for additional services by US carriers, provide the opportunity to substantially grow more North American business to Ireland. Traditional travel patterns and the attractiveness of the tourism product in the West, suggest that over 50% of such incremental business will involve visits to Ireland's Western regions.
On 7 November, Aer Lingus announced that it would for Summer 2008 maintain daily direct flights between Shannon to New York and Shannon to Boston and a daily flight to Chicago via Dublin. This reflects a continuation of the schedule now being operated over the winter 2007/2008 period. In comparison with the 2007 summer schedule the difference in the 2008 schedule is that the Chicago service is operated not on a direct basis but indirectly via Dublin.
The operation of two daily direct services between Shannon and the U.S. entails the provision of well over 400,000 seats to/from Shannon.
279 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if the rebate on excise duty on fuel used in passenger transport services is to end; if the private transport sector has been advised; if alternative measures will be put in place as many of these operators have already signed contracts and set fare levels for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30507/07]
295 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the removal of the refund on excise duty on fuel used in passenger transport services will cause hardship for the industry; the alternative scheme he will introduce following the discontinuation of the rebate of excise duty on fuel used in the passenger transport service; when the new scheme will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30815/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 295 together.
I refer the Deputies to the Minister for Finance's reply to Question No. 64 which he answered on 22nd November 2007.
280 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to grant all primary and secondary school students free travel on public transport during school hours in order to ease traffic congestion; his views on such a move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30528/07]
Commuting by private car is growing in Ireland and our economic success and growing population has contributed to the increase in transport demand. One such area relates to school travel. Figures from the 2006 Census indicates that the percentage of primary school children being driven to school by car has risen to 55% in 2006 compared to 27.7% in 1991.
The Transport 21 investment programme is providing significant public transport benefits and it also includes proposals to manage travel demand. There are also a number of initiatives targeted at school children to reduce reliance on the car as a mode of transport. My Department has provided funding to the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) who have introduced measures in schools to increase the number of children who walk and cycle, improve safety on the school run, reduce school-related congestion and improve physical health and fitness. The programme has been very successful and currently has 29 schools with a combined student population of approximately 10,400 with 545 teachers. A further roll-out of the programme is being considered at present.
The Minister for Education and Science is responsible for the school transport scheme and there are no plans at present to extend the existing free transport in urban areas for certain school children. The Government is committed to delivering a Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan, which will consider all policies impacting on travel demand. This will be published in 2008 after a full public consultation process and issues such as free transport for schoolchildren in urban areas can be considered further in that context.
281 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Transport when the report of the expert group on the reduction of blood alcohol concentration levels for drivers will be finalised and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30531/07]
The Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012 identifies the need to legislate for and introduce a reduction in the legal Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) for drivers, but does not specify what that level should be. I am awaiting the advice of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) on the matter, and am aware that the RSA has sought the advice of its Policy Advisory Panel and expects that recommendations will be made to the RSA Board in early 2008.
The RSA Advisory Panel will take into account known driver behaviour, past offending rates, analysis of data held by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, enforcement issues and best international practice and advise on the most appropriate BAC level to deliver the optimum road safety dividend.
282 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport the Government’s commitment to the outer orbital route/Leinster orbital route, bearing in mind the identification of the Drogheda, Navan and Naas section of the road as the optimum part of the route in April 2007; when funding will be allocated to the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30568/07]
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The planning design and implementation of individual national road projects (including the allocation of funding) is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under sections 17 and 19 of the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities concerned.
Both Transport 21 and the National Development Plan committed the NRA to carrying out a feasibility study on the Orbital Route. Earlier this year, the NRA completed an updated feasibility study which built on an earlier 2001 study, looking in particular at the costs and benefits of such a route.
As part of the study various possible route corridors were examined in detail. A corridor linking Drogheda to Navan to Naas was identified as the optimum route having regard to the policy objectives set out in the various policy documents on the route. Funding for construction of an orbital route is not provided under either Transport 21 or the National Development Plan.
283 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the number of private bus operation licences granted in Dublin in each of the past five years; the routes served; the date on which the application for the licence was made; the date on which it was approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30583/07]
284 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the number of private bus operation licences in Dublin that have been refused in each of the past five years; the routes that would have been served; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30584/07]
285 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the new routes to be operated by Dublin Bus that have been approved in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30585/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 to 285, inclusive, together.
The information requested by the Deputy available to my Department is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy in the coming days.
The Road Transport Act, 1932 as amended, provides the statutory basis for regulating the provision of public bus services by private bus operators. The Act provides for the grant of annual continuous licences, annual seasonal licences and occasional licences.
Section 11 of the Act establishes specific criteria for the determination of applications, which provide that
The service is required in the public interest having regard to the passenger road services and other forms of passenger transport available to the public on or in the neighbourhood of the route of the proposed service
Whether the service is sufficient in terms of frequency and duration to meet the requirements of the public
Whether the applicant has the organisation and equipment necessary to carry out the service.
Failure to meet the test established by reference to those criteria will result in the refusal of an application.
Information relating to applications that are being processed or applications that were not approved, including details relating to the identity of the applicant and the services to which the application relates are commercially sensitive to the operator concerned and are treated as confidential and will not form part of the information to be supplied.
Dublin Bus is not subject to licensing in accordance with the provisions of the 1932 Road Transport Act, as amended. However, the initiation or alteration of a bus service by the Company is subject to compliance with the necessary regulatory requirement of giving advance notice to my Department and to compliance with the provisions of Section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 concerning competition with licensed private operators. The details of all current licences issued to private operators are available to view on my Department's website. All services in operation by Dublin Bus are available on that Company's website and are listed in the Company's scheduled timetable.
286 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the number of people as of 31 October 2007 who were employed in his Department; the number who were permanent employees; the number who were temporary staff; the number who were contracted staff; if he will provide comparative figures for 31 October 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [30619/07]
As of 31 October 2007 there are 456.82 staff employed in my Department. This is a whole time equivalent (wte) figure and all staff included are permanent employees. There were 10 temporary staff employed in my Department as of 31 October 2007. All these staff are on contract.
The functions of the Department of Transport changed following the Government election in 2002 and this led to substantial movement of staff among Departments. While there are no readily available figures for staff employed on 31 October 2002 the figure on 31 December 2002 was 509.47 (wte). The Department does not have a figure available for temporary staff employed at that time.
Staffing numbers between 2002 and 2007 are not directly comparable since, in addition to the changes in functions in 2002 referred to above, the Department experienced staff movements as a result of a number of other changes in functions since then. These include the Department taking responsibility for maritime issues on 1 January 2006, the establishment of the Road Safety Authority on 1 September 2006 and the recent transfer of responsibility for non-national roads and related matters to the Department from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
287 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent by his Department in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 for air travel, business class flights and first class flights in tabular readable form. [30634/07]
The total amount spent by my Department in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 for air travel, business class flights and first class flights is as follows:
|
Year |
Economy |
Business |
First Class |
Total |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2004 |
77,462 |
183,644 |
261,106 |
|
|
2005 |
121,119 |
73,161 |
5,721 |
252,001 |
|
2006 |
133,899 |
113,044 |
246,943 |
|
|
2007 |
119,523 |
121,337 |
2,133 |
242,992 |
288 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent by his Department on couriered documents, registered post and standard post to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [30649/07]
The total amount spent by my Department on couriered documents, registered post and standard post to date in 2007 is as follows:
|
€ |
|
|
Standard |
99,009 |
|
Registered |
1,317 |
|
Couriered |
33,751 |
289 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the 10 largest bonus payments made to staff in his Department and each of its agencies in the past 12 months. [30664/07]
The scheme for performance-related awards in the Civil Service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. 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).
With regard to the Agencies of my Department, details where applicable are as follows:
Commission for Aviation Regulation: €6,000
National Roads Authority: €34,591
Road Safety Authority: €22,443.
Staff remuneration in Commercial State bodies is a day-to-day matter for each body.
290 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the number of civil servants in his Department who have transferred to other Government Departments or left the Civil Service in each of the past five years in tabular readable form. [30679/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated and as it cannot be given within the specified timeframe it will be forwarded directly to the Deputy when available.
291 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the number of allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing that have been reported to his Department by Departmental staff since 1 January 2007. [30694/07]
There were no allegations of victimization for whistleblowing reported to my Department by Departmental staff since 1st January, 2007.
292 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce regulations which would allow motor cyclists to use bus lanes; if he has assessed the evidence that this would lead to greater safety on the roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30732/07]
The primary purpose of bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport and the use of bus lanes is provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 and 1998.
The Road Safety Authority is researching the potential for use of bus lanes by motorcyclists and one of the measures in the Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 is to complete a comprehensive safety analysis of that issue in 2008 to inform future policy.
293 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that, as the European Commission has opened a formal State aid investigation in relation to grants received by Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus, the Irish Government is complying with the standstill obligation required under EU State aid rules in relation to the funding currently under investigation by the Commission; the proposed source of funding for the recent contract award for 209 buses published in e-tenders on 17 September 2007; and if such an award had been concluded after the Irish Government had received notice that the Commission was to initiate a formal State aid investigation. [30793/07]
The compensation paid to Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus in respect of its public service obligations complies with the requirements of Regulation 1191/69 under Article 73 on action by Member States concerning the obligations inherent in the concept of a public service in transport by rail, road and inland waterway. The standstill obligation referred to by the Deputy is therefore not applicable.
I understand that the contract award notification referred to by the Deputy refers to the purchase of new buses by Bus Éireann for its Public Service Obligation fleet and its Expressway fleet and that the contracts concerned were awarded over the period April – July 2007. Of the 209 buses 60 are for the Expressway fleet and are funded from Bus Éireann's own resources. My Department has approved total funding of €73m in September 2006 and April 2007) towards the purchase by Bus Eireann of new buses for its PSO services.
294 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the number of penalty points incurred by motorists within the 30km zones, 80km zones and the 100km zones; the revenue collected by these fines; the way this revenue is distributed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30808/07]
The enforcement of penalty points and the collection of fixed charge payments for road traffic offences are matters for the Garda Authorities. The collection of court fines is a matter for the Courts Service.
296 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport the action he has taken to date to restore connectivity between Shannon International Airport and London Heathrow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30818/07]
297 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport his views on the designation of the Shannon to London Heathrow route as a public service obligation route; if on behalf of the Government, he will be making an application to the European Union for a PSO designation on the Shannon to London Heathrow route; when this application will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30819/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 297 together.
I fully recognise the importance of air connectivity to Shannon Airport and the West of Ireland generally. This country already has an air services Public Service Obligation (PSO) scheme in operation. The scheme provides for the subvention of air services from Dublin to Kerry, Galway, Knock, Sligo, Donegal and Derry. These PSO routes serve regional airports which, because of their remote locations or limited runway facilities, find it difficult to attract commercial scheduled air services.
The relevant EU Council Regulation, (EEC) No. 2408/92 of 23 July 1992, allows a Member State to establish a PSO route in respect of scheduled air services to an airport serving a peripheral or development region in its territory, where such air services are considered vital for the economic development of the regions concerned and where air carriers are not prepared to provide them on a commercial basis. In addition the Department is aware that there may be opportunities for State intervention under the Community Guidelines on Financing of Airports and Start up aid to Airlines departing from Regional Airports (2005/C 312/01).
My Department has recently written to the EU Commission with a view to having an in-depth engagement on the options for facilitating the provision of air services to meet the connectivity requirements of the West of Ireland in a liberalised, competitive aviation market. My officials have requested an early meeting with the Commission on the matter.
298 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the estimated number of uninsured drivers on the road; the assessment he has made of the way this figure compares internationally; the steps he proposes to vastly reduce this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31018/07]
The number of uninsured drivers is estimated by the insurance industry to be in the range of one hundred thousand drivers or 6%. This is calculated by taking the number of registered vehicles from the National Vehicle and Driver File maintained by the Vehicle Registration Unit and subtracting the number of exempted vehicles, e.g., State vehicles. The resulting figure is compared to the number of policies in force. An allowance is also made for fleet insurance where a number of vehicles are insured on a single policy.
The Internal Market Directorate of the European Commission has undertaken a survey among Member States of the European Union on uninsured vehicles, within the European Union. There are a number of factors which must be taken into account when making international comparisons.
The calculations methods used among Member States when arriving at the number of uninsured vehicles are very diverse.
Some Member States have not disclosed the method used to calculate the estimate of uninsured vehicles, or the number of vehicles on which the estimate is based.
Insurance in Ireland and the UK is on the driver whereas in other Member States, insurance is on the vehicle.
The most comparable Member State is the UK because the insurance is on the driver rather than the vehicle. Their estimate at approximately 5% is similar to Ireland. However the method used to arrive at this figure is not comparable to the method used in Ireland.
Several steps have been taken in recent years to reduce the level of uninsured driving. The Garda Traffic Corps has been substantially expanded to improve compliance with all road traffic legislation including motor insurance requirements. Legislation has also been put in place to extend the powers of the Gardaí to permit the seizure of all uninsured vehicles. In addition, since the introduction of the Penalty Points system, 6,778 persons have received penalty points for uninsured driving up to the end of October 2007.
299 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the buildings occupied by his Department which are and which are not fully accessible to people with disabilities in tabular readable form. [31037/07]
For the purposes of the Deputy's question, the interpretation being taken of full accessibility is the capacity of each building to provide access to disabled persons by means of the main entrance.
|
Building |
Accessibility |
|
25 Clare Street, Dublin 2. |
No. (Rear access only). |
|
44 Kildare Street, Dublin 2. |
Yes. |
|
Frederick Buildings, South Frederick St, Dublin 2. |
No. (Only through basement area). |
|
59 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 |
No. |
|
Leeson Lane, Dublin 2. |
Yes. |
|
Irish Life Centre, Lower Abbey St, Dublin 1. |
Yes. |
|
Road Transport Operator Licensing Unit, Clonfert House, Bride Street, Loughrea, Co. Galway. |
Yes. |
|
Vehicle Registration Unit, Shannon Town Centre, Shannon, Co. Clare. |
Yes. |
|
Irish Coast Guard, Acorn Business Campus, Mahon Industrial Estate, Blackrock, Cork, Co. Cork. |
Yes. |
|
Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry. |
Yes. |
|
Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Malin Head, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. |
No. |
|
Coast Guard Stores, Unit 1, Rosemount Business Park, Ballycoolin Business Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. |
Yes. |
|
Marine Survey Office, Government Buildings, Sullivan’s Quay, Cork |
Yes. |
|
Marine Survey Office, Town Council Buildings, Abbeyview, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal |
Yes. |
Disability access to buildings occupied by my Department is kept under regular review and the Department liaises closely with the Universal Access Unit in OPW in order to progressively upgrade existing disability access.
300 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the cost of running his Department’s press office in each of the first three quarters of 2007 in tabular readable form. [31052/07]
The following table provides the information requested by the Deputy.
The expenses for each quarter includes salary costs, overtime, travel and subsistence costs and all other associated office costs incurred by the Press Office.
|
1 January 2007 to 31 March 2007 |
|
|---|---|
|
Total cost |
€73,192.18 |
|
1 April 2007 to 30 June 2007 |
|
|---|---|
|
Total cost |
€73,363.87 |
|
1 July 2007 to 30 September 2007 |
|
|---|---|
|
Total cost |
€73,087.28 |
301 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the websites that are run by his Department and each of its agencies; the date on which each became live; if the sites are kept updated; the cost of each site to the State to date; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [31067/07]
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to websites run by my Department is outlined below. The costs stated reflect only the costs incurred since responsibility for certain websites transferred to my Department. The operation of websites by agencies under the remit of my Department is a day-to-day operational matter for those agencies.
|
Website |
Date became live |
Site contents updated by Line Divisions |
Cost of Site to date |
|
€ |
|||
|
Transport.ie Subsites AAIU.ie RoadHaulage.ie SafetyOnTheWater.ie1 IrishCoastguard.ie2 |
March 2003 August 2003 February 2002 2001 1999 |
Site and subsites contents are updated regularly by Line Divisions. |
109,283 |
|
www.transport21.ie |
July 2006 |
Regularly, at least once a week or more frequently if required. |
8,591 |
|
Motor Tax Online3 (www.motortax.ie ) |
February 2004 |
The site receives daily updates from the core National Vehicle Driver File (NVDF). |
— |
1SafetyontheWater.ie came live under my Department in September 2007.
2IrishCoastguard.ie came live under my Department in March 2007.
3Motor Tax Online is under the remit of the National Driver and Vehicle File. Functions transferred from the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government to my Department in October 2007. Costs prior to October 2007 amounted to €3.5 million.
302 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport when the Dublin Bus Swords service will be sanctioned to use the Dublin Port Tunnel; if this can be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31075/07]
As I previously advised the Deputy in my reply to his Parliamentary Question on 31st October, 2007, my Department issued a licence on the 3rd October, 2007 in accordance with the Road Transport Act, 1932 to a private operator for a high frequency bus service from Swords via the Port Tunnel to the City Centre.
On the 19th November, 2007, the private operator commenced the operation of some of the licensed services. It is a condition of the licence that the services are in operation in their entirety within 4 months from the date of issue of the licence. Following the introduction of the high frequency service, my Department is considering the Dublin Bus proposal to re-route four of its existing Route 41X services from Swords via the Port Tunnel. My Department will advise Dublin Bus of the outcome as soon as possible.
303 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 69 of 8 February 2007, the date that a photograph from Amsterdam showing partial parking on footpaths was received from Dublin City Council; if the circumstances, conditions and safety implications have been dealt with; if he has sufficient information to make the necessary amendment to the 1997 regulations to permit partial parking on public footpaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31077/07]
Contacts between my Department and management in Dublin City Council on this matter are continuing, and my Department received photographs on 15 November showing arrangements for the parking of vehicles fully rather than partially on a footpath, in what appears to be a variation of the on-street loading bay parking provided for in this country.
The paramount matter to be considered in relation to permitting parking fully or partially on pavements is the impact of any such measure on the safety and convenience of pedestrians and persons in wheelchairs who use the footpaths. The most recent Parliamentary Question on this subject is No. 415 of 5 December 2006.
304 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Transport the number of vehicles travelling on roads here. [31080/07]
The number of vehicles under current licence (taxed) at 31st October 2007 was 2,421,712. The tabular statement below provides a breakdown by motor taxation class.
|
Taxation Class |
Number |
|
Private Cars |
1,868,028 |
|
Goods Vehicles |
342,034 |
|
Agricultural Tractors |
69,300 |
|
Motorcycles |
36,875 |
|
Small Public Service Vehicles |
26,151 |
|
Exempt Vehicles |
24,581 |
|
Vintage Vehicles |
16,397 |
|
Mobile Machines |
7,597 |
|
Large Public Service Vehicles |
8,430 |
|
Motor Caravans |
8,297 |
|
Excavators, Trench Diggers etc. |
5,508 |
|
Small Dumpers and Forklift Truck |
3,990 |
|
General Haulage Tractors |
1,251 |
|
Schoolbuses |
984 |
|
Hearses |
781 |
|
Youth/Community Buses |
665 |
|
Island Vehicles |
632 |
|
Off Road Dumpers |
211 |
|
Total |
2,421,712 |
305 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport the organisations or authorities operating within his Department’s policy area, set up by statute or statutory instrument, for which he does not have official responsibility to Dáil Éireann. [31120/07]
In an overall policy context I have official responsibility to Dáil Éireann for all the bodies that operate under the aegis of my Department.
306 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the procedures in place to protect personal data within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31246/07]
All personal data in electronic format is protected using industry best practices. Access to such data is restricted to those officers who have a business requirement to use it. All staff, contractors and consultants to my Department are subject to the Official Secrets Acts and are required to sign appropriate confidentiality agreements and usage policies.
All data replicated from the Department's network to laptops is automatically encrypted. Mechanisms are in place to remotely delete data from any laptop stolen from the Department which connects to the Internet. Procedures are also in place to ensure that all personal data being accessed by teleworkers is not downloaded but is retained securely on Department servers.
Where personal data needs to be, for business reasons, transferred to third parties (for example, transferring salary details to staff bank accounts), this is carried out in a fully secured electronic manner. In the case of the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) large data volumes to third parties are transferred through secure encrypted channels.
My Department regularly reviews its data security in the light of changing circumstances and needs. The most recent such review dealt with an emerging requirement for more mobile data and involved external specialist expertise. The report was delivered on 22 August 2007 and has been evaluated and appropriate measures implemented. Personal data on physical files is secured by restricted access to buildings and is locked away in filing cabinets to which only appropriate staff members have access.
307 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of citizens broken down by reference to each quarter in the past 10 years, who have approached himself or the Government in circumstances where a title of nobility or of honour was proposed to be conferred on the citizen by another State; the number of such cases in which the prior approval of the Government under Article 40.2 of the Constitution was sought; the number of such cases in which the prior approval of the Government was sought and given; the number of such cases in which the prior approval of the Government was sought but not given; the number of cases, if known to the Government, in which prior approval was neither sought nor obtained and, in such cases, the respective numbers where a title of honour or nobility was conferred or not conferred on a citizen by another State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31105/07]
The vast majority of notifications on proposed awards to Irish citizens received in the Department of Foreign Affairs from foreign Governments relate to honorary awards which do not confer titles of nobility or honour. They are dealt with at official level in the absence of a Constitutional requirement that they be brought to the Government.
Since 1997, we are aware of three cases where titles of nobility or of honour were conferred on Irish citizens by another State, one in 2001 and two in 2005. In all three cases, we understand that the persons concerned were also citizens of the State conferring the awards. The prior approval of Government was sought and granted in two of these cases; in the third case, the approach to the Department was made two days after the award. This approach referred to an earlier request in 2005 in which the Department had been asked to approve and had agreed to an honorary award for the person concerned. In the event, the honorary award was changed to a substantive one. While taking account of this background, the Department also emphasised to the Government concerned the importance on all such occasions for the prior approval of the Government to be obtained.
309 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has carried out an efficiency savings analysis with a view to cutting out unnecessary costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30535/07]
Strong systems and financial controls are in place across my Department to ensure efficiency and value for money in both Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 29 (International Cooperation).
My Department is committed to completing and publishing five major Value for Money reviews in the period 2006-2008. Two of these, dealing with funding for emigrant services and the Government's response to the Tsunami, have been completed and published. A further report, on Ireland's official development assistance to Mozambique, will be published shortly and a fourth, on the Passport Service, is nearing completion. The final Value for Money review in this cycle will be on expenditure in the fight against HIV/AIDS in developing countries; a tender process is currently underway to identify a suitable company to conduct the review. All of these reports, when completed, are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and sent to the relevant Select Committee.
More broadly, my Department has established a Procurement Management Unit which is responsible for promoting a strategic approach to the achievement of value for money by (a) integrating value for money principles within the Department's management processes; (b) developing and implementing an annual Corporate Procurement Plan for the Department; and (c) promoting best procurement and project management practices throughout the Department.
The preparation of the Department's Corporate Procurement Plan involves a detailed analysis of purchasing expenditure for the purpose of identifying specific areas where better value for money outcomes and efficiencies can be achieved by improved purchasing practices. The Plan identifies actions such as aggregation of requirements which may be used in appropriate cases to enhance the Department's purchasing power and thereby achieve better value from suppliers. For example, the Department currently avails of aggregated arrangements, along with other Government Departments, for air travel booking services and the purchase of desktop computers and I understand that these arrangements have yielded significant financial benefits and administrative efficiencies.
In addition, in the design and implementation of the new biometric passports, my Department was one of the first participants in the public sector-wide peer review system for the management of major ICT projects, which helps ensure that cost and time targets are realistic and achievable.
Under the Management Information Framework, which is a key element of the Government's Strategic Management Initiative, my Department has implemented a range of measures to ensure more efficient financial transactions and more effective under the Management Information Framework, which is a key element of the Government's Strategic Management Initiative, my Department has implemented a range of measures to ensure more efficient financial transactions and more effective use of resources, as well as to assist decision-making about resource allocation. These include new budgeting and financial systems and the preparation of detailed financial procedures manuals for both Vote 28 and Vote 29.
As is the case for all Government Departments, the new Strategy Statement currently under preparation in my Department will set out performance indicators against which our progress in achieving our goals can be measured. Combined with increasing delegation of budgetary responsibility to Heads of Divisions, this means that we are better able to align our resource allocations to our business objectives. These measures, together with a rigorous approach by line managers on an ongoing basis, ensures that the Department's financial resources are used efficiently and effectively, in line with the Government's policy priorities.
310 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the nature of the diplomatic representation of Qatar here; and if this has changed in recent years. [30541/07]
The State of Qatar has accredited an Ambassador to Ireland on a non-resident basis. The current Ambassador of the State of Qatar, H.E. Mr. Khalid Rashid Al-Hamoudi Ali-Mansouri, is resident in London and the Ambassador presented his Credentials to President McAleese in January of this year.
The previous Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Ireland, H.E. Mr. Nassar bin Hamad M. Al-Khalifa, was also resident in London and he presented his Credentials to the President in May 2001. Diplomatic relations were established between the State of Qatar and Ireland in September 1974.
311 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of people as of 31 October 2007 who were employed in his Department; the number who were permanent employees; the number who were temporary staff; the number who were contracted staff; if he will provide comparative figures for 31 October 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [30614/07]
The following table sets out the numbers of permanent, temporary and contract staff who were employed by my Department on 31 October 2002 and on 31 October 2007 respectively. These figures do not include approximately 300 staff who are recruited locally to work in our Missions abroad.
The figures for temporary staff refer to clerical staff employed on fixed term contracts to work in the Passport Offices during the peak season, as well as temporary Services Officers. The figures for contract staff refer to Ministerial Private Office staff, interns and Development Specialists who are all employed on a fixed term contract basis.
|
Numbers employed on 31 October 2002 |
Numbers employed on 31 October 2007 |
|
|
Permanent Employees |
1,041.5 |
1,200 |
|
Temporary Employees |
21.0 |
1 |
|
Contract Employees |
60 |
65 |
|
Total |
1,122.5 |
1,266 |
312 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount spent by his Department in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 for air travel, business class flights and first class flights in tabular readable form. [30629/07]
The table below contains a breakdown of all air travel in the past four years. The significant reduction in the 2007 figures is primarily due to an ongoing effort being made by my Department to achieve better value from air travel.
The table identifies the class of air travel undertaken by staff at Headquarters. In the case of our 75 Missions outside the State, each Mission operates within the confines of a travel budget assigned on an individual Mission basis. In using this budget, Missions must adhere to the travel guidelines set down by my Department, which give strict criteria for instances where economy, business or (significantly less likely) first class travel may be undertaken.
|
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 (to 21/11/07) |
|
|
HQ Economy |
1,155,677 |
943,298 |
980,982 |
713,943 |
|
HQ Business |
1,815,311 |
2,268,207 |
1,875,938 |
1,531,087 |
|
HQ First Class |
24,130 |
7,587 |
11,258 |
580 |
|
Missions Total |
1,554,533 |
1,452,751 |
1,469,550 |
1,119,128 |
|
Total |
4,549,651 |
4,671,843 |
4,337,728 |
3,364,738 |
313 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount spent by his Department on couriered documents, registered post and standard post to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [30644/07]
My Department operates a diplomatic mail service to facilitate secure communication between the State and our Missions abroad. Ireland currently has a network of 75 resident diplomatic and consular Missions abroad and 87 Honorary Consulates. To date in 2007, the operation of Ireland's diplomatic mail service has cost €941,675.
The expenditure, to date in 2007, on postage accrued by my Department is €1,254,582. Over a million Euro of this expenditure was spent by the Passport Office forwarding passports to our citizens. While we do not differentiate in our accounting system between registered and standard postage costs, passports are normally sent to citizens through An Post's "swiftpost", which is a type of registered post service. In regard to courier services, the costs accrued to date in 2007, both at Headquarters and across our Missions, amount to €179,431. For convenience, I am setting out the above in tabular form.
|
€ |
|
|
Secure Diplomatic Mail |
941,675 |
|
Postage (including passport distribution) |
1,254,582 |
|
Courier Services |
179,431 |
314 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the 10 largest bonus payments made to staff in his Department and each of its agencies in the past 12 months. [30659/07]
In 2007, the following were the ten largest bonus payments made in the Department of Foreign Affairs under the Scheme of Performance-related awards for those at Deputy Secretary and Assistant Secretary level:
€25,850
€22,800
€22,100
€21,750
6 payments of €19,200
These bonus payments were subject to tax and PRSI. Some 45 officers at Assistant Secretary and Deputy Secretary level participated in this Scheme, and the awards ranged widely over the scales in question. The awards were made by the independent Committee for Performance Awards, following recommendations by the Secretary General of my Department and I, as Minister, was not involved in the decisions taken.
315 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of civil servants in his Department who have transferred to other Government Departments or left the Civil Service in each of the past five years in tabular readable form. [30674/07]
The following table sets out the number of civil servants in my Department who have either transferred to other Government Departments or who have left the Civil Service in the period 2002 to 2006.
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|
|
Transferred to other Government Departments |
22 |
9 |
20 |
15 |
37 |
|
Retirements |
9 |
6 |
11 |
10 |
20 |
|
Resignations |
23 |
22 |
14 |
4 |
13 |
|
Special Leave |
19 |
17 |
23 |
18 |
17 |
|
Dismissal |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Death in Service |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
|
Total |
74 |
55 |
69 |
47 |
90 |
The figures for the number of staff who have left the Department on special leave include officers on career break and those who have taken up positions in EU institutions or other international organisations of which Ireland is a member. In all such cases, the terms of these officers' special leave provide for their possible return to the Department at a future date.
316 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing that have been reported to his Department by Departmental staff since 1 January 2007. [30689/07]
Since 1 January 2007, no allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing have been reported to the management of my Department by its staff.
317 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 249 of 13 November 2007, if the person referred to has since been transferred; if there are concerns as to their state of health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30918/07]
I can confirm that the person concerned was transferred on 15 November 2007 to the preferred prison, to which the Deputy referred in Parliamentary Question No. 249 of 13 November 2007.
My officials have made renewed enquiries as to the state of health of the person. The prison authorities advise that the individual was examined medically on arrival on 15 November and that there are no indications of particular health concerns.
My Department will continue to monitor the case until the release of the person in question, which we understand should take place before Christmas.
318 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign 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. [25154/07]
I understand that the Deputy is referring to application processes operated by my Department to provide services to the public and also applications involving Local Authorities.
Passport Application Process
To date in 2007, the Passport Office has processed 665,590 applications. The majority are channelled through the Passport Express service operated by An Post, and in the case of Northern Ireland, by the Royal Mail. The Passport Office guarantees that a person using these services will receive his or her passport within 10 working days provided that the application is complete and in order.
It is also possible to apply for a passport using the ordinary postal service, through Embassies and Consulates abroad and in person at the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork. The turnaround time for these applications varies depending on the time of year and the level of demand on the passport service.
In the case of urgent travel it is possible to provide a forty eight hour service, and in the case of emergency a same day service. This emergency service is also available at weekends. The level of service provided by the Passport Office is continually reviewed to ensure maximum efficiency, effectiveness and value for money.
Consular Application Processes
The Department also processes applications for Irish citizenship by Foreign Births Registration and for letters of freedom for Irish citizens who require them in order to get married abroad.
In general, the processing of applications for Irish citizenship by Foreign Births Registration for persons resident in Ireland is currently taking about six weeks, from the initial submission of applications until the Certificate confirming citizenship is issued, provided that full documentation is presented. The timescale for processing these applications at our Missions abroad can vary depending on the volume of applications received, whether the documents initially submitted were correct and complete, and other local circumstances. Efforts are made to process applications as quickly as possible while ensuring that the legal requirements under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts are met and that only applicants who are entitled to Irish citizenship are approved.
A letter of freedom to marry, often referred to as a Certificate de Coutume or a Nulla Osta, is only valid for a marriage ceremony that takes place within 120 days after it is issued. Applicants are advised to apply in good time and there is at present no significant waiting time for these applications to be processed. I might also mention that the Department provides a same day service for authentication of official documents.
The level of service for Foreign Births Registration and for letters of freedom is kept under constant review. In particular, we have focused on the development and implementation of IT applications which can improve application procedures. For the convenience of members of the public, we have recently begun to provide these services from the Department's Offices in Cork, in addition to the existing service provided in Dublin.
Irish Aid
As the Deputy is aware, Irish Aid have a number of programmes where development agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations can apply for funding for development projects. On occasion, some Local Authorities have applied for funding for specific development initiatives and these have been considered on the merits of the applications.
319 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent measures he has taken to develop Ireland’s foreign policy in the context of the EU common foreign and security policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30985/07]
The Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) is intended to impart greater coherence and unity to all elements of the European Union's action in the international arena and in its relations with external actors. As such, the CFSP covers the entire range of the Union's foreign policy concerns. While some new measures are envisaged in the Reform Treaty to enhance the Union's external coherence and visibility, including the establishment of a new post of High Representative, the CFSP will remain essentially inter-governmental in nature, with policy and decisions continuing to be made by Member States.
Ireland remains strongly positive about our participation in the Common Foreign and Security Policy. The general principles underlying the CFSP very much accord with our own priorities and values, in particular the emphasis on multilateral cooperation and the role of the UN, promotion of democracy and human rights, conflict prevention and resolution, and the eradication of poverty. Involvement in the CFSP gives us the chance to shape policy within a bloc which is much more influential than we could be acting only by ourselves. The inter-governmental nature of the CFSP, with unanimity continuing to be the general rule for decision-making, allows Ireland to influence positively the determination of the Union's foreign policy priorities and ensure that they accord to the maximum extent possible with our own national priorities.
Ireland participates actively in discussion of all CFSP issues with our EU partners, both in Brussels and in the coordination of EU positions in international organisations and at international conferences. In practice, this is the principal day-to-day focus of the relevant officials in my Department. I meet my EU colleagues each month at meetings of the General Affairs and External Relations Council. Within the CFSP, Ireland is particularly active in urging common EU action on international issues to which we attach particular importance, such as the situations in Darfur, Burma and the Middle East, and on issues where traditionally we have led internationally, such as non-proliferation and disarmament, and respect for human rights.
Within this broad context, there remains ample scope for us to take specifically national initiatives, or to work with small groups of like-minded partners. Instances include the formation of the Conflict Resolution Unit, our continuing role in the New Agenda Coalition in regard to nuclear disarmament, and our role in the Oslo Process on cluster munitions.
320 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the buildings occupied by his Department which are and which are not fully accessible to people with disabilities in tabular readable form. [31032/07]
As will be seen from the following table, seven of the nine buildings in Dublin occupied by my Department, together with the Passport Office in Cork and the temporary Irish Aid office in Limerick, are fully accessible to people with disabilities.
Of the remaining two buildings, most of the public areas in Iveagh House have in recent years been made accessible to people with disabilities. The Department is examining how all public areas in Iveagh House can be made fully accessible, although the structure of this heritage building will present difficulties in this regard. The Department's archives building in Finglas, which does not have any public areas, is partially accessible.
The new Irish Aid Headquarters in Limerick, which will be ready in the first half of next year, and the new Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre in O'Connell Street Dublin, which will be operational next month, will be fully accessible to people with disabilities.
|
Building |
Fully Accessible to People with Disabilities. |
Not Fully Accessible to People with Disabilities. |
|
Iveagh House, 79-80 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 |
Almost all public areas fully accessible |
|
|
Jamestown Business Park, Jamestown Road, Finglas, Dublin 11 |
|
|
|
Hainault House, 69-71 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 |
|
|
|
76-78 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 |
|
|
|
Bishops Square, Redmond’s Hill, Dublin 2 |
|
|
|
Molesworth Building, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 |
|
|
|
Hatch Street, Dublin 2 |
|
|
|
Fingal Bay Business Park, Balbriggan, Co Dublin |
|
|
|
Passport Office Cork, 1A South Mall, Cork |
|
|
|
Cumberland House, Cumberland Street, Dublin 2 |
|
|
|
Irish Aid Headquarters, 108 O’Connell St., Limerick City (Temporary Premises), Irish Aid Headquarters, Riverstone House, Henry Street, Limerick City (Permanent Premises) |
|
|
|
Irish Aid Volunteering & Information Centre, Findlater House, O’Connell Street, Dublin 1 |
|
321 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the cost of running his Department’s press office in each of the first three quarters of 2007 in tabular readable form. [31047/07]
The figures below, in tabular readable form, represent the costs of running the press office in my Department from January to September 2007, excluding salaries.
|
€ |
|
|
Quarter 1 |
48,504.44 |
|
Quarter 2 |
56,679.43 |
|
Quarter 3 |
29,992.44 |
322 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the websites that are run by his Department and each of its agencies; the date on which each became live; if the sites are kept updated; the cost of each site to the State to date; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [31062/07]
The Deputy may be aware that my Department recently launched an upgraded website (www.dfa.ie) to replace its previous site. This initiative includes upgrading the websites of all our Missions throughout the world based on a standard template consistent with the Department's site.
Nine such Mission sites are currently operational. These include our Embassies in Paris (www.embassyofireland.fr) and in Berlin (www.embassyofireland.de). The programme to rollout Mission sites will continue into 2008. The Department maintains a separate site for Irish Aid. All sites are updated at appropriate intervals.
The cumulative costs of the relevant sites are as follows:
|
Site |
Launch Date |
Costs To Date |
|
€ |
||
|
Department Site, including Missions |
December 2006 |
57,604 |
|
Irish Aid |
2003 |
282,067 |
|
Advisory Board for Irish Aid |
2004 |
33,901 |
324 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the organisations or authorities operating within his Department’s policy area, set up by statute or statutory instrument, for which he does not have official responsibility to Dáil Éireann. [31115/07]
At present, there is only one organisation which operates under the aegis of my Department which was established on a statutory basis.
The Ireland — United States Commission for Educational Exchange (the Fulbright Commission) finances study, research, teaching and other educational activities between Ireland and the United States of America. It was established in 1957 by means of the Scholarship Exchange (Ireland and the United States of America) Act, 1957 as amended by the Educational Exchange (Ireland and the United States of America) Act, 1991.
The Educational Exchange (Ireland and the United States of America) Act, 1991 also provided for the establishment of the Ireland – United States Educational Fund (which is controlled by the Minister for Finance). The income accruing to the Fund is made available to the Fulbright Commission for the purposes of its functions.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have certain responsibilities in regard to the Commission. Under section 3(1) of the 1991 Act, I am responsible for the appointment of four members of the eight-member Commission. Under section 5(10) of the 1991 Act, I am responsible for laying before both Houses of the Oireachtas, a copy of the annually audited accounts of the Ireland – United States Educational Fund and the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon.
While I, as Minister for Foreign Affairs, have certain specific responsibilities as outlined above, the Commission enjoys autonomy of management and administration, by reason of section 2(5) of the Educational Exchange (Ireland and the United States of America), Act, 1991.
325 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which world aid promised to African countries has not been delivered; the proposed plan to address outstanding matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31220/07]
In recent years, the international community has redoubled its efforts to address the serious challenges facing the continent of Africa. The adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at the UN Millennium Summit in 2000 marked a watershed in uniting the international community around a single set of development objectives. Agreed targets include halving extreme poverty and providing universal primary education by 2015. The MDGs have resulted in renewed determination and pledges to meet the needs of the world's poorest countries, most of which are in sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), development assistance provided by the world's major bilateral donors has almost doubled — from less than US$54 billion in 2000 to around US$104 billion in 2006. During the same time period, support to Africa increased significantly and allocations to sub-Saharan Africa rose from US$11 billion to around US$28 billion. It is clear that Africa is receiving real and substantial increases in development assistance. These increases are set to continue. Ireland's own Official Development Assistance (ODA), the main geographical focus of which is on Africa, has increased from €250million in 2000, to over €800million in 2006.
More generally, there are strong indications that development assistance is having a positive effect in Africa. In its "Africa Development Indicators 2006" report, the World Bank noted that, in contrast to the 1990s, conflicts have declined and growth has improved. Improved growth rates will contribute to achievement of the MDGs. It also notes that, since the second half of the 1990s, many low income African countries, including Mozambique and Uganda, have lifted significant percentages of their citizens above the poverty line. Africa is at the heart of Ireland's programme of official development assistance and we have played an important role in the positive news emanating from both of these countries.
Development assistance is important to continued social and economic progress on the continent of Africa and it is imperative that donor nations continue to make progress towards the UN goal of 0.7% of GNP for ODA. However the governments of the developing nations of Africa also have a responsibility to promote good and accountable governance to ensure that poverty reduction is at the heart of their national development plans. It is the combination of external assistance from donors such as Ireland, allied with an internal commitment to poverty reduction by African nations, which will make a real and sustainable change for the better in the lives of the poor in Africa.
327 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the Balkan States are in communication with the EU in the context of future membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31222/07]
At the EU-Western Balkans Summit at Thessaloniki in 2003, European Union leaders reiterated the European perspective of the countries of the Western Balkans, and affirmed that the future of these countries lies within the EU, once they have fulfilled all of the requirements necessary for membership.
Croatia is engaged in accession negotiations with the EU. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has obtained candidate status, although its negotiations on accession have not yet commenced. The EU is in the course of completing Stabilisation and Association Agreements with other countries in the region.
On 6 November last, the European Commission published its annual package of enlargement reports. These include an assessment of progress made by candidate countries, including Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, in meeting EU membership criteria. They also assess progress made by countries elsewhere in the Western Balkans towards realisation of their European perspective
The Commission reports that accession negotiations with Croatia are advancing well. Areas where further progress is still needed include judicial and administrative reform, minority rights, and refugee return.
With regard to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Commission reports on some progress in reforms and considers that the pace of reforms needs to be accelerated in key areas.
While noting progress in many areas, the Commission considers that the region as a whole needs to move forward in building modern democracies and developing a political culture of dialogue and tolerance. The Commission reports that Albania and Montenegro, which have signed Stabilisation and Association Agreements with the EU, have made progress in a number of areas but still face major challenges. Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to move ahead with reforms, in particular in governance and police reform. The Commission acknowledges that Serbia has the administrative capacity to make substantial progress towards realising its European perspective. However, there will need to be full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) before the Stabilisation and Association Agreement negotiated with the EU in recent months can be signed.
329 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in regard to discussions at EU level on the Cyprus issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31224/07]
The United Nations has the lead role in the search for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. The Government fully supports the leadership of the UN Secretary General in this important work, and we welcome the ongoing efforts of the Secretary General's Special Representative to Cyprus, Mr. Michael Moeller, to bring the two sides together to seek progress toward a political settlement.
On 8 July 2006, the UN Under Secretary General for Political Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Gambari, brokered an agreement between the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Tassos Papadopoulos, and Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat, representing the Turkish Cypriot community, on a set of principles, recognising that the status quo was unacceptable and that a comprehensive settlement was both desirable and possible. They agreed to begin immediately a two-track process involving discussions by committees of issues affecting the day-to-day life of the people and, concurrently, of substantive issues leading to a comprehensive settlement. However, these committees were not subsequently established, due to disagreements on their respective mandates and terms of reference. Following a hiatus, consultations at official level on these issues resumed at the end of January 2007, though so far without any breakthrough.
On 5 September, the Special Representative facilitated a meeting between President Papadopoulos and Mr. Talat, the first such encounter between the two leaders since last year. While regrettably no substantive progress was made on this occasion, we welcome the reopening of political dialogue which this meeting represents. Both sides have also recently sent submissions to the UN Secretary General, outlining new proposals to take the process forward. The Secretary General has not formally commented on these proposals as yet. We are encouraged that the two sides are continuing their contact through the UN, and remain hopeful that this dialogue may yet help to unblock the stalemate in the process.
Ireland will continue, through our Embassy in Nicosia and in contacts with the Embassies of Cyprus and Turkey in Dublin, to encourage both sides to renew their commitment to the negotiating process and the achievement of the objective of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal State through an honourable, balanced and durable settlement protecting and guaranteeing the basic interests and aspirations of all.
At EU level, proposals have been brought forward by the Commission to encourage the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community. At its meeting in January 2007, the Council of Ministers noted progress, in particular as regards the implementation of a financial aid regulation. The Council called for work to continue aimed at adopting a Regulation "on special conditions for trade with the areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control". The Commission's direct trade proposal has subsequently been the subject of discussion at working group level, but consensus has not yet been found on a way forward.
331 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed in the agricultural and industrial sectors at some of the recent EU developments in the context of the WTO; if he proposes to take action to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31226/07]
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr. Michéal Martin T.D., has overall responsibility for negotiations on the current global trade round taking place in the framework of the World Trade Organization. My Department works closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in developing and implementing policy aimed at ensuring that Ireland's interests are promoted and protected in the negotiations. It had been hoped that the negotiations would be largely concluded by the end of 2007. However, it is now certain that they will extend well into 2008.
Ireland fully supports a successful conclusion to the current round of WTO negotiations. I can assure the Deputy that the Taoiseach, my colleagues the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and myself avail of every opportunity to advance Ireland's interests in the negotiations. The Government will continue to press for an overall balanced outcome to the negotiations across the different strands, including agriculture, industrial goods and services. The Government will strongly oppose any proposal that places an unfair burden on agriculture. Ireland also attaches the highest importance to promoting the interests of the world's poorest countries in the negotiations.
332 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community is capable of positively contributing to an improvement in the situation in Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31227/07]
333 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has had discussions with EU or UN colleagues in the matter of the ongoing situation in Darfur; the degree to which it is expected the international community can make a positive impact on the situation there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31228/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 332 and 333 together.
Negotiations between the Government of Sudan and the Darfur rebel factions began on 27 October in Libya under joint AU/UN mediation. However, the start of this process was overshadowed by the absence of many of the principal rebel groups, which boycotted the talks. The UN and AU have sent representatives to Darfur and Juba to find and speak with the rebels who did not attend, and it is hoped that the talks will recommence in December. The unwillingness of the Government of Sudan to agree to the inclusion of specific and essential non-African personnel and capabilities is hampering the deployment of the UN/African Union hybrid force, UNAMID. Although there have been some improvements in recent months on humanitarian access in Darfur on foot of the UN/Government of Sudan Joint Communiqué agreed last March, the humanitarian situation is again becoming more difficult. Banditry, the fragmentation of the rebel groups and growing tensions within camps for Internally Displaced Persons are making the tasks of both peace negotiators and humanitarian agencies increasingly difficult.
Meanwhile, delays in the implementation of the north-south Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) have led to heightened tensions within the Government of National Unity, culminating in the withdrawal of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) from that Government in October. However, from my discussions with President Bashir, I am satisfied that the Sudanese Government remains committed to the CPA and has no wish to return to war with the south.
The European Union strategy in this troubled region has three dimensions – support for political processes to bring about peace, support for peace-keeping to allow peace to take hold and to improve security, and humanitarian and development aid to alleviate suffering and help build the foundations for sustainable development. On all of these tracks, we are working closely with the UN and with the African Union, both in Darfur and in southern Sudan. The situation in Darfur is regularly discussed at meetings of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, most recently in Brussels on 19 November. I also discussed the Darfur crisis when I met with UN Secretary General Ban in New York on 2 October. During my visit to Sudan earlier this month, I raised with the Sudanese government the need for full, effective and prompt deployment of UNAMID. I expressed Ireland's disappointment at the lack of progress in implementing the May 2006 Darfur Peace Agreement, and at the failure of many rebel groups to travel to Libya for the current talks. I also expressed my concern over difficulties with implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between north and south. I once again impressed upon the Sudanese Government the importance of humanitarian access to those in need of our help.
The will of all the parties involved – the Government of Sudan and all the different rebel groupings – is absolutely crucial to the success of our efforts. Bitter experience has shown that it is impossible to impose a sustainable peace from the outside. Ireland remains open to considering carefully targeted measures against any party standing in the way of a peaceful resolution of the situation in Darfur. However, we believe that ongoing efforts by the AU and UN to broker peace should be supported and given time to succeed.
Ireland and the European Union stand ready to assist in addressing some of the underlying causes of the conflict through targeted development assistance, once the conditions allow. Since 2006, Irish Aid has provided over €33 million in funding for humanitarian and development purposes in Sudan, including Darfur.
335 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the ten African countries which currently have an unacceptable human rights record; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31230/07]
I refer the deputy to my reply to Question No. 328 of 23rd October 2007, (below), which deals with all the issues raised in the question.
As has been made clear in reply to previous questions, it is not the policy of the Government to draw up any kind of "league table" of countries in relation to human rights abuses. Ireland closely monitors developments in the human rights situation throughout the world and where the situation warrants, we make known our concerns to the Governments in question, either bilaterally, through the EU, or through action at the UN General Assembly or the UN Human Rights Council.
The risk of human rights violations is of course greater where political, economic and administrative systems are weak. Development is essential to allow people the full enjoyment of their human rights, and Africa lies at the heart of Ireland's development co-operation programme. Irish Aid supports specific actions designed to promote human rights, including by strengthening government systems and in-country human rights institutions, in particular through legal training. Irish Aid has a specific focus on governance in several programme countries.
The link between security and human rights protection is a key concern in many parts of Africa. Where state authorities do not have the will or capacity to enforce the rule of law, people are extremely vulnerable to serious human rights violations, with little prospect of redress. Some of our most serious human rights concerns relate to countries which are currently suffering from conflict, or which have recently emerged from conflict, such as Sudan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sustained efforts are required to restore the kind of stability within which human rights can be protected. Ireland supports the work of the UN Peacebuilding Commission in this regard, as well as the considerable efforts of the European Union. On a national basis, Ireland also promotes security and stability in Africa through our active development aid programmes and through our participation in peacekeeping, most recently as part of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) from 2003-2007. Ireland's contribution to the planned ESDP mission to eastern Chad and the Central African Republic will help improve security for the many refugees and displaced people in that region.
The EU, in its political dialogue with African countries under Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement, regularly raises issues which arise in the development of democracy and the need for protection and promotion of human rights. The EU also pursues human rights issues when appropriate through the UN General Assembly and UN Human Rights Council. Ireland is fully associated with EU statements on human rights in these bodies. We actively supported the UN Human Rights Council's consensus resolution on Darfur, which was adopted in March 2007. Ireland and the EU have also made statements of concern about Zimbabwe at the Human Rights Council this year.
Together with our EU partners, Ireland has been a consistent and strong supporter of the International Criminal Court, recognising it as an essential means to combating impunity for the most serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. The Court's Prosecutor has opened investigations in relation to four situations, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, northern Uganda, the Central African Republic and the Darfur region of Sudan, and we will continue to monitor this work closely.
In addition to the United Nations and European Union, the African Union also has an important and growing role to play in the protection of human rights in Africa. The aims of the African Union include the promotion of peace, security, and democracy on the continent, as well as the promotion and protection of human rights, in accordance with the African Charter on Human and People's Rights. The emergence of African standards in this area is a very welcome development. The African Union is an important strategic partner for Ireland and the European Union and for the international community generally.
We will continue to proactively address human rights challenges in the course of our work in support of peace, security and development for all of the people of Africa.
336 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that development aid from Ireland is directed to those for whom it was intended and that adequate safety measures are in place to ensure this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31231/07]
The overriding objective of Ireland's overseas aid programme is to help the poorest and most vulnerable people in developing countries through assisting in bringing about positive and lasting change in their lives.
Across the development programme, strategies are devised in close consultation with national governments and other stakeholders to ensure that the support provided complements national poverty reduction plans and targets those most in need. These strategies include monitoring frameworks to ensure that our assistance is effective and that it is implemented for the benefit of those for whom it is intended.
Irish Aid has in place rigorous accounting and audit controls which are essential to ensuring a transparent, effective and high quality programme. Irish Aid programmes are regularly and intensively audited and evaluated by independent audit firms, by Irish Aid's Evaluation and Audit Unit and by the independent Audit Committee of the Department. Programmes are evaluated to ensure that funds are used for the purposes intended and in respect of outcomes and value for money.
I am satisfied that the methods used by Irish Aid in devising its strategies, combined with its audit and evaluation systems, serve to protect the funding provided in accordance with best international practice and highest standards in this area.
337 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the procedures in place to protect personal data within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31241/07]
All officials of my Department are bound by the provisions of the Official Secrets Act. In addition, on the day of their appointment, all officials of my Department are made aware of their responsibilities under the Data Protection Act. All data held in my Department, including personal data, is protected by both physical and technical safeguards. The provisions of the Data Protection Act are kept under regular review by my Department, to ensure our ongoing compliance. The categories of personal data retained by my Department are reviewed annually, to ensure that our obligation to register thesewith the Data Protection Commissioner is discharged.
338 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there is grant assistance available for a person who is considering setting up a business (details supplied). [30712/07]
My Department does not provide direct funding or grants to businesses but provides funding to a number of State Agencies, including the County and City Enterprise Boards, Enterprise Ireland and FÁS, through whom assistance is delivered directly to businesses.
The 35 County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) provide a source of support to small businesses with 10 employees or fewer. Subject to certain eligibility criteria new and developing enterprises may qualify for financial support from the CEBs in the form of feasibility, employment and capital grants. All of the CEBs operate to the same criteria in relation to the assistance which they can offer i.e. they can support the establishment and/or the development of enterprises provided that the projects, which should generally be in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector, have the capacity to achieve commercial viability and which over time may develop into strong exporting entities. In addition, the CEBs deliver a range of non-financial supports to improve management capability development within micro-enterprises designed to help new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently so as to last and grow.
Enterprise Ireland provides funding and expertise to companies with ten or more employees in the indigenous manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors who wish to expand through increased export activity. Through its network of 34 overseas offices, Enterprise Ireland assists client companies to create and implement successful strategies for market entry, development and growth.
EI Clients must be Irish owned, be a manufacturing or an internationally trading services enterprise or be an overseas company in the food, drink and timber sectors seeking assistance to locate in Ireland, must employ more than 10 people or be a high growth start-up according to criteria defined by the Board of EI. In addition Enterprise Ireland must be satisfied that the company will produce products for sale primarily in world markets; produce products of an advanced technological nature for supply to internationally trading or skilled sub-supply firms within the State; and produce products for sectors of the Irish market which are subject to international competition or is a service industry, as defined by relevant ministerial order. Enterprise Ireland may support the development of new and existing waste recovery/recycling firms, on the basis of demonstrated need, that produce value added raw materials or products for export. There should be a particular focus on R&D and technology development as well as management and skills development for this sector.
Should the person concerned wish to contact Enterprise Ireland in order to discuss the supports that may be available, subject to the qualifying criteria outlined above, they should contact the following Enterprise Ireland Executive; Mr. Gerry O'Brien, Enterprise Ireland, High Potential Start Up Business Unit, Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4, (Tel. No. 01-6092171).
Alternatively if the proposed project falls within the remit of the County and City Enterprise Boards I would suggest that the person concerned should make direct contact with their local CEB and explore what level of assistance, if any, may be available to them. Contact details for individual CEBs can be found by accessing the following website; www.enterpriseboards.ie.
339 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a decision will be made on an application for a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; the expected period of time it will take to complete the processing of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30736/07]
The Employment Permits Section has indicated that a work permit has issued in this case.
340 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review urgently the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who is legally here and who has applied for a work permit to his Department. [30515/07]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that the above named applicant's Spousal/Dependant Permit was issued recently in this case.
341 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of people as of 31 October 2007 who were employed in his Department; the number who were permanent employees; the number who were temporary staff; the number who were contracted staff; if he will provide comparative figures for 31 October 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [30611/07]
The following table identifies the number of permanent employees; the number of temporary staff and the number of contracted staff in my Department for the periods 31 October 2002 and 31 October 2007.
|
31st October 2002 |
31st October 2007 |
|
|
Permanent staff (Full time equivalents) |
1,065 |
992.12 |
|
Temporary staff |
24 |
15.00 |
|
Staff on contract |
16 |
25.00 |
342 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount spent by his Department in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 for air travel, business class flights and first class flights in tabular readable form. [30626/07]
The total amount spent by my Department on air travel for each year from 2004 to date is set out on the table below. The table also shows the amount charged to my Department for Business Class and First Class flights each year.
|
Year |
Total spent on air travel |
of which: |
|
|
Business Class |
First Class |
||
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2004 |
718,175.30 |
244,827 |
17,021 |
|
2005 |
555,004.52 |
148,232 |
9,683 |
|
2006 |
434,571.54 |
72,8340 |
|
|
2007 (to date) |
281,872.18 |
83,4690 |
The amount spent on air travel on the above table does not include the following: travel using the Government jet, the costs of which are borne by the Department of Defence; costs due to be refunded to the development agencies under the aegis of my Department in respect of travel organised by those agencies – this primarily relates to trips in 2007; travel fully paid for by international organisations and/or other authorities. Of the total on the table above, the following sums were refundable from international organisations such the European Commission:
|
Year |
Amount Refundable |
|
€ |
|
|
2004 |
277,622.06 |
|
2005 |
181,875.60 |
|
2006 |
114,963.98 |
|
2007 (to date) |
113,134.98 |
343 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount spent by his Department on couriered documents, registered post and standard post to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [30641/07]
My Department has spent the following amounts on couriered documents and registered / standard post to date in 2007:
|
€ |
|
|
Couriered Documents |
27,951.17 |
|
Registered Post/Standard Post * |
168,864.30 |
*It is not possible to disaggregate the amount spent on registered / standard post.
The above figures do not include any spending by the offices and agencies of my Department.
344 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the 10 largest bonus payments made to staff in his Department and each of its agencies in the past 12 months. [30656/07]
The scheme of performance-related awards in the civil service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. 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 report of the Committee for Performance Awards for 2006).
CEOs of Agencies under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are eligible to apply for a performance related bonus award of up to 20% of annual salary, as sanctioned by the Department of Finance in line with recommendations of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector Report No 42, 2007. At present the following agencies have a performance related bonus award scheme:
FÁS
Forfás
IDA
Enterprise Ireland
H.S.A.
Science Foundation Ireland
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.
345 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of civil servants in his Department who have transferred to other Government Departments or left the Civil Service in each of the past five years in tabular readable form. [30671/07]
The following table identifies the number of civil servants in my Department who transferred to other Government Departments and those who left the Civil Service in each of the past five years.
|
Year |
Transferred to other Government Departments |
Staff who left the Civil Service |
|
2002 |
10 |
9 |
|
2003 |
21 |
10 |
|
2004 |
43 |
27 |
|
2005 |
34 |
39 |
|
2006 |
41 |
38 |
346 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing that have been reported to his Department by Departmental staff since 1 January 2007. [30686/07]
As far as I am aware, there have been no allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing reported to my Department by any of my staff since 1 January 2007.
347 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he or his officials were first advised that a company (details supplied) had made a decision or were expected to make a decision to postpone indefinitely plans to build a new facility at Carrigtwohill in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30698/07]
349 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he was informed by the IDA that a company (details supplied) had made a decision or were expected to make a decision to postpone indefinitely plans to build a new facility at Carrigtwohill in County Cork. [30700/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 347 and 349 together.
I reported to the Dáil on 24th October last that I first learned of the indefinite postponement of the Amgen project by way of conference call with the Irish General Manager and the Executive Vice President of Operations of Amgen Inc. on the morning of 3rd of October 2007. The Secretary General of my Department, the Chairman and CEO of IDA Ireland were also present when the call was received.
This decision was made as a result of a review of the Company's own operations and is based purely on developments related to the company's global business. I have been assured by the Company that their decision does not reflect in any way on the business environment in this country.
348 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the SADC EPA region, in signing an interim goods-only free trade agreement has expressed that it wishes not to commit itself to future negotiations in services and investment which are not suitable to its economic, social and environmental development priorities (details supplied); if he will take the constructive proposals into account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30699/07]
At the Africa Caribbean Pacific (ACP)-EU Joint Council of Ministers in May of this year, all 6 ACP regions, together with the EU, reaffirmed their intention to conclude full EPAs (including provisions on services and investment) before the deadline of the 31st of December 2007. After that date the current trading arrangements under the Cotonou Agreement must end if the EU and our ACP partners are to meet our international obligations in the World Trade Organization.
However, some of the ACP regions have since indicated that it will be difficult for them to agree the terms of a full EPA by that deadline. In those cases, the EU is proposing to put in place new arrangements to deal with trade in goods after the 31st of December and to continue with negotiations for all other aspects of a full EPA into next year.
At the EU General Affairs Council of the 21st of November last, the Development Ministers considered the current state of the negotiations for EPAs and issued Conclusions. In those Conclusions, the Council noted the right of all ACP states and regions to determine the best policies for their development and acknowledged that the ambition for the scope of an EPA may differ from one region to another. The Council continues to support the inclusion of provisions on trade in services, investment and other trade related areas in EPAs, as it believes that such provisions fulfil the objectives of economic and trade cooperation as set out in the Cotonou Agreement and contribute to the release of the full development benefits of EPAs. As far as the negotiations of services provisions go, the Council has said clearly in the Conclusions that it supports a flexible and phased approach.
Ireland agrees that the negotiations must be conducted in a spirit of goodwill, flexibility and understanding. We have always said that any resulting agreements must be supportive of ACP countries development needs and their poverty reduction strategies. Accordingly, any proposal from an ACP region, such as the one from the SADC region, should be considered.
In the case of trade agreements such as the EPAs, it is the Commission who have the competence on behalf of the EU to negotiate, and not the individual Member States. As far as the SADC region is concerned, I understand from the Commission that it remains optimistic that agreement on an EPA can be reached with at least some of the countries in that region by the deadline of the 31st of December 2007.
350 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a verbal and implied written commitment cannot be given to a company (details supplied) in County Sligo in relation to the reimbursement of design fees and the possible redistribution of topsoil on IDA property that was not honoured despite the fact that this company paid full market for the site and are providing 25 extra jobs at cost to the IDA or to the Irish tax payer. [30794/07]
Under the Industrial Development Act of 1986, as amended by the Acts of 1993 and 1995, IDA Ireland has the power to acquire, hold and dispose of land and any other property or any interest therein for the purpose of facilitating an industrial undertaking. Only when the Agency intends to dispose of land, other than in accordance with facilitating an industrial undertaking, is the consent of the Minister of the day required.
Accordingly, the management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency, as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas, and, other than considering applications for consent, it is not a matter in which I have a function.
I have already written to the Deputy on this matter in reply to previous representations. In view of the request for additional information I have brought the Deputy's concerns to the attention of the Secretary of IDA Ireland and asked that he reply directly to the Deputy on the matter.
351 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a 15 year old non-Irish national is not entitled to a work permit, even though their parents are legally resident in this country and in view of the fact that a 15 year old Irish citizen is entitled to work; if he will review the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30943/07]
The Employment Permits Section has indicated that, in general, employment permits are only issued in respect of full-time positions and for persons over the age of 18. However, under the current Spousal/Dependant Permit Scheme the Employment Permits Section can consider applications in respect of eligible Dependants over the age of 16. This is in line with the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996, which stipulates that for regular employment a person must be over the age of 16.
352 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a work permit is expected to issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30953/07]
The Employment Permits Section has indicated that they received an application in respect of the above named on the 12/12/2006. This application cannot be considered until the applicant's immigration status has been resolved with the immigration authorities. However, in the event that her immigration status is resolved then the Employment Permits Section would look favourably on the work permit application.
353 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will be attending the Council of Ministers’ meeting on 5 December 2007 when the EU Agency Workers’ Directive will be decided on. [30972/07]
I intend to go to the Council of Ministers' meeting on 5th December which will consider the Amended proposal for a Directive of The European Parliament and Council on temporary agency work.
354 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the application of the competition legislation in the context of the dispute between the Health Service Executive and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union; if it was the intention of that legislation to prohibit negotiation between an employer and a representative organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30973/07]
I understand that both the Health Services Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health separately received legal advice on the interpretation and application of the Competition Act 2002. Section 4 of that Act prohibits anti-competitive practices, such as price fixing, by "undertakings". An "undertaking" is defined in the Act as "a person being an individual, a body corporate or an unincorporated body of persons engaged for gain in the production, supply, or distribution of goods or the provision of a service". This definition has been in use in Irish competition law for some time and is supported by EU case law. Section 4 mirrors Article 81 of the Treaty establishing the European Community.
Under the 2002 Act, the Competition Authority is the independent statutory body responsible for enforcing competition law. The Authority has previously found that self-employed persons are "undertakings" for the purposes of the 2002 Act, and as such collectively bargained agreements concluded by representative bodies on behalf of such persons are prohibited agreements under section 4. The Competition Act does not prohibit negotiations between an employer and a representative organisation when such a body is representing employees.
355 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the buildings occupied by his Department which are and which are not fully accessible to people with disabilities in tabular readable form. [31029/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the following tabular statement:
|
Address of Building |
Fully Accessible |
Not accessible |
|
23 Kildare Street, Dublin 2 |
Yes |
|
|
Davitt House, Dublin 2 |
Yes |
|
|
Earlsfort Centre, Dublin 2, Plans are in train for disability access in 2008 |
No |
|
|
Companies Registration Office, Parnell House, Dublin 1 |
Yes |
|
|
Office of The Director of Corporate Enforcement, 16 Parnell Square, Dublin 1 |
Yes |
|
|
Labour Relations Commission/Labour Court, Tom Johnson House, Dublin 4 |
Yes |
|
|
Patents Office, Government Buildings, Kilkenny |
Yes |
|
|
National Employment Rights Authority/Companies Registration Office, Carlow |
Yes |
356 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the cost of running his Department’s press office in each of the first three quarters of 2007 in tabular readable form. [31044/07]
The breakdown of the cost of running the press office (inclusive of salaries) of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for the first 3 quarters of 2007 are as follows:
|
2007 |
Total Cost |
|
€ |
|
|
1st Quarter |
72,389.05 |
|
2nd Quarter |
100,578.63 |
|
3rd Quarter |
74,893.67 |
357 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the websites that are run by his Department and each of its agencies; the date on which each became live; if the sites are kept updated; the cost of each site to the State to date; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [31059/07]
The websites run by my Department are set out on the following tabular statement.
In relation to websites run by the agencies, these websites are a vital tool for all agencies in providing information to their clients and to the wider public. The establishment and running of such sites is a day-to-day operational matter for the agencies concerned and one in which I have no function.
|
Address of Website |
Date website became live |
Are sites kept updated |
Cost of each site to the State |
Comments |
|
€ |
||||
|
www.entemp.ie |
Operational since 1998 |
Yes |
195,131.69 |
|
|
www.lrc.ie |
January 1999 |
Yes |
52,373 |
Figure relates to 2004 total redesign of website & hosting and maintenance charge since 2001 |
|
www.esf.ie |
2002 |
Yes. Updated in 2004. Currently being updated. |
22,500 |
|
|
www.equal-ci.ie |
July 2001 |
Yes |
21,858.00 |
Total cost 43,717.08 but 50% paid for by ESF |
|
www.ideasbank-equal.info |
January 2006 |
Yes |
1,500 |
Total cost 3,000 but 50% paid for by ESF |
|
www.basis.ie |
May, 2001 |
Yes |
3.6 million |
Includes all expenditure to date on the development, maintenance, hosting, advertising, updating, and staff costs (from 2000 to 2005 when funded by the Information Society Fund) |
|
www.patentsoffice.ie |
December, 1998 |
Yes |
492,961 |
Includes all expenditure to date on hardware, development, maintenance and updating; of which the Information Society Fund contributed 334,393 for the following specific services: Online Payments of Renewal Fees Online Access to Official Registers Online Database Searching Online Journal Searching, Browsing and Downloading |
|
www.labourcout.ie |
May, 2001 |
Yes |
19,000 p.a. |
|
|
www.worklifebalance.ie |
March 2001 |
Yes |
22.497.94 |
Total cost 49,654.68. (27,156.74 of this was paid out of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform’s Equality for Women Measure until the expenditure was transferred to this Department Vote in late 2003). |
|
Employment Appeals Tribunalwww. eatribunal.ie |
April 2006 |
Yes |
88,387.11 |
|
Address of Website |
Date website became live |
Are sites kept updated |
Cost of each site to the State |
Comments |
|
The National Employment Rights Agency (NERA) website will be www.employmentrights.ie. It is currently under construction. |
At the moment there is a single live page at the above address with links to the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment site. |
It will be updated when it is launched. Dedicated staff member has been assigned for this purpose. |
52,285.10 |
|
|
www.cro.ie |
Current Website October 2003 |
Yes |
239,681 |
In addition to www.cro.ie, the CRO operates www.core.ie which is a document processing environment and communications mechanism. The cost of “CORE” cannot be easily identified as it is an integral part of the CRO’s overall computer system. |
|
www.odce.ie |
Current Website February 2007 |
Yes |
54,086 |
|
|
ww.odca.ie |
1999-2000 |
Details not available |
www.odca.ie has been operational for a number of years but has now been replaced by the website of the National Consumer Agency www.consumerconnect.ie, except for a public register of credit intermediaries. Work is progressing on redeveloping this register and transferring it to www.consumerconnect.ie, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks. At that stage the website www.odca.ie will be closed. www.odca.ie cost in the region of 2,000 per annum. |
|
|
www.clrg.org |
Current Website1st November 2001 |
Yes |
141,965 |
358 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has worked here with a valid work authorisation visa since 2003 must now apply for a green card in order to continue to remain and work in the country. [31072/07]
The Employment Permits Section has indicated that the issue of any renewal permit, including a Work Authorisation, can only be considered when it transpires that the foreign national concerned worked for the full term of the existing permit. If there is any break in employment then this constitutes a new application.
I understand that a new Green Card Permit issued in respect of the above named on the 5th September 2007.
359 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the organisations or authorities operating within his Department’s policy area, set up by statute or statutory instrument, for which he does not have official responsibility to Dáil Éireann. [31112/07]
My Department has a very broad remit with many Offices of the Department, as well as Agencies, charged with carrying out their specific remit as well as acting in an advisory role.
In general, I am accountable to Dáil Éireann in respect of the legislative basis and policy framework for these Bodies. However, I am not accountable for their "day-to-day" operational activities.
These Offices and Agencies are listed as follows:
Offices:
Companies Registration Office (CRO)
Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT)
Labour Relations Commission (LRC)
Labour Court
National Employment Rights Authority (NERA)
Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE)
Patents Office
Registrar of Friendly Societies (RFS)
Agencies:
Competition Authority
Enterprise Ireland (EI)
FÁS
Forfás
Health and Safety Authority (HSA)
IDA Ireland
InterTradeIreland
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA)
National Consumer Agency (NCA)
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)
Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB)
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)
Shannon Development
35 County & City Enterprise Boards (CEBs)
360 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the procedures in place to protect personal data within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31238/07]
The procedures followed are in compliance with the Data Protection Act, and include technical safeguards in respect of personal data. To date my Department has assigned responsibility to thirteen Data Controllers who are responsible for all aspects of personal information held in my Department. These appointments are reviewed annually to ensure that all existing and new areas of work within my Department are registered with the Data Protection Commissioner.
On 13 November 2007 an Office Notice setting out the main provisions of the Official Secrets Act, the Data Protection Acts and the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour issued to all staff in my Department.
361 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the public swimming pool programme has been reinstated; if applications received in his Department are being dealt with at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30846/07]
Under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, which is administered by my Department, grant aid is provided to local authorities towards the capital costs of a new or replacement public swimming pool or the refurbishment of an existing pool provided by local authorities themselves or by other bodies where the application for capital funding is supported by the local authority. Under the Programme, a local authority undertakes four stages in developing a swimming pool project. These, in order of progress, are: Feasibility Study/ Preliminary Report; Contract Documents; Tender and Construction. Local authorities may not proceed to the next stage of a project until prior approval issues from my Department. Grant aid is formally allocated when the tender is approved. The Department's technical advisors, the Office of Public Works (OPW), evaluates each stage.
The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme closed to new applications on 31 July 2000 and the priority since then is to continue to support those projects remaining within the programme. Of the 57 projects within the current round, 43 projects have been formally allocated grant aid, of which 29 have been completed and 14 are under construction or about to start construction. 3 projects are out to tender and the remaining 11 are at earlier stages in the process.
My Department is completing a Value for Money and Policy Review Report of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme at present. The Report is examining, among other things, how the programme has worked to date and what changes, if any, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. Thereafter, following consideration of the recommendations in the Report, it is my intention to launch a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. When the programme is re-opened, it will be open to all local authorities to submit applications under the terms that will apply.
362 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of people as of 31 October 2007 who were employed in his Department; the number who were permanent employees; the number who were temporary staff; the number who were contracted staff; if he will provide comparative figures for 31 October 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [30606/07]
As my Department was only established in June 2002 and its final complement of staff was not in place until the end of that year, it is not possible to make a meaningful comparison with the numbers of people serving at 31 October 2002. To facilitate a more realistic comparison, I am comparing numbers at 31 October 2007 with those at 31 December 2002 in respect of the Department including the National Archives. The National Museum of Ireland and the National Library of Ireland which were part of the Department in 2002 were established as separate corporate bodies in the meantime.
|
Date |
Total Staff Serving |
Total Contract & Temporary |
|
31 December 2002 |
175.00 |
6 |
|
31 October 2007 |
177.22 |
6 |
363 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount spent by his Department in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 for air travel, business class flights and first class flights in tabular readable form. [30621/07]
The following table sets out the expenditure incurred by my Department since 2004 on air travel as requested by the Deputy:
|
Total |
Business Class |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
2004 |
275,234 |
134,623 |
|
2005 |
87,733 |
29,366 |
|
2006 |
74,546 |
9,575 |
|
2007 |
67,622 |
18,037 |
In relation to the breakdown between business and first class costs, my Department does not retain details on the class of travel undertaken. However, my Department's contracted air travel services supplier has provided the breakdown outlined above, although only in respect of the amounts which they invoiced to the Department. Such a breakdown would not include expenditure associated with occasions when travel arrangements were made other than through the Department's air travel services supplier such as individual staff members arranging their own travel; travel costs incurred by third parties; or where travel is arranged by the Department of Foreign Affairs or one of my Department's agencies. In all such cases, the Department reimburses the individual/body concerned.
364 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount spent by his Department on couriered documents, registered post and standard post to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [30636/07]
The amount spent by my Department on couriered documents, registered post and standard post to date in 2007 is as follows:
|
Service |
Spent to date in 2007 |
|
€ |
|
|
Couriered Documents |
20,115 |
|
Registered Post |
110 |
|
Standard Post |
27,310 |
365 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the ten largest bonus payments made to staff in his Department and each of its agencies in the past 12 months. [30651/07]
The scheme of performance-related awards in the civil service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades only.
On the basis that the awards are confidential to the officer concerned details of individual awards are not disclosed nor is the total amount awarded under the scheme made known in respect of Departments where there are less than 5 officers covered by the scheme which would allow them to be identified, which is the case in my Department. 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.
The payment of performance related awards to staff in agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the relevant agency.
366 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of civil servants in his Department who have transferred to other Government Departments or left the Civil Service in each of the past five years in tabular readable form. [30666/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table in respect of positions in the Department including the National Archives and including the National Museum of Ireland and National Library of Ireland prior to their establishment as corporate bodies in May 2005:
|
Year |
Staff who transferred to other Departments |
Staff who left the Civil Service |
|
2002 (from September) |
2 |
10 |
|
2003 |
3 |
27 |
|
2004 |
7 |
32 |
|
2005 |
9 |
12 |
|
2006 |
50 |
3 |
|
2007 |
25 |
30 |
367 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing that have been reported to his Department by departmental staff since 1 January 2007. [30681/07]
There have been no allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing reported in my Department by Departmental staff since 1 January 2007.
368 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding funding to a club (details supplied) in County Dublin as this club urgently needs refurbishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30734/07]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, grants are allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.
The organisation in question was allocated grants totalling €100,000 in 2006 and 2007. The 2006 grant allocation of €50,000, which was allocated towards surface replacement, has all been drawn down bar the retention amount of €2,500 which will be paid upon receipt of proof of completion of the project. The 2007 grant allocation of €50,000, towards gym equipment, has been formally approved and my Department is awaiting further documentation in order to process the payment.
The date of the next round of the Programme has not yet been decided. As in previous years, advertisements announcing the next round of the Programme will be placed in the national press.
It will be open to the club, should they have a project which satisfies the Terms and Conditions of the Programme, to submit an application at that time.
369 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on whether the removal of the refund of excise duty on fuel used in passenger transport services will cause hardship for the tourism industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30817/07]
Questions in relation to excise duty are matters for my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Mr Brian Cowen TD, in the first instance.
I understand that the Department of Finance, in conjunction with other relevant Departments including my Department, is exploring alternative non-tax support mechanisms that could be put in place, where appropriate, to maintain the assistance currently being provided, subject of course to compatibility with EU State Aid requirements.
Obviously, pressures on costs affecting tourists or tourism-related businesses, including pressures caused by the removal of reliefs, could lead to further pressure on the competitiveness of Ireland's tourism industry, which operates in a highly competitive marketplace.
I understand that the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, has previously advised the House that, in the interim, the reduced rates applicable to fuel used will be maintained.
370 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism further to previous parliamentary questions which were not completely answered, the budgets, members and staff of all the boards, bodies, authorities, agencies and quangos under the remit of his Department from 1997 to 2007. [30852/07]
The information sought by the Deputy in respect of the organisations under the remit of my Department since its establishment in mid 2002 is set out in the following table, with the exception of the budgetary information. This is set out in my Department's Estimates, which are published annually as part of the Estimates Volumes.
|
Name |
Date of Establishment |
Number of Board Members |
Authorised Staff Numbers |
|
Arts Council |
1951 |
13 |
49 |
|
Bord Scannán na hÉireann |
The Irish Film Board was established under the Irish Film Board Act 1980 |
7 |
16 |
|
Culture Ireland |
2005 |
13 |
5 |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
Originally established in 1877. Established on a statutory basis in 2005 |
16 |
184 |
|
National Library of Ireland |
Originally established in 1877. Established on a statutory basis in 2005 |
12 |
109 |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
1854 |
17 |
129 |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
1990 |
15 |
67 |
|
Crawford Gallery Cork |
2006 |
16 |
14 |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
1969 |
11 |
34 |
|
National Concert Hall |
1981 |
15 |
71 |
|
Irish Manuscripts Commission |
1928 |
20 |
1 |
|
National Archive Advisory Council |
1986 |
12 |
— |
|
Irish Sports Council |
1999 |
11 |
30 |
|
Horse Racing Ireland |
2001 |
14 |
157 (+615 part-time staff) |
|
Bord na gCon |
1958 |
7 |
137 (+532 part-time staff) |
|
National Sports Campus Development Authority |
2007 |
13 |
4.5 |
|
Fáilte Ireland (National Tourism Development Authority) |
2006 |
13 |
419 |
|
Tourism Ireland (North/South Body) |
2000 |
12 |
156 |
|
Shannon Development (Tourism Division) |
1959 |
* |
31 |
*Directors appointed by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
371 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the buildings occupied by his Department which are and which are not fully accessible to people with disabilities in tabular readable form. [31024/07]
There are currently three buildings occupied by my Department, two of which are located in Dublin at Kildare Street and South Frederick Street. Both of these buildings are fully accessible to people with disabilities.
Staff in my Department also occupy offices in temporary accommodation at Fossa in County Kerry. With the exception of a small number of offices located on the first floor, the majority of staff are located in a large open plan office at ground floor level, which is accessible to people with disabilities.
My Department is in the process of decentralising to Killarney, County Kerry. Construction is currently underway on a new headquarters in Killarney, which will be fully accessible to people with disabilities and is expected to be completed by the end of 2008.
372 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the cost of running his Department’s press office in each of the first three quarters of 2007 in tabular readable form. [31039/07]
The direct cost of running my Department's Press Office in each of the first three quarters of 2007, including salary costs, is set out in the following table:
|
Period |
Total |
|
€ |
|
|
Quarter 1 |
59,590 |
|
Quarter 2 |
59,580 |
|
Quarter 3 |
76,990 |
373 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the websites that are run by his Department and each of its agencies; the date on which each became live; if the sites are kept updated; the cost of each site to the State to date; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [31054/07]
Apart from its own website, my Department also hosts a website for Culture Ireland and a temporary one for the Sea Stallion Viking Longship project. In addition, the National Archives, which is part of my Department, also has a website. The information requested by the Deputy in relation to these sites, in tabular format as requested, is as follows:
|
Website |
Address |
Date ‘live’ |
Updated |
Estimated cost to date |
|
€ |
||||
|
Department |
www.dast.gov.ie |
June 2002 |
Yes |
36,693* |
|
Culture Ireland |
www.cultureireland.gov.ie |
June 2006 |
Yes |
44,382 |
|
Sea Stallion |
www.seastallion.ie |
May 2007 |
Yes |
220* |
|
National Archives |
www.nationalarchives.ie |
1995 |
Yes |
57,629 |
*Exclusive of cost of time of Department officials.
The websites of the statutory agencies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for those agencies themselves.
374 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the closing date for local groups to apply for funding from the national lottery. [31081/07]
The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.
The date of the next round of the Programme has not yet been decided. As in previous years, advertisements announcing the next round of the Programme will be placed in the national press and application forms will be available at that stage.
375 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the organisations or authorities operating within his Department’s policy area, set up by statute or statutory instrument, for which he does not have official responsibility to Dáil Éireann. [31107/07]
As Minister, I have overall responsibility for the formulation of national policy in the areas of Arts, Sport and Tourism and, through my Department, for monitoring its implementation. The statutory bodies under the aegis of my Department which have responsibility for the execution of policy are listed in my Department's Statement of Strategy 2005-2007 and Annual Reports which are available on my Department's website. In accordance with long established practice, I do not answer Parliamentary questions relating to the day to day activities of the agencies in question.
Exchequer funding for these bodies is provided through the voted expenditure of my Department as set out in the Book of Estimates each year and I attend at the meeting of the Select Committee at which the Estimates are considered. Each statutory agency is responsible for complying with normal financial procedures in relation to the disbursement of funds allocated to it.
All the funds discharged through my Department's Vote are monitored and controlled in accordance with public financial procedures established by the Department of Finance. The accounts of my Department and the State agencies under its aegis are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General and together with his report are laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
In addition, the Secretary General of my Department and the chief executives of the State bodies under its aegis are subject to examination by the Public Accounts Committee.
376 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the procedures in place to protect personal data within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31233/07]
A range of measures are in place, including login and password security, to ensure that access to personal data held in electronic format is limited only to those staff authorised to carry out duties in relation to such data. This access control is underpinned by Departmental policies and procedures relating to the use of IT facilities.
My Department's Information Technology systems are protected by security software facilities to prevent unauthorised access or interference from outside of the Department such as ‘firewall' protection systems and the setting of password protection both to access the network as a user and to access distinct software packages available on the network. There is also comprehensive protection against computer viruses and so-called ‘spam' emailing.
Security measures, including key card security, are in place to ensure that personal data held in hard copy format on my Department's premises is not accessible by unauthorised persons.
Where my Department has a shared service agreement with the Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform for payment of staff salaries contractual arrangements are in place to ensure that the integrity, confidentiality and security of all data is maintained and that personal data is fully protected and access strictly limited.
My Department's deciding officers under the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003 are trained, inter alia, in relation to the treatment of personal data for the purpose of the legislation.
377 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of money spent on social insurance and social assistance to date in 2007; the expected amount for the full year in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30548/07]
378 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number and amount of payments attributed to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30549/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 377 and 378 together.
At the end of September, the latest month for which full expenditure data is available, the amount spent on social insurance based income supports was €5,318 million. The figure for social assistance payments was €5,975 million. The corresponding amounts for the full year in 2007 are expected to be €7,202 million and €8,219 million, respectively.
The total number of scheme payments made to the end of September, 2007 is 48.1 million.
My Department makes in excess of 67 million payment transactions annually to some 1.7 million customers covering all payment schemes. A range of payment methods are used including:
i.by cheque by post to the customer's address;
ii.by Electronic Information Transfer (EIT) by means of swipe card at a Post Office nominated by the customer,
iii.by means of a book of Personalised Payable Orders (PPO) also at a Post Office nominated by the customer or
iv.by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) direct to the customer's account in a financial institution.
379 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the status of the roll-out of the new overpayments and debt management scheme; when he expects it to be operational across his full Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30550/07]
The overall goal of my Department's Debt Management Strategy is to actively pursue the recovery of debt to maximise recovery levels, with due regard to value for money and with particular emphasis on recovery from people no longer dependant on welfare payments. The objectives of the strategy are:
To maximise the recovery of overpayments
To efficiently record, report and monitor the occurrence and recovery of overpayments
To fulfil statutory, accounting and reporting obligations
To conduct overpayment and debt management as efficiently as possible
One of the key elements to the strategy is the introduction of the Overpayment and Debt Management (ODM) computer system which will record all overpayments and debt recovery data and allow for timely and efficient management of debt.
The new ODM system is now in operation in the Department's headquarter buildings in Dublin, Letterkenny, Longford and Sligo and is being rolled out on a phased basis to the remainder of the Department. It is expected that all areas will be using the new system by mid 2008.
The debt management strategy is based on having a clear policy on overpayments and debt management in the Department and making the organisational and procedural changes necessary to support this. Guidelines setting out debt management procedures and defining the responsibilities of areas in relation to debt management and debt management procedures are currently being finalised. These will issue shortly to ensure consistency across the Department in the process of debt recovery.
380 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people as of 31 October 2007 who were employed in his Department; the number who were permanent employees; the number who were temporary staff; the number who were contracted staff; if he will provide comparative figures for 31 October 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [30617/07]
The following table outlines the number of full-time equivalent posts occupied in this Department on 31 October 2007 and 31 October 2002.
|
Description |
Posts occupied at 31 Oct 2007 |
Posts occupied 31 Oct 2002 |
|
Permanent |
4,393 |
4,445 |
|
Temporary |
122 |
58 |
|
Contract |
0 |
0 |
381 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount spent by his Department in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 for air travel, business class flights and first class flights in tabular readable form. [30632/07]
The expenditure incurred by my Department on air fares for the period 2004 to 2007 is set out in the following table. Details of individual flight classes are not recorded separately. As a general principle, it is the policy of my Department that staff travel on economy class tickets. Business class tickets are generally only purchased in respect of long haul flights. First class travel may only be availed of by the Minister on long haul flights and his accompanying spouse or partner and Private Secretary or Advisor.
|
Year |
Total Expenditure |
|
€ |
|
|
2004 |
54,646 |
|
2005 |
77,547 |
|
2006 |
79,972 |
|
2007 (to date) |
59,371 |
382 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount spent by his Department on couriered documents, registered post and standard post to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [30647/07]
Meeting the needs of an ever increasing and diverse customer base involves a considerable level of interaction between our staff and the public, whether by post, in person, by phone etc and with their representatives.
Our income support work impacts on the lives of almost every person in the State. The bulk of our activity is in the delivery of direct services to the public (over 1 million people each week claim a social welfare payment) and, when their dependents are included, a total of more than 1.5 million people benefit from weekly payments.
The Department administers some 50 separate welfare schemes and services. In any given year we process nearly 1.9 million application forms, receive some 6.5 million phone calls and issue 68 million payments. The Department publishes 87 information booklets/leaflets and a wide range of forms.
In that context the amount spent by my Department on couriered documents, registered post and standard post to end October 2007 (latest date for which information is available) is set out in the following tabular statement.
It has not been possible to separately identify registered post costs. Consequently a total amount has been included for both registered and standard post.
|
€ |
|
|
Couriered Documents |
135,552.37 |
|
Registered & Standard Post |
6,837,342.00 |
|
Total |
6,972,894.37 |
383 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the ten largest bonus payments made to staff in his Department and each of its agencies in the past 12 months. [30662/07]
It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the schemes of performance awards in accordance with the recommendations of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Service (Report No. 38).
The scheme of performance-related awards in the civil service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries. A similar scheme applies in respect of the Chief Executives of non-commercial State-sponsored bodies. 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. How ever, I can say that during 2007 6 officers in my Department received awards totalling €89,000 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
384 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil servants in his Department who have transferred to other Government Departments or left the Civil Service in each of the past five years in tabular readable form. [30677/07]
The following table outlines the number of Civil Servants who have transferred to other Government Departments or left the Civil Service in the past five years (This data excludes officers recruited on a temporary basis).
|
Year |
Transferred to other Government Departments |
Left the Civil Service |
|
2003 |
84 |
115 |
|
2004 |
158 |
105 |
|
2005 |
86 |
72 |
|
2006 |
172 |
125 |
|
2007 (to end Oct) |
121 |
103 |
385 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing that have been reported to his Department by departmental staff since 1 January 2007. [30692/07]
There have been no allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing reported in my Department by Departmental staff since 1 January 2007.
386 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will change the rule whereby a person who is either laid off work or who is out of work due to illness cannot get any benefit for the first three days of the claim; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship this sometimes causes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30728/07]
Waiting days have been a feature of the illness benefit and jobseekers payment schemes since their inception and are a feature of similar social security schemes in many countries. The application of a three-day waiting period avoids the disproportionately high administrative costs involved in processing large numbers of claims of a very short duration.
The waiting day rule is not applied in every case. Where a person is subject to intermittent spells of unemployment it would clearly be unreasonable to impose the three waiting days for each such jobseekers benefit claim.
In the case of illness benefit and jobseekers benefit, spells of unemployment are aggregated so that the waiting period is confined to the first three days of the aggregate period of interruption of employment subject to falling within rules governing linking. Linking rules provide that any two periods of unemployment, not separated by more than 26 weeks, are treated as one such period and payment may be made from the first day of the later claim. The same principle applies in the case of jobseekers allowance but the linking period is 52 weeks instead of 26 weeks.
In addition, linking rules apply in a variety of ways across schemes, e.g. where a person claims illness benefit immediately following an unemployment benefit claim. I would emphasise that people who need financial support are not left without such support during waiting days. A person who has no other income may claim supplementary welfare allowance in respect of the days in question.
387 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason jobseekers allowance is being refused to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this person has made every effort to seek employment. [30782/07]
388 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if officials in his Department are aware of employment for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if so, if they will identify a place where this person can get work as they have been unable to gain employment despite being actively and genuinely seeking work. [30783/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 387 and 388 together.
A Deciding Officer disallowed the jobseekers allowance claim of the person concerned from 4 October 2007, on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking employment. The Deciding Officer took the view that he had failed to produce sufficient evidence on the basis that he produced one letter from an employer who was not in a position to offer employment. The person concerned has now appealed this decision.
In making a decision on a jobseekers claim, a Deciding Officer will take all relevant factors into account, including the level of job opportunities available and the person's availability for and their efforts to find work. The onus is on the customer to prove to the satisfaction of the Deciding Officer that he or she satisfies the conditions for receipt of payment, including that he or she is genuinely seeking full-time work on a consistent and ongoing basis. Deciding Officers do not refer claimants to specific employment opportunities, nor could their decisions be conditional on them being in a position to do so.
389 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will award the bereavement grant to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30814/07]
The Bereavement Grant is a payment designed to assist families in dealing with death and funeral expenses. It is a scheme that relates specifically to those who have made PRSI contributions and is payable on the death of an insured person, his/her spouse and dependent children under age 18 or under age 22 if in full-time education.
In order to qualify for the bereavement grant the deceased must have:
a total of 156 PRSI contributions paid since entry into insurable employment, or
at least 26 PRSI contributions paid since entry into insurable employment and 39 PRSI contributions paid or credited in the Relevant Tax year.
Unfortunately the deceased person in this case does not satisfy the PRSI contribution conditions to qualify for bereavement grant.
Where there are insufficient PRSI contributions to qualify for bereavement grant a person may receive assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Under this arrangement, the local Community Welfare Officer may make a single payment to help meet exceptional expenditure, for example, for funeral expenses, which a family could not reasonably be expected to meet from their own resources.
390 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of personal advocates recruited to date; the way this compares with the overall target; and when he expects this target to be met. [30828/07]
The development of personal advocacy services is a priority for my Department and in this regard additional funding of €1.9m has been provided for the Citizens Information Board in 2007 for the development of an advocacy service for people with disabilities and for the implementation of the Disability Sectoral Plan.
Initially, the Personal Advocacy Service will be located in Dublin. When the service is well established, it is anticipated that advocates will be located in a number of key highly populated areas around the country. However, it is not possible at this stage to give estimates of the number of advocates to be employed.
An organisational structure has been developed by the Citizens Information Board to meet the needs of the Personal Advocacy Service. Discussions between my Department, the Department of Finance and the Citizens Information Board are ongoing in relation to these structures and the additional staffing resources required for the service. Temporary accommodation has been identified to facilitate the immediate needs of the service.
It is envisaged that the post of Director of the Personal Advocacy Service will be advertised shortly. The service will commence when the Director is appointed and the appropriate structures have been put in place. The establishment of the new service is on target to be up and running in the early part of 2008.
391 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will authorise the payment of a disability benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois. [30829/07]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal from the person concerned was received on 25th September 2007 and has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of my Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
392 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the proposed increases in maternity benefit will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30859/07]
Maternity Benefit is an income maintenance payment awarded by this Department to eligible women for a 26-week period on foot of a confinement. Entitlement to this benefit for employees is contingent on entitlement to statutory Maternity Leave.
The right to Maternity Leave is established under the Maternity Protection Act, 1994 — legislation which is the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Any changes to current Maternity Leave provisions are a matter for him to consider in the first instance — and entitlement to Maternity Benefit would normally follow suit.
Under the provisions of social welfare legislation, the 26-week period of core statutory Maternity Leave attracts a payment from my Department — subject to certain social insurance contribution conditions being fulfilled. Maternity Leave legislation also provides an option for a woman to take an additional 16-week period of Maternity Leave that does not attract a benefit payment.
With regards to the potential expansion of maternity leave and benefit arrangements, the scheme has experienced significant improvements, notably in the last few years, in terms of both the duration of the payment and the level at which it is paid. Budget 2006 provided for Maternity Leave — and thus Maternity Benefit payments — to be extended from 18 to 22 weeks. A further 4-week extension was implemented in the aftermath of Budget 2007 — bringing the total period of paid Maternity Leave and Maternity Benefit to the current level of 26 weeks.
In terms of the level of payment, in 2000, the rate payable was the equivalent of €219.41 per week over 14 weeks — or €3,071 for the duration. Maternity Benefit is now paid at a weekly rate of €280 over 26 weeks — or €7,280 for the duration.
Under the Maternity Leave (Amendment) Act, 2004, further changes have been made to the Maternity Benefit scheme. The period of leave that must be taken before the end of the week during which the baby is due has been reduced from 4 to 2 weeks. Also, the final 4 weeks of Maternity Benefit can now be postponed in the event of a child being hospitalised.
It should be noted that the recently agreed Programme for Government contains the following commitment in relation to ‘Giving Parents More Time with Their Children':
"Over the next five years we will:
Increase paid maternity leave by five weeks and make all leave after the first 26 weeks available to either parent".
Progression of this commitment is a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in the first instance.
393 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on increasing the income threshold for persons in receipt of disability allowance to enable them to work more than the recommended guideline of 20 hours per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30863/07]
The income disregard for Disability Allowance does not contain any recommended guidelines on the number of hours of employment that can be availed of but instead operates so as to encourage the maximising of overall income that can be earned from the combination of disability allowance and employment.
As of June 1, 2006, the income disregard operates on the basis of a tapered withdrawal rate between €120 and €350. This means that all income up to €120 is disregarded as means when assessing entitlement, while income between €120 and €350 is assessed on the basis of 50 cents for every euro earned. The effect of this tapered withdrawal rate is that a single person can earn up to €420 per week before their Disability Allowance fully ceases.
Prior to the introduction of the tapered withdrawal, a flat income limit of €120 was in place meaning that once a person exceeded earnings of €120 per week, payment of their Disability Allowance was withdrawn on a euro for euro basis. However, this approach ensured there was no incentive to increase earnings above €120 and, therefore, was in conflict with one of the underlying policy principles relating to incentives to work, i.e. that there must be a reward for working. A review published by the Department of Social and Family Affairs in 2004 of the Illness and Disability Payment Schemes suggested that continually increasing the income disregard level is not the most appropriate answer to the disincentive problem
Instead, that Review favoured introducing a mechanism which would allow for the gradual reduction of social welfare benefits as earnings increase, thereby allowing people who increase their earnings or employment potential to see an increase in the overall income level. This approach benefits those in employment, irrespective of the hours worked or hourly rate earned. It was in this context that the tapered withdrawal rate was introduced in 2006 and has, thus far, resulted in a 30 per cent increase in the number of people availing of the disregard for earnings from rehabilitative employment.
394 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of deposits provided by community welfare officers to rent supplement claimants in each of the past three years; the value of deposits in each year; the way in which community welfare officers make payments to claimants; and the procedures in place to recover deposits when the tenancy ends and to prevent double payments when the claimant moves to another tenancy. [30913/07]
Statistics requested by the Deputy on rent deposits over the last 3 years are set out in the table attached.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential once-off cost, such as a payment of a rent deposit, which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment and each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case and at the discretion of the Community Welfare Officer (CWO). Such payments are confined to occurrences which the Executive considers to be unexpected, unforeseen or exceptional.
Rent deposits are usually paid to the tenant by cheque. If the landlord or tenant terminates the tenancy the tenant can use the returned deposit to secure a new tenancy. If a tenant has a legitimate grievance in relation to the refund of a rent deposit which they have paid to their landlord, they may apply to the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) to have their dispute resolved through the board's dispute resolution process.
In certain circumstances and with the permission of the tenant, payment can be made directly to the landlord. In such circumstances the CWO may make arrangements with the landlord to return the rent deposit to the Executive.
Every effort is made to ensure that payments of rent deposits are only made once by checking my department's computer systems to see if any previous deposit had been paid. In general multiple rent deposits are not paid to the same person. However, CWOs have discretion in this regard, in particular in instances of potential homelessness.
|
Year |
Number |
Amount |
|
€m |
||
|
2004 |
9,930 |
5.04 |
|
2005 |
10,757 |
5.84 |
|
2006 |
8,870 |
4.74 |
|
2007 (to 31st Oct) |
6,737 |
3.66 |
395 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there are plans within his Department to re-examine the allowance for the household package for old age pensioners; his views on splitting that allowance up for 75% towards gas costs and 25% towards electricity costs as supported by a large number of old age pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30998/07]
The household benefits package, which comprises the electricity/gas allowance, telephone allowance and free television licence schemes, is generally available to people living in the State, aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. The package is also available to carers and people with disabilities under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. Widows and widowers aged from 60 to 65 whose late spouses had been in receipt of the household benefit package or free travel retain that entitlement. This measure is in place to ensure that households who have this entitlement do not lose it on the death of a spouse. People aged over 70 years of age can qualify for the household benefits package regardless of their income or household composition. Those aged under 70 must live alone or only with certain excepted people in order to qualify.
In order to provide further assistance to recipients of the household benefits package the number of units of electricity covered by the scheme was increased from 1,800 to 2,400 with effect from January 2007. An equivalent increase in the natural gas allowance had already come into effect in October 2006. These allowances continue to also cover standing charges and the associated VAT.
In addition to the electricity and gas allowance, my Department also operates the national fuel scheme the aim of which is to assist householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. Fuel allowances are paid for 29 weeks from end-September to mid-April and can be used to pay for any form of heating fuel. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses.
A number of improvements have been made to the scheme in recent years including the easing of the means test and extending the duration of payment from 26 weeks to 29 weeks. Budget 2006, provided for an increase in the rate of fuel allowance of €5, from €9 per week to €14 per week and to €17.90 in designated smokeless areas. Budget 2007 provided for a further increase of €4 per week to €18. This means that the level of the fuel allowance will have doubled in the last two years. The income threshold for eligibility for fuel allowance was also increased from €51 to €100 per week over and above the contributory pension to enable more people to qualify for the payment.
The electricity allowance element of the household benefits package is paid as a credit on a customer's electricity bill. The natural gas allowance is an alternative to the electricity allowance for people whose homes are connected to a natural gas supply. People can choose to have the allowance applied to either their electricity or their gas bill, which ever is most beneficial to them. Splitting the allowance as proposed would have significant administrative implications both within the Department and within the utility companies participating in the scheme.
However, a range of proposals, including splitting the gas/electricity allowance, has been made in relation to the household benefits package. These proposals and the associated costs will be kept under review in the context of the objectives of the scheme and budgetary resources.
396 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review the free travel pass scheme and extend it to people who are not getting a social welfare pension but are retired with a private pension source and qualify under medical grounds; the cost factor of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31004/07]
397 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of retired persons who have private pensions and who would medically qualify for a travel pass but are being denied same as they do not have any social welfare income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31005/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 396 and 397 together.
The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. All carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance, regardless of their age, also receive a free travel pass. It is also available to people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type welfare payments, such as disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind person's pension.
People resident in the State who are in receipt of a social security invalidity or disability payment from a country covered by EU Regulations, or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement, and who have been in receipt of this payment for at least 12 months, are also eligible for free travel.
The proposal to extend the scheme to people aged under 66 years who may not be in receipt of a qualifying payment is one of a number of proposals that have been made to extend the free travel scheme.
A study published by the National Council on Ageing and Older People in 2001 suggests that approximately 31% of people who retire early do so due to illness or disability. It is not known how many of this group would not be in receipt of an illness or disability type payment from my Department. As such, it is not possible to estimate the cost of the proposal.
In any event, further extensions to the free travel scheme can only be considered in a Budgetary context and taking account of the financial and other needs of those not covered by the existing arrangements.
398 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of jobseeker allowance claimants and jobseeker benefit claimants that stopped claiming benefit in each of the months to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [31016/07]
399 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of jobseeker allowance claimants and jobseeker benefit claimants that stopped claiming benefit in each county to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [31017/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 399 together.
Tables setting out the number of Jobseekers Allowance and Jobseekers Benefit customers that ceased claiming a jobseeker's payment at each local office during 2007 are set out below. These tables have been compiled in respect of each local office the boundaries of which do not necessarily conform to county boundaries.
|
Local/Branch Office |
January |
February |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
September |
October |
Total |
|
Achill |
11 |
9 |
15 |
10 |
10 |
14 |
16 |
9 |
29 |
17 |
140 |
|
Apollo House |
69 |
81 |
75 |
69 |
73 |
79 |
78 |
65 |
90 |
108 |
787 |
|
Ardee |
50 |
40 |
27 |
47 |
55 |
60 |
40 |
38 |
78 |
52 |
487 |
|
Arklow |
48 |
50 |
63 |
69 |
51 |
48 |
53 |
59 |
58 |
76 |
575 |
|
Athlone |
105 |
92 |
82 |
92 |
99 |
82 |
120 |
103 |
115 |
140 |
1,030 |
|
Athy |
42 |
33 |
52 |
26 |
31 |
47 |
47 |
42 |
44 |
51 |
415 |
|
Balbriggan |
77 |
95 |
80 |
78 |
104 |
77 |
99 |
91 |
108 |
126 |
935 |
|
Ballina |
60 |
78 |
97 |
81 |
112 |
78 |
81 |
81 |
94 |
108 |
870 |
|
Ballinasloe |
46 |
39 |
42 |
44 |
42 |
47 |
46 |
51 |
58 |
64 |
479 |
|
Ballinrobe |
16 |
26 |
22 |
15 |
14 |
15 |
13 |
15 |
19 |
18 |
173 |
|
Ballybofey |
78 |
84 |
63 |
90 |
68 |
76 |
95 |
70 |
107 |
85 |
816 |
|
Ballyconnell |
18 |
22 |
26 |
18 |
18 |
17 |
15 |
19 |
17 |
24 |
194 |
|
Ballyfermot |
66 |
79 |
95 |
77 |
118 |
90 |
112 |
94 |
91 |
119 |
941 |
|
Ballymun |
54 |
61 |
57 |
50 |
83 |
66 |
70 |
67 |
86 |
99 |
693 |
|
Ballyshannon |
37 |
47 |
31 |
40 |
38 |
41 |
36 |
33 |
56 |
51 |
410 |
|
Baltinglass |
20 |
23 |
21 |
20 |
23 |
35 |
22 |
24 |
20 |
22 |
230 |
|
Bandon |
19 |
25 |
36 |
24 |
30 |
29 |
28 |
30 |
19 |
38 |
278 |
|
Bantry |
14 |
17 |
25 |
26 |
21 |
8 |
15 |
19 |
12 |
27 |
184 |
|
Bantry Co |
7 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
8 |
5 |
6 |
66 |
|
Belmullet |
20 |
26 |
28 |
22 |
19 |
24 |
23 |
38 |
45 |
40 |
285 |
|
Birr |
42 |
50 |
63 |
42 |
41 |
45 |
48 |
48 |
60 |
68 |
507 |
|
Bishop Square |
218 |
214 |
235 |
161 |
208 |
203 |
258 |
241 |
224 |
327 |
2,289 |
|
Blanchardstown |
127 |
202 |
225 |
229 |
165 |
256 |
231 |
214 |
253 |
333 |
2,235 |
|
Boyle |
17 |
19 |
21 |
14 |
18 |
18 |
16 |
18 |
32 |
24 |
197 |
|
Bray |
85 |
80 |
90 |
81 |
108 |
68 |
113 |
68 |
142 |
98 |
933 |
|
Buncrana |
127 |
99 |
124 |
132 |
155 |
91 |
117 |
113 |
138 |
202 |
1,298 |
|
Cahir |
25 |
20 |
29 |
30 |
27 |
21 |
20 |
24 |
23 |
23 |
242 |
|
Cahirciveen |
8 |
9 |
8 |
15 |
22 |
23 |
17 |
8 |
16 |
21 |
147 |
|
Carlow |
79 |
62 |
96 |
87 |
107 |
78 |
78 |
55 |
92 |
113 |
847 |
|
Carrickmacross |
22 |
23 |
27 |
24 |
46 |
23 |
31 |
36 |
23 |
44 |
299 |
|
Carrick-OnShannon |
52 |
43 |
39 |
46 |
50 |
37 |
42 |
44 |
50 |
63 |
466 |
|
Carrick-On-Suir |
35 |
42 |
25 |
41 |
37 |
39 |
40 |
42 |
38 |
55 |
394 |
|
Carrigaline |
42 |
42 |
33 |
31 |
41 |
21 |
35 |
35 |
33 |
49 |
362 |
|
Cashel |
23 |
21 |
20 |
22 |
19 |
16 |
24 |
24 |
31 |
28 |
228 |
|
Castlebar |
61 |
43 |
34 |
54 |
53 |
42 |
48 |
42 |
67 |
73 |
517 |
|
Castleblayney |
26 |
25 |
24 |
32 |
33 |
19 |
40 |
33 |
55 |
61 |
348 |
|
Castlepollard |
25 |
20 |
23 |
22 |
25 |
16 |
28 |
16 |
24 |
27 |
226 |
|
Castlerea |
31 |
34 |
40 |
38 |
40 |
34 |
34 |
33 |
33 |
67 |
384 |
|
Cavan |
94 |
69 |
82 |
103 |
85 |
97 |
99 |
95 |
103 |
123 |
950 |
|
Claremorris |
30 |
20 |
19 |
20 |
25 |
23 |
19 |
27 |
33 |
56 |
272 |
|
Clifden |
29 |
29 |
37 |
24 |
35 |
28 |
25 |
27 |
22 |
30 |
286 |
|
Clonakilty |
13 |
25 |
19 |
18 |
20 |
16 |
15 |
16 |
11 |
30 |
183 |
|
Clondalkin |
162 |
171 |
186 |
156 |
187 |
170 |
186 |
256 |
184 |
247 |
1,905 |
|
Clones |
17 |
19 |
13 |
12 |
17 |
8 |
8 |
20 |
19 |
17 |
150 |
|
Clonmel |
78 |
72 |
67 |
59 |
60 |
84 |
91 |
65 |
81 |
69 |
726 |
|
Cobh |
44 |
40 |
33 |
45 |
44 |
45 |
42 |
54 |
58 |
74 |
479 |
|
Coolock Lo |
113 |
140 |
136 |
125 |
134 |
110 |
131 |
141 |
150 |
170 |
1,350 |
|
Cork |
542 |
530 |
535 |
480 |
562 |
491 |
462 |
557 |
616 |
760 |
5,535 |
|
Dingle |
12 |
19 |
17 |
16 |
13 |
8 |
14 |
9 |
14 |
14 |
136 |
|
Donegal |
25 |
18 |
18 |
26 |
23 |
13 |
34 |
23 |
21 |
35 |
236 |
|
Drogheda |
200 |
195 |
196 |
163 |
217 |
199 |
206 |
158 |
325 |
291 |
2,150 |
|
Dundalk |
135 |
148 |
135 |
144 |
157 |
149 |
178 |
176 |
187 |
218 |
1,627 |
|
Dunfanaghy |
51 |
57 |
41 |
37 |
57 |
45 |
45 |
34 |
53 |
49 |
469 |
|
Dungarvan |
26 |
31 |
36 |
34 |
50 |
39 |
27 |
38 |
63 |
36 |
380 |
|
Dungloe |
54 |
68 |
60 |
50 |
67 |
72 |
59 |
66 |
81 |
74 |
651 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
138 |
165 |
146 |
125 |
114 |
123 |
136 |
203 |
174 |
181 |
1,505 |
|
Dunmanway |
14 |
12 |
17 |
16 |
14 |
4 |
10 |
8 |
4 |
0 |
99 |
|
Edenderry |
15 |
25 |
46 |
45 |
38 |
30 |
25 |
27 |
41 |
53 |
345 |
|
Ennis |
94 |
99 |
105 |
90 |
142 |
116 |
138 |
110 |
185 |
141 |
1,220 |
|
Enniscorthy |
86 |
98 |
75 |
83 |
100 |
75 |
98 |
70 |
124 |
94 |
903 |
|
Ennistymon |
34 |
37 |
28 |
42 |
32 |
26 |
42 |
23 |
33 |
37 |
334 |
|
Fermoy |
50 |
41 |
47 |
48 |
30 |
35 |
46 |
41 |
63 |
53 |
454 |
|
Finglas |
119 |
113 |
129 |
116 |
129 |
159 |
115 |
144 |
153 |
196 |
1,373 |
|
Galway |
301 |
383 |
344 |
358 |
369 |
306 |
416 |
373 |
441 |
514 |
3,805 |
|
Gorey |
55 |
57 |
63 |
59 |
79 |
49 |
67 |
54 |
79 |
96 |
658 |
|
Gort |
20 |
11 |
11 |
16 |
16 |
24 |
13 |
18 |
41 |
26 |
196 |
|
Kells |
41 |
22 |
22 |
27 |
29 |
32 |
33 |
25 |
37 |
33 |
301 |
|
Kenmare |
16 |
9 |
5 |
15 |
16 |
12 |
12 |
9 |
13 |
16 |
123 |
|
Kilbarrack |
99 |
83 |
101 |
87 |
132 |
118 |
96 |
131 |
118 |
146 |
1,111 |
|
Kilkenny |
128 |
136 |
134 |
143 |
148 |
123 |
144 |
177 |
189 |
160 |
1,482 |
|
Killarney |
46 |
49 |
54 |
41 |
48 |
46 |
51 |
40 |
42 |
50 |
467 |
|
Killorglin |
13 |
11 |
15 |
13 |
13 |
9 |
11 |
13 |
13 |
13 |
124 |
|
Killybegs |
28 |
32 |
24 |
28 |
24 |
23 |
21 |
20 |
31 |
27 |
258 |
|
Kilmallock |
66 |
52 |
43 |
40 |
45 |
55 |
55 |
50 |
77 |
77 |
560 |
|
Kilrush |
19 |
27 |
49 |
45 |
26 |
31 |
35 |
30 |
49 |
32 |
343 |
|
Kinsale |
21 |
17 |
27 |
15 |
13 |
49 |
22 |
26 |
18 |
11 |
219 |
|
Letterkenny |
129 |
153 |
147 |
116 |
148 |
151 |
165 |
118 |
186 |
179 |
1,492 |
|
Limerick |
352 |
354 |
439 |
346 |
367 |
368 |
414 |
389 |
499 |
416 |
3,944 |
|
Listowel |
58 |
54 |
70 |
55 |
85 |
63 |
66 |
51 |
96 |
81 |
679 |
|
Longford |
87 |
89 |
106 |
96 |
101 |
92 |
99 |
88 |
152 |
143 |
1053 |
|
Loughrea |
40 |
27 |
25 |
46 |
45 |
28 |
31 |
35 |
44 |
40 |
361 |
|
Macroom |
25 |
32 |
24 |
31 |
36 |
24 |
13 |
20 |
38 |
41 |
284 |
|
Mallow |
45 |
50 |
65 |
51 |
51 |
54 |
54 |
57 |
87 |
85 |
599 |
|
Manorhamilton |
13 |
15 |
12 |
13 |
10 |
15 |
18 |
13 |
19 |
36 |
164 |
|
Maynooth |
104 |
103 |
86 |
96 |
109 |
80 |
124 |
95 |
117 |
170 |
1,084 |
|
Midleton |
45 |
53 |
52 |
59 |
47 |
36 |
54 |
56 |
61 |
68 |
531 |
|
Monaghan |
36 |
36 |
53 |
46 |
43 |
39 |
55 |
45 |
64 |
65 |
482 |
|
Muine Bheag |
23 |
23 |
24 |
28 |
26 |
24 |
31 |
28 |
32 |
37 |
276 |
|
Mullingar |
80 |
79 |
86 |
86 |
101 |
80 |
94 |
85 |
103 |
110 |
904 |
|
Navan |
95 |
109 |
97 |
83 |
122 |
97 |
114 |
82 |
135 |
143 |
1,077 |
|
Navan Road |
194 |
167 |
190 |
134 |
154 |
163 |
168 |
192 |
215 |
223 |
1,800 |
|
Nenagh |
62 |
46 |
48 |
53 |
58 |
49 |
45 |
58 |
71 |
58 |
548 |
|
Newbridge |
117 |
109 |
133 |
130 |
128 |
121 |
138 |
98 |
171 |
139 |
1,284 |
|
NewcastleWest |
42 |
42 |
40 |
47 |
31 |
39 |
53 |
46 |
59 |
62 |
461 |
|
Newmarket |
32 |
32 |
25 |
39 |
23 |
27 |
35 |
35 |
31 |
50 |
329 |
|
New Ross |
26 |
31 |
49 |
39 |
67 |
50 |
66 |
62 |
51 |
89 |
530 |
|
Nth. Cumberland Street |
260 |
235 |
223 |
230 |
235 |
258 |
267 |
236 |
255 |
263 |
2,462 |
|
Nutgrove |
109 |
92 |
110 |
83 |
117 |
69 |
123 |
88 |
129 |
128 |
1,048 |
|
Portarlington |
51 |
51 |
53 |
43 |
66 |
60 |
82 |
67 |
62 |
86 |
621 |
|
Portlaoise |
55 |
61 |
45 |
56 |
56 |
34 |
51 |
52 |
84 |
40 |
534 |
|
Rathdowney |
16 |
22 |
12 |
12 |
10 |
13 |
27 |
15 |
21 |
17 |
165 |
|
Roscommon |
23 |
17 |
20 |
19 |
21 |
15 |
23 |
21 |
32 |
19 |
210 |
|
Roscrea |
31 |
18 |
19 |
23 |
17 |
31 |
30 |
25 |
34 |
20 |
248 |
|
Skibbereen |
17 |
26 |
19 |
23 |
16 |
22 |
16 |
20 |
34 |
33 |
226 |
|
Sligo |
119 |
102 |
97 |
102 |
108 |
123 |
103 |
109 |
189 |
122 |
1,174 |
|
Swinford |
37 |
35 |
33 |
33 |
42 |
38 |
25 |
32 |
49 |
62 |
386 |
|
Swords Lo |
58 |
75 |
86 |
70 |
65 |
40 |
53 |
74 |
60 |
79 |
660 |
|
Tallaght |
230 |
235 |
266 |
229 |
251 |
255 |
244 |
286 |
269 |
288 |
2,553 |
|
Thomas Street |
204 |
194 |
186 |
175 |
179 |
176 |
207 |
155 |
164 |
237 |
1,877 |
|
Thomastown |
20 |
11 |
14 |
16 |
20 |
20 |
27 |
14 |
23 |
34 |
199 |
|
Thurles |
81 |
69 |
57 |
68 |
63 |
55 |
55 |
55 |
72 |
83 |
658 |
|
Tipperary |
27 |
29 |
46 |
40 |
35 |
37 |
34 |
39 |
45 |
51 |
383 |
|
Tralee |
135 |
186 |
144 |
125 |
165 |
154 |
133 |
132 |
176 |
194 |
1,544 |
|
Trim |
55 |
40 |
40 |
49 |
55 |
35 |
37 |
51 |
47 |
54 |
463 |
|
Tuam |
74 |
43 |
36 |
44 |
49 |
42 |
51 |
60 |
47 |
93 |
539 |
|
Tubbercurry |
13 |
14 |
11 |
9 |
27 |
17 |
15 |
15 |
26 |
21 |
168 |
|
Tulla |
18 |
23 |
14 |
17 |
27 |
16 |
9 |
16 |
29 |
26 |
195 |
|
Tullamore Control Office |
85 |
71 |
68 |
76 |
62 |
82 |
89 |
55 |
81 |
119 |
788 |
|
Tullow |
17 |
31 |
28 |
20 |
25 |
29 |
26 |
28 |
35 |
45 |
284 |
|
Waterford |
270 |
247 |
244 |
231 |
306 |
224 |
266 |
235 |
321 |
341 |
2,685 |
|
Westport |
46 |
37 |
39 |
26 |
41 |
32 |
48 |
41 |
39 |
52 |
401 |
|
Wexford |
145 |
126 |
98 |
97 |
138 |
97 |
138 |
116 |
121 |
125 |
1,201 |
|
Wicklow |
33 |
47 |
32 |
26 |
38 |
34 |
46 |
39 |
37 |
53 |
385 |
|
Youghal |
22 |
42 |
32 |
28 |
26 |
23 |
22 |
26 |
31 |
37 |
289 |
|
8,786 |
8,894 |
9,057 |
8,532 |
9,534 |
8,664 |
9,547 |
9,159 |
11,174 |
12,153 |
95,500 |
|
Local Office |
January |
February |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
September |
October |
Total |
|
Achill |
20 |
9 |
13 |
24 |
11 |
7 |
12 |
16 |
23 |
12 |
147 |
|
Apollo House |
120 |
106 |
95 |
111 |
120 |
81 |
100 |
109 |
142 |
107 |
1,091 |
|
Ardee |
84 |
99 |
77 |
82 |
68 |
56 |
70 |
88 |
92 |
60 |
776 |
|
Arklow |
119 |
99 |
97 |
118 |
91 |
65 |
81 |
105 |
127 |
82 |
984 |
|
Athlone |
194 |
119 |
137 |
229 |
145 |
119 |
146 |
192 |
292 |
175 |
1,748 |
|
Athy |
92 |
67 |
81 |
88 |
74 |
56 |
76 |
83 |
88 |
93 |
798 |
|
Balbriggan |
158 |
119 |
102 |
165 |
130 |
96 |
124 |
138 |
172 |
167 |
1,371 |
|
Ballina |
96 |
82 |
93 |
126 |
94 |
74 |
93 |
78 |
143 |
83 |
962 |
|
Ballinasloe |
102 |
73 |
73 |
115 |
66 |
72 |
70 |
77 |
121 |
102 |
871 |
|
Ballinrobe |
52 |
31 |
51 |
54 |
35 |
28 |
24 |
35 |
63 |
26 |
399 |
|
Ballybofey |
82 |
70 |
52 |
77 |
48 |
45 |
50 |
81 |
85 |
47 |
637 |
|
Ballyconnell |
54 |
39 |
32 |
48 |
37 |
24 |
31 |
24 |
69 |
36 |
394 |
|
Ballyfermot |
110 |
103 |
115 |
108 |
136 |
99 |
118 |
105 |
166 |
143 |
1,203 |
|
Ballymun |
76 |
59 |
55 |
53 |
67 |
56 |
60 |
79 |
81 |
95 |
681 |
|
Ballyshannon |
69 |
47 |
49 |
62 |
42 |
59 |
41 |
35 |
70 |
37 |
511 |
|
Baltinglass |
53 |
27 |
48 |
50 |
36 |
32 |
40 |
48 |
73 |
50 |
457 |
|
Bandon |
34 |
35 |
42 |
42 |
27 |
30 |
25 |
49 |
51 |
46 |
381 |
|
Bantry |
30 |
28 |
27 |
38 |
40 |
27 |
19 |
25 |
68 |
17 |
319 |
|
Bantry Co |
16 |
7 |
16 |
27 |
13 |
17 |
6 |
23 |
16 |
15 |
156 |
|
Belmullet |
24 |
21 |
11 |
25 |
20 |
14 |
27 |
28 |
63 |
28 |
261 |
|
Birr |
104 |
90 |
67 |
119 |
71 |
72 |
74 |
89 |
106 |
78 |
870 |
|
Bishop Square |
368 |
257 |
294 |
375 |
301 |
252 |
257 |
342 |
385 |
385 |
3,216 |
|
Blanchardstown |
271 |
285 |
330 |
357 |
285 |
250 |
308 |
347 |
420 |
300 |
3,153 |
|
Boyle |
36 |
27 |
33 |
45 |
16 |
22 |
15 |
24 |
59 |
18 |
295 |
|
Bray |
191 |
175 |
164 |
145 |
198 |
170 |
137 |
202 |
291 |
181 |
1,854 |
|
Buncrana |
110 |
101 |
70 |
133 |
111 |
80 |
119 |
133 |
163 |
100 |
1,120 |
|
Cahir |
67 |
67 |
35 |
75 |
48 |
44 |
56 |
82 |
71 |
87 |
632 |
|
Cahirciveen |
38 |
21 |
33 |
60 |
51 |
41 |
40 |
31 |
29 |
25 |
369 |
|
Carlow |
123 |
105 |
102 |
107 |
149 |
112 |
117 |
148 |
176 |
137 |
1,276 |
|
Carrickmacross |
47 |
44 |
36 |
55 |
54 |
31 |
35 |
59 |
77 |
61 |
499 |
|
Carrick-On-Shannon |
98 |
72 |
74 |
125 |
75 |
59 |
51 |
113 |
130 |
116 |
913 |
|
Carrick-On-Suir |
69 |
73 |
66 |
90 |
79 |
56 |
62 |
83 |
84 |
75 |
737 |
|
Carrigaline |
74 |
57 |
58 |
63 |
81 |
55 |
85 |
71 |
96 |
74 |
714 |
|
Cashel |
41 |
38 |
36 |
39 |
34 |
35 |
30 |
40 |
56 |
37 |
386 |
|
Castlebar |
83 |
54 |
54 |
73 |
52 |
62 |
74 |
81 |
117 |
84 |
734 |
|
Castleblayney |
62 |
38 |
33 |
46 |
53 |
40 |
38 |
53 |
70 |
41 |
474 |
|
Castlepollard |
37 |
32 |
32 |
48 |
32 |
23 |
26 |
24 |
49 |
45 |
348 |
|
Castlerea |
65 |
67 |
71 |
79 |
72 |
48 |
53 |
72 |
79 |
82 |
688 |
|
Cavan |
188 |
114 |
132 |
170 |
127 |
105 |
119 |
214 |
191 |
167 |
1,527 |
|
Claremorris |
47 |
42 |
46 |
69 |
55 |
38 |
41 |
45 |
50 |
55 |
488 |
|
Clifden |
45 |
38 |
50 |
73 |
32 |
36 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
33 |
397 |
|
Clonakilty |
39 |
34 |
27 |
52 |
27 |
15 |
19 |
33 |
43 |
35 |
324 |
|
Clondalkin |
235 |
282 |
242 |
306 |
309 |
229 |
262 |
329 |
406 |
335 |
2,935 |
|
Clones |
30 |
24 |
29 |
29 |
27 |
13 |
11 |
37 |
34 |
18 |
252 |
|
Clonmel |
108 |
88 |
96 |
87 |
100 |
103 |
99 |
104 |
160 |
102 |
1,047 |
|
Cobh |
55 |
50 |
58 |
56 |
43 |
43 |
41 |
48 |
60 |
55 |
509 |
|
Coolock Lo |
208 |
171 |
188 |
207 |
184 |
169 |
171 |
229 |
241 |
223 |
1,991 |
|
Cork |
708 |
624 |
607 |
694 |
679 |
489 |
548 |
778 |
851 |
852 |
6,830 |
|
Dingle |
32 |
44 |
46 |
72 |
46 |
37 |
19 |
20 |
36 |
35 |
387 |
|
Donegal |
102 |
59 |
58 |
53 |
69 |
37 |
52 |
59 |
95 |
45 |
629 |
|
Drogheda |
312 |
280 |
302 |
288 |
267 |
247 |
281 |
264 |
409 |
317 |
2,967 |
|
Dundalk |
209 |
180 |
153 |
245 |
171 |
170 |
192 |
242 |
317 |
229 |
2,108 |
|
Dunfanaghy |
60 |
41 |
41 |
76 |
53 |
42 |
30 |
43 |
62 |
50 |
498 |
|
Dungarvan |
135 |
88 |
111 |
114 |
90 |
66 |
72 |
103 |
158 |
52 |
989 |
|
Dungloe |
84 |
62 |
55 |
84 |
80 |
47 |
52 |
78 |
136 |
67 |
745 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
384 |
338 |
291 |
351 |
258 |
179 |
241 |
349 |
481 |
296 |
3,168 |
|
Dunmanway |
35 |
32 |
41 |
42 |
22 |
15 |
19 |
29 |
18 |
0 |
253 |
|
Edenderry |
63 |
65 |
64 |
71 |
82 |
50 |
44 |
76 |
88 |
74 |
677 |
|
Ennis |
196 |
225 |
184 |
236 |
217 |
156 |
175 |
217 |
336 |
208 |
2,150 |
|
Enniscorthy |
123 |
112 |
125 |
127 |
123 |
96 |
100 |
110 |
152 |
111 |
1,179 |
|
Ennistymon |
52 |
42 |
50 |
78 |
47 |
40 |
29 |
35 |
57 |
27 |
457 |
|
Fermoy |
100 |
68 |
107 |
113 |
71 |
53 |
75 |
94 |
132 |
102 |
915 |
|
Finglas |
202 |
180 |
202 |
170 |
198 |
210 |
219 |
199 |
262 |
234 |
2,076 |
|
Galway |
412 |
341 |
369 |
424 |
351 |
362 |
450 |
393 |
695 |
486 |
4,283 |
|
Gorey |
139 |
127 |
118 |
159 |
97 |
95 |
110 |
121 |
169 |
135 |
1,270 |
|
Gort |
45 |
46 |
46 |
56 |
36 |
43 |
45 |
50 |
81 |
44 |
492 |
|
Kells |
84 |
58 |
73 |
76 |
51 |
46 |
36 |
68 |
90 |
57 |
639 |
|
Kenmare |
31 |
38 |
41 |
68 |
36 |
34 |
42 |
32 |
36 |
24 |
382 |
|
Kilbarrack |
337 |
251 |
258 |
319 |
235 |
217 |
239 |
325 |
396 |
296 |
2,873 |
|
Kilkenny |
153 |
178 |
199 |
193 |
170 |
126 |
134 |
188 |
236 |
156 |
1,733 |
|
Killarney |
150 |
203 |
223 |
243 |
194 |
138 |
106 |
110 |
157 |
109 |
1633 |
|
Killorglin |
55 |
54 |
58 |
77 |
51 |
47 |
35 |
39 |
55 |
29 |
500 |
|
Killybegs |
76 |
69 |
84 |
71 |
89 |
81 |
95 |
89 |
131 |
104 |
889 |
|
Kilmallock |
161 |
133 |
126 |
141 |
118 |
99 |
137 |
131 |
210 |
123 |
1,379 |
|
Kilrush |
53 |
41 |
37 |
78 |
32 |
30 |
32 |
37 |
66 |
32 |
438 |
|
Kinsale |
29 |
24 |
38 |
45 |
31 |
25 |
39 |
26 |
25 |
21 |
303 |
|
Letterkenny |
153 |
135 |
116 |
214 |
123 |
126 |
135 |
156 |
201 |
120 |
1,479 |
|
Limerick |
577 |
451 |
447 |
562 |
485 |
512 |
585 |
576 |
840 |
528 |
5,563 |
|
Listowel |
158 |
88 |
97 |
105 |
101 |
79 |
89 |
71 |
134 |
102 |
1,024 |
|
Longford |
161 |
132 |
135 |
187 |
141 |
130 |
124 |
136 |
273 |
183 |
1,602 |
|
Loughrea |
71 |
57 |
73 |
69 |
70 |
52 |
51 |
86 |
99 |
56 |
684 |
|
Macroom |
99 |
56 |
65 |
79 |
49 |
50 |
43 |
62 |
106 |
48 |
657 |
|
Mallow Branch Office |
75 |
73 |
83 |
88 |
91 |
70 |
72 |
111 |
130 |
81 |
874 |
|
Manorhamilton |
39 |
24 |
26 |
44 |
33 |
25 |
26 |
31 |
46 |
39 |
333 |
|
Maynooth |
240 |
180 |
208 |
251 |
208 |
154 |
177 |
214 |
304 |
243 |
2,179 |
|
Midleton |
94 |
94 |
158 |
113 |
96 |
98 |
96 |
106 |
154 |
110 |
1,119 |
|
Monaghan |
116 |
77 |
66 |
119 |
60 |
43 |
79 |
111 |
100 |
72 |
843 |
|
Muine Bheag |
65 |
55 |
45 |
59 |
44 |
41 |
39 |
73 |
65 |
43 |
529 |
|
Mullingar |
210 |
175 |
132 |
204 |
156 |
124 |
134 |
148 |
244 |
178 |
1,705 |
|
Navan |
218 |
198 |
183 |
232 |
199 |
130 |
177 |
251 |
288 |
197 |
2,073 |
|
Navan Road |
188 |
133 |
205 |
148 |
149 |
149 |
148 |
167 |
180 |
163 |
1,630 |
|
Nenagh |
103 |
77 |
89 |
112 |
87 |
84 |
89 |
105 |
130 |
99 |
975 |
|
Newbridge |
392 |
294 |
288 |
331 |
294 |
269 |
304 |
417 |
490 |
317 |
3,396 |
|
Newcastle West |
202 |
136 |
142 |
180 |
159 |
115 |
116 |
159 |
200 |
184 |
1,593 |
|
Newmarket |
61 |
51 |
67 |
63 |
43 |
58 |
44 |
59 |
99 |
55 |
600 |
|
New Ross |
130 |
108 |
116 |
138 |
110 |
79 |
107 |
114 |
177 |
97 |
1,176 |
|
Nth. Cumberland Street |
251 |
237 |
227 |
296 |
244 |
220 |
237 |
250 |
368 |
267 |
2597 |
|
Nutgrove |
362 |
262 |
179 |
288 |
237 |
172 |
245 |
294 |
407 |
271 |
2,717 |
|
Portarlington |
119 |
95 |
78 |
112 |
112 |
75 |
110 |
90 |
154 |
105 |
1,050 |
|
Portlaoise |
115 |
104 |
101 |
87 |
88 |
68 |
69 |
109 |
148 |
94 |
983 |
|
Rathdowney |
32 |
37 |
39 |
35 |
24 |
13 |
32 |
26 |
58 |
29 |
325 |
|
Roscommon |
30 |
34 |
63 |
38 |
36 |
26 |
32 |
36 |
89 |
34 |
418 |
|
Roscrea |
65 |
33 |
50 |
69 |
28 |
37 |
46 |
43 |
72 |
42 |
485 |
|
Skibbereen |
43 |
34 |
31 |
71 |
32 |
20 |
19 |
39 |
46 |
37 |
372 |
|
Sligo |
169 |
161 |
157 |
174 |
126 |
135 |
126 |
179 |
249 |
160 |
1,636 |
|
Swinford |
77 |
48 |
37 |
71 |
102 |
32 |
31 |
48 |
91 |
41 |
578 |
|
Swords Lo |
132 |
147 |
116 |
143 |
123 |
109 |
126 |
163 |
165 |
162 |
1,386 |
|
Tallaght |
365 |
347 |
345 |
376 |
344 |
327 |
313 |
402 |
483 |
356 |
3,658 |
|
Thomas Street |
140 |
126 |
135 |
129 |
107 |
128 |
151 |
141 |
164 |
160 |
1,381 |
|
Thomastown |
40 |
27 |
42 |
48 |
30 |
42 |
27 |
40 |
56 |
42 |
394 |
|
Thurles |
141 |
109 |
98 |
151 |
95 |
78 |
85 |
110 |
152 |
107 |
1,126 |
|
Tipperary |
80 |
67 |
61 |
77 |
57 |
44 |
66 |
73 |
77 |
40 |
642 |
|
Tralee |
234 |
243 |
196 |
271 |
199 |
182 |
173 |
189 |
319 |
207 |
2,213 |
|
Trim |
153 |
100 |
106 |
144 |
109 |
93 |
79 |
114 |
196 |
106 |
1,200 |
|
Tuam |
114 |
71 |
88 |
92 |
99 |
78 |
77 |
93 |
150 |
110 |
972 |
|
Tubbercurry |
36 |
27 |
12 |
30 |
19 |
21 |
16 |
19 |
61 |
16 |
257 |
|
Tulla |
34 |
34 |
42 |
64 |
35 |
26 |
31 |
47 |
53 |
39 |
405 |
|
Tullamore Control Office |
140 |
117 |
119 |
133 |
94 |
118 |
116 |
133 |
178 |
134 |
1,282 |
|
Tullow |
59 |
46 |
37 |
54 |
38 |
35 |
45 |
68 |
56 |
57 |
495 |
|
Waterford |
565 |
410 |
383 |
505 |
350 |
327 |
356 |
392 |
626 |
412 |
4,326 |
|
Westport |
53 |
39 |
52 |
44 |
33 |
40 |
46 |
29 |
70 |
49 |
455 |
|
Wexford |
250 |
334 |
250 |
284 |
259 |
186 |
193 |
240 |
272 |
214 |
2,482 |
|
Wicklow |
65 |
57 |
82 |
65 |
50 |
43 |
61 |
76 |
91 |
74 |
664 |
|
Youghal |
69 |
54 |
55 |
71 |
42 |
44 |
57 |
57 |
73 |
46 |
568 |
|
1,6231 |
13,683 |
13,751 |
16,709 |
13,740 |
11,644 |
12,830 |
15,439 |
20,800 |
15,011 |
149,838 |
400 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the buildings occupied by his Department which are and which are not fully accessible to people with disabilities in tabular readable form. [31035/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out on the attached tabular statement. With the exception of those offices on which I have included specific comments, all my Department's Offices meet a basic standard of physical accessibility. In addition, my Department is continually upgrading its facilities; there is a replacement programme in place for offices found to be totally unsuitable for their purpose. In relation to those offices which are currently inaccessible, alternative arrangements are made, where necessary, to accommodate individual accessibility requirements.
Section 25 of the Disability Act, 2005 requires that all public buildings be fully accessible by 2015 and that they at least meet the minimum standard as set out in Part M of the Building Regulations, 1997-2006. The Department's Sectoral Plan (as required by section 31 of the Act) sets out an Action Plan in this regard. This Plan provides for a programme of formal access audits of our buildings and twelve such audits have been undertaken to date.
My Department is working closely with the Office of Public Works (OPW) to ensure the commissioning of these audits in line with the Sectoral Plan targets. That Office will also undertake any works of a substantive nature which are recommended on foot of the auditing programme.
At present, 19 out of 141 locations are deemed not to be fully accessible for people with disabilities. In the case of 7 of these locations, replacement with new offices is planned over the next 2 years. The ultimate objective of my Department is to ensure that all its offices used by both customers and staff with disabilities are fully accessible well in advance of the deadline of 2015 contained in the Disability Act.
|
Office |
Address |
County |
Comments |
|
Achill |
Achill Sound, |
Mayo |
|
|
Ardee |
1A, William Street |
Louth |
|
|
Arklow |
Castle Park, Arklow |
Wicklow |
|
|
Athlone |
Barrack St, Athlone |
Westmeath |
Not Accessible(1) |
|
Athlone |
Gov. Blds, Pearse Street |
Westmeath |
(1) |
|
Athy |
Hibernian Hse, Leinster St |
Kildare |
Not Accessible(1) |
|
Ballina |
Government Buildings |
Mayo |
|
|
Ballina |
Bohernasup, Ballina |
Mayo |
|
|
Bantry |
7, Main Street, Bantry |
Cork |
Not Accessible(1) |
|
Belmullet |
American Street, Belmullet |
Mayo |
|
|
Bailieboro |
Barrack Street |
Cavan |
|
|
Ballinamore |
Main St |
Leitrim |
Not Accessible |
|
Ballinasloe |
Society Street |
Galway |
|
|
Ballybofey |
Units 14/15 Shopping Centre, Chestnut Rd., |
Donegal |
Not Accessible |
|
Ballyhaunis |
Main Street |
Mayo |
|
|
Ballyshannon |
Belleek Road |
Donegal |
|
|
Bandon |
Weir Street |
Cork |
|
|
Bantry |
Main Street |
Cork |
|
|
Birr |
Emmet Street |
Offaly |
|
|
Blessington |
Eagersfield, Blessington |
Wicklow |
|
|
Boyle |
Elphin Street |
Roscommon |
|
|
Bray |
Civic Centre, Main St., Bray |
Wicklow |
|
|
Buncrana |
Park Hse, St Mary’s Rd |
Donegal |
Not Accessible(1) |
|
Buncrana |
Castle Avenue, Buncrana |
Donegal |
(1) |
|
Cahirciveen |
St. Brendan’s Terrace |
Kerry |
|
|
Carlow |
Kennedy Avenue, Carlow. |
Carlow |
|
|
Castlebar |
Michael Davitt Hse. Compound, Breaffy Rd., |
Mayo |
|
|
Castlebar |
Humbert Mall |
Mayo |
|
|
Castleblaney |
Monaghan Road |
Monaghan |
|
|
Castletownbere |
Church Gate |
Cork |
|
|
Castlerea |
Patrick Street |
Roscommon |
|
|
Ck-On-Shannon |
Shannon Lodge, Ck-on-Shannon |
Leitrim |
|
|
Ck-On-Shannon |
Leitrim Road, Ck-on-Shannon |
Leitrim |
|
|
Ck-On-Suir |
55, New Street |
Tipperary |
Not Accessible |
|
Carrickmacross |
Ardee Road |
Monaghan |
|
|
Cavan |
Dublin Road, Cavan. |
Cavan |
|
|
Cavan |
New Court Shopping Centre, Church St |
Cavan |
|
|
Claremorris |
James Street |
Mayo |
|
|
Clifden |
Galway Road, Cfifden |
Galway |
|
|
Clondalkin |
8th Lock Road, Clondalkin |
Dublin |
|
|
Clones |
Fitzpatrick Square |
Monaghan |
|
|
Clonakilty |
9, Wolfe Tone Way |
Cork |
|
|
Clonmel |
New Quay, Clonmel |
Tipperary |
|
|
Cobh |
Harbour Row, Cobh |
Cork |
|
|
Cork |
Hanover Quay, Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Cork |
The Marina, Centre Park Road |
Cork |
|
|
Donegal |
Public Services Centre, Drumlonagher |
Donegal |
|
|
Drogheda |
Custom House Quay, |
Louth |
|
|
Drogheda |
Singleton House, Lawrence St., |
Louth |
|
|
Dublin |
Aras Mhic Dhiarmada, Store Street, Dublin 1. |
Dublin |
(2) |
|
Dublin |
Apollo House, Tara Street, Dublin 2. |
Dublin |
(2) |
|
Dublin |
Ballyfermot, Rossmore Ave, Ballyfermot |
Dublin |
|
|
Dublin |
Ballymun, Units 14/15/37/38, Ballymun,SC |
Dublin |
|
|
Dublin |
Bishop Square, Bishop St., Dublin 8 |
Dublin |
|
|
Dublin |
Blanchardstown, Westend House, Snugborogh Road, D 15 |
Dublin |
(2) |
|
Dublin |
Coolock, Bunratty Road, Coolock |
Dublin |
(2) |
|
Dublin |
D’Olier House, D’Olier St. Dublin 2 |
Dublin |
|
|
Dublin |
Dún Laoghaire, Cumberland Street |
Dublin |
|
|
Dublin |
Finglas, Mellowes Road, Dublin 9 |
Dublin |
(2) |
|
Dublin |
Gandon House, Amiens Street, Dublin 1. |
Dublin |
|
|
Dublin |
Goldsmith House, Pearse Street, Dublin 2. |
Dublin |
|
|
Dublin |
Kilbarrack, Greendale Shopping Centre, |
Dublin |
(2) |
|
Dublin |
Kilmainham, East Block, Con Colbert Rd, Inchicore |
Dublin |
|
|
Dublin |
Kilmainham, West Block, Con Colbert Rd, Inchicore |
Dublin |
|
|
Dublin |
Lucan, Main St |
Dublin |
|
|
Dublin |
Lucan, Chapel Hill |
Dublin |
Not Accessible |
|
Dublin |
Malahide, Main Street |
Dublin |
Not Accessible (4) |
|
Dublin |
Navan Road, Dublin 5 |
Dublin |
(2) |
|
Dublint |
Nth Cumberland St 23-28, Nth Cumberland S |
Dublin |
Not Accessible(1) |
|
Dublin |
Nutgrove Shopping Centre |
Dublin |
|
|
Dublin |
Oisin House, Pearse Street |
Dublin |
|
|
Dublin |
2/3, Parnell Sq, Dublin 1. |
Dublin |
Not Accessible |
|
Dublin |
Pensions Ombudsman 36 Mount St, Dublin 2 |
Dublin |
Not Accessible |
|
Dublin |
REACH, Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4. |
Dublin |
|
|
Dublin |
Santry Airways Ind. Estate, Dublin 17. |
Dublin |
|
|
Dublin |
Santry Stores, Shanowen Road, Dublin 9. |
Dublin |
|
|
Dublin |
Tallaght, The Square, Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
|
Dublin |
126, Thomas Street |
Dublin |
(2) |
|
Dublin |
157-164, Townsend St |
Dublin |
|
|
Dundalk |
Alphonsus Road, Dundalk |
Louth |
|
|
Dunfanaghy |
Main Street, Dunfanaghy |
Donegal |
|
|
Dungloe |
Gweedore Road, Dungloe |
Donegal |
|
|
Dungarvan |
Civic Offices |
Waterford |
|
|
Dunmanway |
Church Street |
Cork |
|
|
Edenderry |
St. Mary’s Road |
Offaly |
Not Accessible |
|
Ennis |
Kilrush Road, Ennis |
Clare |
(2) |
|
Enniscorthy |
Portsmouth House Shannon Quay |
Wexford |
Not Accessible (1) |
|
Falcarragh |
Main Street |
Donegal |
|
|
Fermoy |
Connolly St |
Cork |
Not Accessible |
|
Galway |
Hynes Bldg, St. Augustine St |
Galway |
|
|
Gorey |
Thomas Street |
Wexford |
Not Accessible |
|
Gort |
Barrack Street |
Galway |
|
|
Granard |
1, Moxham Street |
Longford |
|
|
Kells |
Headford Place, Kells |
Meath |
|
|
Kenmare |
Bridge St |
Kerry |
|
|
Kilkenny |
Govt Bldgs, Hebron Road |
Kilkenny |
|
|
Killarney |
Beech Road |
Kerry |
|
|
Killybegs |
Donegal Road, Killybegs |
Donegal |
|
|
Kilmallock |
Charleville Road |
Limerick |
|
|
Kilrush |
45 Moore St |
Clare |
|
|
Letterkenny |
Oliver Plunkett Rd |
Donegal |
|
|
Letterkenny |
High Rd., Letterkenny |
Donegal |
|
|
Limerick |
Plassey Industrial Park, Limerick |
Limerick |
(2) |
|
Limerick |
Dominick Street, Limerick |
Limerick |
(2) |
|
Listowel |
The Square, Listowel |
Kerry |
|
|
Lismore |
Main Street, |
Waterford |
|
|
Longford |
Govt. Offices, Ballinalee Rd |
Longford |
|
|
Macroom |
Bowl Road |
Cork |
|
|
Mallow |
72, Off Main Street, Mallow |
Cork |
|
|
Manorhamilton |
Sligo Road, Manorhamilton |
Leitrim |
|
|
Monaghan |
Government Bldgs, The Plantation |
Monaghan |
Not Accessible(1) |
|
Moville |
Greencastle Rd |
Donegal |
Not Accessible(3) |
|
Mullingar |
Blackhall St., Mullingar |
Westmeath |
|
|
Navan |
Kennedy Hse. Kennedy Rd, Navan |
Meath |
|
|
Newcastle West |
Govt Bldgs, Newcastle West |
Limerick |
(2) |
|
Naas |
Unit 2, Rathasker Square |
Kildare |
|
|
Nenagh |
St. Conlon’s Road |
Tipperary |
|
|
Newbridge |
Henry Street |
Kildare |
|
|
Newbridge |
Eyre Street, Newbridge |
Kildare |
|
|
Newmarket |
Main Street |
Cork |
|
|
New Ross |
18 Mary Street |
Wexford |
|
|
Portlaoise |
Government Bldgs, Old Abbeyleix Road |
Laois |
|
|
Portumna |
Castle Avenue |
Galway |
Not Accessible |
|
Roscrea |
The Malthouse, Roscrea |
Tipperary |
Not Accessible |
|
Roscommon |
Govt Bldgs, Circular Rd |
Roscommon |
|
|
Sligo |
Government Offices, Cranmore Road |
Sligo |
|
|
Sligo - PSO |
College Rd |
Sligo |
|
|
Sligo |
Waterfront, Bridge St, Sligo |
Sligo |
|
|
Swinford |
Main Street |
Mayo |
|
|
Templemore |
Mary St |
Tipperary |
|
|
Thurles |
Stradavoher, Thurles |
Tipperary |
|
|
Tipperary |
Government Buildings, Davis Street |
Tipperary |
|
|
Tralee |
Godfrey Place, Tralee |
Kerry |
|
|
Trim |
Health Centre, Trim |
Meath |
|
|
Tuam |
The Mall |
Galway |
|
|
Tubbercurry |
Humbert St |
Sligo |
|
|
Tullamore |
Gov Offices, Clonminch Rd |
Offaly |
|
|
Waterford |
Cork Road, Waterford |
Waterford |
|
|
Westport |
Prospect Ave, Westport |
Mayo |
|
|
Wexford |
Anne Street, Wexford |
Wexford |
|
|
Wicklow |
Government Buildings The Murrough |
Wicklow |
Notes
(1) New offices planned.
(2) Accessibility audits carried out.
(3) Single station office.
(4) Relocation planned.
401 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of running his Department’s press office in each of the first three quarters of 2007 in tabular readable form. [31050/07]
The cost of running the Press Office of the Department of Social and Family Affairs is as follows:
|
Quarter 1, 2007 |
Quarter 2, 2007 |
Quarter 3, 2007 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Cost |
50,594 |
64,102 |
50,633 |
These figures cover the cost of items such as the salaries of permanent departmental staff, newspapers, media monitoring and photographs
402 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the websites that are run by his Department and each of its agencies; the date on which each became live; if the sites are kept updated; the cost of each site to the State to date; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [31065/07]
The information requested is currently being compiled within the Department and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible.
403 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the organisations or authorities operating within his Department’s policy area, set up by statute or statutory instrument, for which he does not have official responsibility to Dáil Éireann. [31118/07]
The five statutory agencies operating under the aegis of my Department are the Pensions Board, the Combat Poverty Agency, the Citizens Information Board (formerly Comhairle), the Family Support Agency and the Social Welfare Tribunal. In addition the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of my Department.
The Social Welfare Tribunal, which was set up in 1982, is the only statutory body which does not have any official responsibility to Dail Eireann. The Tribunal is required to function within the parameters of the legislation provided for its operation.
404 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimate of social insurance contributions in 2007 and in 2008, distinguishing payments made by the employee, the employer and the self-employed; and the rates, the thresholds and ceilings assumed in the pre-budget 2008 outlook. [31195/07]
The published estimate of social insurance contributions for 2007 is €7,600 million and the pre-budget estimate for 2008 is €8,260 million. The employer contributions would amount approximately to 75% of each estimate while the contributions of employees and self-employed would account approximately for 20% and 5% respectively.
The rates, thresholds and ceilings assumed in the 2008 Pre-Budget Outlook are set out in the following table:
|
Weekly earnings |
Classes A and H |
Classes B, C and D |
Class J |
Class S |
|||
|
Employee |
Employer |
Employee |
Employer |
Employee |
Employer |
All |
|
|
€38-€339 |
Nil |
8.50% Class A 10.05% Class H |
Nil |
2.01% Class B 1.85% Class C 2.35% Class D |
Nil |
0.5% |
3.0% |
|
€339.01-€356 |
4% Class A 3.9% Class H |
8.50% Class A 10.05% Class H |
0.90% |
2.01% Class B 1.85% Class C 2.35% Class D |
Nil |
0.5% |
3.0% |
|
€356.01-€480 |
4% Class A 3.9% Class H |
10.05% Class A 10.05% Class H |
0.90% |
2.01% Class B 1.85% Class C 2.35% Class D |
Nil |
0.5% |
3.0% |
|
Over €480 |
4% Class A 3.9% Class H |
10.05% Class A 10.05% Class H |
0.90% |
2.01% Class B 1.85% Class C 2.35% Class D |
Nil |
0.5% |
3.0% |
|
PRSI-free allowance |
€127 |
N/A |
€26 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
405 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the procedures in place to protect personal data within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31244/07]
My Department administers some fifty schemes and makes payments to one million people each week. This volume of business requires the Department to depend heavily on ICT and to have responsibility for significant amounts of data.
Data is generated by staff entering information to internal data-bases or by receipt of information from external agencies such as the General Register office in respect of births. Data is stored in the Department's data centres with arrangements in place for inter-site backup and security.
My Department relies on other agencies in carrying out its business, for example An Post for payments, and Revenue for the collection of PRSI contributions. Information is also provided to other agencies such as the CSO and Health agencies for various purposes in accordance with legislation. This necessitates exchanges of data on a regular basis with the relevant organisation.
My Department operates a policy whereby personally identifiable information must be exchanged legally and securely and must be capable of being audited. Data provided to service providers is typically transferred over direct secure electronic links. Backup arrangements for these include encryption of physical files. While the Department is satisfied that other data exchanges (e.g. off-site backup) have been carried out in an appropriately secure manner, it is reviewing all data exchanges in view of recent events in the UK.
Over the past few years, the Department has undertaken a number of Information Security projects and has established internal structures to implement its policies. In tandem with this, technical work has been carried out on the Department's infrastructures and systems. It is clear, however, that further work, resources and time are required to achieve an optimum operational state.
Finally, a High-Level Group has been established within the Department to review access management and control. The primary focus of the Group is to formulate the Department's policy on access to data and to initiate a further work programme to address the issues involved.
406 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount spent on the rent allowance scheme in 2007; the projected cost for 2008; and the potential savings in rent allowance if 12,000 recipients of the scheme were removed from the private renting sector and placed in social housing. [31251/07]
Expenditure on rent supplement to end October 2007 was €324 million. It is estimated that a further €68 million will be spent on the scheme by end 2007, bringing total expenditure for this year to €392 million. The Pre-Budget Outlook published on 18th October provides €775.5 million for supplementary welfare allowance in 2008, just under €414 million of which is for rent supplement. The final allocation for rent supplement in 2008 will be published in the revised estimates volume early in the new year.
Assuming no change to the average rent or number of recipients, a once-off transfer of 12,000 claims from the rent supplement scheme would result in a reduction in expenditure of €80 million per annum.
407 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of people as of 31 October 2007 who were employed in his Department; the number who were permanent employees; the number who were temporary staff; the number who were contracted staff; if he will provide comparative figures for 31 October 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [30608/07]
The information requested is set out in the table below.
|
Date |
Staff Employed |
Permanent Staff |
Temporary Staff on Fixed Term contracts |
|
31 October 2007 |
265.3 |
245.3 |
20 |
|
31 October 2002 |
240.5 |
234.5 |
6 |
The increase in staff recognises the large increase in work carried out by the Department in this time by the transfer of work to the Department (e.g. the Community Services Programme), the inception of new schemes such as the Rural Social Scheme and the expansion of other schemes.
408 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount spent by his Department in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 for air travel, business class flights and first class flights in tabular readable form. [30623/07]
According to records available in my Department, expenditure on air travel in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007, including business class flights, is as shown in the table below. There was no expenditure on first class flights.
|
Year |
Air Travel |
Business Class |
|
2004 |
82,356 |
55,754 |
|
2005 |
65,960 |
38,593 |
|
2006 |
73,947 |
40,689 |
|
2007 (to 31.10.07) |
64,373 |
25,767 |
409 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount spent by his Department on couriered documents, registered post and standard post to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [30638/07]
The total spent by my Department to date in 2007 on couriered documents, registered post and standard post is €56,375.93. This figure is broken down in tabular form below:
|
€ |
|
|
Couriers |
5,141.17 |
|
Registered Post |
Nil |
|
Standard Post |
51,234.76 |
|
Total Amount |
56,375.93 |
410 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the 10 largest bonus payments made to staff in his Department and each of its agencies in the past 12 months. [30653/07]
Within the time available I have set out the largest bonus payments made to senior staff in my Department and in each of the agencies within its ambit that operate a bonus scheme.
|
Organisation / Údarás |
Amount |
|
Department |
€38,400* |
|
Údarás |
€24,654 |
|
Waterways |
ST £7,250.00 |
|
Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch |
ST £2,282.12 |
During 2007 overall awards totalling €38,400 were made to 3 Assistant Secretaries in my Department in respect of 2006. Details of the operation of this 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
The other awards above are in respect of individuals in the public bodies indicated.
411 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of civil servants in his Department who have transferred to other Government Departments or left the Civil Service in each of the past five years in tabular readable form. [30668/07]
The information requested is set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Civil Servants who transferred to other Government Departments |
Civil Servants who resigned |
Civil Servants who retired |
|
2003 |
25 |
2 |
2 |
|
2004 |
27 |
2 |
1 |
|
2005 |
25 |
3 |
3 |
|
2006 |
51 |
3 |
7 |
|
2007 |
43 |
6 |
2 |
412 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing that have been reported to his Department by Departmental staff since 1 January 2007. [30683/07]
No such allegations have been made.
413 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad é an méid airgid a ceadaíodh faoi Scéim na mBóithre Áise do Ghaeltacht Dhún na nGall sa bhliain 2007; cad iad na bóithre ar ceadaíodh na deontais ina leith agus cad é méid an deontais i ngach cás. [30820/07]
Ceadaíodh €37,000 faoi Scéim na mBóithre Áise mo Roinne i nGaeltacht Dhún na nGall i 2007, anuas ar an tsuim iomlán de €365,719 a ceadaíodh chun na críche sin i 2006. Chomh maith leis sin, faoi Chlár Mhionoibreacha na nOileán, ceadaíodh deontas de €260,995 do Chomhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall i 2007 chun bóithre áise agus bóithre eile ar Árainn Mhór agus Thoraigh a fheabhsú.
Tá sonraí maidir leis na bóithre áise i nGaeltacht Dhún na nGall a ceadaíodh deontais ina leith i 2007 sa tábla leis seo.
|
Sonraí |
Deontas |
|
€ |
|
|
Scéim na mBóithre Áise |
|
|
Bóthar áise, Leac Aonach, Ailt an Chorráin |
37,000 |
|
Clár Mionoibreacha na nOileán |
|
|
Bóthar áise, Scraig an tSeabhaic, Árainn Mhór |
8,280 |
|
Bóthar áise, Fál an Ghabhann Íochtarach, Árainn Mhór |
11,360 |
|
Bóthar áise, Plochóg, Árainn Mhór |
15,975 |
|
Bóthar áise, Na Clocha Corra, Árainn Mhór |
8,100 |
|
Bóthar áise, Na Clocha Corra, Árainn Mhór |
7,280 |
|
An Cuar Bhóthar agus bóthar an dochtúra, Árainn Mhór |
10,000 |
|
Bóthar Fál an Ghabhann/Bhaile na Trá, Árainn Mhór |
70,000* |
|
Bóthar ag na Goirt Ghearra, Árainn Mhór |
30,000* |
|
Bóthar Bhaile Thoir/Bhaile Thiar, Toraigh |
70,000* |
|
Bóthar go dtí an Ionad Pobail, Toraigh |
30,000 |
|
Iomlán |
297,995 |
* Suim chomhionann curtha ar fáil ag Comhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall
414 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the people of Dingle will be able to call their town Dingle again as per the wishes of the people as expressed in a recent plebiscite. [30958/07]
There is no prohibition on the people of the town calling it Dingle, or using Dingle in their private business or indeed their dealings with public bodies. The plebiscite — which proposed changing the official name of the town to Dingle-Daingean Uí Chúis — is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and not my Department.
415 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the buildings occupied by his Department which are and which are not fully accessible to people with disabilities in tabular readable form. [31026/07]
My Department occupies 5 buildings 3 of which are wheelchair accessible as outlined in the table below. In the case of my Department's office in Doire Beaga a ramp and handrail have been provided and wheelchair access is available to the ground floor only. A small reception area is provided on the ground floor. My Department is currently investigating the possibility of relocating to new offices nearby which will be fully accessible.
In the case of my Department's office in Tralee, which we share with the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, disabled access is available to our office through the areas occupied by the other Departments.
|
Buildings occupied by Department |
|
|
43/49, Mespil Road, Dublin, 4 |
Wheelchair accessible |
|
Na Forbacha, Co. na Gaillimhe |
Wheelchair accessible |
|
Teeling Street, Tubbercurry, Co Sligo |
Wheelchair accessible |
|
Doire Beaga, Co Dhún na nGall |
Partial access |
|
Government Buildings, Tralee, Co Kerry |
Indirect wheelchair access |
416 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost of running his Department’s press office in each of the first three quarters of 2007 in tabular readable form. [31041/07]
The following table shows the costs of running the press office in the first three quarters of 2007.
|
1st Quarter |
2nd Quarter |
3rd Quarter |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Salary/allowances/overtime and employers PRSI |
63,313 |
75,128 |
65,651 |
|
Travel & Subsistence |
5,938 |
3,572 |
1,260 |
|
Incidental Expenses |
12,527 |
6,499 |
11, 079 |
|
Total |
81,778 |
85,199* |
77,990 |
*The higher figure for wages in the 2nd quarter is due to there being an extra pay cheque for fortnightly paid staff, and to the implementation of the 2% T16 pay rise.
417 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the websites that are run by his Department and each of its agencies; the date on which each became live; if the sites are kept updated; the cost of each site to the State to date; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [31056/07]
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.
418 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the organisations or authorities operating within his Department’s policy area, set up by statute or statutory instrument, for which he does not have official responsibility to Dáil Éireann. [31109/07]
Listed below are bodies set up under statute within the ambit of my Department. I exercise policy oversight in respect of such bodies and am, accordingly, accountable to the Dáil.
I have no role in their day-to-day operations. However, it is my practice to give information relating to such matters, as provided to me by such bodies, in Parliamentary Question replies.
Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland
Údarás na Gaeltachta
Western Development Commission
An Coimisinéir Teanga
Dormant Accounts Board
Foras na Gaeilge *
Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch *
Waterways Ireland *
* Denotes cross Border bodies.
419 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason the contract for the Sherkin Ferry which expired on 31 October 2007 was postponed for a year. [31171/07]
As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 355 of 31 October 2007, the existing contract for the provision of a passenger ferry service between Sherkin Island and the mainland was due to expire on 31 October 2007.
A decision was taken, however, to extend this contract for a further month to 30 November 2007 in order to provide time for my officials to complete their discussions with the operating company, Carbery Isle Ferries Ltd, regarding an extension of its contract for a period of up to one year.
The decision to open these discussions was taken with a view to securing administrative efficiencies and in the context of the limited number of service providers available in this sector. It should be noted that only one tender was received in response to the previous tender competition for this particular service and that, at a recent meeting of the Service Monitoring Committee, Sherkin Island representatives expressed satisfaction with the standard of service provided.
420 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the annual subsidy payable for the transport of cargo to and from islands (details supplied). [31172/07]
My Department does not pay cargo subsidies in respect of the islands numbered 2, 3, and 4 in the details supplied by the Deputy.
With reference to island number 1, my Department currently has a five year contract in place with a private operator for the carriage of both passengers and cargo. The annual cost of this contract, which commenced on 1 March 2007, is as follows:
|
Year |
Cost |
|
€ |
|
|
1 |
214,823 |
|
2 |
229,690 |
|
3 |
246,336 |
|
4 |
263,416* |
|
5 |
285,583* |
|
Total |
1,239,848 |
*The annual cost of the subsidy may increase in years 4 and 5, depending on whether the option of providing a new vessel is exercised by the service operator.
421 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in view of difficulties and inconsistencies which have arisen in the award of public service contracts for ferries and cargo to and from offshore islands, he will have an independent review of the process whereby those contracts are awarded. [31173/07]
I do not accept the Deputy's assertion that there have been difficulties and inconsistencies in the award of island passenger and cargo ferry contracts.
Contracts for island transport services are awarded by my Department following rigorous evaluation by my officials of tenders received, in accordance with relevant national and European Union procurement guidelines and in consultation, where necessary, with independent procurement consultants and the Office of the Attorney General.
422 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount it would cost on an annual basis to implement the full recommendations of the report of the working group on drugs rehabilitation published in May 2007. [31181/07]
423 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount it would cost on an annual basis to implement the recommendation in the report of the working group on drugs rehabilitation published in May 2007 to establish a national drug rehabilitation implementation committee, and to appoint a senior rehabilitation coordinator, 10 regional rehabilitation coordinators and support staff. [31182/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 422 and 423 together.
As set out in the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation, published in May of this year, the HSE will fulfil the lead role in rehabilitation. Their role includes the establishment and chairing of the National Drug Rehabilitation Implementation Committee and the employment and management of Rehabilitation Co-ordinators and support staff.
A cross-departmental/agency approach is being taken to ensure that the implementation of the recommendations can commence from early 2008 and progress steadily from there. It is estimated that the costs involved, across a number of Departments, will be approx. €14m in 2008, rising to €30m for full implementation in 2009.
424 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the procedures in place to protect personal data within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31235/07]
All electronic personal files are maintained through the Human Resources Management System (Peoplesoft) which is maintained centrally by the Department of Finance. Access to this system within my Department is granted to HR staff only. This is limited by User Profiles, sign-on and passwords which have an expiry date. In addition, users are locked out after three unsuccessful attempts.
The personal files in paper format are held in locked cabinets in the Personnel Units which can only be accessed by HR staff. Salaries files are maintained in a similar fashion, with HR staff having limited access to certain areas of the electronic salary system (Corepay). These are also password protected.
All data protection requirements are met in relation to Personal data and the Department is registered with the Data Protection Commission.
Access to the Department's computer system is password restricted and access to data is defined by each users role. Users are only granted access to applications relevant to their function. Audit trails are enabled on all applications.
425 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason the early retirement scheme payment to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has now ceased after seven years. [30517/07]
Under the terms and conditions of the Early Retirement Scheme introduced in 2000, in the case of applications made in the year ended 31 December 2001, payments are made for a maximum period of 10 years but in any event not beyond a participant's 69th birthday. The person named entered the Scheme on 5 December 2001 and reached the age of 69 on 20 November 2007. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Scheme, her pension payments therefore ceased on 19 November 2007.
426 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all farm support payments and grants are paid up to date; the extent to which the relevant inspections have been completed; if delays with inspections are expected to negatively impact on the applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30533/07]
The Charter of Rights for Farmers 2005/2007 sets out deadlines within which payments under the various schemes operated by my Department should be processed. A Charter Monitoring Committee involving the farming organisations and officials of my Department under an independent chairman meets on a regular basis to review compliance with the deadlines in the Charter.
Single Payment Scheme
Under the Single Payment Scheme / Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, my Department processes approximately 130,000 applications each year. A system of combined application form is operated, thereby negating the necessity for those farmers eligible under both schemes to submit two application forms. The EU Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme require that applications under that Scheme be submitted by 15 May of the year in question, while also providing that payments cannot be made before 1 December of the year of application. In the case of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, there is discretion as regards the payment date, which is generally mid-September, when the vast majority of applications were fully processed. It will be appreciated that the task of processing up to 130,000 applications is a substantial operation, with the necessity to confirm the detail contained in each individuals' application, most importantly in respect of the various land parcels declared.
Mindful of the adverse weather conditions experienced during the summer months of 2007, I made a successful case to the EU Commissioner that agreement should be forthcoming to allow advance payments under the Single Payment Scheme be made at the earliest possible date, 16 October — the start of the EU financial year. Following successful processing of applications, in excess of 95% of farmers received their advance payment on, or shortly after that date. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme had commenced on 21 September and in excess of 90% of applicants had been paid within the following two weeks, with in excess of 98,000 farmers paid to date. Those applicants under both the Single Payment Scheme and the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme who have yet to be paid have received correspondence from my Department, which outlines the reasons for non-payment. As further cases are subsequently confirmed eligible, payment issues without delay.
Single Payment/Cross Compliance Inspections
Two types of inspections are carried out for the purpose of implementing the Single Payment Scheme, Eligibility inspections (area checks) and Cross Compliance inspections. Payment is not delayed where the Cross Compliance inspection is not finalised before payment date. However the EU regulations require that all Eligibility checks are completed prior to payment.
A total of 6,784 farmers who applied for the Single Payment were selected for eligibility inspections in 2007. Some 4,086 were inspected using remote sensing technique without the need for an on-farm inspection. To date some 6,337 eligibility inspections have been fully completed. The cases remaining to be finalized are cases where a final decision could not be taken following remote sensing and these cases require a ground inspection to clarify the position. It is expected that all remaining cases will be finalized in early December so as to allow full payment to issue where appropriate.
On-Farm Investment Schemes
Grant payments under the following on-farm investment schemes are being made in accordance with the deadlines set out in the Charter of Rights for Farmers 2005-2007:
Farm Improvement Scheme
Farm Waste Management Scheme
Sow Housing (Animal Welfare) Scheme
Young Farmers' Installation Scheme
Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS)
Over 85% of annual payment applications in REPS have been processed in line with the targets. Additional staff resources have recently been assigned to my Department's local offices to assist with the processing of REPS files. The required number of post-payment inspections will be completed by year-end and there have been no delays affecting payments to participants arising from these inspections.
Forestry Grants Scheme
Grants under the forestry schemes are being paid in a timely manner. Inspections may be required to confirm compliance with approvals granted but I am happy that this does not lead to unwarranted delays for applicants.
427 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position of the decentralisation of her Department’s office from Cork city to Fermoy; the progress on the recruitment of staff for the facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30586/07]
The Government decision on the decentralisation of my Department includes the transfer of the local offices in Cork city to Fermoy, involving up to 100 staff. Since the announcement an implementation plan for Fermoy was put in place and my Department has worked with the OPW regarding a specification for the office and the identification of a site. OPW has made some progress in this regard lately and an official announcement is expected. Their latest estimate is that construction will be completed in the second quarter of 2009.
Recruitment for Fermoy has begun and will be carried out on a phased basis in order to try to ensure continuity of business and the maintenance of service. Five applicants from the Central Applications Facility have been recruited to date and more appointments are planned. There is also a significant level of interest among existing staff.
428 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of people as of 31 October 2007 who were employed in her Department; the number who were permanent employees; the number who were temporary staff; the number who were contracted staff; if she will provide comparative figures for 31 October 2002; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [30605/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
31/10/2002 |
31/10/2007 |
|
|
Permanent Employees |
4,722 |
4,458 |
|
Temporary Staff |
73 |
79 |
|
Contracted Staff |
8 |
115 |
|
Number of employees |
4,803 |
4,652 |
429 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount spent by her Department in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 for air travel, business class flights and first class flights in tabular readable form. [30620/07]
The table below details the information requested by the Deputy.
|
Class |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007* |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
First Class |
0.00 |
8,202.04 |
0.00 |
11,853.13 |
|
Business Class |
156,687.18 |
130,704.65 |
48,884.43 |
51,704.86 |
|
Economy Class |
542,427.94 |
476,651.87 |
483,509.14 |
445,319.88 |
|
Total Airfares |
699,115.12 |
615,558.56 |
532,393.57 |
508,877.87 |
* Year up to 31st October 2007.
430 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount spent by her Department on couriered documents, registered post and standard post to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [30635/07]
The amount spent so far in my Department in 2007 on post and courier services is €3,481,627 and €33,342 respectively. My Department does not keep details of a breakdown between registered post and standard post.
431 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the 10 largest bonus payments made to staff in her Department and each of its agencies in the past 12 months. [30650/07]
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
With regard to state agencies under the aegis of my Department, the payment of bonuses is a matter for the bodies themselves and the Deputy should request the information directly from them.
432 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of civil servants in her Department who have transferred to other Government Departments or left the Civil Service in each of the past five years in tabular readable form. [30665/07]
The following table shows the number of permanent Civil Servants in this Department who have either transferred to other Departments or who have left the Civil Service in the years 2003 to 31 October 2007. Temporary Officers, who are recruited to fill temporary vacancies arising as a result of Special Leave, eg. Term Time, Maternity, etc., for special projects or for seasonal increases in workload are not included in the numbers.
|
Year |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 (to 31.10.07) |
|
Transferred to other Departments |
48 |
34 |
52 |
305 |
131 |
|
Left the Civil Service |
85 |
67 |
118 |
96 |
96 |
433 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing that have been reported to her Department by departmental staff since 1 January 2007. [30680/07]
There have been no allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing reported to the Personnel Division of my Department by staff since 1 January 2007.
434 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position in relation to the appointment of a Minister of State for animal welfare; if this appointment will be made as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30737/07]
As I have direct responsibility for Animal Welfare issues the question of an appointment of Minister of State for Animal Welfare does not arise.
435 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in County Mayo that participated in REP scheme three; the amount of money paid out to these applicants each year to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30746/07]
The table below sets out the number of active participants in REPS 3 in County Mayo at the end of each year from 2004 to date and the amounts paid to them. The 2007 figure is an estimate and includes some €25 million paid to date.
|
Date |
Active Participants |
Amount Paid |
|
€ million |
||
|
31/12/2007 |
5,354 |
28.0 (estimate) |
|
31/12/2006 |
5,285 |
27.3 |
|
31/12/2005 |
2,696 |
14.3 |
|
31/12/2004 |
1,331 |
5.8 |
436 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there will be a delay between REP scheme three and REP scheme four; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30780/07]
Council Regulation 1257/1999, under which REPS 3 was introduced, expired on 31 December 2006 and no new entrants could join the Scheme after that date. I launched REPS 4 on 8 August 2007 as a measure under the Rural Development Programme 2007/13, following the Programme's approval by the European Commission, and applications are being processed under the new scheme.
437 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the various types of payments available under the REP scheme or other related conservation schemes including the new incentive to protect the hen harrier; the terms and conditions that must be met by farmers in order to qualify for such payments; if these payments are taxable or non-taxable.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30791/07]
The basic REPS 4 payment rates are as follows: €234 per hectare on up to 20 hectares, €205 per hectare for next 20 ha up to 40 ha, €82 per hectare for next 15 ha up to 55 ha and €10 per hectare thereafter.
Any area of a REPS farm designated as a Special Protection Area under the Wild Birds Directive, a Special Area of Conservation under the Habitats Directive or a Natural Heritage Area qualifies in REPS 4 for the Natura 2000 rates of payment: €282 per hectare up to 40 hectares, €29 per hectare for next 40 ha up to 80 ha, €22 per hectare for next 40 ha up to 120 ha and €5 per hectare thereafter. These rates also apply on commonage. Areas recently proposed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as Special Protection Areas for the Hen Harrier will automatically qualify for the Natura 2000 rates. The NPWS operates a national scheme and farmers may choose to join either that scheme or REPS. The issue of taxation of payments is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners.
438 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the problem processing the single farm payment for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when the problem will be resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30845/07]
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements under Category C the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve. Category C caters for farmers who sold their milk quota into the Milk Quota Restructuring Scheme and converted their enterprise to a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid Schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002. The person named was deemed unsuccessful under this category, as he did not sell his milk quota into a restructuring scheme within the specified period.
The person named subsequently appealed this decision to the Single Payment Appeals Committee, who determined that the person named was eligible for an allocation from the National Reserve, based on additional information provided with the appeal. The person named has now received an allocation under Category C of the 2005 National Reserve, which necessitated a full re-calculation of the value of the entitlements for 2005, 2006 and 2007. This re-calculation is now complete and all outstanding payments for 2005, 2006 and 2007 will issue shortly to the person named.
439 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is being penalised in their REP scheme application; and if in view of the financial hardship that this has caused she will reconsider her decision on the matter. [30860/07]
The person named reduced his contract area in REPS by 42.89 hectares and consequently, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Scheme, had to repay a proportionate part of the REPS payment he had received. As in all cases in which payments must be recovered, my Department will consider proposals from the person concerned to repay the amount in instalments.
440 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are more fishery officers than fishermen working on Dingle harbour pier on a daily basis. [30903/07]
The Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, provided for the establishment of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). This independent authority was established on January 1st 2007. The Act clearly provides that the Authority is independent in the exercise of its functions and as such I have no remit as to its work programme or its strategic deployment of resources.
441 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on whether salmon ranching is a viable alternative for the drift net fishermen who have been removed from the sea by the ban; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30905/07]
Salmon ranching is an activity that has not taken place in the State previously and accordingly requires careful consideration. Relevant state agencies are examining the multi-faceted implications of such an activity and will advise in due course.
It should be noted that aquaculture activities, including the culture or farming of any species of fish, aquatic invertebrate or aquatic plant, are regulated under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, through a licensing system administered by my Department.
442 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of compensation awarded to Greencore following the closure of the sugar industry here; the tax treatment of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30908/07]
Under the Government's decision of July 2006 concerning the implementation of the EU restructuring aid for the sugar industry, Greencore would have received €98.4m of the total amount of €145.5m available to Irish beneficiaries. However, that decision was quashed by the High Court in June 2007 so the final allocation to Greencore has not yet been determined. The relevant EU regulations provided for the payment of the first instalment amounting to 40% in June 2007. Of this, Greencore was paid €43.64m approximately. The tax treatment of this aid is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners.
443 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when persons (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their disadvantaged area scheme payment in view of the fact that they have submitted evidence of their stocking levels in line with their REP scheme plan. [30935/07]
An application under the 2007 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received in this case on 2 May 2007. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 21 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 in this case has now been fully processed and payment of €4,456.75 issued on 23 November 2007.
444 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the buildings occupied by her Department which are and which are not fully accessible to people with disabilities in tabular readable form. [31023/07]
The Office of Public Works carried out an Access Audit on my Department's Offices and Laboratories and are arranging to ensure the offices are made accessible to people with disabilities.
445 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost of running her Department’s press office in each of the first three quarters of 2007 in tabular readable form. [31038/07]
A unit of the Corporate Affairs Division in my Department has responsibility for press and media matters. The equivalent of 4.5 staff work full-time on media communication duties in this unit. They are paid normal civil service salaries commensurate with their grades. Details of the staff costs for each of the first three quarters of 2007 are set out in the table below.
|
€ |
|
|
Quarter 1 |
64,256 |
|
Quarter 2 |
54,818 |
|
Quarter 3 |
64,052 |
446 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the websites that are run by her Department and each of its agencies; the date on which each became live; if the sites are kept updated; the cost of each site to the State to date; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [31053/07]
The information in relation to my Department's website is given below. The operation of the websites of agencies under the aegis of my Department is the responsibility of the agencies concerned.
|
Website |
Date set up |
Updated |
Cost (exclusive of staff costs) |
|
http://www.agriculture.gov.ie. including http://agfood.ie and various subsites |
1996 |
Continually |
€552,500 |
447 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when grants will be paid in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31087/07]
The person concerned is an applicant under both the Dairy Hygiene and Farm Waste Management Schemes. My Department has no record of having received any notification of completion of works and the related documents from the applicant. The applications cannot be further progressed until this documentation is received.
448 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31088/07]
In 1998, a 100% penalty was applied to the person named in respect of a serious breach of the REP Scheme conditions. This penalty was upheld upon appeal to the REPS Appeals Committee and the Office of the Ombudsman.
In 2001, the person named availed of the option offered by my Department to pay by agreed monthly instalments over a specially extended timeframe. In light of this agreement, my Department agreed not to apply any further interest on this debt. The last repayment was received in November 2006.
My Department has made every effort to avoid putting the person named under any unreasonable pressure. As this Scheme is 75% co-funded by the EU, however, my Department has no discretion in this matter and must recoup the full amount owed.
449 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the organisations or authorities operating within her Department’s policy area, set up by statute or statutory instrument, for which she does not have official responsibility to Dáil Éireann. [31106/07]
I am responsible to the Dail for the bodies set out below insofar as Ministerial policy is concerned, but not for their day-to-day operations or for policies set by the Boards of the bodies.
Teagasc
An Bord Bia
Irish National Stud Co. Ltd.
Coillte Teoranta
National Milk Agency
Veterinary Council of Ireland
Bord Iascaigh Mhara
Marine Institute
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority
Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board
Licensing Authority for Sea Fishing Boats
450 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of money provided to An Bord Bia in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31123/07]
The 2007 Estimates provide for a Grant-in-Aid of €26.505 million to An Bord Bia. An Bord Bia also receives money in respect of specific certification costs relating to quality assurance and implementation of the Health Eating Initiative (Food Dude programme) in primary schools. The amounts provided for the latter activities in 2007 are €2.3 million and €4 million respectively.
451 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the various promotions completed by An Bord Bia in 2007; the cost of each; the products involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31124/07]
This is an operational matter for Bord Bia and it is not appropriate that I respond on such day to day activities.
452 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of funding provided by her Department in 2007 for the REP scheme; the amount of that funding drawn down; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31125/07]
My Department's Vote for 2007 included an allocation of €361 million for REPS. Some €262 million of expenditure has been incurred to date. Spending for the remainder of the year will be determined by the number of farmers who send in their annual payment applications. In 2006, REPS payments came to €33 million in November and €61 million in December.
453 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of staff employed by An Bord Bia in promotional activity; the location of these staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31126/07]
This is an operational matter for Bord Bia and it is not appropriate that I respond on such day to day activities.
454 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the procedures in place to protect personal data within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31232/07]
My Department has in place extensive controls to protect personal data, in particular for sensitive information such as individual banking information. The Department has a secure and robust IT infrastructure that provides protection for all of the electronic information that it holds. The Department also has a sophisticated data access control system that provides for tailored access appropriate to the individual users' needs. The appropriate user access profiles are set down as part of the implementation of any new computer system.
The protection of personal data is an important issue for my Department. On an ongoing basis the Department carries out a campaign to heighten the awareness among individual staff in relation to confidential information and best practice in IT security matters.
455 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Department has had communication from the EU Court of Auditors regarding the operation of the single farm payments scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31341/07]
The Single Payment Scheme is subject to ongoing scrutiny by auditors from the European Commission and the European Court of Auditors. In its recent annual report for 2006, the European Court of Auditors highlighted what they regard as certain deficiencies in the operations of the Single Payment Scheme in a number of Member States including Ireland. In particular, the Court of Auditors expressed the view that consolidation of entitlements was applied incorrectly in Ireland. The report also refers to an incorrect approach taken by Ireland with regard to the transfer of holdings by lease and the report also suggests that there was a delay in establishing entitlements for certain farmers who applied for entitlements from the 2005 National Reserve.
The position is that my Department refutes the Court's findings and has provided a comprehensive response to the matters raised during the course of the audit visit to Ireland. The issues raised by the Court will now be the subject of bilateral meetings between officials from my Department and the European Commission.
456 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science when social personal and health education will be rolled out for senior cycle in all schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30524/07]
A programme in Social Personal and Health Education for senior cycle is currently being developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, but no proposals in this area have as yet been submitted to my Department. The Council has consulted widely on a draft curriculum framework, and there has been general acceptance that it should cover such areas as Mental Health, Gender Studies, Substance use, Relationships & Sexuality education, and Physical Activity & Nutrition. I look forward to receiving the recommendations of the Council in this area as soon as possible.
457 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science when a social personal and health education regional development officer with responsibility for collaboration with the local drugs task forces will be appointed; if this person will be assigned to junior cycle only; if a similar position will be created for senior cycle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30525/07]
The Social Personal and Health Education support service through my Department has twice advertised for the position of Regional Development Officer with responsibility for collaboration with the Local Drugs Task Forces, as outlined by the Deputy. Unfortunately on both occasions a suitable candidate was not forthcoming for a variety of reasons.
The SPHE has recently created a panel for the appointment of Regional Development Officers nationally. Recruitment from this panel has commenced and it may be possible to appoint a replacement to the stated position shortly. The replacement will continue the work of the previous incumbent of this post.
458 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will grant permission for the resurfacing of a play area in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30526/07]
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied for large scale capital funding.
The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 1 rating. Progress on the project will be considered in the context of the multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme consistent with its Band rating. The project will address the works to which the Deputy refers, however, I would point out that the school may use its devolved grant scheme funding to carry out the required works.
459 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application for a bus pass for a student (details supplied) in County Kildare; if there is vacancies on the bus route; the criteria that determines the students application for such a vacancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30534/07]
Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, a pupil is eligible for transport if s/he resides 4.8 kilometres or more from her/his local post primary education centre.
The scheme is not designed to facilitate parents who choose to send their children to a post-primary centre outside of the catchment area in which they reside. However, children who are fully eligible for transport to the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside, may apply for transport on a concessionary basis to a post-primary centre outside of their own catchment area — otherwise known as catchment boundary transport. These children can only be facilitated if spare seats are available on the bus after all other eligible children travelling to their local post-primary centre have been catered for. Such children have to make their own way to the nearest pick up point within that catchment area.
The Transport Liaison Officer for Co. Kildare and Bus Éireann have advised that the transport service under the school transport scheme is operating to capacity. The family in question should continue to liaise with Bus Éireann regarding the availability of catchment boundary seats in the future.
460 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the proposals to prevent gaelscoileanna from operating an early immersion education model which has been shown by independent research to represent best practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30540/07]
I would like to make clear that my Department is not preventing the operation of immersion models of education. My Department provides a range of supports to encourage the establishment of all-Irish schools and to encourage instruction and communication through Irish. The right of parents and children to choose education through the medium of Irish is fully respected, but this does not obviate the need for schools to implement all aspects of the national curriculum. What is at issue in this case is the requirement that schools should implement the minimum instruction time specified in the curriculum for English, and do so no later than the start of the second term in junior infant classes.
The revised primary curriculum was launched in 1999 and provides an integrated programme of learning in the spheres of Languages, Mathematics, Social Environmental and Scientific Education, Arts Education, Physical Education, Social Personal and Health Education and Religious Education. Page 27 in the Introduction to the Curriculum states "It is a particular feature of Irish primary education that children, from the beginning of schooling, have experience of language learning in two languages." The curriculum also specifies a set of learning objectives for each area of the curriculum for 4 groupings — infant classes, first and second class, third and fourth class, and fifth and sixth class. It also sets out a suggested minimum weekly time framework for tuition. This provides that where a first language is being taught, there should be four hours instruction per week, and 3 hours per week where there is a shorter day for the infant classes. Where a second language is being taught, the suggested minimum timeframe is 3.5 hours per week, and 2.5 hours per week for infant classes with a shorter day.
Furthermore the achievement of the curriculum objectives in every curriculum area at each of the four levels of primary schooling is an over-riding requirement in all schools. I have therefore determined as a public policy issue that the introduction of a minimum of 2.5 hours per week for English as Language 2 in Irish medium schools should not be delayed beyond the start of the second term in Junior Infants.
I am convinced of the importance of ensuring that all children have access to the full primary curriculum from the earliest possible stage.
461 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will investigate the possibility of establishing an ombudsman for students to address student issues specifically; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30556/07]
The Ombudsman for Children's Office was established in April 2004 under the Ombudsman for Children Act, 2002. The Ombudsman for Children is independent of Government and other civil society actors and is accountable to the Oireachtas.
The role of the Ombudsman for Children is to promote and safeguard the rights and welfare of children and young people up to eighteen years of age. The main functions are: to provide an independent complaints handling service regarding public bodies; to promote children's rights, including through participation and communication activities; and to provide research and policy advice to ensure that law, policy and practice meet the highest standards and obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
In addition, protection is also offered to students over the age of 18 in their dealings with certain public bodies by the Ombudsman's office.
Given the role of these two offices already in existence, I would not intend to establish a separate ombudsman for students.
462 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on amending the physical education curriculum to include more varied sporting activities such as a self defence programme for girls; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30557/07]
My Department currently has a variety of syllabuses and programmes in place for Physical Education. Among these are the primary school curriculum in Physical Education, the revised Junior Cycle Physical Education syllabus, the Leaving certificate syllabus in PE and the Health and Leisure module as part of the Leaving Certificate Applied programme.
The primary and Junior Cycle curricula are centred on the provision of physical education across six strands - athletics, aquatics, adventure activities, games, gymnastics and dance. At junior cycle, health-related activity is also included. Schools are encouraged to cover all the activities over time, taking account of the resources and facilities available.
The physical education syllabuses which have been developed to date at junior cycle and senior cycle have tended, for practical reasons, to concentrate on the internationally-recognised core areas of activity mentioned above. In so doing it is not suggested that there are not a variety of other activities which are worthwhile in their own right, including self-defence. Difficulties around including this as a core activity as part of the standard physical education syllabuses would include, for example, the skills base and training of physical education teachers to deliver such activities as the majority of physical education teachers would not be qualified to teach self-defence.
Any activities that bring breadth and variety to the physical education programme in schools are welcome. Physical activities such as self-defence, yoga, martial arts, lifesaving, First Aid, horse-riding, for example, are all to be found in many of the excellent Transition Year Programmes that are taking place in schools throughout the country.
463 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will amend the civil social and political education curriculum to include a module on road safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30558/07]
The Social Personal and Health Education programme, which is mandatory in primary schools and at junior cycle level, provides a framework under which the generic values and skills which underpin responsible decision-making, and respect for the rights and safety of others can be developed and promoted among students. SPHE has a specific personal safety strand within the programme, and this provides a mechanism through which road safety issues for all can be best dealt with in an age appropriate way.
In addition, the Civic Social and Political Education programme, also mandatory at junior cycle, deals with important themes such as Law, Rights and Responsibilities, Democracy and Inter-dependence, which are also important in a road safety context.
The implementation of SPHE and CSPE is being supported by resource materials on road safety developed by the Road Safety Authority. The RSA MACE "Safe to School" campaign at primary level was launched on 6 February 2007. It includes a DVD, posters, information leaflets, teacher worksheets for use within the SPHE curriculum, a guide for parents and a picture competition for students, and has been circulated to all primary schools. There is also a website www.safetoschool.ie which includes a walking guide, quizzes etc.
The Streetwise programme for junior cycle pupils was launched in UN Road Safety Week on 24 April 2007. It covers road safety across 9 topics — walking, cycling, seatbelts, airbags, speed, driver fatigue, motor cycle safety, hazard recognition and the engineering aspects of road safety, to be delivered over approx. nine class periods. Streetwise is available for live implementation in 2007/8 following a successful pilot.
A follow on programme has also been developed by the RSA in collaboration with my Department, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Second Level Support Service for use in Transition Year, and is currently being piloted in schools. Covering areas such as seatbelt use, hazard perception and driver attitudes towards alcohol and drug use the Transition Year Road Safety Programme will also prepare students for the Driver Theory Test. The Road Safety Authority has also obtained input from the Gardai, NCT centres and Bus Eireann in the delivery of this programme.
464 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the level of funding provided to schools towards information technology; if she will acknowledge that many schools throughout the country are functioning without computers or using inadequate computers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30559/07]
Since its commencement in 1998, there has been significant investment in the ICT in Schools Programme, in providing computers to schools, professional development ICT courses for teachers, improving the availability of digital content, integrating ICT into the curriculum and in supporting schools to integrate ICT into their teaching and learning. The recent priorities under the Programme have been the development of schools' internal networking facilities and the provision of broadband connectivity for schools, which my Department has pursued in partnership with the Telecommunications and Internet Federation within IBEC. Other recent developments include the introduction of the new Technology syllabus and the revised Design and Communication Graphics syllabus at Leaving Certificate level which were introduced this year with an associated investment of some €14 million to schools to upgrade their facilities.
Disadvantaged schools are also benefiting from the €3.4m ICT Grant scheme for DEIS Schools from the Dormant Accounts (Educational Disadvantage) Fund.
While the ICT facilities in our schools have improved considerably, I am conscious of the need for further investment to ensure that we are realising the full potential of ICT to improve the learning experience for our young people. Our Programme for Government sets out our commitment to implementing a comprehensive Schools ICT Strategy. This strategy will be underpinned by the investment of €252m in the National Development Plan 2007-2013.
I appointed a Strategy Planning Group to advise me on the prioritisation of measures under the planned investment over the period of the NDP. Among the issues which the new strategy will address are the upgrading and renewal of hardware, the provision of software and digital content for learning, teacher professional development, curriculum development, the maintenance of the national broadband network for schools and technical maintenance and support requirements.
465 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has read a report (details supplied); her opinion on the finding that the quality of teachers is the single most important factor in education; the steps she has taken to make teaching a more desirable occupation which attracts the highest calibre graduates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30560/07]
I am aware of the report that the Deputy refers to. The report has a number of interesting things to say about what contributes to quality in education systems.
The report recommends getting the right people to become teachers. Irish teachers are relatively well paid by international standards with salaries that are higher than international averages, a factor that seems to contribute to attracting very high calibre candidates to the teaching profession.
Our trainee teachers at both primary and post-primary level are drawn from among the highest achievers. Entrants to colleges of education from Leaving Cert level in 2007 required 465 CAO points for entry to the two largest colleges. Half the students entering those colleges would have achieved 490 points or more based on their Leaving Cert results.
Similarly, at post-primary level, there is a quota system in place for entry to Higher Diploma in Education courses because demand for places on the courses far outstrips the number of places available. Successful candidates are drawn mainly from the highest achieving graduates from arts, science and business studies courses as well as a range of technology courses.
The McKinsey report also recommends developing teachers into effective instructors. Apart from recruiting talented and committed people to teaching, the other important factors in the development of effective teachers are the initial training and professional development supports provided for teachers throughout their careers. The report emphasised building practical skills during initial training, and mentoring teachers during the induction stage. We are currently implementing a pilot induction programme for primary and post-primary teachers. With regard to continuing professional development, almost 600 specialist teachers are currently deployed in providing professional development support for teachers, especially in the introduction of new curricula and syllabuses at primary and post-primary level.
The third major recommendation of the report is related to ensuring that the system is able to deliver the best possible instruction for every child. Much of our attention in this regard has focused on assisting children who might otherwise leave school without a good basic education, through dramatically improved supports for children with special needs and those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
In addition to the above elements which contribute to attracting and supporting good quality teachers, the Teaching Council also has a specific remit to promote teaching as a profession. To date, it has produced a DVD, Croí na Múinteoireachta (the Heart of Teaching), in which the views of graduates and prominent members of Irish society are provided: it records the fact that teaching continues to be held in high esteem in Ireland and highlighted the value placed on good teaching by Irish people. The Council will, in all its work, continue to protect the standards of the profession.
466 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the links between recognised youth clubs and her Department; her views on whether school children could benefit from better integration between local youth clubs and local schools; the steps her Department has taken to establish closer links between youth clubs and schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30561/07]
The Youth Affairs Section of my Department supports a number of schemes and initiatives which provide non-formal educational opportunities for young people throughout the country through voluntary participation in youth work. This support consists mainly of grant-in-aid assistance for national and major regional youth work organisations under the Youth Service Grant Scheme, targeted youth work responses for young people through the Special Projects for Youth Scheme and support for youth clubs and groups at a local level through the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme. In addition, my Department has secured additional funding in 2007 from the Dormant Accounts Fund (Economic and Social Disadvantage Funding Measures) for small scale equipment grants for local youth groups/clubs. This Scheme complements my Department's existing Local Youth Club Grant Scheme.
Links between youth clubs and youth work projects and schools are generally forged at local level and these relationships are seen as positive by schools and youth clubs/projects alike.
Youth Officers have been assigned to the VEC sector to carry out the functions set out for VECs under the Youth Work Act, 2001. These Youth Officers are currently liaising locally with relevant organisations and clubs and this process will help to put in place a local framework that will facilitate inter alia the coordination of youth work services with other education programmes.
A key objective of DEIS, the new Action Plan for educational inclusion, is to enhance integration and partnership working, both within the education sector itself and between my Department, education agencies and providers and all other Government departments, agencies, organisations and groups. Specific actions to be taken in relation to the integration of services and partnership working include increased alignment of the Youth sector measures with actions being taken by schools and school clusters/communities participating in DEIS to tackle early school leaving.
The School Completion Programme (SCP), which is a key initiative under DEIS, aims to have a significant positive impact on levels of pupil retention in primary and second level schools and on the numbers of pupils who successfully complete the Senior Cycle, or equivalent. SCP is based on the concept of integrated services. Effective supports must include multi-faceted actions that respond to young people's needs. They need to be both preventative and supportive, ranging from social and personal development to After school and Out-of-School supports, including sport and leisure activities as well as supports that target the young person's home and community life. SCP is a collaborative programme where schools work in partnership with family, community, youth, and sporting organisations and with relevant national statutory and voluntary bodies, including Local Youth services that play a key role and in some areas provides breakfast clubs, after-school clubs and holiday supports.
467 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether there are serious behaviour problems in many schools and that some teachers can be verbally intimidated and even physically assaulted; the steps she has taken to arrest this growing problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30562/07]
I am aware of the issue of student behaviour in our schools and I have introduced significant measures over the last few years to address this matter.
In early 2006, I announced an implementation strategy following publication of "School Matters" the Report of the Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second Level Schools, and that strategy is now well advanced.
At the core of the recommendations of the Task Force was the putting in place of a National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS). The NBSS was established in 2006 with the appointment of a National Co-ordinator and five Assistant National Co-ordinators. In addition, ten Regional Development Officers and fourteen part-time Associates were recruited to ensure the success of this significant initiative. A key feature of the composition of the National Behaviour Support Service is the assignment to it of a team of four psychologists.
These have been seconded from the National Educational Psychological Service and their presence will ensure that the team operates in a multi-disciplinary way. In addition a Literacy Development Officer and a Research Officer have been recently appointed to the team. The Literacy Development Officer will address literacy issues arising in the context of behavioural issues. The Research Officer will carry out research of current Irish and international literature and test against reality situations in Irish schools. This should provide an invaluable benchmark of the level of disruption in schools and the effectiveness of intervention by the NBSS. A full-time administrator is based in Navan Education Centre.
Since their appointment, the team has been working on a number of key issues:
1.The development of a Draft National Framework for Behaviour Improvement.
2.The development of models of good practice for systems in schools which assist with and impact on classroom and whole school behaviour.
3.On-going training for the NBSS team.
4.Research into and communication with behaviour support systems in other jurisdictions.
The NBSS is currently working with 50 selected schools throughout the country. Behaviour Support Classrooms have been established and staffed in 30 of these 50 schools. These classrooms provide an individualised intensive intervention programme for a targeted group of students. The Behaviour Support Classrooms are staffed by at least one qualified wholetime teacher. The Board of Management of the schools concerned have flexibility in relation to the employment of another wholetime teacher equivalent and may employ people with different expertise to cater for the needs of the students involved. I want to emphasise however that these classrooms cannot be, in themselves, a solution to the issue of poor student behaviour. They must be one part of a holistic response which should see a school, actively supported by the Behaviour Support Team, defining for itself a pathway to improvement.
The NBSS also propose to produce a training CD/DVD on all aspects of challenging behaviour, within the Irish context. It is envisaged that this would be available to all schools.
468 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in advancing the refurbishment of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; the action she will take to advance this long standing matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30569/07]
An extension/refurbishment project proposed for the school referred to by the Deputy is at the early stages of architectural planning.
469 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a report from the school inspector at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry regarding the need to acquire lands to expand the school to cater for the growth that has taken place in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30570/07]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. School Planning Section are in receipt of a report from the school inspector in relation to the school. An assessment of projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and housing developments in the area will be required in order to determine the long term projected staffing figure on which the school's accommodation needs will be based.
Once the long term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities, a technical assessment of the existing school buildings and site is required. The building project will be considered in the context of the multi annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
470 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has acquired a one acre site at Littlepace, Dublin 15 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30571/07]
This site is being acquired under the Fingal School Model Agreement and is required to extend an existing school site. My Department is currently liaising with Fingal County Council on its transfer. The Deputy will appreciate however that due to the commercial sensitivities of land acquisitions, that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the detail in relation to specific land purchases until the acquisition is fully complete.
471 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm the announcement of the Fingal county manager that a new primary school will be provided at Phibblestown adjacent to the new secondary school; if it will open in 2008, 2009 or at a later date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30576/07]
The New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC) has received a formal notification of intention to apply for the recognition of a new primary school in the Phibblestown area for September 2008. 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 appointed a project manager to oversee the development of the Phibblestown school site. Provision has been made in the master planning of this site for primary school accommodation. The Department is working towards the provision of this accommodation for September 2008.
472 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the way she expects permanent buildings for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 to be on-site by September 2008 if she has not applied for a planning application for the new school buildings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30577/07]
474 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are site acquisition, access or other technical issues that are responsible for the delay in lodging a planning application for a school (details supplied) with Fingal County Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30579/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 472 and 474 together.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that initial design work on the school building project referred to is well underway and that it should be possible to seek planning permission early in 2008. The Deputy can be assured that my Department will continue to ensure that this building project will be delivered within the earliest possible timeframe.
473 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in the purchase of a site to accommodate a school (details supplied) in County Cork when she expects that the final purchase will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30578/07]
A suitable site, comprising of three separate plots of land with three separate vendors, has been identified for the provision of this school. Agreement on price and general terms (subject to Contract) has been reached in respect of each of the plots and draft Contracts are with the Chief State Solicitor's Office for completion of the conveyancing.
As all three plots are essential in order to make a viable and suitable site for the school, my Department has instructed the Chief State Solicitor's Office to finalise all outstanding matters and arrange for the signing of Contracts and closure of the sales of all three sites simultaneously. As soon as the Chief State Solicitor's Office notifies my officials that all three Contracts are ready to be signed, they will be signed without delay. When the site is complete, a building project for the school will be considered for progression in the context of my Departments School Building and Modernisation Programme.
475 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are site acquisition issues, access or other technical issues that are responsible for the delay in lodging a planning application for a school (details supplied) with Fingal County Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30580/07]
The building project for the School referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. My Department is currently awaiting a revised stage 2 report (outline sketch scheme) from the Design Team. When this information is received in my Department it will be evaluated by my Department's technical team.
The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, is considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multiannual School Building and Modernisation Programme. The Deputy can be assured that my Department will continue to ensure that building projects are delivered within the earliest possible timeframes.
476 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if the sports hall for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 has been fully approved and sanctioned by her Department; when a planning application will be lodged for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30581/07]
The building project for the School referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. My Department has recently received a Stage 2/3 (sketch scheme) addendum and it is currently being reviewed. Officials in my Department will be in further contact with the Design Team on completion of this review.
Progression of all projects to tender and construction will be considered in the context of my Department's multiannual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
477 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements in place for teaching children in primary and post-primary school about safe browsing of content on the Internet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30604/07]
I launched the internet safety initiative, Webwise, which was developed by the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) in February, 2006. The Webwise website, www.webwise.ie, provides information and resources in four specific areas, surfing, chatting, sharing and gaming to teachers, parents and students to help ensure that children and young people have positive and safe on-line experiences. The NCTE published the Webwise Internet Safety Education Pack which was distributed to schools in March 2007. This pack is designed as an adaptive resource to enable individual schools to be proactive in the area of internet safety. The pack contains the Surfwise Educational Programme, an Internet safety programme for 7-14 year olds, which focuses on the key Internet Safety issues that relate to use of the Internet by children in schools. As well as classroom and take-home activity sheets, this education programme contains online interactive lessons that use animated characters to demonstrate how to search safely and how to check that information they come across online is reliable. Now accompanied by the Chatwise Educational Programme, which addresses safe communication on the Internet, both learning modules are available on the Webwise website.
A course for teachers on Integrating Internet Safety into Teaching and Learning was developed by Webwise and is available as part of the NCTE's teaching skills initiative through the regional Education Centres. A suite of thirteen Internet safety lessons has been developed by Webwise in collaboration with the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) Post Primary Support Service. The lessons focus on personal safety issues and the Internet, as well as Internet Literacy issues so that children may develop skills in ways of keeping safe when using ICT. These classroom resources are to enable teachers and students embed safer Internet practice into their use of new media. These learning resources will be integrated into SPHE in-service training from January 2008.
The NCTE's watchyourspace.ie website offers practical tips and advice and supports teenagers who use the web. A key feature is the advice given by teenagers to teenagers on how to cope with the fall-out from abuses and misuse of social networking and picture-sharing websites. It has presentations of the key findings from studies of teenagers’ use of the Internet by other teenagers and is integrated with an online helpline service from Childline. The website was promoted through a poster campaign in schools.
The importance of informing parents on internet safety is evident when one considers that the Webwise 2006 survey found that younger children are to a larger degree introduced to the Internet at home. Of those Children surveyed that had used the Internet; 60% of children will use the internet for the first time at home, 22% at school, 7% with friends, 2% in an internet café, 6% in other places (3% didn't know or failed to answer this questions). The National Parents Council Primary working with the NCTE has developed a seminar to take the mystery out of the Internet for parents and to give them the skills to engage with their children's online lives. The seminar gives a practical demonstration of the technologies and the websites young people are using. Participants hear young people talking about how they use the Internet, why it is attractive to them, and get an insight into children's main concerns about being online. Since its roll-out in September 2007, eighty seven schools have scheduled Internet safety seminars for parents.
The Schools Broadband Programme provides broadband internet access to Primary and Post Primary schools and includes Content Filtering as an integral part of the service. The Content Filtering service is designed to control the level of access from schools, via the broadband network, to the wider internet. No school is connected to the internet via the schools broadband network unless it has confirmed that an Internet Acceptable Usage Policy is in place and it has selected a Content Filtering option.
478 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of people as of 31 October 2007 who were employed in her Department; the number who were permanent employees; the number who were temporary staff; the number who were contracted staff; if she will provide comparative figures for 31 October 2002; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [30610/07]
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to staffing numbers in my Department on 31 October 2007 and 2002 is provided in the table. In 2003, following vesting of the State Examinations Commission and the National Council for Special Education, a number of staff from the Department of Education and Science transferred to these bodies.
Table showing the number of people as of 31 October 2007 and 31 October 2002 who were employed in the Department of Education and Science; the number who were permanent employees; the number who were temporary staff; the number who were contracted staff.
|
Number of Permanent Staff |
Number of Temporary Staff |
Number of Contract Staff |
|
|
31/10/07 |
1,330 |
79 |
10 |
|
31/10/02 |
1,340 |
48 |
11 |
479 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount spent by her Department in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 for air travel, business class flights and first class flights in tabular readable form. [30625/07]
The table contains a breakdown of the expenditure on air travel for the years 2004 to 2007 by class. Figures include both domestic and foreign travel flights.
|
Year |
Business |
Economy |
First Class |
Grand Total |
|
2004 |
74,630 |
145,636 |
35,142 |
255,408 |
|
2005 |
114,160 |
144,051 |
23,023 |
281,235 |
|
2006 |
128,747 |
132,438 |
6,256 |
267,441 |
|
2007 |
67,891 |
80,876 |
42,900 |
191,667 |
480 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount spent by her Department on couriered documents, registered post and standard post to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [30640/07]
The information sought by the Deputy is being compiled in my Department and will be sent to him as soon as possible.
481 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the ten largest bonus payments made to staff in her Department and each of its agencies in the past 12 months. [30655/07]
The scheme of bonus payments or performance-related awards in the civil service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. During 2007 awards totalling €93,000 were made to 8 officers, comprising officers in my Department and bodies under the aegis of my Department, covered by the scheme. The average award made to the 8 officers was €11,625. 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
482 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of civil servants in her Department who have transferred to other Government Departments or left the Civil Service in each of the past five years in tabular readable form. [30670/07]
The information sought by the Deputy on staff who left my Department over the past five years is contained in the table. The Deputy should be aware that the figures on staff transferring out include, for 2003 and 2004, a number of officers from my Department who transferred to the State Examinations Commission and the National Council for Special Education, both of which were vested in 2003 following a Programme of Structural Reform in the Department of Education and Science. Officers transferring out to other departments under the programme of decentralisation are included in the figures for all years from 2004. The figures for the number of staff who left the department over the past 5 years include those who left on retirement.
Table shows the number of civil servants in the Department of Education and Science who have transferred to other Government Departments or left the Civil Service in each of the past five years 2003-2007.
|
Year |
Staff Transferred Out |
Staff Left the Civil Service |
|
2003 |
33 |
9 |
|
2004 |
25 |
25 |
|
2005 |
18 |
37 |
|
2006 |
64 |
37 |
|
2007 to date |
73 |
32 |
483 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing that have been reported to her Department by Departmental staff since 1 January 2007. [30685/07]
No allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing have been reported to my Department by Departmental staff since 1 January 2007.
484 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science when the two new schools in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 13 will be built; the type of schools they will be; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30705/07]
The New School Advisory Committee (NSAC) has received formal notifications of intention to apply for the recognition of two new primary schools in September, 2008 in the area referred to by the Deputy. The NSAC is an independent advisory group established to process applications for the recognition of new primary schools and to make recommendations to the Minister for Education and Science. I would expect that the NSAC will produce its report early in 2008.
A site reservation for additional primary school provision has been made in the area in question, and officials in the Department are actively engaged with the local developers and planners to ensure the additional provision is available as and when required.
485 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will appoint a design team for the construction of a new national school in Ballintemple, County Cork, an area of rapid population growth; the completion date for same; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that nine families from the parish could not be offered junior infant places for 2008, that junior infant places are greatly over subscribed for 2009 and 2010 and that a suitable site has been donated which has been adjudged by the planning and building unit of her Department as being suitable for a new 12 classroom school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30706/07]
519 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the appointment of a design team for a proposed new school building for a primary school (details supplied) in Cork City. [30920/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 485 and 519 together.
The school referred to by the Deputy has submitted an application to the Department for capital funding towards the provision of a new school and the long-term staffing figure on which accommodation needs will be based has been determined and notified to the school authority. It has been agreed that appropriate accommodation should be provided to cater for a long-term projected staffing of Principal plus 12 Mainstream Assistants plus appropriate ancillary accommodation. The school authorities were advised that the proposed site for the new school building was suitable for the construction of a new 12 classroom school and they should proceed with its acquisition from the SMA Fathers. The building project required will be considered in the context of the multiannual School Building and Modernisation Programme
486 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department is considering a new Educate Together primary school for a town (details supplied) in County Cork; the consultations that have taken place with Educate Together; and the progress that has been made in securing a site for the new school. [30725/07]
My Department has received a notification of intention to apply for recognition for a new Educate Together Primary School in the town specified by the Deputy. The New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC), an independent advisory committee has been charged with the task of assessing, using a given set of criteria, applications to open new primary schools and make recommendations. The consultation process is currently underway. The NSAC will furnish me with a report which I will consider upon receipt. Generally a school does not become eligible for capital funding until such time as it demonstrates viability and secures permanent recognition.
487 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date in proposed building of a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30739/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, all applications for large scale capital funding are assessed against published prioritisation criteria and assigned a Band rating. Progress on individual projects is then considered in the context of the multiannual School Building and Modernisation Programme consistent with the assigned Band rating. This is the case for the project in question.
The funding of €4.5 billion to be provided under the new National Development Plan (NDP) for investment in school building infrastructure will be adequate to meet the Departments needs over the lifetime of the Plan. This will be the largest investment programme in schools in the history of the State and it 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 lifetime of the last NDP when well over €2.6 billion was invested on school development, delivering over 7,800 projects.
488 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the amalgamation of two schools (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30741/07]
I wish to advise the Deputy that decisions to amalgamate are a matter solely for the school's Patron or Trustees. My Department's role is to facilitate any such proposals or discussions between the relevant parties.
489 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the options available to provide the most appropriate education from September 2008 for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin, if she will ask a school to review their enrolment policy in this matter; the steps she will take to ensure that this child receives the most appropriate education within a reasonable distance of their home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30748/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for the establishment of special classes for autism and for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE will continue to establish additional autism classes where the need arises in both special schools and mainstream schools. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
In formulating an admissions policy a school must ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000 (as amended by Section 50 of the Equality Act, 2004). Parents who consider that their child has been refused enrolment unfairly or in contravention of section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000 (as amended) should initiate a Section 29 appeal against the Board of Management of the school concerned.
Details on appealing decisions on enrolment under section 29 of the Education Act (as amended by Section 4 of the Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2007), are available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
490 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is expected that a technical inspection will be carried out at a school (details supplied) in County Clare. [30752/07]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension at the school referred to by the Deputy has been assessed and the long term projected enrolments has been determined.
In order to determine how best to provide for the school's future accommodation needs, a technical assessment of the existing school buildings will have to be carried out in order to finalise the schedules of accommodation. The building project required to meet the school's accommodation needs will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.
491 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if official Departmental approval has been given for the construction of a primary and post primary school on lands (details supplied). [30755/07]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department has approved the provision of a new post primary school and a new primary school for the area to which he refers. The projects concerned are included in the new schools to be provided under my Department's extended Public Private Partnership Programme. I have already announced the first two bundles of school projects to progress under this Programme.
The make up of further school bundles will be determined by my Department in consultation with the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) on such issues as the band rating allocated to each school project, site availability, outline planning permission having being secured, geographical spread and the estimated total cost of the proposed school bundle. The projects to which the Deputy refers will be considered for progress in this context.
492 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if official Departmental approval has been given for the construction of a primary and post primary school at Blacklion, Greystones; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30756/07]
A site has been reserved in Greystones Local Area Development Plan for the Blacklion area. It is the Department's plan to develop this site commensurate with the delivery of housing developments. While there are no immediate plans to develop this site, the Department will be liaising with the local authority to establish the proposed rate and pace of housing developments to enable a time line for the development of schools.
493 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are plans to incorporate mortgage payments into the assessment of student grants in view of the fact that many families are under huge pressure to make monthly payments and that their gross income is a poor reflection on their disposable income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30770/07]
The assessment of means under my Department's Third Level Student Maintenance Grant Schemes is based on gross income from all sources, with specified social welfare and health service payments being excluded from the calculation.
Under the schemes reckonable income is defined as income from:
Employment/Pensions;
Self Employment/Farming;
Rent and income from Land/Property;
Deposit/Investment Accounts;
Maintenance Arrangements;
Gifts/Inheritances and Disposal of Assets and Rights;
Social Welfare /Health Service Executive in certain circumstances.
I have no plans at present to depart from the above practice in respect of the determination of income.
494 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason students from the Republic of Ireland who choose to study in Northern Ireland have to go through a long and arduous process to get their degrees recognised by her Department; and if she has made efforts to harmonise the education systems in order that degrees undertaken anywhere on the island are recognised North and South. [30771/07]
Under the Lisbon Convention and the EU Directive on Mutual Recognition of professional qualifications, Ireland is committed to giving appropriate recognition to qualifications from other countries. The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland hosts a network of qualifications and quality assurance agencies from Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland, and this network has agreed a ready reckoner showing how levels of qualification in Ireland and the UK align with each other. This provides useful information for employers, learners and education and training providers for comparing qualifications. In addition the Authority is a national recognition centre for qualifications which is linked with similar national centres throughout the EU.
The teaching profession is regulated for the purposes of employment as a teacher in the public sector in Ireland. EU Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications came into force on 20th October 2007 and ensures that professionals from any of the EU member states proposing to enter a regulated profession will have their qualifications and experience recognised appropriately. The Teaching Council of Ireland is the competent authority for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland and holds the register of teachers approved to teach in publicly funded schools in the State.
As a general principle, persons recognised to practice a regulated profession in their Member State of origin must be given recognition to practice that profession in a host EU Member State. However if there are shortfalls or significant gaps in the applicant's qualifications or experience vis-à-vis those required in the host Member State, the host State may require a compensatory measure - either an aptitude test or an adaptation period under supervised practice which addresses the shortfall. Therefore, such qualifications are examined on a case by case basis to ensure that the person concerned is appropriately qualified to teach in Irish schools. This is in line with normal practice under the EU Directive. While the Teaching Council is familiar with the majority of teacher training programmes provided in Northern Ireland, there are some instances where the matter has to be referred to an assessor for further examination. In addition, there is a large volume of applications for recognition of qualifications gained in other jurisdictions, and this may sometimes lead to delay.
Primary teachers trained in another jurisdiction, whose qualifications have been recognised by the Teaching Council, but who do not possess an appropriate Irish language qualification are granted provisional recognition to teach in national schools, but are required to gain competency to teach Irish within a 5 year period. In order to satisfy the Irish language requirement such teachers must pass in Irish language examination (Scrúdú Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge) before being granted full recognition.
495 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will intervene in a case of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal where the child has been deemed cured of ADHD and has had their resource hours cut by 50%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30772/07]
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has been operational since 1st January 2005, and is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs supports from primary and post primary schools through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs). The SENO is also a focal point of contact for parents and schools.
All schools have contact details of their local SENO. It is also open to the family to contact the SENO to discuss their child's special educational needs. Contact details may be accessed on the NCSE's website www.ncse.ie. or by telephoning 046 9486400.
496 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the policy regarding the use of outdoor facilities and outdoor centres and the success rate in terms of uptake; if there are plans to introduce a subsidised scheme to facilitate young people from disadvantaged backgrounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30773/07]
Outdoor Education Centres (OECs) have been developed by Vocational Education Committees in order to enhance the quality of the educational experience for young people through outdoor education programmes. OECs cater mainly for primary and post-primary students, including young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. They also cater for third-level students, youth groups, special needs groups and adults. During periods such as school holidays, when the centres are not fully utilised for educational purposes, the centres generate additional income by providing courses on a commercial basis for the leisure and tourism market.
There are currently 9 recognised centres and 3 unrecognised centres. Funding was originally approved on the basis that the centres would be self-financing. Accordingly, my Department's annual grants are contributory in nature and go mainly towards the core staffing costs involved in running the centres. The funding provided by my Department has increased considerably in recent years, and for 2007 was €2.116m.
The Deputy will be aware that extra financial supports are being provided to schools under the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) action plan for educational inclusion. In the last school year, DEIS related grants totalling more than €17 million were paid to schools to meet the needs of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. This represented a substantial increase on the 05/06 level of almost €12 million.
The Government will continue to prioritise the needs of schools serving disadvantaged communities going forward. The emphasis on tackling educational disadvantage in recent years is absolutely unprecedented. In 2007, we are investing nearly €730 million in measures aimed at tackling disadvantage at all levels. This represents an increase of nearly €95 million on the 2006 figure and an almost 60% increase on the €460 million provided in 2003. I have no plans to introduce a subsidised scheme as suggested by the Deputy.
The information on uptake requested by the Deputy is not available as my Department does not obtain data on the attendance rates in the centres from the VECs.
497 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to expedite the allocation of maintenance grants for students for the 2008/2009 academic year in view of the fact that a large number of students have yet to receive any money from the relevant bodies; if there are plans to provide adequate staffing and computers to ensure a more accelerated process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30774/07]
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 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.
498 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has plans to appoint another education welfare officer in County Donegal in view of the fact that the current and only EWO in the county has to cover the entire county of Donegal which is the third biggest county; the reason a county which has one of the highest rates of early school leavers is only entitled to one EWO; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30775/07]
The National Educational Welfare Board is developing a nationwide service on a continuing basis that is accessible to schools, parents/guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people. For this purpose, Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) have been deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the Board's functions locally operating through 5 regional teams, with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. A service is provided from 26 locations nationwide. Staff are deployed in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme. In addition, the Board follows up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education.
Educational Welfare Officers play a pivotal role in implementing the service provided by the NEWB through monitoring school attendance and working to improve it. The EWOs also help parents who are experiencing a difficulty with getting a school place for their child. The NEWB has advised that the matter for additional resources for all areas is kept under continuous review. Areas are prioritised for additional service based on a combined analysis of demographic data, absence data reported from schools and other indicators of disadvantage.
An additional 15 staff have been allocated to the NEWB in 2007. These additional staff are being recruited at present. This brings the current authorised staffing of the Board to 109 posts of which 90 are allocated to working directly in the service delivery area. The staffing complement is comprised of 19 HQ and support staff, 5 regional managers, 13 Senior EWOs and 72 EWOs. It should, however, be noted that the Board is just one aspect of the comprehensive framework that this Government has put in place to improve school attendance and encourage more young people to finish school. In this regard, extra supports targeted at young people in disadvantaged areas include both educational initiatives such as intensive literacy programmes and services such as breakfast clubs and homework clubs. In addition to the NEWB, there are currently in excess of 600 staff within the education sector with a role in school attendance. Home School Community Liaison Coordinators, in working with parents, promote school attendance and its importance for success in school.
School attendance is a central objective of the School Completion Programme with attendance tracking a core feature and one of its preventative strategies. Access to these services is being increased with the continued rollout of services under DEIS, the Action plan for tackling educational disadvantage. This government is determined to do all that is possible to ensure that every child gets all the opportunities and support they need to enable them to achieve their potential and participate fully in education. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department's allocation to the Board for 2007 is €9.808 million for the National educational Welfare Board. This represents an increase of 20% on the 2006 allocation and of 50% on the 2004 level. This substantial increase in funding is a clear indication of this Government's commitment to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk. Through increased investment and improved services we are determined to optimise access, participation and educational outcomes at every level of the system for disadvantaged groups.
In respect of the Deputy's specific question relating to Co. Donegal, I have been advised by the Board that the county currently has the services of one Educational Welfare Officer. I am also pleased to inform the deputy that it is the Board's intention to deploy another Welfare Officer in Co. Donegal when the additional 15 staff, referred to earlier, have been appointed.
I will be keeping the issue of the NEWB's staffing under review in light of the rollout of services, the scope for integrated working and any proposals that the Board may put to me in relation to clearly identified priority needs.
499 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of private psychological assessments that have been sanctioned by the National Educational Psychological Service since it was established in 1999; the number of requests that have come from schools which were not served directly by the NEPS service in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30777/07]
I set out below for the Deputy's information a count by academic year of the number of assessments by private psychologists requested by schools and the number of assessments sanctioned for payment by my Department's NEPS service under the Scheme for Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA).
|
Academic Year |
No. Assessments Requested |
No. Assessments Approved |
|
2001/02 |
3,120 |
2,973 |
|
2002/03 |
4,596 |
4,447 |
|
2003/04 |
3,599 |
3,509 |
|
2004/05 |
3,576 |
3,475 |
|
2005/06 |
4,154 |
4,068 |
|
2006/07 |
4,519 |
4,426 |
|
2007/08 (to date) |
929 |
914 |
|
Total |
24,493 |
23,812 |
500 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when her Department will complete the building of a new national school at Ballygarvan, County Cork; if her attention has been drawn to the overcrowded conditions in the existing school; if she will explain what is impeding progress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30778/07]
A suitable site was identified for the construction of a new primary school building in the area referred to by the Deputy. The site comprises three separate plots of land with three separate vendors. As all three plots are essential in order to make a viable and suitable site for the school, my Department has instructed the Chief State Solicitor's Office to finalise all outstanding matters and arrange for the signing of Contracts and closure of the sales of all three sites simultaneously. As soon as the Chief State Solicitor's Office notifies my officials that all three Contracts are ready to be signed, they will be signed without delay.
When the site is in the ownership of my Department, a building project for the school will be considered for progression in the context of my Department's School Building and Modernisation Programme.
501 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will examine the situation that arises in schools when the extra teacher is required on the role on 30 September but can not be advertised until the following May or June and is not available for the period of the school year which is required. [30797/07]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the valid enrolment of the school on 30th September of the previous school year and the staffing schedule which is issued annually to all primary schools.
Within the terms of the staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30th September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30th September, sanction for the post is withdrawn. Over 330 such posts have been sanctioned in the 2007/08 school year compared to 280 in 2006/07.
An independent appeal board is now in place to decide on any appeals on mainstream staffing in primary schools. Details of the appeal procedure are outlined in Department Circular 0024/2007 which is available on my Department's website. The appeal board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
502 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a school bus for persons (details supplied) in County Limerick. [30798/07]
Under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme, pupils who reside 3.2 kilometres or more from, and are attending, their nearest suitable national school as determined by my Department, are eligible for free school transport.
The pupils referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied are not attending their nearest national school and are therefore not eligible for free school transport. However, pupils not attending their nearest national school may avail of concessionary fare-paying transport to another school, provided:
(a)the written agreement of the board of management of the nearest school is secured;
(b)there are spare seats available on the bus; and
(c)no extra State cost is incurred by extending or re-routing the service.
The parents of the pupils referred to should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office to establish whether their children may avail of fare-paying transport on the foregoing terms.
503 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress regarding the application by school authorities for a school (details supplied) in County Limerick for capital funding towards the provision of an extension to promote ancillary accommodation. [30799/07]
An application has been received from the school authority for capital funding towards the provision of an extension to provide ancillary accommodation at the school referred to by the Deputy. The proposed building project will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.
504 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools covered by the National Educational Psychological Service on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30800/07]
The Deputy will be aware that during 2007 the number of NEPS psychologists has increased from a total of 128 in April to a current level of 134. In all 9 psychologists have been recruited in this period but due to the normal effect of resignations and retirement the net increase is 6.
Six psychologists have been recruited since September and these undergo an induction and work shadowing process before being assigned a full quota of schools. The full effect of this intake which will not therefore become apparent in coverage terms for a number of weeks/months. In addition my Department has recently contracted a further 5 psychologists with 4 due to take up duty later in November / December this year. A further psychologist will take up duty in early January 2008.
The majority of these new recruits have been sited in the three NEPS Dublin regions and will during the current academic year be reflected in additional schools being afforded coverage by NEPS psychologists in the short and medium term. NEPS would intend to assess the effect of this expansion in January 2008 at the end of the first term of the current academic year at which stage a county by county breakdown will be forwarded to the Deputy.
505 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions that have taken place between her Department and St. Vincent de Paul, following a meeting that was arranged to discuss the provision of funds by St. Vincent de Paul for psychological assessments; the conclusions in respect of this meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30801/07]
I can inform the Deputy that two meetings have taken place between officials of my Department and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul since last April in connection with the matter of that body providing funding to parents and schools in regard to psychological assessment of school children. My Department is most concerned at any inference that such assessments are required in order to access educational resources for the children concerned in the light of the advent of the General Allocation Model, which has reduced the number of assessments necessary in this regard, and the fact that some 10,000 assessments have been conducted or funded by NEPS in the 06/07 academic year. Through the aforementioned meetings that has taken place between NEPS and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in recent months, a greater understanding of the overall context in which the psychological service is provided to schools exists and a process has been agreed between the two bodies to record and monitor demand.
506 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to provide extra funding to initiatives such as homework clubs which are providing invaluable help to persons with literacy difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30802/07]
In the region of €730 million will be spent by my Department this year on tackling educational disadvantage at all levels – from pre-school to further and higher education. This represents an increase of over 60% and is testament to the Government's determination to prioritise social inclusion and ensure that all our children and young people get the supports they need to do well at school. Social inclusion measures across all Government Departments have also been prioritised under the Towards 2016 agreement, the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-16 and the National Development Plan.
One of the high-level goals under the new National Development Plan 2007-13, is to reduce the proportion of pupils with serious literacy difficulties in primary schools serving disadvantaged communities from the current level of 27-30% to less than 15% by 2016.
To achieve this goal significant resources to address literacy and numeracy difficulties in schools serving disadvantaged communities are being provided through DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion. These measures include a maximum class size of 20:1 in junior classes and 24:1 in senior classes in the 194 urban/town primary schools serving the most disadvantaged communities and increased access to literacy and numeracy support services and programmes for all urban/town primary schools. Additional literacy and numeracy tutors are being recruited to provide in-school support and guidance to all teachers in these schools.
In addition, training in "Reading Recovery", "First Steps" and "Maths Recovery" are being made available to all urban/town primary schools. The Junior Certificate School Programme's Demonstration Library Project is also being extended on a phased basis to second-level schools with the highest concentrations of disadvantage. Extra resources will also be made available for intensive professional development programmes for principals and teachers in DEIS schools. A new Family Literacy Project is also being implemented. Finally, the School Development Planning service will support schools in developing their plans and policies for teaching literacy and numeracy and in setting measurable targets for the reduction of serious literacy and numeracy difficulties.
Financial supports allocated to each of the schools selected under DEIS provides for the inclusion of after school and holiday time support – for literacy and numeracy development as well as homework support, social and personal development and arts activities. After-school activities are delivered as part of the School Completion Programme and homework clubs in particular are a widely implemented support to provide students with a structured environment to complete homework. After-School Supports provided under the School Completion Programme focus on the personal and social development of young people, aiming to enrich their overall educational experience by providing fun activities that tap into the many talents of young people. Programmes that focus on activities like Drama, Music, Art, Craftwork and Sport enable children to develop a range of creative and sporting skills. These activities help to boost self-esteem, have positive consequences for the classroom and are particularly important for academically weaker students.
507 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the position and the timeframe regarding the funding of a new building for a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30803/07]
The building project for the School referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning.
The School authorities have recently been requested to submit an addendum to the original stage 2 report (developed sketch scheme). When this information is received in my Department it will be evaluated by my Department's technical team.
Progression of all building projects will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
508 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department has assigned a lower scale of home tuition grant reimbursement for tutors of pre-school aged children than those who deal with primary and secondary school children in view of the fact that all of these tutors need to meet the same high standard of qualification and are performing the same type of work; if her attention has been drawn to the discriminating effect that this policy is having on tutors; if she will make retroactive amends to those qualified tutors who have received the lower rate of reimbursement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30809/07]
The Deputy is aware that the home tuition scheme provides funding to parents to provide education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement and also to provide early educational intervention for pre-school children with autism.
The rates of pay applicable to home tuition tutors are based on the qualifications of the tutor. Therefore tutors fall into 2 categories for payment purposes i.e. primary and secondary in accordance with the appropriate part time rates of payment. A subdivision within the categories reflects whether the tutor is qualified or unqualified. Early intervention tutors are primary teachers and therefore paid at primary part time payment rates.
509 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the application for an extension from a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if same will be dealt with as a matter of urgency; when this work will be carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30810/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, all applications for large scale capital funding are assessed against published prioritisation criteria and assigned a Band rating. Progress on individual projects is then considered in the context of the multi-Annual School Building and, however, the school in question requires temporary accommodation in the meantime, it should make an immediate application to the Department.
The funding of €4.5 billion to be provided under the new National Development Plan (NDP) for investment in school building infrastructure will be adequate to meet the Departments needs over the lifetime of the Plan. This will be the largest investment programme in schools in the history of the State and it 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 lifetime of the last NDP when well over €2.6 billion was invested on school development, delivering over 7,800 projects.
510 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will make a statement on a matter (details supplied). [30811/07]
The Deputy will be aware that all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) that is administered by NEPS.
In common with other psychological services NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases. The prioritisation of urgent cases for assessment is a matter for the school principal in the first instance.
I can inform the Deputy that where non-English speaking children are so prioritised, NEPS, on a case-by case basis, arranges to cover the cost of basic interpretation facilities being provided in parallel with the educational assessment.
511 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in the interest of child safety, she will draw up and fund a scheme for the introduction of safe vehicular set down and pick up areas outside schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30812/07]
The issue of road safety outside the vested site areas of primary schools is a matter for a local authority in the first instance.
Local authorities have the power to decide on appropriate road safety measures outside schools and should have the requisite measures in place to ensure the safety of pupils.
The Department addresses traffic safety measures within school boundaries. This is done as a matter of routine when providing new buildings or generally under the Summer Works Scheme where existing buildings are concerned.
512 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools where the National Educational Psychological Service has been withdrawn in recent weeks; if she will reverse this decision by NEPS as she did earlier in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30830/07]
I can inform the Deputy that no schools which received the NEPS service in 2006/07 have had that service withdrawn.
The Deputy will be aware that during 2007 the number of NEPS psychologists has increased from a total of 128 in April to a current level of 134. In all 9 psychologists have been recruited in this period but due to the normal effect of resignations and retirement the net increase is 6.
Six psychologists have been recruited since September and these undergo an induction and work shadowing process before being assigned a full quota of schools. The full effect of this intake which will not therefore become apparent in coverage terms for a number of weeks/months. In addition my Department has recently contracted a further 5 psychologists with 3 due to take up duty later in November and one in December this year. A further psychologist will take up duty in early January 2008.
The majority of these new recruits have been sited in the three NEPS Dublin regions and will during the current academic year be reflected in additional schools being afforded coverage by NEPS psychologists in the short and medium term. NEPS would intend to assess the effect of this expansion in January 2008 at the end of the first term of the current academic year.
513 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary and post-primary teachers who have applied to her Department before they have reached their retirement age in each year over the past six years; the cost of these early retirements to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30831/07]
A total of 5,260 primary, secondary, community and comprehensive school teachers retired before reaching maximum pension age in the years 2001-2006. The cumulative cost of retirement benefits, gratuity and pension, paid to those retirees over that period amount to €783 million. The Tabular Statement sets out the details. The great majority of teachers retire before reaching maximum retirement age. Over the period in question the number who retired annually at maximum retirement age varied between 11% and 18% of overall retirements in the year.
|
Year |
Primary Teachers Number of Retirees in year |
Secondary Community & Comprehensive Teachers Number of Retirees in year |
Total Retirees in year |
Cumulative Superannuation Cost in year |
|
€ millions |
||||
|
2001 |
338 |
303 |
641 |
43.0 |
|
2002 |
446 |
332 |
778 |
70.6 |
|
2003 |
320 |
320 |
640 |
80.1 |
|
2004 |
667 |
412 |
1,079 |
148.9 |
|
2005 |
561 |
501 |
1,062 |
195.4 |
|
2006 |
567 |
493 |
1,060 |
244.8 |
514 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of a letter her Department received from South Dublin County Council in October 2006, advising her Department of the proposed increases in water charges for primary and secondary schools in the administrative area of South Dublin County Council, in line with the National Water Pricing Policy, her Department will now outline to the schools concerned the expected increase in water prices from January 2008, where a new metering system will be introduced in the county; if her attention has been drawn to the other local authorities where this price hike will apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30832/07]
The commitment in the Programme for Government is to examine how local authorities might grant allow schools a reasonable level of usage of water and waste services without charge, and that charges would only apply when a school exceeded the allowance.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is a primarily a matter for my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to determine precisely how this commitment will be implemented.
A key consideration from my perspective is to ensure that any proposed scheme ensures that schools are treated consistently across the country.
My Department will of course input to and support the examination to be conducted by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
515 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that primary schools have received no new funding for information and communications technology equipment or hardware since 2002 with the exception of provision of broadband; the amount her Department has spent since 2002 on updating and replacing laptops, computers and printers; if she will provide a breakdown of the figures; how often ICT equipment is replaced in her Department; if new funding will become available for the purchase of new hardware for primary schools; the budgets and timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30833/07]
Since its commencement in 1998, there has been significant investment in the ICT in Schools Programme, in providing computers to schools, professional development ICT courses for teachers, improving the availability of digital content and in supporting schools to integrate ICT into their teaching and learning.
The recent priorities under the Programme have been the development of schools' internal networking facilities, which has involved an expenditure in excess of €23 million since 2002 across primary and post-primary schools, and the provision of broadband connectivity for schools, which my Department has pursued in partnership with the Telecommunications and Internet Federation within IBEC. Since 2006, the Grant Scheme for Minor Works to National School Properties includes ICT equipment within the range of approved school expenditure. Disadvantaged primary schools are also benefiting from the €3.4m ICT Grant scheme for DEIS Schools from the Dormant Accounts (Educational Disadvantage) Fund.
While the ICT facilities in our schools have improved considerably, I am conscious of the need for further investment to ensure that we are realising the full potential of ICT to improve the learning experience for our young people. Our Programme for Government sets out our commitment to implementing a comprehensive Schools ICT Strategy. This strategy will be underpinned by the investment of €252m in the National Development Plan 2007-2013.
Regarding the expenditure on IT equipment within my own Department, my IT unit has expended a total of €2.387m on PCs, laptops and printers between 2002 and 2007 inclusive. This figure rises to €2.833m, if expenditure on servers is included. The expenditure comprises €0.478m on laptops, €1.601m on PCs and €0.308m on printers. My Department adheres to the Department of Finance's guidelines on the replacement of IT equipment, with such equipment being replaced when it has a zero book value or earlier if it fails.
516 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary classrooms that have neither toilet nor sink facilities; the recommended size for a mainstream classroom; the number of classrooms smaller in size than this recommendation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30834/07]
The current recommended size of a standard en-suite classroom with storage facilities is 80 m2. The rest of the information requested is not readily available in the format sought by the Deputy.
The funding of €4.5 billion to be provided under the new National Development Plan (NDP) for investment in school building Infrastructure, the largest investment programme in schools in the history of the State, will enable my Department to continue to upgrade existing facilities and ensure that school places are available where needed. This investment will allow my Department to continue the acceleration of the school building programme which commenced during the lifetime of the last NDP when well over €2.6 billion was invested on school development, delivering over 7,800 projects.
The budget for 2007 is the first year of the roll-out of the new NDP. This funding will enable my Department to continue to take a proactive approach to the provision of modern school accommodation particularly in developing areas. This year alone around over €540 million will be spent on school building infrastructure with over 1,500 projects on my Department's school building programme. Construction in 2007 alone will deliver over 700 classrooms to provide permanent accommodation for over 17,500 pupils, mainly in developing areas.
517 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science when construction will commence for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 18 in view of the fact that tenders have been received and a contractor chosen; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that if this project is not sanctioned by the end of November 2007, the tendering process will have to recommence and that the children in this school have been educated in prefabs in a carpark for the past 12 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30842/07]
The tender report for the school referred to by the Deputy is under examination in my Department at present. The school's Board of Management will be kept advised of developments when the examination is complete.
518 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science when application forms for the next small school scheme will be made available; and the proposed closing date. [30916/07]
I wish to inform the Deputy, that the breakdown of the 2008 building budget between the devolved and other schemes has not yet been determined.
520 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of language support teachers in primary schools in County Roscommon in each of the past five years; the annual cost of these teachers to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30922/07]
522 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of language support teachers in primary schools in County Leitrim in each of the past five years; the annual cost of these teachers to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30924/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 520 and 522 together.
Providing the county specific information requested by the Deputy in relation to language support teachers would require accessing individual school files, involving an inordinate amount of administrative time for both compilation and checking.
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. I indicated in January last that the limit of two teachers per school and the limit of two years' support to an individual pupil which had applied up to then, will no longer apply. As a result, an individual school may be allocated up to six language support posts under the arrangements now in place.
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.
My Department does not have records of the number of teachers employed by local Boards of Management who receive this grant.
Schools with 14 or more such pupils are entitled to one or more language support teachers, the number of which has increased dramatically in recent years. There are now over 1,400 language support teachers in our primary schools.
521 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of language support teachers in second level schools in County Roscommon in each of the past five years; the annual cost of these teachers to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30923/07]
523 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of language support teachers in second level schools in County Leitrim in each of the past five years; the annual cost of these teachers to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30925/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 521 and 523 together.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of Language Support teachers employed in second level schools in County Roscommon and in County Leitrim in each of the past five years is not readily available within my Department and would involve an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile.
My Department estimates that there are in the region of 28,000 students in our schools whose first language is not English or Irish. In order to meet their language needs, my Department in May 2007 issued a circular, reference 0053/2007, to the managerial authorities of all schools — both primary and post primary — to assist them in providing an inclusive school environment to meet the needs of pupils for whom English is a second language. The circular outlines the resources that are available to assist schools in this task. The circular is accessible on the website of my Department.
The level of additional teacher support allocated to primary and post primary schools is determined by the number of enrolled pupils for whom English is a second language and the associated level of language proficiency.
It is estimated that currently the average cost of employing a post-primary school teacher is €64,000 per annum.
524 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the role an inspector has in carrying out an assessment of a newly qualified primary teacher for their diploma; the measures that can be taken if an inspection is deemed to be unfair to the newly qualified teacher involved; if there is an onus on the inspector to notify in advance their visit to inspect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30928/07]
During the probationary period for primary teachers, which normally extends over a school year, the Inspectorate evaluates a teacher's effectiveness in a classroom environment, and in teaching the appropriate range of curriculum areas and subjects. Probationary requirements for primary teachers are laid out in Circular 0140/2006.
Where a teacher is dissatisfied with the professional work of an inspector or an Inspectorate report, the teacher may request a review of the inspection in accordance with the Procedure for Review of Inspections on Schools and Teachers which has been drawn up by the Chief Inspector in accordance with Section 13 (9) of the Education Act 1998. If the issues raised by a teacher relate to the general behaviour or conduct of an inspector the complaint may be referred for investigation under the Department's customer comments and complaints system.
During the probationary period, two reports on the teacher's work are completed by an Inspector: an interim report (Beagthuairisc) during the first half of the school year, and a General Report (Mórthuairisc) in the second half of the year. With the exception of the visit to complete the General Report, all visits by the Inspector are incidental and no advance notice is given. In the case of the General Inspection which leads to a General Report, and in accordance with Rule 161 (11) of the Rules for National Schools, three clear school days' notice of a General Inspection is given in writing to the teacher and to the Chairperson of the Board of Management.
525 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school bus service applied for by the parents of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will be made available. [30930/07]
Under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme pupils who reside 3.2 kilometres or more, and are attending, their nearest suitable school, as determined by my Department, are eligible for free school transport.
The pupils referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, do not meet these eligibility criteria.
It is open to pupils who are not attending their nearest school to apply for concessionary transport to the school which they are attending. Concessionary transport is offered subject to a number of terms and conditions, including the availability of spare seating on an existing service. However, in this case Bus Éireann has advised that there is no school transport service operating in the area in question.
526 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the overall funding given to school buildings in County Galway for 2005, 2006 and 2007 with a breakdown of the individual projects and the funding allocated in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30931/07]
Capital funding expended on school building projects in County Galway for the years in question are detailed as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2005 |
23,066,474 |
|
2006 |
20,126,622 |
|
2007 |
21,857,678 (end October) |
In addition, all primary schools with permanent recognition benefit annually from the Minor Works Grant, which has a current rate of €5,500 per school, €18.50 per pupil and €74.00 per special needs pupil.
In 2006, all primary schools received a once-off PE equipment grant to the value of €2,000.
Further payments were issued as required for the remediation of asbestos and radon to schools in the county.
Information on the breakdown of individual projects and the funding allocated in each individual case is not readily available in the format in which it has been sought. However, if the Deputy requires information on a particular building project, I will gladly provide same.
527 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the overall funding given to school buildings in County Roscommon for 2005, 2006 and 2007 with a breakdown of the individual projects and the funding allocated in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30932/07]
Capital funding expended on school building projects in County Roscommon for the years in question are detailed as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2005 |
2,066,062 |
|
2006 |
2,332,135 |
|
2007 |
5,985,034 (end October) |
In addition, all primary schools with permanent recognition benefit annually from the Minor Works Grant, which has a current rate of €5,500 per school, €18.50 per pupil and €74.00 per special needs pupil.
In 2006, all primary schools received a once-off PE equipment grant to the value of €2,000.
Further payments were issued as required for the remediation of asbestos and radon in schools in the county.
Information on the breakdown of individual projects and the funding allocated in each individual case is not readily available in the format in which it has been sought. However, if the Deputy requires information on a particular building project, I will gladly provide same.
528 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the overall funding given to school buildings in County Sligo for 2005, 2006 and 2007 with a breakdown of the individual projects and the funding allocated in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30933/07]
Capital funding expended on school building projects in County Sligo for the years in question are detailed as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2005 |
6,299,404 |
|
2006 |
12,224,070 |
|
2007 |
6,975,564 (end October) |
In addition, all primary schools with permanent recognition benefit annually from the Minor Works Grant, which has a current rate of €5,500 per school, €18.50 per pupil and €74.00 per special needs pupil.
In 2006, all primary schools received a once-off PE equipment grant to the value of €2,000.
Further payments were issued as required for the remediation of asbestos and radon in schools in the county.
Information on the breakdown of individual projects and the funding allocated in each individual case is not readily available in the format in which it has been sought. However, if the Deputy requires information on a particular building project, I will gladly provide same.
529 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the overall funding given to school buildings in County Mayo for 2005, 2006 and 2007 with a breakdown of the individual projects and the funding allocated in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30934/07]
Capital funding expended on school buildings in County Mayo for the years in question are detailed as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2005 |
8,846,358 |
|
2006 |
9,878,095 |
|
2007 |
11,423,862 (end October) |
In addition, all primary schools with permanent recognition benefit annually from the Minor Works Grant, which has a current rate of €5,500 per school, €18.50 per pupil and €74.00 per special needs pupil.
In 2006, all primary schools received a once-off PE equipment grant of €2,000.
Further payments were issued as required for the remediation of asbestos and radon in schools in the county.
Information on the breakdown of individual projects and the funding allocated in each individual case is not readily available in the format in which it has been sought. However, if the Deputy requires information on a particular building project, I will gladly provide same.
530 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the overall funding given to schools buildings in County Donegal for 2005, 2006 and 2007 with a breakdown of the individual projects and the funding allocated in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30944/07]
Capital funding expended on school building projects in County Donegal for the years in question are detailed as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2005 |
24,021,348 |
|
2006 |
17,575,517 |
|
2007 |
18,408,690 (end October) |
In addition, all primary schools in the county with permanent recognition benefit annually from the Minor Works Grant, which has a current rate of €5,500 per school, €18.50 per pupil and €74.00 per special needs pupil.
In 2006, all primary schools received a once-off PE equipment grant of €2,000.
Further payments were issued as required for the remediation of asbestos and radon in schools in the county.
Information on the breakdown of individual projects and the funding allocated in each individual case is not readily available in the format in which it has been sought. However, if the Deputy requires information on a particular building project, I will gladly provide same.
531 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the overall funding given to schools buildings in County Leitrim for 2005, 2006 and 2007 with a breakdown of the individual projects and the funding allocated in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30945/07]
Capital funding expended on school building projects in County Leitrim for the years in question are detailed as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2005 |
1,373,895 |
|
2006 |
950,186 |
|
2007 |
3,838,625 (end October) |
In addition, all primary schools in the county with permanent recognition benefit annually from the Minor Works Grant. The current rate of this grant is €5,500 per school, €18.50 per pupil and €74.00 per special needs pupil.
In 2006, all primary schools received a once-off PE equipment grant to the value of €2,000.
Further payments were issued as required for the remediation of asbestos and radon.
The information on the breakdown of the individual projects and the funding allocated in each individual case is not readily available in the format in which it has been sought. However, if the Deputy requires particular information on a particular building project, I will gladly provide the relevant information.
532 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the suspension of funding for the new eight teacher school building (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30954/07]
The tender report for the school referred to by the Deputy is under examination in my Department at present. The school's Board of Management will be kept advised of developments when the examination is complete.
533 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation with regard to a primary school (details supplied) in County Westmeath who were instructed to go to tender which they did and now await permission to go to construction which has been stalled. [30961/07]
The tender report for the school referred to by the Deputy is under examination in my Department at present. The school's Board of Management will be kept advised of developments when the examination is complete.
534 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in the Dublin south central electoral area that have dedicated physical education halls, playing fields and qualified PE teachers; the reason some schools may be without these facilities; the steps being taken to ensure that all schools have access to these facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30988/07]
The specific information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, the Deputy can be assured that my Department fully recognises the key role of physical exercise within the school environment and continues to respond to the need to improve PE facilities for all pupils attending schools.
My Department's design guidelines include, where appropriate, for PE Halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts.
PE facilities have been provided, where appropriate, as part of my Department's record school building programme which between 2000 and 2006 involved the delivery of over 7,800 projects with an investment of €2.6 billion.
The budget for 2007 is the first year of the roll-out of the new NDP which will involve an investment of over €4.5 billion in school buildings over the next 7 years.
This multi-annual funding will enable my Department to continue to take a proactive approach to the provision of modern school accommodation including PE facilities.
535 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress on the extension to a school (details supplied) in County Dublin which is scheduled to expand to a 32 classroom primary school; if it is proposed to purchase additional land; and when she expects the expanded school to be in operation. [31001/07]
As the Deputy points out, it is intended to expand the school to which he refers to 32 classrooms. In its recently published Area Development Plan for North Dublin, the Commission on School Accommodation concurs with this development.
There are no plans at the moment to extend the school site. It will be a matter for a Design Team, when appointed, to suggest architectural solutions for the project within the confines of the existing site if this is possible.
The project has a Band 1 rating, which is the highest possible, under the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and the Department will be advancing the project consistent with this band rating.
536 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of higher education grant scheme applicants in 2007 with regard to each awarding body; the number of successful applications; the number of unsuccessful applications; the number of pending applications; the number of appeals made; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [31013/07]
My Department funds four maintenance grant schemes for third level and further education students. These are the Higher Education Grants Scheme, the Vocational Education Committees' Scholarships Scheme, the Third Level Maintenance Grants Scheme for Trainees and the Maintenance Grants Scheme for Students attending Post Leaving Certificate Courses. The Higher Education Grants Scheme is administered by the local authorities. The other three schemes are administered by the Vocational Education Committees.
In January each year my Department carries out a survey of the 66 local authorities and VECs in respect of the status of applications. The survey will indicated the number of applications received, the number awarded a grant and the number refused a grant. The details in respect of the status of applications for student grants for the academic year 2007/08 will not be available until mid-January 2008.
In relation to the number of students receiving financial assistance under the student support schemes, the most recent figures show that over 56,000 students benefited under the schemes in 2006/07, of which approximately 13,200 benefited from the special rate of maintenance grant in addition to the basic maintenance grant.
537 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the buildings occupied by her Department which are and which are not fully accessible to people with disabilities in tabular readable form. [31028/07]
The information sought by the Deputy is contained in the following table.
|
Office |
Address |
Disabled Access |
Disabled Toilet |
|
Marlborough Street Headquarters |
Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Athlone |
Cornamaddy, Athlone |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Tullamore |
Portlaoise Road, Tullamore |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Dublin City/Fingal Regional Office |
Findlater House, Cathal Brugha Street, Dublin 1 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Dublin South County Regional Office |
Town Hall, Belgard Square North, Town Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Kildare/Wicklow Regional Office |
The Maudlins, NaasCo Kildare |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Mid Western Regional Office |
Rossbrien Road, Punches Cross, Limerick |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Midlands Regional Office |
Friars Mill Road, Mullingar, County Westmeath |
Yes |
Yes |
|
North Eastern Regional Office |
Kilcarn, Navan, Co Meath |
Yes |
Yes |
|
North Western Regional Office |
Kempton Promenade, Bridge Street, Sligo |
Yes |
No |
|
South Eastern Regional Office |
Johnstown Business Park, Waterford |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Southern Regional Office |
Heritage Business Park, Mahon, Cork |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Western Regional Office |
Victoria Place, Eyre Square, Galway |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Cork Inspectors Office |
1A South Mall, Cork |
Yes |
No |
|
Galway Inspectors Office |
Ross House, Merchants Road, Galway |
No. If necessary meetings can be held in the Western Regional Office, Victoria Place, Eyre Square |
|
|
NEPS Blackrock |
Trident House, Blackrock, Co Dublin |
Yes |
Yes |
|
NEPS Castlebar |
Thomas Street, Castlebar, Co Mayo |
Yes |
Yes |
|
NEPS Cavan |
Elm House, Elm Bank Office Development, Cavan Town, Co Cavan |
Yes |
Yes |
|
NEPS Clondalkin |
50 Tower Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
NEPS Clonmel |
c/o Vocational School, Raheen Road, Clonmel, Co Tipperary |
No. Temporary office shared with VEC. Disabled access available at main building but not in NEPS area. Permanent office identified by OPW will have disabled access. |
|
|
NEPS Drogheda |
Donore Road Industrial Estate, Drogheda, Co Louth |
Yes |
Yes |
|
NEPS Ennis |
Francis Street, Ennis, Clare |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Office |
Address |
Disabled Access |
Disabled Toilet |
|
NEPS Frederick Court |
24/27 North Frederick St, Dublin 1 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
NEPS Letterkenny |
c/o Government Buildings, High Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal |
Yes |
Yes |
|
NEPS Navan |
43 Canon Row, Navan, Co Meath |
Yes |
Yes |
|
NEPS Portlaoise |
Grattan House, Dublin Road, Portlaoise |
Yes |
Yes |
|
NEPS Roscommon |
c/o Govt. Offices, Convent Road, Roscommon, Co Roscommon |
Yes |
Yes |
|
NEPS Sligo |
Westward Centre, Bridge Street, Sligo, Co Sligo |
No – temporary office. Arrangement in place locally with nearby DES Inspectorate office which has disabled access and facilitates NEPS staff to use their office as required. Permanent office identified by OPW will have disabled access. |
|
|
NEPS Tralee |
Clounalour, Oakpark, Tralee, Co Kerry |
Yes |
Yes |
|
NEPS Wexford |
The Bushels, Cornmarket, Wexford, Co Wexford |
Yes |
Yes |
538 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost of running her Department’s press office in each of the first three quarters of 2007 in tabular readable form. [31043/07]
The Payroll costs for the Press Office of my Department for these periods were:
€66,935
€88,576
€72,626
539 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the websites that are run by her Department and each of its agencies; the date on which each became live; if the sites are kept updated; the cost of each site to the State to date; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [31058/07]
The information sought by the Deputy is being compiled in my Department and will be sent to him as soon as possible.
540 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will respond to a letter received from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31069/07]
The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Board is developing a nationwide service on a continuing basis that is accessible to schools, parents/ guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people. For this purpose, Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) have been deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the Board's functions locally.
In respect of the matters raised I wish to advise that two letters were received in my Department dated 7th and 9th of November concerning educational provision for a named individual.
My officials have investigated the matters concerned. As part of this investigation some issues were referred to the National Educational Welfare Board for their attention. My officials have since received a full report from the Board the contents of which have been communicated to your correspondent by letter dated 23rd November.
541 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if enrolment policy at primary schools is a matter for each individual school or if is set out by her Department; if there are defined geographical catchment areas for each school; and if schools must give enrolment priority to children living within the school’s catchment area. [31071/07]
Section 15(2)(d) of the Education Act 1998 requires the Board of Management to publish the policy of the school concerning the admission to and participation in the school. The schools enrolment policy should have the prior approval of the Patron.
In summary, Section 15, subsection (2) of the Education Act states that:
"A board shall . . . publish, in such a manner as the board with the agreement of the patron considers appropriate, the policy of the school concerning admission to and participation in the school, including the policy of the school relating to the expulsion and suspension of students and admission to and participation by students with disabilities or who have other special educational needs, and ensure that . . . the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents' choice are respected".
The compulsory school starting age in a National School is 6 years of age. Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and my Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000 (as amended by Section 50 of the Equality Act, 2004).
The Board of Management of a school is also obliged under section 19(3) of the Educational Welfare Act 2000 to make a decision in writing in respect of an application for enrolment within 21 days and to inform the parents in writing of that decision.
Where a Board of Management refuses to enrol a student in a school, the parent of the student or, where the student has reached 18 years of age, the student himself or herself, following the conclusion of any appeal procedures at school level, has a statutory entitlement under section 29 of the Education Act (as amended by Section 4 of the Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2007, to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. A committee is established to hear the appeal with hearings conducted with a minimum of formality. In most cases appeals must be dealt with within 30 days. Where appropriate, the Secretary General may give whatever directions to the Board of Management that are considered necessary to remedy the matter complained of.
Details on appealing decisions on enrolment under section 29 of the Education Act (as amended by Section 4 of the Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2007), are available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
542 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will be building one or two primary schools on the site that is being acquired from Wexford County Council in Gorey, County Wexford. [31082/07]
543 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the primary school or schools that will be accommodated on the site being acquired from Wexford County Council in Gorey, County Wexford. [31083/07]
544 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has decided on the persons who will be the patrons of the new second level school in Gorey, County Wexford; and if not, the timescale for her Department to decide who will be the patron. [31084/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 542 to 544, inclusive, together.
The site which is being acquired by the Department in Gorey will be developed to accommodate a new post primary school and at least one primary school. Decisions relative to further developments on site will be taken in due course.
The Department expects to be in a position to determine the Patronage of the post primary school shortly.
545 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in approving a project brief in respect of an extension to a national school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny which was submitted to her Department in May 2007; and when it is expected that this project will proceed to the next stage. [31089/07]
As the Deputy is aware, the school to which he refers has applied to the Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned Band 2 rating. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme consistent with that Band rating.
546 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the use of interactive whiteboards in the classroom; if her Department has pilot projects on this project; if her Department funds such projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31100/07]
My Department does not have a pilot project to evaluate the use and effectiveness of interactive whiteboards as a teaching and learning tool. However, the National Centre for Technology in Education is involved in a project, which explores the use of different technologies, including interactive whiteboards, in addressing the English curriculum at primary level. I am aware of a specific project involving Drumcondra Education Centre, the Computer Education Society of Ireland and the Irish Computer Society which is investigating the effectiveness of using interactive whiteboards in the classroom. The successful use of interactive whiteboards requires substantial investment in terms of equipment, technical support and digital content. To be effective users of interactive whiteboards, teachers need considerable experience and competence in the integration of ICT in teaching and learning. The NCTE is preparing advice on the appropriate ICT equipment specification for schools and the role of interactive whiteboards is being considered in that context.
547 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Education and Science the organisations or authorities operating within her Department’s policy area, set up by statute or statutory instrument, for which she does not have official responsibility to Dáil Éireann. [31111/07]
The Deputy will be aware that while individual institutions in the education sector have varying degrees of autonomy according to their status and statutory provisions, the Minister has an overarching responsibility for education policy across all levels of the education system and responsibility for funding provided from the Education Vote. Set out below are a list of bodies that have been set up by statute or statutory instrument.
Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies — Institute for Advanced Studies Act 1940
Further Education & Training Awards Council — Qualifications (Education & Training) Act, 1999
Grangegorman Development Agency — Grangegorman Development Agency Act 2005
Higher Education and Training Awards Council — Qualifications (Education & Training) Act, 1999
Higher Education Authority — HEA Act 1971
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment — Education Act 1998
National Council for Special Education — Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004
National Educational Welfare Board — Education (Welfare) Act 2000
National Qualifications Authority of Ireland — Qualifications (Education & Training) Act, 1999
Residential Institution Redress Board — Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002
Residential Institution Review Committee — Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002
Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse — Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act 2000
Education Finance Board — Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (Amendment) Act 2005
Royal Irish Academy of Music — 1885 Educational Endowments Act
Royal Irish Academy — 1785 Royal Charter
State Examinations Commission — State Examinations Commission (Establishment) Order 2003
The Teaching Council — Teaching Council Act 2001
Vocational Education Committees — VEC Act 1930
Institutes of Technology — Regional Technical Colleges Act, 1992 and Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999 *
Dublin Institute of Technology — Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999 and DIT Act 1992*
*See also Institutes of Technology Act 2006
National University of Ireland Universities Act 1997
University College Dublin — Universities Act 1997
University College Cork — Universities Act 1997
National University of Ireland Galway — Universities Act 1997
National University of Ireland Maynooth — Universities Act 1997
Dublin City University — Universities Act 1997
University of Limerick — Universities Act 1997
Trinity College Dublin — Universities Act 1997
National College of Art and Design — NCAD Act 1971
548 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost of increasing investment in information and communications technology provision in post primary schools to €130 per pupil. [31154/07]
The cost of providing an ICT grant of €130 per post-primary pupil would be in the region of €43 million, based on 334,000 post-primary pupils in 2006/7. As the Deputy will be aware, I intend publishing a comprehensive Schools ICT Strategy, to be underpinned by the investment of €252m in the National Development Plan 2007-2013.
549 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the annual cost of reducing the pupil teacher ratio to 15:1 in all primary schools. [31155/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, the pupil:teacher ratio counts all the teachers in our schools – not only those employed as mainstream classroom teachers, but also those working in areas such as resource teaching and language support.
There are now in the region of 5,000 more primary teachers than there were in 2002. The estimated annual value of additional expenditure on these posts is in the region of €300 million. As a result of the appointment of so many extra teachers, the pupil:teacher ratio had been reduced to 16.4:1 by the last school year. Figures for the current school year are not yet available. When they are available, it will be possible to estimate how many extra teachers it would take to reduce the pupil:teacher ratio to 15:1.
550 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the annual cost of reducing all class sizes for children under nine years of age to a maximum of 20 pupils. [31156/07]
It is difficult to predict the number of additional posts that will be created because of demographic changes and the uncertainty as to how any increases in enrolment will be spread over individual schools.
Schools have flexibility in the way in which they assign pupils and teachers to classes and the Department does not allocate teachers to specific classes or age groups. However, on the basis of current enrolments, it is estimated that in the order of 2,900 additional mainstream teaching posts would be required to reduce class sizes to under 20 pupils for children under 9 at an estimated salary cost of €174million.
Statistics are not compiled on an age basis. It is therefore assumed, for the purpose of providing the information sought by the Deputy, that all of the pupils in junior classes (junior infants to second class inclusive) are under 9 years of age.
Provision of accommodation to cater for these additional teachers would cost in the order of €360m.
This does not include provision for the additional costs which would arise if teacher numbers increased in terms of services and training for the additional teachers in the system. This would include the cost of additional inspectors required to carry out inspections (including probation), additional teacher training places required in the teacher education colleges, provision of additional inservice training and the additional administrative costs for the Department of Education and Science associated with processing payment of salary, pension etc for extra teachers. Neither does it include the additional costs on the capital side in terms of ongoing maintenance of any additional classroom accommodation provided. The salary cost given does not include provision for the necessary pension costs which would increase the salary cost by approximately 25%-30% per annum.
551 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the annual cost of introducing a universal pre-school session of three and a half hours per day, five days a week for all children in the year before they go to school, as recommended by the National Economic and Social Forum in its Report on Early Childhood Care and Education published in 2005. [31157/07]
The 2005 NESF recommends the establishment of a National Early Age Development Programme to support the needs of all children. Their programme is based on three main strategies
a State-provided ECCE session for all children for a period of one year before they go into primary school
the support and reform of the existing ECCE infrastructure so that children have access to quality services that are currently provided in a diverse range of settings
targeted provision for children with specific needs.
The report estimated the annual cost of introducing universal pre-school provision at €136 million but does not go into detail on how the figure of €136million was derived. This estimate does not include the cost of supporting the existing ECCE infrastructure to develop and deliver services.
The cost of providing free pre-school places for all children before they enrol in Primary schools is dependent on a number of factors including the type of model proposed. Pre-school services operate across a wide range of curricular philosophical bases, e.g., Montessori, Steiner, High/Scope. Other approaches include the Region Emilio approach. Any estimated costing would depend on the models of intervention envisaged and assumptions about different variables within those models. As these have not been specified, it is not possible to provide a costing as requested.
552 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason she has not sanctioned the construction of a permanent school building for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 18; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the project was put to tender and a contractor chosen with the sanction of her Department, that the school board was assured that money was set aside by her Department for this project and that if the project is not sanctioned to go ahead before the end of November 2007 the tendering process will have to recommence, and the project will be further delayed; and if she will sanction the project to proceed. [31158/07]
The tender report for the school referred to by the Deputy is under examination in my Department at present. The school's Board of Management will be kept advised of developments when the examination is complete.
553 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will appoint a design team for the new second-level school in Buttevant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31183/07]
Schedules of accommodation for the school to which the Deputy refers have been agreed with the management authority of the school. The proposed building project is at an early stage of architectural planning and the further progression of the building project will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation programme.
554 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria a school board of management must adhere to for their school to obtain a language class; if funding is available from her Department for such classes; the number of such classes that receive funding to date; the geographical spread of the classes; the cost to her Department of such classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31185/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. This includes applications for the establishment of special classes. Responsibility for enrolment to these classes rests with the individual school authority. The qualifying criteria for enrolment in speech and language classes is outlined in my Department Circular 0038/2007 — Criteria for Enrolment for Pupils with Specific Speech and Language Disorder (SSLD), Appendix 1, which may be accessed on my Department's website, www.education.ie.
I can confirm that there are currently 59 special classes for children with specific speech and language disorder in primary schools nationwide. The classes operate at a pupil teacher ratio of 7:1.
I will arrange to send a list of these classes and also a copy of the Department circular 0038/2007 to the Deputy.
555 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if grants are available through her Department for the provision of special needs equipment to assist a person (details supplied) in County Kildare with dyspraxia, if so the mechanism that a parent must adhere to obtain the equipment; if such a facility is not available the plans she has to initiate such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31186/07]
558 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has an occupational therapist section that children with difficulties such as dyspraxia can be referred to; the criteria her Department has to deal with such requests or if she can offer a direction to parents seeking such assistance; the plans she has to address the issue in the case of a person details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31217/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 555 and 558 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The SENOs also make recommendations to my Department in relation to assistive technology which may be required by children with certain special educational needs. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
In relation to the provision of occupational therapy services, this is a matter for the Health Services Executive (HSE) and funding is provided to the HSE for such purposes.
556 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the provision of special tuition for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [31187/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
557 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will make a statement on her Departments funding for a rebuilt primary school (details supplied) in Dublin 5 which was due to commence early in 2008. [31208/07]
My Department is spending over €540m this year on the delivery of over 1,500 school building projects throughout the country. This is the first phase of investment under the Government's National Development Plan which will involve over €4.5 billion being invested in school buildings over the next 7 years. This year alone will see construction work that will ultimately deliver over 17,500 school places.
My Department closely monitors the flow of projects on a regular basis in order to match with the flow of funding under the National Development Plan. While my Department has a devolved approach to delivery at local school level, there is still regular contact with many of these schools, including the school in question, about the timing of when projects can proceed.
559 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedures in place to protect personal data within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31237/07]
There are a range of measures in place to safeguard personal data held by various business units in my Department. My Department has produced a set of guidelines for all staff which sets out the issues to be considered when collecting, storing and processing personal data. Staff are made aware of their obligations under the Data Protection Acts, 1988 and 2003 at induction courses when they join the Department and at Records Management Training courses.
For the purposes of the Data Protection Acts, my Department has nine data controllers registered with the Data Protection Commissioners. These data controllers are responsible for ensuring that appropriate processes and procedures are in place to safeguard personal data held in their sections. My Department also has a Data Protection Officer who coordinates issues centrally and works with sections to address particular issues.
Relevant procedures in place at business unit level include use of security passwords, lock-up procedures, closed offices, segregation of duties, secondary authorisation, hard copy paper trails and audits. For example, the level of access to electronic files and databases that hold personal information is limited to staff working in specific areas and at specific grades within that area. Also, the level of access to paper files is controlled by lock-up procedures and closed offices.
My Department also has arrangements in place for the disposal of confidential material. This includes the shredding of paper records and rendering the hard disks of old PC's so that they are unusable.
My Department has recently recruited a Records Manager who, as part of her remit, will be reviewing the processes and procedures in place for the management of all records in the Department.
In light of recent events in the UK, my Department is carrying out a review of systems and procedures in place for safeguarding personal data, including where personal data is being transferred.
560 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction funding for major capital works for a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31252/07]
Discussions are ongoing in relation to the amalgamation of post-primary schools in New Ross. When the outcome of these discussions is known, the Department will take decisions relate to capital investment in the area for the future.
561 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the number of people as of 31 October 2007 who were employed in his Department; the number who were permanent employees; the number who were temporary staff; the number who were contracted staff; if he will provide comparative figures for 31 October 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [30609/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table below:
|
Date |
Total Employed |
Total Permanent |
Total Temporary |
Total Contracted |
|
31 October 2007 |
*435 |
427 |
4 |
4 |
|
31 October 2002 |
*467 |
463 |
Nil |
4 |
**This figure represents the total number of officers serving in my Department, including those officers who are worksharing, those who are in temporary employment and those who are working on a contract basis.
562 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the amount spent by his Department in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 for air travel, business class flights and first class flights in tabular readable form. [30624/07]
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the amount spent on travel in my Department is set out in the tables below:
|
Year |
Business Class |
Economy Class |
First Class |
Total |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2004 |
48,279 |
17,065 |
24,372 |
89,715 |
|
2005 |
14,857 |
17,686 |
NIL |
32,543 |
|
2006 |
18,413 |
33,542 |
NIL |
51,955 |
|
2007 |
11,841 |
31,176 |
NIL |
43,017 |
|
Year |
Business Class |
Economy Class |
First Class |
Total |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2004 |
336,076 |
787,074 |
NIL |
1,123,150 |
|
2005 |
152,270 |
598,946 |
NIL |
751,216 |
|
2006 |
218,285 |
608,393 |
NIL |
826,678 |
|
2007 |
264,485 |
773,030 |
NIL |
1,037,515 |
563 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the amount spent by his Department on couriered documents, registered post and standard post to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [30639/07]
The total amount spent by my Department to date in 2007 on standard and registered post and couriered documents is €517,091. This expenditure comprises the cost of such services for the Department's offices in Dublin and Galway, the Defence Forces and the Civil Defence Board in Roscrea.
A breakdown of the expenditure is not readily available.
564 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the ten largest bonus payments made to staff in his Department and each of its agencies in the past 12 months. [30654/07]
Civil Service posts at the levels of Assistant Secretary and Deputy Secretary are covered by a scheme of performance related awards. The operation of the scheme is overseen by the Committee for Performance Awards. 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 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
Performance Awards for other grades are made to individual staff members and to groups of staff by way of recognition for exceptional performance of duty. In assessing eligibility for awards, regard is given to the nature and quality of the activities involved and to the circumstances under which they were carried out. Attention is also paid to the grade level of the staff members concerned and to what would be regarded as high quality performance from staff in such grades. In December 2006 and January 2007 awards totalling €26,650 were made to 35 individual staff members across all grades.
565 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil servants in his Department who have transferred to other Government Departments or left the Civil Service in each of the past five years in tabular readable form. [30669/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table hereunder:
|
Year |
Transferred |
Retired |
Resigned |
|
2003 |
10 |
7 |
2 |
|
2004 |
12 |
5 |
3 |
|
2005 |
10 |
13 |
2 |
|
2006 |
32 |
7 |
3 |
|
2007 (to date) |
44 |
9 |
2 |
566 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the number of allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing that have been reported to his Department by Departmental staff since 1 January 2007. [30684/07]
I am not aware of any allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing that have been reported to my Department by Departmental staff since 1 January 2007.
567 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Defence if agreement has been reached between his Department and the trustees of the Maritime Museum, Dún Laoghaire, regarding the renting of the basement of this building for use by the membership of the FCA in Dún Laoghaire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30776/07]
No agreement has been entered into by my Department in relation to the premises in question. The premises is undergoing major refurbishment and as such is not suitable for use as a training or sub-unit HQ for the Reserve Defence Force. Arrangements are in place to source alternative accommodation to facilitate Reserve Defence Force training in Dún Laoghaire.
568 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence if the report on the proposed operation in Chad has been completed covering in particular the risk assessment and requirement in terms of force protection; if same will be available to Deputies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30849/07]
On 25 September, 2007, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1778 establishing a multi-dimensional mission in Chad and in the Central African Republic (CAR) that will help strengthen security in the region.
In October, a Defence Forces fact-finding team participated in an EU reconnaissance mission. The reconnaissance mission included visits to the region and to the designated Operational Headquarters for the operation in Paris. This was followed by a reconnaissance visit to the proposed area of operations by Defence Forces intelligence staff to conduct a detailed threat assessment.
A report on these reconnaissance missions, including a detailed threat assessment, was submitted to me by the Chief of Staff. Based on this assessment, on 20 Nov 2007, I sought and obtained the approval of the Government for the despatch of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the EU military operation named "EUFOR TCHAD/RCA." Tomorrow, I will move the necessary enabling motion in Dáil Eireann. At that stage, I will make a statement to the House, which will include a report on the results of the reconnaissance visits and details of Force protection assets being deployed.
As Deputies will appreciate, the Chief of Staff's report is a confidential report to me as Minister for Defence. The report contains information on the security situation in the region and is based on information received from confidential sources. As such, it would be inappropriate to release the report into the public domain.
569 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 received a lower pension and smaller retirement gratuity than their colleagues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30996/07]
I am satisfied that the retirement benefits of the person in question were correctly calculated in accordance with the relevant Department of Finance circular. Full details of the method of calculation have been provided to the person in question. If she wishes to have any further information my Department would be happy to provide it.
570 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the buildings occupied by his Department which are and which are not fully accessible to people with disabilities in tabular readable form. [31027/07]
The buildings occupied by my Department (Infirmary Road, Dublin 7, Coláiste Chaoimhín, Glasnevin, and Renmore, Galway) are fully accessible to people with disabilities. The same applies to the offices of the Civil Defence Board in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.
A number of military installations and buildings are, by virtue of their age, not fully accessible to people with disabilities. However, in line with Government policy, a programme has been under way for some time to make military buildings used by the public, accessible to people with disabilities.
All new buildings and major refurbishments of existing buildings undertaken by the Defence Forces in recent years provide access for people with disabilities.
571 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the cost of running his Department’s press office in each of the first three quarters of 2007 in tabular readable form. [31042/07]
The cost of salaries and travel and subsistence for the staff of my Department's Press Office for the first three quarters in 2007, is detailed in the table below:
|
1st Quarter |
2nd Quarter |
3rd Quarter |
|
€50,900.74 |
*€60,247.49 |
€51,186.36 |
*Extra pay day for staff in the second quarter.
572 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the websites that are run by his Department and each of its agencies; the date on which each became live; if the sites are kept updated; the cost of each site to the State to date; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [31057/07]
In relation to my Department, following is the information requested by the Deputy:
|
Website |
Go live date |
Regular updates provided |
Cost to date |
|
€ |
|||
|
www.defence.ie |
September 1998 |
Yes |
62,000 |
|
www.civildefence.ie |
June 2004 |
Yes |
25,000 |
|
www.emergencyplanning.ie |
May 2007 |
Yes |
36,000 |
In relation to the Defence Forces website, following is the information requested:
|
€ |
|||
|
www.military.iewww.mileata.ie |
2003 (relaunched 2007) |
Yes |
25,000 |
573 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Defence the organisations or authorities operating within his Department’s policy area, set up by statute or statutory instrument, for which he does not have official responsibility to Dáil Éireann. [31110/07]
The office of Ombudsman for the Defence Forces was established by the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act, 2004. Section 4 (1) of the Act states that: "The Ombudsman shall be independent in the performance of his or her functions".
The Irish Red Cross Society is an independent charitable organisation. While the Society is supported by a grant-in-aid from my Department and my Department also enacts any necessary legislation, I do not have a policy role in relation to its activities.
574 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence the procedures in place to protect personal data within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31236/07]
Personal data held in electronic form in my Department and the Defence Forces is protected by the application of a stringent security policy, on access controlled servers, with mandatory features such as password protection, user authentication, assignment of rights to designated users only, the installation and monitoring of firewalls and other protective hardware. Daily backups by way of offsite secure data storage ensure that data is both protected and recoverable on demand. Encryption is used as necessary and data transmission is via secured links only.
All physical files containing personal data relating to staff and external parties are retained in secure locations under restricted access procedures.
All data is maintained under the terms of the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003, as amended from time to time. Any request for the release of such data is dealt with under the terms of the Freedom of Information Acts, 1997 and 2003, as amended from time to time.
575 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who has applied for long term residency status. [30513/07]
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 residency from one of the persons referred to by the Deputy was received in January 2007. I understand that applications received in July 2006 are currently being dealt with.
576 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who has lived here for 12 years and who seeks status now. [30514/07]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person concerned has permission to remain until 18 May 2008. There are currently ongoing Judicial Review proceedings in relation to this case, therefore it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.
577 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be issued with the appropriate licence or the mechanism available to them to seek such a licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30518/07]
I would refer the Deputy to my previous reply to a question put down by him last month. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the property referred to is still retained at Kildare Garda Station and that a Protection Order was issued by the District Court and that a Safety Order is now in force. In the circumstances, I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
578 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30538/07]
As outlined in Parliamentary Question No. 158 put down for answer on 11 October 2007 the Immigration Division of my Department was recently in touch with the person concerned requesting documentation.
An examination of this documentation indicates that the person referred to by the Deputy entered the State on foot of a Working Holiday Authorisation. Working Holiday Authorisations are issued for a temporary period of 1 year duration and cannot be renewed.
The Immigration Division of my Department has recently been in contact with the person concerned informing him that he should now leave the State. Should he wish to return to the State it is necessary for him to obtain the appropriate documentation to enable him take up employment in Ireland. Further information is available on www.entemp.ie.
579 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ascertain from the Garda Commissioner if adequate numbers of Gardaí will be attached to Newcastle West Garda Station in County Limerick; if and when the vacant positions that are available presently will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30543/07]
Newcastle West is in the Limerick Division and the personnel strength of that Division on the 31 October 2007, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 566. The personnel strength of Newcastle West Garda Station on the same date was 28. Local Garda management is satisfied that policing in the area adequately caters for the needs of the community.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel taking everything into account. Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public. The situation will be kept under review by the Commissioner and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Limerick Division and Newcastle West Garda Station will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Districts/Divisions throughout the country.
580 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation that currently exists in relation to the holding of information on previous convictions of Irish citizens, particularly in the context of Garda certification being required for Irish citizens seeking skilled work in other jurisdictions such as Australia; if convictions as a juvenile must be listed by the superintendent of a Garda station, or if this is discretionary; if a time frame exists allowing for non-serious convictions not to be listed; when the next stages of the Spent Convictions Bill will come before the Houses of the Oireachtas; if favourable consideration will be given to dealing sensitively with certain longer sentences handed out to juveniles after a reasonable time has elapsed rather than including such terms among the excluded sentences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30567/07]
Information on criminal convictions in Ireland is retained by the Garda Síochána and, specifically, in the Garda Criminal Records Office, which is now co-located with the Garda Central Vetting Unit in Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Such information is retained indefinitely and without exception and may be used for all legitimate police purposes, including criminal history vetting, as appropriate.
In general, there is no provision in Irish law allowing for the expunging of criminal convictions. However, section 258 of the Children Act 2001 provides for a limited ‘wiping of the slate' in respect of most offences committed by persons under 18 years of age, once certain conditions have been met. Moreover, on 31 July, 2007, the Law Reform Commission published a report on Spent Convictions. My Department is currently conducting an examination of this report.
The Spent Convictions Bill currently before the House is a Private Members Bill. Deputy Barry Andrews was granted leave on 25 October last by Dáil Éireann to introduce the Private Members' Bill on spent convictions. The ordering for Second Stage of Deputy Andrews' Bill to which I am well disposed is a matter for the House.
581 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of sick leave prison officers and other staff in each of the prisons took in each year since 1997 to date in 2007. [30589/07]
I have set out hereunder the amount of sick leave taken by all prison staff for the years 1997 to 2006 inclusive. Due to the manner in which they were then collated, figures broken down by each prison are not readily available prior to 2000 — global figures for the years 1997 to 1999 are shown in the table below. Figures for the years 2000 to 2006 are shown by each prison.
The most recent figures available for 2007 to the end of September show that 50262 days were availed of for sick leave. The number of staff at that date was 3111. This is a reduction of 18.5% per capita for the same period in 2006 and the first major reversal of the trend since 2000. I have provided the figures by prison for the years 2000 to 2006.
|
Prison |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
||||
|
Days |
Average Days per officer |
Days |
Average Days per officer |
Days |
Average Days per officer |
Days |
Average Days per officer |
|
|
Arbour Hill |
1,681 |
14 |
1,468 |
13 |
1,330 |
12 |
1,718 |
14.26 |
|
Beladd* |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
28 |
7.00 |
|
Building Services** |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
219 |
8.76 |
|
Castlerea |
2,715 |
19 |
3,075 |
23 |
2,748 |
19 |
3,813 |
23.68 |
|
Cloverhill |
3,404 |
12 |
4,602 |
14 |
4,910 |
13 |
6,043 |
15.72 |
|
Cork |
8,172 |
37 |
9,053 |
40 |
7,836 |
34 |
6,675 |
30.07 |
|
Curragh*** |
1,199 |
18 |
1,350 |
19 |
1,750 |
25 |
1,002 |
14.31 |
|
Fort Mitchell**** |
1,868 |
21 |
1,102 |
12 |
1,210 |
12 |
1,473 |
15.67 |
|
Limerick |
6,268 |
32 |
5,783 |
31 |
5,162 |
25 |
4,560 |
23.57 |
|
Loughan House |
1,048 |
27 |
597 |
14 |
345 |
9 |
672 |
15.27 |
|
Midlands***** |
223 |
3 |
4,578 |
16 |
5,944 |
17 |
5,914 |
17.76 |
|
Mountjoy |
11,657 |
16 |
10,457 |
16 |
10,543 |
18 |
10,332 |
20.83 |
|
Mountjoy Female # |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
1,285 |
15.21 |
|
Portlaoise |
8,261 |
22 |
7,445 |
23 |
8,071 |
24 |
7,577 |
23.68 |
|
PSEC## |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
St. Patrick’s |
3,458 |
18 |
3,273 |
18 |
2,676 |
14 |
2,864 |
15.74 |
|
Shanganagh### |
772 |
20 |
624 |
17 |
465 |
11 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Shelton Abbey |
454 |
14 |
595 |
18 |
489 |
16 |
447 |
10.90 |
|
Training Unit |
907 |
11 |
1,235 |
16 |
830 |
13 |
2,084 |
28.16 |
|
Wheatfield |
4,854 |
15 |
5,906 |
20 |
6,222 |
19 |
6,524 |
20.61 |
|
Total |
56,941 |
19 |
61,143 |
20 |
60,531 |
19 |
63,230 |
19.97 |
|
Prison |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|||
|
Days |
Average Days per officer |
Days |
Average Days per officer |
Days |
Average Days per officer |
|
|
Arbour Hill |
2,054 |
17.86 |
2,555 |
22.61 |
2,688 |
24.44 |
|
Beladd* |
71 |
5.92 |
10 |
0.83 |
124 |
10.33 |
|
Building Services** |
648 |
27.00 |
246 |
10.70 |
334 |
20.88 |
|
Castlerea |
4,199 |
25.92 |
3,691 |
23.66 |
4,120 |
25.83 |
|
Cloverhill |
8,432 |
22.88 |
7,751 |
22.08 |
7,030 |
20.62 |
|
Cork |
8,069 |
30.92 |
10,127 |
38.22 |
9,293 |
40.58 |
|
Curragh*** |
20 |
1.82 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Fort Mitchell**** |
531 |
40.85 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Limerick |
7,249 |
33.25 |
7,643 |
35.88 |
7,601 |
35.35 |
|
Loughan House |
877 |
20.40 |
1,007 |
22.89 |
521 |
11.33 |
|
Midlands***** |
8,773 |
22.58 |
8,892 |
26.08 |
6,584 |
19.14 |
|
Mountjoy |
12,486 |
24.60 |
11,765 |
24.18 |
10,867 |
21.71 |
|
Mountjoy Female # |
2,204 |
24.76 |
3,128 |
35.75 |
3,581 |
39.79 |
|
Portlaoise |
8,321 |
27.10 |
8,953 |
29.55 |
10,533 |
35.71 |
|
PSEC## |
n/a |
n/a |
42 |
0.58 |
2,805 |
17.92 |
|
St. Patrick’s |
4,309 |
24.28 |
4,783 |
25.99 |
5,947 |
30.04 |
|
Shanganagh### |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Shelton Abbey |
995 |
27.26 |
1,342 |
33.55 |
1,049 |
23.84 |
|
Training Unit |
1,938 |
26.55 |
2,260 |
31.39 |
2,068 |
28.72 |
|
Wheatfield |
6,749 |
21.56 |
7,308 |
23.27 |
7,435 |
24.42 |
|
Total |
77,925 |
24.98 |
81,503 |
26.48 |
82,580 |
26.36 |
*No figures for Beladd until 2003.
**No figures for Building Services until 2003 .
***Curragh Prison Closed in 2004.
****Fort Mitchell Prison Closed in 2004
*****The Midlands Prison opened in November 2000.
#Mountjoy Female Opened in 2003.
##PSEC Began in 2005.
###Shanganagh Closed in 2002.
582 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people as of 31 October 2007 who were employed in his Department; the number who were permanent employees; the number who were temporary staff; the number who were contracted staff; if he will provide comparative figures for 31 October 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [30616/07]
The number of whole-time equivalent civil servants employed by my Department and its agencies as at 31 October 2007 is 2,167, of which 63 are temporary contract staff. These figures do not include staff of An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service, the Legal Aid Board and the Property Registration Authority.
It is not possible to provide comparative figures for 31 October 2002 due to significant changes in responsibilities in the intervening years..
583 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount spent by his Department in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 for air travel, business class flights and first class flights in tabular readable form. [30631/07]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the amount spent by my Department on air travel is set out below (these figures do not take account of any refunds received or due from the EU or other sources in respect of travel costs):
|
Year |
Business |
Economy |
First Class |
Grand Total |
|
2004* |
737,372 |
238,680 |
7,065 |
983,117 |
|
2005 |
324,289 |
317,680 |
nil |
641,969 |
|
2006 |
276,425 |
396,263 |
nil |
672,688 |
|
2007 |
225,296 |
356,201 |
16,570 |
598,067 |
*The Deputy may wish to note that the higher travel costs incurred in 2004 reflect the greatly increased travel requirement associated with management and hosting of the Irish Presidency in that year.
584 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount spent by his Department on couriered documents, registered post and standard post to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [30646/07]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the amount spent by my Department on couriered documents, registered post and standard post in 2007 to date is as follows:
|
Courier Charges |
Post (ordinary) |
Post (registered) |
|
€26,265 |
€166,530 |
€255,290 |
585 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the 10 largest bonus payments made to staff in his Department and each of its agencies in the past 12 months. [30661/07]
I assume that the Deputy's question relates to the scheme of performance-related awards in the civil service which applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. In the past 12 months, awards under the scheme were paid to 10 staff of my Department and 9 heads of agency. Details of individual awards made under the performance-related scheme are not disclosed on the basis that they are confidential to the officers concerned. However, I can say that the largest 10 awards made under the scheme ranged from €14,600 to €26,438. I would also mention that in the same period, awards under the same scheme were made to 14 Deputy/Assistant Commissioners in An Garda Síochána. The 10 largest payments to these officers ranged from €11,500 to €16,000.
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://finance.gov.ie/documents/ publications/reports/CPArep2006.pdf
586 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform asked the the number of civil servants in his Department who have transferred to other Government Departments or left the Civil Service in each of the past five years in tabular readable form. [30676/07]
The number of civil servants in my Department who transferred to other Government Departments or left the Civil Service in each of the past five years is provided below:
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
To 31 October 2007 |
|
198 |
208 |
138 |
259* |
260 |
*This figure excludes the transfer of 1,345 civilians in An Garda Síochána to the control of the Garda Commissioner, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, with effect from 16 October 2006.
587 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing that have been reported to his Department by Departmental staff since 1 January 2007. [30691/07]
There have been no allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing reported to my Department by Departmental Staff.
588 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when persons (details supplied) in County Waterford will receive their certificates of naturalisation. [30695/07]
Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship section of my Department in March 2005. Officials in that section inform me that there has been some confusion regarding a valid address for the persons concerned. As correspondence sent to the address provided by the couple has gone unanswered, officials have now written to their solicitor, as per their initial request.
The first-named person referred to in the Deputy's question is required to provide further documentation before processing of his application can continue and a letter has recently issued to his solicitor to that effect. On examination of the application of the second person concerned, it was determined that, on the date the application was made, she did not meet the residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. However, she subsequently did acquire the necessary residency by the time the application was reached for processing. In this regard the Citizenship section has invited the person in question to make a new application under her existing application number — the purpose of which is to ensure that the applicant does not lose her place in the processing queue. The individual in question must submit the completed application form and all supporting documents to the Citizenship section within the next two months. I will inform the Deputy and the persons in question when I have reached a decision on their applications.
589 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive their certificate of naturalisation. [30696/07]
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 December 2006. Officials in that section are currently processing applications received at the beginning of 2005 and have approximately 10,400 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 by mid 2009. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the matter.
590 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress of the cold case review of the Grangegorman murders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30715/07]
The cold case review of the Grangegorman murders indicates that further analysis based on advances in technology may progress the matter. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Forensic Science Laboratory has been requested to progress this analysis, which is ongoing.
591 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied with the Garda manning levels at Athenry, County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the increase in population in Athenry town and environs over the past five years; the number of permanent Gardaí assigned to the Garda station in Athenry; if he has further satisfied himself that the numbers are sufficient to police such a large population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30735/07]
Athenry Garda station forms part of the Galway West Garda Division and the personnel strength of that Division on the 31 October 2007, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 419. The personnel strength of Athenry Garda Station on the same date was 5.
Local Garda management is satisfied that policing in the area adequately caters for the needs of the community. 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 by him and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Galway West Division and Athenry Garda Station will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.
592 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made on the application of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 for citizenship which was lodged in May 2004; if he will respond to the Parliamentary Question of 22 May 2005 to the effect that a decision would be made in the first half of 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30743/07]
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 April 2004. When my predecessor considered the application of the person in question in November 2006, it was decided to defer making a final decision in this case until mid 2007. The person concerned was notified of this position and the reasons for it. I now expect the file will be forwarded to me in the coming months for a decision. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the application.
593 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30745/07]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the first child of the person concerned, who was born in Ireland in 2002, is an Irish citizen by virtue of their birth in the island of Ireland prior to 1 January 2005. The second child was born in the State in 2007, after the 2004 constitutional referendum, and as such is not a citizen of the State by virtue alone of their birth here. As neither of the child's parents are citizens of the State or have the required period of legal residency in the State it would follow that the child is not entitled to Irish citizenship. In the event that the child's parents become citizens of the State, through naturalisation, they may then apply for naturalisation on the child's behalf. If the child becomes a citizen an application for a passport may then be made to the Department of Foreign Affairs
594 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a favourable decision can be granted in view of the background to a case on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of an application for residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30790/07]
I am informed that the Immigration Division of my Department has been in contact with the person in question. In order for the matter to be processed to a successful conclusion it will be necessary for the applicant to provide evidence of his EU spouse's employment details in the State. Upon receipt of such evidence the application will be further considered.
595 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of public order offences on a county or Garda division basis from 1996 to 2006 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30804/07]
Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003. I understand that the CSO are examining how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive.
I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him. Details in relation to the total number of public order offences for the years prior to 2003 are available in the relevant Annual Reports of An Garda Síochána, copies of which are available in the Dáil library.
596 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals to counter heightened public order offences in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30805/07]
Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 it is open to me to set policing priorities for An Garda Síochána. I recently announced these priorities for 2008. One of the priorities I have set is to combat, particularly in cooperation with other agencies and the community generally, the problems of public disorder with particular emphasis on alcohol related behaviour (including under age drinking) and socially disadvantaged communities especially through utilisation of the legal mechanisms being made available, namely, ASBOs and behaviour warnings and closure orders.
Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006, which provides for civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults, was commenced on 1 January, 2007. Part 13 of the Act relating to anti-social behaviour by children was commenced on 1 March, 2007. These provisions set out an incremental procedure for addressing anti-social behaviour by adults and children.
Strong provisions are already in place to combat anti-social behaviour. The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 modernised the law in this regard. The Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 contains provisions to deal with alcohol abuse and its effect on public order. The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 provides the Garda with powers to deal with late night street violence and anti-social conduct attributable to excessive drinking.
In addition to the criminal law, there is a range of initiatives in place to get at the root causes of this type of behaviour. My policing priorities for 2008 include the expansion of the juvenile liaison scheme and the continued expansion of the Garda Youth Diversion Project. The Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme has proven to be highly successful in diverting young persons away from crime by offering guidance and support to juveniles and their families. The Children Act 2001 gives a statutory basis to the Programme. Garda Youth Diversion Projects are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young people from becoming involved, or further involved, in anti-social or criminal behaviour. By doing so, the projects also contribute to improving the quality of life within communities and enhancing Garda/community relations. I recently approved the establishment of an additional seven projects, bringing the current total to 100 throughout the country. It is intended to establish a further 68 projects in the lifetime of this Government bringing the total number of projects to 168 nationwide.
More broadly, a number of reforms have taken place in recent years to bring about a more effective youth justice system and these have been enshrined in legislation in the Children Act 2001, as amended. The Act is based on the principles of diversion from crime and anti-social behaviour, restorative justice, the expanded use of community-based sanctions and measures by the courts, and the use of detention only as a last resort. Recent measures have reformed our entire approach to youth justice. The Irish Youth Justice Service, an executive office of my Department which is co-located in the Office of the Minister for Children, now has responsibility for developing youth justice policy and operating the children detention schools. CCTV schemes are a strong deterrent in fighting crime and anti-social behaviour as well as giving communities greater peace of mind. Both Garda operated and community based CCTV schemes have been set up, and such schemes will continue to be set up.
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a joint policing committee in each local authority administrative area. The purpose of these committees is to provide a forum where members of a local authority and the senior Garda officers responsible for the policing of that area, with the participation of Oireachtas members and community interests, can consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the area including the levels and patterns of anti-social behaviour such as the misuse of alcohol and drugs. There are currently 29 committees established in a pilot phase. In consultation with my colleagues the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, I propose to roll out the committees to all 114 local authority areas as early as possible in 2008.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Encounter, commenced by the Commissioner in February, 2002, targets public disorder and anti-social type behaviour by specifically targeting offences contrary to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1996 and the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988 which include the sale and consumption of alcohol by underage persons. All members of An Garda Síochána proactively target public disorder and anti-social behaviour. Areas subject to such behaviour have been identified as ‘hot-spots' by local Garda management and additional foot and mobile patrols are directed to these areas during times when these offences are more likely to occur. All such incidents, detected by members on patrol or reported to An Garda Síochána, are dealt with immediately, and the suspected offenders are dealt with in accordance with the law.
597 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in installing the agreed closed circuit television camera network in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 8; when the system will be installed and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30806/07]
I have announced the award of the grant of €200,000 to a group for the area in Dublin 8 to which the Deputy refers under the Community-based CCTV Scheme. The grant comprises €100,000 from my Department and matching RAPID area funding of €100,000 from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The details are available to the Deputy on my Department's website (www.justice.ie). The grant will enable the group involved to progress the implementation of its proposed CCTV system.
598 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the latest social policy report from the Citizen’s Information Board regarding Section 9 of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004 which points to the redundancy of the provision in relation to leave entitlements for women who breast-feed since the extension of maternity leave; if the claim in the report is correct that breast-feeding women no longer have an entitlement to leave if they have taken the full paid and unpaid maternity leave; and if so, the action he is taking to correct this anomaly and restore the leave entitlement of breast-feeding women. [30840/07]
I am aware of the comments that have been expressed by the Citizens Information Board. The Maternity Protection (Protection of Mothers who are Breast-feeding) Regulations 2004 make provision for an employee who is breast-feeding to take 1 hour off from her work each working day as a breast-feeding break without loss of pay, until the child is 6 months old. The Regulations were framed in the context of a maternity leave entitlement of 14 weeks with a further entitlement to 4 weeks additional unpaid leave. The entitlement to maternity leave is now 26 weeks with a further entitlement to 16 weeks additional unpaid leave. Further increases in paid maternity leave are envisaged in the Agreed Programme for Government over the next 5 years. The Breast-feeding Regulations are being reviewed by my Department in the light of these developments.
599 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 to be processed. [30843/07]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 356 on 31 January 2007. The position remains as stated.
600 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects a decision to be reached with regard to matters his Department in appealing to the Supreme Court in relation to the IBC/05 scheme. [30844/07]
The decision regarding matters related to the IBC/05 Scheme, which my Department is currently awaiting from the Supreme Court, is expected in the current legal term.
601 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has proposals to amend the Juries Act 1976; if so, if he will outline same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30850/07]
The Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006 includes proposals to amend the Juries Act 1976. These amendments would: allow for a jury to separate before or after retirement to consider their verdict for such period or periods as the judge might allow; increase the maximum fines for offences under the Act; and remove and redefine the class of persons ineligible for jury service currently described as "incapable persons".
602 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to previous parliamentary questions which were not completely answered, the budgets, members and staff of all the boards, bodies, authorities, agencies and quangos under the remit of his Department from 1997 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30855/07]
I can inform the Deputy that my original response on this subject contained a considerable amount of detail, including the date of establishment of more than 50 bodies under my Department's aegis, along with their budget and staffing in 2007. As I have indicated previously, it would not be feasible for my Department to compile equivalent information back to 1997 without the application of a disproportionate amount of staff time.
603 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the implementation of anti-social behaviour orders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30862/07]
Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which provides for civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults, was commenced on 1 January, 2007. Part 13 of the Act relating to anti-social behaviour by children was commenced on 1 March, 2007. These provisions set out an incremental procedure for addressing anti-social behaviour by adults and children. With regard to children, these range from a warning from a member of An Garda Síochána, to a good behaviour contract involving the child and his or her parents or guardian, to referral to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme, to the making of a behaviour order by the Children's Court.
In setting up the regime, the intention was that these warnings or good behaviour contracts would themselves address the problem behaviour. It is only if they fail that an ASBO will be applied. In any case, it inevitably takes time to reach the stage where an ASBO itself might be sought. Where these do not succeed in altering a person's behaviour, they will culminate in ASBOs being sought by the Garda authorities from the courts.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that up to 31 October, 2007 323 behaviour warnings to adults and 95 behaviour warnings to children were issued.
604 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for residency for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30917/07]
An application for residence in the State on the sole basis of marriage to an Irish national was received from the person in question in July 2007 and was acknowledged on 9 August 2007. Applications of this kind, in fairness to all other such applicants, are dealt with in strict chronological order and currently take up to twelve months to process. It should be noted that marriage to an Irish national does not confer an automatic right of residence in the State.
605 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who applied for leave to remain on humanitarian grounds in each year from 2000; the number who have been refused in each year; the number outstanding at the end of each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30926/07]
I presume that the Deputy is referring to applications for Leave to Remain in the State made pursuant to Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 as amended.
An application for Leave to Remain in the State in these circumstances arises where a non-national is served with a notice of intent to deport under section 3(3)(a) of the Immigration Act, 1999. A person served with such a notice of intent to deport is afforded three options, viz. to leave the State voluntarily; to consent to the making of a Deportation Order; or to make representations in writing within 15 working days setting out reasons as to why a Deportation Order should not be made and why temporary Leave to Remain in the State be granted instead.
Leave to remain, outside that granted on the grounds of parentage of an Irish born child or marriage to an Irish or EU national, is considered in the context of deciding whether or not to deport a non — national. Temporary leave to remain is considered in every case regardless of whether representations are made by, or on behalf of, the persons concerned. Statistics are not maintained in a way which distinguishes between those who have made an application for leave to remain and those who have not.
The total number of applications awaiting a decision for temporary Leave to Remain, as provided in my Reply to Dáil Question Nos. 515 and 516 on Tuesday 16 October 2007 to Deputy Denis Naughten, is 11,068. Of that number, 10,457 is the number of asylum cases which entered the Leave to Remain process, with these cases being at different stages of processing. Moreover, it must be borne in mind that many of those who failed the asylum process, and who did not opt to return voluntarily or consent to deportation, nonetheless left the State before a decision to deport or grant leave to remain was made. It is reasonable to presume that many of those listed as awaiting a decision on Leave to Remain have, in fact, left the jurisdiction.
The figures in the table below refer to persons who received notification of intention to deport under Section 3(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, but were subsequently refused temporary leave to remain in the State. When temporary leave to remain in the State is refused, deportation orders are then made in respect of the persons concerned. The majority of those in the table below would have been persons who were refused refugee status in the State.
|
Year |
Number of deportation orders made |
|
2000 |
940 |
|
2001 |
2,025 |
|
2002 |
2,430 |
|
2003 |
2,411 |
|
2004 |
2,915 |
|
2005 |
1,899 |
|
2006 |
1,566 |
|
Total |
14,186 |
606 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals for the Louth/Meath Garda Division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30956/07]
In accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005, decisions on the realignment of Garda Regional and Divisional boundaries are matters for the Garda Commissioner in the first instance, in the context of his Annual Policing Plans. The Commissioner has recently submitted proposals to my Department to align Garda Divisions with local authority boundaries which will lead to greater efficiencies and effectiveness for the Force and facilitate more effective operation of the Joint Policing Committees. The 2008 Annual Policing Plan, which will include the specific aspects of the proposals to be implemented next year, will shortly be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in compliance with Section 22(6) of the Act.
It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the specific matter raised by the Deputy prior to the policing plans containing such details being laid before the Houses.
607 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who has applied for long term residency and citizenship. [30957/07]
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 October 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.
Officials in the Citizenship section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question.
608 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for a visitors visa for a person (details supplied). [30979/07]
The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on 12 November 2007. It was refused by the Visa Officer on 19 November 2007 for a number of reasons:
There was no clear link to the reference shown
The evidence of finance was deemed insufficient or incomplete
There were no social, economic or professional ties in the home country shown
It was the opinion of the Visa Officer that the applicant may not observe the conditions of the visa
The decision of the Visa Officer may be appealed within two months of the date of decision, in this case before 19 January 2007.
Guidelines on making an appeal can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service at www.inis.gov.ie
609 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the high level interdepartmental committee on multi-unit developments, which is chaired by his Department, will be inviting submissions from interested parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30980/07]
The position is that several consultative processes have recently been undertaken in relation to issues arising in connection with multi-unit developments. Following publication of its Consultation Paper on Multi-Unit Developments in December 2006, the Law Reform Commission launched an extensive consultation process and the Commission will have regard to the submissions received from interested bodies and individuals when completing its final report. In December 2006, the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement also invited submissions in response to its Consultation Paper containing Draft Guidance on the Governance of Apartment Owners' Management Companies. I understand that the Office is currently finalising the document in light of submissions received during the consultation process.
The National Consumer Agency has published a booklet entitled "Property Management Companies and You" and a report on "Management Fees and Service Charges Levied on Owners of Property in Multi-Unit Dwellings". As part of its follow up to these publications, the Agency launched an on-line consultation process "Have Your Say" seeking consumer input in relation to the experience of living in a multi-unit development.
The high-level interdepartmental committee will, as part of its deliberative process, be assessing the outcomes of these consultations and reporting on them. The question of the committee itself inviting submissions does not arise at present.
610 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people or businesses that were prosecuted for selling alcohol to minors in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31014/07]
Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003. I understand that the CSO are examining how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
611 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and the proportion of inmates in youth offender institutions and prisons that were in Health Service Executive care as children in the most recent year for which data is available. [31020/07]
Children detention schools do not collate statistics specifically for children who have previously been in the care of the Health Service Executive but they take into account all know previous family circumstances, including periods where a child has been in the care of the Health Service Executive, in implementing personal care plans for each child in detention. Similarly in the Prison Service, the information requested by the Deputy is not contained on the files of committed prisoners. However, the Probation Service conducts interviews with all young offenders on committal to St. Patrick's Institution. During the course of these interviews, any prior contact between the offender and any relevant State agency is recorded.
The compilation of the information recorded in these interviews, would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort to prepare. This could not be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.
612 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated number of people who have developed a drug addiction while in custody of the Irish Prison Services in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31022/07]
It is extremely difficult to quantify the level of illegal drugs consumed by prisoners while in custody, particularly given the extremely covert nature of illicit drug supply and use in a custodial setting. It is therefore not possible to estimate the number of prisoners who may have developed a drug addiction while imprisoned. However, an independent study by the Health Research Board titled; "Drug Use Among Prisoners: An Exploratory Study", which was published in 2001 stated that: "Overall, research carried out in other European countries has found little evidence of prisoners' being initiated into their first use of illicit substances while in prison, although it has been cited as an issue of concern. Only one respondent in the current sample reported that he had been initiated into his first ever use of an illicit drug while in prison". On this basis, the Report concluded that "initiation into drug use in the prison setting was rare".
The Irish Prison Service continues to take firm steps to eliminate the supply of drugs into prisons as well as enhancing the range of treatment options for those who are already addicted to drugs. Drugs awareness courses and other interventions to highlight the detrimental effects of drug use and encourage prisoners to adopt or maintain a drug free lifestyle are also provided.
613 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the buildings occupied by his Department which are and which are not fully accessible to people with disabilities in tabular readable form. [31034/07]
I can confirm with the Deputy that arrangements are in place to provide for accessibility to all of the buildings occupied by my Department and that there is ongoing contact with the Office of Public Works with a view to enhancing that accessibility, in a manner consistent with each individual building's age and character.
614 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of running his Department’s press office in each of the first three quarters of 2007 in tabular readable form. [31049/07]
The cost of running the Press Office in my Department in each of the first three quarters of 2007 is set out below in tabular format. My Press Office is fully staffed by Civil Servants and these costs relate to the pay and non-pay elements of same.
|
€ |
|
|
Quarter 1 |
96,468.04 |
|
Quarter 2 |
113,729.33 |
|
Quarter 3 |
96,837.35 |
|
Total |
307,034.72 |
My Press Office is fully staffed by Civil Servants and these costs relate to the pay and non-pay elements of same.
615 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the websites that are run by his Department and each of its agencies; the date on which each became live; if the sites are kept updated; the cost of each site to the State to date; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [31064/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
Website address |
Date of website going “live” (month/year) |
Is the site updated? (Yes / No) |
Cost of each site to date |
|
www.justice.ie |
May 2007 |
Yes |
|
|
www.inis.gov.ie (Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service) |
May 2007 |
Yes |
€415,105 (combined project, site redeveloped and relaunched in 2007) |
|
www.ria.gov.ie (Reception and Integration Agency) |
November 2004 |
Yes |
€20,602 |
|
www.orac.ie (Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner) |
November 2003 |
Yes |
€1,766 |
|
www.refappeal.ie*(Refugee Appeals Tribunal) |
2002 |
Yes |
€7,748 |
|
www.refbooking.ie (website to provide legal representatives with access to previous decisions of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal) |
December 2006 |
Yes |
Nil |
|
www.ginsp.ie (Garda Inspectorate Website) |
September 2007 |
Yes |
€13,507 |
|
www.gsoc.ie (Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission) |
July 2006 |
Yes |
€13,628 |
|
www.gscb.ie (Garda Síochána Complaints Board) |
March 2004 |
Yes |
€10,716 |
|
www.garda.ie (An Garda Síochána) |
2003 |
Yes |
€35,579 |
|
Irish Youth Justice Service(domain name to be finalised) |
In progress (due to go live early 2008) |
N/A |
€2,260 |
|
www.ndpgenderequality.ie |
March 2002 |
Yes |
€38,792 |
|
www.equalitytribunal.ie |
October 2001 |
Yes |
€79,405 |
|
www.equality.ie (includes links and support costs for www.familyfriendly.ie and www.arww.ie (anti-racist workplace week)) |
1999 |
Yes |
€36,700 (total cost for 2004 — to date) |
|
www.diversityireland.ie |
January 2006 |
Yes |
€18,199 |
|
www.knowracism.ie (now links to diversityireland.ie) |
Mid 2002 |
No |
€27,452 |
|
www.courts.ie |
not available |
Yes |
€985,000 |
|
www.iab.ie (Internet Advisory Board) |
October 2001 |
Yes |
€28,211 |
|
www.probation.ie (Probation Service) |
June 2006 |
Yes |
€117,279 |
|
www.psa.gov.ie (Private Security Authority) |
March 2005 |
Yes |
€58,797 |
|
www.smithwicktribunal.ie |
March 2006 |
Yes |
Not available** |
|
www.barrtribunal.ie |
January 2003 |
Yes |
Not available** |
|
www.asboireland.ie |
March 2007 |
Yes |
€10,884 |
|
www.crimecouncil.ie |
November 2001 |
Yes |
€52,509 |
|
www.criminalcode.ie (Criminal Codification Committee) |
September 2007 |
Yes |
€18,663 |
|
www.dataprotection.ie |
December 2000 |
Yes |
€35,701 — has been spent on maintenance and development since November 2003. |
|
www.ifco.ie (Irish Film Censor’s Office) |
September 2004 |
Yes |
€65,773 |
|
www.legalaidboard.ie |
June 2001 |
Yes |
€19,000 (approx. — update costs and cost of hosting for six years) |
|
www.legalaidboard.ie (new site) |
June 2007 |
Yes |
€44,600 |
|
www.forensicscience.ie |
December 2004 |
Yes |
€15,585 |
|
www.prai.ie (formally www.landregistry.ie)(Property Registration Authority) |
Not available |
Yes |
Not available |
|
www.irishprisons.ie |
December 2000 |
Yes |
Not available |
|
www.mhclrb.ie (Mental Health (Criminal Law) Review Board) |
March 2007 |
Yes |
€1,343 |
|
www.nda.ie (National Disability Authority) |
Not available |
Yes |
Not available |
|
www.npsra.ie (National Property Services Regulatory Authority) |
November 2007 |
Yes |
€13,557 |
|
www.morristribunal.ie |
20 June 2002 |
Yes |
€33,314.00 |
*This site is currently being modernised and made more user friendly. The revamped site is expected to go live on the week of 14 December, 2007 at a cost of €11,815.
**The costs involved formed part of the overall costs relating to Departmental website development and cannot be identified separately.
616 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the interdepartmental committee set up in the wake of the Law Reform Commission’s consultation paper on property management companies; if the committee has started meeting; if it has made any findings or recommendations yet; when he expects to be in a position to take action on these recommendations; his views on wide-ranging reform of the management company system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31074/07]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 484 and 485 of 20 November 2007. I have nothing further to add to the details of that reply.
617 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 is being deported; if he will review the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31078/07]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 6 March 2004 and claimed asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The person concerned was informed by letter dated 13 February 2006 that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her and afforded her three options in accordance with Section 3 (3) (b) (ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a Deportation Order or to submit, within 15 working days, written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why she should not be deported.
Her case was examined under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to all representations submitted on her behalf for permission to remain temporarily in the State. On 17 October 2006 my predecessor refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of her. A notice of this Order dated 15 November 2006 was served by registered post. Said notice also invited the making of a Subsidiary Protection application pursuant to the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 — Statutory Instrument No. 518 of 2006, which came into effect on 10 October 2006.
By correspondence dated 6 December 2006, an application for Subsidiary Protection was made together with a request to reconsider the Section 3 (6) application for temporary leave to remain of the person concerned. Following consideration of the information submitted, the deportation order was affirmed and the legal representative of the person concerned was notified of this decision by letter dated 19 December 2006.
In order to consider the Subsidiary Protection application, the Deportation Order signed by my predecessor on 17 October 2006 was revoked. An order of revocation was signed in this regard on 28 June 2007 by one of the senior officials in my Department. Following consideration of the Subsidiary Protection application lodged, it was found that the person concerned was not eligible under the Regulations. Subsequent to this decision, consideration was again given to the person concerned under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, for permission to remain temporarily in the State. On 31 October 2007, I refused permission to remain and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of her. Notice of this Order was served by registered post requiring her to present herself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), on Tuesday 13 November, 2007, in order to make travel arrangements for her deportation from the State. She presented as required and was given further presentation dates which she kept. She was due to present again on 26 November 2007.
The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. I am satisfied that the applications made by the person concerned for asylum, for temporary leave to remain in the State and for Subsidiary Protection, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport her is justified. The enforcement of the Deportation Order remains an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
618 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take steps to ensure that a Garda patrol car is allocated to Ballynacargy Garda Station in County Westmeath; if he will contact the Garda Commissioner in this regard with a view to having such a patrol vehicle allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31102/07]
The detailed allocation of Garda resources, including transport, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide in accordance with his identified operational requirements and priorities. I am informed by the Garda authorities that Ballynacargy Garda station is policed as part of Granard Garda District, which is allocated 4 marked vehicles and 1 unmarked vehicle. One of these marked vehicles is shared by the members attached to Ballynacargy, Ballinalee and Smear Garda Stations. In addition, Ballynacargy sub-district is patrolled by the Divisional Traffic Unit and members of the District Detective Unit. The responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official transport in a Division is vested in the Divisional Officer who may allocate vehicles from station to station as required.
619 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the organisations or authorities operating within his Department’s policy area, set up by statute or statutory instrument, for which he does not have official responsibility to Dáil Éireann. [31117/07]
As the Deputy will appreciate, there are a range of statutory bodies operating my Department's broad aegis and the precise governance arrangements in each case varies according to the functions of the organisation and its legislative remit. As such, while retaining overall responsibility to Dáil Eireann, there are various circumstances where a particular organisation's independence in respect of the performance of its functions, or its capacity as a regulatory or appeals body, is such that detailed comment by me on the exercise of those functions would not be appropriate.
620 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork for leave to remain in the State on the grounds of subsidiary protection. [31170/07]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 29 July 2005 and claimed asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The person concerned was informed by letter dated 6 February 2006 that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her and afforded her three options in accordance with Section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a Deportation Order or to submit, within 15 working days, written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why she should not be deported.
Her case was examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to all representations submitted on her behalf for permission to remain temporarily in the State. On 28 August 2006 my predecessor refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of her. A notice of this Order dated 9 March 2007 was served by registered post. Said notice also invited the making of a Subsidiary Protection application pursuant to the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 — Statutory Instrument No. 518 of 2006, which came into effect on 10 October 2006.
By correspondence dated 23 March 2007, an application for Subsidiary Protection was made on behalf of the person concerned. 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.
621 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of introducing payment in respect of parental leave where that payment would be paid at the same rate as maternity leave is at present. [31212/07]
I refer the Deputy to the commitment by Government and the Social Partners in Towards 2016 to review the level of statutory entitlements to maternity and paternity leave before the end of 2008. The Deputy may also note that the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government is, over the next five years, to increase paid maternity leave by five weeks, to make all leave after the first 26 weeks available to either parent and, to examine the possibility of introducing a statutory entitlement to paternity leave and shared parental leave.
It is in the context of these commitments that the question of introducing paid parental leave and the costs associated with such parental benefit will fall to be examined. No costs of the kind sought by the Deputy are available at present. However, the question of introducing paid parental leave was examined by the Working Group on the Review of the Parental Leave Act 1998, which was published by my Department in April 2002. Some preliminary costings only were included. The Report is available on my Department's website.
622 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures in place to protect personal data within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31243/07]
My Department is aware of its responsibilities under the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 to safeguard the privacy rights of individuals in relation to the processing of personal data.
There is a privacy policy on my Department's website together with information on how to access personal data and a list of appointed Data Controllers within my Department.
623 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will conduct an independent enquiry into events surrounding the recent fire tragedy in Bray; and if he will allow the families of victims of the tragedy access to the terms of reference of existing and independent enquiries into the fire in Bray. [31362/07]
646 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the terms of reference for an inquiry into the Bray fire tragedy. [30942/07]
649 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the terms of reference of the investigations into the deaths of two firemen in Bray, County Wicklow by the Gardaí, Health and Safety Authority and Wicklow County Council; when these investigations will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30984/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 623, 646 and 649 together.
Three separate investigations are underway into the Bray fire tragedy. These are being conducted by the relevant statutory authorities, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), An Garda Síochána and Wicklow County Council. I believe that it is important to await the outcome of these investigations. The questions concerning the publication of the terms of reference for the HSA and Garda investigations and when these investigations will be completed are matters for those authorities. I understand that it is the case that a Garda investigation would normally focus on whether a crime was involved and with a view to assisting the Coroner's inquiries, while the HSA has wide-ranging powers relevant to the matters in question.
In relation to the Wicklow County Council investigation, which, I understand, is proceeding apace, the following is the brief given to the independent consultants conducting it on behalf of the Council:—
"carry out an investigation and assessment of the fire incident with specific reference to the building features to:
determine, if possible, the factors in the building which influenced the course and severity of the fire,
derive a timeline for the incident based on a review of accounts of those in attendance, assessment of the fire scene and post fire analysis,
and prepare a report setting out the results of the assessment and conclusions in regard to the particular circumstances in this building, which contributed to the deaths of the two fire fighters."
I will consider any necessary change arising from the outcome of the above investigations in the Department's continuing work of supporting and developing fire services.
624 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he proposes to change the procedure whereby annual capital grants are allocated to town councils with housing authority status; his views on whether such a change would diminish the status of such councils; the evidence that exists to indicate that a county based allocation alone will result in greater and more efficient social housing output; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31473/07]
666 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is his intention that the allocation of funding for new house starts in 2008 will be sent to individual councils that is, town councils, borough councils, city councils and county councils or if it if his intention that the money be issued to the county councils to be disbursed by them; if the latter, his views on whether this is in contravention of his stated objective for the devolution of powers and of subsidiarity and that any such change is a departure from the traditional system and a removal of another power as housing authority from town councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31179/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 624 and 666 together.
As early as possible in 2008 I intend to provide county and city councils with an indication of the general level of Exchequer funding that will be available over the next three years for the main housing investment programmes. County Councils will be expected to co-ordinate the planning for the various housing programmes for their county areas. My Department will then meet and discuss their plans with each housing authority as part of the Housing Action Plan review process. By the end of the first quarter of next year I expect to be in a position to announce the allocations for 2008 for each housing authority. One local authority already manages its housing programme on a county at large basis for operational reasons. For the most part, however, the allocations in 2008 will be made directly to city, county, borough, and town councils.
It is recognised that over time the management and integration of operational programmes has become more complex and some pooling of resources at a county level is required to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of the programmes. Against this background and in the context of developing further the multi-annual financial framework for the housing investment programmes, I am considering how to provide greater flexibility for housing authorities in the management of their programmes.
625 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce legislation which will oblige businesses that deliver large household items such as white goods and furniture to private houses to remove the packaging for reuse or recycling; his views on whether payment into a packaging waste compliance scheme does not sufficiently encourage a reduction in such packaging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30519/07]
Packaging plays a necessary role in the safe and hygienic transport of products purchased by consumers and householders. Retailers who deliver items such as white goods and furniture to a private house are not obliged to take away the packaging waste. Producers and retailers who place substantial amounts of packaging on the market do, however, have a range of responsibilities under the relevant legislation. They must accept back at their own premises, free of charge, any packaging waste of the type which they supply unless they join a packaging waste compliance scheme.
Currently, there is one packaging waste compliance scheme, Repak Limited, and the fee structure applicable to its members – which is related to the type and amount by weight of packaging placed on the market – reflects the polluter pays principle and directly incentivises the minimisation and reuse of packaging by producers.
Through these fees, producers contribute to the overall cost of the collection and recycling of packaging waste. These arrangements have in recent years ensured that Ireland has consistently met and exceeded targets set in European Union legislation for the recovery and recycling of packaging waste. In the light of the comprehensive regulatory regime in place for packaging waste, which promotes prevention, reuse and recycling, and the success achieved to date in meeting and exceeding targets for recovering and recycling packaging waste, it is not currently proposed to oblige retailers who deliver items to private houses to take away the packaging waste.
My Department Is continuing to work with packaging producers under the auspices of the National Strategy Group on Packaging Waste Recycling which is representative of the relevant public and private sector stakeholders, in developing waste prevention measures as part of a multi-annual strategy to deal with this waste stream.
626 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent to date in 2007 by each local authority on the disabled persons grant and the emergency repairs grant schemes in tabular readable form. [30590/07]
My Department's involvement in the disabled persons and essential repair grant schemes relates primarily to the recoupment to local authorities of 75% of their expenditure on the payment of individual grants. Details of the recoupments to local authorities so far in 2007 are set out in the table below.
Information on local authority activity under both of these schemes this year will be compiled and published in due course in my Department's 2007 Annual Housing Statistics Bulletin.
|
Local Authority |
Disabled Persons Grant |
Essential Repairs Grant |
||
|
Number of Payments |
Value of recoupments |
Number of Payments |
Value of recoupments |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|||
|
Carlow County Council |
47 |
322,157 |
152 |
366,460 |
|
Cavan County Council |
73 |
543,823 |
39 |
150,868 |
|
Clare County Council |
86 |
701,294 |
17 |
78,657 |
|
Cork County Council |
282 |
2,057,802 |
272 |
1,150,906 |
|
Donegal County Council |
258 |
1,410,418 |
338 |
879,967 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council |
184 |
1,245,293 |
0 |
0 |
|
Fingal County Council |
128 |
889,801 |
2 |
12,255 |
|
Galway County Council |
217 |
815,333 |
103 |
339,710 |
|
Kerry County Council |
262 |
1,127,285 |
177 |
573,889 |
|
Kildare County Council |
77 |
596,888 |
73 |
278,596 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
51 |
425,612 |
29 |
46,507 |
|
Laois County Council |
128 |
1,162,531 |
63 |
248,112 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
114 |
468,224 |
137 |
405,398 |
|
Limerick County Council |
163 |
638,114 |
77 |
337,133 |
|
Longford County Council |
69 |
290,463 |
37 |
128,236 |
|
Louth County Council |
121 |
950,472 |
53 |
191,751 |
|
Mayo County Council |
382 |
872,289 |
156 |
498,194 |
|
Meath County Council |
170 |
1,072,277 |
86 |
368,625 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
117 |
972,968 |
41 |
167,961 |
|
North Tipperary County Council |
146 |
890,904 |
19 |
86,638 |
|
Offaly County Council |
83 |
707,274 |
33 |
44,706 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
112 |
673,692 |
66 |
186,111 |
|
Sligo County Council |
59 |
141,886 |
20 |
47,006 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
291 |
1,892,205 |
129 |
409,808 |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
154 |
837,936 |
3 |
16,965 |
|
Waterford County Council |
97 |
603,472 |
74 |
273,873 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
33 |
241,242 |
27 |
101,117 |
|
Wexford County Council |
107 |
752,963 |
43 |
227,074 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
54 |
498,380 |
29 |
162,387 |
|
Cork City Council |
266 |
1,218,359 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dublin City Council |
1,297 |
7,371,030 |
238 |
598,183 |
|
Galway City Council |
78 |
543,912 |
18 |
56,095 |
|
Limerick City Council |
60 |
422,403 |
0 |
0 |
|
Waterford City Council |
34 |
222,200 |
10 |
52,885 |
|
Sligo Borough Council |
44 |
245,097 |
8 |
27,199 |
627 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the protocol that exists for local authorities on receipt of representations from Members of the Oireachtas; if this protocol is universal to all local authorities; if she is satisfied that all members receive equal priority in response to representations submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30602/07]
From the commencement of the single mandate for elective local government, local authorities were required to make specific arrangements to provide a reasonable level of service for Oireachtas members and facilitate them in carrying out their work on behalf of local communities. These arrangements, as set out in Articles 8, 9, and 10 of the Local Government Act, 2001 (Section 237A) Regulations, 2003 provide, inter alia, for the supply of specified documentation to Oireachtas members by the local authority, and equivalent systems, procedures and timeframes to those used in relation to correspondence from local authority members apply also in respect of Oireachtas members. In addition, county/city managers are required to meet at least annually with local Oireachtas members and thus provide an opportunity for an update on developments and for any difficulties encountered to be raised and addressed. This is, of course, additional to normal and regular contacts between public representatives and local authority officials regarding particular problems or issues.
I am concerned that local authorities should at all times facilitate parliamentary representatives, in both the spirit and the letter of the regulations in relation to the timely provision of local authority documentation to members of the Oireachtas carrying out their work on behalf of local communities. In that regard, a review of the arrangements for access by Oireachtas members to information in local authorities is currently underway in my Department. This review is focusing on how the system is working in practice and on what improvements might be made. I expect the review to be completed early in the New Year
628 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will examine the feasibility of compelling local authorities to record incoming and outgoing phone calls for training and quality purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30603/07]
A quality customer service approach by local authorities has been a key objective of the local government modernisation programme. A range of initiatives has been taken by local authorities in this regard, including the provision of One Stop Shops, establishment of complaints procedures and greater use of ICT. While the recording of telephone calls for training and quality purposes is a matter for individual local authorities, I understand that some authorities have such procedures in place.
In accordance with the Programme for Government, my Department will be publishing a Green Paper on Local Government Reform in the coming months. The Green Paper will examine a number of issues with the objective of making local government more transparent and responsive, and will set out options for reform, for consideration in advance of the preparation of a subsequent White Paper. The provision of quality customer service to the public is among the issues to be considered in the Green Paper.
629 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people as of 31 October 2007 who were employed in his Department; the number who were permanent employees; the number who were temporary staff; the number who were contracted staff; if he will provide comparative figures for 31 October 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [30612/07]
The information requested is set out in the following table:
|
31 October 2002 |
31 October 2007 |
|
|
Numbers Employed |
2260.64 |
1459.93 |
|
Includes Temporary Staff |
61 |
36 |
|
Includes Contract Staff |
67 |
28 |
In May 2004 due to the realignment of functions between my Department and the Office of Public Works, 820 Industrial and 65 Non Industrial staff transferred to the OPW.
630 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent by his Department in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 for air travel, business class flights and first class flights in tabular readable form. [30627/07]
The amount spent by my Department on air travel from 2004 to 2007 inclusive is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Economy |
Business Class |
First Class |
Total |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2004 |
132,736 |
225,448 |
5,535 |
363,719 |
|
2005 |
163,049 |
143,573 |
17,813 |
324,435 |
|
2006 |
188,706 |
198,872 |
387,578 |
|
|
2007 |
155,185 |
119,235 |
274,420 |
631 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent by his Department on couriered documents, registered post and standard post to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [30642/07]
The information requested in relation to courier and postal costs incurred by my Department to date in 2007 is set out in the following table. The cost of registered and standard post is not separately compiled. Out of the total postal costs of some €3.2m some €2.9m was incurred by the Vehicle Registration Unit in Shannon (being transferred to the Department of Transport).
|
Cost |
|
|
€ |
|
|
Post (registered and standard) |
3,152,831 |
|
Courier Costs* |
55,865 |
*€26,500 is in respect of Planning Tribunal.
632 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the 10 largest bonus payments made to staff in his Department and each of its agencies in the past 12 months. [30657/07]
Civil Service posts at the levels of Assistant Secretary and Deputy Secretary are covered by a scheme of performance related awards. 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 which can be accessed on the Department of Finance website (www.finance.gov.ie). The most recent Report, which was published in May 2007, indicates that a total sum of €96,000 was awarded to eight people in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Information in relation to individual amounts paid is regarded as personal information and is not included in the Committee's reports.
Information in relation to bonus payments made in the State bodies is not available in my Department as this is a matter for the individual bodies.
633 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of civil servants in his Department who have transferred to other Government Departments or left the Civil Service in each of the past five years in tabular readable form. [30672/07]
The information requested is set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Transferred to other Government Departments |
Left the Civil Service |
|
2003 |
16 |
55 |
|
2004 |
126* |
50 |
|
2005 |
17 |
75 |
|
2006 |
41 |
65 |
|
2007 |
41 |
55 |
*Includes 65 staff who transferred to the Office of Public Works due to the realignment of functions between this Department and the OPW.
634 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing that have been reported to his Department by Departmental staff since 1 January 2007. [30687/07]
I am not aware of any allegations of whistleblowing having been reported to my Department since 1 January, 2007.
635 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he was informed that the new station at Hansfield and the necessary upgrade of Clonsilla Station had not been included by Iarnród Éireann in their Dunboyne rail order application scheme; his views on whether this undermines the strategic development zone planning process; if he will make a submission to An Bord Pleanála on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30701/07]
636 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make contact with the Department of Transport and Iarnród Éireann to impress upon them the importance of including the new station at Hansfield and the necessary upgrade of Clonsilla Station in the Dunboyne rail order as a key element of the Hansfield strategic development zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30702/07]
I propose to take Question Nos. 635 and 636 together.
Both my Department and the Department of Transport have been working effectively together for some years now to ensure better integrated land use and transportation planning, with particular regard to enabling the development of strategically located areas within the Gateways identified in the National Spatial Strategy.
Examples of good integration between land use planning and transportation include the development of three Strategic Development Zones (SDZ's) in Dublin. Development at Adamstown is proceeding in tandem with the provision of new suburban rail services to Dublin. Public consultation on the planning scheme for the Balgaddy-Clonburris SDZ closed on 15 October 2007 and includes the provision of rail services.
As regards the rail services at the Hansfield SDZ, Iarnród Éireann made an application under the Strategic Infrastructure Act to An Bord Pleanála on 7 September 2007 for a new rail link between Clonsilla and Dunboyne, running through the Hansfield SDZ. It is my understanding that the proposal from Iarnród Éireann includes the standard provisions for a new train station at Hansfield and upgraded facilities at Clonsilla. The precise detail of station design and specification within the Iarnród Éireann application to An Bord Pleanála is an operational matter for the Board to consider within the context of its functions under the Strategic Infrastructure Act.
637 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to make regulations under Section 37 of the Fire Services Act 1981 to put the Code of Practice for the Management of Fire Safety in Places of Assembly on a statutory footing in line with a commitment given in 1989; if he will extend the provisions to cover all work places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30727/07]
The Code of Practice for the Management of Fire Safety in Places of Assembly is intended to provide guidance to persons in control of places of assembly in discharging their statutory obligations under Section 18(2) of the Fire Services Act 1981. This Code, one of a series of Codes, was given statutory underpinning by section 31 of the Licensing of Indoor Events Act 2003.
In addition to giving a statutory footing to the Code of Practice, the inspection powers of fire officers have been substantially strengthened under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003, and fire officers can require fire safety assessments and specify works to be carried out within a period of time by persons in control of a premises. Fire officers may also provide advice, warnings and recommendations in both oral and written format. Fire officers can close a premises on the spot when they consider that it poses a serious or immediate risk to the safety of persons. The enforcement, prosecution and penalty provisions of the Acts have been updated and brought into line with modern legislative codes. I am satisfied that they provide adequately for the protection of persons in such premises from the dangers of fire and there are no proposals for regulations under Section 37 at present.
Under Part 3 of the Licensing of Indoor Events Act 2003 the issue of workplace fire safety has been addressed by the inclusion of "any workplace" as a premises to which the provisions of section 18 of the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 apply.
638 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the chairman of An Bord Pleanála in the board’s annual report 2006 expressed concern regarding the ongoing proliferation of septic tanks including proprietary systems associated with houses in the countryside, the pollution of ground waster contaminated by faecal chloroforms associated with septic tank systems and the fact that some local authorities are granting planning permission without having a full set of drainage tests and without a proper assessment of the tests that are submitted; his views on whether this constitutes a serious threat to public health; the action he proposes to take to ensure that local authorities do not grant planning permission or even outline permission without establishing that were septic tanks are or will be involved it is possible to provide safe drainage on the specified site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30742/07]
Circular letter SP5-03 was issued to all planning authorities by my Department in July 2003 with clear and comprehensive best practice in regards to Groundwater Protection and the Planning System. The Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities, which issued in April 2005, emphasised the need for adherence to best practice in order to protect water quality, the Guidelines were issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 which requires planning authorities to have regard to them in the performance of their functions.
Septic tanks installed on or after 1 June 1992 must comply with Part H of the Building Regulations which requires septic tanks to be so sited and constructed that they do not pollute, so as to endanger public health, any water (including groundwater) which is used as a source of supply for human consumption. The related Technical Guidance Document H provides guidance on how to comply with Part H.
The Environmental Protection Agency is developing a comprehensive Code of Practice on Waste Water Treatment Systems. The EPA intends to publish the document as a Code of Practice under section 76 of the EPA Act, and this code will then be cited in the Annex to Technical Guidance Document H of the Building Regulations when it is revised next year.
The Water Services Act 2007 contains a number of significant provisions in relation to the operation of septic tanks. It places a duty of care on the occupier or owner of a premises in relation to the maintenance of septic tanks and it also requires the occupier or owner to notify the water services authority where any leak, accident or other incident occurs relating to discharges of sewage from a septic tank, where it is likely to cause a risk to human health or safety or the environment. It is envisaged that these sections, which have not yet been commenced, will be brought into operation shortly.
In addition, it is open to local authorities to make and adopt bye-laws to require periodic inspections of septic tanks and other on-site proprietary treatment systems under the general powers available to them under the Local Government Act 2001.
639 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will extend the scope of the voluntary housing scheme in order that approved organisations involved in the provision of care for people with a physical and mental handicap will be in a position to avail of this grant aid for the provision of respite care facilities. [30750/07]
The provision of accommodation by approved voluntary and co-operative housing bodies is an integral part of my Department's overall response to delivering on social housing need. Under the Voluntary Housing Capital Assistance Scheme, funding of up to 100% of the approved cost is available for the provision of permanent accommodation for persons with special housing needs, including those with an intellectual or physical disability. However, the scheme is not designed to provide accommodation and facilities for respite care, nursing home or institutional type care.
640 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the upgrading of the Kilmallock sewerage scheme, Kilmallock, County Limerick. [30779/07]
The Kilmallock Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 – 2009 as a scheme to start construction next year.
My Department is awaiting submission of Limerick County Council's Contract Documents and updated Water Services Pricing Policy Report for the scheme.
641 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of an upgraded sewerage scheme at Dromcollogher, County Limerick. [30796/07]
The Drumcollogher Sewerage Scheme, which is being advanced as part of a grouped project that also includes Bruff, Hospital and Pallasgreen, is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 – 2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2009.
My Department is awaiting submission of Limerick County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme.
642 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if all capital allocations in respect of the water services programme have been spent in 2002 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30835/07]
Over the period 2002 – 2006, Estimates Capital provisions totalling €2.23 billion were made in respect of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme, of which €2.225 billion was expended. Details of annual provisions and outturns for this period are set out in the following table.
I expect the €446.6 million provision for 2007 (which includes a €20 million carry over from the Department's 2006 Vote) to be expended in full.
|
Year |
Estimates Provision |
Expenditure Outturn |
|
€ million |
€ million |
|
|
2002 |
487.1 |
492.5 |
|
2003 |
471.2 |
449.6 |
|
2004 |
439.1 |
400.0 |
|
2005 |
433.8 |
417.9 |
|
2006 |
398.9 |
465.0 |
|
2007 |
446.6* |
N/A |
* Includes €20 million ‘carryover' from the Department's 2006 Vote.
643 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way he will ensure fairness in view of the great concerns expressed by members of Wicklow County Council in relation to changes in charging for water supply by Dublin City Council under the Water Services Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30839/07]
The Water Services Act 2007 provides for the repeal of 19th century legislation which obliges Dublin City Council to supply treated water to Greystones and Bray, County Wicklow on terms set in the 19th century and contrary to Ireland's obligations under the EU Water Framework Directive. It is understood that Dublin City Council intends to continue providing water supplies to Wicklow County Council, but at more appropriate rates of charge. My Department is in contact with Wicklow County Council with a view to adjusting the annual subvention from the Local Government Fund to take account of the revised financial arrangements.
644 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the World Health Organisation’s view on health implications associated with the erection of 400Kv electricity pylons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28267/07]
The position set out in the reply to Question 524 of 6 November 2007 and in the adjournment debate of 13 November has not changed.
In summary, the Government published the report of the Expert Group on the Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields earlier this year. With regard to Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) fields emitted by electricity power lines, (including 400Kv power lines), the Report concluded that there is limited scientific evidence of adverse health effects. The Expert Group have recommended that precautionary measures be used, where appropriate, and that Ireland continue to adopt and enforce the international guidelines developed by the International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation Protection and endorsed by the World Health Organisation and the European Union.
Further information on the World Health Organisation views can be found on their website www.who.int.
645 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the arrangements for dealing with the problem of wild deer in the countryside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30861/07]
Wild deer are protected under the Wildlife Act, 1976 (as amended). There is an annual open season when deer can be legally shot under licence. The open season for deer operates from either 1 September to 31 December or from 1 November to 28 February depending on the species of deer. However, red deer cannot be hunted in County Kerry at any time of the year.
In recent years deer numbers have been increasing and deer have been spreading to areas where they were not previously found. This trend has led to concern with, for example, wild deer now considered a serious threat to forestry management in many areas. Control of deer on private property is the responsibility of the landowner, who may apply to my Department for a licence under the Wildlife Acts to cull deer when this is necessary outside the annual open seasons.
My Department carries out localised annual counts of deer populations on lands managed by the Department such as National Parks. Where appropriate, culls are carried out to ensure that deer populations do not reach unsustainable levels that would have negative ecological consequences.
My Department will be undertaking a national deer survey in 2008 which should provide better figures on the overall deer population.
647 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way capital is assessed in the means test for the housing adaptation grant for people with a disability; if there is a maximum level under which a person must be to qualify for the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30946/07]
Under the new Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, eligibility for grant aid is determined on the basis of gross household income, i.e. the property owner's annual gross income, together with that of his/her spouse, if applicable, in the previous tax year, or in the case of private rented accommodation, the tenant's annual gross income, together with that of his/her spouse, if applicable, in the previous tax year.
The effective maximum grant of €30,000, which may cover up to 95% of the approved cost of works, is available to households with gross household incomes of less than €30,000 per annum, tapering to 30%, and a maximum of €9,000, for those with gross household incomes of up to €65,000 per annum. The full breakdown is attached in the table below.
In determining household income, local authorities apply the following income disregards: €5,000 for each member of the household aged up to 18 years, or aged between 18 and 23 years and in full time education or engaged in a FAS apprenticeship; €5,000 where the person with a disability, for whom the application for grant aid is sought, is being cared for by a relative on a full-time basis; income derived from Child Benefit, Early Childcare Supplement, Family Income Supplement, Domiciliary Care Allowance, Respite Care Grant and Carer's Benefit / Allowance.
For the purposes of the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, capital assets are not assessed in determining eligibility for grant aid.
|
Income Bands & Grant Levels |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Gross Maximum Household Income p.a. |
% of Costs available |
Maximum Grant Available |
|
€ |
% |
€ |
|
Up to €30,000 |
95 |
30,000 |
|
€30,001 – €34,000 |
90 |
27,000 |
|
€34,001 – €38,000 |
80 |
24,000 |
|
€38,001 – €42,000 |
70 |
21,000 |
|
€42,001 – €46,000 |
60 |
18,000 |
|
€46,001 – €50,000 |
50 |
15,000 |
|
€50,001 – €54,000 |
40 |
12,000 |
|
€54,001 – €65,000 |
30 |
9,000 |
|
In excess of €65,000 |
No Grant is Payable |
648 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if local authorities should be applying the increased income threshold for mortgage subsidies as set out in Circular HPS 10/05 to loans approved prior to 1 January 2006. [30955/07]
The current income bands and subsidies under the rent and mortgage subsidy schemes are set out in Circular Letters HPS 10/05 and 1/06 and associated regulations, and apply to all transactions completed on or after 1 January 2006. The previous income bands and subsidies apply to transactions completed before this date.
650 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that the consultation paper on proposed planning exemptions for certain renewable energy technologies does not make a distinction between land in different areas regarding wind turbines and that scenic, amenity or coastal areas are treated the same way as land in any other area in view of the fact that existing planning requirements are more onerous on these types of area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30990/07]
651 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether it is correct to exempt from planning rules, wind turbines of up to a height of 20 metres and whether this height is appropriate bearing in mind that it is equal to two two storey houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30991/07]
652 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ensure that new regulations concerned with exempting certain renewable energy technologies from the normal planning process will guarantee that people erecting exempted wind turbines would still be required to notify the local authority, who in turn will need to be charged with ensuring compliance with legal restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30992/07]
653 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the merits of restricting wind turbines to the curtilage of a farmyard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30993/07]
654 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that a distance of 100 metres from the nearest house is appropriate for a wind turbine in a rural area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30994/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 650 to 654, inclusive, together.
The consultation document referred to in the question sets out a range of proposed exemptions for renewable energy technologies. The exemptions are designed to support uptake of renewable energy technologies across the commercial, industrial, agricultural and public sectors, and are a result of extensive research by the Department into the possibilities for introducing planning exemptions for renewable energy uptake across these sectors.
The proposed exemptions would be introduced by way of amendment to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. Article 6 and Schedule 2 of these Regulations set out certain classes of development which are exempt from planning permission requirements. However, the exemptions are circumscribed by article 9, which places a number of general qualifications on the availability of exemptions, including a proposed condition that exemptions will not apply where the development would interfere with the character of a landscape, or a view or prospect of special amenity value or special interest.
In the first instance, it will be the responsibility of those who intend to avail of the exemptions to ensure that the proposed development is in accordance with the specific exemptions and conditions attached. However, the question of whether a specific type of activity or works is development within the meaning of the planning code, or is or is not exempted development, is ultimately a matter for the planning authority under Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. It is open to any individual, on payment of a fee, to request a declaration in writing from a planning authority where a question arises as to whether a particular development is or is not exempted development within the meaning of the planning code. A person can also refer the decision of the planning authority to An Bord Pleanála for a final determination.
In arriving at the specific draft exemptions and the conditions proposed to be attached in each case, my Department has aimed at striking the optimal balance between, on the one hand, maximising renewable energy usage, and on the other, minimising the potential for adverse impacts on neighbouring properties and wider communities arising from that wider uptake. It is, of course, open to any person to make a submission to my Department on any aspect of the proposed exemptions set out in the consultation document, including the proposed conditions relating to scale and siting of technologies, before 18 January 2008. The final draft amendments must also then be laid before the Oireachtas for approval.
655 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will supply copies of all permissions issued to Galway County Council to carry out investigations on lands designated special area of conservation which are relevant to the Galway outer city bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31002/07]
I understand that, due to an error in my Department, contractors working on behalf of Galway County Council on site investigation works related to the Galway City Outer By – Pass who enquired in 2003 whether Ministerial consent was required for works were advised that consent was not required. However, my Department, as a statutory referral authority, has been consulted, and has given observations, on the road proposal on which An Bord Pleanála is at present holding oral hearings.
656 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to Parliamentary Question No. 197 of 15 November 2007 as the reply given did not answer the query. [31003/07]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 197 of 15 November 2007. Implementation of the requirement in sub-article 15(2) of the Access to Information on the Environment Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 133 of 2007) is a matter for the public authorities concerned.
657 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the level of greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland from power generation, road transport, air travel, industry, buildings, households and other sources for each year since 1997 to date in 2007; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [31015/07]
The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for the preparation of annual inventories of greenhouse gas emissions to meet the reporting requirements of both the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the European Union. The Agency publishes a National Inventory Report each year on foot of these requirements.
The most recent report published by the Agency, in respect of greenhouse gas emissions in 2005, indicates that total emissions of greenhouse gases in Ireland in 2005 were 69.95 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Further information is available on the website of the EPA at www.epa.ie.
The National Inventory Report sets out emissions based on source categories in line with reporting guidelines adopted by the UNFCCC, which differ from the source categories identified in the question. However, based on EPA data, information on emissions for the years in question, set out according to the sectors identified in the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012, is available and is set out in the following table.
It should be noted that these data represent gross emissions and do not include the countervailing sequestration effects of forestry. Similarly, the data for the transport sector do not include emissions from international aviation or marine bunker fuels as emissions from these sources are not included in the scope of the Kyoto Protocol.
|
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
|
Energy Industries |
15,491.94 |
15,883.27 |
16,561.88 |
16,799.28 |
18,148.33 |
17,076.38 |
16,851.27 |
15,936.81 |
16,324.47 |
|
Industry, Commercial, Services |
10,976.48 |
10,793.26 |
11,148.52 |
12,787.88 |
12,954.35 |
12,023.35 |
11,509.88 |
11,570.64 |
11,949.09 |
|
Transport |
7,769.83 |
9,169.85 |
10,178.66 |
10,951.43 |
11,483.10 |
11,684.06 |
11,879.48 |
12,592.37 |
13,460.87 |
|
Residential |
6,234.60 |
6,759.59 |
6,455.69 |
6,553.80 |
6,862.62 |
6,778.59 |
6,915.84 |
7,099.14 |
7,115.23 |
|
Agriculture |
21,154.71 |
21,809.68 |
21,423.15 |
20,394.01 |
19,996.82 |
19,760.81 |
19,858.61 |
19,668.28 |
19,318.22 |
|
Waste |
1,429.97 |
1,509.45 |
1,548.90 |
1,640.45 |
1,477.36 |
1,647.69 |
1,792.65 |
1,792.06 |
1,777.61 |
|
TOTAL |
63,057.54 |
65,925.11 |
67,316.80 |
69,126.84 |
70,922.58 |
68,970.88 |
68,807.73 |
68,659.31 |
69,945.48 |
658 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of vehicles on the roads estimated not to have road tax paid on them; the assessment he has made of the way this figure compares internationally; the steps he proposes to vastly reduce this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31019/07]
Motor tax compliance surveys are undertaken on a periodic basis and the information from the last survey in 2001 indicated an evasion level of 4.6%. This compares with an evasion level of 5% for the United Kingdom in 2006. Measures have been introduced by my Department to combat motor tax evasion, and other enforcement initiatives are being developed in conjunction with the Garda Síochána. The increase of some 8% in motor tax revenue to end October 2007 reflects a range of factors, including the impact of anti-evasion measures and increased payment levels in respect of motor tax arrears. Arrears payments increased by 12% to end October 2007 over the same period in 2006.
Consideration will be given, in consultation with other relevant authorities, to the question of holding a motor tax compliance survey next year.
659 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the buildings occupied by his Department which are and which are not fully accessible to people with disabilities in tabular readable form. [31030/07]
Details on the accessibility of buildings occupied by my Department are set out in the following table. A number of other buildings are occupied by MET Éireann staff throughout the country from which services are not provided to members of the public.
It is an objective of my Department to ensure that all offices are accessible to people with disabilities and this is factored into the specifications as offices are upgraded.
|
Building |
Accessible |
|
Custom House, Dublin 1 |
Yes |
|
Irish Life Building, Abbey Street, Dublin 1 |
Yes |
|
Dun Scéine, Harcourt Lane, Dublin 2 |
Yes |
|
4-5 Harcourt Road, Dublin 2 |
Yes |
|
7 Ely Place, Dublin 2 |
Yes |
|
6 Upper Ely Place, Dublin 2 |
Yes |
|
Govt Offices, 4 Claremont Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4 |
Yes |
|
Govt Offices,6-7 Hanover Street,Dublin 2 |
Yes |
|
ENFO, South Andrew Street, Dublin 2 |
Yes |
|
PRTB, Canal House, Dublin 6 |
Yes |
|
Met Eireann, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 |
Yes |
|
Valentia Observatory |
Yes |
|
Government Offices, Ballina, Co Mayo |
Yes |
|
Ardcavan Business Park, Ardcavan, Co Wexford |
Yes |
|
NPWS, Station Road, Kildare , Co. Kildare. |
No |
|
Unit 4, Navan Enterprise Centre, Trim, Navan, Co. Meath. |
Yes |
|
Wicklow Mountains National Park, Kilafin, Co. Wicklow. |
Yes |
|
Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, Northslob, Co. Wexford. |
|
|
Hides and Main Building |
Yes |
|
Tower |
No |
|
NPWS, Teasgasc Training Centre, Johnstown, Co. Wexford. |
Yes |
|
Connemara National Park, Letterfrack, Co. Galway. |
|
|
Visitors Centre |
Yes |
|
NPWS Office (to be upgraded) |
No |
|
Government Offices, Galway |
Yes |
|
NPWS, 3rd Floor, The Plaza Offices, Headford Road, Galway, |
Yes |
|
NPWS, Millennium House, Westgate Bridge, Loughrea, Co. Galway |
Yes |
|
Ballycroy National Park, Lagduff, Co Mayo |
Yes |
|
NEPS Building, St. Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare. (temporary office pending provision of permanent accommodation) |
No |
|
NPWS, Merchants Quay, Kilrush, Co. Clare. |
Yes |
|
Government Offices, Barrack St., Athlone, Co. Roscommon |
Yes |
|
Government Offices, Sligo |
Yes |
|
Government Buildings, St. Conlon’s Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. |
Yes |
|
7 Eastgate Avenue, Eastgate, Little Island, Co. Cork. |
Yes |
|
National Monuments Depot, Quartertown Ind Est, Mallow, Co Cork |
Yes |
|
Gate Lodge, Glengariff Nat. Res, Glengariff, Co. Cork |
Access being provided |
|
Government Offices, South Mall, Cork |
Yes |
|
Government Buildings, Sullivans Quay, Cork |
Yes |
|
Government Offices, The Glen, Waterford |
Yes |
|
Killarney National Park, Muckross House, Killarney, Co. Kerry. |
|
|
NPWS Offices |
Yes |
|
Muckross House |
Yes |
|
NPWS, Ballinafad, Co. Roscommon. |
Yes |
|
Government Buildings, Bellview, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. |
Yes |
|
NPWS, Friarsmill Road, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. |
Yes |
|
NPWS, Moyne District Office, Moyne, Co. Longford. |
Yes |
|
Glenveagh National Park, Church Hill, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. |
|
|
Visitor Centre |
Yes |
|
Castle |
No |
|
Offices |
Yes |
660 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of running his Department’s press office in each of the first three quarters of 2007 in tabular readable form. [31045/07]
Details requested are set out in the following table. Costs were incurred on a range of items including salary, overtime, employer's PRSI, travelling and subsistence, training and office equipment. The increase in expenditure in Quarter 2 was due mainly to payment in lieu of accumulated annual leave.
|
Date |
Cost |
|
€ |
|
|
Quarter 1 2007 |
65,002 |
|
Quarter 2 2007 |
82,720 |
|
Quarter 3 2007 |
65,344 |
661 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the websites that are run by his Department and each of its agencies; the date on which each became live; if the sites are kept updated; the cost of each site to the State to date; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [31060/07]
The following table lists the websites currently being run by my Department, together with their cost to date. All sites are updated as required. Information on websites of Agencies under the aegis of my Department is not held by it.
|
Site Name |
Date Went Live |
Total costs to date (incl annual support and registration) |
|
Electronicvoting.ie |
Feb 2004 |
€40,700 (€40,256.70 of this was development cost) |
|
Ballycroynationalpark.ie |
Mar 2007 |
Note 1; note 2 |
|
burrennationalpark.ie |
Mar 2007 |
Note 1; note 2 |
|
connemaranationalpark.ie |
Mar 2007 |
Note 1; note 2 |
|
glenveaghnationalpark.ie |
Mar 2007 |
Note 1; note 2 |
|
killarneynationalpark.ie |
Mar 2007 |
Note 1; note 2 |
|
NPWS.ie |
Mar 2007 |
Note 1; note 2 |
|
wicklowmountainsnationalpark.ie |
Mar 2007 |
Note 1; note 2 |
|
ENFO.ie |
2000 |
€12,800 |
|
limerickregeneration.ie |
Sept 2007 |
€ 7,800 |
|
met.ie |
June 2001 |
€168,265 |
|
tidytowns.ie |
2003 |
Note 2; website developed in–house. No external development costs |
|
wfdireland.ie |
Apr 2003 |
Note 2 |
|
archaeology.ie |
Aug 2007 |
€39,885 development costs; note 3 |
|
buildingsofireland.ie |
Mar-04 |
€73,290 development costs; note 3 |
|
environ.ie |
1998 |
€171,976; note 4 |
|
noticenature.ie |
Jan 2007 |
€18,153 |
|
raceagainstwaste.ie |
2003/2004 |
Note 5 |
|
Firesafetyweek.ie |
Oct 2006 |
€59,856 |
|
irishspatialstrategy.ie |
Note 5 |
Note 1: Part of a development project for 7 websites. The development costs were €47,000.
Note 2: Hosting and registration is part of an agreed package — annual cost is €25,000 per annum.
Note 3: These websites are serviced by one maintenance agreement.
Note 4: This site has been redesigned several times since its creation in 1998. Costs refer to all redevelopment incurred since 2002.
Note 5: This website is part of an ongoing integrated strategy.
662 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s response to the proposed refurbishment of Markievicz House, Dublin 2 and the proposed redevelopment of Conway Court, Macken Street, Dublin 2; and if he will ensure that funds will be made available within 2008 to carry out the agreed proposals. [31085/07]
Under the Housing Management Initiative, local authorities were given direct control, from 1 January 2007, over their internal capital receipts from the sale of local authority dwellings, which are to be used primarily for their improvement works programmes. While my Department approves the overall programmes, it is the responsibility of local authorities to prioritise and advance individual projects. The overall programme proposed by Dublin City Council was approved by my Department on 24 April 2007.
In progressing individual elements of programmes, local authorities must comply with certain project appraisal and assessment requirements. In that context, Dublin City Council was asked by my Department on 3 July 2007 to prepare a cost benefit analysis for projects under their precinct improvement programme, including the Markievicz House complex. A response from Dublin City Council is awaited.
With regard to Conway Court, a submission was received last week by my Department and is currently under examination.
663 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the organisations or authorities operating within his Department’s policy area, set up by statute or statutory instrument, for which he does not have official responsibility to Dáil Éireann. [31113/07]
There are no state bodies or boards established under statute or statutory instrument under the aegis of my Department for which I do not have official responsibility to Dáil Éireann. Ministerial responsibility varies in the case of the bodies and boards concerned on the basis of the provisions of the relevant statute or statutory instrument in each case. Day to day operational matters are entirely a matter for the body or board concerned.
664 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount it would cost to construct 12,000 social housing units in 2008. [31127/07]
672 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of building 12,000 houses for social provision in 2008. [31250/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 664 and 672 together.
It is not possible to provide an overall cost figure for the construction of 12,000 social housing units in 2008 as this would depend on a range of factors including the distribution of units across the country, the number of different types of units and the state of the housing market. The average unit cost for the construction of a 3 bedroom social housing dwelling in 2007 is €137,278.
665 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the bilateral agreements in place with other EU countries for local authorities to seek information on a housing applicants’ accommodation history; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that local authorities only have the ability to carry out checks on Irish and UK citizens; the steps he will take to rectify this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31178/07]
The assessment of housing need, including verification of the relevant circumstances of applicants, is a matter for the local authority concerned. As standard procedure, local authorities seek information on applicants' accommodation history and have powers under Section 15 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 to seek information from a range of relevant bodies in relation to applicants.
In general, an immigrant must have a legal right to remain in the State on a long-term basis if they are to be considered for long-term housing support (this is particularly pertinent in the case of affordable housing given that the purchase of an affordable house is a long-term commitment). Therefore, for example, persons who are currently seeking asylum here are ineligible to apply for housing supports, as are persons who hold work permits.
667 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the provision made in the pre-Budget 2008 Outlook for income thresholds, for maximum loan value, for subsidy towards repayments at different income thresholds under the various loan schemes or shared ownership schemes operated by local authorities; and if no changes have been made, when he will announce intended changes for 2008. [31202/07]
The matters referred to and other related issues are under review and I hope to be in a position to announce the outcome of that review shortly.
668 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the starting date of the proposed new schemes to be operated by local authorities in respect of adaptation of homes to meet a disability, mobility aids, and necessary repairs and improvements; if provision is made for assistance with heating systems which have failed as has been available previously under the Health Service Executive schemes; and if the presence of an earner in the house other than the owner or their spouse will affect eligibility. [31203/07]
The revised housing adaptation grant schemes to assist older people and people with a disability became operational on 1 November 2007.
Under the new Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, grant assistance may be made available for the installation and upgrading of heating systems and related insulation works. The maximum grant available under the scheme is €10,500 and may cover 100% of the cost of works.
Under the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, eligibility for grant aid is determined on the basis of gross household income, i.e. the income of the property owner and his/her spouse, if applicable, in the previous tax year. The incomes of any other members of the household are not assessable in determining eligibility.
669 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of capital funding allocated by his Department to Cork County Council in the years 2006 and 2007 respectively. [31215/07]
671 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding allocated to Cork County Council for sewerage schemes and water schemes in 2006 and 2007 respectively. [31249/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 669 and 671 together.
The information requested is set out in the following table.
|
2006 |
2007 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Housing Schemes |
69,750,000 |
72,280,000 |
|
Water & Sewerage Services |
12,758,959 |
10,833,278 |
|
Non National Roads |
41,864,000 |
47,126,000 |
|
Disability Services |
780,000 |
450,000 |
|
Local Services |
420,000 |
547,201 |
|
Heritage Projects |
456,000 |
466,000 |
|
Fire Services |
0 |
526,446 |
|
Urban & Village Projects |
668,681 |
1,028,112 |
|
Total Capital Allocation |
126,697,640 |
133,257,037 |
670 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the procedures in place to protect personal data within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31239/07]
Only personal information required for business needs is stored by my Department. Access to data is restricted to the appropriate designated sections and/or officers.
The Department's Information and Communications Technology User Policy sets out the general policy on access to and use of data held by the Department. Access to personal computers is password protected. Each user is responsible for security access to his/her computer or other ICT facility provided to them. Passwords must remain confidential and must not be relayed to any other person. Staff are also notified that they must not use another person's access rights or seek to gain access to data for which they have not received specific authorisation. Any breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, in accordance with the Disciplinary Code.
Management of business units are responsible for ensuring that appropriate controls are in place governing the use of data held by the unit.
The Department's arrangements are continuously under review and will be updated and revised where necessary.
673 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm when the €10 million promised to help the communities most affected by the drift netting ban will be allocated to the people most affected to help them to help themselves through job creation and other opportunities in their localities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30904/07]
Officials from my Department and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRGA) are putting in place arrangements for the management of the €5 million community support scheme agreed by Government. The focus of the scheme will primarily be those communities where commercial salmon fishing has been a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacts on the economic and social fabric of the area.
I am advised that details of the scheme are being finalised with a view to allocating the available funds to those affected fishery districts, proportionate to the impact of cessation of mixed stock fishing. Consultations with the LEADER companies, conducted through DCRGA, will inform the most effective distribution of funds. Details of the scheme will be published through the LEADER companies.
674 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has had contact with a person (details supplied) since the drift netting ban was introduced; if so, if they are willing to match Government funding to the drift net fishermen as promised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30906/07]
Neither I nor my predecessor has had any contact with, or received any communication from the person to whom the Deputy refers since the end of 2006.
675 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a legal challenge has been lodged in the High Court on 19 November 2007 against the drift netting ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30907/07]
I understand that a plenary summons was served on the Chief State Solicitor's Office on the afternoon of Friday last, 23rd November. As I have only just received a copy of the summons, I will need to take some time to consider the matter.
676 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action taken in relation to the €5 million promised to be put in place to provide 50% grant aid towards diversification for the communities most affected by the drift netting ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30909/07]
The €5 million Community Support Scheme, recommended by the Report of the Independent Group, will focus primarily on those communities where commercial salmon fishing has been a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacts on the economic and social fabric, for example, Gaeltacht areas.
The scheme is to be administered by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRGA). Details of the scheme are being finalised with a view to allocating the available funds to those affected fishery districts, proportionate to the impact of the cessation of the mixed-stock fishery. Consultations with the LEADER companies, conducted through DCRGA, will inform the most effective distribution of funds.
As soon as this exercise is completed, details of the scheme will be finalised and published through the LEADER companies.
677 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on extending the application deadline for the salmon hardship scheme. [30976/07]
678 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on extending the application deadline for the salmon hardship scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30977/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 677 and 678 together.
The closing date for receipt of applications under the Salmon Hardship Scheme was 27 April 2007. Applicants, however, have until the 31 December 2007 to accept any offer under the scheme. This deadline, I believe, provides ample time for those concerned to give the scheme due consideration and accordingly, there are no plans to extend the application deadline.
679 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Ireland’s oil stocks obligations for 2007 under EU and IEA rules; and if Ireland is compliant with these obligations. [30574/07]
Ireland is required to maintain 2,172,000 tonnes of crude oil equivalent (2,011,000 tonnes of oil products) under the International Energy Agency system in 2007.
Ireland's stockholding requirement for the European Union (EU) from July 2006 to June 2007 amounted to 2,041,000 tonnes of oil products over three main categories.
For the period July 2007 to June 2008 Ireland's EU stockholding requirement is 2,040,000 tonnes of products over three main categories. The three main categories of oil products are 1. Petrol. 2. Middle Distillates (Kerosene, Jet Kerosene, Gas-oil and Diesel) and 3. Fuel Oil.
Ireland has been compliant with the above requirements from January to August 2007, the latest date for which statistics are available.
680 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the full opening of the residential gas market happened on time in July 2007; the percentage of the residential gas market controlled by Bord Gáis Éireann; if independent gas suppliers can access the BGÉ supply and transmission network; and if not, if there are plans to facilitate them doing so. [30575/07]
Ireland's natural gas market became fully liberalised on 1 July 2007 in line with EU legislative requirements on gas market opening. From that date the benefits of liberalisation, which were previously for industrial and commercial consumers, were extended to residential natural gas customers, allowing them to shop around for their supplier and to obtain the best value for money. Most recent data indicate that Bord Gáis Energy Supply still supplies approximately 98 per cent of the residential gas market. However, the opening of the market will see progressive change.
The potential of the Irish gas market is very small by international standards. It is also a feature of gas market openings that there is a time lag between the opening of the market and the active participation of new market entrants. In general, new entrants in energy supply markets tend to initially target the large volume customers in the industrial and commercial sectors and then move towards the smaller volume commercial customers and domestic customers if the economics are favourable.
Since 1 July last, two licences have been issued by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) enabling two new suppliers to enter and compete in the deregulated gas market. One of these suppliers, SSE (Ireland) Ltd, has publicly announced its intention to supply the residential market. In addition, the CER has advised that it is also considering an expression of interest in the residential market sector by another potential entrant to the Irish natural gas market.
CER has recently revised Bord Gáis Éireann's Non Daily Metered (NDM) revenue regulation and has restructured the NDM tariffs. These changes, together with the arrival of full market opening, are expected to encourage new entrants and deliver additional competition into the market.
Overseen by the CER, the gas distribution and transmission systems of Bord Gáis Networks (BGN) are available to all Irish licensed shippers and suppliers of natural gas on a non discriminatory basis.
681 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of people as of 31 October 2007 who were employed in his Department; the number who were permanent employees; the number who were temporary staff; the number who were contracted staff; if he will provide comparative figures for 31 October 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [30607/07]
The table below provides details of staff numbers as at 31 October 2007 and 31 December 2002. The 2002 figures relate to the former Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and while staff numbers are now accounted for on a monthly basis, they were typically accounted for on a quarterly basis in 2002.
|
Date |
Permanent (Non-Industrial) |
Temporary(Non-Industrial) |
Industrial |
Contractors |
Total |
|
31/12/2002 |
701 |
23 |
47 |
25 |
796 |
|
31/10/2007 |
323 |
19 |
0 |
56 |
398 |
682 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount spent by his Department in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 for air travel, business class flights and first class flights in tabular readable form. [30622/07]
The details as requested by the Deputy are set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Business |
Economy |
First Class |
Grand Total |
|
2004 |
499,437 |
235,846 |
29,775 |
765,058 |
|
2005 |
176,937 |
290,869 |
467,806 |
|
|
2006 |
66,696 |
274,284 |
17,590 |
358,570 |
|
2007 |
103,967 |
207,917 |
311,884 |
683 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount spent by his Department on couriered documents, registered post and standard post to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [30637/07]
The cost of postal services and courier services for my Department to date in 2007 is set out in the table below.
In the time available it has not been possible to isolate the element of postal costs that are attributable to registered post from that attributable to normal postal services. I will revert to the Deputy shortly with the relevant information in this regard.
|
Postal Services |
Courier Services |
|
€163,396.89 |
€20,012.54 |
684 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the 10 largest bonus payments made to staff in his Department and each of its agencies in the past 12 months. [30652/07]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 220 on the 1st November 2007 regarding bonus payments to staff in my Department. In addition, my Department operates a merit award scheme for grades up to and including Assistant Principal Officer. The average awards made under this scheme amount to approximately €250 per annum to those staff nominated under the terms of the scheme.
I have no function in relation to bonus payments to staff in agencies under the aegis of my Department.
685 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of civil servants in his Department who have transferred to other Government Departments or left the Civil Service in each of the past five years in tabular readable form. [30667/07]
Information regarding the number of civil servants in my Department who have transferred to other Government Departments or have left the Civil Service in the past five years is set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Transferred to other Department |
Left Civil Service*(Includes staff who retired) |
Other Comment |
|
1 November 2002 to 31 October 2003 |
10 |
17 |
|
|
1 November 2003 to 31 October 2004 |
104 |
19 |
Number transferred includes 95 staff transferred with the Forest Service functions to the Department of Agriculture and Food with effect from 1 January 2004 |
|
1 November 2004 to 31 October 2005 |
13 |
31 |
|
|
1 November 2005 to 31 October 2006 |
211 |
22 |
Number transferred includes 171 staff transferred with Maritime functions to the Department of Transport with effect from 1 January 2006 |
|
1 November 2006 to 31 October 2007 |
223 |
12 |
Number transferred includes 57 staff designated to the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority with effect from 1 January 2007 and 124 staff transferred with the Marine functions to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with effect from 19 October 2007 |
686 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing that have been reported to his Department by Departmental staff since 1 January 2007. [30682/07]
No allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing have been reported to my Department by Departmental staff since 1 January 2007.
687 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of the energy consumed in his Department and in all agencies for which his Department has responsibility that comes from renewable sources. [30914/07]
My Department carries out a periodic review of energy suppliers.
Based on the last review, electricity is supplied for my Department by two companies, Energia & ESB Supply. Both provide a proportion of their energy from renewable energy sources. Based on information provided by the suppliers, the overall amount of energy supplied for electricity from renewable sources for the period in question was some 4.5% of the total.
My Department is currently carrying out a further review of electricity suppliers across the market with a view to increasing energy consumption provided from renewable sources.
The main energy provider for the heating of Departmental buildings is natural gas supplied by An Bord Gáis.
In the context of the Government's Decentralisation Programme my Department's specification for accommodation in Cavan focuses on energy efficiency and part of our forthcoming discussions with OPW will concentrate on the promotion of passive energy solutions in the new headquarters.
The Government's White Paper on renewable energy sets targets for the use of renewable energy as follows:
|
2010 |
2020 |
|
|
% |
% |
|
|
Electricity |
15.00 |
33 |
|
Heat |
5.00 |
12 |
|
Transport |
5.75 |
10 |
The White paper also sets an energy efficiency target for the economy as a whole of 20% by 2020, with the public sector having a higher target of 30%.
688 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in preparing for the construction of a second electricity interconnector to Northern Ireland, and of electricity interconnectors to Great Britain and north west Europe as announced in the White Paper on Energy. [30915/07]
The Government attaches the highest priority to the development of electricity interconnection between Ireland, Great Britain and, over time, other EU Member States. Greater interconnection between Member States is also a key priority for the European Union to ensure the effective working of the Internal Energy Market.
The second interconnector with Northern Ireland is being progressed by EirGrid and its northern counterpart SONI, at the request of the two Energy Regulators, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (NIAUR).
The second interconnector project entails the construction of a new 400kV line between Cavan and Tyrone, which will more than double the current cross-border power transfer capacity to over 600 megawatts. I am advised that the proposed overhead line will span approximately 35km in Northern Ireland and approximately 45km in Ireland, and will be routed from a proposed new substation near Kingscourt in County Cavan, through County Monaghan and onwards to County Tyrone.
EirGrid is undertaking public consultations on a number of proposed routes with a view to identifying for public presentation, a preferred route, having regard for all relevant considerations by early 2008. Further studies on the proposed route may be undertaken at this point prior to preparing a planning application and Environmental Impact Assessments. The project is scheduled to be completed no later than 2012.
The east/west electricity interconnector with Great Britain is being progressed to schedule. On foot of the Government decision in 2006, the CER, together with EirGrid is finalising competition to secure the construction of the 500 megawatt interconnector no later than 2012. The Government also decided in 2006 that the interconnector will, as a national strategic asset, remain in public ownership and will be owned by EirGrid.
EirGrid is progressing work on route selection and technical specification of the interconnector and has recently announced that Woodland in County Meath is the most favoured connection point on the Irish side.
Work is also advancing, with the relevant authorities on finalising the connection point on the west coast of Britain. I am advised by EirGrid that a connection point in Deeside in North Wales is under consideration. The final subsea route will be confirmed in light of the results of detailed feasibility and marine surveys.
To oversee and ensure delivery of the interconnector to schedule, a high-level coordination group has been established under the aegis of the CER with the direct involvement of EirGrid and my Department.
The Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure Act) 2006, which provides for a streamlined planning process for strategic infrastructure developments, includes special provisions designed to expedite the planning process for electricity interconnector projects. To underpin the interconnector development process, new arrangements have been made in respect of the construction and governance under licence of interconnector operators by the CER in the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006.
At the Government's request, EirGrid is also undertaking cost benefit analysis and feasibility planning for further interconnection with the United Kingdom and potentially with Europe in the longer term, which will inform decision-making on a medium to longer term interconnection strategy.
689 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount spent by his Department for campaigns to encourage people to purchase a television licence in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [31011/07]
An Post acts as an agent for my Department in respect of the sale of television licences. The amount spent by An Post for campaigns to encourage people to purchase a television licence is a matter for An Post and would be commercially sensitive. I have no statutory function in this matter.
690 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the buildings occupied by his Department which are and which are not fully accessible to people with disabilities in tabular readable form. [31025/07]
All of the Buildings occupied by my Department are fully accessible to persons with disabilities. A list of these buildings is set out below.
|
Address |
Disability Access Yes/No |
|
29/31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2 |
Yes |
|
Leeson Lane, Dublin 2 |
Yes |
|
Elm House, Cavan |
Yes |
|
Michael Davitt House, Castlebar, Co Mayo |
Yes |
691 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of running his Department’s press office in each of the first three quarters of 2007 in tabular readable form. [31040/07]
The table below provides the cost of running the Department's Press Office in the first three quarters of 2007.
|
Administration Costs |
Salaries |
Total |
|
|
Jan-Mar 07 |
23,958.18 |
46,040.35 |
69,998.53 |
|
Apr-Jun 07 |
19,021.85 |
48,568.67 |
67,590.52 |
|
July-Sep 07 |
25,909.76 |
40,582.50 |
66,492.26 |
|
Total |
68,889.79 |
135,191.52 |
204,081.31 |
692 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the websites that are run by his Department and each of its agencies; the date on which each became live; if the sites are kept updated; the cost of each site to the State to date; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [31055/07]
|
Website |
Date Live |
Kept Updated Y/N |
Alternative names |
Description |
|
www.broadband.gov.ie |
Aug 2006 |
Y |
Broadband information site |
|
|
www.dcmnr.ie |
2002-2007 |
N |
DCENR’s previous website |
|
|
www.dcenr.ie |
2007- |
Y |
dcenr.gov.ie, dcenr.com,dcenr.net,dcenr.org,dcenr.info, dcenr.info, dcenr.co.uk,rcfan.ie,rcfan.eu |
DCENR’s current main website |
|
www.egovernance.ie |
2/4/2007 |
Y |
Corporate Governance site for Boards under the aegis of the Department |
|
|
www.emd.ie |
2001 |
Y |
Exploration and Mining Division’s website |
|
|
www.euromed.ie |
2005 |
N |
Ministerial Conference on Information Society |
|
|
www.makeitsecure.ie |
2007 |
Y |
Information on Online security |
|
|
www.minex.ie |
2002 |
Y |
www.mineralsireland.ie |
Exploration and Mining Division |
|
www.gsi.ie |
1998 |
Y |
Geological Survey of Ireland site |
|
|
www.seabedsurvey.ie |
2000 |
Y |
www.infomar.ie |
Geological Survey of Ireland/Marine Institute |
|
Sites going to DAFF |
||||
|
www.sfpa.ie |
2006 |
Y |
www.ucim.ie, www.ulim.ie |
Seafisheries Protection Authority site to DAFF |
|
www.fishingnet.ie |
2002 |
Y |
Fisheries Portal Site to DAFF |
|
|
www.prism.ie |
Dec 2006 |
Y |
Irish Sea Marine Forecasts |
The Department does not record costs on a per site basis. Figures are provided on an annual basis for development and maintenance of all websites that are run by this Department.
|
Category |
Pre 2002 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
Grand Total |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Web Software |
89,375.30 |
89,375.30 |
||||||
|
Consultancy |
8,449.00 |
8,449.00 |
||||||
|
Domain Management |
3,024.00 |
3,024.00 |
||||||
|
Domain Registration |
211.75 |
167.29 |
2,873.50 |
6,693.40 |
9,945.94 |
|||
|
Maintenance |
14,314.30 |
65,729.30 |
7,607.75 |
56,041.59 |
143,692.94 |
|||
|
Web Development |
5,000.00 |
26,598.22 |
27,764.82 |
103,912.20 |
4,383.23 |
11,562.57 |
179,221.03 |
|
|
Web Hosting |
18,000.00 |
6,000.00 |
6,000.00 |
6,000.00 |
6,000.00 |
6,000.00 |
9,793.00 |
63,793.00 |
|
Grand Total |
23,000.00 |
32,809.97 |
33,932.11 |
224,924.30 |
71,729.30 |
17,990.98 |
87,114.55 |
497,501.22 |
693 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the organisations or authorities operating within his Department’s policy area, set up by statute or statutory instrument, for which he does not have official responsibility to Dáil Éireann. [31108/07]
Three organisations operating within my Department's policy area, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) and Regtel, communications sector, and the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) are independent statutory bodies established by the Government. All are legally independent in the performance of their functions and both CER and ComReg are answerable to Joint Oireachtas Committees.
In addition, the Single Electricity Market Committee (SEM Committee) was established under section 4 of the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Single Electricity Market) Act 2007 (No 5 of 2007). This is a cross-Border committee established to regulate the Single Electricity Market, the all-island wholesale market in electricity. The Committee is made up of representatives of the CER Regulation, the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation, as well as an Independent Member.
In common with all Ministers, I have no function in the day-to-day operational issues for any of the organisations or authorities operating within my Department's policy area.
694 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of increasing the number of homes dealt with under the Sustainable Energy Ireland warmer homes scheme to 10,000 homes per annum. [31210/07]
It is expected that some 3,400 homes will be upgraded in 2007 under this scheme. SEI advises that the current average cost per home is €900. Based on this it is estimated that the cost of increasing the number of homes upgraded annually to 10,000 would be €5.9m.
695 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the procedures in place to protect personal data within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31234/07]
My Department is very aware of the risks such as identity theft to individuals should their personal information be made available to criminal elements.
Despite the fact that my Department holds very limited personal records other than employee details, it has invested heavily over a number of years in ensuring that every effort is made to maintain the security of both electronic and paper records.
There are multilayer electronic firewall defences backed up with electronic intrusion detection systems, which actively monitor network traffic for electronic threats. When backup tapes are removed to a certified external storage facility for disaster recovery purposes they are transported in special locked cases. The connections between my Department and other Departments or the Naval Service are across the private Government network.
My Department carries out some electronic sales via our websites. The credit card transaction is processed out by a third party and the card details are not recorded on any of our systems, just a reference number for the successful payment.
All offices are equipped with multiple locked receptacles for confidential waste and the policy is that all paper other then externally printed brochures, magazines, et cetera are disposed of in these receptacles. The contents are regularly emptied and shredded on site.
In relation to staff personal records, all personal data is protected under the Data Protection Act whereby no personal information is disclosed to a third party unless my Department is satisfied that we have the individual's consent. Access to PCs is restricted to authorised staff only and access to personal information is restricted on a need-to-know basis. All computer systems within my Department are password protected and the hard disks which contain the personal data are protected in a secure storage unit. In addition, staff personnel files are also stored in secure storage.
696 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of Ireland’s overall energy supply which is imported from the UK; and if, in the context of such facts or that 87% of Ireland’s natural gas supplies are imported from there, actions are planned to reduce Ireland’s dependence on one country. [31340/07]
Currently over 90% of Ireland's energy needs are provided for by imports. In order to ensure the security of our energy supply, the Government's objective is to reduce our reliance on imports and to significantly enhance diversity of energy sources.
Natural gas currently accounts for over 60% of electricity generation in Ireland. With the decline of the Kinsale gas field and pending the full development of the Corrib field, we now import some 95% of our natural gas from the UK. Natural gas transported through the UK network comes from fields in the North Sea, the Netherlands, Norway and Russia. The Energy Policy White Paper points to the need to develop longer term strategies to reduce over-reliance on gas imports from the UK. The actions set out in the White Paper include long term strategic planning by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) in relation to security of gas supply and working in the EU to deliver regional gas markets for Northern Europe and diversification of supply.
The CER has granted a gas storage licence to Marathon Oil Ireland Ltd to make the full capability of its depleted Kinsale facility, which has a capacity of 7 billion cubic feet (bcf), available to third parties. This is the first such storage facility in Ireland and BGE has contracted to use over 5 bcf of it. Work is also nearing completion on an All-Island study overseen by my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland on a joint approach to gas storage and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). The planned development of a merchant LNG storage facility at Shannon will also have a positive impact on the security of our gas supply and improve our connectivity to the global gas market. The connection of the Corrib gas field, with its estimated capability to supply some 60% of our annual natural gas requirements over a span of 15-20 years, will significantly reduce our dependence on imports during that period.
As regards the generation of electricity, the Government has set ambitious and essential targets for the increased penetration of renewable energy. Connected wind capacity will reach over 900 MW by year end, which will represent a very significant increase of over 25% of installed wind capacity since the start of 2007. It is a priority to ensure the provision of flexible generation plant to accommodate electricity coming on to the system from wind generation. The establishment of the All-Island Single Electricity Market is also a key development, which will contribute to ensuring the security, reliability and competitiveness of electricity supplies throughout the island.
Existing gas interconnection and planned electricity interconnection between Ireland and Great Britain is a key plank in our security of energy supply strategy. The current interconnection capacity with the UK Grid (through Northern Ireland) of 300 MW, will be increased by 500 MW with the delivery of the new East West electricity interconnector between Ireland and Wales by 2012. Enhanced interconnection, in both electricity and gas, will assist in promoting the regional energy market, in line with EU security of energy internal market objectives.
As regards imports of oil, in 2005, the latest year for which definitive figures are available, 65% of Ireland's oil imports were sourced from the UK, with crude accounting for 12% and products accounting for 88% of those imports. In the same year Norway accounted for 28% of our oil imports, of which crude consisted of 93% and products 7%. The Irish downstream industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated. We are currently undertaking a strategic review of security of oil supplies which will include consideration of security of commercial access to oil supply.
