Vol. 643 No. 1
60 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has plans to review the regional drugs task forces, in view of the size and population of some of the areas that the task forces have to serve; and ifhe will make a statement on the matter. [32604/07]
The ten Regional Drugs Task Forces (RDTFs) were set up under the National Drugs Strategy in 2003 and their areas of operation correspond with the Health Board areas of that time. This approach was taken given the importance of the health aspects of the Strategy and the general aim of achieving coherence with regard to regional boundaries.
Following extensive consultation processes, each RDTF prepared a Strategic Plan and the implementation of these Plans is now progressing. Having met with all the Local Drugs Task Forces since my appointment, I am now involved in a series of meetings with RDTFs. Indeed, I met with the South East RDTF in Waterford last week and the North West in Sligo on Monday of this week. While the rate of progress made has varied, I am satisfied that a real impact is now starting to be made. Expenditure trends bear this out, with approximately €7.5m being spent this year. This will increase further in 2008 as the RDTFs progress towards the full implementation of their plans, which have a full cost of approx €14m p.a.
While one could decide on RDTF boundaries in many ways — for example, based on the number of problem drug users, population or geographic coverage — I feel that the current regional breakdown is operating reasonably well. I might point out that it is open to RDTFs to organise their work in ways that best suit their needs and some have established a number of sub-committees on a geographic and/or thematic basis.
Meanwhile, initial steps are now being taken in my Department in the process that will lead to the development of a new National Drugs Strategy for the period 2009–2016. This will facilitate the consideration of all aspects of the Strategy, including RDTF boundaries, if this issue is raised as part of the process.
61 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the supports in place to encourage the development of agri-tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30092/07]
The Rural Development Programme for Ireland (2007 – 13) was approved by the European Commission on July 24th last. Key aims of the new Programme, which are of relevance to the agri-tourism sector, are:
Increasing economic activity and employment rates in the wider rural economy through encouraging on-farm diversification into non-agricultural activities; and
Encouraging rural tourism built on the sustainable development of Ireland's natural resources and cultural heritage.
Opportunities for funding for agri-tourism will therefore be available under the following measures:
Diversification into non-agricultural activities for farm families; (€16.6m) and
Encouragement of tourism activities (€45.4m). The Programme will be delivered at a local level through area-based groups.
62 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the discussions he has had with the various stakeholders in relation to access to the countryside in so far as it influences agri-tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31463/07]
72 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the latest position in regard to efforts by his Department and Comhairle na Tuaithe to secure agreement with landowners in regard to providing reasonable access for recreational purposes especially in upland regions or areas of particular scenic value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32599/07]
87 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department is a party to consultations with Comhairle na Tuaithe on proposals for public access to privately owned land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30761/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62, 72 and 87 together.
There is clear consensus within Comhairle na Tuaithe on a scheme for the development, enhancement and maintenance of agreed walks. In this regard, the Deputies should note that work on the framework of this scheme is progressing, in full consultation with Comhairle members. The scheme will be aimed at farmers and landowners and will be administered by Local Development Integrated Companies (formerly LEADER companies), with the assistance of the Irish Sports Council's National Trails Office and in association with local walking management committees, on behalf of my Department.
It is proposed to begin a phased implementation of the scheme early in 2008, with the aim of rolling it out to all existing National Waymarked Ways and Looped Walking Routes over the following period. Participation in the scheme will be optional and access is granted by the permission of the landholder. I hope to announce further details of the scheme in the coming weeks.
Arising from my consideration of the National Countryside Recreation Strategy, published by Comhairle na Tuaithe in September 2006, the Deputies should note that I have also taken a number of other initiatives, including the following:
Agreement has been reached with Fáilte Ireland for the employment of 11 Rural Recreation Officers (RROs) to promote walking tourism in areas where there are clusters of suitable, accessible walks. The RRO will act as a contact person for walking tourists and will provide a wide range of support and advice. It is envisaged that they will be in place early next year;
Capital funding of the order of €1.2m has been made available by my Department to Fáilte Ireland in 2006 and during 2007 to assist in the development of the national network to a total of 50 trailheads and 75 Loops. The funding was used to provide directional signs, marker posts, stiles, bridges, map boards and other materials; and
I have allocated €90,000 (€30,000 p.a. for the period 2006-2008) to Wicklow Uplands Council and Wicklow Rural Partnership to provide a network of access routes over private lands in areas of high scenic and amenity value in County Wicklow.
In addition, my Department is actively pursuing the possibility of using former railway infrastructure as recreational trails for walking, cycling etc. with the Department of Transport and Iarnród Éireann. Discussions are also continuing with Coillte and Bord na Móna regarding the possibility of expanding the use of their lands for recreational purposes and I will continue to progress this matter.
The issue of rural/agri tourism, in the context of the opportunities presented by the development of countryside recreation and walkways, in particular, is one, I believe, which can best be addressed by the active participation and support not just of farmers and walkers, but also the wider rural community. Rural communities stand to benefit a great deal from the development of activity-based rural tourism, including walking tours. I see the area of countryside recreation — and pursuits such as walking and cycling in particular — as a central plank for rural development in the future.
The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 provides us with a valuable opportunity to assist with the development of this area. The new Programme will cover key outside the farm gate measures such as diversification into non-agricultural activities, support for business creation and development, encouragement of tourism activities, basic services for the economy and rural population, village renewal and development and conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage.
Three of my priorities under the Programme will be:
The development of recreational tourism including the development of facilities for walking, cycling, angling, pony trekking, bird watching etc and ancillary facilities such as car parking, and other services such as signage, village renewal etc;
The complementary development of the broader rural tourism package such as upgraded accommodation, food tourism and other services; and
The development of small or regional food sectors to add significantly to the unique experience for our visitors.
It has always been my view that a consensus approach is the way to progress countryside recreation and my Department will continue to work with the various members of Comhairle na Tuaithe to progress this important issue.
63 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding provided by his Department through the Rapid, CLÁR and LEADER programmes to County Donegal over the past three years; the way this funding compares to amounts allocated to other counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32608/07]
The following table provides details of the funding provided under the CLÁR and LEADER Programmes in County Donegal over the past three years. There was no expenditure under the RAPID Programme as there are no RAPID areas within County Donegal.
I am satisfied that the allocations under the two Programmes compare favourably with that of other counties.
|
Programme |
Funding provided — 2005 |
Funding provided — 2006 |
Funding provided — 2007 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
CLÁR |
1,399,037 |
1,691,604.09 |
881,163.83* |
|
LEADER |
1,990,295.91 |
2,217,539.24 |
1,997,083.87 |
*CLÁR expenditure to-date.
64 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals for changes to the development sector, in particular LEADER and partnership companies; the consultations there have been with the development sector in regard to the proposed changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32602/07]
Arising from the joint Ministerial initiative on the review of local and community development structures the Government agreed a series of measures in January 2004 to improve arrangements under which community and local development initiatives are delivered and to improve cohesion and focus across various measures. This process is informed by the following guiding principles:
improving on the ground services
streamlining structures so as to avoid overlaps, duplication and undue administrative overheads
bringing transparency, co-ordination and improved control to the funding and operation of local and community development measures; and
strengthening the democratic accountability of agencies and providers in this area.
The core objective of the process is to simplify and improve local delivery of programmes operated by my Department through the integration and alignment of local delivery structures. The intention is that for the future there will be one local development company in any given area and fewer local development companies overall. This will provide full county coverage and eliminate overlaps and previous fragmented arrangements.
Following exhaustive consultations with and between the local agencies to develop the most suitable configurations of groups, Government decided on revised areas of coverage for local development companies in March of this year and clarified the arrangements in relation to the membership of the boards of these bodies in late July. LEADER and Partnership groups have been asked to give effect to these decisions and my Department has provided detailed guidelines to secure this outcome.
The realignment of local delivery structures will bring the overall number of local development delivery bodies to 55 comprising 38 integrated LEADER/Partnership bodies in rural areas and 17 Partnerships covering urban areas. In most cases, the Government agreed that coverage areas would be aligned with county and city boundaries with the number of structures in a county determined on the basis of population and overall geography.
65 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views in relation to the usage of herbal ecstasy; the research available to him in relation to the matter; if he has had meetings with the Department of Health and Children or the Health Service Executive in relation to the matter; the results of such meetings if they took place; if guidelines are intended in relation to the use of herbal ecstasy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32596/07]
I have serious concerns over the safety of herbal ecstasy and other such substances. While I know that many people believe that such products are safe because they can be bought over the counter, there are no guarantees in that regard. Users of such substances have reported a range of adverse reactions such as vomiting, headache, palpitations, poor appetite, stomach pains/ nausea, anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, confusion, irritability and tremors.
The Department of Health & Children has responsibility for keeping the list of scheduled substances under review on an ongoing basis. In particular, they review any evidence that substances are being abused and are causing significant harm to public health.
The issue of BZP (Benzylpiperazine – a synthetic psychotropic substance), the active ingredient of herbal ecstasy, was raised at meetings of the Inter Departmental Group on Drugs in March and September this year and I also raised the issue briefly with the Minister for Health & Children at a meeting on 27 July last. It has also been the subject of periodic discussion between officials of our two Departments over the past few months. These discussions were in the context of EU consideration of the substance.
While BZP is currently not a controlled substance under Misuse of Drugs legislation, I understand that Ireland was among the countries that requested the European Council, in March 2007, to conduct a risk assessment procedure on the substance and we advocated tighter controls in this regard.
In this context, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction completed its investigation in June and reported back to the Commission recommending tighter controls. Arising from this, the Commission decided to ask the Council to place BZP under control, in accordance with the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
The Council will decide over the coming months if BZP is to be placed under such control. If the decision is to place BZP under control, Member States would then be required to introduce controls in line with national laws no later than one year after the Council's decision. Responsibility for implementing any such decision rests with the Department of Health & Children.
I can assure the Deputy that both my officials and I will continue to raise issues of concern about various drugs, with the relevant authorities, as they arise.
66 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his view on the high proportion of Chinese and Nigerian nationals who claim to speak the Irish language; his views on the figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29441/07]
89 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the census figures relating to the use of the Irish language; his views on whether the questions asked give an accurate impression of the level of proficiency in the language and use thereof in the general population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29440/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 89 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Census results with respect to the Irish language were published in October 2007. The results were positive insofar as a total of 1,656,790 persons in the State aged 3 years of age and over indicated an ability to speak Irish, an increase of 85,896 or 5.46% on 2002.
A range of questions in relation to the Irish language are asked as part of the Census concerning issues such as place of residence, age, ethnic origin, frequency of use, level of education and so forth.
For the 2006 Census, a new initiative was introduced whereby the categories for frequency of speaking Irish distinguished "daily within" and "daily without" the education system. In my view, this was a particularly important innovation, which will help give a more accurate picture in relation to the usage of Irish by the population.
I would accept that the level of competency of those 1.6 million people who indicated an ability to speak Irish would range from the fluency of native speakers to persons having a basic knowledge of the language. However, I know that the Deputy will appreciate that speakers who are not fluent are very important to the preservation and development of the language. A large part of the audience of TG4, for example, is made up of people who do not speak Irish every day.
I note from the Census results that 5,369 Black or Black Irish persons and 4,232 Asian or Asian Irish persons aged 3 years and above indicated an ability to speak Irish. These included some 1,616 persons aged 20 years or over. I have no reason to regard these figures as inaccurate, nor, in absolute terms, is there a reason to regard them as particularly remarkable. In my view, people coming to this country, particularly those with children going to school, tend to be very open to the idea of learning not only English, but Irish as well. They often have a very open attitude towards languages and view Irish in a positive way as a path to integration in our culture. Many of them are not only bilingual, but are multilingual, when they arrive here. Clearly, if the Irish language is to develop and prosper, it is very important that as many members of the community as possible, including those who have made Ireland their home in recent years, embrace the language.
Finally, and in a wider context, it is my view that we can benefit from taking account of data and statistics on minority languages in other jurisdictions. Of relevance in this regard is the recent establishment by the British-Irish Council Minority Languages Group of a sub-group on Data, Statistics and Research, on which Ireland is represented by an official from the CSO.
67 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans he has to introduce an island allowance scheme to all inhabitants of off-shore islands to ensure the continued viability of island life and help reduce the costs of living for off-shore island communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32493/07]
My Department has been at the forefront in recent years in bringing forward proposals and introducing initiatives designed to reduce the cost of living for island communities and enhance their lifestyle accordingly. Practical steps that have been taken in this regard include:
the introduction of a maximum passenger fare structure for islanders using ferry services subsidised by my Department;
the reduction by 50% of the charges for carriage of cargo on the Aran Islands cargo service;
the introduction, in conjunction with the Irish Insurance Federation, of reduced insurance premia for cars based permanently on the islands;
a special rate of road tax for cars based permanently on the islands;
increased new house and house improvement grants on Gaeltacht islands;
an Enterprise Scheme for non-Gaeltacht islands; and
a significant increase in the Remote Area Boarding Grant payable by the Department of Education and Science in respect of island children attending secondary school on the mainland.
In the matter of allowances, I would remind the Deputy that for a number of years now an extra allowance of €12.70 is paid to island residents who are entitled to State pensions and other categories of assistance from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
While I am pleased that considerable progress has been made in dealing with cost of living issues for our island communities, I can assure the Deputy that it is my intention to continue to examine ways of making further progress in this regard. In this context, I recently established a Steering Committee comprising representatives from my own Department, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann with a view to appointing consultants to carry out a comprehensive study of the cost of living and operating a business on the islands, the results of which will inform my Department's policy in relation to the islands over the coming years.
68 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has had contact with the National Youth Council of Ireland in relation to their call to commit to setting up and funding a national youth participation programme to support and promote greater participation, active citizenship and volunteering among young people, with a specific emphasis on young people aged 18 to 25. [32605/07]
I have not been approached by the National Youth Council of Ireland. I understand that the Department of Education funds many of their Programmes.
My Department already funds participation by 18-25 year olds in voluntary activity through its funding of volunteer centres countrywide. There are currently 13 volunteer centres with a further 8 at an advanced stage of development.
Statistical analysis supplied by these Volunteer Centres indicates that almost a third of their participants are from the age group in question.
69 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made by his Department in identifying rural communities where there has been serious population decline following the results of Census 2006; the plans he has to assist these communities through the programmes available to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32611/07]
86 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the trends identified through Census 2006 in relation to rural communities; if the census indicated a major decline in relation to the population of such communities compared to Census 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32612/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 86 together.
Despite continuing urbanisation, Ireland is still a comparatively rural country. About 40% of the population continue to live in rural areas and while the rates of population growth over the past decade have been greater in urban than in rural areas, population growth in the regions has still been strong.
The Western Development Commission (WDC) has carried out some initial analysis of the results of Census 2006 in relation to rural areas. They found that the total population of aggregate rural areas has shown an increase of 7.5% in 2006 over 2002, while the total population of aggregate town areas has shown an increase of 8.7% in 2006. The percentage of the total population living in aggregate rural areas remains almost unchanged at 39.3% — compared with 39.5% in 2002.
One of the key goals of my Department is to promote and maintain living and working populations in rural areas by helping to foster sustainable and culturally vibrant communities. Since its establishment in 2002, my Department has been vigorously pursuing policies and programmes that seek to address the changing nature of rural communities, support their development and promote better regional balance.
In particular, I would draw the attention of the Deputies to the following schemes and programmes operated by my Department.
The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) provides resources to maintain and improve local amenities and facilities in rural areas. Communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fisher persons, while the participants (2,600 in total) are provided with opportunities to improve existing skills, and develop new ones, as they perform valuable work in the community. Significantly, the RSS has allowed people to supplement their farm income and, yet, remain involved in farming. In this way, many family farm incomes have remained viable, which I know the Deputies will appreciate, is critical for the vitality of rural communities throughout the country.
The CLÁR Programme supports physical, economic and social infrastructure, in rural areas that have suffered a population loss, across a variety of measures. It acts as a lever to elicit money from other sources through funding and co-funding arrangements with other Departments and agencies. Over 4,000 projects have been approved for funding in CLÁR areas from 2002 to date, many of which would not have gone ahead without CLÁR funding. In adding to the infrastructure of rural Ireland, I am sure the Deputies will agree that they have considerably improved the living conditions of rural communities.
For the Rural Development Programme for Ireland 2007-2013, I have secured an almost three-fold increase in funding available. Key outside the farm gate measures will be targeted such as diversification into non-agricultural activities, support for business creation and development, encouragement of tourism activities, services for the economy and rural population, village renewal and development and conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage.
Furthermore, I see the area of countryside recreation and pursuits such as walking and cycling, in particular, as offering great potential for rural communities in the future. The development of countryside recreation will be a key part of the measures to be rolled out under the new Rural Development Programme.
I would also like to briefly mention some other programmes run by my Department which, I believe, are of relevance:
a new pilot night-time rural transport scheme was introduced earlier this year to target to allow rural people to fully participate in the various activities – community, sporting and social – that takes place in rural areas in the evening.
the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme has a particular focus on supporting people and communities suffering disadvantage and exclusion through a wide spectrum of locally promoted actions.
Projects funded under the Community Development Programme provide a focal point for community activity within the local neighbourhoods.
while the Community Services Programme is not a rural initiative per se, it aims to support the economic and social regeneration of local communities and to provide employment opportunities for the unemployed or other disadvantaged persons. Over 400 projects throughout the country are being funded.
The work being done by the WDC is also of relevance. One of the Commission's initiatives is the ‘Look West' promotion and advertising campaign which positions the West as an appealing place to live and work. It is aimed at people in and around the greater Dublin area who may consider moving to the West. The key message of the initiative is the excellent quality of life available in the western counties — typically, people living in the West can enjoy shorter commuting times, lower house prices, more affordable childcare and other services and a rich and varied sporting and cultural life.
In addition, in the period 2002-2006, €17m was invested through the Western Investment Fund in 66 enterprises in the western region. The Fund is managed by the WDC.
Looking to the future, I believe that the signs are very encouraging for rural communities. As well as providing continued funding for the programmes operated by my Department, the National Development Plan (NDP) will — within the framework of other national policies and programmes — continue to assist in the social and economic development of rural areas through measures such as rural transport, broadband, non-national roads, rural water services, broadband and agriculture. Indeed, the Deputies should note that for the first time ever, a dedicated chapter on the development of the rural economy is included in the NDP.
The implementation of the National Spatial Strategy over the coming years will, I believe, also have a significant impact on the development of rural communities.
70 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will extend the Regional Drugs Network Service to Limerick and surrounding areas, Galway and surrounding areas, the midlands and the north west to include Donegal and Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32484/07]
84 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress that has been made to introduce regional taskforces under the National Drugs Strategy to tackle the growing drug problem in regions outside of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32482/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 84 together.
Under the National Drugs Strategy, ten Regional Drugs Task Forces (RDTFs) were set up in 2003 to cover all parts of the country not covered by a Local Drugs Task Force, thus achieving full coverage of the country.
Following extensive consultation processes, each RDTF prepared a Strategic Plan to respond to illicit drug use in their areas and the implementation of these Plans is now progressing, with expected expenditure of €7.5m in 2007. Expenditure will increase further in 2008 as the RDTFs progress towards the full implementation of their Plans, which will have a full cost of approximately €14m per annum.
Furthermore, it is now open to RDTFs to seek capital funding under the Premises Initiative and nearly €1m has been allocated for this so far in 2007. It is expected that allocations under this heading will increase next year.
The table below sets out the areas covered by each of the ten RDTFs.
|
Regional Drugs Task Forces |
|
East Coast Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown and Wicklow |
|
Mid-West Clare, Limerick and Tipperary NR |
|
Midlands Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath |
|
North East East Cavan, Louth, Meath and Monaghan |
|
North West Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo and West Cavan |
|
Northern Area North Dublin City and Fingal |
|
South Western South Dublin City, South Dublin, Kildare and West Wicklow |
|
South East Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary SR, Waterford and Wexford |
|
Southern Cork and Kerry |
|
Western Galway, Mayo and Roscommon |
Question No. 71 answered with QuestionNo. 54.
Question No. 72 answered with QuestionNo. 62.
73 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has received a copy of the all-island drug prevalence survey due to be published shortly by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs; when he expects the survey to be published; the reason there has been a delay in putting the report into the public domain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32478/07]
To date, I have not received a copy of the Drug Prevalence Survey.
The first bulletin from the Survey will be published in January and it will cover overall national trends on an all island basis. This will facilitate comparison with the first Drug Prevalence Survey which was carried out in 2002/03. While it had been envisaged that these results would be published this Autumn, I understand that the delay arises from the dovetailing of the work in the two jurisdictions and the statistical issues involved in finalising that work.
74 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in view of the recent incident in Waterford which left two people in serious condition in hospital, apparently as a result of drugs overdose, he has plans for additional promotional or information campaigns to alert people as to the dangers of drugs, particularly cocaine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32588/07]
At the outset, I wish to express my condolences to the family of Kevin Doyle on their great loss and to again send my good wishes to John Grey and his family. I hope that he makes a full recovery.
Since I became Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, I have repeatedly warned — both in this House and elsewhere — of the dangers of illegal drug use. In that regard, I have a particular focus on prevention – and believe that if we can avoid people starting a drug habit, we can also help to avoid the heartache, pain and expense that arises as a result.
While responsibility for a National Drugs Awareness Campaign rests with the Health Services Executive in the first instance, my Department is involved in developing proposals through the Advisory Group established in that regard. The up-coming campaign will focus on cocaine. Its primary aim will be to communicate the dangers of cocaine use, with a particular focus on so called "recreational cocaine users" in the 15-34 age group. It will utilise appropriate media, such as social network websites, to target this age group.
Meanwhile, the Walk Tall (primary level) and SPHE (secondary level) Programmes continue to be the main vehicles through which drug prevention and awareness messages are disseminated in our schools. While much can be achieved under these Programmes, I have asked that the Department of Education & Science to consider what might be done to sharpen the focus on senior cycle students, at second level, in regard to drugs awareness.
Meanwhile, a significant level of information in regard to the dangers of illicit drug use is disseminated at Local and Regional Drugs Task Force level through specific projects, drug awareness weeks and other initiatives funded by my Department. Also, the main aim of projects funded by my Department through the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund is to attract "at risk" young people in disadvantaged areas into facilities and activities and divert them away from the dangers of substance abuse. In that context, it should be noted that, under that Fund, money is also being made available to five National youth organisations to disseminate drug prevention and awareness messages to young people — both directly, and by upskilling personnel in these organisations.
75 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé sásta go bhfuil Foras na Gaeilge ag oibriú chomh maith agus ba cheart é a bheith; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [32618/07]
Is í aidhm Fhoras na Gaeilge ná an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn ar fud oileán na hÉireann agus tá clár oibre leathan ar siúl ag an bhForas d'fhonn an cuspóir sin a bhaint amach.
Go deimhin, ag cruinniú den Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas (Formáid Teanga), a tionóladh in Iúr Cinn Trá ar 26 Deireadh Fómhair 2007, chuir mé fein agus mo chomhghleacaí i dTuaisceart Éireann, Edwin Poots, MLA, fáilte roimh thuairisc ar obair an Fhorais, go háirithe sa réimse ríomh-sheirbhísí rialtais. Rinne muid tagairt ar leith
don bhunachar sonraí, ww.focal.ie,
do sheoladh leagan Gaeilge de Windows XP i gcomhar le Microsoft; agus
don Chóras Creidiúnaithe d'aistritheoirí Gaeilge (tá 98 aistritheoir lán-chreidiúnaithe ar an liosta anois).
Chomh maith leis sin, ar ndóigh, tugann Foras na Gaeilge bun-mhaoiniú do 15 eagras Gaeilge agus maoinítear raon leathan mór-thograí agus mion-thograí ar fud an oileáin freisin, ar a n-áirítear scéim tacaíochta do phobail áitiúla. Ina theannta sin, tá an Foras i mbun Thionscadal an Fhoclóra nua Béarla-Gaeilge agus tá láithreán gréasáin bunaithe aige, www.gaeilge.ie, atá mar fhoinse eolais don saol mór maidir leis an teanga.
Tuigim ón bhForas go bhfuil páirtnéireachtaí fhiúntacha cruthaithe le dreamanna ar nós na n-údarás áitiúla, eagrais sna réimsí craolacháin agus eagrais sa saol gnó. Molaim é sin agus tá súil agam go mbeidh tuilleadh comhpháirtíochta idir an Foras agus eagrais ábhartha eile amach anseo ar mhaithe leis an nGaeilge a chur chun cinn.
Tá mé sásta go bhfuil dul chun cinn suntasach déanta ag Foras na Gaeilge ó bunaíodh é, in ainneoin deacrachtaí agus srianta a d'fhás as an gcur chuige ‘cúram agus cothabhála' a bhí i bhfeidhm fad is a bhí an Comhthionól ó Thuaidh ar fionraí. Tá mé cinnte go mbeidh dul chun cinn breise fós le baint amach sna blianta amach romhainn agus tá mé ag tnúth le bheith ag obair i gcomhpháirt le mo chomhghleacaí, Edwin Poots, MLA, agus leis an bhForas féin chun na críche sin.
76 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the main features on the initiative to provide outdoor facilities for walkers and cyclists announced by him on 22 November 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32600/07]
At the outset, I would like to clarify for the Deputy, that while I launched the "Welcome Initiative" jointly with Minister of State, Mary Wallace T. D., on behalf of Coillte and Fáilte Ireland, my Department has no involvement in — or responsibility for — the initiative itself. The project is funded by Fáilte Ireland (which is the responsibility of the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism) and administered by Coillte (which is the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food).
There are two parts to the initiative:
1.The new Coillte outdoors website (www.coillteoutdoors.ie) which allows anyone interested in outdoor recreation in Ireland to research and plan activities around the country. The website provides maps and information on different types of trails which people can visit on Coillte lands, which include eleven forest parks and over 150 recreation sites throughout the country; and
2.The second part of the initiative sees the delivery of 250 km of walking, hiking and biking trails at 34 sites across the country. This involves the upgrading of existing trails and construction of new ones. There will be investment in car parks, way marking and signage installed to increase public awareness of the access to the countryside that Coillte lands provide.
While I am not involved in the funding or administration of the programme, the Coillte initiative ties in very closely with initiatives my own Department is rolling out through Comhairle na Tuaithe. These involve increasing access for recreational users and developing recreational facilities across the country.
As the single largest landowner in the State with over 440,000 ha. (1.1 million acres, circa 6% of total land area) of forest and open land and, as a member organisation of Comhairle na Tuaithe, Coillte is playing a key role in both of these areas. I would like to acknowledge, therefore, their commitment and work to date.
77 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding available under all the programmes currently administered by his Department and the relevant criteria to qualify for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32486/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department provides funding for a wide range of measures, projects, and schemes. Each of the schemes and grant programmes operated by my Department are governed by rules and eligibility criteria, which projects have to meet in order to qualify for funding.
Detailed information in respect of these programmes can be found on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie. The funding allocated to my Department for these programmes in 2007 is contained Revised Estimates Volume available in the Dail Library. My Department's website contains a link to the Department of Finance website where this information is also available.
78 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on reports of the spread of crack cocaine in urban Ireland; if his attention has been drawn to recent reports that crack cocaine could potentially spread to increasing numbers of cities and towns here; the efforts he has made to combat the spread of crack cocaine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32597/07]
I am aware of the dangers that crack cocaine use can pose in terms of the potential harm to individuals, families and communities. I am also aware of the risk that crack cocaine could potentially spread to increasing numbers of cities and towns here.
However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that, while there has been an increase in the number of seizures of crack cocaine over the past two years or so, this represents a small proportion of the total number of cocaine seizures recorded annually. Also, it is worth noting that in my visits to various Drugs Task Force areas since my appointment in June, the issue of crack cocaine did not arise to any great extent in my discussions with community representatives and others on the nature of the drug problem in their areas.
At the same time, vigilance is undoubtedly necessary and the Gardaí continue to take a number of measures to address the matter. In this context, I understand that the Garda National Drugs Unit, as well as local drug units, conduct intelligence gathering on individuals and groups suspected of involvement in the sale and distribution of drugs. Also, targeted patrolling by uniform and plain-clothes personnel of potential problem areas is undertaken in order to detect and disrupt persons involved in such activity.
The 2002/2003 All-Island Drug Prevalence Survey showed that the use of crack cocaine was very low at that time. However, a second Drug Prevalence Study has recently been carried out and the first report on national prevalence figures and trends is expected in January. The outcome of this study will give an up-to-date picture of overall problem drug use in Ireland, including figures for crack cocaine use.
Also, I understand that a research study into the nature and extent of crack cocaine use in Dublin is currently being undertaken by the Alcohol and Drug Research Unit (ADRU) of the Health Research Board. The study is being funded by the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform and it is hoped that the work will be completed in Spring 2008.
79 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which his Department has become involved or intends to become involved in rural transport initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32550/07]
187 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his consultations with other Departments on the rural transport initiative; the outcome of those discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32630/07]
197 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he proposes to assist rural transport initiatives in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32832/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 187 and 197 together.
As the Deputies are aware, in many rural areas, there are no public transport services at night. While there are, in the more developed rural areas, either hackney or taxi services, these are at the discretion of the providers of these services and do not provide a guaranteed service to rural people.
It was against this background, therefore, that earlier this year — following a number of discussions between officials in my Department and the Department of Transport — I introduced a new evening transport service, on a pilot basis. The aim of the service is to allow rural people to fully participate in the various activities — community, sporting and social — that take place in their areas. The new Scheme also aims to address the market failure that currently exists in this area.
The 34 groups currently delivering the Rural Transport Programme — operated by the Department of Transport — were invited by Pobal to submit applications to be considered under my Department's new scheme. Following the appraisal of the proposals submitted, seven groups were selected to run the pilot Scheme, namely:
West Cork Rural Transport;
Avondhu Development Group in East Cork;
Meath Accessible/Kilnaleck Community Cavan;
County Sligo LEADER Partnership;
Tumna Shannon Development Company Roscommon;
Síob Teoranta Donegal; and
Laois Trip.
The seven projects were selected having regard to such criteria as:
evidence of need;
strength of their proposal;
capacity of the group;
value for money; and
geographical spread.
The budget for the pilot is €500,000. The first service commenced in June and service numbers and passenger numbers have increased throughout the Autumn. Although only in the early stages yet, I understand that the services are being very well received by communities and passengers alike. In this context, the Deputies should note that during the month of October, there were 154 services with 1,341 passenger journeys.
Early indications are that older people, people with a disability and young people are particularly enthusiastic about the new services and new activities are being planned around the availability of services.
All services focus on maximising the general community good and I am, of course, conscious of the need to ensure that no displacement takes place of commercially viable existing services as a result of the introduction of the new scheme.
My intention is that the pilot Scheme will be reviewed after a year and decisions in relation to its future will be informed by the outcome of the evaluation.
80 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an nglacann sé leis na leasuithe reachtúla ar an Acht Airí agus Rúnaithe (Leasú) 1956 atá molta sa Staidéar Cuimsitheach ar Úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [32617/07]
Mar atá a fhios ag an Teachta, foilsíodh an Tuarascáil ar an Staidéar Teangeolaíoch ar Úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht le déanaí. Tá cinneadh glactha ag an Rialtas coiste a bhunú ag leibhéal comh-aireachta chun breathnú ar shaincheisteanna a thagann chun cinn i gcomhthéacs na hanailíse agus na moltaí atá sa Tuarascáil — an ceann a luann an Teachta ina measc. Chomh maith leis sin, tiocfaidh an coiste ar chomhaontú maidir le plean gníomhaíochta comhtháite, laistigh de dhá mhí dhéag, chun todhchaí na Gaeilge mar theanga phobail sa Ghaeltacht a chinntiú.
81 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Michael D. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén tacaíocht nua ar leith atá beartaithe aige a chur ann in 2008 don Ghaeltacht mar cheantar labhartha Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [32620/07]
Is eol don Teachta, ní foláir, gur fhoilsigh an Rialtas an Tuarascáil a bhaineann leis an Staidéar Teangeolaíoch ar úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht le déanaí. Tá socraithe ag an Rialtas go mbunófar coiste ag leibhéal comh-aireachta chun breathnú ar shaincheisteanna a thagann chun cinn i gcomhthéacs na hanailíse agus na moltaí atá sa Tuarascáil. Chomh maith leis sin, tiocfaidh an coiste ar chomhaontú maidir le plean gníomhaíochta comhtháite, laistigh de dhá mhí dhéag, chun todhchaí na Gaeilge mar theanga phobail sa Ghaeltacht a chinntiú.
82 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of islands inhabited here; if all islands have the basic services of water, electricity, sewerage, telephone and fire services; if not, the plans he has to provide such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32594/07]
The information sought by the Deputy in regard to the number of islands inhabited is set out in Table 11 of the 2006 Census Report and is available online at www.cso.ie.
However, in order to qualify for grant assistance from my Department, islands must meet the following criteria
not be in private ownership
not be connected by a bridge to the mainland
be cut off daily by tides from the mainland, and
be permanently inhabited.
The issues raised by the Deputy in regard to provision of basic services on islands are matters in the first instance for the statutory bodies concerned. However, in order to foster and support sustainable island development my Department has provided and will continue to provide assistance for suitable projects in co-operation with the relevant stakeholders, while having regard to prevailing budgetary constraints and priorities.
85 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Michael D. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an mó scéim teanga atá aontaithe anois faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [32619/07]
Tá 70 scéim teanga a chlúdaíonn 128 comhlacht poiblí daingnithe agam anois agus foilsithe. Ta na scéimeanna seo uile ar fáil ar shuíomh idirlín an Choimisinéara Teanga, www.coimisineir.ie. Sa bhreis ar sin, tá fógra seolta agam chuig os cionn 50 gcomhlacht poiblí eile ag iarraidh orthu dréacht-scéim teanga a ullmhú agus a sheoladh chugam le daingniú. Tá oifigigh mo Roinne ag plé leis na comhlachtaí sin faoi láthair.
88 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad iad na hiarrachtaí atá á ndéanamh le fostaíocht a chur ar fáil ar na hoileáin Ghaeltachta amach ó chósta Dhún na nGall; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [32549/07]
Mar is eol don Teachta, bíonn iarrachtaí leanúnacha ar siúl ag Údarás na Gaeltachta chun deiseanna fostaíochta a chruthú i ngach ceantar Gaeltachta, na hoileáin Ghaeltachta amach ó chósta Dhún na nGall ina measc.
Cuireann an tÚdarás deontais reáchtála bliantúla ar fáil le struchtúr forbartha pobail a chinntiú d'Árainn Mhór agus Toraigh agus do Chomharchumann an nOileán Beag Teoranta (Ancaire), eagraíocht forbartha riaracháin do na hoileáin bheaga amach ó chósta Dhún na nGall. Ar ndóigh, cuidíonn gníomhaíochtaí na gcomharchumann le forbairtí eile a chur chun cinn sna hoileáin.
Aithním an tábhacht a bhaineann le hacmhainní nádúrtha na n-oileán, acmhainní mara agus turasóireachta san áireamh. Sa chomhthéacs sin, tá comh-mhaoiniú á dhéanamh ag mo Roinn agus Fáilte Éireann ar thionscnamh chun straitéis turasóireachta do na hoileáin uile, idir Ghaeltachta agus neamh-Ghaeltachta, a fhorbairt agus a chur i bhfeidhm.
Anuas ar sin, le blianta beaga anuas tá airgead suntasach caite ag mo Roinn ar fhorbairt na gcéanna farantóireachta a fhreastalaíonn ar Árainn Mhór agus Toraigh agus ar na seirbhísí iompair chuig an dá oileán sin, chur chuige a chabhraíonn go díreach agus go hindíreach le fostaíocht a chruthú ar na hoileáin.
Is fiú a nótáil chomh maith go bhfaigheann Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann maoiniú ó mo Roinn chun an Clár LEADER, atá dírithe ar fhorbairt gheilleagar cheantair tuaithe, a sholáthar ar na hoileáin.
90 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the discussions he has had with the Department of Education and Science regarding the linguistic study of the Gaeltacht; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32615/07]
As the Deputy may be aware, the Government has decided to establish a cabinet-level committee to consider, inter alia, matters arising in the context of the analysis and recommendations of the report on the Linguistic Study on Irish usage in the Gaeltacht and the Minister for Education and Science will be a member of that committee.
91 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications he has received under his Christmas lights as Gaeilge initiative; the applications he has approved; the amounts paid in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32613/07]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 351 of 20 Samhain 2007 in relation to this matter.
As I outlined in that reply, funding has been provided by my Department under the Fo-Chiste Gnó of Ciste na Gaeilge to voluntary and business groups to assist in promoting the Irish language among local business communities. In order to qualify for funding, a group must provide a business plan to include specific targets relating to the promotion of Irish and a clear exposition as to how these targets will be met. Funding from my Department is provided on the basis that matching funding (to a minimum of 25%) is secured by the applicant from the local authority or from the local business community.
Four applications for funding to erect Christmas lights in Irish have been received to date this year. Funding has been approved in respect of two of these applications to date — Gaillimh le Gaeilge (€57,750) and Cumann Tráchtála Chlár Chlainne Mhuiris (€45,000). My Department is currently considering the remaining two applications. I should also say that funding of €11,331 was paid to the Dublin City Centre Business Association in 2006 for this purpose.
Finally, while the Fo-Chiste Gnó is open to new applications, I should again reiterate that funding is limited and it may not be possible to meet all requests made.
93 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad é an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le dílárú bhaill Fhoras na Gaeilge go Gaoth Dobhair; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [32548/07]
Mar a thug mé le fios mar fhreagra ar Cheisteanna sa Teach seo cheana, d'iarr mé ar Bhord Fhoras na Gaeilge moltaí sonracha a dhéanamh maidir leis na céimeanna a bheadh riachtanach chun poist a lonnú i nGaoth Dobhair, chomh maith leis na rannóga agus na feidhmeanna a bheadh i gceist. Ina dhiaidh sin, tíolacadh aighneacht do mo Roinn féin agus don Roinn Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta sa Tuaisceart maidir le postanna a líonadh i réimsí éagsúla san eagraíocht. Leasaíodh an aighneacht — ina bhfuil poist ar leith luaite le Gaoth Dobhair — mar thoradh ar chomhráití idir an Foras agus an dá Roinn urraíochta.
Ag cruinniú den Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas (Formáid Teanga), a tionóladh in Iúr Cinn Trá ar 26 Deireadh Fómhair 2007, aontaíodh go mbunófaí grúpa oibre ar a mbeadh ionadaithe ó Fhoras na Gaeilge agus ó na Ranna urraíochta chun scrúdú a dhéanamh ar an aighneacht ina hiomláine, na poist atá le lonnú i nGaoth Dobhair san áireamh, agus go háirithe chun cáinníochtú a dhéanamh ar na himpleachtaí airgeadais don bhliain 2008 agus sa todhchaí.
Tugadh treoir don ghrúpa oibre na heochair-phostanna san aighneacht — postanna le haghaidh Ghaoth Dobhair san áireamh — a aithint mar ábhar práinne agus cead a lorg ó na Ranna Airgeadais thuaidh agus theas chun an méid a d'fhéadfaí de na poist sin a líonadh gan an buiséad reatha a shárú. Tá an próiseas sin á chur chun cinn i láthair na huaire. Mar chuid den scrúdú, aithníodh cúig phost a d'fhéadfaí a líonadh mar chéad chéim den dílárú go Gaoth Dobhair. Tá súil agam go mbeifear in ann na poist sin a cheadú go luath agus go líonfar iad i 2008.
Ní miste a lua freisin go bhfuil comhráití ar bun ag mo Roinn féin le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta maidir le cóiríocht oifige i bPáirc Ghnó Ghaoth Dobhair a d'fhéadfadh a bheith fóirsteanach do riachtanais an Fhorais chomh maith.
95 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he will extend the amount of funding available under the CLÁR or RAPID schemes; if it is intended to increase the number of groups or locations who might qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32551/07]
The RAPID Programme operates in 46 designated disadvantaged urban areas and the CLÁR Programme in available across 23 counties that have suffered significant levels of depopulation. The funding available for 2008 will be determined in the context of Budgetary allocations for next year. The Deputy may be aware that I have asked my Department to secure a comprehensive analysis of the Small Areas Population Statistics recently published by the Central Statistics Office with a view to ensuring that the Programmes and Schemes administered across my Department are sufficiently targeted to meet the changing needs of communities. The targeting of programmes will be considered in this context.
The level of funding for these schemes in 2008 will be dealt with in the context of the Budget.
96 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his response to the report by NUI Galway’s Child and Family Research Centre, presented to him on 12 November 2007; the action he will take within the remit of his Department’s area of responsibility to deal with the issues highlighted in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32603/07]
I was invited by the Galway City Partnership to launch the research commissioned by them and undertaken by the Child and Family Research Centre from NUI Galway. The report is entitled Towards A Better Future: Research into the Labour Market Needs and Social Exclusion of One Parent Families in Galway City and County.
I am happy to welcome the publication of report. The project commenced in early 2006 and was conducted under a Steering Committee consisting of members from various agencies comprising the Partnership, Galway Peoples' Resource Centre, the HSE, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, FÁS, Galway City and County Childcare Committee, Cumas Teoranta, Galway Rural Development Company and the LESN. This research initiative was in response to the insufficiency of information available on one-parent families in Galway City and County, and the challenges they face in accessing employment, training and education.
The report makes an important contribution to developing solutions to enable one-parent families play a fuller role in their communities, and improve access to education, training and employment. I have asked my Department to work with the Department of Social and Family Affairs, which has primary responsibility in this area, to examine the actions that might be taken to advance the recommendations made in the research.
97 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposal for a comprehensive analysis of recently published small areas population statistics with a view to ensuring that programmes and schemes administered by his Department are sufficiently targeted to meet the changing needs of communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32601/07]
The Deputy is aware that I have asked my Department to secure a comprehensive analysis of the Small Areas Population Statistics recently published by the Central Statistics Office with a view to ensuring that the Programmes and Schemes administered across my Department are sufficiently targeted to meet the changing needs of communities. My intention is to take advantage of this newly available data at DED and sub-DED level to provide an evidenced based approach to the design and implementation of the broad range of initiatives currently focused on tackling a variety of socio-economic weaknesses at local and community level. Preliminary work on this initiative will begin in the New Year and will take several months to complete.
100 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the criteria that must be met by local organisations applying for funding from the local drugs task force; the persons who make the final decision in allocating the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32477/07]
When they were first established, the fourteen Local Drugs Task Forces (LDTFs) were charged with assessing the nature and extent of the illicit drug problems in their areas of operation and with developing action plans for a co-ordinated response to those problems. Following extensive consultation, such plans were produced for all LDTF areas.
Specific projects to deliver on the priorities identified in the action plans were proposed through the LDTFs to the National Drugs Strategy Team (NDST) for consideration. Proposals were subsequently approved, if considered appropriate, by the then Minister with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy and signed off by the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion.
In this context, the Deputy should note that the LDTFs oversee and monitor the implementation of the approved projects. The NDST, in turn, oversees and monitors the on-going work of the LDTFs and provides regular updates to the Interdepartmental Group on Drugs, which I chair.
In 2005, an Emerging Needs Fund was established to provide funding to LDTFs to enable them to respond in a flexible way to emerging drugs issues in their areas. Applications, endorsed by the Task Forces, were submitted to the NDST for consideration and, thereafter, for recommendation to the Minister who made the final decisions. A total of 67 projects were approved under this Fund at a cost of €4m.
LDTFs also allocate small amounts of once-off funding to community-based projects under a "Small Grants Scheme". Initiatives involved include summer projects, local drug awareness campaigns and prevention and education programmes. The Task Forces make the final decisions on the applications for funding under this scheme.
As regards capital, project promoters can apply for funding under the Premises Initiative. This is done through the relevant LDTF, and then on to the NDST, with the final approval being a matter for myself, as the Minister responsible for the Drugs Strategy.
101 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach if he uses video conferencing technology in order to reduce the amount of travel taken to attend meetings; if his Department has video conferencing facilities available to staff in each departmental building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32669/07]
Video conferencing technology is used by members of my Department to reduce the amount of travel and time taken to attend meetings. My Department has video conferencing facilities in a number of locations in Government Buildings. These facilities are available for use by all members of staff.
102 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the number of staff in his Department that are in receipt of tax saver commuter tickets in 2007. [32684/07]
63 staff members in my Department availed of the Travel Pass Scheme in 2007.
103 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the amount of waste in weight generated by his Department in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [32699/07]
104 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the percentage of waste in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 that was recycled in tabular readable form. [32714/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 104 together.
The following table outlines the amount of waste in weight and the percentage of waste that was recycled in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007:
|
Year |
Waste Generated (kilos) |
Recycled (kilos) |
% Recycled |
|
2005 |
185,440 |
147,220 |
79% |
|
2006 |
208,740 |
170,520 |
82% |
|
2007 (to date) |
173,610 |
139,020 |
80% |
105 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Taoiseach the position regarding the proposed honours system. [32953/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, I responded to Dáil questions on the subject of a proposed honours system in the House on 20 November. I have expressed the view that a national honours system should have all party consensus.
I indicated in my reply to the House that I had recently written to opposition party leaders to enquire if their Parties would now be prepared to enter into discussions about a system for formally recognising conspicuous service to Ireland and to the Irish people for signal achievements in various fields of endeavour.
If all of the Parties respond positively, I will arrange for an early commencement of discussions.
106 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he uses video conferencing technology in order to reduce the amount of travel taken to attend meetings; if his Department has video conferencing facilities available to staff in each departmental building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32664/07]
My Department has deployed two levels of videoconferencing facilities which allows personnel in different buildings to interact via video and audio conferencing simultaneously. The system can facilitate communication between two people in private offices (point-to-point) or can involve several sites (multi-point) with more than one person in each meeting room or conference room.
At present the videoconferencing point-to-point solution is available to personnel in each Departmental building. The multi-point solution is deployed in several of the Department's buildings in Dublin and in the Department's offices in Tullamore, Co. Offaly.
The system is used on a regular basis to conduct person to person and group meetings across the Department.
107 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of staff in his Department that are in receipt of tax saver commuter tickets in 2007. [32679/07]
In 2007, 145 Department of Finance Staff members availed of the tax saver commuter scheme.
108 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of waste in weight generated by his Department in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [32694/07]
109 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the percentage of waste in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 that was recycled in tabular readable form. [32709/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 109 together.
Other than confidential waste, the weight of general and recyclable waste generated by my Department is not recorded. Since there are different methods of disposing of waste it is not possible to quantify recycled waste as a percentage of all waste. Charges for general waste are based on bulk bin loads, for recyclable waste on the number of bags and for confidential waste on weight.
However, for information, I have set out in the following tables the amounts of the different types of waste disposed of by my Department in the last three years.
The waste generated in my Department's principal offices in Upper Merrion Street is collected by Dublin City Council. For the calendar year 2005 and for the first six months of 2006 this consisted of four 1100 litre bins collected five times per week. Since July 2006 this has been reduced to four 1100 litre bins collected three times per week.
The recycled waste and cardboard waste is also collected by Dublin City Council. Recycle bags and cardboard labels are purchased in bulk for this waste and distributed to all of the Department's buildings in Dublin. The following table sets out the quantities purchased over the three year period.
|
Year |
Recyclable Cardboard Labels |
Recycle Bags |
|
2005 |
400 |
1,250 |
|
2006 |
500 |
3,250 |
|
2007 |
300 |
4,000 |
Confidential waste is collected separately and is sent for shredding and recycling. The weight of confidential waste material collected over the period in question is as follows:
|
Year |
Confidential Waste |
|
2005 |
89,000 kg |
|
2006 |
99,500 kg |
|
2007 to date |
68,000 kg |
General waste and recyclable waste from the Department's office in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, which opened in July 2006, is collected on alternate weeks. Four 1100 litre bins for recyclable waste and two 1100 litre bins for general waste are used for this purpose.
110 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if retailers have the right or the obligation to provide details of the VAT element in the bill they issued to consumers; and if there is guidance on this issue either from the Revenue Commissioners here or from the EU Commission. [32750/07]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that both Irish and EU VAT law requires retailers who are registered for VAT to issue VAT invoices to any consumer who is registered for VAT. VAT registered retailers are also obliged to issue VAT invoices to Government Departments, local authorities, statutory bodies and any person carrying on a business activity that is exempt from VAT. The VAT invoice must show a breakdown of the VAT element contained in the supply and the rate of VAT pertaining to the supply.
There is no obligation on a retailer to issue VAT invoices to private consumers, but neither is there anything to prevent them. For example, it is common practice for retailers who deal with both business and private customers to issue an invoice that contains the VAT breakdown. The Revenue Commissioners have produced a comprehensive Information Leaflet on VAT and invoicing which is available on their website — www.revenue.ie — or from any Revenue office.
111 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position on an application for redundancy and other payments in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32847/07]
I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that no correspondence has been received from the taxpayer relating to a redundancy payment and that, until a redundancy payment is made, Revenue are not in a position to comment on the specific case.
112 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works has funding available to it to renew the embankment wall at the rear of the Tolka Road, Dublin 3. [32860/07]
The existing wall in this area has been assessed by Dublin City Council and has been found to be structurally sound. 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 its Flood Relief Programme.
113 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the basis on which the capital grant towards the cost of the provision of nursery child care facilities for children with acute disadvantages has been set at €26,000; if he will review this in view of the rising cost of construction of appropriate facilities in this field; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32863/07]
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.
The NCIP came into effect from 1 January 2006, with an allocation of €575 million for the 5 year period of 2006 to 2010, some €357 million is earmarked for capital investment. The NCIP is a key element of the National Childcare Strategy 2006-2010, the aim of which is to deliver a more comprehensive approach to early years care and education. The NCIP is designed to deliver 50,000 additional childcare places, with a greater focus on pre-school places for 3 to 4 year olds and school age childcare. Childcare places are provided either through community based/not for profit childcare groups or by private providers. Capital grant applications under the NCIP are assessed under a number of criteria; chiefly the nature and extent of the need locally for the service proposed, the applicant's capacity to deliver the project proposed and value for money. All proposals are expected to demonstrate how they will increase the supply of quality childcare, and furthermore, community projects are expected to have a focus on disadvantage.
Following a review of the operation of the EOCP, revised Guidelines for the assessment of NCIP capital grant applications were introduced in April this year. One strand of the Programme focuses on private providers, with a maximum capital grant of €100,000 per facility (subject to a maximum of 75% of the total cost). There is also a maximum of €1.2 million available per facility for community based/not for profit providers. The new Guidelines improved the maximum grant aid per childcare place for community projects, from a benchmark of €20,000 under the EOCP to €24,000 under the NCIP.
114 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications received for the health repayment scheme in County Mayo; the number of these applications that have been settled to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32637/07]
The Health Repayment Scheme was launched in August 2006 and as of 23rd November 2007 over 32,000 claim forms have been received. 4,912 payments totalling over €97m have issued and 7,636 offers totalling over €148m have been made.
The scheme is administered by the Health Service Executive in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald. Therefore the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the specific 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.
115 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the issues raised in an advertisement in the national newspapers on 27 November 2007 from the Irish Haemophilia Society, the Irish Kidney Association, Positive Action and Transfusion Positive highlighting the way the insurance scheme for people infected with hepatitis C and HIV through contaminated blood products is not operating properly and the way the Health Service Executive is making unreasonable demands, amounting to discrimination against people infected through State neglect with hepatitis C and HIV; the measures she proposes to undertake; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32640/07]
The Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal (Amendment) Act 2006 provides for a scheme to allow persons infected with Hepatitis C and HIV, through the administration within the State of blood and blood products, to purchase mortgage protection and life assurance. The scheme is administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Regulations made under the Act require that the Administrator must "determine the eligibility of Claimants and to advise them accordingly" and also "determine procedures to be adopted in the operation, administration and supervision of the Scheme."
In respect of a small number of claimants who are requesting life assurance cover in excess of €420,000, the four support groups (Transfusion Positive, Positive Action, the Irish Kidney Association and the Irish Haemophilia Society) do not agree with the procedures adopted by the HSE. I understand that, in setting its procedures, the HSE has been guided by expert legal and financial advice.
Every effort is being made by the HSE to resolve the matter in a manner which is satisfactory to the groups, but which also meets appropriate accountability standards. The HSE informed my officials yesterday that the first proposal for the maximum sum of €525,000 had been approved. To date, 54 proposals totalling over €12 million have been approved and sent to the insurance company which is participating in the scheme.
116 Deputy Barry Andrews asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on revising the establishment order (SI 98/1979) for a hospital (details supplied) in Dublin 18 to allow members of the board to receive remuneration in keeping with normal practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32644/07]
Section (18)(1) of the Leopardstown Park Hospital Board (Establishment) Order, 1979 explicitly rules out any remuneration for a person acting as a Member of the Board. I am aware of a number of requests for remuneration to be paid in this case. My Department is examining the matter, but any decision to pay remuneration would require legislative change.
117 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is her intention to establish and appropriately resource a network of specialist breast centres to which every woman here would be assured of access; if she will ring-fence funding to appropriately resource and staff such centres to ensure the best possible outcome for patients; if NQA standards will be implemented in such centres with a view to their independent accreditation by HIQA; if appropriate supports including travel and accommodation will be provided for women who need to travel for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment; if she will provide a clear time-scale for implementation of this programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32645/07]
Last June I approved National Quality Assurance Standards for Symptomatic Breast Disease Services under the Health Act 2007. The aim of the Standards is to ensure that every woman in Ireland who develops breast cancer has an equal opportunity to be managed in a centre which is capable of delivering the best possible outcome. Based on the 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.
In order to comply with the Standards, the 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. The Standards were mandated by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). HIQA is planning to roll out a review of breast disease services shortly and as part of this will be reviewing the eight designated centres against the Standards.
The HSE is conducting a fundamental review of how transport services are provided which will take into account the decisions made in relation to the designation of cancer centres. The HSE is also putting in place a structured programme of quality assurance, support and information services to underpin the re-organisation of services so as to ensure that cancer patients will receive quality services as close to home as possible.
To ensure that we improve our planning and evaluation of cancer needs, my Department has asked the HSE to prepare a robust needs assessment for cancer control for the period to 2012 to reflect priorities in cancer control, equitable distribution and priority setting that maximises efficiency and reduces dependency on hospital in-patient care. Prof. Keane, National Cancer Control Director, and the HSE have emphasised the importance of mobilising existing resources and redirecting them to achieve the National Cancer Control Programme objectives. I understand that 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. An additional €20.5m was allocated to the HSE this year for cancer control. Further investment in cancer control will be based on the reform programme now being implemented by the HSE.
118 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown of the number of transfers by ambulance from Mallow General Hospital to Cork University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32653/07]
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.
119 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children if she uses video conferencing technology in order to reduce the amount of travel taken to attend meetings; if her Department has video conferencing facilities available to staff in each departmental building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32666/07]
Video-conferencing facilities are currently being installed in my Department's offices to facilitate interaction with other Departments and agencies located outside of the capital, and to minimise non-essential travel in the future. These facilities will be operational very shortly.
With regard to internal meetings, travel does not generally arise as the vast majority of my Department's staff are based in a single location in Dublin.
120 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff in her Department that are in receipt of tax saver commuter tickets in 2007. [32681/07]
A total of 161 members of staff in my Department are in receipt of tax saver commuter tickets in 2007.
121 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of waste in weight generated by her Department in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [32696/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Year |
Amount of waste generated |
|
2005 |
129,678 Kgs |
|
2006 |
173,593 Kgs |
|
2007 to date |
140,807 Kgs |
122 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage of waste in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 that was recycled in tabular readable form. [32711/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Year |
Percentage of waste recycled |
|
% |
|
|
2005 |
40.00 |
|
2006 |
48.50 |
|
2007 |
51.07 |
123 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of the investigation into the treatment of a patient (details supplied) in County Wexford; if all the medical personnel that were involved with the patient from 28 March 2004 to date in 2007 have been asked to cooperate and have input into the investigation; when she expects that the family will receive a copy of the investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32739/07]
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.
124 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will secure funding to continue work (details supplied). [32743/07]
The Deputy should be aware that Minister Devins and officials from my Department have met with Muscular Dystrophy Ireland and certain families of children suffering from Muscular Dystrophy in relation to this matter. The issue is currently under consideration within my Department. No funding has been provided to date by my Department in relation to this matter.
125 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo, having been approved for taxi transport to attend an oncology clinic, was then told that they must be at a pick-up point at 6.45 a.m. for an appointment which was to take place at 12.30 p.m.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32744/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular question raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.
126 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was placed on the waiting list for orthodontic treatment; and when they will be called to commence their treatment. [32745/07]
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.
127 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the intention of her Department and the Health Service Executive in relation to the provision of critical care services for children in St. Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown. [32754/07]
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.
128 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children if children with autism and continuing medical needs can apply for a medical card under the disability ruling; and if not, the justification for this decision. [32755/07]
At present, medical cards are granted primarily on the basis of means and individual circumstances. Under the Health Act, 2004, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Persons aged seventy years and over are automatically entitled to a medical card, irrespective of means. The HSE has discretion, in cases of exceptional need, to provide assistance to individuals where undue hardship would otherwise be caused.
Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on lower incomes who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP. In June 2006 I agreed with the HSE to raise the assessment guidelines for GP visit cards and these are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards. For Medical Card and GP Visit Card applications, the HSE now considers an applicant's income after tax and PRSI are deducted, rather than total income. Allowances are also made for expenses on childcare, rent and mortgage costs and the cost of travel to work.
I have no plans to provide for the granting of medical cards to any particular group as a whole. However, my Department is currently reviewing all legislation relating to eligibility for health and personal social services with a view to making the system as fair and transparent as possible.
129 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will put in place the necessary financial support to improve the inadequate working conditions and increase staffing levels at Midleton Health Centre, County Cork (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32759/07]
The Primary Care Strategy aims to increase health service capacity through the development of services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multidisciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and others.
It has been estimated that up to 95% of people's health and social services needs can be properly met within a primary care setting and the establishment of new Primary Care Teams can contribute greatly to enhancing community based health services.
The provision of the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of primary care services is being considered by the HSE, having regard to a number of factors. These include the type and configuration of the services involved, the mixed public/private nature of our health system, the suitability of existing infrastructure and the capital requirements of the health services generally over the coming years.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
130 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the inappropriate workplace conditions of the Health Service Executive ambulance service in Loughlinstown and the inadequate hygiene and storage facilities in the kitchen; if her attention has been drawn to a site visit and workplace inspection that took place by the HSE in March 2007 which had 22 recommendations; the number of these recommendations that have been implemented; the timeframe for implementation, in particular for the kitchen area; the budget given and required for these recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32764/07]
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.
131 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is international evidence to suggest that restrictions on the visiting arrangements to hospitals would make a significant contribution to controlling the spread of hospital infections; if there are protocols indicating when such controls should be implemented which have occurred on a number of occasions in respect of the winter vomiting bug; and if she will make a statement on the policy in this area. [32765/07]
Visiting patients in hospital is an integral part of every day health service life and is something that can be beneficial to the patients, their families and friends. However, the growing threat of hospital infections, from MRSA or vomiting bugs, has necessitated the drawing up of more restrictive visiting guidelines.
It is difficult to find evidence of the clinical effectiveness of any single strategy such as imposing visiting restrictions on the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections as most programmes implement a number of interventions simultaneously. Other interventions such as surveillance, good hand hygiene, antibiotic stewardship programmes, isolation or cohorting of patients with infections play a greater role in prevention than do visiting restrictions.
It is further recognised that members of the public have a role to play in preventing healthcare associated infection. Visitors may be sources of infection. Visitors are encouraged to use the alcohol hand rub when entering and leaving the clinical areas. Certain areas require stricter controls because of the greater hazards from infection such as burn or intensive care units.
The HSE issued National Visiting Guidance to hospitals in September 2006. The Guidance reflects a balance between the needs of patients, their visitors, hospital staff and hospital procedures. The guidelines state that the welfare of the patient must always be taken into consideration. The need for privacy and the potential for the spread of infection means that continuous visiting hours are not in the patients' interests.
More rigorous restrictions may be introduced in the event of an outbreak of infectious disease as occurred in relation to norovirus (winter vomiting) outbreaks in recent years. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has produced the National Guidelines on the Management of Norovirus Infection in Healthcare Settings for such a situation. These guidelines state that during an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug all visiting should be minimised, children (where possible) should not visit and visitors with a history of vomiting or diarrhoea at home should not visit until at least 48 hours after their last episode.
132 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is not being called for treatment at St. Luke’s Hospital, Dublin in view of the urgent nature of their illness; if she will have this matter investigated thoroughly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32785/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular question raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.
133 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to serious health and safety issues due to inadequate facilities at the maternity unit, Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise; if she is satisfied that the appropriate resources have been provided in order to ensure the highest standard of care for patients at the unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32809/07]
I am aware of concerns raised regarding services pressures at the Maternity Unit at the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise arising from a significant increase in activity at the unit.
The Health Service Executive informed my Department that it is fully committed to upgrading facilities in the Maternity Unit at the Hospital. In this regard, the Executive advised that €3m capital funding had been approved in 2007 to facilitate an upgrade of the unit. Work has also been completed recently on the provision of an Assessment Unit at the Maternity Department. The equipping of the unit is at an advanced stage and is expected to be brought into use in the near future. In addition, arrangements are in place to recruit additional staff for the maternity unit. Advertisements for additional permanent maternity staff were placed in early September and the HSE expects that further permanent midwife staff will be appointed as a result of this advertisement.
Arrangements have also been made for the re-designation of existing Day Ward beds to facilitate any overflow from the Maternity Department.
The Health Service Executive fully accepts that the developments are urgent and necessary in the context of the increasing number of births taking place at the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise.
My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to provide the Deputy with any additional information on the development of facilities to support the maternity unit.
134 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an application submitted under the health repayment scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32810/07]
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.
135 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the Irish Osteoporosis Society is allocated core funding in accordance with a budget proposal which has been sent to her Department in view of the precarious nature of its current funding and the high incidence of osteoporosis here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32819/07]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter 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.
136 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if hospices are included under the remit of HIQA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32820/07]
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) was established in May 2007, as part of the Health Reform Programme. The Authority had been operating on an interim basis since 2005. HIQA will be working to ensure that there will be national standards across the major programmes of care. The functions of and legislative framework for HIQA are set out clearly in the Health Act 2007.
A core function of the Authority is to set standards on safety and quality of services and to monitor compliance on the part of the HSE and service providers with these standards in an open and transparent way.
Other functions of the Authority include:
Undertaking investigations as to the safety, quality and standards of services where it is believed that there is a serious risk to the health or welfare of a person receiving services.
Carrying out reviews to ensure best outcomes/value for money for the resources available to the HSE.
Providing for assessments of health technologies.
A central role in health information development and the implementation of the recommendations set out in the National Health Information Strategy.
Evaluating information available on services provided by the HSE and other service providers and on the health and welfare of the population, identifying information deficiencies, and advising the HSE and Minister accordingly.
Any standards made by HIQA in respect of palliative care will apply to any hospice which is operated by the HSE or on its behalf by a service provider.
137 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people on the National intellectual disability database; the number of those who are on a waiting list for residential places and services respectively; the number who have been removed from the waiting list in 2007 as a result of receiving residential places or services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32821/07]
According to the National Intellectual Disability Database Report 2007, which was published in November 2007, there are 25,613 people registered on the Intellectual Disability Database of which 24,898 are in receipt of a service in 2007. 305 people (1% of those registered) are without a service at present and are identified as requiring appropriate services in the period 2008-2012. 410 people (2% registered) are not availing of services and have no identified requirement for services during the planning period 2008-2012.
The Deputy's question in relation to waiting lists 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.
138 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people on the National physical and sensory disability database; the number of those who are on a waiting list for residential places or services respectively; the number who have been removed from the waiting list in 2007 as a result of receiving residential places or services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32822/07]
The Disability Database Unit of the Health Research Board has informed my Department that there are 29,089 people registered on the National Physical and Sensory Disability Database.
The Annual Report of the National Physical and Sensory Disability Database shows that there were 895 people or 3.3% of those registered on the database availing of residential services. The National Physical and Sensory Disability Database has identified 774 people who require or will require residential services in the future.
The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that, up to the end of September this year, it has provided 37 additional residential places and 11 enhanced residential places for people with a physical and sensory disability with the additional funding of €6.75m provided under the multi annual investment programme of the Disability Strategy.
139 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on a statement (details supplied) regarding standards adopted by the World Health Organisation in relation to EMF levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32823/07]
The consensus of scientific opinion to date regarding possible adverse health effects from electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure is that there is no evidence of a causal relationship between such exposure and ill health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has assessed the many reviews carried out in this area and has indicated that exposures below the limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) in their 1998 Guidelines do not produce any known adverse health effects. These guidelines are based on a careful analysis of all peer-reviewed scientific literature and include thermal and non-thermal effects.
In 1999, the European Community introduced recommendations on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields, based on the ICNIRP guidelines. Ireland complies with these recommendations. The Commission for Communication Regulations (ComReg) monitors compliance with regard to telecommunication masts.
Research is ongoing in relation to this issue and my Department will continue to monitor developments concerning the possible health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields.
If the Deputy provides me with additional information with regard to any specific concerns he may have, I will arrange to have these investigated.
140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32840/07]
Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.
Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, child care and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
141 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive will assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 in the Mater Hospital in obtaining a place in a nursing home. [32859/07]
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.
142 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a review of a pension for a person (details supplied) has been carried out by the Employee Relations Section of the Health Service Executive in Wilton Road, Cork in relation to the directive from her Department that those former part-time nurses and midwives who worked in excess of ten hours per week from 25 May 1977 to 19 December 2001 are reckonable for pension purposes; and if a decision on their entitlements has been reached. [32861/07]
My Department has made inquiries of the Health Service Executive which administers the Local Government Superannuation Scheme of which the employee in question is a member. The HSE have informed my Department that the employee's file has been reviewed under the terms of circular letter 23/2005 (Public Service Reform, Revised arrangements for part-time Public Health Service Employees). The information requested was notified to the employee on 30th November 2007.
Service record/benefits will be adjusted to include this additional service on payment of the relevant appropriate contributions due.
143 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if assistance will be given to persons (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [32954/07]
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.
144 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the development of a new commuter rail line between Cork and Midleton; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32652/07]
The implementation of this project, for which my Department has approved funding, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. I understand that enabling works have already commenced on the Midleton line but that there has been a delay in awarding the main construction contract as the contract had to be re-advertised for commercial reasons. The award of contracts for the construction of railway development projects is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have no role in relation thereto. However I understand that Iarnród Éireann intend to award the main construction contract by 31 December 2007 and that construction works are expected to be completed and passenger services to have commenced by mid 2009.
145 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport his views on introducing legislation to make it an onus on cyclists to wear safety helmets in order to decrease the risk of death and injury; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32654/07]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has now responsibility for the promotion and awareness of road safety including the promotion of safety for cyclists. There are no legislative proposals under consideration to make it mandatory for all cyclists to wear helmets.
146 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport if he uses video conferencing technology in order to reduce the amount of travel taken to attend meetings; if his Department has video conferencing facilities available to staff in each Departmental building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32670/07]
Video conferencing facilities are only available in one of the buildings used by my Department in Lesson Lane, Dublin 2. I have not had occasion to use this facility but I am open to doing so should an instance warrant its use. The extension of such facilities to other Departmental buildings can be considered on a case-by-case basis having regard to the availability of resources and the existence of a sound economic justification for the installation of such facilities.
147 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff in his Department who are in receipt of tax saver commuter tickets in 2007. [32685/07]
The number of staff in my Department who participate in the Travel Pass Scheme in 2007 is 156.
148 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the amount of waste in weight generated by his Department in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [32700/07]
149 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of waste in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 that was recycled in tabular readable form. [32715/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 149 together.
The information sought by the Deputy is not available. The focus of my Department's recycling programme relates to paper materials, the principal form of waste. In this regard, my Department has two specific contractual arrangements in place for the collection and recycling of confidential and general waste paper. My Department keeps its recycling programme under regular review.
150 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the criteria in place for private coach companies to use the arrivals road at Dublin Airport; and if there is a requirement for these private coaches to be wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32718/07]
The provision of bus stops and parking facilities at Dublin Airport is an operational matter for the company. The approach being taken to the provision of wheelchair accessible coaches in Ireland is outlined in ‘Transport Access for All', my Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005, a copy of which is in the Oireachtas Library.
151 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if the business plan for Shannon Airport is near completion; and if he will report to Dáil Éireann on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32721/07]
The State Airports Act, 2004 provides the framework for the establishment of Shannon as an independent airport. As part of the airport restructuring process the board of Shannon airport is required to prepare a business plan for eventual separation. Under the Act, both the Minister for Finance and I will have to be satisfied that all three State Airports have the capacity to operate on a sound commercial basis before giving final approval to the business plans.
The agreement of the DAA will be central to the conclusion of the business planning processes for Shannon and Cork airports. The Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) has recently submitted its business plan to the DAA and I understand that discussions have now commenced between the DAA and the SAA on the plan's content. Subject to satisfactory progress being made in these discussions, I await DAA's overall considered views on airport separation to enable the plans to be examined by me and the Minister for Finance.
152 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date on plans for the expansion of the US customs and border protection facility at Shannon Airport; if legislation is required to facilitate the extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32722/07]
For some time my Department has been in informal discussions with the U.S. authorities on the introduction of full pre-clearance facilities for U.S. bound passengers at Dublin and Shannon Airports. The operation of these facilities would be subject to an Inter-Governmental treaty to be concluded between the two countries and the advice I have received is that this would require new legislation. Last week I met with Secretary Chertoff of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to discuss the matter further and I expect to receive the detailed U.S. proposals for pre-clearance in the near future.
153 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement regarding the lack of financial incentives for safe driving offered by motor insurance companies. [32723/07]
Motor insurance is provided in an open and competitive market. Consumers can exert their influence by seeking several quotes and comparing costs, before purchasing. The primary incentive offered by insurance companies for safe driving lies within the No-Claims Bonus system which enables a driver to secure a reduction in premium for a given number of years of claims-free driving. The Irish Insurance Federation, along with individual insurance companies, has contributed substantially over the years to promote road safety through highly visible TV road safety awareness campaigns. In the current year, the Irish Insurance Federation has also assisted in the distribution of the Rules of the Road to every household in the country.
154 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether consumers have the right to know the reason an insurance company refuses to issue a quote or refuses to renew a policy; and if there is legal provision in legislation to ensure same. [32724/07]
Motor insurance is provided as a private contract between the supplier and the customer. There is no legal provision to compel an insurance company to reveal the reason a quote was refused.
However, in practice, where a quote is refused or is considered to be so exorbitant as being tantamount to a refusal, there is a Declined Cases Agreement in place, operated by the Irish Insurance Federation, whereby a quote can be secured. There has been a marked reduction in recent years in the number cases seeking the assistance of this agreement.
155 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether organisations representing youth and consumer interests should be given the same input into policy and equal representation on statutory structures concerning motor insurance as those representing the insurance industry. [32725/07]
There are no specific statutory structures concerning motor insurance. Motor insurance is provided in an open and competitive market where both youth and consumer interests can exert their influence by seeking several quotes and comparing costs, before purchasing. Motor insurance companies, similar to other financial bodies, are regulated by the Financial Regulator.
156 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether there is a need for more transparency and accountability regarding the way motor insurance companies calculate insurance premiums. [32726/07]
Motor Insurance is provided in an open and competitive market. Premiums are calculated to meet the perceived risk. Factors such as age, gender, size of vehicle, use of vehicle and driving history are taken into account. The methods used by insurance companies to calculate premiums for motor insurance are matters within the commercial remit. Motor insurance companies are regulated by the Financial Regulator.
157 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 278 of 27 November 2007, the number of direct Aer Lingus transatlantic passengers to and from Shannon Airport for the years 2005 and 2006; the projected number of direct Aer Lingus transatlantic passengers to and from Shannon Airport for the year ending 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32727/07]
Aer Lingus is a private company operating in a competitive market. I am advised that the information requested by the Deputy is commercially sensitive and, given the highly competitive environment in which the airline operates, it would not be appropriate for me to publicly disclose such information.
158 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport if all 67 recommendations of the first report of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board published in 2002 have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32751/07]
Out of a total of 67 recommendations, 46 have been implemented in full, a further 8 have been partially implemented and 7 are being actively progressed as part of the transposition of the 5th EU Directive on Motor Insurance and the new Road Safety Strategy while the balance of recommendations are kept under review.
159 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport when the Dublin Transport Authority Bill will be presented to Dáil Éireann. [32756/07]
Preparation of the necessary legislation is well advanced and I will bring a Memorandum to Government in due course. My overriding priority is to establish as quickly as possible a statutory Authority which will be effective
160 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the annual salary of the chairman designate of the Dublin Transport Authority; the responsibilities the Dublin Transport Authority is currently undertaking; the regularity with which the chairman designate reports to him; the arrangements in place for the DTA in terms of staff and office space; the cost of same to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32827/07]
Mr. Tom Mulcahy was appointed as Chairman-designate of the proposed Dublin Transport Authority (DTA) in February 2007. He was also appointed Chairman of the Railway Procurement Agency at the same time and reports to me regularly in that capacity.
He is paid an annual fee of €24,000 in his capacity as Chairman of the Railway Procurement Agency on the basis of a commitment of 12 days per annum. There is an arrangement in place under which work done in respect of the proposed DTA may be recompensed on a per diem basis. However, Mr. Mulcahy has made no claim to date in relation to the DTA.
Pending publication of the necessary legislation and the appointment of the rest of the members of the interim DTA Board, Mr. Mulcahy has not commenced any substantive work in his capacity as Chairman-designate of the interim Board. Accordingly, no firm arrangements have been put in place in terms of staff and office space and no costs have been accrued. However prior to Mr. Mulcahy's appointment, my Department commissioned Hay Consultants to provide advice on remuneration for the proposed senior positions in the DTA and has also had preliminary discussions with the Office of Public Works on the availability of office space for the interim Board. The results of this work will be made available to the interim Board on appointment.
161 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport 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. [25153/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded as soon as possible.
162 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the Government plans in place to improve transport access to Shannon Airport; when such plans will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25643/07]
Limerick/Shannon is identified as a Gateway in the National Spatial Strategy, and Shannon Airport has a vital role to play in sustaining and developing the region. My Department has long recognised the importance of improving access to Shannon.
Access to Shannon Airport is by road, with a direct spur to the N18 Limerick–Galway road. The N18 is currently being upgraded to give a dual carriageway link throughout. Other roads which serve the Shannon/Limerick region are the N7 Limerick–Nenagh, N20 Limerick-Cork and the N21 Adare–Limerick, and significant upgrade works are underway on these roads. Phase 1 of the Ennis Bypass was officially opened last January and Phase 2 is due to be completed within the next couple of months. Shannon Airport will also benefit from the major works planned on the Atlantic Road Corridor.
A new tunnel under the Shannon at Limerick will open in 2010, which will considerably relieve traffic congestion in the region. Approximately €2 billion has been committed in total to road projects in the Shannon region which are already in construction or at an advanced stage in planning. Limerick County Council has this year completed a section of bus lane on the Ennis Road, with funding from my Department. Progress in developing Green Routes in the City Council area has been slower than planned because of local concerns.
Bus Services to Shannon have been increased, with all Bus Éireann services on the Cork-Limerick-Galway route now stopping at the airport. There are direct services linking the airport to Limerick and Ennis, with the possibility of linking from there to other services. I have also this year ended restrictions on Bus Éireann services, which had meant that some services were permitted to set down only but not pick up passengers at the airport. In addition my Department has granted licences to private bus operators in respect of services connecting Shannon Airport to Galway and Dublin Airport.
163 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the efforts being made by Government or agency level to ensure Shannon Airport attracts US airlines seeking EU destinations under Open Skies; if he will ensure the airport is in a position to compete with other EU airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25562/07]
From 30 March next year, the U.S. transatlantic aviation market will be fully liberalised. From that date U.S. and European airlines will be free to develop and operate transatlantic services on a fully commercial basis, without national restrictions.
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 and in particular for the business and tourism sectors, and for the air transport industry in general for which new possibilities will open up.
I understand that Shannon Airport is making every commercial effort to ensure that year-round transatlantic services are maintained. I should add that currently three transatlantic carriers are committed to operating transatlantic services, two of which are year round.
I am confident that the Shannon Airport Authority, with the continued support of business and tourism interests in the region, will respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by Open Skies.
The new direct gateway services by Aer Lingus from Washington, San Francisco and Orlando, and the potential for additional services by other carriers, provide the opportunity to substantially increase U.S. traffic 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.
164 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he uses video conferencing technology in order to reduce the amount of travel taken to attend meetings; if his Department has video conferencing facilities available to staff in each Departmental building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32665/07]
My Department uses video conferencing technology, on a regular basis, to reduce the amount of time and travel required to attend meetings.
The necessary equipment to facilitate video conference sessions is currently available at each of the Department's buildings in Dublin, the decentralised office in Limerick, the Passport Offices and at a number of Missions abroad. The Department will continue to expand the use of such technology where appropriate.
165 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff in his Department who are in receipt of tax saver commuter tickets in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32680/07]
A total of 155 officers at the Department of Foreign Affairs availed of Tax Saver Commuter tickets in 2007.
166 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of waste in weight generated by his Department in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [32695/07]
167 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the percentage of waste in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 that was recycled in tabular readable form. [32710/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 167 together.
My Department uses various waste disposal contractors to recycle a significant proportion of its waste, including cardboard boxes, paper materials and toner cartridges. To facilitate this, recycle bins are located in the offices and corridors of the buildings occupied by the Department and staff are encouraged to use them to dispose of paper products, drink cans, plastic bottles and cartons.
The different forms of invoicing arrangements and supporting data provided by the twelve waste contractors used by my Department prevent it from providing the detailed information sought by the Deputy in respect of weight or percentages over the period in question. However, I can advise him that, in 2007 to date, some 70% of waste paper generated by the Department has been recycled.
168 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of funding given to agencies (details supplied) for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32733/07]
Under the overseas aid programme operated by my Department a wide range of organisations receive funding.
The following table indicates the amount of funding provided to the agencies referred to by the Deputy.
|
Agency |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Action Aid Ireland |
936,000 |
1,107,486 |
1,526,553 |
|
Afri |
30,000 |
93,000 |
113,254 |
|
Aidlink |
704,043 |
853,184 |
894,440 |
|
Amnesty International — Irish Section |
74,020 |
74,000 |
112,000 |
|
Bóthar |
66,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
Centre for Global Education |
9,150 |
75,000 |
83,000 |
|
Childfund Ireland |
296,028 |
592,350 |
982,767 |
|
Children in Crossfire |
1,166,405 |
1,138,244 |
950,462 |
|
Christian Aid Ireland |
2,481,013 |
2,856,600 |
3,311,483 |
|
Church Mission Society Ireland (CMSI) |
115,000 |
330,358 |
447,583 |
|
Comhlámh |
396,019 |
771,940 |
658,328 |
|
Concern Worldwide |
17,254,868 |
22,347,500 |
23,214,791 |
|
Galway One World Centre |
89,200 |
110,000 |
120,000 |
|
Gorta |
224,765 |
0 |
0 |
|
Irish League of Credit Unions-International Development Foundation |
20,125 |
0 |
60,000 |
|
International Commission for Justice and Social Affairs (ICJSA) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) |
1,643,833 |
1,939,957 |
1,772,114 |
|
Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) |
0 |
21,064 |
41,266 |
|
Irish Foundation for Cooperative Development (IFCD) |
0 |
136,967 |
0 |
|
Irish Missionary Union (IMU) |
0 |
8,000 |
0 |
|
Irish Red Cross |
1,196,260 |
899,583 |
235,000 |
|
Kerry Action for Development Education (KADE) |
144,800 |
107,600 |
100,400 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) |
217,850 |
252,577 |
290,366 |
|
Oxfam-Ireland |
2,273,494 |
2,574,429 |
3,605,426 |
|
Plan Ireland |
548,000 |
365,579 |
1,359,370 |
|
Self Help Development International |
2,565,000 |
3,062,192 |
3,019,000 |
|
Skillshare International Ireland |
232,711 |
452,450 |
646,186 |
|
SUAS Educational Development |
278,939 |
90,000 |
300,000 |
|
The Hope Foundation |
260,000 |
260,000 |
69,994 |
|
Trócaire |
17,563,450 |
18,254,848 |
19,848,967 |
|
Vita (formerly Refugee Trust International) |
140,627 |
600,000 |
595,000 |
|
Voluntary Service International (VSI) |
13,800 |
20,632 |
24,408 |
|
Voluntary Service Overseas (Ireland) |
996,585 |
1,133,805 |
812,873 |
|
Voluntary Missionary Movement (VMM) |
0 |
0 |
4,000 |
|
War on Want NI |
221,319 |
411,596 |
505,128 |
|
Wingspread International |
39,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
World Vision Ireland |
1,947,158 |
2,335,887 |
3,102,044 |
169 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to an application for redundancy and other payments in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32848/07]
P.S.K. Construction Ltd (PSK) went into voluntary liquidation on 16 March 2006 and Mr Tom Kavanagh of Kavanagh Fennell was appointed liquidator. Claims for arrears of wages, holiday pay and minimum notice under the Insolvency Payments Scheme were received on behalf of one hundred and forty-six employees from the liquidator during May and June 2006. (In addition, twenty-two claims were received for redundancy lump sum payments).
In the course of processing the claims, as the apparent circumstances of the insolvency gave rise to a doubt as to whether these were debts that should be paid under the Insolvency Payments Scheme, the question was referred to the Employment Appeals Tribunal in June 2006 under Section 9(3) of the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Act 1984 for a decision in the matter. The issue concerned the question of whether a transfer of undertakings under the European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003 might have taken place between P.S.K. Construction Ltd (PSK) and P.L.K. Plant & Equipment Hire Ltd (PLK) — the employees' new employer.
The Tribunal's decision of 24 October 2007 is that the employee claims are not allowable as there was a transfer of undertakings from PSK to PLK. The liability for the employees' unpaid entitlements therefore transferred to PLK.
The Department wrote to the liquidator formally refusing the claims and advising that the employees pursue their claims against PLK.
Payment of Statutory Redundancy is a matter in the first instance for the employer. In this case, the Employment Appeals Tribunal found that there was a transfer of undertakings from PSK to PLK and, accordingly, any statutory redundancy payments are the responsibility of PLK, and the liquidator has been so informed.
170 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he uses video conferencing technology in order to reduce the amount of travel taken to attend meetings; if his Department has video conferencing facilities available to staff in each Departmental building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32662/07]
Successful video conferencing is dependent on having high bandwidth links available between buildings together with supporting infrastructure. My Department has recently installed a high speed data network and is currently investing in infrastructural improvements which will support video conferencing. It is intended to introduce video conferencing on a pilot basis in 2008, and extend it throughout the Department shortly thereafter.
171 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff in his Department who are in receipt of tax saver commuter tickets in 2007. [32677/07]
218 staff in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are availing of the Travel Pass Scheme in 2007.
172 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of waste in weight generated by his Department in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [32692/07]
173 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of waste in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 that was recycled in tabular readable form. [32707/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 173 together.
The information sought by the Deputy is not normally available in my Department because waste generated by the Department is collected and disposed of by a number of private companies. Based on information supplied by those companies, my Department has generated the amounts of waste specified in Column 2 below in the years 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007. The percentage of the waste generated by my Department that was recycled by the private companies during those periods is set out in Column 3 below.
|
Year |
Tonnes of Waste Generated by Department |
Percentage of Department’s Waste Recycled |
|
2005 |
194 tonnes approx |
72% approx |
|
2006 |
216 tonnes approx |
73% approx |
|
2007 to date |
202 tonnes approx |
73% approx |
The above information relates to the three main buildings of my Department (Kildare Street, Davitt House and Earlsfort Centre) but does not include the buildings occupied by the offices of my Department which make independent arrangements about these matters.
174 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he uses video conferencing technology in order to reduce the amount of travel taken to attend meetings; if his Department has video conferencing facilities available to staff in each Departmental building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32657/07]
In order to maximise staff time and efficiency of operation, my Department has in place a permanent video conferencing link between its buildings in Kildare Street, Dublin and Fossa, County Kerry. This is utilised on a regular basis and has become an accepted and effective means of conducting day-to-day business as the Department advances its plans for decentralisation. My Department has also made the facility available to the agencies under its aegis to meet some of the communication requirements between these bodies and Departmental officials in Killarney.
Furthermore, my Department is currently in the process of establishing video links to other Departments and agencies. The agencies under the aegis of my Department are also exploring the development of video conferencing in their own buildings.
175 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of staff in his Department that are in receipt of tax saver commuter tickets in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32672/07]
In total, 46 staff members availed of tax saver commuter tickets in my Department in 2007.
176 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of waste in weight generated by his Department in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [32687/07]
177 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the percentage of waste in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 that was recycled in tabular readable form. [32702/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.
My Department does not retain data in relation to the amount of waste generated in the years given. However, there is a system in place in all of its locations to ensure that all used waste paper is issued for recycling.
178 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if consideration will be given to provide rent free accommodation for a house of literature in Dublin (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32846/07]
I wish to refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question Nos. 364 and 365 dated yesterday, 4th December 2007.
179 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he uses video conferencing technology in order to reduce the amount of travel taken to attend meetings; if his Department has video conferencing facilities available to staff in each Departmental building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32668/07]
The Department does not currently use video conferencing facilities other than in a test environment. Effective video conferencing technology requires considerable network bandwidth and bandwidth of this capacity has only become generally economically available in recent times. Video conferencing facilities also require development of the underlying Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure. The Department has already undertaken significant work in this area and will continue to do so over the coming year. Video conferencing will be introduced by the Department at a future date.
180 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff in his Department that are in receipt of tax saver commuter tickets in 2007. [32683/07]
Some 433 staff of my Department availed of tax saver commuter tickets during 2007. Of these, 249 are renewed in January and the remainder on a monthly basis throughout the year.
181 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of waste in weight generated by his Department in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [32698/07]
182 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the percentage of waste in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 that was recycled in tabular readable form. [32713/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 182 together.
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the amount of waste in weight produced by my Department for these years is not available. However, following the introduction of a new waste management contract for 2007, figures are available for the 29 offices in the greater Dublin area for the period 1st January 2007 to 31st October 2007 and these are shown below. My Department plans to introduce a similar contract for offices outside the greater Dublin region in 2008.
|
Type of Waste |
Weight (to nearest tonne) |
|
General Waste |
127 |
|
Mixed Recyclables |
38 |
|
Paper Recyclables |
274 |
|
Recyclable Electronic/Electrical Equipment (WEEE) |
32 |
|
Total |
471 |
Estimated percentages of waste recycled by my Department in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 are listed as follows. These percentage figures are based on the overall costs of waste disposal incurred by my Department in each of the years in question, as details based on weight are not available.
|
Year |
% |
|
2005 |
43 |
|
2006 |
54 |
|
2007 (to end October) |
49 |
183 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review the qualifying criteria for the carers allowance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32719/07]
Supporting and recognising carers in our society is, and has been, a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period, weekly payment rates to carers have greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.
Carer's allowance, in line with other social assistance schemes, is means tested. This ensures scarce resources are directed at those in greatest need. The primary objective of the carer's allowance is to provide income support to low income carers.
The carer's allowance means test is one of the more flexible tests in terms of the assessment of household incomes. The means test has been significantly eased over the years, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Budget 2007 provided for an income disregard for a couple of €640 per week. This ensures a couple can earn in the region of €36,000 per annum and still receive the maximum rate of carer's allowance and the associated free travel and household benefits. This measure surpasses the Towards 2016 commitment to ensure those on average industrial earnings continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance.
As with other social assistance payments, in calculating a person's means account is taken of the weekly value of property belonging to the person, where such property is not being used or enjoyed by the person or is not a farm of land leased by him or her.
The value of such property is calculated as follows:
The first €20,000 of the capital value is excluded
The weekly value of capital of between €20,000 and €30,000 is assessed at €1 per €1,000
The weekly value of capital of between €30,000 and €40,000 is assessed at €3 per €1,000
The weekly value of capital of over €40,000 is assessed at €4 per €1,000
Carer's benefit, eligibility for which is based on social insurance contributions, is available as an alternative to carer's allowance for people who are providing someone with full time care and attention but who do not qualify for carer's allowance due to the level of their means.
In June 2005, the respite care grant was extended to all people providing full time care and attention regardless of their means or social insurance contributions. Since then, the grant has also been paid in respect of each care recipient. Budget 2007 increased the level of the grant by €300 from €1,200 to €1,500 per year in respect of each care recipient.
I will keep the supports for carers available from my Department under review in order to continue to improve the schemes and ensure commitments on income support are delivered.
184 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his proposals to extend the back to school education allowance to lone parents who are writing up their PhD theses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32730/07]
The primary objective of the back to education scheme is to remove the barriers to participation in third level education faced by people in receipt of long term social welfare payments thereby, providing an incentive for them to improve their employment prospects.
On the basis that customers in possession of a primary degree have already achieved a high level of academic attainment which should impact positively on their employment prospects it was decided, following a review, from January 2003, the allowance would only be available to applicants in pursuit of undergraduate qualification to primary degree level. The only exceptions to this decision are a postgraduate course leading to a Higher Diploma (H.Dip) qualification in any discipline or a Post Graduate diploma in Education (Primary). Other types of postgraduate qualifications including a PhD are not recognised for participation in the scheme.
It is important to ensure that supports are directed at those with the most pressing needs and that limited resources continue to be aimed at those who are most marginalised and who are most distant from the labour market. I do not propose to make any further changes in the qualifying criteria of the scheme.
186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an exceptional needs payment will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [32844/07]
Under the terms of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Eligible people would normally be in receipt of a social welfare or health service executive payment. Each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case. An ENP was made in this instance to the person concerned to cover the total funeral expenses. In addition an ENP was given to the person concerned to cater for insufficient means.
Question No. 187 answered with QuestionNo. 79.
188 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of money that has been allocated to each of the local drugs task forces for 2007; the way this funding is monitored; the persons the LDTFs are financially accountable to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32631/07]
A total of nearly €20m was allocated to the 14 Local Drugs Task Forces (LDTFs) this year through my Department. This includes allocations under the Emerging Needs Fund and a sum for cross-Task Force initiatives. The allocations were as follows:
|
Local Drugs Task Force Area |
2007 Allocation |
|
Ballyfermot |
1,518,995 |
|
Ballymun |
1,125,743 |
|
Blanchardstown |
1,047,347 |
|
Bray |
1,646,273 |
|
Canal Communities |
1,620,149 |
|
Clondalkin |
1,341,786 |
|
Cork |
1,742,473 |
|
Dublin 12 |
1,234,722 |
|
Dublin North East |
1,197,965 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
889,704 |
|
Finglas/Cabra |
852,755 |
|
North Inner City |
2,359,189 |
|
South Inner City |
1,912,604 |
|
Tallaght |
1,118,268 |
|
Cross Task Force |
288,601 |
|
Total Allocated |
19,896,574 |
The bulk of the money disbursed by my Department for LDTF projects is channelled through a number of statutory bodies, including Departments, Agencies and Local Authorities. These bodies act as "channels of funding" for the various projects, depending on the nature of the work being undertaken, and they direct the funding as approved by my Department to the individual projects.
The "channels of funding" are aware of their obligations in relation to public financial procedures and, indeed, personnel in my Department remind them of these responsibilities periodically. Payments to the statutory bodies are made on receipt of applications outlining the funding required on a project basis. It is usual for payments to be made on a staged basis, with at least two payments per year. Individual projects are financially accountable to the State Agency through which its funding is channelled.
In this context, the Deputy should also note that the Local Drugs Task Forces Handbook sets out the responsibilities of the various parties involved. In particular, the Handbook outlines the responsibility of:
The Task Forces to oversee and monitor the implementation of approved projects; and
The project promoter to satisfy the LDTF that appropriate management and personnel arrangements are in place and that they comply with the processes of the State Agency through which funding is being channelled.
The representatives of the statutory bodies on each LDTF also have a responsibility to monitor the situation in relation to projects being funded through their Departments or Agencies and to ensure that any emerging problems are highlighted at LDTF level. The capacity of the LDTFs to provide supports to projects has been greatly enhanced since the approval of a package of operational supports (administrative and development workers) for each Task Force in 2005. Finally, the Deputy should note that the National Drugs Strategy Team has responsibility for overseeing and monitoring the ongoing work of the LDTFs and it provides regular updates to the Interdepartmental Group on Drugs, which I chair.
190 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he uses video conferencing technology in order to reduce the amount of travel taken to attend meetings; if his Department has video conferencing facilities available to staff in each Departmental building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32659/07]
My Department has installed video conferencing technology in its three main offices and this facility is used by staff on a regular basis.
191 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of staff in his Department that are in receipt of tax saver commuter tickets in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32674/07]
A total of 40 staff availed of the Travel Pass Scheme in my Department in 2007.
192 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of waste in weight generated by his Department in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [32689/07]
193 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the percentage of waste in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 that was recycled in tabular readable form. [32704/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together.
My Department has a waste recycling programme in place for the recycling of paper, cardboard, used electrical and electronic equipment, toner cartridges, glass and plastic. The total weight in waste recycled by my Department is set out in the table below.
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 to date |
|
18,197 kg |
18,133 kg |
13,779 kg |
No records are available for general waste which was disposed of during the years in question.
194 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 351 of 9 October 2007, in relation to 2007 allocations under the young peoples facilities and services fund and in view of the fact that some groups received the entire amount applied for while others only received a fraction, the criteria under which these decisions were reached. [32760/07]
Further to Parliamentary Question No. 351 of 9 October, I set out below a table showing the number and value of projects submitted, and the number and value of projects approved, in respect of each of the 18 areas covered by the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund.
The selection criteria used in reaching these decisions are also attached. Furthermore, the Deputy should note that the completed selection criteria sheets in respect of all 70 eligible projects submitted were sent to the relevant Development Groups.
|
Announced in September 2007 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Development Group |
Amount sought for Eligible Projects Proposed by Development Groups |
No. of eligible projects |
Amounts Approved |
No. of projects Approved |
|
€ |
€ |
|||
|
Ballyfermot |
666,510 |
4 |
30,510 |
1 |
|
Ballymun |
757,000 |
7 |
147,000 |
3 |
|
Blanchardstown |
725,000 |
1 |
725,000 |
1 |
|
Bray |
163,500 |
2 |
163,500 |
2 |
|
Canal Communities |
320,417 |
6 |
232,240 |
4 |
|
Carlow |
37,000 |
1 |
37,000 |
1 |
|
Clondalkin |
600,000 |
1 |
600,000 |
1 |
|
Cork |
4,077,000 |
6 |
175,000 |
4 |
|
Dublin 12 |
1,165,624 |
1 |
1,165,624 |
1 |
|
Dublin North east |
354,924 |
3 |
354,924 |
3 |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
2,292,000 |
4 |
500,000 |
|
|
Finglas Cabra |
1,395,079 |
4 |
245,079 |
2 |
|
Galway |
364,000 |
3 |
64,000 |
2 |
|
Limerick |
2,053,514 |
6 |
313,624 |
4 |
|
North Inner City |
1,490,000 |
6 |
1,140,000 |
5 |
|
South Inner City |
1,098,140 |
7 |
158,140 |
2 |
|
Tallaght |
1,467,841 |
6 |
301,000 |
3 |
|
Waterford |
1,546,426 |
2 |
546,426 |
1 |
|
Total |
€20,573,975 |
70 |
€6,899,067 |
42 |
|
Selection Criteria |
0-5 Score |
Weight |
Total Score |
Comment |
|
|
1 |
Priority by Development Group |
10 |
|||
|
2 |
Focus on/access of target group/impact on target group |
10 |
|||
|
3 |
Build on/link to existing YP facilities/services for target group |
5 |
|||
|
4 |
Evidence of an integrated local strategy— (1)build on/link to other non YP-funded facilities/services in area for target group (2)address identified gaps in provision of facilities |
5 |
|||
|
5 |
Readiness to proceed in 2007 |
5 |
|||
|
6 |
Current cost implications |
5 |
|||
|
7 |
Financial viability of project |
4 |
|||
|
8 |
Balance of funding secured |
4 |
Combined with the above selection criteria, the costs of the various proposals will be a factor, based on the overall commitment envisaged at €6m.
195 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he has received in his Department applications for grant aid or capital funding form various clubs, groups or organisations in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32830/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department funds and administers a wide range of measures, programmes and schemes for which grant aid or capital funding is available to various clubs, groups or organisations. Details of these measures, programmes and schemes are available on my Department's website, www.pobail.ie.
In the time available, it has not been possible to compile the information sought by the Deputy in relation to applications for funding from groups in Kildare. I will have the information conveyed to the Deputy as soon as possible.
196 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to offer assistance to community based groups involved in combating the drugs problem; the extent to which this extends to County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32831/07]
The majority of current expenditure allocated to community based groups through my Department for drugs initiatives is channelled through the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces and the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund. The combined current expenditure under these headings this year will exceed €40m, a substantial increase on the amount spent in 2006. A further €8m is being provided for capital projects. Approximately 350 LDTF projects, including those under the Emerging Needs Fund, are receiving interim funding from my Department this year, with a further 90 approximately operating in RDTF areas.
With regard to Co. Kildare, an allocation of €203,000 has been made to the Community Drug Team for Kildare and West Wicklow following an application from the South West RDTF and this funding will continue next year. Some of the other funding provided to that Drugs Task Force also provides benefit broadly across their region of operation, including Co. Kildare. On top of this, a sum in the region of €170,000 has been made available to Teen Challenge, a rehabilitation project at Shechem House, Richardstown, Co. Kildare, arising from applications through the South Inner City LDTF in Dublin.
Meanwhile, as regards capital funding, €22,354 was approved to Newbridge Family Resource Centre in June 2007 under the Premises Initiative. This is in respect of the purchase and installation of a semi-permanent structure for the Centre to provide a dedicated drop-in facility for "at risk" youth.
198 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expenditure by his Department through the various schemes in operation in County Kildare in the past 12 months; his proposals in this regard for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32833/07]
Records maintained by my Department indicate that a total of €4,458,004.00 will be expended by my Department in grants and assistance to groups in Co. Kildare during 2007 under various programmes as summarised below. A further estimated spend of €1.7million will be expended by Waterways Ireland within the county during 2007.
|
Community Development Projects |
2007 |
|
€ |
|
|
Athy CDP |
117,834 |
|
The Bridge CDP |
141,748 |
|
N.W. Kildare Community Development |
103,530 |
|
Total |
363,112 |
|
Support For Volunteering |
2007 |
|
Total |
€112,150 |
|
Community Services Programme |
2007 |
|
Total |
€873,672 |
|
White Paper Federations & Networks |
2007 |
|
€ |
|
|
Accord |
50,920 |
|
Breaking Through |
38,500 |
|
National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education |
36,500 |
|
Total |
125,920 |
|
RAPID |
2007 |
|
Athy Rapid Area |
€96,750 |
|
LEADER |
2007 |
|
Kildare European Leader II Teoranta (KELT) |
€338,673 |
|
Area Based Rural Development |
2007 |
|
Kildare European Leader II Teoranta (KELT) |
€596,563 |
|
Rural Social Scheme |
2007 |
|
Kildare European Leader II Teoranta (KELT) |
€44,775 |
|
Local Development Social Inclusion Scheme (LDSIP) |
2007 |
|
€ |
|
|
Oak Partnership |
762,241 |
|
Kildare Community Partnership |
842,652 |
|
Total |
1,604,893 |
|
Community Support for Older People |
2007 |
|
Total Spend |
€110,374 |
|
Programme of Grants for Locally Based Community and Voluntary Organisations |
2007 |
|
Total Spend |
€191,122 |
My Department will continue to promote and support the sustainable and inclusive development of communities in Co. Kildare in 2008, through its various measures, schemes and programmes. The funding available for 2008 will be determined in the context of Budgetary allocations for next year.
199 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his expenditure under the RAPID and CLÁR schemes throughout the Leinster counties in 2007; his proposals in this regard in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32834/07]
The RAPID Programme operates in 46 designated disadvantaged urban areas and the CLÁR Programme is available across 23 counties that have suffered significant levels of depopulation.
As I have indicated to the House on a number of occasions, it is a matter for individual Departments to report progress under the RAPID programme. In support, Pobal collects data from each RAPID area in respect of funding allocations received by projects from Government Departments and local state agencies. The latest data in respect of the programme is available on Pobal's website under the RAPID section (http://www.pobal.ie/live/RAPID). The Deputy may find it helpful to access this information. I understand that full data in respect of the year 2007 will not be collected until early 2008.
I initiated the leverage schemes in 2004 in order to support small-scale projects identified locally by the Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas. These schemes are co-funded by the relevant agencies and fund projects that focus on estate enhancement, graffiti removal, traffic calming, CCTV, health and sports facilities, and the provision of playgrounds. Earlier this year I agreed to co-fund the provision of facilities in schools located in, or mainly servicing children from, RAPID areas.
Expenditure to date in 2007 on the RAPID Leverage schemes is some €3million in Leinster and on the CLÁR programme is some €1.1 million. The level of funding for CLÁR and RAPID Leverage Schemes in 2008 will be dealt with in the context of the Budget.
200 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is satisfied that the views he expressed in relation to the provision of housing in rural areas is being adhered to by the various local authorities; if his attention has been drawn to attempts to reduce rural populations by restrictive procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32835/07]
The National Spatial Strategy (NSS) addresses many of my concerns on issues such as rural housing. The rural settlement policy framework contained in the NSS, which represents overall Government policy on rural housing, aims to sustain and renew established rural communities while strengthening the structure of villages and smaller settlements to support local economies. In this way it seeks to ensure key assets in rural areas are protected to support quality of life and that rural settlement policies are responsive to the local circumstances of different areas.
The guidelines for planning authorities on sustainable rural housing published by Dick Roche T.D., former Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, provide a detailed framework for planners, based on the approach set out in the NSS regarding rural housing policy. The guidelines reflect my own view that rural housing within the confines of good planning practice is appropriate. These guidelines are important in ensuring clarity and consistency in the implementation by planning authorities of Government policy on rural housing.
201 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he proposes to assist by way of funding local or community based groups involved in the provision of youth facilities expected to result in a reduction in anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32836/07]
I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 111 on 1st November 2007 in relation to this matter.
202 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he has addressed social or economic deprivation in urban or rural areas in 2007; his plans in this regard in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32837/07]
203 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he has addressed social or economic deprivation in urban or rural areas in County Kildare in 2007; his plans in this regard in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32838/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 203 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the mandate of my Department is to promote and support the sustainable and inclusive development of communities, both urban and rural, thereby fostering better regional balance and alleviating disadvantage. Accordingly the Department implements and funds a wide range of measures, programmes and schemes across the state, including Co. Kildare. Details are available on the Department's website, www.pobail.ie
I envisage these programmes continuing throughout 2008.
204 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of rural or urban regeneration projects he will assist by way of financial allocation in 2008; the way this is expected to compare with 2007 expenditure under this heading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32839/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department implements and funds a wide range of measures, programmes and schemes, details of which are available of the Department's website, www.pobail.ie. I can confirm that funding supports for rural or urban regeneration projects over the coming year will be in line with the Agreed Programme for Government, the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and the ongoing emerging needs of communities, both urban and rural.
It is open to individuals or groups to make an application for funding under these schemes and detailed guidelines, including eligibility, assessment criteria and closing dates, if any, are available on the Department's website. It is not possible at this time to quantify the number of projects that will receive assistance by way of financial allocation during 2008. I also wish to advise the Deputy that the outturn expenditure figures for 2007, for the various programmes and schemes operated by my Department, are not yet known.
205 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there will be employment opportunities in the Fermoy area resulting from the transfer of her Department’s offices from Cork city to Fermoy under the decentralisation programme in the event of a shortfall in the number of existing Department staff and other public servants taking up the posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32638/07]
My Department is currently recruiting for Fermoy from the Central Applications Facility (CAF), the mechanism by which existing civil servants apply for such posts. Until all the various CAF processes are exhausted, it is not possible to determine whether shortfalls will exist. If shortfalls arise, my Department will examine the issue with the Department of Finance. Any recruitment at entry grade levels would be open to all, subject to the normal qualifying criteria.
206 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of single farm payment based on reference years 1997 to 2002 that has been paid to a person (details supplied). [32642/07]
The Single Payment Scheme entitlements granted to the herdowner were calculated on the basis of his Livestock Premia payments during the 2000 to 2002 reference period. An alternative reference period of 1997 to 1999 could be availed of in certain circumstances, e.g. acceptable force majeure. However, no application was received from the herdowner to have his case assessed and, if successful, to the use of the alternative reference period to calculate his Single Payment. The time period for the receipt of applications under this measure ended in 2004. The person named was granted 30.90 entitlements, with a unit value of €32.05. While the person named was fully paid under both the 2005 and 2006 Single Payment Schemes, he subsequently transferred the entitlements to a third party and, therefore, no payment was due to him under the 2007 Scheme.
207 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REP scheme payment will be made to a person (details supplied). [32643/07]
My Department has no record of a REPS application from the person named.
208 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she uses video conferencing technology in order to reduce the amount of travel taken to attend meetings; if her Department has video conferencing facilities available to staff in each Departmental building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32656/07]
In my role as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which by its nature has countrywide responsibilities, I use video conferencing, if appropriate, in order to reduce the amount of travel taken to attend meetings. The deployment of video conferencing facilities in my Department is determined by the nature of the work being undertaken and the number of staff working in a particular building. Video conferencing facilities are available at all of my Department's headquarters locations. The requirement for additional video conferencing facilities is reviewed as needs arise.
209 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of staff in her Department that are in receipt of tax saver commuter tickets in 2007. [32671/07]
A total of 228 of my staff availed of the Travel Pass Scheme in 2007.
210 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of waste in weight generated by her Department in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [32686/07]
211 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the percentage of waste in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 that was recycled in tabular readable form. [32701/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 211 together.
The disposal of waste from the Department's Offices is by way of contracts with the various Local Authorities. The Office of Public Works also organise the disposal of certain waste equipment for the Department. Specialised areas of the Department have separate contracts for the disposal of other waste.
Figures are not available for quantities of waste disposed of from the Department's Offices throughout the country.
212 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will follow the example of the French Prime Minister and introduce a subsidy for fishermen here to compensate them for rising fuel prices in view of the competitive disadvantage this places the Irish industry in. [32737/07]
The escalation of fuel costs, as a result of global economic and political conditions, remains a matter of concern for all sectors of industry.
It is important to note that the fishing industry in Ireland already receives favourable treatment in the form of a full rebate on excise and VAT on marine fuel, if the enterprise concerned is registered for VAT.
Fuel subsidies, in terms of operating aid for fishing vessels, are not permitted under EU State Aid rules and any such measures introduced by EU Member States would be in breach of EU law and subject to Infringement proceedings in the European Court of Justice.
I believe that the most critical element in addressing the impact of high fuel prices is to make the fleet more profitable. The planned reduction in the size of the fishing fleet, through a decommissioning scheme which I intend to launch shortly, will increase the profitability of the vessels that continue to fish because they will be permitted to land higher quantities of quota stocks.
I also consider that considerable research activity is required in order to identify the most fuel efficient equipment and practices and I will be pushing strongly for this area to be prioritised under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme for Research (2007-2013). At present, Bord Iascaigh Mhara is making grant aid available to improve fuel efficiency on board fishing vessels. I will keep this scheme under review to ensure that it covers best practice in the context of available research in the area.
213 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position in respect of the single payment scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for the past few years. [32746/07]
An official of my Department has been in direct contact with the person named, following which the issues raised are being fully investigated. On completion of these enquiries, the official in question will again contact the person named.
214 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when persons (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their disadvantaged area scheme payments. [32747/07]
An application under the 2007 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received in this case on 2 May 2007. One of the primary provisions of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is that applicants must maintain a minimum stocking density on their holding of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare for at least three consecutive months. However, where the holding of an applicant is identified as potentially not meeting this minimum stocking density requirement, the applicant is invited to submit evidence of satisfactory stocking i.e. Flock Register, Horse Passports. Alternatively the applicant may submit details of a REPS plan or a Commonage Framework Plan, which provides for a lower stocking level.
The applicant in this case was written to and invited to submit appropriate evidence of the number of sheep maintained on the farm and a copy of the REPS Plan. My Department received by way of registered post on 13 November 2007, a flock register relating to the holding. However, the applicant did not submit a REPS plan, which provides for a lower stocking level on the holding.
The applicant has been contacted by an official from my Department and requested to submit the relevant documentation. On receipt of this documentation, the application will be processed with a view to issuing the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme payment at an early date, provided that the applicant is eligible for payment.
215 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their single farm payment. [32758/07]
An application under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 17 April 2007. Following processing of this application, it was found that some land parcels claimed by the person named were also the subject of a scheme application by another applicant. All of the outstanding queries on the 2007 Single Payment Scheme application of the person named have now been satisfactorily resolved by my Department and the full payment due will issue shortly.
216 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the single farm payment 2007 will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32811/07]
An application for the Transfer of Entitlements with land to the person named was received on 4th May 2007. The person who was transferring the entitlements submitted a Single Payment application form on 4 May 2007.
During processing of the Transfer application it was necessary for an official of my Department to the write to the person named advising him to have the registration details of the Herd number amended.
The application to transfer the entitlements is fully processed and payment will issue shortly.
218 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if applications for the farm investment scheme that were submitted and accepted by her Department before the date on which the closure of the scheme was announced will be included as it appears unjust to apply such a decision retrospectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32816/07]
Applications received under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007 will be processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
219 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if school absenteeism at primary and second level has decreased since the introduction of the NEWB; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33018/07]
The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving.
The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.
An additional 15 staff have been allocated to the NEWB in 2007. This brings the current authorised staffing of the Board to 109 posts of which 90 are allocated to working directly in the service delivery area. The staffing complement is comprised of 19 HQ and support staff, 5 regional managers, 13 Senior EWOs and 72 EWOs.
It should, however, be remembered that the service provided by 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 the provision of breakfast and homework clubs. In fact, 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 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 roll-out of services under DEIS the Action Plan for tackling educational disadvantage.
The Board operates through 5 regional teams, with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. A service is provided from 26 locations nationwide. Staff are deployed in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme. In addition, the Board follows up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education. Educational Welfare Officers play a pivotal role in implementing the service provided by the NEWB through monitoring school attendance and working to improve It. The EWOs also help parents that are experiencing a difficulty with getting a school place for their child.
Since January 2004, 20,000 cases involving students with reported school attendance difficulties have been resolved by the Board. The IMEWB has also issued an Information Leaflet to every family with children of school going age advising them of their rights and responsibilities in relation to education and school attendance and where they can get help.
The first national data on school attendance has been collected and is being used to inform the Board's work. In relation to the effectiveness of the service, it is encouraging to note research findings indicate that attendance at school in the areas where EWOs are working intensively, the mean percentage of students absent 20 days or more has decreased by over 4% in 2004/05 compared with the previous year. Attendance data relating to the 2005/06 school year is currently being analysed by the NEWB.
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 will be keeping the issue of the NEWB's staffing under review in light of the roll-out of services, the scope for integrated working and any proposals that the Board may put to me in relation to clearly identified priority needs.
220 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children who miss school for over 20 days, 30 days, 40 days, 50 days and 60 days per annum per county at primary and second level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33019/07]
The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational WelfareBoard (NEWB) as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.
An additional 15 staff have been allocated to the NEWB In 2007. This brings the current authorised staffing of the Board to 109 posts of which 90 are allocated to working directly In the service delivery area. The staffing complement is comprised of 19 HQ and support staff, 5 regional managers, 13 Senior EWOs and 72 EWOs.
It should, however, be remembered that the service provided by 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 the provision of breakfast and homework clubs. In fact, 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 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 roll out of services under DEIS the Action Plan for tackling educational disadvantage.
The Board operates through 5 regional teams, with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. A service is provided from 26 locations nationwide. Staff are deployed in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme. In addition, the Board follows up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education. Educational Welfare Officers play a pivotal role in implementing the service provided by the NEWB through monitoring school attendance and working to improve it. The EWOs also help parents that are experiencing a difficulty with getting a school place for their child.
Since January 2004, 20,000 cases involving students with reported school attendance difficulties have been resolved by the Board. The NEWB has also issued an Information Leaflet to every family with children of school going age advising them of their rights and responsibilities in relation to education and school attendance and where they can get help.
The first national data on school attendance has been collected and is being used to inform the Board's work. In relation to the effectiveness of the service, it is encouraging to note research findings indicate that attendance at school in the areas where EWOs are working intensively, the mean percentage of students absent 20 days or more has decreased by over 4% in 2004/05 compared with the previous year. Attendance data relating to the 2005/06 school year is currently being analysed by the NEWB.
In relation to the deputy's specific question on the levels of absenteeism on a county by county basis. I have been informed by the NEWB that,while data on absenteeism on a county by county basis can be provided, it will not be possible to provide information on absenteeism in the format of over 20 days, 30 days, 40 days, 50 days and 60 days per annum as requested by the deputy. I will be writing to the deputy directly when the NEWB has provided the requested data.
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 will be keeping the Issue of the NEWB's staffing under review in light of the roll out of services, the scope for integrated working and any proposals that the Board may put to me in relation to clearly identified priority needs.
221 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of legal cases that have been taken by the National Education Welfare Board; the outcome of these cases; if student attendance has improved as a result of the NEWB intervention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33020/07]
The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. An additional 15 staff have been allocated to the NEWB in 2007. This brings the current authorised staffing of the Board to 109 posts of which 90 are allocated to working directly in the service delivery area. The staffing complement is comprised of 19 HQ and support staff, 5 regional managers, 13 Senior EWOs and 72 EWOs.
The reasons for non attendance are many and complex and included parents who failed to enrol their child in a school or to ensure that their child attended school regularly. I have been advised by the NEWB that legal action for non attendance at school is only taken when all other steps have failed and following consultation with the school and other services. Court action must ultimately be in the best interests of the child. A School Attendance Notice (SAN) is the first step in enforcing the law.
The first legal notices, School Attendance Notices, under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 were issued in 2005. A total of 36 SANs were issued in 2005. In 2006, 196 School Attendance Notices in respect of 137 children were issued by Educational Welfare Officers to parents of children who are not attending school regularly. To date in 2007, 204 SANs have been issued in relation to 146 children.
When a school attendance notice is issued, the situation is monitored and the parent is given every opportunity to address the underlying issues. Occasionally, the involvement of other services with the family may be sufficient to bring about change, in exceptional cases, where there is no change and the child remains out of school, the Board will consider taking a prosecution.
Where legal proceedings are served on a family, the cases are heard in the local District Court. The first cases for non attendance at school under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 were heard in 2006. During 2006, 34 legal proceedings were initiated against the parents of 17 children with the following outcomes: (one set of parents were prosecuted twice); 5 sets of parents (10 in total) of 5 children were fined; and 9 cases (relating to 5 children) currently stand adjourned. Proceedings against 13 parents (relating to 6 children) were withdrawn following enrolment of the children in school or an improvement in attendance. Proceedings against one set of parents was withdrawn as the family no longer reside in the State. 12 children were back in school at the end of 2006 because legal action was taken.
Seven cases involving 12 parents were brought forward into 2007, of these seven cases, 5 were struck out. In the case of the other two brought forward into 2007, one parent was fined and the child is back in school, the other case is still ongoing and again the child is back in school. In relation to new summons issued in 2007, up to the end of October 2007, 41 summons have been issued against the parents of 28 children. The outcomes of these prosecutions is currently being analysed and a report for 2007 will be available shortly.
222 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will arrange for the payment of the promised grant of €450,000 for the new physical education hall in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 13 to be paid without further delay. [32639/07]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a grant has been approved by my Department for the school project in question. Additional information has been requested and on receipt of this information the grant will issue to the school.
223 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to expand the National Educational Psychological Service; the average waiting time for a NEPS assessment; her plans to reduce the waiting time for such an assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32641/07]
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 and full details of which are available on my Department's website.
NEPS does not keep waiting lists for assessments of children but in common with other psychological services encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. 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 and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually.
With the introduction of the General Allocation Model to primary schools in 2005, schools have an allocation of additional teaching time in order to assess and intervene where necessary with pupils with reading difficulties and/or dyslexia without the need for a psychological educational assessment. In cases where a pupil continues to present with significant difficulties after a number of interventions and reviews, the principal of the pupil's school can prioritise him/her for psychological assessment with the school's allocated NEPS psychologist. Parents of pupils with particular issues in this regard should make contact, in the first instance, with the Principal of the relevant school.
Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA under which the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly. The prioritisation of urgent cases for assessment is a matter for the school principal of the school in the first instance.
I can inform the Deputy that this Government is committed to expanding the number of NEPS psychologists, so that more schools can receive a direct service. As part of this expansion, funding was made available earlier this year for 31 extra psychologists to be appointed to NEPS in 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. In addition my Department has recently contracted a further 5 psychologists with 4 due to take up duty before years end. A further psychologist will take up duty in early January 2008.
The recruitment panel concerned is now exhausted and the Public Appointments Service has recently announced the commencement of a competition from which a new panel will be drawn to continue the recruitment process. The competition has been focussed on the appointment of psychologists outside the Dublin region. The deadline for receipt of applications in this regard has now passed and work is proceeding on the short-listing of candidates for interview. It is envisaged that the process will be completed and panels formed early in the new year allowing recruitment to re-commence soon after.
224 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science when Cork County VEC will get the go ahead to engage a design team for a new school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32649/07]
Schedules of overall accommodation for the school to which the Deputy refers have been agreed with Co. Cork Vocational Education Committee to cater for a long term enrolment of 325 pupils.
The building project required to deliver this new accommodation is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.
225 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that a meeting has taken place with the National Braille Production Centre; the amount of funding requested to produce books in braille for partially sighted and blind students who attend mainstream schools; the number of students waiting for all or part of their student books essential for their studies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32650/07]
I can confirm to the Deputy that my officials recently met with representatives of the National Braille Production Centre (NBPC). The matter of additional funding was raised by the NBPC and it was agreed that a formal proposal would be presented to my Department. This proposal is awaited.
With regard to the element of the Deputy's question concerning the number of students awaiting the provision of braille books, the NBPC has advised that 146 clients currently have outstanding orders. Of those, 90 clients will have their books provided before Christmas. Book production for the remaining clients is in full progress and the NBPC is making every effort to have this material made available as quickly as possible.
226 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science if she uses video conferencing technology in order to reduce the amount of travel taken to attend meetings; if her Department has video conferencing facilities available to staff in each Departmental building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32661/07]
My Department uses video conferencing whenever feasible and practical so that officials in various locations do not have to travel to attend meetings. In particular, video conferencing is used extensively by officials in the Department's three main offices in Dublin, Athlone and Tullamore. The information requested by the Deputy in relation to availability of video conferencing facilities is provided in the following table.
|
Office |
Address |
Video Conferencing |
|
Marlborough Street Headquarters |
Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 |
Yes |
|
Athlone |
Cornamaddy, Athlone |
Yes |
|
Tullamore |
Portlaoise Road, Tullamore |
Yes |
|
Dublin City/Fingal Regional Office |
Findlater House, Cathal Brugha Street, Dublin 1 |
This is temporary accommodation. Video Conferencing will be available in the new office. |
|
Dublin South County Regional Office |
Town Hall, Belgard Square North, Town Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
Yes |
|
Kildare/Wicklow Regional Office |
The Maudlins, Naas, Co Kildare |
Yes |
|
Mid Western Regional Office |
Rossbrien Road, Punches Cross, Limerick |
Yes |
|
Midlands Regional Office |
Friars Mill Road, Mullingar, County Westmeath |
Yes |
|
North Eastern Regional Office |
Kilcarn, Navan, Co Meath |
Yes |
|
North Western Regional Office |
Kempton Promenade, Bridge Street, Sligo |
Yes |
|
South Eastern Regional Office |
Johnstown Business Park, Waterford |
Yes |
|
Southern Regional Office |
Heritage Business Park, Mahon, Cork |
Yes |
|
Western Regional Office |
Victoria Place, Eyre Square, Galway |
Yes |
|
NEPS Blackrock |
Trident House, Blackrock, Co Dublin |
No |
|
NEPS Castlebar |
Thomas Street, Castlebar, Co Mayo |
No |
|
NEPS Cavan |
Elm House, Elm Bank Office Development, Cavan Town, Co Cavan |
No |
|
NEPS Clondalkin |
50 Tower Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
No |
|
NEPS Clonmel |
c/o Vocational School, Raheen Road, Clonmel, Co Tipperary |
No |
|
NEPS Drogheda |
Donore Road Industrial Estate, Drogheda, Co Louth |
No |
|
NEPS Ennis |
Francis Street, Ennis, Clare |
No |
|
NEPS Frederick Court |
24/27 North Frederick St, Dublin 1 |
No |
|
NEPS Letterkenny |
c/o Government Buildings, High Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal |
No |
|
NEPS Portlaoise |
Grattan House, Dublin Road, Portlaoise |
No |
|
NEPS Roscommon |
c/o Govt. Offices, Convent Road, Roscommon, Co Roscommon |
No |
|
NEPS Sligo |
Westward Centre, Bridge Street, Sligo, Co Sligo |
No |
|
NEPS Tralee |
Clounalour, Oakpark, Tralee, Co Kerry |
No |
|
NEPS Wexford |
The Bushels, Cornmarket, Wexford, Co Wexford |
No |
|
Inspectors’ Office Cork |
1A South Mall, Cork |
No |
|
Inspectors’ Office Galway |
Ross House, Merchants Road, Galway |
No |
227 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff in her Department that are in receipt of tax saver commuter tickets in 2007. [32676/07]
In 2007, 164 staff members in my Department received tax saver commuter tickets.
228 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of waste in weight generated by her Department in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [32691/07]
229 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of waste in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 that was recycled in tabular readable form. [32706/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 and 229 together.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to waste management is provided in the following table.
This table contains the figures for the Departments main offices in Dublin, Athlone and Tullamore. Local arrangements are in place in the Regional Offices, Inspectors' Offices and NEPS Offices throughout the country for the collection and recycling of waste. The amounts of waste are not significant and are not available in weight. Staff in my Department are proactive in the management of waste and are looking at ways of reducing the amounts sent to landfill sites.
|
Year |
Amount of Waste Kgs |
Percentage Recycled |
|
2005 |
249,230 |
44% |
|
2006 |
246,635 |
42% |
|
Jan-Nov 2007 |
236,022 |
42% |
230 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if a primary school (details supplied) in County Laois is designated disadvantaged; if it is in the DEIS scheme; if it is not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32728/07]
DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the new action plan for educational inclusion provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The DEIS plan states that as well as provision being made for schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage, financial support will also continue to be provided for other primary schools where the level of disadvantage is more dispersed.
The process of identifying schools for participation in DEIS was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate. A review mechanism was put in place to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in DEIS but regarded themselves as having a level of disadvantage which was of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. The review process operated under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. As a result of the identification and review processes, 673 primary and 203 second-level schools were invited to participate in the programme.
The school referred to by the Deputy was not identified for inclusion in the programme nor did it make an application for a review. The DEIS plan states that as well as provision being made for schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage, financial support will also continue to be provided for other primary schools, not identified for inclusion in the SSP under DEIS, where the level of disadvantage is more dispersed.
I can assure the Deputy that the school referred to will continue to receive financial support in line with the level of disadvantage among its pupils for the duration of the DEIS action plan.
231 Deputy Martin Mansergh asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress on the amalgamation of schools (details supplied). [32729/07]
As the Deputy is aware, the two primary schools to which he refers are amalgamating. It is necessary for the Department to purchase additional land to enable a building project to facilitate this development. This process is on-going. Progress on the building project itself will be considered in the context of the multi-annual school building and modernisation programme when the land has been acquired.
232 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is expected that a technical examination will be carried out at a school (details supplied) in County Clare. [32735/07]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. An assessment of projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and housing developments in the area is currently underway 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 visit will be necessary to determine the brief for any proposed building project. The building project will be considered in the context of the multi annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
233 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when officials from her Department will visit a school (details supplied) in County Wexford to examine the proposed site for the new school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32738/07]
As the Deputy will be aware, all applications for large scale capital funding are assessed against published prioritisation criteria. Progress on individual projects, such as the one in question, will be considered in the context of the multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
234 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in respect of her answer to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 22 November 2007, she will confirm that no school which had been granted permission to tender for a new building or extension have been informed within the last four to eight weeks, that they can not now proceed to tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32761/07]
While in general my Department has a devolved approach to delivery of projects at local school level it must closely monitor the flow of projects into construction on a regular basis in order to match with the flow of funding under the National Development Plan. It is necessary therefore to maintain regular contact with these schools about the timing of when projects can proceed. My Department will continue to maintain contact with these schools in order to ensure that all projects and in particular those that provide additional school places, are delivered within the earliest possible timeframe.
235 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science further to a recent report (details supplied), the reason there is a delay in the commencement of constructing a new school in Limerick for students who are currently using a school building that has not been refurbished in almost 100 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32815/07]
Approval of the Stage 3 (developed sketch scheme) was issued to the Board of Management of the school in a letter dated 14 November 2007. In addition, preparation of Stage 4/5 tender documents has commenced. It is not possible to say at this point when construction will start. However, my Department will be in contact with the school authorities regarding further progress as soon as the tender documents have been completed.
236 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a college (details supplied) in County Limerick will be included under the summer work scheme to address repairs to its leaking roof and windows; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32817/07]
The school referred to by the Deputy applied for funding for works under the Summer Works Scheme 2008. The breakdown of the 2008 building budget between the devolved and other schemes has not yet been determined.
237 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will approve an architectural feasibility study for the development of a college (details supplied) in County Limerick in view of the bad condition of the existing building and the growth in the number of students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32818/07]
The application in question is currently being considered by the Department.
238 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if school absenteeism at primary and second level has decreased since the introduction of the National Education Welfare Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32948/07]
The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. An additional 15 staff have been allocated to the NEWB in 2007. This brings the current authorised staffing of the Board to 109 posts of which 90 are allocated to working directly in the service delivery area. The staffing complement is comprised of 19 HQ and support staff, 5 regional managers, 13 Senior EWOs and 72 EWOs.
It should, however, be remembered that the service provided by 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 the provision of breakfast and homework clubs. In fact, 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 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.
The Board operates through 5 regional teams, with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. A service is provided from 26 locations nationwide. Staff are deployed in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme. In addition, the Board follows up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education. Educational Welfare Officers play a pivotal role in implementing the service provided by the NEWB through monitoring school attendance and working to improve it. The EWOs also help parents that are experiencing a difficulty with getting a school place for their child. Since January 2004, 20,000 cases involving students with reported school attendance difficulties have been resolved by the Board. The NEWB has also issued an Information Leaflet to every family with children of school going age advising them of their rights and responsibilities in relation to education and school attendance and where they can get help.
The first national data on school attendance has been collected and is being used to inform the Board's work. In relation to the effectiveness of the service, it is encouraging to note research findings indicate that attendance at school in the areas where EWOs are working intensively, the mean percentage of students absent 20 days or more has decreased by over 4% in 2004/05 compared with the previous year. Attendance data relating to the 2005/06 school year is currently being analysed by the NEWB.
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 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.
239 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children who miss school for over 20 days, 30 days, 40 days, 50 days and 60 days per annum per county at primary and second level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32949/07]
The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. An additional 15 staff have been allocated to the NEWB in 2007. This brings the current authorised staffing of the Board to 109 posts of which 90 are allocated to working directly in the service delivery area. The staffing complement is comprised of 19 HQ and support staff, 5 regional managers, 13 Senior EWOs and 72 EWOs.
It should, however, be remembered that the service provided by 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 the provision of breakfast and homework clubs. In fact, 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 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.
The Board operates through 5 regional teams, with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. A service is provided from 26 locations nationwide. Staff are deployed in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme. In addition, the Board follows up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education. Educational Welfare Officers play a pivotal role in implementing the service provided by the NEWB through monitoring school attendance and working to improve it. The EWOs also help parents that are experiencing a difficulty with getting a school place for their child.
Since January 2004, 20,000 cases involving students with reported school attendance difficulties have been resolved by the Board. The NEWB has also issued an Information Leaflet to every family with children of school going age advising them of their rights and responsibilities in relation to education and school attendance and where they can get help. The first national data on school attendance has been collected and is being used to inform the Board's work. In relation to the effectiveness of the service, it is encouraging to note research findings indicate that attendance at school in the areas where EWOs are working intensively, the mean percentage of students absent 20 days or more has decreased by over 4% in 2004/05 compared with the previous year. Attendance data relating to the 2005/06 school year is currently being analysed by the NEWB.
In relation to the deputy's specific question on the levels of absenteeism on a county by county basis. I have been informed by the NEWB that,while data on absenteeism on a county by county basis can be provided, it will not be possible to provide information on absenteeism in the format of over 20 days, 30 days, 40 days, 50 days and 60 days per annum as requested by the deputy. I will be writing to the deputy directly when the NEWB has provided the requested data.
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 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.
240 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of legal cases that have been taken by the National Education Welfare Board; the outcome of these cases; if student attendance has improved as a result of the NEWB intervention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32950/07]
The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. An additional 15 staff have been allocated to the NEWB in 2007. This brings the current authorised staffing of the Board to 109 posts of which 90 are allocated to working directly in the service delivery area. The staffing complement is comprised of 19 HQ and support staff, 5 regional managers, 13 Senior EWOs and 72 EWOs.
The reasons for non attendance are many and complex and included parents who failed to enrol their child in a school or to ensure that their child attended school regularly. I have been advised by the NEWB that legal action for non attendance at school is only taken when all other steps have failed and following consultation with the school and other services. Court action must ultimately be in the best interests of the child. A School Attendance Notice (SAN) is the first step in enforcing the law.
The first legal notices, School Attendance Notices, under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 were issued in 2005. A total of 36 SANs were issued in 2005. In 2006, 196 School Attendance Notices in respect of 137 children were issued by Educational Welfare Officers to parents of children who are not attending school regularly. To date in 2007, 204 SANs have been issued in relation to 146 children. When a school attendance notice is issued, the situation is monitored and the parent is given every opportunity to address the underlying issues. Occasionally, the involvement of other services with the family may be sufficient to bring about change. In exceptional cases, where there is no change and the child remains out of school, the Board will consider taking a prosecution.
Where legal proceedings are served on a family, the cases are heard in the local District Court. The first cases for non attendance at school under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 were heard in 2006. During 2006, 34 legal proceedings were initiated against the parents of 17 children with the following outcomes: (one set of parents were prosecuted twice).5 sets of parents (10 in total) of 5 children were fined. 9 cases (relating to 5 children) currently stand adjourned. Proceedings against 13 parents (relating to 6 children) were withdrawn following enrolment of the children in school or an improvement in attendance. Proceedings against one set of parents was withdrawn as the family no longer reside in the State. 12 children were back in school at the end of 2006 because legal action was taken.
Seven cases involving 12 parents were brought forward into 2007, of these seven cases, 5 were struck out. In the case of the other two brought forward into 2007, one parent was fined and the child is back in school, the other case is still ongoing and again the child is back in school. In relation to new summons issued in 2007, up to the end of October 2007, 41 summons have been issued against the parents of 28 children. The outcomes of these prosecutions is currently being analysed and a report for 2007 will be available shortly.
241 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the amalgamation of two schools (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32955/07]
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.
242 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the name and location of primary schools where her building unit had informed the schools in question that they would proceed to tender and construction stage within a specified period of time, and where these projects have to date not been included in her Department’s list of projects for new school buildings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32956/07]
I make regular announcements throughout the year regarding school building projects and details on these are listed on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
To the greatest extent possible, my Department takes a devolved approach to getting projects delivered at local school level. This approach helps deal with the multiplicity of variables that impact on the timing of when individual projects are delivered and overall helps ensure a continuous flow of projects as part of my Department's School Building Programme. This year alone will involve construction work on over 700 classrooms which, when completed, will provide permanent accommodation for over 17,500 pupils. In total, over 1,500 projects are being delivered in 2007 in schools throughout the country.
The €4.5 billion investment under the NDP will facilitate the continued transformation of the standard of school facilities through the country over the coming years.
243 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence if he uses video conferencing technology in order to reduce the amount of travel taken to attend meetings; if his Department has video conferencing facilities available to staff in each Departmental building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32660/07]
My Department and the Defence Forces have been using video conferencing facilities for a number of years to improve communications and efficiency. Facilities are installed and available to staff in all Departmental buildings, in Defence Forces Headquarters and at each Brigade Headquarters. They are used, on a regular basis, to link personnel in Ireland and abroad. Videoconference facilities are also used in national and international training exercises.
The facilities are upgraded and redeveloped as new technology becomes available and I am satisfied that they have proven, and will continue to prove, productive and cost effective.
244 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff in his Department that are in receipt of tax saver commuter tickets in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32675/07]
The number of staff in my Department that are in receipt of tax saver commuter tickets in 2007 is 109 (68 Military staff and 41 Departmental staff).
245 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the amount of waste in weight generated by his Department in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [32690/07]
246 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the percentage of waste in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 that was recycled in tabular readable form. [32705/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 246 together.
Waste is collected by waste disposal companies from my Department's offices in Dublin, Galway and Roscrea. The waste is separated and recycled where possible. In addition to routine waste collection, from time to time, obsolete electronic equipment and shredded waste paper are disposed of for recycling. As the companies in question do not return figures to my Department on the weight of the waste disposed, it is not possible to state the amount of waste in terms of weight or the proportion that is recycled. Payments are made to the companies on the basis of the number of collections made rather than on weight.
247 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí at present excluding those currently in training. [32646/07]
248 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons currently training in the Garda Training College; when these will graduate; when the next intake will take place in Templemore; and the number that will be taken in at that time. [32647/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 together.
The number of attested members of An Garda Síochána as of 31 October 2007, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 13,513. There is a total of 1,075 Student Gardaí, 279 in Phase I, 515 in Phase 2 and 281 in Phase 3. The next intake of trainee Gardaí into the Garda College is scheduled for 4 February 2008. An estimated 275 Student Gardaí will begin training on that date.
I am also informed by the Garda Commissioner that in addition to these figures there is a total of 247 Garda Reserve members, 171 of whom are attested.
249 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application to remain on humanitarian grounds by a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32651/07]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 122 of Thursday, 4th October, 2007 and the written reply to that Question. The position remains unchanged.
250 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he uses video conferencing technology in order to reduce the amount of travel taken to attend meetings; if his Department has video conferencing facilities available to staff in each Departmental building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32667/07]
My Department has video conferencing facilities available to staff in the main buildings in Dublin and Killarney and there is an ongoing programme to install video conferencing facilities in other buildings. I have not yet had reason to use the Department's video conferencing facilities.
251 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff in his Department that are in receipt of tax saver commuter tickets in 2007. [32682/07]
Some 353 staff in my Department availed of commuter tickets under the Travel Pass Scheme in 2007.
252 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of waste in weight generated by his Department in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [32697/07]
253 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the percentage of waste in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 that was recycled in tabular readable form. [32712/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 252 and 253 together.
The nature of the Department's waste disposal services are such that the information sought by the Deputy is not available.
254 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has met with the central committee of An Garda Síochána Retired Members Association to discuss a number of matters which are of concern to that organisation including pensionability and allowances for pre 1993 and pre 1982 retirees and rights of widows who remarry. [32766/07]
The issues raised by the Deputy have been considered by the Commission on Public Service Pensions. The Commission considered the issue of parity of pensions for members of An Garda Síochána who retired prior to 1993 (who do not receive the unsocial allowance element in their pensions) and for those who retired prior to 1982 (who do not receive rent and other allowance elements in their pensions). The Commission also examined the specific issue of the pensionability of allowances for members of An Garda Síochána and others, as part of its deliberations, but having assessed the arguments, did not recommend any increase in pension for the groups involved.
The Commission on Public Service Pensions also recommended that the provision which requires a spouses' pension to cease on grounds of remarriage or cohabitation should be removed. A management/union Working Group established to examine the feasibility of implementing this and other Spouses and Children's Pension Scheme related Commission recommendations has, I understand, completed its final report which will be submitted to the Minister for Finance.
Having regard to the Commission's findings, I have no plans to initiate a further review on the matter. Officials from my Department and An Garda Síochána meet with the GSRMA on a regular basis at which these and other issues have been clarified.
255 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for naturalisation for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32824/07]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in January 2005. Officials in that Section inform me that processing of the application has commenced and that the file will be submitted to me for a decision in the near future. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned of the outcome.
256 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there was correspondence from An Garda Síochána to the Department of Education and Science regarding cooperating with the investigation and concerns in relation to child abuse before the meeting between the Gardaí and his Department which he refers to in his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 488 on 20 November 2007; the date of such correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32825/07]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they have no record of any relevant correspondence between investigating Gardaí and the Department of Education and Science during the period referred to by the Deputy.
257 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 260 of 28 November 2007, the breakdown of these figures indicating the number of the outstanding warrants that are less than three months old, less than six months old, a year old, two years old and five years old or more; the proportion the number of outstanding warrants in each category bears to the number of such warrants issued in an average week; the number of the outstanding warrants that relate to bail applications as opposed to other cases; the circumstances in which outstanding warrants are finally recorded as either executed or cancelled by PULSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32826/07]
In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to supply the details requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
258 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he uses video conferencing technology in order to reduce the amount of travel taken to attend meetings; if his Department has video conferencing facilities available to staff in each Departmental building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32663/07]
Video conferencing facilities are available in my Department's offices in the Custom House, Dublin; Government Buildings in Ballina and in the Advance Office at Ardcavan, Wexford. Similar facilities will be made available in other Departmental offices as required, subject to network capacity. I make use of a range of modern mobile and fixed communications facilities efficiently to manage my contacts, and travel time involved in attending meetings.
259 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff in his Department that are in receipt of tax saver commuter tickets in 2007. [32678/07]
Some 250 staff availed of the Travel Pass Scheme in 2007 under which they purchased an annual bus or rail pass in a tax efficient manner approved by the Revenue Commissioners.
260 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of waste in weight generated by his Department in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [32693/07]
261 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the percentage of waste in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 that was recycled in tabular readable form. [32708/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 261 together.
Details of the amount of general waste generated in my Department's Headquarters between 2005 and to date in 2007 are set out in the table below. The level of waste generated in 2005 and 2006 shows a reduction of 20% on the 2002 amount of 499,200 litres.
|
Year |
General waste (litres) |
|
2005 |
399,360 |
|
2006 |
399,360 |
|
2007 |
343,000 |
The percentage of waste recycled over this period is not available but in accordance with its Environmental Policy Statement, my Department is fully committed to the effective management of waste including prevention, reduction and recycling. This is a critical element of our ongoing accreditation to ISO 14001, which we have achieved for our headquarters offices. A number of strategies guide our activities in this regard across the Department, including prevention and reduction in the amount of waste generated and maximising all opportunities for the re-use and recycling of all waste arising. A contract is in place for the collection and recycling of paper and cardboard packaging from my Department's main offices. In relation to redundant electronic IT equipment, the Department arranges for the reuse of suitable equipment and where this is not possible avails of the take back facilities under the WEEE Regulations for the dismantling and recycling of such equipment. Arrangements are in place in my Department's headquarters under which cans and bottles are collected and recycled by Dublin City Council. There are also arrangements in place for recycling glass and for the safe disposal of batteries. My Department is also availing of the brown bin collection scheme being run by Dublin City Council, which provides for the segregation of 960 litres per week of organic kitchen waste for composting.
262 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a new scheme (details supplied) was announced with such fanfare and deemed to be operational from 1 November 2007 in view of the fact that there is no budget at present in place for this scheme. [32734/07]
The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, which was introduced on 1 November 2007, amalgamates the provisions of the old Essential Repairs Grant Scheme and the existing Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme, with the aim of assisting older people in carrying out necessary repairs and improvements to their homes.
The Essential Repairs Grant Scheme ceased on 31 October 2007 and the relevant funding, which was allocated to local authorities for the administration of this Scheme in 2007, has been re-directed to fund the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, from 1 November to the end of this year.
In the case of the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme, it has been agreed with the Health Service Executive that, in order to facilitate transitional arrangements, the scheme will continue to operate and be administered by the Health Service Executive until 31 March 2008. All applications received up to this date will be processed by the Health Service Executive under the existing terms and conditions governing the scheme. From 1 April 2008, the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme will cease operation and all future applications for grant aid will be processed by the local authorities under the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme.
In 2008, the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme will be funded from monies previously allocated to the Essential Repairs and Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Grant Schemes. Local authorities will be notified of individual allocations following the publication of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2008.
263 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to reduce the waste tonnage for members of Repak to ten tonnes to ensure more major producers could comply with Repak in view of the fact that to be a member of Repak a major producer must have an annual turnover of €1 million and produce in excess of 24 tonnes of waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32757/07]
A producer responsibility initiative operates in Ireland in relation to packaging waste, underpinned by the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2003, as amended, which replaced earlier regulations introduced in 1997. Under the regulations, producers who place substantial amounts of packaging on the market — major producers — are required to take steps to recover packaging waste or alternatively to contribute to, and participate in, compliance schemes set up to recover packaging waste. I have recently publicly announced that I consider that the cost of recycling should be more equitably shared among more of the producers engaged in supplying packaging. I will shortly sign new consolidated Packaging Regulations to give effect to this and other proposed changes to the packaging waste recovery regime including a reduction in the tonnage threshold for compliance with the Packaging Regulations.
264 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for the reform of Seanad Éireann; if he will confirm if these proposals will allow graduates of the Institute of Technology Tallaght. [32767/07]
The Report on Seanad Reform by the Seanad Sub-Committee on Seanad Reform, published in April 2004, sets out comprehensive recommendations for further consideration and action concerning the composition, functions and future role of Seanad Éireann. The Report recommends significant reform of the Seanad electoral system, including the introduction of a 6 seat, directly elected higher education constituency to include all graduates of institutions of higher education in the State holding a primary degree or an equivalent award at level 7 in the National Framework of Qualifications.
The Government's Programme contains a commitment to determine the extent of cross-party agreement on the recommendations of the 2004 Report to advance proposals for implementation. This would include consideration of the widening of the franchise for the higher education constituency in Seanad Éireann.
I consider that Seanad reform should be advanced on the basis of an All-Party, consensus approach, insofar as possible and will write to the party leaders soon, asking for their nominations to an All-Party Group. I believe that reform should focus initially on the area of widening the third level franchise.
265 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he uses video conferencing technology in order to reduce the amount of travel taken to attend meetings; if his Department has video conferencing facilities available to staff in each Departmental building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32658/07]
Video conferencing facilities are provided and are in regular use, in each of my Department's offices at Adelaide Road, Leeson Lane, Cavan and Castlebar.
266 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of staff in his Department that are in receipt of tax saver commuter tickets in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32673/07]
A total of 89 staff in my Department availed of TaxSaver Commuter Tickets in 2007.
267 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of waste in weight generated by his Department in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [32688/07]
268 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of waste in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 that was recycled in tabular readable form. [32703/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 267 and 268 together.
Based on the information supplied by the contractors working for my Department, the table below sets out the information requested by the Deputy in respect of my Department's premises at Leeson Lane, Adelaide Road and the Geological Survey of Ireland at Beggars Bush.
|
General Waste Tonnes |
Cardboard Tonnes |
Newspapers Tonnes |
Timber Tonnes |
Compost Tonnes |
Paper Tonnes |
Mixed Recycled Tonnes |
% recycled |
|
|
2005 |
84.23 |
2.75 |
3.00 |
3.19 |
5.82 |
18% |
||
|
2006 |
106.98 |
1.65 |
10.60 |
0.00 |
7.60 |
19% |
||
|
2007(30/11) |
100.21 |
1.30 |
8.60 |
0.00 |
0.600 |
13.12 |
1.365 |
25% |
These figures include paper recycled as part of an on-site disposal of confidential waste service and its disposal at a recycling facility. The overall percentage figure for recycling for my Department is reduced with the inclusion of the Geological Survey of Ireland offices at Beggars Bush, due to the nature of its general waste requiring disposal, that is, rock samples, et cetera, from that location. If Beggars Bush were excluded from the exercise the percentage of recycled waste for 2005, 2006 and 2007 would be 26%, 21% and 27% respectively, of the annual totals.
The Cavan office of my Department is located in a shared building and the cost and arrangements for that building's waste collection is factored into its tenancy agreement. There is no detailed data available on waste volumes and recycling for that location.
269 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures he is taking to advance the production of biofuels here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32716/07]
270 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of firms that have been granted excise relief under the biofuels MOT relief scheme to date; the amount of production in litres for each; the value of grant for each; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [32717/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 270 together.
The Programme for Government commits to the development of an Irish biofuels industry and to the overall development and deployment of indigenous bio-energy resources. In this context, it is intended to introduce a Biofuels Obligation in 2009, which will require all fuel suppliers to ensure that biofuels represent a certain percentage of their annual fuel sales. The design and implementation of the obligation will be the subject of detailed consultation over coming months and will require legislative underpinning.
The obligation will build on the results of the 2005 and 2006, mineral oil tax (MOT) relief schemes for biofuels, which saw a total of 18 projects being awarded excise relief in respect of the period 2005 to 2010. While the individual amounts of biofuel produced by the companies concerned, is commercially sensitive information, I can advise the Deputy that, to the end of May 2007, there was over 9m litres of biofuel produced under the MOT Relief Schemes. Production figures of the second half of 2007 will be confirmed in light of half-yearly project reports due this month.
Details of the volume of litres of excise relief awarded to each of the companies are provided in the table.
|
Name of Company |
Volume of Excise Relief Awarded |
|
m litres |
|
|
AER Ltd — Cooley Clearpower |
54.380 |
|
Biodiesel Production Ireland Ltd |
68.000 |
|
Biogreen Energy Products Ltd |
15.866 |
|
Bord na Mona plc |
0.580 |
|
Conoco Phillips Whitegate Refinery Ltd |
93.880 |
|
Eco Fuels Ltd |
6.400 |
|
Eco Ola |
9.570 |
|
Eilish Oils Ltd |
8.012 |
|
Emo Oil Ltd |
9.650 |
|
Green Biofuels Ireland Ltd |
32.000 |
|
Greyhound Recycling and Recovery Ltd |
22.880 |
|
Goldstar Oils Ltd |
7.000 |
|
Irish Food Processors Ltd |
97.000 |
|
Kilkenny Cereals Ltd |
1.301 |
|
Maxol Ltd |
44.150 |
|
One51 Ltd |
176.070 |
|
Recycled Products Ltd |
0.821 |
|
Topaz Energy Ltd |
33.400 |
271 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of households with access to broadband in each county; the percentage of households connected to broadband in each county; and the breakdown of these figures by technology. [32736/07]
The provision of broadband services is primarily a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
ComReg are responsible for the compiling of statistics on broadband uptake. I understand that these statistics are collected on a national basis only. Details are available on www.comreg.ie .
The Central Statistics Office collected data on the uptake of broadband at local authority level in the 2006 census. This information is available at www.cso.ie/census.
272 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the Government policy governing oil and gas exploration and exploitation by non-national companies and national companies; and the Government strategy in this regard going forward. [32752/07]
My Department's policy in this area has the aim of maximising the benefits to Ireland from exploration for, and production of, our indigenous oil and gas resources, while ensuring that these activities are conducted safely and with due regard to their impact on the environment and other land or sea users.
Earlier this year I announced revised terms for oil and gas exploration and production. The new terms are designed to encourage exploration activity in Ireland whilst ensuring a greater return to the State from our natural resources. The licensing terms apply in the same way to all companies, both national and international. It is a condition attaching to all exploration licences that the licence holders must be subject to taxation within this State. When considering licence applications the key consideration is the work programme to be agreed with the applicant and whether or not the applicant has the necessary technical and financial capacity to deliver that work programme.
273 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason certain locations in County Wicklow are unable to receive broadband; if he will ensure 100% coverage of broadband to consumers here; if so, when this will be achieved and the cost; and his strategy for 100% coverage going forward. [32753/07]
The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. There are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. In order to address this issue the procurement process for a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is currently under way. The NBS will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband in unserved areas are met.
The procurement process is being undertaken pursuant to the European Communities (Award of Public Authorities' Contracts) Regulations 2006 using a competitive dialogue procurement process.
The first phase of the procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four Candidates have pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. As my Department indicated on 2 September 2007, the four candidates are, in alphabetical order, BT Communications Ireland Ltd Consortium, eircom Ltd, Hutchinson 3G Ireland Ltd and IFA/Motorola Consortium.
The Department has invited these remaining to participate in the Competitive Dialogue procurement process and the candidates are due to present their proposed solutions to meet the Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of the country. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in June 2008.
274 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department will commission a comprehensive financial analysis or assessment of the feasibility of constructing and operating a nuclear reactor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32850/07]
The Government believes that nuclear power is neither sustainable nor the answer to Ireland's energy needs. The use of nuclear fission for the generation of electricity in Ireland is statutorily prohibited under Section 18(6) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. Furthermore, Section 3 of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 states that "Nothing in this Act shall be construed as enabling the authorisation of development consisting of an installation for the generation of electricity by nuclear fission".
The Energy Policy Framework and the Programme for Government make it clear that the Government fully intends to maintain the statutory prohibition on nuclear generation in Ireland. In these circumstances the Department will not be undertaking a feasibility study on the construction of a nuclear reactor.
