Vol. 650 No. 3
78 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on both the large number of persons in receipt of rent supplement and the large sums of money being paid by his Department to landlords under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12459/08]
Rent supplement is administered on my behalf by the Health Service Executive (HSE), as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The tenant makes the application for rent supplement and the Department's relationship is with the tenant in all cases. Payment is made to the tenant in most cases, it is the property of the tenant in all cases and is specifically for the benefit of the tenant to assist them with their accommodation needs. In the minority of cases where payment is made direct to a landlord, this is done to facilitate the tenant.
Rent supplement has over the years developed beyond the original objective of providing short-term assistance with accommodation. A significant number of people have now come to rely on rent supplement for extended periods, including people on local authority housing lists. For this reason, the scheme has to be viewed in the context of overall housing policy, particularly in the case of long-term claimants.
In response to this situation, the Government has introduced new rental assistance arrangements which include the rental accommodation scheme (RAS). This gives local authorities specific responsibility for meeting the longer-term housing needs of people receiving rent supplement for 18 months or more, on a phased implementation basis. Housing authorities can meet the housing needs of these individuals through a range of approaches including the traditional range of social housing options, the voluntary housing sector and, in particular, a public/private partnership type rental accommodation scheme.
When the new rental assistance arrangements have been fully implemented it is expected that in excess of 30,000 individuals will have transferred from the rent supplement scheme to the local authorities under the rental accommodation scheme or other social housing schemes. This will enable the rent supplement scheme to revert to its original objective, namely that of a short term income support scheme.
I intend to keep the rent supplement scheme under review and my Department will be working closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in ensuring that RAS meets its objective of catering for those on long term rent supplementation while enabling rent supplement to return to its original role of a short-term income support.
84 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to expand the free telephone rental scheme to providing free broadband for older people; his timeframe for implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10580/08]
The telephone allowance is a component of the household benefits package which also includes the electricity/gas allowance and free television licence schemes. The package is generally available to people living in the State, aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. It is also available to people aged under 66 who are in receipt of certain disability social welfare payments or carer's allowance. There are currently some 355,000 customers in receipt of household benefits at an annual cost of €317 million.
The primary objective of the telephone allowance scheme is to ensure access to help in an emergency and to provide an element of security. A secondary objective is to encourage social contact and to assist in the prevention of social isolation for those living alone.
The Department has endeavoured to meet the demands of deregulation, notably in the telecoms market, where it supports multiple providers within the fixed-line telephone business.
A restructuring of the telephone allowance to a cash value was undertaken in 2003 and this has facilitated the inclusion of additional providers in the scheme since July 2004. The scheme was further extended to include mobile phones in April 2007 as a result of improvements announced in Budget 2007. Since then, customers have the choice to either opt for a direct credit to a telephone company for their landline or a cash payment in respect of their mobile phone. This means that it is no longer necessary for a person to have a fixed line phone in order to benefit from the telephone allowance. There are currently some 15,000 customers availing of the mobile phone option.
In addition, the value of the telephone allowance was increased in line with general price increases in August 2007 from €296 per annum to €310.80 per annum.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to extend the scheme further to incorporate broadband services for older people. However, where people access the internet using a landline, the tele phone allowance applies to their bill usage and will cover the cost of calls or internet usage up to the level of their allowance. My Department is currently examining how best to implement this commitment in cases where a landline does not exist and customers are not availing of their allowance in respect of a mobile phone.
85 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the ongoing action he will take to ensure that there is a high level of awareness among the public of all schemes administered by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11850/08]
The primary objective of my Department's information policy is to ensure that all citizens are made aware of the wide range of schemes and services available and that they are kept informed of changes and improvements as they occur.
The Department operates a network of approximately 130 local and branch offices throughout the country. Each Local Office has officers who are dedicated to providing information and are available to explain supports and services to people. This locally based service is supported by a central Information Unit which operates a LoCall information line (1890 66 22 44) which customers may call for information and guidance on their entitlements.
The Department produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets and booklets covering each social welfare payment or scheme which are available in a wide range of outlets, including Social Welfare Offices, Citizens Information Centres and Post Offices. Booklets are also available from the LoCall Leaflet Request Line 1890 20 23 25.
In addition, information on all our schemes and services is available on the Department's website, www.welfare.ie. Information leaflets can be downloaded from this site or a request can be made online for a booklet to be posted out.
A pro-active approach is taken in advertising schemes and services by using a mix of national and provincial media and through fact sheets, posters, direct mailshots and advertising on plasma screens in approximately 80 Credit Unions nationwide. Nationwide advertising campaigns are undertaken periodically to promote greater awareness of schemes or to highlight changes to particular schemes and services.
Presentations and talks are given by staff of the Department to various interest groups relevant to their needs. Staff also attend exhibitions and seminars throughout the country promoting information on social welfare rights and entitlements.
The Department works closely with voluntary and community organisations involved in an information giving role. A number of such organisations receive funding on an annual basis towards the cost of providing information on welfare rights and services for their target groups.
The Citizens Information Board, which comes under the aegis of my Department, is the national information agency with responsibility for supporting the provision of independent information and advice on the broad range of social services including social welfare services. Information is provided through Citizen Information Centres and other offices throughout the country, through a phone service which operates from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday, and on the website at www.citizensinformation.ie.
I am satisfied that my Department is taking all necessary steps to ensure that people are made aware of their entitlements.
86 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in relation to the review process regarding new guidelines which was to be completed by 10 March 2008 on people returning to Ireland having being born here and other EU citizens coming to Ireland to seek the same social welfare benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12132/08]
The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1 May 2004. The reason for the introduction of the habitual residence condition was to ensure that persons who have not worked in Ireland or who have not established habitual residence in Ireland cannot avail of assistance schemes or child benefit. The restriction is not based on citizenship, nationality or any other factor. The question of what is a person's "habitual residence" is decided in accordance with European Court of Justice case law, which sets out the grounds for assessing individual claims.
These grounds are now specified in Section 30 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007. Each case received for a determination on the Habitual Residence Condition is dealt with in its own right and a decision is based on application of the guidelines to the particular individual circumstances of each case. Any applicant who disagrees with the decision of a Deciding Officer has the right to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
EU legislation prohibits discrimination between nationals of EU member states in the context of freedom of movement of workers and their access to social security or social assistance entitlements. Therefore national legislation must not differentiate between Irish nationals and EU nationals in the application of the Habitual Residence Condition. Irish nationals returning to live here, on a permanent basis, should experience no difficulty in meeting the requirements of the Habitual Residence Condition.
The operation of the condition was reviewed by my Department in 2006 and the report of the Review was published on 1st February 2007. The full content of the Review may be accessed on the Department's website www.welfare.ie. The process undertaken to amend the existing guidelines, in the light of the report of the Review is now in its final stages.
87 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will introduce legislation to enable transgendered persons to obtain new birth certificates reflecting their new sexual identity in response to the High Court judgment delivered in proceedings taken against the State by a person (details supplied) which resulted in a High Court declaration that laws here are incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6347/08]
The case referred to by the Deputy concerns the rights of a person who has undergone gender reassignment surgery to recognition of her acquired gender. In particular, the person in question sought a declaration pursuant to section 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003 that the Civil Registration Act 2004 is incompatible with the provisions of Articles 8, 12 and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights in failing to allow for a correction to the person's birth registration.
In a High Court judgement delivered on 19 October 2007, the judge indicated that he intended to issue a declaration of incompatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights. Section 5(3) of the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003 provides that a copy of any order containing such a declaration be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas within 21 sitting days of the date when the order is made.
The judge made his order at a hearing on 14 February 2008 and the perfected order was issued on 10 March 2008. The order of the court contains a declaration pursuant to Section 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003 that Sections 25, 63 and 64 of the Civil Registration Act 2004 are incompatible with the obligations of the State under the European Convention on Human Rights by reason of their failure to respect the private life of the Applicant as required by Article 8 of the Convention in that there are no provisions which would enable the acquired gender identity of the Applicant to be legally recognised in this jurisdiction. The judge also ordered that the execution of the judgment be stayed for a period of two months from the date of perfection of the order and, in the event of an appeal that execution be further stayed until the final determination of such appeal.
While the Deputy refers to the introduction of legislation to enable transgendered persons to obtain new birth certificates reflecting their new sexual identity, the judgment has implications for a wide range of legislative and policy areas including taxation, social welfare, pensions, family law, criminal law, equality, employment, sport, financial services, health, education and so on. As the judgment of the High Court is the subject of an appeal to the Supreme Court, it is not appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
I would, however, point out to the Deputy that Section 5(2) of the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003 provides that a declaration of incompatibility does not affect the validity, continuing operation or enforcement of the existing law relating to civil registration.
88 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the figures published by CORI Justice in the Socio Economic Review for 2008, entitled Planning for Progress and Fairness that show that more than 20% of all children here are at risk of poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12128/08]
90 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on figures published by CORI Justice in the Socio Economic review for 2008, entitled Planning For Progress and Fairness, that show 720,774 people, 17% of the population, have incomes less than the standard poverty line recognised by the European Commission and the UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12125/08]
120 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the annual Socio Economic review for 2008, entitled Planning for Progress and Fairness, published by CORI Justice, which showed that almost 750,000 people still live in households with incomes below the poverty line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12124/08]
127 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the figures published by CORI Justice in the Socio Economic Review for 2008, entitled Planning for Progress and Fairness that show that 50% of all households at risk of poverty are headed by a person outside the labour force that is they are elderly, have a disability, are ill or have caring roles that prevent them from taking up a job; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12126/08]
151 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the figures published by CORI Justice in the Socio Economic Review for 2008, entitled Planning for Progress and Fairness that show that less than 15% of all households at risk of poverty are headed up by a person who is unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12127/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 90, 120, 127 and 151 together.
The CORI Justice annual socio-economic review published last week sets out a comprehensive and detailed analysis of developments in Ireland in recent years and the challenges Ireland faces to achieve a fairer society. I welcome the review and its contribution to shaping policy priorities to bring about a more inclusive society.
The review acknowledges the significant progress that has been made in lifting people out of poverty. The "poverty line" used in the review refers to the income threshold based on a percentage of average median income. This percentage is 60 per cent for the EU threshold. People with incomes below the 60 per cent threshold are regarded by the EU as being "at risk of poverty", relative to the prevailing living standards of the countries where they reside. Whether people "at risk" are actually in poverty depends on other factors such as degree to which their income is below the threshold, the duration of low income, employment participation, family responsibilities, disabilities, housing and access to other resources and services. A high proportion in this category in more developed and prosperous countries such as Ireland are not experiencing actual poverty.
For example, 60 per cent of median income for a family of two adults and two children in Ireland in 2004 (latest comparable figures available) was 17,802 euro. By comparison, this threshold was four times higher than that for Bulgaria which was 4,269 euro and significantly higher than that for a number of other EU countries. This means that many classified as "at risk of poverty" in Ireland have incomes and purchasing power that would put them well above the "at risk of poverty" threshold in many other EU countries. To provide a more balanced view of the situation the EU Commission now publishes a table giving the levels of the 60 percent threshold for all EU countries adjusted for purchasing power.
For the UN, the percentage of average median income used is 50 per cent. Using the latest EU SILC figures for 2006, 9.1 per cent overall were below the 50 per cent threshold, compared to 18.5 percent below the 60 per cent threshold.
The consistent poverty measure, developed by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), measures actual poverty and deprivation as compared to relative income. It is used in Ireland as the basis for setting objectives and targets and measuring progress under the national anti-poverty strategies and national action plans. .A person with income below 60 per cent of median income is regarded as being in consistent poverty if he or she also experiences deprivation in relation to two out of 11 items considered essential for a basic standard of living in Ireland. The importance and value of this type of measure is now recognised at EU level. Work is in progress to develop a clear and consistent basis for its application EU wide to complement the "at risk of poverty" measure in providing a more balanced and accurate analysis of the overall poverty situation.
There is, however, no acceptable level of poverty and tackling poverty and social exclusion remain key priorities for the Government. The degree of progress made in recent years, however, augurs well for what can be achieved in the future. For example, unemployment in the last quarter of 2007 at 4.5 per cent and long term unemployment at 1.2 per cent are among the lowest in the EU. Between 1997 and 2008 spending on social welfare increased from €5.7 billion to €17 billion. The impact of these changes has resulted, for example, on the basis the most recent information available, in the consistent poverty rate being reduced from 8.2 per cent in 2003, when the EU-SILC survey was first introduced, to 6.5 per cent in 2006.
Looking to the future, the overall goal of the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion (NAPinclusion) 2007-2016 and the social inclusion commitments in the National Development Plan is to reduce the number of persons experiencing consistent poverty to between 2 per cent and 4 per cent by 2012, with the aim of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016. Twelve high level strategic goals and over 150 detailed targets are designed to achieve this aim. They cover a range of services that includes early childhood development and care, education, health and long-term care, housing, income support, employment supports.
However, experience has shown that more effective outcomes can be achieved by an integrated approach that focuses on the multifaceted needs of people and by greater coordination of policies and programmes to meet those needs. The NAPinclusion addresses this challenge through adopting a lifecycle stage approach, in line with Towards 2016, with specific measurable goals set for each lifecycle group: children; people of working age; older people and people with disabilities; and their communities.
Ending child poverty is a particular priority. Budget 2008, for example, included €194 million improvements in income supports to combat child poverty focused on increases in the early childcare supplement and in child benefit. Further such improvements for families with children included increases in the family income supplement, in the back to school clothing and footwear allowance and the school meals scheme.
Employment is the main route of poverty. Most children in poverty or at risk of poverty are in households where parents are not in employment or in low income employment. A major priority in the strategies is to remove obstacles and disincentives to employment for those of working age such as access to education and training, income support, health, housing, transport, and lack of child care services through an integrated policy approach at both national and local levels. Provision for carers is also being significantly improved. These actions are specifically targeted at those of working age that are identified in the CORI review as being most vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion, including the working poor, lone parents and people with disabilities.
A further major priority is to ensure that older people, who are most dependent on income support, health and other relevant services, have an adequate standard of living and a good quality of life. Budget 2008 has taken the first step to fulfilling the Programme for Government commitment to achieving a pension of at least 300 euro per week by 2012 by increasing the State Pension (Contributory) by 14 euro a week to 223.30 euro and the State Pension (Non- Contributory) by 12 euro a week to 212 euro. Since 2002, the level of the State Pension (Contributory) has increased by over 147.30 euro to 223.30 euro. These measures have contributed to reducing consistent poverty among this group by almost a third from 3.1 per cent in 2005 to 2.2 per cent in 2006. The proportion of older people below the EU ‘at risk of poverty' threshold has also more than halved from 29.8 in 2003 per cent to 13.6 per cent in 2006.
My priority, in working with Government to deliver the NAP inclusion over the coming years, is to build on the significant and visible progress already made in reducing poverty. It will involve, in particular, delivering real improvements in living standards and well-being for the most vulnerable in our society and continued investment in a range of measures to bring about the fairer and more inclusive society to which we all aspire. Full account will be taken of CORI's analysis and recommendations in the further development of policies and programmes to achieve these goals.
89 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the Central Statistics Office’s consumer price index detailed sub-indices report of February 2008 which indicates that rents have increased by 10.5% in 12 months; and when he will increase rent supplement limits to reflect this trend. [12187/08]
Rent supplement is administered on my behalf by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Rent supplement is subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant may incur. Rent limits are set at levels that enable the different eligible household types to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation, having regard to the different rental market conditions that prevail in various parts of the State. The objective is to ensure that rent supplement is not paid in respect of overly expensive accommodation having regard to the size of the household. There are currently over 61,000 rent supplements in payment. Some 52,000 have been awarded since the current rent limits were set in January 2007. This suggests that the limits are set at reasonable levels at present.
Setting maximum rent limits higher than are justified by the open market would have a distorting effect on the rental market, leading to a more general rise in rent levels. This in turn would worsen the affordability of rental accommodation unnecessarily, with particular negative impact for those tenants on lower incomes, including people in low wage employment. Notwithstanding these limits, under existing arrangements the HSE may, in certain circumstances, exceed the rent limits. This discretionary power ensures that individuals with particular needs can be accommodated within the scheme and specifically protects against homelessness.
In January 2007 a review was completed of the maximum levels of rent which a person may incur and still be eligible to receive rent supplement. The purpose of the review was to inform the process of setting new limits, applicable from January 2007 until 30 June 2008. The review included consultation with the HSE, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Central Statistics Office, the Private Residential Tenancies Board and voluntary agencies working in this area. This process ensures that the new rent limits reflect realistic market conditions throughout the country. Arising from the review, rent limits were adjusted upwards, from January 2007, for a number of household types in 14 counties at an annual cost of €13 million. I intend to have rent limits reviewed this year with a view to implementing any revision found to be necessary, from 1 July 2008. A consultative approach will be used to conduct this review.
91 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the arrangements in place to assist carers to re-engage with the workforce or training or education after the death of the person they are caring for; and the way the income needs of long-term carers are met by his Department in these circumstances. [12200/08]
Persons in receipt of carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant may engage in employment, self employment, training or education outside the home for up to 15 hours per week and still be considered to be providing full-time care and attention for the purposes of the schemes. This enables carers to retain an attachment to the labour market while they are caring if their circumstances allow. Those carers who avail of this facility are likely to remain in the workforce or in education or training when their caring role ceases.
Carer's allowance recipients who have ceased caring duties may be eligible to apply for the back to work allowance or back to education allowance schemes. The back to work allowance scheme enables social welfare customers to return to the workforce in either paid employment or self-employment and retain a proportion of their social welfare payment over a number of years.
The back to education allowance scheme is an educational opportunities scheme for social welfare customers who wish to return to education at either second or third level.
The objective of the scheme is to enhance the employability skills of vulnerable groups who are distant from the labour market. Participants in the scheme receive a standard weekly rate of payment equivalent to the relevant social welfare payment they were in receipt of prior to participation in the scheme.
Budget 2007 provided for significant structural reforms to introduce new arrangements whereby people in receipt of a social welfare payment, other than carer's allowance or benefit, who are also providing someone with full time care and attention, can retain their main welfare payment and receive another payment, depending on their means, the maximum of which will be equivalent to a half rate carer's allowance.
Similarly, people currently in receipt of a carer's allowance, who may have an underlying eligibility for another social welfare payment, can transfer to that other payment and continue to receive up to a half rate carer's allowance. The back to education allowance scheme is one of the payments which can be paid in addition to half-rate carer's allowance. Those in receipt of a social welfare payment in addition to a half-rate carer's allowance will continue to be supported by the Department with their primary payment when their caring role has ceased.
My Department addresses the income needs of long-term carers who are no longer in a caring role based on their individual circumstances. Some carers will return to the workforce and will no longer require income support, others may avail of some of the employment or educational supports offered by my Department. Older carers may be in receipt of a state pension from my Department and this payment will continue when caring ceases.
I will keep the supports for carers available from my Department under review in order to continue to improve the schemes and ensure that commitments in relation to income support are delivered.
92 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on his Department putting in place a system to ensure that landlords to which his Department makes payments provide their PPS number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12131/08]
117 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in view of the failure of his Department to collect approximately €200,000 per year in tax from non-resident landlords who his Department pays rent supplements to directly, he will conduct a cost benefit analysis of introducing a paper-based system to collect this tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12189/08]
145 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he is taking to improve co-operation between his Department, the Private Residential Tenancies Board, Revenue Commissioners and local authorities in relation to the effective and coordinated administration of rent supplement. [12179/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92, 117 and 145 together.
Rent Supplement is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short- term income support to eligible tenants living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.
The tenant makes the application for rent supplement and the Department's relationship is with the tenant in all cases. Payment is made to the tenant, it is the property of the tenant and is specifically for the benefit of the tenant to assist them with their accommodation needs. Approximately 20% of rent supplemented tenants have chosen to have rent supplement paid direct to their landlord. These arrangements are made at the request of the tenant and are usually a simple matter of personal budgetary/income management convenience for the tenant.
The Department is committed to effective co-operation with the Revenue Commissioners, the PRTB and also with the local authorities, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Details of rent supplemented tenancies have for many years been supplied to the Revenue Commissioners, in a format agreed with them, including details of payments made in respect of tenancies where landlords were resident outside the state. Details were also supplied in respect of rent supplement paid directly to non-resident landlords. Tax collection is of course the responsibility of the Revenue Commissioners and my department has no responsibility in this regard. Although the department does not have a facility to withhold tax from rent supplement paid directly to non-resident landlords, the Revenue Commissioners can use the data which we supply to them to check tax compliance in relation to all landlords whose tenancies are rent supplemented.
The Finance Act 2007 obliges the department to collect and supply the Revenue Commissioners with Landlord PPS or other Revenue Reference Number. The Department is endeavouring to find a solution that would allow it to meet these requirements. Issues, including legal and administrative issues, associated with the collection and recording of landlord PPS numbers on the Department's IT systems, are being examined. Liaison continues with the Revenue Commissioners in relation to all of these matters.
The Department supports the requirement that tenancies facilitated by rent supplement should be registered with the PRTB and is working co-operatively with the PRTB to achieve this. To that end my Department provides the PRTB with details of rent supplement payments to enable them identify tenancies that are not registered and take any follow-up action necessary.
I consider that the existing co-operation between the Department and the other government departments and agencies continue to produce positive and effective outcomes which have resulted in better housing solutions for long term rent supplement recipients and supports the local authority in meeting their responsibilities in relation to housing standards. It has also identified key groups of landlords whom both the Revenue Commissioners and PRTB can target with regards compliance with their respective legislation.
93 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will confirm a current investigation by his Department which found that 2% of non-contributory State pensions were improperly claimed; if measures are in place in his Department to recover fraudulent claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12113/08]
A key objective of my Department's control strategy is to ensure that the right person is paid the right amount of money at the right time. As part of this strategy, my Department undertakes surveys of the levels of fraud and error to identify the types of claims which should be prioritised for review. The process involves a review of a random sample of cases, generally in the region of 1,000, to assess the underlying levels of fraud and error with action being taken by scheme managers to address the risks identified. When a survey is completed the results are extrapolated and are used to provide the overall fraud and error rate in terms of the percentage of cases affected and the percentage of annual expenditure in the scheme attributed to fraud and error.
A fraud and error survey of the State Pension (Non Contributory) scheme was recently completed to determine the level of fraud and error within that scheme. The State Pension (Non Contributory) scheme has a customer base of 97,000 pensioners and for the purpose of this survey 1,008 cases were reviewed. Cases were randomly selected to show representation across a range of parameters including region, gender, age, means etc. The result of the survey confirmed that the level of fraud was extremely low with only one case out of the 1008(0.1%) deemed to be fraudulent. An error rate of 1.9% was identified and mostly related to cases with means. The majority of these cases were reduced by €10 per week or less. The outcome of the survey confirms that the risk control policy in place for State Pension (Non Contributory) is working effectively.
All overpayments relating to fraudulent claims are actively pursued. In 2006 a new debt management strategy was developed for the Department to pursue the recovery of debt, to maximise recovery levels with due regard to value for money and with particular emphasis on recovery from people no longer dependent on social welfare payments.
I am committed to ensuring that social welfare payments are available to those who are entitled to them. I am also determined to ensure that abuse of the system is prevented and is dealt with effectively when detected. In this regard the control programme of my Department is carefully monitored and the various measures are continuously refined to ensure that they remain effective.
94 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the changes he will make to child income supports in view of the National Economic and Social Council report, Child Income Supports: The Case for a New Form of Targeting. [12208/08]
102 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department is studying the recently published National Economic and Social Council research paper Ireland’s Child Income Supports: The Case for a New Form of Targeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12123/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 102 together.
The principal child-centred income support is child benefit, payable in respect of children up to the age of 16 years and to age 19 in the case of children who are in full time education or suffering from a long-term disability. Payment is not affected by parental means or employment status.
The Department's other main child income supports are the qualified child increase, paid in addition to social welfare payments and family income supplement, paid to low-income employees working a specified minimum number of hours per fortnight and who have at least one qualified child.
The number of FIS recipients has substantially increased in recent years, from just over 12,000 at the end of December 2002 to the current figure of almost 23,000. My Department is currently undertaking a project to determine if, despite this increase in take up, there are significant numbers of qualifying families who have not yet availed of this payment. This project is expected to report later in 2008.
In addition, the early childcare supplement, paid by my department on behalf of the Office of the Minister for Children in respect of all children under 6 years of age who receive CB, also makes a significant contribution to recipient families.
For a number of years, government policy has been to invest additional resources in child benefit. This policy focus was driven, in part, by the recognition that the loss of qualified child increases by social welfare recipients on taking up employment could act as a disincentive to availing of work opportunities. In terms of tackling work disincentives, the shift towards child benefit has been significant. For example, in 1994 child benefit represented 29% of the total child income support payment for a four child family and is now 64%. In other words, a family will now only lose 36% of their child income support when a welfare recipient loses entitlement to a primary social welfare payment.
Under the terms of an earlier Social Partnership agreement the National Economic and Social Council was asked to examine the feasibility of merging the family income supplement with qualified child increase with a view to creating a single second tier child income support. This commitment to examining such a change was subsequently embodied in the current social partnership agreement ‘Towards 2016'. NESC commissioned John Sweeney to bring forward proposals for child income support and his research paper was received towards the end of 2007. NESC did not reach agreement on the proposals.
The broad objectives of child income support are to bring about an improvement in the relative overall position of families with children compared with single persons or childless couples and to alleviate child poverty. In considering future policy, it is important to keep in mind the multiple objectives behind the provision of such support and to maintain the correct balance between child benefit and more selective measures. Dr Sweeney's research paper will make an important contribution to this process.
95 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the current industrial relations issues affecting the transfer of staff from the Health Service Executive to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12186/08]
The transfer of certain functions from the HSE to my Department is a major programme that has implications for important services and also affects, on a personal level, the staff delivering these services. Accordingly, the programme to implement the transfer is being managed in a careful and comprehensive manner.
In relation to the Industrial Relations considerations associated with this transfer, a specific industrial relations process has been put in place to manage this element of the transfer process. A Joint Liaison Group was established involving SIPTU, IMPACT, the HSE, the Department of Health and Children and my Department. My Department is also involved in discussions with the unions representing staff in the Department through the Departmental Council.
The Joint Liaison Group has met very intensively over the last six months. An independent chairman has been appointed to facilitate the negotiations. The relevant Departments including my own and the HSE are aiming to reach a collective agreement with the trade unions in relation to the transfer. There has been a productive and meaningful engagement by all the parties involved. While there has been progress on some issues during this process a number of issues remain to be resolved.
I am satisfied that the considerable level of consultation and engagement by my Department as well as the HSE and Department of Health & Children with the unions concerned will allow for all the issues of concern to be progressed.
96 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of welfare reviews of individuals carried out in the past five years; if these reviews are carried out on a regular and targeted basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12119/08]
The prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day-to-day work of my Department. A key objective of my Department's control strategy is to ensure that we pay the right person the right amount of money at the right time.
Systematic risk analysis is a key element of the control strategy. This entails the identification, of areas of high risk of fraud and abuse in the schemes and putting in place appropriate measures to address them in a systematic way. The purpose of this approach is to ensure that review policies and activities are targeted on areas that pose a higher risk of fraud and abuse.
Reviews carried out in the past five years are detailed in the following table:
|
Year |
Customer Reviews |
Employer Reviews |
Total |
|
2003 |
312,233 |
7,561 |
319,794 |
|
2004 |
305,759 |
6,645 |
312,404 |
|
2005 |
323,629 |
5,699 |
329,328 |
|
2006 |
329,173 |
4,853 |
334,026 |
|
2007 |
341,078 |
4,763 |
345,841 |
|
Total |
1,611,872 |
29,521 |
1,641,393 |
Controls are exercised at both the initial claim stage and at subsequent stages during the claim life-cycle. Over 600 staff at local, regional and national level are engaged on a full or part-time basis on work related to the control of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system.
I am committed to ensuring that social welfare payments are available to those who are entitled to them. In this regard the control programme of my Department is carefully monitored and the various measures are continuously refined to ensure that they remain effective.
97 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress to date in respect of the commitment in the programme for Government to examine the possibility of introducing a paternity benefit; the number of cross-departmental meetings that have been held; and when he expects the payment will be introduced. [12195/08]
Responsibility for questions relating to entitlement to paternity leave rests with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The question of a social insurance funded payment for paternity leave would be contingent on an underlying entitlement to statutory parental leave.
98 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the timescale proposed for the completion of the pilot projects arising from the discussion paper Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents; and when he expects to be in a position to bring proposals to Government. [12211/08]
100 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will make amendments to the upcoming legislation affecting lone parent payments, in the wake of expressions of concern that the legislation will force single parents into work without providing adequate childcare. [12093/08]
122 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he will act on the proposals contained in Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents; and the way he will coordinate services and address poverty traps associated with some of the proposals. [12194/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98, 100 and 122 together.
The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents," put forward proposals for the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents; the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents; focused provision of childcare; improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children. The paper also proposed the abolition of the cohabitation rule as a condition for receipt of the proposed social assistance payment.
Under the proposals, the contingency of lone parenthood would no longer exist. Instead, a new payment would be made to all parents (living alone or with a partner) with young children on low income. Issues such as the possible poverty traps caused by the initial income support proposals are currently being addressed within my Department.
As I have stated before, any proposed new payment can only be introduced when the necessary co-ordinated supports and services are put in place on the ground by other Departments and Agencies. This is why the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion has been tasked with bringing forward a plan on the key issues of childcare, education, training and activation measures.
The testing phase of the non-income measures contained in the discussion paper has ended and the outcome of the process is currently being considered in my Department. This will inform the further development of the proposals. I have asked that a number of issues be examined and I hope to bring the matter to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion in the coming months.
99 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to extend entitlement to free travel. [12191/08]
561 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will make a statement on a matter (details supplied). [11591/08]
I propose to take Question Nos. 99 and 561 together.
The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. All carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance, regardless of their age, receive a free travel pass. It is also available to people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type welfare payments, such as disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind person's pension. People resident in the State who are in receipt of a social security invalidity or disability payment from a country covered by EU Regulations, or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement, and who have been in receipt of this payment for at least 12 months, are also eligible for free travel.
The scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators.
The proposal to extend the free travel scheme to those aged under 66 with certain conditions who are not in receipt of a qualifying payment is one of a range of proposals made to extend the free travel scheme. Further extensions to the scheme could only be considered in a Budgetary context and taking account of the financial and other needs of those not covered by the existing arrangements.
101 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will outline the work of the maintenance recovery unit of his Department; the number of cases dealt with by this unit in 2006 and 2007; the total amounts recovered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12214/08]
138 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent of compliance with determination orders issued by his Department to parents for the upkeep of their children; the cost in 2005, 2006 and 2007 of his Department’s activities in relation to unpaid maintenance; and the steps he is taking to improve compliance among parents and reduce costs to his Department. [12192/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 138 together.
The purpose of the Maintenance Recovery Unit (MRU) is to recover some or all of the moneys being expended on social welfare payments for lone parents. In every case where a one-parent family payment is awarded, the Maintenance Recovery Unit seeks to trace the other parent (liable relative) in order to ascertain whether he or she is in a financial position to contribute towards the cost of one-parent family payment. This follow-up activity takes place as soon as possible after the award of payment.
The methods of assessment of the liable relative's ability to pay are specified in detail in my Department's Regulations. The assessment is based on net income and certain allowances are deducted. Certain categories of liable relative are not pursued due to personal circumstances or because they have low incomes.
All liable relatives assessed with maintenance liability are issued with a Determination Order setting out the amount of contribution assessed. Decisions on the amounts assessed can be appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
MRU pursue eligible liable relatives by issuing Determination Orders, first reminders, revised Determination Orders, final notices and submitting cases for court action (since 2001, 215 cases were referred for legal action). In addition older cases are reviewed to determine if there has been a change in the liable relative's circumstances.
Applicants for one-parent family payment are required to make ongoing efforts to look for adequate maintenance from their former spouses, or, in the case of unmarried applicants, the other parent of their child. Since 2001, one-parent family payment claimants are allowed to retain half of any maintenance received without reduction in their social welfare entitlements, as an incentive to seek support.
Where, following contact with the liable relative, there is no compliance with a Determination Order issued by my Department, the recipient of one-parent family payment is reminded of their obligation to seek maintenance in order for their payment to continue.
The following appendix gives details of cases dealt with by MRU and costs of MRU activity.
|
Results of MRU Activity 2006-2007 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Liable Relative |
2006 |
2007 |
|
No Trace |
2,228 (16%) |
1,761 (15%) |
|
On Social Welfare |
2,208 (16%) |
1,893 (16%) |
|
Other — LR unknown/violent |
2,341 (17%) |
1,811 (16%) |
|
Working— |
||
|
No contribution due |
4,599 (34%) |
4,221 (37%) |
|
Determination Order issued |
2,187 (17%) |
1,842 (16%) |
|
Total |
13,593 |
11,528 |
|
2006 |
2007 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Direct Cash Receipts |
1,958,334.00 |
1,512,037.82 |
|
OFP Payments Disallowed/Reduced |
18,366,941.00 |
not available |
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
469,682 |
426,619 |
522,496 |
103 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in view of the very slow impact of the rental accommodation scheme on the number of households in private rented accommodation claiming rent supplement for 18 months or longer, he will review as a priority the barriers to employment currently experienced under the qualifying criteria for rent supplement. [12188/08]
The programme for Government includes commitments to reduce long-term reliance on rent supplement. This is being done mainly by providing enhanced financial incentives for people taking up employment and by providing long-term housing solutions under the rental assistance scheme.
Significant changes to the means test were implemented in 2007 specifically to facilitate people returning to work. Where a person has additional income in excess of the standard weekly rate of supplementary welfare allowance, the first €75 of such additional income together with 25% of any additional income above €75 is disregarded for means assessment purposes.
This improvement in the assessment of means for those with income from employment, applies to all rent supplement recipients who are engaged in employment of less than 30 hours per week. It also applies to those returning to full-time employment and who are accepted as eligible for accommodation under the rental accommodation scheme (RAS). These measures ensure that those returning to work or participating in training schemes are better off as a result of taking up such an opportunity. It is estimated that the gross annual cost of this provision is of the order of €5.2 million.
Overall I consider that the current eligibility thresholds, income disregards and associated arrangements ensure that people have a financial incentive to take up employment opportunities. I intend to keep the rent supplement scheme under review and my Department will be working closely with the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government in ensuring that RAS meets its objective of catering for those on long term rent supplementation, while enabling rent supplement to return to its original role of a short-term income support.
104 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of times in each of the past five years where rent supplement was refused or a claim suspended or cancelled because the accommodation was found to be unfit for habitation. [12181/08]
546 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of times in each of the past five years where rent supplement was refused or a claim suspended or cancelled due to the fact that the accommodation was found to be unfit for habitation. [12464/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 546 together.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the HSE. Enforcement of housing standards regulations is a matter for Local Authorities and the Community Welfare Service of the HSE is not qualified to undertake this work. However, under legislation introduced by my predecessor in October 2006 the Health Service Executive (HSE) can decide that a rent supplement may not be payable where it has been notified by a housing authority regarding the non-compliance with standards.
Where a notification is received from a housing authority in respect of an existing tenant, the Community Welfare Officer would discuss the situation with the tenant and take whatever action it decides is necessary in the best interests of the tenant. These arrangements are aimed at improving the standards of accommodation which rent supplement tenants occupy and support the local authority in meeting their responsibilities in relation to housing standards.
The most recent information available from the Health Service Executive (HSE) is that it has received 18 notifications of failure to meet housing standards since the new arrangements came into place in October 2006. 12 of these notifications were in respect of existing tenancies and all rent supplement claims have been terminated. 6 were in respect of tenancies which were not rent supplemented and rent supplement has not been paid in respect of these tenancies since notification was received.
Where the executive becomes aware of accommodation or blocks of accommodation which appears to it to be sub-standard, it notifies the local authority and it may advise prospective tenants at that premises that rent supplement will not be paid in respect of these tenancies. Details of new rent supplements are given to the PRTB in order to ensure that these tenancies are registered by landlords. Revenue generated from registration of additional tenancies will support the inspection of accommodation.
In addition details of rent supplement tenancies that are of more than 18 months duration are notified to local authorities every quarter. This information is primarily for the purpose of identifying rent supplement tenants for transfer to the Rental Accommodation Scheme. However local authorities inspect the accommodation concerned before accepting them on to RAS and this information sharing assists in enforcing standards.
105 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has received a projection of the amount that may be needed to cope with rising unemployment. [12087/08]
136 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in view of rising unemployment, he will bring forward a Supplementary Estimate on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12106/08]
142 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on a recent report which revealed Government officials believe that significant extra funds will be needed to meet the rising cost of unemployment benefit in the coming months. [12086/08]
144 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he is satisfied that the allocation for jobseeker’s allowance and jobseeker’s benefit for 2008 is sufficient to meet demand for the payment in view of the recent large increase in the live register; his intentions to introduce a supplementary estimate to cater for the increase; and the locations where he will make savings to cater for this supplementary estimate. [12196/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 136, 142 and 144 together.
The Estimates allocation for jobseeker's allowance in 2008 is €1,019.8 million while the provision for jobseeker's benefit is €614.52 million. Expenditure on these schemes amounted to €875 million and €545.6 million respectively in 2007. This year's allocations are based on an underlying live register forecast of an average of 170,000 for the year. Live register forecasts are determined by the Department of Finance. Developments in relation to jobseeker's allowance and jobseeker's benefit will be closely monitored during the year in the context of the Government's framework for reporting on public expenditure.
Social welfare scheme expenditure is incurred almost entirely on payments to individual recipients based on pre-determined qualifying conditions and rates of payment. The expenditure, which is demand-led, is driven by a range of economic, social and demographic factors. The issue of a supplementary estimate will be considered if, and where, the need for such a measure arises.
106 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who received jobseeker’s benefit since January 2008; the number of people who received the payment for the same period in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12108/08]
129 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who received jobseeker’s allowance since January 2008; the number of people who received the payment for the same period in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12107/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 129 together.
At the beginning of January 2008, there were 90,063 people signing for Jobseeker's Allowance. The number has increased by 8,574 to 98,637 at 21st March 2008. The comparative figures for 2007 were 84,122 at the beginning of January increasing by 991 to 85,113 at 23rd March 2007.
At the beginning of January 2008, there were 70,647 people signing for Jobseeker's Benefit. The number has increased by 16,678 to 87,325 at 21st March 2008. The comparative figures for 2007 were 61,523 at the beginning of January increasing by 372 to 61,895 at 23rd March 2007.
The figures reflect a substantial increase in the number of people on the Live Register in the 12 months to 21 st March 2008. The increase in the numbers on Jobseeker's Benefit which is short-term in nature and based on paid PRSI contributions, was almost double that for the means-tested Jobseeker's Allowance.
My Department, through its Employment Support Services and in conjunction with other agencies, continues to assist persons on the Live Register to make the transition to work, education or relevant training. Under the National Employment Plan, people who are approaching 3 months on the Live Register are identified by my Department and referred to FÁS for interview with a view to job placement or offer of training. A significant measure available to eligible long-term unemployed people is my Department's Back to Work Allowance scheme which allows them to retain part of their social welfare payment for a period when they take up employment or self-employment.
Other measures include the Back to Education Allowance scheme, the Technical Assistance and Training grants and the PRSI Exemption Scheme. In addition, the Activation and Family Support Programme and the Second Chance Education Opportunities Scheme offer supports to social welfare customers and other disadvantaged persons to assist them in improving their employability and personal and family situations.
107 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when his Department will undertake fraud and error surveys for 2008; the number of same that will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12130/08]
The prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day-to-day work of my Department. A key objective of my Department's control strategy is to ensure that we pay the right person the right amount of money at the right time.
My Department includes surveys of the levels of fraud and error as part of its control strategy to identify the types of claims, which should be prioritised for review purposes. My Department is committed to undertaking two such surveys annually, to establish the levels of fraud and error arising.
The process involves Inspectors reviewing a random sample of claims to assess the underlying levels of fraud and error, action being taken by scheme managers to address the fraud and error risks identified and further surveys being undertaken using the first survey as a benchmark against which these further surveys can be measured.
The surveys are carried out in accordance with the criteria laid down by the C&AG for the successful implementation of baseline fraud and error surveys as follows:
1. All cases for inclusion in the survey must be selected randomly from the population of cases in payment at a specific time.
2. The sample size must be sufficiently large to yield reasonably reliable estimates.
3. The reviews should be carried out quickly
4. The results of the survey should be capable of being audited
5. Cases should be tested fully for all possible breaches of regulations.
6. The monetary values of any changes as a result of the review together with the monetary value of the sample should be captured so that the results can be extrapolated to draw conclusions about the estimated value of the loss.
When the survey is completed the results are extrapolated and are used to provide an estimate of the overall cost of fraud and error within the scheme.
Two surveys are planned for 2008. The first survey on the state pension contributory scheme will be undertaken in Quarter 2, 2008 and a second on jobseeker's allowance scheme is planned for Quarter 3.
108 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress to date on the new national carers strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12102/08]
128 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of meetings that have been held in relation to discussions on the new national carers strategy; the persons present at the meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12103/08]
146 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the completion date for the new national carers strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12104/08]
545 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of times the national carers strategy working group has met to date; the composition of the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12223/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 108, 128, 146 and 545 together.
The development of a national carers' strategy is a key Government commitment in both the national partnership agreement "Towards 2016" and the Programme for Government. A working group, chaired by the Department of An Taoiseach, has begun work on developing the strategy.
My Department provides the secretariat to the working group which also includes representatives of the Departments of Finance, Health and Children and Enterprise, Trade and Employment as well as FÁS and the Health Service Executive. To date, the working group has held two meetings, one in February and the other in March. A list of those who attended the meetings is set out at the end of the reply. It is intended to hold the next meeting later this month.
Developing the strategy involves consultation with other Departments and Government agencies not represented on the working group. Yesterday, my Department hosted a consultation meeting with several organisations including the Equality Authority, Combat Poverty Agency, Citizen's Information Board, Pobal, the Family Support Agency, the National Economic and Social Council, the National Council on Ageing and Older People, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. A list of attendees is set out at the end of the reply.
"Towards 2016" commits the DSFA to hosting an annual consultation meeting of carer representative groups and relevant Departments and Agencies. Such a meeting was held on 23 January 2008. Representatives of 12 groups and 9 government departments and agencies attended. A list of attendees is set out at the end of the reply.
The theme was the National Carers' Strategy and groups were given an opportunity to comment on the draft terms of reference and to raise other issues considered relevant in the context of the strategy. Key issues were recognition for carers and their work, accessing suitable health services, income support (including pensions) and access to training and employment. Another meeting with carer groups will be held when the results of the public consultation process are available.
The commitment to the development of a National Carers' Strategy includes a commitment to appropriate consultation with the social partners. An update in relation to the strategy was provided to the social partners plenary session in February. It is intended that the first consultation meeting with the social partners will be held in April.
A request for submissions from the public was published in regional newspapers during the week beginning 3 March 2008 and in the national daily papers on Friday 7 March. It is also on the front page of my Department's website. Representative groups and the social partners have been advised of this process. The closing date for submissions is Friday, 18 April 2008. To date, 35 submissions have been received. It is intended to publish the strategy later this year.
|
Name |
Organisation |
|
Enda Egan |
The Carers Association |
|
Frank Goodwin |
The Carers Association |
|
Mary McMahon |
Caring for Carers Ireland |
|
Liam O’ Sullivan |
Care Alliance Ireland |
|
Mairead Hayes |
Senior Citizen’s Parliament |
|
Gráinne McGettrick |
Alzheimer Society of Ireland |
|
Deirdre Carroll |
Inclusion Ireland |
|
Stephen MacWhite |
People with Disabilities in Ireland |
|
Joan O’Donnell |
Disability Federation of Ireland |
|
Eamon Timmins |
Age Action Ireland |
|
Clare Cassells |
Crosscare |
|
Áine Uí Ghiollagáin |
Cúram |
|
Mary Sherry |
Irish Farmers Association |
|
Orlaigh Quinn (Chair) |
Department of Social and Family Affairs |
|
Dearbháil Nic Giolla Mhicíl |
Department of Social and Family Affairs |
|
Catherine Curley |
Department of Social and Family Affairs |
|
Caitríona O’Connor |
Department of Social and Family Affairs |
|
Denis Galvin |
Department of Social and Family Affairs |
|
Colin Byrne |
Department of Social and Family Affairs |
|
Alison Keogh |
Department of Health and Children |
|
Sinead Hanafin |
Office of the Minister for Children |
|
Deirdre Scully |
Health Services Executive |
|
John Fitzpatrick |
Department of Finance |
|
Patsy Purtill |
Department of Finance |
|
Denis Breen |
Department of An Taoiseach |
|
Anne Gale |
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
|
Caroline Savage |
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
|
Theresa Donohue |
Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
|
Aisling Byrne |
FÁS |
|
List of Attendees |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Organisation |
Attendees 5 February 2008 |
Attendees 13 March 2008 |
|
Department of An Taoiseach |
Mary Doyle (Chair) Denis Breen Tony Downes |
Mary Doyle (Chair) Tony Downes |
|
Department of Social and Family Affairs |
Orlaigh Quinn Dearbháil Nic Giolla Mhicíl Caitríona O’Connor |
Orlaigh Quinn Dearbháil Nic Giolla Mhicíl Caitríona O’Connor |
|
Health Services Executive |
Martin Rogan Deirdre Scully |
Martin Rogan Deirdre Scully |
|
FÁS |
Ann Gilton |
Ann Gilton |
|
Department of Health and Children |
Geraldine Fitzpatrick |
Geraldine Fitzpatrick Dave Walsh |
|
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
Leo Sheedy |
Leo Sheedy |
|
Department of Finance |
Patsy Purtill Fred Foster |
Fred Foster |
|
Tuesday 1 April 2008 |
|
|---|---|
|
List of Attendees |
|
|
Name |
Organisation |
|
Orlaigh Quinn (Chair) |
Department of Social and Family Affairs |
|
Dearbháil Nic Giolla Mhicíl |
Department of Social and Family Affairs |
|
Caitríona O’Connor |
Department of Social and Family Affairs |
|
Theresa O’Donoghue |
Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
|
Trudy Duffy |
Department of Education and Science |
|
Mary Byrne |
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
|
Pauline Moreau |
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform |
|
Mary Kelly |
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
|
Brian D’Arcy |
Equality Authority |
|
Carol Baxter |
Equality Authority |
|
Geralyn McGarry |
Citizen’s Information Board |
|
Sharon Keane |
Combat Poverty Agency |
|
Christina O’Connor |
Family Support Agency |
|
Sinead Quill |
National Council on Ageing and Older People |
|
Vanessa Coffey |
Pobal |
|
Helen Johnston |
National Economic and Social Council |
|
Anne Marie McGauran |
National Economic and Social Forum |
|
Nuala Ward |
Health Information and Quality Authority |
109 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount that will be lost from the social insurance fund if PRSI is cut to the levels promised in the programme for Government. [12088/08]
114 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the Government will proceed with its programme for Government promise to cut levels of PRSI. [12090/08]
143 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs where he proposes to get the funds to pay rising unemployment costs if the social insurance fund can not meet the amount. [12091/08]
150 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether the Government’s promise in advance of the election in 2007 to slash PRSI rates was good policy. [12089/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109, 114, 143 and 150 together.
Estimated costings were agreed between the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Department of Finance in relation to the PRSI commitments in the Programme for Government. These suggest that, were the commitments to be implemented in full, the cost to the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) would be €645 million, in 2006 terms, in a full year. However, it should be noted that, if introduced as a package, the combination of measures will give rise to a compound effect with an estimated overall impact in the order of €685m based on figures supplied by the consultants who carried out the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund, 2005.
The Social Insurance Fund has sufficient resources to provide for the changes to the PRSI system and a rise in the number of benefit recipients. The effect over a five year period would be dependent on the sequencing of any changes to the PRSI rates. Obviously, however, decreasing contributions while the number of beneficiaries is rising will bring forward the time when exchequer subvention is required.
A key function of Government, accepting the role of the Exchequer as residual financier of the Fund, is to balance the need for contributions with liabilities — in an overall budgetary context; with any shortfall in the cost of benefits paid being, in the normal way, addressed by Exchequer subvention. If implemented, the Programme for Government proposals would not alter the fact that, between the Fund and the Exchequer, social insurance liabilities will be met. Their main effect would be to ease the cost of contributions on individual contributors and further strengthen the redistributive nature of the Fund.
111 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he expects to complete his Department’s technical review of the entire social welfare code to examine its compatibility with the Equal Status Act 2000. [12198/08]
The purpose of the review of the social welfare code, which is currently being undertaken in my Department, is to examine its compatibility with the Equal Status Act, 2000 (as amended). The review will examine all the schemes and services provided for both in social welfare legislation and the administrative schemes operated by the Department. It will identify any instances of direct or indirect discrimination, on any of the nine grounds under the Act that are not justified by a legitimate social policy objective or where the means of achieving that objective are either unnecessary or inappropriate.
A decision was taken that the review would take place in two phases. Phase 1 involved the undertaking of a scoping exercise to establish the most appropriate approach and methodology to carrying out the main review, which would be robust and verifiable. The results of Phase 1 then formed the basis of the terms of reference of the main review. A request for tender for Phase 2 of the work, involving the undertaking of the main review, issued in April 2007. Consultants were selected to carry out the work in July 2007, with work commencing in October 2007. The work is expected to be completed by early 2009.
112 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will undertake a risk analysis of each welfare payment affected by the habitual residence condition to determine if the rule could be abolished for low-risk claim-types. [12206/08]
The habitual residence condition currently applies to the following schemes:
Jobseeker's allowance, one parent family payment, disability allowance, old age non-contributory pension, widow's non-contributory pension, guardian's non-contributory payment, carer's allowance, blind person's pension, child benefit and supplementary welfare allowance. It does not apply to exceptional or urgent needs payments under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The basic rationale for introducing the condition was that a person whose habitual residence is elsewhere should not be entitled to payment under these schemes on arrival in Ireland or if they have had no attachment to the work force since arrival in Ireland.
I presume the Deputy's reference to a "low-risk claim-type" is intended to mean the schemes which have had a low number of applications. To remove the condition from one of these schemes merely because there has been a low application rate would introduce an inconsistency in the above rationale which would be hard to justify. I have no intention of amending the habitual residence condition on this basis.
113 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to improve entitlement in relation to the backdating of welfare payments; and if he will bring it into line with the four year rule that applies to claiming tax credits from the Revenue Commissioners. [12190/08]
The legislative provisions relating to late claims for social welfare benefits are set out in Section 241 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, and in Regulations made under that section. These provisions set out the times within which a person must claim, the disqualifications which apply where a late claim is made, and the circumstances in which the time limits may be extended.
Since 1997 a number of improvements have been made to the provision relating to late claims for social welfare payments. For example, prior to 1997 arrears of state pension contributory claims were limited to either three months or six months before the date of claim. Regulations made in 2000 established a statutory basis for certain extra-statutory provisions which were applied in the case of late claims under certain schemes. All late claims are now determined in accordance with the legislation.
The legislation also provides for payment to be made on foot of late claims in the case of a range of other schemes for a period of 6 months prior to the date of claim, provided that there was good cause for the delay in claiming.
The legislation now also provides for relaxation of the restrictions on backdating late claims under all schemes apart from jobseeker's benefit, jobseeker's allowance and supplementary welfare allowance, and for further payment to be made, up to the level of full retrospection if the circumstances would warrant it, where:
the delay was due to incorrect information having been given by my Department, or
illness or a force majeure prevented a person from claiming earlier or,
the person is dependent on the arrears of payment to relieve financial hardship.
It is generally accepted that there is an obligation on people to claim their social welfare entitlements in time. However, cases will inevitably arise where they fail to do so and the legislative provisions are designed to cater for such situations. I am satisfied that the current provisions strike a reasonable balance between, on the one hand the need to exercise supervision and control of claims and, on the other hand, the need for appropriate recognition to be given to cases of genuine hardship or difficulty.
115 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of fraudulent claims made by social welfare recipients over the past five years; if measures are in place in his Department to recover fraudulent claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12114/08]
The number of overpayments which are attributed to fraud for the five years from 2002 to 2006 are as follows.
|
Year |
Number |
|
2002 |
13,800 |
|
2003 |
16,700 |
|
2004 |
19,200 |
|
2005 |
16,000 |
|
2006 |
16,800 |
The figures for 2007 are not yet available.
Overpayments may be recovered in the following ways:
a single payment covering the full amount owed regular
periodic payments
deduction(s) from the customer's social welfare payment
by taking civil proceedings.
In 2006 a new debt management strategy was developed for the Department. The overall goal of this strategy is to actively pursue the recovery of debt to maximise recovery levels, with due regard to value for money and with particular emphasis on recovery from people no longer dependant on welfare payments. The objectives of the strategy are
To maximise the recovery of overpayments
To efficiently record, report and monitor the occurrence and recovery of overpayments
To fulfil statutory, accounting and reporting obligations
To conduct overpayment and debt management as efficiently as possible.
Implementation of the debt management strategy to date has consisted of:
A review of debt on the old computer system.
The introduction of the ODM computer system
The issue of guidelines setting out debt management procedures and defining the responsibilities of areas in relation to debt management and debt management procedures.
The restructuring of the Central Overpayments and Debt Management Unit
Ongoing work on the implementation of the debt management strategy includes the use of the new ODM system in all relevant areas of the Department by mid 2008, which will allow for Central Overpayments & Debt Management Unit to focus efficiently and effectively on its debt management role.
116 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans for the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Inclusion 2010. [12092/08]
The European Commission's proposal to designate 2010 as the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion is currently under consideration by the European Council and the European Parliament.
This proposal essentially arises from the decision of the European Council at Lisbon in March 2000 to invite Member States and the Commission to take steps to make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty by 2010. Member States in response adopted national strategies designed to progressively achieve this objective. The EU Commission and the EU Social Protection Committee through the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) provided detailed guidance and supports for the process with a view to promoting a coordinated strategic approach across Member States.
The Commission's proposal for the designated year will build on these processes and is also intended to reaffirm and strengthen the political commitment of the European Union to eradicate poverty beyond 2010. The types of actions and activities envisaged include meetings, seminars and other events; informational and promotional campaigns; and surveys and studies at a national and European Union level.
Ireland welcomes and supports the Commission's proposal for the European Year in 2010. The National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016 (NAPinclusion) underlines the continued importance and value of a strategic approach. This plan, together with the major social inclusion commitments in the National Development Plan, provide for a coordinated strategy to combat poverty and social exclusion well into the next decade.
The programmes and activities planned for 2010 under the EU Commission proposal should greatly assist in deepening understanding of the challenges to be faced in the coming decades, the policies and resources required to continue to make a decisive impact on poverty, the nature and extent of the progress achieved over the past decade and how that can be built on to match and, where possible, exceed that level of progress in the years ahead. The year will be marked, in particular, by the involvement of all relevant stakeholders, not least people experiencing poverty, in the process.
Ireland, therefore, will be fully supporting the proposal to designate 2010 as the European Year for Combating Poverty Social Exclusion at the Council of Ministers meeting which is to take place in June. Preliminary consideration is being given by the Office for Social Inclusion to the specific type of actions being proposed by the EU Commission for 2010. This also includes consideration of structures that would be appropriate for coordinating implementation and providing for the effective involvement of the social partners and other relevant stakeholders in the process.
118 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will take the necessary steps to ensure that adequate stocks of important State benefit application forms, such as the household benefits package are maintained at the various outlets in order that stocks do not become exhausted, as many persons do not have access to electronic means of applying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11139/08]
The Department produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets and application forms covering each social welfare payment or scheme. These are available in a wide range of outlets across the country, including all Social Welfare Local Offices and Branch Offices, Citizens Information Centres, Post Offices and in other organisations such as local community centres. Extra stocks are maintained in our stores to reduce the possibility of stocks running out. Application forms and information leaflets can be ordered directly, at any time, from our LoCall Leaflet Request Line at 1890 20 23 25.
The leaflet referred to by the Deputy has recently gone to print and will be distributed to all Social Welfare Local and Branch Offices, Citizens Information Centres and Post Offices, as well as being available in Department stores and for order from the LoCall Leaflet Request Line. The Household Benefits leaflet, along with all of my Departments application forms and leaflets, is available on my Department's website at www.welfare.ie. Application forms can be printed from the website for customers at a Citizens Information Centre.
There are 130 Social Welfare offices throughout the country where customers can obtain information and guidance. In some of my Department's local offices, staff dedicated to information provision duties are available to explain all our supports and services and to help and assist people in completing application forms and accessing their entitlements.
119 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cooperation between social welfare inspectors and other agencies in relation to employers found in breach of employment laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12109/08]
The Department's inspectorate, appointed under Section 250 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 is responsible for ensuring that employers comply with their legal obligations in relation to Pay Related Social Insurance contributions. Employer compliance in this regard, is monitored by Inspectors conducting employer inspections. The nature of these inspections can vary; ranging from the straightforward, where compliance is fully in order, to the more complex where evidence of non compliance is obtained and an in-depth inspection is required. Over 4800 employer inspections were carried out in 2007.
Joint Inspection Units (JIU) comprising of personnel from both the Department of Social and Family Affairs (DSFA) and Revenue Inspectorates have been in operation for many years. These units were established countrywide, to combat Social Welfare Fraud and tax evasion i.e. to uncover instances of non compliance by employers with the PAYE/PRSI regulations and abuse of DSFA schemes.
A Service Level agreement between this Department and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners defines the administrative and operational arrangements under which these Units operate.
This joint cooperation, drawing as it does, on the expertise and experience of those involved in planning and conducting joint projects, has been beneficial in the detection of non compliance by errant employers and in the collection of any outstanding PRSI liabilities arising. In addition, the use of both DSFA and Revenue legislation has been most effective in this regard.
Legislation was introduced in the Social Welfare Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2004, to enable Social Welfare Inspectors verify that employers had entered into a contract with a Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) provider in cases where the employer does not operate a pension scheme with retirement benefits for employees. Where in the course of employer inspection work, Social Welfare inspectors uncover evidence of non-compliance by employers in this regard, the Pensions Board is notified accordingly. Once notified the onus is on the Pensions Board to follow up and ensure compliance. Almost 1,500 PRSA enquiries were carried out in 2007, of which over 440 were referred to the Pensions Board.
In June 2006, arrangements were put in place between my Department and the Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment (DET&E) on the transfer of information regarding work permits. As part of this process, my inspectors notify DET&E of cases of suspected non compliance with Work Permit legislation which they identify in the course of their normal inspection work.
Toward 2016 provides for greater coordination between agencies in the area of employment law and employment rights, with a view to ensuring compliance in this area. The Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007, includes a provision to enable the Department, the Revenue Commissioners and the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) to exchange relevant information and undertake joint investigations. There have been ongoing exchanges of information between the three agencies and a number of joint investigations have already taken place. Inter agency co-operation of this nature can be particularly effective and the Department is committed to maintaining close working relationships with both the Revenue Commissioners and the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA).
121 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will confirm a current investigation by his Department which found that 4.7% of disability allowance paid to Irish claimants were fraudulent; if measures are in place in his Department to recover fraudulent claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12112/08]
The Department undertakes surveys of levels of fraud and error as part of its control strategy, to identify types of claims which should be prioritised for review purposes. The Department is committed to undertaking at least two such surveys annually and these are done in accordance with specific criteria laid down by the Comptroller and Auditor-General (C&AG).
The objective of the surveys is to identify the percentage of cases where the rate of social welfare payment is changed following review, as a result of fraud or error (whether by the claimant or by the Department), and to assess the total cost of overpayments as a percentage of scheme expenditure. When a survey is completed the results are extrapolated and are used to provide an overall fraud and error rate for the scheme in question.
A fraud and error survey for the Disability Allowance (DA) scheme was carried out in 2005, where Social Welfare Inspectors reviewed a random sample of 1,000 DA cases to assess the underlying levels of fraud and error. The result of this survey showed the level of fraud as being 2.3% of Disability Allowance expenditure. The level of 4.7% to which the Deputy refers is the level of error which was assessed in this survey.
A systematic review policy is in place for all DA customers. This policy is reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure it adequately caters for the control requirements of the scheme. The policy takes account of issues arising from the fraud and error survey, analysis of outcomes from various control projects and also from risk assessment processes.
If, as a result of control activity, an overpayment is identified, this is dealt with in accordance with Sections 334 to 343 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 and Regulations 242 to 249 of the Social Welfare (Consolidated Claims, Payments and Control) Regulations 2007, with a view to recovering the overpayment.
124 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action his Department has taken to improve the allocation of PPS numbers and any further proposals he may have in this area. [12185/08]
My Department assumed responsibility for the allocation of PPS Numbers in June 2000. Because the PPS Number is a unique identifier for access to services provided by Government Departments and other public bodies it is essential to have effective controls around the PPS Number registration process. Controls, which are evaluated on an ongoing basis, are exercised at both the initial allocation stage and at subsequent stages in the lifecycle of the number.
In the case of children born in Ireland a PPS Number is automatically issued. In other cases application must be made in person at one of the Department's network of Local Offices. PPS Numbers are issued following a controlled allocation procedure, involving;
a personal attendance at the office,
the completion of a written application form,
the submission of appropriate identity documents proving identity and address.
Proof and evidence of identity is a vital element of the allocation process.
In order to ensure that a person receives only one number and that the number is allocated on information that is accurate and verified, certain operational procedures are prescribed for local office personnel when dealing with applications. These operational guidelines are regularly revised and updated with the latest revision taking place in February 2008.
Other initiatives designed to improve the PPS Number registration process began in 2007 and it is hoped these will be completed by September 2008. In particular, a reduction in the number of PPS Number allocation centres from 128 to 28 will permit the concentration of expertise in document examination and authentication. Also an organisational review of the registration process is currently underway and should also be completed by September 2008. Tougher legislative measures introduced in the Social Welfare Act 2007, allowing the retention of proof of identity documentation, should also significantly enhance the Department's ability to detect and control identity fraud.
125 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to extend the opening times of his Department’s front-line services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12202/08]
Under the current arrangements the majority of Social Welfare Local Offices are open to the public from 9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, including lunch hours. In 2004 opening hours were extended to include lunch times as provided for in the Department's Modernisation Action Plan under Sustaining Progress.
Social Welfare Branch Offices and some smaller Local Offices do not open during lunch hour as the number of staff in these offices is insufficient to provide a service during lunch time.
The most recent national independent customer survey, Consulting With Our Customers, carried out in 2005, indicated that 81% of customers who visited Local Offices were happy with the opening hours. Only 1% of the customers surveyed identified opening hours as an area that required improvement.
The Department has no immediate plans to further extend its front-line services opening times, although, the matter will be reviewed in the context of the Department's next Modernisation Action Programme.
126 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will outline the work of the Family Support Agency; the voluntary organisations that received counselling grants from the agency for each year since the agency was established; the amounts granted to each of these organisations; his plan to further strengthen and widen the work of the Family Support Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12213/08]
The Family Support Agency was established on 6 May 2003 by the then Minister for Social and Family Affairs and brings together programmes and services to support families introduced by the Government in recent years. Its mission is to promote family and community well being through the provision of appropriate supports and services to families. Funding for the Agency has increased from €17.28 million in 2003 to €39.38 million for 2008.The main functions of the Agency include:
The scheme of grants to voluntary organisations providing marriage, child and bereavement counselling and related services
The Family and Community Services Resource Centre (FRC) Programme
The Family Mediation Service
The number of voluntary organisations that have received counselling grants from the Family Support Agency has increased from 473 in 2003 to 561 in 2007, with total funding increasing from €6.7 million in 2003 to €9.9 million in 2007. Details of the individual organisations funded will be made available to the Deputy.
For the current year, over 600 applications for funding have been received by the Agency. 2008 will also be the first year where groups in receipt of more than €60,000 per annum will be eligible to receive multi-annual funding, thus giving large groups the opportunity to make more long-term plans to develop the invaluable service that they provide to thousands of people across the country.
The FRC programme, which currently supports 106 Centres, will also be expanded over the duration of the current National Development Plan. In addition, funding has been allocated for an additional worker in 100 Family Resource Centres between 2007 and 2013.
The Family Mediation Service has expanded to 16 centres nationwide with another centre being operated on a pilot basis. There are four full-time offices in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway with part-time offices situated in Athlone, Blanchardstown, Castlebar, Dundalk, Letterkenny, Marino, Portlaoise, Sligo, Tallaght, Tralee, Waterford and Wexford, as well as the pilot office in Ballymun.
130 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the recommendations published by CORI Justice in the Socio Economic Review for 2008, entitled Planning for Progress and Fairness, of introducing measures to address child poverty and child care problems by increasing child benefit or increasing the early childhood supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12129/08]
In its Socio Economic Review for 2008 CORI Justice proposed that the issues of child poverty and childcare be addressed through substantial increases in child benefit and/or early childcare supplement.
Child benefit (CB) is a universal payment, paid in respect of children up to the age of 16 years. It continues to be paid in respect of children up to age 19 who are in full-time education, or who have a physical or mental disability.
Child benefit supports all children but delivers proportionately more assistance to those on low incomes and with larger families. While it is not intended primarily to meet childcare costs, the very substantial increases in benefit in recent years can make a significant contribution to meeting those costs.
Effective from April 2008, monthly rates of child benefit have increased to €166 in respect of each of the first two children and €203 in respect of the third and subsequent children. Monthly rates of child benefit have increased by €127.90 at the lower rate and €153.48 at the higher rate since 1997, increases of 335.7% and 309.9% respectively. This level of increase is unprecedented and is in line with the Government's objective of improving income for children generally.
Early childcare supplement which is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children is payable in respect of all children under the age of 6 years who receive child benefit.
It came into effect on April 1st, 2006 at an annual payment of €1,000 per year. This amount was increased to €1,100 in Budget 2008. The question of further increases in child benefit will be considered in a budgetary context.
131 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he has taken to ensure that his Department are not operating the habitual residence condition in an over-rigid fashion; and if he will undertake to publish his Department’s legal advice on the operation and application of the current criteria and any correspondence between his Department and the European Commission on this issue. [12183/08]
The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1 May 2004. It was introduced in the context of the Government's decision to open the Irish labour market to workers from the 10 new EU Member States, without the transitional limitations which were imposed at that time by most of the other Member States. The effect of the condition is that a person whose habitual residence is elsewhere would not normally be entitled to social welfare assistance or child benefit payments on arrival in Ireland.
Under Social Welfare legislation, decisions in relation to all aspects of claims are made by statutorily appointed Deciding Officers. Each case received for a determination on the Habitual Residence Condition is dealt with in its own right and a decision is based on application of the legislation and guidelines to the particular individual circumstances of each case. Decisions in relation to Supplementary Welfare Allowance are made by Community Welfare Officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Any applicant who disagrees with the decision on a case has the right to request a review of that decision and/or appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
While decisions to the effect that applicants satisfy the habitual residence condition (HRC) can be made in the vast majority (over 90%) of cases at claim acceptance stage on the basis of answers given on the primary claim forms, complex cases are examined in more detail. Claims involving complex HRC issues are assessed and decided in all scheme areas within my Department by a small number of deciding officers who are experienced and fully familiar with the issues involved for each scheme in regard to HRC. I am satisfied that this arrangement contributes greatly to accuracy and consistency in the decision-making process.
Arising from a review of the operation of the habitual residence condition which was published in 2007, revised and expanded guidelines for claims decisions staff on the application of HRC are currently nearing completion, in consultation with management in the various scheme areas.
Following final clearance, the revised guidelines will be made available to all relevant staff and published on the Department's website www.welfare.ie . As an additional support, and to maintain standards of accuracy and consistency, on completion of the revised HRC guidelines, arrangements will be made to provide training and/or briefings as appropriate to decisions staff within my Department and within the Health Service Executive.
My Department consulted in the normal manner with the Attorney General's Office in the course of drafting the habitual residence legislation and subsequently when issues were raised regarding compliance with the EU legislation and other international convention commitments. This advice is subject to legal professional privilege. The substance of the advice has been fully reported in earlier Parliamentary Questions.
At a recent meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social and Family Affairs, dealing with the Habitual Residence Condition, officials from my Department indicated that, while advice from the office of the Attorney General was confidential, a note would be furnished, outlining the substance of that advice. That note was issued to the Committee and dealt with the position in relation to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child. The European Commission initiated infringement proceedings in December 2004.
Following written and oral response by my Department and a full investigation of the matter, the Commission was satisfied that the HRC was being operated in conformity with the EU legislation and withdrew its infringement proceedings in April 2006. As this matter has also been dealt with in detail in previous Parliamentary Questions, and relevant issues have been fully explained at the Joint Committee meetings I have referred to, I see no need to publish the correspondence on this matter.
132 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding each of the reviews of the Combat Poverty Agency; and the outcome and main conclusions of those that are now finalised. [12197/08]
The reviews, in relation to the work of the Combat Poverty Agency, are at different stages of progression. The review of the Agency's Research Programme, initiated in May 2007 by the Agency and the Office for Social Inclusion of the Department, was carried out by Goodbody Economic Consultants. Its objectives were to
Assess the activities, output and outcomes of the research programme;
Review the programme's contribution to research on poverty;
Benchmark the Agency's research programme against best practice in the design and implementation of similar social research programmes in Ireland and internationally;
Advise on the future direction of the research programme, particularly with regard to the most effective allocation and optimum use of research resources, both within the Agency and in collaboration with other organisations.
The work was overseen by a steering committee comprising representatives of the Combat Poverty Agency, the Office for Social Inclusion, and relevant government departments, as well as Goodbody Economic Consultants. The review has now been completed and the final report has just recently been made available to my Department and to the Board of the Agency and is being currently considered.
In line with a commitment in Towards 2016, a review of the Combat Poverty Agency's programmes that facilitate the participation of the community and voluntary sector and people experiencing poverty in the policy-making process has been in progress over the period 2006 and 2007. Some aspects of that review remain to be considered further before it is finalised.
The review of the Combat Poverty Agency, which forms part of the Department's Value for Money and Policy Review Initiative programme for 2006-2008 commenced in December 2007. When completed, it will include recommendations on the future role and functions of the Agency.
Mr. Niall Callan, formerly Secretary General of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, is the Chairperson of the Steering Committee. The membership of the Steering Committee, which is overseeing the task, comprises senior officials from my Department, other relevant government departments and the Combat Poverty Agency. I expect that this review will be completed in mid 2008.
133 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress that has been made in relation to the programme for Government promise to integrate the tax and social welfare systems fully to allow for more efficient data and money transfer mechanisms and provide for a fully integrated PPS system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12203/08]
The Department has taken a lead role over the years in developing and implementing identity management policies and procedures based on the use of the Personal Public Services (PPS) number. This number was previously known as the Revenue and Social Insurance (RSI) number. The name was changed to indicate the broadening of its role to one which supports delivery of a broader range of public services, but it is also still used for its original core purpose of providing a common identifier for the Revenue Commissioners and this Department.
As well as facilitating wider-scale exchange of information, the PPS number also has a role in the development of on-line services for individuals. The Department provides identity related services to a number of agencies in accordance with legislation. Building on these services, the Department constructed Public Service Identity (PSI) services to assist agencies in basic on-line identity management. The initial deployment of PSI services, through the Reach agency, supports the registration and authentication functions of the Revenue Commissioners PAYE on-line services.
The overall Government strategy is to realise the potential of the Information Society through innovation and modernisation of public services. As part of this, the Standard Authentication Framework Environment (SAFE) programme, co-chaired by the Department and the Department of Finance, builds on PSI Services to provide the basis for a consistent set of registration and authentication services for customer interaction with public services.
The Revenue Commissioners are also participating in this programme of work and the Department will continue to develop PSI and other relevant services in conjunction with them. The Department and the Revenue Commissioners are currently finalising a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations concerning co-operation and mutual assistance. The objective of the Memorandum is
to provide a basis for the continuance, enhancement and expansion of the existing administrative and operational arrangements
to better reflect the missions, modern operating realities and totality of the relationship between the two organisations
to recognise the growing interdependencies between the two organisations in achieving the delivery of services to the highest standard
to strengthen liaison structures with a view to monitoring service delivery and control aspects
While it had been planned to finalise the memorandum by the end of 2007, the work of completing the document is now drawing to a close and it is expected the memorandum will be finalised within the coming weeks.
The Department will continue to explore on the basis of the ongoing developments how greater data and money transfer efficiencies could be realised in the future.
134 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will confirm the length of time social welfare payments will be valid for under the proposed new payment type scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12105/08]
The current range of payment options offered by my Department to customers includes payment at a local post office or to a bank or building society account; or certain credit unions that have been authorised by the banking and credit union regulators. Customers opt for a particular payment method having regard to their own personal circumstances. The Department is implementing a three year strategy to move from paper based payment instruments to payment using a social services card at post offices and electronic payments to financial institutions. The programme is being implemented on a phased basis to coincide with book renewal production schedules and as personalised payable order books expire.
Customers who collect their payment at a post office will present their Social Services Card and sign for their payment in the normal way. Payments can be collected up to 60 days after the due date in the case of pensioners and up to 100 days for child benefit recipients. Certain other customers have 20 days to collect their payment which is considered to be the optimum time for collection of a weekly means based payment. After these times the payments go out of date and are returned to the Department. Where a payment is not collected in time the Department can be contacted and a replacement payment made as appropriate.
The following grid sets out the collection periods for schemes administered by my Department.
|
Schemes |
Electronic Information Transfer (EIT) Encashment Period |
|||||
|
1 week |
2/3 weeks |
8/9 Weeks |
11/12 Weeks |
Payment Due Day |
||
|
Weekly |
State Pension Contributory |
60 days |
Friday |
|||
|
State Pension Transition |
60 days |
Friday |
||||
|
State Pension Non-Contributory |
60 days |
Friday |
||||
|
Pre-Retirement Allowance |
20 days |
Thursday |
||||
|
Illness Benefit |
20 days |
Variable |
||||
|
Invalidity Pension |
60 days |
Thursday |
||||
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
20 days |
Variable |
||||
|
Disability Allowance |
20 days |
Wednesday |
||||
|
Widow/er’s Contributory Pension |
60 days |
Thursday |
||||
|
Widow/er’s Non-Contributory Pension |
60 days |
Thursday |
||||
|
Desterted Wife’s Benefit/Allowance |
20 days |
Thursday |
||||
|
One-Parent Family Payment |
20 days |
Thursday |
||||
|
Family Income Supplement |
20 days |
Thursday |
||||
|
Carers Allowance |
60 days |
Thursday |
||||
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
6 days |
Thursday |
||||
|
Back to Work Allowance |
6 days |
Thursday |
||||
|
Blind Person’s Pension |
60 days |
Thursday |
||||
|
Job Seekers Benefit |
7 days |
Wednesday |
||||
|
Job Seekers Allowance |
8 days |
Tuesday |
||||
|
Smallholders |
8 days |
Tuesday |
||||
|
Farm Assist |
6 days |
Thursday |
||||
|
Monthly |
Child Benefit |
100 days |
Monthly — 1st Tue |
|||
|
Mobile Phone (HHB) |
60 days |
Monthly — 1st Tue |
||||
|
Free Electricity — Group Scheme |
60 days |
Monthly — 1st Tue |
||||
|
Quarterly |
Early Childcare Supplement |
77 days |
Quarterly |
135 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the issues that emerged from the review of guardian’s payment; the way these are being worked through at present with other Departments; the main conclusions reached; and the changes to the scheme that will result from this review. [12199/08]
The Guardians' payment schemes allow for the provision of a weekly allowance to a guardian of a child who has either been orphaned or whose parents have deserted and failed to provide for the child. The review of the Guardian's payment within my Department commenced in late 2006 and involved a detailed analysis of a large sample of guardian's payment files.
Issues emerging from the review include the structure of the scheme, administration issues in relation to the application of criteria and the need for closer co-ordination with the Health Service Executive in relation to child protection issues. These issues are being progressed in my Department and with the relevant officials from the Department of Health & Children. I expect that proposals for improving the scheme will be forthcoming later this year.
137 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he is satisfied with the pace of delivery of the personal advocacy service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12201/08]
The introduction of a personal advocacy service is provided for in the Citizens Information Act, 2007. The service will assist individuals in identifying their needs, understanding their options and assist them in securing their entitlements to social services which include health, social welfare, education, family support, housing, taxation, citizenship, consumer matters, employment and training, equality, asylum and immigration.
The development of a Personal Advocacy Service remains a priority for my Department. An organisational structure has been developed by the Citizens Information Board to meet the needs of the Personal Advocacy Service. Discussions between my Department, the Department of Finance and the Citizens Information Board are ongoing in relation to these structures and the additional staffing resources required for the provision of the service. The post of Director of the Personal Advocacy Service was advertised in December 2007. The Board is currently working through the recruitment process and expect to make an appointment shortly.
It is envisaged that appropriate structures and staffing resources will be in place shortly and the new service is still on target to be up and running in 2008.
139 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the plans he has to improve the income disregard available to claimants on jobseeker’s allowance to bring it in line with the proposals for the parental payment contained in Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents. [12193/08]
The Government Discussion Paper on Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents put forward a proposal to introduce a new scheme, Parental Allowance, for all low income families with young children. It was envisaged that those in receipt of Parental Allowance would be able to earn up to €120 per week without affecting their payment and that 40% of the remainder would be assessed as means. It was also proposed that the entitlement to the new payment would continue up to an upper earnings threshold of €400 per week.
Prior to September 2007, the earnings disregards which applied to Jobseeker's Allowance were as follows:
Where a person had one or more qualified child dependant(s) and was working part of the week while claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, means were assessed as 60% of the average net weekly earnings.
Where a person had no qualified child dependants, €12.70 earnings for each day worked was disregarded from the average net weekly earnings, and 60% of the balance assessed against the weekly rate of Jobseeker's Allowance.
With effect from the end of September 2007, €20 earnings for each day worked, up to a maximum of €60 per week, are disregarded from the average net weekly earnings. These new arrangements replaced the previous arrangements including the distinction between persons with and without qualified children. There is no upper income threshold for entitlement. As a result of these changes, the position of all part-time workers in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance was significantly enhanced.
Any further improvement in the means testing arrangements for Jobseeker's Allowance would have to be considered in a Budgetary context.
140 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the timescale proposed for the Green Paper process in relation to pension reform; and when he expects to be in a position to bring proposals to Government. [12210/08]
The Green Paper on Pensions was published on the 17th October 2007 and a major consultation process is now underway. Following the completion of the consultation process, a framework for long-term policy will be developed.
Pensions is one of the major issues the country must tackle for the future and any decision taken at this stage will impact on society for decades to come. Given the importance of the issue, I am anxious to ensure that the consultation process is as inclusive as possible and that people have ample time to study the Green Paper and to formulate their ideas and comments. Therefore, I intend to leave it open until the end of May 2008.
Once the consultation process is completed, work on developing the framework for future policy will commence. At this stage, it would be my intention to see this work completed and proposals submitted to the Government for consideration by the end of 2008.
148 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he is taking to improve his Department’s application processing times and overall customer service performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12184/08]
The Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible. The staff and other resources available to the Department are regularly reviewed having regard to the workload arising and other competing demands. The available resources are then used to discharge the Department's obligations towards its customers and in implementing cost effective controls to prevent and detect fraud and abuse.
The Department's management services unit monitors available resources against workload on an ongoing basis with a view to ensuring optimum processing times for claims.
The processing of applications under any of the schemes operated by my Department can require the collection and assessment of a complex range of information in relation to a variety of factors including means, medical condition, domestic and EU contributions and other criteria.
This can involve medical assessments of applicants, the verification of information provided through visits by the social welfare inspectorate, correspondence and evidence from other EU jurisdictions, all of which add to the processing time required to ensure that the terms of the scheme are correctly administered. In addition the timescales in processing applications for some of the Department's schemes have been influenced by increases in the numbers of claims being submitted.
Measures introduced by the Department to address the efficiency of claim processing include the following:
The review of existing processes and procedures on an ongoing basis with the explicit objective of reducing delays in claim processing;
In situations where payment is being renewed priority is being given to these claims to ensure continuity of payment;
The review of ongoing staffing requirements in light of the increased volumes of claims in certain areas;
The judicious application of overtime working;
Where backlogs exist extra temporary staff have been recruited, where appropriate, to eliminate these;
The introduction of scanning technology in certain areas to update details directly from claim forms to computer systems.
These measures will, over time, lead to more efficient processing and reduce the number of claims on hand. The position is being closely monitored and kept under review by my Department.
152 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the date of the last meeting of the anti-inflation working group; when it will meet again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11677/08]
153 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the recommendations made by the anti-inflation working group; if he will provide a progress report on the implementation of such recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11678/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.
The Anti-Inflation Group, reconstituted under Towards 2016, has met four times since the ratification of the Agreement and the last formal meeting of the Group took place on 5 March, 2007. However, in the meantime, the regular meetings under Towards 2016 have enabled representatives of IBEC, ICTU and Departmental officials to monitor trends in inflation.
The Group has actively engaged with the Central Statistics Office, the Competition Authority, the National Consumer Agency and the Commission for Energy Regulation with a view to coordinating the fight against inflation on an informed basis.
The provisions relating to inflation in Towards 2016 provide a useful basis for cooperation and coordination in combating inflation and are reflected in the Government's ongoing and regular contacts with IBEC and ICTU where inflation is often pertinent to discussions on pay, industrial relations and workplace issues.
I can assure the House that the Government is committed to tackling inflation in a manner which will underpin sustainable growth and social partnership and that, in line with Section 5, paragraph 4.2 of Part Two of Towards 2016, the Government gives due consideration to any potential inflationary impacts when developing public policy.
154 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the number of persons classified by broad age category and by means of travel to school, college or work in each Dublin local authority and in Meath, Kildare and Wicklow in Census 2006. [11216/08]
The most up-to-date information available, as requested by the deputy, is taken from the Census 2006 and is contained in the following tables.
|
Age group |
Total |
On foot |
Bicycle |
Bus, minibus or coach |
Train, DART or LUAS |
Motor cycle or scooter |
Driver |
Passenger |
Lorry or van |
Other means |
Work mainly at or from home |
Not stated |
|
Dublin Co. and City |
||||||||||||
|
5 – 9 |
71,158 |
28,156 |
789 |
4,269 |
169 |
— |
— |
33,040 |
72 |
140 |
1,590 |
2,933 |
|
10 – 14 |
67,278 |
28,880 |
2,997 |
10,240 |
1,237 |
— |
— |
21,534 |
48 |
88 |
683 |
1,571 |
|
15 – 19 |
58,293 |
21,294 |
3,025 |
16,615 |
4,372 |
135 |
1,674 |
9,704 |
34 |
47 |
620 |
773 |
|
20 – 24 |
32,495 |
8,062 |
1,987 |
11,462 |
4,377 |
233 |
4,122 |
1,055 |
18 |
30 |
285 |
864 |
|
25 years and over |
12,930 |
2,883 |
1,103 |
4,047 |
1,277 |
142 |
2,669 |
303 |
16 |
17 |
323 |
150 |
|
Total |
242,154 |
89,275 |
9,901 |
46,633 |
11,432 |
510 |
8,465 |
65,636 |
188 |
322 |
3,501 |
6,291 |
|
Dublin |
||||||||||||
|
5 – 9 |
24,926 |
11,862 |
337 |
1,801 |
67 |
— |
— |
9,038 |
25 |
35 |
609 |
1,152 |
|
10 – 4 |
24,305 |
12,030 |
1,313 |
3,939 |
213 |
— |
— |
5,863 |
16 |
30 |
237 |
664 |
|
15 – 19 |
21,034 |
9,405 |
1,365 |
5,858 |
1,067 |
32 |
414 |
2,250 |
10 |
15 |
204 |
414 |
|
20 – 24 |
15,829 |
5,923 |
1,096 |
5,270 |
1,311 |
74 |
1,192 |
288 |
8 |
11 |
128 |
528 |
|
25 years and over |
7,351 |
2,293 |
778 |
2,441 |
510 |
62 |
892 |
108 |
7 |
7 |
158 |
95 |
|
Total |
93,445 |
41,513 |
4,889 |
19,309 |
3,168 |
168 |
2,498 |
17,547 |
66 |
98 |
1,336 |
2,853 |
|
Dublin-Belgard |
||||||||||||
|
5 – 9 |
17,674 |
6,947 |
108 |
998 |
13 |
— |
— |
8,360 |
15 |
43 |
410 |
780 |
|
10 – 14 |
16,272 |
7,747 |
500 |
2,384 |
33 |
— |
— |
5,029 |
14 |
15 |
146 |
404 |
|
15 – 19 |
13,252 |
5,282 |
589 |
4,134 |
263 |
44 |
449 |
2,189 |
7 |
13 |
127 |
155 |
|
20 – 24 |
4,790 |
352 |
257 |
2,475 |
236 |
66 |
982 |
217 |
6 |
6 |
53 |
140 |
|
25 years and over |
1,703 |
142 |
92 |
620 |
80 |
27 |
591 |
67 |
1 |
3 |
60 |
20 |
|
Total |
53,691 |
20,470 |
1,546 |
10,611 |
625 |
137 |
2,022 |
15,862 |
43 |
80 |
796 |
1,499 |
|
Dublin-Fingal |
||||||||||||
|
5 – 9 |
16,831 |
6,376 |
188 |
1,058 |
29 |
— |
— |
7,906 |
18 |
41 |
443 |
772 |
|
10 – 14 |
14,739 |
6,132 |
583 |
2,327 |
373 |
— |
— |
4,773 |
11 |
25 |
143 |
372 |
|
15 – 19 |
12,093 |
3,789 |
327 |
3,541 |
1,583 |
19 |
362 |
2,213 |
10 |
13 |
113 |
123 |
|
20 – 24 |
4,655 |
235 |
68 |
1,511 |
1,603 |
40 |
774 |
213 |
2 |
4 |
55 |
150 |
|
25 years and over |
1,793 |
85 |
33 |
503 |
366 |
18 |
634 |
71 |
4 |
4 |
53 |
22 |
|
Total |
50,111 |
16,617 |
1,199 |
8,940 |
3,954 |
77 |
1,770 |
15,176 |
45 |
87 |
807 |
1,439 |
|
Dún Laoire/Rathdown |
||||||||||||
|
5 – 9 |
11,727 |
2,971 |
156 |
412 |
60 |
— |
— |
7,736 |
14 |
21 |
128 |
229 |
|
10 – 14 |
11,962 |
2,971 |
601 |
1,590 |
618 |
— |
— |
5,869 |
7 |
18 |
157 |
131 |
|
15 – 19 |
11,914 |
2,818 |
744 |
3,082 |
1,459 |
40 |
449 |
3,052 |
7 |
6 |
176 |
81 |
|
20 – 24 |
7,221 |
1,552 |
566 |
2,206 |
1,227 |
53 |
1,174 |
337 |
2 |
9 |
49 |
46 |
|
25 years and over |
2,083 |
363 |
200 |
483 |
321 |
35 |
552 |
57 |
4 |
3 |
52 |
13 |
|
Total |
44,907 |
10,675 |
2,267 |
7,773 |
3,685 |
128 |
2,175 |
17,051 |
34 |
57 |
562 |
500 |
|
Kildare |
||||||||||||
|
5 – 9 |
14,486 |
3,425 |
106 |
2,135 |
7 |
— |
— |
8,055 |
6 |
22 |
346 |
384 |
|
10 – 14 |
12,447 |
3,849 |
410 |
2,490 |
19 |
— |
— |
5,337 |
24 |
10 |
121 |
187 |
|
15 – 19 |
9,690 |
2,995 |
243 |
2,724 |
563 |
27 |
316 |
2,632 |
8 |
5 |
91 |
86 |
|
20 – 24 |
3,442 |
908 |
92 |
876 |
586 |
18 |
625 |
190 |
5 |
5 |
60 |
77 |
|
25 years and over |
1,160 |
224 |
52 |
174 |
126 |
7 |
477 |
48 |
1 |
1 |
34 |
16 |
|
Total |
41,225 |
11,401 |
903 |
8,399 |
1,301 |
52 |
1,418 |
16,262 |
44 |
43 |
652 |
750 |
|
Meath |
||||||||||||
|
5 – 9 |
12,760 |
2,994 |
40 |
2,084 |
2 |
— |
— |
7,063 |
16 |
19 |
272 |
270 |
|
10 – 14 |
11,077 |
2,737 |
170 |
3,174 |
37 |
— |
— |
4,717 |
18 |
18 |
88 |
118 |
|
15 – 19 |
8,103 |
1,710 |
81 |
3,620 |
184 |
17 |
306 |
1,997 |
7 |
13 |
112 |
56 |
|
20 – 24 |
2,005 |
254 |
31 |
835 |
130 |
8 |
523 |
149 |
7 |
3 |
34 |
31 |
|
25 years and over |
555 |
47 |
7 |
139 |
15 |
2 |
280 |
30 |
— |
— |
26 |
9 |
|
Total |
34,500 |
7,742 |
329 |
9,852 |
368 |
27 |
1,109 |
13,956 |
48 |
53 |
532 |
484 |
|
Wicklow |
||||||||||||
|
5 – 9 |
8,926 |
2,056 |
27 |
769 |
12 |
— |
— |
5,622 |
14 |
13 |
195 |
218 |
|
10 – 14 |
8,547 |
2,396 |
117 |
1,822 |
200 |
— |
— |
3,693 |
12 |
8 |
179 |
120 |
|
15 – 19 |
6,860 |
1,646 |
56 |
2,457 |
589 |
32 |
336 |
1,614 |
5 |
4 |
72 |
49 |
|
20 – 24 |
2,081 |
233 |
30 |
594 |
461 |
11 |
526 |
129 |
1 |
3 |
47 |
46 |
|
25 years and over |
762 |
97 |
10 |
134 |
107 |
6 |
334 |
33 |
4 |
2 |
22 |
13 |
|
Total |
27,176 |
6,428 |
240 |
5,776 |
1,369 |
49 |
1,196 |
11,091 |
36 |
30 |
515 |
446 |
|
State |
||||||||||||
|
5 – 9 |
287,313 |
65,345 |
1,472 |
39,109 |
238 |
— |
— |
165,309 |
422 |
549 |
6,758 |
8,111 |
|
10 – 14 |
272,500 |
69,499 |
5,639 |
68,289 |
1,605 |
— |
— |
119,616 |
392 |
399 |
2,814 |
4,247 |
|
15 – 19 |
224,184 |
58,333 |
5,243 |
77,455 |
6,596 |
592 |
9,121 |
61,570 |
338 |
312 |
2,596 |
2,028 |
|
20 – 24 |
86,458 |
27,391 |
3,485 |
20,928 |
6,487 |
446 |
17,617 |
6,622 |
179 |
151 |
1,154 |
1,998 |
|
25 years and over |
30,983 |
6,854 |
1,815 |
6,212 |
1,790 |
251 |
11,128 |
1,519 |
93 |
58 |
890 |
373 |
|
Total |
901,438 |
227,422 |
17,654 |
211,993 |
16,716 |
1,289 |
37,866 |
354,636 |
1,424 |
1,469 |
14,212 |
16,757 |
|
Age Group |
Total |
On foot |
Bicycle |
Bus, minibus or coach |
Train, DART or LUAS |
Motor cycle or scooter |
Motor car Driver |
Motor car Passenger |
Lorry or van |
Other means |
Work mainly at or from home |
Not stated |
|
Dublin Co. and City |
||||||||||||
|
15 – 19 |
12,063 |
2,738 |
458 |
3,467 |
808 |
92 |
2,017 |
1,621 |
196 |
20 |
218 |
428 |
|
20 – 24 |
63,931 |
12,239 |
2,366 |
16,167 |
6,453 |
519 |
18,903 |
3,994 |
1,329 |
137 |
848 |
976 |
|
25 – 29 |
102,747 |
17,296 |
4,506 |
19,037 |
10,689 |
1,290 |
39,882 |
3,930 |
2,782 |
169 |
1,233 |
1,933 |
|
30 – 34 |
86,702 |
10,660 |
3,810 |
11,144 |
7,398 |
1,201 |
42,941 |
2,771 |
2,860 |
146 |
1,960 |
1,811 |
|
35 – 39 |
67,809 |
6,778 |
2,660 |
7,079 |
4,298 |
1,106 |
37,120 |
1,859 |
2,818 |
146 |
2,299 |
1,646 |
|
40 – 44 |
60,069 |
5,700 |
2,203 |
5,612 |
3,144 |
993 |
34,285 |
1,505 |
2,848 |
117 |
2,393 |
1,269 |
|
45 – 49 |
54,717 |
5,523 |
1,919 |
5,372 |
2,679 |
702 |
31,116 |
1,517 |
2,421 |
127 |
2,169 |
1,172 |
|
50 – 54 |
46,037 |
4,801 |
1,420 |
4,555 |
2,218 |
445 |
26,076 |
1,416 |
1,928 |
79 |
2,088 |
1,011 |
|
55 – 59 |
35,842 |
3,688 |
988 |
3,559 |
1,623 |
278 |
19,925 |
1,043 |
1,483 |
68 |
2,145 |
1,042 |
|
60 – 64 |
20,935 |
2,002 |
515 |
2,053 |
812 |
117 |
11,317 |
600 |
789 |
40 |
1,770 |
920 |
|
65 years and over |
8,198 |
828 |
159 |
669 |
299 |
35 |
4,168 |
204 |
279 |
19 |
1,417 |
121 |
|
Total |
559,050 |
72,253 |
21,004 |
78,714 |
40,421 |
6,778 |
267,750 |
20,460 |
19,733 |
1,068 |
18,540 |
12,329 |
|
Dublin |
||||||||||||
|
15 – 19 |
5,198 |
1,408 |
238 |
1,610 |
367 |
36 |
678 |
461 |
62 |
2 |
91 |
245 |
|
20 – 24 |
30,228 |
8,109 |
1,395 |
8,856 |
2,788 |
223 |
6,187 |
1,224 |
446 |
57 |
373 |
570 |
|
25 – 29 |
48,859 |
13,094 |
2,987 |
11,072 |
4,535 |
536 |
12,590 |
1,269 |
884 |
75 |
581 |
1,236 |
|
30 – 34 |
36,633 |
7,986 |
2,542 |
6,257 |
2,620 |
468 |
12,921 |
883 |
844 |
65 |
877 |
1,170 |
|
35 – 39 |
27,430 |
4,838 |
1,677 |
3,988 |
1,384 |
405 |
11,452 |
656 |
872 |
60 |
1,029 |
1,069 |
|
40 – 44 |
23,741 |
3,787 |
1,370 |
3,197 |
1,031 |
380 |
10,548 |
567 |
980 |
41 |
1,021 |
819 |
|
45 – 49 |
21,065 |
3,435 |
1,129 |
2,886 |
779 |
252 |
9,507 |
560 |
790 |
57 |
911 |
759 |
|
50 – 54 |
17,220 |
2,813 |
843 |
2,429 |
659 |
171 |
7,626 |
477 |
667 |
30 |
838 |
667 |
|
55 – 59 |
13,793 |
2,213 |
569 |
1,909 |
468 |
103 |
6,075 |
376 |
470 |
26 |
892 |
692 |
|
60 – 64 |
8,566 |
1,248 |
294 |
1,177 |
234 |
47 |
3,620 |
248 |
270 |
21 |
773 |
634 |
|
65 years and over |
3,506 |
538 |
95 |
411 |
105 |
17 |
1,426 |
78 |
112 |
10 |
654 |
60 |
|
Total |
236,239 |
49,469 |
13,139 |
43,792 |
14,970 |
2,638 |
82,630 |
6,799 |
6,397 |
444 |
8,040 |
7,921 |
|
Dublin-Belgard |
||||||||||||
|
15 – 19 |
3,232 |
603 |
101 |
942 |
125 |
32 |
673 |
538 |
52 |
6 |
60 |
100 |
|
20 – 24 |
13,922 |
1,423 |
414 |
3,419 |
583 |
140 |
5,868 |
1,206 |
436 |
34 |
212 |
187 |
|
25 – 29 |
19,717 |
1,313 |
582 |
3,293 |
677 |
354 |
11,072 |
1,065 |
857 |
33 |
231 |
240 |
|
30 – 34 |
17,206 |
801 |
479 |
1,971 |
349 |
308 |
11,044 |
680 |
904 |
28 |
413 |
229 |
|
35 – 39 |
14,122 |
617 |
364 |
1,346 |
199 |
290 |
9,280 |
474 |
832 |
29 |
483 |
208 |
|
40 – 44 |
12,669 |
662 |
334 |
1,075 |
140 |
244 |
8,365 |
372 |
785 |
22 |
481 |
189 |
|
45 – 49 |
12,125 |
815 |
310 |
1,171 |
161 |
184 |
7,792 |
384 |
715 |
25 |
405 |
163 |
|
50 – 54 |
10,759 |
789 |
246 |
1,057 |
143 |
102 |
6,804 |
399 |
579 |
18 |
469 |
153 |
|
55 – 59 |
8,400 |
604 |
180 |
858 |
91 |
71 |
5,199 |
290 |
483 |
19 |
453 |
152 |
|
60 – 64 |
4,343 |
276 |
86 |
405 |
46 |
22 |
2,722 |
143 |
219 |
6 |
324 |
94 |
|
65 years and over |
1,373 |
96 |
20 |
98 |
9 |
4 |
822 |
39 |
66 |
1 |
202 |
16 |
|
Total |
117,868 |
7,999 |
3,116 |
15,635 |
2,523 |
1,751 |
69,641 |
5,590 |
5,928 |
221 |
3,733 |
1,731 |
|
Dublin-Fingal |
||||||||||||
|
15 – 19 |
2,527 |
516 |
65 |
632 |
199 |
8 |
510 |
428 |
60 |
10 |
37 |
62 |
|
20 – 24 |
12,305 |
1,559 |
289 |
2,413 |
1,670 |
75 |
4,507 |
1,104 |
337 |
35 |
153 |
163 |
|
25 – 29 |
21,745 |
1,537 |
440 |
2,816 |
3,252 |
220 |
10,952 |
1,116 |
797 |
44 |
234 |
337 |
|
30 – 34 |
21,297 |
949 |
368 |
1,852 |
2,803 |
267 |
12,645 |
829 |
832 |
39 |
388 |
325 |
|
35 – 39 |
15,736 |
672 |
253 |
1,044 |
1,648 |
234 |
9,927 |
479 |
759 |
33 |
411 |
276 |
|
40 – 44 |
12,885 |
660 |
164 |
715 |
1,051 |
179 |
8,429 |
346 |
699 |
33 |
426 |
183 |
|
45 – 49 |
11,331 |
690 |
167 |
702 |
843 |
134 |
7,319 |
359 |
566 |
24 |
358 |
169 |
|
50 – 54 |
9,253 |
620 |
119 |
577 |
696 |
66 |
5,950 |
318 |
431 |
15 |
342 |
119 |
|
55 – 59 |
6,669 |
441 |
87 |
371 |
506 |
42 |
4,218 |
224 |
310 |
15 |
335 |
120 |
|
60 – 64 |
3,718 |
218 |
52 |
202 |
255 |
13 |
2,286 |
105 |
173 |
5 |
284 |
125 |
|
65 years and over |
1,255 |
82 |
17 |
68 |
61 |
3 |
731 |
36 |
50 |
4 |
179 |
24 |
|
Total |
118,721 |
7,944 |
2,021 |
11,392 |
12,984 |
1,241 |
67,474 |
5,344 |
5,014 |
257 |
3,147 |
1,903 |
|
Dún Laoire/Rathdown |
||||||||||||
|
15 – 19 |
1,106 |
211 |
54 |
283 |
117 |
16 |
156 |
194 |
22 |
2 |
30 |
21 |
|
20 – 24 |
7,476 |
1,148 |
268 |
1,479 |
1,412 |
81 |
2,341 |
460 |
110 |
11 |
110 |
56 |
|
25 – 29 |
12,426 |
1,352 |
497 |
1,856 |
2,225 |
180 |
5,268 |
480 |
244 |
17 |
187 |
120 |
|
30 – 34 |
11,566 |
924 |
421 |
1,064 |
1,626 |
158 |
6,331 |
379 |
280 |
14 |
282 |
87 |
|
35 – 39 |
10,521 |
651 |
366 |
701 |
1,067 |
177 |
6,461 |
250 |
355 |
24 |
376 |
93 |
|
40 – 44 |
10,774 |
591 |
335 |
625 |
922 |
190 |
6,943 |
220 |
384 |
21 |
465 |
78 |
|
45 – 49 |
10,196 |
583 |
313 |
613 |
896 |
132 |
6,498 |
214 |
350 |
21 |
495 |
81 |
|
50 – 54 |
8,805 |
579 |
212 |
492 |
720 |
106 |
5,696 |
222 |
251 |
16 |
439 |
72 |
|
55 – 59 |
6,980 |
430 |
152 |
421 |
558 |
62 |
4,433 |
153 |
220 |
8 |
465 |
78 |
|
60 – 64 |
4,308 |
260 |
83 |
269 |
277 |
35 |
2,689 |
104 |
127 |
8 |
389 |
67 |
|
65 years and over |
2,064 |
112 |
27 |
92 |
124 |
11 |
1,189 |
51 |
51 |
4 |
382 |
21 |
|
Total |
86,222 |
6,841 |
2,728 |
7,895 |
9,944 |
1,148 |
48,005 |
2,727 |
2,394 |
146 |
3,620 |
774 |
|
Kildare |
||||||||||||
|
15 – 19 |
2,243 |
421 |
35 |
276 |
62 |
22 |
590 |
656 |
74 |
7 |
57 |
43 |
|
20 – 24 |
9,547 |
1,417 |
205 |
895 |
573 |
61 |
4,497 |
1,108 |
457 |
37 |
202 |
95 |
|
25 – 29 |
13,643 |
1,363 |
232 |
773 |
933 |
86 |
7,903 |
959 |
918 |
40 |
271 |
165 |
|
30 – 34 |
14,337 |
882 |
217 |
554 |
925 |
120 |
9,268 |
602 |
1,116 |
40 |
454 |
159 |
|
35 – 39 |
12,635 |
757 |
179 |
328 |
640 |
147 |
8,312 |
417 |
1,082 |
29 |
615 |
129 |
|
40 – 44 |
10,942 |
748 |
118 |
270 |
474 |
102 |
7,282 |
328 |
912 |
24 |
578 |
106 |
|
45 – 49 |
9,417 |
695 |
127 |
309 |
359 |
64 |
6,223 |
330 |
747 |
18 |
446 |
99 |
|
50 – 54 |
7,716 |
611 |
96 |
244 |
258 |
38 |
5,064 |
246 |
561 |
15 |
495 |
88 |
|
55 – 59 |
5,675 |
511 |
80 |
158 |
142 |
18 |
3,468 |
190 |
448 |
15 |
554 |
91 |
|
60 – 64 |
3,106 |
274 |
61 |
80 |
49 |
8 |
1,762 |
82 |
253 |
13 |
428 |
96 |
|
65 years and over |
1,084 |
113 |
22 |
18 |
9 |
1 |
498 |
32 |
74 |
3 |
286 |
28 |
|
Total |
90,345 |
7,792 |
1,372 |
3,905 |
4,424 |
667 |
54,867 |
4,950 |
6,642 |
241 |
4,386 |
1,099 |
|
Meath |
||||||||||||
|
15 – 19 |
1,888 |
284 |
19 |
254 |
18 |
11 |
554 |
564 |
119 |
13 |
35 |
17 |
|
20 – 24 |
7,665 |
886 |
70 |
759 |
157 |
34 |
3,951 |
1,052 |
564 |
23 |
108 |
61 |
|
25 – 29 |
11,792 |
840 |
69 |
843 |
360 |
73 |
7,396 |
902 |
995 |
24 |
201 |
89 |
|
30 – 34 |
12,666 |
599 |
64 |
560 |
355 |
98 |
8,800 |
601 |
1,137 |
32 |
353 |
67 |
|
35 – 39 |
11,176 |
563 |
59 |
353 |
233 |
97 |
7,779 |
438 |
1,069 |
24 |
473 |
88 |
|
40 – 44 |
9,589 |
530 |
54 |
274 |
102 |
57 |
6,703 |
300 |
1,025 |
36 |
436 |
72 |
|
45 – 49 |
7,939 |
512 |
42 |
222 |
85 |
43 |
5,434 |
264 |
783 |
27 |
458 |
69 |
|
50 – 54 |
6,329 |
379 |
34 |
218 |
55 |
24 |
4,242 |
248 |
624 |
27 |
428 |
50 |
|
55 – 59 |
4,677 |
334 |
28 |
117 |
39 |
16 |
2,997 |
173 |
465 |
8 |
438 |
62 |
|
60 – 64 |
2,694 |
231 |
24 |
64 |
13 |
6 |
1,596 |
86 |
263 |
11 |
335 |
65 |
|
65 years and over |
1,141 |
157 |
7 |
16 |
4 |
2 |
448 |
32 |
85 |
2 |
368 |
20 |
|
Total |
77,556 |
5,315 |
470 |
3,680 |
1,421 |
461 |
49,900 |
4,660 |
7,129 |
227 |
3,633 |
660 |
|
Wicklow |
||||||||||||
|
15 – 19 |
1,198 |
231 |
12 |
155 |
52 |
9 |
357 |
265 |
59 |
2 |
32 |
24 |
|
20 – 24 |
5,424 |
785 |
59 |
516 |
380 |
43 |
2,560 |
608 |
285 |
21 |
101 |
66 |
|
25 – 29 |
8,055 |
739 |
69 |
446 |
640 |
72 |
4,776 |
532 |
499 |
21 |
171 |
90 |
|
30 – 34 |
8,166 |
582 |
54 |
275 |
535 |
75 |
5,227 |
390 |
633 |
20 |
271 |
104 |
|
35 – 39 |
7,497 |
513 |
54 |
212 |
411 |
84 |
4,864 |
255 |
640 |
25 |
353 |
86 |
|
40 – 44 |
7,293 |
501 |
49 |
181 |
331 |
77 |
4,778 |
215 |
646 |
35 |
406 |
74 |
|
45 – 49 |
6,251 |
523 |
48 |
153 |
266 |
46 |
3,963 |
199 |
530 |
28 |
411 |
84 |
|
50 – 54 |
5,150 |
466 |
35 |
154 |
257 |
41 |
3,157 |
168 |
403 |
15 |
401 |
53 |
|
55 – 59 |
4,066 |
396 |
29 |
106 |
209 |
20 |
2,386 |
122 |
313 |
16 |
384 |
85 |
|
60 – 64 |
2,367 |
226 |
20 |
53 |
99 |
10 |
1,324 |
80 |
169 |
14 |
311 |
61 |
|
65 years and over |
938 |
101 |
7 |
23 |
25 |
3 |
418 |
25 |
46 |
3 |
268 |
19 |
|
Total |
56,405 |
5,063 |
436 |
2,274 |
3,205 |
480 |
33,810 |
2,859 |
4,223 |
200 |
3,109 |
746 |
|
State |
||||||||||||
|
15 – 19 |
43,973 |
8,267 |
918 |
6,580 |
1,023 |
294 |
11,626 |
10,920 |
2,202 |
225 |
941 |
977 |
|
20 – 24 |
200,042 |
35,386 |
4,540 |
23,945 |
8,302 |
1,122 |
87,169 |
22,688 |
10,191 |
755 |
3,538 |
2,406 |
|
25 – 29 |
295,202 |
40,497 |
7,365 |
26,517 |
13,902 |
2,251 |
156,853 |
18,793 |
18,245 |
846 |
5,687 |
4,246 |
|
30 – 34 |
277,572 |
26,057 |
5,908 |
15,798 |
10,309 |
2,236 |
170,424 |
12,933 |
20,407 |
834 |
8,745 |
3,921 |
|
35 – 39 |
243,662 |
19,779 |
4,379 |
10,210 |
6,382 |
2,114 |
154,653 |
9,183 |
21,133 |
809 |
11,410 |
3,610 |
|
40 – 44 |
224,254 |
18,506 |
3,617 |
8,339 |
4,600 |
1,856 |
142,517 |
7,835 |
20,615 |
810 |
12,629 |
2,930 |
|
45 – 49 |
201,956 |
17,739 |
3,321 |
7,824 |
3,756 |
1,357 |
126,319 |
7,761 |
17,445 |
685 |
12,878 |
2,871 |
|
50 – 54 |
168,224 |
15,678 |
2,656 |
6,703 |
3,054 |
868 |
102,977 |
6,471 |
13,593 |
594 |
13,099 |
2,531 |
|
55 – 59 |
129,231 |
12,805 |
2,006 |
5,116 |
2,196 |
590 |
74,476 |
4,883 |
9,853 |
453 |
13,946 |
2,907 |
|
60 – 64 |
75,461 |
7,351 |
1,181 |
2,940 |
1,038 |
275 |
40,614 |
2,570 |
5,320 |
299 |
11,328 |
2,545 |
|
65 years and over |
33,210 |
3,623 |
415 |
984 |
380 |
86 |
12,818 |
824 |
1,586 |
135 |
11,505 |
854 |
|
Total |
1,892,787 |
205,688 |
36,306 |
114,956 |
54,942 |
13,049 |
1,080,446 |
104,861 |
140,590 |
6,445 |
105,706 |
29,798 |
155 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the number of persons in Dublin classified by mode of transport used to travel to school college or work, distinguishing by distance travelled. [11217/08]
The most up to date information sought by the Deputy is in the following table drawn from Census 2006 data.
|
Dublin City & County |
Total |
On foot |
Bicycle |
Bus, minibus or coach |
Train, DART or LUAS |
Motor cycle or scooter |
Driver |
Passenger |
Lorry or van |
Other means |
Work mainly at or from home |
Not stated |
|
0 kilometres |
5,686 |
2,800 |
43 |
43 |
22 |
7 |
492 |
81 |
38 |
9 |
2,050 |
101 |
|
1 kilometre |
84,818 |
60,954 |
3,135 |
1,690 |
219 |
123 |
7,706 |
10,289 |
403 |
71 |
0 |
228 |
|
2 to 4 kilometres |
166,040 |
47,146 |
12,085 |
22,394 |
4,069 |
996 |
43,917 |
33,017 |
1,816 |
211 |
0 |
389 |
|
5 to 9 kilometres |
154,080 |
5,375 |
8,495 |
35,723 |
11,735 |
2,090 |
69,625 |
17,268 |
3,245 |
216 |
0 |
308 |
|
10 to 14 kilometres |
98,722 |
0 |
2,563 |
21,129 |
12,745 |
1707 |
50,868 |
6,161 |
3,222 |
118 |
0 |
209 |
|
15 to 24 kilometres |
72,770 |
0 |
693 |
13,007 |
10,194 |
1,158 |
40,836 |
3,648 |
2,969 |
96 |
0 |
169 |
|
25 to 49 kilometres |
29,268 |
0 |
78 |
3,462 |
5,050 |
349 |
17,400 |
1,281 |
1,530 |
48 |
0 |
70 |
|
50 kilometres and over |
6,413 |
0 |
0 |
594 |
558 |
41 |
4,204 |
333 |
560 |
89 |
0 |
34 |
|
Not stated |
182,168 |
44,273 |
3,781 |
27,417 |
7,486 |
836 |
40,986 |
13,904 |
6,164 |
530 |
19,759 |
17,032 |
156 Deputy David Stanton asked the Taoiseach further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 188 of 4 March 2008 and 135 of 27 February 2008, if the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is the Department responsible for the coordination of the enterprise audit to receive the uses of existing and redundant agricultural buildings and manufacturing plants in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11218/08]
I am happy to inform the Deputy that arrangements for an enterprise audit to review the use of existing and redundant agricultural buildings and manufacturing plants in rural areas are currently being made.
The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs will coordinate with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food being the Departments with the lead functions in these areas.
157 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Taoiseach the number of legal cases the Attorney General’s Office are currently involved in with parents of children with special needs who have initiated legal proceedings against the State; the estimated legal cost of these actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10256/08]
158 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Taoiseach the costs charged to the Chief Solicitor's Office per year for the past five years in legal proceedings involving children with special needs who have taken legal action against the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10257/08]
159 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Taoiseach the compensation or damages charged to the Chief Solicitor's Office as sanctioned by the Attorney General in legal settlements involving children with special needs who have taken legal action against the State for each year over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10265/08]
160 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Taoiseach the fees paid by the Chief Solicitor's Office as sanctioned by the Attorney General for each year over the past five years to psychologists and other expert witnesses in legal proceedings involving children with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10316/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 to 160, inclusive, together.
In the Chief State Solicitor's Office there are files open in 83 legal proceedings involving children with special needs, but only a small number of these cases are currently being actively pursued in the Courts. It is impossible to estimate how much the legal costs will be of current cases as it depends on whether the case is settled, whether it proceeds to hearing, how the hearing might be conducted etc.
The overall costs for the Office for legal proceedings involving children with special needs from 2003 to 2007 are as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2003 |
635,507.27 |
|
2004 |
547,354.39 |
|
2005 |
445,958.93 |
|
2006 |
972,637.40 |
|
2007 |
287,403.68 |
|
Total |
2,888,861.67 |
Compensation or damages are paid by individual Departments in respect of legal actions and, accordingly, no damages have been charged to the Chief State Solicitor's Office or the Attorney General's Office in legal proceedings involving children with special needs.
The Chief State Solicitor's Office has paid no fees to psychologists or other expert witnesses in legal proceedings involving children with special needs. The Department of Education and Science have commissioned psychologists to give them advice on educational intervention which is appropriate for children who are the subject of court proceedings and those expert witnesses may then be required to appear in Court. Costs and expenses for these experts employed by the Department of Education and Science for defence of cases are paid direct by that Department.
161 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Taoiseach his plans to set up an official annual famine commemoration; if his attention has been drawn to the public interest and support in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11829/08]
The introduction of an annual Famine Memorial Day has been addressed by officials and their recommendations are being considered. I am satisfied that an official recognition of the Famine should be arranged to complement the many community initiatives which take place in Ireland and abroad each year.
162 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Taoiseach the number of car park spaces available nationally to those working in his Department and in the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; the annual cost of car park spaces rented by his Department and the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11895/08]
The information requested for the Deputy in terms of my Department and the bodies under its aegis is outlined below.
Department of the Taoiseach
There are 40 spaces allocated to staff of my Department. These are in the forecourt of Government Buildings and at a smaller site at the rear of Merrion Square. My Department does not rent any car parking spaces. There are also 3 dedicated visitor spaces and one space for disabled persons in the forecourt of Government Buildings. Arrangements are made for additional parking facilities in the forecourt for visitors when required.
The National Economic and Social Development Office
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) has 20 car spaces available to staff of NESDO and visitors to the office. In terms of the annual cost, rent is paid to the Office of Public Works (OPW) for the office accommodation, which includes the car spaces.
Central Statistics Office
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has 505 car spaces available nationally. The annual cost of 10 spaces rented by the CSO is €14,550. The breakdown for the number of car spaces available per location is as follows:
Ardee Road, Rathmines: 77 spaces available (this figure includes 3 spaces set aside for disabled drivers and 2 for visitors to the office and it also includes the renting of 6 outside spaces at an annual cost of €9,600).
Swords Office: 107 spaces allocated to the CSO in the Swords Business Campus.
Skehard Road, Mahon, Cork: 317 spaces available (this includes 5 disabled drivers and 4 visitor spaces).
QNHS Field Staff in two locations: 4 spaces rented at an annual cost of €4,950.
The Law Reform Commission
The Law Reform Commission have 15 parking spaces allocated to them by the owner of the building. The cost of the spaces is incorporated into the overall rent for the premises.
163 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his discussions with the US President, Mr George Bush in Washington recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11897/08]
In the course of my meeting with President Bush on St. Patrick's Day, we discussed matters relating to Northern Ireland including the forthcoming investment conference, a range of current international issues including the international economy and the position of the undocumented Irish in the US.
164 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the burden created for small employers of completing the national employment survey; and if he has proposals to reduce the compliance cost for employers of providing this information. [12072/08]
The National Employment Survey (NES) is an annual survey of employers and employees in both the public and private sectors, covering all sectors of the economy. The NES provides valuable information on the structure and distribution of employee earnings, and on the factors influencing earnings and employment conditions, to meet national and EU needs.
The CSO recognises that the survey imposes a burden, particularly on small employers when they are included in the survey. Steps have been taken and continue to be taken to keep this burden to a minimum. These include: the NES has an innovative survey approach which involves information being collected in respect of individual employees from both the employer and employee themselves. In total it has an annual sample of approximately 10,000 employers and 100,000 employees. However only employers with greater than 249 employees are included every year with a rotating systematic sample of smaller employers (employers with less than three employees are excluded from the survey entirely), depending on the size of the employer. For example, employers with between two and ten employees have a one in twenty chance of inclusion in the survey while employers with between nine and twenty employees have a one in ten chance of inclusion in the survey etc. Once an employer has been included in the survey, it is rotated out of the sample for subsequent years and is not included again until other employers in the same category have been sampled, except in certain limited circumstances. In addition, the CSO has been working in consultation with payroll software providers to reduce the burden of response on enterprises. These payroll companies have installed an optional CSO "module" on their payroll packages which will extract all the payroll data required for the NES (and the new quarterly Earnings, Hours and Employment Costs Survey or EHECS). This innovation will lead to a significant reduction in burden on those companies using the modules. The modules are currently been rolled out by the payroll companies and will be available for the NES from next year onwards.
165 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Taoiseach the name of every body, organisation and committee outside his Department, other than semi-State commercial companies, that have been established by and report to his Department, at any stage during the year 2007 and the first three months of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12304/08]
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) was established by the National Economic and Social Development Office Act, 2006. The provisions of the Act came into force on 1 January, 2007 by an Order made by the Taoiseach under the Act.
166 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Taoiseach if his Department has used helicopters for any purpose for each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the reason for such use; the suppliers of the helicopter; the dates and locations visited and distance travelled; the cost of same and persons carried; if quotations were sought for such trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12425/08]
I understand that my colleague Mr. Willie O'Dea T.D., the Minister for Defence is providing information relating to Ministerial use of Air Corps helicopters.
The only other use of helicopters by my Department was to facilitate my attendance and address to delegates at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in 2004 and 2007. Details of these trips, for which arrangements were put in place by Department of Foreign Affairs, are provided in the following table:
|
Location |
||||||
|
Date |
From |
To |
Reason for Travel |
Supplier of helicopter |
Persons travelling |
Cost |
|
€ |
||||||
|
January 2004 |
Zurich airport to Davos |
Davos to Zurich Airport |
World Economic Forum |
Heli Link |
Taoiseach David Feeney Joe Lennon Olive Melvin Mary Butler Security |
11,419 |
|
January 2007 |
Zurich airport to Davos |
Davos to Zurich Airport |
World Economic Forum |
Air Grischa |
Taoiseach David Feeney Olive Melvin Security |
5,501 |
167 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the number of schoolchildren and students and the number of workers aged 15 and over and in each case the percentage distribution classified by the means of travel to school and work respectively in each local authority ward of Dublin local authorities in 1996, 2002 and 2006. [12496/08]
The comparative information sought by the Deputy from Census 1996, 2002 and 2006 is in the following table.
|
Electoral Division |
Total |
On foot |
% |
Bicycle |
% |
Bus, minibus or coach |
% |
Train, DART or LUAS |
% |
Motor-cycle or scooter |
% |
Car driver |
% |
Car passenger |
% |
Other |
% |
Not stated |
% |
|
Dublin City |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
001 Arran Quay A |
955 |
398 |
41.7% |
56 |
5.9% |
199 |
20.8% |
23 |
2.4% |
8 |
0.8% |
175 |
18.3% |
39 |
4.1% |
34 |
3.6% |
23 |
2.4% |
|
002 Arran Quay B |
2123 |
891 |
42.0% |
114 |
5.4% |
368 |
17.3% |
48 |
2.3% |
30 |
1.4% |
387 |
18.2% |
68 |
3.2% |
77 |
3.6% |
140 |
6.6% |
|
003 Arran Quay C |
1897 |
967 |
51.0% |
127 |
6.7% |
333 |
17.6% |
34 |
1.8% |
12 |
0.6% |
258 |
13.6% |
27 |
1.4% |
42 |
2.2% |
97 |
5.1% |
|
004 Arran Quay D |
2153 |
756 |
35.1% |
175 |
8.1% |
475 |
22.1% |
22 |
1.0% |
34 |
1.6% |
412 |
19.1% |
107 |
5.0% |
97 |
4.5% |
75 |
3.5% |
|
005 Arran Quay E |
1797 |
637 |
35.4% |
180 |
10.0% |
345 |
19.2% |
21 |
1.2% |
13 |
0.7% |
373 |
20.8% |
68 |
3.8% |
88 |
4.9% |
72 |
4.0% |
|
006 Ashtown A |
4565 |
885 |
19.4% |
210 |
4.6% |
880 |
19.3% |
57 |
1.2% |
66 |
1.4% |
1757 |
38.5% |
506 |
11.1% |
163 |
3.6% |
41 |
0.9% |
|
007 Ashtown B |
1584 |
248 |
15.7% |
102 |
6.4% |
357 |
22.5% |
17 |
1.1% |
16 |
1.0% |
579 |
36.6% |
124 |
7.8% |
88 |
5.6% |
53 |
3.3% |
|
008 Ayrfield |
3876 |
635 |
16.4% |
143 |
3.7% |
778 |
20.1% |
210 |
5.4% |
60 |
1.5% |
1322 |
34.1% |
481 |
12.4% |
190 |
4.9% |
57 |
1.5% |
|
009 Ballybough A |
1869 |
760 |
40.7% |
87 |
4.7% |
381 |
20.4% |
49 |
2.6% |
17 |
0.9% |
296 |
15.8% |
96 |
5.1% |
77 |
4.1% |
106 |
5.7% |
|
010 Ballybough B |
1840 |
689 |
37.4% |
113 |
6.1% |
387 |
21.0% |
44 |
2.4% |
17 |
0.9% |
269 |
14.6% |
69 |
3.8% |
95 |
5.2% |
157 |
8.5% |
|
011 Ballygall A |
1910 |
465 |
24.3% |
73 |
3.8% |
445 |
23.3% |
9 |
0.5% |
31 |
1.6% |
512 |
26.8% |
252 |
13.2% |
84 |
4.4% |
39 |
2.0% |
|
012 Ballygall B |
950 |
174 |
18.3% |
48 |
5.1% |
219 |
23.1% |
11 |
1.2% |
13 |
1.4% |
297 |
31.3% |
86 |
9.1% |
58 |
6.1% |
44 |
4.6% |
|
013 Ballygall C |
2291 |
393 |
17.2% |
107 |
4.7% |
542 |
23.7% |
18 |
0.8% |
25 |
1.1% |
817 |
35.7% |
212 |
9.3% |
107 |
4.7% |
70 |
3.1% |
|
014 Ballygall D |
1503 |
296 |
19.7% |
78 |
5.2% |
322 |
21.4% |
12 |
0.8% |
26 |
1.7% |
477 |
31.7% |
185 |
12.3% |
84 |
5.6% |
23 |
1.5% |
|
015 Ballymun A |
1020 |
183 |
17.9% |
30 |
2.9% |
248 |
24.3% |
4 |
0.4% |
5 |
0.5% |
207 |
20.3% |
70 |
6.9% |
50 |
4.9% |
223 |
21.9% |
|
016 Ballymun B |
2289 |
752 |
32.9% |
57 |
2.5% |
550 |
24.0% |
5 |
0.2% |
17 |
0.7% |
356 |
15.6% |
196 |
8.6% |
93 |
4.1% |
263 |
11.5% |
|
017 Ballymun C |
3496 |
1090 |
31.2% |
126 |
3.6% |
771 |
22.1% |
12 |
0.3% |
37 |
1.1% |
673 |
19.3% |
274 |
7.8% |
124 |
3.5% |
389 |
11.1% |
|
018 Ballymun D |
2095 |
796 |
38.0% |
41 |
2.0% |
394 |
18.8% |
6 |
0.3% |
9 |
0.4% |
285 |
13.6% |
157 |
7.5% |
74 |
3.5% |
333 |
15.9% |
|
019 Ballymun E |
917 |
96 |
10.5% |
61 |
6.7% |
147 |
16.0% |
5 |
0.5% |
9 |
1.0% |
381 |
41.5% |
159 |
17.3% |
45 |
4.9% |
14 |
1.5% |
|
020 Ballymun F |
1708 |
191 |
11.2% |
93 |
5.4% |
348 |
20.4% |
3 |
0.2% |
31 |
1.8% |
617 |
36.1% |
312 |
18.3% |
76 |
4.4% |
37 |
2.2% |
|
021 Beaumont A |
1529 |
246 |
16.1% |
103 |
6.7% |
283 |
18.5% |
17 |
1.1% |
15 |
1.0% |
601 |
39.3% |
160 |
10.5% |
86 |
5.6% |
18 |
1.2% |
|
022 Beaumont B |
3608 |
664 |
18.4% |
172 |
4.8% |
755 |
20.9% |
93 |
2.6% |
57 |
1.6% |
1371 |
38.0% |
218 |
6.0% |
154 |
4.3% |
124 |
3.4% |
|
023 Beaumont C |
1774 |
301 |
17.0% |
76 |
4.3% |
414 |
23.3% |
65 |
3.7% |
13 |
0.7% |
617 |
34.8% |
197 |
11.1% |
78 |
4.4% |
13 |
0.7% |
|
024 Beaumont D |
2017 |
389 |
19.3% |
110 |
5.5% |
424 |
21.0% |
40 |
2.0% |
25 |
1.2% |
677 |
33.6% |
254 |
12.6% |
77 |
3.8% |
21 |
1.0% |
|
025 Beaumont E |
1516 |
242 |
16.0% |
95 |
6.3% |
386 |
25.5% |
24 |
1.6% |
28 |
1.8% |
542 |
35.8% |
127 |
8.4% |
61 |
4.0% |
11 |
0.7% |
|
026 Beaumont F |
2625 |
417 |
15.9% |
152 |
5.8% |
589 |
22.4% |
57 |
2.2% |
44 |
1.7% |
972 |
37.0% |
258 |
9.8% |
106 |
4.0% |
30 |
1.1% |
|
027 Botanic A |
1929 |
446 |
23.1% |
119 |
6.2% |
415 |
21.5% |
14 |
0.7% |
19 |
1.0% |
619 |
32.1% |
119 |
6.2% |
70 |
3.6% |
108 |
5.6% |
|
028 Botanic B |
2429 |
661 |
27.2% |
117 |
4.8% |
449 |
18.5% |
53 |
2.2% |
25 |
1.0% |
685 |
28.2% |
173 |
7.1% |
99 |
4.1% |
167 |
6.9% |
|
029 Botanic C |
1610 |
479 |
29.8% |
100 |
6.2% |
370 |
23.0% |
37 |
2.3% |
20 |
1.2% |
370 |
23.0% |
92 |
5.7% |
58 |
3.6% |
84 |
5.2% |
|
030 Cabra East A |
3861 |
887 |
23.0% |
313 |
8.1% |
955 |
24.7% |
43 |
1.1% |
30 |
0.8% |
1077 |
27.9% |
327 |
8.5% |
175 |
4.5% |
54 |
1.4% |
|
031 Cabra East B |
2108 |
615 |
29.2% |
160 |
7.6% |
459 |
21.8% |
20 |
0.9% |
32 |
1.5% |
493 |
23.4% |
169 |
8.0% |
91 |
4.3% |
69 |
3.3% |
|
032 Cabra East C |
2239 |
548 |
24.5% |
167 |
7.5% |
649 |
29.0% |
24 |
1.1% |
24 |
1.1% |
472 |
21.1% |
151 |
6.7% |
97 |
4.3% |
107 |
4.8% |
|
033 Cabra West A |
1016 |
325 |
32.0% |
59 |
5.8% |
204 |
20.1% |
9 |
0.9% |
16 |
1.6% |
259 |
25.5% |
77 |
7.6% |
56 |
5.5% |
11 |
1.1% |
|
034 Cabra West B |
1466 |
425 |
29.0% |
81 |
5.5% |
312 |
21.3% |
15 |
1.0% |
21 |
1.4% |
353 |
24.1% |
161 |
11.0% |
74 |
5.0% |
24 |
1.6% |
|
035 Cabra West C |
1813 |
483 |
26.6% |
97 |
5.4% |
410 |
22.6% |
8 |
0.4% |
26 |
1.4% |
450 |
24.8% |
160 |
8.8% |
84 |
4.6% |
95 |
5.2% |
|
036 Cabra West D |
1954 |
395 |
20.2% |
144 |
7.4% |
485 |
24.8% |
19 |
1.0% |
35 |
1.8% |
555 |
28.4% |
170 |
8.7% |
78 |
4.0% |
73 |
3.7% |
|
Electoral Division |
Total |
On foot |
% |
Bicycle |
% |
Bus, minibus or coach |
% |
Train, DART or LUAS |
% |
Motor-cycle or scooter |
% |
Car driver |
% |
Car passenger |
% |
Other |
% |
Not stated |
% |
|
Dublin City —continued |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
037 Clontarf East A |
1863 |
328 |
17.6% |
95 |
5.1% |
222 |
11.9% |
338 |
18.1% |
19 |
1.0% |
591 |
31.7% |
153 |
8.2% |
80 |
4.3% |
37 |
2.0% |
|
038 Clontarf East B |
4299 |
531 |
12.4% |
250 |
5.8% |
831 |
19.3% |
224 |
5.2% |
71 |
1.7% |
1516 |
35.3% |
620 |
14.4% |
197 |
4.6% |
59 |
1.4% |
|
039 Clontarf East C |
1956 |
355 |
18.1% |
108 |
5.5% |
239 |
12.2% |
224 |
11.5% |
21 |
1.1% |
716 |
36.6% |
185 |
9.5% |
69 |
3.5% |
39 |
2.0% |
|
040 Clontarf East D |
1753 |
181 |
10.3% |
139 |
7.9% |
266 |
15.2% |
142 |
8.1% |
22 |
1.3% |
640 |
36.5% |
267 |
15.2% |
62 |
3.5% |
34 |
1.9% |
|
041 Clontarf East E |
1004 |
140 |
13.9% |
59 |
5.9% |
116 |
11.6% |
189 |
18.8% |
10 |
1.0% |
334 |
33.3% |
89 |
8.9% |
54 |
5.4% |
13 |
1.3% |
|
042 Clontarf West A |
2228 |
309 |
13.9% |
142 |
6.4% |
315 |
14.1% |
344 |
15.4% |
24 |
1.1% |
791 |
35.5% |
201 |
9.0% |
82 |
3.7% |
20 |
0.9% |
|
043 Clontarf West B |
1544 |
354 |
22.9% |
82 |
5.3% |
353 |
22.9% |
156 |
10.1% |
22 |
1.4% |
362 |
23.4% |
112 |
7.3% |
90 |
5.8% |
13 |
0.8% |
|
044 Clontarf West C |
2408 |
300 |
12.5% |
107 |
4.4% |
511 |
21.2% |
260 |
10.8% |
35 |
1.5% |
790 |
32.8% |
257 |
10.7% |
100 |
4.2% |
48 |
2.0% |
|
045 Clontarf West D |
1402 |
361 |
25.7% |
82 |
5.8% |
378 |
27.0% |
64 |
4.6% |
19 |
1.4% |
335 |
23.9% |
54 |
3.9% |
50 |
3.6% |
59 |
4.2% |
|
046 Clontarf West E |
1444 |
364 |
25.2% |
107 |
7.4% |
316 |
21.9% |
44 |
3.0% |
15 |
1.0% |
404 |
28.0% |
79 |
5.5% |
72 |
5.0% |
43 |
3.0% |
|
047 Drumcondra South A |
2632 |
664 |
25.2% |
179 |
6.8% |
537 |
20.4% |
56 |
2.1% |
25 |
0.9% |
680 |
25.8% |
189 |
7.2% |
181 |
6.9% |
121 |
4.6% |
|
048 Drumcondra South B |
881 |
321 |
36.4% |
49 |
5.6% |
176 |
20.0% |
24 |
2.7% |
12 |
1.4% |
185 |
21.0% |
57 |
6.5% |
32 |
3.6% |
25 |
2.8% |
|
049 Drumcondra South C |
2378 |
623 |
26.2% |
167 |
7.0% |
437 |
18.4% |
21 |
0.9% |
17 |
0.7% |
652 |
27.4% |
114 |
4.8% |
80 |
3.4% |
267 |
11.2% |
|
050 Edenmore |
1516 |
386 |
25.5% |
54 |
3.6% |
293 |
19.3% |
123 |
8.1% |
11 |
0.7% |
391 |
25.8% |
138 |
9.1% |
89 |
5.9% |
31 |
2.0% |
|
051 Finglas North A |
2144 |
562 |
26.2% |
78 |
3.6% |
489 |
22.8% |
2 |
0.1% |
31 |
1.4% |
488 |
22.8% |
230 |
10.7% |
81 |
3.8% |
183 |
8.5% |
|
052 Finglas North B |
1664 |
460 |
27.6% |
37 |
2.2% |
351 |
21.1% |
2 |
0.1% |
24 |
1.4% |
390 |
23.4% |
200 |
12.0% |
90 |
5.4% |
110 |
6.6% |
|
053 Finglas North C |
1872 |
336 |
17.9% |
85 |
4.5% |
403 |
21.5% |
12 |
0.6% |
25 |
1.3% |
662 |
35.4% |
218 |
11.6% |
82 |
4.4% |
49 |
2.6% |
|
054 Finglas South A |
1410 |
382 |
27.1% |
47 |
3.3% |
344 |
24.4% |
9 |
0.6% |
16 |
1.1% |
349 |
24.8% |
124 |
8.8% |
69 |
4.9% |
70 |
5.0% |
|
055 Finglas South B |
2134 |
544 |
25.5% |
80 |
3.7% |
483 |
22.6% |
12 |
0.6% |
25 |
1.2% |
600 |
28.1% |
201 |
9.4% |
93 |
4.4% |
96 |
4.5% |
|
056 Finglas South C |
1626 |
478 |
29.4% |
71 |
4.4% |
377 |
23.2% |
3 |
0.2% |
18 |
1.1% |
347 |
21.3% |
152 |
9.3% |
82 |
5.0% |
98 |
6.0% |
|
057 Finglas South D |
1326 |
307 |
23.2% |
56 |
4.2% |
273 |
20.6% |
3 |
0.2% |
14 |
1.1% |
380 |
28.7% |
162 |
12.2% |
72 |
5.4% |
59 |
4.4% |
|
058 Grace Park |
4038 |
757 |
18.7% |
301 |
7.5% |
843 |
20.9% |
76 |
1.9% |
50 |
1.2% |
1331 |
33.0% |
432 |
10.7% |
137 |
3.4% |
111 |
2.7% |
|
059 Grange A |
5253 |
640 |
12.2% |
138 |
2.6% |
852 |
16.2% |
475 |
9.0% |
71 |
1.4% |
1870 |
35.6% |
838 |
16.0% |
301 |
5.7% |
68 |
1.3% |
|
060 Grange B |
1589 |
302 |
19.0% |
78 |
4.9% |
222 |
14.0% |
216 |
13.6% |
30 |
1.9% |
451 |
28.4% |
155 |
9.8% |
79 |
5.0% |
56 |
3.5% |
|
061 Grange C |
2383 |
495 |
20.8% |
66 |
2.8% |
236 |
9.9% |
504 |
21.1% |
28 |
1.2% |
684 |
28.7% |
179 |
7.5% |
112 |
4.7% |
79 |
3.3% |
|
062 Grange D |
3057 |
497 |
16.3% |
66 |
2.2% |
224 |
7.3% |
747 |
24.4% |
36 |
1.2% |
968 |
31.7% |
348 |
11.4% |
132 |
4.3% |
39 |
1.3% |
|
063 Grange E |
1897 |
311 |
16.4% |
62 |
3.3% |
258 |
13.6% |
302 |
15.9% |
20 |
1.1% |
570 |
30.0% |
237 |
12.5% |
94 |
5.0% |
43 |
2.3% |
|
064 Harmonstown A |
1866 |
402 |
21.5% |
113 |
6.1% |
415 |
22.2% |
100 |
5.4% |
34 |
1.8% |
541 |
29.0% |
146 |
7.8% |
91 |
4.9% |
24 |
1.3% |
|
065 Harmonstown B |
1443 |
286 |
19.8% |
82 |
5.7% |
194 |
13.4% |
231 |
16.0% |
19 |
1.3% |
391 |
27.1% |
132 |
9.1% |
63 |
4.4% |
45 |
3.1% |
|
066 Inns Quay A |
1630 |
640 |
39.3% |
65 |
4.0% |
298 |
18.3% |
29 |
1.8% |
12 |
0.7% |
242 |
14.8% |
50 |
3.1% |
86 |
5.3% |
208 |
12.8% |
|
067 Inns Quay B |
1837 |
784 |
42.7% |
116 |
6.3% |
388 |
21.1% |
51 |
2.8% |
10 |
0.5% |
244 |
13.3% |
54 |
2.9% |
116 |
6.3% |
74 |
4.0% |
|
068 Inns Quay C |
1489 |
805 |
54.1% |
70 |
4.7% |
211 |
14.2% |
24 |
1.6% |
14 |
0.9% |
158 |
10.6% |
36 |
2.4% |
70 |
4.7% |
101 |
6.8% |
|
069 Kilmore A |
1958 |
219 |
11.2% |
91 |
4.6% |
397 |
20.3% |
19 |
1.0% |
34 |
1.7% |
684 |
34.9% |
376 |
19.2% |
98 |
5.0% |
40 |
2.0% |
|
070 Kilmore B |
1677 |
560 |
33.4% |
85 |
5.1% |
354 |
21.1% |
11 |
0.7% |
17 |
1.0% |
349 |
20.8% |
158 |
9.4% |
77 |
4.6% |
66 |
3.9% |
|
071 Kilmore C |
861 |
252 |
29.3% |
35 |
4.1% |
209 |
24.3% |
6 |
0.7% |
12 |
1.4% |
164 |
19.0% |
98 |
11.4% |
38 |
4.4% |
47 |
5.5% |
|
072 Kilmore D |
1493 |
250 |
16.7% |
66 |
4.4% |
366 |
24.5% |
26 |
1.7% |
20 |
1.3% |
461 |
30.9% |
171 |
11.5% |
78 |
5.2% |
55 |
3.7% |
|
073 Mountjoy A |
1851 |
812 |
43.9% |
41 |
2.2% |
242 |
13.1% |
53 |
2.9% |
12 |
0.6% |
203 |
11.0% |
33 |
1.8% |
118 |
6.4% |
337 |
18.2% |
|
074 Mountjoy B |
1668 |
731 |
43.8% |
69 |
4.1% |
309 |
18.5% |
43 |
2.6% |
22 |
1.3% |
128 |
7.7% |
19 |
1.1% |
91 |
5.5% |
256 |
15.3% |
|
Electoral Division |
Total |
On foot |
% |
Bicycle |
% |
Bus, minibus or coach |
% |
Train, DART or LUAS |
% |
Motor-cycle or scooter |
% |
Car driver |
% |
Car passenger |
% |
Other |
% |
Not stated |
% |
|
Dublin City —continued |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
075 North City |
3219 |
1300 |
40.4% |
90 |
2.8% |
584 |
18.1% |
125 |
3.9% |
19 |
0.6% |
339 |
10.5% |
37 |
1.1% |
126 |
3.9% |
599 |
18.6% |
|
076 North Dock A |
834 |
253 |
30.3% |
64 |
7.7% |
233 |
27.9% |
27 |
3.2% |
4 |
0.5% |
155 |
18.6% |
34 |
4.1% |
42 |
5.0% |
22 |
2.6% |
|
077 North Dock B |
2214 |
686 |
31.0% |
193 |
8.7% |
351 |
15.9% |
53 |
2.4% |
20 |
0.9% |
519 |
23.4% |
137 |
6.2% |
108 |
4.9% |
147 |
6.6% |
|
078 North Dock C |
2548 |
1291 |
50.7% |
97 |
3.8% |
409 |
16.1% |
128 |
5.0% |
17 |
0.7% |
301 |
11.8% |
51 |
2.0% |
83 |
3.3% |
171 |
6.7% |
|
079 Phoenix Park |
920 |
172 |
18.7% |
50 |
5.4% |
264 |
28.7% |
28 |
3.0% |
21 |
2.3% |
291 |
31.6% |
50 |
5.4% |
39 |
4.2% |
5 |
0.5% |
|
080 Priorswood A |
1162 |
167 |
14.4% |
40 |
3.4% |
298 |
25.6% |
13 |
1.1% |
23 |
2.0% |
388 |
33.4% |
148 |
12.7% |
66 |
5.7% |
19 |
1.6% |
|
081 Priorswood B |
2022 |
661 |
32.7% |
41 |
2.0% |
525 |
26.0% |
13 |
0.6% |
21 |
1.0% |
300 |
14.8% |
168 |
8.3% |
96 |
4.7% |
197 |
9.7% |
|
082 Priorswood C |
2267 |
941 |
41.5% |
48 |
2.1% |
530 |
23.4% |
6 |
0.3% |
22 |
1.0% |
280 |
12.4% |
260 |
11.5% |
82 |
3.6% |
98 |
4.3% |
|
083 Priorswood D |
1723 |
429 |
24.9% |
70 |
4.1% |
404 |
23.4% |
11 |
0.6% |
22 |
1.3% |
414 |
24.0% |
178 |
10.3% |
82 |
4.8% |
113 |
6.6% |
|
084 Priorswood E |
1987 |
316 |
15.9% |
74 |
3.7% |
545 |
27.4% |
26 |
1.3% |
27 |
1.4% |
617 |
31.1% |
242 |
12.2% |
111 |
5.6% |
29 |
1.5% |
|
085 Raheny-Foxfield |
1757 |
231 |
13.1% |
61 |
3.5% |
165 |
9.4% |
363 |
20.7% |
19 |
1.1% |
572 |
32.6% |
238 |
13.5% |
68 |
3.9% |
40 |
2.3% |
|
086 Raheny-Greendale |
1510 |
346 |
22.9% |
42 |
2.8% |
116 |
7.7% |
290 |
19.2% |
16 |
1.1% |
414 |
27.4% |
116 |
7.7% |
96 |
6.4% |
74 |
4.9% |
|
087 Raheny-St. Assam |
2101 |
205 |
9.8% |
69 |
3.3% |
217 |
10.3% |
412 |
19.6% |
29 |
1.4% |
764 |
36.4% |
288 |
13.7% |
86 |
4.1% |
31 |
1.5% |
|
088 Rotunda A |
2789 |
1144 |
41.0% |
111 |
4.0% |
485 |
17.4% |
78 |
2.8% |
18 |
0.6% |
286 |
10.3% |
56 |
2.0% |
111 |
4.0% |
500 |
17.9% |
|
089 Rotunda B |
1123 |
500 |
44.5% |
65 |
5.8% |
220 |
19.6% |
35 |
3.1% |
7 |
0.6% |
93 |
8.3% |
25 |
2.2% |
51 |
4.5% |
127 |
11.3% |
|
090 Whitehall A |
2311 |
671 |
29.0% |
89 |
3.9% |
427 |
18.5% |
19 |
0.8% |
24 |
1.0% |
692 |
29.9% |
174 |
7.5% |
82 |
3.5% |
133 |
5.8% |
|
091 Whitehall B |
2387 |
543 |
22.7% |
117 |
4.9% |
573 |
24.0% |
14 |
0.6% |
28 |
1.2% |
720 |
30.2% |
191 |
8.0% |
96 |
4.0% |
105 |
4.4% |
|
092 Whitehall C |
1448 |
182 |
12.6% |
74 |
5.1% |
404 |
27.9% |
8 |
0.6% |
15 |
1.0% |
489 |
33.8% |
163 |
11.3% |
66 |
4.6% |
47 |
3.2% |
|
093 Whitehall D |
1502 |
342 |
22.8% |
61 |
4.1% |
381 |
25.4% |
18 |
1.2% |
16 |
1.1% |
432 |
28.8% |
135 |
9.0% |
64 |
4.3% |
53 |
3.5% |
|
094 Chapelizod |
1458 |
224 |
15.4% |
56 |
3.8% |
319 |
21.9% |
5 |
0.3% |
27 |
1.9% |
621 |
42.6% |
106 |
7.3% |
68 |
4.7% |
32 |
2.2% |
|
095 Cherry Orchard A |
765 |
95 |
12.4% |
10 |
1.3% |
317 |
41.4% |
2 |
0.3% |
2 |
0.3% |
119 |
15.6% |
85 |
11.1% |
45 |
5.9% |
90 |
11.8% |
|
096 Carna |
1646 |
435 |
26.4% |
37 |
2.2% |
418 |
25.4% |
7 |
0.4% |
32 |
1.9% |
409 |
24.8% |
188 |
11.4% |
99 |
6.0% |
21 |
1.3% |
|
097 Cherry Orchard C |
2321 |
731 |
31.5% |
60 |
2.6% |
720 |
31.0% |
15 |
0.6% |
30 |
1.3% |
357 |
15.4% |
282 |
12.1% |
89 |
3.8% |
37 |
1.6% |
|
098 Crumlin A |
2265 |
588 |
26.0% |
127 |
5.6% |
527 |
23.3% |
6 |
0.3% |
51 |
2.3% |
583 |
25.7% |
210 |
9.3% |
144 |
6.4% |
29 |
1.3% |
|
099 Crumlin B |
1842 |
460 |
25.0% |
111 |
6.0% |
427 |
23.2% |
10 |
0.5% |
39 |
2.1% |
440 |
23.9% |
178 |
9.7% |
96 |
5.2% |
81 |
4.4% |
|
100 Crumlin C |
1416 |
397 |
28.0% |
125 |
8.8% |
268 |
18.9% |
5 |
0.4% |
19 |
1.3% |
354 |
25.0% |
99 |
7.0% |
70 |
4.9% |
79 |
5.6% |
|
101 Crumlin D |
2427 |
633 |
26.1% |
144 |
5.9% |
529 |
21.8% |
15 |
0.6% |
43 |
1.8% |
656 |
27.0% |
223 |
9.2% |
120 |
4.9% |
64 |
2.6% |
|
102 Crumlin E |
1699 |
534 |
31.4% |
102 |
6.0% |
349 |
20.5% |
4 |
0.2% |
24 |
1.4% |
405 |
23.8% |
140 |
8.2% |
80 |
4.7% |
61 |
3.6% |
|
103 Crumlin F |
1809 |
451 |
24.9% |
120 |
6.6% |
371 |
20.5% |
2 |
0.1% |
25 |
1.4% |
543 |
30.0% |
182 |
10.1% |
76 |
4.2% |
39 |
2.2% |
|
104 Decies |
1701 |
532 |
31.3% |
54 |
3.2% |
415 |
24.4% |
2 |
0.1% |
42 |
2.5% |
395 |
23.2% |
138 |
8.1% |
70 |
4.1% |
53 |
3.1% |
|
105 Drumfinn |
2054 |
716 |
34.9% |
70 |
3.4% |
441 |
21.5% |
3 |
0.1% |
29 |
1.4% |
492 |
24.0% |
167 |
8.1% |
98 |
4.8% |
38 |
1.9% |
|
106 Inchicore A |
1193 |
242 |
20.3% |
73 |
6.1% |
313 |
26.2% |
8 |
0.7% |
25 |
2.1% |
372 |
31.2% |
86 |
7.2% |
56 |
4.7% |
18 |
1.5% |
|
107 Inchicore B |
1008 |
305 |
30.3% |
47 |
4.7% |
202 |
20.0% |
2 |
0.2% |
17 |
1.7% |
262 |
26.0% |
86 |
8.5% |
49 |
4.9% |
38 |
3.8% |
|
108 Kilmainham A |
1342 |
359 |
26.8% |
65 |
4.8% |
340 |
25.3% |
8 |
0.6% |
23 |
1.7% |
335 |
25.0% |
129 |
9.6% |
73 |
5.4% |
10 |
0.7% |
|
109 Kilmainham B |
774 |
140 |
18.1% |
61 |
7.9% |
238 |
30.7% |
6 |
0.8% |
16 |
2.1% |
217 |
28.0% |
57 |
7.4% |
33 |
4.3% |
6 |
0.8% |
|
110 Kilmainham C |
2397 |
593 |
24.7% |
128 |
5.3% |
658 |
27.5% |
12 |
0.5% |
36 |
1.5% |
663 |
27.7% |
160 |
6.7% |
75 |
3.1% |
72 |
3.0% |
|
111 Kimmage A |
1228 |
353 |
28.7% |
74 |
6.0% |
263 |
21.4% |
5 |
0.4% |
29 |
2.4% |
304 |
24.8% |
106 |
8.6% |
60 |
4.9% |
34 |
2.8% |
|
112 Kimmage B |
2175 |
603 |
27.7% |
131 |
6.0% |
433 |
19.9% |
4 |
0.2% |
52 |
2.4% |
582 |
26.8% |
216 |
9.9% |
116 |
5.3% |
38 |
1.7% |
|
Electoral Division |
Total |
On foot |
% |
Bicycle |
% |
Bus, minibus or coach |
% |
Train, DART or LUAS |
% |
Motor-cycle or scooter |
% |
Car driver |
% |
Car passenger |
% |
Other |
% |
Not stated |
% |
|
Dublin City —continued |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
113 Kimmage C |
2159 |
713 |
33.0% |
230 |
10.7% |
352 |
16.3% |
14 |
0.6% |
33 |
1.5% |
587 |
27.2% |
92 |
4.3% |
94 |
4.4% |
44 |
2.0% |
|
114 Kimmage D |
1619 |
410 |
25.3% |
112 |
6.9% |
340 |
21.0% |
0 |
0.0% |
31 |
1.9% |
453 |
28.0% |
158 |
9.8% |
77 |
4.8% |
38 |
2.3% |
|
115 Kimmage E |
2178 |
459 |
21.1% |
154 |
7.1% |
448 |
20.6% |
9 |
0.4% |
33 |
1.5% |
705 |
32.4% |
207 |
9.5% |
119 |
5.5% |
44 |
2.0% |
|
116 Kylemore |
1489 |
490 |
32.9% |
52 |
3.5% |
334 |
22.4% |
5 |
0.3% |
19 |
1.3% |
325 |
21.8% |
125 |
8.4% |
105 |
7.1% |
34 |
2.3% |
|
117 Mansion House A |
3099 |
1736 |
56.0% |
94 |
3.0% |
376 |
12.1% |
151 |
4.9% |
17 |
0.5% |
368 |
11.9% |
89 |
2.9% |
144 |
4.6% |
124 |
4.0% |
|
118 Mansion House B |
770 |
273 |
35.5% |
26 |
3.4% |
60 |
7.8% |
20 |
2.6% |
6 |
0.8% |
133 |
17.3% |
14 |
1.8% |
52 |
6.8% |
186 |
24.2% |
|
119 Merchants Quay A |
1241 |
660 |
53.2% |
45 |
3.6% |
201 |
16.2% |
37 |
3.0% |
12 |
1.0% |
112 |
9.0% |
31 |
2.5% |
47 |
3.8% |
96 |
7.7% |
|
120 Merchants Quay B |
2544 |
1447 |
56.9% |
132 |
5.2% |
406 |
16.0% |
46 |
1.8% |
16 |
0.6% |
310 |
12.2% |
47 |
1.8% |
80 |
3.1% |
60 |
2.4% |
|
121 Merchants Quay C |
1538 |
774 |
50.3% |
83 |
5.4% |
268 |
17.4% |
20 |
1.3% |
10 |
0.7% |
220 |
14.3% |
54 |
3.5% |
64 |
4.2% |
45 |
2.9% |
|
122 Merchants Quay D |
1331 |
530 |
39.8% |
112 |
8.4% |
148 |
11.1% |
11 |
0.8% |
17 |
1.3% |
339 |
25.5% |
44 |
3.3% |
52 |
3.9% |
78 |
5.9% |
|
123 Merchants Quay E |
1136 |
493 |
43.4% |
113 |
9.9% |
156 |
13.7% |
13 |
1.1% |
10 |
0.9% |
200 |
17.6% |
40 |
3.5% |
37 |
3.3% |
74 |
6.5% |
|
124 Merchants Quay F |
1178 |
478 |
40.6% |
78 |
6.6% |
252 |
21.4% |
11 |
0.9% |
16 |
1.4% |
201 |
17.1% |
54 |
4.6% |
58 |
4.9% |
30 |
2.5% |
|
125 Pembroke East A |
2766 |
1102 |
39.8% |
244 |
8.8% |
319 |
11.5% |
80 |
2.9% |
45 |
1.6% |
632 |
22.8% |
184 |
6.7% |
133 |
4.8% |
27 |
1.0% |
|
126 Pembroke East B |
2506 |
580 |
23.1% |
145 |
5.8% |
224 |
8.9% |
210 |
8.4% |
18 |
0.7% |
739 |
29.5% |
258 |
10.3% |
103 |
4.1% |
229 |
9.1% |
|
127 Pembroke East C |
2741 |
404 |
14.7% |
168 |
6.1% |
212 |
7.7% |
380 |
13.9% |
12 |
0.4% |
1073 |
39.1% |
366 |
13.4% |
107 |
3.9% |
19 |
0.7% |
|
128 Pembroke East D |
2762 |
595 |
21.5% |
145 |
5.2% |
486 |
17.6% |
116 |
4.2% |
21 |
0.8% |
917 |
33.2% |
240 |
8.7% |
134 |
4.9% |
108 |
3.9% |
|
129 Pembroke East E |
2398 |
515 |
21.5% |
129 |
5.4% |
265 |
11.1% |
174 |
7.3% |
21 |
0.9% |
812 |
33.9% |
214 |
8.9% |
138 |
5.8% |
130 |
5.4% |
|
130 Pembroke West A |
2182 |
822 |
37.7% |
171 |
7.8% |
202 |
9.3% |
95 |
4.4% |
20 |
0.9% |
603 |
27.6% |
149 |
6.8% |
90 |
4.1% |
30 |
1.4% |
|
131 Pembroke West B |
2334 |
519 |
22.2% |
97 |
4.2% |
289 |
12.4% |
75 |
3.2% |
15 |
0.6% |
667 |
28.6% |
101 |
4.3% |
100 |
4.3% |
471 |
20.2% |
|
132 Pembroke West C |
3085 |
1124 |
36.4% |
160 |
5.2% |
354 |
11.5% |
65 |
2.1% |
25 |
0.8% |
796 |
25.8% |
145 |
4.7% |
218 |
7.1% |
198 |
6.4% |
|
133 Rathfarnham |
3128 |
595 |
19.0% |
334 |
10.7% |
528 |
16.9% |
12 |
0.4% |
38 |
1.2% |
1089 |
34.8% |
327 |
10.5% |
159 |
5.1% |
46 |
1.5% |
|
134 Rathmines East A |
3343 |
1341 |
40.1% |
287 |
8.6% |
589 |
17.6% |
43 |
1.3% |
24 |
0.7% |
733 |
21.9% |
139 |
4.2% |
136 |
4.1% |
51 |
1.5% |
|
135 Rathmines East B |
3596 |
893 |
24.8% |
296 |
8.2% |
662 |
18.4% |
22 |
0.6% |
35 |
1.0% |
1170 |
32.5% |
253 |
7.0% |
214 |
6.0% |
51 |
1.4% |
|
136 Rathmines East C |
2665 |
748 |
28.1% |
320 |
12.0% |
355 |
13.3% |
18 |
0.7% |
29 |
1.1% |
844 |
31.7% |
227 |
8.5% |
100 |
3.8% |
24 |
0.9% |
|
137 Rathmines East D |
2277 |
848 |
37.2% |
262 |
11.5% |
393 |
17.3% |
16 |
0.7% |
27 |
1.2% |
500 |
22.0% |
99 |
4.3% |
102 |
4.5% |
30 |
1.3% |
|
138 Rathmines West A |
3652 |
1416 |
38.8% |
353 |
9.7% |
696 |
19.1% |
37 |
1.0% |
49 |
1.3% |
779 |
21.3% |
113 |
3.1% |
109 |
3.0% |
100 |
2.7% |
|
139 Rathmines West B |
2668 |
1154 |
43.3% |
229 |
8.6% |
535 |
20.1% |
39 |
1.5% |
33 |
1.2% |
482 |
18.1% |
81 |
3.0% |
92 |
3.4% |
23 |
0.9% |
|
140 Rathmines West C |
2034 |
653 |
32.1% |
226 |
11.1% |
350 |
17.2% |
18 |
0.9% |
25 |
1.2% |
538 |
26.5% |
108 |
5.3% |
87 |
4.3% |
29 |
1.4% |
|
141 Rathmines West D |
2399 |
672 |
28.0% |
245 |
10.2% |
473 |
19.7% |
12 |
0.5% |
41 |
1.7% |
611 |
25.5% |
177 |
7.4% |
106 |
4.4% |
62 |
2.6% |
|
142 Rathmines West E |
2705 |
589 |
21.8% |
312 |
11.5% |
611 |
22.6% |
11 |
0.4% |
45 |
1.7% |
804 |
29.7% |
177 |
6.5% |
116 |
4.3% |
40 |
1.5% |
|
143 Rathmines West F |
2254 |
754 |
33.5% |
239 |
10.6% |
437 |
19.4% |
21 |
0.9% |
37 |
1.6% |
536 |
23.8% |
105 |
4.7% |
79 |
3.5% |
46 |
2.0% |
|
144 Royal Exchange A |
2828 |
1186 |
41.9% |
89 |
3.1% |
364 |
12.9% |
103 |
3.6% |
20 |
0.7% |
358 |
12.7% |
48 |
1.7% |
120 |
4.2% |
540 |
19.1% |
|
145 Royal Exchange B |
1356 |
592 |
43.7% |
38 |
2.8% |
141 |
10.4% |
29 |
2.1% |
14 |
1.0% |
251 |
18.5% |
17 |
1.3% |
74 |
5.5% |
200 |
14.7% |
|
146 St. Kevin’s |
3396 |
1300 |
38.3% |
171 |
5.0% |
520 |
15.3% |
82 |
2.4% |
29 |
0.9% |
544 |
16.0% |
65 |
1.9% |
158 |
4.7% |
527 |
15.5% |
|
147 South Dock |
2800 |
1381 |
49.3% |
149 |
5.3% |
288 |
10.3% |
134 |
4.8% |
34 |
1.2% |
569 |
20.3% |
76 |
2.7% |
108 |
3.9% |
61 |
2.2% |
|
148 Terenure A |
2502 |
571 |
22.8% |
283 |
11.3% |
485 |
19.4% |
8 |
0.3% |
33 |
1.3% |
815 |
32.6% |
163 |
6.5% |
103 |
4.1% |
41 |
1.6% |
|
149 Terenure B |
2263 |
480 |
21.2% |
225 |
9.9% |
471 |
20.8% |
9 |
0.4% |
32 |
1.4% |
740 |
32.7% |
174 |
7.7% |
105 |
4.6% |
27 |
1.2% |
|
150 Terenure C |
1173 |
203 |
17.3% |
93 |
7.9% |
179 |
15.3% |
2 |
0.2% |
14 |
1.2% |
500 |
42.6% |
139 |
11.8% |
37 |
3.2% |
6 |
0.5% |
|
151 Terenure D |
558 |
102 |
18.3% |
39 |
7.0% |
80 |
14.3% |
0 |
0.0% |
10 |
1.8% |
232 |
41.6% |
70 |
12.5% |
20 |
3.6% |
5 |
0.9% |
|
Electoral Division |
Total |
On foot |
% |
Bicycle |
% |
Bus, minibus or coach |
% |
Train, DART or LUAS |
% |
Motor-cycle or scooter |
% |
Car driver |
% |
Car passenger |
% |
Other |
% |
Not stated |
% |
|
Dublin City —continued |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
152 Ushers A |
1147 |
344 |
30.0% |
71 |
6.2% |
314 |
27.4% |
20 |
1.7% |
20 |
1.7% |
222 |
19.4% |
42 |
3.7% |
41 |
3.6% |
73 |
6.4% |
|
153 Ushers B |
729 |
365 |
50.1% |
35 |
4.8% |
130 |
17.8% |
17 |
2.3% |
3 |
0.4% |
119 |
16.3% |
8 |
1.1% |
30 |
4.1% |
22 |
3.0% |
|
154 Ushers C |
1523 |
732 |
48.1% |
58 |
3.8% |
221 |
14.5% |
15 |
1.0% |
17 |
1.1% |
208 |
13.7% |
95 |
6.2% |
63 |
4.1% |
114 |
7.5% |
|
155 Ushers D |
1054 |
346 |
32.8% |
102 |
9.7% |
298 |
28.3% |
11 |
1.0% |
8 |
0.8% |
167 |
15.8% |
46 |
4.4% |
55 |
5.2% |
21 |
2.0% |
|
156 Ushers E |
1131 |
359 |
31.7% |
76 |
6.7% |
277 |
24.5% |
2 |
0.2% |
22 |
1.9% |
198 |
17.5% |
67 |
5.9% |
53 |
4.7% |
77 |
6.8% |
|
157 Ushers F |
1822 |
454 |
24.9% |
143 |
7.8% |
397 |
21.8% |
15 |
0.8% |
31 |
1.7% |
508 |
27.9% |
99 |
5.4% |
73 |
4.0% |
102 |
5.6% |
|
158 Walkinstown A |
1087 |
301 |
27.7% |
46 |
4.2% |
237 |
21.8% |
2 |
0.2% |
20 |
1.8% |
319 |
29.3% |
97 |
8.9% |
45 |
4.1% |
20 |
1.8% |
|
159 Walkinstown B |
1037 |
218 |
21.0% |
55 |
5.3% |
198 |
19.1% |
1 |
0.1% |
19 |
1.8% |
358 |
34.5% |
104 |
10.0% |
77 |
7.4% |
7 |
0.7% |
|
160 Walkinstown C |
1157 |
188 |
16.2% |
66 |
5.7% |
215 |
18.6% |
2 |
0.2% |
31 |
2.7% |
417 |
36.0% |
153 |
13.2% |
65 |
5.6% |
20 |
1.7% |
|
161 Wood Quay A |
1670 |
842 |
50.4% |
63 |
3.8% |
211 |
12.6% |
21 |
1.3% |
12 |
0.7% |
269 |
16.1% |
62 |
3.7% |
85 |
5.1% |
105 |
6.3% |
|
162 Wood Quay B |
2542 |
1128 |
44.4% |
198 |
7.8% |
438 |
17.2% |
31 |
1.2% |
42 |
1.7% |
447 |
17.6% |
116 |
4.6% |
93 |
3.7% |
49 |
1.9% |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
001 Ballinteer-Broadford |
2504 |
388 |
15.5% |
103 |
26.5% |
513 |
132.2% |
6 |
1.5% |
59 |
15.2% |
1026 |
264.4% |
288 |
74.2% |
104 |
26.8% |
17 |
4.4% |
|
002 Ballinteer-Ludford |
1583 |
240 |
15.2% |
99 |
41.3% |
283 |
117.9% |
2 |
0.8% |
39 |
16.3% |
679 |
282.9% |
165 |
68.8% |
69 |
28.8% |
7 |
2.9% |
|
003 Ballinteer-Marley |
2024 |
239 |
11.8% |
136 |
56.9% |
359 |
150.2% |
3 |
1.3% |
53 |
22.2% |
876 |
366.5% |
272 |
113.8% |
74 |
31.0% |
12 |
5.0% |
|
004 Ballinteer-Meadowbroads |
1108 |
150 |
13.5% |
85 |
56.7% |
175 |
116.7% |
3 |
2.0% |
24 |
16.0% |
473 |
315.3% |
126 |
84.0% |
64 |
42.7% |
8 |
5.3% |
|
005 Ballinteer-Meadowmount |
1257 |
243 |
19.3% |
107 |
44.0% |
210 |
86.4% |
2 |
0.8% |
33 |
13.6% |
446 |
183.5% |
125 |
51.4% |
82 |
33.7% |
9 |
3.7% |
|
006 Ballinteer-Woodpark |
3245 |
230 |
7.1% |
167 |
72.6% |
492 |
213.9% |
6 |
2.6% |
78 |
33.9% |
1507 |
655.2% |
623 |
270.9% |
120 |
52.2% |
22 |
9.6% |
|
007 Ballybrack |
2377 |
334 |
14.1% |
78 |
23.4% |
380 |
113.8% |
163 |
48.8% |
35 |
10.5% |
864 |
258.7% |
384 |
115.0% |
130 |
38.9% |
9 |
2.7% |
|
008 Blackrock-Booterstown |
2089 |
361 |
17.3% |
111 |
30.7% |
312 |
86.4% |
172 |
47.6% |
11 |
3.0% |
881 |
244.0% |
159 |
44.0% |
68 |
18.8% |
14 |
3.9% |
|
009 Blackrock-Carysfort |
3841 |
391 |
10.2% |
158 |
40.4% |
727 |
185.9% |
170 |
43.5% |
47 |
12.0% |
1530 |
391.3% |
647 |
165.5% |
146 |
37.3% |
25 |
6.4% |
|
010 Blackrock-Central |
2567 |
406 |
15.8% |
161 |
39.7% |
270 |
66.5% |
278 |
68.5% |
20 |
4.9% |
942 |
232.0% |
379 |
93.3% |
94 |
23.2% |
17 |
4.2% |
|
011 Blackrock-Glenomena |
1275 |
196 |
15.4% |
86 |
43.9% |
224 |
114.3% |
31 |
15.8% |
6 |
3.1% |
460 |
234.7% |
170 |
86.7% |
39 |
19.9% |
63 |
32.1% |
|
012 Blackrock-Monkstown |
2134 |
223 |
10.4% |
73 |
32.7% |
216 |
96.9% |
380 |
170.4% |
14 |
6.3% |
865 |
387.9% |
266 |
119.3% |
88 |
39.5% |
9 |
4.0% |
|
013 Blackrock-Newpark |
1528 |
252 |
16.5% |
71 |
28.2% |
203 |
80.6% |
92 |
36.5% |
20 |
7.9% |
584 |
231.7% |
236 |
93.7% |
63 |
25.0% |
7 |
2.8% |
|
014 Blackrock-Seapoint |
987 |
104 |
10.5% |
29 |
27.9% |
65 |
62.5% |
297 |
285.6% |
7 |
6.7% |
296 |
284.6% |
125 |
120.2% |
54 |
51.9% |
10 |
9.6% |
|
015 Blackrock-Stradbrook |
1501 |
217 |
14.5% |
59 |
27.2% |
239 |
110.1% |
86 |
39.6% |
31 |
14.3% |
569 |
262.2% |
230 |
106.0% |
62 |
28.6% |
8 |
3.7% |
|
016 Blackrock-Templehill |
1752 |
373 |
21.3% |
99 |
26.5% |
197 |
52.8% |
290 |
77.7% |
19 |
5.1% |
484 |
129.8% |
191 |
51.2% |
96 |
25.7% |
3 |
0.8% |
|
017 Blackrock-Williamstown |
1824 |
400 |
21.9% |
64 |
16.0% |
252 |
63.0% |
167 |
41.8% |
17 |
4.3% |
629 |
157.3% |
165 |
41.3% |
104 |
26.0% |
26 |
6.5% |
|
018 Cabinteely-Granitefield |
1544 |
218 |
14.1% |
80 |
36.7% |
200 |
91.7% |
104 |
47.7% |
23 |
10.6% |
617 |
283.0% |
220 |
100.9% |
77 |
35.3% |
5 |
2.3% |
|
019 Cabinteely-Kilbogget |
2128 |
401 |
18.8% |
56 |
14.0% |
423 |
105.5% |
80 |
20.0% |
40 |
10.0% |
658 |
164.1% |
322 |
80.3% |
128 |
31.9% |
20 |
5.0% |
|
020 Cabinteely-Loughlinstown |
1088 |
52 |
4.8% |
16 |
30.8% |
142 |
273.1% |
40 |
76.9% |
11 |
21.2% |
577 |
1109.6% |
185 |
355.8% |
58 |
111.5% |
7 |
13.5% |
|
021 Cabinteely-Pottery |
3288 |
339 |
10.3% |
107 |
31.6% |
545 |
160.8% |
75 |
22.1% |
35 |
10.3% |
1273 |
375.5% |
730 |
215.3% |
143 |
42.2% |
41 |
12.1% |
|
022 Churchtown-Castle |
712 |
124 |
17.4% |
62 |
50.0% |
91 |
73.4% |
1 |
0.8% |
17 |
13.7% |
300 |
241.9% |
72 |
58.1% |
37 |
29.8% |
8 |
6.5% |
|
023 Churchtown-Landscape |
740 |
60 |
8.1% |
55 |
91.7% |
71 |
118.3% |
2 |
3.3% |
18 |
30.0% |
337 |
561.7% |
162 |
270.0% |
30 |
50.0% |
5 |
8.3% |
|
Electoral Division |
Total |
On foot |
% |
Bicycle |
% |
Bus, minibus or coach |
% |
Train, DART or LUAS |
% |
Motor-cycle or scooter |
% |
Car driver |
% |
Car passenger |
% |
Other |
% |
Not stated |
% |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown —continued |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
024 Churchtown-Nutgrove |
2103 |
359 |
17.1% |
186 |
51.8% |
393 |
109.5% |
9 |
2.5% |
52 |
14.5% |
714 |
198.9% |
273 |
76.0% |
101 |
28.1% |
16 |
4.5% |
|
025 Churchtown-Orwell |
1177 |
126 |
10.7% |
124 |
98.4% |
140 |
111.1% |
1 |
0.8% |
18 |
14.3% |
459 |
364.3% |
223 |
177.0% |
73 |
57.9% |
13 |
10.3% |
|
026 Churchtown-Woodlawn |
847 |
67 |
7.9% |
67 |
100.0% |
122 |
182.1% |
2 |
3.0% |
16 |
23.9% |
377 |
562.7% |
155 |
231.3% |
40 |
59.7% |
1 |
1.5% |
|
027 Clonskeagh-Belfield |
1810 |
1004 |
55.5% |
152 |
15.1% |
229 |
22.8% |
7 |
0.7% |
8 |
0.8% |
275 |
27.4% |
99 |
9.9% |
25 |
2.5% |
11 |
1.1% |
|
028 Clonskeagh-Farranboley |
918 |
158 |
17.2% |
93 |
58.9% |
183 |
115.8% |
4 |
2.5% |
9 |
5.7% |
334 |
211.4% |
89 |
56.3% |
43 |
27.2% |
5 |
3.2% |
|
029 Clonskeagh-Milltown |
1315 |
212 |
16.1% |
143 |
67.5% |
170 |
80.2% |
6 |
2.8% |
15 |
7.1% |
535 |
252.4% |
187 |
88.2% |
38 |
17.9% |
9 |
4.2% |
|
030 Clonskeagh-Roebuck |
1200 |
175 |
14.6% |
85 |
48.6% |
153 |
87.4% |
8 |
4.6% |
16 |
9.1% |
452 |
258.3% |
258 |
147.4% |
46 |
26.3% |
7 |
4.0% |
|
031 Clonskeagh-Windy Arbour |
1520 |
265 |
17.4% |
163 |
61.5% |
254 |
95.8% |
6 |
2.3% |
25 |
9.4% |
559 |
210.9% |
181 |
68.3% |
62 |
23.4% |
5 |
1.9% |
|
032 Dalkey-Avondale |
911 |
86 |
9.4% |
26 |
30.2% |
73 |
84.9% |
126 |
146.5% |
14 |
16.3% |
362 |
420.9% |
179 |
208.1% |
43 |
50.0% |
2 |
2.3% |
|
033 Dalkey-Bullock |
1054 |
127 |
12.0% |
26 |
20.5% |
37 |
29.1% |
227 |
178.7% |
13 |
10.2% |
386 |
303.9% |
166 |
130.7% |
63 |
49.6% |
9 |
7.1% |
|
034 Dalkey-Coliemore |
846 |
100 |
11.8% |
13 |
13.0% |
26 |
26.0% |
252 |
252.0% |
11 |
11.0% |
279 |
279.0% |
104 |
104.0% |
55 |
55.0% |
6 |
6.0% |
|
035 Dalkey Hill |
911 |
73 |
8.0% |
16 |
21.9% |
15 |
20.5% |
241 |
330.1% |
9 |
12.3% |
357 |
489.0% |
128 |
175.3% |
57 |
78.1% |
15 |
20.5% |
|
036 Dalkey Upper |
1409 |
108 |
7.7% |
33 |
30.6% |
43 |
39.8% |
378 |
350.0% |
15 |
13.9% |
495 |
458.3% |
261 |
241.7% |
68 |
63.0% |
8 |
7.4% |
|
037 Dundrum-Balally |
3578 |
628 |
17.6% |
197 |
31.4% |
505 |
80.4% |
32 |
5.1% |
69 |
11.0% |
1445 |
230.1% |
507 |
80.7% |
175 |
27.9% |
20 |
3.2% |
|
038 Dundrum-Kilmacud |
1645 |
220 |
13.4% |
105 |
47.7% |
224 |
101.8% |
11 |
5.0% |
16 |
7.3% |
724 |
329.1% |
263 |
119.5% |
78 |
35.5% |
4 |
1.8% |
|
039 Dundrum-Sandyford |
3645 |
456 |
12.5% |
214 |
46.9% |
527 |
115.6% |
26 |
5.7% |
82 |
18.0% |
1421 |
311.6% |
631 |
138.4% |
270 |
59.2% |
18 |
3.9% |
|
040 Dundrum-Sweetmount |
1259 |
144 |
11.4% |
102 |
70.8% |
184 |
127.8% |
5 |
3.5% |
21 |
14.6% |
551 |
382.6% |
180 |
125.0% |
67 |
46.5% |
5 |
3.5% |
|
041 Dundrum-Taney |
1829 |
314 |
17.2% |
164 |
52.2% |
251 |
79.9% |
7 |
2.2% |
41 |
13.1% |
672 |
214.0% |
303 |
96.5% |
74 |
23.6% |
3 |
1.0% |
|
042 Dún Laoghaire-East Central |
1455 |
291 |
20.0% |
28 |
9.6% |
130 |
44.7% |
336 |
115.5% |
18 |
6.2% |
394 |
135.4% |
92 |
31.6% |
122 |
41.9% |
44 |
15.1% |
|
043 Dún Laoghaire-Glasthule |
1579 |
267 |
16.9% |
57 |
21.3% |
108 |
40.4% |
386 |
144.6% |
13 |
4.9% |
457 |
171.2% |
183 |
68.5% |
86 |
32.2% |
22 |
8.2% |
|
044 Dún Laoghaire-Glenageary |
1280 |
181 |
14.1% |
50 |
27.6% |
131 |
72.4% |
196 |
108.3% |
13 |
7.2% |
405 |
223.8% |
218 |
120.4% |
81 |
44.8% |
5 |
2.8% |
|
045 Dún Laoghaire-Monkstown Farm |
1217 |
221 |
18.2% |
50 |
22.6% |
229 |
103.6% |
77 |
34.8% |
13 |
5.9% |
398 |
180.1% |
157 |
71.0% |
57 |
25.8% |
15 |
6.8% |
|
046 Dún Laoghaire-Mount Town |
958 |
263 |
27.5% |
39 |
14.8% |
128 |
48.7% |
70 |
26.6% |
11 |
4.2% |
230 |
87.5% |
157 |
59.7% |
47 |
17.9% |
13 |
4.9% |
|
047 Dún Laoghaire-Sallynoggin East |
1995 |
366 |
18.3% |
85 |
23.2% |
208 |
56.8% |
236 |
64.5% |
24 |
6.6% |
603 |
164.8% |
278 |
76.0% |
167 |
45.6% |
28 |
7.7% |
|
048 Dún Laoghaire-Sallynoggin South |
745 |
113 |
15.2% |
40 |
35.4% |
116 |
102.7% |
40 |
35.4% |
13 |
11.5% |
248 |
219.5% |
129 |
114.2% |
43 |
38.1% |
3 |
2.7% |
|
049 Dún Laoghaire-Sallynoggin West |
1248 |
243 |
19.5% |
51 |
21.0% |
154 |
63.4% |
74 |
30.5% |
22 |
9.1% |
396 |
163.0% |
210 |
86.4% |
71 |
29.2% |
27 |
11.1% |
|
050 Dún Laoghaire-Sandycove |
2345 |
231 |
9.9% |
55 |
23.8% |
64 |
27.7% |
567 |
245.5% |
21 |
9.1% |
779 |
337.2% |
453 |
196.1% |
150 |
64.9% |
25 |
10.8% |
|
051 Dún Laoghaire-Salthill |
1076 |
132 |
12.3% |
24 |
18.2% |
68 |
51.5% |
290 |
219.7% |
15 |
11.4% |
364 |
275.8% |
112 |
84.8% |
60 |
45.5% |
11 |
8.3% |
|
052 Dún Laoghaire-West Central |
1116 |
235 |
21.1% |
27 |
11.5% |
163 |
69.4% |
212 |
90.2% |
11 |
4.7% |
251 |
106.8% |
104 |
44.3% |
82 |
34.9% |
31 |
13.2% |
|
053 Foxrock-Beechpark |
1109 |
110 |
9.9% |
35 |
31.8% |
239 |
217.3% |
18 |
16.4% |
13 |
11.8% |
449 |
408.2% |
200 |
181.8% |
44 |
40.0% |
1 |
0.9% |
|
054 Foxrock-Carrickmines |
4265 |
374 |
8.8% |
77 |
20.6% |
757 |
202.4% |
36 |
9.6% |
46 |
12.3% |
1795 |
479.9% |
986 |
263.6% |
161 |
43.0% |
33 |
8.8% |
|
055 Foxrock-Deans Grange |
1721 |
312 |
18.1% |
58 |
18.6% |
388 |
124.4% |
23 |
7.4% |
16 |
5.1% |
652 |
209.0% |
201 |
64.4% |
64 |
20.5% |
7 |
2.2% |
|
Electoral Division |
Total |
On foot |
% |
Bicycle |
% |
Bus, minibus or coach |
% |
Train, DART or LUAS |
% |
Motor-cycle or scooter |
% |
Car driver |
% |
Car passenger |
% |
Other |
% |
Not stated |
% |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown —continued |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
056 Foxrock-Torquay |
894 |
59 |
6.6% |
22 |
37.3% |
220 |
372.9% |
7 |
11.9% |
7 |
11.9% |
376 |
637.3% |
154 |
261.0% |
42 |
71.2% |
7 |
11.9% |
|
057 Glencullen |
7045 |
270 |
3.8% |
152 |
56.3% |
1047 |
387.8% |
47 |
17.4% |
88 |
32.6% |
3338 |
1236.3% |
1620 |
600.0% |
418 |
154.8% |
65 |
24.1% |
|
058 Killiney North |
2370 |
141 |
5.9% |
50 |
35.5% |
143 |
101.4% |
427 |
302.8% |
29 |
20.6% |
903 |
640.4% |
496 |
351.8% |
135 |
95.7% |
46 |
32.6% |
|
059 Killiney South |
4738 |
708 |
14.9% |
102 |
14.4% |
751 |
106.1% |
545 |
77.0% |
66 |
9.3% |
1436 |
202.8% |
810 |
114.4% |
250 |
35.3% |
70 |
9.9% |
|
060 Shankill-Rathmichael |
2961 |
256 |
8.6% |
25 |
9.8% |
338 |
132.0% |
296 |
115.6% |
38 |
14.8% |
1154 |
450.8% |
615 |
240.2% |
205 |
80.1% |
34 |
13.3% |
|
061 Shankill-Rathsallagh |
2239 |
282 |
12.6% |
30 |
10.6% |
306 |
108.5% |
420 |
148.9% |
32 |
11.3% |
659 |
233.7% |
386 |
136.9% |
117 |
41.5% |
7 |
2.5% |
|
062 Shankill-Shanganagh |
3823 |
318 |
8.3% |
44 |
13.8% |
411 |
129.2% |
706 |
222.0% |
45 |
14.2% |
1420 |
446.5% |
680 |
213.8% |
177 |
55.7% |
22 |
6.9% |
|
063 Stillorgan-Deerpark |
1887 |
354 |
18.8% |
108 |
30.5% |
305 |
86.2% |
12 |
3.4% |
20 |
5.6% |
751 |
212.1% |
253 |
71.5% |
67 |
18.9% |
17 |
4.8% |
|
064 Stillorgan-Kilmacud |
2648 |
408 |
15.4% |
150 |
36.8% |
486 |
119.1% |
15 |
3.7% |
35 |
8.6% |
1099 |
269.4% |
339 |
83.1% |
103 |
25.2% |
13 |
3.2% |
|
065 Stillorgan-Leopardstown |
1510 |
93 |
6.2% |
47 |
50.5% |
430 |
462.4% |
13 |
14.0% |
10 |
10.8% |
594 |
638.7% |
252 |
271.0% |
62 |
66.7% |
9 |
9.7% |
|
066 Stillorgan-Merville |
1894 |
252 |
13.3% |
85 |
33.7% |
398 |
157.9% |
8 |
3.2% |
24 |
9.5% |
734 |
291.3% |
264 |
104.8% |
71 |
28.2% |
58 |
23.0% |
|
067 Stillorgan-Mount Merrion |
1612 |
299 |
18.5% |
82 |
27.4% |
330 |
110.4% |
5 |
1.7% |
8 |
2.7% |
594 |
198.7% |
230 |
76.9% |
53 |
17.7% |
11 |
3.7% |
|
068 Stillorgan-Priory |
1241 |
133 |
10.7% |
43 |
32.3% |
237 |
178.2% |
31 |
23.3% |
13 |
9.8% |
506 |
380.5% |
209 |
157.1% |
46 |
34.6% |
23 |
17.3% |
|
069 Tibradden |
574 |
102 |
17.8% |
6 |
5.9% |
36 |
35.3% |
1 |
1.0% |
8 |
7.8% |
151 |
148.0% |
109 |
106.9% |
147 |
144.1% |
14 |
13.7% |
|
Fingal |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
001 Airport |
306 |
7 |
2.3% |
6 |
2.0% |
17 |
5.6% |
4 |
1.3% |
1 |
0.3% |
98 |
32.0% |
8 |
2.6% |
16 |
5.2% |
149 |
48.7% |
|
002 Balbriggan Rural |
3189 |
516 |
16.2% |
59 |
1.9% |
410 |
12.9% |
309 |
9.7% |
11 |
0.3% |
1106 |
34.7% |
518 |
16.2% |
214 |
6.7% |
46 |
1.4% |
|
003 Balbriggan Urban |
4334 |
961 |
22.2% |
106 |
2.4% |
409 |
9.4% |
657 |
15.2% |
26 |
0.6% |
1483 |
34.2% |
412 |
9.5% |
245 |
5.7% |
35 |
0.8% |
|
004 Baldoyle |
4283 |
768 |
17.9% |
138 |
3.2% |
266 |
6.2% |
840 |
19.6% |
42 |
1.0% |
1421 |
33.2% |
492 |
11.5% |
227 |
5.3% |
89 |
2.1% |
|
005 Balgriffin |
363 |
36 |
9.9% |
8 |
2.2% |
35 |
9.6% |
13 |
3.6% |
3 |
0.8% |
132 |
36.4% |
93 |
25.6% |
34 |
9.4% |
9 |
2.5% |
|
006 Ballyboghil |
582 |
43 |
7.4% |
5 |
0.9% |
61 |
10.5% |
14 |
2.4% |
6 |
1.0% |
240 |
41.2% |
132 |
22.7% |
73 |
12.5% |
8 |
1.4% |
|
007 Balscadden |
401 |
12 |
3.0% |
5 |
1.2% |
44 |
11.0% |
24 |
6.0% |
4 |
1.0% |
169 |
42.1% |
89 |
22.2% |
53 |
13.2% |
1 |
0.2% |
|
008 Blanchardstown-Abbotstown |
1448 |
198 |
13.7% |
27 |
1.9% |
262 |
18.1% |
35 |
2.4% |
27 |
1.9% |
501 |
34.6% |
220 |
15.2% |
107 |
7.4% |
71 |
4.9% |
|
009 Blanchardstown-Blakestown |
17990 |
2849 |
15.8% |
324 |
1.8% |
2660 |
14.8% |
609 |
3.4% |
290 |
1.6% |
7865 |
43.7% |
2203 |
12.2% |
879 |
4.9% |
311 |
1.7% |
|
010 Blanchardstown-Coolmine |
6284 |
1698 |
27.0% |
130 |
2.1% |
1079 |
17.2% |
131 |
2.1% |
89 |
1.4% |
1879 |
29.9% |
644 |
10.2% |
317 |
5.0% |
317 |
5.0% |
|
011 Blanchardstown-Corduff |
2926 |
848 |
29.0% |
80 |
2.7% |
627 |
21.4% |
23 |
0.8% |
54 |
1.8% |
779 |
26.6% |
323 |
11.0% |
145 |
5.0% |
47 |
1.6% |
|
012 Blanchardstown-Delwood |
3552 |
631 |
17.8% |
83 |
2.3% |
498 |
14.0% |
388 |
10.9% |
43 |
1.2% |
1445 |
40.7% |
313 |
8.8% |
119 |
3.4% |
32 |
0.9% |
|
013 Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart |
1248 |
331 |
26.5% |
20 |
1.6% |
264 |
21.2% |
12 |
1.0% |
21 |
1.7% |
404 |
32.4% |
139 |
11.1% |
46 |
3.7% |
11 |
0.9% |
|
014 Blanchardstown-Roselawn |
1478 |
247 |
16.7% |
40 |
2.7% |
275 |
18.6% |
115 |
7.8% |
19 |
1.3% |
562 |
38.0% |
141 |
9.5% |
72 |
4.9% |
7 |
0.5% |
|
015 Blanchardstown-Tyrrelstown |
1018 |
314 |
30.8% |
14 |
1.4% |
287 |
28.2% |
5 |
0.5% |
6 |
0.6% |
178 |
17.5% |
155 |
15.2% |
50 |
4.9% |
9 |
0.9% |
|
016 Castleknock-Knockmaroon |
11374 |
1569 |
13.8% |
308 |
2.7% |
1270 |
11.2% |
868 |
7.6% |
135 |
1.2% |
5079 |
44.7% |
1623 |
14.3% |
429 |
3.8% |
93 |
0.8% |
|
Electoral Division |
Total |
On foot |
% |
Bicycle |
% |
Bus, minibus or coach |
% |
Train, DART or LUAS |
% |
Motor-cycle or scooter |
% |
Car driver |
% |
Car passenger |
% |
Other |
% |
Not stated |
% |
|
Fingal —continued |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
017 Castleknock-Park |
3472 |
310 |
8.9% |
75 |
2.2% |
728 |
21.0% |
69 |
2.0% |
31 |
0.9% |
1494 |
43.0% |
608 |
17.5% |
97 |
2.8% |
60 |
1.7% |
|
018 Clonmethan |
396 |
27 |
6.8% |
7 |
1.8% |
54 |
13.6% |
0 |
0.0% |
2 |
0.5% |
164 |
41.4% |
76 |
19.2% |
49 |
12.4% |
17 |
4.3% |
|
019 Donabate |
3967 |
314 |
7.9% |
38 |
1.0% |
315 |
7.9% |
751 |
18.9% |
51 |
1.3% |
1651 |
41.6% |
523 |
13.2% |
231 |
5.8% |
93 |
2.3% |
|
020 Dubber |
510 |
37 |
7.3% |
7 |
1.4% |
66 |
12.9% |
1 |
0.2% |
4 |
0.8% |
181 |
35.5% |
73 |
14.3% |
40 |
7.8% |
101 |
19.8% |
|
021 Garristown |
794 |
56 |
7.1% |
5 |
0.6% |
135 |
17.0% |
0 |
0.0% |
3 |
0.4% |
339 |
42.7% |
145 |
18.3% |
109 |
13.7% |
2 |
0.3% |
|
022 Hollywood |
649 |
25 |
3.9% |
5 |
0.8% |
116 |
17.9% |
18 |
2.8% |
7 |
1.1% |
262 |
40.4% |
121 |
18.6% |
87 |
13.4% |
8 |
1.2% |
|
023 Holmpatrick |
2353 |
228 |
9.7% |
55 |
2.3% |
191 |
8.1% |
390 |
16.6% |
13 |
0.6% |
806 |
34.3% |
469 |
19.9% |
191 |
8.1% |
10 |
0.4% |
|
024 Howth |
5602 |
548 |
9.8% |
49 |
0.9% |
418 |
7.5% |
1071 |
19.1% |
29 |
0.5% |
2188 |
39.1% |
907 |
16.2% |
311 |
5.6% |
81 |
1.4% |
|
025 Kilsallaghan |
1355 |
132 |
9.7% |
14 |
1.0% |
207 |
15.3% |
6 |
0.4% |
6 |
0.4% |
529 |
39.0% |
280 |
20.7% |
137 |
10.1% |
44 |
3.2% |
|
026 Kinsaley |
2523 |
137 |
5.4% |
32 |
1.3% |
459 |
18.2% |
96 |
3.8% |
25 |
1.0% |
1030 |
40.8% |
523 |
20.7% |
168 |
6.7% |
53 |
2.1% |
|
027 Lucan North |
204 |
17 |
8.3% |
4 |
2.0% |
13 |
6.4% |
12 |
5.9% |
2 |
1.0% |
99 |
48.5% |
36 |
17.6% |
20 |
9.8% |
1 |
0.5% |
|
028 Lusk |
2800 |
315 |
11.3% |
40 |
1.4% |
472 |
16.9% |
264 |
9.4% |
24 |
0.9% |
1036 |
37.0% |
360 |
12.9% |
229 |
8.2% |
60 |
2.1% |
|
029 Malahide East |
3649 |
411 |
11.3% |
24 |
0.7% |
334 |
9.2% |
650 |
17.8% |
12 |
0.3% |
1468 |
40.2% |
551 |
15.1% |
166 |
4.5% |
33 |
0.9% |
|
030 Malahide West |
4468 |
412 |
9.2% |
41 |
0.9% |
644 |
14.4% |
662 |
14.8% |
27 |
0.6% |
1703 |
38.1% |
776 |
17.4% |
175 |
3.9% |
28 |
0.6% |
|
031 Portmarnock North |
3909 |
806 |
20.6% |
32 |
0.8% |
457 |
11.7% |
554 |
14.2% |
27 |
0.7% |
1452 |
37.1% |
366 |
9.4% |
179 |
4.6% |
36 |
0.9% |
|
032 Portmarnock South |
2396 |
443 |
18.5% |
25 |
1.0% |
270 |
11.3% |
368 |
15.4% |
14 |
0.6% |
907 |
37.9% |
200 |
8.3% |
116 |
4.8% |
53 |
2.2% |
|
033 Rush |
4599 |
580 |
12.6% |
130 |
2.8% |
575 |
12.5% |
452 |
9.8% |
33 |
0.7% |
1642 |
35.7% |
682 |
14.8% |
401 |
8.7% |
104 |
2.3% |
|
034 Skerries |
5150 |
1116 |
21.7% |
109 |
2.1% |
300 |
5.8% |
993 |
19.3% |
34 |
0.7% |
1812 |
35.2% |
446 |
8.7% |
276 |
5.4% |
64 |
1.2% |
|
035 Sutton |
4271 |
564 |
13.2% |
107 |
2.5% |
315 |
7.4% |
1074 |
25.1% |
33 |
0.8% |
1507 |
35.3% |
454 |
10.6% |
189 |
4.4% |
28 |
0.7% |
|
036 Swords-Forrest |
7574 |
1813 |
23.9% |
150 |
2.0% |
1170 |
15.4% |
58 |
0.8% |
62 |
0.8% |
3047 |
40.2% |
817 |
10.8% |
354 |
4.7% |
103 |
1.4% |
|
037 Swords-Glasmore |
5337 |
1148 |
21.5% |
84 |
1.6% |
958 |
18.0% |
57 |
1.1% |
53 |
1.0% |
2004 |
37.5% |
676 |
12.7% |
288 |
5.4% |
69 |
1.3% |
|
038 Swords-Lissenhall |
4664 |
689 |
14.8% |
78 |
1.7% |
626 |
13.4% |
126 |
2.7% |
58 |
1.2% |
2000 |
42.9% |
729 |
15.6% |
236 |
5.1% |
122 |
2.6% |
|
039 Swords-Seatown |
3559 |
464 |
13.0% |
47 |
1.3% |
474 |
13.3% |
229 |
6.4% |
26 |
0.7% |
1400 |
39.3% |
677 |
19.0% |
185 |
5.2% |
57 |
1.6% |
|
040 Swords Village |
1779 |
440 |
24.7% |
37 |
2.1% |
358 |
20.1% |
21 |
1.2% |
13 |
0.7% |
596 |
33.5% |
165 |
9.3% |
96 |
5.4% |
53 |
3.0% |
|
041 The Ward |
848 |
25 |
2.9% |
5 |
0.6% |
95 |
11.2% |
6 |
0.7% |
13 |
1.5% |
415 |
48.9% |
200 |
23.6% |
80 |
9.4% |
9 |
1.1% |
|
042 Turnapin |
1267 |
51 |
4.0% |
43 |
3.4% |
364 |
28.7% |
2 |
0.2% |
15 |
1.2% |
479 |
37.8% |
224 |
17.7% |
61 |
4.8% |
28 |
2.2% |
|
South Dublin |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
001 Ballinascorney |
447 |
26 |
5.8% |
5 |
1.1% |
46 |
10.3% |
0 |
0.0% |
8 |
1.8% |
185 |
41.4% |
82 |
18.3% |
61 |
13.6% |
34 |
7.6% |
|
002 Ballyboden |
3975 |
723 |
18.2% |
205 |
5.2% |
499 |
12.6% |
6 |
0.2% |
65 |
1.6% |
1708 |
43.0% |
574 |
14.4% |
167 |
4.2% |
28 |
0.7% |
|
003 Bohernabreena |
2694 |
376 |
14.0% |
41 |
1.5% |
324 |
12.0% |
2 |
0.1% |
64 |
2.4% |
1161 |
43.1% |
436 |
16.2% |
225 |
8.4% |
65 |
2.4% |
|
004 Clondalkin-Ballymount |
1508 |
287 |
19.0% |
28 |
1.9% |
254 |
16.8% |
3 |
0.2% |
25 |
1.7% |
606 |
40.2% |
186 |
12.3% |
84 |
5.6% |
35 |
2.3% |
|
005 Clondalkin-Cappaghmore |
1086 |
306 |
28.2% |
20 |
1.8% |
274 |
25.2% |
11 |
1.0% |
11 |
1.0% |
253 |
23.3% |
90 |
8.3% |
64 |
5.9% |
57 |
5.2% |
|
006 Clondalkin-Dunawley |
7238 |
1663 |
23.0% |
171 |
2.4% |
1282 |
17.7% |
22 |
0.3% |
158 |
2.2% |
2349 |
32.5% |
1015 |
14.0% |
435 |
6.0% |
143 |
2.0% |
|
007 Clondalkin-Monastery |
6698 |
1134 |
16.9% |
179 |
2.7% |
1193 |
17.8% |
15 |
0.2% |
111 |
1.7% |
2718 |
40.6% |
928 |
13.9% |
344 |
5.1% |
76 |
1.1% |
|
008 Clondalkin-Moorfield |
4169 |
1102 |
26.4% |
89 |
2.1% |
897 |
21.5% |
32 |
0.8% |
83 |
2.0% |
1106 |
26.5% |
565 |
13.6% |
215 |
5.2% |
80 |
1.9% |
|
009 Clondalkin-Rowlagh |
2866 |
850 |
29.7% |
54 |
1.9% |
704 |
24.6% |
5 |
0.2% |
30 |
1.0% |
698 |
24.4% |
264 |
9.2% |
149 |
5.2% |
112 |
3.9% |
|
Electoral Division |
Total |
On foot |
% |
Bicycle |
% |
Bus, minibus or coach |
% |
Train, DART or LUAS |
% |
Motor-cycle or scooter |
% |
Car driver |
% |
Car passenger |
% |
Other |
% |
Not stated |
% |
|
South Dublin —continued |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
010 Clondalkin Village |
6027 |
1329 |
22.1% |
181 |
3.0% |
889 |
14.8% |
12 |
0.2% |
111 |
1.8% |
2297 |
38.1% |
716 |
11.9% |
324 |
5.4% |
168 |
2.8% |
|
011 Edmondstown |
4046 |
478 |
11.8% |
202 |
5.0% |
613 |
15.2% |
8 |
0.2% |
101 |
2.5% |
1710 |
42.3% |
705 |
17.4% |
200 |
4.9% |
29 |
0.7% |
|
012 Firhouse-Ballycullen |
4976 |
583 |
11.7% |
219 |
4.4% |
501 |
10.1% |
5 |
0.1% |
104 |
2.1% |
2427 |
48.8% |
887 |
17.8% |
211 |
4.2% |
39 |
0.8% |
|
013 Firhouse-Knocklyon |
3344 |
529 |
15.8% |
249 |
7.4% |
579 |
17.3% |
5 |
0.1% |
61 |
1.8% |
1423 |
42.6% |
354 |
10.6% |
126 |
3.8% |
18 |
0.5% |
|
014 Firhouse Village |
6578 |
988 |
15.0% |
251 |
3.8% |
919 |
14.0% |
6 |
0.1% |
148 |
2.2% |
2906 |
44.2% |
880 |
13.4% |
411 |
6.2% |
69 |
1.0% |
|
015 Lucan-Esker |
15256 |
973 |
6.4% |
202 |
1.3% |
2396 |
15.7% |
37 |
0.2% |
229 |
1.5% |
8245 |
54.0% |
2292 |
15.0% |
761 |
5.0% |
121 |
0.8% |
|
016 Lucan Heights |
4050 |
826 |
20.4% |
85 |
2.1% |
790 |
19.5% |
4 |
0.1% |
41 |
1.0% |
1635 |
40.4% |
439 |
10.8% |
174 |
4.3% |
56 |
1.4% |
|
017 Lucan-St. Helen’s |
5341 |
915 |
17.1% |
81 |
1.5% |
985 |
18.4% |
10 |
0.2% |
62 |
1.2% |
2171 |
40.6% |
763 |
14.3% |
302 |
5.7% |
52 |
1.0% |
|
018 Newcastle |
1483 |
173 |
11.7% |
16 |
1.1% |
186 |
12.5% |
45 |
3.0% |
16 |
1.1% |
619 |
41.7% |
248 |
16.7% |
171 |
11.5% |
9 |
0.6% |
|
019 Palmerston Village |
2434 |
411 |
16.9% |
53 |
2.2% |
649 |
26.7% |
7 |
0.3% |
45 |
1.8% |
911 |
37.4% |
190 |
7.8% |
135 |
5.5% |
33 |
1.4% |
|
020 Palmerston West |
5703 |
1215 |
21.3% |
92 |
1.6% |
1468 |
25.7% |
4 |
0.1% |
96 |
1.7% |
1530 |
26.8% |
655 |
11.5% |
540 |
9.5% |
103 |
1.8% |
|
021 Rathcoole |
2295 |
426 |
18.6% |
16 |
0.7% |
321 |
14.0% |
3 |
0.1% |
26 |
1.1% |
1035 |
45.1% |
290 |
12.6% |
157 |
6.8% |
21 |
0.9% |
|
022 Rathfarnham-Ballyroan |
1649 |
181 |
11.0% |
117 |
7.1% |
268 |
16.3% |
3 |
0.2% |
27 |
1.6% |
721 |
43.7% |
248 |
15.0% |
80 |
4.9% |
4 |
0.2% |
|
023 Rathfarnham-Butterfield |
2005 |
230 |
11.5% |
163 |
8.1% |
281 |
14.0% |
5 |
0.2% |
35 |
1.7% |
935 |
46.6% |
253 |
12.6% |
92 |
4.6% |
11 |
0.5% |
|
024 Rathfarnham-Hermitage |
3331 |
503 |
15.1% |
258 |
7.7% |
493 |
14.8% |
4 |
0.1% |
61 |
1.8% |
1422 |
42.7% |
477 |
14.3% |
100 |
3.0% |
13 |
0.4% |
|
025 Rathfarnham-St. Enda’s |
3006 |
385 |
12.8% |
213 |
7.1% |
460 |
15.3% |
1 |
0.0% |
70 |
2.3% |
1307 |
43.5% |
432 |
14.4% |
126 |
4.2% |
12 |
0.4% |
|
026 Rathfarnham Village |
2120 |
255 |
12.0% |
194 |
9.2% |
313 |
14.8% |
2 |
0.1% |
40 |
1.9% |
950 |
44.8% |
284 |
13.4% |
64 |
3.0% |
18 |
0.8% |
|
027 Saggart |
947 |
63 |
6.7% |
12 |
1.3% |
96 |
10.1% |
3 |
0.3% |
12 |
1.3% |
432 |
45.6% |
199 |
21.0% |
100 |
10.6% |
30 |
3.2% |
|
028 Tallaght-Avonbeg |
995 |
225 |
22.6% |
28 |
2.8% |
195 |
19.6% |
0 |
0.0% |
17 |
1.7% |
311 |
31.3% |
98 |
9.8% |
60 |
6.0% |
61 |
6.1% |
|
029 Tallaght-Belgard |
1479 |
323 |
21.8% |
34 |
2.3% |
231 |
15.6% |
2 |
0.1% |
24 |
1.6% |
599 |
40.5% |
178 |
12.0% |
80 |
5.4% |
8 |
0.5% |
|
030 Tallaght-Fettercairn |
4127 |
1101 |
26.7% |
51 |
1.2% |
842 |
20.4% |
2 |
0.0% |
59 |
1.4% |
894 |
21.7% |
525 |
12.7% |
191 |
4.6% |
462 |
11.2% |
|
031 Tallaght-Glenview |
991 |
156 |
15.7% |
31 |
3.1% |
192 |
19.4% |
1 |
0.1% |
14 |
1.4% |
352 |
35.5% |
102 |
10.3% |
53 |
5.3% |
90 |
9.1% |
|
032 Tallaght-Jobstown |
6478 |
1370 |
21.1% |
67 |
1.0% |
1281 |
19.8% |
6 |
0.1% |
128 |
2.0% |
2046 |
31.6% |
851 |
13.1% |
367 |
5.7% |
362 |
5.6% |
|
033 Tallaght-Killinardan |
2905 |
1030 |
35.5% |
35 |
1.2% |
596 |
20.5% |
0 |
0.0% |
37 |
1.3% |
570 |
19.6% |
306 |
10.5% |
157 |
5.4% |
174 |
6.0% |
|
034 Tallaght-Kilnamanagh |
4100 |
746 |
18.2% |
114 |
2.8% |
873 |
21.3% |
4 |
0.1% |
89 |
2.2% |
1528 |
37.3% |
438 |
10.7% |
239 |
5.8% |
69 |
1.7% |
|
035 Tallaght-Kiltipper |
3715 |
1100 |
29.6% |
92 |
2.5% |
619 |
16.7% |
4 |
0.1% |
62 |
1.7% |
1084 |
29.2% |
451 |
12.1% |
207 |
5.6% |
96 |
2.6% |
|
036 Tallaght-Kingswood |
3253 |
612 |
18.8% |
81 |
2.5% |
672 |
20.7% |
3 |
0.1% |
85 |
2.6% |
1161 |
35.7% |
399 |
12.3% |
187 |
5.7% |
53 |
1.6% |
|
037 Tallaght-Millbrook |
2646 |
532 |
20.1% |
71 |
2.7% |
486 |
18.4% |
0 |
0.0% |
46 |
1.7% |
1026 |
38.8% |
296 |
11.2% |
160 |
6.0% |
29 |
1.1% |
|
038 Tallaght-Oldbawn |
3309 |
812 |
24.5% |
75 |
2.3% |
522 |
15.8% |
4 |
0.1% |
50 |
1.5% |
1264 |
38.2% |
330 |
10.0% |
215 |
6.5% |
37 |
1.1% |
|
039 Tallaght-Springfield |
5230 |
1517 |
29.0% |
77 |
1.5% |
848 |
16.2% |
5 |
0.1% |
68 |
1.3% |
1772 |
33.9% |
392 |
7.5% |
287 |
5.5% |
264 |
5.0% |
|
016 Lucan Heights |
4050 |
826 |
20.4% |
85 |
2.1% |
790 |
19.5% |
4 |
0.1% |
41 |
1.0% |
1635 |
40.4% |
439 |
10.8% |
174 |
4.3% |
56 |
1.4% |
|
017 Lucan-St. Helen’s |
5341 |
915 |
17.1% |
81 |
1.5% |
985 |
18.4% |
10 |
0.2% |
62 |
1.2% |
2171 |
40.6% |
763 |
14.3% |
302 |
5.7% |
52 |
1.0% |
|
018 Newcastle |
1483 |
173 |
11.7% |
16 |
1.1% |
186 |
12.5% |
45 |
3.0% |
16 |
1.1% |
619 |
41.7% |
248 |
16.7% |
171 |
11.5% |
9 |
0.6% |
|
019 Palmerston Village |
2434 |
411 |
16.9% |
53 |
2.2% |
649 |
26.7% |
7 |
0.3% |
45 |
1.8% |
911 |
37.4% |
190 |
7.8% |
135 |
5.5% |
33 |
1.4% |
|
020 Palmerston West |
5703 |
1215 |
21.3% |
92 |
1.6% |
1468 |
25.7% |
4 |
0.1% |
96 |
1.7% |
1530 |
26.8% |
655 |
11.5% |
540 |
9.5% |
103 |
1.8% |
|
021 Rathcoole |
2295 |
426 |
18.6% |
16 |
0.7% |
321 |
14.0% |
3 |
0.1% |
26 |
1.1% |
1035 |
45.1% |
290 |
12.6% |
157 |
6.8% |
21 |
0.9% |
|
022 Rathfarnham-Ballyroan |
1649 |
181 |
11.0% |
117 |
7.1% |
268 |
16.3% |
3 |
0.2% |
27 |
1.6% |
721 |
43.7% |
248 |
15.0% |
80 |
4.9% |
4 |
0.2% |
|
Electoral Division |
Total |
On foot |
% |
Bicycle |
% |
Bus, minibus or coach |
% |
Train, DART or LUAS |
% |
Motor-cycle or scooter |
% |
Car driver |
% |
Car passenger |
% |
Other |
% |
Not stated |
% |
|
South Dublin —continued |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
023 Rathfarnham-Butterfield |
2005 |
230 |
11.5% |
163 |
8.1% |
281 |
14.0% |
5 |
0.2% |
35 |
1.7% |
935 |
46.6% |
253 |
12.6% |
92 |
4.6% |
11 |
0.5% |
|
024 Rathfarnham-Hermitage |
3331 |
503 |
15.1% |
258 |
7.7% |
493 |
14.8% |
4 |
0.1% |
61 |
1.8% |
1422 |
42.7% |
477 |
14.3% |
100 |
3.0% |
13 |
0.4% |
|
025 Rathfarnham-St. Enda’s |
3006 |
385 |
12.8% |
213 |
7.1% |
460 |
15.3% |
1 |
0.0% |
70 |
2.3% |
1307 |
43.5% |
432 |
14.4% |
126 |
4.2% |
12 |
0.4% |
|
026 Rathfarnham Village |
2120 |
255 |
12.0% |
194 |
9.2% |
313 |
14.8% |
2 |
0.1% |
40 |
1.9% |
950 |
44.8% |
284 |
13.4% |
64 |
3.0% |
18 |
0.8% |
|
027 Saggart |
947 |
63 |
6.7% |
12 |
1.3% |
96 |
10.1% |
3 |
0.3% |
12 |
1.3% |
432 |
45.6% |
199 |
21.0% |
100 |
10.6% |
30 |
3.2% |
|
028 Tallaght-Avonbeg |
995 |
225 |
22.6% |
28 |
2.8% |
195 |
19.6% |
0 |
0.0% |
17 |
1.7% |
311 |
31.3% |
98 |
9.8% |
60 |
6.0% |
61 |
6.1% |
|
029 Tallaght-Belgard |
1479 |
323 |
21.8% |
34 |
2.3% |
231 |
15.6% |
2 |
0.1% |
24 |
1.6% |
599 |
40.5% |
178 |
12.0% |
80 |
5.4% |
8 |
0.5% |
|
030 Tallaght-Fettercairn |
4127 |
1101 |
26.7% |
51 |
1.2% |
842 |
20.4% |
2 |
0.0% |
59 |
1.4% |
894 |
21.7% |
525 |
12.7% |
191 |
4.6% |
462 |
11.2% |
|
031 Tallaght-Glenview |
991 |
156 |
15.7% |
31 |
3.1% |
192 |
19.4% |
1 |
0.1% |
14 |
1.4% |
352 |
35.5% |
102 |
10.3% |
53 |
5.3% |
90 |
9.1% |
|
032 Tallaght-Jobstown |
6478 |
1370 |
21.1% |
67 |
1.0% |
1281 |
19.8% |
6 |
0.1% |
128 |
2.0% |
2046 |
31.6% |
851 |
13.1% |
367 |
5.7% |
362 |
5.6% |
|
033 Tallaght-Killinardan |
2905 |
1030 |
35.5% |
35 |
1.2% |
596 |
20.5% |
0 |
0.0% |
37 |
1.3% |
570 |
19.6% |
306 |
10.5% |
157 |
5.4% |
174 |
6.0% |
|
034 Tallaght-Kilnamanagh |
4100 |
746 |
18.2% |
114 |
2.8% |
873 |
21.3% |
4 |
0.1% |
89 |
2.2% |
1528 |
37.3% |
438 |
10.7% |
239 |
5.8% |
69 |
1.7% |
|
035 Tallaght-Kiltipper |
3715 |
1100 |
29.6% |
92 |
2.5% |
619 |
16.7% |
4 |
0.1% |
62 |
1.7% |
1084 |
29.2% |
451 |
12.1% |
207 |
5.6% |
96 |
2.6% |
|
036 Tallaght-Kingswood |
3253 |
612 |
18.8% |
81 |
2.5% |
672 |
20.7% |
3 |
0.1% |
85 |
2.6% |
1161 |
35.7% |
399 |
12.3% |
187 |
5.7% |
53 |
1.6% |
|
037 Tallaght-Millbrook |
2646 |
532 |
20.1% |
71 |
2.7% |
486 |
18.4% |
0 |
0.0% |
46 |
1.7% |
1026 |
38.8% |
296 |
11.2% |
160 |
6.0% |
29 |
1.1% |
|
038 Tallaght-Oldbawn |
3309 |
812 |
24.5% |
75 |
2.3% |
522 |
15.8% |
4 |
0.1% |
50 |
1.5% |
1264 |
38.2% |
330 |
10.0% |
215 |
6.5% |
37 |
1.1% |
|
039 Tallaght-Springfield |
5230 |
1517 |
29.0% |
77 |
1.5% |
848 |
16.2% |
5 |
0.1% |
68 |
1.3% |
1772 |
33.9% |
392 |
7.5% |
287 |
5.5% |
264 |
5.0% |
|
040 Tallaght-Tymon |
3782 |
844 |
22.3% |
128 |
3.4% |
755 |
20.0% |
1 |
0.0% |
74 |
2.0% |
1279 |
33.8% |
371 |
9.8% |
259 |
6.8% |
71 |
1.9% |
|
041 Templeogue-Cypress |
2237 |
365 |
16.3% |
144 |
6.4% |
415 |
18.6% |
4 |
0.2% |
42 |
1.9% |
981 |
43.9% |
187 |
8.4% |
77 |
3.4% |
22 |
1.0% |
|
042 Templeogue-Kimmage Manor |
2969 |
433 |
14.6% |
219 |
7.4% |
463 |
15.6% |
9 |
0.3% |
41 |
1.4% |
1339 |
45.1% |
330 |
11.1% |
107 |
3.6% |
28 |
0.9% |
|
043 Templeogue-Limekiln |
2595 |
369 |
14.2% |
130 |
5.0% |
443 |
17.1% |
4 |
0.2% |
56 |
2.2% |
1050 |
40.5% |
365 |
14.1% |
143 |
5.5% |
35 |
1.3% |
|
044 Templeogue-Orwell |
1924 |
298 |
15.5% |
112 |
5.8% |
320 |
16.6% |
3 |
0.2% |
26 |
1.4% |
826 |
42.9% |
251 |
13.0% |
78 |
4.1% |
10 |
0.5% |
|
045 Templeogue-Osprey |
2150 |
379 |
17.6% |
105 |
4.9% |
423 |
19.7% |
5 |
0.2% |
27 |
1.3% |
834 |
38.8% |
266 |
12.4% |
82 |
3.8% |
29 |
1.3% |
|
046 Templeogue Village |
937 |
147 |
15.7% |
68 |
7.3% |
169 |
18.0% |
0 |
0.0% |
11 |
1.2% |
380 |
40.6% |
106 |
11.3% |
55 |
5.9% |
1 |
0.1% |
|
047 Terenure-Cherryfield |
1314 |
202 |
15.4% |
82 |
6.2% |
230 |
17.5% |
0 |
0.0% |
35 |
2.7% |
464 |
35.3% |
198 |
15.1% |
79 |
6.0% |
24 |
1.8% |
|
048 Terenure-Greentrees |
1690 |
152 |
9.0% |
123 |
7.3% |
275 |
16.3% |
5 |
0.3% |
32 |
1.9% |
696 |
41.2% |
291 |
17.2% |
100 |
5.9% |
16 |
0.9% |
|
049 Terenure-St. James |
1769 |
250 |
14.1% |
88 |
5.0% |
319 |
18.0% |
3 |
0.2% |
38 |
2.1% |
742 |
41.9% |
180 |
10.2% |
119 |
6.7% |
30 |
1.7% |
|
Totals |
754058 |
159110 |
21.1% |
31888 |
4.2% |
127106 |
16.9% |
31580 |
4.2% |
10017 |
1.3% |
249915 |
33.1% |
85431 |
11.3% |
37560 |
5.0% |
21451 |
2.8% |
168 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the legislation and regulation in place to protect children and adolescents from gambling at race tracks and betting shops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11425/08]
Section 23 (1) of the Betting Act, 1931 prohibits licensed bookmakers from engaging in a betting transaction with a person under the age of eighteen years whether such person is acting on their own behalf or as an agent for another person. This law is applicable to race tracks and betting shops.
The Totalisator Act, 1929 provides that the Minister for Finance can grant licences to set up, maintain and work totalisators. Such licences have been granted to Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and Bord na gCon.
Individuals under the age of eighteen are not prohibited from using the Tote under the Totalisator Act, 1929. However, HRI and Bord na gCon, which are agencies of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, as operators of the Tote, have pointed out that the Tote primarily operates in the controlled environment of the racecourse, where children are typically accompanied by adults. Furthermore, they are not aware of any evidence to suggest that use of the Tote by people under the age of eighteen is problematic.
169 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on a proposal regarding fuel for motor vehicles (details supplied). [11525/08]
There is no proposal by the European Commission to further harmonise VAT in relation to petrol or diesel.
There is a proposal for a Council Directive amending the Energy Tax Directive regarding tax treatment of motor fuel for commercial purposes and the co-ordination of taxation of unleaded petrol and gas oil used as motor fuel. This proposal, published in March 2007, is aimed at tackling distortions of competition in the haulage markets which stem from wide variations in excise rates across Member States.
The Commission notes that such variations lead to fuel tourism whereby drivers, particularly in the haulage sector, will travel across borders to take advantage of cheaper fuel prices due to lower national taxes and the Commission highlights the negative environmental impact from such behaviour. In response, the Commission considers the best response is to raise the minimum rate for diesel from 2012 (and petrol from 2014). Some increase in the minimum rate for diesel has already been agreed from 2010 under the EU Energy Tax Directive (2003/96/EC) of October 2003. The planned increases together with the current EU minima and Irish rates are illustrated as follows:
|
Already agreed under the Energy Tax Directive |
New Rates proposed under the current Commission Proposal |
||||
|
1 Jan 2004 |
1 Jan 2010 |
1 Jan 2012 |
1 Jan 2014 |
Current Irish Rate |
|
|
Unleaded Petrol (€ per 1,000 litres) |
359 |
359 |
359 |
380 |
443 |
|
Diesel (€ per 1,000 litres) |
302 |
330 |
359 |
380 |
368 |
Most Member States including Ireland welcomed the motive behind the Commission's proposal on environmental grounds. The actual impact of the changes proposed, from an Irish perspective, are minimalist and would only require a 1.2 cent increase in our national diesel rates by 2014. Some Member States are seeking greater flexibility with respect to the timelines in the proposal. Discussions are ongoing in this regard. Many of the new Member States either have an issue with raising the minimum rates or the fact that the transitional periods proposed by the Commission are not sufficiently accommodating. This is largely a function of the low excise rates in the Accession countries.
170 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he or his Department met to discuss the pension entitlements of staff at RTÉ; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that RTÉ management has informed the RTÉ trade union group that it is not possible to introduce a model Public Service defined benefit pension scheme due to restrictions imposed by his Department; if his Department has imposed such restrictions; if RTÉ is the only body in the Public Service sphere so excluded; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that there are three types of pension scheme operated by RTÉ; if he is satisfied that appropriate approval has been given for the establishment of all three schemes, including the special scheme set up for a limited number of undefined employees; the criteria for membership of the special pension scheme established by RTÉ for certain employees; and the precise membership of the scheme. [11212/08]
I would like to start by clarifying that neither I, nor my Department are party to the discussions which take place within RTE on pension matters. Furthermore, neither I nor my Department would be aware of, or make any input to such discussions, which are between the Company as employer and its staff.
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is responsible in the first instance for matters relating to RTÉ and his Department deals directly with the Company on such issues. The Broadcasting Authority Act 1960 (as amended by the Broadcasting Act 2001) provides that pension schemes and arrangements for officers of RTÉ must be approved by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with the consent or concurrence of the Minister for Finance. These provisions are similar to the standard provisions which are generally used in legislation governing State Bodies.
My general role under the legislation is to receive for assessment and consent, specific proposals which have already been examined in the first instance by the Department primarily concerned. Normally, proposals received in this way will have been discussed and agreed within the State Body prior to their transmission to the Minister of the relevant parent Department. My role is to consider and assess any public service implications of the proposals. My Department does not engage directly or indirectly in the internal processes within the State Body which lead to the generation of such proposals although in the exercise of my role, it is occasionally necessary for my officials to attend meetings between a particular State Body and its parent Department for the purposes of clarification on points of detail.
171 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford was not granted tax relief on a contribution to a PRSA which has been refused on a technicality, as the contribution was made before the deadline but the building society was unable to provide a receipt as their printer was broken, resulting in same not being submitted to the tax office before the 31 October 2007 deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11246/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that in order for tax relief on contributions to a Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) to be given in a previous tax year a claim by the taxpayer must be made on or before the relevant return filing date for that previous tax year. This claim may be made without the immediate production of the relevant certificate from the PRSA provider.
In this case, the person in question sought to claim tax relief for 2006 in respect of a PRSA contribution of €15,000 paid on 30 October 2007. The closing date for such an election was 31 October 2007 (the filing date for 2006) but this person's election is recorded as received by Revenue on 8 January 2008. Accordingly, the requested tax relief for 2006 cannot be given. Subject to the normal qualifying conditions, tax relief would appear to be available for the 2007 tax year on €14,299 (being 20% of declared income) and the balance of €701 may be carried forward and treated as a qualifying contribution for the next year, and where necessary, for succeeding years.
172 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the steps he has taken, or proposes, to ensure money taken on his behalf by airlines is returned if the tax is not incurred due to cancellation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11277/08]
Since the £5 travel tax was abolished in Budget 2000 there have been no Irish Government taxes levied on flights into, out of or within Ireland.
I understand that the National Consumer Agency is currently pursuing the issue of airline-generated charges and other such fees directly with a number of airline companies.
173 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will set out, according to the most recently available figures, the number of PAYE workers, the number of PAYE workers earning less than €10,000, the number of PAYE workers earning less than €20,000, the number of PAYE workers earning less than €30,000, the number of PAYE workers earning €35,400 or less, the number of PAYE workers earning less than €40,000, the number of PAYE workers earning less than €38,000, the number of PAYE workers earning less than €50,000, the number of PAYE workers earning €50,000 or more, the number of PAYE workers, being married and the only breadwinner, earning between €35,400 and €44,400, and the number of PAYE workers, being a single or a widowed parent, earning between €35,400 and €39,400. [11283/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested, estimated by reference to the income tax year 2008, is as follows:
|
Gross Income |
Numbers |
|
€0 – €9,999 |
346,500 |
|
€0 – €19,999 |
687,600 |
|
€0 – €29,999 |
1,038,700 |
|
€0 – €35,400 |
1,210,800 |
|
€0 – €37,999 |
1,284,500 |
|
€0 – €39,999 |
1,338,100 |
|
€0 – €49,999 |
1,557,700 |
|
Over €50,000 |
540,900 |
|
Total |
2,098,600 |
|
Gross Income |
Numbers |
|
€35,400 – €44,400 |
45,800 |
|
Gross Income |
Numbers |
|
€35,400 – €39,400 |
8,000 |
The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2004 adjusted as necessary for income and employment growth for the year in question. They are, therefore, provisional and likely to be revised.
It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit. Figures in the table are rounded to the nearest hundred and any apparent discrepancies in totals are due to this.
174 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the status of an application for the refurbishment or replacement of a Garda station (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11310/08]
The Office of Public Works carry out refurbishment works to Garda Stations in accordance with a prioritised list provided by the Garda Authorities. The proposed refurbishment is currently rated at No. 75 on the priority list.
The Office of Public Works is undertaking approximately twenty five refurbishment/ maintenance projects this year. The proposed refurbishment of the Garda Station will be advanced in accordance with it's rating on the priority list.
175 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive payment of a tax rebate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11316/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a repayment in respect of the named person has been processed and a cheque was issued on 19 March 2008.
176 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the steps he proposes to take to ensure a service to the people of the midlands in view of the sudden and unexpected closure of the Vehicle Registration Office in Portlaoise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11349/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that as part of its modernisation programme, Revenue has invested heavily in the provision of internet-based services. The Revenue On-Line Service (ROS) has been widely acknowledged as a major success both from a technological and customer service point ofview.
Revenue adds to the range of services available on ROS on an ongoing basis and during 2003 vehicle registration was added to the suite of on-line services. These new on-line facilities have greatly reduced the demand for service at vehicle registration offices. An increasing number of motor dealers now register new vehicles on-line themselves (currently approximately 95% of such registrations nationally are on-line) in preference to using the facilities at vehicle registration offices. In addition, a valuation enquiry facility has been made available on the Revenue website, allowing customers to obtain vehicle registration tax quotations on second hand vehicles on-line.
The Revenue Commissioners reviewed the implications of these changes and, having regard to the reduction in service demand, decided to close a number of smaller vehicle registration offices and consolidate the service in adjacent offices. Opening hours have also been reduced in some other offices.
Vehicle registration facilities ceased in Portlaoise with effect from 28 March 2008. The Kilkenny Revenue District provides a call in service (including VRT service) for taxpayers living in Counties Carlow, Kilkenny and Laois. This service is available Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 5:00pm. The District also provides a VRT service on Wednesday and Thursday each week from 9:00am to 12:45 in Carlow. In addition the Westmeath/Offaly Revenue District provide a VRT service at their Tullamore office Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 4.00 pm. VRT services are also available at VROs nationwide, details of which are available on the Revenue website.
New procedures have been introduced which simplify and speed up the registration process for used vehicles. These new procedures eliminate the necessity to physically examine all such vehicles, as had been the case previously. The new arrangements also provide a facility for customers to register vehicles by post without the need to bring their vehicles to a Revenue office. These initiatives have greatly assisted the successful consolidation of vehicle registration services into the larger centres.
Based on service demands, the alternatives available and the need for Revenue to make effective use of resources, it is not proposed to re-introduce vehicle registration services at Portlaoise. A small number of staff were involved in vehicle registration work at Portlaoise. These staff remain in Co. Laois working on alternative Revenue functions.
177 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will clarify the Exchequer contribution of €580 million to the Northern administration; the purpose for which it will be used; the joint action plan in place to ensure this funding will be spent in a strategic manner for the mutual benefit of both jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11387/08]
In the context of the negotiations to restore the Northern Ireland Executive, in March 2007, the Irish Government agreed to make available €580 million as part of a joint investment initiative with the British Government to stimulate long-term sustainable economic growth in Northern Ireland. Our contribution will be focused towards the building of a dual carriageway standard road from the Border to Derry and Donegal. In late 2007, cross-border management structures for this project were agreed under the North South Ministerial Council, and work is now under way on the Route Corridor Study for the road. This will be one of the most significant projects ever undertaken on a cross-border basis and is crucial to the future development of the North West region and the border counties.
178 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will confirm that Seanad Éireann will not be moving to the Natural History Museum for the duration of the renovation of Leinster House; when he expects renovation works to begin on the Natural History Museum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11447/08]
I can confirm that the Natural History Museum will not be used to accommodate Seanad Éireann during the renovation works to Leinster House. Subject to obtaining suitable tenders and obtaining the necessary approvals such as planning permissions and fire certificates, it is expected that a contractor will be appointed to commence works on the Natural History Museum by August 2009.
179 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position in relation to the proposed construction of a new school (details supplied) in County Cork; if the Office of Public Works has carried out an examination of a site at Ringcurran, Kinsale, County Cork, which has been proposed by Cork County Council as a suitable location for the new school; if so, if the OPW’s report is positively disposed toward this site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11460/08]
The Office of Public Works in Ireland acts as an agent for the Department of Education & Science in the acquisition of sites for schools. A Technical Assessment of the site has been completed; a Report will be forwarded to the Department of Education and Science in a matter of days for their further instruction.
180 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if, in repaying tax to PAYE taxpayers the Revenue Commissioners provide only for such payments to be made into bank accounts, requiring persons who do not hold bank accounts to open them for the sole purpose of receiving the repayment; if repayments can be made in other forms not requiring bank accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11517/08]
183 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the options available through the Revenue Commissioners for a person who is obtaining a tax rebate; if it is the case that all tax rebate cheques issued by the Revenue Commissioners are crossed, in order that the only way the moneys can be cashed is to an existing bank account; the procedures in place for persons who do not have a bank account and are entitled to a tax rebate; the location where they are able to have this cheque lodged when it is crossed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11617/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 183 together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a person receiving a repayment of PAYE or Corporation Tax has the option of having it paid by cheque or direct to their bankaccount.
In the case of VAT, repayments to registered traders are made direct to bank accounts and repayments to persons who are not registered for VAT are made by cheque.
In the case of the other taxes, repayments are made by cheque. However, proposals are well advanced to provide a facility for repayment direct to bank accounts for some of thesetaxes.
For security reasons and to prevent fraudulent encashment, all cheques issued by the Revenue Commissioners are crossed "Account Payee".
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the arrangements in place do not normally give rise to difficulties for tax payers entitled to repayment.
181 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if there is a mechanism whereby third level colleges and colleges of further education can avail of tax incentives for the provision of student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11574/08]
Section 50 of the Finance Act 1999 provided for a scheme of tax relief for rented residential accommodation for third level students. The relief provided for a deduction of 100% of the construction, conversion or refurbishment expenditure, which may be off-set against all Irish rental income, whether derived from the premises in question or from other lettings.
The purpose of the relief was to increase the supply of quality accommodation for third level students and the scheme has been very successful in this respect. However, a report on tax relief for student accommodation carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants and published by my Department in February 2006 as part of Volume 1 of the Review of Property-based Tax Incentive Schemes, indicated, among other things, that there were concerns about over-supply of accommodation in the student accommodation sector. Following this review, a number of property-based tax incentive schemes were discontinued, including the tax incentive scheme for student accommodation.
This scheme had been due to terminate on 31 December 2004 but Finance Act 2006 extended the deadline to 31 July 2008 for pipeline projects (where a planning application has been received by the planning authority by 31 December 2004) and work to the value of 15 per cent of actual construction, conversion or refurbishment cost had been carried out by 31 December 2006. 75 per cent of capital expenditure incurred in the year 2007 and 50 per cent of capital expenditure incurred in the period 1 January to 31 July 2008 can qualify for relief. I have no plans at this time to introduce another tax incentive for the provision of student accommodation.
182 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the tax incentives available for wind turbine energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11605/08]
In relation to the tax incentives currently available for wind turbine energy, the Business Expansion Scheme (BES) provides an incentive, in the form of tax relief, for individuals to invest in companies which carry on qualifying activities, services and trades, including the trade of manufacturing. The generation of electricity, including electricity generated by wind turbines, is a qualifying trade under the BES manufacturing provisions. This scheme currently runs until 31 December 2013.
In addition, tax relief in the form of capital allowances is available where capital expenditure is incurred on the provision of plant and machinery that is used in the carrying on of a trade. In general, the cost of providing a wind turbine would qualify for capital allowances. Capital allowances for plant and machinery are given over an 8-year period at an annual rate of 12.5% of the allowable expenditure and can be used to reduce the taxable income of the trade.
The Renewable Energy Generation scheme, which provided relief from corporation tax for corporate investment in certain renewable energy projects (including projects based on wind power technology) was extended to 31 December 2011 by section 51 of the Finance Act 2007, subject to State-aid clearance from the EU Commission. This scheme has not yet re-commenced due to issues relating to the application for State-aid approval which are under consideration by my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
184 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if there is flexibility in the medical criteria for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon to receive a primary medical certificate under the Disabled Drivers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994; and if not his views on expanding the criteria that are used to determine eligibility. [11621/08]
The initial application for a Primary Medical Certificate under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994, is made to the Senior Medical Officer of the relevant local Health Service Executive administrative area.
If the Primary Medical Certificate has been refused in this case, the named person may appeal the refusal to the Medical Board of Appeal, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. I would point out that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.
As the Deputy will be aware there was an interdepartmental review of the scheme. Some 12,500 people benefited under the scheme in 2007 at an overall estimated cost of €74 million. Any changes to the scheme would have to be considered in the context of the annual Budget.
185 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the capital appraisal guidelines used by Government Departments in assessing major infrastructure projects include an assessment of the cost of the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the project; and if so the price assumed for a tonne of carbon dioxide in this assessment. [11628/08]
Under the Guidelines for the Appraisal and Management of Capital Expenditure Proposals in the Public Sector all capital investment costing more than €30m should be subject to detailed Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA). The current CBA best practice guidelines outline that external costs and benefits such as carbon dioxide emissions should be included where they are a significant project outcome and where they can be valued on the basis of a reliable, well established methodology; where they cannot be given a monetary value external costs and benefits are to be fully assessed in the cost-benefit report to ensure their full consideration in the decision-making process.
To assist Government Departments and other public bodies, and to develop a standardised approach to this issue, an Interdepartmental Working Group on reflecting the cost of Carbon Emissions in Cost Benefit Analysis, chaired by the Central Expenditure Evaluation Unit in my Department, has been established to consider the appropriate means of treating environmental emissions, in particular CO2 aspects, in cost benefit analysis of major infrastructure projects. The Group was established in November 2007 and it has one year to complete its review of this issue.
186 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will report on the poor condition of Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park; when he will re-instate it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11681/08]
A decision on a Planning Application for the major renewal of Chesterfield Avenue is expected shortly. This scheme consists of a complete upgrade of the Avenue, including provision of a permanent roundabout at Mountjoy junction and more pedestrian friendly zones in the Dublin Zoo and Parkgate Street areas. Chesterfield Avenue is monitored on an ongoing basis for surface damage and minor repairs have, in fact, just recently been completed.
187 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will ascertain from the Office of Public Works when a footbridge (details supplied) will be repaired and upgraded as promised. [11696/08]
The bridge referred to is included in OPW's 2008 maintenance programme and it will be attended to during this year subject to suitable weather conditions.
188 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works will make a contribution to resolve a serious and ongoing flooding problem for persons (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11759/08]
The Office of Public Works have no responsibility for maintenance of the river or the access road in the area concerned. However, the Office of Public Works is willing to assist with technical advice and guidance in this matter and will consider making a financial contribution on social / humanitarian grounds if a viable, cost effective solution can be found.
To this end, Officials from the OPW met with Officials from Mayo Co. Council, together with an elected member of Mayo Co. Council last year and a possible solution was identified. The Office of Public Works and Mayo Co. Council are examining whether this solution can be implemented in a cost effective manner.
189 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if theatre licences are still granted by the customs service; the number of licences issued in each of the past three years, in Dublin and countrywide; if they are monitored; and if so, the person by whom they are monitored; if the Garda Síochána are consulted before a licence is granted or renewed; and if he is satisfied with the present system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11763/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Theatre Licences continue to be issued by Revenue offices throughout the country.
The number of such licences granted, or were in existence, in each of the past three years are as follows (normally Theatre Licences run from 1 October to the following 30 September):
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 (to date) |
|
|
Dublin |
36 |
35 |
57 |
|
Rest of Country |
40 |
41 |
44 |
Each Theatre Licence application is subjected to individual scrutiny which includes a requirement to ensure that the applicant is (a) the holder of a current licence under S.51 Public Health (Amendment) Act 1890 issued by the District Court (i.e. premises or portion thereof is licensed as a place of entertainment) and (b) holds a current Tax Clearance Certificate. An Garda Síochána is not required to be consulted prior to the issue of a Theatre Licence.
The enforcement of compliance with alcohol licences, including Theatre Licences, is a matter for An Garda Síochána. As the Deputy will be aware the Government Alcohol Advisory Group has been established by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to consider key aspects of the law governing the sale and consumption of alcohol.
190 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 12 February 2008, the measures in place to track the temporary importation of vehicles; when a person, previously established outside the State, is considered to be established here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11796/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 135 (a) of the Finance Act 1992 permits a European or other foreign registered vehicle which is temporarily brought into the State by a person established outside the State to be exempted from the requirement to register for vehicle registration tax purposes for a period normally not exceeding 12 months from the date upon which the vehicle concerned was brought into the State. Temporary exemptions are allowable for vehicles brought into in the State by visitors, tourists and foreign workers.
Statutory Instrument No. 60 of 1993 prescribes the criteria for eligibility for the granting of temporary exemption from the requirement to be registered for VRT purposes in the State.
There is no requirement for vehicles imported under temporary exemption provisions to be presented to the Revenue Commissioners to avail of the relief. Details of these vehicles are therefore not captured by Revenue or held in the vehicle registration system. When a vehicle fails to meet the conditions for temporary exemption, e.g. the temporary status no longer applies, the onus is on the person availing of the exemption to remove the vehicle from the State or present it for registration.
As part of their enforcement activity, Revenue mobile units and the Garda Siochana monitor Irish and foreign registered vehicles on our roads and examine documents relating to ownership, registration and the importation of foreign registered vehicles to ensure that they are still eligible for temporary exemption from registration. The documentation must be kept with the vehicle when it is in use in the State and be made available to Revenue officials when requested.
In 2007, Revenue mobile units challenged and investigated 15,417 vehicles in the State. Of these, 10,325 satisfied Revenue officials that the registration status was in order at that particular time and no further action was necessary. 2,313 vehicles were registered for VRT purposes as a direct consequence of these investigations. Enforcement activity also resulted in prosecutions, seizures, exportation and scrappage of vehicles and indeed in the granting of temporary or permanent exemptions depending on the circumstances of the case.
A person, previously established outside the State, who avails of a temporary exemption, may decide to set up permanent residence here. An application for permanent relief from VRT should then be made to Revenue. Where the application is successful, the person will register the vehicle free of VRT.
In this regard, Section 134 of the Finance Act 1992 provides for permanent relief from the payment of VRT on the registration of a vehicle which is the personal property of a private individual being brought into the State as part of transfer of residence. (Permanent reliefs are also available in other cases, e.g. for vehicles acquired as part of an inheritance or for vehicles transferred into the State under diplomatic arrangements).
Statutory Instrument No. 59 of 1993 sets out the conditions governing the registration of vehicles under the above section.
191 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of car park spaces available nationally to those working in his Department and in the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; the annual cost of car park spaces rented by his Department and the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11890/08]
Given the range of Government Departments, Offices and Agencies under my aegis and the geographical spread of car parking facilities, it has not been possible to collate all the requested information in the time available. I can, however, advise the Deputy that in relation to my own Department there are just under 280 car parking spaces available to staff. The majority of these are attached to state owned property, with 48 car parking spaces incurring an annual rental cost in the region of €150,000.
Available information in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department is provided in the following table. Any outstanding information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
|
Name of Body |
No of car parking spaces available |
Annual Rental Cost of carparking spaces |
|
€ |
||
|
Presidents Establishment |
20 |
* |
|
State Laboratory |
55 |
* |
|
Office of the Controller and Auditor General |
38 |
* |
|
National Treasury Management Agency, National Pensions Reserve Fund, State Claims Agency and National Development Finance Agency |
74 |
259,000 |
|
Office of the Ombudsman |
25 |
87,500 |
|
Financial Services Ombudsman’s Bureau |
5 (3 rented spaces) |
9,680 |
|
Valuation Office |
68 |
97,393 |
|
Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland |
338 |
— |
*State owned.
192 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Waterford who purchased a green car in 2007 will be granted a tax exemption. [11989/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the vehicle in question has a hybrid engine (petrol/electric) and as a result there was a 50% VRT reduction granted on the first registration of the vehicle. The vehicle was first registered by the dealer on 8 January 2007 and, as the first registered owner of the vehicle, the dealer was granted the reduction in VRT as per Finance Act 1992, Section 135C.
The person in question (details supplied) purchased the vehicle on 12 June 2007 from the dealer at which time all reductions in VRT relating to its engine type had been granted.
193 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if a contractor has been appointed for the construction of a proposed new Garda station (details supplied) in County Cork; if not, when he will do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12052/08]
It is expected that a contract for the construction of the new Garda Station will be awarded shortly.
194 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on whether, conditions imposed by his Department in sanctions approving the recruitment of officers for statutory agencies or commissions operating under the aegis of other Departments should be rigidly adhered to and particularly so as the sanctions underpin the statutory Ministerial consent; if his attention has been drawn to the breach of such sanction in the case of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission notified to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform recently following a response to a Freedom of Information request; the action he proposes to take to make the GSOC accountable for its actions and to comply with sanction approvals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12058/08]
The filling of sanctioned vacancies within independent agencies is essentially a matter for those agencies — while sanction is required in order to fill posts, it is not a function of the Minister for Finance to require an organisation with statutory independence to ensure that all of its sanctioned posts are filled to the maximum extent of the authorised level at all times. Management has discretion to fill sanctioned posts according to its business needs so as to ensure that such decisions reflect the most up to date business requirements. In this instance, there is nothing to indicate that the GSOC have breached any element of the relevant sanction.
195 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views, having regard to the centrally agreed arrangements for the Dublin Central Applications Facility and specifically the transfer schedule for assignment of volunteers which obliged personnel officers to work to ensure that transfers take place within four weeks of the officer being informed by the Public Appointments Service that the transfer is to take place and the exceptional further extension for a maximum of another four weeks by agreement, on whether these arrangements should be complied with in full and in a timely manner to progress Government decentralisation policy and in the event of non-compliance specifically in the case of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission relating to the position of head of corporate affairs, the action he will to take to ensure full compliance and accountability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12060/08]
196 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if a practice to interview Public Appointments Service applicants or assignees under the Dublin central applications facility arrangements for positions in the GSOC was the subject of agreement with his Department; if his Department has made it clear to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission that it does not have a veto on appointments under the Dublin CAF arrangements; his views on whether any office, including the GSOC, should comply in full with the procedures laid down by the Dublin CAF arrangements as agreed centrally with the unions and not seek to frustrate Government policy on decentralisation on spurious grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12068/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.
Across the public service, recruitment and promotion practices generally are being managed in a way which facilitates the achievement of the Decentralisation Programme in an efficient manner. The primary mechanism for placing Civil Servants whose posts are due to decentralise but who themselves wish to remain in Dublin is by way of bilateral transfer. As staff who have applied to decentralise continue to be transferred into decentralising organisations, the posts they vacate become available to those wishing to remain in Dublin.
The objective of the Dublin Arrangements is to provide to the Public Appointments Service (PAS) details of staff who wish to remain in Dublin at each grade level so that a proportion of vacancies arising in Dublin based posts may be filled by those staff. The Arrangements seek to balance the need to facilitate the effective achievement of the decentralisation programme with the business needs of departments and offices and the aspirations of staff to be placed in appropriate posts in Dublin. To achieve this, they allow for prioritisation at certain times of staff in organisations who have an immediate need to be placed in Dublin posts due to the timing of the relocation of their current department or office. While the aim is to ensure that transfers take place within 4-8 weeks, in many instances I understand that the actual transfer date is the subject of bilateral discussion and agreement between the organisations involved.
Under the Dublin Arrangements, the PAS circulates as much detail as possible in relation to the post to be filled to persons in the appropriate grades in the organisations participating in the arrangements at that time. Further information is of course made available to individual applicants by the receiving organisation as required. Once the closing date for expressions of interest in the post has passed, the post due to be filled is offered by the PAS to the most senior volunteer. Consequently, the issue of a potential receiving Department or Office having a veto over an applicant does not arise.
My understanding from the Office of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is that the GSOC wished to review all aspects of organisational staffing both current and prospective, to cater for the long-term needs and structure of the office. In that context, following the advertisement of the post to Dublin based staff, that office advised my Department that the filling of the post of Head of Corporate Services was postponed pending a review of the posts at senior level in the GSOC. I understand that this review is ongoing.
It is intended that the Dublin Arrangements will continue over the full transition phase of the Programme and I can confirm that my department is monitoring them in co-operation with Departments and the relevant unions to ensure that they are operating efficiently.
197 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on a claim (details supplied) that the Revenue Commissioners have not fulfilled their obligations as outlined in a reasoned opinion of the European Commission. [12073/08]
The reasoned opinion which the Deputy refers to was received in January 2007 and it made reference to Sections 71 and 73 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. These provisions relate to the tax treatment of the income arising on an Irish resident from UK sources. The European Commission took the view that these provisions were contrary to the obligations under Article 56EC and Article 40EEA and it directed Ireland to take the necessary measures to comply with the reasoned opinion.
The Commission was subsequently notified that provisions would be included in the 2008 Finance Bill which would address the issues raised. This was done and Section 18 Finance Act 2008 deals with the matter.
198 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if trade union subscriptions are credited at source for PAYE workers, or if they need to claim this money back themselves. [12158/08]
PAYE workers may claim an income tax allowance in respect of their membership subscription to a registered Trade Union. The amount of the allowance in 2008 is €350 at the standard rate of tax, which is equivalent to a tax credit of €70. This credit, when claimed, is included in the individual's annual certificate of tax credits. Where the tax credit has not been claimed up to now, an individual may claim, in 2008, for each of the tax years 2004 to 2007, inclusive.
Full details on how to claim the credit are available on the Revenue Commissioners' website at www.revenue.ie. There is a variety of self service options available, including claiming on-line or by text message. The Revenue Commissioners can also be contacted on the relevant regional PAYE LoCall number or by calling to the local Revenue office.
199 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if a retired person's total income from investments and pension is such that all such income is less than the person's tax allowances, if the person has tax liability in such an instance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12221/08]
The position is that it is a general principle of taxation that, as far as possible, income from all sources should be subject to taxation. This includes income received in the form of a social welfare pension and investment income. However, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, based on the limited information supplied, it would appear that the taxpayer's tax credits are sufficient to offset any liability to income tax on his social welfare pension and his income from Irish shares.
Where an individual is in receipt of dividends and other distributions from an Irish resident company, such investment income is liable to dividend withholding tax (DWT) at the standard rate (currently 20%). Such income cannot be paid to an Irish resident individual without deduction of DWT unless the individual is permanently and totally incapacitated from maintaining himself or herself. However, an Irish resident individual who is not liable to income tax, may make a claim for a refund of DWT deducted. Claims should be submitted to an individual's local Revenue office. All refund claims should be accompanied by original dividend vouchers and/or any subsidiary tax certificates.
Deposit interest retention tax (DIRT) is deducted from Irish deposit interest income. Regardless of the amount of tax credits available to a taxpayer, an individual is not entitled to a repayment of DIRT or to have deposit interest paid without deduction of DIRT unless:
the individual or his/her spouse is 65 years of age or over, or
is permanently incapacitated, and
his/her total income (including the gross DIRT income) is less than the relevant income tax exemption limit, or the individual's tax credits exceed his/her tax liability.
It is understood from the details supplied that the taxpayer does not satisfy these conditions.
On reaching the age of 65 and provided the taxpayer's total income for the year is below the annual exemption limit, (currently €20,000 for a single individual aged over 65 and €40,000 for a married couple, one of whom is aged over 65, with increases for qualifying dependent children), the taxpayer may apply directly to his or her financial institution to have interest arising on the investment account payable without deduction of DIRT. The application is made by completion of Form DE1, available from financial institutions, Citizens' Information Centres, Revenue offices, the Revenue website, www.revenue.ie, or by phoning LoCall 1890 306 706.
200 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the start date for the proposed Fermoy flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12243/08]
The Office of Public Works expects to issue final contract documents for the Civil Engineering Contract on the Fermoy North flood relief scheme to the successful applicants from the pre-qualification process in the next few days. This will allow completed tenders to be received in the middle of May. Once the tenders have been examined and a tender report has been received, OPW expect to be in a position to issue a Letter of Intent to a successful civil engineering contractor by the end of June. This would allow construction works to commence within a matter of weeks afterwards.
OPW plan to commence the detailed design of the remaining phases of the overall Fermoy flood relief scheme shortly. There is a very strong commitment to completing all phases of the scheme as quickly as possible and OPW has been greatly encouraged by the strong support shown by Fermoy Town Council and the local population. The recent flooding in January was a stark reminder of the current threat from flooding in the town without a scheme in place.
201 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will clarify plans for the proposed lowering of the weir in Fermoy, County Cork; if a timetable has been established for the work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12244/08]
I am advised by the Office of Public Works that they have no proposals to lower the weir in Fermoy. The OPW intend to implement a flood relief scheme in Fermoy but this does not require lowering of the weir.
202 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the status of the proposed redevelopment of the General Post Office on O’Connell Street; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12260/08]
The Office of Public Works is currently evaluating the potential uses and possible architectural interventions which might be appropriate for the building in the context of the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising.
It is expected that these proposals will be brought to Cabinet in the near future.
203 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the name of every body, organisation and committee outside his Department, other than semi-State commercial companies, that have been established by and report to his Department, at any stage during the year 2007 and the first three months of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12299/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the following table. Bodies etc. outside the Department of Finance, established by and reporting to the Department between 1 January 2007 and 31 March 2008.
|
Name of Body |
Year established |
|
Advisory Forum on Financial Legislation |
2007 |
|
NDP Central Monitoring Committee |
2007 |
|
NDP High Level Group |
2007 |
|
NDP High Level Strategic Communications Group |
2008 |
|
The Commission on Taxation |
2008 |
204 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position regarding the alleviation of flooding in Portarlington, County Laois, with particular reference to the proposal by the Office of Public Works, in conjunction with the county councils of Counties Laois and Offaly, in respect of the town centre flood alleviation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12406/08]
A report investigating the flood risk and examining possible flood alleviation measures for Portarlington has been completed for Laois and Offaly County Councils in association with the Office of Public Works. OPW is planning to meet with Laois County Council officials within the next few weeks to discuss how matters might be progressed further.
205 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department has used helicopters for any purpose for each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the reason for such use; the suppliers of the helicopter; the dates and locations visited and distance travelled; the cost of same and persons carried; if quotations were sought for such trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12420/08]
My Department has not used helicopters for any purpose in the period in question.
206 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the funding provided in the 2008 estimate of expenditure of his Department in the matter of carrying out necessary remedial works to prevent flooding on the Waterford/Tramore road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12458/08]
The Office of Public Works will consider funding Waterford City Council to carry out works on the Tramore Road, where it is considered appropriate on economic, social and environmental grounds to do so. Funding for any works will be from existing resources.
207 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the implications of the Health Service Executive recruitment freeze for the implementation of the national drugs strategy for which she has responsibility; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the HSE recruitment freeze is preventing the HSE in Limerick from progressing the introduction of an under 18 multi-disciplinary team, which was approved under the 2007 HSE corporate plan, to provide child-centred, comprehensive treatment to young people presenting with serious drug problems; her views on whether the delay and failure to recruit staff for this essential service is unacceptable in view of the gravity of the drugs crisis; if she has had discussions with the HSE on the matter; and if she will urge them to take steps to rectify the situation and ensure the development of the service without further delay. [11420/08]
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.
208 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has plans to ban smoking in cars in which children under 16 are being transported in view of the fact that passive smoking is particularly harmful to children and evidence which shows that passive smoke can reach high levels in motor cars; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11432/08]
I have no proposals to introduce a ban on smoking in cars in which children under 16 years of age are being transported but I will keep the matter under review. The harmful effects of exposure to cigarette smoke are well known as is the fact that such exposure is particularly dangerous in enclosed spaces (including motor cars). Parents and others with responsibility for the welfare of children have a particular responsibility to ensure that such exposure does not take place.
209 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that persons (details supplied) in County Limerick will receive speech and language therapy services. [11560/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5s and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's specific 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
210 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money raised from the sale of psychiatric lands and buildings since January 2006; the amount of this that was retained by her Department; the amount that was reinvested into the development of mental health services in view of the fact that A Vision for Change has been adopted as official Government policy and the Government made a commitment to reinvest all money realised from the sale of such assets into mental health services; the reason all money was not invested in mental health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11588/08]
312 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the psychiatric lands and buildings that have been disposed of since January 2006; the amount of money raised from the sale of these assets; the amount of this surrendered to the Department of Finance; the amount of this reinvested into the development of mental health services in view of the fact that A Vision for Change has been adopted as Government policy and that the Government made a commitment to reinvest all money realised from the sale of such assets into mental health services; the reason all money was not invested in mental health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11590/08]
382 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount raised from the sale of psychiatric lands and buildings since A Vision for Change was published in January 2006; the amount of the money raised that was surrendered to the Department of Finance on a yearly basis; and the amount of this money that was reclaimed from the Exchequer in order to fund developments in the mental health sector. [11913/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 210, 312 and 382 together.
‘A Vision for Change' the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, which was launched in January 2006, has been accepted by Government as the basis for the future development of our mental health services. The Report recommends inter alia that a plan to bring about the closure of all psychiatric hospitals should be drawn up and implemented, and that the resources released by these closures should be protected for reinvestment in the mental health service. The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney has made it clear to the HSE in the context of their Service Plan for 2008, that there can be no question of diverting capital or development funds to meet expenditure pressures arising in relation to core services.
The identification and disposal of assets which may be in excess of known HSE requirements is the responsibility of the HSE National Director of Estates. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
211 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is intended to bring in legislation for the labelling of food; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11610/08]
Legislation on the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs is contained in the European Communities (Labelling, Presentation and Advertising of Foodstuffs) Regulations 2002 to 2007. These regulations apply to the labelling of pre-packaged foodstuffs for sale to the ultimate consumer or for supply to mass caterers.
The principle underlying food labelling is that the purchaser must not be misled. This legislation has helped to ensure that the consumer is provided with the information required to make healthy consumption choices.
212 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist persons (details supplied). [11620/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's specific 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
213 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans she will put in place to provide guidelines to protect patient safety in relation to Internet pharmacies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11721/08]
I am aware of concerns regarding the online sale of medicinal products. Such sales do not have any requirement for the type of consultation and safety precautions which normally accompany the sale of a medicinal product. There are also concerns in regard to the quality of products sold in this manner due to the high level of counterfeit products.
Anyone purchasing medicinal products via the Internet would normally have such products delivered by post. It is an offence in this country to supply prescription only medicines by mail order. The Irish Medicines Board is responsible for investigating breaches of the medicines legislation in Ireland and the Board works closely with the Revenue Commissioners to enforce these provisions.
The Board monitors the activities of online website suppliers, a great number of which pose as pharmacies, and takes action against such websites where possible. However the difficulties associated with policing the Internet in general also apply to online sales of medicinal products. The vast majority of internet pharmacies are based outside Ireland and this poses challenges in the area of enforcement. The Board works in partnership with medicines enforcement agencies in Europe and elsewhere and has in the past taken action to stop the supply of medicinal products by online pharmacies based outside Ireland.
214 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the funding allocated for the phase one development of Ennis General Hospital; the amount of funding allocated to date; if extra funding will be provided for the project as a result of inflation increases; if her attention has been drawn to the plans to divert moneys allocated to Ennis General Hospital to another project in the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11879/08]
375 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 253 of 11 March 2008, if she will report on the funding allocated to date for the phase one development of Ennis General Hospital; if extra funding will be provided for the project as a result of inflationary increases; if her attention has been drawn to the plans to divert moneys allocated to this project to another project in the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11880/08]
433 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will re-affirm her post-election commitment to the people of County Clare with regard to the €39 million redevelopment of Ennis General Hospital and the continued delivery of consultant delivered accident and emergency services on a 24 hour per day and seven day a week basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12240/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 214, 375 and 433 together.
The provision of services and the allocation of funding at the Mid Western Hospital, Ennis, and across the Mid West Region in general is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Significant developments to enhance the services at the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Ennis have taken place of the past few years. A €39m capital development project was approved for Ennis General Hospital in 2006.
In drawing up its Capital Plan the Health Service Executive is required to prioritise the capital infrastructure projects to be progressed within its overall capital funding allocation under the National Development Plan 2007-2013, taking account of the NDP targets for division of capital investment between the Acute and Primary, Community & Continuing Care pillars. The HSE has submitted a draft Capital Plan to my Department for consideration and approval in the normal way which sets out the HSE's proposed short and longer term priorities and commitments. Consultation on this draft Capital Plan is ongoing between the HSE, the Department of Finance and my Department. The HSE has undertaken to provide additional clarification on its proposed capital developments and is currently engaged in this process.
215 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will approve the arrears of domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12172/08]
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 case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
216 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of the additional development posts that are to be drugs treatment and rehabilitation posts pursuant to the new Health Service Executive employment ceiling set up by her Department. [12225/08]
258 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if the employment control circular issued by the Health Service Executive on 8 January 2008, and referred to by her in her response to Parliamentary Question No. 215 on 11 March 2008, has a similar effect to the recruitment freeze and in particular, if it is preventing the HSE in Limerick from progressing the introduction of an under 18 multi-disciplinary team, which was approved under the 2007 HSE corporate plan, to provide child-centred, comprehensive treatment to young people presenting with serious drug problems. [11421/08]
259 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 215 of 11 March 2008, if posts identified as necessary during 2007 and not filled as a result of the recruitment freeze may be deemed to be posts falling vacant from 1 January 2008. [11422/08]
427 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of additional development posts that are to be drugs treatment and rehabilitation posts pursuant to the new Health Service Executive employment ceiling set by the Department of Finance; and the breakdown of these posts in terms of function and location. [12226/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 216, 258, 259 and 427 together.
The following are the development posts agreed as part of the Budget Day package for 2008. The Budget Day package does not specifically provide for drug treatment and rehabilitation posts.
|
Service |
No. of Development posts to be filled in 2008 |
|
Older People |
100 |
|
Palliative Care |
50 |
|
Disability |
710 |
|
Cancer |
90 |
|
Population Health |
100 |
|
Total |
1,050 |
I wish to advise the Deputy that the Health Service Executive Circular 01/2008 sets out the HSE Employment Control Framework for 2008 and is aimed at ensuring that health services are delivered in accordance with the provisions of the 2008 National Service Plan and within the funding provided by Government. The Employment Control Framework provides for the filling of vacancies arising in 2008, the filling of approved and funded service development posts not filled at the end of 2007 and new service developments in 2008.
The Deputy may wish to note that an employment ceiling for the health service of 112,560 whole time equivalents has been sanctioned by the Department of Finance for 2008.
In relation to Parliamentary Question No. 215, concerning the progression of the introduction of an under 18 multi-disciplinary team in Limerick, I wish to advise the Deputy that this question was referred to the HSE for direct reply. In this regard, I understand that the HSE will be issuing a reply to the Deputy shortly.
217 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding will be made available for a project (detail supplied) in County Limerick. [11203/08]
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.
218 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in relation to the new health centres for Newtownmountkennedy and Rathdrum. [11207/08]
The Primary Care Strategy aims to increase health service capacity through the development of services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of 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. I understand that in December 2007 the HSE sought expressions of interest from the private sector for the provision of the Primary Care Team infrastructure, with the HSE proposing to enter into fixed term leases with such providers.
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.
219 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Meath will be offered a long term stay bed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11208/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
220 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a house (details supplied) in Dublin 6W has not received the required funding to ensure that they can extend their current community house from being a five day facility to a seven day centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11209/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5s and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's specific 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
221 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to ensure that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 receives the care and support they need. [11210/08]
222 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the options the family of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 have to ensure they receive the continuity of care and support they need. [11211/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 222 together.
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5s and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's specific questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
223 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is the case that angiogram equipment is sitting unused in Waterford Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11213/08]
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.
224 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount spent annually by the Health Service Executive on taxis to transport patients between Waterford Hospital and St. James’s Hospital; if this amount can be broken down by hospital department and by whether the patient was going to St James’s for treatment or for diagnostics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11214/08]
225 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to cases in which a patient awaiting transfer to Waterford Hospital after undergoing treatment or diagnostics in St. James’s Hospital has been forced to remain at St. James’s for several days because the Health Service Executive was unable to arrange transport to coincide with the availability of a bed for the patient in Waterford; if she will ensure that procedures are put in place to better coordinate the transfer of patients from one hospital to another; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11215/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 224 and 225 together.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
226 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the source of funding for radiotherapy services nationally for the periods 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007; the details of funding for each radiotherapy centre for these years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11223/08]
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.
227 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of revenue raised since the introduction of Euro car parks to Letterkenny General Hospital; the amount that has gone back to the Health Service Executive; the amount that has benefited the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11225/08]
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 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.
228 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if medical cards will be made available to carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11232/08]
The assessment of eligibility to medical cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and, with the exception of persons aged over 70 who have an automatic entitlement to a medical card, is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants. Under Section 45 of the Health Act, 1970 medical cards are provided for persons who, in the opinion of the HSE, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants.
In assessing eligibility, the HSE uses guidelines based on people's means, which includes their income, certain allowable outgoings and the effect of other factors which may impact on people's ability to meet the cost of GP services. There are also a number of income sources, including the Carer's Allowance, which are disregarded in assessing an applicant's income. Furthermore, people whose sole source of income is from social welfare or HSE allowances and benefits are allowed a medical card.
My Department is currently reviewing all legislation relating to eligibility for health and personal social services with a view to making the system as fair and transparent as possible. As part of this exercise, a review of the eligibility criteria for medical cards in the context of financial, medical and social need is being undertaken and is expected to be completed by autumn 2008.
229 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide extra funding for additional home help hours to facilitate a two week respite break for home carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11233/08]
The Home Help service nationally is a well established and successful component of this Government's strategy to provide a range of services to enable older people to remain in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. In this context, and in order to address increasing demands in the specific area of Home Helps in recent years, approximately €56 million additional funding has been provided for service improvements over the three years 2006-8. This has enabled the provision of 11.3 million Home Help hours by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in 2006 and 11.7 million hours in 2007.
Budget 2008 provided significant additional current funding of €22 million to cover a range of new community-based initiatives for Older People. This includes a sum of €5 million for this year towards 200,000 extra Home Help hours.
This will bring the expected number of Home Help hours nationally to some 11.98 million in 2008. Bearing in mind all the circumstances, I am satisfied that the prioritised funding made available this year will assist the HSE in meeting increasing demands on its Home Help service.
An extra €3.6m has also been provided, arising from the recent Budget, to enhance DayCare/Respite services in 2008. The HSE has allocated €1.1m of this for an additional 345 Day Care places, bringing the total number of such places nationally to around 21,640 by year end. A sum of €2.5m is being made available by the Executive to benefit 1,245 new Respite Care clients in the current year.
I will of course, in conjunction with the HSE, continue to monitor the delivery of these various new services to ensure that provision is maximised across the country.
230 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will resolve a matter (details supplied). [11237/08]
366 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason that only retail pharmacists are being reviewed in relation to the cuts in dispensing fees by the independent body established to assess an interim, fair community pharmacy dispensing fee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11833/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 366 together.
The reduction in the wholesale mark-up paid on the price of drugs and medicines under the GMS and community drugs schemes is part of a process aimed at reforming all aspects of the drugs supply chain from the manufacturer to the patient. The existing wholesale mark-up in the range of 15% to 17.6% is neither reasonable nor sustainable. The Government supports the HSE's decision to pay an 8% mark-up from 1 March, and 7% from 1 January 2009 which will be applied by reducing the reimbursement price paid to community pharmacy contractors from those dates.
In response to demands from community pharmacists to address the alleged impact of the new wholesale pricing arrangements on GMS dependent pharmacies in particular, the HSE has offered a voluntary interim contract with a flat rate dispensing fee of not less than €5 for all dispensing made on the GMS and community drug schemes.
I have established an Independent Body to assess an interim, fair community pharmacy dispensing fee of at least €5 to be paid for the medical card scheme, the DPS and other community drug schemes. This Body is being chaired by Seán Dorgan, former Head of IDA Ireland. It has been asked to make its recommendations by the end of May 2008.
Based on its consideration of submissions received and its own independent evaluation, the Body will recommend an appropriate dispensing fee that would, in its view, represent a fair and reasonable price to be paid for the pharmaceutical service currently being provided by community pharmacists to the HSE under the GMS and community drug schemes. If approved by Government, it will be backdated to the date from which any individual community pharmacist may choose to avail of the HSE's offer.
Accordingly, each community pharmacist will have three options: to avail of the interim contract as recently offered by the HSE; to accept the interim contract upon the report of the Independent Body; or to stay with the existing retail fee structure until the agreement of a substantive new contract.
I believe this provides all concerned with a reasonable way to make the transition to a fair and transparent method of payment for present services and, I hope, greatly developed pharmacy services in the near future.
While a number of community pharmacies have indicated their intention to withdraw services under their contracts with the HSE, I understand that no contractor has formally withdrawn their services at this point. There are no changes planned to the operation of the GMS and community drugs schemes and all patients continue to receive their entitlements in the usual way.
231 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the Health Service Executive’s position on a matter (details supplied). [11238/08]
Adoption is a service for children who are in need of a permanent home. My Department and I are of the view that intercountry adoption should be child centred, that is, in all stages of the process the child's interests must be paramount. As such, there are a number of statutory procedures regulating intercountry adoption. All prospective adoptive parents must be assessed initially by the HSE or a registered adoption society. Where applicants are recommended as eligible and suitable the application is sent to the Adoption Board for its consideration. The Adoption Board are the statutory body with responsibility for the issuing of declarations of eligibility and suitability under the Adoption Act, 1991.
Each application/applicant is considered individually on their own merits. The Framework used to assess applicants was developed with a wide range of stakeholders including practitioners, academics and adoptive parents. The Framework provides that prospective adoptive parents are assessed against five standards for intercountry adoption. The focus of the assessment is on the capacity and preparedness of the applicants to meet the child's needs and their capability to meet the long-term challenges. These standards include, inter alia, the capacity to fulfil all of the parental duties over the lifetime of the child; the capacity to promote and support the child's development and well-being; the capacity to safeguard and support the child's welfare; and to provide the necessary health, social, education and other interventions for the child. Further details regarding the Framework for Intercountry Adoption Assessment can be provided to the Deputy, if required.
232 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the stage the Nurses and Midwives Bill is at; when it will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11284/08]
The General Scheme of the new Nurses and Midwives Bill has been drafted. The Government gave approval for the Draft General Scheme of the Bill to be published as part of the public consultation process which commenced on 30 November 2007. Over 200 written submissions were received by my Department. These are now being examined and will inform the future development of the Bill and the Regulatory Impact Analysis which is also being undertaken.
The purpose of the Bill is to modernise the regulatory framework for nurses and midwives and to enhance patient safety and the protection of the public. The Bill is consistent with the Government's commitment to strengthen and expand the provisions for the statutory regulation of health professionals.
233 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will retain the breast cancer care service in Sligo General Hospital; if she will make Sligo General Hospital a centre of excellence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11288/08]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has designated University College Hospital Galway and Limerick Regional Hospital as the two cancer centres in the Managed Cancer Control Network for the HSE Western Region, which includes Sligo. The designation of cancer centres aims to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care while at the same time allowing local access to services, where appropriate.
Where diagnosis and treatment planning is directed and managed by multi-disciplinary teams based at the cancer centres, then much of the treatment (other than surgery) can be delivered in local hospitals, such as Sligo General Hospital. In this context, chemotherapy and support services will continue to be delivered locally. Cancer day care units, including at Sligo General Hospital, will continue to have an important role in delivering services to patients as close to home as possible.
The decisions of the HSE in relation to four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres will be implemented on a managed and phased basis. Professor Tom Keane, Director of the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme, is currently engaging in detailed planning to facilitate the orderly phased transfer of services between locations.
234 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure or give an undertaking to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon that their next appointment for surgery in St. James Hospital, gynaecology department will be kept. [11293/08]
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.
235 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an appointment for assessment by the Asperger’s syndrome specialist team in Cork for a person (details supplied) who is experiencing learning difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11297/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's specific 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
236 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a grant towards the purchase of a digital hearing aid by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11307/08]
The Community Audiology Service of the HSE provides hearing aids to eligible adults with medical cards. The question of the criteria for allocation of digital hearing aids is a matter for the HSE.
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
237 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of full medical cards issued in 2007; the number of full medical cards issued per county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11311/08]
238 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of general practitioner visit cards issued in 2007; the number of GP visit cards issued per county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11312/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 238 together.
Details of the numbers of medical card and GP visit card holders are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The figures are provided on a net basis showing the balance after new cards have been issued and other cards, as appropriate, have been deleted from the Executive's database, e.g. following a review of a person's circumstances. The table shows the national number of medical cards and GP visit cards at 31st December, 2006 and at 31st December, 2007.
|
31st December 2006 |
31st December 2007 |
Net Change |
|
|
Medical Cards |
1,221,695 |
1,276,178 |
+ 54,483 |
|
GP Visit Cards |
51,760 |
75,589 |
+ 23,829 |
The HSE has the operational and funding responsibility for the granting of medical cards and GP Visit Cards. It collates medical card and GP Visit Card data by county, age and gender. Therefore, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address the other matters raised and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
239 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown nationally of the number awaiting assessment for suspected autism related conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11317/08]
The Deputy's specific 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
240 Deputy Thomas McEllistrim asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Health Service Executive will allocate funding for a dedicated, modern maternity unit at Kerry General Hospital. [11324/08]
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.
241 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the situation of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has been refused a replacement artificial leg despite the fact that their present one is badly fitting and is causing injuries. [11325/08]
242 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an appointment will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [11326/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular 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.
243 Deputy Thomas McEllistrim asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Health Service Executive will provide the funding in order that proper aftercare can be given to new mothers and their babies when they are discharged into the community. [11329/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
244 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the capital funding and grants available for the development of private child-care facilities in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11333/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 — 2010 (NCIP), which will invest €575 million over 5 years, with €358 million of this in capital grant aid for childcare services.
The NCIP came into effect in January 2006, and aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality childcare supports and services, which are grounded in an understanding of local needs. It is building on the success of the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000 — 2006 (EOCP) and has a target of creating 50,000 new childcare places, supported by capital grant aid. Services eligible for support include those providing care for babies, full-day care, part-time, sessional playschool and other pre-school places, school age childcare including "wrap around" childcare places, and childminding. Special consideration is given to supporting services which provide a range of these services.
Eligibility for capital grant funding under the NCIP is 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. To comply with the criteria, services, including playschool and other pre-school services, are expected to operate for minimum periods per day. All proposals are expected to demonstrate how they will increase the supply of quality childcare and community-based projects are expected to demonstrate a focus on disadvantage. The maximum capital grants available to private childcare providers under the scheme, for the building or expansion of childcare facilities, are €100,000 per facility (subject to a maximum of 75% of the total cost) and a maximum of €500,000 for multiple services in different catchment areas.
The NCIP also provides capital grant aid to childminders provided they are notified to the Health Service Executive where so required under the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 2006, or are voluntarily notified to their City and County Childcare Committee (CCCs). Funding of up to €5,000 per full-time equivalent childminding place can be applied for to undertake necessary renovative work or to purchase equipment related to the service. In addition, a small Childminding Grant of up to €630 for the purchase of smaller scale equipment is administered directly by the CCCs. This grant was recently reviewed by my Office and I am pleased to advise that it has been increased to a maximum of €1,000. These measures recognise the fact that for many parents childminders continue to be the preferred option for childcare. This is particularly relevant in rural areas where there may be insufficient numbers of children in an area to sustain a centre-based childcare service.
To apply for NCIP funding applicants should contact their local CCC which will provide advice and assistance in the completion of applications.
245 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 245 of 31 October 2007, when her Minister of State will visit the facilities concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11347/08]
My Office is currently in discussions with the Organisation referred to by the Deputy in Parliamentary Question No. 245 of 31st October, 2007 and I look forward to visiting the facilities concerned during the present Dáil term.
246 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on a matter (details supplied). [11355/08]
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 case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
247 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 133 of 13 November 2007, if a decision has been made on the request for a review by the group concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11364/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 — 2010 (NCIP) which will invest €575 million over 5 years.
I understand from enquiries I have made that the service in question applied for interim NCIP staffing funding of €4,800 which was declined last September as their application had not demonstrated sufficient ability to efficiently manage and sustain the service from September 2007 and therefore did not meet the requirements of the NCIP interim support scheme. Subsequently the service requested a review of this decision which was upheld in December 2007 as sufficient evidence of financial sustainability had not been submitted. The service was notified of this decision on 4 January 2008.
The interim support scheme under the NCIP was introduced pending the introduction of the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) in January 2007, to facilitate services which were unable to meet the contractual deadline of December 2006 which applied to the previous support scheme, operated under the EU co-funded Equal Opportunities Investment Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP). The service should contact its local County Childcare Committee should it wish to apply for funding under the CCSS.
248 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason patients with haemochromatosis who visit Beaumont Hospital regularly for venesection are being charged €60 per procedure when the same procedure undertaken in St. James’s Hospital, Dublin is available free of charge; if there are plans to remove this charge in Beaumont; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11365/08]
In relation to the issue of charges for venesection services in Beaumont Hospital, my Department contacted the Health Service Executive in July last year requesting a review of current charging practices and variances in treatment provision in all hospital locations in order that there would be a standardised approach across the hospital sector.
My Department contacted the HSE again in February 2008 expressing concern that it appeared that vensesection services were still being provided in an inconsistent manner amongst hospitals and requesting that the issue be addressed as soon as possible. As soon as I receive a reply from the HSE on this matter I will revert to the Deputy.
249 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a helpline (details supplied) in Dublin 24 for teenagers who are feeling suicidal, is coming under increasing pressure to meet funding needs; if she will provide assurances that this organisation, working out of Tallaght, will be assisted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11381/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
250 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a progress report between northern and southern administrations regarding a proposed satellite radiotherapy centre for the north-west; the time frame towards implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11388/08]
254 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients from County Donegal who utilised the cancer services of Belfast City Hospital in 2007; and the funding provided by her Department towards the development of the Belfast City Hospital cancer treatment facility. [11409/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 250 and 254 together.
The Government decided in July 2005 that the best option for improving geographic access for patients in the North West to radiation oncology services is to (i) facilitate access to Belfast City Hospital and (ii) progress consideration of a joint venture for the provision of oncology services in the medium term to patients in the North West from a satellite centre in the North West linked to Belfast City Hospital.
Cancer patients in the North West requiring radiation oncology treatment are referred to either St. Luke's Hospital Dublin or to University College Hospital Galway. A Service Level Agreement has also been in place since 2006 between the Health Service Executive, Belfast City Hospital Trust and Altnagelvin Area Hospital for the referral of radiation oncology patients from Donegal to Belfast City Hospital.
I met with Minister Michael McGimpsey of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Northern Ireland on 28 November last. We discussed the potential for further cross-border collaboration in relation to cancer care, and specifically, provision of a satellite centre for radiation oncology in the North West, linked to Belfast City Hospital. We agreed that this issue would be progressed by both of our Departments in the context of our ongoing assessment of the feasibility of greater cross-border co-operation in health and social care.
The specific questions raised by the Deputy in relation to the referral of patients from County Donegal to Belfast City Hospital and the funding for same relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.
251 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of psychiatric patients the Health Service Executive has sent to unaccredited facilities; the location of these facilities; the amount of money spent on their care in these facilities; her views on whether it is acceptable to send patients to facilities that are not accredited and are not inspected by the Mental Health Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11393/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
252 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 223 of 12 February 2008. [11395/08]
The Health Service Executive has advised that a reply issued to the Deputy on the 27th March 2008.
253 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulty which persons on leave of absence or career break from the Health Service Executive are having in terms of being re-employed after their period of leave expires, the fact that many are being asked to wait up to a period of 12 months thereafter before being re-employed and the difficulty this poses for the persons involved; if she will confirm their priority status in respect of vacancies that may arise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11404/08]
As the Deputy will be aware the Health Service Executive (HSE) has a responsibility to deliver services in accordance with the provisions of the 2008 National Service Plan and within the financial allocation to the HSE and the Government approved employment ceiling. The HSE has advised that the replacement of staff is an issue for decision by local management having regard to service priorities and allocated budgets. The HSE has a policy of prioritising the filling of frontline posts to enable the delivery of services to patients and clients.
The Deputy may wish to note that it is a condition of the career break scheme that if a suitable vacancy does not exist at the date of the termination of the career break an employee is guaranteed re-employment within twelve months. In accordance with the provisions of HSE HR Circular 01/2008 ‘HSE Employment Control Framework — filling of vacancies and new service development posts from the start of 2008' staff returning from career break should be afforded priority in the filling of vacancies arising after 1st January 2008.
255 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [11416/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services, including ambulance 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.
256 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [11417/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's specific 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
257 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a group (details supplied). [11418/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's specific 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
260 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Health and Children the guidelines in place for medical centres and general practitioners which allow or facilitate medical cards to be used with them (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11427/08]
Under the Health Act, 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for arrangements to ensure appropriate service delivery for General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme (medical card and GP visit card) patients.
Services under the GMS Scheme are provided by general practitioners (GPs) holding contracts with the HSE. The terms of these contracts were agreed on foot of negotiations with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO). Under the terms agreed, contracts are made available where the HSE decides, after consultation with the IMO, that there is a need for a service having regard to a range of factors, including whether the needs of the population in the area are met by the services already available. The agreement also provides that the number of persons on a GP's patient panel may not exceed 2,000, save in exceptional circumstances. Not all GPs hold GMS contracts, as they may not qualify or wish to provide services under the Scheme.
When a person qualifies for a medical card or GP visit card, he/she accesses services by choosing a GP from a list of local GPs who have been contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme. The person will be assigned to the GP he/she has chosen from the list subject to the GP's acceptance and his/her total patient list being within the agreed limit. If a person is unsuccessful in locating a GP who is able to take on additional patients, the HSE may in certain circumstances assign an eligible patient to a medical practitioner's list.
The arrangements for the provision of publicly funded GP services, including those provided under the GMS Scheme, are under review. I regard the existing arrangements in relation to access by GPs to public contracts as unnecessarily restrictive and it is my wish that new contractual arrangements for the provision of publicly-funded GP services should ensure that HSE contracts are open to all suitably qualified and equipped doctors.
As aspects of the Deputy's question relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter addressed and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
261 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding her Department has given to a group (details supplied) over the past five years on an annual basis. [11434/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's specific 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
262 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding her Department has given to a group (details supplied) over the past five years on an annual basis. [11435/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
263 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of victims of strokes under the age of 40 between the years 2005 to date in 2008; if she has taken measures to highlight this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11442/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
264 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the plans by ambulance personnel to strike across the State; the measure she is putting in place to address their concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11444/08]
I am aware that strike notice had been issued by SIPTU, the staff representative body for the grades of Paramedics, Advanced Paramedics, LEMT and Emergency Medical Controllers within the National Ambulance Service. Since serving this notice, I understand that a series of intensive discussions were undertaken between management and members of the relevant staff representative bodies. I am pleased to report that, as a result of these talks, an agreement was reached by both parties on Friday, 28 March 2008, and, as a result, the threat of strike action referred to by the Deputy has now been averted.
265 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a unit (details supplied) in Dublin 8 has not received funding from the Health Service Executive since August 2007; the reason this has been the case; and when funding will be made available to this crucial service. [11446/08]
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.
266 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will publish a draft report produced by the Working Group of the Strategy for the Control of Anti-Microbial Resistance in Ireland National Committee which is advocating a radical check-up of building standards in hospitals here to deal with the prevalence of deadly health care associated infections. [11471/08]
I am informed by the Health Service Executive that it has recently produced a document for internal consultation on the subject of the built environment and infection control. I understand that the internal consultation process is now complete but the final guidance will not be available until late April or early May 2008.
267 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the procedures being followed by her Department in updating the security of its computer systems and data in all its offices following the recent theft of data containing the personal details of 170,000 Irish blood donors. [11472/08]
My Department's computer systems are protected against a range of threats through the use of industry standard firewalls, security software and authentication devices and also use the government network infrastructure for external connectivity. An incident reporting system is in place to monitor amongst other things, potential security threats.
Procedures are in place requiring staff to adhere to an acceptable usage policy that outlines best practice in computer usage and security issues. As part of the 2008 business plan, a comprehensive review of these guidelines is under way. My Department has also examined data security as part the review announced by An Tánaiste in November 2007 and will be fully implementing procedures to protect the confidentiality of personal data as outlined in the review.
My Department is currently evaluating tender responses for the provision of security products, including encryption, in relation to the protection of Departmental data on portable and fixed devices and expects to go to the market in the near future for further products to enhance the security of the infrastructure.
268 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the rent being charged to those private hospitals which will be collocated on Health Service Executive sites on a contract basis. [11473/08]
269 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the rent being charged to the private operators of collocation hospitals. [11474/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 268 and 269 together.
The establishment of private hospitals on the grounds of public hospitals is conducted through a competitive dialogue process. As this procurement process is still ongoing with regard to some sites the information requested is commercially sensitive and cannot be disclosed at this time. There will be no rental income to the Public Hospital on the co located hospital site until the co located hospital is operational. The Health Service Executive has confirmed that the rental income to hospitals must exceed the current commercial value of the land and represent value for money.
270 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the rates of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis here from 1990 to date in 2008. [11475/08]
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) monitors rates of Tuberculosis in Ireland on an on-going basis. Prior to 1998, cases of multidrug resistance to TB were not recorded.
According to data provided by the HPSC, cases of multidrug resistance to TB in Ireland between 1998 and 2007 were as shown in the following table.
|
Year |
Cases |
|
1998 |
0 |
|
1999 |
2 |
|
2000 |
2 |
|
2001 |
2 |
|
2002 |
0 |
|
2003 |
1 |
|
2004 |
2 |
|
2005 |
3 |
|
2006 |
3 (provisional) |
|
2007 |
4 (provisional) |
271 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she proposes to review the ongoing pharmacological training received by doctors in view of two separate studies which found that older patients were receiving inappropriate medications. [11476/08]
I am aware of the studies referred to by the Deputy and I note the concerns expressed. I view safe prescribing by doctors and the avoidance of inappropriate medication of patients as an extremely important matter and accordingly I have asked the Chief Medical Officer in my Department to bring these concerns to the attention of the relevant undergraduate and postgraduate training bodies.
272 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the progress to date of the implementation of the recommendations made by the Emergency Department Task Force Report to set a date for the introduction of a maximum six hour wait time on arrival to admission or discharge. [11477/08]
The Emergency Department Task Force Report was commissioned by the Health Service Executive and published in June 2007. The Report set out a series of recommendations for action to improve service delivery and included a particular emphasis on the introduction of waiting time targets for patients attending emergency departments. The report also described a range of initiatives which would enable hospitals to comply with these targets.
Significant additional resources have been provided to address the problems which manifest in Emergency Departments. Among the developments which have taken place in line with the recommendations of the Task Force Report are
additional public and private Long Stay Beds,
additional Home Care Packages and Home Help Hours,
major capital developments in emergency departments and the provision of Acute Medical Assessment Units.
Hospital in the Home Service in the greater Dublin area.
Community Intervention Teams in Cork, Limerick and Dublin.
Rapid assessment clinics to support the catchment population of the Mater hospital.
Expansion of the GP out of hours services in North Dublin.
In terms of waiting times, a revised target of 12 hours waiting from decision to admit was introduced in October 2007. This built on an initial maximum target waiting time of 24 hours. The HSE is also committed to monitoring and reporting on the total length of time patients spend in Emergency Departments, whether they are admitted or not. A number of hospitals have commenced reporting this information and the HSE expects to be in a position to publish data on up to 18 hospitals in the next few months.
The HSE is also working closely with those hospitals which are experiencing difficulties in meeting waiting time targets. The focus is on improving and streamlining hospital processes and patient pathways to ensure that care is provided in a more timely, appropriate and efficient manner. Targeted initiatives include:
setting up consultant led Clinical Decision Units and Acute Short Stay Units with a dedicated number of beds,
integrated discharge planning implemented on a 7 day basis, including nurse facilitated discharges,
updating the bed management system and processes with a focus on improved discharge planning,
reducing inappropriate referrals from GPs to Emergency Departments,
reducing admissions with the duty medical registrar deciding on admissions,
standardising assessment processes,
enhancing diagnostic capacity.
These initiatives which I have described are designed, inter alia, to free up capacity during 2008, to allow for more timely admissions from Emergency Departments and further movement towards a lower target of 6 hours waiting from decision to admit in line with the recommendation of the Task Force report.
273 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the situation regarding the provision of a modern centre for the Irish Blood Transfusion Service at Cork as promised almost eight years ago. [11478/08]
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has sought capital funding to build a new blood transfusion centre in Cork. The IBTS has carried out an assessment of the need for this centre in accordance with the Department of Finance's Guidelines for the Appraisal and Management of Capital Expenditure Proposals in the Public Sector. It has also submitted a report to me, prepared by a Focus Group, which was chaired by the Chief Executive of the IBTS.
I have met the Chairperson and some members of the Board and have informed them that I intend to bring a Memorandum to Government on the issue shortly.
274 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on recent comments by a person (details supplied) that more than 1,000 people die or acquire significant disability every year as a result of stroke because they do not get access to advanced clot busting therapy. [11479/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
275 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to set up a stroke register similar to that of cardiac surgery, coronary care and cancer registries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11482/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
276 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in implementing the recommendations made by the Council on Stroke, The Irish Heart Foundation and presented to the Government in 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11483/08]
277 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to increase the number of dedicated stroke units in hospitals here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11484/08]
278 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to develop a dedicated structured service for stroke patients in the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11485/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 276 to 278, inclusive, together.
In September last year Minister Harney established a Cardiovascular Health Policy Group to draw up a new policy framework for the development of all aspects of cardiovascular health, including stroke. The Group is scheduled to report in May 2008. The work of the Group will, inter alia, be informed by the report of the Irish Heart Foundation's Council on Stroke and a national audit of stroke services carried out by the Irish Heart Foundation with funding from my Department. The results of this audit will be published shortly.
Current service availability and plans for development of stroke services are matters 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 these matters investigated and to have replies issued directly to the Deputies.
279 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children if Health Service Executive managers receive an annual bonus for treating more patients in a given year than the previous one; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11490/08]
A number of senior administrative personnel in The Health Service Executive are eligible for an annual Performance-related Award under a Scheme recommended by The Review Body on Higher Remuneration.
The Board of The HSE is responsible for the operation of the Scheme which is based on the setting of individual sets of stretch objectives on an annual basis linked to key result areas and performance review. Stretch objectives are specific to the individual post holder, focused and measurable. They go beyond the normal requirement of the job and are consistent with the overall HSE Corporate Plan and annual Service Plan.
The detail of an individual HSE manager's annual stretch objectives is a matter for the HSE and I have forwarded your inquiry to the HSE for direct reply.
280 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children if the sanctioned posts for therapists have been abolished in response to her Department’s circular of 8 January 2008, which indicates that vacant posts are not to be filled unless another post is abolished; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11491/08]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the circular to which he is referring is the Health Service Executive Circular 01/2008. This circular sets out the HSE Employment Control Framework for 2008 and is aimed at ensuring that health services are delivered in accordance with the provisions of the 2008 National Service Plan and within the funding provided by Government.
The Employment Control Framework provides for the filling of vacancies arising in 2008, the filling of approved and funded service development posts not filled at the end of 2007 and new service developments in 2008.
281 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of sanctioned posts, analysed by job title and grade, that have been abolished since September 2007 when the recruitment freeze was introduced; the reason these posts have been abolished in view of the long waiting list to see those medical professionals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11492/08]
Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
282 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the roll-out of BreastCheck in the mid west region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11493/08]
BreastCheck commenced roll-out in the Western Region last May and in the Southern region last October. I officially opened the BreastCheck clinical static units in Galway and Cork last December. The expansion of the BreastCheck programme to the Southern region covers counties Limerick, Kerry, Cork, Waterford and Tipperary South Riding. The expansion of the BreastCheck programme to the West covers counties Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and Tipperary North Riding. The screening sequence for roll out to individual counties will be dictated by BreastCheck's operational considerations such as maximising uptake, most efficient use of mobile and static units and radiographic personnel. The programme is designed to offer repeat screening within an interval of 21-27 months.
An additional €26.7 million capital funding was provided for the construction of the two new clinical static units, eight additional mobile units and the provision of state of the art digital equipment. A total of €15 million additional revenue funding has been allocated to cater for national roll-out of the programme. The full complement of 111 staff for roll-out has been approved and recruitment is under way.
283 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting times in the Health Service Executive health centres throughout Dublin for speech and language services for children, in each year over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11498/08]
The Deputy's specific 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
284 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if the review into how effective the Health Service Executive is working, as promised in the programme for Government, has commenced; the person who is conducting the review; when the review will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11501/08]
I have recently received the report from Mr John Fitzgerald in relation to the decision to suspend breast radiology services in Portlaoise Hospital. This report has identified that the problems arose fundamentally from systemic weaknesses of governance, management and communications within the HSE in dealing with the situation which arose in Portlaoise. I have asked the Board to consider whether the lessons arising from the systemic weaknesses of governance and management which have been identified in relation to the events at Portlaoise have wider application across the HSE. To this end, the Chairman of the Board of the HSE and I have discussed the need to optimise the HSE's operational capability by addressing issues such as:
robust governance and management structures, processes and procedures;
clear reporting relationships and lines of accountability;
having permanent top level managers in key posts;
good systems of delegation; and
a strong sense of corporate identity which permeates all levels of the organisation.
I have asked the Board to consider these wider aspects and to let me have its assessment of the overall situation as a matter of urgency, and its proposals to address matters, as soon as possible.
In the light of this development, and pending receipt of firm proposals from the HSE I have not decided at this time to initiate the review referred to by the Deputy.
285 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Information and Quality Authority was not asked to investigate circumstances surrounding the misdiagnosis of women in Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11502/08]
Last August, the Health Service Executive decided to commission an independent external clinical review of the radiology breast service at the Midland Regional Hospital at Portlaoise. This review was carried out by Dr. Ann O' Doherty, Clinical Director, BreastCheck, Merrion Unit in Dublin. Her report was published last month.
In addition, I published two reports in relation to Portlaoise last month: (i) Ann Doherty Report into the HSE decisions to suspend breast radiology services, carry out a clinical review of symptomatic breast radiology services (by Dr. Ann O'Doherty) and place a consultant radiologist on administrative leave and (ii) John Fitzgerald Report into the management, governance and communications issues arising from the review above.
286 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the date the Health Information and Quality Authority review of Mid-Western Regional Hospital’s symptomatic breast disease services and Cork University Hospital’s pathology services, following the misdiagnosis of a person (details supplied), which was originally due in November 2007, will be complete; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11503/08]
The Health Information and Quality Authority commenced the investigation referred to by the Deputy in June 2007. The report was published today.
287 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the further 28 patients recommended for reassessment by a consultant (details supplied); if they were all contacted in a timely fashion and treated appropriately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11504/08]
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) report of their investigation into the care provided to Rebecca O'Malley by the Health Service Executive (HSE) was published today. It refers to a group of 24 patients who followed a similar pathway of care to Rebecca O'Malley. The review of the slides of the 24 patients by three expert pathologists on the investigation team found no change in diagnosis to be necessary. However, the case reviews of these patients identified seven patients for precautionary follow-up of ultrasound imaging. This was recommended by HIQA on the advice of the investigation team and carried out by the HSE.
288 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in relation to the Health Information and Quality Authority review of Mid-Western Regional Hospital’s symptomatic breast disease services and Cork University Hospital’s pathology services, the scope of the review has been extended to the period a person (details supplied) worked at Cork University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11505/08]
The investigation by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) into the Mid-Western Regional Hospital's symptomatic breast disease services and Cork University Hospital's pathology services commenced in June 2007. The report was published today. The Authority did not include the work of the person referred to by the Deputy in its review.
However, I have been informed by the Health Service Executive that the independent review of the work of the temporary pathologist commissioned by Cork University Hospital (CUH) management is at an advanced stage. The report is near completion and following this it will be submitted to the Director of the National Hospitals Office for consideration. The Health Service Executive has emphasised that this review relates only to diagnostic tests carried out by one temporary consultant pathologist at CUH over a seven week period in July and August 2007.
289 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of a report (details supplied) into the treatment of at least 10 women at Barrington’s Hospital; when this report will be published in view of the fact that an interim report deadline due on 31 October 2007 was missed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11506/08]
290 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason, since the Health Service Executive was aware of concerns about Barrington’s Hospital as far back as January 2006 and in view of the time scope of the enquiry which goes back to 2003, the Health Service Executive did not take action until July 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11507/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 289 and 290 together.
As I have previously advised the Deputy, my Department was not furnished with any documentary or other evidence in support of the concerns that had been expressed by a particular HSE Consultant in relation to Barrington's Hospital. It formed the view that there was insufficient evidence available to allow it to pursue these concerns directly with the Hospital. This remained the situation up to August last year despite consultations with the HSE and various telephone contacts with the Consultant.
Last August, my Department received correspondence from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) advising that it had obtained patient-specific information in relation to the adequacy of breast cancer services at Barrington's Hospital from the Consultant. HIQA indicated that the information had been reviewed by two specialists in the field of symptomatic breast disease. On the basis of these reviews, HIQA advised that it had formed a view that serious issues existed in relation to the management of current and future patients with symptomatic breast disease at the hospital.
In the light of this new information, officials in my Department, at my request, immediately met with the Management of Barrington's Hospital and obtained agreement to the immediate suspension of all breast cancer work there. It was agreed to undertake an independent review of patients' files in the Hospital during the period 1 September, 2003 to 10 August, 2007.
The Chairperson of the review team is Dr. Henrietta Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of the All-Ireland Cancer Foundation and former Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland and she informed me that Barrington's Hospital co-operated in full with the review process. Barrington's Hospital published the report of this review yesterday.
291 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the Health Information and Quality Authority review of pathology services at University College Hospital Galway which began after it was revealed in August 2007 that a Tipperary woman, Miss A, had her diagnosis delayed by 18 months after it was sent to the University College Hospital, Galway laboratory in September 2005; when this report will be published since it was originally due at the end of 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11508/08]
The investigation by the Health Information and Quality Authority into pathology services at University College Hospital Galway in the context referred to by the Deputy was commenced in September 2007. I am naturally keen that the report be completed and published as soon as possible. I am aware that, in the interest of thoroughness, the Authority extended the original scope of the investigation on two occasions in light of information that emerged as part of the investigation. I am informed that significant progress has been made and that the work is now nearing completion. It is anticipated that the investigation will be concluded by the end of April 2008 and that the report will be published as soon as possible thereafter.
292 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Information and Quality Authority review of pathology services at University College Hospital Galway includes the work of a person (details supplied) during the period they worked in University College Hospital, Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11509/08]
The investigation by the Health Information and Quality Authority into pathology services at University College Hospital Galway commenced in September 2007. I am informed that significant progress has been made in this investigation and that the work is now nearing completion. It is anticipated that the investigation will be concluded by the end of April 2008 and the report will be published as soon as possible thereafter.
As an independent agency, it is a matter for the Authority to determine the scope of the investigation, including which aspects of the service and which individuals' work should be examined. However, I can assure the Deputy that I have every confidence that the investigation by the Authority will be thorough.
293 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will insist on the publication of a UK review of the work of a person (details supplied) at Cork University Hospital which media reports have suggested included a review of the tests of 166 patients, that 15 of these patients had false negatives and that six others required follow-up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11510/08]
I have been informed by the Health Service Executive that the independent review of the work of the temporary pathologist commissioned by Cork University Hospital (CUH) management is at an advanced stage. The report is near completion and following this it will be submitted to the Director of the National Hospitals Office for consideration.
The Health Service Executive has emphasised that this review relates only to diagnostic tests carried out by one temporary consultant pathologist at CUH over a seven week period in July and August 2007.
294 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding allocated to the Health Service Executive south to spend on eating disorder services in 2007; the way this funding was spent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11521/08]
295 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding allocated to the Health Service Executive Dublin area to spend on eating disorder services in 2007; the way this funding was spent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11522/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 294 and 295 together.
A total €750,000 was allocated to the HSE in 2007 for the development of designated eating disorder services. This included €500,000 to enhance the service in the Elm Mount Unit at St. Vincent's Hospital Dublin, and €250,000 to HSE South to commence the development of an eating disorder service.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
296 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that people with cystic fibrosis are automatically issued with a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11536/08]
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. Under Section 45 of the Health Act 1970, medical cards are provided for persons who, in the opinion of the HSE, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants.
This provision also entitles qualifying dependants to avail of a medical card. The HSE may also grant a person full eligibility for a particular service where the person would be unable, without undue hardship, to provide that service for themselves or their dependants.
In assessing an application for a medical card on behalf of a child, the HSE uses guidelines based on the means of the child's parent(s)/guardian(s), which includes their income after tax and PRSI, and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, childcare and travel to work. The assessment process also takes account of other factors, such as medical or social need, which may impact on their ability to meet the cost of GP services. The HSE has discretion, in cases of exceptional need, to provide assistance to individuals where undue hardship would otherwise be caused.
I have no plans to provide for the granting of medical cards to any particular group as a whole. However, my Department is currently reviewing all legislation relating to eligibility for health and personal social services with a view to making the system as fair and transparent as possible. As part of this general review, a review of the eligibility criteria for medical cards in the context of economic/financial, medical and social need is being undertaken with a view to clarifying entitlement to a medical card, and is expected to be completed by Autumn, 2008.
297 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Pollock Report from the Health Service Executive Cystic Fibrosis working group will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11537/08]
298 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Pollock Report from the Health Service Executive Cystic Fibrosis working group will be released; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11538/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 297 and 298 together.
I take it that the Deputy is referring to the report by Dr Ronnie Pollock which was commissioned by the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland.
Following publication of the Pollock Report in 2005, the Health Service Executive established a Working Group to undertake a detailed review of cystic fibrosis services. The Group, which was multi-disciplinary in its composition, was asked to review the current configuration and delivery of services to persons with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. The Group identified a range of service improvements required for persons with Cystic Fibrosis, including the need to increase the level of clinical, nursing and allied health professional staffing in Cystic Fibrosis units around the country.
Arising from the Pollock Report and the emerging recommendations of the Working Group, I identified the development of cystic fibrosis services as a policy priority in the Estimates process. In 2006 and 2007, additional revenue funding of €6.78 million was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) to develop services.
My Department is advised by the HSE that 44 additional staff dealing with cystic fibrosis were recruited on foot of this additional funding and that the necessary funding is available to facilitate the recruitment of a further 37 staff nationally.
The HSE was asked to place a particular focus on the development of services at the National Adult Tertiary Referral Centre at St. Vincent's Hospital. A number of capital projects have recently been completed at the hospital and have helped to improve facilities.
However, it is accepted that these developments do not fully address the immediate needs of patients. The HSE has been working intensively with the Hospital and with representatives of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland to progress options for further interim improvements.
In the longer term, a new ward block is to be built and will include 120 replacement beds in single en-suite accommodation. The new facility will accommodate cystic fibrosis patients and will include appropriate isolation facilities.
Beaumont Hospital operates as a regional centre in providing services to adults with cystic fibrosis. In the 2008 Budget, a special allocation of €2.5m capital funding was provided to enable the hospital to develop out patient facilities for cystic fibrosis patients.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the publication of the report of the Working Group.
299 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of the €6.78 million ring-fenced in 2007 toward the provision of services for people with cystic fibrosis that has been spent; the way it was spent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11539/08]
My Department has been advised by the Health Service Executive that 44 additional staff were recruited arising from the provision of additional revenue funding of €6.78m for the development of cystic fibrosis services and that the necessary funding is available to facilitate the recruitment of a further 37 staff nationally.
My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy on the detailed application of this funding.
300 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of crisis nurses at accident and emergency departments in the Health Service Executive western region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11540/08]
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. It is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
301 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when urgent surgery will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11548/08]
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.
302 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the increase in newly diagnosed HIV cases; and if there is a need for the urgent development of a national sexual health strategy as recommended by a group (details supplied). [11554/08]
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) is Ireland's specialist agency for the surveillance of communicable diseases. Case Based Reporting of HIV which allows for the linkage of HIV cases with AIDS cases was introduced in July 2001. The following table sets out the numbers of new cases diagnosed in each year from 2001 to June 2007.
|
Year |
New HIV Cases |
|
2001 |
299 |
|
2002 |
364 |
|
2003 |
399 |
|
2004 |
356 |
|
2005 |
318 |
|
2006 |
337 |
|
2007 (Quarters 1 & 2) |
204 |
Newly diagnosed HIV infection rates per 100,000 population were at their highest in 2003 at 10.03 per 100,000 population. In 2006 there was an estimated rate of 7.95 newly diagnosed HIV infections per 100,000 population. Current figures reflect the year of diagnosis rather than the year of infection. Rates are population based estimates and reflect an increase in population over recent years.
Since 1999, there has been a general upward trend in the number of HIV infections being reported, with the largest increase seen in heterosexual transmission. The increased immigration of individuals from areas with high incidence of heterosexual HIV infection accounts for a significant proportion of the increase in overall numbers of new HIV diagnoses, and particularly the increase in heterosexual transmission.
Three sub-reports from the Irish Study of Sexual Health and Relationships, which was commissioned by my Department and the Crisis Pregnancy Agency, will be published shortly. The need for further measures to respond to the upward trend in HIV infections will be considered in the light of the findings of these reports.
303 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review an application for persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11555/08]
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.
304 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a group (details supplied) in 2008. [11563/08]
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.
305 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the expenditure on mental health services for each of the years 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the utilisation, for the years 2006 and 2007, of the extra €25 million allocated on an annual basis for the implementation of A Vision for Change, the national policy for mental health; the outcomes of these additional expenditures; if portions of these two €25 million allocations remain unspent; if so, the action that will be taken regarding these remainders; the projected additional expenditure for the implementation of the national policy for mental health for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11568/08]
Substantial resources have been invested in mental health services. Estimated expenditure in 2006 and 2007 was €984 million and €1 billion respectively. It is important to bear in mind that some 90% of mental health services are provided at primary care level. Expenditure on these services is not captured in the above figures.
The estimated additional cost of the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change' the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy is €150m over 7 — 10 years. A total of €51.2 million has been allocated since 2006 which represents over a third of the overall requirement. In addition to the extra funding required, existing resources need to be remodelled and reallocated. Indeed, implementation of ‘A Vision for Change' is dependent to a much greater extent on the remodelling of existing resources than on new funding. Both aspects of the additional investment and the reorganisation of existing mental health services and resources must be managed in parallel.
The Department of Health and Children has been advised by the HSE that the additional €51.2m development funding was not used as planned because of competing expenditure pressures and the overriding obligation on the HSE to live within its approved overall allocation. As a result, some of the planned developments in mental health services have been delayed. However, I understand from the HSE that some of the mental health services funded in 2006 and 2007 will be put in place in 2008. These include
the provision of 8 additional Consultant Child Psychiatry teams
the provision of 18 additional beds for children and adolescents at St. Anne's, Galway, St. Vincent's, Fairview and St. Stephen's Hospital, Cork, to increase the bed complement from the current provision of 12 to 30 during 2008, and
the construction of two 20 bed units for children and adolescents in Cork and Galway. Construction on these units is expected to commence in 2008 and be completed in 2009.
The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney has made it clear to the HSE in the context of their Service Plan for 2008 that there can be no question of diverting capital or development funds to meet expenditure pressures in relation to other services. The Minister also pointed out that she believed there is scope within the HSE's overall allocation to deliver further service enhancements in 2008 over and above those outlined in the Service Plan through improved performance / productivity and realignment of existing resources. The implementation of "A Vision for Change" will be a key priority for the recently established Office for Disability and Mental Health.
306 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to an application on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork under the nursing home charges repayment scheme. [11570/08]
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.
307 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if the internal inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied) has been completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11575/08]
The HSE has advised that it is standard practice in the Mater Hospital to conduct an internal review where a patient dies suddenly and that the practice was followed in this case. The matter was also reported to the Coroner by the hospital in accordance with the Coroner's Act. A coroner's post mortem was undertaken to establish the cause of death and the Coroner's findings are awaited. The HSE has advised that it is the hospital's view that it would be inappropriate to comment on the specific circumstances of the case ahead of the Coroner's deliberations.
My Department is advised that medical staff who attended to the deceased, along with the hospital's patient representative, met with the next of kin in relation to the circumstances of the lady's death. The HSE has advised that the treating Consultant will be available to meet with the next of kin again once the Coroner's deliberations have been completed.
308 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients who presented at the Dóchas Centre, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda in each of the past three years or for the most recent date for which figures are available; the number who were found to have breast cancer or another form of cancer; the number of patients from the north east region, in so far as the Health Service Executive is aware of, who presented and were found to have cancer at hospitals outside the north east region in each of the past three years or for the most recent date for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11579/08]
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.
309 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on introducing legislation to ban smoking in cars in which children under 16 years of age are transported; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11583/08]
313 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the research carried out by or on behalf of her Department in regard to the affect of smoking in cars in which children under 16 years are transported; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11592/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 309 and 313 together.
I have no proposals to introduce a ban on smoking in cars in which children under 16 years of age are being transported but I will keep the matter under review. There is ample research evidence on the harmful effects of exposure to cigarette smoke and on the fact that such exposure is particularly dangerous in enclosed spaces (including motor cars). Parents and others with responsibility for the welfare of children have a particular responsibility to ensure that such exposure does not take place.
310 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support an association (details supplied) in 2008; and if she will set out a clear strategy to assist 40,000 epilepsy patients over the next five years. [11587/08]
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.
311 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when the report of the Neurology Review Group, known as the Lefoy report will be published. [11589/08]
A Strategic Review of Neurology services in Ireland has been undertaken by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The Review was overseen by a multidisciplinary Steering Group whose aim was to identify the current level of service provision and future requirements for neurology and neurophysiology services in Ireland. The specific objectives were to:
Describe the epidemiology of neurological conditions in Ireland.
Evaluate current neurology services, including paediatrics and neurophysiology.
Review the evidence in relation to models of service delivery and make a recommendation on the preferred model for the Irish health system.
Identify requirements for the development of neurology and neurophysiology services nationally and prioritise service requirements.
Report to the Director of the National Hospitals Office.
The HSE has advised my Department that work on the review has recently been completed and that the final draft report has been submitted to the Director of the National Hospitals Office for consideration.
314 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the location of acute medical admission units throughout the country; the number of AMAU yet to be opened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11595/08]
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 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.
315 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will introduce a cardiac arrest registry in order that ambulance response times can be monitored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11596/08]
The Sudden Cardiac Death Task Force Report recommended that the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) establish a national Cardiac Arrest Register. My Department has allocated funding of €200,000 to PHECC to facilitate the establishment of this register.
The HSE North-West Area initiated a pilot scheme for an Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Register. PHECC will refine and extend this initiative over the next two years, initially to the HSE Western area and ultimately to the entire country. Monitoring of ambulance response times is already carried out by the HSE. The Cardiac Arrest Register will facilitate monitoring response times of both statutory and voluntary responders.
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, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have a more comprehensive reply issued directly to the Deputy.
316 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the new consultants contract; the date she will begin recruitment of consultants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11597/08]
On 27 March 2008, the health service employers issued a comprehensive document to the IHCA and the IMO detailing the proposed terms and conditions of a new contract for consultants employed in the public health service. A copy of this document was also furnished to the independent chairman of the negotiations, Mr. Mark Connaughton SC, who, on 28 March, wrote formally to all the parties indicating that the document appeared to encompass the various matters dealt with by him during the course of the talks process.
The document was considered by both the National Council of the IHCA and the IMO last Saturday, the 29th March but a decision on putting it to a ballot of their respective memberships has been deferred for the time being pending clarification on a number of issues. The IHCA did acknowledge that considerable progress had been made last week and that it expected to be in a position to recommend acceptance of the proposals for new contractual arrangements in the near future.
Health service employers met representatives of the IHCA and the IMO yesterday and further meetings will take place over the coming days in an attempt to finalise matters. A positive development at yesterday's meeting was the agreement of both representative bodies to the advertisement of some 100 consultant posts, commencing next week. I welcome this development as the delay in filling posts in critical areas such as cancer care, neurology, rheumatology, respiratory care and mental health is having a detrimental effect on the development of much needed services.
317 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of hospital beds in the three maternity hospitals, the National Maternity Hospital Holles Street, The Rotunda Hospital and the Coombe Women’s Hospital; the number of babies born in these hospitals in 2005, 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11598/08]
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 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.
318 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children if staffing grants are being introduced for community based child care facilities under the NCIP to ensure that the effective tiered fee structures are put in place, and to ensure that all facilities seek to move towards sustainability, and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11601/08]
319 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children if approval for community based staffing grants will be given for a minimum of three years; if consideration will be given to adoption and implementation of criteria based on levels of disadvantage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11602/08]
320 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children if under the NCIP further articulation of the way the programme can address the objectives of supporting families to break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage will be given; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11603/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 318 to 320, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) under which the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) was introduced in January of this year. The CCSS replaced the previous staffing support grant scheme which was implemented under the EU co-funded Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and which ended in December 2007.
In providing for the CCSS and the previous EOCP support scheme, Government child care policy has recognised the need to target additional supports towards disadvantaged families in addition to the main supports which are made available to parents to assist them with their child care costs, that is Child Benefit and the Early Childcare Supplement. The latter payment is the responsibility of my Office, and it alone is expected to amount to expenditure of over €500m in 2008. These payments are universal and benefit all parents, regardless of their income, labour market status or the type of child care they choose.
The Community Childcare Subvention Scheme has an allocation of €154.2 million over 2008-2010 and will continue to support and ensure the sustainability of community-based child care services which provide reduced child care fees for disadvantaged parents. Community-based child care services will qualify for grant aid on the basis of the level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. The parent profile of each service, and the amount of subvention it will receive, are determined on the basis of completed parent declaration forms which they return as part of the application process. The subvention received by services is, in turn, reflected in a tiered fee system under which reduced fees are charged to parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme. As the parent declaration forms are completed on an annual basis, the level of funding which is approved for each service is established on an annual basis.
Transitional arrangements have been put in place to facilitate services which were funded under the previous EOCP support scheme to adjust to the new arrangements. As a result, these services will receive not less than 95% of their previous level of funding in 2008. The CCSS also recognises that in some cases, particularly in rural areas or on the islands, community child care services may operate with a small or fluctuating number of children, in which case a minimum annual grant level of €20,000 can be awarded.
The CCSS provides an effective framework for the continued targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community-based child care services generally, and I am satisfied that it will also be effective in delivering the NCIP objectives of supporting families to break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage. It will also provide a framework which can accommodate any future child care related initiatives which may be introduced. The scheme is responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage and the ceiling for funding which existed under the previous scheme has been removed. Account is also taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. The changes which have been introduced will ensure that the most affordable child care is available to families according to their means. Put simply, the tiered fee structure is the most effective way of ensuring that the considerable and ongoing Government support for the community child care sector, will be targeted at those who need it most.
I am also pleased to advise the Deputy that, the Childcare Directorate of my Office has begun notifying services of their individual grant levels for July-December 2008 and that the total amount of grant assistance under the new Scheme will be significantly higher than was the case under the previous scheme. I am confident that the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme is a fair and equitable way of supporting community child care operators in the provision of an affordable and high quality service to parents, based on their means.
321 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy measures her Department has and the guidelines it issues to local authorities to encourage the provision of child care places in rural areas in view of the fact that families from rural areas also have requirements for child care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11606/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) which will invest €575 million over 5 years in developing child care services.
The NCIP came into effect in January 2006 and aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality child care supports and services, which are grounded in an understanding of local needs. It is building on the success of the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000 — 2006 (EOCP) and has a target of creating 50,000 new child care places, supported by capital grant aid. Services eligible for support include those providing care for babies, full-day care, part-time, sessional playschool and other preschool places, school age child care including "wrap around" child care places, and childminding. Special consideration is given to supporting services which provide a range of these services.
The NCIP has a particular focus on identifying service gaps and matching supply and demand for services at a local level, both in urban and rural areas. In this regard, the City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs), which are established throughout the country, play an important role in assisting capital grant applicants to develop child care services which need priority local needs. The CCCs have undertaken strategic mapping exercises to assist them in identifying gaps in the provision of services in their locality, to maximise the impact of NCIP capital grant funding and ensure better value for money.
The CCCs also work closely with other key agencies at local level, and are well-placed to assist the local authorities to meet the commitment in the Programme for Government to provide child care facilities as part of their social housing plans. My Office will also continue to liaise with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in regard to its commitments under the Programme for Government, to ensure a supply of affordable child care premises by requiring housing developers to make a monetary contribution or provide a site to local authorities for child care facilities, the location and type of which will be decided in consultation with the CCCs.
The NCIP also provides for the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) which was introduced in January of this year. The CCSS has an allocation of €154.2 million over 2008-2010 and provides an effective framework for targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community-based child care services generally, complementing the universal supports in place for all parents in the form of Child Benefit and the Early Childcare Supplement. The level of grant aid which individual services qualify for will reflect the level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. The subvention received by services is, in turn, reflected in reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the Scheme. The Scheme recognises that in some cases, particularly in rural areas or on the islands, community-based child care services may cater for small or fluctuating numbers of children, in which case a minimum annual grant level of €20,000 can be awarded.
322 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive are not sanctioning extra hours home help to an association for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11607/08]
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 case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
323 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application for the special housing aid for the elderly scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be dealt with. [11612/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. The Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
324 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the provision of transport to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has stopped; and if this will be restored as otherwise the person has no option but to cancel their hospital appointments. [11613/08]
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.
325 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive south have reduced the level of availability of the respite care grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11629/08]
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.
326 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a full reply has not issued to date (details supplied). [11649/08]
I understand that a response to this matter issued from the Health Service Executive West to the Deputy on 13th March last.
327 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason an appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was again cancelled in view of this person’s age and medical condition. [11650/08]
I have been advised that the person in question was admitted to University Hospital Galway under the care of a Consultant Urologist on the 17 March 08 and was discharged on the 20 March 08.
328 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimate provided by the Health Service Executive, as part of the 2008 estimates process, to her Department and the Department of Finance, of the of the cost of delivering the existing level of service in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11666/08]
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) submits to the Minister for Health each year a service plan, which represents the level of services which the HSE is committed to providing given the funding which the Dáil has made available to it as part of the Estimates process.
The Health Service Executive submitted its 2008 Service Plan to me in November 2007 following which I approved it. The Plan provides for the delivery of the existing level of service which the HSE will provide in 2008. The Pre-budget Outlook (incorporating the pre-budget Estimates for Public Services) provided for a net amount (both current and capital) for the HSE of €12.04 billion to fund these services.
The HSE has also submitted an Addendum to the Service Plan which sets out the new developments and service priorities identified and agreed by Government and which were announced in Budget 2008. The Revised Estimates Volume for Public Services 2008, which incorporates the Budget 2008 changes, provides for a gross allocation (both current and capital) for the HSE Vote as €14.93 billion. This amount includes an estimate for Appropriations -in-Aid of €2.6 billion giving a net provision to the HSE for 2008 of €12.33 billion.
329 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the hospitals, apart from Portlaoise Hospital, that are being investigated by her Department or another agency, in relation to failures to diagnose cases of cancer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11667/08]
My Department has been informed of a number of investigations and reviews which are currently being or have recently been undertaken by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) into specific cases involving cancer services provided by the HSE. These involve the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, Cork University Hospital, Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick, University College Hospital Galway, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda and Our Lady's Hospital, Navan. Breast cancer services provided by Barrington's private hospital in Limerick were also the subject of a review which was conducted at my request, by an independent review team chaired by Dr. Henrietta Campbell.
The HSE is in the process of developing an incident reporting system which will involve compiling a list of all serious incident reviews being undertaken by the HSE. This will identify further investigations by the HSE some of which may be connected to cancer services. While well advanced, the work on this system is still on-going.
330 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take on the number of elderly people awaiting admission to nursing homes in the midlands, particularly in Longford and Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11720/08]
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.
331 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will carry out an audit of automatic external defibrillators in the community and identify areas where access to those life saving devices is limited or non-existent. [11726/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
332 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she proposes to take to ensure that all organisations under the control of her Department have developed proper data protection plans. [11727/08]
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 that the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive investigate the matter of data protection plans for the HSE and the agencies under its control and issue a reply directly to the Deputy.
In relation to the agencies directly funded by my Department these are aware of the responsibilities placed on them by the Data Protection Acts,1988 and 2003, in relation to protection of personal data which they hold.
The Department of Finance has recently initiated a review of the systems and procedures in operation in Government Departments and Agencies to protect the confidentiality of personal data. As soon as the review is completed, my Department will instruct the agencies under its control to ensure that any recommendations arising in relation to improving existing systems and procedures to protect the confidentiality of personal data are put in place as quickly as possible.
333 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is proposing to expand the prenatal screening process and implement population based genetic testing as proposed by the chair of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Pennsylvania Health System. [11728/08]
I have no plans at present to expand the existing prenatal screening process and implement routine population based genetic testing. If there is clinical suspicion of genetically inherited disorders then it is good clinical practice to conduct these tests.
My Department continues to keep evidence and practice in other countries under review and is actively considering the most appropriate ways to monitor new developments in screening and how they should be evaluated.
334 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether there are sufficient stockpiles of anti-virals here to protect against the imminent arrival of bird flu particularly in view of a recent statement (details supplied) which warned that waiting until an outbreak occurs to acquire anti-virals is ill-advised as it would be impossible to stockpile after an outbreak occurs due to protection and supply chain constraints. [11729/08]
Avian flu, or "bird flu", is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. It can affect all species of birds and other animals and can very rarely infect humans. To date , there have been a small number of human cases of infection with the avian flu (H5N1) virus in situations where there has been very close human contact with infected birds. There is no evidence of efficient human to human transmission.
I would like to draw a very clear distinction between avian flu and the possibility of a future human flu pandemic. Experts advise that such a pandemic may arise from the avian flu ( H5NI) virus, but this is by no means inevitable. Nevertheless, the pandemic threat is real and it is for such an eventuality that my Department and the Health Service Executive (HSE) published the National Pandemic Influenza Plan in January 2007. I can confirm that our pandemic preparedness strategy includes the stockpiling of antivirals and these stockpiles are in place.
An emergency supply of over 45,000 treatment packs of antivirals (Tamiflu®) was purchased in 2004. A further 1 million treatment packs of Tamiflu® have since been stockpiled. This quantity is sufficient to treat 25% of the population. The health services have also stockpiled a supply of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) which will allow for treatment of almost 110,000 children.
Recommendations for the stockpiling of antivirals are kept under constant review by the Pandemic Influenza Expert Group. The Expert Group advised that a quantity of zanamivir (Relenza®) should be stockpiled in addition to oseltamivir (Tamiflu®). 706,000 courses of Relenza® have now been stockpiled by the HSE.
The quantity of antivirals in stock or on order is enough to treat almost 2 million people. This compares very favourably with other countries across Europe and beyond.
If an outbreak of avian influenza occurs in birds in Ireland, antivirals will be used in the prevention and control of avian influenza in occupational groups and other contacts exposed to dead or diseased birds. In a pandemic situation antivirals will primarily be used for treatment of influenza cases: -
At the start of a pandemic in Ireland (when isolated cases or small outbreaks are occurring, and when transmission is not occurring efficiently), antivirals will be used for treatment of influenza cases and short-term prophylaxis to prevent infection developing in close contacts including family members and health care workers; In the event of a full scale pandemic, antivirals will be used for treatment only.
As the definition of risk is likely to change over time, recommendations for the use of antivirals are kept under review by the Pandemic Influenza Expert Group.
335 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding funding for an organisation (details supplied) in County Limerick. [11732/08]
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.
336 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting time to assess children for intellectual disability and physical and sensory disability in the Kildare and west Wicklow region. [11738/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's specific 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
337 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason blood collection bags for haemochromatosis patients are not covered by medical cards and such patients have to buy these themselves; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11748/08]
The specific question raised by the Deputy in relation to blood collection bags for haemochromatosis patients relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.
338 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will issue the Health (Amendment) Act 2005 card, sometimes referred to as a blue card to a certain sector of people (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11760/08]
The current eligibility requirements for a Health (Amendment) Act Card, which entitles persons who have been infected with Hepatitis C through the administration within the State of blood and blood products, are set in primary legislation under the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal (Amendment) Act, 2006.
The eligibility requirements for the Card are a positive diagnosis for Hepatitis C based on a positive Hepatitis C test result, that is a positive ELISA, RIBA, or PCR test result at any time since the administration of the blood or blood product, or if the person displayed symptoms of acute infection by reference to the presence of jaundice or raised alamine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, not later than 16 weeks after the person was administered Anti-D.
Therefore, while I am sympathetic to the women in question, it is not possible under the legislation, to provide them with a Health Amendment Act Card.
339 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the guidelines given by her Department or the Health Service Executive on personal house calls to medical card holders by general practitioners; the linkage between such guidelines and the availability of the doctor support groups who are in position through out the country to attend after surgery calls; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11762/08]
Under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme contract, between individual general practitioners and the Health Service Executive (HSE), GPs are obliged to provide services in their practice premises or by way of domiciliary visits, as appropriate, for their medical card and GP visit card patients, for 40 hours each week. They must also make arrangements to enable contact to be made with them, or a locum/deputy, for emergencies outside of these hours.
The question of whether a domiciliary visit is appropriate is a matter for decision by the GP according to the clinical need, social and other circumstances in any particular case.
GP out-of-hours co-operatives allow general practitioners to put in place arrangements to provide services to their patients outside normal surgery hours in the evening, on weekends and bank holidays. The development of GP co-operatives is in line with the overall health service policy of strengthening primary care services and ensuring that to the greatest extent possible, people's care needs are met in the primary care setting.
GP out-of-hours co-operatives are now in place in all HSE areas, providing coverage in all or in part of all counties and the HSE Vote includes some €37 million in baseline funding for these services. This figure does not include the fees of the participating doctors.
Persons who contact GP out-of-hours co-operatives are prioritised as either emergency, urgent or routine. In emergency cases a triage nurse will organise the appropriate care for the patient and will generally arrange for the dispatch of an ambulance and/or duty doctor. For non-emergency calls a triage nurse carries out a structured assessment by telephone of the patient's symptoms, after which home care advice may be provided or the nurse may make an appointment for the patient to be seen by the duty doctor at a treatment centre or, if necessary, a home visit may be arranged.
340 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on recent findings by an organisation (details supplied) that diagnoses of cancer and asthma, motor neurone diseases and other conditions should be treated in the same way as diagnosis of infectious diseases with full backgrounds of patients being placed on the national register. [11764/08]
The National Health Information Strategy sets out the strategic direction for the better use of information in the Irish health system. One of the recommendations in the Information Strategy was to develop a legislative framework that would provide the necessary statutory underpinning for the development of information systems that would enhance patient care, patient safety and the performance of the health system generally.
My Department is currently finalising a discussion document that will serve as the basis for a major public consultation exercise on the matters to be addressed in a Health Information Bill. That consultation exercise is planned to commence shortly. One of the matters to be specifically covered in the consultative process will be that of population health registries.
While the development of health registries can contribute to enhanced decision-making in the health sector such development must have regard to issues of privacy, confidentiality and consent as well as the need to collect and hold only such personal patient information as is directly necessary for the purposes involved. These issues are among the factors that the discussion paper will cover.
341 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of involuntary admission orders made in 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; and the number in each year that were revoked. [11765/08]
According to the Health Research Board the number of involuntary admissions to Irish Psychiatric Units and Hospitals are as follows:
2005: — 2,324
2006: — 2,170
In 2007 the Mental Health Commission received 2,126 notifications of involuntary admission orders and 322 notifications to end February 2008.
Mental Health Tribunals were introduced from 1st November 2006 following the full implementation of the Mental Health Act 2001. 24 admission orders for involuntary detention were revoked in November and December 2006, 256 orders were revoked in 2007 and 39 to end February 2008.
342 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the health service has not sufficiently implemented the recommendations of the Government working group and the provision of child and adolescent psychiatric services. [11766/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
343 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she has taken to ensure non-consultant hospital doctors' working hours are reduced and brought in line with working time legislation. [11767/08]
The Report of the National Task Force on Medical Staffing, 2003 set out a detailed implementation plan for reducing NCHD hours to meet the requirements of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD). Its recommendations centred on the introduction of a consultant-provided service and the appointment of additional consultants under new contractual arrangements.
A national coordinator and support team was appointed, draft rosters and hours recording systems developed, and extensive work undertaken by health agencies at local level.
Training principles and advice on safe EWTD compliant rosters were provided to employers by the post-graduate medical training bodies and the Medical Council.
A National Implementation Group (NIG) was established in February 2005 to oversee the implementation of the conditions of the European Working Time Directive by co-ordinating the work of local implementation groups in nine pilot sites and assisting them to identify the measures needed to achieve EWTD compliance while maintaining safe patient care and high quality NCHD training. The Group is representative of major stakeholders including my Department, the Health Service Executive and the medical representative organizations. The NIG is expected to complete its work by the end of the year.
Intensive talks between management and the Irish Medical Organisation, under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission, on new contractual arrangements for NCHDs are due to resume in April.
344 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the current and rapidly worsening national general practitioner manpower shortage. [11768/08]
I recognise that the number of General Practitioners (GPs) being trained at present is not sufficient to meet anticipated manpower need. In 2004, my Department agreed with the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) that the number of GP vocational training places should be increased from 84 to 150 on a phased basis over three years. Since 2005, an additional €6 million has been provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) to facilitate the creation of additional GP places. I am informed by the HSE that to date, 36 of the additional 66 places have been filled.
There are currently 12 GP vocational training programmes in the State and these programmes are accredited by the ICGP. The HSE has indicated that there have been capacity issues within these training programmes and that this is the principal reason that it has not been possible to increase the number of training places as quickly as had been hoped. I understand that the HSE continues to work with the ICGP with a view to addressing these issues.
In 2007, FÁS agreed to undertake an update to their 2005 Healthcare Skills Monitoring Report. The 2005 Report identified a range of health care skills requirements up to 2015. The current research by FÁS, which is expected to be completed in 2008, will analyse the labour market for 11 health care grades and professions, and will help to determine future GP training needs.
345 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason she has refused to provide direct funding for clinical trials into muscular dystrophy treatment in the UK that could involve Irish patients. [11769/08]
I met with representatives of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland in October 2007 and discussed the issue raised by the Deputy.
I subsequently wrote to Mr Joe Mooney, Director of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland on 7th February 2008 outlining the position in relation to funding research trials into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in the United Kingdom . There is no mechanism or budget for Government funding of UK health research . My Department cannot directly fund UK or Irish research and recommends that the researchers apply to the Health Research Board.
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland held the first information day on "Advances in the Care of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy" for families and doctors on Sunday 2nd March last. I was pleased to be able to support Muscular Dystrophy Ireland by providing over €9,000 towards the costs associated with the information day.
346 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the recent submission by an organisation (details supplied) to the Government alcohol advisory group that the legal limit for the purchase of alcohol products be increased to 21 years. [11771/08]
The Government Alcohol Advisory Group (GAAG) was established by my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The GAAG presented its report to Minister Lenihan on schedule on Monday 31st March, 2008. The submission referred to by the Deputy was considered by the GAAG and I look forward to reading the outcome of the Group's consideration of this issue.
347 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on recent comments by the chief executive of the Irish Medical Organisation that the health services here will take many years to recover lost ground as a result of short-sighted cutbacks imposed by the Health Service Executive in the latter half of 2007. [11772/08]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) as part of its financial monitoring and control process introduced a number of measures in September 2007. These measures included: all recruitment be suspended for September after which the situation would be reviewed; all foreign travel was cancelled for the remainder of the year; all Hotel bookings for meetings etc. were cancelled for the remainder of the year; all ‘non frontline' expenditure be critically reviewed. The intention was that these measures would not impact on ‘front line' services which were to be maintained in line with the National Service Plan. In fact at that time the HSE had exceeded its targets in certain services and had treated substantially more people than in the same period of the previous year.
The recruitment pause put in place in September 2007 included a derogation process to deal with the filling of essential posts to protect front-line services and close to 900 posts were approved under this process. This temporary pause in recruitment ended on 31st December 2007 and any posts falling vacant from 1st January 2008 can be filled subject to the provisions of a detailed employment control circular issued by the HSE on January 8th.
The HSE are continuing to ensure that patient care is not compromised and that they maintain the high level of service being provided.
348 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 229 of 5 March 2008, the precise location of the 200 primary care teams in respect of which €40 million has been provided in the period 2006 to 2008; the range of facilities at each location; the degree to which local existing health centres are incorporated into the programme; the plans for same in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11777/08]
Under the Health Act 2004, the management and delivery of health and personal social services is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. This includes operational responsibility for the establishment of Primary Care Teams with the funding provided and the recruitment of additional front-line professionals for these teams. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
349 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown of the number of occupational therapist positions waiting to be filled nationally; the steps she is taking to meet the shortage in occupational therapists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11779/08]
Demand for occupational therapy in the health services has been significant, hence the substantial investment which has been provided over the last number of years. The number of occupational therapists employed in the public health service has grown from 287 wholetime equivalents in 1997 to 1,025 in December 2007. This is an increase of 738 wholetime equivalents in that period which represents a growth of 257%. The Government has also committed to further investment in health services, such as disability, primary care and older persons services and this will result in a further increase in the occupational therapy resources available.
A particular priority for the Department and the Department of Education and Science in recent years has been the expansion of the supply of therapy graduates, including occupational therapists. Additional courses in occupational therapy were established in UCC, NUIG and UL with an initial intake of 25 places on each of the 3 courses. The UL course is at Masters level and the courses in UCC and NUIG are bachelor degree programmes.
The number of training places for occupational therapists has increased by 86 from 29 in 1997 to 115 in 2007. This represents an increase of almost 297% in the past ten years. In relation to the breakdown of the number of occupational therapist positions waiting to be filled nationally, the Deputy will be aware that it is a matter for the Health Service Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
350 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason she and the Health Service Executive have not responded to a document that the Expert Advisory Group on Diabetes submitted for consideration before the end of 2007. [11784/08]
The Expert Advisory Group on Diabetes was established by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and will report to the HSE management. Consideration of the Group's recommendations will be a matter for the HSE. No document has been submitted by the Group to my Department. 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.
351 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the situation whereby the Irish Medical Organisation’s independent patient information website has been taken completely off-line and its future is in doubt as a result of a disagreement with her Department over funding. [11785/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive is responsible for funding this website and is therefore the appropriate body to consider the issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
352 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps taken in the two years since the Task Force on Sudden Cardiac Death recommended an audit of all new cardiovascular services. [11786/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
353 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to a recent study (details supplied) which showed that only in about 10% of cardiac cases is the defibrillator reaching the cardiac arrest victim within the five minutes standard time. [11787/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
354 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will introduce a cardiac arrest registry in order that ambulance response times could be accurately recorded. [11788/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
355 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will introduce acute medical admissions units in all of the acute hospitals nationally and the accident medical admissions unit model be introduced to improve outcomes rather than efficiency. [11789/08]
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 issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
356 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on a recent Health Service Executive report which states that it needs an additional 1,863 full-time equivalent health staff to fulfil the service targets outlined in its national health plan 2008; the action she will take in relation to this matter; and the projected cost of the target. [11790/08]
An overall employment ceiling of 112,560 whole time equivalents has been set for the public health services for 2008. This level of employment provides for 1,050 additional new posts arising from development funding provided by the Government in the Budget Day package for 2008. Following consideration of the requirements to deliver the priorities identified by Government in the Budget package, 1050 posts have been approved for 2008. A breakdown of these development posts is provided as follows.
|
Service |
2008 Development Funding |
No of Development posts to be filled in 2008 |
|
€m |
||
|
Older People |
22.00 |
100 |
|
Palliative Care |
3.00 |
50 |
|
Disability |
49.96 |
710 |
|
Cancer |
15.00 |
90 |
|
Population Health |
17.96 |
100 |
|
Total |
1,050 |
The filling of the above development posts are to be managed by the HSE within the employment control framework for the health services and its own circular issued in January 2008 which sets out revised arrangements for the filling of all posts, including development posts in 2008.
Furthermore, the service plan monitoring process will outline details of the implementation of these service developments including funding allocation and staffing.
357 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the recent Inhale report which stated that the reason Ireland had such a high level of respiratory disease was either genetic or possibly climate related, that health education was failing the socially deprived groups and that health prevention attempts had failed to reach these groups and had only been effective among middle and upper class sectors. [11791/08]
The study, which was prepared by the Irish Thoracic Society, has made an important contribution to our understanding of respiratory disease and the burden it poses on individuals and the healthcare system. The report has identified the contribution that lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma make to the overall burden of respiratory disease.
Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in Ireland with over 1,600 deaths in 2004 from cancer of the respiratory system. A number of measures have been put in place with respect to cancer control including the appointment of Professor Tom Keane as National Cancer Control Director to oversee the delivery of cancer services and this year an additional €35 million has been allocated for cancer control including €15 million to support the initial implementation of the cancer control programme and the National Plan for Radiation Oncology.
Tobacco control and reducing both the levels of smoking and the numbers of people taking up smoking continues to be a priority for my Department. The Smoke Free At Work legislation is acknowledged by the Irish Thoracic Society as a successful initiative in reducing the impact of tobacco.
The Irish Thoracic Society has also acknowledged and welcomed steps being taken to tackle respiratory disease including joint hospital/community initiatives such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) outreach programmes, pulmonary rehabilitation initiatives and the National Tuberculosis Advisory Committee which is working on measures to control tuberculosis.
A national chronic obstructive pulmonary disease strategy is currently being developed by the Health Service Executive. The work of the strategy group is well advanced and aims to provide a model of care which will provide an equitable, high quality, effective and efficient service to the population in the prevention and treatment of this condition. The strategy group also aims to strengthen health promotion to prevent the development of COPD, including measures to reduce the rate of smoking.
358 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to overcome the crisis in relation to the National Treatment Purchase Fund and the waiting lists in Tallaght General Hospital; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are 2,337 patients over the three months waiting list at the hospital and that of this total, 403 are waiting for a period greater than twelve months; if there is another hospital within the Health Service Executive in a similar position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11801/08]
Statutory responsibility for the collation, management and publication of data on waiting times and numbers of persons waiting for surgical procedures rests with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF).
I am aware that a number of hospitals, including Tallaght, continue to have unacceptably long waiting times. The other hospitals concerned are Letterkenny General Hospital, the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore and Sligo General Hospital. However, I understand that the Health Service Executive and the NTPF are in close communication the hospitals concerned to lower their waiting times. I look forward to a higher level of co-operation by these hospitals in the future.
359 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the timely availability of BCG vaccination in the Dublin area and nationwide and in particular in a health centre (details supplied) in Dublin 13 where a mother has reported she is unable to get a BCG vaccination for her baby because there is a waiting list of 400 for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11802/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
360 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her views, in the interest of patient safety and more professional service, on bringing in regulations to standardise the certification and employment qualifications and experience required for phlebotomists, in particular phlebotomists employed in high throughput jobs in hospital environments where currently no standard regulations apply regarding employee qualifications and experience; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11803/08]
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive has primary responsibility for determining the terms and conditions of employment of its staff include the determination of eligibility for employment in terms of the assessment of qualifications, skills, knowledge and competence to perform the role/responsibilities required of any particular post.
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.
361 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people employed in her Department; the costs associated with the number employed in the years 2003 to 2007; and the number employed in 2008 with projected costs for 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11804/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the following table.
|
Year |
Number of Staff |
Associated Costs |
|
Wholetime Equivalents |
€ |
|
|
December 2003 |
649.06 |
28,102,845 |
|
December 2004 |
625.52 |
30,113,552 |
|
December 2005 |
602.54 |
31,947,688 |
|
December 2006 |
590.99 |
33,495,992 |
|
December 2007 |
547.42 |
35,384,556 |
|
February 2008 |
487.65 |
34,692,000 (estimated) |
The above figures reflect core Department of Health and Children numbers and do not include staff numbers and costs for the following:
1. Disability Appeals Office
2. Long Stay Appeals Office
3. Office of the Ombudsman for Children
4. Staff seconded out to other organisations on a recoupable basis
5. Staff seconded into the Department.
Wholetime equivalent (WTE) figures detailed in the above table are based on returns made to the Department of Finance. The Deputy should also note that figures up to and including December 2007 include the General Register Office (57.43 WTE), which has now been transferred to the Department of Social & Family Affairs.
362 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if arrangements are being made to address the concerns of independent midwives regarding professional indemnity cover; if so, the measures being taken to ensure continuity of cover and independent midwife services in the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11805/08]
I am aware of the concerns of independent midwives in relation to indemnity insurance. The Irish Nurses Organisation provides a certain level of insurance cover to independent midwives who are members of the organisation. The INO has confirmed that this cover will be provided until the end of September.
I support choice for women in childbirth. The option of domiciliary births must only be provided in a safe and secure manner. My officials are working with the HSE to put in place a robust national clinical governance framework in order to ensure that the practice of independent midwives is brought into close working relationships with maternity services currently delivered by the HSE and the voluntary maternity hospitals. Subject to this being achieved it would then be the intention to bring the independent midwives within the scope of the Clinical Indemnity Scheme by means of extending the HSE cover under the scheme.
363 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made with regard to the provision of a primary care centre at Newcastle West; the time-frame involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11823/08]
The Primary Care Strategy aims to increase health service capacity through the development of services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of 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. I understand that in December 2007 the HSE sought expressions of interest from the private sector for the provision of the Primary Care Team infrastructure, with the HSE proposing to enter into fixed term leases with such providers.
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.
364 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate a situation whereby patients dealing with the National Treatment Purchase Fund are receiving treatment paid for by the fund at the same hospital from which their names had been taken from waiting lists; and her views on whether this practice is disrupting the core activities of such hospitals. [11827/08]
365 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate a situation where the National Treatment Purchase Fund is in the process of engaging a public relations firm to improve its image; and her views on whether this is an acceptable way of spending taxpayers' money. [11828/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 364 and 365 together.
The role of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) is to purchase treatment, primarily from private hospitals in Ireland, with the aim of reducing the length of time that public patients have to wait for surgery. Taking both in-patient and out-patient activity, I am pleased to say that, to date, over 100,000 people have benefited from treatment under the Fund.
On my instruction, the level of NTPF referrals to public hospitals has been capped since 2005 at no more than 10% of total referrals on the basis of inadequate capacity in private hospitals. While, in many instances, a person will be referred by the NTPF for treatment to a hospital separate to the one on whose waiting list he or she is, it will sometimes happen that the required treatment will be sourced in the private system within that public hospital.
Work necessarily undertaken under the NTPF initiative in public hospitals is on the understanding that it does not interfere with core funded activity and I am not aware that it is being disrupted in any hospital.
With regard to the engagement of a public relations firm, the NTPF as a publicly funded body, is obliged to engage in public procurement. I understand that its current communications contract is due to expire shortly and, in line with public procurement practice, it has initiated a public tender process to engage a suitable firm.
367 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a subvention grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11837/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
368 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when payment under the health repayment scheme in respect of persons in residential institutions will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11838/08]
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.
369 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason she or the Health Service Executive have issued instructions to staff to refuse to give information appertaining to the provision of such services, as rent supplement, home of other services and the use of Data Protection Act 1988 as a means of withholding such information in view of the fact that such services are provided for out of public funds for which she and the HSE are accountable; if her attention has been drawn to the attempts by the HSE to withhold such information which is vital if public representatives are to be in a position to monitor the strength, quality, availability and cost of such services and their methodology to the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11839/08]
I have not issued any instruction of the kind referred to in the Deputy's question.
The Health Service Executive has advised my Department that it has not issued any such instruction. In November 2007, the Data Protection Commissioner issued a Guidance Note for Data Controllers on the Release of Personal Data to Public Representatives, in line with which the Executive has prepared a Standard Operating Procedure for its staff. This requires that routine information be provided to public representatives on the basis that it can be generally assumed that the constituent has given consent for the release of the personal data necessary to respond to the request.
In instances where the information requested is determined to be of a sensitive personal nature, the Executive's procedure provides that the data controller should check with the patient or client that he or she has given consent for the information to be released to the public representative. If the client or patient cannot be contacted the person dealing with the enquiry should contact the public representative's office to check if consent has been obtained from the patient or client to the release of sensitive personal data.
370 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason mobility allowance has been reduced from €202 to €101 per month; if same will be reviewed in early date in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11840/08]
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 case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
371 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of physiotherapist posts that currently remain unfilled; the number of physiotherapists on panels available for appointment to those posts; if it is the policy of the Health Service Executive to interview unqualified undergraduates for such posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11866/08]
Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
372 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of recommendations made by the Forum on Older People established by the Health Service Executive following the publication of the Leas Cross review in late 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11872/08]
The Report of the Leas Cross Nursing Home Task Force, established by the Health Service Executive (HSE) on 26 February, 2007, was received in my Department earlier this year. The Report covers a wide range of recommendations relating to the complex health and social care needs of older people in Ireland.
I understand that the HSE has assigned responsibility within its organisation in relation to the implementation of the various recommendations of the Task Force Report and that progress on these is being reviewed by the Executive on a regular basis.
My Department will continue to liaise with the HSE in regard to addressing the recommendations of the Task Force Report and how these recommendations fit in the context of the report of the Leas Cross Commission of Investigation.
373 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the construction of the Tuam Health Campus, Tuam, County Galway; if she will outline the moneys that have been earmarked for the project in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11875/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
374 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health and Children the levels of absenteeism in 2005, 2006 and 2007; the cost agency staff amounts to as a result of this absenteeism; the levels of absenteeism among medically qualified staff on a hospital basis for 2007; the cost staff amounts to as a result of absenteeism of medically qualified staff; the levels of absenteeism among non-medically qualified staff on a hospital basis for 2007; the cost agency staff amounts to as a result of absenteeism of non-medically qualified staff; the action the Health Service Executive has taken to reduce absenteeism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11877/08]
Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
376 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of car park spaces available nationally to those working in her Department and in the bodies and agencies under the aegis of her Department; the annual cost of car park spaces rented by her Department and the bodies and agencies under the aegis of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11892/08]
The following table lists the number of car park spaces the Department of Health and Children uses in Dublin, showing their location, number per location and their relevant costs. Car park spaces at Hawkins House do not involve any additional costs. Rental costs arising from other locations are paid directly by the Office of Public Works.
The position regarding the HSE and the other agencies is a matter for the agencies themselves. My Department is asking them to reply directly to the Deputy in this regard.
|
Location |
No. of Car Spaces |
Rental Cost per annum |
Arrangements |
|
€ |
|||
|
Dept HQ Hawkins Hse Dublin |
88 |
No rental cost. Car park owned by OPW |
Spaces are used by Ministers, Ministers of State, and staff of the Department. Apart from those required by Ministers/Ministers of State and senior management, spaces are generally allocated on a first come-first served basis. |
|
Townsend St / College House Dublin |
26 |
97,500.00 |
Spaces allocated on a first come-first served basis to staff in Department Headquarters. |
|
Adoption Board Shelbourne House Dublin |
12 |
38,100.00 |
Spaces allocated on a first come-first served basis to Adoption Board Staff. |
|
Joyce HseLombard StDublin |
3 |
11,250.00 |
Spaces allocated on a first come-first served basis to staff working on the Monageer Enquiry |
|
Arran Court Dublin |
7 |
13,332.27 |
Spaces allocated on a first come-first served basis to staff in the Hep C Compensation Tribunal |
|
Bow StDublin |
2 |
5507.12 |
Spaces allocated on a first come-first served basis to staff working on the Leas Cross Enquiry |
|
SIAC Building Clondalkin |
2 |
1,300 |
Spaces allocated on a first come-first served basis to staff working in the Disability Appeals Office |
377 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of a special housing aid for the elderly scheme application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11907/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. The Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
378 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11908/08]
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 case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
379 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11909/08]
Persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services qualify for a medical card, which entitles them to a range of health services free of charge. 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 did not qualify for a medical card, would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.
The assessment of eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and, with the exception of persons aged 70 and over, who have an automatic statutory entitlement to a medical card, is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants (income and relevant outgoings). The GP visit card assessment threshold is 50% higher than the medical card threshold.
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.
380 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take action to provide funding to a group (details supplied) in Dublin 24 to allow the group continue its work in respect of research launched in November 2006 Moving Beyond Coping — an insight into the Experience and Needs of Travellers in Tallaght Dealing with Suicide; if her attention has been drawn to the commitment at the time to fund the appointment of a worker and that the group is in a serious crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11910/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
381 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the recent decision made by general practitioners to distance themselves from the national roll-out of the national cervical screening programme. [11911/08]
The rollout of a national cervical screening programme is the most efficient population approach to preventing and controlling cervical cancer. The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) is planning to roll out such a programme on a national basis around the middle of this year. Women aged 25 to 44 years old will be screened every 3 years; women aged 45 to 60 will be screened every 5 years. The service will be available free of charge to eligible women everywhere in the country. Approximately 230,000 women will be screened annually, assuming an 80% take up by eligible women.
All elements of the programme — call/recall, smear taking, laboratories, colposcopy and treatment services will be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated national service. The NCSS has now completed a general consultation on the terms of a proposed contract to be offered to medical practitioners in primary care settings for the provision of smear taker services nationally. All consultation, discussion and agreement regarding the terms of the contract is conducted in accordance with guidance issued by the Competition Authority.
The first draft of this proposed contract was substantially based on the smear taker contract of the Irish Cervical Screening Programme, Phase 1.
Many medical practitioners, GP groupings and representative bodies participated in the consultation process. The NCSS has advised the Department that there has been much positive response and interest from medical practitioners and the NCSS will accommodate a range of issues raised.
Additional revenue funding of €5.0m was allocated to the NCSS in 2007 for the roll-out of the programme and an additional €15.0m has been allocated in 2008. An additional 30 posts have been approved to facilitate integration and roll-out of the programme.
383 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the impact ratification of the Hague Convention will have on adoption arrangements between Ireland and Russia; the measures he will put in place to facilitate the adoption by Irish citizens of Russian children in the event that ratification of the Hague Convention by Ireland prevents adoption between Ireland and Russia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11923/08]
384 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that citizens who are in receipt of a declaration from the Irish Adoption Board which expires and is then renewed, will not be prevented from completing their adoption from Russia in view of the fact that Russia has not ratified the Hague Convention and that there may be no bilateral agreement in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11924/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 383 and 384 together.
The Deputy refers to the proposed legislation to ratify the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.
The Convention and the legislation to ratify it is not aimed at preventing intercountry adoptions between countries. The purpose of legislating and ratifying the Hague Convention is to protect children in the process of adoption. The Hague Convention emphasises the importance of regulatory systems in protecting the fundamental rights of children, and in preventing the abduction, the sale of, or traffic in children. Ratification of the Hague Convention puts in place the equivalent of a contract between states to regulate the standards that will apply in each jurisdiction.
It is the intention that the proposed adoption legislation will ensure all intercountry adoptions meet standards of the Convention either through ratification of the Convention or through bilateral agreements which meet the standards of the Hague Convention. In anticipation of that situation, I have asked officials to liaise with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs with a view to assessing the readiness and appropriateness of entering discussions regarding bilateral agreements with a number of countries including Russia. Every effort will be made to advance these discussions.
385 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on this potentially life and death issue affecting patients attending and requiring treatment at this hospital. [11926/08]
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.
386 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if every effort will be made to accommodate a person (details supplied) in County Laois with regard to an appointment for the removal of a tumour; if, in view of the anxiety and worry involved, matters will be progressed in early course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11929/08]
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.
387 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the hospitals that have been forced to stop the intake of patients or have asked visitors not to visit due to the vomiting bug; the dates in the past year this has occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11938/08]
388 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the national policy in place to curtail the spread of the vomiting bug in hospitals; the procedures the Health Service Executive and her Department have asked each hospital to put in place; if any hospital has their own procedures that differ from the HSE policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11939/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 387 and 388 together.
Tackling all Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs), including the norovirus infection continues to be a priority for this Government and for the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Norovirus is a virus that causes one of the commonest forms of gastroenteritis. Every year as many as 5% of the population will develop it. Although it is known commonly as "winter vomiting disease" it occurs throughout the year. In winter, people tend to be in closer contact indoors making spread more likely. Outbreaks occur in hospitals, nursing and residential homes, nurseries, schools, hotels, cruise ships and places of employment — anywhere large numbers of people gather. While it is not possible to prevent completely outbreaks due to norovirus, simple interventions can minimise its effects.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has developed National Guidelines on the Management of Outbreaks of Norovirus Infection in Healthcare Settings. These Guidelines have been disseminated to all hospitals and provide guidance on managing an outbreak, instituting control measures and restricting the extent of the outbreak. The Guidelines are for use and adaptation in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Local arrangements can be put in place to match local needs, with the principles outlined in the Guidelines guiding decision making in all circumstances.
The HSE issued National Guidelines on visiting policy to hospitals in September 2006. These guidelines reflect a balance between the needs of patients, their visitors, hospital staff and hospital procedures which allow for the most effective delivery of safe healthcare services. 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 best interests of all patients.
In relation to the question on restrictions on the actual intake of patients and visiting in individual hospitals due to the norovirus, the information is not collected in the format requested by the Deputy.
389 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting lists for speech and language therapy and occupational therapy in health centres (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11942/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's specific 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
390 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to reduce the number of local health officers in County Wicklow; the location of these planned closures; the timeframe for possible closures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11954/08]
391 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to reduce the number of local health offices; the location of these planned closures; the timeframe for possible closures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11955/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 391 together.
Over 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the number of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of the Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the 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 to the Deputy.
392 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Health Service Executive frontline posts vacant in December 2007 in County Wicklow; the type of posts involved; her plans to fill these vacant posts; the timeframe for filling these vacant posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11956/08]
Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the health care needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
393 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Health Service Executive frontline posts vacant in December 2007; the type of posts involved; her plans to fill these vacant posts; the timeframe for filling these vacant posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11957/08]
Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the health care needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
394 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that all home helps in the Kildare and west Wicklow region have been fully paid in view of delays that have already been experienced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11962/08]
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, including the payments to eligible personnel, has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
395 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on the application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for a home care grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11964/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
396 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a mobility grant will be approved or continued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite a response. [11968/08]
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 case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
397 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will prioritise a visit by the occupational therapist to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this person needs to build an extension to their home to incorporate a downstairs bedroom and bathroom facility and that in view of their age and restricted mobility they are an urgent priority. [11991/08]
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 case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
398 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children her proposals for the future of a hospital (details supplied) in County Cork. [11993/08]
I understand that the hospital in question is a private nursing home in which the Health Service Executive contracts 90 beds. The Minister for Health and Children therefore has no function in relation to the future of this facility. The HSE is not aware of any plans for its closure.
399 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a child (details supplied) in County Cork will be accommodated in a special speech and language class at a school in County Cork, in line with the recommendations of a psychological assessment. [12007/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements. The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's specific 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
400 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the dealing of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford by the Health Service Executive health repayment scheme was appropriate. [12012/08]
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.
401 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Health and Children the position and timeline for the provision of a paediatric immunology clinic in Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12017/08]
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 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.
402 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Health and Children the education programmes in place for general practitioners on anaphylaxis; if she will roll out further education for GPs to enhance their knowledge of anaphylaxis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12018/08]
I understand that general practitioners are equipped during their general and specialist medical training to deal with a wide range of conditions, which would include anaphylaxis. The clinical content of doctors' training is a matter for the appropriate independent professional training bodies and does not come within the remit of my Department.
403 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in improving health services for children with anaphylaxis; the steps being taken in respect of same; whether her Department is in contact with an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12020/08]
The purpose of the organisation referred to in the Deputy's question is to promote awareness of the needs of persons suffering from various allergies. Allergic reactions range from the more common minor skin conditions to severe reactions including anaphylaxis. The organisation concerned wrote to my office regarding services for people affected by anaphylaxis. As the matters raised were of an operational nature, my Department asked the HSE to respond directly to the organisation and the HSE has informed my Department that it responded on 15th January 2008. The organisation was also in touch with the Chief Medical Officer of my Department and was recently furnished with statistical information in relation to hospital discharges with a diagnosis of anaphylaxis in the years 2002 to 2006.
Allergy services are delivered in the primary care setting as well as public hospitals which provide further services for the identification and management of allergies. Statutory responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services rests with the Health Service Executive and my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to provide the Deputy directly with information on the provision of allergy services.
404 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in issuing results to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12021/08]
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.
405 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be assisted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12022/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.
406 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12024/08]
407 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12025/08]
408 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12026/08]
409 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12027/08]
410 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12028/08]
411 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12029/08]
412 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12030/08]
413 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12031/08]
414 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12032/08]
415 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12033/08]
416 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12034/08]
417 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12035/08]
418 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12036/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 406 to 418, inclusive, together.
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
419 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Question No. 159 of 3 October 2007 (details supplied), when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12070/08]
I understand from the Health Service Executive that at the time of the Deputy's request last October a number of similar representations were received in respect of this matter. Due to an oversight by the Health Service Executive, a reply was not issued to the Deputy. However, the Health Service Executive has advised me that a reply to this case issued to the Deputy on 31st March last, with sincere apologies for the delay.
420 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of correspondence from a person (details supplied) regarding the health repayment scheme, she will intervene to bring this long and ongoing process to a successful conclusion; if in this respect she will contact the health repayment scheme administrators and ensure that this takes place, particularly in view of the correspondence furnished; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12079/08]
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.
421 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the capital funding provided under the national child care investment programme per city and county child care committee; the criteria and rationale used in this provision; the pre-emptive cognisance that was taken of projects that were in the pipeline per committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12094/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which will invest €575 million over 5 years, with €358 million of this in capital grant aid for child care services.
The NCIP came into effect from in January 2006, and aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality child care supports and services, which are grounded in an understanding of local needs. It is building on the success of the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and incorporates among its key objectives: increasing the supply and improving the quality of early childhood care and education services. Services eligible for support include those providing care for babies, full-day care, part-time, sessional play school and other pre-school places, school age child care including "wrap around" child care places, and childminding. Special consideration is given to supporting services which provide a range of these services.
Eligibility for capital grant funding under the NCIP is 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. To comply with the criteria, services, including play school and other pre-school services, are expected to operate for minimum periods per day. All proposals are expected to demonstrate how they will increase the supply of quality child care and community-based projects are expected to demonstrate a focus on disadvantage. The maximum capital grants available under the scheme for the building or expansion of child care facilities are €1.2 million per facility for community-based not for profit providers and €100,000 per facility for private providers (subject to a maximum of 75% of the total cost) and a maximum of €500,000 for multiple services in different catchment areas. In addition, a small grant scheme is available for Parent and Toddler Groups.
Applicants for capital funding under the NCIP first apply through their local City or County Childcare Committee (CCC), whose role it is to identify gaps in child care provision in their respective areas and to assist applicants to develop proposals to fill identified local needs. Capital funding under the NCIP is subject to the rules governing capital expenditure and the multi-annual investment framework, which are conditions of the sanction given by the Department of Finance each year for capital expenditure. To accord with these rules, the amount of capital available for allocation under the NCIP on the basis of portfolios submitted by CCCs in 2008, is expected to be in the region of €120 million. Each CCC has been allocated a portion of this figure, as an indicative budget for this year, which was calculated with reference to a number of factors, including the level of capital grant aid approved in the respective areas to date, the amount of capital grant aid remaining to be allocated under the NCIP and the child populations in the areas covered by the Committee in question. Where this resulted in a figure below €1.5 million, the figure was increased to this amount. In terms of projects being developed by each Committee, they are expected to prioritise these in the context of the funding available to their area.
The following table shows the allocation of capital funding under the NCIP to each City and County Childcare Committee for their 2008 portfolios.
|
CCC |
Indicative Amount |
|
Dublin City |
14,600,000 |
|
Cork County |
12,000,000 |
|
South Dublin County |
10,300,000 |
|
Fingal |
10,200,000 |
|
Kildare |
9,200,000 |
|
Dún Laoghaire/ Rathdown |
6,800,000 |
|
Wicklow |
5,900,000 |
|
Meath |
5,800,000 |
|
Galway City/County |
5,400,000 |
|
Donegal |
3,700,000 |
|
Mayo |
3,300,000 |
|
Offaly |
3,000,000 |
|
Louth |
2,800,000 |
|
Cork City |
2,800,000 |
|
Wexford |
2,600,000 |
|
Limerick County |
2,400,000 |
|
Laois |
2,300,000 |
|
Waterford County |
1,800,000 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,800,000 |
|
Tipperary South |
1,700,000 |
|
Cavan |
1,600,000 |
|
Westmeath |
1,500,000 |
|
Waterford City |
1,500,000 |
|
Tipperary North |
1,500,000 |
|
Sligo |
1,500,000 |
|
Roscommon |
1,500,000 |
|
Monaghan |
1,500,000 |
|
Longford |
1,500,000 |
|
Limerick City |
1,500,000 |
|
Leitrim |
1,500,000 |
|
Kerry |
1,500,000 |
|
Clare |
1,500,000 |
|
Carlow |
1,500,000 |
|
Total |
128,000,000 |
422 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children further to the closure of the dental clinic in Kilcock, County Kildare due to inadequate accommodation facilities and the fact there are more than 2,000 homes in Kilcock with a young population, her views on whether a modern health centre, purpose built, is required to care for the needs of the town’s population; and her plans for same. [12139/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
423 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she proposes to take given there are many foster children in the Laois-Offaly area without services of an allocated social worker to deal with this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12142/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my 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.
424 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the cancer treatment service, including pre-operative, and post-operative services, available at present to people in counties Offaly and Laois; the changes envisaged under the proposed national cancer strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12143/08]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has designated St. James's Hospital and St. Vincent's Hospital as the two cancer centres in the Managed Cancer Control Network for the HSE Dublin Mid Leinster Region, which includes Counties Offaly and Laois. The designation of cancer centres aims to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care while at the same time allowing local access to services, where appropriate.
Where diagnosis and treatment planning is directed and managed by multi-disciplinary teams based at the cancer centres, then much of the treatment (other than surgery) can be delivered in local hospitals. In this context, chemotherapy and support services will continue to be delivered locally. Cancer day care units will continue to have an important role in delivering services to patients as close to home as possible.
The decisions of the HSE in relation to four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres will be implemented on a managed and phased basis. Professor Tom Keane, Director of the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme, is currently engaging in detailed planning to facilitate the orderly phased transfer of services between locations.
The specific question raised by the Deputy in relation to cancer services available to people in Counties Offaly and Laois relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.
425 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects an application for mobility allowance to be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and the reason for delay in processing this application. [12170/08]
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 case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
426 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children her policy position regarding supporting voluntary groups in the provision of defibrillators; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12224/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
428 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when the required bed will become available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12230/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
429 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of public beds in private and public hospitals allocated for elderly long stay patients in Cork City and County; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12233/08]
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.
430 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if the position of a cystic fibrosis nurse in Waterford Regional Hospital has been advertised; if interviews have taken place for the role; if a replacement has been approved; when the start date for that replacement will be; and if same will be given priority, as it is an essential role. [12235/08]
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. It is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
431 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if the number of patients which the cystic fibrosis nurse in Waterford Regional Hospital deals with is acceptable, in view of the fact that Crumlin Hospital has five specific nurses for 260 cystic fibrosis patients, with two paediatricians, a dedicated physiotherapist, and a dietician; if a second nurse’s position will be approved and advertised; and when that second nurse will commence work. [12236/08]
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. It is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
432 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on making funding available toward the cost of childcare for working parents in view of the increasing cost of living here resulting from rising food prices, house prices and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12237/08]
The main supports the Government makes available to parents to assist them with their childcare costs are Child Benefit and the Early Childcare Supplement (ECS). The latter payment is the responsibility of my Office, and it alone is expected to amount to expenditure of over €500m in 2008. The ECS increased from €1,000 per annum to €1,100 per annum in the December 2007 Budget. Both payments are universal and benefit all parents, regardless of their income, labour market status or the type of childcare they choose.
Furthermore, Government childcare policy has recognised the need to target additional supports towards disadvantaged families in addition to Child Benefit and the Early Childcare Supplement which are made to assist parents with their childcare costs. These additional supports are provided by the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) which will invest €575 million over 5 years in developing childcare services.
The NCIP came into effect in January 2006 and aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality childcare supports and services, which are grounded in an understanding of local needs. It is building on the success of the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and has a target of creating 50,000 new childcare places, supported by capital grant aid. Services eligible for support include those providing care for babies, full-day care, part-time, sessional playschool and other pre-school places, school age childcare including "wrap around" childcare places, and childminding. Special consideration is given to supporting services which provide a range of these services.
The NCIP provides for the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) which was introduced in January of this year. The CCSS has an allocation of €154.2 million over 2008-2010 and provides an effective framework for targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community-based childcare services generally. This is a significant increase above the allocation under the preceding scheme, the EOCP Staffing Grant Scheme, which amounted to €37m in 2007. The level of grant aid which individual services qualify for will reflect the level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. The subvention received by services is, in turn, reflected in reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the Scheme.
Transitional arrangements have been put in place to facilitate services which were funded under the previous EOCP support scheme to adjust to the new arrangements. As a result, these services will receive not less than 95% of their previous level of funding in 2008. The Scheme recognises that in some cases, particularly in rural areas or on the islands, community-based childcare services may cater for small or fluctuating numbers of children, in which case a minimum annual grant level of €20,000 can be awarded.
In practice, this will mean that parents with children in such services and in receipt of most social welfare payments (or participating in a scheme such as Community Employment which demonstrates an underlying entitlement to same) or parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS), will have a weekly subvention paid to the service in respect of their child. Each service will also receive a tranche of funding to subvent the costs of low income working families with incomes above the FIS threshold. A higher subvention will be paid where the subvented child is a baby, in recognition of the higher costs associated with the care of children aged under 1 year. The tiered fee structure is the most effective way of ensuring that the considerable and ongoing Government support for the community childcare sector, will be targeted at families who need it most. It should also be noted that the cost of community not-for-profit services that have availed of capital grant aid under the EOCP or NCIP, thus removing the requirement to cover rent or a mortgage, and which are run on a not-for-profit basis, should be significantly below the market price.
It is considered that this combined approach of universal benefits and targeted subvention is the optimal method of distributing Exchequer funds and ensuring the most affordable childcare is available to families according to their means.
434 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No 313 of 30 January 2008 and a subsequent Health Service Executive reply, if she will confirm that the position regarding a visit to the hospital to evaluate the cancer service at the centre remains the same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12248/08]
The decisions of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in relation to the designation of four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres will be implemented on a managed and phased basis. The HSE has designated University College Hospital Galway and Limerick Regional Hospital as the two cancer centres in the Managed Cancer Control Network for HSE Western Region, which includes County Sligo.
Where diagnosis and treatment planning is directed and managed by multi-disciplinary teams based at the cancer centres, then much of the treatment (other than surgery) can be delivered in local hospitals, such as Sligo General Hospital. In this context, chemotherapy and support services will continue to be delivered locally. Cancer day care units, including at Sligo General Hospital, will continue to have an important role in delivering services to patients as close to home as possible.
I understand that in response to the Deputy's earlier question that the HSE wrote on the 18th February to advise that Professor Tom Keane had no scheduled visits to any hospitals outside the eight designated centres. The Deputy's current question in relation to Professor Tom Keane visiting Sligo General Hospital relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.
435 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the additional funding provided in 2008 for the development of services for persons with an intellectual disability in the Ballinasloe area; the funding allocated for services in Ballinasloe in 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12251/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
436 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the name of every body, organisation and committee outside her Department, other than semi-State commercial companies, that have been established by and report to her Department, at any stage during the year 2007 and the first three months of 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12301/08]
The names of the bodies, organisations and committees requested by the Deputy are as follows:
Commission of Investigation into Leas Cross Nursing Home
Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance
Commission to establish how a 35 hour week for nurses and midwifes can be achieved
Health and Social Care Professionals Council
Health Information and Quality Authority
Independent Body on Pharmacy Contract Pricing
National Cancer Screening Service
Office of the Disability Appeals Officer
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board
Lourdes Hospital Redress Board
437 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if responsibility for the provision of respite care has been transferred for a certain age group (details supplied); the reasoning for the transfer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12306/08]
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.
438 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application under the health repayment scheme for a person (details supplied) will be dealt with. [12307/08]
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.
439 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the application by a group (details supplied) in County Kildare for support for the setting up of a voluntary new suicide prevention service in County Kildare; if, in view of the fact that some €6.8 million allocated for suicide prevention in 2007 was unspent she will consider supporting the groups project in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12308/08]
Since the establishment of the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention in 2005, additional funding of €3.55 million has been provided for the implementation of ‘Reach Out' — the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, 2005-2014. This brought the total funding available to support suicide prevention initiatives in 2007 to €8 million and this level of funding continues into 2008. This funding is being used to develop and implement national training programmes, complete the availability of self-harm services through A&E departments, develop mental health awareness campaigns, implement recommendations arising from a review of bereavement services and support voluntary organisations working in the field of suicide prevention.
It should also be emphasised that a range of services such as mental health and primary care services is important in helping to prevent suicide. These services play a vital role in the drive to reduce the incidence of suicide and should be taken into account when considering the level of expenditure devoted to suicide prevention.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
440 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans to appoint a full-time epileptologist in the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12395/08]
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 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.
441 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate reports of the cutting of respite service to persons at a nursing home facility (details supplied); if she will ensure that this service is not cut and that patients and their carers will continue to be able to avail of this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12398/08]
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.
442 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will establish an ambulance base in Mitchelstown, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12401/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services, including ambulance 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.
443 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has been instructed to divert the €110 million allocated in Budget 2008 for the implementation of the fair deal scheme into other areas of health spending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12402/08]
I wish to confirm to the Deputy that the HSE has not been instructed by either the Government or by my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, to divert the funding of €110 million allocated in Budget 2008 for the implementation of the Fair Deal scheme into other areas of health spending. However, it should be noted that the provision of 200 additional contract nursing home beds by HSE was approved by the Minister for Health and Children in January of this year. The cost of the additional beds is to be met from within the HSE's total financial allocation in respect of long-term residential care services for older people.
444 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown nationally of the number of people awaiting orthopaedic procedures for example hip replacements, knee replacements and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12404/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
445 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an ambulance service for the Edenderry area of County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12411/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services, including ambulance 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.
446 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has used helicopters for any purpose for each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the reason for such use; the suppliers of the helicopter; the dates and locations visited and distance travelled; the cost of same and persons carried; if quotations were sought for such trips; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12422/08]
In all instances, from 2002 to date, when my Department may have availed of helicopters for official Department business, arrangements were made through the Executive Branch of the Department of Defence. The additional information sought by the Deputy is currently being collated by the Department of Defence and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
447 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [12430/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
448 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding services (details supplied). [12431/08]
Responsibility for the implementation of ‘Reach Out' the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, which was published in September 2005, rests with the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP). Significant additional funding of €3.05 million was provided in 2006 and 2007 which brought the total funding available to support suicide prevention initiatives in 2007 to €8 million. This level of funding continues into 2008. Suicide prevention funding has been used to develop and implement national training programmes, complete the availability of self-harm services through A&E departments, develop mental health awareness campaigns, implement recommendations arising from a review of bereavement services and support voluntary organisations working in the field of suicide prevention.
It should also be emphasised that a range of services such as mental health and primary care services are important in helping to prevent suicide.
Data on suicide are collected through the Coroners Service and Gardaí (Form 104) and published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Data on alcohol related suicides and car related incidents are not routinely collected. However, a study by Bedford et al (2006) found that of the 31 suicide deaths, 56% tested positive for alcohol. The relatively small study sample (129) limits the generalisation of these findings.
449 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in the case of a person (details supplied). [12432/08]
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.
450 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [12433/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
451 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who is due a significant sum under the health repayment scheme, has not had same paid out to date; if she will take steps to ensure that same is paid out without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12434/08]
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.
452 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the medical profession in regard to people over 70 who are entitled to a medical card and a free driver's licence but have to pay for supporting medical examinations, being allowed these examinations on their medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12505/08]
The law provides that persons aged 70 years or more are required to undergo a medical review for driving licence renewal purposes. This requirement is one which is determined by the Minister for Transport and is therefore outside my remit.
In making arrangements for the provision of publicly funded GP services under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme, an agreement was negotiated between the Department of Health and Children and the GP representative body, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO). The provisions of this agreement took the form of the current GMS GP Capitation Contract. This contract is a treatment-based contract and gives effect to the statutory requirement to provide GP medical and surgical services without charge to eligible persons; this includes persons aged 70 and over, who are automatically entitled to a medical card. The contract stipulates that the fees paid to GMS GPs are not made in respect of certain certificates which may be required, for example, "under the Social Welfare Acts or for the purposes of insurance or assurance policies or for the issue of driving licences". As these non-treatment type services are outside the scope of the GMS GP contract, it is a matter between the GP and the person seeking the particular service to agree a fee.
While certificates for various applications are provided by medical practitioners, they are not a medical treatment service and are not considered a core aspect of public health service provision.
453 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport his views on introducing legislation to allow persons with a learning disability or behavioural issues to apply for a disabled persons parking permit in order that persons (details supplied) could be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11222/08]
A review of the disabled persons' parking scheme is ongoing in my Department with a view to ensuring that the designated parking bays are reserved for use by persons for whom those bays are a necessity.
454 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has requested reports on the quality and standard of roads and footpaths in urban environments here; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that from a funding perspective, investing in road and pedestrian surfaces is at a considerable disadvantage to, for example calming measures, which have a dedicated source of finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11231/08]
The provision, improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area is a statutory function of each individual road authority under section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993, to be funded from it's own resources supplemented by State road grants.
Road grants for works on regional and local roads are allocated annually to local authorities under a variety of grant categories. These include, in the case of urban areas, road grants for specific improvement schemes, block grants and specific block grants for carriageway/footpath restoration, grants for safety measures at accident blackspots and grants for traffic management measures. It is a matter for each urban authority to determine the priorities in the expenditure of the funds available to it, both from State grants and from its own resources, for works on regional and local roads.
There have been significant increases in recent years in the level of State funding provided to local authorities for the provision, improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads. State funding in 2008 for regional and local roads, at over €618 million, is at its highest ever level and I am satisfied that these significant funds, which supplement expenditure by local authorities from their own resources, make reasonable provision for local authorities on-going regional and local road investment requirements.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities concerned.
455 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport if he will meet with a delegation (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11690/08]
In September, 2004 the Government confirmed the Office of Public Works (OPW) as the State's lead agency in flooding, to be tasked with delivering an integrated, multifaceted programme aimed at mitigating future flood risk and impact.
As regards flooding of roads, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is a matter for the relevant local authority, to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants. The initial selection of works to be funded from these grants is also a matter for the local authority. Funding of national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority.
When road grants for regional and local roads are allocated each year, my Department does not hold back a reserve allocation at central level to deal with weather contingencies. Such an arrangement would mean a reduction across all local authorities in the road grant allocations to them at the beginning of each year. Instead, the allocation made to local authorities is inclusive of the weather risk factor. Local authorities are expressly advised that they should set aside contingency sums from their overall regional and local roads resources to finance necessary weather related works.
In 2008, grants totalling €30.092 million were allocated to Mayo County Council for works on regional and local roads. This included a Discretionary Maintenance grant of €1.952 million and a Discretionary Improvement grant of €1.651 million which are available at the discretion of Mayo County Council to fund contingency works arising from weather conditions.
My Department would also be prepared to consider sympathetically any request from Mayo County Council to adjust its multi-annual Restoration Programmes in order to prioritise work necessitated by severe weather conditions. In 2008, Mayo County Council was allocated a Restoration Improvement grant of €13.152 million and a Restoration Maintenance grant of €5.614 million.
In light of the position as outlined above, I have no proposal to meet with such a delegation.
456 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the measures in place to ensure that vehicles brought into the State under Section 135 (a) of the Finance Act 1992 are adequately insured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11797/08]
All mechanically propelled vehicles, regardless of their origin, are required to have compulsory third party liability motor insurance when used in a public place. This requirement is provided for in Section 56 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, as amended. Enforcement of road traffic law is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
457 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to review the safety of railway crossings in view of recent accidents (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11228/08]
464 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if he has held discussions with Iarnród Éireann in relation to the manual gate systems at railway crossings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11543/08]
465 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the number of manual gate systems that exist at railway crossings here; and the number of these that are manned. [11544/08]
466 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the legal position in relation to manual gate systems at railway crossings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11545/08]
476 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to improve rail crossing safety; when he will replace manual rail crossings with automatic crossings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11919/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 457, 464 to 466, inclusive, and 476 together.
Under the provisions of the Railway Safety Act 2005, the safety of the mainline railway network, including level crossings, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in accordance with its Safety Case as accepted by the Railway Safety Commission under Section 46 of the Act. The Act also places a general duty of care on any person being on or using the railway.
The overall position regarding the closure or upgrading of level crossings is that, since 1999, over €122 million has been invested in a prioritised programme for closing or upgrading level crossings under the Railway Safety Programme which is funded by my Department. I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that a total of 581 level crossings have been closed and 373 upgraded under the Programme to date.
In addition, my Department has also committed to a €55 million road-crossing automation programme under Transport 21. Since this programme began in 2005, a further 34 level crossings have been automated at a cost of €25.5 million.
I also understand from Iarnród Éireann that there are currently a total of 1126 level crossings on in-service railway lines and that of these, 395 are road crossings (269 on public roads and 126 on private roads), 714 are field crossings and 17 are pedestrian only or staff crossings. Of the 395 road crossings, 190 are user operated road crossings (also known as occupation crossings) at 12 of which Iarnród Éireann provide attendance.
The level crossing upgrade programme is continuing in 2008 and I understand that Iarnród Éireann intends to upgrade a further 28 crossings at a cost of €4 million and to undertake minor upgrade works such as improvements to road surfaces, cattle grids and to sighting distances at a further 35 crossings.
I will shortly be establishing a task force to develop the next Railway Safety Programme for the period 2009 — 2013. The appropriate future level of investment for upgrading level crossings will be considered by this task force in that context.
I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that over €15 million has been invested on the Manulla Junction to Ballina line under the Railway Safety Programme on a number of measures to improve safety such as fencing, trackwork, signalling and structures as well as level crossings and that 16 occupation crossings remain on the Manulla Junction to Ballina line, representing 9% of all occupation crossings on the network.
The level crossing at Straide, which was the location of the tragic accident in February, was categorised as a high-risk crossing in a review of railway safety carried out in 1998. Consequentially, improvement works were carried out on the crossing in 1999 which, I am informed, resulted in the crossing being re-categorised and assessed as a crossing which can be used safely.
I am informed that an investigation by the Railway Accident Investigation Unit of the Railway Safety Commission is currently under way. The results of that investigation, including any recommendations to be made, will be published in due course.
458 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport the work that has been carried out on the proposed eastern bypass road over the past five years; the feasibility or other studies that have been carried out on the proposed road; the estimate he has for the cost of the road; the amount that has been spent on researching and preparing for the roads construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11334/08]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21.
The implementation of individual national road projects, such as the proposed Dublin Eastern Bypass, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities concerned.
As I indicated in response to a similar Parliamentary Question on 12th February 2008, two reports were commissioned by the NRA in 2000 and 2002 on the feasibility of constructing the Eastern Bypass. Copies of both reports were forwarded to my Department at the time. The output of these reports consisted of a constraints study and preliminary cost and traffic reports.
It was indicated at the launch of Transport 21 that feasibility study work would be undertaken on this route. However, implementation of the project is not included in the Transport 21 financial envelope.
The NRA subsequently engaged consulting engineers to update these two studies by undertaking a further engineering and feasibility study of the Bypass. This study examines possible route options, forecasts traffic demand and reports on scheme costs for the various options examined. The Department was given a copy of this report by the NRA late last year and is considering it.
The amount spent on the studies is a matter for the NRA in the context of their overall national roads programme budget.
459 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if he has consulted with the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body in relation to the proposed closure, downgrading or centralising of Malin Head Coast Guard Station; the reason there is a plan to close a station, which has an excellent cross border working relationship with their northern counterparts in Belfast and an equally excellent working relationship with their colleagues in Clyde in Scotland; if it is Government policy to go against the policy of the Belfast Agreement and against INTERREG policy objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11389/08]
460 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if he has consulted with the Good Friday Implementation Committee to discuss the proposed plan to centralise, downgrade or close Malin Head Coast Guard Station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11390/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 459 and 460 together.
I have not formally discussed the question of the location of Irish Coast Guard Co-ordination Centres with the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body or with the Good Friday Implementation Committee; however any new centre should be capable of meeting our international obligations well into the future. Synergies with the UK and Northern Irish Coastguard are however currently under discussion at an official level.
Any changes will have no adverse impact on the ongoing close cooperation between the Irish Coast Guard and the Northern Ireland Coastguard of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
461 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Transport if he is in receipt of the report (details supplied) regarding the determination of costs relating to recent development work at Cork Airport; if he will publish this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11428/08]
462 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Transport if, following the receipt of a report (details supplied) regarding the determination of costs relating to recent development works at Cork Airport, he is in a position to make a decision regarding the future status of the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11429/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 461 and 462 together.
I have just received a report from Mr. Peter Cassells who has facilitated a dialogue between DAA and CAA with a view to finalising details relating to the financial consideration to be paid by the CAA to the DAA in respect of the transfer of assets to the CAA on separation. I am currently considering the report's conclusions and I propose to make a statement on the report shortly.
463 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of the budget for metro north that will be allocated to public art inside the metro stations; and if he will provide a figure for the number of parking spaces that are currently allocated to public servants in the Dublin 2 area. [11535/08]
I understand from the Railway Procurement Agency that it will take account of the 2004 General National Guidelines — Per Cent for Art Scheme in deciding the percentage of the budget for Metro North that will be allocated to public art inside the Metro stations. In relation to the second part of this question on parking spaces, this is a matter for the Office of Public Works.
467 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Transport when he asked officials in his Department to consider the study on park and ride facilities completed in 2002; if it still holds true at this stage; and when he expects to have a response from them. [11622/08]
The study Bus-Based Park and Ride — A Pilot Scheme, published in 2002, was prepared by consultants from TAS for the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO). This study concluded that bus-based park and ride had only a limited role to play in Dublin, and did not offer a strategic solution to transport problems in cities on the scale of Dublin, due to the population size and travel distances involved. At the same time, the study concluded that there may be opportunities for "satellite park and ride", through the provision of a series of smaller park and ride nodes on a corridor. This form of park and ride is more appropriate where travel distances are great and demand is disparate.
The TAS study forms one component feeding into park and ride strategy, and is complemented by a DTO study, endorsed by my predecessor in 2005, which addresses park and ride on the existing and planned future rail network in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). This second study identified 22 existing and future sites for the development of park and ride, on mainline commuter rail, on the Luas and on the Metro.
Both of these studies have been considered by my Department, and have fed into my Department's policy regarding park and ride, including through the provision of funding under our ten-year investment programme, Transport 21. A programme of works to upgrade parking facilities at mainline rail stations has been undertaken, and park and ride facilities are in operation along the Luas network. Further park and ride facilities will be provided on the extended Luas network and the Metro as and when these projects become operational.
In the light of the TAS study, I have also made funding available to local authorities in the GDA for the provision of bus-based park and ride facilities. To date, there have been no applications for this funding. A plan by South Dublin County Council for a park and ride facility close to the Lucan/Leixlip interchange, which would have been eligible for this funding, was refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanála in late January of this year.
468 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport the position of the Western Rail project in Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11689/08]
Transport 21 provides for the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor on a phased basis. Phase 1, between Ennis and Athenry, on which work is under way, is due for completion in early 2009.
469 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Transport his proposals for the provision of the approximately €20 million acquired by Galway County Council for the provision of an inner relief road in Claregalway, County Galway as promised by Government Deputies before the 2007 general election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11745/08]
The Agreed Programme for Government (June 2007) includes a commitment — in the context of the National Roads Authority (NRA) programme — that Claregalway is to be by-passed by 2012 as part of the N17 Galway to Tuam road. The proposed bypass scheme is now being advanced as a motorway and the Motorway Order/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was published at the end of 2007. The Oral Hearing into the Scheme commences on the 23rd April 2008. Subject to a favourable passage of the scheme through the Statutory Process, I am confident that the commitment in the Programme for Government will be delivered and that the Claregalway will be bypassed by 2012.
In addition to the development of the N17 Tuam Galway Motorway, which will provide considerable relief to the town of Claregalway, Galway County Council has approached my Department in relation to possible funding for an interim relief road. This proposal has been put forward on the basis that it would provide relief from traffic congestion, in advance of the motorway, and also because a new road in the area would open up land for housing and related development. A road designed to facilitate such development might qualify for funding under the Department's regional and local road strategic grants scheme.
In December 2007, Galway County Council was asked by the Department to supply additional information to support the proposal for the proposed interim scheme. In particular, the Council was asked to give a breakdown of the estimated scheme's cost, including details of the land costs, construction costs, design, supervision and other costs. The Council was also asked to indicate the extent to which the scheme would open up land for necessary development and to indicate the financial contribution the Council would make to the scheme, including the potential income from development contributions arising from development supported by the proposed new road.
A reply from the Council is awaited. When the information is received, it will be examined in my Department to assess whether the proposal would qualify for grant aid under the terms of the strategic grants scheme.
470 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport if there is grant aid available to provide wheelchair access to coaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11757/08]
There is currently no grant aid available from my Department to provide wheelchair access to coaches.
Transport Access for All, my Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005, is addressing the question of accessible long-distance coaches in the light of the COST 349 Report (a major 4-year European research project completed in 2005). That Report made recommendations in respect of accessibility matters for coach-type vehicles.
An increasing number of manufacturers are beginning to put the recommendations into effect on their vehicles and wheelchair accessible coaches that also incorporate features to assist people with other forms of disabilities are only now becoming commercially available.
In keeping with a commitment in Transport Access for All, my Department is giving consideration to how best to assist coach operators to convert to a wheelchair accessible coach fleet in respect of scheduled bus services.
471 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the effect that a cut-back in Government funding for the rural transport initiative programme will have on the population of isolated rural areas and the fact that many older people will be cut off from society as a result of this cut-back; if he will provide assurances that funding for the RTI programme will not be reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11808/08]
Last February, I was delighted to announce an additional Euro 2 million for the RTP in 2008, bringing the total allocation for the Programme this year to Euro 11 million. The increased funding will provide for additional services under the Programme together with expanded area coverage.
The Government's continued commitment to the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) is reflected in Towards 2016 which includes phased increases in the annual RTP allocation over time to about Euro 18 million. In addition, the National Development Plan 2007-2013 — Transforming Ireland, commits some Euro 90 million to the Programme over its full term.
472 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport if funding has been provided for improvement works on Castlefinn Bridge, County Donegal; the extent of the works to be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11819/08]
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, including bridges, in their areas is a matter for local authorities to be funded from their own resources supplemented by State grants.
In August 2007, my Department invited applications from local authorities for consideration for funding in 2008 under the regional and local roads specific improvements grants scheme. The proposals received from Donegal County Council included an application for grant aid for Castlefinn Bridge. The 2008 road grants for regional and local roads were allocated to local authorities on 15 February. The total grant allocated to Donegal County Council was €42,849,300 which included a grant of €300,000 for the R235 Castlefinn Bridge.
473 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the number of ships on the Irish register for the years 2003 to 2007 and to date in 2008; the key achievements of the Irish Maritime Development Office during 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11871/08]
I am informed by the Registrars of Ships that the following table reflects the number of commercial vessels, registered under the Mercantile Marine Act, 1955, for the dates stated.
|
Year |
Date |
No. of Vessels of 500GT and Over |
|
2003 |
31/12/2003 |
50 |
|
2004 |
31/12/2004 |
51 |
|
2005 |
31/12/2005 |
46 |
|
2006 |
31/12/2006 |
41 |
|
2007 |
31/12/2007 |
41 |
|
2008 |
29/2/2008 |
41 |
The key achievements of the Irish Maritime Development Office for 2007 will be published in an Annual Report which should be available in June 2008. This report will be published on or the Irish Maritime Development Office website www.imdo.ie. The report will also be available in hard copy.
474 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the number of car park spaces available nationally to those working in his Department and in the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; the annual cost of car park spaces rented by his Department and the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11896/08]
On the basis of information supplied by the Office of Public Works, which is responsible for the procurement and allocation of office accommodation and associated car parking spaces, the information sought by the Deputy is shown in the following table.
|
Location |
No of spaces |
Annual leased cost |
|
€ |
||
|
Clare Street |
11 |
35,570 |
|
Frederick Buildings |
25 |
79,358 |
|
44 Kildare Street |
35 |
111,103 |
|
59 Dawson Street |
7 |
State owned |
|
Leeson Lane |
35 |
State owned |
|
Cork |
5 |
43,940 |
|
Loughrea |
15 |
6,750 |
|
Overall Total |
133 |
276,721 |
Insofar as the bodies or agencies under the aegis of my Department are concerned, the matter raised by the Deputy is managed directly by themselves.
475 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 119 of 27 February 2008, if he will report on the progress made to date on negotiations, between Ireland and the US on plans to extend the US customs and border protection facility at Shannon Airport; if legislation is required, if this legislation will come before Dáil Éireann during this term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11900/08]
478 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport the progress with regard to the development of full customs and border protection facilities at Shannon Airport, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11978/08]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 475 and 478 together.
U.S. proposals for the provision of pre-clearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon Airports were submitted to my Department in late December 2007. Formal negotiations on the proposals commenced with the U.S. authorities on 29 January last and further discussions are envisaged. I look forward to making good progress with the U.S. authorities in the period ahead. Given that the matter is still under negotiation it is too early to say when I will be in a position to publish any necessary legislation.
477 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the proposed closure of Valentia and Malin Head coastguard stations; the number of jobs that will be affected by these closures; his views on announcements made a few years ago that Valentia and Malin Head would be upgraded and not closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11960/08]
It is my intention that the Irish Coast Guard and Maritime Administration will be strengthened to meet the needs of this country well in the 21st century. In doing so, I want to stress that no officer will be forced to move or lose their jobs. Should the decision be to move from Malin Head or Valentia the possibility of keeping existing staff running their current watches from their existing stations is under evaluation.
The issue of the number of centres was raised in a 2002 Deloitte & Touche Irish Coast Guard Study. The report recommended two Centres but did not identify where they should be. Over the years three possibilities have been put forward. The first was to close Dublin. The second was to close either Malin or Valentia. The most recent proposal would in fact involve possibly relocating all three but leave one on the east coast, along with the Coast Guard and Maritime Administration headquarters, and one on the west coast.
In relation to a west coast location, I have not finalised where that location should be but expect to be in a position to do so shortly. The review of locations is currently under way and the possibilities have narrowed to a choice between a site in the Limerick/Shannon area or Malin or Valentia.
The Deputy will understand that the Coast Guard restructuring that is being worked on is aimed at improving the overall quality and efficiency of a key public service. The proposals will be considered in the context of the many comments I have received and also taking account of the Tánaiste's Budget Day request to each Department to undertake an efficiency review of expenditure.
479 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport the number of registered female helicopter pilots; the number of registered female aeroplane pilots here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12069/08]
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is responsible for the licensing of helicopter pilots and aeroplane pilots in Ireland. The IAA has informed me that its Personnel Licensing system does not maintain statistics of applicants based on gender. Therefore the information sought by the Deputy is not available.
480 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport his plans to licence the use of jet skis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12096/08]
In the first instance I want to point out that Section 6 of the Maritime Safety Act 2005, provides that by-laws may be made regulating or controlling the operation of specified craft, including jet skis, by local authorities, harbour authorities and Waterways Ireland in waters under their control or management or in their functional area.
I am aware that the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) has in a recent report made a number of recommendations in relation to jet skis, in particular that all jet skis be registered and that persons operating jet skis be licensed and trained. These recommendations will be considered by my Department in the overall context of delivering maritime safety.
481 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport the provisions made within the legislation or guidelines for a driving test for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12215/08]
Responsibility for driver testing was transferred to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006. The arrangements in relation to testing are therefore a matter for the RSA.
482 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport the action he proposes to take in regard to ships using Irish ports that have registration and flagging arrangements that are at variance with the provisions of Article 91 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12256/08]
The registration and flagging arrangements for ships is determined by the internal legal systems of each Member State of the United Nations. The obligation is on the State in which the ship is registered to comply with this Article and the Convention does not provide for port state intervention in relation to this matter. However, all ships trading into Irish ports are subject to port state control and they must comply with the international conventions in relation to safety, security, pollution prevention and living and working conditions.
483 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Transport the situation as regards the advisory council established under the Taxi Regulations Act 2003; the number of members on the council; and the number of those who directly represent the interests of taxi drivers and have taxi driving experience. [12268/08]
The Advisory Council to the Commission for Taxi Regulation was established under section 54 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 with effect from 4 November 2003. The role of the Council is to advise the Commission for Taxi Regulation and the Minister for Transport, as appropriate, in relation to issues relevant to small public service vehicles and their drivers.
The Advisory Council consists of a chairperson and 17 ordinary members, appointed for a three year period, representing the taxi, hackney and limousine industry, local authorities, An Garda Síochána, consumer, disability, tourism and business interests and other relevant sectors, in accordance with the membership structure set out in the 2003 Act.
The term of appointment of the current members of the Advisory Council will expire on 3 November 2009. Five members of the Council were appointed to represent small public service vehicle and driver interests and these include three members who directly represent taxi interests. I understand that five members of the Council have taxi driving experience. There are currently two ordinary member vacancies on the Council.
484 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that the taxi regulator negotiates with the unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12270/08]
The Commission for Taxi Regulation was established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 and is the independent public body responsible for the development and maintenance of the regulatory framework for the control and operation of small public service vehicles, taxis, hackneys and limousines, and their drivers.
I understand that all Commission proposals for change in the small public service vehicle sector have been the subject of prior publication and extensive public consultation, including specific meetings with taxi representative groups. In addition, the Advisory Council to the Commission for Taxi Regulation, which includes small public service vehicle and driver representation, advises the Commission on issues affecting taxi interests.
485 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport if he has received an application for a licence for a bus service (detailed supplied); the consideration given to the application; if he will comment on reports that he has ordered the cessation of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12278/08]
The Road Transport Act, 1932, as amended, provides the statutory basis for regulating the provision of public bus services by private bus operators. In accordance with the legislation, private bus operators apply to my Department for licences to operate scheduled bus passenger services within the State.
On the 20th February, 2007, my Department received an application from the operator referred to by the Deputy for a licence to operate bus passenger services between Dalkey and Dublin Airport. At that time the applicant was advised that due to the presence of a prior application from another private operator for services on a similar route, the consideration of his subsequent application would have to be held in abeyance until the prior application had been determined.
On the 16th July, 2007 my Department was made aware that the operator concerned had commenced the operation of an unlicensed bus passenger service between Dalkey and Dublin Airport.
The operation of a passenger road service without a licence issued by my Department is a criminal offence and the enforcement of such activity is a matter in the first instance for the Garda Síochána.
My Department immediately wrote to the Company advising it that the operation of such a service was in breach of section 7 of the Road Transport Act 1932. The Company was also advised that failure to cease the operation of the service would result in the file being forwarded to An Garda Síochána for appropriate action.
The unauthorised service continued to operate and on the 15th August, 2007, my Department wrote to the operator and advised that the matter was being passed to An Garda Síochána for its investigation. I understand from the licence holder that the new services will be introduced within weeks.
486 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the name of every body, organisation and committee outside his Department, other than semi-State commercial companies, that has been established by and reports to his Department, at any stage during the year 2007 and the first three months of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12305/08]
The Railway Safety Advisory Council was established on 11 May 2007 under the provisions of Part 8 of the Railway Safety Act 2005. The function of the Council is to consider issues relevant to railway safety and to make recommendations to the Railway Safety Commission or the Minister for Transport as appropriate. The Council comprises an independent chairman appointed by the Minister and twelve other members representing groups with an interest in railway safety.
487 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the number of kilometres of cycle paths and the number of cycle parking spaces here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12318/08]
The provision of cycle paths and cycle parking spaces is a matter for local authorities in the first instance as well as pubic transport providers.
In the case of the GDA, a DTO survey in July 2007 found that there were 1606 cycle parking spaces in the vicinity of cycle tracks in Dublin. This does not include formally provided parking spaces at Luas and suburban rail stations, or in city locations not adjacent to cycle paths (e.g. Stephen's Green).
488 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has used helicopters for any purpose for each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the reason for such use; the suppliers of the helicopter; the dates and locations visited and distance travelled; the cost of same and persons carried; if quotations were sought for such trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12426/08]
It is assumed that the Deputy is not referring to Irish Coast Guard helicopters.
The following table sets out details of helicopter trips undertaken by Peter Cavanagh Photography who is contracted by the Department of Transport to take photographs of transport projects for use in Departmental publications and on the Department and Transport 21 websites. All ancillary services used by the photographer in the course of his work, including the services of a helicopter, are procured directly by him and the Department is billed for the costs. My Department has been assured that, as a rule, a number of quotations are sought for any helicopters trips undertaken on the Department's behalf and that value for money is a priority in selecting a supplier.
|
Date |
Location visited |
Supplier |
Distance travelled |
Cost |
Persons Carried |
Reason for use |
|
€ |
||||||
|
19/02/2008 |
Leixlip-Dunshaughlin return |
European Helicopter Academy (EHA) |
40km |
486.35 |
1 |
To take photographs of M3 |
|
07/09/2007 |
Leixlip-Virginia return |
Eirecopter Helicopters |
150km |
769.53 |
1 |
To take photographs of M3 |
The following table contains details of Helicopter trips taken by the Air Accident Investigation Unit division (AAIU) of the Department of Transport since 2002. The first item on the list relates to bringing Inspectors of Air Accidents directly to an accident site. This service was provided by the Irish Air Corps free of charge. Since 2002 the AAIU has only availed of this service once.
The other uses relate to currency training for Inspectors. The AAIU has a requirement to maintain proficiency in their qualification to fly aircraft and helicopters. For this they are required to carry out annual rating tests with a recognized Flight Training Organisation (FTO). Premier Helicopters is the FTO for Agusta 109E helicopters.
|
Date |
Location visited |
Supplier |
Distance travelled |
Cost |
Persons Carried |
Reason for use |
|
€ |
||||||
|
05/07/2007 |
Galway crash site |
Air Corps |
Baldonnel to Galway |
Free |
2 |
Galway was the site of a fatal accident |
|
22/05/2006 |
Waterford Airport |
Premier Helicopters |
2 hours |
€6.640 |
1 |
Training for Air Accident Inspectors |
|
03/07/2006 |
Weston Airport |
Premier Helicopters |
2 hours |
5,500 |
1 |
Training for Air Accident Inspectors |
|
26/05/2004 |
Knock Airport |
Premier Helicopters |
2 hours |
3,067 |
1 |
Training for Air Accident Inspectors |
|
29/05/2003 |
Weston and Knock Airport |
Premier Helicopters |
10 hours |
16,440 |
1 |
Training for Air Accident Inspectors |
489 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure that the 40 foot container (details supplied) in the docks at Cape Town is released as soon as possible to the local community. [11236/08]
I have been aware of difficulties surrounding a container of sporting goods which is being donated to the organisation ‘Strips for Africa' in South Africa and, as a result, I instructed our Embassy in South Africa to pursue the matter with the relevant authorities there.
The Embassy has made strenuous efforts to resolve the situation, including through a meeting with the Controller of Customs in Cape Town. The Controller outlined the concerns of the South African Government regarding what they saw as the potential flooding of the market with donated second hand clothes from developed countries and thereby, he argued, possibly undercutting local production and employment. For these reasons, he said that charitable donations of clothing into South Africa are not free from import regulations.
The Customs Controller also emphasised that a once off concession, as provided for under the regulations, had already been made in respect of the beneficiary. At that time it was made clear that further exceptions would not be made. I very much value the work of groups in Ireland which send containers to the developing world for charitable purposes. However, I would ask them to check out local customs regulations in advance in order to avoid any disappointment or delay impacting on their generous efforts to support those in need.
490 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to support the campaign by the Ukraine Government for worldwide recognition of the great famine in Ukraine of 1932 to 1933 when millions of innocent Ukrainians were purposely murdered by famine by the then regime that governed the Soviet empire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11382/08]
Ireland has great sympathy for the suffering of the Ukrainian people during the devastating famine of 1932-33, known as the Holodomor. In view of the enormous effect of famine in the nineteenth century on our own people and subsequent history, the Irish people can empathise deeply with the Ukrainian experience.
At the Madrid OSCE Ministerial last December, Ireland was pleased to be associated with a joint international statement on the Holodomor. This commemorated the 75th anniversary of the event, paid tribute to the memory of the victims of this national tragedy of the Ukrainian people, and recognised the efforts undertaken in recent years to raise awareness of the Holodomor in international fora such as the UN and the OSCE.
Looking ahead, the statement went on to stress the importance of raising public awareness of the tragic events of the past, promoting tolerance and non-discrimination, and strengthening the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in order to ensure the prevention of such tragedies in the future.
491 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will instigate a programme of nationwide expansion of the Passport Office, in order that the people of Ireland may acquire passports in all urban centres, not just Dublin and Cork. [11556/08]
The Passport Office provides a comprehensive range of options for citizens to apply for passports. Applications may be made by express post through some 1,000 post offices across the state and some 70 post offices in Northern Ireland. A guaranteed 10 working day service is available for such applications which are complete and in order. Less urgent applications can also be made by ordinary post.
Applicants can also apply in person at the public offices in Dublin and Cork. Very positive comments are frequently made about the quality of service available at the public offices and I know also that the availability of a local office in Cork (which deals with applications across Munster) is greatly appreciated. Against the above background, the issue of opening additional offices in other locations will be kept under ongoing active review.
492 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will take action in relation to the situation in Tibet and challenge the Chinese authorities on this matter. [11744/08]
I am deeply concerned by the situation in Tibet, and deplore the loss of life there and in other regions of China. These concerns have been directly conveyed to the Chinese Ambassador in Dublin, and my Department has remained in close contact with the Chinese Embassy on this issue.
I also met with representatives of the Tibet Support Group-Ireland on 1 April. I have also carefully noted the contents of a letter of petition presented to my Department by members of the Tibetan community in Ireland on 31 March.
I again call on all sides to exercise the maximum restraint and for the release of imprisoned peaceful protesters. It is important that the facts of what has occurred are established and, in this regard, I would again strongly urge the Chinese authorities to allow full and free access by the media and independent observers.
The EU Presidency, on behalf of the member states, also made clear in its concerns in a statement on 17 March. Contacts with the Chinese authorities on this issue have continued in Brussels and Beijing.
The unrest, and the regrettable violence directed at ethnic Chinese in Tibet, and their homes and business, shows the deep feelings of the people of Tibet and their wish to preserve their unique culture and identity, and to protect their basic human rights. I have long advocated dialogue between the Chinese Government and representatives of the Dalai Lama as the best means to address issues relating to Tibetan religious and cultural identity. I would note, in this regard, the Dalai Lama's public commitment to non-violence and to the autonomy, not independence, of Tibet. Now, more than ever, I believe that this dialogue should be stepped up. This was also the main message from a substantial discussion of the situation in Tibet during an informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Brdo last weekend.
Finally, I would note that our concerns regarding human rights in China are raised on a regular basis in bilateral contacts with the Government of China. In these discussions, we continue to raise our concerns about the practice of religion and the preservation of cultural identity in Tibet.
493 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of car park spaces available nationally to those working in his Department and in the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; the annual cost of car park spaces rented by his Department and the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11891/08]
The number of parking spaces available nationally to the staff working in my Department is 284. These are distributed across nine buildings in Dublin, Balbriggan and Limerick. The Office of Public Works is responsible for the rental of premises occupied by my Department and costs incurred are a matter for that office. The Department promotes the use of public transport for travel to work by supporting the Civil Service Tax Saver Commuter Ticket Scheme. In allocating parking spaces, priority is given to those officers who are regularly required to work outside normal office hours, (this includes the senior management of the Department and certain staff of the Minister's Offices and the Press and Protocol Divisions). Spaces are also allocated to those with a physical disability and, on a six-month temporary basis, to pregnant officers. Three spaces are reserved for the Department's Delivery Vans. Thereafter, spaces are allocated in accordance with a waiting list, with most officers waiting for a period of six years. Spaces are rotated when officers are posted abroad. This policy is kept under regular review.
494 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts he has made under the Irish abroad scheme to assist elderly Irish people in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11932/08]
The establishment and operation of the Irish Abroad Unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs has greatly enhanced our capacity to develop and implement policies to support the Irish community in Britain, in particular elderly people and those at risk of social exclusion. This has been, and continues to be, the key priority of the Government's Emigrant Support Programme.
Britain is home to the largest and most significant population of Irish born people outside of our own island. They remain the recipients of the vast majority of the funding which the Government provides to assist our communities overseas. In 2007, total expenditure by the Department on emigrant support in Britain was almost €11.5 million.
In order to help further improve the range and quality of services offered to our emigrant community in Britain, I have recently approved the restructuring of the Government Emigrant Services Advisory Committee (Díon). The new Committee will be better regionally-balanced than heretofore, with its membership also continuing to reflect the wide range of experience, skills, dedication and involvement that has been the hallmark of past Committees.
The primary emphasis of the Programme's funding is on supporting frontline welfare services. The organisations funded provide a range of services for the elderly, ranging from informal community networking groups for senior citizens to outreach services and advice in accessing entitlements. This support is having a very tangible and positive impact, in particular on the lives of our vulnerable citizens.
The extension of RTE and TG4 television programming to our emigrant community in Britain has been a key goal of the Irish Abroad Unit since its establishment in 2004, and was included as a commitment in the 2007 Programme for Government. Following a series of meetings between the Unit, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and RTÉ, this service is now scheduled to be delivered by March 2009. It will provide the Irish abroad with a valuable link to home and will, I believe, be particularly welcomed by the more elderly and isolated members of our community in Britain.
Other helpful measures introduced by the Government include the extension of eligibility for the Centenarian Bounty to include all Irish citizens born on the island of Ireland and living in Britain and elsewhere, the availability of the contributory pension scheme for people with pre-1953 social insurance contributions, and the provision of free passports for persons over 65.
The €15.183 million allocated for emigrant services worldwide in 2008 is the largest amount ever secured for the Programme. As in previous years, the bulk of this funding will continue to be allocated to support our emigrant community in Britain, in particular the elderly and those at risk of social exclusion.
495 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he has taken in respect of the report on prisoners abroad (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11933/08]
496 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had the opportunity to consider the recommendations of the Overseas Prisoners Report as published in 2007; if he has plans for actions in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12174/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 495 and 496 together.
The publication of the Report on Irish Prisoners Abroad by Mr Chris Flood in August 2007 provided a welcome opportunity to review the needs of Irish citizens imprisoned overseas and the range of services we provide to these people. I believe that the Report's forward–looking approach provides a very helpful template for future Government action in this area.
In his report, Mr Flood acknowledged the good support system offered over many years to Irish prisoners by my Department and made a number of recommendations on how this service could be further improved.
While my Department already provides a number of the services recommended in the Report, I have asked my officials to examine how others might best be progressed. I am pleased to report that we are currently examining tender documents in respect of a Prisoner Case Management System - one of the key recommendations contained in the Report. This system will include a register with detailed information for each prisoner such as sentence, health status, last visit by a consular official. Once operational, this comprehensive database will enable my Department to assess the most effective way to implement the remaining recommendations. The Government also continues to fund the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas in recognition of the frontline service they provide to Irish prisoners and their families. In 2007, my Department provided €217,637 in funding to this organisation.
497 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the name of every body, organisation and committee outside his Department, other than semi-State commercial companies, that have been established by and report to his Department, at any stage during the year 2007 and the first three months of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12300/08]
The only external committee established by my Department in the past 15 months was the Hunger Task Force. The Hunger Task Force was established in September 2007, in line with the recommendation of the White Paper on Irish Aid, to identify the contributions that Ireland can make to international efforts to reduce hunger. The Task Force has 15 members and had its first meeting in September 2007. It has since held its second meeting in Cork and its third meeting and field visit took place in Malawi from 27 — 29 February of this year. The Task Force is expected to produce its final report in the summer of this year.
498 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will include a protocol (details supplied) in the Lisbon Treaty. [12327/08]
The Reform Treaty was signed by European Union Heads of State or Government in Lisbon on 13 December 2007. The Treaty, as with previous EU Treaties, contains a number of Protocols which have the same legal force as the Treaty itself. The Treaty, together with its accompanying Protocols, is an agreed document among the 27 Member States and no further amendment to the Treaty can take place.
The Member States have set a target of 1 January 2009 for the conclusion of each State's ratification procedures and the entry into force of the Treaty. Six Member States have already completed their domestic ratification process. The Government are fully satisfied with the Reform Treaty's provisions in respect of security and defence matters. They will allow the Union to continue to develop its crisis management capabilities, in line with the wishes of the Member States. They pose no threat to Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality. Ireland will continue to play an active role in the development and implementation of the European Union's security and defence policy, reflecting our long tradition of international peace-keeping and our overall values.
499 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has used helicopters for any purpose for each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the reason for such use; the suppliers of the helicopter; the dates and locations visited and distance travelled; the cost of same and persons carried; if quotations were sought for such trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12421/08]
Since becoming Minister of Foreign Affairs, I have not used a helicopter in the State, either hired or State provided. I understand that my colleague, the Minister of Defence, will shortly provide details of any travel undertaken by my Department using helicopters engaged by the Irish Defence Forces since 2002.
There have been occasions where I, and officials from my Department, have been passengers on a helicopter provided by either another country or by an international organisation while engaged in official travel abroad. A recent instance was during my visit to Chad in mid November. On that occasion, a helicopter was used to take our party from Abeche to Goz Beida and back as there was no other practical option. There was no charge to the exchequer as the facility was provided gratis by the French military authorities. In Darfur, Sudan, helicopters have also been used to travel to areas where it is dangerous or impossible to move by road. These helicopters were provided gratis by the United Nations.
In the time available, it has not been possible to carry out an exhaustive search throughout our network of 75 missions abroad. However, I can advise the Deputy that there has been a need for my Department to engage helicopter services on a number of occasions from 2002 to date.
Helicopters were hired by my Department, as part of our EU Presidency obligations, for the official ‘Day of Welcomes' for EU accession States on 1 May 2004. These helicopters were used to transfer visiting Heads of State. The company used was Irish Helicopters and the cost incurred was €159,723. The company was chosen from an approved panel of three suppliers. The decision to use helicopters in the first instance and to engage Irish Helicopters was based on a variety of security and logistical needs.
During a visit by the Advisory Board for Irish Aid to Cambodia on 20 March 2007 it was necessary for the delegation to travel by helicopter from Siem Reap to Boeng Ta Srei and back in order to see the de-mining activities of Halo Trust, which is in receipt of funding from Irish Aid. Helicopter transport was the only option in order to visit this remote area in the timeframe available. The helicopter was provided by Helicopters Cambodia at a cost of $3,649 USD and the delegation comprised three members of the Advisory Board and two officials from my Department.
In March 2008 an Advisory Board for Irish Aid delegation of four members, accompanied by two officials, used helicopter transport from Freetown in Sierra Leone to the Airport. This was the only transport option available and the helicopter was supplied by the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) at a cost of $870USD.
Of all the Programme Countries in the Irish Aid programme, Lesotho is the country in which helicopter travel is most necessary, owing to the remoteness and inaccessibility by road of many locations. In most instances helicopter travel is provided by the Government of Lesotho Defence Air-force wing. Some of this transport is paid for by the Government of Lesotho and some charges fall to Irish Aid. For example, in February of this year helicopter transport was provided for an evaluation team to a number of facilities at a cost of €930.
500 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the issue of civilian deaths by the security forces in Colombia at EU and UN level. [12428/08]
The issue of civilian deaths attributed to the security forces in Colombia is the subject of ongoing action at EU and UN level. Most recently, the February 2008 annual report of the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Colombia notes that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Colombia continues to receive reports of extrajudicial killings attributed to the security forces.
In its report, the OHCHR in Colombia notes that the persistence of such extrajudicial killings has prompted the Government to strengthen control mechanisms, with a number of new directives produced in 2007 by the Colombian Ministry of Defence and military authorities. These directives are in line with the recommendations previously laid down by the OHCHR, and are due to be further developed in an integrated strategy on human rights and international humanitarian law which will be issued by the Colombian Ministry of Defence this year. Additionally, the OHCHR welcomes the creation of a dedicated unit within the Colombian Office of the Attorney General for the conduct of investigations into extrajudicial killings.
The OHCHR in Colombia, whose mandate was renewed for a further three year period in 2007, will continue to closely monitor the implementation and results of Government initiatives to put an end to extrajudicial killings throughout 2008. In relation to action at EU level, as the Deputy will be aware, the EU has expressed its support for the Colombian Government's policies aimed at ensuring the rule of law, legality, security of persons and human rights. The EU has also condemned systematic breaches of the most fundamental human rights, including the right to life and to liberty, in Colombia.
The General Affairs and External Relations Council of the European Union most recently adopted Conclusions on Colombia on 19 November 2007. Ireland was actively involved in the negotiation of these Conclusions, which expressed the EU's total solidarity with the Colombian people, its full support for the Colombian Government in its search for a negotiated solution to the internal armed conflict and underlined the importance the EU attaches to the ongoing implementation of the Justice and Peace Law.
The Council encouraged the Colombian government's determination to improve the armed forces' respect for human rights and welcomed the progress which has been made in this respect. However, the Council noted with real concern the persisting problem of human rights violations by some members of the security forces, including extra-judicial killings. My Department continues to monitor the situation in Colombia through our Embassy in Mexico City, which is accredited to Colombia, as well as in cooperation with our EU partners with resident diplomatic missions in that country.
501 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied with the progress being made in the case of a person (details supplied); if he plans further initiatives through consular services or directly to the Spanish authorities in an effort to make progress in the investigation; the latest contacts he has made with the Spanish authorities; and if he plans further initiatives in this case. [12495/08]
My Department, through the Consular Section in Dublin and our Embassy in Madrid, has been in regular contact with the family of the person concerned since the beginning of this case in January. It is a deeply worrying situation for the family and I understand the acute distress they are under.
Extensive physical searches of the area where the person mentioned was last seen have been conducted by specialist teams from the Spanish police. The Gardaí have also assisted the Spanish police with their investigation. Unfortunately, I understand that no lead or breakthrough in the case has yet occurred.
The Taoiseach met with the family in Dublin on 5th March and shortly thereafter, on the request of the Taoiseach, the Irish Ambassador to Spain travelled to meet with high ranking police and political representatives in Málaga in relation to the case. The Ambassador and Consul were accompanied to the meeting by family members of the person concerned. The main purpose of the meeting was to obtain an updated account of the investigation and to keep the case alive in the public consciousness.
The Embassy has been in regular contact since with the senior police officer leading this investigation and will continue to do so. He and the Spanish authorities have undertaken to keep the Embassy informed of any developments, which they are treating as a missing persons case, and of course any information received will be passed on immediately to the family both in Spain and in Ireland. I can assure the Deputy that my Department, through the Consular Section and the Irish Embassy, will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the family.
502 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if members have been appointed to the interdepartmental committee charged with the coordinated implementation of the National Skills Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11660/08]
The Inter-Departmental Group will comprise of officials from the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Education and Science. It will be chaired by Minister Seán Haughey T.D., and will formally convene for the first time later this month.
503 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the merits and demerits of including consumer representatives in the social partnership talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11680/08]
The Consumer Strategy Group in its report "Making Consumers Count" expressed the view that the consumer voice should be represented at the social partnership table. To that end the Group included a specific recommendation in its report that social partnership should be expanded to include consumer representation on both the Government and voluntary sides. The High Level Inter-Departmental Committee established to examine the recommendations of the Consumer Strategy Group noted that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment was already representing the consumer voice on the Government side in the Social Partnership process and that it was open to non Government bodies to apply for membership of the Community and Voluntary Pillar of the Partnership process.
It is a matter for the individual bodies wishing to join the Partnership process to make application to the Department of an Taoiseach who will consider their applications having regard to a number of different criteria.
504 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason taxi drivers have no access to the rights commissioner, the Labour Relations Commission or to the Labour Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12269/08]
For trade disputes, taxi drivers, who meet the definition of "worker" under section 23(1) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990, have the same access to the Rights Commissioner Service, the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court as other workers. A trade dispute means any dispute or difference between employers and workers or between workers and workers connected with the employment or non-employment, or the terms of the employment, or with the conditions of employment, of any person.
In respect of employment rights, taxi drivers, who meet the definition of "employee" under the various pieces of employment rights legislation, have the same access to rights commissioners and the Labour Court as other employees.
505 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of an application for a green card by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; when a decision will be made in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11286/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that they have no record of a valid application being made in this case.
506 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will intervene in negotiations between the Industrial Development Authority and the owner of a plant (details supplied) in County Cork which are currently at a standstill over the IDA’s valuation of the freehold, which if purchased by the owner of the unit would enable them to divide the unit into 15 smaller units which would in turn create employment in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11322/08]
The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency, as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas and it is not a matter in which I have a function.
I have been informed by IDA Ireland that, in July 2006, it first received correspondence from the owner of the property in question in which he expressed an interest in purchasing the freehold interest of that property. As it is IDA's policy to dispose of all property interests at open market value, the Agency obtained a valuation of its interest in this property in August 2006. In October, 2006, the Agency issued a letter of offer on the freehold interest in the building to the owner at a price based on the valuation it had received.
I understand that the owner of the property subsequently obtained separate valuations from two other valuers, both of whom valued the property at a considerably lower figure than the valuation provided by IDA's agent.
Whereas there may have been disagreement between the parties as to the approach to the valuations and negotiations, it always was, and remains IDA's intention to seek agreement to sell its interest at current market value. The Agency has informed me that it would welcome a meeting with the owner to discuss the outcome of the valuations received and the Agency is in the process of organising a meeting between the parties at an early and mutually convenient date to progress the issue.
507 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on maximising synergy with initiatives aimed at educational disadvantage and skill levels whilst working through existing delivery agencies in County Donegal in conjunction with LYIT and Magee University in Derry, in view of live register figures for Buncrana showing total unemployment for men under 25 is up 50% since April 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11391/08]
The implementation of the National Skills Strategy and, in particular, the work of the inter Departmental Group now set up to oversee its implementation will contribute to maximising synergies on programmes that address educational disadvantage and upskilling needs. These synergies will result from cooperative workings of the various education and training programmes provided through the agencies of my Department and those of the Department of Education and Science. Such cooperative and cross-border endeavour is something that I fully support.
As the Deputy is aware, the Quarterly National Household Survey that is collated and published by the Central Statistics Office measures unemployment. The most recent such, deals with the fourth quarter of 2007 and indicates that employment has increased by 66,800 in that year. The national unemployment rate is currently at 4.5%. Unemployment in the Border region (which includes Donegal/Buncrana) stands at 5.5%.
FÁS provides an integrated support service for workers made redundant. This involves information sessions, skills analysis, training/re-training courses and job placement supports. In the delivery of these services, FÁS liaises with other relevant agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and City/County Enterprise Boards. It also works in close contact with the Department of Social and Family Affairs (DSFA). Both organisations have particularly close working linkages in Inishowen and seek to jointly play a supportive and pro-active role in servicing the needs of those seeking work or further training or education. In this regard eight Activation Seminars were held in the course of last year throughout Inishowen. These centred on unemployment black spots as identified by live register figures. Such Seminars will be held again this year.
On 5 March last both FÁS and the Department of Social and Family Affairs (DFSA) jointly organised a careers fair in Buncrana. This also had a cross-border reach with representatives from the Department of Employment & Learning (DEL) in Northern Ireland, EURES and representative employer organisation being prominently involved.
More than 950 job seekers in total attended this careers/job recruitment fair. There were 450 jobs on offer on the day involving 27 employers who were almost equally drawn from each side of the border. In advance the DSFA jobs facilitator identified and contacted 561 people — all under 30 years old and living within the Buncrana employment exchange district. As follow-on, and in addition to the normal suite of training programmes, the FÁS Community Services Unit in the North-West region is currently supporting a Wider Horizons Programme for this age group.
In addition, FÁS and the Department of Education and Learning in Northern Ireland have jointly developed and are currently piloting a training programme that is named Workforce 21. It is for workers at risk of becoming unemployed and those who are educationally disadvantaged through lack of relevant work skills. The project focuses in the North West region, with special emphasis being placed on Border towns such as Buncrana. The programme comprises: Soft Skills Training; Individual Skill Audits; Aptitude Testing and; Specific Skills Training. To date 190 participants from both sides of the Border have participated in Workforce 21, including participants from the Buncrana area.
The Department of Education and Science through their Further Education programmes also aim to enhance the employability of their participants. Its principle programmes include: the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS); Youthreach; Traveller Training; Post Leaving Certificate Courses; The part-time Back to Education Initiative (BTEI).
Other Further Education programmes, such as the part-time adult literacy and community education programmes, seek to relieve educational disadvantage. County Donegal Vocational Education Committee provides these range of programmes in the Buncrana region to all those wishing to participate in them.
In 2006 Strategic Innovation Fund was introduced to support projects to enhance collaboration in the education sector; to improve teaching and learning; to support institutional reform; to promote access and lifelong learning; and to support the development of fourth level education. It is envisaged that €510m will be allocated for this fund between 2006 and 2013 to higher-education institutions. The Letterkenny Institute of Technology is a collaborative partner in a number of new access, life-long learning and upskilling projects funded through the Strategic Innovation Fund.
Finally, the Letterkenny Institute of Technology has recently secured funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund to lead a project with the University of Ulster entitled the North West Gateway Strategic Alliance Project. This will focus on developing increased opportunities for cross-border collaboration. A scoping study will be the basis on which the complete specification for the strategic alliance will be based. The views of stakeholders, the needs of the North West Gateway region and the respective operating environments of partner institutions will inform this remit of the study.
508 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a person (details supplied) is not allowed to extend their work permit whilst remaining here; if the person will have to leave Ireland before being in a position to renew their permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11399/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that they have no record of a work permit being applied for or issued in this case.
509 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there is a section within his Department familiar with a work exchange programme (details supplied); if so, the rules that apply to such; the number of staff members in this section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11400/08]
The Government recognises the value of international work and travel programmes for students. They contribute to the development of lasting links with other countries and provide valuable experience for students themselves. My Department, in cooperation with the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Justice, Equality and Law Reform, has been in consultation with USIT in relation to implementing new procedures for the operation of its Work In Ireland programmes to ensure the continuation of these programmes, as appropriate, in a way that benefits young Irish people and young people from those other countries to which these arrangements apply. Finalized new procedures were issued to USIT on 17 December by the Department of Foreign Affairs, which liaises with USIT regarding the operation of the programmes. I understand from that Department that applications to USIT for Summer 2008 travel and work programmes have recently begun and that no procedural difficulties have been indicated.
510 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is his intention to introduce legislation to require the disclosure of the report submitted by the liquidator of an insolvent company under section 56 of the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001; if he introduces such legislation, if he will indicate the reason this report should be confidential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11431/08]
Section 56 of the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001 requires the liquidator of an insolvent company to provide a report to the Director of Corporate Enforcement in the form prescribed by Regulations. There are no legal requirements on liquidators in relation to the disclosure or non-disclosure of such Reports or their contents and, accordingly, it is a matter for liquidators to determine whether to release all or part of a report to relevant parties.
However, it has generally been the practice of liquidators not to disclose the reports. It is understood that this approach by liquidators reflects a number of concerns including, inter alia; a concern that disclosure of the reports could compromise proceedings that liquidators may be taking, or contemplating taking, against officers of the company; a concern that a practice of disclosing reports could constrain liquidators' confidence in providing comprehensive, open and candid reports to the ODCE.
The right of a liquidator to withhold a Section 56 report from the directors who were the subject of the report was considered in the case of Re Silken Construction Limited. The High Court Judgement of 14 November 2003 confirmed that liquidators are entitled to maintain the confidentiality of their reports and an Order for Discovery was allowed only in relation to the provisions in the report that would enable a company director to enhance his own case or save costs in defending a restriction application.
511 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Industrial Development Authority initiated visits of potential investors or companies to Gorey over each of the past four years in an effort to bring jobs to the town in view of the fact that it has seen no job creation other than in the retail/service sector and the huge increase in population whereby it is acknowledged that Gorey is the fastest growing town in County Wexford; the dates of such visits; the results of discussions which have taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11657/08]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas, including Gorey, for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
In line with the National Spatial Strategy, IDA Ireland's strategy for County Wexford is to concentrate resources on the Hub town of Wexford as the location with the greatest potential to develop first class facilities for attracting overseas industry.
At present, there are 11 IDA supported companies in Wexford, New Ross, Enniscorthy and Gorey employing approximately 2,000 people. The County has a strong base of manufacturing companies with the majority performing well in a challenging environment. The Agency is actively engaged with its existing base of manufacturing companies in County Wexford, highlighting the ongoing importance of upskilling / reskilling and the need to add high-value activities in order to ensure their on going development and sustainability for the long term.
In addition, through its network of overseas offices, IDA Ireland has been actively working to attract overseas companies in newer high-value sectors to Wexford and the profile of clients has been changing with Lake Region and Waters Corporation (Medical Technologies) and PFPC and Equifax (International Services) now firmly established in the County. IDA Ireland is committed to the ongoing marketing of the County as a location for knowledge-intensive industries. I am informed by the Agency that it has not hosted any site visits by potential investors to Gorey in the past four years.
512 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he will order the commencement of the credit card surcharge provision in the Consumer Protection Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11679/08]
The issues raised by the Deputy relate to Sections 48 and 49 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007. My Department launched a public consultation process in relation to the commencement of these provisions of the Act in the summer of 2007. Almost 50 submissions were received in response to the consultation process. The submissions gave rise to a number of complex matters, which require careful consideration. I hope to conclude consideration of these issues within the next few weeks.
513 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an application has been received for a person (details supplied) in County Cork seeking an EU work permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11722/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that a work permit issued in this case on the 25th March 2008.
514 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on efforts by FÁS and other State agencies to assist the workers in companies (details supplied) in Dublin 24, where job losses were recently announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11731/08]
When job losses are announced, the relevant agencies under the aegis of my Department adopt a coordinated approach in dealing with the situation and in making the workforce aware of the supports available to assist in finding new employment or to start their own business. The Industrial Training agency FÁS has written to both of these companies offering its services. The agency will make its full range of services available to employees who wish to avail of these services.
As regards the first company, Enterprise Ireland has been working closely with other interested parties to deliver a joint presentation on starting your own business, while FÁS plans to carry out a staff profile of all members of staff. The latter agency's services can then be tailored to the requirements of particular staff. Approaches were made to the company immediately following the job loss announcement and were repeated on 7 February last. The company has said that agency services would be most effective if provided in mid to late April. The first redundancies are not scheduled to take place until September. The State Development agencies and other interested parties have been working together in preparation for a meeting later this month.
In relation to the second company, Enterprise Ireland and FÁS have been working closely with other interested parties regarding the recent closure announcement. The agencies are trying to arrange a meeting with the staff in order to advise them of the range of services available. However, to date, I understand that no response has been forthcoming from the company so efforts are still being made to facilitate the staff. I can assure you that the Industrial Development agencies will continue to promote Tallaght in order to optimize the flow of potential investors and convert these into job opportunities for the area.
515 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the anomaly whereby trade unions with members who work on a self-employed basis, face the prospect of being subject to competition law and consequently liable to prosecution for price fixing if they try to negotiate for minimum rates and conditions; and if he will intervene in the long-running campaign by the ICTU to amend competition legislation to remove this anomaly. [11783/08]
As the Deputy is aware, a review of the operation and implementation of the Competition Act 2002 is currently underway and in the course of that review, all submissions, including the matters raised in the Deputy's question will be considered.
516 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of car park spaces available nationally to those working in his Department and in the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; the annual cost of car park spaces rented by his Department and the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11888/08]
There are 99 car park spaces available for staff in the Dublin buildings of my Department and approximately 310 car park spaces available for staff of the 8 Offices which operate under the aegis of my Department in Dublin, Kilkenny, Carlow, Cork, Sligo and Shannon. Most of the buildings occupied by my Department and by the 8 Offices under the aegis of my Department are leased by the Office of Public Works for the use of the Department and its Offices and any costs associated with the provision of car park spaces for staff in those buildings is entirely a matter for the OPW. In the time available, the Office of Public Works has not been able to provide my Department with details of the annual cost of the car park spaces provided for the staff of my Department and the 8 Offices under the aegis of the Department.
I am not in a position to provide the information sought by the Deputy in relation to the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department as such information falls within the day-to-day administration of the State Agencies concerned.
517 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will reconsider his decision on a work permit application by a person (details supplied) as the enterprise involved is unable to fulfil the position which it has recently publicly advertised. [12046/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that this application was refused on the grounds that it is current Government policy to issue new employment permits for highly skilled highly paid positions or for non-EEA nationals already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits. Furthermore, the proposed employee is currently resident in the State on a Student Stamp and is, therefore, ineligible to enter full-time employment. The employer was notified of this decision in writing by letter dated 8th February 2008.
Section 13 of the Employment Permits Act 2006 requires that a request to review a decision of the Minister to refuse to grant an employment permit must be made within 21 days from the date of issue of the refusal letter. As the request for a review was not received within this timeframe, the Employment Permits Section is not in a position to review this decision and a new application would now be required in this case.
518 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans a company (details supplied) have to either use or sell their site at Carrigtwohill; if he plans to enter talks with the company with a view to securing the future development of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12257/08]
The situation with this company has not changed since the announcement, on 3 October last, of an indefinite postponement of its proposed Irish projects. IDA officials maintain regular contact with the company executives. The company has made no announcement regarding plans for the utilization or disposal of its site at Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork. It is only six months since the company announced the postponement of the project and, given that the investment cycle of such projects is of the order of four years, it is too early to speculate what may happen on the site.
There are several sites in the Cork area which are suitable for capital and utility intensive projects, and IDA Ireland is actively promoting the greater east Cork region to prospective investors across the full range of IDA targeted sectors, such as Pharmaceuticals, Medical Technologies, Information and Communications Technologies and Internationally Traded Services via its network of overseas offices and project divisions.
519 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the name of every body, organisation and committee outside his Department, other than semi-State commercial companies, that have been established by and report to his Department, at any stage during the year 2007 and the first three months of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12297/08]
The following are the bodies, organisations or committees outside my Department, other than semi-State commercial companies, that have been established by and report to my Department between 2007 and end-March 2008: the National Consumer Agency, the High-level Group on Business Regulation, the Advisory Group on Media Mergers, the National Employment Rights Authority, the Human Capital Investment Operational Programme (HCI-OP) 2007-2013 Monitoring Committee, the Management Development Council, and the Redundancy Panel.
520 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his Department has used helicopters for any purpose for each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the reason for such use; the suppliers of the helicopter; the dates and locations visited and distance travelled; the cost of same and persons carried; if quotations were sought for such trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12418/08]
There has been no expenditure by myself or my Department on helicopter travel in the period 2002 to date.
521 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will support a club (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [11240/08]
524 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will advise a club (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [11415/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 521 and 524 together.
Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. Applications for funding under the 2008 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications was 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for online applications. All applications received before the deadline are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed. In this regard, I must inform the Deputy that there is no record of an application being received under the name supplied.
I must also point out that the sports capital programme does not assist in the acquisition of sites or premises. It may be open to the organisation in question to avail of the tax relief on donations to certain sports bodies scheme, established under section 847a of the Taxes Consolidation Act. It allows for tax relief on donations made to approved sports bodies for the funding of sports capital projects, including the purchase of land or premises. In this regard, the organisation should contact the Revenue Commissioners for further information or download the scheme guidelines from www.revenue.ie or www.dast.gov.ie.
522 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the final certificate has been issued and retention fees paid to the builder of the National Aquatic Centre in order that it may be completed to specification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11278/08]
I am advised that the contract administrator is at present working through all remaining items on the snagging list and hopes to have the process completed in a number of weeks. After the process is completed the final certificate will be issued and final retention will be paid.
523 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of grants approved and the amount actually paid to an organisation (details supplied) in County Laois under the sports capital programme since 2000. [11398/08]
Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The organisation in question was allocated €209,046 under the programme, €19,046 in 2000 and €190,000 in 2004. Both of these allocations have been paid in full in December 2001 and April 2007 respectively.
525 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he expects renovation works to commence in the Natural History Museum; the length of time this renovation will take; the estimated cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11448/08]
I have requested that the Office of Public Works bring forward the refurbishment of the Natural History Museum as a first priority project of those projects for which there is provision of €280 million in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 in respect of major capital projects in the National Cultural Institutions. Funding of €15 million has been specifically provided in the National Development Plan, 2007-2013 to address universal access and refurbishment of the Natural History Museum.
I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that construction work on the Natural History Museum will begin in August 2009 and these works will take approximately eighteen months. Prior to the commencement of construction work, a design team will need be engaged, and I understand from the Commissioners of Public Works that this element is underway. The project will then advance to the preparation of tenders and the applications for planning permission and fire certificates.
526 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to change the emphasis from capital funding to current funding as proposed in a number of recent ERSI reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11459/08]
The recommendations contained in all research projects related to sport including those undertaken by the ERSI with support from the Irish Sports Council are considered in the review and implementation of sport policy.
527 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the cost of the digitisation of the parish records recently put on-line by the Irish Family History Foundation; the way the money was channelled and to whom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11468/08]
The Irish Family History Foundation (IFHF) is a private umbrella organisation for the majority of local genealogy centres established throughout the island of Ireland. The IFHF does not receive any direct subvention from my Department.
Since the establishment of my Department in 2002, Irish Genealogy Limited (IGL) has been the body through which funding has been provided for the local genealogy centres including those affiliated to the IFHF. Details of the funding provided by my Department to IGL are referred to in the response to parliamentary question No. 267 of the 13th February 2008. This funding was disbursed on a number of projects primarily relating to computer hardware and software upgrades and improving the network infrastructure in the local genealogy centres and indexing of the centres' data. These projects were targeted at safeguarding the work already completed by the local genealogy centres.
528 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views in relation to a submission (details supplied); the plans he has to address the serious concerns expressed; the meetings he has had or is proposing in relation to the concerns expressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11577/08]
Department officials and I have met with the organisation in question to be briefed on the content of their Strategic Plan. The Deputy will be aware that the Irish Sports Council (ISC) has a statutory role in the development of sport in Ireland. One of the ISC's primary functions, as set out in the Irish Sports Council Act, 1999, is to develop strategies for increasing participation in recreational sport and to coordinate their implementation by all bodies involved in promoting recreational sport and providing recreational facilities, which includes the funding of the recognised National Governing Bodies of Sport. In pursuance of this function the Irish Sports Council provides funding on an annual basis to the National Governing Bodies of Sport including the organisation referred to by the Deputy.
My Department funds the ISC on an annual basis and has allocated over €57.3 million to the ISC in 2008, compared to just over €13.2 million in 2000, its first full year of operation. This represents an increase of 334%. This significant level of funding ensures that the ISC can continue to embark on initiatives and programmes that increase participation in sport and physical recreation by people of all ages in the country.
529 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will support a group (details supplied) in Dublin 5 in 2008. [11586/08]
530 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will support a club (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [11618/08]
533 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will confirm receipt of an application from an organisation (details supplied) in County Laois under the 2008 sports capital grant; when a decision will be made on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11774/08]
534 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a decision will be made on an application for grant aid from his Department by an organisation (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11874/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 529, 530, 533 and 534 together.
Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.
Applications for funding under the 2008 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications was 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for online applications. All applications received before the deadline, including applications from the organisations in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
I must also point out that the sports capital programme does not assist in the acquisition of sites or premises. It may be open to the sports organisations to avail of the tax relief on donations to certain sports bodies scheme, established under section 847a of the Taxes Consolidation Act. It allows for tax relief on donations made to approved sports bodies for the funding of sports capital projects, including the purchase of land or premises. In this regard, the organisation should contact the Revenue Commissioners for further information or download the scheme guidelines from www.revenue.ie or www.dast.gov.ie.
531 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism further to Parliamentary Question No. 28 of 13 March 2008 where the funding for the Sports for Disadvantaged Youths programme is obtained; if this programme is being funded in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11663/08]
As I explained on 13th March 2008 in response to Parliamentary Questions from the Deputy my Department was allocated additional once-off funding of almost €2 million from the Dormant Accounts Fund in 2007 for the Sports for Disadvantaged Youth programme. The funding is being distributed to 781 projects throughout the country through the Local Sports Partnerships and Local Authorities, where no Local Sports Partnership currently exists. As I have previously informed the House, my colleague the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has overall responsibility for dormant accounts spending. The funding through my Department is an element of a larger set of economic and social disadvantage funding measures including funding for persons with a disability.
In addition to the funding under the dormant accounts fund, my Department also provides funding for sporting activities and facilities in disadvantaged areas through the Irish Sports Council, the Sports Capital and Local Authority Swimming Pool Programmes.
532 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism further to Parliamentary Question No. 311 of 11 March 2008, the amount of the money for 2006 and 2007 that has been allocated to the organisations for which funding was approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11692/08]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. All allocations under the Sports Capital Programme are initially provisional and grantees must meet a number of criteria including the submission of tax clearance details and comparable quotations as well as complete the appropriate legal requirements before allocations can be formalised and payments made on foot of receipt of valid, original and paid invoices.
In this regard, the total sports capital allocation to Mayo in 2007 was €2.525 million and of this €180,700 has been drawn down by the applicants. The total sports capital allocation in 2006 was €2.39 million and of this €1.121 million has been drawn down by the applicants.
535 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of car park spaces available nationally to those working in his Department and in the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; the annual cost of car park spaces rented by his Department and the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11883/08]
There are approximately 108 car park spaces currently available nationally to staff working in my Department, none of which is rented directly by my Department. Of these, 38 spaces are located in Dublin and the remainder at my Department's temporary offices at Fossa in County Kerry. The issue of car park spaces available to the bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day-to-day operational matter for the agencies themselves.
536 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the role of each of the statutory bodies under the aegis of his Department; the overall annual cost of each body in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11921/08]
The statutory bodies under the aegis of my Department are listed in my Department's Statement of Strategy and Annual Reports which are available on my Department's website. The role of the bodies is summarised in the Statement of Strategy and their functions are set out in detail in the relevant legislation under which they were established. Details of the income and expenditure of the bodies are set out in their Annual Reports and Accounts, copies of which are presented to the Dáil Library.
537 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of applicants from County Roscommon under the sports capital programme 2008; the value of grant aid sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12040/08]
538 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of applicants from County Leitrim under the sports capital programme 2008; the value of grant aid sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12041/08]
541 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of applicants from County Leitrim under the sports capital programme 2008; the budget available in 2008; the value of grant aid sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12250/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 537, 538 and 541 together.
Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. Applications for funding under the 2008 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications was 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for online applications. All applications received before the deadline are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed. I have not yet made a decision as to the level of allocations to be made under this year's programme.
In this regard, thirty-three applications have been received from Roscommon requesting grant aid totalling just under €4.8 million and twenty-five applications have been received from Leitrim requesting grant aid totalling just under €3.9 million.
539 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of funding received in Counties Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan under the sports capital programme for the years 2003 to 2007. [12084/08]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The information sought by the Deputy in relation to sports capital allocations (rounded to two decimal places) made to the selected counties in the selected years is outlined in the following table.
|
County |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Cavan |
1.63 |
1.32 |
0.79 |
1.08 |
0.58 |
|
Louth |
2.04 |
2.84 |
1.38 |
1.64 |
1.34 |
|
Meath |
2.22 |
2.67 |
1.58 |
2.26 |
2.56 |
|
Monaghan |
1.01 |
2.54 |
0.94 |
1.00 |
0.49 |
540 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of applicants from County Roscommon under the sports capital programme 2008; the value of grant aid sought; the budget available in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12249/08]
Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.
Applications for funding under the 2008 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications was 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for online applications. All applications received before the deadline are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed. I have not yet made a decision as to the level of allocations to be made under this year's programme.
In this regard, thirty-three applications have been received from Roscommon requesting grant aid totalling just under €4.8 million.
542 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the name of every body, organisation and committee outside his Department, other than semi-State commercial companies, that have been established by and report to his Department, at any stage during the year 2007 and the first three months of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12292/08]
The National Sports Campus Development Authority (NSCDA) established in January 2007 was the only new body, organisation or committee, other than semi-State commercial companies, which was established by and reports to my Department during 2007 and in the first three months of 2008. The NSCDA which replaced in function and responsibility Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Ltd. continues to oversee the planning and development of the Sports Campus at Abbotstown.
Details of the Executive Agencies and related bodies operating under the aegis of my Department are set out in my Department's Statement of Strategy 2008 — 2010, a copy of which has been presented to the Dáil Library, and which is available on my Department's website www.dast.gov.ie
543 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has used helicopters for any purpose for each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the reason for such use; the suppliers of the helicopter; the dates and locations visited and distance travelled; the cost of same and persons carried; if quotations were sought for such trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12413/08]
My Department has not used a helicopter, other than Air Corps Helicopters, in the period under consideration. I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Defence, will be supplying details of the Air Corps Helicopter service used in respect of all Government Departments.
544 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a query by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 will be dealt with. [11466/08]
The Health Service Executive has advised that there is no record of an application for mortgage interest supplement from the person concerned. If the person concerned wishes to make an application for mortgage interest supplement then she should contact the community welfare officer at her local health centre who will assess her means and determine entitlement to mortgage interest supplement.
The purpose of mortgage interest supplement is to provide short term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only. The capital element of the repayment is not taken into account in calculating the amount of supplement payable as it is not considered appropriate that the Exchequer should repay part of the initial loan and thereby provide assistance towards the accumulation of a capital asset on the part of the individual concerned.
Under standard SWA rules, mortgage interest supplements are normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of mortgage interest, has an income equal to the rate of SWA appropriate to their family circumstances less a minimum contribution, currently €13, which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. Many recipients pay more than €13 because recipients are also required, subject to income disregards, to contribute any additional assessable means that they have over and above the appropriate basic SWA rate towards their accommodation costs.
Under this standard assessment, family income supplement is assessed as income in the same way as income from employment or part-time employment. Where a person has an additional income as a result of participation on a training course or in part-time employment, the standard means test now provides that the first €75 of any additional income in excess of the SWA rate can be disregarded in full with 25% of any additional income, with no upper limit, also disregarded for means assessment purposes.
547 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the introduction of a contributory old age pension to carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11234/08]
567 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will arrange for recipients of the carers allowance to make voluntary social welfare contributions which would enable the carer to qualify for a contributory pension in due course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11869/08]
591 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will examine the prospect of awarding social welfare credits for pension purposes to carers who will not otherwise qualify for old age pension in their own right; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12454/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 547, 567 and 591 together.
In order to qualify for the maximum rate of the state pension (contributory) a person must, amongst other qualifying conditions, achieve a yearly average of at least 48 contributions paid or credited on his/her social insurance record over their working life. Reduced pensions are paid to those with yearly averages as low as 10 contributions. Arrangements are also in place to cater for those with social insurance contributions at different rates, with contributions from other EU member States or countries with which Ireland has reciprocal social security agreements and with pre-1953 contributions.
The range of different payments available has made it easier for people to qualify for a contributory pension. Measures are also in place to protect the social welfare pension entitlements of those who leave work to care for sick or elderly relatives. People who qualify for payments such as carer's allowance or carer's benefit may, subject to conditions, qualify for credited contributions. The homemaker's scheme, which was introduced in and took effect from 1994, allows up to 20 years spent caring for children or incapacitated adults to be disregarded when a person's social insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes. This scheme applies to people who take time out of the workforce for caring duties but who do not qualify for credits through the carer's allowance or benefit schemes.
Any person, including a carer, may pay voluntary contributions once they satisfy certain qualifying conditions. Voluntary contributions allow a person to remain insured once they leave the compulsory PRSI system. A person may choose to pay voluntary contributions, provided they are no longer covered by a PRSI scheme on a compulsory basis in Ireland, are no longer covered by a PRSI scheme on a compulsory or voluntary basis in any other E.U. country, are under age 66 and satisfy the qualifying conditions. Voluntary contributions provide cover for long-term benefits, such as pensions.
To become a voluntary contributor a person must have paid at least 260 PRSI contributions in either employment or self-employment and apply within 12 months of the end of the contribution year during which they last paid compulsory insurance or were last awarded a credited contribution. The person must agree to pay voluntary contributions from the start of the contribution week that follows the week in which they left compulsory insurance.
From June 2006 the number of hours a person can engage in employment, self employment, education or training outside the home and still be eligible for carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant was increased from 10 to 15 hours per week. Where a carer remains in employment he or she will continue to pay the appropriate social insurance contribution.
Overall, I am satisfied that adequate arrangements are in place to protect the pension entitlements of people who leave employment to provide full-time care so that they can qualify for a contributory pension. There are, of course, people caring who cannot benefit from these measures. The position of these, and others who are at present not receiving support through the social welfare pension system, is considered in the Green Paper on Pensions. A consultation process on the Green Paper is now underway and will remain open until end of May.
The Government will respond to the process by publishing a framework for future policy on all aspects of pensions and I expect that this will be finalised before the end of the year. The position of those who are at present without a contributory pension entitlement will be considered in that context.
548 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will abolish the means test for the carers allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11235/08]
590 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he expects to further extend the carers allowance to cater for the greater number of persons providing care thereby alleviating the burden on residential services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12453/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 548 and 590 together.
Supporting and recognising carers in our society is, and has been, a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period, weekly payment rates to carers have 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. It has been significantly eased over the years, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings.
Increases to the carer's allowance income disregard provided for in Budget 2008 mean that from this Thursday, 3 April, a single person can have an income of €332.50 per week and a couple can have an income of up to €665 per week and still qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance. The previous levels were €320 and €640 per week respectively. This ensures that a couple can have an income in the region of €37,200 per year and still qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance while a couple in receipt of an income of €60,400 will qualify for a minimum payment, as well as the associated free travel, household benefits package and the respite care grant. This increase surpasses the Towards 2016 commitment to ensuring that those on average earnings can qualify for carer's allowance. In addition, in Budget 2008 the maximum rate of carer's allowance was increased to €214 per week for those aged under 66 and to €232 per week for those aged over 66, with effect from January 2008.
Budget 2007 provided for significant structural reforms to introduce new arrangements whereby people in receipt of a social welfare payment, other than carer's allowance or benefit, who are also providing someone with full time care and attention, can retain their main welfare payment and receive another payment, depending on their means, the maximum of which will be equivalent to a half rate carer's allowance. Similarly, people currently in receipt of a carer's allowance, who may have an underlying eligibility for another social welfare payment, can transfer to that other payment and continue to receive up to a half rate carer's allowance. These new arrangements came into effect in September 2007 and to date over 7,000 carers have benefited. In June 2006, the number of hours for which a person can engage in employment, self-employment, education or training and still be considered to be providing full- time care for the purposes of carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant was increased from 10 to 15 hours per week.
From June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full-time care to a person who needs such care, regardless of their income. Since then a grant is paid in respect of each care recipient. A carer who is caring for two or more persons is entitled to a full grant for each of the care recipients. Following Budget 2008, the rate of the grant will increase to €1,700 per year from June 2008.
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.
549 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on a query by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11308/08]
The person concerned is currently in receipt of a Special Partial (self-employed) State Pension (Contributory), payable at €111.70 per week. Social insurance contributions (Class S PRSI) were introduced for self-employed people on 6th April 1988. However the person concerned had reached age 56 by that date, and therefore did not qualify for a standard rate State Pension (Contributory), as he did not satisfy the condition of entering social insurance before age 56. A Special Partial State Pension (Contributory) was introduced for this category of self-employed people, with effect from 9th April 1999, and the person concerned qualified for that pension. There is no facility in place for the person concerned to buy back contributions in order to increase the rate of his State Pension (Contributory).
The person concerned has been provided with the option of applying for the State Pension (Non-Contributory), which is a social assistance scheme based on an assessment of means. In order to have his entitlement to this pension examined, he should submit a completed application form to my Department.
550 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide a monthly schedule, in respect of 2008, of the planned expenditure under each sub-heading as set out in the revised Estimates for Public Services Vote 38, and the actual expenditure for each heading for January and February 2008; and if he will provide the expected monthly income to the social insurance fund for each month in 2008 and the actual income received for January and February 2008. [11341/08]
The information requested is given in the following tables. Table A sets out the 2008 monthly schedule of planned expenditure for Vote 38 and Table B sets out the corresponding expenditure, and income, for the Social Insurance Fund. Tables C and D show actual expenditure incurred and income received in the month of January for Vote 38 and the Social Insurance Fund, respectively. Full expenditure data for the month of February is not yet available.
|
DSFA Vote 2008: Estimated Monthly Expenditure and Income* |
||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Total |
||
|
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
||
|
Administration |
||||||||||||||
|
A.1 |
Salaries etc. |
16,069 |
17,820 |
16,685 |
16,355 |
23,304 |
16,783 |
16,039 |
17,968 |
17,416 |
23,738 |
17,578 |
17,189 |
216,944 |
|
A.2 |
Travel & Subsistence |
320 |
379 |
450 |
433 |
447 |
500 |
418 |
379 |
466 |
470 |
494 |
819 |
5,575 |
|
A.3 |
Incidental Expenses |
769 |
679 |
774 |
757 |
766 |
788 |
748 |
706 |
991 |
816 |
956 |
10,196 |
18,946 |
|
A.4 |
Postal & Telecommunications |
372 |
1,547 |
2,105 |
1,135 |
1,243 |
1,965 |
1,109 |
1,195 |
1,943 |
1,267 |
1,431 |
3,165 |
18,477 |
|
A.5 |
Office Machinery |
816 |
1,378 |
2,831 |
2,345 |
4,937 |
2,453 |
1,895 |
1,266 |
3,177 |
2,100 |
3,358 |
5,828 |
32,384 |
|
A.6 |
Office Premises Expenses |
569 |
634 |
619 |
497 |
490 |
746 |
972 |
607 |
906 |
1,030 |
733 |
1,504 |
9,307 |
|
A.7 |
Consultancy Services |
0 |
68 |
94 |
53 |
53 |
94 |
53 |
53 |
53 |
94 |
1,228 |
1,628 |
3,471 |
|
A.8 |
Agency Services |
2,779 |
10,279 |
2,822 |
2,801 |
10,322 |
2,716 |
2,818 |
10,826 |
2,751 |
2,682 |
11,206 |
7,254 |
69,256 |
|
A.9 |
eGov. — REACH |
653 |
548 |
2,150 |
603 |
580 |
2,264 |
605 |
565 |
2,122 |
655 |
570 |
2,315 |
13,630 |
|
A.10 |
Value for Money and Policy Reviews |
29 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
28 |
29 |
28 |
27 |
28 |
26 |
340 |
|
A.11 |
eGovernment Related Projects |
21 |
16 |
85 |
635 |
658 |
1,370 |
892 |
1,301 |
792 |
1,922 |
1,272 |
2,266 |
11,230 |
|
sub-total |
22,397 |
33,377 |
28,644 |
25,643 |
42,829 |
29,708 |
25,577 |
34,895 |
30,645 |
34,801 |
38,854 |
52,190 |
399,560 |
|
|
Social Assistance |
||||||||||||||
|
B |
State Pension (Non-Con) |
70,599 |
95,252 |
71,539 |
74,614 |
90,023 |
73,260 |
75,096 |
88,166 |
74,633 |
87,918 |
74,454 |
88,456 |
964,010 |
|
C |
Blind Pension |
1,183 |
1,565 |
1,193 |
1,230 |
1,483 |
1,208 |
1,239 |
1,461 |
1,220 |
1,450 |
1,219 |
1,429 |
15,880 |
|
D |
Child Benefit |
187,900 |
191,900 |
191,200 |
199,700 |
218,000 |
211,200 |
193,800 |
207,000 |
204,500 |
211,600 |
222,700 |
229,700 |
2,469,200 |
|
E |
Jobseekers Allowance |
85,086 |
78,987 |
75,761 |
84,135 |
85,572 |
77,153 |
94,425 |
84,174 |
87,152 |
88,079 |
76,953 |
102,323 |
1,019,800 |
|
F |
Farm Assist Scheme |
7,225 |
6,301 |
5,884 |
5,922 |
7,162 |
5,838 |
6,864 |
6,293 |
5,939 |
7,168 |
5,829 |
14,855 |
85,280 |
|
G |
Employment Support Services |
15,074 |
14,003 |
16,150 |
13,696 |
16,661 |
7,310 |
7,484 |
7,909 |
13,842 |
16,369 |
14,806 |
18,258 |
161,562 |
|
H |
Pre-Retirement Allowance |
11,560 |
9,851 |
9,792 |
10,272 |
11,951 |
10,027 |
12,711 |
10,402 |
10,611 |
12,319 |
10,146 |
14,018 |
133,660 |
|
I |
One Parent Family Payment |
94,752 |
79,496 |
79,381 |
79,616 |
99,015 |
81,558 |
99,995 |
84,173 |
83,399 |
101,510 |
83,065 |
116,190 |
1,082,150 |
|
J |
Widows', Widowers' & Guardians (Non-Con) |
1,884 |
2,429 |
2,035 |
2,015 |
2,406 |
1,954 |
1,995 |
2,331 |
1,978 |
2,317 |
1,981 |
2,325 |
25,650 |
|
K |
Social Assistance Allowances |
603 |
587 |
539 |
528 |
637 |
517 |
606 |
532 |
507 |
603 |
496 |
655 |
6,810 |
|
L |
Family Income Supplement |
16,003 |
13,709 |
13,775 |
13,943 |
16,896 |
14,018 |
17,409 |
14,270 |
14,805 |
17,928 |
15,211 |
20,233 |
188,200 |
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Total |
||
|
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
||
|
Social Assistance—continued |
||||||||||||||
|
M |
Carer's Allowance |
32,115 |
30,537 |
28,682 |
29,149 |
35,816 |
29,885 |
35,475 |
32,546 |
31,626 |
38,539 |
32,608 |
55,322 |
412,300 |
|
N |
Supplementary Welfare Allowances |
60,548 |
57,260 |
57,462 |
57,993 |
60,953 |
67,834 |
80,401 |
66,352 |
62,189 |
61,133 |
55,498 |
84,908 |
772,531 |
|
O |
Disability Allowance |
87,188 |
82,702 |
73,392 |
91,038 |
79,297 |
77,084 |
94,278 |
78,921 |
78,992 |
95,049 |
78,501 |
109,348 |
1,025,790 |
|
P |
Respite Care Grant |
668 |
1,083 |
813 |
687 |
448 |
66,696 |
8,978 |
4,023 |
3,081 |
2,085 |
2,018 |
1,220 |
91,800 |
|
Q |
Free Schemes (Assistance) |
34,938 |
27,484 |
27,627 |
22,037 |
15,493 |
15,338 |
15,503 |
15,172 |
17,780 |
33,298 |
29,668 |
33,628 |
287,966 |
|
R |
Money Advice and Budgeting Service |
7,985 |
40 |
110 |
54 |
50 |
240 |
8,116 |
40 |
75 |
290 |
350 |
600 |
17,950 |
|
S |
Grant to Family Support Agency |
971 |
1,248 |
1,089 |
1,051 |
1,844 |
7,939 |
4,422 |
2,863 |
2,668 |
4,769 |
5,498 |
5,019 |
39,380 |
|
T.1 |
Grant to Combat Poverty Agency (Grant-in-Aid) |
200 |
200 |
528 |
360 |
350 |
410 |
400 |
250 |
347 |
400 |
500 |
623 |
4,568 |
|
T.2 |
EU Programme — Employment & Social Solidarity |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
40 |
0 |
0 |
40 |
0 |
0 |
43 |
123 |
|
U |
Grant to Citizens Information Board |
6,000 |
2,000 |
1,750 |
3,500 |
1,750 |
2,000 |
3,500 |
2,000 |
2,000 |
3,500 |
2,000 |
954 |
30,954 |
|
V. |
Dormant Accounts — Econ/Soc Disadvantage |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1,000 |
1,000 |
|
W |
Miscellaneous Services |
13,793 |
3,974 |
1,325 |
1,549 |
385 |
447 |
280 |
3,896 |
2,188 |
3,291 |
3,414 |
2,711 |
37,253 |
|
Gross Total |
758,672 |
733,985 |
688,671 |
718,732 |
789,021 |
781,664 |
788,554 |
747,669 |
730,218 |
824,416 |
755,769 |
956,008 |
9,273,377 |
|
|
Deduct: |
||||||||||||||
|
X |
Appropiations-in-Aid |
16,420 |
16,346 |
16,521 |
16,331 |
16,405 |
16,473 |
16,233 |
16,274 |
16,569 |
16,232 |
16,279 |
17,447 |
197,530 |
|
Net Total |
742,252 |
717,639 |
672,150 |
702,401 |
772,616 |
765,191 |
772,321 |
731,395 |
713,649 |
808,184 |
739,490 |
938,561 |
9,075,847 |
|
|
Total Capital |
333 |
333 |
1,518 |
1,383 |
3,030 |
1,056 |
1,152 |
886 |
1,602 |
1,020 |
1,584 |
1,573 |
15,470 |
|
|
Total Current |
741,919 |
717,306 |
670,632 |
701,018 |
769,586 |
764,135 |
771,169 |
730,509 |
712,047 |
807,164 |
737,906 |
936,988 |
9,060,377 |
*The monthly figures are indicative only — in demand-led schemes actual expenditure will vary from this profile.
|
2008 Social Insurance Fund: Estimated Monthly Expenditure & Income* |
|||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Total |
|
|
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
€’000s |
|
|
Income: |
|||||||||||||
|
Income from Contributions |
650,000 |
800,000 |
670,000 |
690,000 |
660,000 |
620,000 |
680,000 |
640,000 |
630,000 |
690,000 |
879,000 |
640,000 |
8,249,000 |
|
Income from Investments |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,933 |
12,937 |
155,200 |
|
Rent |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
19 |
|
Receipts: Reciprocal Arrangements |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
49 |
49 |
|
Total Income |
662,933 |
812,933 |
682,933 |
702,943 |
672,933 |
632,933 |
692,933 |
652,933 |
642,933 |
702,942 |
891,933 |
652,986 |
8,404,268 |
|
Expenditure: |
|||||||||||||
|
Illness Benefit |
68,955 |
68,321 |
69,632 |
67,987 |
75,483 |
63,009 |
75,231 |
67,744 |
71,574 |
74,515 |
65,082 |
65,747 |
833,280 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
59,532 |
54,218 |
51,608 |
51,292 |
62,738 |
50,653 |
61,335 |
51,781 |
50,882 |
61,737 |
50,542 |
69,682 |
676,000 |
|
Occupational Injuries Benefit |
9,971 |
8,773 |
8,630 |
8,688 |
10,097 |
8,457 |
9,944 |
8,608 |
8,560 |
9,945 |
8,347 |
10,870 |
110,890 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
20,655 |
19,555 |
23,586 |
18,472 |
21,950 |
17,235 |
17,689 |
19,442 |
24,104 |
19,334 |
18,775 |
53,303 |
274,100 |
|
Health & Safety Benefit |
41 |
48 |
57 |
50 |
61 |
50 |
56 |
58 |
73 |
61 |
61 |
-56 |
560 |
|
Adoptive Benefit |
99 |
114 |
134 |
115 |
120 |
98 |
110 |
123 |
137 |
128 |
117 |
145 |
1,440 |
|
Treatment Benefit |
5,506 |
6,443 |
6,958 |
6,185 |
5,980 |
7,195 |
6,917 |
6,895 |
21,440 |
6,848 |
6,464 |
8,069 |
94,900 |
|
State Pension (Con) |
222,879 |
296,395 |
224,936 |
232,092 |
283,342 |
229,299 |
232,766 |
280,491 |
231,920 |
279,690 |
231,716 |
273,374 |
3,018,900 |
|
State Pension (Trans) |
7,995 |
7,312 |
6,096 |
6,165 |
7,204 |
6,392 |
8,158 |
6,594 |
6,202 |
7,299 |
6,207 |
7,926 |
83,550 |
|
Jobseekers Benefit |
59,337 |
52,836 |
49,096 |
49,284 |
53,493 |
45,209 |
57,920 |
55,068 |
46,474 |
51,799 |
42,565 |
51,439 |
614,520 |
|
Widow's, Widower's and Guardians (Con) |
95,163 |
121,535 |
100,731 |
99,600 |
120,674 |
98,053 |
100,005 |
119,533 |
99,887 |
118,963 |
100,031 |
117,895 |
1,292,070 |
|
Widowed Parent Grant |
296 |
562 |
349 |
627 |
333 |
506 |
811 |
1,059 |
448 |
488 |
507 |
614 |
6,600 |
|
Deserted Wifes Benefit |
9,063 |
8,621 |
8,031 |
7,926 |
9,600 |
7,691 |
9,174 |
7,925 |
7,636 |
9,172 |
7,527 |
10,214 |
102,580 |
|
Carer's Benefit |
2,935 |
2,341 |
2,328 |
2,317 |
2,880 |
2,319 |
2,877 |
2,297 |
2,285 |
2,808 |
2,238 |
3,855 |
31,480 |
|
Bereavement Grant |
958 |
1,477 |
1,227 |
1,264 |
1,759 |
1,934 |
1,429 |
1,557 |
1,016 |
1,438 |
1,977 |
964 |
17,000 |
|
Free Schemes (Insurance) |
28,692 |
24,895 |
24,204 |
20,272 |
16,799 |
13,260 |
15,668 |
16,039 |
18,570 |
26,370 |
23,618 |
25,628 |
254,015 |
|
Redundancy & Insolvency |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,309 |
14,301 |
171,700 |
|
Administration |
16,843 |
16,763 |
34,406 |
16,763 |
16,763 |
34,406 |
16,763 |
16,763 |
34,406 |
17,476 |
16,763 |
34,452 |
272,567 |
|
Total Expenditure |
623,229 |
704,518 |
626,318 |
603,408 |
703,585 |
600,075 |
631,162 |
676,286 |
639,923 |
702,380 |
596,846 |
748,422 |
7,856,152 |
|
Excess of Income Over Expenditure |
39,704 |
108,415 |
56,615 |
99,535 |
-30,652 |
32,858 |
61,771 |
-23,353 |
3,010 |
562 |
295,087 |
-95,436 |
548,116 |
|
Add: |
|||||||||||||
|
Amount of Fund surplus as at 31 December 2007 |
3,630,800 |
3,630,800 |
|||||||||||
|
Cumulative Fund Surplus |
3,670,504 |
3,778,919 |
3,835,534 |
3,935,069 |
3,904,417 |
3,937,275 |
3,999,046 |
3,975,693 |
3,978,703 |
3,979,265 |
4,274,352 |
4,178,916 |
4,178,916 |
* The monthly figures are indicative only — in demand-led schemes actual monthly expenditure will vary from the above profiles.
|
DSFA Vote Expenditure and Income — January 2008 |
|
|---|---|
|
Subhead |
€ |
|
A1 Salaries, Wages & Allowances |
15,929,895 |
|
A2 Travel & Subsistence |
235,642 |
|
A3 Incidental Expenses |
656,654 |
|
A4 Postal & Telecommunications |
343,794 |
|
A5 Office Machinery/Office Supplies |
618,252 |
|
A6 Office Premises Expenses |
440,096 |
|
A7 Consultancy Services |
0 |
|
A8 Payment for Agency Services |
2,613,733 |
|
A9 eGovernment — REACH |
508,384 |
|
A10 Value for Money & Policy Reviews |
16,293 |
|
A11 e-Government Related Projects |
7,335 |
|
Administration Subtotal |
21,370,078 |
|
B State Pension (Non-Con) |
72,007,375 |
|
C Blind Pension |
1,193,081 |
|
D Child Benefit |
183,909,914 |
|
E Jobseeker's Allowance |
84,743,336 |
|
F Farm Assist Scheme |
7,406,867 |
|
G Employment Support Services |
16,065,213 |
|
H Pre-Retirement Allowance |
11,450,159 |
|
I One-Parent Family Payment |
93,820,579 |
|
J Widow(er)s & Guardians Payment |
1,853,464 |
|
K Social Assistance & Other Allowances |
586,839 |
|
L Family Income Supplement |
15,992,007 |
|
M Carers Allowance |
33,219,807 |
|
N Supplementary Welfare Allowances |
60,532,668 |
|
O Disability Allowance |
85,514,051 |
|
P Respite Care Grant |
958,444 |
|
Q Free Schemes (Assistance) |
34,725,659 |
|
R Money Advice & Budgeting Service |
7,992,923 |
|
S Grant to Family Support Agency |
0 |
|
T1 Grant to the Combat Poverty Agency |
200,000 |
|
T2 EU Programme — Employment & Social Solidarity |
240 |
|
U Grant to Citizens Information Board |
6,000,000 |
|
V Dormant Accounts — Economic & Social Disadvantage |
0 |
|
W Miscellaneous Services |
17,920,263 |
|
Losses |
0 |
|
Gross Total |
757,462,967 |
|
Deduct |
|
|
X Appropriations-in-Aid |
-17,606,001 |
|
Net Total |
739,856,966 |
|
Social Insurance Fund Expenditure & Income — January 2008 |
|
|---|---|
|
Scheme |
|
|
€ |
|
|
Income |
|
|
Income from Contributions |
649,034,917 |
|
Income from Investments |
22,402,546 |
|
Rent |
0 |
|
Reciprocal Arrangements |
0 |
|
Total Receipts |
671,437,463 |
|
Expenditure |
|
|
Illness Benefit |
71,730,834 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
57,567,885 |
|
Occupational Injuries Benefits |
8,832,701 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
23,200,307 |
|
Health & Safety Benefit |
44,194 |
|
Adoptive Benefit |
124,276 |
|
Treatment Benefits |
4,325,648 |
|
State (Con) Pension |
222,355,932 |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
7,385,643 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
61,904,262 |
|
Widow(er)s & Guardians (Con) Payment |
96,672,311 |
|
Widowed Parent Grant |
251,300 |
|
Deserted Wife's Benefit |
8,952,116 |
|
Carer's Benefit |
4,073,362 |
|
Bereavement Grant |
1,397,525 |
|
Free Schemes (Insurance) |
25,796,816 |
|
Redundancy & Insolvency Payments |
9,409,992 |
|
Administration Expenses |
16,679,000 |
|
Total Payments |
620,704,104 |
|
Excess of Income over Expenditure |
50,733,359 |
|
Fund Surplus at end 2007 (Provisional) |
3,630,800,000 |
|
Cumulative Fund Surplus |
3,681,533,359 |
551 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in view of the fact that the income and expenditure of the social insurance fund is not included in the Government’s monthly Exchequer statement, he will publish on his Department’s website a monthly analysis of his Department’s income and expenditure similar to the Exchequer statement provided by the Department of Finance. [11342/08]
Initial examination of the Deputy's proposal indicates that it would not be possible to provide the data on a similar basis to the Exchequer Statement.
552 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will give assurances that clear criteria are to be laid down to determine whether a partnership in a family farm exists; if same will be used to provide a pension for farm spouses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11358/08]
553 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if spouses who were in a partnership but did not claim partnership when making tax and PRSI returns will be assured of retrospective recognition of partnership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11359/08]
557 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the pension entitlement of both partners in a business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11547/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 552, 553 and 557 together.
The Programme for Government states: "The role and economic contribution of spouses working on the farm will be better recognised within the social insurance system, following on from Budget 2007 which allowed recipients of Farm Assist to make PRSI contributions for the first time".
There are three situations where spouses may pay contributions. Spouses who are actively engaged in a commercial partnership, including the operation of a farm, as opposed to simply being the joint owners of a property, are treated as individual self-employed contributors and are thus liable to social insurance contributions. These contributions — made under PRSI Class S — enable them to build up an insurance record in their own right and to receive accruing benefits. A partnership is commonly understood to be an association of two or more persons for the purpose of gain or of sharing in the work and profits of an enterprise. Liability for PRSI contributions is not contingent on the ownership of property but rather on the nature of the business arrangements between the couple. Co-ownership of property does not in itself create a partnership.
In the situation where a family business or farming enterprise is incorporated as a limited company, spouses involved in the business can establish a social insurance record as either employees or as self-employed contributors — depending on whether a contract of service exists.
Finally, a spouse engaged in "off-farm" employment, will pay social insurance contributions in his or her own right. This enables farming spouses who might otherwise not be insured to develop a social insurance record on the basis of their "off-farm" earnings. Under the provisions of the Towards 2016 social partnership agreement, an information leaflet is currently being developed between the Department of Social & Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to set out the social welfare and tax implications of families co-working in a shared business. The views and input of the farming representatives have fed into this process to ensure that the new publication meets with their information needs and is customer orientated. The leaflet will be published shortly. It should also be noted that under the Programme for Government there is a commitment to improve the income limits associated with the qualified adult allowance to enable more people to qualify for it. The limits will be reviewed in the context of the budget.
554 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Longford who is awaiting confirmation of Irish citizenship, can continue work for two or three months beyond their due retirement date of mid-March 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11360/08]
In general, customers may continue working after reaching their retirement age but any contributions paid after retirement age are not reckonable for pension purposes. The entitlement of this customer to continue working may be subject to having a valid work permit and any question in this regard should be addressed to the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment. My Department does not have any claim outstanding from this customer.
555 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether the unit that deals with European economic area and European Union queries within the child benefit section of his Department in Letterkenny, County Donegal is adequately staffed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11511/08]
EU nationals who come to work in Ireland but whose families remain in their home country may have an entitlement to family benefits, e.g. Child Benefit, in Ireland under EU Regulation 1408/71. Since 2005 the number of claims in respect of non-resident children of EU nationals has increased significantly. This influx has resulted in delays in finalizing claims. A number of measures has been taken to streamline and improve the processing of EU claims, amongst them being increases in the numbers of staff working in the unit. In September 2007, 10 additional staff were assigned to the area on a temporary basis. A review of processes in the unit has recently been concluded and further additional resources are to be assigned, bringing the staffing level including both permanent and temporary staff to some 47 posts (compared to 19 in 2005). Included in the staff assigned to the unit are 3 native Polish speakers working on temporary contracts. The increase in staff numbers, coupled with the judicious use of overtime and the implementation of a number of other process improvements, will result in an improvement in the work of the unit during 2008.
556 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will clarify the treatment of compensation awards made by the Courts for persons with a disability under the social welfare code; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11528/08]
Disability allowance is the principal means tested social assistance payment available from my Department for persons with disabilities. As is the case with all social assistance payments, disability allowance is subject to a means test. For the purposes of assessing means, the proceeds of court awards are treated as capital. Since June 2007, the following method has applied to the assessment of capital for disability allowance—
i. the first €50,000 of capital is disregarded in full;
ii. capital between €50,000 and €60,000 is assessed on the basis of €1 weekly means for each €1,000 of capital;
iii. capital between €60,000 and €70,000 is assessed on the basis of €2 weekly means for each €1,000 of capital; and
iv. capital above €70,000 is assessed on the basis of €4 weekly means for each €1,000 of capital.
Under these arrangements, a single person is able to have capital of up to €111,999 and still qualify for a minimum payment of disability allowance.
In addition, any compensation payment is disregarded in full in the means assessment for disability allowance when awarded:
a. by the Compensation Tribunal established by the Minister for Health on 15 December, 1995, the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal established under section 3 of the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal Act 1997, the Hepatitis C and HIV Compensation Tribunal established under section 2 of the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal (Amendment) Act 2002, or by a court of competent jurisdiction, to compensate certain persons who have contracted Hepatitis C or Human Immunodeficiency Virus within the State from the use of Human Immunoglobulin — Anti-D, whole blood or other blood products,
b. by the Residential Institutions Redress Board established under section 3 of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002
c. to persons who have disabilities caused by Thalidomide, or
d. under the provisions of the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 to a relevant person (within the meaning of that Act).
558 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is being dealt with in such a manner by his Department; and if child benefit will remain with this person in view of the fact that they answered the survey form in 2007. [11580/08]
Child Benefit section routinely contact customers to ensure that they still meet the conditions for receipt of the benefit and are receiving their full entitlement. Since late 2007, an automated process has been introduced that will issue a residency certification letter to selected groups of customers on a regular periodic basis.
The person referred to was written to in December 2006 as part of an earlier review project and returned the completed enquiry letter in January 2007. In January 2008, she was randomly selected for inclusion in the new automated residency certification letter issue. This letter was issued to some 5000 customers to confirm their residency and their children's continued residency in Ireland.
559 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if all applicants of child benefit are asked to fill out the survey form regarding preschool or crèche attendance of their children and to provide details of when their children last attended a doctor; the relevance of the survey form; the use this information is put to; the number of people selected for this survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11581/08]
560 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of child benefit claimants in 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 that have been asked to fill out a survey form, confirming preschool or crèche attendance of their children and confirming the date their children last attended a doctor; the nationality of the child benefit claimants who were asked to fill out this survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11582/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 559 and 560 together.
The Child Benefit scheme has, in recent years, years experienced significant expansion in the volume of claims received, the rates of payment and the diversity of the customer base. Over the last five years, the rate of benefit has almost doubled. The annual cost in 2008 will be in excess of €2.3 billion and the payment is now made for children of some 180 nationalities living in Ireland.
Against this background, the control policy for the child benefit scheme has been reviewed to ensure that controls against fraud and abuse of the scheme continue to be effective and relevant. As a result of the review, enhanced and updated control measures have been devised. These include the issue of certificates to sub-sets of selected groups of customers for completion and return to the Department to confirm that they continue to satisfy the conditions for receipt of Child Benefit. Customers selected for the reviews have to date been selected by and large from non-Irish nationals in receipt of Child Benefit, both those with children resident in Ireland and those working here whose children are resident outside of Ireland. The review process will be expanded to include other customer groups in the future.
In the case of non-Irish national recipients who are resident in Ireland with their children, certification is requested that the children continue to reside here — the proof of such residence can be provided via details of the school or college their child attends or, if the child is not of school-going age, details of the doctor or crèche they attend. This information is used solely to verify that the children are resident in Ireland.
In the case of EU nationals who are working in Ireland but who have qualified children living in another EU state, certification by their employer of continuing employment is requested. This information is not used for any other purpose. Where the required certification is not provided within the timescale requested (21 days) the payment of Child Benefit is suspended pending further enquiry. If certification is subsequently provided any payments of child benefit which were suspended will be made in full.
A percentage of all replies is checked to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, with cases referred to Social Welfare Investigators for follow-up action as necessary. These reviews commenced in November 2007 and approximately 23,000 review letters have issued since then. This number will increase in the coming months and it is expected that in excess of 100,000 customers will be reviewed in 2008 (this equates to 18% of all Child Benefit customers.)
562 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded jobseeker’s allowance. [11752/08]
The jobseeker's allowance claim from the person concerned is currently with a Social Welfare Inspector for investigation of his circumstances. On completion of enquiries, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
563 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when supplementary welfare payment will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11842/08]
The position regarding the rent supplement entitlement of the person concerned remains as advised in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 322 which I answered for the Deputy on 18th December 2007. The Health Service Executive has advised that in December 2006, it refused a payment of rent supplement in this case on the grounds that the local housing authority had not certified that the person concerned has a housing need. The Executive has further advised that this decision has not been appealed by the person concerned. It has confirmed that it has not received a new application for rent supplement from the person concerned.
564 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in relation to the invalidity pension appeal in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11843/08]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the appeal from the person concerned has been allowed. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of my Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
565 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an exceptional needs payment in respect of rent arrears will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11845/08]
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the HSE, 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. Each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case. Eligible people would normally be in receipt of a social welfare or health service executive payment. Non payment of rent is not a case for making an exceptional needs payment.
The Health Service Executive has advised that the person concerned is in receipt of a rent supplement (in addition to a one parent family payment, and a reduced rate illness benefit payment) at the maximum rates payable appropriate to her circumstances.
The Executive has further stated that the person concerned, on the advice of the Community Welfare Officer (CWO), met with a representative of the local Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), in January 2008 and also in early February 2008, in order to discuss her financial situation with a view to arranging a resolution to the issue. The CWO has been in contact with the person concerned following on from her meetings with the MABS office in order to examine her current personal circumstances and has advised that in his opinion the payment of an ENP is not warranted at this time.
566 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there is assistance available from his Department towards costs (details supplied). [11862/08]
My Department provides a wide range of second chance education opportunities to equip people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force.
Attendance at approved full-time courses of education provides opportunity for personal development and progression to employment for those dependent on income support. I consider that the existing arrangements applying to the back to education allowance (BTEA), which excludes distance learning courses, is best suited in meeting the objectives of the scheme namely, enhancing the employability skills of vulnerable groups who are distant from the labour market.
Participants on the BTEA scheme are paid at a standard weekly rate equivalent to the maximum personal rate of the relevant social welfare payment that qualifies them for participation in the scheme. In addition participants are paid an annual cost of education allowance, currently €400. For the 2008/09 academic year this allowance will be €500.
There are two strands to the scheme, a second level option and third level option. Under the second level option, a person may attend a second level course of study at any community, comprehensive, secondary, or vocational school. The course being pursued must be a full-time day course of study that leads to a certificate that is recognised by the Department of Education and Science or validated by the Further Education Training and Awards Council (FETAC).
The Third level option allows a person to attend an approved third level course of study at any recognised university or third level institution. The course must be a full-time day course of study which is an approved course recognised by the Department of Education and Science for the Higher Education Grant Scheme, the Vocational Education Committee's Scholarship Scheme, the Third Level Maintenance Grant Scheme for Trainees or validated by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC).
I have no plans to extend the scheme to include distance learning courses within the scheme. I will of course continue to monitor the scheme but I believe that, overall, the current arrangements as provided by my Department's back to education allowance scheme are adequate and ensure that resources are targeted at those who are most in need.
568 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of car park spaces available nationally to those working in his Department and in the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; the annual cost of car park spaces rented by his Department and the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11894/08]
The information requested is currently being compiled within my Department and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible.
569 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in relation to a non-contributory pension for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11898/08]
The customer in this case made an application for Old Age Non Contributory Pension on the 19th February 1990. At the time of application the customer declared that both she and her spouse were in receipt of a U.S. pension. Following an assessment by the Social Welfare Inspector a reduced rate of Old Age Non Contributory Pension, including an increase in respect of her spouse was awarded to the customer from the 18th May 1990.
The customer's spouse subsequently made an application for Old Age Non Contributory Pension on reaching pension age on 29th January 1991. He was awarded a reduced rate Old Age Non Contributory Pension based on his declaration of means and continued to be paid until his death on the 1st April 2007.
Following receipt of an enquiry from the solicitor acting for his estate, my Department requested a schedule of assets from the estate of the deceased pensioner. On receipt of this schedule it was shown that the estate consisted of property to the value of €1,585,000 and savings of €85,715. As the amount of savings was not consistent with the customer's rate of payment, the case was referred to the Social Welfare Inspector for investigation. The Solicitor acting for the estate was advised not to distribute the assets of the estate until the matter was finalised by the department.
Following investigation it has been determined that a debt is due to the department and the solicitor acting for the estate was advised accordingly on the 8th February 2008. No monies have as yet been received in the department. In view of the new information now to hand, this customers continued entitlement to pension is under review and a Social Welfare Inspector will be calling to interview her in this regard in the near future.
570 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average length of time between oral appeal hearings and when a decision issues; the maximum length of time after an oral hearing before a decision must issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11916/08]
The Social Welfare appeals system is quasi-judicial and the procedures involved are designed to ensure that every appellant gets full and fair consideration. I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, ordinarily, appellants are sent their decisions in writing within three or four weeks of an oral hearing. In unsuccessful appeals, the Appeals Officers set out the reasons for their decisions.
In a small number of cases, for example complex legal cases where more research is required or cases whether further clarification is requested from the parties to an appeal, it may not be possible to adhere to these time limits. There is no maximum length of time in which a decision must issue.
I am advised that improving processing times of all aspects of the appeals process is a major objective of the Social Welfare Appeals Office. However, it is necessary at all times to ensure that progress in this regard is achieved in a manner which is not in conflict with the demands of natural justice and the requirement that every appeal be fully investigated and examined on all its merits.
571 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way persons (details supplied) in County Mayo were assessed for farm assist; and if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the calculations in this case. [11925/08]
The persons concerned are married and each is in receipt of a farm assist payment. The basis of the decisions to award them farm assist is currently under appeal. A Deciding Officer assessed the means of the husband at €89.47 from 20 February 2008. The means assessed are halved, as his wife is in receipt of a social welfare payment in her own right, giving an effective weekly means of €45.00 (rounded to nearest euro).
His farm assist entitlement is subject to the limitation in the legislation which provides that, where one spouse is entitled to one of a number of Social Welfare payments, including farm assist and the other is also entitled to a Social Welfare payment, the total payable to them cannot be more than the married rate of allowance payable in each case.
The maximum payment he can receive, if he were claiming alone for the family is €239.10 (personal rate of €197.80, plus Qualified Adult allowance of €131.30, less €90.00 means). His means are derived from the benefit of spouse's off-farm employment and income from a holding. Because his wife is also in receipt of a payment the limitation clause requires that the family rate be halved, giving him an entitlement of €119.55.
A Deciding Officer assessed the means of the wife, within the couple, at €18.00 from 31 October 2007. The means assessed are halved, giving an effective weekly means of €9.00 (rounded to nearest euro). The maximum payment she can receive, if she were claiming alone for the family is €311.10 (personal rate of €197.80, plus Qualified Adult allowance of €131.30, less €18.00 means). Her means are derived from the benefit of earnings from a holding only. The family rate is halved, giving her an entitlement of €155.55. This gives the couple a total entitlement of €275.10 (€119.55 plus €155.55).
Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
572 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 is no longer entitled to mortgage interest relief; if he will examine this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11943/08]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes mortgage interest supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive. A mortgage interest supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence.
The Health Service Executive has advised that it is reviewing the entitlement of the person concerned to mortgage interest supplement and will be in contact with the person directly when a decision has been made on his entitlement.
573 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) with a view to granting the benefit applied for in view of the exceptional circumstances of the case. [11966/08]
The person concerned originally applied for Disability Allowance on 25 November 2005. The principal conditions for receipt of disability allowance are that the medical eligibility criteria are met and the means test which applies is satisfied. The person concerned satisfies the medical eligibility criteria. However, his claim was refused on 14 March 2006 as it was found that the income derived from his spouse's earnings from self employment was in excess of the statutory limit for entitlement to a Disability Allowance.
He appealed the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Following an examination of the facts the Appeals Officer disallowed his appeal. In giving a decision on 29 May 2006 the Appeals Officer indicated that the claimant's means exceed the limit for entitlement to an allowance. An Appeals officer's decision is final and conclusive in the absence of new evidence or facts or any change of circumstances since the decision was given.
The claimant submitted a new application for Disability Allowance on 23 November 2007. His claim was refused on 27 February 2008 as it was found the income derived from his spouse's earnings was in excess of the statutory limit for entitlement to a Disability Allowance. He was also advised, of his option to appeal this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
574 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of unemployed in respect of each employment exchange in Carlow and Kilkenny for the years from 1 January 2006 to 31 March 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11969/08]
The data requested in respect of my Department's offices located in Carlow and Kilkenny is given as follows in tabular form. The figures shown are from the Live Register for the last Friday of December in the years 2006 and 2007 and for 29th February 2008.
The Live Register is not designed to measure unemployment. It includes part-time workers (those who work up to three days per week) seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseekers Benefit or Allowance. The Live Register statistics are published monthly by the Central Statistics Office and the release for March 2008 is due on the 4th April.
|
Totals |
||||
|
County |
Local Office |
End Dec 06 |
End Dec 07 |
End Feb 08 |
|
Carlow |
Carlow |
1,066 |
1,365 |
1,579 |
|
Muine Bheag |
429 |
505 |
570 |
|
|
Tullow |
470 |
578 |
598 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
Kilkenny |
2,140 |
2,249 |
2,674 |
|
Thomastown |
417 |
443 |
493 |
|
|
Total |
4,522 |
5,140 |
5,914 |
575 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a family income supplement payment will be renewed for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11980/08]
The person concerned has been in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS) since March 2006. The claim fell due for annual renewal on 5th March 2008 and the renewal application form was received by the Department on 21st February 2008.
As one section of the form was not fully completed it was returned to the person concerned. The completed form was received by the Department on 12th March 2008 and a decision was made on the FIS renewal application on 20th March 2008. The person concerned has been awarded FIS at the weekly rate of €109 from 6th March 2008. The first payment totalling €436 including all arrears due was made on 27th March 2008.
576 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made by his Department following the recommendations by the Irish Human Rights Commission in relation to a special pension for the self employed introduced in 1999; if the committee of experts has completed it’s review of the matter in the context of it’s annual report on compliance with the European Code of Social Security submitted by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12009/08]
The case reported on by the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) involves a couple who were over 56 years of age in 1988 when compulsory social insurance for the self-employed was introduced and who could not, therefore, satisfy one of the basic requirements for pension as they did not commence paying insurance 10 years before pension age.
As the Deputy may be aware, a special pension paid at half the personal rate and requiring the payment of at least 260 contributions was introduced in 1999 to cater for such people. The IHRC recommended that a reduced benefit should also be paid to people who, because of advanced age, could not satisfy the conditions for this special pension. This would be a significant departure from the principles underpinning qualification for pensions, and other benefits, which require that a minimum level of contributions should be made before a person can qualify for a payment.
In its conclusions on the provisions relating to the special pension for the self employed, the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) placed particular emphasis on Article 29(5) of the European Code of Social Security. This section deals with the situation where the beneficiary, because of his advanced age at the moment the pension scheme enters into force, is unable to fulfil the qualifying conditions. In such circumstances, the Code provides for the payment of a reduced pension "under prescribed conditions" to be determined in national legislation.
Accordingly, the views of the ILO Committee of Experts, which examines annual national reports on compliance with the European Code of Social Security on behalf of the Council of Europe, were sought on the conclusions of the IHRC report, and in particular whether the provisions of the Code require the payment of a pension in the circumstances, regardless of how few contributions have been paid by the person involved. The ILO Committee has recently been in touch with the Department in this regard and has indicated that Article 29(5) applies only to pension schemes "conditional upon a minimum period of contribution or employment", which, by definition, do not require pension to be paid in all cases, regardless of how few contributions have been paid by the person concerned. This response indicates that the Department's position in this matter is likely to be upheld.
The report of the ILO Committee will be reviewed at the beginning of April by a Council of Europe Governmental Committee of Experts on Social Security tasked with the interpretation of the Code. The IHRC has been informed of the up to date position.
577 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will extend the period in which he pays the fuel allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12055/08]
The national fuel allowance scheme assists householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive (HSE) payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full.
Improvements to the fuel allowance in recent years include an easing of the means test, extending the duration of the fuel season and an increase in the rates of payment. Budget 2006 provided for an increase in the rate of fuel allowance of €5.00 from €9.00 to €14.00 (€17.90 in designated smokeless areas) and Budget 2007 increased the rate of fuel allowance by €4 from €14 to €18 (€21.90 in designated smokeless areas). The cumulative effect of these two Budgets has seen a doubling of the fuel allowance in this period. The income threshold for eligibility to fuel allowance was also increased by €49 from €51 to €100 above the state pension (contributory) rate.
In Budget 2008 I have extended the duration of the payment by 1 week to 30 weeks in total. This extra week will be added on at the end of the fuel season in April. This increase in the duration of the fuel season will cost an extra €5.6m per annum bringing the estimated expenditure this year to €167.1m for some 286,200 households that will benefit under the scheme.
Any other changes in relation to fuel allowances would have significant cost implications and would have to be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of the resources available for improvements in social welfare generally.
578 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the policy in place to deal with the weakening pound; the currency rate used to calculate a UK payment as part of an Irish means tested claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12056/08]
In assessing means deriving from payments received from EU Member States (including the U.K.) which do not form part of the EMU currencies, my Department uses the conversion mechanism provided for under Article 107 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 574/72 on Social Security for Migrant Workers. The exchange rates for converting Sterling and other non-Euro currencies are published quarterly in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Under this mechanism the conversion rate used for means testing purposes is derived from the average of the daily exchange rates in the first month of a quarter. This rate is then used in all conversions made during the course of the succeeding quarter. Alternatively the conversion rate applicable to the next succeeding quarter is used if it is found to be more beneficial to the customer.
Generally, pensions are not reviewed specifically because of movements in the exchange rate as over time rate fluctuations tend to even themselves out. The application of Rule 5 and similar disregards to State Pension means assessments over a number of years mean that it is very unlikely that these pensioners would qualify for an increase in pension.
579 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in relation to a disability allowance claim by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when the person will be approved and awarded same. [12160/08]
Disability allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people with a disability who are aged between 16 and 66 years. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to both a medical examination and a means test.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance and applied for a Disability Allowance on 12th September 2007. The Medical Adviser determined that an examination would be necessary in order to establish the person's medical suitability to Disability Allowance. The person concerned will be notified of the date of examination in Belmullet; this would be during the early part of May next. However, if the customer wishes to be accommodated for an exam in the Ballina area instead, this can be arranged. There are examinations scheduled for Ballina on 10th April. If the person concerned wishes to attend this exam, arrangements will be made for his travel expenses to be paid by the Department.
A Social Welfare Inspector has already visited the person concerned and established his means. A final decision will be given on the Disability Allowance claim upon receipt of the Medical Assessor's report. The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. The person continues in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance in the interim.
580 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the name of every body, organisation and committee outside his Department, other than semi-State commercial companies, that have been established by and report to his Department, at any stage during the year 2007 and the first three months of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12303/08]
No such body, organisation or committee has been established by my Department during the year 2007 or in the first three months of 2008.
581 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the PRSI payable by persons on community employment schemes on the A8 PRSI category where their current income is below €352 per week; the PRSI payable by the same people if they receive a pay rise bringing their income over €353 per week and if they will move to an A9 PRSI category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12390/08]
The Community Employment, or CE, scheme is designed to assist long-term unemployed and other disadvantaged persons by offering them part-time and temporary work positions in jobs based within local communities. Following the placement, participants are actively encouraged to capitalise on the skills and experience that they have obtained through the scheme by seeking more permanent part-time and full-time opportunities within the mainstream workforce.
Participants on the CE scheme are provided with an average of 39 hours of paid employment per fortnight for a one-year period. Income from this work is assessable for tax (PAYE) and liable to PRSI Class A contributions on all earnings above the PRSI-Free Allowance of €127 per week.
The obligation to pay PRSI Class A contributions was introduced by the Social Welfare Act, 1996, in a bid to enhance the working status of CE participants and to afford them the same level of social protection as fully insured workers. This extension effectively placed these workers on an equal footing with PRSI Class A workers — both in terms of social insurance liabilities and benefits.
The level of the weekly social insurance contribution that is payable is, for the most part, determined by both the level of reckonable earnings in that week and the appropriate PRSI rate. The PRSI exemption on low earnings has now been increased to €352 per week (up from €339 in 2007) — any earnings above this level are liable to an employee PRSI contribution rate of 4%. Above this threshold point contributors are entitled to a PRSI-Free Allowance of €127 per week that reduces the ‘step-effect', whereby an employee with gross weekly pay over €352 could have lower net pay that an employee earning €352 or less per week, of the threshold.
Therefore, a person insured under PRSI Class A-8 with an income up to €352 per week will have a nil liability whereas a person insured under PRSI Class A-9 with an income of more than €352 per week will have a PRSI liability of 4% on the portion of that income above the €127 PRSI-Free Allowance.
This tiered system enhances employment incentives for low-earning employees by ensuring that they do not experience any financial difficulties from the payment of social insurance contributions. It is therefore fair to say that participants in the CE scheme are not being unduly disadvantaged over other workers with similar weekly earnings. There are currently no plans to change the existing provisions.
582 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department has used helicopters for any purpose for each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the reason for such use; the suppliers of the helicopter; the dates and locations visited and distance travelled; the cost of same and persons carried; if quotations were sought for such trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12424/08]
The Department has not found any record of payments made for the private hire of helicopters from 2002 to date. I understand that information regarding the use of the Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) is being provided by my colleague the Minister for Defence.
583 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he proposes to take to meet the increased rent support needs of private renting tenants where rent has been increased by the landlord but where the Health Service Executive acting on behalf have refused to increase the rent support thereby forcing such tenants into lower quality and unfit accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12446/08]
Rent supplement is administered on my behalf by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Rent supplement is subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant may incur. Rent limits are set at levels that enable the different eligible household types to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation, having regard to the different rental market conditions that prevail in various parts of the State. The objective is to ensure that rent supplement is not paid in respect of overly expensive accommodation having regard to the size of the household.
Expenditure on the rent supplement scheme in 2007 was almost €391.5 million. There are currently over 61,000 rent supplements in payment. Some 52,000 have been awarded since the current rent limits were set in January 2007. This suggests that the limits are set at reasonable levels at present. Setting maximum rent limits higher than are justified by the open market would have a distorting effect on the rental market, leading to a more general rise in rent levels. This in turn would worsen the affordability of rental accommodation unnecessarily, with particular negative impact for those tenants on lower incomes, including people in low wage employment.
Notwithstanding these limits, under existing arrangements the Health Service Executive may, in certain circumstances, exceed the rent levels as an exceptional measure, for example:
where the person concerned is entitled to an income disregard AND has sufficient income to meet his or her basic needs after paying rent, taking into account the appropriate rate of rent supplement that is otherwise payable in the case
where there are special housing needs related to exceptional circumstances, for example, disabled persons in specially-adapted accommodation or homeless persons,
where the tenant will be in a position to re-assume responsibility for his/her rent within a short period
This discretionary power ensures that individuals with particular needs can be accommodated within the scheme and specifically protects against homelessness.
In January 2007 a review was completed of the maximum levels of rent which a person may incur and still be eligible to receive rent supplement. The purpose of the review was to inform the process of setting new limits, applicable from January 2007 until 30 June 2008. The review included consultation with the HSE, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Central Statistics Office, the Private Residential Tenancies Board and voluntary agencies working in this area. This process ensures that the new rent limits reflect realistic market conditions throughout the country. Arising from the review, rent limits were adjusted upwards, from January 2007, for a number of household types in 14 counties at an annual cost of €13 million.
I intend to have rent limits reviewed this year with a view to implementing any revision found to be necessary, from 1 July 2008. A consultative approach will be used to conduct his review.
584 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of instances whereby disability benefit, other illness benefits or allowances have been terminated on medical grounds, without a medical examination despite the existence of compelling medical evidence to the contrary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12447/08]
The Deputy refers to illness benefits and allowances which is taken to mean the Illness Benefit, Disability Allowance and Invalidity Pension schemes. Where eligibility on medical grounds for any of these schemes is being reviewed, the case is referred to the Department's Medical Review and Assessment Service to be examined by a Departmental Medical Assessor.
In the first instance, cases are reviewed by a Medical Assessor by way of examination of the papers and various reports submitted. Following this review, should any question arise as to continued eligibility, the customer will be asked to attend for medical examination. No Illness Benefit, Disability Allowance or Invalidity Pension cases are terminated without a medical assessment by a departmental Medical Assessor.
585 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons male and female registered as unemployed; the number in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12448/08]
588 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the numbers registered as unemployed by county at present and in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12451/08]
592 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number registered as unemployed in County Kildare at present; the figures for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12455/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 585, 588 and 592 together.
The data requested is presented in tabular form in two tables. The figures shown are from the Live Register for the last Friday of December in each of the years 2003 to 2007 and for 29th February 2008. Table 1 shows that the number of males on the Live Register rose from 99,153 at end December 2003 to 122,520 at 29th February 2008. The figures for females fell from 71,451 to 66,965 during the same period.
|
Dec-03 |
Dec-04 |
Dec-05 |
Dec-06 |
Dec-07 |
29/02/2008 |
|
|
Male |
99,153 |
92,707 |
92,392 |
92,499 |
106,698 |
122,520 |
|
Female |
71,451 |
66,109 |
63,441 |
62,890 |
63,678 |
66,965 |
|
Total |
170,604 |
158,816 |
155,833 |
155,389 |
170,376 |
189,485 |
Table 2 gives the total number on the Live Register broken down by county. The overall national total rose from 170,604 at end December 2003 to 189,485 at end February 2008 while the total for Co. Kildare rose from 4,753 to 7,108 in the same period.
|
County |
Dec-03 |
Dec-04 |
Dec-05 |
Dec-06 |
Dec-07 |
29/02/2008 |
|
Carlow |
2,273 |
2,116 |
2,065 |
1,965 |
2,447 |
2,745 |
|
Cavan |
2,128 |
1,981 |
2,211 |
2,287 |
2,626 |
2,948 |
|
Clare |
4,218 |
3,927 |
3,946 |
4,073 |
4,693 |
5,070 |
|
Cork |
17,982 |
16,740 |
15,529 |
15,208 |
16,699 |
18,379 |
|
Donegal |
10,143 |
9,442 |
8,635 |
8,772 |
9,108 |
9,957 |
|
Dublin |
44,691 |
41,603 |
39,930 |
38,507 |
40,835 |
44,623 |
|
Galway |
9,439 |
8,787 |
8,645 |
9,046 |
9,758 |
10,944 |
|
Kerry |
6,980 |
6,498 |
6,651 |
6,793 |
7,291 |
8,092 |
|
Kildare |
4,753 |
4,425 |
4,665 |
5,187 |
6,062 |
7,108 |
|
Kilkenny |
2,280 |
2,122 |
2,066 |
2,140 |
2,249 |
2,674 |
|
Laois |
2,195 |
2,043 |
1,979 |
2,034 |
2,786 |
3,249 |
|
Leitrim |
751 |
699 |
1,109 |
1,185 |
1,441 |
1,574 |
|
Limerick |
8,172 |
7,607 |
7,103 |
7,314 |
8,237 |
9,005 |
|
Longford |
1,821 |
1,695 |
1,800 |
1,941 |
2,378 |
2,665 |
|
Louth |
7,122 |
6,630 |
6,481 |
6,536 |
6,890 |
7,939 |
|
Mayo |
6,512 |
6,062 |
5,144 |
4,710 |
5,091 |
5,649 |
|
Meath |
3,218 |
2,996 |
3,002 |
3,038 |
3,557 |
4,121 |
|
Monaghan |
2,484 |
2,312 |
2,038 |
2,009 |
2,258 |
2,601 |
|
Offaly |
1,593 |
1,483 |
2,770 |
2,768 |
3,282 |
3,726 |
|
Roscommon |
1,389 |
1,293 |
1,190 |
1,285 |
1,512 |
1,713 |
|
Sligo |
2,236 |
2,082 |
1,937 |
1,859 |
2,136 |
2,410 |
|
Tipperary |
6,694 |
6,231 |
5,625 |
5,315 |
5,757 |
6,326 |
|
Waterford |
6,530 |
6,079 |
6,665 |
6,683 |
7,066 |
7,892 |
|
Westmeath |
3,627 |
3,376 |
3,599 |
3,800 |
4,101 |
4,573 |
|
Wexford |
7,141 |
6,647 |
6,618 |
6,710 |
7,506 |
8,455 |
|
Wicklow |
4,232 |
3,940 |
4,430 |
4,224 |
4,610 |
5,047 |
|
Total |
170,604 |
158,816 |
155,833 |
155,389 |
170,376 |
189,485 |
The Live Register includes part-time (those who work up to three days a week), seasonal and casual workers who are entitled to jobseeker's benefit or allowance. The March figures will be published by the Central Statistics Office shortly.
586 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons male and female in receipt of an illness benefit or allowance payment; the numbers for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12449/08]
Disability allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a disability who are aged between 16 and 66 years. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to both a medical examination and a means test. There are over 91,000 persons currently in receipt of DA — 54,800 male and 36,500 females (figures as at 28 February 2008).
Illness Benefit (formerly known as Disability Benefit) is a payment for insured people who cannot work due to illness. There are over 71,000 people in receipt of Illness Benefit — 25,800 male and 45,900 female (figures as at 28 February 2008). The table shows the number of persons in receipt of disability allowance and illness benefit for each of the past five years.
|
Year (ending) |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
31-Dec-07 |
53,014 |
36,019 |
89,033 |
|
31-Dec-06 |
49,990 |
33,882 |
83,872 |
|
31-Dec-05 |
47,313 |
32,021 |
79,334 |
|
31-Dec-04 |
43,645 |
29,206 |
72,851 |
|
31-Dec-03 |
40,665 |
27,174 |
67,839 |
|
Year (ending) |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
31-Dec-07 |
25,038 |
45,366 |
70,404 |
|
31-Dec-06 |
23,580 |
42,194 |
65,774 |
|
31-Dec-05 |
22,349 |
39,496 |
61,845 |
|
31-Dec-04 |
21,478 |
37,248 |
58,726 |
|
31-Dec-03 |
21,378 |
36,086 |
57,464 |
587 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of instances whereby a social welfare payment has been terminated in the past 12 months; the number that requested an appeal; the figures for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12450/08]
I understand that the Deputy is seeking information on the number of payments that were terminated by my Department as opposed to payments terminated, such as, at the request of a customer or where entitlement ceased at the end of a defined period of entitlement. The tabular statement sets out the number of payments that were either reduced or terminated in each of the past 5 years as a result of my Department's control work. Information on the number of payments terminated by my Department in the past 12 months is not currently available. It is not possible to determine the number of payments that were reduced or terminated and which subsequently gave rise to an appeal.
|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
|
|
Unemployment |
26,920 |
26,420 |
29,511 |
33,776 |
35,621 |
|
Illness |
|||||
|
Illness Benefit |
6,474 |
6,306 |
7,134 |
8,213 |
8,943 |
|
Disability Allowance |
1,852 |
2,441 |
3,549 |
2,813 |
2,439 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
861 |
867 |
832 |
436 |
408 |
|
Incapacity/Unemployment Supplement |
12 |
— |
4 |
18 |
9 |
|
Pensions |
|||||
|
State Pension |
1,553 |
1,986 |
2,697 |
1,594 |
877 |
|
One-Parent Family Payment |
15,398 |
6,254 |
6,757 |
7,974 |
2,580 |
|
Free Fuel/Living Alone Allowance/ Household Benefit |
3,689 |
7,086 |
7,944 |
4,293 |
453 |
|
Child Benefit |
1,401 |
2,004 |
1,849 |
2,074 |
1,356 |
|
Carers |
425 |
664 |
661 |
481 |
222 |
|
Family Income Supplement |
7,451 |
8,161 |
6,964 |
242 |
495 |
|
Total |
66,036 |
62,189 |
67,902 |
61,914 |
53,403 |
589 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of respite grants received, approved or disallowed in each of the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12452/08]
Details of Respite Care Grant (RCG) applications received, approved and disallowed by month, for the 12 month period from April 2007 to March 2008, are shown in tabular form. Differences between total applications received and those decided are due to the fact that some RCG applications are ultimately decided as part of a claim for Carers Allowance or Benefit. In addition some cases require further enquiries to finalise entitlement.
|
Month |
Applications |
Claims Allowed |
Claims Refused |
|
Apr-07 |
3,550 |
398 |
117 |
|
May-07 |
4,619 |
149 |
80 |
|
Jun-07 |
1,501 |
1,894 |
62 |
|
Jul-07 |
719 |
3,853 |
161 |
|
Aug-07 |
423 |
1,166 |
181 |
|
Sep-07 |
349 |
683 |
180 |
|
Oct-07 |
398 |
782 |
205 |
|
Nov-07 |
296 |
342 |
127 |
|
Dec-07 |
207 |
147 |
58 |
|
Jan-08 |
193 |
244 |
97 |
|
Feb-08 |
224 |
158 |
69 |
|
Mar-08 |
172 |
123 |
125 |
|
Total |
12,651 |
9,939 |
1,462 |
593 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the work being carried out by an organisation (details supplied) Dublin 15, supporting newborn babies and young children and that the people using the service are predominantly immigrants who value the service as a means of connecting with the local community; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the service may have to close or severely curtail its services due to a shortfall in funding of €40,000 in 2008 and that the service started as a RAPID initiative with support from his Department and other agencies before being selected for transfer to the Health Service Executive which is initiating cutbacks; his views on whether such initiatives are valuable for supporting the integration of immigrants into Irish communities and for facilitating their access to community services; if he will facilitate a roundtable conference of all the relevant stakeholders, including himself, the HSE, RAPID, the Department for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the organisation and the Minister of State with special responsibility for integration to secure the funding required to allow the project to continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11221/08]
The organisation in question was awarded funding of €70,090 under the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) to establish a Lifestart Programme in Mulhuddart to facilitate a home-visiting support service to families with young children.
A further sum of €22,600 was awarded to the organisation from the fund in 2007. This was done to facilitate continued limited funding to first round projects which had demonstrated proven outcomes and where mainstreaming to relevant Departments/agencies had been applied for — and was under consideration — on the expiry of the additional Dormant Accounts funding.
In recommending this additional funding, my Department was keen to ensure that eligible projects could remain operational whilst seeking appropriate mainstream support. The Deputy will appreciate that the DAF cannot, of its nature, be a source of indefinite funding for specific projects. I understand that at the time of the award of additional funding in 2007, an application from the organisation in question for mainstream funding was under consideration by the Health Service Executive. My Department is prepared to facilitate a meeting of relevant stakeholders in the near future with a view to progressing the matter of funding for the organisation.
594 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the organisations in the Mayo constituency that were granted funds under the current round of national lottery grants; the amount granted in each case; the organisations in this area whose applications were unsuccessful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11295/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department uses the proceeds of the National Lottery to part fund the following schemes and programmes:
Programme of Grants for Locally-based Community & Voluntary Organisations;
Scheme of Community Supports for Older People (CSOP);
The Community Development Programme (CDP);
Funding Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community & Voluntary Sector; and
Ciste na Gaeilge.
Details of the funding allocated to-date in the 2008 round by my Department to organisations in County Mayo is reflected in the following table.
|
Part funded by the National Lottery |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Name |
Area |
Amount Granted |
Scheme |
|
€ |
|||
|
Clare Island Community Co-op Ltd |
Mayo |
126,163 |
CDP |
|
Claremorris Women’s Group |
Mayo |
28,311 |
CDP |
|
Corracla Teo (Achill CDP) |
Mayo |
99,679 |
CDP |
|
Cos Gallen (East Mayo CDP) |
Mayo |
123,700 |
CDP |
|
Iorras le Cheile (North Mayo (Erris CDP)) |
Mayo |
144,386 |
CDP |
|
Kiltimagh Community Development Project Ltd |
Mayo |
130,032 |
CDP |
|
Louisburgh Community Development Project |
Mayo |
145,733 |
CDP |
|
Parkside CDP |
Mayo |
133,763 |
CDP |
|
Women of the North West |
Mayo |
129,995 |
CDP |
|
Irish Association for Supported Employment |
Mayo |
146,000 |
White Paper |
|
Ballyhaunis Neighbourhood Watch |
Mayo |
9,513.82 |
CSOP |
|
Cooneal Community Alert |
Mayo |
1,198.00 |
CSOP |
|
Kildownet Development Committee |
Mayo |
11,050.00 |
CSOP |
|
Kiltimagh Community Alert |
Mayo |
300.00 |
CSOP |
|
Knock West Community Alert |
Mayo |
9,804.00 |
CSOP |
|
Pobal Ar Aire Oiligh Fod Dubh |
Mayo |
4,281.50 |
CSOP |
|
Rathkip Shanaghy Community Alert |
Mayo |
3,755.90 |
CSOP |
|
SVDP Westport |
Mayo |
9,696.00 |
CSOP |
The following organisation, Fo-Ciste Gnó-Ciste na Gaeilge, Westport, Mhaigh Eo will receive funding amounting to €165,000 in 2008. This funding was sanctioned in 2006 for a three year period per year.
595 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps he will take to ensure that motorists on Inis Mór, Aran Islands have a regular supply of petrol; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the only petrol station on Inis Mór closed in September 2005 with very little notice; the situation regarding the provision of a public petrol station on Inis Mór; the grants available for such a venture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11309/08]
I am aware of the closure of the petrol station on Árainn (Inis Mór). The current situation is that the carriage of petrol to the island is provided by the cargo ferry operator that is subsidised by my Department. The distribution of petrol on the island is more problematic, however, due to stringent health and safety regulations governing the carriage and distribution of such goods.
The Deputy will appreciate that my Department has no direct role in relation to the distribution of petrol. However, my officials have held a number of meetings with the island cooperative, Comharchumann Forbartha Árann Teo, and relevant State agencies in an effort to facilitate the safe distribution of petrol on the island. Furthermore, my Department has indicated that it would be willing to consider an application to assist the development of a suitable distribution facility for the island community. To date, no such application has been received.
596 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a boat (details supplied) remains the relief ferry servicing Cape Clear Island in west Cork; if so, if this is in accordance with the contract awarded to the current ferry operator in March 2007; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this boat is the main ferry operating to Bantry oil terminal at Whiddy Island and that it is on 24-hour stand-by to this facility; if his Department has received confirmation from a company that the boat can leave its Whiddy Island station at any time during the months of November to March to provide a relief service to Cape Clear Island; his views on whether this is an adequate service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11338/08]
The boat referred to by the Deputy is currently the nominated back-up vessel for the Cléire subsidised ferry service. As this arrangement is in accordance with the terms of the contract awarded in respect of the service, my Department has not had occasion to contact the company in question regarding the vessel's availability.
The provision of this service is governed by a comprehensive contract which is regularly monitored and is, in my view, adequate for the current requirements of the island community.
597 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if all written complaints regarding ferry services to offshore islands are replied to by his Department; the departmental procedures undertaken to investigate these complaints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11340/08]
Under the terms of contracts for ferry services agreed by my Department, it is the responsibility of operators, in the first instance, to develop procedures for dealing with customer complaints and to consult with islanders on matters affecting the quality of service provided. If, having followed these procedures, service users still have issues to be addressed, they are entitled to bring their grievances to my Department, either verbally or in writing. Any such grievances will be investigated in consultation with the operator and/or other relevant parties and replied to in an appropriate manner.
598 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has had to endure ten years of serious flooding to their home caused by problems with the canal towpath adjacent to his home, despite the obvious need for drainage and for stabilisation of the canal bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11357/08]
I am informed that Waterways Ireland staff have met with the person in question on a number of occasions over the years and that the matter relates to the flooding of the towpath close to the person's house, rather than flooding of the house itself.
Approximately 6 years ago, Longford County Council resurfaced the towpath accessing the house and the road was laid out to the edge of the canal bank. After a period of time the water run-off flowing down the bank caused a small section of the canal bank to collapse. Waterways Ireland carried out remedial works to the canal bank and Longford County Council agreed to drain the road.
I am advised that the solution to the problem is to step back the road by about 0.5m to 1m from the edge of the canal bank, and to drain and kerb the road. Waterways Ireland assures me that it is satisfied that the proposed solution will address the ongoing drainage problem and it remains available to talk to the person in question at any time.
599 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding approved and the amount actually paid to an organisation (details supplied) under the RAPID Programme. [11410/08]
The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within 46 designated RAPID areas nationally. The Sports Capital Top-up Scheme has been operated annually with the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism since 2004 under which my Department provides an additional grant of up to 30% of the funds allocated under the Sports Capital Programme, subject to an overall limit of 80% of the project cost. This scheme is one of several schemes I introduced in 2004 to provide financial support for small-scale projects in RAPID areas which are endorsed by the RAPID Area Implementation Teams. These schemes are operated and co-funded with other Departments and Agencies.
Under the 2004 Sports Capital Programme the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism allocated €190,000 to the organisation in question. In addition, my Department allocated an additional €57,000 under the Sport Capital RAPID Top-up Scheme. Following completion of the project, the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism paid the organisation €190,000 in April 2007. My Department paid the organisation the Top-up grant of €57,000 in October 2007.
600 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on introducing emergency funding for a group (details supplied) as their funding will be finished in June 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11437/08]
I would refer the Deputy to the reply by my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, to Question No. 191 on 4 March 2008. My Department is not involved in the new Peace111 Programme.
601 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will clarify the support for an organisation (details supplied) in County Wexford in view of the fact that Framework has been told their contract will not be renewed after May 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11445/08]
603 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on a submission (details supplied); the mechanism he will put in place to overcome such difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11578/08]
604 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government’s plans to terminate the contracts of all the agencies nationwide who are supporting the community development programmes which seem to be happening as a result of the recent cutbacks which have also affected the Health Service Executive and which will leave community development programmes, run by unpaid voluntary management committees, without the support they have had to date. [11626/08]
605 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of car park spaces available nationally to those working in his Department and in the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; the annual cost of car park spaces rented by his Department and the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11885/08]
608 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position on renewal of a contract between his Department and an agency (details supplied) as part of the community development programme. [12003/08]
617 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to terminate the existing contracts of regional support agencies; the plans to replace this support structure in order to meet the needs of local volunteer management committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12437/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 601, 603 to 605, inclusive, 608 and 617 together.
I would like to refer the Deputies to my previous response to Question 433 of 19th February 2008.
My Department cannot extend these publicly procured contracts on an indefinite basis and tenders for support services will be advertised publicly in the very near future as part of the development of future support services for the Programme. A key objective of my Department is to ensure that the skills and talents of the volunteers and staff of Projects are recognised and developed to enable the objectives of the Programme to be realised. To this end, Projects have recently been afforded the opportunity and resources to determine their own particular support requirements in addition to those supports provided and funded centrally by the Department.
602 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an gcuirfidh sé an t-airgead cuí ar fáil le síneadh a chur le hionad (sonraí tugtha) i gContae Dhún na nGall; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [11561/08]
Tá iarratas ar chúnamh don ionad atá luaite ag an Teachta á mheas ag mo Roinnse faoi láthair agus bheinn ag súil leis go mbeidh cinneadh ar an iarratas sin go luath.
606 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there will be additional places on the rural social scheme provided in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11902/08]
Currently there is a provision for 2,600 participant places and a further 130 supervisor positions on the Rural Social Scheme (RSS). All available places (both Participants and Supervisors) have been allocated and quotas have been assigned to each of the Implementing Bodies. I have no plans at present to increase the number of places.
In order to assess the ongoing demand for places and to ensure that places do not remain vacant over a protracted period of time, Implementing Bodies have been encouraged to form a waiting list of suitable eligible applicants, which can be utilised to fill vacancies as they arise.
607 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the rural development programme will commence; if there are issues which are hindering the tendering process in rolling out the new rural development programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11903/08]
My previous response to Questions Nos. 10 and 19 of 14 February 2008 refers.
As indicated on that occasion, I hope to be in a position to commence the process of selecting the Local Action Groups to deliver the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme for Ireland 2007-2013 in the near future. The funding available for the delivery of LEADER-type activities under the Rural Development Programme for Ireland 2007–13 will amount to €425.4 million — almost treble the €150 million available for the 2000–06 period. The new Programme will complement the other funding for rural development measures by my Department.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department has over the past number of years being pursuing a process of cohesion of local delivery structures in order to simplify and enhance the effectiveness of the delivery of a range of local development programmes. Following extensive consultations with and between the local agencies to develop the most suitable configurations of groups, in the course of 2007, the Government decided on revised areas of coverage for local development groups and clarified the arrangements in relation to the membership of the boards of these bodies. 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 reduce the overall number of local development bodies from 94 to 55, comprising of 17 Partnerships in urban areas and 38 integrated LEADER/Partnership bodies in rural areas.
My intention is to have the cohesion process completed in advance of the roll out of the new NDP programmes, including the LEADER programme. At this stage, local development bodies are in place in some 53 of the 55 operational areas agreed by Government. The representative networks of LEADER and Partnership groups, whom I met on the 31st of January, have assured me that they are fully behind the Government's policy on cohesion and will endeavour to ensure that local delivery structures are in place across the full 55 areas in the coming weeks.
In one case, a LEADER group has made a complaint to the European Commission regarding the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 and in particular the Cohesion Process. I am satisfied that our approach in this area is fully consistent with the European Regulations. My Department is closely monitoring the position and anticipates a view from the European Commission on this matter in the coming weeks.
609 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will furnish an up-to-date account of his Department’s plans to extend the Glasson Canal in towards the village at Glasson; if a feasibility study has been completed in this regard, as was promised in earlier replies to parliamentary questions; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12076/08]
I am informed by Waterways Ireland that it has investigated options and methodologies for the extension of the navigation from the River Shannon to Glasson village and that a preferred option has been identified. An Environmental Impact Assessment for the preferred option is now in the final draft stage. Mitigation and compensation measures to address issues recently raised by Shannon Regional Fisheries and the National Wildlife and Parks Service are being prepared for inclusion in the Environmental Impact Assessment report. The Environmental Impact Assessment is a critical part of the planning application, which is in preparation and will be submitted during the Summer 2008.
I might mention also that this project has been included in the proposed Waterways Programme under the National Development Plan 2007–2013.
610 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad é an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le pá agus liúntais eile a íoc le hiaroibrithe comhlachta (sonraí tugtha); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [12083/08]
Tuigim ó Údarás na Gaeltachta go bhfuil Glacadóir/Bainisteoir ceaptha aige ó 11 Márta 2008 ar na comhlachtaí atá luaite ag an Teachta.
Cuireann ceapachán an Ghlacadóra ar chumas na n-iaroibrithe teacht ar an gCiste Dócmhainneachta agus Iomarcaíochta atá á riaradh ag an Roinn Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta.
611 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm receipt of an application through Pobal for funding for a community radio project (details supplied); the procedures involved in securing funding through Pobal; the amount of funding available; the role of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland in respect of these community radio licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12085/08]
I can confirm that an ‘expression of interest' has been received from this group under the 2007 Community Services Programme in respect of the community media scheme. The procedure involved in making an application for funding under this scheme has two stages:
(1) Expression of Interest — applicants are requested to submit an expression of interest to their local intermediaries (i.e. Leader, Partnership Co. etc.). They select the groups which are then forwarded to Pobal to carry out an appraisal of each applicant. When the appraisals are completed, they are then passed to my Department for a decision as to whether they are to proceed to business planning stage.
(2) Business Plan — the groups who are successful at stage 1 of the process are requested to prepare business plans, which are then appraised by Pobal who make recommendations to my Department, which ultimately decides on the groups to be funded.
The group's application is currently under consideration as to whether they can proceed to the business planning stage.
The maximum amount of funding under this scheme is approx. €100,000 p.a. Applicants must hold a broadcasting licence before they are granted funding by my Department. The granting of broadcasting licences is a matter for the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland.
612 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of reports published by his Department in 2007 and to date in 2008 which relate to the issue of drugs; the title of each publication; the cost of producing each publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12222/08]
My Department published one Report, entitled ‘Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation, May 2007', in 2007, at a cost of €17,479. The cost does not include preparatory work carried out by officials of my Department and officials of other Departments who formed part of the Working Group, as such work is part of the normal duties performed by officials, and it is not possible, with any degree of accuracy, to quantify the cost involved. My Department has produced no report to date in 2008, which relates to the issue of drugs.
The National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD), which operates under the aegis of my Department, was established to advise Government in relation to prevalence, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and consequences of problem drug use in Ireland, based on its analysis of research findings and information available to it.
Details of NACD published documents, in 2007 and to date in 2008, are set out in the following table.
|
The NACD published 15 Reports in 2007, and 4 Reports to date in 2008. |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Name of Report |
Year Published |
Consultancy Cost |
Production Cost |
|
|
1. |
ROSI E Findings 2 Summary of 1-year Outcomes Detoxification Modality. |
2007 |
€1,351,606 This covers the cost of the full research programme, which focussed on a longitudinal study at 1 year and 3 year intervals of approx 400 problem drug users who presented for treatment initially in 2004. This cost covers all related publications |
€3,430 |
|
2. |
Drug Trend Monitoring System Pilot Study Summary Report. |
2007 |
€120,000* |
€250 |
|
3. |
NACD Progress Report August 2003-December 2005 |
2007 |
€16,200* |
€12,610 |
|
4. |
Research Summaries published in January 2007 with Progress Report |
2007 |
— |
€7,254 |
|
5. |
ROSI E Findings 3 Summary of 1-year Outcomes Abstinence Modality. |
2007 |
(For Consultancy costs see 1) |
€2,795 |
|
6. |
Cocaine Use in Ireland Update II. |
2007 |
€32,400* |
€13,285 |
|
7. |
ROSI E Findings 4 Summary of 1-year Outcomes Methadone Modality. |
2007 |
(For Consultancy costs see 1) |
€2,795 |
|
8. |
The Experiences of Families Seeking Support in Coping with Heroin Use. |
2007 |
€133,680 |
€15,545 |
|
9. |
Drug Use in Ireland and Northern Ireland. 2002/2003 Drug Prevalence Survey. Poly Drug Use Results. Bulletin 5 |
2007 |
€649,770 This relates to the cost for the undertaking of the survey and the 6 Bulletins that emanated from the database developed as a result of the survey |
€4,655 |
|
10. |
Drug Use in Ireland and Northern Ireland. 2002/2003 Drug Prevalence Survey. Sedatives, Tranquillisers or Anti-depressants Use Results. Bulletin 6 |
2007 |
(For Consultancy costs see 9) |
€5,470 |
|
11. |
ROSIE Baseline Findings |
2007 |
(For Consultancy costs see 1) |
€250 |
|
12. |
NACD Annual Report 2006 |
2007 |
€6,655 |
€12,325 |
|
13. |
Research Summaries published in December 2007 with Annual Report 2006 |
2007 |
€1,285 |
|
|
14. |
Evaluation of the Community and Voluntary Sector Research Grant Scheme |
2007 |
€18,710 |
€250 |
|
15. |
NACD submission to H.S.A relating to new regulations on drug testing in the workplace |
2007 |
€16,200* |
€250 |
*NACD costs of preparing documents.
|
Name of Report |
Year Published |
Consultancy Cost |
Production Cost |
|
|
1. |
NACD Papers on Rehabilitation |
2008 |
€28,800* |
€250 |
|
2. |
Evaluation of the National Drug Awareness Campaign |
2008 |
€72,600 |
€9,414 |
|
3. |
Drug Use in Ireland and Northern Ireland First results from the 2006/2007 Drug Prevalence Survey Bulletin 1 |
2008 |
€677,600 This relates to the cost of undertaking the Population survey from which 6 Bulletins covering National prevalence, Regional prevalence, Cannabis, Cocaine, Polydrug use and SATs (sedatives, antidepressants and Tranquilisers) will be published from the database developed as a result of the survey |
€4,870 |
|
4. |
Evaluation of the National Drug Awareness Campaign. Executive Summary |
2008 |
(For Consultancy costs see 2) |
€3,610 |
*NACD costs of preparing documents.
Publicity costs relating to NACD published documents amounted to €33,694 in 2007, and to €7,291 to date in 2008.
With respect to the Health Research Board (HRB), my Department provided funding of €300,378 for 2007 and has allocated funding of €375,000 for 2008, to support the development of the National Documentation Centre, which the HRB manages.
613 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the name of every body, organisation and committee outside his Department, other than semi-State commercial companies, that have been established by and report to his Department, at any stage during the year 2007 and the first three months of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12294/08]
In 2007, my Department established Comhairle na Tuaithe Expert Group to examine legal issues surrounding rural recreation and access to land. This group reported to my Department in May 2007.
A Steering Group for the development of a new National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 was set up late in 2007 and the first meeting took place on 10 January last. This Group is chaired by my Department and it comprises representatives of Departments, agencies and the community & voluntary sectors. It will make recommendations on a new National Drugs Strategy to me in the latter part of the year.
I can confirm to the Deputy that no body, organisation or committee has been established by my Department to date in 2008.
614 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén tacaíocht atá á tabhairt do na heagraíochtaí spóirt, an IRFU ina measc, chun an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn ag ócáidí spóirt na tíre; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [12311/08]
Tuigim ó Fhoras na Gaeilge go bhfuil raon scéimeanna tacaíochta acu, ina measc cuid atá an-oiriúnach do grúpaí agus eagrais spóirt, m. sh. An Scéim Óige, Scéim na gCampaí Samhradh agus An Ghaeilge sa Phobal. Anuas ar sin, tá roinnt tograí ar siúl ag an bhForas i gcomhar le Cumann Lúthchleas Gael le blianta beaga anuas. Freisin, tá scéim píolótach á reáchtáil i gcomhar leis an chlub sacar Gaillimh Aontaithe d'fhonn an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn i measc lucht leanúna an chlub agus i measc mórphobal na Gaillimhe. Mar chuid den scéim áirithe sin, ardaíodh próifíl na Gaeilge ag cluichí, i bhfógraí poiblí agus i gcláir na cluichí. Chomh maith leis sin, eagraíodh comórtas i scoileanna na Gaillimhe i gcomhair leis an chlub. Ag éirí as an scéim phíolótach rathúil seo, tuigim go bhfuil plé an-dearfach ar bun leis an FAI maidir leis an scéim seo a leathnú go clubanna eile sa léig.
Is fiú a lua gur scaipeadh postaeirí agus ‘bag tags' ar a raibh an téarmaíocht atá de dhíth le galf a imirt agus a phlé i nGaeilge nuair a bhí aird an phobail dírithe ar chúrsaí galf le linn an Ryder Cup, agus gur chuir Foras na Gaeilge an feachtas ‘Níos Fearr ná Par' ar bun.
Tá an Foras lán-oscailte le chomh-thograí eile a chur sa tsiúl san earnáil spóirt agus bheadh fáilte roimh mholtaí agus iarratais ina leith sin ó aon eagraíocht spóirt eile.
I gcás na Gaeltachta, bíonn tacaíocht ar fáil ó mo Roinn féin trí scéimeanna éagsúla chun an Ghaeilge a bhuanú agus a láidriú trí spóirt. Mar shampla, tá Scéim Oiliúna Peile agus Iománaíochta á reáchtáil i gcomhairle le Comhairle Chonnachta agus Comhairle Uladh den Chumann Lúthchleas Gael. Chomh maith leis sin, tá Scéim na gCampaí Samhraidh ina nglactar le hiarratais ó ghrúpaí agus coistí áitiúla, chomh maith le eagraíochtaí eile ar nós an CLG, an FAI agus an IRFU. Anuas ar an gcúnamh seo, glactar le hiarratais faoi Scéim Áiseanna Pobail agus Caitheamh Aimsire mo Roinne ó eagraíochtaí spóirt d'fhorbairtí infrastruchtúr a théann chun tairbhe na Gaeilge agus an phobail.
615 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén tacaíocht atá á tabhairt d’fhorbairt na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [12313/08]
Mar atá mínithe agam cheana sa Teach seo, tá ciste ar leith bunaithe agam chun maoiniú a chur ar fáil do shainchúrsaí tríú leibhéal trí Ghaeilge. Tá an togra seo dírithe ar líon na gcéimithe le scileanna sonracha Gaeilge i réimsí ar leith a mhéadú, go mór-mhór i gcomhthéacs na Gaeilge a bheith mar theanga oifigiúil agus oibre san Aontas Eorpach agus freisin i gcomhthéacs Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003. Faoi dheireadh 2007, bhí tús curtha le 3 chúrsa faoin dtogra seo agus bhí 3 chúrsa eile á bhforbairt.
Maidir le forbairt Ollscolaíochta Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht tá deontas ag leibhéal €2m sa bhliain ceadaithe do Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh chun cur ar a gcumas cúrsaí éagsúla ag leibhéal Dioplóma, Céime agus Máistreacht a chur ar fáil i 15 ábhar difriúil i n-ionaid éagsúla. Anuas ar seo glactar le iarratais ar dheontas faoi an scéim Áiseanna Pobail agus Caitheamh Aimsire ó institúid Oideachais i leith tograí infrastruchtúr a bheadh ar mhaithe leis an Teanga sa Ghaeltacht.
616 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has used helicopters for any purpose for each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the reason for such use; the suppliers of the helicopter; the dates and locations visited and distance travelled; the cost of same and persons carried; if quotations were sought for such trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12415/08]
As it has not been possible within the time available to provide the information sought by the Deputy, I am arranging to have the material forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
618 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 316 to 320, inclusive, of 5 March 2008, if her attention has been drawn to the fact the works are not complete; when they will be carried out; the person who carried the cost of the defective workmanship which led to the slipway being redone on three occasions; the grant aid given to the county council; if the county council put up money for this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11321/08]
Parliamentary Questions Nos. 316 to 320, inclusive, of 5 March 2008 were directed to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and a response was provided by that Department. However, as my own Department provides funding for capital expenditure at various Local Authority owned harbours, I am providing a response to the above Parliamentary Question.
My Department approved funding of €15,000 towards the reconstruction of the slipway and safety works at Killurin Pier, Co. Wexford under the Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme for 2007.
Total expenditure on the project in 2007 by Wexford County Council was €2,420, of which my Department paid €1,815.
My Department received a further application from Wexford County Council for funding towards the completion of the slipway under the Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme for 2008. Funding of €26,250 has been approved towards this project.
I wish to explain that whilst my Department does provide funding to Local Authorities, at a maximum rate of 75% of total project cost, under the Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, the responsibility for the management of the project lies with the Local Authority involved and any queries with regard to the work carried out should be directed to the relevant Local Authority.
619 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of wind turbines licensed to be developed off the coast of County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11944/08]
Regulation of developments and activities on the foreshore, which is defined as the area of seabed between the mean high watermark and the 12 nautical mile limit (22.2 km) is subject to the Foreshore Act 1933. The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 for all energy developments on the foreshore would transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions.
The authorisation of offshore energy projects under the Foreshore Act is dealt with in two distinct phases.
Firstly an application must be made for a foreshore licence for a defined area of the seabed in which to explore the viability and environmental sustainability of the development.
Secondly, where the site proves suitable, an application may be made within a defined time period for a foreshore lease. The lease application process evaluates the project and its impacts in detail using specialist advisors and extensive direct and public consultation. If it is deemed that the project should proceed, a lease agreement is made to allow the use of the foreshore for the project, subject to various conditions, including an annual consideration for rental of the site.
In relation to the Co. Wicklow coast two leases have been granted:
(i) In January 2002 a lease was granted to Sure Partners Ltd for the construction of a 200 turbine wind farm on the Arklow Banks.
(ii) In November 2005, a lease was granted to Codling Wind Park Ltd for the construction of 220 wind turbines on the Codling Bank.
620 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she is satisfied that the Foreshore Act 1933 is an adequate legal framework for allowing appropriate public participation in the scrutiny of applications for development on the foreshore, particularly in cases where the part of the foreshore in question is not in public ownership; and her views on reforming this 75-year old legislation. [12071/08]
The current foreshore public consultation process requires that notices are published in local and national newspapers informing the public that an application has been made for a foreshore licence or lease, and that the application is available in a publicly accessible place (e.g. Garda station or library). The period in which the public may submit comments on the application ranges from three weeks to two months depending on the complexity of the application concerned. Consent under section 10 of the Foreshore Act 1933 is required for development on privately owned foreshore and is also subject to the public consultation process.
The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 in respect of port companies and harbour authorities governed by the Harbours Acts 1946, 1996 and 2000 and any other harbour or harbour related developments intended for commercial trade, and for all energy developments (including oil, gas, wave, wind and tidal energy) and aggregate and mineral extraction developments on the foreshore would transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions. In the interim, all foreshore functions under the Foreshore Acts 1933 to 2005 rest with my Department.
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will clearly assume a critical role in future proposals. My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the context of progressing the various elements required to develop the appropriate coastal zone legislative framework.
621 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a full-time vet works in conjunction with customs officers in Rosslare Europort. [12274/08]
A Veterinary Inspector attached to the Enniscorthy District Veterinary Office is permanently headquartered at Rosslare Port. There are also four Clerical Officers from this Department headquartered at the port.
622 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the percentage of agricultural land under cultivation for renewable resources for bio-fuel; the projected area for 2010; and the management strategy of her Department on the growing of bio-fuel crops. [11204/08]
623 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her policy on encouraging the use and production of all types of alternative energy on farms, including solar, thermal, bioenergy and wind; if she has made a commitment to implementing a national farm energy calculation system, similar to the systems in place in the US; and her policy towards grant aid for alternative energy production capital investment costs on farms. [11205/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 622 and 623 together.
The percentage of agricultural land under energy crops in 2007 was less than 0.02% comprising some 9,000 hectares. Overall the area sown with energy crops increased by roughly 3,000 hectares compared to 2006. It is not possible at this stage to forecast the likely area sown in 2010. The future outlook depends on a number of factors, not least profitability at farm level. Research undertaken by Teagasc indicates that the willingness of farmers to convert land to energy crops depends on a variety of circumstances including the efficiency and profitability of the farming enterprise and non-economic circumstances such as farm size etc. Existing specialist tillage farmers are more likely to consider energy crop production due to the similarities that exist between the production of cereals and energy crops in terms of machinery, soil type and agronomy skills.
In terms of strategy, my Department has participated on a number of interdepartmental committees led by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on the development of Ireland's bioenergy resources. For example, my Department was represented on the Bioenergy Strategy Group, which was established to consider policy options and support mechanisms to encourage greater use of biomass for bioenergy. The Group published a report ‘Bioenergy in Ireland' which made a number of recommendations to promote the bioenergy sector in Ireland.
In 2006, I participated in a Ministerial Taskforce, which agreed a National Bioenergy Action Plan to increase deployment of Ireland's bioenergy resources to 2020. In accordance with this plan, I subsequently launched a range of measures to stimulate production of energy crops. The measures include a new National Energy Crop Premium of €80 per hectare to supplement the EU premium available under the EU Energy Crops Scheme. I also launched a new Bioenergy Scheme providing establishment grants of up to €1,450 per hectare to farmers interested in planting willow and miscanthus. The second phase of the Scheme was launched in December 2007 and I have provided sufficient funding to support the planting of a further 1,600 hectares in 2008. Areas planted with energy crops can qualify for the Single Farm Payment.
My Department is also funding research projects that relate directly to biofuels and energy crops through the Department's Research Stimulus Fund Programme. Under the 2005 and 2006 calls for proposals, five projects received grant assistance of €1.5 million. I significantly increased the allocation under the 2007 Call for Proposals awarding some €5.3 million over the next four years to a further seven research projects. The research covers a broad range of agri-energy topics including energy crop production.
The development of Ireland's energy potential in relation to solar, thermal and wind is the responsibility of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Any proposal to introduce a national farm energy calculation system is also a matter for the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources as they are the lead Department for the development and promotion of energy efficiency measures across all sectors of the economy including agriculture.
As regards aid for on-farm projects, my Department is supporting the development of anaerobic digestion facilities by providing grant aid to farmers for pilot projects under the Scheme of Investment Aid for Demonstration on Farm Waste Processing Facilities. Anaerobic Digestion is a proven technology that extracts energy in the form of biogas from organic waste. In 2007, ten projects were awarded grants under the Scheme. The maximum investment ceiling is €1 million per project and the applicable grant rate is 40%. The 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme provides for the continuation of a grant scheme for the development of such facilities.
624 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position on the farm improvement scheme; and when it will be reinstated. [11279/08]
The Farm Improvement Scheme was suspended for new applications on 31 October 2007 as the applications had reached the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
That agreement provides for a formal review of its terms in 2008 in which all parties to the agreement will be involved and I have no plans to reopen the Scheme prior to the completion of that review.
625 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, where fishing vessels which are to be decommissioned and for which a compensation package for owners has been negotiated, her Department is arranging a compensation package for crew members who may lose their employment as a result of such decommissioning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11294/08]
All fishermen are eligible to undertake Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) training programmes including those serving on vessels that are decommissioning. In this regard, BIM and FÁS have agreed to co-operate to provide training for fishing vessel crewmembers that find themselves without a job when their fishing vessel is decommissioned. Both agencies will work closely together to provide retraining, up-skilling or diversification opportunities in the seafood industry or elsewhere in the economy as required.
In addition, funding will be provided within BIM's overall programmes to support the sustainable development and improvement of the quality of life in fisheries areas as part of an overall strategy that will support the implementation of the objectives of the common fisheries policy, in particular taking account of its socioeconomic effects.
The measures for sustainable development of fisheries areas shall seek to:
(a) maintain the economic and social prosperity of these areas and add value to fisheries and aquaculture products;
(b) maintain and develop jobs in fisheries areas through support for diversification or the economic and social restructuring of areas facing socioeconomic difficulties as a result of changes in the fisheries sector;
(c) promote the quality of the coastal environment;
(d) promote national and transnational cooperation between fisheries areas.
It should also be noted that while the decommissioning scheme will remove some of the older and less economically viable vessels from the fleet right around the coast, the majority of the fleet will continue fishing and will continue to need crew. At present many skippers are experiencing great difficulty securing crew, as there is an overall shortage of crew for fishing vessels. In this situation there remains good opportunities for crewmembers whose current boats are leaving the fleet.
626 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Galway is entitled to a higher level of installation aid grant in view of the fact that the herd number was transferred to him from his father on 5 May 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11302/08]
The "top-up" grant under the Installation Aid Scheme is available to eligible applicants set-up in farming after 1 May 2006 who meet the additional requirements for that grant. No application for the "top-up" has been received in this case, however.
627 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will take a stronger line with Mr. Peter Mandelson regarding the World Trade Organisation talks in view of the effect on Irish farming of his proposals; and if she will use her veto in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11313/08]
629 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the possible effects for dairy and sheep farmers of the Mandelson tariff cuts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11315/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 627 and 629 together.
It is no secret that I am dissatisfied with the current direction of the WTO negotiations. I have consistently expressed concern about the potential impact on Irish and EU agriculture of various proposals being put forward in these discussions. I, and my ministerial colleagues, have spoken frequently and strongly on this issue in every available forum, and have sought, and received, support from other EU Governments.
On the specific question of tariff cuts in the dairy and sheepmeat sectors, I have already said to this House that I have serious concerns about the range of tariff cuts proposed for agricultural products that are contained in the latest draft text from the Chair of the WTO Negotiating Committee on Agriculture. Combined with associated proposals on the treatment of sensitive products and related tariff quota expansion, I believe these proposals would have a damaging impact on EU and Irish agriculture. I have articulated these concerns clearly to the Commission and to other Members States as well as in this House.
It is crucial, in my view, that the European agrifood sector is not sacrificed for the sake of a deal. This is the position consistently taken by the Government and which has been and will continue to be strongly reflected at a variety of EU and WTO meetings. I, and my colleagues in Government, have consistently pressed the Commission to strive for a balanced agreement that is not at the expense of EU and Irish agriculture. The Government's intention is to continue this process.
Intensive discussions are still taking place in Geneva on the most recent agriculture and non-agricultural texts and there are still many technical and political issues to be resolved, not alone on the agriculture dossier, but on the related issues of non-agricultural market access, services, rules and trade facilitation. In short, at this point in time, we can only speculate as to the content of a final WTO deal, or indeed, whether such a deal will be concluded. It would therefore be inappropriate, and unwise from a negotiating standpoint, to indicate what position the Irish Government will take on any possible final deal, the terms of which we do not yet know.
628 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the possible effect on the suckler cow herd here of the concessions to Brazilians and other South Americans in the proposals by Mr. Peter Mandelson; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11314/08]
I presume the Deputy is referring to the current round of WTO negotiations and in particular to the discussions on liberalization of trade under the market access pillar of the negotiations. There is no doubt that the outcome of these negotiations will represent significant challenges for EU and Irish agriculture.
I have consistently expressed concern about the potential impact on Irish and EU agriculture of various proposals being put forward in these discussions. I, and my ministerial colleagues, have spoken frequently and strongly on this issue in every available forum, and have sought, and received, support from other EU Governments.
On the specific question of concessions which will effect the beef sector, I have already said to this House that I have serious concerns about the range of tariff cuts proposed in the latest draft text from the Chair of the WTO Negotiating Committee on Agriculture. Combined with associated proposals on the treatment of sensitive products and related tariff quota expansion, I believe these proposals would have a damaging impact on EU and Irish agriculture in particular for the beef sector. I have articulated and will continue to articulate these concerns clearly at every opportunity.
It is crucial, in my view, that the European agrifood sector is not sacrificed for the sake of a deal. This is the position consistently taken by the Government and which has been and will continue to be strongly reflected at a variety of EU and WTO meetings. I, and my colleagues in Government, have consistently pressed the Commission to strive for a balanced agreement that is not at the expense of EU and Irish agriculture. The Government's intention is to continue this process.
630 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in dealing with the application for the forestry grant under the STEPS programme which was applied for in October 2007 by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [11330/08]
I am happy to say that grant aid approval under the Forest Environment Protection Scheme (FEPS) issued to the person in question on 18th March 2008.
631 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 280 of 5 March 2008, her views on the way this directive could adversely impact on farm-to-farm trade; her views on whether the primary purpose of this directive was geared at the milling industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11405/08]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the obligations placed on farmers by EU Regulation 183/2005 on Feed Hygiene will not adversely impact on farm to farm trade. This Regulation lays down general rules on feed hygiene and traceability for all feed business operators, including farmers. These rules are aimed at ensuring safe production, trade and use of feed materials. Farm to farm sales are not specifically impacted except in so far as a requirement for keeping records and adhering to the general hygiene requirements for the production, storage and sale of primary feed materials.
The obligations under the legislation are more onerous on other feed business operators such as mills, store owners and hauliers. This is because they have the potential, due to size, diversity of materials used and customer base to affect a large number of other feed business operators in the event of problems arising. In the case of all feed business operators, other than farmers, there is also a requirement for them to establish a quality system based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles.
632 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when grant aid will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11412/08]
Further documentation (e.g. slat certificate, concrete certificate and electrical certificate) has been requested from the person concerned in this case and the application cannot be processed further until this documentation is received.
633 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the rate of food price inflation; her views on rising food prices; the measures being taken to combat the problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11443/08]
The most recent annual data available from the Central Statistics Office relates to 2007 when food and non-alcoholic beverages prices, as measured by the food price index, increased by 2.8% on average for that year. This is a lower level of increase than the overall annual rate of inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, which averaged 4.9% during the same year. More recent monthly data, for February 2008 indicate that food and non-alcoholic beverage prices increased by 1.8% in the month and by 8.5% in the year to February 2008. This compares to an increase of 1.1% for the year to February 2007 and mirrors the upward trajectory in food prices as evidenced globally and across Europe throughout 2007 and into 2008.
Changes in food prices are primarily a function of market forces operating at international, EU and national levels. Consistently strong economic growth in developing countries is the main driver of changing world food demand towards high-value agricultural products and processed foods. Slow-growing supply, low stocks, and supply shocks at a time of increasing demand for feed, food and fuel have led to price increases globally. Biofuel production has also contributed to the changing world food equation.
In addition, rising input costs, at both producer and processor levels have fed through to put upward pressure on food prices. Pressure on input prices, in particular energy and raw material including feed costs, has combined with strong competition on world dairy and cereal markets in increasing producer prices.
In response to this situation the EU Council of agriculture Ministers has suspended set-aside, in order to increase cereal production, and has recently agreed a 2% increase in milk quota for 2008. Further measures are being considered in the context of the current discussions on the "Health Check" of the CAP.
634 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Galway has been accepted as a new entrant to farming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11494/08]
An application requesting the transfer of 10.68 Single Payment entitlements with land from another farmer to the person named was received on 4 May 2007.
As several essential details were omitted from the application form, it was necessary to request that these details be supplied. In addition, it was necessary to request a copy of the sale agreement and documentation in support of the claim to New Entrant status. The completed application form and copy of the sale agreement were received on 18 September 2007. However, my Department had to issue three further requests for documentation in support of the New Entrant status before this was received on 11 March 2008.
The claim to the status of New Entrant has been accepted and the requested application to transfer entitlements has been processed. Payment on foot of these entitlements will issue shortly.
635 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, regarding the dairy compensation paid to members of an organisation, she will consider the circumstances of the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if further compensation is due from her Department in the circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11527/08]
The Milk Rights Group was set up to lobby on behalf of its members for parity of treatment with plaintiffs whose cases were considered by the Supreme Court in 1997, and who were successful in their actions in relation to the method of quota allocation on the introduction of the milk quota/super levy regime in 1984. My Department does not accept that it has any liability other than in cases that are already the subject of legal proceedings.
Under a scheme announced in 2001, my Department allocated a significant amount of additional quota under the AGENDA 2000 agreement to persons, including members of the Milk Rights Group, whose circumstances were similar to those of the aforementioned plaintiffs. These special allocations took account of the volume of extra quota that the High Court had determined might have been granted to producers in general who were pursuing dairy investment plans around 1984.
636 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their REP scheme four payment. [11641/08]
In discussions with my officials, the European Commission have confirmed the new rules for applications and payments under REPS 4. Payments will relate to the period in each calendar year during which a participant is in REPS 4. Payments will issue in two stages. The first, which will be 75% of the total, will issue when all administrative checks for REPS and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. In practice, this will be in early autumn. The remaining 25% payment will go out when the last of the year's REPS on-farm inspections has taken place. This means that these payments will be processed in December.
The person named applied for REPS 4 in February 2008. Farmers who submitted valid applications in February will start their REPS 4 contracts on 1 March 2008. They will receive 75% of a payment in respect of ten months when all administrative checks for REPS and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. The remaining 25% payment will go out when the last of the year's REPS on-farm inspections has taken place.
To be eligible for his REPS payment in 2008, the person named must also submit his 2008 Single Payment application by 15 May 2008.
637 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their REP scheme four payment. [11642/08]
In discussions with my officials, the European Commission have recently confirmed the new rules for applications and payments under REPS 4. Payments will relate to the period in each calendar year during which a participant is in REPS 4. Payments will issue in two stages. The first, which will be 75% of the total, will issue when all administrative checks for REPS and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. In practice, this will be in early autumn. The remaining 25% payment will go out when the last of the year's REPS on-farm inspections has taken place. This means that these payments will be processed in December.
In this case the REPS 4 contract commenced on 1 November 2007 and, assuming a valid application, payment in respect of 2007 will therefore be for 2 months. It will be paid in two parts (75% and 25%) as soon as possible following the programming of the necessary changes to the Department's computer system. As all REPS 4 contracts will have an anniversary date of 1 January, my Department will adjust the length of this contract so that the anniversary date will become 1 January 2008 and the contract will be valid for a further 5 years from that date.
In 2008 the person named will receive 75% of a full year's REPS payment when all administrative checks for REPS and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. The remaining 25% payment will go out when the last of the year's REPS on-farm inspections has taken place. To qualify for payment in 2008 the person named must submit his 2008 Single Payment application by 15 May 2008.
638 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if an appeal will be opened for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11643/08]
An application under the 2007 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named 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 be considered for Derogation from the minimum stocking level of 0.15 livestock units per hectare in cases where a holding consists of Mountain type grazings and the applicant was a previous recipient under the Headage schemes.
This case was identified as qualifying under Derogation and payment of €1,266.04 issued to the herdowner on 25 September 2007. The payable order was cashed on 20 October 2007.
The case was subsequently inspected on 26 October 2007 under the Single Payment/ Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. The inspecting officer found the herd to be under the required 0.15 livestock units per hectare on the day and notified the herdowner of this finding of ineligibility. This file was reviewed on return to the Inspection Section and it was established that Payment issued under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was valid.
639 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive payment of REP scheme four; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11775/08]
In discussions with my officials, the European Commission have confirmed the new rules for applications and payments under REPS 4. Payments will relate to the period in each calendar year during which a participant is in REPS 4 and will issue in two stages. The first, which will be 75% of the total, will issue when all administrative checks for REPS and the 2008 Single Payment Scheme are completed. In practice, this will be in early autumn. The remaining 25% payment will go out when the last of the year's REPS on-farm inspections has taken place. This means that these payments will be processed in December.
The person named applied for REPS 4 in December 2007. Farmers who submitted valid applications in December 2007 will start their REPS 4 contracts on 1 January 2008. They will receive 75% of a full year's REPS payment when all administrative checks for REPS and the 2008 Single Payment Scheme are completed. The remaining 25% payment will go out when the last of the year's REPS on-farm inspections has taken place.
To be eligible for his REPS payment in 2008, the person named must also submit his 2008 Single Payment application by 15 May 2008.
640 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there are grants available to farmers who wish to retain and repair old stone barns and other farm buildings; and if there are no grants currently available, her plans to introduce such grants. [11776/08]
I have introduced a new supplementary measure in REPS 4 specifically for traditional farm buildings. Grants of 75% of the cost up to a maximum grant of €25,000 will be available to carry out approved conservation works and the balance must be from the applicant's own resources.
The Irish Heritage Council will administer this supplementary measure and all applications will be assessed by them. The Heritage Council will be involved at all stages of delivery and upon certification by them of satisfactory completion of works, payment will issue from my Department.
641 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a forestry grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11873/08]
Afforestation grant aid approval issued to the person in question on 19th March 2008. An application for actual grant payment has not yet been received in the Forest Service of my Department.
642 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of car park spaces available nationally to those working in her Department and in the bodies and agencies under the aegis of her Department; the annual cost of car park spaces rented by her Department and the bodies and agencies under the aegis of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11882/08]
The material requested is not readily available but will be collated and sent directly to the Deputy. Accommodation issues including car park spaces used by bodies and agencies under the remit of my Department is a day to day operational matter for the bodies and agencies themselves.
643 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if responsibility for the Foreshore Act 1933 has moved to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government; if not , when this is expected to happen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11945/08]
The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 in respect of port companies and harbour authorities governed by the Harbours Acts 1946, 1996 and 2000 and any other harbour or harbour related developments intended for commercial trade, and for all energy developments (including oil, gas, wave, wind and tidal energy) and aggregate and mineral extraction developments on the foreshore would transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
My Department will carry forward responsibility for all other foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933, including in respect of all aquaculture developments and piers and harbours, other than in respect of port companies and harbour authorities governed by the Harbours Acts 1946, 1996 and 2000 and any other harbour or harbour related developments intended for commercial trade.
My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions. In the interim, all foreshore functions under the Foreshore Acts 1933 to 2005 rest with my Department.
644 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11947/08]
In discussions with my officials, the European Commission have confirmed the new rules for applications and payments under REPS 4. Payments will relate to the period in each calendar year during which a participant is in REPS 4. Payments will issue in two stages. The first, which will be 75% of the total, will issue when all administrative checks for REPS and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. In practice, this will be in early autumn. The remaining 25% payment will go out when the last of the year's REPS on-farm inspections has taken place. This means that these payments will be processed in December.
The person named applied for REPS 4 in January 2008. Farmers who submitted valid applications in January will start their REPS 4 contracts on 1 February 2008. They will receive 75% of a payment in respect of eleven months when all administrative checks for REPS and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. The remaining 25% payment will go out when the last of the year's REPS on-farm inspections has taken place.
To be eligible for his REPS payment in 2008, the person named must also submit his 2008 Single Payment application by 15 May 2008.
645 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly can expect payment of their grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11952/08]
Payment under the Farm Waste Management Scheme to the person named will be made shortly.
646 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REP scheme four payment will issue to farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11961/08]
In discussions with my officials, the European Commission have confirmed the new rules for applications and payments under REPS 4. Payments will relate to the period in each calendar year during which a participant is in REPS 4 and will issue in two stages. The first, which will be 75% of the total, will issue when all administrative checks for REPS and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. In practice, this will be in early autumn. The remaining 25% payment will go out when the last of the year's REPS on-farm inspections has taken place. This means that these payments will be processed in December.
647 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position in relation to the technical discussions that were taking place with the commission in relation to the payment arrangements for REP scheme four contracts commencing in 2008; when a decision will be made in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11979/08]
In discussions with my officials, the European Commission have confirmed the new rules for applications and payments under REPS 4. Payments will relate to the period in each calendar year during which a participant is in REPS 4 and will issue in two stages. The first, which will be 75% of the total, will issue when all administrative checks for REPS and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. In practice, this will be in early autumn. The remaining 25% payment will go out when the last of the year's REPS on-farm inspections has taken place. This means that these payments will be processed in December. As all REPS 4 contracts will have an anniversary date of 1 January, my Department will adjust the length of contracts so that the anniversary date will be the next 1 January, and the contract will be valid for a further 5 years from that date.
648 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount currently available per hectare, per annum, under the EU energy crop payment scheme; the number of hectares of energy crops grown in 2007; the number she expects to be produced in 2008; the breakdown of the hectares of the relative crops grown in each of the two years; the projections of the number of hectares of the various crops to be grown in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12000/08]
There were 2,500 hectares used for the production of bio-energy crops in 2005, 4,500 hectares in 2006 and 8,900 hectares in 2007.
In 2007, I introduced a new National Energy Premium of €80 per hectare and a new Bio-Energy Scheme to assist the development of the production of energy crops in Ireland. The €80 National payment supplements the EU Premium of €45 per hectare. The buoyant market for bio-fuels and the introduction of the €80 incentive contributed to an increase in the area devoted to oilseed rape, which is used to produce bio-fuels.
The Bio-Energy Scheme aims to encourage farmers to grow willow and miscanthus as a renewable source of energy. These crops have considerable potential for heat and electricity generation and my Department is aiding establishment with grants of up to €1,450 per hectare. The introduction of this Scheme has been well received by farmers with some 800 hectares planted so far. I have provided sufficient funding in 2008 to support the planting of a further 1,600 hectares. As a further support measure, land planted with energy crops can also benefit under the Single Payment Scheme.
In advance of receipt of applications under the 2008 Scheme, it is difficult to estimate the number of hectares, which will be applied for in 2008, largely because of the dramatic price increase during 2007 for crops such as oilseed and the recently announced decision on the reduction of compulsory set-aside for 2008 to 0%. While oilseed has been harvested for the production of pure plant oil and bio-diesel, it is currently attracting significantly higher prices when sold for food purposes. With the change in the set-aside rules, farmers in 2008 have much greater freedom as to the use they will make of lands which previously they were required to set-aside i.e. farmers will have the option of growing energy crops on lands previously set-aside.
649 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the situation with reference to the various elements of the sugar beet compensation including that which has been incorporated into the single payment scheme, the EU restructuring aid for the sugar industry and diversification aid; the amount of each element that has been paid to date; the amount that remains to be paid; when she expects the remaining amounts to be paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12011/08]
The total package negotiated in the context of the reform of the EU sugar regime was worth in excess of €310 million to Ireland. The first element is the compensation for the reduction in the minimum price of beet which is worth approximately €123 million to Irish beet growers over seven years. It has been already incorporated in the Single Payment with effect from 2006.
The second element is the EU restructuring aid which, at the outset, was worth €145 million to Ireland. Three parties benefit from this aid: the sugar processor, former beet growers and machinery contractors. The first instalment of 40% (€58 million) was paid to the beneficiaries in June 2007 and the balance of €87 million was paid in February 2008. However, an amending EU regulation in October 2007 had the effect of increasing the overall amount of restructuring aid available to Ireland and this increase, the amount of which has yet to be confirmed by the EU Commission, will be paid retroactively to the growers in June 2008.
The third and final element of the package is the diversification aid worth almost €44 million to the former beet growers. The first tranche of 50% (€22 million) was paid in September 2007 and payment of the balance to the growers got under way last month.
650 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason some REP scheme four payments which were submitted in 2007 can be paid while others submitted in December, 2007 are being told that under the new regime they can not be paid until ongoing negotiations with the EU Commission have been resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12043/08]
In discussions with my officials, the European Commission have confirmed the new rules for applications and payments under REPS 4. Payments will relate to the period in each calendar year during which a participant is in REPS 4 and will issue in two stages. The first, which will be 75% of the total, will issue when all administrative checks for REPS and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. In practice, this will be in early autumn. The remaining 25% payment will go out when the last of the year's REPS on-farm inspections has taken place. This means that these payments will be processed in December.
Farmers who submitted valid applications in December 2007 will start their REPS 4 contracts on 1 January 2008. They will receive 75% of a full year's REPS payment when all administrative checks for REPS and the 2008 Single Payment Scheme are completed. The remaining 25% payment will go out when the last of the year's REPS on-farm inspections has taken place.
To be eligible for their REPS payment in 2008, these farmers must also submit their 2008 Single Payment application by 15 May 2008.
651 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if Spanish and French fishermen are in receipt of a fuel subsidy from the Spanish or French authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12044/08]
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. It is understood that previous measures taken by France in relation to support to offset the difficulties faced by its industry arising from high fuel prices are the subject of infringement proceedings in the European Court.
Within the EU State Aid rules and the funding available to each, it is a matter for each Member State to put in place measures to support and develop the fishing industry. I understand that the main measures now being put in place by France include a tax on fishery products at the market place to fund the development and restructuring plan for the fishing sector. We have written to my French and Spanish colleagues to get more details about their plans.
Under the National Development Plan 2007-2013, the Irish seafood industry will benefit from funding of €216 million. A further €216 million may be made available on the basis of verified progressive change in the industry as set out in the national strategy for the seafood industry — Steering a New Course. 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 launched in February, will increase the profitability of the vessels that continue to fish because they will be permitted to land higher quantities of quota stocks. Funding under the NDP will also focus on increasing returns to fishermen through maximising the value of seafood at every stage from the sea to the table.
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.
652 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will confirm that her Department has arrangements made for payments of farm improvement scheme grants; and if so, the reason for the undue delay in issuing payment where inspections have been finalised. [12045/08]
Payments under the Farm Improvement Scheme continue to be made to farmers who have satisfactorily completed work under the Scheme and, to date this year, 236 payments have been made to applicants under the Scheme.
653 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her proposals for the future development of the sheep sector; and the outcome of the Council of Agricultural Ministers consideration of this matter at the EU Council meeting on 17 March, 2008. [12047/08]
The Sheep Industry Strategy Development Group and the subsequent Implementation Group set the blueprint for the sector's future development. The sheep sector is an important part of the overall agri-food sector and its future depends on its ability to meet the needs of the market. Most of the Strategy Group's recommendations fall to be implemented by the industry itself but my Department and the state agencies under my aegis are also playing an active role in relevant areas. Sheep farmers are major beneficiaries of various schemes being operated by my Department. Under REPS 4, a new mixed grazing measure specifically targeted at sheep farmers has been introduced and developments on this measure will be kept under review.
Plans for the upgrading of a Sheep Genetic Improvement Programme are well advanced and I hope that agreement can be reached and a new programme put in place for the 2008/2009 sheep breeding year.
Transparency on pricing is a pre-requisite for efforts to improve quality and respond to the needs of the market. Farmer confidence in the pricing system operated by plants will be improved if mechanical grading can be introduced. My Department is currently facilitating trials as a first step in establishing such a system.
Teagasc continues to play a very constructive role and have developed a comprehensive plan to restructure their sheep support services, including a programme for Technology Evaluation and Transfer farms, which includes hill and lowland areas. This approach will encourage the application of the latest management practices to sheep enterprises and identify research and development needs.
Bord Bia is also playing a prominent part. The Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme was established in 2007 and my Department made available €0.4 million to support inspections under the scheme and this funding has been repeated for 2008.
In addition to the measures being taken at producer and processor level, promotional efforts are very necessary. Bord Bia will continue to organize strategic marketing campaigns marketing in selected European markets. The downward trend in lamb consumption in certain markets presents a real challenge. To address this, Bord Bia is collaborating with its French and British counterparts on a 3 year generic lamb promotion on the very important French market to promote lamb to younger consumers.
I raised the development of the sheep sector at the EU Council of Agricultural Ministers meeting on 17th March. Other member states also intervened to underline the importance of the sector, particularly in disadvantaged agricultural areas. While definitive conclusions were not drawn on possible support action, the Commission undertook to keep the sector in mind in the on-going "health check" discussions concerning the Common Agriculture Policy.
654 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has plans to extend beyond 24 months the killing of butcher heifers for sale on the market here. [12048/08]
I assume that the question relates to raising the age limit for the removal of vertebral column from 24 to 30 months. In July 2007, the then European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection proposed that the age limit for the removal of vertebral column in cattle be increased from 24 months to 30 months.
The proposal received unanimous support at a meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health on 3 October 2007. The proposal is currently under scrutiny by the European Parliament and I expect that the proposal will enter into force later this year.
This increase will be of particular benefit to those butchers who are authorised to handle specific risk material (SRM) and who will then be able to sell beef on the bone from cattle up to 30 months of age and will also benefit those butchers who choose not to handle SRM, and who will be able to take in and sell beef on the bone from cattle up to 30 months of age.
655 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has applied to the European Commission to revise the BSE screening programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12051/08]
The existing requirement that all bovines over 30 months of age, slaughtered for human consumption, must be tested along with all casualty animals and all fallen stock over 24 months is provided for under Regulation (EC) 999/2001. I have been a consistent advocate of change in these age thresholds, based on the results of surveillance carried out here and the significant reduction in the incidence of the disease in Ireland.
Under the recently amended TSE regulation, there is an enabling provision that allows Member States to seek amendments to their monitoring programmes (including changes to the age at which healthy slaughtered animals for human consumption must be tested for BSE) on the basis of applications to the Commission and in response to their improved BSE situation.
The proposals tabled by the Commission late last year for possible revision of testing included the following options for slaughter cattle: to test all cattle over 42 months; to test all cattle born before January 1 2002 and 50 per cent of cattle born since and aged over 42 months; to test all animals born before January 1 2004 and none (or minimum sample size) for those born thereafter.
Under each option, emergency slaughtered cattle and fallen stock over 36 months would require to be tested. In January 2008, the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection indicated his support for the first of the three options referred to above and the Commission has since requested the advice of the European Food Safety Agency on the number of test scenarios. The agreement of the European Parliament will also be required for any change to the current regime.
While Ireland would have favoured the third option, the option favoured by the Commission — to raise the testing age to 42 months — would still represent significant progress and would significantly reduce the amount of testing to be undertaken here. I have continually urged the Commissioner to complete all outstanding issues quickly so that a new testing regime can be applied here from the earliest possible date and I will continue to press for an early resolution of the remaining issues.
656 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will review her Department’s practice of issuing discrepancy reports which threaten single farm payments to farmers as in many respects the discrepancy is not the fault of the individual farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12095/08]
My Department maintains records of bovine animals on CMMS. Discrepancy Reports issue to farmers reflecting inconsistencies identified between the TB or Brucellosis test report and the data for the herd held on CMMS. Such farmers are requested to resolve the discrepancies. A farmer experiencing any difficulties following the procedures may contact the local office for assistance. In cases where the discrepancy is not the fault of an individual farmer, the farmer can contact the relevant local office to have the matter resolved and thereby avoid imposition of any penalty.
657 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the small crane in Dunmore East FHC, County Waterford (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12134/08]
The small crane which is located at the landing berth in Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre was purchased, installed and calibrated in November 2003. The management of the crane was handed over, under licence, to Dunmore East Fisherman's Co-op Society Ltd. in April 2007. The terms of the licence set out the areas of responsibility that fell to the Co-op and those that remained with my Department.
A number of Issues have subsequently arisen with regard to the use of the crane, including its use by individuals who are not members of the Co-op. My Department has recently been in correspondence with Dunmore East Fisherman's Co-op Society Ltd. to indicate that it is prepared to issue a new licence with a clause inserted to accommodate use of the crane, for its intended purpose, by other harbour users. Alternatively, my Department is prepared to assume full control of the crane. A response from Dunmore East Fisherman's Co-op Society Ltd. is awaited.
658 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a decision will be made on the application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for a farm waste management grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12138/08]
The person concerned submitted two applications for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. My Department issued payment of grant-aid for the first application on 14 May 2007. An application for payment in respect of the second application is currently under consideration and a decision will be will be made in regard to the application as soon as possible.
659 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Department have examined an application under the installation aid scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12157/08]
The person concerned was deemed ineligible for grant-aid under the Installation Aid Scheme on 10 January 2008. The applicant appealed the decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office who requested my Department to carry out a review of the case. That review is currently ongoing.
660 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will allow Waterford County Council to go to public consultation for the proposed waste water treatment plant outfalls at Ardmore, Cappoquin and Stradbally and the Cappoquin stormwater outfall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12175/08]
661 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when her Department will respond to the request by Waterford County Council in July 2007 for some amendments to certain conditions of the draft licences for the Dunmore East waste water treatment plant and stormwater outfalls; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12176/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 660 and 661 together.
As a general rule procedures for the issuing of foreshore consents require the acceptance by the relevant parties of the draft licence conditions prior to the public consultation element of the process. This is to ensure that the description of the projects as advertised to the public reflects as closely as possible what will be contained in the final licences. My Department's Engineering Division is currently giving urgent consideration to the additional information supplied by the council in respect of works at Cappoquin, Ardmore and Stradbally. Every effort is being made to expedite a final determination in respect of these cases. In relation to works at Dunmore East, my Department responded in detail to the council on 20 March on the suggested amendments to the draft licences and awaits the council's agreement to the current set of amendments.
662 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding grant assistance for the growing of miscanthus grass; and if she has plans to support development and growth of this alternative crop. [12229/08]
In February 2007, I launched a new Bioenergy Scheme on a pilot basis to encourage farmers to plant miscanthus and willow for bioenergy purposes. The objectives of the Scheme are: to establish an agricultural sector involved in the growing of miscanthus and willow specifically to produce biomass suitable for use as a clean and renewable source of heat and energy; to increase the production of energy crops in Ireland and to encourage alternative land use options; to provide opportunities for farm diversification and downstream rural development and employment; to complement other Government measures in the area of renewable energy, such as those developed by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
The scheme provides establishment grants for up to 50% of the costs of establishment, subject to a maximum payment rate of €1,450 per hectare. Establishment grants are payments to cover part of the costs of establishing the crop. Eligible costs include ground preparation, fencing, herbicide control, purchase of planting stock, planting and first year cutback. The scheme was well received with some 700 hectares of miscanthus planted. The second phase of the Bioenergy Scheme was launched in December 2007 and I have provided sufficient funding to support the planting of a further 1,600 hectares of miscanthus and willow in 2008.
In addition to establishment grants, farmers who grow miscanthus also qualify for an EU premium of up to €45 per hectare under the EU Energy Crops Scheme and the National Energy Crop Premium of €80 per hectare. As a further support measure, areas planted with miscanthus also qualify for the Single Farm Payment. I have also extended the aid paid under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) and the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme to areas planted with miscanthus, subject to some restrictions on the areas planted.
663 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if an appeal will be opened on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in respect of their refusal under category D of the 2005 single payment scheme national reserve. [12239/08]
The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category D. Category D catered for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who did not receive direct payments in respect of that scheme year. As the person named received his herdnumber on 24 September 2001 he was not deemed eligible for this category. The person named subsequently submitted an unsuccessful appeal against my Department's decision.
However, the case has now been reviewed and since the person named only became the registered owner of a herdnumber late in 2001 and did not receive any direct payments in 2002, my Department accepts that he can be regarded as a New Entrant to farming. The 2005 National Reserve application from the person named will now be processed and all payments due will issue shortly.
664 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in respect of cladding used for grant purposes in farm buildings which currently has to be of S/102 standard, her Department will approve BS/5502 Class 2 standard cladding which is widely used in the UK and available for import; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12271/08]
Standard BS 5502, part 21, is only a guide on best practice in relation to the selection of roof cladding materials for agriculture buildings, and as such it is not possible to have cladding sheets tested to meet its requirements.
My Department developed a testing procedure, in association with cladding manufacturers, in the mid-1990s, and this system has remained unchanged since 1997. The test procedures were developed following the premature failure of cladding sheets over animal housing in the late 1980s. The tests that are required ensure that only quality cladding materials, which will last for at least 20 years, are used on grant-aided agricultural buildings. My Department will examine any applications for inclusion of cladding sheets on its accepted list (S. 102) regardless of location of the company once the proposed sheets can be shown to meet the agreed requirements.
Since April 2007, the number of accepted cladding manufacturers has increased by 40% and the number of accepted cladding sheets has increased by over 50% during the same period.
665 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Department has quantified the number of applicants under the farm improvement scheme who are being deemed illegible due to the fact that their application was not accompanied by a planning approval; the number of such applicants who have evidence of a valid planning application having been submitted simultaneous to their application to her Department under the FIS; the estimated cost of approving all such applicants under the FIS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12272/08]
Some 12,675 applications were received under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007. These applications are currently being processed up to the level of funding made available for the Scheme under the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
The terms and conditions of the Scheme provide that, in order to be considered valid, applications which require planning permission must be accompanied by either a decision to grant planning permission or the grant of full planning permission. It is not possible at this stage to determine the number of applications that have been submitted without the required planning permission or to indicate the financial commitment, in grant terms, represented by such applications.
666 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the name of every body, organisation and committee outside her Department, other than semi-State commercial companies, that have been established by and report to her Department, at any stage during the year 2007 and the first three months of 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12291/08]
In reply to the Deputy, the position of my Department in relation to his question is as follows:
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA)
Established on the 1st January 2007, the primary purpose of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is to manage Sea Fisheries Protection and Seafood Safety. The SFPA have a vital role to play in overseeing fishing activities in our waters in conjunction with the Naval Service and the Air Corp.
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) Consultative Committee
The Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, provided for the establishment of a Consultative Committee to inform the SFPA of concerns and views of the sea fisheries and seafood sectors regarding the functions of the Authority and to seek to keep the two sectors generally informed of the applicable sea fisheries law and food safety law.
667 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Department has used helicopters for any purpose for each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the reason for such use; the suppliers of the helicopter; the dates and locations visited and distance travelled; the cost of same and persons carried; if quotations were sought for such trips; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12412/08]
In 2003, the Engineering Division of my Department commissioned an aerial survey of the entire Irish Coastline. The filming aspect of the survey was undertaken in September/October 2003 using a helicopter.
The contract for survey was awarded after a public tender process. The contractor was RSK Orbital Ltd, Cheshire, UK. The helicopter subcontractor was Irish Helicopters Ltd. The total cost of the survey was €260,000 excluding VAT. This cost included all filming, geographic work, and post processing. The element of costs associated with the provision of helicopter services is not available. The only persons carried were technical personnel involved in the survey process.
In addition, my colleague, the Minister for Defence will be providing information regarding the use of Air Corps helicopters for all Ministerial travel for the period in question.
668 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the junior infant day is not recognised by CIÉ, and parents have to pay for their children to be transported home from school; the further reason a person (details supplied) has to avail of a taxi home from school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11226/08]
672 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the junior infant day is not recognised by CIÉ, and parents have to pay for their children to be transported home from school; the further reason a person (details supplied) has to avail of a taxi home from school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11227/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 668 and 672 together.
Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport service on behalf of my Department, plan bus routes in such a way as to ensure that, as far as possible, pupils have a reasonable level of service while at the same time, ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in an efficient and cost effective manner.
The pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, can continue to avail of a school transport service in accordance with the Bus Éireann time-table for the journey in question. However, it is a matter for the managerial authorities of primary schools to arrange adequate supervision and insurance cover for children while they are on the school premises.
669 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will respond to a query by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [11419/08]
Adult education services are funded by my Department through annual grants to Vocational Education Committees (VECs), which deliver the services locally. VECs provide courses free of charge or at nominal cost in their own centres. The centre referred to by the Deputy is not a VEC centre and my Department does not provide assistance for the payment of fees charged by centres that are not VEC centres.
I understand that the City of Dublin VEC provides courses of the type referred to at its own centres for adult learners in the area. The person referred to by the Deputy should contact City of Dublin VEC at its office in the Priorswood Community Development Centre, Clonshaugh Drive, Dublin 17 for further information.
670 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has responded to the joint letter, of 29 February 2008, from the five primary school patron organisations outlining the crisis in financing the 3,300 primary schools; if she will meet the five patron organisations and discuss the way the financial crisis can be resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12290/08]
I can confirm that I have responded to the joint letter from the five school patron organisations regarding primary school funding. This issue also features as part of my regular contact and discussions with the education partners.
I want to assure the Deputy that the Government is fully aware of the funding pressures on schools. We are committed to doubling the primary capitation grant by 2012 and to significantly increasing the value of the ancillary services grant that is used by schools for the employment of support staff such as caretakers and secretaries. These commitments are a direct follow-on from the clear thrust of Government policy over recent years to improve the position of primary schools in particular.
Since 2001, the standard rate of primary capitation grant has been increased by 86%. In the same period, the value of the ancillary services grant has been almost doubled. In 2001, a primary school with 300 pupils was in receipt of less than €52,000 to meet its day to day running costs. That same school today is receiving almost €100,000. This excludes the salary of teachers and Special Needs Assistants which are paid by the Department. By any standards this is a very significant improvement within a relatively short period of time.
In 2008, primary schools are getting €330 per pupil in such grants — €21 more per child than they got last year. At a national level, this adds up to an investment of around €167 million in standard day-to-day funding for schools. In addition to this, enhanced rates of capitation funding are paid in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools.
Extra funding is also being targeted at schools serving disadvantaged communities. Indeed, funding for additional grants for the most disadvantaged schools increased by 15% this year, reflecting the Government's determination to prioritise those that need extra resources the most.
While we continue to make real progress we must also be aware of the changing global economic environment. There is a need for careful management of the public finances in order to protect Ireland's prosperity in the period of slower (albeit still good) levels of economic growth. This prudent approach is the best way of ensuring that funding improvements for our schools can be sustained into the future. In the current economic environment, an extra €690m in 2008 for the education sector was a real achievement and evidence of this Government's continuing commitment to prioritising education.
I do not for a moment suggest that there isn't a need for additional increases in funding for schools. The legitimacy of the case for further increases is expressly recognised in the Programme for Government commitments. I am confident that over the course of this Government's term of office that it will be possible to build on the significant achievements of recent years and to do so in a manner consistent with overall prudent management of the Irish economy.
671 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will intervene on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who cannot receive the higher pay increment for teachers, as they received their postgraduate education in Northern Ireland, where the course is awarded on a pass/fail basis; her views on meeting with her Northern counterpart to discuss this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11224/08]
An allowance is paid where a teacher achieves an overall award of at least second class honours in the Higher Diploma in Education. My Department has arrangements in place to facilitate payment of this allowance where a teacher obtains the Post Graduate Certificate in Education from a UK or Northern Ireland College if the mark achieved in that Certificate is 55% or higher. This can be established by the teacher providing the employer with a letter from the Registrar of that College confirming the marks achieved.
Question No. 672 answered with Question No. 668.
673 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the extension of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11230/08]
The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
674 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11248/08]
675 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11249/08]
676 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11250/08]
677 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11251/08]
678 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11252/08]
679 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11253/08]
680 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11254/08]
681 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11255/08]
682 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11256/08]
683 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11257/08]
684 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11258/08]
685 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11259/08]
686 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11260/08]
687 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11261/08]
688 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11262/08]
689 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11263/08]
690 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11264/08]
691 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11265/08]
692 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11266/08]
693 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11267/08]
694 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11268/08]
695 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11269/08]
696 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11270/08]
697 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11271/08]
698 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11272/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 674 to 698, inclusive, together.
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and would take an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile.
As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at primary level in recent years. There are now in the region of 6,000 more primary teachers than there were in 2002. By the 2006/07 school year, we had reduced the average class size in our primary schools to 24, while the pupil teacher ratio was 16.4:1, including resource teachers etc. In that year, schools were staffed on the basis of a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children. Given that the national average was 24, many schools benefited from much more favourable staffing ratios than this.
Extra teachers were provided by the Government for the 2007/08 school year to improve primary school staffing so that schools would generally get at least one classroom teacher for every 27 children.
A further initiative in recent years that has been of direct benefit to primary schools has been the change in the criteria for developing schools. For the current school year the threshold for getting a developing school post was reduced specifically to help schools that are seeing large increases in enrolments each year. Over 330 such posts have been sanctioned in the 2007/08 school year compared to 280 in 2006/07.
Combined with the 6,000 more primary school teachers referred to and the extra teachers put in the current school year, the additional primary teachers planned for 2008/09 will mean this Government will be well ahead of target in relation to the Programme for Government commitment to hire 4,000 extra primary teachers between 2007 and 2012. Indeed, 2,000 of these will be in place by next Spring.
Over the lifetime of the Government, we are committed to providing more primary school teachers specifically to reduce class sizes. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.
An independent staffing appeal process is available to Boards of Management of individual schools. They can submit an appeal under certain criteria to an Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
699 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11273/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and would take an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile.
As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at primary level in recent years. There are now in the region of 6,000 more primary teachers than there were in 2002. By the 2006/07 school year, we had reduced the average class size in our primary schools to 24, while the pupil teacher ratio was 16.4:1, including resource teachers etc. In that year, schools were staffed on the basis of a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children. Given that the national average was 4, many schools benefited from much more favourable staffing ratios than this.
Extra teachers were provided by the Government for the 2007/08 school year to improve primary school staffing so that schools would generally get at least one classroom teacher for every 27 children.
A further initiative in recent years that has been of direct benefit to primary schools has been the change in the criteria for developing schools. For the current school year the threshold for getting a developing school post was reduced specifically to help schools that are seeing large increases in enrolments each year. Over 330 such posts have been sanctioned in the 2007/08 school year compared to 280 in 2006/07.
Combined with the 6,000 more primary school teachers referred to and the extra teachers put in the current school year, the additional primary teachers planned for 2008/09 will mean this Government will be well ahead of target in relation to the Programme for Government commitment to hire 4,000 extra primary teachers between 2007 and 2012. Indeed, 2,000 of these will be in place by next Spring.
Over the lifetime of the Government, we are committed to providing more primary school teachers specifically to reduce class sizes. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.
An independent staffing appeal process is available to Boards of Management of individual schools. They can submit an appeal under certain criteria to an Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
700 Deputy James McDaid asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of requests by schools (details supplied) for an extension. [11282/08]
The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including the projects referred to by the Deputy, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
701 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is intended to cease payment to teachers currently employed but unqualified and studying for a qualification; if the registration requirement with the Teaching Council will be waived pending qualification; if a lead-in period is envisaged; the impact on the total teaching population envisaged when registration becomes mandatory; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11296/08]
I have indicated my intention to commence Section 30 of Teaching Council Act later this year. Thereafter only registered teachers will be entitled to be paid on an ongoing or open-ended basis.
I have also indicated my intention to provide for the use of unregistered personnel where this is a last resort for schools and I will be looking at the best manner in which this can be time limited.
The move to mandatory registration of teachers will be an important factor in progressively ensuring a fully qualified and registered teaching cohort.
702 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are exceptions to the provision in the higher education grants scheme which require that a student under 23 years is assessed on their parents’ income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11298/08]
The Higher Education Grant Schemes operate under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992. These Acts define a mature student to mean a person "of not less than 23 years of age, or such other age as may stand specified for the time being in regulations made by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance, who have secured places in approved institutions and have reached that age on the 1st day of January, or such other date as may be prescribed from time to time by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance in the year of entry to such institutions". The Acts further provide, inter alia, for the making of grants to mature students whose means and those of their parents, where the mature students are dependent on their parents, do not exceed prescribed limits.
Mature students are categorised as either independent mature students or mature students dependent on parents. An independent mature student is defined to mean a mature student who was not ordinarily resident at home with his or her parents/guardians from the 1st October preceding their entry to an approved course. Independent mature students are assessed without reference to either their parents/guardians income or address.
When assessing the means of students other than independent mature students, the Acts specify that the students' means and those of their parents/guardians must be below a prescribed limit. This provision requires that the parents' income be taken into account, irrespective of the individual circumstances in any case where the student is not an independent mature student.
In exceptional cases, and only where compelling evidence of estrangement from parents/guardians can be provided, candidates who are under 23 may be assessed without reference to their parents/guardians income or address. An example of the type of independent verification/evidence required would be a letter from a social worker or other appropriate officer of the Health Service Executive explaining the circumstances under which the candidate is estranged from his/her parents/guardians. Confirmation that a candidate is living separately from parents/guardians is not sufficient in this regard.
Where candidates are estranged from parents/guardians, the necessary evidence in support of their case should be submitted to the relevant Local Authority or Vocational Education Committee.
In all other cases where a candidate is not at least 23 years of age on the 1st of January of the year of entry or re-entry to an approved course and in the absence of compelling evidence of estrangement from parents/guardians, details of parents/guardians' income is required for the purpose of the means test under the student grant schemes.
703 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the financial assistance a person can apply for who attends a third level course, in addition to the higher education grants scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11299/08]
My Department funds three means-tested maintenance grant schemes for third level education students in respect of attendance on approved courses in approved third level institutions:
1. The Higher Education Grants Scheme;
2. The Vocational Education Committees' Scholarship Schemes;
3. The Third Level Maintenance Grants Scheme for Trainees.
Also under the terms of my Department's Free Fees Initiative the exchequer meets the tuition fees of full-time eligible students. The main conditions are that students must (a) be first-time undergraduates; (b) hold E.U. nationality: and (c) have been ordinarily resident in an E.U. Member State for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third level course. Students with official refugee status in State and who have three years residency in the State (from official date of lodgement of application for refugee status) may also be considered under the Free Fees Initiative. Eligibility is determined at date of entry to the course of study.
In addition to these schemes the National Development Plan 2007-2013 provides for a Third Level Access Fund. A key goal of the National Development Plan 2007-2013 is to widen participation and increase student and graduate numbers at third level. The Fund for Students with Disabilities, the Student Assistance Fund and the Millennium Partnership Fund, co-financed by the Government and the European Social Fund, form part of a strategy to achieve this goal. The three funding programmes are administered on behalf of my Department by the National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education (National Access Office), with assistance from Pobal in relation to the Millennium Partnership Fund.
The Fund for Students with Disabilities aims to assist students with disabilities in third-level institutions and PLC colleges to participate in further and higher education. Grants are provided for students who have serious sensory, physical and/or communicative disabilities. Applications for funding should be made by the Disability/Access Officer in the Institution, or by the Principal in a PLC college. Students should discuss their particular disability, and equipment or services required, with their institution/PLC College.
In third level institutions there is a Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The objective of the SAF is to assist students in a sensitive and compassionate manner who might otherwise, because of financial reasons, suffer severe hardship or be unable to continue their third level studies. Applications for funding should be made by the individual student to the Access Officer in their institution. The SAF is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
The final initiative under the Third Level Access Fund is the Millennium Partnership Fund for Disadvantage. The objective of this Fund is to support students from disadvantaged areas with regard to retention and participation in further or higher education courses. Partnership Companies and Community Groups manage the fund locally. Under the fund, eligible actions may include the following but will be dependent on the individual Partnership or Community Group:
Financial supports to meet student participation costs;
Provision of information, e.g. guidance and mentoring;
Study supports including tuition, study skills.
Students may contact their local Area Partnership Company or Community Group for assistance (a list of the Partnerships and Community Groups is available from the Higher Education — Equity of Access Area of my Department). As outlined in the current NDP and Towards 2016, these three funds will remain important elements of the Government's overall strategy to alleviate educational disadvantage and to promote social inclusion.
704 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 461 of 12 February 2008, the reason for the delay in obtaining the information required forwarded to this Deputy’s office; if she will provide this Deputy with the information requested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11335/08]
I regret the delay in providing the previously requested information to the Deputy. This was due to pressure of work on my officials within the Department.
My Department's records show that the number of unqualified persons currently on a regular teaching contract of employment within the primary sector is 620. While I am anxious to reduce this number it should also be viewed in the context of the major improvements have been made in staffing at primary level in recent years. In fact there are now in the region of 6,000 more primary teachers than there were in 2002, bringing the current total to over 30,000.
Fully qualified second level teachers are paid at the appropriate point on the common basic salary scale for teachers together with appropriate qualification allowances. At present there are 274 teachers on a regular contract of employment within the post primary sector who are not in receipt of qualification allowances which indicates that they are not regarded as fully qualified for the teaching posts which they hold. The qualifications held by 143 of the teachers concerned are currently being assessed by the Teaching Council. The remaining 131 are not fully recognised either because of a lack of required training-in-teaching qualification in the specific subject(s) of the teaching post held.
Over 45,000 teachers who were already teaching in schools on the establishment day of the Teaching Council (28 March, 2006), following verification of their details, were automatically deemed registered at that date and have since renewed their registration. These teachers were registered under Section 31(2) of the Teaching Council Act. A number of these are unqualified and while they can be registered their certificate will indicate that they are not qualified teachers.
I assure the Deputy that I am acting in a considered way to deal with this issue. Firstly, I intend to commence Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act later this year. The effect of this will be that only registered teachers will be entitled to be paid on an ongoing or open-ended basis. Secondly, I will set out by regulation the restrictions to apply to the engagement of unregistered personnel. For the first time, schools will be legally required to use unregistered teachers only as an absolute last resort. I am also looking at the best manner in which this provision can be time limited. And thirdly, I have already increased the number of primary teacher training places this year.
I know that even with every possible measure taken to avoid the use of unregistered teachers, some schools may still need them to deal with emergency or short-term absences. But I believe that every child deserves to be taught by a qualified teacher and I am determined to keep the use of unregistered personnel to an absolutely unavoidable minimum.
705 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science what is being delivered in 2008 in the school building programme; the roadmap that exists for projects proceeding to construction on the school building programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11361/08]
On the 1st February last I announced the first phase of projects that will commence construction during 2008 and 2009. My announcement included details of the 18 large scale building projects approved for construction and a further 30 primary school projects in rapidly developing areas. Details of the projects approved can be viewed under the Press Release section of my Department's website at www.education.ie.
This is the first phase of projects that will commence construction during 2008 and 2009. It is my intention to make a further announcement shortly to allow a further batch of schools to commence construction and to update progress on the new schools planned for September 2008 delivery in developing areas.
The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in rapidly developing areas as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. The priority rating of each individual building project is established in accordance with the Criteria for Prioritising Large ScaleProjects (Primary and Post-primary) which is available on my Department's website atwww.education.ie.
In accordance with the criteria set down, each project is allocated to an appropriate priority band rating on the basis of objective criteria. A review of the criteria for prioritising large-scale projects was undertaken in consultation with the Education Partners in early 2004 to ensure that the criteria have the optimum precision and are fully tuned to meeting the priority accommodation needs of primary and post-primary schools. In general the feedback from the Education Partners to the review has been positive. The revised criteria have been seen as bringing greater clarity and focus to the system. The amended criteria are applied to all projects that proceed to tender and construction.
706 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow will receive sanction for the planned national school in Greystones; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11363/08]
The New School Advisory Committee (NSAC) has received an application for the recognition of a new primary school for September, 2008 in the location referred to by the Deputy. The NSAC is an independent advisory group established to process applications for the recognition of new primary schools and to make recommendations to the Minister for Education and Science. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement on the outcome of all applications before the NSAC, including this application, by the end of April.
707 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will allocate funds for the construction of a new primary school at a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a suitable site is available, if the design plans have been approved, that the present school is overcrowded and in poor condition and not in conformity with her Department’s guidelines and that major development has taken place and is planned for the area as a result of a 13% growth in population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11370/08]
787 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the band rating attached to a planned new school (details supplied) in County Cork in her Department’s multi-annual school building and modernisation programme. [11995/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 707 and 787 together.
The process of appointing a design team to the school building project referred to by the Deputies is at an advanced stage. The advancement of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
708 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the poor condition of a school (details supplied) in County Galway; the plans she has for the building of a new school at Eglish; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11375/08]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of a new school building has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. The long term projected staffing assessment and the further progression of the proposed building project will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
In the interim, officials in my Department are in contact with the school management regarding the provision of temporary accommodation and additional information is expected from the management shortly. When this documentation is received the school authority will be notified of the position without delay.
709 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if she will have these matters investigated and assurances given to the local community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11380/08]
In order to meet the language needs of schools, my Department issued a circular in May 2007, reference 0053/2007, to the managerial authorities of all schools — both primary and post primary — to assist them in providing an inclusive school environment to meet the needs of pupils for whom English is a second language. The circular outlines the resources that are available to assist schools in this task. The circular is accessible on the website of my Department.
The level of extra financial or teaching support provided to any school is determined by the numbers of eligible non-English speaking students enrolled. An individual school may be allocated up to six language support posts under the arrangements now in place. I understand that each of the schools referred to by the Deputy are in receipt of the maximum support of six language support teachers.
710 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has accepted the site proposed by the Commissioners of Public Works for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry, when the board of management will be informed of this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11385/08]
The Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works (OPW) which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has been requested to source a suitable site for this school. On foot of advertising a number of proposals were received and an assessment of the proposals is currently with my Department for consideration. The further progression of the purchase of a suitable site for the school in question will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
711 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will grant home tuition for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11386/08]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that home tuition has been granted to the child in question.
712 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects a student (details supplied) to be given a decision regarding an appeal in relation to a higher education grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11403/08]
A reply has issued to the candidate referred to by the Deputy in respect of her appeal from the Higher Education — Equity Of Access Unit of my Department.
713 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will authorise the payment of arrears in relation to the home tuition grant received by parents of children who received tuition from a group (details supplied) in County Dublin in view of the fact that her Department already has fully signed original records of all parents to whom payments should be due in the forms that were submitted to claim the original payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11413/08]
The rates of pay applicable to home tuition tutors are based on the qualifications of the tutor. Therefore tutors fall into 2 categories for payment purposes i.e. primary and secondary in accordance with the appropriate part time rates of payment. A subdivision within the categories reflects whether the tutor is qualified or unqualified. Early intervention tutors are primary teachers and therefore paid at primary part time payment rates.
My Department can only consider submissions from the original payees i.e. the parents in question, regarding claims for arrears of the home tuition grant.
714 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will assist in a case (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [11414/08]
My Department has no record of a request for a joint venture to share sports facilities at the school in question.
715 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in South Tipperary that currently provide ABA for educating children with autism; the number of students currently partaking in ABA in south Tipperary; the number of schools planned to provide ABA in south Tipperary for the next five years; and the number of additional places that will be provided in ABA education for children with autism in the next five years. [11424/08]
The Deputy will be aware that my Department and the National Council for Special Education have been working hard to ensure that all autistic children have access to appropriate education.
Whereas a few years ago, most parents of children with autism had no option but to send them to a special school, now they have three distinct choices available to them. Their child can either attend a mainstream class in their local school with additional supports as required, they can attend a special class in a mainstream school or they can attend a special school. While some children with autism can thrive in a mainstream class, special classes have been specifically designed to meet the needs of those who require more intensive support.
Children in these classes benefit from having fully-qualified teachers who have access to training in a range of autism-specific interventions, including Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Teachers who are familiar with different methods can tailor these to the needs of the individual child. Children in mainstream schools also have the option where appropriate of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils.
In excess of 285 autism-specific classes have now been approved around the country, twenty one of which are in the Tipperary area, while more are being set up as required. There is a maximum of six children in each special class with a teacher and at least two special needs assistants. Extra assistants are provided where the children need them on a case by case basis. In addition, there are in the region of 2,100 children with autism who are receiving additional teaching and/or special needs assistant support in mainstream schools.
The National Council for Special Education will continue to establish additional autism classes in the Tipperary area where the need arises.
716 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to an application for a new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; when a design team will be appointed and the project progressed to architectural planning stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11426/08]
As the Deputy may be aware, a Developing Areas Unit was set up recently in my Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas including Tramore. The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in these developing areas, as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. In this context, the status of this project will be re-assessed and banded accordingly.
As is the case for all large capital projects currently on hand within the Developing Areas Unit, progression of the project will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
717 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the application for a special needs assistant for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11430/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special needs. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact the SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
My officials have been in contact with the NCSE and have been advised that the SENO approved the services of a shared SNA for the pupil referred to by the Deputy before Easter. The school authorities have been notified accordingly.
718 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the technical inspection for a primary school (details supplied) in County Clare. [11433/08]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. The long term projected staffing assessment and the further progression of the proposed building project will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
719 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the provision of a facility for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11439/08]
The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including the project in question, will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme in which the main focus is to deliver school places within rapidly developing areas.
720 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the review and prioritisation of capital projects in the higher education sector in September 2004 recommended that an apprentice skills building be a priority for Cork Institute of Technology; when she proposes to implement that recommendation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11440/08]
721 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that 30% of all classroom space in Cork Institute of Technology’s Bishopstown campus is located in prefabricated buildings; her plans for capital grant application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11441/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 720 and 721 together.
My Department has made substantial capital investment in Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) in recent years with over €70m being invested in projects delivered through direct exchequer funding since 2000 alone. Funding of €18 million has been provided for a new Tourism and Catering Building which assisted in relieving overcrowding throughout the Institute. An investment of €7.3 million was also provided for a new Administration building which now accommodates staff previously located in temporary accommodation. My Department has also provided funding of €4.4m towards the cost of the Student Services Building and Covered Courtyard and all of these facilities have been completed within the last three years. In addition my Department has provided ongoing funding for many other minor works projects at the Institute.
Furthermore, significant capital investment has been provided for two major projects at CIT through the Public Private Partnership (PPP), the National Maritime College of Ireland costing €52m and the School of Music at a cost of €60m. I recently announced approval for an extension to the Library at CIT to be delivered as part of the first bundle of PPP projects in the third level sector.
Any further capital investment in CIT will be considered in the context of the prioritisation criteria which are being developed and mindful of other demands on the funding available under the NDP 2007-2013.
722 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will provide financial assistance to remove asbestos from an old school building (details supplied) in County Limerick purchased for residential purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11450/08]
The old school building referred to by the Deputy is in private ownership; accordingly, my Department is precluded from providing grant aid for the works in question.
723 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that children from Caherconlish in County Limerick have right of entry to no second level school in Limerick city or county and that as a consequence they may not avail of free school transport to any school; the steps she will take to end this anomalous situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11454/08]
Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, a pupil is eligible for transport if s/he resides 4.8 kilometres or more from her/his local post primary education centre, that is, the centre serving the catchment area in which s/he lives.
The scheme is not designed to facilitate parents who choose to send their children to a post-primary centre outside of the catchment area in which they reside. However, children who are fully eligible for transport to the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside may apply for transport on a concessionary basis to a post-primary centre outside of their own catchment area — otherwise known as catchment boundary transport. These children can only be facilitated if spare seats are available on the bus after all other eligible children travelling to their "own" post-primary centre have been catered for. Such children have to make their own way to the nearest pick-uppoint within that catchment area.
Children from Caherconlish in County Limerick who enrol in schools in Limerick City or County will have their applications for school transport assessed in accordance with the terms of the scheme. The parents of these children should liaise with the relevant Transport Liaison Officers regarding their eligibility for school transport.
724 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a request from Educate Together to allow the classrooms that will not be used in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 to be used by another school on a temporary basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11456/08]
725 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on a request from a school to allow them to use the classrooms that will be vacant in a new school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11457/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 724 and 725 together.
As the Deputy knows, the Programme for Government includes a commitment to establish a Developing Areas Unit in the Department of Education and Science, dedicated solely to progressing school planning in rapidly developing areas, building on improvements that have already been made in recent years.
This recently established Developing Areas Unit, in conjunction with Fingal County Council, has been working to identify and acquire sites, under the Fingal School Model, for rapidly growing areas, including Dublin 15.
In relation to the Carpenterstown Education Together Parents Group that has been established, I understand that an application for recognition of a new school in Carpenterstown in September 2008 has been received by the New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC). The NSAC is an independent advisory group established to process applications for the recognition of new primary schools and to make recommendations to me. It is expected that the NSAC will report in April 2008.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Department is moving to acquire a site in Porterstown under the Fingal School Model Agreement. He will also be aware that Scoil Choilm was established in September 2007 under the temporary patronage of the Catholic Church to serve the Porterstown/Clonsilla parish in Dublin 15 and enrolled 3 streams of junior infants. The school is temporarily accommodated in the Institute of Horology, a V.E.C.-owned building, in Blanchardstown. Scoil Choilm will be relocated to a site in Porterstown for September 2008, subject to planning permission and completion of the legalities. The site will be temporary in the first instance and it is envisaged that the site will be expanded and made permanent in the short to medium term.
Due to the level of demand emanating from the Dublin 15 area, the need to make further provision at primary level is being kept under continuous review by the Department. All options will be considered to ensure that there are enough school places in September 2008 and beyond. The provision of accommodation for Carpenterstown Educate Together will be considered once the NSAC makes its report.
726 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department will be in a position to meet with a group (details supplied) in County Dublin, as per the request from 2007 in view of progress that has been made in securing a site in the Lucan south area. [11513/08]
My Department is conscious of the extent of housing developments in the Lucan area and the consequences which this has for school provision. Because of this, substantial additional accommodation has been provided in the area by my Department at both primary and post-primary level in recent years and this is set to continue for the foreseeable future.
Based on current demographic trends, my Department anticipates that there will be a need for a further post-primary school in Lucan in the medium term and it has asked South Dublin County Council to identify a site for this development. A timeframe for the delivery of the school will be known when a suitable site has been identified and acquired. The local authority has a number of Local Area Plans in train and it is likely that we will be able to secure a site under this process. My Department is conscious of the lead-in period for the delivery of a post-primary school and it would be anxious to conclude the site issue as soon as possible. It will continue to engage with the local authority until this matter is resolved.
In the meantime, my Department has increased capacity at the four existing post-primary schools to 3,000 places overall. The current combined enrolment is 2,500 which means that there is spare capacity for some 500 pupil places. A building project which is in train for Lucan Community College will further increase capacity by 200 pupil places. In addition to this, a building project for St Joseph's College has been assessed and the project brief, which will provide an additional 200 pupils places, has been agreed.
The combined total of extra places which will be available when these projects are completed will be 900 which is the equivalent to the size of a post primary school in its own right. These measures will assist in reducing pressure for pupil places in the short to medium term while the process of advancing the project for a new school continues.
It would be premature for my Department to meet with the group referred to until such time as a suitable site has been identified and acquired.
727 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the timeframe for provision of a new second level school for south Lucan on lands covered under the Clonburris local area plan, as promoted by this Deputy and others; if the management of such a school will be decided upon in the near future; the size and scale of the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11514/08]
My Department is conscious of the extent of housing developments in the Lucan area and the consequences which this has for school provision. Because of this, substantial additional accommodation has been provided in the area by my Department at both primary and post-primary level in recent years and this is set to continue for the foreseeable future.
Based on current demographic trends, my Department anticipates that there will be a need for a further post-primary school in Lucan in the medium term and it has asked South Dublin County Council to identify a site for this development.
A timeframe for the delivery of the school will be known when a suitable site has been identified and acquired. The local authority has a number of Local Area Plans in train and it is likely that we will be able to secure a site under this process. My Department is conscious of the lead-in period for the delivery of a post-primary school and it would be anxious to conclude the site issue as soon as possible. It will continue to engage with the local authority until this matter is resolved. In the meantime, my Department has increased capacity at the four existing post-primary schools to 3,000 places overall. The current combined enrolment is 2,500 which means that there is spare capacity for some 500 pupil places.
A building project which is in train for Lucan Community College will further increase capacity by 200 pupil places. In addition to this, a building project for St. Joseph's College has been assessed and the project brief, which will provide an additional 200 pupils places, has been agreed. The combined total of extra places which will be available when these projects are completed will be 900 which is the equivalent to the size of a post primary school in its own right.
These measures will assist in reducing pressure for pupil places in the short to medium term while the process of advancing the project for a new school continues.
728 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the policy regarding the use of seat-belts for children on school buses; the person legally whose responsibility it is to ensure that these are in use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11515/08]
Vehicles operating under my Department's school transport scheme must be equipped with seat belts and pupils are required by law to wear these belts.
The European Communities (Compulsory Use of Safety Belts and Child Restraint Systems in Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2006 — Statutory Instrument No. 240 of 2006, made by the Minister for Transport in May 2006, obliges owners of buses fitted with safety belts to ensure that passengers of such buses are informed of the requirement to wear safety belts while they are seated and the bus is in motion. This obligation may be discharged by one or more of the following means — announcement by the driver or conductor, audio-visual presentation or signs or pictograms displayed at each seat.
In addition, my Department launched safety campaigns in 2006 and 2007 to make parents and children aware that it is the law to wear seat belts on school buses and to encourage children to behave in a safety-conscious manner on, and in the vicinity of, school buses. These messages were conveyed by way of television, cinema and radio advertisements. Additionally, a safety DVD and posters were distributed to all primary and post-primary schools.
Bus Éireann also issued a circular, at the beginning of the current school year, to parents of children travelling on school transport, inviting their co-operation, and that of their children, to help make the school transport journey as safe and comfortable as possible. This circular emphasised the importance of safety, the consequences of misbehaviour and the disciplinary measures which may be necessary.
729 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an gceapfar an fhoireann ghréasa do Ghaelscoil (sonraí tugtha); agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [11520/08]
Mar is eol don Teachta, b'fhéidir, bunaíodh Aonad Limistéar Forbraíochta i mo Roinnse le déanaí chun díriú ar na riachtanais cóiríochta scoile atá ag limistéir mearfhorbraíochta, ar a n-áirítear An Trá Mhór. Is amhlaidh go bhfuil an bhéim is mó á cur i 2008 ar dhóthain ionad scoile a sholáthar insna limistéir mearfhorbraíochta seo, chomh maith le feabhsúcháin a chur i gcrích i gcaighdeán na cóiríochta bunscoile agus iarbhunscoile atá ann faoi láthair ar fud na tíre.
Sa chomhthéacs seo, déanfar athmheasúnú ar stádas an tionscadail seo agus sannfar rátáil bhanda dó dá réir sin.
Fearacht gach uile tionscadail mhóir chaipitil atá idir lámha ag an Aonad Limistéar Forbraíochta, machnófar cur chun cinn an tionscadail i gcomhthéacs an Chlár Ilbhlianach Tógála agus Nuachóirithe Scoileanna.
730 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to complete her review of catchment areas and capacity in post-primary schools in the Limerick area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11524/08]
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to review the school transport system including catchment boundaries. My Department is currently developing proposals for progressing this commitment and the intention is to make substantial progress during the current year.
The Forward Planning Section of my Department is currently examining educational provision for a number of areas, including the Limerick area. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which any emerging needs should be met for the area.
731 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the model integration programme developed by a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if she will provide funding for the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11566/08]
My Department is committed to providing an inclusive school environment to meet the needs of pupils for whom English is a second language. Such an inclusive school environment reflects values and affirms linguistic, ethnic and cultural diversity.
In relation to this project, there has already been communication with the Principal of the school, indicating the services that are available, through City of Galway VEC, which is funded by my Department, to meet the English language needs of parents whose children attend schools in the city.
It has also been indicated that the project would be eligible to seek funding under the Immigrant Integration Small Grants Scheme 2008.
732 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will ensure that a suitable school place is provided for a child (details supplied) in County Cork. [11571/08]
The compulsory school starting age in a National School is 6 years of age. Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and my Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000.
Where a Board of Management refuses to enrol a student in a school, the parent of the student or, where the student has reached 18 years of age, the student himself or herself, following the conclusion of any appeal procedures at school level, has a statutory entitlement under section 29 of the Education Act to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science. A committee is established to hear the appeal with hearings conducted with a minimum of formality. In most cases appeals must be dealt with within 30 days. Where appropriate, the Secretary General may give whatever directions to the Board of Management that are considered necessary to remedy the matter complained of.
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01-8738700.
733 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied that appropriate procedures are in place in respect of Garda vetting of teachers having regard to vetting being a condition of employment of new teachers and other appointees who may have unsupervised access to children; the procedures in place in respect of long-standing teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11572/08]
In the education sector, vetting is currently done in respect of newly appointed teachers via the registration process with the Teaching Council. It is also done for prospective employees for posts that involve working with children such as Special Needs assistants (SNAs), bus drivers, bus escorts to children with special needs, caretakers and other ancillary staff. As the expansion of service by the Garda Vetting Unit is rolled out my Department will be consulting the relevant stakeholders on how best to introduce vetting of existing teachers and other education staff working with children.
Ensuring the protection, health and welfare of children is a key concern for this Government, for parents, for agencies that work with children and for society generally. To this end, the Programme for Government provides for a proposed amendment to the Constitution which will further strengthen our ability to protect our children by allowing the Oireachtas to legislate for the exchange of information about suspected child abusers. The Programme is committed to putting in place the necessary structures and systems to increase cooperation on vetting and the exchange of all relevant information about those who work or seek to work with children and vulnerable adults.
Furthermore, there is a commitment to provide extra resources to the Garda vetting service and also that we will develop an all-Ireland approach to child protection. I can assure the Deputy that this Government is determined to do all that we can to keep our children and vulnerable adults safe.
734 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied that a teacher in respect of whom a nolle prosequi was entered by the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to a criminal complaint and charge under Section 2 of the Rape Act 1990 is deemed suitable to continue as a full-time teacher having unsupervised access to children. [11573/08]
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on individual cases.
As a general matter, however, appointing staff is the responsibility of the board of management and it is for the Board to satisfy itself that a particular individual is considered suitable for appointment. Where facts or information comes to a Board's attention calling into question a person's suitability to work with children it is obviously for the Board to satisfy itself that the person is suitable to work in that capacity. This will naturally have to be assessed on a case by case basis. The Board will have to consider all the circumstances of the case, give due weight to all relevant factors, and afford fair procedures to the individual concerned before making a decision.
I would like to assure the Deputy that where allegations of child abuse are reported to my Department, whether current or having occurred in the past, these are brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities.
Furthermore, from the beginning of the 2006/2007 academic year, all new teachers and other ancillary staff who have unsupervised access to children are subject to Garda vetting. As the roll out of Garda Vetting expands, it will be broadened to include all serving teachers.
Ensuring the protection, health and welfare of children is a key concern for the Government, for parents, for agencies that work with children and for society generally and I can assure the Deputy that the Government is determined to do all that we can to keep our children and vulnerable adults safe.
735 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a new building for a centre (details supplied) in County Limerick to replace the rented accommodation it occupies at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11599/08]
An application is with my Department for the provision of appropriate accommodation in a suitable location for the centre in question. The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including the project in question, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
736 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she proposes to provide recognition to Irish sign language within the national curriculum to support teaching and other learning aids and promote it as an accepted language for communication. [11600/08]
There are no plans at present to include Irish sign language as a specific subject within the national curriculum in primary and post-primary schools in the Junior Certificate or established Leaving Certificate programmes. Irish Sign Language is one of the optional modules available within the Leaving Certificate Applied programme.
Irish sign language (ISL) has formal recognition in the Education Act 1998. Under that Act, it is a function of the Minister for Education and Science to ensure, subject to the provisions of the Act, that there is made available to each person resident in the State, including a person with a disability or who has other special educational needs, support services and a level and quality of education appropriate to meeting the needs and abilities of that person. This includes provision for students learning through ISL.
A number of initiatives which seek to promote, develop and implement ISL in order that it will achieve greater recognition and use in the education system are currently in place. These include:
the special schools for the deaf have been encouraged in relation to the use of sign language in class.
funding is available for training of teachers in ISL.
my Department has provided funding for an ISL weekly home tuition service whereby deaf tutors visit the homes of deaf pre-school children and deaf school-going pupils to provide training in ISL for deaf children and their siblings and parents.
737 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if and when a start date will be given for the new building project for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11608/08]
The proposed project is currently at stage 3 of architectural planning. Following on from a review of a stage 3 submission, additional information was requested from the Design Team. A response to this has now been received, and officials in my Department are currently evaluating the documentation.
The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase is considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. The project referred to by the Deputy will likewise be considered in that context.
738 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications her Department received from schools in County Mayo in respect of a scheme (details supplied); the amount of funding that was required for each of the applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11609/08]
In the period from 2004 to 2007 inclusive, my Department funded 118 projects under the Summer Works Scheme at a cost of €8.751m for schools in Co. Mayo. The details by year are given in the following tabular statement.
The Summer Works Scheme was introduced in 2004 with the purpose of devolving funding to primary and post-primary school to carry out works to school buildings with minimum interaction with the Department. Since then, over 3,000 projects costing in excess of €300 million have been completed. With so many smaller projects having been completed over the past few years, I intend to focus on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008. There will not, therefore, be a new Summer Works Scheme as part of our building programme this year.
|
Year |
Primary Projects |
Post-primary Projects |
Total |
Funding Primary€m |
Funding Post-primary€m |
Total€m |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
||||
|
2004 |
8 |
6 |
14 |
0.232 |
0.434 |
0.666 |
|
2005 |
17 |
10 |
27 |
0.671 |
0.670 |
1.341 |
|
2006 |
15 |
11 |
26 |
0.752 |
2.514 |
3.266 |
|
2007 |
35 |
16 |
51 |
1.561 |
1.917 |
3.478 |
|
Totals |
75 |
43 |
118 |
3.216 |
5.535 |
8.751 |
739 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will issue on late applications for the third level grant in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Galway. [11611/08]
The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e., in this case, Mayo County Council and Co Mayo VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required.
740 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [11614/08]
The project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The further progression of the project, as with all large-scale projects, through to construction phase, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
741 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants attached to special classes for autism who have obtained training through the special education support service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11615/08]
The Special Education Support Service is currently delivering a comprehensive training package to staff in Autistic Spectrum Disorder Units attached to schools. The training is being delivered in two phases. In phase 1 of this training 60 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) have received training in 2007/2008 with a further 68 undertaking training in 2008 as part of phase 2. Two days are provided for training of this nature for SNAs. My Department is committed to supporting the roll out of further training for SNAs working with children with autism.
Any training provided is in the context of circular 07/02. As part of the overall training plan for staff in ASD Units, SNAs are provided with training in:
The role of the SNA
Nature of ASD
The language of ASD
Social Skills for children with ASD
"Social Stories"
Teaching approaches for children with ASD.
In addition, it should also be noted that SNAs work under the direction of qualified teachers.
742 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if all but five of the autism-specific classes sanctioned by her Department and by the National Council for Special Education are open; the 270 autism-specific classes which are open and in full operational mode; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11616/08]
I am arranging for the information in question to be forwarded directly to the Deputy.
743 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will advise on the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [11619/08]
As the Deputy may be aware, in September 2007, the service provider in question extended its services to ensure that all children with severe and profound disabilities are in receipt of appropriate educational supports, including the pupil referred to by the Deputy. My Department provides the teaching and special needs assistant support. I understand from the service provider, that as part of the change process, it gave a commitment to families of children with severe and profound disabilities that their children would receive a support service during the school holidays equivalent to the level of support that was available in the previous system. This service has been planned and runs over most of the school holiday periods.
I understand also that there have been some difficulties with recruiting suitable personnel for the support service. As a result, I am informed that the pupil in question did not receive a service for one day during Easter.
The service provider has advised that it remains committed to providing the support service during the school holidays and will continue to endeavour to recruit the appropriate staff in order to provide the necessary supports. It is open to the parents of the pupil in question to liaise directly with the service provider regarding their concerns.
744 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 has been refused study leave by the Department in view of the fact that this teacher is concluding a piece of research which directly relates to his/her classroom work, and where the school in question has approved the study leave, for a period of just two months, and that this has been endorsed by the principal and board of management; if she will look again at this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11623/08]
The scheme of study leave for post-primary teachers provides for leave of absence to undertake full time attendance at an approved course of study which, following the teacher's return, on successful completion, will be of benefit to the schools' pupils and management as well as of benefit professionally to the teacher concerned. Leave of absence for study purposes is for a period not exceeding one full school year commencing on 1 September and ending on the following 31 August. This is to avoid disruption to the work of the school. In exceptional circumstances one further year of paid leave of absence may be granted to complete a particular course of study.
It is noted that the teacher in question availed of the maximum two years leave allowable for study purposes. Having considered all the facts the application for leave of absence was refused.
745 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if the tender documentation for a project (details supplied) in County Mayo has been completed; the estimated timing and funding for the stages to completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11644/08]
The tender documentation for the project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage. The further progression of the project will be considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
746 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which a teacher who has trained in the UK in special needs teaching can retrain in Ireland to be eligible for employment here; and the examinations he/she will have to undertake. [11645/08]
Under the EU Directives for the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications, provisions are made whereby professionals qualified in one (home) Member State can seek professional recognition of their qualifications in another (host) Member State for the purpose of practising their profession in that host Member State. These Directives apply only where the profession is regulated in the host Member State, as teaching is in the UK.
As the designated authority under the EU Directives, issues in relation to the recognition and registration of teachers in this jurisdiction are a matter for the Teaching Council.
Teachers registered in the UK are currently eligible for registration as teachers with the Teaching Council subject to conditions relating to the Irish language requirement and probation.
Learning support/special educational needs teachers in primary schools in Ireland are, first and foremost, qualified primary teachers. The appointment of teachers to special educational needs roles is a matter for schools themselves, taking intoaccount the needs of the student body and the qualifications of individual teachers. There is no specific qualification required. However, to be eligible for appointment to a Learning Support post, a teacher must be fully probated.
My Department funds a number of avenues of continuing professional development for qualified teachers. Among these is the Combined Post-Graduate Diploma Programme of Continuous Professional Development for Teachers involved in Learning Support and Special Education. This is a one year part-time course for teachers in Special Education and Learning Support Posts. A circular and application form for the next available course will issue in January 2009 to all schools. For further details on the course, I refer you the last circular 0003/2008, available on the Departments website, www.education.ie.
Teachers may also avail of training in Special Educational Needs through the Special Education Support Service. Further information and contact details are available at www.sess.ie.
747 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the problems which currently prevent the opening of school halls to sports and community organisations when they are not in use such as at evening and weekends; the steps she has taken to remove these barriers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11662/08]
The primary responsibility of my Department in this area is the provision of school facilities for the effective delivery of the curriculum. In addition, school authorities have a considerable degree of autonomy in relation to how their premises are managed and utilised at local level.
However, I do recognise that there is a lack of recreational facilities for community use in certain areas which could be met if school premises were made available to the wider community. To encourage schools in this respect, my Department issued a circular to all school authorities in late 2005 urging trustees and Boards of Management to make their facilities available where possible for community education and recreation purposes. Decisions in relation to the use of school facilities remain entirely at the discretion of the school authorities, subject to the condition that the needs of the students attending the school are prioritised in the first instance.
My Department has also progressed a number of school building projects within the Fingal and Adamstown areas of Dublin with local Authority/Developers to produce an integrated solution to education and community facilities that matches the delivery of new housing. I believe this model can be used to advantage across the country in future particularly in the area of shared community facilities.
My Department's position generally is that the availability of such facilities should be self-funding i.e. adequate to cover the heat/light/caretaking arrangements as well as making some contribution to the repair of wear and tear on premises caused by increased use. Of utmost importance, schools should ensure that insurance and security are covered as it is unlikely that the school's insurance policy would cover non-school activities or that a caretaker would be routinely available to open/lock up premises.
748 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans for providing a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 with a permanent site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11671/08]
The Department is exploring as an option the provision of a new building on the existing school site. The further progression of the acquisition of the site and the associated building project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
749 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans that exist to provide alternative school premises for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 in view of its pending eviction from its current premises by summer 2008; if she will liaise with the school to agree a plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11672/08]
The Department has recently negotiated and secured an extension to the lease for a further year with the relevant landlord.
In the long term, the Department has requested that a permanent location for the school be included as part of the master plan for the Grangegorman site.
750 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 will be able to move into the Grangegorman Dublin Institute of Technology site in the first wave of new buildings on this site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11673/08]
The Grangegorman Development Agency has been informed by my Department that a site for a sixteen classroom school is required for the school in question and that provision should be made for this in the overall strategic plan for the development of the Grangegorman site.
The proposed phasing for the delivery of the various aspects of the development will be identified by the Grangegorman Development Agency as part of the strategic plan as outlined in Section 12 of the Grangegorman Development Act 2005.
751 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that a permanent site has been acquired for the construction of primary school buildings for Tyrellstown, Dublin 15; when she will submit a planning application for this site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11675/08]
A 6-acre site for primary school provision in Tyrellstown has been identified and negotiations are ongoing with the owner. As the Deputy will appreciate, due to the commercial sensitivities attached to site acquisition, I cannot comment further on the matter at this time.
Subject to legal acquisition of the site and a full review of other provision in the area, this site will be developed to provide accommodation for up to two 24 classroom schools, each of which would have a 3 stream junior infant intake. This equates to a pupil intake of 162 junior infants per year. Any proposed development of the site will be considered in the context of the multi-annual school building and modernisation programme.
752 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will permit a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 to apply for planning permission for the planned refurbishment and extension; if the delay in doing so is connected to plans to build a new VEC national school in the vicinity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11676/08]
The proposed project at the school to which the Deputy refers has had its design team appointed and is currently at stage 1, 2 of early architectural planning. Some mechanical/electrical issues have arisen that require consideration by our technical staff and this matter is in hand.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Programme for Government included a commitment to establish a Developing Areas Unit in the Department of Education and Science, dedicated solely to progressing school planning in rapidly developing areas, building on improvements that have already been made in recent years.
This recently established Developing Areas Unit is working on providing educational facilities in rapidly developing areas including Castleknock. In that context, I can confirm that the project at the school in question will be progressed without delay and in the normal manner.
753 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will include a long-promised new school for Doon-Cappamore, County Limerick, which will amalgamate three second level schools in the area in the next bundle of new school announcements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11683/08]
757 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the new school to replace three schools (details supplied) in County Limerick will be included in the next bundle of schools to be constructed by public private partnership; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11737/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 753 and 757 together.
The school referred to by the Deputy is one of 27 new schools to be provided under my Departments PPP Programme. The First Bundle consisting of four post-primary schools — two in Co. Laois and two in Co. Offaly — are in procurement and is likely to go to construction this year. The Second Bundle, consisting of six schools — 5 post primary and 1 primary school in Counties Cork, Limerick, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow — are in pre procurement and will be offered to the market shortly.
I intend to announce further PPP project bundles during the year and the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered in this context.
754 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount allocated by her Department for a school extension (details supplied) in County Limerick; the amount applied for by the school authorities; the shortfall that has been created; the way she will address the shortfall for the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11684/08]
As part of the expansion of the Small Schools Scheme, a grant of €484,000 was sanctioned in March 2007 for the school in question to enable the Board of Management to extend and modernise their school.
The intention of the scheme is to provide funding to schools to enable them to undertake wanted building projects. The scheme is not intended to leave schools with significant fundraising needs but for the school to tailor the scope of capital works commissioned to the available funding. The decision on whether to continue participating in the scheme or to drop out, if the scope of build is more than the funding envelope permits, is a matter for each school authority.
A central tenet of the devolved scheme is that the school, granted discretion and funding, must equally accept responsibility for prioritisation, adherence to statutory regulations, control of costs and ensuring value for money.
The school was approved additional funding to cover unavoidable extra costs associated with the project. They have submitted another appeal for additional funding and my Department will be in contact with the school in the matter in the near future.
755 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the annual outlay on rental of pre-fabricated school buildings in County Mayo; if this is considered to be a cost-effective method of providing school accommodation by comparison with permanent school buildings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11688/08]
Comprehensive information is held on individual school files; however, my Department does not yet have these details available in a format that provides readily accessible cumulative information on the overall position regarding temporary accommodation. This issue is, however, being addressed as part of a general review of rental policy being undertaken. Information is being collated on schools which have received approval from the Department for temporary accommodation. It will be used to produce a database of information which will be maintained on an ongoing basis and I will ensure the Deputy receives the information sought relating to Co. Mayo once it is available.
In addition to developing a database, the review of rental policy will involve the development of new procedures for both short-term rental and purchase and a drawdown contract for supply and installation of temporary accommodation on a regional basis. Existing rental contracts will also be investigated with a view to establishing if there is potential for better value for money.
The Deputy will be aware that demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years, with the appointment of 6,000 extra teachers in the primary sector alone since 2002. Against this background, the Department has nonetheless managed to keep expenditure on temporary accommodation low and last year rental costs only amounted to 5% of the total investment in school buildings.
Where accommodation is needed at short notice, however, a temporary solution can be the only option. Such accommodation may also be used where the need is short term, such as when a school requires a temporary building while it is awaiting the completion of construction of permanent facilities. However, the emphasis will continue to be on providing permanent accommodation where possible.
This year more than €586 million will be invested in school buildings and construction work will take place which is expected to provide permanent accommodation for approximately 20,000 pupils when complete. In the past, newly recognised schools have generally been required to open in temporary accommodation. I am anxious to move away from this approach in developing areas and this year my Department is working hard to open as many new schools as possible in permanent accommodation.
Department officials have been working in partnership with local authority staff to acquire sites needed for new schools next September. The aim, where possible, is to put permanent solutions in place on a phased basis to meet the immediate September 2008 needs, with a second phase to follow as required. Permanent solutions will be possible where a long-term site has been secured. The Deputy will be pleased to learn that this ambitious programme is on target.
756 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will grant aid schools who might have difficulty paying new water charges, as according to EU policy the Government could pay these charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11717/08]
The cost pressures on schools are taken into account by my Department in determining the levels of annual increases in the capitation grants paid to schools to meet their day to day running costs. Primary schools are now getting €178 per pupil to meet their day to day running costs — an increase of nearly 70% on the 2002 rate of €105 and €15 more per child than they got last year. Post-primary schools have also received this increase and now receive €331 per pupil. As the Deputy will be aware, we are committed to doubling the capitation grant for primary schools over the next five years.
In the context of reducing water costs for schools, it has been demonstrated that fitting simple water saving devices to toilets and sinks can reduce water consumption considerably at very little cost, as can other small works such as fixing easily identifiable leaks. Primary school authorities may use their annual minor works grant to fund such measures. The value of the minor works grant has increased by nearly 50% over the past two years and €27 million in such grants issued to primary schools earlier this year.
Second level schools benefit from more generous capitation funding and can use this for small works. My Department will consider applications for necessary large projects under the school building programme. Excellent materials and guidance in relation to water conservation by schools have been produced by Dublin City Council and are available to all schools on the internet.
My Department is in close liaison with the Department of Environment and Local Government regarding water conservation and is supportive of any measures by it that will help reduce water costs for schools.
For the transition period the Government agreed that non-fee paying recognised schools will pay a flat rate per pupil fee as follows:- 2007- €3 per pupil, 2008 — €3.50 per pupil and 2009- €4 per pupil enrolled. For 2007, charges applied based on metering will be recalculated on the transitional flat rate with a credit given for any excess payment.
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will advise local authorities of the detailed arrangements which will be put in place to implement this decision.
These new arrangements afford schools the opportunity to put in place the necessary water conservation arrangements and practices and undertake necessary works to ensure that when full water charges are introduced in two years time schools will have significantly reduced their water usage and, by virtue of good water conservation, be in a much stronger position to meet their water charges. Those schools with very high water consumption will be identified and contacted with a view to introducing measures to help them reduce water usage.
An information package is currently being prepared for schools on the most appropriate measures to minimise excess consumption of water and to reduce wastage where it exists. As part of this exercise, technical guidance and specifications for the most common problems that are likely to arise in this area will be provided. In addition, water conservation issues will continue to be addressed by my Department as a matter of routine where new schools are being built or where major renovations are being carried out to existing schools under the schools modernisation programme.
758 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will support an issue (details supplied). [11740/08]
The person in question is seeking to have a short period of teaching service, which was non-pensionable when given, reckoned in the calculation of her teacher's pension. As part of recent changes in teachers superannuation it has been agreed in principle that this category of service may be reckoned for pension purposes in the case of teachers in service after a specific date. The detailed arrangements, which are quite complex are nearing finalisation. In this regard a circular letter is being prepared and is expected to be issued to schools at the beginning of the 2008/09 school-year. I have asked officials in my Department to revise this person's pension in line with the new arrangements. They should be in contact with her shortly.
759 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on correspondence regarding a primary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11743/08]
774 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will commence as same is urgently required by the students and teachers there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11849/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 759 and 774 together.
The project at the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning.
Delivery of all building projects, including Caragh National School, Co Kildare will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
760 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science her projections for moneys spent in 2008 on the primary schools building programme, with a breakdown of proposed expenditure on the different schemes within the building programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11749/08]
Approximately €390 million has been allocated for the primary school buildings programme in 2008. As of now, this has been provisionally assigned to the various constituent parts of the building programme as follows — €80m on large scale and devolved projects under construction at 1 January 2008; €70m on devolved projects proceeding to construction during 2008; €35m on large scale projects commencing construction this year; €15m on contractual balances carried forward from 2007; €25m on 2008 programmes such as permanent accommodation, remediation, contingency, the purchase of prefabs, non project related furniture and equipment applications and design team fees; and €165m on the purchase of sites and delivery of school facilities in developing areas.
I should emphasise that, depending on the rate of progress of the various components of the programme, adjustments may be made to the above figures throughout the course of 2008. These adjustments may arise in the context of the on-going monitoring of the programme undertaken by my Department in the normal course of events.
It is intended that the Minor Works Grant for the 2008/2009 school year will be paid in the early part of 2009.
761 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools and secondary schools here who applied for the summer works scheme, before her decision to abolish the scheme for 2008; the names of all the schools in this category and the works they applied for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11750/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Summer Works Scheme has, since its introduction just a few years ago, transformed the standard of existing school accommodation. With over 3,000 projects now having been funded under the scheme, the Department's intention is to concentrate the investment in school buildings this year on delivering as many large projects as possible.
While there will be a focus on providing extra places in developing areas, the Department will also be delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. The emphasis, however, will be on new schools, extensions and major refurbishments, rather than on smaller projects. At primary level schools may use their devolved minor works grant to address such works.
In the circumstances, there will not be a new Summer Works Scheme as part of the Department's building programme in 2008. This being the case, details in relation to the number of applications received and cost have not been collated by the Department. I would also advise the Deputy that I announced at the teacher conferences last week that there will be a Summer Works Scheme in 2009.
The Professional and Technical Reports provided by schools for 2008 can be used again for future projects so that schools will not be at the loss of expenditure on them.
762 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow has been waiting for a permanent premises since its inception in 1996; and the reason for planning to locate this school in a national school in Rathnew that had previously been deemed inappropriate for the children of the locality. [11751/08]
The school referred to by the Deputy is currently located in temporary accommodation on a site in Rathnew. The development of permanent accommodation for the school will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
763 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications received for reader assistance at State examinations in each of the past five years, including the current academic year to date; the number of those applications that have been approved in each of those years, including the current year to date; the number refused in each of those years, including the current year to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11753/08]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations and determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations.
I can inform the Deputy that the Commission operates a scheme of Reasonable Accommodations in the certificate Examinations. Applications for such accommodations are submitted by schools on behalf of their students.
I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to him.
764 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an amalgamation of secondary schools (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11756/08]
The school referred to by the Deputy is one of 27 new schools to be provided under my Departments PPP Programme. The First Bundle consisting of four post-primary schools — two in Co. Laois and two in Co. Offaly — are in procurement and is likely to go to construction this year. The Second Bundle, consisting of six schools — 5 post-primary and 1 primary school in Counties Cork, Limerick, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow — are in pre procurement and will be offered to the market shortly.
I intend to announce further PPP project bundles during the year and the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered in this context.
765 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount her Department has spent in the years 2004 to 2007 and to date in 2008 defending legal actions taken by parents of autistic children and other similar actions looking for services for their children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11806/08]
Legal costs incurred by the State, in defending those cases which are brought to court, are not met directly by my Department. In accordance with financial procedures in cases involving damages or compensation against the State, costs are generally charged to the Chief State Solicitor's Office Vote as sanctioned by the Attorney General. With reference to the costs incurred by my Department between 2004 and 2007 and in 2008 to date, which are payment of legal costs of solicitors acting on behalf of children with special educational needs, these are as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2004 |
5,160,555.16 |
|
2005 |
1,211,529.68 |
|
2006 |
620,880.43 |
|
2007 |
421,176.97 |
|
2008 |
51,882,27 to date |
It is not possible to determine outstanding legal fees as these are provided to my Department once agreed by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor.
The Deputy will be aware of my position on the issues of litigation in special educational needs and assuming that this is the category referred to, the Deputy can be assured that neither I nor my Department take lightly any decision to defend cases concerning children with special educational needs. I should emphasise that my Department does not initiate any such proceedings and cases are generally only litigated where no potential settlement is acceptable to both sides and the Government's authority to decide issues of policy is in question. The State has an obligation under the Constitution to provide for primary education. In the context of children with special educational needs, that education must be appropriate to their requirements. The State decides on an appropriate form of provision, having regard to the advice available to it from relevant experts in the National Educational Psychological Service, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the Inspectorate and independent experts. The Department is not complacent in dealing with these cases and attempts, wherever possible, to reduce the potential for litigation and the levels of legal costs where they arise.
766 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will sanction a technical needs assessment for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11807/08]
767 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of new accommodation for a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11812/08]
768 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when a technical needs assessment of a school site (details supplied) in County Mayo will take place, in view of the fact that this was promised many months ago. [11813/08]
769 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if the infrastructure of a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo is acceptable, according to her Department’s regulations; if not, when funding will be allocated for the provision of new accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11814/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 766 to 769, inclusive, together.
The development of a building project for the school in question is at an early stage. The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
770 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will reinstate the summer works scheme in 2009; and if so, when appointments will be made available. [11817/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Summer Works Scheme has, since its introduction just a few years ago, transformed the standard of existing school accommodation. With over 3,000 projects now having been funded under the scheme, the Department's intention is to concentrate the investment in school buildings this year on delivering as many large projects as possible.
While there will be a focus on providing extra places in developing areas, the Department will also be delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. The emphasis, however, will be on new schools, extensions and major refurbishments, rather than on smaller projects. At primary level schools may use their devolved minor works grant to address such works.
In the circumstances, there will not be a new Summer Works Scheme as part of the Department's building programme in 2008. This being the case, details in relation to the number of applications received and cost have not been collated by the Department. I would also advise the Deputy that I announced at the teacher conferences last week that there will be a Summer Works Scheme in 2009.
The Professional and Technical Reports provided by schools for 2008 can be used again for future projects so that schools will not be at the loss of expenditure on them.
771 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will reduce the pupil-teacher ratio in 2009; and if so, the amount by which she will do so. [11818/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at primary level in recent years. There are now in the region of 6,000 more primary teachers than there were in 2002. By the 2006/07 school year, we had reduced the average class size in our primary schools to 24, while the pupil teacher ratio was 16.4:1, including resource teachers etc. In that year, schools were staffed on the basis of a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children. Given that the national average was 24, many schools benefited from much more favourable staffing ratios than this.
Extra teachers were provided by the Government for the 2007/08 school year to improve primary school staffing so that schools would generally get at least one classroom teacher for every 27 children.
A further initiative in recent years that has been of direct benefit to primary schools has been the change in the criteria for developing schools. For the current school year the threshold for getting a developing school post was reduced specifically to help schools that are seeing large increases in enrolments each year. Over 330 such posts have been sanctioned in the 2007/08 school year compared to 280 in 2006/07.
Combined with the 6,000 more primary school teachers referred to and the extra teachers in the current school year, the additional primary teachers planned for 2008/09 will mean this Government will be well ahead of target in relation to the Programme for Government commitment to hire 4,000 extra primary teachers between 2007 and 2012. Indeed, 2,000 of these will be in place by next Spring.
Over the lifetime of the Government, we are committed to providing more primary school teachers specifically to reduce class sizes. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.
772 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the summer works scheme in her Department was suspended; the funding available to schools to carry out small scale building works as per circular 0043/2007 projects; the way her Department assists with funding for such works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11821/08]
The Summer Works Scheme was introduced in 2004 with the purpose of devolving funding to primary and post-primary school to carry out works to school buildings with minimum interaction with the Department. Since then, over 3,000 projects costing in excess of €300 million have been completed. With so many smaller projects having been completed over the past few years, I intend to focus on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008. There is not, therefore, a new Summer Works Scheme as part of our building programme this year.
Primary school authorities may use their annual minor works grant to deal with small scale projects. In November 2006 I increased funding for the minor works grant by 44% on the previous year. Around €27m was paid out to primary schools throughout the country late last year to enable thousands of small scale works to be completed without the need to interact with my Department.
Another avenue to claim grant-aid from my Department is the Emergency Works Fund. Grants from this fund are available for very urgent unforeseen works, primarily of a major health and safety nature, to schools that are in most need of resources for capital works. Funding will continue to be available for dust extraction projects in 2008.
773 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the six point strategy enunciated by the ASTI in their document A Strategy to Develop Second-Level Education; the action she will take in response to this ASTI initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11826/08]
796 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that she has received the strategy document for the development of second level education from the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland, which provides the basic blueprint for the enhancement of second level education here; if she will give consideration to its implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12075/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 773 and 796 together.
I can confirm that I have received the ASTI strategy document referred to by the Deputy.
In relation to second level education it is my intention to prioritise the commitments in the Programme for Government 2007-2012 for delivery over the lifetime of this Government, having regard to available funding, and I will consider the proposals in the ASTI strategy document in that context.
775 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide funding for a new school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11861/08]
As the Deputy may be aware a Developing Areas Unit was set up recently in my Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas including the area to which the Deputy refers to. The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in these developing areas, as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country.
In this context, the status of this project is currently being assessed. As is the case of all large capital projects currently on hand within the Developing Areas Unit, progression of the project will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
776 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the necessity of having a new school to replace a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if her attention has further been drawn to the overcrowding in classrooms, the fact that the principal has no office, the teachers have no staffroom, there is only one staff toilet, and that the board of management have raised funds to purchase extra land to ensure that there is sufficient space for the new building; when it is proposed to approve this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11876/08]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of additional accommodation has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. An assessment of the projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and the housing developments in the area will be required to determine the long term projected staffing figure on which the school's accommodation needs will be based. The school building project will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
In the interim the school authority applied for the provision of temporary accommodation for September 2008 and the application was successful.
777 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will restore the home tuition allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will put a system in place that would streamline the dispensing of this allowance which currently is unwieldy. [11881/08]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that home tuition has been granted to the child in question.
778 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of car park spaces available nationally to those working in her Department and in the bodies and agencies under the aegis of her Department; the annual cost of car park spaces rented by her Department and the bodies and agencies under the aegis of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11887/08]
There are 874 car park spaces available to staff working in my Department nationally. The Office of Public Works is responsible for the provision of the parking spaces and for any associated costs. I understand that in some cases parking spaces are included in the overall rental cost of a building and therefore it is not possible to calculate the actual cost of the car-park spaces provided. In some cases, parking spaces are made available to visitors and are not used exclusively by Departmental staff.
A local arrangement for the rental of 5 spaces by my Department for school inspectors exists at a total annual cost of €5,280 respectively.
Details relating to car park spaces in the agencies under my Department are not available and are a matter for the individual agencies concerned.
779 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a final decision will be made regarding the provision of additional funding from her Department to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the amount that is being allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11920/08]
As part of the expansion of the Small Schools Scheme, a grant of €484,000 was sanctioned in March 2007 for the school in question to enable the Board of Management to extend and modernise their school.
The intention of the scheme is to provide funding to schools to enable them to undertake wanted building projects. The scheme is not intended to leave schools with significant fundraising needs but for the school to tailor the scope of capital works commissioned to the available funding. The decision on whether to continue participating in the scheme or to drop out, if the scope of build is more than the funding envelope permits, is a matter for each school authority.
A central tenet of the devolved scheme is that the school, granted discretion and funding, must equally accept responsibility for prioritisation, adherence to statutory regulations, control of costs and ensuring value for money.
The school was approved additional funding to cover unavoidable extra costs associated with the project. They have submitted another appeal for additional funding and my Department will be in contact with the school in the matter in the near future.
780 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in progressing the building of the new secondary school at Borris Road, Portlaoise, having regard to the fact that the tender process was completed in October 2007; the progress to date; when it is envisaged that the formal contract will have been completed; if she will confirm that the completion date for the opening of the school in September 2009 is still on target; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11927/08]
The schools referred to by the Deputy are two of four schools that make up the First Bundle of the Department's current Public Private Partnership Programme.
This bundle consists of two new schools in Portlaoise, Co. Laois and two new schools in Co. Offaly. The two schools in Portlaoise will be built on the one site — St. Mary's CBS, and Scoil Chríost Rí and the two schools in Co. Offaly comprise of a new community school and a new community college.
Macquarie Partnership for Ireland (MPFI) were selected as the preferred tenderer for the provision of this Bundle in October 2007. Negotiations between the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA), who are responsible for the procurement of the schools, and MPFI have been ongoing since that date are now well advanced. Until these negotiations are complete and the formal contract signed it will not be possible to provide a final date for the completion of construction for these schools.
At this point in the negotiations I can inform to the Deputy that assuming a successful conclusion to these negotiations MPFI will be in a position to submit planning applications for all four schools to the relevant local authorities, and the contract will be ready for signing on receipt of planning permission. Subject to the outcome of the planning process with the relevant authorities, construction of the four schools is expected to start in the summer and it is anticipated that they will be available before the end of 2009.
781 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to an application from a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 for emergency works funding in order to erect security fencing; and if, in view of the on-going threat to the school from break-ins and Garda requests for such fencing, she will give early approval to this application. [11934/08]
The Modernisation and Policy Unit of my Department received an application for emergency funding for the erection of security fencing from the school in question in September 2007. It was not possible to provide funding for these works from the Emergency Works Scheme at that time as the Scheme was fully subscribed for 2007.
This application is being held on file and will be assessed again for 2008 in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
782 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding available to a school (details supplied) in County Wexford that is building on two classrooms which have to be funded by local fund-raising; if there is a form of part funding or financial contribution from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11941/08]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has applied to the Department for capital funding. The progression of the proposed project and funding thereof will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
783 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she or officials from her Department have approached Educate Together with a view to establishing a school in the east Cork area; her position in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11959/08]
In the context of establishment of schools, the New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC) assesses all applications for new school recognition. The NSAC is an independent advisory group established to process applications for the recognition of new primary schools and to make recommendations to the Minister for Education and Science. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement on the outcome of all applications to NSAC, towards the end of April.
I am informed that Educate Together has applied to the NSAC to establish a school in East Cork, however, I am not aware of any direct approach by my Department to Educate Together regarding the establishment of a school in the area referred to.
784 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science further to a pervious parliamentary question, when she envisages a school (details supplied) in County Clare will receive a technical assessment; the timeframe for refurbishment or redevelopment of the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11986/08]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been assessed and the long term projected staffing, on which the schools future accommodation needs has been determined. In order to determine how best to provide for the school's accommodation needs, it will be necessary to have a technical assessment of the existing buildings carried out. This will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
785 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on reducing the leaving certificate examination points for students who wish to qualify for primary school teaching college and who are doing their examinations through Irish and attending all-Irish schools outside the Gaeltacht as students currently attending schools in the Gaeltacht qualify for such college places on reduced points. [11988/08]
The minimum requirements for places on Bachelor of Education courses in Colleges of Education are Leaving Certificate Grade C3 Higher Level in not less than three subjects, Grade D3 in three other subjects, Grade C3 in Higher Level Irish, Grade C3 in English Ordinary Level or D3 Higher Level, Grade D3 in Mathematics (either ordinary or Higher Level). Applicants apply on one single Leaving Certificate only but the three qualifying subjects of Grade C3 in Higher Level Irish and the grades in English and Mathematics may be achieved in other Leaving Certificate examination(s) but will not be counted for points.
These minimum requirements for entry to primary teacher education colleges apply to all undergraduate students, regardless of where they live, or the type of school they have attended. Candidates from Gaeltacht areas must also meet these minimum requirements.
A separate system of application exists in some of the Colleges of Education for B.Ed applicants who reside in the officially designated Gaeltacht, and the normal language of whose home is Irish. There is a lower points requirement for these applicants and the Colleges of Education can allocate up to 10% of places on the B.Ed from this stream of applicants.
The Teaching Council now has a remit to advise the Minister for Education and Science in relation to the minimum standards of educational qualifications required for entry into programmes of teacher education. The Deputy may be aware that the Council has commenced its work on an overall review of initial teacher education, and this issue may form part of future discussion with the Council in this regard. I have no plans to change the position at present.
786 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford to the Teaching Council for their degree qualification to be recognised by the VEC for a particular post leaving certificate course taught; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11994/08]
I have had enquiries made and I understand that the application in question is currently in the process of being assessed by the Teaching Council.
788 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria used in selecting areas to be included in the developing areas unit set up within her Department; and if she will provide a list of the designated areas around the country. [12001/08]
As the Deputy will be aware the Programme for Government commits my Department to establishing a Developing Areas Unit to identify where new schools are needed and to ensure that these schools are delivered in the fastest possible timeframe.
The process of assessing the need for new or additional educational facilities at primary or post-primary level in any given area entails consideration of all relevant factors, including enrolment and demographic trends, housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet the demand for places. Liaison with existing schools is also an important part of the process. In this way, every effort is made to ensure that there is adequate existing provision and that timely arrangements are made to extend capacity or provide new infrastructure where necessary.
In addition, Local Authorities are obliged by statute to refer draft local area development plans to the Department for observation and comment so that lands can be zoned for future education use. There are numerous sites reserved for education purposes, particularly in the rapidly developing areas, under this process so as to ensure that there will be sufficient land set aside and available for the future development of education infrastructure.
Over and above the statutory consultation provisions in relation to local authority draft area development plans, my Department has in recent years worked to strengthen contacts with local authorities to enable informed decisions to be made in planning future educational provision.
My Department also makes extensive use of data from the Census of Population for a variety of purposes including long-term projections of enrolment at national and local level. The census results for 2006 are of use in identifying broad trends in total population by county and local area. My Department also uses census data when drafting its own area development plans and planning school provision for likely enrolment at local area level.
My Department is satisfied that the approach which it is now taking to the identification and delivery of extra school places in rapidly developing areas will help to ensure that those places will be provided when and where they are needed.
Specific areas currently being addressed by my Developing Areas Unit are as follows:
Newbridge, Naas, Maynooth, Celbridge, Athy, Kill, Skerries, Swords, Balbriggan, Lusk, Phoenix Park, Dublin 15, Greystones, Rochestown, Carrigaline, Midleton, Belmayne, Tallaght, Lucan, Saggart, Newcastle, Athlone, Kinnegad, Mullingar, Enniscorthy, Gorey, Portlaoise, Carlow Town, Tullamore, Tramore, Trim, Kilcock, Ratoath, Ashbourne, Duleek, Dunboyne, Doughiska in Galway, Drogheda and Dundalk.
Further areas will be identified by my Department for specific consideration in consultation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the relevant Local Authorities.
789 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 812 of 26 September 2007, the status of the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12002/08]
The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
790 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 809 of 26 September 2007, if a final determination of the long term accommodation needs of the school has been made; the timetable for completion of this process; when a decision will be made on the provision of a new greenfield site or a site extension for the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12004/08]
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 will be required in order to determine the long term projected enrolment figure on which the school's accommodation needs will be based.
Once the long term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities the required building project will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's multi annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
791 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 177 of 14 February 2008 and in view of the fact that the board of management have submitted an application for the funding of emergency works to address serious health and safety issues, if she will approve funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12006/08]
The Modernisation and Policy Unit of my Department received an application for contingency funding from the school in question on 28th March, 2008. This application will be assessed and the school authorities notified of the outcome without delay.
792 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress of introducing a protocol for handling anapens in schools and the setting up of a management plan for care of anaphylaxis sufferers in the school system; and if discussions have been taking place with her Department and the Department of Health and Children to bring this protocol into being. [12019/08]
The administration of medicines in school is the subject of an agreement that has been reached by the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) and the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association (CPSMA). While this agreement specifies that no teacher can be required to administer medicine or drugs to pupils, it also sets out procedures that must be followed where a teacher or teachers agree to do so.
793 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science when construction work will begin on a school (details supplied) in County Meath; if the building work will be completed on time to enable students to be accommodated in the new premises from 1 September 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12049/08]
The School to which the Deputy refers to is currently located in a temporary building adjacent to the proposed new site for the permanent school. Contracts for the procurement and building of the new permanent school are at final stages and it is anticipated that the contract will be signed with the successful Design and Build Contractor shortly. Once the contracts are signed, the successful contractor will apply for planning permission and it is anticipated that construction will begin on site soon after the granting of planning permission.
794 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if the grades and job descriptions have been decided upon for a facility (details supplied) in County Cork; if progress has been made in the construction of the facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12050/08]
My Cabinet colleague, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and I announced in March 2007 that a support and development initiative for the Irish language under the aegis of An Chomhaire um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta will be located at Coláiste Íosagáin and that four additional staff will be assigned to an Comhairle for this purpose. A final determination on the grading and status of these posts has not yet been reached. A Coordinating committee made up of representatives from an Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge has been set up to advise on cooperative elements of the overall work to be carried out at Coláiste Íosagáin.
795 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the appointment of a design team at a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [12057/08]
The process of appointing a design team to the school building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage. The advancement of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
797 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the action that will be taken regarding a building (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if it will be made available to the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12077/08]
The School building referred to by the Deputy is no longer used for educational purposes following the construction of a new school on a greenfield site. My Department has instructed the Chief State Solicitors Office to draft a Deed of Surrender to release my interest in the school building.
798 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm having received correspondence from the parents council of a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath with a breakdown of classes therein; if, in the context of the information submitted, she will take steps to put forward a solution to alleviate the class size issue in this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12078/08]
I am aware of the correspondence referred to by the Deputy which relates to class sizes in the school. As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at primary level in recent years. There are now in the region of 6,000 more primary teachers than there were in 2002. By the 2006/07 school year, we had reduced the average class size in our primary schools to 24, while the pupil teacher ratio was 16.4:1, including resource teachers etc. In that year, schools were staffed on the basis of a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children. Given that the national average was 24, many schools benefited from much more favourable staffing ratios than this. Extra teachers were provided by the Government for the 2007/08 school year to improve primary school staffing so that schools would generally get at least one classroom teacher for every 27 children.
A further initiative in recent years that has been of direct benefit to primary schools has been the change in the criteria for developing schools. For the current school year the threshold for getting a developing school post was reduced specifically to help schools that are seeing large increases in enrolments each year. Over 330 such posts have been sanctioned in the 2007/08 school year compared to 280 in 2006/07. Over the lifetime of the Government, we are committed to providing more primary school teachers specifically to reduce class sizes. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.
An independent staffing appeal process is available to Boards of Management of individual schools. They can submit an appeal under certain criteria to an Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
799 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cad é an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le méadú a chur le scoil (sonraí tugtha), agus feabhsú a chur uirthi; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [12082/08]
Machnófar ar bhonn leanúnach cur chun cinn gach uile tionscadal tógala ar scála mór ó chéim an chéad dearaidh go dtí staid an tógála, i gcomhthéacs an Chlár Ilbhlianach Tógála agus Nuachóirithe Scoileanna atá ar siúl ag mo Roinn.
800 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 502 of 27 June 2006, if school transport will be provided for a child (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in view of the special circumstances of the case. [12133/08]
The parents/guardians of the pupil referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied should liaise, in the first instance, with the local Special Education Needs Organiser (S.E.N.O.). The provision of school transport will be considered by my Department upon receipt of an application via the S.E.N.O.
801 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects work to commence on the proposed gymnasium for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the amount of money she has allocated for the building of same; when she expects it to be completed and open for use by the student body; if her attention has been drawn to the 1100 plus students of the school who have been waiting for this for more than seven years and that the school has accepted extra pupils on the basis of Government promises to provide the gymnasium and ancillary rooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12145/08]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. My Department has recently received a Stage 2/3 (sketch scheme) addendum and it is currently being reviewed. Officials in my Department will be in further contact with the Design Team on completion of this review. Progression of all projects to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
802 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school place will be provided for a child (details supplied) in County Cork. [12146/08]
The compulsory school starting age in a National School is 6 years of age. Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and my Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000.
Where a Board of Management refuses to enrol a student in a school, the parent of the student or, where the student has reached 18 years of age, the student himself or herself, following the conclusion of any appeal procedures at school level, has a statutory entitlement under section 29 of the Education Act to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science. A committee is established to hear the appeal with hearings conducted with a minimum of formality. In most cases appeals must be dealt with within 30 days. Where appropriate, the Secretary General may give whatever directions to the Board of Management that are considered necessary to remedy the matter complained of. The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01-8738700.
803 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the acquisition of a site for a new school building (details supplied) in County Cork. [12147/08]
A suitable site has been identified for the school in question. The site comprises of three plots of land with three separate vendors. When the site acquisition is complete, a building project for the school will be considered in the context of the Department's School Building and Modernisation Programme.
804 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application has been received from a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary for the emergency works grant; when the application will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12171/08]
An application for contingency works funding in respect of the school referred to by the Deputy has been received by the Modernisation & Policy Unit of my Department. This application is currently being assessed and the school authorities will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible.
805 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made since the publication of the Dr. Jim Port report in regard to the application of Waterford Institute of Technology for university status progressing under section 9 of the Universities Act 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12177/08]
The applications received under Section 9 of the Universities Act, 1997 from Waterford Institute of Technology and other Institutes require detailed examination in the context not only of the detailed statutory process to which they are subject but also of their wider implications for higher education policy generally. Examination of these issues is continuing in my Department, taking account of the findings of the Port report.
806 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science if plans for the new secondary school for Gorey have been prepared; if so, when it is expected they will be lodged with Wexford County Council; the number of patrons who have expressed interest in becoming patrons of the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12232/08]
Gorey is one of the areas currently designated by my Department is a rapidly developing area. The Developing Areas Unit of my Department has examined the supply and demand of school places in Gorey and, in this context, a site has been identified and negotiations for its acquisition are at an advanced stage. A masterplan for the site has been drafted which includes two primary schools of up to 16 classrooms each and a 1000 pupil post-primary school. My Department has applied for planning permission for the first phases of the two primary schools consisting of 8 classrooms each. The 1000 pupil post-primary school referred to by the Deputy is being considered in the context of my Department's Public Private Partnership programme.
The first bundle consisting of four post-primary schools — two in Co. Laois and two in Co. Offaly — are in procurement and is likely to go to construction this year. The second bundle, consisting of six schools — 5 post-primary and 1 primary school in Counties Cork, Limerick, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow — are in pre-procurement and will be offered to the market shortly. I intend to announce further PPP project bundles during the year and the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered in this context. The issue of patronage for the proposed post-primary school will be decided in due course.
807 Deputy M. J. Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Carlow can expect to have a decision made on its application for an extension; and will the Minister make a decision on the matter. [12234/08]
Progression of all projects to tender and construction, including the project in question, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme in which the main focus is to deliver school places within rapidly developing areas. The progression of all school building projects will be considered in this context. I announced recently a list of schools which are due to go to construction in 2008. I intend to make further announcements regarding projects that will be proceeding to construction during the course of the year as the school building programme is rolled out.
808 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost of the applications on hand within her Department in respect of the schools who have applied for the summer works scheme, anticipating that there would be a scheme for 2008, and who applied before the Government’s announcement in budget 2008; the amount spent by the schools in question in working up their proposals to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12242/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Summer Works Scheme has, since its introduction just a few years ago, transformed the standard of existing school accommodation. With over 3,000 projects now having been funded under the scheme, the Department's intention is to concentrate the investment in school buildings this year on delivering as many large projects as possible. While there will be a focus on providing extra places in developing areas, the Department will also be delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. The emphasis, however, will be on new schools, extensions and major refurbishments, rather than on smaller projects. At primary level schools may use their devolved minor works grant to address such works.
In the circumstances, there will not be a new Summer Works Scheme as part of the Department's building programme in 2008. This being the case, details in relation to the number of applications received and cost have not been collated by the Department. I would also advise the Deputy that I announced at the teacher conferences last week that there will be a Summer Works Scheme in 2009. The Professional and Technical Reports provided by schools for 2008 can be used again for future projects so that schools will not be at the loss of expenditure on them.
809 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the need to modernise and extend a school (details supplied) in County Cork; the way in which she will provide assistance to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12277/08]
There is no record in my Department of an application for funding to modernise and extend the school to which the Deputy refers.
810 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason construction of the new school building (details supplied) in Dublin 24 has been postponed despite parents being assured that a new school would be built to replace the present completely overcrowded facilities; the year in which the construction work will start; when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12281/08]
As the Deputy may be aware a Developing Areas Unit was set up recently in my Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas including the area to which the Deputy refers to. The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in these developing areas, as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country.
The Stage 3 documentation for the project referred to by the Deputy is currently being examined by my Department's Technical Staff. As is the case of all large capital projects currently on hand within the Developing Areas Unit, progression of the project will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
811 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the name of every body, organisation and committee outside her Department, other than semi-State commercial companies, that have been established by and report to her Department, at any stage during the year 2007 and the first three months of 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12296/08]
The Special Education Appeals Board was established by my Department in April 2007. The Board was established under the EPSEN (Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs) Act, 2004, to hear and determine appeals pursuant to the Act.
812 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed second level school amalgamation between schools (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12407/08]
I announced on 1st February 2008 that the building project to enable the schools referred to by the Deputy to amalgamate would proceed to tender and construction in 2008. The current position is that tenders have been sought and the project will proceed to construction at an early date.
813 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Laois is operating under difficult conditions with prefabricated buildings; her proposals to address the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12408/08]
The school in question commenced operations with provisional recognition in September 2005. Newly established schools are generally required to undergo a period of provisional recognition, during which the operation of the school and the growth of pupil numbers are monitored. Among the factors to be considered is the long-term viability of the school, current and projected enrolments and suitability of accommodation. A new school, when it secures permanent recognition, becomes eligible for capital funding which is considered within the context of the Department's School Building and Modernisation Programme. The school in question does not yet have permanent recognition.
814 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a new primary school campus at Summerhill, Portlaoise, County Laois, with particular reference to the date upon which construction will start; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12409/08]
The school authorities of the school referred to by the Deputy are currently in the process of appointing a Design Team, the results of this process will then be forwarded to my Department for ratification. Progression of all projects to tender and construction, including the project in question, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme in which the main focus is to deliver school places within rapidly developing areas. The progression of all school building projects will be considered in this context.
I announced recently a list of schools which are due to go to construction in 2008. I intend to make further announcements regarding projects that will be proceeding to construction during the course of the year as the school building programme is rolled out.
815 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to accommodate the increased numbers of primary school children at a school (details supplied) in County Laois; if her Department has approved the building of the extension to the school; when the extension will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12410/08]
The school authorities have recently completed the process of appointing a Design Team and the results of this process are currently with my Department for ratification. Progression of all projects to tender and construction, including the project in question, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme in which the main focus is to deliver school places within rapidly developing areas. The progression of all school building projects will be considered in this context.
I announced recently a list of schools which are due to go to construction in 2008. I intend to make further announcements regarding projects that will be proceeding to construction during the course of the year as the school building programme is rolled out.
816 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has used helicopters for any purpose for each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the reason for such use; the suppliers of the helicopter; the dates and locations visited and distance travelled; the cost of same and persons carried; if quotations were sought for such trips; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12417/08]
I understand that my colleague the Minister for Defence will be providing a composite response, on behalf of all Government Departments, outlining details of official travel undertaken by means of air corps helicopter in the period since 2002. There are no records of my Department having engaged the services of private helicopter companies in the period since 2002.
817 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a school building project design team appointment in a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay in processing this application; the reason the project has been put on hold; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12456/08]
I can confirm to the Deputy that an application has been received from the school to which he refers for large scale capital funding. The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
818 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department has not responded to an equal status notification from a school (details supplied) in County Louth claiming discrimination on the basis it is being refused increased co-operation hours to bring it into line with mainstream schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12504/08]
I can confirm that the correspondence referred to by the Deputy has been received in my Department and a response will issue as quickly as possible.
819 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will reconsider a grant appeal to her Department by a person (details supplied) in County Meath on the grounds that the applicant believes the retirement payment they are in receipt of is analogous with a social welfare pension, which they are not allowed to receive due to the restriction placed on them to pay a full social welfare contribution; if she will change the regulations accordingly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12509/08]
The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required. Under the existing appeal process my Department has reviewed the case referred to by the Deputy and a decision issued to the student in question. The student is not in receipt of an eligible social welfare payment as specified in the scheme as at the 31 December 2006. Therefore she does not qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant. The appeal cannot be considered further unless additional relevant information, not previously available, is submitted to my Department by the candidate concerned. I have no plans at present to depart from the terms and conditions of the scheme.
820 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the number of car park spaces available nationally to those working in his Department and in the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; the annual cost of car park spaces rented by his Department and the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11886/08]
My Department is currently compiling the information sought and will provide it directly to the Deputy.
821 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Defence the position with regard to the provision of a soccer pitch for a club (details supplied) in County Clare at the lands owned by his Department at Knockalisheen, Meelick, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11977/08]
I have agreed that an area of the Department's lands at Knockalisheen can be made available to the Club in question for use as a juvenile soccer pitch. My Department is currently preparing a draft license to govern its use.
822 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the name of every body, organisation and committee outside his Department, other than semi-State commercial companies, that have been established by and report to his Department, at any stage during the year 2007 and the first three months of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12295/08]
A committee, known as Coiste Rialacha na nArmchúirteanna (Courts-Martial Rules Committee), was established on 7 May 2007 under section 240A of the Defence Act 1954 as amended. The functions of the Committee are, with the concurrence of myself, to make court-martial rules in accordance with section 240B of the Defence Act 1954 as amended. The Committee is expected to complete its work during the second quarter of 2008.
In addition, a group has been established to conduct a review of progress since publication of the "Doyle Report". The review group, which had its first meeting on the 21st February 2008, comprises the following members: Dr. Eileen Doyle, Chair, Mr. Maurice Quinn, Assistant Secretary, Major-General Dave Ashe, D/COS (Support), Mr. Brian O'Keeffe, RACO, Mr. Gerry Rooney, PDFORRA.
823 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has used helicopters for any purpose for each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the reason for such use; the suppliers of the helicopter; the dates and locations visited and distance travelled; the cost of same and persons carried; if quotations were sought for such trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12416/08]
It has not been possible in the time available to compile all the information requested by the Deputy. This information, which will include details of all Ministerial use of Air Corps helicopters from 2002 to date in 2008, will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
824 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will introduce legislation to regulate management companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11243/08]
The position is that the Law Reform Commission published a Consultation Paper on Multi-Unit Developments in December 2006. It identified a broad range of regulatory and other issues arising in relation to such developments, including problems relating to the structure and governance of property management companies and the manner in which company law currently applies to them. The Law Reform Commission has indicated that it will publish, as soon as possible, its Report on Multi-Unit Developments which, following an extensive consultation process, will contain definitive reform proposals concerning the regulation and governance of property management companies. The Government has already directed that early action be taken by the relevant Departments to address the Commission's recommendations; the types of action to be taken will, of course, be dependent on the form that the recommendations take.
A high-level interdepartmental committee, under the chairmanship of my Department, comprising representatives of relevant Departments and Offices has been established to assist in the development of a coherent and comprehensive response to the problems arising in relation to multi-unit developments. A key task of this committee will be to identify the legislative and administrative actions to be taken in response to the Commission's recommendations and to determine a timescale for their implementation. This committee is reporting to a Cabinet Committee whose membership comprises the Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform; Environment, Heritage and Local Government; Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Attorney General.
825 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for a visa extension by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11306/08]
A C Visit Visa is granted for visits of less than 90 days. As a consequence it is not the general policy to extend permission to remain to persons who are admitted initially for a period of 90 days or less on a C Visit Visa, save in very exceptional and unforeseen circumstances. The person concerned entered the State on foot of a C visit visa. An examination of the papers in relation to the visa application indicates that the person referred to by the Deputy guaranteed that upon termination of her visit and prior to the expiration of her permission to remain, she would return back to India. Her son also guaranteed that she would return to India on termination of the visit. The person concerned must leave on or before the expiration of the 90 day period and reapply for the appropriate visa through her nearest Irish Embassy from outside the State.
826 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the decentralisation programme to Roscrea in respect of the agencies and so on to be decentralised to the town; the number of staff involved; the number of locations; the position in relation to the acquisition of office accommodation; when this will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11585/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Equality Authority and the Garda Ombudsman Commission are relocating offices to Roscrea as part of my Department's Decentralisation Programme. Under an advance phase, the Equality Authority relocated twenty posts to temporary accommodation in Roscrea in April 2007. In total, around eighty posts will transfer to the town by the target date of mid-2009. I understand that the Office of Public Works is finalising a permanent accommodation solution which will satisfy the requirements of both agencies.
827 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he discussed the extension of the US customs and border protection facility at Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11897/08]
In the course of my meeting with President Bush on St. Patrick's Day, we discussed matters relating to Northern Ireland including the forthcoming investment conference, a range of current international issues including the international economy and the position of the undocumented Irish in the US.
828 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda traffic corps personnel at present; the number that will be in the corps by 2009; the number of community gardaí personnel at present; the number of community gardaí that will be on the ground by 2009; and the provisions in place for the specialised training of these personnel. [11206/08]
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy directly when this information is to hand.
829 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the work being done by an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 15, supporting newborn babies and young children and the fact that the people using the service are predominantly immigrants who value the service as a means of connecting with the local community; his views on whether such initiatives are valuable for supporting the integration of immigrants into Irish communities and for facilitating their access to community services; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the service may have to close or severely curtail its services due to a shortfall in funding of €40,000 in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11220/08]
I am aware of, and appreciate the work done by, this organisation on behalf of both Irish and non-Irish residents of the area. My Department has not provided funding to this organisation in the past and I understand there are no applications for funding on hand at this time. Services like these, which are focused on the inclusion of all communities, encourage integration and form part of the Government's policy on mainstreaming services for immigrants. In that context, any specific decision on funding must continue to rest with the appropriate mainstream service provider and must be taken in the light of competing funding priorities. I understand that the HSE has agreed to provide funds which will ensure that this very worthwhile organisation can continue to provide their services to the community in Mulhuddart.
830 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the casino commission report will be before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11229/08]
Final arrangements for the printing of the Report in question in both the English and Irish languages, are now being made. I intend to publish the Report shortly and arrangements will be made to lodge copies in the Oireachtas Library.
831 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an issue (details supplied). [11239/08]
I can inform the Deputy that, to date, €300,000 has been issued, of a total of €400,000 approved for the purpose of assisting the Stardust Victims' Committee to participate in the examination in question.
832 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to parliamentary Question No. 1155, of 30 January 2008 the procedure for allowing Interpol to access the AFIS database of non-EU citizens resident here; if a specific search request will be required in each case; if there will be a monitoring mechanism or judicial oversight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11289/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is no mechanism by which Interpol, or any other external agency, can directly access the AFIS Database. The current AFIS upgrade project, which is due for completion later this year, will provide a mechanism for the electronic receipt of fingerprint data at the Fingerprint Section of the Garda Technical Bureau. Any searches to be performed on samples submitted electronically provided by external agencies including Interpol will be subject to the normal oversight and operating procedures. These processes and procedures will be applied, as appropriate, to all information on the AFIS Database.
833 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11291/08]
My Department's records show that the person concerned arrived in the State on 30 December 1996 and claimed asylum on 2 January 1997. His asylum application was considered by the then Asylum Division of my Department who concluded that the person concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee. This position was conveyed to the person concerned by letter dated 2 February 1999. This communication advised the person concerned of his entitlement to appeal this decision to the then Asylum Appeals Unit of the Department. The person concerned, through his legal representative, lodged an appeal.
The appeal of the person concerned was considered by the then Refugee Appeals Authority who concluded that the person concerned met the criteria for recognition as a refugee. This decision was conveyed to the person concerned by letter dated 30 July 1999.
I refer to the correspondence submitted by the Deputy. I see no reason for the assertion that the examination of this asylum application, at first instance and at appeal, was not carried out in accordance with the best practices applicable to that time. Specifically, the person concerned was provided with the facility to set out, in writing, at interview and at Appeal Hearing, the circumstances that gave rise to his asylum application. The application was duly considered, at both stages, having regard for the Applicant's account of events measured against objective, reputable information relating to the Applicant's country of origin and applying, where appropriate, the benefit of any doubt in favour of the Applicant.
834 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects to make a decision regarding applications for naturalisation by persons (details supplied) in County Dublin. [11320/08]
Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's question were received in the Citizenship section of my Department in October 2005. Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in mid 2005 and have approximately 1,300 applications on hand to be dealt with before those of the persons in question. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the applications will commence in the near future. I will inform the Deputy and the persons concerned when I have reached a decision on the applications.
835 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of homicides here involving the use of firearms from 1 June 1997 to date in 2008; the number of the homicides involving firearms committed during this period that have resulted in successful convictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11343/08]
836 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of homicides here involving knives or sharp implements from 1 June 1997 to date in 2008; the number of the homicides involving knives or sharp objects committed during this period that have resulted in successful convictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11344/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 835 and 836 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of murder and manslaughter offences which involved the use of a firearm recorded from 1 June, 1997 to 31 December, 2007 and in 2008 up to 25 March was 157. The number of convictions to date in respect of these offences is 26. The number of murder and manslaughter offences involving the use of a knife or a sharp instrument recorded for the years 2000 to 2007 and in 2008 up to 25 March is 190. The number of convictions to date in respect of these offences is 95. Figures for murder and manslaughter offences by weapon type, other than a firearm, prior to 2000 are not readily available and would require a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources to collate.
The detection rate for murders and manslaughters offences by its nature increases over time as Garda investigations progress. It is anticipated that the number of convictions obtained will increase as Garda investigations are concluded and the number of proceedings commenced are finalised by the courts.
837 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in the context of Operation Anvil, he will confirm that there will be no restrictions on Garda overtime in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11345/08]
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that funding has been ring-fenced from the Garda Budget for 2008 to ensure that Garda activities under Operation Anvil, which is augmented by other operations and initiatives both locally and nationally, will continue within all units and sections of An Garda Síochána.
Operation Anvil commenced in May 2005 in the Dublin Metropolitan Region and was extended countrywide in 2006. The primary focus of Operation ‘Anvil' is the disruption of serious and organised criminal activity. In this regard Operation Anvil consists of intelligence-led targeted operations on the one hand and an increased overt visible Garda presence on the other. The Garda Commissioner has already publicly re-affirmed his absolute commitment to the objectives of Operation ‘Anvil', which is but one tool used by members of An Garda Síochána in the fight to combat crime. The total Garda budget for 2008 stands at a record €1.6 billion, underpinning the Government's commitment to provide the Garda Síochána with the necessary resources it requires to carry out its functions.
838 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide the information requested in correspondance from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11350/08]
I wish to inform the Deputy that a total of 16,693 applicants were granted permission to remain in the State, initially for a period of two years, under the revised arrangements for non-EEA parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1st January, 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme. While applicants were of many nationalities, Nigeria, Romania and China were the most commonly represented.
To date, almost 14,000 applicants have been granted renewal of their IBC/05 permission for a further three years. In addition some 2,000 Romanian and Bulgarian citizens who were granted permission to remain in the State under the scheme, do not now have to apply to have their permission renewed.
The detailed information sought by the person concerned in relation to the housing, social welfare and medical card costs generated by the persons approved under the IBC/05 Scheme cannot be isolated and aggregated by the various government departments and agencies providing these services. Similarly, the taxes paid by persons approved under the Scheme are not computed separately.
839 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the breakdown of the number of Gardaí in Coolock, Raheny, Howth and Malahide Garda Stations; the number of community Gardaí; his plans to increase this number in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11352/08]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of the stations, including those assigned to Community Policing, referred to by the Deputy is as set out in the following table.
|
Station |
Garda Strength |
Community Gardaí |
|
Coolock |
116 |
13 |
|
Raheny |
66 |
6 |
|
Howth |
42 |
6 |
|
Malahide |
43 |
5 |
The latest dates for which figures are available for the numbers assigned to Community Policing and the personnel strength of Garda Stations are the 31st December, 2007 and 29th February, 2008 respectively. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual divisions, districts and stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.
Community Policing involves more than a single unit within An Garda Síochána and all Gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues. Community Policing is a central feature of current policing policy and members of Community Policing Units are encouraged to engage with the local communities where they are assigned.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. In that regard, the needs of the Garda Stations referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.
840 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for family reunification by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; if he will expedite a decision in this case in view of the circumstances surrounding the family in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11371/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a Family Reunification application in June 2007. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department. This application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course. At the present time Family Reunification applications are taking up to 24 months to process.
841 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda Reserve recruits to date; the number serving in Listowel, Tralee and Castleisland, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11384/08]
As at 31 March 2008, there were 264 attested Garda Reserve members and 51 trainees. There is one fully qualified Garda Reserve member, and one trainee, allocated to Tralee Garda Station. There are no Garda Reserve members attached to either Listowel Garda Station or Castleisland Garda Station.
842 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of licensed premises which were closed or fined under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 and the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2004 in each of the years 2003 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11401/08]
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.
843 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of sniffer dogs available to the Garda Síochána in areas (detail supplied) in County Dublin; the number of drug searches these dogs took part in from 2004 to date in 2008; the number of drug seizures they were involved in for the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11402/08]
There are twenty eight dogs attached to the Garda Dog Unit, which is based in the Dublin Metropolitan Region but operates nationwide. The breakdown for operations in which the dogs are used is as follows:
|
Number |
|
|
General Purpose |
15 |
|
Drugs and Firearms |
6 |
|
Explosives |
4 |
|
Tactical Search |
1 |
|
Victim Recovery |
2 |
In 2007, the Garda Dog Unit attended 543 drug-related incidents nationwide, while also available for general patrol duties, covert operations and assisting as a deterrent with public disorder incidents. The Garda Dog Unit also carried out checkpoint duties involving searches of vehicles and other security-related duties.
There are four Garda handlers, with eight dogs, four of which are specialised in drug detection designated for operational duties specifically in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.
The following table shows the number of Garda Dog Unit drug searches and seizures conducted in the Dublin Metropolitan Region each year between 2004 — 2008 :
|
Year |
Number of Drug Searches |
Number of Drug Seizures |
|
2008 (to 19/3/08) |
101 |
46 |
|
2007 |
378 |
193 |
|
2006 |
307 |
107 |
|
2005 |
196 |
103 |
|
2004 |
131 |
23 |
With regard to the number of dogs currently deployed by the Revenue Customs Service, I understand that twelve detector dog teams are in operation with the following breakdown per region:
|
Number |
|
|
Dublin Region |
6 |
|
East/South East Region |
2 |
|
South West Region |
3 |
|
Border/Midlands/West Region |
1 (based in Sligo) |
844 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the legislation and regulation in place to protect children and adolescents from on-line gambling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11425/08]
In Ireland the Gaming and Lotteries Acts, 1956-86, cover gaming and lotteries other than the National Lottery, which is covered by the National Lotteries Act 1986 with the Betting Act 1931 governing all matters relating to betting. These Acts govern activities whether online or offline. In general, all forms of gaming are illegal in this jurisdiction except where specifically permitted. In terms of enforcement, in Ireland, as well as in most jurisdictions, what is illegal off-line is considered illegal on-line.
The Internet, however, is an international and world-wide phenomenon. It has no borders and no single organisation controls it. Measures to combat illegal materials and activities on the Internet are therefore hampered by a multiplicity of jurisdictions, differing legal systems, and differing societal norms. Combating illegal use of the Internet thus requires responses at national, EU and international levels.
Under a Code of Practice and Ethics agreed by the Irish Internet Service Provider Industry in 2002, material or services that are illegal under Irish law will not be carried on Irish servers, and if such is found they will be removed immediately under agreed protocols. Unlike child pornography, however, where there is almost universal agreement, online gaming/gambling is not illegal in many jurisdictions, and these services can be accessed via the internet from this jurisdiction.
The Deputy may also be aware that in August, 2006, the Government agreed to the proposal of my predecessor for the establishment of a Committee (the Casino Regulation Committee) to report on the possibilities for a legislative basis for the strict regulation of casino-style operations in the State. The Casino Regulation Committee completed their Report in April last year. It is a lengthy document which deals with a range of complex and inter-related public policy issues which are now being considered.
Following consultation with my colleagues in Government I intend to publish the Report in question shortly. On publication I will be in a position, also, to announce the steps I intend to take to advance the situation in relation to the complex public policy issues surrounding gaming in general in the most appropriate manner. Needless to say, I do not propose to comment on the Report or any of its recommendations in advance of its publication.
845 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are plans to provide closed circuit television in and around a community centre (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if his attention has been drawn to the particular demand in that regard. [11451/08]
My Department provides financial assistance under the Community-based CCTV Scheme to qualifying local organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of local, community-run CCTV systems. The scheme operates at two levels: initial funding for the assessment of needs (Stage 1) and substantive funding for fully developed proposals (Stage 2). Matching funding for RAPID areas is available from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Pobal has been engaged to administer the Scheme on behalf of my Department.
I am advised that stage 1 funding of €5,000 was approved for a community group in the area referred to by the Deputy. This will enable the group to investigate the need for CCTV in their area and complete a detailed proposal for substantive funding.
I am committed to the further expansion of community-based CCTV around the country and it is intended to invite applications for funding under the Scheme later this year. Details of the scheme and relevant documentation are available at my Department's website (www.justice.ie) or at Pobal’s website (www.pobal.ie).
846 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report in detail on the success of anti-social behaviour orders in Dublin south west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11452/08]
Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which provides for civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults, was commenced on 1 January, 2007. Part 13 of the Act relating to anti-social behaviour by children was commenced on 1 March, 2007. These provisions set out an incremental procedure for addressing anti-social behaviour by adults and children. With regard to children, these range from a warning from a member of An Garda Síochána, to a good behaviour contract involving the child and his or her parents or guardian, to referral to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme and to the making of a behaviour order by the Children's Court.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that up to 29 February, 2008, 509 behaviour warnings to adults and 191 behaviour warnings to children were issued. There have also been 7 formal good behaviour contracts, which are used only in the case of children, agreed.
I am further informed that in Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) Southern Garda Division 36 behaviour warnings to adults and 29 behaviour warnings to children were issued with one good behaviour contract agreed. In DMR Western Garda Division 88 behaviour warnings to adults and 34 behaviour warnings to children were issued.
847 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused refugee status here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11458/08]
The person referred to by the Deputy applied for Asylum on 12 March, 2007. The claim was assessed by the Refugee Applications Commissioner who concluded that the person concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee. The Commissioner's recommendation was communicated to him by letter dated 24 July, 2007. This communication advised the person of his entitlement to appeal the Commissioner's recommendation to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, which he duly did.
The Refugee Appeals Tribunal considered the person's appeal, following which the Tribunal affirmed the Commissioner's earlier recommendation to reject his claim. The outcome of the appeal was made known to the applicant by letter dated 27 March, 2008. In accordance with normal procedures, his file has been forwarded by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, to my Department's Ministerial Decisions Unit for final processing of his Asylum claim. A letter will issue from my Department advising him formally of the outcome of his asylum claim in due course.
848 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 582 of 12 February 2008, the position in relation to the meeting arranged for 25 February 2008; when it is expected that these units will be performing investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11467/08]
The general position in relation to this issue was set out in my reply to Parliamentary Question 582 of 12 February 2008. Since that date, the Employment Rights Compliance Bill 2008 has been published. The meeting referred to by the Deputy took place on 25 February 2008 and discussed the scope for interagency co-operation. It was attended by representatives of the following organisations:
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Department of Social and Family Affairs
Revenue Commissioners
National Employment Rights Agency (NERA)
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
Garda National Immigration Bureau
A further meeting of this group will take place next week.
849 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding persons (details supplied) in County Waterford in the matter of their application to remain in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11469/08]
The persons in question submitted applications on 14 April, 2005 for permission to remain in the State, under the revised arrangements for non-EEA parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1st January, 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 Scheme. The persons concerned are not in fact the parents of a qualifying child and their applications were refused accordingly.
The persons concerned subsequently made application for subsidiary protection under the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (SI No 518 of 2006). These applications were refused on 8th February, 2008. The persons concerned have recently been invited to make further representations to my Department in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999.
850 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a case (details supplied). [11489/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in November 2007. Officials in that section have recently sought further documentation from the applicant in support of his application. On receipt of these documents, the person in question will be informed when further processing of the application will commence or of any shortfall in his residency. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the matter.
851 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will publish the Civil Partnership Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11523/08]
My proposals for a Civil Partnership Bill are at present the subject of necessary consultations with relevant Departments and the Attorney General as a preliminary to formal submission of them to the Government. I intend, subject to the Government's approval, to publish the details of the proposals in the very near future.
852 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community gardaí operating in Dublin south east; the number of members of the Garda Reserve Force operating in Dublin south east; the number of gardaí on bike patrol in Dublin south east; the number of drug seizures made in 2006 and 2007 in Dublin south east; and the number of arrests made in 2006 and 2007 in Dublin south east. [11534/08]
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy directly when this information is to hand.
853 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of penalty points which have been issued in County Mayo since the introduction of same; the breakdown of each category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11541/08]
The issue and recording of penalty points is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport.
854 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a request to reconsider the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick under the Irish born child category in his Department has been examined; if a decision has been made; if the decision is negative, the other options the person whose wife and children have residency status here have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11542/08]
An application for permission to remain in the State, under the revised arrangements for non-EEA parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 Scheme, was received from the person concerned on 6 May 2005. As the closing date for receipt of applications under the scheme was 31 March 2005, the application in question was received too late for consideration.
My Department is currently considering a number of judgements delivered by the Supreme Court relating to the IBC/05 Scheme. The implications for individual cases, and for the Judicial Review proceedings ongoing in this case, are currently being assessed.
855 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for refugee status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11549/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on this application will be made upon receipt of the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
856 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has consulted with the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and Waterways Ireland on the development of immigration policy and the management of immigration controls in a manner that accommodates and supports an all-island tourism sector that attracts overseas visitors; his views on the application of such controls in relation to tourist and recreational traffic on cross-border waterways such as the Shannon-Erne Waterway, on cross-border waymarked ways such as the Sliabh Beagh Way and on sea loughs such as Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11593/08]
There are no fixed controls on the land border between North and South and the authorities in this State and in Britain accept that there is no possibility of introducing such fixed controls in the future. Furthermore, authorities in this State do not intend, now or at any stage in the future, to impose immigration or other controls on persons who are entitled to move between North and South, including those persons who use the waterways which traverse the two regions. The Deputy will, however, be aware that the Garda National Immigration Bureau and the British authorities work closely together and run regular intelligence led operations aimed at interrupting illegal immigration flows within the Common Travel Area. These joint operations, targeting illegal movement between Britain and Ireland, including through the North, continue to successfully disrupt the illegal carousel of movement between the two jurisdictions.
857 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if policing levels are being re-evaluated in Wexford in view of recent Department figures which showed the county to have the third highest level of gun crime in the country, after Limerick and Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11630/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength (all ranks) of the Wicklow/Wexford Garda Division on 28 February, 2007 and on 29 February, 2008 (the latest date for which figures are readily available) was 346 and 363 respectively. This represents an increase of 17 (or 4.9%) in the number of Gardaí allocated to the Division since that date.
As the Deputy is aware, an unprecedented increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána is continuing in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, with an intake of approximately 1,100 recruits per annum. In addition, there is a significant expansion under way in the number of civilian staff being made available to the Commissioner.
I recently approved the 2008 Garda Annual Policing Plan and laid it before the Houses of the Oireachtas. It sets out the Commissioner's proposals to realign the boundaries of Garda Divisions around the country to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries. Included in this is a plan to establish a Garda Division in Wexford. The planned changes will bring about greater efficiencies and effectiveness in facilitating the establishment and functioning of Joint Policing Committees. A detailed programme of work is currently being developed by An Garda Síochána to implement these planned changes for various Garda Divisions. This programme of work will also examine the geographical areas of district and sub-district stations arising from the regional and divisional boundary realignments set out in the plan and will set out a timetable for the establishment of the new divisions.
The policing priorities which I set for the Gardaí for 2008 under the Garda Síochána Act, 2005 have been reflected in the Policing Plan for 2008. The first priority deals with targeting gun crime, organised crime and drug trafficking. It refers to the use in particular of specialist units and targeted operations such as Operation Anvil, profiling, intelligence gathering and threat assessments in relation to individuals and groups involved in this type of crime.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. In that regard, the needs of the Garda Division referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.
858 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the asylum application for a person (details supplied). [11631/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on this application will be made upon receipt of the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
859 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will overturn the deportation order relating to persons (details supplied) and offer them subsidiary protection in the form of leave to remain in order that they can be protected from being forced to endure female genital mutilation. [11639/08]
The persons concerned applied for asylum in the State on 20th January 2005. Their applications were refused and deportation orders were made in respect of them on 23 November 2005. The applicants instituted judicial review proceedings on 13 January 2006 challenging the decision to make deportation orders in respect of them. The proceedings were determined on 30 January 2008 when the reliefs sought were refused by the High Court. The applicants were refused a certificate to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court on 13 March 2008.
The persons in question submitted applications for subsidiary protection pursuant to the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 S.I. 518 of the 2006 (‘the Regulations') on 3 March 2008. These applicants are persons in respect of whom deportation orders were signed before the coming into force of the Regulations on 10 October 2006, and as such are not automatically entitled to apply for Subsidiary Protection under the Regulations. In situations where an individual does not have an automatic right to apply for subsidiary protection but has identified new facts or circumstances which demonstrate a change of position from that which pertained at the time the deportation orders were made, I may exercise discretion under Regulation 4(2) of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 S.I. No. 518 of 2006 to accept and consider an application for Subsidiary Protection.
Following consideration of the information submitted by the applicants, it was concluded that they have established no grounds to show that there are new or altered circumstances from the time the deportation orders were made. The applicants were informed by letter dated 19 March 2008 that I had decided not to exercise discretion pursuant to Regulation 4(2) of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 — S.I. 518 of the 2006 to accept and consider applications for subsidiary protection from them. The applicants instituted judicial proceedings on 20 March 2008 challenging that decision. As the matter is sub judice, I do not propose to comment further.
860 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give permission to a person (details supplied) to remain in the country on humanitarian grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11640/08]
The person referred to by the Deputy arrived in the State on 13 March 2002 and applied for asylum. She was refused refugee status in the State following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. She was informed of these recommendations by letters dated 10 October 2002 and 10 February 2003 respectively.
A notification under Section 3(3)(a) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, issued to the person concerned on 28 March 2003 advising her of the Minister's decision to refuse to give her a declaration of refugee status and setting out the options open to her at that point; i.e. to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a deportation order or to make written representations within 15 working days to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform setting out reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Her case was examined under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended, (Prohibition of Refoulement). Consideration was given to the representations received on her behalf from her legal representatives. On 11 May 2005, my predecessor refused temporary leave to remain in the State and instead signed a deportation order in respect of her. She was notified of this decision by letter dated 10 June 2005. That letter made her aware that she was required to present herself, on 16 June 2005, at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau in order that arrangements could be made for her removal from the State. She presented as required and was given further presentation dates which she kept. She is due to present again on 24 April 2008.
The person concerned arrived in the State as an adult, accompanied by her parents and they all independently applied for asylum. Currently her parents are judicially reviewing the negative recommendation made in respect of them by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. In addition the person concerned has applied for the revocation of her deportation order so that she may remain in the State and care for her parents, who are in poor health, for as long as they are permitted to remain in the State. In view of the foregoing, a stay has been put on the Deportation Order in the case of the person concerned until the outcome of the Judicial Review proceedings instituted by her parents is known.
861 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo can obtain stamp four status. [11651/08]
The position in relation to long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
The Immigration Division of my Department has informed me that an application for long term residency was received on the 16 May 2006, on behalf of the person referred to in the Deputy's question. On the 26th November 2006 a letter was forwarded to the person referred to, requesting him to supply further documentation in order that his application could be fully considered. No reply was received to this letter. Further representations were made to my Department on the 5th June 2007 and the 18th June 2007 on his behalf.
A response to these representations was issued by the Immigration Division of my Department on the 13th March 2008 advising that the Immigration Division had requested the person concerned to supply further documentation but that he had failed to do so. On receipt of the requested documentation the Immigration Division will consider the individual's application further.
862 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of cases (details supplied); and when these cases are expected to be processed. [11665/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person under the first file number referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in October 2006. Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in August 2005 and have approximately 7,400 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the application will commence in the first half of 2009. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the application. Officials in the Citizenship section inform me that there is no record of any application for naturalisation under the second file number referred to in the Deputy's question.
863 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way funds collected in the court poor box are disbursed; the guidelines, procedures and records that apply to such disbursement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11668/08]
The use of the poor box has evolved over the years and, while each court of first instance (High, Circuit and District) has used the system on occasion, it is mainly used in the District Court where, typically, the judge may order the defendant to pay a donation into the court poor box in lieu of a criminal conviction. Payments made to the Court poor box are accounted for in the Court office concerned and the accounting procedures are subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General. Monies paid out of the Court poor box are at the discretion of the Judge. The Courts Service maintain a full record of all receipts and payments in each local Court Office. In the main, monies are paid out to charities, schools, youth organisations and the Probation Service.
In 2005, the Law Reform Commission published a report entitled ‘The Court Poor Box: Probation of Offenders' which recommends that reform of the system should take place in the context of the introduction of an expanded range of non-custodial sanctions and the poor box should be replaced by a statutory fund to be known as the Reparation Fund. My Department is examining the report.
864 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the ratio of gardaí per head of population in each Garda district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11685/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of each Garda District on 29 February, 2008 the latest date for which figures are readily available was as set out in the following table:
|
Districts |
29/02/2008 |
|
Pearse Street |
347 |
|
Kevin Street |
219 |
|
Donnybrook |
188 |
|
Crumlin |
187 |
|
Tallaght |
256 |
|
Rathmines |
169 |
|
Santry |
255 |
|
Coolock |
236 |
|
Raheny |
177 |
|
Balbriggan |
74 |
|
Blanchardstown |
347 |
|
Lucan |
194 |
|
Clondalkin |
213 |
|
Store Street |
289 |
|
Fitzgibbon Street |
218 |
|
Bridewell |
177 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
208 |
|
Bray |
213 |
|
Blackrock |
193 |
|
Drogheda |
118 |
|
Ashbourne |
86 |
|
Dundalk |
145 |
|
Kells |
58 |
|
Trim |
50 |
|
Navan |
75 |
|
Mullingar |
122 |
|
Athlone |
82 |
|
Longford |
72 |
|
Granard |
42 |
|
Portlaoise |
129 |
|
Abbeyleix |
43 |
|
Birr |
`45 |
|
Tullamore |
92 |
|
Naas |
146 |
|
Kildare |
84 |
|
Carlow |
104 |
|
Baltinglass |
68 |
|
Wexford |
104 |
|
Gorey |
90 |
|
Enniscorthy |
49 |
|
New Ross |
51 |
|
Wicklow |
69 |
|
Waterford |
172 |
|
Dungarvan |
59 |
|
Tramore |
46 |
|
Kilkenny |
103 |
|
Thomastown |
44 |
|
Thurles |
82 |
|
Clonmel |
74 |
|
Cahir |
57 |
|
Nenagh |
47 |
|
Templemore |
57 |
|
Tipperary Town |
41 |
|
Anglesea Street |
334 |
|
Togher |
127 |
|
Mayfield |
102 |
|
Gurranabrahar |
91 |
|
Cobh |
56 |
|
Fermoy |
87 |
|
Mallow |
65 |
|
Midleton |
77 |
|
Bandon |
106 |
|
Bantry |
48 |
|
Clonakilty |
49 |
|
Macroom |
48 |
|
Kanturk |
46 |
|
Tralee |
128 |
|
Caherciveen |
44 |
|
Killarney |
90 |
|
Listowel |
56 |
|
Henry Street |
329 |
|
Roxboro Road |
134 |
|
Askeaton |
40 |
|
Bruff |
41 |
|
Newcastle West |
46 |
|
Ennis |
198 |
|
Kilrush |
37 |
|
Killaloe |
47 |
|
Ennistymon |
31 |
|
Galway |
241 |
|
Clifden |
31 |
|
Loughrea |
49 |
|
Salthill |
65 |
|
Gort |
36 |
|
Roscommon |
79 |
|
Ballinasloe |
55 |
|
Boyle |
39 |
|
Castlerea |
46 |
|
Tuam |
63 |
|
Castlebar |
88 |
|
Ballina |
62 |
|
Belmullet |
29 |
|
Claremorris |
46 |
|
Swinford |
50 |
|
Westport |
40 |
|
Sligo |
156 |
|
Ballymote |
35 |
|
Carrick-On-Shannon |
57 |
|
Manorhamilton |
50 |
|
Letterkenny |
186 |
|
Buncrana |
88 |
|
Milford |
50 |
|
Glenties |
54 |
|
Ballyshannon |
94 |
|
Monaghan |
129 |
|
Carrickmacross |
83 |
|
Cavan |
82 |
|
Ballieboro |
68 |
|
Ballyconnell |
38 |
As of this date Small Area Population Statistics, based on the 2006 Census, of Garda Districts are being developed by staff of the Central Statistics Office in consultation with An Garda Síochána. No publication date is available at this time.
865 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to increase Garda strength at the various Garda stations throughout County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11686/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of the Mayo Division as at 29 February 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 315. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual divisions, districts and stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.
The unprecedented increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána is continuing in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, with an intake of approximately 1,100 recruits per annum. In addition, there is a significant expansion under way in the number of civilian staff being made available to the Commissioner.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. In that regard, the needs of the Garda Division referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.
866 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the monetary value accruing to the State through the imposition of penalty points throughout the country since their introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11687/08]
Separate information on revenue accruing on foot of payments from fixed charge notices and court fines with which penalty points were imposed since their introduction is not readily available and could only be obtained by the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of staff time and resources. Responsibility for the collection of payments under the Fixed Charge Processing System (FCPS) was outsourced to An Post in January 2006. I can inform the Deputy that in 2006 €14.3 million was collected by An Post in respect of fixed charge notices and in 2007 €22.9 million was collected. It should be noted that not all fixed charge notices attract penalty points. The revenue accruing to the Courts Vote under the Road Traffic Acts in 2006 was €13.4 million and in 2007 €12.8 million was collected. These amounts are in respect of all offences under the Road Traffic Acts inclusive of fixed charges. All monies received are surrendered to the Exchequer as extra exchequer receipts and are accounted for in the Appropriation Accounts.
867 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will expedite the processing of a holiday visa application on behalf of a person (details supplied). [11695/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the application referred to was approved on 26 March 2008.
868 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied) who has made an application for leave to remain in the State. [11736/08]
I wish to inform the Deputy that Judicial Review proceedings are ongoing in the case of the person concerned. I am informed that judgments of the Supreme Court are awaited in a further three cases related to the IBC/05 Scheme which remain before the Court. The position as regards ongoing Judicial Review proceedings relating to the Scheme will be clarified when the remaining judgments are received.
869 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a project (details supplied). [11742/08]
The organisation to which the Deputy refers was one of twenty-two groups that received seed funding for special integration initiatives in 2006. The Minister for Integration greatly appreciates the valuable work carried out by this and other groups as part of this initiative. However, as pointed out in the official fund guidelines, this was a once-off measure and comes to an end in April 2008. An external evaluation of the funding initiative has been commissioned as part of the normal review of funding programmes.
870 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will intervene in respect of an application for a certificate of naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11758/08]
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 September 2007. Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in August 2005 and have approximately 14,400 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. There is nothing contained in the Deputy's Question that warrants taking the application out of chronological order and treating it expeditiously. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the application will commence in early 2010. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the matter.
871 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total number of anti-social behaviour offences carried out in the Dublin south west area in each year over the past five years; the number of convictions secured over the same period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11761/08]
Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
872 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has responded to the offer by the developers of a local office for An Garda Síochána at block one of the new urban region being developed in Clongriffin, Dublin 13; if he will use this facility as the commencement process for the long-promised Garda station in Donaghmede which is adjacent to the North Fringe and Clongriffin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11770/08]
In accordance with section 22 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations are a matter, in the first instance, for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the Annual Policing Plans. I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management are satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing serving is delivered to the Clongriffen area. The area is policed primarily by Coolock Garda Station which forms part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region, North Division. The personnel strength of the Dublin Metropolitan Region, North Division as at the 29th February last was 742 of which 116 serve in Coolock Garda Station. The area receives additional patrols from personnel attached to the District Detective Unit, Divisional Task Force, Divisional Traffic Unit and the Community Policing Unit.
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that the opening of a new Garda Station in the area would be incompatible with overall policing policy in the Division and would result in the deployment of Garda personnel away from outdoor operational policing to administrative duties. Garda management will keep the matter under review and when additional resources next becomes available, the needs of Coolock station and the Dublin Metropolitan Northern Division will be fully considered in the context of the overall requirements throughout the country.
873 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda youth diversion projects that have been established; and the geographic remit of same. [11780/08]
To date, 100 Garda Youth Diversion Projects have been established nationwide. Most recently, in October of 2007, I announced the establishment of 7 Garda Youth Diversion Projects which fulfilled the commitment made by my Department to have 100 projects in operation by the end of 2007.
There are 31 projects operating in Dublin, 11 in Cork, and 6 each in Kerry and Limerick. There are 5 projects in Waterford and 4 each in Galway, Louth and Tipperary. Offaly and Wexford have 3 projects. Clare, Donegal, Kildare, Laois, Mayo, Meath, Westmeath and Wicklow all have 2 projects while Carlow, Cavan, Kilkenny, Longford, Roscommon and Sligo and Monaghan all have one. Further details are set out in the attached table.
Finally, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to increase the number of Garda Youth Diversion Projects to 168 in the lifetime of this Government. On this note, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that additional resources have been allocated to fund the further expansion of these types of projects in 2008.
|
County |
GYDP |
Town/Area |
|
Carlow |
HUB |
Carlow Town |
|
Cavan |
Cavan 365 |
Cavan Town |
|
Clare |
Ennis Youth |
Ennis |
|
Kilrush |
Kilrush |
|
|
Cork |
Ballincollig |
Ballincollig |
|
Bandon |
Bandon |
|
|
Douglas West |
Douglas |
|
|
FAYRE |
Farranree |
|
|
Feabhas |
Cobh, Cork |
|
|
GAP |
The Glen, Cork City |
|
|
Knocknaheeney/Holyhill |
Cork City |
|
|
Mallow |
Mallow |
|
|
MAY |
Blackrock |
|
|
TACT |
Togher |
|
|
Youghal |
Youghal |
|
|
Donegal |
Falcarragh |
Falcarragh |
|
LEAF |
Raphoe |
|
|
Dublin |
DIME |
Dublin 1 |
|
HAY |
Dublin 1 |
|
|
MOST |
Dublin 1 |
|
|
NICKOL |
Dublin 1 |
|
|
SWAN |
Dublin 1 |
|
|
YAK |
Dublin 5 |
|
|
Cabra Step-Up |
Dublin 7 |
|
|
DAN |
Dublin 8 |
|
|
YIS |
Dublin 8 |
|
|
Ballymun |
Dublin 9 |
|
|
ABLE |
Dublin 10 |
|
|
CODY |
Dublin 10 |
|
|
FAN |
Dublin 11 |
|
|
Finglas East |
Dublin 11 |
|
|
CLAY |
Dublin 12 |
|
|
Poddle Close |
Dublin 12 |
|
|
ORB |
Dublin 15 |
|
|
WEB |
Dublin 15 |
|
|
YEW |
Dublin 16 |
|
|
Woodale |
Dublin 17 |
|
|
LAB |
Dublin 18 |
|
|
The Castle |
Dublin 18 |
|
|
SAY |
Dublin 18 |
|
|
GRAFT |
Dublin 22 |
|
|
SWIFT |
Dublin 22 |
|
|
The Valley |
Dublin 22 |
|
|
APT |
Dublin 24 |
|
|
Brookefield |
Dublin 24 |
|
|
JAY |
Dublin 24 |
|
|
KEY |
Dublin 24 |
|
|
JETS |
Swords, Dublin Fingal |
|
|
Galway |
BAN |
Ballybane |
|
Junction |
Ballinasloe |
|
|
Treo Nua |
Tuam |
|
|
Westside Galway |
Galway City |
|
|
Kerry |
An t-Oilean |
Castleisland |
|
BAPADE |
Killarney |
|
|
Connect 7 |
Tralee |
|
|
Just Us |
Tralee |
|
|
MY |
Tralee |
|
|
NK10 |
Listowel |
|
|
Kildare |
The Bridge |
Celbridge |
|
The Curragh |
The Curragh |
|
|
Kilkenny |
Kilkenny |
Kilkenny City |
|
Laois |
BLOCK |
Portlaoise |
|
Portarlington |
Portarlington |
|
|
Limerick |
Ballynanty |
Limerick City |
|
CCYDG |
Moyross, Limerick City |
|
|
King’s Island |
Limerick City |
|
|
LSCYI |
Southill, Limerick City |
|
|
Newcastle West |
Newcastle West |
|
|
Watergate/Garryowen |
Limerick City |
|
|
Longford |
LEAP |
Longford Town |
|
Louth |
Boyne |
Drogheda |
|
Drogheda |
Drogheda |
|
|
High Voltage |
Oakland Park, Dundalk |
|
|
TEAM |
Muirhevnamór, Dundalk |
|
|
Mayo |
YAB |
Ballina |
|
YAC |
Castlebar |
|
|
Meath |
NYPD |
Navan |
|
SMART |
Trim |
|
|
Monaghan |
Monaghan NYP |
Monaghan |
|
Offaly |
ACORN |
Edenderry |
|
SUB |
Birr |
|
|
Tullamore |
Tullamore |
|
|
Roscommon |
RAD |
Roscommon Town |
|
Sligo |
YAPS |
Sligo Town |
|
Tipperary |
Carrick-On-Suir |
Carrick-On-Suir |
|
CYD |
Clonmel |
|
|
Roscrea |
Roscrea |
|
|
Tipperary |
Tipperary Town |
|
|
Waterford |
BALL |
Lisduggan |
|
DAY |
Dungarvan |
|
|
PACT |
Manor Street,Waterford City |
|
|
SWAY |
St. John’s Park, Waterford City |
|
|
Tramore |
Tramore |
|
|
Westmeath |
ALF |
Athlone |
|
EYE |
Mullingar |
|
|
Wexford |
Enniscorthy |
Enniscorthy |
|
New Ross |
New Ross |
|
|
SAFE |
Coolcotts |
|
|
Wicklow |
Bray New Directions |
Bray |
|
WAY |
Wicklow Town |
874 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí allocated to the Garda youth diversion projects; and if these are all juvenile liaison officers. [11781/08]
As the Deputy is aware, it is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to decide on the prioritisation and allocation of resources within the force. In the time available to answer the question it was not possible to establish the total number of Gardaí involved with Garda Youth Diversion Projects.
There are currently 100 Garda Youth Diversion Projects operating throughout the country and this number will be extended to 168 in line with the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government.
The work in a Garda Youth Diversion Project (GYPD) is primarily carried out by a project coordinator/youth worker, who operates under the guidance of a project/management committee. The project/management committee membership generally includes a representative from the relevant youth organisation/employer, who chairs the committee, the local Inspector, Juvenile Liaison Officer, Community Garda and local community representatives. The committee may also include representatives from other relevant bodies, for example, Health Services Executive, Probation Service, local school, etc.
Some Garda Districts have more than one project in operation and therefore some Gardaí are active in the operation of more than one Garda Youth Diversion Project. The local Inspector has responsibility, as project treasurer, for the administration and management of project funding.
The local Juvenile Liaison Officer (JLO) sits on the Referral Assessment Committee operated by each project. The Referral Assessment Committee assesses the benefits of admission to the project for each young person referred by the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme. As of 31 December 2007 there were 93 Juvenile Liaison Officers country wide. The Garda Commissioner has given a commitment to appoint an additional 28 JLOs by 2010.
In addition to the JLO and Community Gardaí, other local Gardaí, including, where appropriate, Gardaí from specialist units, also get involved in the work of GYDPs. The Garda Community Relations Section (GCRS) of the Garda National Juvenile Office based in Harcourt Street coordinates the administration of these projects. The Irish Youth Justice Service, with an Garda Síochána, will evaluate the effectiveness of existing GYDPs, develop new guidelines for them, promote best practice and expand the number of projects available.
875 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of children currently engaged with Garda youth diversion projects; and the maximum number of children that can be catered for by the existing projects. [11782/08]
By 31 December 2007 there were 100 Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs) in existence, 29 of which were established during 2007. In the time available it was not possible to establish the total number of young persons currently engaged with Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs). I will forward the most recent figures to the Deputy in writing as soon as they are available.
It should be noted that the needs of the young people participating in a project will differ from time to time. In addition the capacity of a project over a particular period will also depend on the group dynamic of those participating. It is necessary for projects to continually review their capacity based on the needs of the young people involved. The Garda Youth Diversion Projects focus on the quality of the work/intervention with the project participants. In these circumstances, it is not possible to fix a figure for the maximum number of young people that can be catered for by the existing Garda Youth Diversion Projects.
876 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the need for an independent confidential therapeutic support for all members of An Garda Síochána and their families, having regard to the high level of stress and trauma currently associated with membership of the Garda force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11795/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that there are various support structures in place for members of An Garda Síochána at present to assist them in a confidential manner when they experience acute stress or trauma associated with their work.
The support structures in place include Peer support, support from Employee Assistance Officers of the Employee Assistance Service and the support of the Occupational Health Service within An Garda Síochána. The Employee Assistance Officers are highly trained and skilled and can refer members to appropriately trained counsellors when necessary.
The Occupational Health Service can also refer members to clinical psychologists and a panel of independent expert psychiatrists who have an understanding of police work. The Occupational Health Service is manned by two specialist occupational physicians who also liaise with the members usual GPs and treating doctors.
877 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [11799/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 5 November 1999 and claimed asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
The person concerned was informed by letter dated 1 March 2002 that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him and afforded him three options in accordance with Section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999(as amended) namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a Deportation Order or to submit, within 15 working days, written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State, that is, why he should not be deported.
His case was examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to representations submitted on his behalf for permission to remain in the State. On 10 March 2003 my predecessor refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of him. Notice of this order was served by registered post requiring the person concerned to present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau on Thursday 15 May 2003 in order to make travel arrangements for his removal from the State. He failed to present as required and was classified as evading his deportation. He subsequently came to the attention of the Gardaí and was removed from the State to Kosovo on 5 June 2003.
On 26 May 2003 a Section 17(7) application was received from his legal representatives seeking re-admittance to the asylum process. The application was refused and the person concerned was notified of the decision by letter dated 4 June 2003. An application under Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), seeking revocation of the Deportation Order was lodged by the person concerned on 14 January 2008. The application was refused and the Deportation Order was affirmed. The person concerned was notified of this decision by letter dated 12 March 2008. The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must remain out of the State.
878 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [11800/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to his Question No. 200 of 1 November 2007. Responsibility for the system of registration of births is a matter for the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
879 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary for long-term residency; when a decision is due on the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11809/08]
The position in relation to long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
The Immigration Division of my Department received an application for long term residency in February 2006 from the person referred to by the Deputy. In June 2006 the person concerned was refused on the grounds that he had insufficient time spent working in the State.
The Immigration Division of my Department has no record of having received any subsequent application for long term residency from the person concerned since June 2006.
880 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for long-term residency by a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11810/08]
The Immigration Division of my Department has informed me that they have received documentation previously requested from the individual concerned. An issue has arisen in relation to one of these documents and the Immigration Division are making enquiries to substantiate its authenticity. As soon as enquiries have been completed the Immigration Division will contact the individual concerned.
881 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [11815/08]
I wish to inform the Deputy that an application for permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements for non-EEA parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1st January, 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 Scheme, was received from the person to whom he refers on 14th December, 2005.
The closing date for the submission of applications under the revised arrangements was 31st March, 2005. As the application was received after this date, it was therefore too late for consideration, and the person concerned was subsequently informed of this decision by letter, dated 15th December, 2005.
An application for Subsidiary Protection under the European Communities ( Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006, Statutory Instrument No. 518 of 2006, and representations to remain temporarily in the State under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, were received in my Department on 31st August, 2007. The person concerned will be informed of any decisions in this regard, in due course.
882 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11832/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 15 April, 1997 and applied for asylum. His application was refused at appeal stage following consideration of his case.
The person concerned was informed by letter dated 26 November 1999, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him and afforded him three options in accordance with Section 3 (3) (b) (ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a deportation order or to submit, within 15 working days, representations to the Minister, in writing, setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
His case was examined under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to representations received on his behalf from his legal representative for temporary leave to remain in the State. On 11 May 2000, one of my predecessors refused temporary leave to remain in the State and signed a deportation order in respect of him.
An application for permission to remain in the State on the basis of parentage of an Irish born child was made circa August 2002 and refused by letter dated 22 April 2004. An application under the IBC/05 Scheme which introduced revised arrangements for the processing of claims for permission to remain in the State from the non — national parents of Irish born children was refused by letter dated 19 January 2006.
An application for revocation of the deportation order in this case was considered in my Department and a decision was reached by me on 26 February 2008 to affirm the deportation order. The person concerned was informed of my decision by letter dated 10 March 2008 wherein he was required to present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) at 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 on Thursday 27 March 2008 in order to make travel arrangements for his deportation from the State. He presented as required and was given a further presentation date of Thursday 24 April 2008. The enforcement of the deportation order is now an operational matter for the Bureau.
883 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an asylum application in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11847/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 6 October 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), he was informed, by letter dated 12 January 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of submitting written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered before the file is passed to me for decision.
884 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the residency application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11848/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 465 of Tuesday 26 February 2008, No. 935 of Wednesday 26 September 2007, No. 654 of Tuesday 26 June 2007, No. 486 of Wednesday 31 January 2007 and No. 176 of Thursday 9 February 2006 and the written Replies to those Questions.
The person concerned arrived in the State on 28 February 2004 and made an application for asylum on 1 March 2004. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 13 September 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.
On 10 October 2006, regulations known as the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006) came into force. The person concerned was notified by letter dated 22 January 2008 that he could, if he so wished, submit an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State. He was also invited to update his earlier representations to the Minister. He was requested to respond within 15 working days. Updated representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned. An application for Subsidiary Protection in the State has also been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and this application is currently under consideration in my Department. When this consideration has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is unsuccessful, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will be carefully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, in advance of the file being passed to me for decision.
885 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the anomaly whereby a person (details supplied) resident in the Six Counties for over five years is being denied the right to apply for citizenship under the rule which enables those living in Ireland for five years to apply for naturalisation; his views on whether this is contrary to the Good Friday Agreement which states that the two Governments must recognise the birthright of all the people of Northern Ireland to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British, or both, as they may so choose, and accordingly confirm that their right to hold both British and Irish citizenship is accepted by both Governments; if he will ensure that this anomaly is rectified and that those resident anywhere on the island of Ireland for the statutory minimum period would be entitled to apply for naturalisation. [11899/08]
The Deputy will appreciate that naturalisation is a method of obtaining citizenship based on the residence of the applicant. The approach taken in such cases is not therefore, anomalous with this Article nor is it contrary to the Good Friday Agreement.
886 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 511 of 18 December 2007, when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11901/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 511 on 18 December 2007. The position remains as stated.
887 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to whether the harassment of a person (details supplied) by gardaí in Dun Laoghaire is ongoing; further to his letter of 1 November 2007 in which he stated the matter was receiving attention in his Department, the form this attention took; and the outcome of same. [11931/08]
I understand that the person to whom the Deputy refers has made a complaint in relation to this matter to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. The Ombudsman Commission is statutorily independent in its examination of complaints and I have no role in the matter.
888 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for asylum by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11949/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 16 February 2005 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 8 August 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered before the file is passed to me for decision.
889 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if all documentation relative to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny has been submitted; and when a decision will be made regarding family reunification. [11967/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a Family Reunification application in June 2005. The person in question was informed in July 2007 that the Family Reunification application on behalf of his wife had been refused and that the Family Reunification applications on behalf of his two children had been approved. In the course of processing the visa applications for the two children of the person in question, queries arose in relation to the authenticity of certain documents submitted. This issue is currently being investigated. The Immigration Division of my Department will be in touch with the person in question on completion of the investigation.
890 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for long-term residency by a person (details supplied). [11972/08]
The Immigration Division of my Department informs me that an application for long term residency was received in August 2006 from the individual referred to in the Deputy's question. The Immigration Division is currently processing applications for long term residency received in August 2006. A letter has recently been forwarded to the person concerned seeking further documentation in support of their application. On receipt of this documentation the Immigration Division will consider the application further.
891 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11981/08]
I have no record of receiving correspondence from the Deputy in relation to the matter to which he refers. It is open to the person in question to make a complaint to the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission 150 Upper Abbey Street, Dublin 1. The Commission is independent in the exercise of its functions and is not subject to direction by myself or the Garda Commissioner in relation to the manner in which complaints are investigated. A complaint may be made to any member of the Garda Síochána at any Garda Station; to any member of the Garda Síochána at or above the rank of Chief Superintendent at a place other than a Garda Station; to the Garda Commissioner or directly to an officer or member of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. A complaint may be made directly to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission by calling in person to the Dublin office during the stated hours of public business; in writing; by phone Lo-call 1890 600800; by fax; or by using www.gardaombudsman.ie. It is not possible for me in law to forward any complaint directly to the Commission.
892 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason no decision has been made on the application of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford to remain here on humanitarian grounds since 2005. [11987/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 23 September 2002 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 16 March 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered before the file is passed to me for decision.
893 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 485 of 18 December 2007, the status of the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12005/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 485 of Tuesday 18 December 2007, No. 249 of Wednesday 5 December 2007 and No. 122 of Thursday 4 October 2007 and the written Replies to those Questions. The person concerned arrived in the State on 4 May 2004 and made an application for asylum on 5 May 2004. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 30 January 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.
On 10 October 2006, regulations known as the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006) came into force. An application for Subsidiary Protection in the State has been received on behalf of the person concerned, his wife and their dependents. However, this application was signed by only one of the adult applicants and as such is deemed to be invalid without the signatures of both adult parties to the application. This was made known to the legal representative of the person concerned, by letter dated 1 October 2007. This communication also advised the legal representative in question that as they were not the solicitor on record, it was necessary for them to submit a signed letter of authority from the person concerned. However, to date, no completed Subsidiary Protection application has been received on behalf of the person concerned. Neither has the required letter of authority been received from the legal representative in question. The case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will be carefully considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement in advance of the file being passed to me for decision.
894 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12037/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have approved the application of the person in question and a certificate of naturalisation has recently been issued.
895 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12038/08]
Officials in the Citizenship section inform me that processing of the applications of the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question are at an advanced stage and the files will be forwarded to me for a decision in the very near future. I will inform the Deputy and the individuals concerned when I have reached a decision on the matter.
896 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a contract has been awarded for the provision of a centre (details supplied) in County Mayo. [12053/08]
905 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for accommodating asylum seekers in premises (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12097/08]
910 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum seekers and refugees currently residing in County Mayo; and the breakdown per urban centres in the county. [12136/08]
911 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum seekers currently living here; and the breakdown per county of this number. [12137/08]
917 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Reception and Integration Agency are in negotiations with the owners of a hotel (details supplied) in County Mayo for the purpose of providing a direct provision centre for asylum seekers in the town of Ballina; and if so, the state these negotiations are at. [12220/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 896, 905, 910, 911 and 917 together.
In order to deal comprehensively with the matters raised in these questions, it is firstly necessary to give some background to the issue of accommodating asylum seekers. The Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) was established on 2 April, 2001 under the aegis of my Department. It replaced the Directorate of Asylum Support Services (DASS) and the Refugee Agency. The reception function of the Agency has as its principal task the provision of accommodation to asylum seekers while their applications for asylum are processed.
RIA is also responsible for the co-ordination of the delivery of other services (including health, social welfare and education) to them. RIA accommodates asylum seekers, principally in accordance with the policy of direct provision. Direct provision is the means by which the State discharges its obligations to provide for the basic requirements of asylum seekers. For the most part, this involves a cashless system with the State assuming responsibility for providing suitable accommodation on a full board basis, together with certain exceptional needs welfare payments. Direct provision was introduced on 10 April, 2000 and brought Ireland into line with other EU Member States. All accommodation costs, together with the costs of meals, heat, light, laundry and maintenance are paid directly by the State.
To achieve its objective, the RIA is required to source accommodation throughout Ireland for accommodating asylum seekers. There are currently 62 such centres (including two Reception centres) in 22 counties in the State. In seven such centres the land and buildings are owned by the State but in all other cases the land and buildings are owned or leased by private companies. The day-to-day running of all RIA accommodation centres is carried out by commercial operators under contract to RIA. The RIA does not ‘lease' or ‘purchase' premises from commercial operators. Rather it ‘contracts-in' a comprehensive range of services, which include accommodation, catering, housekeeping, etc., for a fixed period of time. In July 2006, the RIA placed a national advertisement seeking expressions of interest from persons who could offer suitable accommodation for asylum seekers. A similar advertisement was placed in January of this year. In fulfilling its remit to provide accommodation for asylum seekers, the RIA examines all offers of accommodation as to their suitability and decisions on the possible use of individual premises are taken on the basis of current needs at any particular time.
The RIA endeavours to achieve the best value for money for the taxpayer in its ongoing negotiations with commercial organisations which provide services for asylum-seekers. It must be understood that, in most cases, contract negotiations between RIA and service providers are still in play right up to the point where the contract is signed. It is normal for asylum seekers to be placed in such centres immediately after the signing of the contract. It is acknowledged that this results in very short notice to other State service providers such as social services, health and other services.
It cannot be emphasised enough that RIA is a demand driven organisation and operates in an environment akin to a "just-in-time" supply organisation. There are currently 6,709 asylum seekers in RIA accommodation. In the past twelve months, an additional 920 persons had to be accommodated by RIA. This equates to approximately 18 new bed spaces per week. RIA is required to provide accommodation based on what is actually on offer arising from the advertising process cited above. The percentage of asylum seekers in particular counties may rise and fall but it is the overriding aim of RIA to ensure that dispersals to counties outside Dublin are allocated proportionately over time.
In relation to the premises which is the subject of the questions, no contract has been signed between RIA and a service provider in relation to the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers. It is, moreover, the practice not to comment on any issues regarding procurement for asylum seeker accommodation given the commercial sensitivities cited above. As to the statistical element of these questions, I attach to this answer a table showing, by county, the percentage of asylum seekers in the direct provision system in relation to the county population as a whole as recorded in the 2006 Census. There is no legal requirement for recognised refugees to reside in a particular place so statistics are not available as to the number of refugees resident in each county. Statistics are not available in relation to asylum seekers resident in each county who do not available of accommodation provided by RIA.
There are currently two accommodation centres in County Mayo, viz., the Old Convent, Ballyhaunis and the Railway Hotel, Kiltimagh, which currently accommodate 309 and 76 persons respectively. As can be seen, the current percentage in relation to Mayo is 0.31%.
|
Occupancy Levels Week Ending 23/03/08 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
County |
Populations 2006 Census |
Current Occup. |
Occupancy as % of pop |
|
% |
|||
|
Carlow |
50,349 |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Cavan |
64,003 |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Clare |
110,950 |
310 |
0.28 |
|
Cork |
481,295 |
925 |
0.19 |
|
Donegal |
147,264 |
50 |
0.03 |
|
Dublin |
1,187,176 |
1001 |
0.08 |
|
Galway |
231,670 |
673 |
0.29 |
|
Kerry |
139,835 |
416 |
0.30 |
|
Kildare |
186,335 |
85 |
0.05 |
|
Laois |
67,059 |
223 |
0.33 |
|
Leitrim |
28,950 |
46 |
0.16 |
|
Limerick |
184,055 |
237 |
0.13 |
|
Longford |
34,391 |
87 |
0.25 |
|
Louth |
111,367 |
217 |
0.19 |
|
Mayo |
123,839 |
385 |
0.31 |
|
Meath |
162,831 |
747 |
0.46 |
|
Monaghan |
55,997 |
141 |
0.25 |
|
Offaly |
70,868 |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Roscommon |
58,768 |
65 |
0.11 |
|
Sligo |
60,894 |
209 |
0.34 |
|
Tipperary North |
66,023 |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Tipperary South |
83,221 |
94 |
0.11 |
|
Waterford |
107,961 |
382 |
0.35 |
|
Westmeath |
79,346 |
327 |
0.41 |
|
Wexford |
131,749 |
50 |
0.04 |
|
Wicklow |
126,194 |
39 |
0.03 |
|
6,709 |
897 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to, or if he has been notified by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission of a review being undertaken of the staffing requirements with regard to decentralisation of part of its staffing complement to Roscrea and Longford; when such a review was initiated; when it was concluded or is expected to be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12061/08]
898 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects staff at the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission will be decentralised to Roscrea and Longford; if any of the existing complement of staff at the GSOC in Dublin are obliged by virtue of their employment contract or status as civil servants to relocate to those offices as part of the decentralisation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12062/08]
899 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to, or if he has been notified by, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission of a review being undertaken of the staffing requirements with regard to decentralisation of part of its staffing complement to Roscrea and Longford; the reason for such a review; when such a review was initiated; when it was concluded or is expected to be concluded; if in the spirit of partnership all the staff or their representatives at GSOC headquarters have been fully involved and consulted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12063/08]
900 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, having regard to his statutory responsibilities, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, and with particular regard to his response to Parliamentary Question No. 552 of 12 February 2008, he will respond in full to the question and confirm whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that a pivotal post sanctioned in July 2006, at principal officer level, as head of corporate affairs at the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission under the Dublin central application facility has been suppressed as per a communication dated 22 August 2007 from the GSOC directly with the officer concerned who was offered and accepted assignment to the post under the Dublin CAF; if he was notified of such a decision in advance or subsequently; the reason for the decision in the context of amending the related Department of Finance sanction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12065/08]
901 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he supports Government decentralisation policy in all its aspects including the Dublin central applications facility arrangements agreed centrally with the unions; his views on the view expressed by the Department of Finance by letter dated 20 October 2007 to the director of administration at the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission that the GSOC does not have a veto on appointments under the Dublin CAF arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12066/08]
902 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 552 of 12 February 2008 and in view of his responsibility for the effective corporate governance of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, the reason he does not involve himself in matters relating to the filling of vacancies relating to the GSOC in view of the gravity of the situation at the GSOC whereby, by its own admission publicly, it is severely backlogged with complaints which is damaging public confidence in the complaints procedures and noting the indications he has given in media comments that he will introduce legislative changes to relieve the burden on the GSOC; his views on whether the situation would be greatly improved, including staff morale, if the GSOC acted to fill its full complement of sanctioned posts including that of head of corporate affairs responsible, inter alia, for human resources recruitment and oversight of the complaints casework unit which has remained vacant since the post was sanctioned in July 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12067/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 897 to 902, inclusive, together.
I can confirm that I am fully supportive of Government policy in relation to decentralisation which is of course a voluntary process for civil service staff and I am pleased to note that, with two years of my Department's programme still to run, close to five hundred posts have now been transferred, representing 50% of my overall commitment. While I am responsible to Government for delivering this programme — which involves 12 separate organisations including the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission — I do not oversee the filling of each individual vacancy within that cohort of posts. I am aware that the Office of Public Works are looking at a number of possibilities in relation to the provision of permanent office accommodation for the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission in Roscrea in order to meet the target date for the movement of staff by mid-2009.
Furthermore, I recently performed the official opening ceremony for the new decentralised Irish Prison Service Headquarters in Longford town and I can confirm that the Commission have been allocated office space in that building. I understand that the precise staffing structures for the Longford office are still being worked out by the Commission as part of their evolving decentralisation strategy in the context of their implementation plan. I have no involvement in any review in that regard or in any deliberations by the Ombudsman Commission on the correct balance between Head Office and decentralised posts. That is a matter for the Ombudsman Commission. I am aware that since October 2007, the Commission has been actively recruiting additional investigative and administrative staff but I have not been, and do not expect to be, briefed on the impact of each individual appointment.
With regard to the issue of the processing of complaints by the Ombudsman Commission, I can confirm that I am in receipt of the Report by the Commission into its effectiveness and the adequacy of its functions and also its Second Annual Report. Section 80 of the Garda Siochana Act 2005 obliges the Ombudsman Commission to report to me in a specific manner and those reports form part of that mechanism. I am obliged by law to lay each report before both Houses of the Oireachtas. I intend to do so in the near future.
903 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has a system for logging communications from members of the public and responding to the queries raised; and if it has broken down in the case of correspondence from a person (details supplied). [12074/08]
I can inform the Deputy that all electronic correspondence of the type referred to by the Deputy is logged and tracked to the relevant Division of my Department for attention. Due to an administrative oversight the particular correspondence in question was forwarded to the wrong area within my Department. I can, however, inform the Deputy that a response has issued to the person in question and the delay in responding is regretted.
904 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding long stay residency for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12080/08]
The position in relation to long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
The Immigration Division of my Department received an application for long term residency in July 2006 in relation to the individual referred to in the Deputy's question and will be in touch shortly with the person concerned.
906 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be reached in regard to the asylum application of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12098/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 1 September 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), he was informed, by letter dated 18 March 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). While no response has been received to date, the Deputy might note that the 15 working day period has not yet elapsed.
907 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be reached in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12099/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.
While it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications, I would point out to the Deputy that delays in finalising cases can occur for a variety of reasons, including giving applicants and appellants the fullest opportunity possible to present their cases and the determination of Judicial Review proceedings, where appellants pursue such a course of action.
Where the latter is relevant, the time taken to discharge any proceedings is a matter for the Courts and is not something that I, as Minister, can comment on. It is, of course, open to the applicant or the appellant to withdraw any Judicial Review proceedings which they may have instigated and this would allow for their appeal to be processed in the normal manner. A final decision on this application will be made upon receipt of the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
908 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when naturalisation will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12100/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in June 2007.
Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in August 2005 and have approximately 12,000 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person in question. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants.
However, I understand that the person concerned is a refugee. In accordance with the Government's obligations under the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, every effort is made to ensure that applications from persons with refugee status are dealt with as quickly as possible, having regard to the general volume of applications on hand. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the application will commence in early 2009. I will inform the Deputy and the individual in question when I have reached a decision on the matter.
909 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be reached in the subsidiary protection application of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12135/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 4 May 2007 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), he was informed, by letter dated 5 March 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned will be passed to me for decision.
912 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 473 of 11 March 2008, where he states that applications for long term residency received in August 2006 were currently being dealt with and Parliamentary Question No. 181 of 4 July 2007 where he stated that applications received for long term residency in June 2006 were currently being dealt with, the reason in eight months, the applications currently being dealt with only moved two months. [12140/08]
The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service receives a considerable and diverse range of applications for permission to remain in the State including applications for long term residency. As the Deputy will appreciate, the processing time for dealing with such applications can vary depending on the type of application involved and the particular circumstances of the individual concerned.
In all instances, processing arrangements are kept under ongoing review and steps are taken to ensure that applications are dealt with as quickly as possible having regard to overall resources across the full range of services provided by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service. I understand that following the redeployment of resources within the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, additional personnel have recently been assigned to deal with applications for long term residency. I am satisfied that these additional resources will make an impact in processing the backlog on hand and dealing with the ongoing increase in the number of applications being received.
913 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application by a person (details supplied) in Cork City for leave to remain in the State on humanitarian grounds. [12149/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 13 February 2002 and made an application for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 26 September 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned. An application for residence in the State based on marriage to an EU National was received from the person concerned on 9 October 2006. Following the consideration of this application, a decision to refuse the application was made and the person concerned was informed of this decision by registered letter dated 29 May 2007. The case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will be carefully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, in advance of the file being passed to me for decision.
914 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in relation to applications for permission to remain in the State under the IBC/05 scheme, a judgement has been made by the Supreme Court in this regard; if so, the decision made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12217/08]
I wish to inform the Deputy that judgments of the Supreme Court were delivered on 20th December, 2007 on five of the eight cases before the Court in relation to the IBC/05 Scheme. In all five cases the IBC/05 scheme, and the refusal of applications thereunder, was upheld by unanimous decision of the Court. Judgments are expected in early May on the further three grounds which remain before the Court.
915 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for permission to remain in the State under the IBC/05 scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and the documentation the applicant failed to submit to complete the application process. [12218/08]
916 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the birth certificate of a child (details supplied) in County Mayo will be returned to their mother. [12219/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 915 and 916 together.
I wish to inform the Deputy that the birth certificate concerned has been located and is being returned to the person concerned by registered post. In relation to the person's application for permission to remain under the IBC/05 Scheme, I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No 858 of 11th December, 2007. In addition to the information given in that reply I wish to add further that the specific criterion which the person failed to satisfy was that of evidence of continuous residency in the State since the birth of the applicant's Irish born child.
The person concerned was informed of this decision by letter, dated 14th December 2005. The position taken by my Department in relation to the issue of continuous residency was upheld by the Supreme Court in its judgments, delivered on 20th December 2007, on matters relating to the IBC Scheme. Those applicants who were refused under the IBC/05 Scheme, and who are not legally resident in the State on another basis, are being dealt with under Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999. The person concerned will be written to shortly regarding her current status in the State.
918 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will clarify the future status of Fermoy Garda Station as divisional headquarters for Cork north in view of the fact that provision has been made in the Garda Policing Plan 2008 to relocate the divisional headquarters to Mallow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12245/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 668 of 19th February last which sets out the position.
919 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the concern of an association (details supplied) in Dublin 24 in relation to what they describe as the increasing drugs problem in their area; if he will provide extra resources to the Gardaí to deal with the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12267/08]
As the Deputy will appreciate, policing operations and the deployment of Garda resources are matters for the Garda Commissioner. It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel within the Garda organisation on a priority basis in accordance with overall policing requirements. The area referred to is in Tallaght Garda District, which I am informed by the Garda authorities has a dedicated Drug Unit, consisting of one (1) Sergeant and ten (10) Gardaí, an increase of 20% on 2007 personnel resources.
I am further advised that the District Drug Unit is very active and runs local operations and initiatives targeting the sale and distribution of drugs within the District, assisted as required by the Garda National Drugs Unit. An increase in the number of drug seizures has been recorded in the District compared with the same period in 2007, including the number of detections of Simple Possession (Section 3, Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977/84) offences. Members of An Garda Síochána from Tallaght also give talks and participate in discussions at local schools and events organised by various residents' and other community-based groups, where advice on drug abuse is provided for parents and young people.
All members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with enforcing legislation, including drug-related legislation. They also participate in various continuous development programmes and other in-service training programmes, including those run by the Garda National Drugs Unit in the area of test purchasing. This facilitates the running of initiatives under Operation ‘Cleanstreet' which targets on-street drug dealing within Tallaght Garda District. Finally, I am assured by the Garda authorities that personnel strengths are kept under regular review by local Garda management in conjunction with crime trends, including drug-related crime in the area and other demands on the Garda service.
920 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí stationed in Manorhamilton, County Leitrim. [12273/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Manorhamilton Garda District and Garda Station on 29 February, 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 50 and 26 respectively.
The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual divisions, districts and stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers. It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. In that regard, the needs of the Garda District referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Districts throughout the country.
921 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the name of every body, organisation and committee outside his Department, other than semi-State commercial companies, that have been established by and report to his Department, at any stage during the year 2007 and the first three months of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12302/08]
I have set out the information as requested by the Deputy in tabular form.
|
Name of Body / Organisation / Committee |
Date of establishment |
|
Criminal Law Codification Advisory Committee |
February 2007 |
|
National Commission on Restorative Justice |
March 2007 |
|
Private Security Appeal Board |
August 2007 |
|
Government Alcohol Advisory Group |
January 2008 (the Advisory Group submitted its report to the Minister on 31 March, 2008) |
|
Appeal Tribunal under Part 3 of the Prisons Act 2007 |
February 2008 |
|
Office of the Garda Síochána Confidential Recipient |
March 2008 |
|
High Level Group on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings |
March 2008 |
In addition to the bodies referred to above, and for the sake of completeness and to avoid any misunderstanding, a number of executive offices have been established within my Department during the period in question, dealing respectively with Internet Safety, Anti-Human Trafficking and the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence.
922 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, when a member of the prison service resigns from the service to join An Garda Síochána, they will carry across to their new position their annual increments in salary that they earned in the prison service; and if their years in the former service are recognised for pension purposes in the later service. [12309/08]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that an officer who transfers from the Irish Prison Service to An Garda Síochána is entitled to transfer all of his/her service for the purposes of the Garda Síochána Pension Scheme. The officer is not, however, entitled to carry across any salary entitlements from the Prison Service.
923 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the Stardust inquiry and the support given to families to date. [12328/08]
I can inform the Deputy that, to date, €300,000 has been issued, of a total of €400,000 approved for the purpose of assisting the Stardust Victims' Committee to participate in the examination in question.
924 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has used helicopters for any purpose for each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the reason for such use; the suppliers of the helicopter; the dates and locations visited and distance travelled; the cost of same and persons carried; if quotations were sought for such trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12423/08]
I presume the Deputy's question does not relate to the helicopters in use by the Garda Air Support Unit for operational policing purposes.
My Department availed of Aer Corps Helicopters for official purposes during the period in question. I understand that the Department of Defence is to provide the Deputy with details in this regard. I am also continuing to make enquiries to establish whether private helicopter transport for official purposes was availed of during this period and I will be in touch with the Deputy again in this regard.
925 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will put in a safety and security plan at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [12429/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of two recent incidents at the premises concerned. A person has been arrested and charged in connection with these incidents and was remanded in custody by the Court.
The Divisional Crime Prevention Officer has visited the premises concerned and has provided crime prevention and security advice to the proprietor. Additional Garda patrols, including the Community Policing Unit and the Mountain Bike Units, supplemented as required by the District Detective Unit and the Divisional Task Force and Traffic Corps Units have been directed to pay particular attention to this area, with a view to ensuring a visible Garda presence. The situation will continue to be monitored by local Garda management.
Current policing policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property, the prevention of public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of the policing service in this area.
926 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the concerns raised by the families of victims of the Stardust tragedy regarding a potential conflict of interest of the investigating officers appointed by the Government to review evidence about the causes of the fire that led to the loss of life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12439/08]
I can inform the Deputy that the concerns referred to are currently under consideration and that there is ongoing communication with the Committee representing the families and their legal advisors on these matters.
927 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) who is appealing the order for their deportation. [12440/08]
The persons concerned applied for asylum in the State on 20th January 2005. Their applications were refused and deportation orders were made in respect of them on 23 November 2005. The applicants instituted judicial review proceedings on 13 January 2006 challenging the decision to make deportation orders in respect of them. The proceedings were determined on 30 January 2008 when the reliefs sought were refused by the High Court. The applicants were refused a certificate to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court on 13 March 2008.
The persons in question submitted applications for subsidiary protection pursuant to the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 S.I. 518 of the 2006 ('the Regulations') on 3 March 2008. These applicants are persons in respect of whom deportation orders were signed before the coming into force of the Regulations on 10 October 2006, and as such are not automatically entitled to apply for Subsidiary Protection under the Regulations. In situations where an individual does not have an automatic right to apply for subsidiary protection but has identified new facts or circumstances which demonstrate a change of position from that which pertained at the time the deportation orders were made, I may exercise discretion under Regulation 4(2) of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 S.I. No. 518 of 2006 to accept and consider an application for Subsidiary Protection.
Following consideration of the information submitted by the applicants, it was concluded they have established no grounds to show that there are new or altered circumstances from the time the deportation orders were made. The applicants were informed by letter dated 19 March 2008 that I had decided not to exercise discretion pursuant to Regulation 4(2) of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 — S.I. 518 of the 2006 to accept and consider applications for subsidiary protection from them. The applicants instituted judicial proceedings on 20 March 2008 challenging that decision. As the matter is sub judice, I do not propose to comment further.
928 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the headline offences recorded and detected for each of the 18 districts in the Dublin metropolitan areas, in Dublin as a whole and nationally for the year 2002. [12497/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the attached tables provide the number of headline offences, recorded and detected in each Garda District in the Dublin Metropolitan Region in 2002.
The figures for headline offences recorded and detected for each Garda Division in the State in 2002 are available in the relevant Garda Annual Report, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas library.
|
District |
Recorded |
Detected |
|
Blackrock |
2,184 |
628 |
|
Blanchardstown |
3,349 |
1,168 |
|
Bray |
1,875 |
528 |
|
Bridewell |
1,569 |
650 |
|
Clondalkin |
2,528 |
810 |
|
Coolock |
2,308 |
895 |
|
Crumlin |
1,855 |
548 |
|
Donnybrook |
1,936 |
706 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
1,898 |
689 |
|
Fitzgibbon Street |
3,009 |
1,138 |
|
Kevin Street |
2,778 |
901 |
|
Lucan |
2,333 |
817 |
|
Pearse Street |
6,997 |
2,678 |
|
Raheny |
1,954 |
490 |
|
Tallaght |
3,735 |
1,438 |
|
Terenure |
1,880 |
477 |
|
Santry |
2,258 |
1,052 |
|
Store Street |
6,213 |
3,525 |
929 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the headline offences recorded and detected in the Balbriggan District in each year since 2000 to date in 2008. [12498/08]
Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006.
I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics since 2003 sought by the Deputy directly to him. Statistics for years prior to 2003 are available in the relevant Annual Reports of An Garda Síochána, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library.
930 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant short term residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath to facilitate a full review of the situation in Kenya and their liability to persecution and victimisation in the event of deportation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12499/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 4 August 2005 and applied for asylum on 11 August 2005. Owing to doubts as to the age of the person concerned at that time, she was initially assessed to be an adult but this position was revised following a review of the case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Health Services Executive. As a result of this review, the person concerned was accepted as being a minor and permitted to re-apply for asylum which she duly did on 19 May 2006. Her asylum application was refused following the consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 5 March 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). While no response has been received to date, the Deputy might note that the 15 working day period referred to has not yet elapsed.
The position in the State of the person concerned will be considered further upon receipt of a response to my Department's letter of 5 March 2008.
931 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will defer his decision to deport in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12500/08]
The persons concerned arrived in the State on 12th July, 2005 and applied for asylum. Their applications were refused and deportation orders were made in respect of them on 11th August, 2006. The Applicants instituted Judicial Review proceedings on 15th September, 2006 challenging the decision to make the deportation orders in respect of them.
The applicants in question submitted an application for subsidiary protection pursuant to the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 S.I. No. 518 of 2006 ('The Regulations') on 9th January, 2007. They were informed on 19th January, 2007 that their application was invalid as deportation orders had been made in respect of them prior to the coming into force of the Regulations on 10th October, 2006. Judicial review proceedings challenging this decision were instituted on 22nd February, 2007.
These Judicial Review proceedings were settled following the Judgment of Mr. Justice Feeney in the cases of Hila and Djolo, where he determined that under Regulation 4(2) of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 S.I. No. 518 of 2006 the Minister has discretion to accept and consider applications for subsidiary protection from persons who do not have an automatic right to apply but who have identified new facts or circumstances which demonstrate a change of position from that which pertained at the time the deportation order was made.
The applicants submitted an application pursuant to Regulation 4(2) of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 S.I. No. 518 of 2006 on 26th November 2007, requesting that I exercise discretion to accept and consider an application for Subsidiary Protection under the Regulation. Following a consideration of the material submitted by the applicants, it was concluded that the applicants had established no grounds which would enable me to exercise discretion under Regulation 4(2). The applicants were notified of my decision on 14th March 2008.
The Judicial Review proceedings challenging the validity of the Deportation Orders are still on going and as that matter is sub judice, I do not propose to comment further.
932 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, regarding summer and winter time arrangements as agreed under EU Directive 2000/84/EC, a submission was made by his Department or other Government agency or body to the European Commission before 31 July 2007 regarding the implications of summer time arrangements for Ireland, in line with article 5 of the Directive; if consideration has been given to the extension of the summer-time period each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12506/08]
I can inform the Deputy that my Department, in accordance with EU Directive 2000/84/EC, compiled and communicated submissions in respect of this issue to the European Commission from a number of relevant Departments and semi-state bodies in July, 2007. I can also advise the Deputy that there are no plans to change the present summer-time arrangements.
933 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding grant aid for playgrounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11281/08]
979 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a list of the awards made to County Kerry under the 2007 playground grants scheme. [11928/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 933 and 979 together.
Grant aid in respect of 161 playgrounds has been awarded to local authorities by my Department under the 2004, 2005 and 2006 playground schemes. Progress with the completion of these projects is a matter for the individual local authorities and time scales have varied considerably due to a range of planning and procurement issues locally. Consideration of a scheme in 2007 was deferred to allow local authorities to make progress with over 80 outstanding projects. I expect to make an announcement regarding a new scheme shortly.
934 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the next phase of the regeneration project for an estate (details supplied) in County Clare will take place; if funding is ring-fenced for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11332/08]
The Department has received an outline submission in respect of the next and final phase of this scheme and is currently in discussions with the local authority concerned to progress this. Following these discussions the local authority must submit an application for funding for this phase of the scheme.
935 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the National Development Finance Agency was involved in an advisory capacity in the Dublin waste to energy project in 2006, from 1 January 2007 to 28 February 2007 and after 28 February 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12289/08]
1004 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide information in relation to the Dublin waste to energy project as to the substance of the proposed or actual contractual arrangements or understandings between Dublin City Council and the selected private partner as at 14 September 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12285/08]
1005 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide information in relation to the Dublin waste to energy project as to the substance of the proposed or actual contractual arrangements or understandings that the project board which was chaired by Dublin City Council signed off on 14 May 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12286/08]
1006 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide information in relation to the Dublin waste to energy project as to subsequent changes to the proposed or actual contractual arrangements or understandings made after 14 May 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12287/08]
1007 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide information in relation to the Dublin waste to energy project as to the similarity or otherwise of the project specifications in technical or financial terms in all the arrangements concluded by Dublin City Council with the selected partner or partners between 2007 and 1 November 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12288/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 935 and 1004 to 1007, inclusive, together.
The facility in question is provided for in the Dublin regional waste management plan for which the four Dublin local authorities have statutory responsibility under the Waste Management Acts. Section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act, 1996 precludes the Minister from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority of a function conferred on it under the Act.
In view of the project's status as a prospective public private partnership, my Department was involved in certifying that the procurement was conducted in accordance with public policy on the procurement of infrastructure in this way. The Department by letter dated 14 September 2005 advised Dublin City Council, which acts as lead authority for the project, that having considered the submissions received in respect of the procurement process there was no objection to Dublin City Council proceeding to enter into contractual arrangements with the selected private partner. My Department and the NDFA had representation on the project board established to manage the procurement process. The project board did not have a role in regard to the contractual arrangements subsequently entered into by Dublin City Council. My Department is not a party to this contract and has no further role in the matter.
936 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of inspections of private rented accommodation in 2005, 2006 and 2007; the number which did not meet housing standards in each year; and the number of prosecutions of landlords in each year. [12565/08]
975 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of inspectors employed by each local authority for the inspection of rented dwellings; the breakdown of rented dwellings, both private and local authority, per local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11864/08]
976 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the fee payable by landlords registering with the Private Residential Tenancies Board; the amount of that fee allocated to cover the cost of inspecting the accommodation; the funds from other sources allocated to inspections; the average cost of carrying out an inspection; if the money collected for inspection is allocated in full to the local authority responsible for the rented dwelling or if not in full, at what percentage; the amount allocated to each local authority in each year since the setting up of the PRTB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11865/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 936, 975 and 976 together.
Standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993, made under section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations. Failure to do so is an offence, subject, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €3,000, or a term of six months in prison or both and €250 for each day of a continuing offence. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority, supported by a dedicated stream of funding allocated by my Department.
As I have no function in relation to staffing arrangements for inspection purposes, information on the number of inspectors employed by each local authority for this purpose is not available in my Department.
Details of the numbers of private rented housing registrations and local authority houses let are published in the Annual Housing Statistics Bulletins, which are available in the Oireachtas Library and on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Details of the numbers of inspections of private rented accommodation carried out in 2005 and 2006, the number of dwellings inspected which did not meet the statutory standards and the number of prosecutions taken are also included in these publications. Similar information in respect of 2007 is not yet available.
The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 provides for a registration fee of €70 per tenancy where the tenancy is registered within one month of the commencement of the tenancy and a fee of €140 where the tenancy is registered after this period. The Act also provides for a composite fee of €300 for multiple tenancies in one building, which is not available to late registration of multiple tenancies. €50 of each €70 fee is used to support local authorities in performing their functions in relation to the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993 and the Housing (Rent Books) Regulations 1993 and other provisions of the Housing Acts relating to private rented accommodation.
The allocation of additional funds from other local authority sources towards inspections is a matter for individual authorities. Information on the average cost of carrying out an inspection is not available in my Department.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 140 of 10 October 2007 in relation to the funding allocated to local authorities in 2004, 2005 and 2006 from the proceeds of tenancy registration fees. Details of the first tranche (€1.5m) of funding in respect of 2007 inspection activity are set out in the following table. The second tranche (€1.5m) of this funding will issue shortly to local authorities based on their inspection outturns. Given that allocations are increasingly linked to inspection performance, where a particular authority's inspection activity is low relative to others, this is reflected in reduced allocations.
|
First tranche of 2007 funding |
|
|
County Councils |
|
|
Carlow |
10,814.00 |
|
Cavan |
5,552.00 |
|
Clare |
17,540.00 |
|
Cork |
45,322.00 |
|
Donegal |
31,840.00 |
|
Dun L Rathdown |
81,064.00 |
|
Fingal |
75,035.00 |
|
Galway |
23,094.00 |
|
Kerry |
41,005.00 |
|
Kildare |
37,434.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
8,827.00 |
|
Laois |
10,638.00 |
|
Leitrim |
20,932.00 |
|
Limerick |
20,438.00 |
|
Longford |
12,295.00 |
|
Louth |
16,498.00 |
|
Mayo |
11,687.00 |
|
Meath |
13,560.00 |
|
Monaghan |
1,638.00 |
|
North Tipperary |
14,427.00 |
|
Offaly |
24,393.00 |
|
Roscommon |
22,382.00 |
|
Sligo |
6,160.00 |
|
South Dublin |
113,998.00 |
|
South Tipperary |
6,542.00 |
|
Waterford |
14,106.00 |
|
Westmeath |
15,637.00 |
|
Wexford |
10,206.00 |
|
Wicklow |
9,963.00 |
|
City Councils |
|
|
Cork |
91,319.00 |
|
Dublin |
426,191.00 |
|
Galway |
58,185.00 |
|
Limerick |
41,441.00 |
|
Waterford |
36,086.00 |
|
Town/Borough Councils |
|
|
Carlow |
2,486.00 |
|
Cavan |
1,000.00 |
|
Ennis |
5,128.00 |
|
Kilrush |
1,000.00 |
|
Fermoy |
1,217.00 |
|
Macroom |
1,000.00 |
|
Mallow |
2,146.00 |
|
Kinsale |
1,000.00 |
|
Midleton |
1,819.00 |
|
Youghal |
1,000.00 |
|
Clonakilty |
1,000.00 |
|
Cobh |
1,167.00 |
|
Skibbereen |
1,000.00 |
|
Buncrana |
1,000.00 |
|
Bundoran |
1,000.00 |
|
Letterkenny |
2,564.00 |
|
Ballinasloe |
1,593.00 |
|
Killarney |
3,416.00 |
|
Listowel |
1,000.00 |
|
Tralee |
8,332.00 |
|
Athy |
1,000.00 |
|
Naas |
2,978.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
4,367.00 |
|
Longford |
1,475.00 |
|
Drogheda |
6,341.00 |
|
Dundalk |
2,704.00 |
|
Ballina |
1,450.00 |
|
Castlebar |
2,597.00 |
|
Westport |
3,881.00 |
|
Kells |
1,000.00 |
|
Navan |
1,757.00 |
|
Trim |
1,000.00 |
|
Carrickmacross |
1,000.00 |
|
Castleblayney |
1,000.00 |
|
Clones |
1,000.00 |
|
Monaghan |
1,000.00 |
|
Nenagh |
1,081.00 |
|
Templemore |
1,000.00 |
|
Thurles |
1,000.00 |
|
Birr |
1,000.00 |
|
Tullamore |
3,056.00 |
|
Sligo |
12,121.00 |
|
Carrick-on-suir |
1,000.00 |
|
Cashel |
1,000.00 |
|
Clonmel |
4,416.00 |
|
Tipperary |
1,000.00 |
|
Dungarvan |
1,655.00 |
|
Athlone |
5,800.00 |
|
Enniscorthy |
6,910.00 |
|
New Ross |
1,086.00 |
|
Wexford |
6,411.00 |
|
Arklow |
3,543.00 |
|
Bray |
5,818.00 |
|
Wicklow |
2,194.00 |
937 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of projects (detail supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11201/08]
970 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of projects (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11733/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 937 and 970 together.
My Department is working with Limerick County Council to advance the sewerage schemes approved for Co. Limerick as quickly as possible. Details of these schemes are set out in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009 which is available in the Oireachtas Library. The most up to date information in relation to the current status of each scheme is available from Limerick County Council as procurement authority.
938 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on establishing a national standard on the quality and standard of roads and footpaths in urban environment here against which councils should report local performance in the same way as national standards have been set in respect of other aspects of council business [11231/08]
Responsibility for roads policy, including quality standards for roads and footpaths, is primarily a matter for the Minister for Transport and the National Roads Authority under the aegis of his Department.
Insofar as my Department is concerned, on 10 February 2008 I published draft planning guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas for public consultation, together with an accompanying best practice Urban Design Manual which illustrates how these guidelines can be implemented. These new draft guidelines, which are being issued under section 28 of the Act, are intended to replace the 1999 Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Residential Density, and are focused on creating sustainable communities by incorporating the highest design standards and providing a co-ordinated approach to the delivery of essential infrastructure and services.
Chapter 3 of the draft guidelines outlines, inter alia, the role of streets in creating the urban fabric and a sense of place, and they highlight that the design of residential streets need to strike the right balance between the different functions of the street. The balance between the various functions of a street should help to determine appropriate design speeds, road geometry and the level of adjacent development. I look forward to submissions and comments on these draft guidelines by the closing date of 6 May 2008.
Since 2004, local authorities have reported on performance in relation to 42 indicators of service, covering all aspects of local authority activity. One of these indicators relates to the maintenance of local and regional roads, and local authorities supply data annually on this. The published reports on service indicators, 2004-06, are available in the Oireachtas library.
939 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce legislation to allow residents of voluntary housing agencies to purchase their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11242/08]
The provision of accommodation by approved voluntary and co-operative housing bodies is an integral part of my Department's overall response to delivering on social housing need. Local authorities and approved housing bodies are working in close co-operation to deliver an expanded range of social housing options and a wide range of accommodation types to meet the needs of low-income families and persons with special housing needs.
There is no provision at present in the voluntary housing schemes sector for the purchase of individual houses by tenants. However, the Government's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, indicated that consideration would be given in consultation with the voluntary and co-operative sector, to piloting a tenant purchase scheme for some new voluntary homes based on the incremental purchase model. The issues arising in relation to the introduction of such a scheme, including any legislative supports, are being considered in consultation with the Irish Council for Social Housing.
940 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the stage the Social Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is at; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11285/08]
Work is proceeding as quickly as possible on the drafting of the Social Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which is expected to be published during the present Dáil session.
941 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason an inspection has not been carried out for a grant under the rural renewal scheme on the home of persons (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11292/08]
Following an inspection of the property on 18 March, 2008, the applicant was advised that certain works remained to be carried out. On receipt of notification that these works have been completed and that receipts in relation to the expenditure incurred are available for examination, a further inspection with a view to issuing a Certificate of Reasonable Cost, if in order, will be arranged.
942 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to designate more boglands under the EU Habitat Directive; if he has plans to control the harvesting of peat on boglands not so designated at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11303/08]
959 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines or legislation attached to the cutting or use of turf from family plots or turf banks; the time scale of the implementation of such legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11565/08]
961 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the names and locations of bogs which are subject to restrictions in relation to turf cutting in compliance with the relevant EU directive; the terms and conditions which apply to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11638/08]
962 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to turf cutting; the rules and regulations; the position with the derogation from Europe in relation to allowing turf cutting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11646/08]
983 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are plans or proposals to further restrict the cutting and harvesting of turf from bogs here in any NHA or special area of conservation other than the published schedule of thirty two raised bogs which are coming out of the ten year derogation period in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11950/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 942, 959, 961, 962 and 983 together.
Protection of conservation sites of European importance is required under the EU Habitats Directive 1992, which was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997, as well as the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000. In accordance with the Directive, Ireland has nominated certain raised and blanket bogs, which are priority natural habitats under the Directive, as candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs). All raised and blanket bog cSACs are listed in the table below.
In order to protect the designated bogs, the ending of all peat extraction was originally proposed. However, a derogation period of up to 10 years was allowed from 1999, in respect of domestic turf cutting from 32 raised bogs designated before 1999. This derogation expires at the end of this year. A similar 10 year derogation period currently applies to any bog cSACs designated after 1999.
My Department operates a generous compensation scheme for persons who agree to stop turf cutting in designated raised bogs. This covers both cSACs and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs).
At present domestic turf cutting is not prohibited in any blanket bog cSACs or NHAs, although the use of ‘sausage cutting' machines is not allowed. Large-scale peat extraction works may require planning permission, with an associated environmental impact assessment, under the planning code.
I have no current proposals either to designate any further bogs or to control the harvesting of peat on undesignated bogs.
|
SAC 1999 — Raised Bog |
|||||||
|
No# |
Year |
Site Code |
Site Name |
County |
Hectares of SAC |
% of Raised Bog Habitat |
Ha of Raised Bog Habitat |
|
1 |
1997 |
000006 |
Killyconny Bog (Cloghbally) |
Cavan/Meath |
191.22 |
46% |
87.96 |
|
2 |
1997 |
000231 |
Barroughter Bog |
Galway |
174.02 |
53% |
92.23 |
|
3 |
1997 |
000248 |
Cloonmoylan Bog |
Galway |
554.42 |
71% |
393.64 |
|
4 |
1997 |
000285 |
Kilsallagh Bog |
Galway |
279.73 |
68% |
190.22 |
|
5 |
1997 |
000296 |
Lisnageeragh Bog and Ballinstack Turlough |
Galway |
455.49 |
62% |
282.40 |
|
6 |
1997 |
000301 |
Lough Lurgeen Bog/ Glenamaddy Turlough |
Galway |
1,162.11 |
51% |
592.68 |
|
7 |
1997 |
000326 |
Shankill West Bog |
Galway |
136.39 |
52% |
70.92 |
|
8 |
1997 |
000382 |
Sheheree (Ardagh) Bog |
Kerry |
17.07 |
38% |
6.49 |
|
9 |
1997 |
000391 |
Ballynafagh Bog |
Kildare |
156.46 |
43% |
67.28 |
|
10 |
1997 |
000440 |
Lough Ree |
Ros/LD/WM |
14,371.24 |
3% |
431.14 |
|
11 |
1997 |
000457 |
Derrynabrock Bog |
Mayo/ Roscommon |
Subsumed into SAC 2298 |
||
|
12 |
1997 |
000497 |
Flughany Bog |
Mayo/ Sligo |
231.09 |
47% |
108.61 |
|
13 |
1997 |
000547 |
Tawnaghbeg Bog |
Mayo |
Subsumed into SAC 2298 |
||
|
14 |
1997 |
000566 |
All Saints Bog and Esker |
Offaly |
369.68 |
52% |
192.23 |
|
15 |
1997 |
000572 |
Clara Bog |
Offaly |
836.54 |
44% |
368.08 |
|
16 |
1997 |
000575 |
Ferbane Bog |
Offaly |
153.08 |
76% |
116.34 |
|
17 |
1997 |
000580 |
Mongan Bog |
Offaly |
207.83 |
61% |
126.78 |
|
18 |
1997 |
000581 |
Moyclare Bog |
Offaly |
129.86 |
62% |
80.51 |
|
19 |
1997 |
000582 |
Raheenmore Bog |
Offaly |
210.01 |
65% |
136.51 |
|
20 |
1997 |
000585 |
Sharavogue Bog |
Offaly |
223.43 |
61% |
136.29 |
|
21 |
1997 |
000592 |
Bellanagare Bog |
Roscommon |
1,207.59 |
61% |
736.63 |
|
22 |
1997 |
000597 |
Carrowbehy/Caher Bog |
Roscommon |
343.83 |
54% |
185.67 |
|
23 |
1997 |
000600 |
Cloonchambers Bog |
Roscommon |
348.20 |
45% |
156.69 |
|
24 |
1997 |
000604 |
Derrinea Bog |
Roscommon |
86.18 |
70% |
60.33 |
|
25 |
1997 |
000614 |
Cloonshanville Bog |
Roscommon |
225.76 |
84% |
189.64 |
|
26 |
1997 |
000641 |
Ballyduff/Clonfinane Bog |
Tipperary |
269.56 |
69% |
186.00 |
|
27 |
1997 |
000647 |
Kilcarren-Firville Bog |
Tipperary |
676.67 |
55% |
372.17 |
|
28 |
1997 |
000679 |
Garriskil Bog |
Westmeath |
324.81 |
52% |
168.90 |
|
29 |
1997 |
001242 |
Carrownagappul Bog |
Galway |
487.53 |
65% |
316.89 |
|
30 |
1997 |
001818 |
Lough Forbes Complex |
Longford/Ros |
1,337.08 |
21% |
280.79 |
|
31 |
1997 |
002110 |
Corliskea/Trien/Cloonfelliv Bog |
Galway/Ros |
725.21 |
61% |
442.38 |
|
32 |
1999 |
000297 |
Lough Corrib |
Galway/Mayo |
25,253.37 |
2% |
505.07 |
|
1999 Raised Bog SAC |
Sub-total |
51,145.46 |
13.85% |
7,081.45 |
|
SAC 2002 — Raised Bog |
|||||||
|
No# |
Year |
Site Code |
Site Name |
County |
Hectares of SAC |
% of Raised Bog Habitat |
Ha of Raised Bog Habitat |
|
33 |
2002 |
000595 |
Callow Bog |
Roscommon |
617.91 |
26% |
160.66 |
|
34 |
2002 |
002298 |
River Moy |
Mayo/Ros/Sligo |
15,415.62 |
4% |
616.62 |
|
35 |
2002 |
002331 |
Mouds Bog |
Kildare |
591.20 |
49% |
289.69 |
|
36 |
2002 |
002332 |
Coolrain Bog |
Laois |
145.95 |
42% |
61.30 |
|
37 |
2002 |
002333 |
KnockacollerBog |
Laois |
130.39 |
39% |
50.85 |
|
38 |
2002 |
002336 |
Carn Park Bog |
Westmeath |
247.89 |
63% |
156.17 |
|
39 |
2002 |
002337 |
Crosswood Bog |
Westmeath |
206.61 |
51% |
105.37 |
|
40 |
2002 |
002338 |
Drumalough Bog |
Roscommon |
278.89 |
52% |
145.02 |
|
41 |
2002 |
002339 |
Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough |
Roscommon |
244.77 |
18% |
44.06 |
|
42 |
2002 |
002340 |
Moneybeg andClareisland Bogs |
Meath/Westmeath |
364.32 |
39% |
142.08 |
|
43 |
2002 |
002341 |
Ardagullion Bog |
Longford |
117.33 |
48% |
56.32 |
|
44 |
2002 |
002342 |
Mount Hevey Bog |
Meath/Westmeath |
483.78 |
41% |
198.35 |
|
45 |
2002 |
002343 |
Tullaher Loughand Bog |
Clare |
469.18 |
4% |
18.77 |
|
46 |
2002 |
002346 |
Brown Bog |
Longford |
76.68 |
66% |
50.61 |
|
47 |
2002 |
002347 |
Camderry Bog |
Galway |
280.72 |
70% |
196.50 |
|
48 |
2002 |
002348 |
Clooneen Bog |
Longford |
215.03 |
39% |
83.86 |
|
49 |
2002 |
002349 |
Corbo Bog |
Roscommon |
206.76 |
58% |
119.92 |
|
50 |
2002 |
002350 |
Curraghlehanagh Bog |
Galway |
278.22 |
55% |
153.02 |
|
51 |
2002 |
002351 |
Moanveanlagh Bog |
Kerry |
214.72 |
61% |
130.98 |
|
52 |
2002 |
002352 |
Monivea Bog |
Galway |
286.68 |
51% |
146.21 |
|
53 |
2002 |
002353 |
Redwood Bog |
Tipperary |
555.03 |
32% |
177.61 |
|
54 |
2002 |
002354 |
Tullaghanrock Bog |
Roscommon |
103.92 |
65% |
67.55 |
|
55 |
2002 |
002356 |
Ardgraigue Bog |
Galway |
183.54 |
43% |
78.92 |
|
2002 Raised Bog SAC |
Sub-totals |
21,715.14 |
14.97% |
3,250.45 |
|||
|
Total SAC Raised Bog Area |
72,860.60 |
14.18% |
10,331.89 |
943 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the name and area of each bog in County Galway designated under the EU Habitat Directive; the number of bog owners in each of the bogs listed who have received compensation for the sale of their bog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11304/08]
The information requested in the question is given in the following tables.
|
No# |
Year |
SAC |
Site Name |
County |
Hectarage of SAC |
% of Raised Bog Habitat |
Sales Closed |
|
1 |
1997 |
000231 |
Barroughter Bog |
Galway |
174.02 |
53% |
10 |
|
2 |
1997 |
000248 |
Cloonmoylan Bog |
Galway |
554.42 |
71% |
32 |
|
3 |
1997 |
000285 |
Kilsallagh Bog |
Galway |
279.73 |
68% |
10 |
|
4 |
1997 |
000296 |
Lisnageeragh Bog and Ballinstack Turlough |
Galway |
455.49 |
62% |
54 |
|
5 |
1997 |
000301 |
Lough Lurgeen Bog/Glenamaddy Turlough |
Galway |
1,162.11 |
51% |
46 |
|
6 |
1997 |
000326 |
Shankill West Bog |
Galway |
136.39 |
52% |
2 |
|
7 |
1997 |
001242 |
Carrownagappul Bog |
Galway |
487.53 |
65% |
23 |
|
8 |
1997 |
002110 |
Corliskea/Trien/Cloonfelliv Bog |
Gal/Ros |
725.21 |
61% |
1 |
|
9 |
1999 |
000297 |
Lough Corrib |
Gal/Mayo |
25,253.37 |
2% |
0 |
|
Totals |
29,228.27 |
9.88% |
|
No# |
Year |
SAC |
Site Name |
County |
Hectarage of SAC |
% of Raised Bog Habitat |
Sales Closed |
|
1 |
2002 |
002347 |
Camderry Bog |
Galway |
280.72 |
70% |
1 |
|
2 |
2002 |
002350 |
Curraghlehanagh Bog |
Galway |
278.22 |
55% |
1 |
|
3 |
2002 |
002356 |
Ardgraigue Bog |
Galway |
183.54 |
43% |
0 |
|
Totals |
742.48 |
57.70% |
|
No# |
Year |
SAC |
Site Name |
County |
Hectarage of SAC |
% of Blanket Bog Habitat |
|
1 |
1997 |
000308 |
Loughatorick South Bog |
Gal/Clare |
888.34 |
73% |
|
2 |
1997 |
000324 |
Rosroe Bog |
Galway |
262.03 |
58% |
|
3 |
1997 |
001913 |
Sonnagh Bog |
Galway |
464.91 |
73% |
|
4 |
1997 |
002008 |
Maumturk Mountains |
Galway |
13,493.44 |
10% |
|
5 |
1997 |
002031 |
The Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex |
Galway |
16,109.84 |
44% |
|
6 |
1997 |
002034 |
Connemara Bog Complex |
Galway |
48,997.95 |
66% |
There are some 370 pending applications for sale of designated bog in County Galway under the bog compensation scheme. My Department does not purchase blanket bog.
944 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in resolving the issue of pyrite in homes (details supplied); if he will take control and ensure that the builders repair any houses affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11351/08]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 190 of 27 February 2008.
As indicated in that reply, the certification of products is the responsibility of the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). When the issue of pyrite arose, and following an intervention from my Department, the NSAI moved quickly to reconvene their Aggregates Panel to give urgent consideration to publication of additional guidance in relation to appropriate protocols for testing underfloor infill material. My Department is represented on this Panel, as is the construction industry.
Following a public consultation process, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has now published a new Standard Recommendation, which is a definitive amendment to SR 21 — Guidance on the use of (Irish Standard) I.S. EN 13242:2002 — Aggregates for unbound and hydraulically bound materials for use in civil engineering work and road construction, and incorporating amendment 1:2007. The Standard Recommendation came into effect on 7 December 2007 and the intention is that it will address the quality standards of new homes insofar as problems relating to pyrite are concerned. It is now my intention urgently to adopt this NSAI Standard Recommendation in the relevant Technical Guidance Document to the Building Regulations.
The national Building Regulations set out the legal requirements for the construction of houses. The related Technical Guidance Documents (TGD) provide technical guidance on how to comply with the Regulations. Responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations rests with the builder and the owner of the building.
Enforcement is a matter for the 37 local Building Control Authorities, which are empowered to carry out inspections and initiate enforcement proceedings, when considered necessary. I understand that Fingal County Council has been in direct contact with the developers and the quarry concerned in relation to problems encountered following the use of pyrite as an underfloor infill material in certain developments.
Having consulted the statutory Building Regulations Advisory Body, my Department issued a circular letter, BC 6/2007, to each County Manager and local Building Control Authority, on 16 August 2007, to bring the issue to their notice and to request their co-operation in the enforcement of the relevant requirements. The Circular letter also brought to their attention a notice issued by Fingal County Council on 26 July 2007 on this matter.
Any problems arising between home owners and their builders are ultimately matters for resolution between the parties concerned — the homeowner, the relevant developer and the builder's insurer. Where the construction of a house is the subject of a contract between the client and the builder, enforcement of this contract is a civil matter.
945 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the penalties placed on builders who stop building apartments and leave behind derelict building sites; if he carried out an audit throughout the country of derelict sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11354/08]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 518 of 11 March 2008.
Under section 28 of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 an offender, on summary conviction, is liable to a fine or fines not exceeding €1,250 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or, at the discretion of the court, to both fine(s) and imprisonment.
On conviction on indictment, an offender is liable to a fine not exceeding €31,750 (together with a fine not exceeding €2,500 per day in the case of a continuing contravention) or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or, at the discretion of the court, to both fine and imprisonment.
Local authorities have been requested to provide statistical information regarding derelict sites within their functional areas. Available data on the numbers of derelict sites registered by local authorities at end-2007 are set out in the following table.
|
Local authority |
Number of registered derelict sites at end-2007 |
|
Athlone Town Council |
17 |
|
Ballina Town Council |
6 |
|
Ballinasloe Town Council |
1 |
|
Birr Town Council |
13 |
|
Bray Town Council |
3 |
|
Carlow Town Council |
38 |
|
Carrickmacross Town Council |
2 |
|
Castleblayney Town Council |
35 |
|
County Clare |
37 |
|
Clonakilty Town Council |
0 |
|
Clones Town Council |
8 |
|
Clonmel Borough Council |
5 |
|
Cobh Town Council |
10 |
|
Cork County Council |
94 |
|
Donegal County Council |
54 |
|
Drogheda Borough Council |
8 |
|
Dublin City Council |
26 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council |
8 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
11 |
|
Ennis Town Council |
9 |
|
Dundalk Town Council |
26 |
|
Dungarvan Town Council |
1 |
|
Enniscorthy Town Council |
18 |
|
Fermoy Town Council |
10 |
|
Fingal County Council |
3 |
|
Kerry County Council |
120 |
|
Kildare County Council |
6 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
76 |
|
Killarney Town Council |
4 |
|
Kilrush Town Council |
5 |
|
Kinsale Town Council |
4 |
|
Laois County Council |
33 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
27 |
|
Letterkenny Town Council |
0 |
|
Limerick City Council |
27 |
|
Listowel Town Council |
0 |
|
Longford County Council |
0 |
|
Longford Town Council |
44 |
|
Louth County Council |
18 |
|
Macroom Town Council |
0 |
|
Mallow Town Council |
0 |
|
Mayo County Council |
79 |
|
Meath County Council |
0 |
|
Midleton Town Council |
0 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
101 |
|
Monaghan town Council |
1 |
|
Naas Town Council |
2 |
|
Navan Town Council |
25 |
|
New Ross Town Council |
20 |
|
Offaly County Council |
20 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
22 |
|
Skibbereen Town Council |
9 |
|
Sligo Borough Council |
25 |
|
Sligo County Council |
11 |
|
Tipperary Town Council |
5 |
|
Waterford City Council |
17 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
30 |
|
Westport Town Council |
0 |
|
Wexford County Council |
8 |
|
Wicklow Town Council |
2 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
39 |
946 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the options or recourse open to landlords when tenants do not adhere to the conditions of the lease. [11411/08]
Section 78(1)(d) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 provides that a landlord of a dwelling, who has registered the tenancy under Part 7 of the Act, may refer a complaint for resolution to the Private Residential Tenancies Board where there is an alleged failure to comply with any of the obligations applicable to a tenant under the Act, including those contained in a lease or tenancy agreement.
947 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the options open to tenants or a residents association if the landlord does not comply with the lease agreement or does not keep the property in a reasonable condition. [11423/08]
Section 78(1)(e) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 provides that a tenant may refer a complaint for resolution to the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) where there is an alleged failure to comply with any of the obligations applicable to a landlord under the Act, including those contained in a lease or tenancy agreement. These provisions do not apply to a residents association, who, as a third party, may only take a case to the PRTB against a landlord, where the landlord has failed to enforce tenant obligations.
Standards for rented accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 1993. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations. Failure to do so is an offence, subject on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €3,000, or a term of six months in prison or both and €250 for each day of a continuing offence. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority supported by a dedicated stream of funding allocated by my Department.
948 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if any council other that Dublin City Council has suspended applications for inclusion on their affordable housing list. [11438/08]
It is a function of each local authority to manage the administration of its affordable housing schemes, including the application process. Accordingly, I have not been made aware of any other housing authority that has suspended applications for inclusion on its affordable housing list.
949 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a grant is available from his Department for the removal of asbestos from an old building restored as a residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11449/08]
There are no grants available from my Department for the type of works referred to in the question.
950 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of capital funding allocated to Naas Town Council for housing construction in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the amount spent in each year; and the amount allocated in 2008. [11453/08]
The following table gives the allocation and expenditure for Naas Town Council from 2002 to 2007.
|
Year |
Allocation |
Expenditure |
|
€m |
€ |
|
|
2002 |
4.0 |
3,231,200 |
|
2003 |
3.2 |
3,926,300 |
|
2004 |
2.5 |
1,415,789 |
|
2005 |
1.5 |
1,097,982 |
|
2006 |
1.5 |
454,792 |
|
2007 |
1.5 |
0 |
Allocations for 2008 will issue shortly.
951 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of a new sewerage scheme in Athea, County Limerick. [11462/08]
The Athea Sewerage Scheme, which is being advanced as part of a grouped project that also includes Askeaton, Foynes, Glin and Shanagolden, is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2009. My Department is awaiting submission of Limerick County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme.
952 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 547 of 4 March 2008, the breakdown of the number accommodated through the rental accommodation scheme by town within each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11486/08]
The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) operates in all housing authorities and generally each County Council manages the scheme for the county at large. County and City Councils report progress on a monthly basis to the Department on the numbers accommodated for their areas and the information available on the number of cases transferred by authorities to the end of January 2008 was provided in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 548 of 4 March 2008. Details for individual towns within each county area are not available in my Department. Information in relation to particular towns may be obtained from the relevant County Council.
953 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on applying the new basis of charging motor tax to vehicles registered prior to 1 January 2008 for renewals that arise on or after 1 July 2008. [11516/08]
The public consultation process on motor tax made it clear that the new CO2 based system would apply from a specified date and that cars registered before that date would continue to be taxed in future years under the existing motor tax system related to engine size.
Retrospection prior to 2008 would not be practical as there are no authenticated CO2 data for the majority of the existing fleet. The CO2 values on the Revenue and NVDF systems, in respect of new cars only, have not heretofore been used for any business purpose, have not been collected as the basis for a fiscal charge and, accordingly, have not been authenticated to any degree. It would be unsound to apply charges on the basis of such data.
The clear objective of the new motor tax system is to influence the purchasing decisions of consumers. Purchasers of cars with low CO2 emissions will be rewarded while a premium will be charged on vehicles with high CO2 emissions.
954 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will investigate whether the management of South Dublin County Council is in breach of its own development plan by unilaterally attempting to facilitate rezoning of lands (details supplied) by carrying out an environmental study, as the first step in the planning process without first having recourse to and following its own stated development plan objectives to look at the possibility of protecting St. Edmundsbury/Woodville from rezoning and housing development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11529/08]
955 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will investigate whether a council (details supplied) has acted correctly in respect of its functions particularly by being proactive in offering a new proposal to the housing development alliance; if a conflict of interest or function exists whereby a county manager can promote a particular proposal while at the same time being in charge of a development plan which has diametrically opposite objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11530/08]
956 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the public interest in extending the special amenity area to cover all of the lands at St. Edmundsbury/Woodville in Lucan in view of their mix of high amenity, high recreational value and outstanding natural beauty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11531/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 954 to 956, inclusive, together.
The development plans of the relevant local authorities provide the primary land use protection policies for the Liffey Valley. In addition, parts of the Liffey Valley are already covered by special designations. The area between Chapelizod and Lucan is protected by a Special Area Amenity Order (SAAO), and part of the valley is designated as a proposed Natural Heritage Area.
As indicated in the reply to Question Nos. 544 and 545 of 4 March 2008, it is an objective of South Dublin County Council's current Development Plan to investigate the feasibility of extending the SAAO to further lands, including part or all of St. Edmundsbury and Woodville lands. The protection of the Liffey Valley which is a major amenity for the people of Dublin and the extension of the SAAO are objectives which I share.
The extent and location of the land to be covered by any SAAO would be affected by the measures required to give effect to the recommendation of the Affordable Homes Partnership to use lands at St. Edmundsbury and Woodville for affordable housing. In that regard, the County Council has progressed a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Development Plan variation recommendation, on foot of which I understand the matter is currently the subject of further discussions between the Partnership and the landowner concerned. I understand that these discussions are expected to conclude very shortly.
In accordance with Part II of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended by the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002, the making, reviewing and varying of development plans are reserved functions of the elected members of a planning authority. Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Development Plans were published by my Department in June 2007 to assist planning authorities in carrying out their responsibilities in these regards.
It is a matter for South Dublin County Council and its elected members in the first instance to consider whether they wish to vary their development plan, having due regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of their area and to Government policy, as appropriate. As a consultee in respect of all development plans, I make my views known as appropriate through the statutory variation process.
957 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress being made in respect of the promised accommodation taskforce for students in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11552/08]
An accommodation taskforce for students does not come within my Department's remit. Student accommodation is primarily the responsibility of the Department of Education and Science and the Third Level Colleges. In so far as tax incentives for the provision of student accommodation are concerned, these are a matter for the Department of Finance.
My Department's involvement with student accommodation is limited to its overall responsibility for the regulation of the private rental sector. Following a meeting with student representatives in October 2007, I am exploring, with my colleague the Minister for Education and Science, the feasibility of carrying out a study with that Department on the availability of student accommodation in the Dublin Region.
958 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the criteria in respect of the affordable housing scheme to deal with issues such as changing mortgage provider, change in family circumstances, application of clawback, length of tenure and other matters. [11553/08]
Legislative provision to facilitate arrangements under which a local authority could agree to its clawback charge ranking in second place behind a new or topped-up mortgage charge, thereby facilitating persons in affordable housing wishing to re-mortgage with a private lender, is being considered in the context of the Social Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which is currently being drafted. I expect that this Bill will be published in the current Dáil session.
The requirement for a clawback is necessary to ensure there is no short-term profit taking on the resale of houses provided under the various affordable housing schemes at a discount from market value. There are no plans to rescind the clawback arrangements under the existing schemes.
The various affordable housing schemes are designed primarily to assist first-time purchasers. I will continue to monitor the affordable schemes closely to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the target groups for which they are designed.
960 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will explain the criteria relating to the designation of coastal locations under the EU Bathing Water Directive 79/160/EEC as bathing areas; his views on designating Trá Inis Oirr in the Aran Islands, County Galway under the directive in order that it might be eligible for submission by the local authority as a blue flag beach or green coast award; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11584/08]
The most recent designation of bathing areas by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government under the EU Bathing Water Directive 76/160/EEC was made in 2001. No designations have been made since that time having regard to proposals then being brought forward by the European Commission for revision of bathing water governance.
In December 2000 the Commission adopted a formal communication on developing a new bathing water policy and initiated a large-scale consultation of all interested parties. This led to the publication, in October 2002, of a proposal for the revision of the 1976 Directive (Directive 1976/160/EEC) and ultimately to the adoption in February 2006 of a new Directive (Directive 2006/7/EC) concerning the management of bathing water quality.
The identification of bathing waters is now a matter for local authorities under the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 79 of 2008) which I made recently to transpose into Irish law the EU Bathing Water Directive 2006. These Regulations establish more stringent water quality standards for protection of the health of bathers, place stronger emphasis on public information and the management of bathing waters, and require increased public participation particularly in relation to the identification of bathing waters. The Regulations assign to local authorities the duty of annually identifying all bathing waters in relation to the bathing season in that year. Accordingly, I do not envisage making any further designations of bathing waters under the Quality of Bathing Waters Regulations 1992, which are being superseded by the new Regulations.
I understand that Galway County Council has recently made an application to An Taisce for a Green Coast Award in relation to Trá Inis Oirr. Beaches with Green Coast Awards are mainly rural beaches. They are not required to have the same level of infrastructure, facilities and services as Blue Flag beaches and are not required to be designated under the Bathing Water Regulations. The Green Coast Awards recognize excellent water quality, high environmental standards, good management and community involvement. I have this year provided additional funding to An Taisce for the purpose of administering the Green Coast Award, and for expanding this programme nationwide, where previously it applied only to eastern and south eastern regions.
963 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Environmental Protection Agency keeps his Department appraised of the number of waste water treatment plants nationally not working to a satisfactory level; and the number of these units that have polluted watercourses and streams. [11658/08]
The Environmental Protection Agency maintains appropriate contact with my Department in relation to the discharge of its various regulatory and supervisory functions. In addition, my Department draws on the regular reports on Water Quality in Ireland by the Agency which present a review of water quality and suspected causes of pollution in various categories of water bodies. The Agency's reports on Urban Waste Water Discharges in Ireland provide an analysis of the treatment of wastewater from all agglomerations with a population equivalent over 500. Both sets of reports are available in the Oireachtas Library. Enforcement action in respect of pollution of water courses by local authority waste water discharges is a matter for the Agency.
964 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the Government Departments and State agencies that have to date drawn up a biodiversity action plan under the National Biodiversity Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11664/08]
My Department is co-ordinating the preparation of a new National Biodiversity Plan for Ireland, which will cover the period between 2008 and 2012. The implementation of the Plan will be the responsibility of a range of Government Departments and Agencies. As part of the process, my Department will be producing its own biodiversity action plan, incorporating relevant actions contained in the National Biodiversity Plan. The production of biodiversity action plans under the National Biodiversity Plan by other Departments and State Agencies is a matter for those Departments and Agencies.
965 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the level of fly-tipping here; his plans to increase penalties and enforcement measures to tackle this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11691/08]
1000 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to combat widespread illegal dumping of rubbish particularly in rural areas in view of the fact that local authorities do not have the budget to tackle the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12258/08]
1016 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to combat widespread illegal dumping of rubbish particularly in rural areas in view of the fact that local authorities do not have the budget to tackle the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12405/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 965, 1000 and 1016 together.
Actions against illegal waste activity are a matter for the local authorities and the Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE). I am satisfied that appropriate powers are available to these enforcement authorities. The OEE's 2005 report, The Nature and Extent of Unauthorised Waste Activity in Ireland, identifies the unauthorised collection and fly-tipping of waste as one of the problem areas in regard to waste management which need to be further tackled. The report draws attention to the measures already being taken, including the appointment of 120 additional enforcement officers across the local authorities funded by my Department, and the increased enforcement activity generally being led by the Office and the local authorities. The report also identifies additional actions which would further support the effort to stamp out this socially and environmentally unacceptable practice. The implementation of these actions is being coordinated by the OEE through its National Enforcement Network.
Data from the OEE show that in 2006 there were 32,048 inspections of which 21,823 related to illegal dumping (mostly litter and fly-tipping). There were 26,038 on the spot litter fines issued, and 531 litter prosecutions secured. There were in excess of 2,186 non-litter waste enforcement notices and 350 non-litter waste related prosecutions. This represents a very significant quantum of enforcement and has resulted in a substantial reduction in major illegal activity. In addition, local authorities have since 2004 reported on their performance in relation to 42 indicators of service, covering all aspects of local government activity. There are specific service indicators on litter prevention and enforcement, and environmental complaints and enforcement. The indicators are at present being refined for 2008 further to improve the capture and monitoring of data in these areas. Data collected for 2006 (the most recent available) indicate that some 65,000 environmental complaints were investigated and 9,878 enforcement procedures were taken.
966 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce a grant scheme to assist private dwelling owners to defray the cost of installing lime remover equipment to remove lime from water which damages domestic appliances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11697/08]
Grant aid of up to €2,031.58 is available from county councils under the Rural Water Programme for the provision or necessary improvement of an individual water supply to a house that does not have access to either a public or group water scheme supply. The eligibility of individual proposals for grant purposes is a matter for the relevant local authority.
967 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of requests he has made to local authorities to carry out random checks on private landlords to ensure that these properties are not in breach of planning and fire regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11718/08]
Under the Building Control Regulations, it is mandatory to obtain a Fire Safety Certificate prior to commencing construction of non-residential buildings, including apartment blocks. A Fire Safety Certificate certifies that the building, if constructed in accordance with the plans submitted, is in compliance with the requirements of Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations. Compliance with the Building Regulations is primarily the responsibility of the builder and the owner of the building. Enforcement of the Building Regulations is a matter for the local Building Control Authorities. My Department and the City and County Managers Association have adopted a minimum target inspection level of between 12% and 15% of buildings, including dwellings, covered by valid Commencement Notices served on each Building Control Authority. In the first half of 2007 — the latest period for which statistics are available — all 37 Building Control Authorities carried out inspections and 89% of Authorities met the agreed target. I hope all Authorities will have achieved this target by the end of the year. As enforcement of the building code is a matter for the Building Control Authorities and enforcement of the Planning Acts is a matter for the Planning Authorities, I have not issued any requests for random checks to be carried out specifically on private rented accommodation.
968 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans in place to ensure all private landlords have smoke alarms in their properties for letting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11719/08]
Standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993, made under section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations. Failure to do so is an offence, subject, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €3,000, or a term of six months in prison or both and €250 for each day of a continuing offence. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority, supported by a dedicated stream of funding allocated by my Department. The Regulations are being reviewed with a view to updating them as part of an Action Programme to promote improvement in standards of rental accommodation. The introduction of requirements in relation to smoke alarms is being considered as part of this review.
969 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are detailed maps available of the preservation order area at Rath Lugh; the location where these maps may be viewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11730/08]
On 7 March 2008, in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 of the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended), I placed a preservation order on the national monument known as Rath Lugh in the townland of Lismullin, County Meath. The monument had previously been the subject of a temporary preservation order which was due to expire in late March 2008. An intrinsic element of any such order is a map showing the location of the monument in question and the extent of the preservation order as it relates to the monument. The preservation order for the national monument at Rath Lugh including the relevant map is publicly available on request from my Department and has been issued to any person who has requested a copy since the making of the order. A copy of the preservation order has also been placed on the Department's main website, www.environ.ie, and on its dedicated archaeological website, www.archaeology.ie. The order was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 13 March 2008.
971 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied). [11741/08]
1012 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12325/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 971 and 1012 together.
I have received the correspondence referred to in the question and a reply will issue shortly from my office to the correspondent. In the reply to Question No. 679 of 19 February 2008, which related to previous correspondence, I set out the position in regard to waste water treatment systems under the national building regulations. Part H of the Building Regulations (Drainage and Waste Water Disposal) sets out the requirements for the treatment of effluent from waste water systems. The relevant Technical Guidance Document H provides guidance on how to comply with the requirements of Part H and calls up, inter alia, Irish Standard Recommendation SR:6 of 1991 — Recommendations for Domestic Effluent Treatment and Disposal from a Single Dwelling House, issued by the National Standards Authority of Ireland. Technical Guidance Document H also acknowledges that waste water treatment systems other than septic tanks may be used. Such systems are accepted as satisfactory if it can be shown they are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are used. Part D of the Building Regulations (Materials and Workmanship) specifies alternative ways of proving compliance, including compliance with appropriate product standards or being subject to certification by an appropriate national certification body.
The Irish Agreement Board is the national and European recognised body for certifying new building products or systems for which national standards do not exist. The board is an independent body which operates under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. A new European Standard (EN 12566-3) for small waste water treatment plants has been introduced and is now in the transitional phase of implementation. The need for new systems to comply with this standard was brought to the attention of Local Authorities in my Department's Circular Letters BC16/2006 and BC 2/2008, dated 8 November 2006 and 28 January 2008 respectively. The Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, is finalising a revised edition of its Manual on Waste Water Treatment Systems serving Single Houses in consultation with all interested parties. It is understood that the EPA Manual will refer to relevant European Standards and that the National Standards Authority of Ireland proposes to withdraw SR6: 1991, in favour of the proposed new edition of the EPA Manual, when available. My Department plans to amend Technical Guidance Document H to call up the EPA Manual and to consider any related issues at that time.
972 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will monitor a proposal (details supplied). [11798/08]
As Minister, I am precluded under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 from exercising any power or control in relation to any individual planning application or appeal with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned. However, in the event that an application is received in respect of the project referred to, the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 requires the Board to notify Dublin City Council, as the planning authority within whose area the proposed project would be situated, that an application for strategic infrastructure development has been received. The Act requires the Manager of the relevant planning authority to prepare a report on the likely effects of the proposed development on the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. The views of the elected members of the planning authority must also be sought and attached to the Manager's report. In making a determination on such an application, the Board is required to consider this report.
It should also be noted that the Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish a Dublin Bay Area Task Force to maximise the potential of the Bay for the people of the capital city. The terms of reference of the Dublin Bay Task Force will encompass a broad range of environmental, economic, social and heritage issues and should build on and take account of the work undertaken by Dublin City Council and relevant stakeholders in relation to Dublin Bay. Any relevant decisions of An Bord Pleanála in relation to Dublin Bay will be taken into account by the Task Force in due course. The Government commitment in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 to undertake a comprehensive study of the role of Dublin Port "in the context of overall ports policy on the island of Ireland, wider transport policy, urban development policy, the National Spatial Strategy and national economic policy", which will be led by the Department of Transport, is also relevant in this regard. The advertisement for the appointment of consultants to undertake the study was issued on 14 March 2008.
973 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the percentage of special areas of conservation, special protection areas and national heritage areas that are offshore; the percentage of such sites onshore that are in their entirety within 5 km of the coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11824/08]
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
974 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extra staffing or resources that have been allocated to the National Parks and Wildlife Service to enable it to ensure designation and protection of sites in accordance with the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11825/08]
I have significantly increased the budgetary allocations in respect of the work undertaken by my Department's national parks and wildlife service (NPWS) including work in relation to the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive. The 2008 allocation for the service is €46.66 million, an increase of 31% on last year's allocation and this provision compares with €16.81 million in 2001. The NPWS discharges its obligations under the Habitats and Birds Directives in a wide variety of ways including work carried out directly by Department staff, outsourcing of work especially scientific and survey measures, purchase of land and turbary rights and agreements with landowners which protect habitats and species. Over 300 permanent staff and up to 70 seasonal staff are normally deployed to carry out NPWS responsibilities including designation and protection work required by the Habitats and Birds Directives. At present the obligations which arise in relation to implementation of the two Directives are priorities in the work of NPWS. We have made significant progress on the implementation of the Directives. The designations for the Habitats Directive are largely complete, with 423 candidate Special Areas of Conservation transmitted to the European Commission last year. A small number of marine sites remain to be designated. Following the ruling by the European Court of Justice in December 2007 in relation to Ireland's compliance with the Birds Directive, some additional areas will be required to be designated as Special Protection Areas for certain species of birds. A programme of designation is being developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders and the Commission.
977 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of car park spaces available nationally to those working in his Department and in the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; the annual cost of car park spaces rented by his Department and the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11889/08]
The Department's accommodation is provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and any costs arising for the provision of car parking are borne by that Office.
The Department currently has 184 car parking spaces available to staff in its Dublin offices, 95 spaces in Wexford shared between 4 bodies including my Department, 94 spaces in Ballina shared between 5 bodies including my Department and 57 spaces nationwide for Met Éireann staff. My Department also has some 40 regional offices mainly housing National Parks and Wildlife staff who have access to some car parking. Parking is also available in the National Parks and Nature Reserves but this is largely for visitors.
Arrangements regarding accommodation and car parking for the bodies and agencies under the aegis of the Department are a day to day operational matter for the bodies concerned.
978 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the introduction of water charges will improve the financing of local government and improve its local democracy. [11904/08]
Government policy since 1998 has been to charge non domestic users for water services and to exempt from water charges water services used by households for ordinary domestic purposes. That policy has been accommodated in Article 9 of the EU Water Framework Directive and is reflected in our water services legislation. Accordingly, the extension of water charges to the domestic sector does not arise.
980 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views, in the interests of equity and in the public interest and considering the facilitation of preplanning meetings between developers and planners, on legislating for a reciprocal arrangement enabling representative groups to meet with planners during the submission period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11930/08]
Under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006, any person or body is entitled to participate in the planning process; the process provides for third party participation at all stages i.e. forward planning, development management, and appeal stages. Ireland is one of the few EU Member States to have a third party appeal system.
With regard to planning applications for strategic infrastructure developments, there is also a provision for pre-application consultation with the public under Section 37B(1) of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006. This provides for mandatory pre-application consultation between a prospective applicant and An Bord Pleanála. In this regard, regulations made under the act give the Board powers to require a prospective applicant to undertake a full public pre-application consultation. In practical terms this enables the Board, under article 210 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2006, to oblige a prospective applicant to do one or more of the following in advance of making an application proper: erect site notices; provide a specific place or a specific website to make available the application, environmental impact statement and any other relevant documentation for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy; use national or local media; and hold public meetings.
In relation to the specific issue raised in the question the Planning and Development Acts provide that representative groups can make third party submissions and appeals on applications for development.
I do not think it would be either appropriate or practical for pre-application consultations to become a mandatory requirement for all prospective developments. The provisions in relation to pre-application consultations between planning authorities and prospective applicants already contained in Section 247 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, combined with the very extensive public notification and participation provisions set out under planning legislation provide a robust framework for addressing the concerns raised. There is nothing preventing discussions between a planning authority and representative groups at a pre-planning stage. I have no proposals, therefore, to amend the existing legislation.
981 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on making available for public viewing all unauthorised development files held by planning authorities, similar to such files held by the Environmental Protection Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11936/08]
The Planning and Development Act 2000 requires that planning authorities must enter on the planning register the particulars of any warning letter issued, the complete decision made on whether to issue an enforcement notice and particulars of any enforcement notice issued. My Department's Development Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities, published in June 2007, available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie, state that all documentation relating to enforcement actions (correspondence, planner's report to the Manager, Manager's decisions, representations made under section 152 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, warning letters, enforcement notices, notes on site visits, etc.) should be readily available to all parties directly involved and to the general public, except: where this could prejudice a possible court action; or where this would reveal the identity of complainants (in order to prevent possible intimidation).
982 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the upgrading of the Kilmallock sewerage scheme, Kilmallock, County Limerick. [11946/08]
The Kilmallock Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007- 2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2008.
Limerick County Council's Contract Documents for the treatment plant were received in my Department in March 2008 and are being dealt with as quickly as possible. Contract Documents for the civil works element of the scheme are awaited from the Council.
984 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the mounting confusion with regard to the spelling of Lehinch, County Clare, the more acceptable and popular form of Lahinch will be recognised by Ordnance Survey Ireland; the way this world recognised placename, which is commonly known as Lahinch, would be officially called Lahinch, County Clare on all maps, sign posts and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11951/08]
I have no role in relation to Ordnance Survey Ireland, which is a State body under the aegis of the Minister for Finance.
The law currently in force in relation to the changing of town placenames is set out in the Local Government Act 1946, as amended. This provides that a local authority may, with the consent of the majority of qualified electors, apply to the Government to make an order changing the name of a town.
Revised reply received on 9 April 2008.
I have no role in relation to Ordnance Survey Ireland, which is a State body under the aegis of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
The law currently in force in relation to the changing of town placenames is set out in the Local Government Act 1946, as amended. This provides that a local authority may, with the consent of the majority of qualified electors, apply to the Government to make an order changing the name of a town.
985 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when Kildare County Council sought funding for the Castlemahon to Ballygowan pipeline scheme; the reason for the delay in approving funding; the position in relation to the scheme; and when funding will be approved. [11970/08]
I assume the Question relates to the Kildare Water Supply Scheme Phase 2 (Castlewarden to Ballygoran) which has been approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2008 at an estimated cost of €15.3 million. Kildare County Council's Contract Documents for the scheme are under examination in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible.
986 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason it takes An Bord Pleanála approximately six to nine months to adjudicate on a planning appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11974/08]
Under Section 126 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, An Bord Pleanála has a statutory objective to determine appeals within 18 weeks. Where the Board does not consider it possible or appropriate to reach a decision within 18 weeks (e.g. because of delays arising from the holding of an oral hearing), it will inform the parties of the reasons for this, and will indicate when it intends to make the decision.
Record levels of case intake over successive years 2004 — 2006 and the assumption of significant new functions under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 challenged An Bord Pleanála's ability to achieve its statutory objective. According to the Board's annual report for 2006, the 18-week statutory objective was met in 52% of all cases, compared to 78% in 2005.
However, in recognition of the key role the Board plays in relation to delivery of local and national infrastructure and of the demands arising from sustained record levels of appeals over recent years, sanction was given in 2007 for an additional 35.5 permanent staff, bringing the total complement to 172. As a result, I expect to see a significant improvement in the Board's performance levels in relation to its statutory objective targets during 2008.
987 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when payment will issue for the sale of a bog to Dúchas by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11982/08]
The Chief State Solicitor's Office is currently awaiting documentation from the person's solicitor, who had given an undertaking to supply that documentation in October 2007.
988 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when payment will issue for the sale of bog to Dúchas by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11983/08]
The Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO) is awaiting replies to ‘Requisitions on Title' from the solicitors for the vendor in this case.
989 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the more vigorous building regulations he has introduced which will mean that new hotels will be built to more stringent environmental and insulation standards as outlined in response to Parliamentary Question No. 525 of 11 March 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11996/08]
My Department has improved, and continues to improve, the national Building Regulations in respect of buildings, including hotels. The Building Regulations (Amendment) Regulations 2005 introduced energy performance standards so as to limit the amount of energy required for the operation of a building and the quantity of CO2 emissions associated with such use insofar as is reasonably practicable.
The Regulations require that these targets be met by:
(a) limiting the heat loss and, where appropriate, maximising the heat gains through the fabric of the building;
(b) providing energy efficient space and water heating services, including adequate control of these services;
(c) ensuring that the building is appropriately designed to limit the need for cooling and, where air-conditioning or mechanical ventilation is installed, that installed systems are energy efficient, appropriately sized and adequately controlled;
(d) limiting the heat loss from pipes, ducts and vessels used for the transport or storage of heated water or air;
(e) limiting the heat gains by chilled water and refrigerant vessels, and by pipes and ducts that serve air conditioning systems; and
(f) providing energy efficient artificial lighting systems (other than emergency lighting, display lighting or specialist process lighting) and adequate control of these systems.
The European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006 also introduced a number of provisions in relation to new buildings.
The Regulations require the designers of large buildings, including hotels, with a total useful floor area of more than 1000 m2, to consider, during the design stage, the economic, environmental and technical feasibility of installing alternative/renewable energy systems, including combined heat and power (CHP), district or block heating, if available, and heat pumps. This requirement has applied to large buildings for which planning permission is applied on or after 1 January 2007.
The Regulations also require, subject to certain transitional arrangements, the Building Energy Rating of new non-domestic buildings commencing on or after 1 July 2008 and existing buildings, when let or sold, on or after 1 January 2009. Further Building Regulations will introduce a methodology for this purpose with effect from 1 July next. I will also be very shortly introducing an amendment to Part G (Hygiene) of the Building Regulations to provide for greater efficiency in the use of water by the mandatory installation of dual flush toilets both in new buildings and in existing buildings where WCs are being replaced.
Finally, I propose to prioritise work through the statutory Building Regulations Advisory Body to establish realisable targets for reductions in primary energy and CO2 emissions for non-domestic buildings, with a view to setting new standards in 2010.
990 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he plans to take to encourage an increased level of engagement by hotels here in the European ecolithical programme which awards qualifying hotels with an internationally recognised environmental quality mark; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11997/08]
The European Eco-label for tourist accommodation services was created to reward accommodation services that meet high standards of environmental performance. While I would urge hotels to aspire to such standards, this is an operational matter for the tourist industry and I have no direct responsibility in such matters.
991 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an evaluation has taken place into the effectiveness or otherwise of the greening Irish hotels programme; if so, the person who carried out such a valuation; the main results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11998/08]
The programme referred to is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, which operates under the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. I have no function in the matter.
992 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount made available by his Department towards the cleaner greener production programme; the future of this or any other similar type of programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11999/08]
The Cleaner Greener Production Programme (CGPP) is being managed by the Environmental Protection Agency as one part of the environmental research programme of the National Development Plan (NDP).
Under the Environmental Research Technological Development and Innovation (ERTDI) Programme of the previous NDP (2000-06), the EPA allocated €3.7 million in total to the CGPP. Under the NDP 2007-13 successor programme — the Science, Technology Research and Innovation for the Environment (STRIVE) Programme — the EPA has allocated €2 million to the CGPP over the two-year period 2008-09.
Funding allocations for the CGPP in subsequent years will be a matter for the EPA within the overall funding envelope available for the STRIVE programme.
993 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the results and action taken as a result of the meeting in 2007 with his Department and stakeholders in the waste electrical and electronic equipment scheme; if a protocol has been put in place to address the reuse of products in line with EU regulations; if so, the effects of this protocol; the effects it is having in ensuring the re-use of such products; the mechanism used to supervise such actions to ensure that they are regulatory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12013/08]
994 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines and quality control procedures that are in place under the waste electrical and electronic equipment scheme to ensure that reusable goods meet such guidelines; the number of personnel that are employed by his Department as inspectors or liaison officials as part of such investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12014/08]
995 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the breakdown of the costs applicable by a retailer to the customer under the waste electrical and electronic equipment scheme in relation to recyclable goods; the percentage retained by the retailer and the wholesaler; and the percentage deducted by WEEE to operate the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12015/08]
996 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the value to be placed on a product before an applicant can use or offer the goods as part of their reusable scheme if an enterprise wishing to refurbish or reuse products under the waste electrical and electronic equipment scheme obtains such products from a retailer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12016/08]
I propose to take Question Nos. 993 to 996, inclusive, together.
The WEEE Monitoring Group, which is made up of representatives from the relevant industry and public sector stakeholders, oversees the implementation and operation of the WEEE Directive in Ireland. Following the successful implementation of the scheme in Ireland, which has been yielding very high take-back rates, the Group is now prioritising the development of guidance on the reuse of collected WEEE products having regard to the waste hierarchy, sustainable environmental best practice and/or health and safety requirements. The Department has also had meetings with a wider group of stakeholders engaged in reuse of WEEE.
The WEEE Directive, while setting out technical requirements for storage and treatment of WEEE, does not lay down technical standards for reuse of appliances. The proposed protocol on reuse will include requirements to meet quality control standards and to comply with relevant legislation concerning the placing of electrical and electronic equipment on the market such as the Safe Products Directive, the Low Voltage Directive, the Directive on Electromagnetic Compatibility, and the Directive on the Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances Contained in Electrical and Electronic Equipment. It is envisaged that this process will be completed in 2008 and will form the basis of statutory guidance in the matter as provided for in Article 41 of the Waste Management (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005.
My Department has no enforcement role in regard to the WEEE Regulations; this responsibility rests with the Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities.
The WEEE Directive also allows producers to display Environmental Management Costs (EMCs) which are included in the price of various products to fund the recovery and recycling of historic WEEE which was put on the market before 13 August 2005. These EMCs are approved by the industry-based WEEE Register Society Limited which has an independent Committee of Management.
This body is monitoring implementation of the scheme and has adjusted the EMCs periodically to ensure that the not-for-profit principle is observed and that the EMCs only cover the costs incurred in the environmentally sound management of WEEE. The EMCs are not imposed by or remitted to the Government; they are remitted by producers to the two approved collective compliance schemes operating in Ireland, WEEE Ireland and ERP. A percentage is also remitted to retailers to cover their costs. This, however, is a matter between producers and retailers and my Department has no function in that regard. The retail price must be inclusive of the EMC which is an input cost in the same way as material, labour and transport. It is an offence for a retailer to add an EMC to the price quoted.
The WEEE Register is currently carrying out a comprehensive review of EMCs and it is expected that this will be completed in the first half of 2008. A full list of EMCs can be obtained from the WEEE register at www.weeeregister.ie
The value of a product, whether new or refurbished, is a matter for the market.
Responsibility for the environmentally sound management of household WEEE from designated collection points onwards rests with the producer compliance schemes. The overall scheme has been operating very successfully and a collection rate of 7.4 kg/inhabitant was achieved in 2006, well in excess of the 4 kg/inhabitant that must be achieved by end 2008 in accordance with the Directive.
997 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the European Commission’s view that the proposed construction of the M3 motorway through the Tara-Skryne valley amounts to a possible non-compliance by the Government with the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive as it applies to the discovery of sites of archaeological importance at a late stage in the construction authorisation process; and his response to this view. [12227/08]
In the course of an Additional Reasoned Opinion received in June 2007 the European Commission expressed its view that under the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive a new environmental impact assessment (EIA) should have been carried out before a decision was taken on how to proceed in relation to the newly discovered National Monument at Lismullin, County Meath, on the route of the M3 motorway.
On 31 August 2007, the Irish authorities responded in detail to the concerns raised by the Commission in respect of the National Monument at Lismullin, stating, in the course of that response, that they considered that the provisions of EU and Irish Law were fully complied with in this case and that they are supported in that view by legal advice from the Attorney General as well as judgements from the High and Supreme Courts.
In a press release dated 17 October 2007, the European Commission stated that it had decided to refer Ireland to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in a case concerning European Community (EC) legislation on environmental impact assessments and, inter alia, provisions of Irish legislation governing the removal of important archaeological sites. To date the Irish authorities have received no notification from the Court of any such referral.
998 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social housing units delivered by the voluntary housing sector on a county basis for each year since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12254/08]
Details of accommodation provided under my Department's Capital Funding Schemes by approved voluntary and co-operative housing bodies for the years 2000 to 2006 and for the first 9 months of 2007 are published in my Department's Annual Housing Statistics Bulletin, and in the relevant quarterly bulletins for 2007, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library and on the Department's website www.environ.ie.
999 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he proposes to change the funding arrangements in place for voluntary housing associations; and if it is his intention that funding for such developments will come in future from each local authority’s capital allocation. [12255/08]
The provision of accommodation by approved voluntary and co-operative housing bodies is an integral part of my Department's overall response to delivering on social housing need. Funding of up to 100% of the approved cost is available for the provision of permanent accommodation for low-income families and groups with special housing needs, including the elderly, the homeless and persons with an intellectual or physical disability.
My Department's involvement with the voluntary and co-operative housing schemes relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The administration of the schemes and the certification that particular projects comply with the terms of the funding schemes, are the responsibility of the local authority.
In the interest of adopting a more integrated approach to meeting housing needs in individual local authority areas, my Department is moving towards a system of allocating the funding available under the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme on a local authority basis. These allocations are additional to, and will remain separate from, allocations made to local authorities for their own social housing programmes and will be devoted solely to voluntary and co-operative housing activity within individual local authority areas.
Overall, this year, my Department is providing a record €290 million for the voluntary and co-operative housing sector. The entire allocation is ring-fenced for projects being advanced by approved housing bodies and I have no proposals to change this arrangement.
1001 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the statement relating to the Dublin waste to energy project made in Dáil Éireann on 22 February 2007, adjustments or changes were made to such arrangements in the final contractual terms embraced in the agreement that was announced by Dublin City Council later in 2007; if so, the dates such changes or adjustments were made; if such adjustments or changes were made to the arrangements indicated by him on 22 February 2007, whether they were made with the consent or approval of himself or the Minister for Finance or the Government; and if such approval or consents were given on the dates they were given; the nature and extent of changes or adjustments that were made to the arrangements indicated by him on 22 February 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12282/08]
The facility in question is provided for in the Dublin regional waste management plan for which the four Dublin local authorities have statutory responsibility under the Waste Management Acts. Section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act, 1996 precludes the Minister from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority of a function conferred on it under the Act.
In view of the project's status as a prospective public private partnership, my Department was involved in certifying that the procurement was conducted in accordance with public policy on the procurement of infrastructure in this way. The Department by letter dated 14 September 2005 advised Dublin City Council, which acts as lead authority for the project, that having considered the submissions received in respect of the procurement process there was no objection to Dublin City Council proceeding to enter into contractual arrangements with the selected private partner. My Department is not a party to this contract and has no further role in the matter.
However, in 2007 my Department was advised that the selected private partner, Elsam, had been subsumed by Danish Oil and Natural Gas (DONG) leading to a corporate restructuring which has also involved extending the partnership to include Covanta, a US firm. In light of the corporate restructuring the project board, which in accordance with normal practice and procurement policy oversaw the procurement process, was reconvened.
The board included representatives from the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) and my Department. Following technical and legal examinations by the consultants acting for Dublin City Council as a Client's Representative, a standard feature of PPP projects, a meeting of the board was held on 14 May 2007. On the basis of the advices available to it the board concluded that the proposed revised arrangements to reflect the restructuring on the side of the private partner were not materially different from those which were originally envisaged and are the product of the procurement process which the NDFA and my Department validated. My Department noted and concurred with this decision and consequently the need for any further certification did not arise.
1002 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of paragraph 2.7.9 of the Department of Finance guidelines on public private partnerships where it is stated in the case of a once-off project where there is not likely to be any similar procurement in the future, the release of the PSB after the contract has been signed could be considered and whereas the Dublin waste to energy project at Poolbeg, finally activated is clearly a once-off project, he will arrange for the public release of the PSB on the Dublin waste to energy project; the extent to which the contractual terms of any final agreement between a company (details supplied) and Dublin City Council is compatible with such public sector benchmark; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12283/08]
1003 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the recommendations on the First Interim Report 2007 Access to the Private Element of Public Private Partnerships — An International Comparison, March 2007 of the Committee of Public Accounts that contracts should eventually, after the appropriate time interval, say three months after completion, be assessed in their entirety which would allow ongoing assessment of a project and provide reassurance to the public that its interest was being respected by reference to the Dublin waste to energy project, he will immediately arrange for the publication of any contractual agreements, letters of intent or memorandums of understanding made between Dublin City Council and companies (detailssupplied) between 2002 and 1 November 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12284/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1002 and 1003 together.
The facility in question is provided for in the Dublin regional waste management plan for which the four Dublin local authorities have statutory responsibility under the Waste Management Acts. Section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act, 1996 precludes the Minister from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority of a function conferred on it.
In view of the project's status as a prospective public private partnership, my Department was involved in certifying that the procurement was conducted in accordance with public policy on the procurement of infrastructure in this way. The Department by letter dated 14 September 2005 advised Dublin City Council, which acts as lead authority for the project, that having considered the submissions received in respect of the procurement process there was no objection to Dublin City Council proceeding to enter into contractual arrangements with the selected private partner. My Department and the National Development Finance Agency had representation on the project board established to manage the procurement process. The project board did not have a role in regard to the contractual arrangements subsequently entered into by Dublin City Council. My Department is not a party to this contract and has no further role in the matter.
The Minister for Finance in his response, in April 2007, to the recommendations in the Committee of Public Accounts report took the view that this recommendation would need to be considered by the relevant sponsoring agency on a case by case basis, having regard to protecting the State's negotiating position and the statutory, civil and legal rights of contracting parties. He also noted that all of the PPP documentation and analyses are available to the Comptroller and Auditor General.
In the case of this project Dublin City Council is the relevant sponsoring agency, and the Council has not made any proposal to my Department to release the Public Sector Benchmark. My Department is aware that independent statutory processes are still in progress in regard to the project, and any issues which arise in that context with implications for the contract are a matter for Dublin City Council.
1008 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the name of every body, organisation and committee outside his Department, other than semi-State commercial companies, that have been established by and report to his Department, at any stage during the year 2007 and the first three months of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12298/08]
The information requested is set out as follows:
Name of Body/Organisation/Committee
Dublin and Cities Electoral Area Boundary Committee
Electoral Area Boundary Committee (local authorities other than in Dublin and the cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford)
Irish Battlefields Project Advisory Panel
Limerick Northside Regeneration Agency
Limerick Southside Regeneration Agency
Lismullin Advisory Committee
Local Government Green Paper Consultative Committee
National Advisory Group for National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability
National Homeless Consultative Committee
Scientific and Technical Advisory Group for Climate Change Communications and Public Awareness Campaign
Steering Group for Climate Change Communications and Public Awareness Campaign
Steering Committee on policy on Architecture (and associated Focus Groups)
1009 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which families with young children are to dispose of household refuse in situations where there is neither a local authority or a private service available within a kilometre of the residence; the advice that he would give in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12310/08]
The Waste Management Act 1996 imposes a qualified obligation on a relevant local authority to ensure that adequate arrangements exist for the collection, recovery and disposal of household waste in its functional area. This service can be provided directly by a local authority or by a private waste collector. Private collectors of waste are required to hold a valid waste collection permit from a local authority. It is therefore a matter for each local authority to satisfy itself that appropriate arrangements are in place for the collection of household waste and my Department has no function in the matter.
1010 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of the provision of funding by his Department to a local authority (details supplied) in County Kildare for the purchase of nine houses for their housing stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12320/08]
A scheme of eight houses at the address referred to in the question has been approved for funding by the Department. Housing authorities are provided with Exchequer funds in respect of approved schemes, net of any amounts assigned to be paid out of internal capital receipts. The Department is currently in discussions with Athy Town Council concerning outstanding claims and balances in respect of their housing programme.
1011 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of the provision to a local authority (details supplied) in County Kildare for the provision of a housing scheme for their housing stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12321/08]
No application for approval of a project at the address referred to has been received by my Department.
1013 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department’s engineering adviser has examined the documentation submitted by Clare County Council regarding the Carrigaholt/Labasheeda sewerage schemes; if not, when he expects the report to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12394/08]
The Carrigaholt/Labasheeda Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007- 2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2008.
Clare County Council's Preliminary Report Review for the Carrigaholt element of the scheme and its Design Review Report for Labasheeda are under examination in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible.
1014 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken in response to the reported leak at Sellafield on 26 March 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12396/08]
1015 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps taken by Ireland in respect of seeking the closure of Sellafield; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12397/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1014 and 1015 together.
Ireland has long been concerned about the threat posed by the nuclear site at Sellafield. Our concerns in relation to the site have been consistently articulated to the UK Government at political, diplomatic and official levels.
In 2001, in response to the imminent commissioning of the MOX plant at the site, Ireland instituted legal proceedings against the UK under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Pending the hearing of the case, Ireland applied for and received a Provisional Measures Order, which ordered a review by Ireland and the UK of the mechanisms for inter-governmental notification and co-operation. Arising from this, a series of co-operative measures was developed, agreed and put in place.
These measures are valuable from Ireland's viewpoint, are working well and represent distinct real added value to the necessary co-operative relationship between the two countries. The Bi-Lateral Agreement on Early Notification of a Nuclear Incident, direct access to the UK Radiation Monitoring System (RIMNET), access for the Garda Síochána to Sellafield, access for the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) to Sellafield and other facilities, significantly improved information exchanges, co-operation on emergency planning with the UK, and improved and ongoing contacts at regulator and official level on nuclear issues, all provide objective evidence of real improvements.
In relation to the recent leak at Sellafield the relevant UK agencies have advised the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) that, on 19 March 2008, around 30,000 litres of low level liquid waste spilled from a holding tank in the Sellafield Effluent Treatment Plant (SETP) into the surrounding concrete compartment. Some liquid seeped into an access corridor.
The UK Environment Agency has advised the RPII that the indications are that there was no environmental impact and no additional discharges to the environment as a result of the event. Accordingly no implications arise for Ireland. I have been advised also that the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate and the Environment Agency will conduct a joint investigation into the matter shortly in accordance with normal practice. However, the incident is further confirmation that the concerns we hold in relation to the site are legitimate and we will continue to press for higher standards and adherence to best international practice in relation to the orderly operation of the site.
The Government will continue to pursue all political, diplomatic and, where necessary, legal options to secure the safe and orderly decommissioning of the Sellafield facility. I consider that the ongoing discussions between the two administrations in relation to Sellafield have resulted in increased recognition by the UK Government of the depth of Ireland's concern about Sellafield and of the priority accorded to the issue by the Irish Government.
Ireland has supported and will continue to support efforts by the European Commission to develop an increased safety role within the European Nuclear Industry. Adoption of recent European Council Conclusions in regard to the establishment of the EU High Level Regulators Group is a significant development in the area of nuclear safety. In Ireland's view, the transboundary risks and impacts arising from nuclear installations must be fully reflected in the instruments, structures and institutions of the EU.
Question No. 1016 answered with Question No. 965.
1017 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has used helicopters for any purpose for each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the reason for such use; the suppliers of the helicopter; the dates and locations visited and distance travelled; the cost of same and persons carried; if quotations were sought for such trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12419/08]
Where use has been made of helicopters by my Department, this service has been provided by the AirCorps, Department of Defence. There have been two exceptions to this in the time period in question, details for which are provided in this response.
A member of staff from the National Monuments section in the Department accompanied a UNESCO expert and an OPW staff member on a helicopter flight commissioned by the Commissioner of Irish Lights to view Skellig Michael World Heritage Site on 29 November 2007. There was no cost to the Department.
Minister of State Batt O'Keeffe, T.D., used a helicopter when travelling some 140 kilometres from Siem Reap to Pailin in Cambodia on 20 March 2007. This was part of a St. Patrick's Day visit to the region. The Minister visited a minefield in Pailin at the invitation of the HALO Trust who organised and paid for the helicopter use. HALO Trust specialise in the removal of mines and have received funding from the Irish Government.
1018 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will clarify what the protected structure at Mologga Graveyard, Kildorrey, County Cork is, that is preventing Cork County Council from carrying out essential remedial works on the graveyard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12427/08]
The national monument in question is an early ecclesiastical site associated with St. Molaga and includes the ruins of a medieval church. In accordance with Section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended), the written consent of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is required for any prescribed works affecting a national monument in the ownership or guardianship of a local authority as in this case. Furthermore the Minister is required by law to consult with the Director of the National Museum of Ireland on any such application for consent.
An application for the Minister's consent to undertake certain works at the site in question was received on 28 March 2008 and is currently being processed. A decision will issue in the matter as soon as possible.
1019 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm that the European Commission has initiated proceedings in regard to discrimination in the granting of planning permissions for rural housing and a possible breach of the EC Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12457/08]
As indicated in the reply to Question No. 507 of 11 March 2008, my Department received a Letter of Formal Notice dated 27 June 2007 from the European Commission under Article 226 of the Treaty, seeking the observations of the Government on whether the "local needs" test contained in a number of County Development Plans for the granting of planning permission for one-off dwellings in rural areas is compatible with Articles 43 and 56 of the EC Treaty which guarantee respectively the freedom of establishment and the free movement of capital.
My Department responded to the Commission's enquiry on 28 September 2007 and presented a strong defence of our current rural planning policies and practices; in addition, my Department met with officials from the European Commission on 25 February 2008 to discuss the matter further.
1020 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when a project (details supplied) in County Mayo was passed by Sustainable Energy Ireland; the reason the applicants were not informed of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11647/08]
1021 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason a project (details supplied) in County Mayo which had been passed did not receive any grant aid. [11648/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1020 and 1021 together.
The House of Tomorrow programme opened in 2001 and by July 2007 had committed grants to housing developments comprising around 6,000 units. The programme closed for applications in June 2007, arising from a Government commitment to revise Part L of the Building Regulations, to require energy and CO2 performance levels in new homes similar to those which had been demonstrated through the House of Tomorrow programme as being achievable, or a strengthening by some 40% relative to the current regulations.
The proposed revisions to the regulations, complete with these new performance requirements, were published in September for consultation by the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government, with a view to becoming mandatory over the period 2008-09.
In that context, it was decided not to continue to grant aid new projects in respect of standards that are imminently to become mandatory.
The significant interest in the House of Tomorrow programme in the period prior to the closure meant that there was a very large number of grant applications still in process which constituted a significant level of oversubscription. The September announcement by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, also affirmed a commitment to review the regulations in 2010 to 60% above current levels, with the ultimate aim of achieving a zero carbon standard for new houses in the medium to long term. On this basis, the project applications in hand were subject to detailed review to establish whether, on the basis of possible achievement of such a 60% performance level, support could be warranted.
Any applicant who did not qualify for funding under the scheme would have received a letter from Sustainable Energy Ireland outlining the reasons for the decision.
1022 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department is responsible for coastal marina development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11656/08]
I recently set out, in my reply to parliamentary question No. 212 of 28 February 2008, the extent of my Department's marine and coastal responsibilities. The Department has no statutory function or budget line for the development of marinas.
1023 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Lanesboro, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11698/08]
1024 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Legan, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11699/08]
1025 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Ardagh, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11700/08]
1026 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Carrickedmond, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11701/08]
1027 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Forgney, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11702/08]
1028 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Keenagh, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11703/08]
1029 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Abbeyshrule, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11704/08]
1030 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Moydow, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11705/08]
1031 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Newtowncashel, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11706/08]
1032 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Granard, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11707/08]
1033 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Balinalee, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11708/08]
1034 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Drumlish, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11709/08]
1035 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Legga, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11710/08]
1036 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Moyne, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11711/08]
1037 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Mullinalaghta, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11712/08]
1038 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Glen, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11713/08]
1039 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Killashee, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11714/08]
1040 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Aughnacliffe, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11715/08]
1041 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Eircom’s plans to provide broadband in Killoe, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11716/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1023 to 1041, inclusive, together.
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. I have no function in the matter of the enabling of exchanges owned by private companies. However, it is hoped that the facilitation of greater competition in the sector via the introduction of broadband from different technology platforms, will encourage more rapid enabling of all exchanges for broadband.
1042 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to expand the greener homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11868/08]
The Greener Homes Scheme provides support to homeowners to invest in a range of domestic renewable energy heating technologies including solar panels, biomass boilers and stoves and heat pumps. There has been a strong interest in the scheme since it was launched in March 2006.
On foot of the achievement of the original scheme targets three years ahead of schedule, Phase I of the Greener Homes Scheme was closed on 3 September 2007. Phase II of the scheme was opened on 1 October 2007 with assistance still provided under the above mentioned headings.
The objective in Greener Homes Phase II is to consolidate the market, underpinning it with quality standards and training and providing for a long-term future that is not grant dependent. The aim is to ensure that the market for these products, services and fuels continues to develop strongly in a robust manner and that consumers continue to be guided towards discerning choices. Continuing the scheme is helping secure a range of objectives including more competitive offerings, revised product standards, improved training standards and stable growth across the renewable heating industry.
The Greener Homes Scheme will continue to be kept under review and will continue to evolve in light of the maturing technologies and market developments.
1043 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the importance of providing incentives to home owners to retrofit renewable energy products in their homes; his proposals to prioritise this important issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11870/08]
Expanding the use of renewable energy technologies in new and existing homes is a key priority for the Government. The Greener Homes Scheme provides incentives for all homeowners to install renewable energy heating products in their homes. This scheme, which has been in operation since March 2006, provides support for a range of eligible technologies including heat pumps, solar panels and biomass boilers and stoves. Grant support ranges from €1,100 to €3,500 for heat pumps and boilers and €250/€300/M2 for solar panels.
To date, in excess of 19,000 applications have been approved, with over 11,000 installations in place.
1044 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will negotiate with An Post with a view to issuing a stamp to commemorate Irish soldiers who died in the service of the United Nations peacekeeping forces. [11912/08]
The selection of stamp topics for the annual special and commemorative stamp programmes is a matter for An Post and more specifically, the Philatelic Advisory Committee. This committee, whose members are representative of the broad spectrum of Irish society, was set up to make recommendations on what topics to include in each stamp programme.
However, I am happy to pass the Deputy's suggestion to the committee for its consideration.
1045 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha an bhfuil sé chun a iarraidh go mbeidh an córas códphoist atá á ullmhú ag an Roinn Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha bunaithe ar logainmneacha Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [12317/08]
Ceann de na téarmaí tagartha a leagadh ar an mBord um Thionscnamh na bPostchód Náisiúnta ná nach mbeadh ar éinne comhdhéanamh a sheoladh a mhalartú de bharr moladh a thiocfadh ón mBord. Mar sin dob é moladh an Bhoird ná an postchód a bheith mar líne breise don tseoladh. Níl i gceist toirmeasc a chur ar éinne leagan dá sheoladh d'úsáid i gceachtar de theangacha oifigiúla an Stáit.
Ina theannta sin feictear go mbeidh thart ar 200 "bailte poist" agus mar sin 200 cumasc éagsúla de litreacha ag seasamh dóibh. I gcás baile atá lonnaithe san nGaeltacht níl aon ní san mholadh a chuirfeadh in aghaidh bunú na bpostchód seo ar leagan oifigiúil an logainm i nGaeilge.
1046 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the grant supports available for the installation and operation of wind turbines. [11245/08]
Capital grants are not currently provided for the installation and operation of wind-turbines. The Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT) support programme, administered by my Department, underpins the installation and operation of commercial scale projects producing electricity from renewable energy sources by providing guaranteed prices to new projects which meet the relevant criteria.
I will shortly be announcing a pilot micro-generation support programme which will include a programme for domestic wind. Further details will be available in the coming days.
1047 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has plans to grant a small number of drift net fishing licences to island based fishermen in the interest of sustaining island communities around the coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11346/08]
As the Deputy is aware, the primary motivation in aligning the future management of the wild salmon fishery with the scientific advice and the introduction of the appropriate regulations to cease mixed stock fishing is the conservation of the wild salmon stocks. It is vital to afford every protection to the remaining salmon stocks and to clearly prioritise conservation over catch. We must fulfil our obligations under the Habitats Directive, namely to maintain or restore fish stocks to favourable conservation status.
There is no question of relaxing the conservation measures other than in rivers where stocks recover and it is established from the results of the Genetic Stock Identification project that significant numbers of fish destined for other rivers are not intercepted. It is not envisaged, however, that drift netting in the open seas will be licensed in the future due to the constraints of the Habitats Directive.
I am aware of the impact of the cessation of the seasonal wild salmon fishery on island communities and this is reflected in the allocation of funds being made available through Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann in their administration of the Community Support Scheme funded from the Salmon Hardship Fund. This scheme is specifically directed at the development of additional economic opportunities where commercial salmon fishing has been a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacts on the economic and social fabric of the communities.
1048 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding grant aid funding for a facility (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11369/08]
In January last, I announced a major initiative to support the development of ocean energy technologies in Ireland. The programme includes a budget for 2008 of €2 million to support the development of a full-scale wave energy grid connected test facility at Annagh/French Point County Mayo. The development of this facility will be overseen by the new ocean energy development unit, which is being located in Sustainable Energy Ireland.
1049 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the grants available for individual wind turbines at a private house or for residential development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11604/08]
Capital grants are not available for the construction and operation of micro-scale wind-turbines in domestic and residential settings. I am firmly committed to the accelerated development of micro-generation, in line with the Programme for Government and the Energy Policy White Paper, underpinned by appropriate cost efficient support measures.
A successful micro-generation support programme requires a soundly based operational and regulatory environment. At my request, Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is working in conjunction with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) to deliver this environment with the objective of establishing an appropriate micro generation support programme in the coming weeks.
1050 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of car park spaces available nationally to those working in his Department and in the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; the annual cost of car park spaces rented by his Department and the bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11884/08]
Details of car parking spaces assigned or available to my Department, which has a staff complement exceeding 300 people are as follows:
There are 65 car parking spaces available at my Department's HQ building on Adelaide Road, Dublin 2.
There are 55 spaces shared between my Department and Labour Court/Labour Relations Commission staff at Tom Johnson House, Beggars Bush, Haddington Road Dublin 4. There are 19 official Geological Survey of Ireland vehicles using these spaces also.
The Department shares a building at Leeson Lane, Dublin 2, with the Department of Transport, the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food and the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. The Department of Transport is the main tenant at that location. There are 42 parking spaces under the building with an additional five on the surface. The spaces are shared between the staff of each Department and none of these spaces is specifically assigned to my Department. There are 22 parking spaces at Elm House in Cavan.
All of the buildings are State owned or leased through the Office of Public Works (OPW). Any costs associated with car parking facilities, whether State owned or incorporated into lease agreements, as is the case in Adelaide Road and in Cavan, is a matter of the OPW.
The issue of accommodation, including car parking arrangements, for State agencies is a day to day operational matter for the agencies themselves and one in which I have no function.
1051 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date for commencement of the national broadband scheme; the qualifying criteria and application process for areas currently not served by broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12246/08]
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).
Although broadband is now widely available in Ireland there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. These areas are being addressed by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), which will provide broadband services to areas that are currently not served and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met.
A complex mapping exercise was undertaken in order to identify all areas where broadband services are and are not available. My Department and ComReg contacted service providers and requested details of their current and planned broadband coverage. The decision with respect to areas that are not currently served but are expected to be served in the near future will be made in July 2008. Any area not served by 1 July 2008, will fall under the scope of the NBS.
The first phase of the NBS procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. Following the withdrawal of the IFA/Motorola Consortium as a candidate the remaining three candidates have now commenced "Competitive Dialogue" with my Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet my Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the areas of the country not served. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in June 2008, with rollout to commence as soon as possible thereafter.
1052 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the name of every body, organisation and committee outside his Department, other than semi-State commercial companies, that have been established by and report to his Department, at any stage during the year 2007 and the first three months of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12293/08]
The National Digital Research Centre, which reports to my Department, was established on 22 February 2007.
1053 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department has used helicopters for any purpose for each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the reason for such use; the suppliers of the helicopter; the dates and locations visited and distance travelled; the cost of same and persons carried; if quotations were sought for such trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12414/08]
A helicopter was used on 20th December 2007 to view the site of works on the East West interconnector. The location visited was the site of the marine seabed survey in the Irish Sea.
The helicopter carried an official from EirGrid, a photographer, my Press Advisor and me.
The procurement of the helicopter for this occasion was dealt with by EirGrid, a commercial agency under the aegis of my Department. The supplier, cost, and the question of quotations and distance travelled would be a day-to-day operational matter for that agency and I have no function in that regard.
