Vol. 654 No. 4
95 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of hectares of privately owned land that have been replanted in forestry after harvesting; the percentage this represents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19615/08]
Virtually all commercial felling is undertaken on foot of a General Felling Licence, issued in accordance with the requirements of the Forestry Act 1946, and it is a standard condition of such licences that all areas felled must be replanted. The Deputy does not ask for details in respect of any particular period, but by way of illustration, General Felling Licences for the clear-felling of 637.5 hectares of trees on privately owned land have been issued during the period 1st January 2006 to date. This figure is exclusive of clear-felling licences issued to Coillte Teoranta.
The duration of validity on these licences can range from one to five years. Under the replanting conditions attached to each licence there is a compulsory requirement to replant the cleared area within 12 months of expiry of the licence. In accordance with the conditions laid down, it would be expected that 100% of such areas would be replanted, unless a smaller area had been agreed for environmental reasons.
96 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if further efforts to protect Irish fishing rights will be re-negotiated following the ratification of the Lisbon treaty; the way the principle of subsidiarity will be of benefit to the Irish fishing community within the framework of the Lisbon treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19524/08]
In practical terms, the Reform Treaty will not alter the arrangements that currently apply in the fisheries sector to any great extent other than applying the principle of co-decision in certain areas for the first time. Fisheries are now included in the Articles on the Common Agricultural Policy and references to the Common Agricultural Policy will be deemed to include fisheries. The Reform Treaty introduces the principle of qualified majority voting to certain new areas but the principle of qualified majority voting is already enshrined in the fisheries sector for some considerable time. While there will be some alterations to the thresholds for reaching a qualified majority under the new arrangements, these alterations will not have significant implications for decision-making. The reality is that most decisions on fisheries are arrived at by consensus.
However the Treaty will provide a greater degree of democracy in the decision-making process and the European Parliament will have a greater say in future EU legislation on fisheries with the exception of a small number of dossiers related to fixing of Total Allowable Catches and quotas. Our own Oireachtas also will have an enhanced role under the Lisbon Treaty along with the national Parliaments of the other Member States and these changes apply equally to the fisheries sector. National parliaments will have a longer period of time to scrutinise proposals. They will also have the power to object to a draft proposal on the grounds that it breaches the principle of subsidiarity.
However, in relation to fisheries, a significant exception will be the fixing and allocation of fishing opportunities, which will be dealt with by the Council of Ministers on a proposal from the European Commission, as is the current process. Total Allowable Catches and Quotas for the majority of commercial fish stocks in European waters are proposed by the Commission each year for the following year, taking account of scientific evidence on the state of each stock, the respective management measures in place, and the catches taken during the year. These proposals are the subject of extensive negotiations at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council each December. During the negotiating process, and indeed throughout the year, I will be taking a strong line in defence of Ireland's shares of the various stocks, as have my predecessors.
The annual process of setting TACs and quotas is a very important part of the management of fish stocks. Decisions in relation to quotas are necessarily made on a short-term basis and must react to ever-changing circumstances. While there are moves to "front load" this process, in order to facilitate earlier decision making each year, it will not be directly affected by the Lisbon Treaty. Under the Common Fisheries Policy, each Member State is responsible for the control of fishing activities within its own Exclusive Economic Zone waters and for the development of its own fishing industry and this will continue to be the case into the future.
97 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the level of labelling of fresh foodstuffs imported from abroad; if he has plans for improved labelling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19654/08]
The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) through its service contracts with my Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the Health Service Executive, the Local Authorities and the National Consumer Agency.
In terms of fresh fruit and vegetables, there is a legal obligation to display the country of origin for fresh fruit and vegetables. The EU currently has 36 specific marketing standards covering various fresh fruit and vegetables. Apart from quality criteria these standards also set down strict provisions regarding labelling; these include country of origin. The Agricultural Inspectorate in my Department ensures these standards are met. The EU Commission is currently reforming the Common Organisation of the Market for fruit and vegetables with the objectives of simplification, reduction in legislative burdens, consumer protection and transparency in trade. As part of this process, it is intended that a number of the existing 36 specific standards will to be replaced by a general standard. Under this General Standard produce must be of sound, fair and of marketable quality. While this reform is not yet completed, I am satisfied the proposed General Standard will still set down sufficiently detailed provisions regarding labelling.
In the case of the importation of meat and meat products, there are specific requirements that such products must originate from a country approved by the EU, have been produced in an approved establishment and be accompanied by a health certificate in accordance with the provisions of Community legislation; in addition such products must be presented for inspection at an EU approved Border Inspection Post. Furthermore, there is compulsory beef labelling legislation in place since September 2000 which stipulates, among other things, that the origin must be placed on the label. There are also EU Regulations in place for poultry meat, which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultry meat at retail level. The Regulations require such poultry meat to be labelled with the information regarding class, price, condition, registered number of the slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, drafted regulations that would require the country of origin to be indicated on pig meat, poultry and sheep meat. This was notified to the EU Commission in December 2007 as required by legislation. The Commission was not prepared to adopt the draft regulations in their present format on the grounds that the proposed legislation in not in compliance with EU food labelling regulations. However, it indicated that it would reconsider the draft measures once we have submitted additional explanatory information. This information is currently being prepared for transmission to the Commission.
The EU Commission reviewed the whole area of food labelling and in that context my Department contributed to Ireland's submission which was co-ordinated by the Department of Health & Children. The Commission subsequently brought forward a proposal for a regulation on the provision of food information to consumers. This draft regulation will be examined by Council of Health Ministers and the European Parliament under the co-decision procedure. The FSAI proposes to initiate public consultation on this proposal from July to October this year.
98 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department will introduce policy measures to tackle escalating costs of animal feed and fertilisers; if he will ensure Ireland does not hinder the efforts of millers to import ingredients for animal feed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19606/08]
The worldwide increase in the price of commodities such as cereals and oil over the last 18 months has caused the price of compound animal feeds and fertilizers to increase by about 30% and 50%, respectively. My predecessor has taken steps, through the Council of Ministers, to address some of the causes of these increases by bringing about a suspension of the obligation to set 10% of arable land aside and the elimination of import duties for cereals, as well as the introduction of an aid for private storage scheme and an increase in export refunds for the pigmeat sector. I can assure the Deputy that my Department is giving all the support it can to the feed industry, including to the importers of animal feed, to allow it to carry on its business because its success is vital to the success of our livestock industry. However, imports of feed materials must meet all the necessary legislative requirements.
In relation to fertilizers, Ireland has to import its requirement for all the inorganic fertiliser as there is no national production. The fact that worldwide demand considerably outstripped supply resulted in the significant price increase. On a positive note, the indications are that the world fertiliser shortage will be short term. The FAO circulated a press release in February 2008 entitled: "Global fertilizer supply expected to outstrip demand". In it the FAO expects world fertilizer production to outstrip demand over the next five years.
99 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received EU health check proposals due to be published shortly; the impact the proposals will have on Irish agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19601/08]
The Commission proposals on the Health Check of the CAP are due to be published on 20 May. Advance copies of the proposals have been received in the last few days. The negotiating process will commence under the Slovenian Presidency with a series of Working Groups in May and June. My aim in the negotiations will be to achieve the best possible outcome for Ireland and for agriculture. We have already outlined the issues of concern to Ireland to Commissioner Fischer Boel, to Commission officials, and to colleagues in other Member States. I will continue to take an active role in the discussions at every opportunity and to reiterate our priorities. These include:
Ensuring that further simplification of the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) and cross-compliance is delivered;
In preparation for expiry of milk quotas in 2015, seeking ambitious annual quota increases and clear, predictable decisions taken at this stage to give policy certainty to producers and the industry;
Maintaining effective market management measures to cater for any market volatility that may occur
Opposing the proposed increase in compulsory modulation.
I will also be seeking a degree of subsidiarity in a number of areas but specifically in relation to the management of the Single Payment Scheme, to adjust policy to national circumstances.
The impact of the whole package of measures on Irish agriculture will clearly depend on what is agreed at the end of the negotiations. The aim is to reach agreement at the November meeting of the Council of Agriculture Ministers. A consultative process with key stakeholders has been established to advise on the main issues arising in the Health Check and the output from this will feed into Ireland's position in the negotiations.
100 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department has conducted or is involved in research into growing sugar beet for the production of ethanol; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19586/08]
My Department is committed to supporting research in non-food land uses. To date, it has awarded in excess of €6 million in funding for biofuel research projects under the Department's Research Stimulus Fund Programme arising from Calls for Proposals issued in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The 2005 Research Stimulus Fund Programme funded a project entitled ‘Development of a strategy (E-supply) for bioethanol production to support the evolution of a non-food crops sector for Irish agriculture'. Part of this project quantified existing feedstocks and potential availability for conversion to bioethanol, including sugar beet. It also examined bioethanol production costs. My Department is closely monitoring the progress of this research project which is due for completion at the end of this year.
The 2007 Call for Proposals under the Research Stimulus Fund Programme invited proposals in the Agri-Energy area to identify and develop within the agriculture sector, renewable energy sources with feasible exploitation potential. No projects on sugar beet were submitted. My Department is currently in discussions with other stakeholder Departments on the priority topics for 2009. Research into non-food land uses will continue to be a priority.
101 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will lobby the European Commission to rescind the decision to pay REP scheme four retrospectively to participating farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19653/08]
The arrangements for REPS 4 are derived from a new Commission Regulation which reflects the Commission's objective of integrating and harmonising the operation of the various farm payment schemes — including the Single Payment Scheme, REPS and the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. For REPS 4, this means that applications to join the Scheme must be submitted by 15 May each year. Payments will relate to the number of months in a year during which the farmer is in a REPS 4 contract, and they will be released in two phases of 75% and 25%.
My officials had intensive discussions about these new rules with the Commission. They argued that the previous arrangements had worked well since REPS was first introduced in 1994 and had contributed to the success of the scheme, with nearly 60,000 farmers participating in REPS 2 and REPS 3 by the end of 2006. The Commission were adamant, however, that the new Regulation must apply to REPS 4. The only thing they were prepared to concede was a transitional arrangement for farmers in REPS 2 finishing their contracts during 2008. As long as these farmers submitted an application for REPS by the closing date of 15 May — last Thursday — they can submit their farm plans later on and still receive payment this year. The Commission insisted however that the new Regulation must apply strictly to all other farmers joining REPS 4 this year, and to everyone joining the new Scheme from next year on.
The previous discussions with the Commission were exhaustive and I see no prospect of any change in the position. Although payments will now come at different times of the year from those that farmers are used to, no farmer will lose out on his or her payments in REPS 4. Nevertheless I am aware that this change is unwelcome to farmers. I believe the previous way of doing things was better, but we are constrained by the Regulations. Finally I want to reiterate that there is no change to the rules governing REPS 2 and REPS 3. For the remainder of their time in these Schemes, farmers will continue to be paid in full at an early stage in each year of their contracts.
102 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps being taken to police over-fishing resulting in the depletion of fish stocks; if action is contemplated to allow fish stocks to recover, particularly in proximity to Irish and UK waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19581/08]
As custodian of some of the richest fishing grounds within the European Community, Ireland is strongly committed to the protection of our fish stocks from depletion due to over-exploitation, both at European and national levels. At EU level, Ireland has consistently argued for a level playing field in the enforcement of measures to prevent such over-exploitation, and we look forward to participating fully with other member states in the review of Control Systems planned for later this year.
At national level, enforcement of all regulations regarding over-fishing within Ireland's Exclusive Economic Zone (and by Irish-flagged vessels anywhere in the world), is a matter for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), an independent authority, which was established on January 1st 2007 under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006. The Act clearly provides that the Authority is independent in the exercise of its functions. Fish stocks in the waters around Ireland are exploited under the umbrella of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. A fundamental principal underpinning this policy is to manage the exploitation of the fish stocks in a way that protects their long-term viability and encourages the recovery of the stocks.
Ireland has and continues to participate in a number of initiatives to encourage the recovery of fish stocks, particularly in proximity to Irish and U.K. waters. For example, in relation to the cod stocks in the Irish Sea, a pilot project is ongoing on Discards/Enhanced Data Collection, involving fishing vessels from all the coastal areas around the Irish Sea. This study has been developed collaboratively between fishing industry representatives, scientists, the North West Waters Regional Advisory Committee and the national administrations from Ireland, England and Northern Ireland. A cod recovery plan was introduced at EU level in 2004 establishing measures for the recovery of four cod stocks in the North-east Atlantic Ocean. That plan set total allowable catches (TAC's), limited fishing effort, restricted mesh sizes and closed fishing areas with a view to allowing stocks to recover to sustainable levels within a 5-10 year period.
The slow progress made towards achieving the cod recovery plan's goals has now prompted a re-examination and revision of the original cod recovery plan. A revised proposal for enhanced measures to promote the recovery of cod stocks was presented by the European Commission at the April 2008 Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Ministers. This revised proposal, which now proposes to include the Celtic Sea, is being considered by my Department at present in conjunction with our scientists and the industry.
Other recovery measures around our coasts include areas for the protection of orange roughy and juvenile hake in waters off the south-west coast and new management measures for herring stocks in the Celtic Sea proposed by our industry with the assistance of the Marine Institute. Ireland is committed to playing a full part in any necessary management measures in that regard, as we have done in the past and continue to do. Our common goal is to have a sustainable fishing industry with sustainable fish stocks.
103 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will clarify his stance on the EU proposals on the reform of pesticide legislation that are being finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19629/08]
The Commission has proposed a Thematic Strategy for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides. The Strategy includes a number of initiatives designed to reduce the negative impacts associated with use of "Plant Protection Products" (agro-chemical sprays). It is in this context the Commission has proposed:
1. A framework Directive on the sustainable use of pesticides, the aim of which is to reduce the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment.
2. A new regulation concerning the placing on the market of "Plant Protection Products". This proposal is designed to replace Council Directive 91/414/EEC (the current legislative instrument in place).
3. A new regulation concerning the collection of statistics on the use of pesticides in agriculture.
1. A framework Directive on the sustainable use of pesticides
In December last (2007) a common position in Council was achieved regarding the proposed framework directive on the sustainable use of pesticides. The agreed text was subsequently discussed by the jurist linguist group in March and final endorsement of the Council position was given at yesterday's Council meeting. This final endorsement allows the initiation of the second reading process where the Council and the Parliament can engage directly. The main elements of this proposal relate to issues such as operator and advisor training, inspection of application equipment and national action plans. Accordingly Ireland endorsed the current proposed text at Council.
2. A new Regulation concerning the placing on the market of “Plant Protection Products”
This proposal is designed to replace Council Directive 91/414/EEC (the current legislative instrument in place). The current proposal was also addressed at yesterday's meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels but the meeting failed to reach agreement because of the continuing differences between Member States on elements of the proposal. This proposal currently includes many novel provisions which I support, including the regulation of parallel trade and simplified provisions for data protection. However, it also includes a provision for ‘hazard-based cut-off criteria' as a mechanism for making decisions relating to the approval of fungicides, herbicides and insecticides. If unchanged, this provision could result in a significant reduction of the number of substances available for plant protection in Europe. At the conclusion of yesterday`s Council, the Presidency undertook to "take stock" of the position and reflect on the outcome of the meeting.
3. A new regulation concerning the collection of statistics on the use of pesticides in agriculture.
The 3rd proposal is still at Council working group level and officials from my Department are participating in these discussions. The current proposals will not result in any changes to current practice in Ireland.
104 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will support the European Commission proposal to give free fruit and vegetables to school children throughout the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19624/08]
At its meeting on 12 June 2007, the Council of Agriculture Ministers invited the Commission to come forward with a proposal for a school fruit scheme based on an impact assessment of the benefits, practicalities and administrative costs that would be involved. On 18 December 2007 the Commission began a public consultation process which ended on 29 February 2008. The Commission is currently working on its impact assessment report of different options for EU intervention and it is expected that it will present a proposal to Council in July. I look forward to the publication of the Commission's proposal and I will certainly support an initiative to increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables among schoolchildren as I believe that this will have long-term health benefits for the upcoming generations.
In this context I should point out that a national programme ("Food Dudes") designed to increase consumption of fresh fruit & vegetables among school children during school time and at home as well as a change in parental behaviour towards purchase and consumption of fresh fruit & vegetables was introduced in 2007. This programme, which is funded by my Department and operated by an Bord Bia, rewards repeat tastings and has proven quite successful. Some 625 schools and 85,000 children will receive the programme this year.
105 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make provisions for funding to be provided for long-term deck crew members whose trawler owners are benefiting under the decommissioning scheme, to enable those track record fishermen some form of financial compensation for their retirement as they would not be in a position to participate in the proposed retraining schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19609/08]
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 crew members 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 socio-economic 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 socio-economic 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 crew members whose current boats are leaving the fleet.
106 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to offset food price inflation; if he has consulted with various shareholders including farming organisations on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19643/08]
Recent data from the Central Statistics Office on the Consumer Price Index shows that Ireland, in common with the rest of the world, has experienced a steep rise in food prices. The cost of food and non-alcoholic beverage prices increased by 8.1% in the year to April 2008. This compares to an increase of 1.6% for the year to April 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 common with the EU, Ireland is not impervious to this evolving change in context. 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. A consultative process has been formed to advise on all aspects of the Health Check and the long-term future of milk quotas. This involves the main industry and farming stakeholders as well as independent experts and will feed into the ongoing debate on all the issues concerned.
107 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of hectares of Coillte land that have not been replanted in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19612/08]
All clear felling of afforested areas is subject to the licensing conditions as laid down under the Forestry Act 1946. Licences are issued following detailed inspection and approval of the proposed clear felling sites by the Forest Service Inspectorate and following consultation with the relevant authorities. There are two types of licence, a general felling licence which carries a compulsory replanting condition on the cleared land and a limited felling licence to which a replanting obligation is normally, but not always, attached.
I understand from Coillte that the information requested is not readily available but that the area not replanted is very small in the context of Coillte's estate of in excess of 445,000 hectares. My Department is also carrying out an audit of certain Coillte plantations, licensed under the general licensing procedure, to ensure that the replanting obligation has been fulfilled. In relation to limited felling licences, my Department has given derogations from replanting for silvicultural and environmental reasons. Examples of these are the Western Blanket Bog and Raised Bog LIFE projects and the Priority Woodlands LIFE Project. There are also a small number of individual sites where derogations have been given on the replanting obligation.
108 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on supporting fishermen in their difficulties arising from the hikes in fuel prices, bearing in mind the steps taken in France and elsewhere throughout the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19543/08]
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.
Under the National Development Plan 2007-2013, the Irish seafood industry will benefit from funding of €216m. A further €118m 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 the Whitefish decommissioning scheme 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.
109 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has plans to launch an updated initiative to improve safety practices on farms and to reduce the number of farm deaths and injuries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19635/08]
I am very concerned with the level of farm safety on our farms. Last year 11 people died on Irish farms. While this was a decline of almost 40% on 2006, it is still unacceptably high. This year to-date 6 people have died on Irish farms. I strongly support the work of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), which is the national body in Ireland with responsibility for securing health and safety at work.
The Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee to the HSA was set up in 2002. This Committee is made up of representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Teagasc, HSA and other farming groups and supports and co-ordinates the majority of research and promotional activities in relation to farm safety. This Committee put a Farm Safety Plan in place in 2003. The outcome of this Farm Safety Plan, which ran for 5 years, was a 28% reduction in farm fatalities, 31% reduction in farm accidents and a reduction in child fatalities from 6 per annum to 2 per annum. A new Farm Safety Plan is now being developed by the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee. My Department will fully support this new 5 year Plan with the aim of reducing farm fatalities and injuries even further.
Teagasc and the HSA launched a joint initiative in 2005 to reduce the number of farm accidents on Irish farms. This three-year initiative aimed to ensure that farmers with three or less employees completed and implemented a Farm Risk Assessment and involved a series of half-day health and safety training courses. During 2006 and 2007, up to 6,500 farmers attended these farm health and safety half-day training courses and up to 400 Teagasc advisors received farm health and safety briefings. Teagasc aim to provide health and safety training to approximately 8,000 farmers in 2008. As this is the last year of the initiative, Teagasc and the Health and Safety Authority are in discussions regarding renewal of the initiative.
My Department in conjunction with the Department for Labour Affairs circulated some 160,000 copies of A Code of Practice for the Prevention of Accidents and Occupational Ill Health in Agriculture in November/December 2006. Analysis of the 2007 Teagasc National Farm Survey shows that 42.5% of farmers have completed the Risk Assessment Document. The All Island Farm Safety Conference, to be held on the 18th June in Monaghan, is being organised by the HSA and the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland. It will focus on safety issues on farms such as the elderly, livestock and occupational health issues in farming.
110 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure farmers will continue to have payments by his Department issue to them by cheque should they so wish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19645/08]
Farmers can choose to have payments made to them by cheque or electronic funds transfer directly into their bank account during the remainder of the 2008 EU financial year which ends on 15 October. However, as and from the 2009 EU financial year which commences on 16th October 2008, payment by cheque will no longer be permitted under EU rules on the financing and management of the Common Agricultural Policy. From that date, my Department is required to make payments under EU funded or co-funded schemes directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. As the designated paying agency for EU funds, my Department is obliged to implement this new requirement.
My Department has notified farmers of the new requirement on a number of occasions over the past year and did so again recently. A very large number of farmers have now ‘signed up' for electronic funds transfer. Farmers who have not yet done so still have a number of months in which either to open a bank account or to notify my Department of the details of existing bank accounts. I will be urging all farmers to make the necessary arrangements as soon as possible so as to avoid disruption to their payments.
My officials have briefed the banks on the new requirement and have also met with An Post/Postbank which has recently launched a new current account which will facilitate the electronic transfer of funds and which can be opened and operated through the post office network. My Department will also arrange payments to accounts in any Credit Union which has the facility to process electronic transfers. I will explore all possible options to facilitate the transition to payments by electronic funds transfer and farmers may, of course, contact my Department with any concerns that they may have.
111 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of offshore wind turbines that have been licensed; the number in the planning process; the provision made for public consultation on individual applications; the acceptable capacity and height for the turbines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14638/08]
The position in relation to leases and licences for Offshore Windfarms under the Foreshore Act 1933 is as follows:
A. There are currently three valid Foreshore licences for site investigation.
B. There are seven Foreshore licence applications for site investigation currently being processed.
C. Two Foreshore 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. The maximum allowable height for the turbines in this project are 100m tip to sea level, each turbine will have a capacity of 2.5MW.
(ii) In November 2005, a lease was granted to Codling Wind Park Ltd for the construction of 220 wind turbines on the Codling Bank. The maximum allowable height for the turbines in this project are 100m tip to sea level, each turbine will have a capacity of 5MW.
D. There are three lease applications currently being considered.
(i) In January 2002 Kish Offshore Wind Ltd applied for a lease for the construction of a 75 turbine windfarm on the Kish Bank. The height of the turbines applied for in this project are 160m tip to sea level, each turbine will have a capacity of 2.3MW.
(ii) In January 2002 Bray Offshore Wind Ltd applied for a lease for the construction of a 70 turbine windfarm on the Bray Bank. The height of the turbines applied for in this project are 160m tip to sea level, each turbine will have a capacity of 2.3MW.
(iii) In February 2007 Oriel Windfarm Ltd applied for a lease for the construction of a 55 turbine wind farm off Dundalk Bay, The height of the turbines applied for in this project are 166m tip to sea level, each turbine will have a capacity of 6MW.
In relation to the above information it is important to note that the authorisation of offshore energy projects under the Foreshore Act is dealt with in two distinct phases. Under phase one, 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. The licensing stage does not require the developer to provide specific details of the turbines. The public consultation for a Foreshore Licence for an Offshore Electricity Generating Station lasts one month. The commencement of the public consultation process is advertised in national and regional newspapers and also generally placed on the Department's web site.
Where the site for which a licence has been granted proves suitable, an application may be made for a foreshore lease (phase two). The lease application process evaluates the project and its impacts in detail using specialist advisors, statutory and non-statutory consultees, and is followed by extensive public consultation. The current public consultation process for a Foreshore lease for an Offshore Electricity Generating Station lasts two months. Recent applications have seen over one hundred and twenty organisations consulted. The commencement of the public consultation is advertised in national and regional newspapers and also generally placed on the Department's web site.
The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 for all energy developments (including oil, gas, wave, wind and tidal energy) 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.
112 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will implement the Malone report on the sheep industry in full; his timetable for the implementation of its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19594/08]
The Sheep Industry Development Strategy Group, under the chairmanship of Mr. John Malone, set out a blueprint for the sector's future development. Its recommendations relate to all elements of the industry and do not have a fixed timeframe. My Department and the state agencies under my aegis are dealing with the areas relevant to them. Under REPS 4, a new mixed grazing measure specially targeted at sheep farmers has been introduced and development of this measure is being kept under review to ensure a good take up.
Plans for the upgrading of a Sheep Breeding Programme are well advanced and I hope that agreement can be reached and a new programme put in place for the 2008/2009 breeding year. Farmer confidence in the pricing system operated by plants will be improved if mechanical grading can be introduced. My Department has organised trials on this aspect and is assessing the initial results. It is also essential that producers and processors agree on the structures necessary to reward quality and to bring transparency to the pricing system. Teagasc are making a very positive contribution as well 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 provide an opportunity for developing a dialogue with sheep farmers about the application of the latest management practices to their enterprises and identify research and development needs.
The Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme was established in 2007. Bord Bia is also playing a prominent part. Almost 6,000 farms have been registered to date and over 4,200 farm audits have been carried out. In 2007 the Department made available €0.4m to support inspections under the scheme and this funding will be repeated again in 2008 and 2009. In addition to the measures being taken at producer and processor level, promotional efforts are being undertaken by An Bord Bia which 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.
The overall goal is to facilitate the development of a more profitable sheep-meat sector in Ireland covering the lamb production, lamb processing and marketing sectors of the industry. I recognise the challenges ahead but am confident about the future of the sector provided all stakeholders play their part in undertaking the various initiatives set out in the Strategy Group's report.
113 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has undertaken an assessment of the implications for farming here of the EU plan to reduce the use of crop sprays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19655/08]
The Commission has proposed a Thematic Strategy for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides. The Strategy includes a number of initiatives to reduce the impact of sprays. The Commission has proposed a framework Directive on the sustainable use of pesticides. The aim of this proposal is to reduce the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment. The current Commission proposal does not contain any plan to "reduce the use of crop sprays", except in "sensitive areas", where restrictions on use will be subjected to a risk assessment. Since my Department already carries out such risk assessments during the authorisation process for pesticides, it is anticipated that there will be no additional implications for Irish farming.
114 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will lobby the EU for a bigger quota for Irish fishermen in their own waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19648/08]
In relation to quota allocations, the position is that Ireland's shares of the main fish stocks were set in the early 1980s when fish stocks were being shared out between Member States. The share allocations were based on catch records and reflected the fishing levels by the Irish fleet at that time. The percentage shares held by each Member State have generally remained the same for over 20 years under the principle of relative stability.
Since then it has been a priority of successive Government Ministers with responsibility for the fisheries brief to try to have these shares improved. The Common Fisheries Policy was reviewed in 1992 and again in 2002 and in both cases substantial efforts were made to push Ireland's case for increased shares of important stocks but without success. Ireland received no support from other Member States for changes in the allocation keys for the share out of stocks. The next overall review of the basic framework of the Common Fisheries Policy is not scheduled until 2012.
The practical reality is that to achieve an increase in Ireland's share of catches, other Member States would have to take a cut in their shares. This is all the more difficult to achieve when the total allowable catches (TACs) of all the main commercial species are falling and the reality is that achieving support for such an outcome at the December Agriculture and Fisheries Council, where quotas are fixed for the following year, is not deliverable. At this point the European Commission and other Member States largely take the view that the quota shares are fixed and not subject to ad-hoc changes pending any more fundamental review of the Common Fisheries Policy. The reform package, agreed in December 2002, included key national priorities such as
the continuation of the Hague quota preferences, which are very important to Ireland as they guarantee minimum quotas to Ireland in certain stocks,
an action plan to address the problem of juvenile fish catches,
stronger control and enforcement and
the establishment of Regional Advisory Councils giving fishermen a strong voice in shaping future fisheries policy at EU level.
Following protracted negotiations at the December Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 2007 a total package of 182,699 tonnes of fish was secured for the Irish Fishing Industry for 2008. This was a significant success given the initial proposal by the European Commission which involved cuts of up to 25% for 25 of the 37 stocks of importance to Ireland. The crucial Hague preferences were also successfully defended after a number of Member States attempted to have them set aside. It appears that this system is likely to be challenged again this year and I want to re-iterate today that I will strongly resist any proposals to reduce or abolish our entitlements under these measures.
The Cawley Report "Steering A New Course — Strategy for a Restructured, Sustainable and Profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-2013" sets out a clear strategy to maximise the value of quotas focused on increasing the value of seafood at every stage from the net to the fork. I am satisfied that the effective implementation of this Strategy, which the Government has endorsed, will deliver a sustainable, profitable and self-reliant industry that will maximise its long term contribution to coastal communities. I am fully committed to working efficiently and effectively with the industry to deliver this strategy.
115 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he will take to support the co-operative movement north of the line from Dublin to Galway in order that it can develop products other than butter and skimmed milk powder (details supplied); if a further study is being carried out on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19431/08]
The Dairy Investment Fund was a fixed period competitive call for proposals for dairy processing companies to assist them in increasing efficiency by supporting the upgrading of existing facilities in order to capture new business and develop value added products. The Government established a fund of €100 million and, when fully implemented, the approved projects will generate total dairy processing sector investment of €286 million. A total of 27 applications for funding were made and 19 projects were approved for grant assistance. Of these, four projects were submitted from the northern part of the country and three were approved for funding. The total investment amounted to €30.83 million, which attracted government grants of €15.42 million.
As regards the project referred to by the deputy, all projects were assessed and scored across a range of evaluation categories and funding was allocated to those projects that performed best in the evaluation process. The fund is now closed, though if further projects emerge, promoters should contact Enterprise Ireland with a view to exploring the nature of support that might be available to particular types of projects.
116 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action being taken to amend legislation to ensure that foodstuffs of foreign origin cannot be labelled as produced in Ireland, processed in Ireland or sourced and produced in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19634/08]
The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) through its service contracts with my Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the Health Service Executive, the Local Authorities and the National Consumer Agency. The particular issue referred to here where a primary product can enter Ireland and be processed in some way thereby allowing it to be branded, as an Irish product is known as "substantial transformation". This terminology originates in EU legislation governing the EU Customs Code and therefore can only be amended at EU level.
The EU Commission reviewed the whole area of food labelling and in that context my Department contributed to Ireland's submission which was co-ordinated by the Department of Health & Children. The Commission subsequently brought forward a proposal for a regulation on the provision of food information to consumers. This draft regulation will be examined by Council of Health Ministers and the European Parliament under the co-decision procedure. The FSAI proposes to initiate public consultation on this proposal from July to October this year.
117 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all new policy initiatives in agriculture are carbon proofed; the steps to be taken to meet Ireland’s national obligation to reduce carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19598/08]
Climate change has potentially serious implications not just for agriculture but for all sectors of the economy. The Irish agricultural pasture-based production system has many advantages in terms of sustainability and in a decoupled environment, efficiency of production is pursued which means that carbon emissions per unit of production are kept as low as possible.
In the context of carbon proofing, the agriculture sector will continue to effect production efficiencies in order that the emissions per unit of food produced are as low as possible. In this regard it can be expected that in 2008 the continued implementation of the Nitrates Regulations will result in better utilization of nutrients, with a consequent reduction in nitrogen applications. Other measures which will contribute to greenhouse gas abatement, such as the encouragement of minimum tillage, the use of clover swards and the adoption of low emission trailing shoe technology for slurry spreading have been introduced under the new Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Forestry sequestration of carbon is a significant element in the National Climate Change Strategy and will play a very important role in meeting our Kyoto targets. Both forest products and energy crops also contribute to the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by acting as substitutes for fossil fuels and my Department will continue to invite participation in the EU Energy Crops Scheme and the Bioenergy Scheme in 2008. I realize that further initiatives may be needed to address the challenge of climate change, which is why my Department has committed substantial funding, under the Research Stimulus Fund, to various research projects devoted to identifying sustainable greenhouse gas reduction measures. A comprehensive analysis of research needs has been carried out by my Department and will be used to inform future calls for research in the area of climate change. Furthermore, my officials are currently working closely with Teagasc and COFORD in carrying out a review of the potential mitigation options available to the sector.
118 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the threat to the staple fruit and vegetable crops here due to climate change which will cause major changes in farming practices; his plans to plan for future food shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19638/08]
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today. The focus in Ireland is on mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and there is ongoing analysis of the potential impacts of climate change, especially in relation to agriculture. The available information from regional climate models indicates that there will be impacts on the Irish climate. However, these are European-scale or world-scale models and give indicative information only for Ireland. The indications are that both summers and winters will be warmer, which would improve growing conditions for many crops in Ireland, especially fruit and vegetable crops.
We cannot be as certain at this stage about how rainfall will be affected by climate change. Ongoing work to refine regional climate models will give a clearer picture of the likely impacts on Irish climate and will provide better information on parameters that are important to farmers and the agricultural industry. In addition, Teagasc monitors crops for changes that may be induced by changing climate, such as changing patterns of pests or crop diseases. There is however, no justification for the suggestion that Ireland is facing food shortages caused by climate change.
At global level, there is increasing awareness that food security cannot be taken for granted in a world where demand is rising rapidly and is expected to double over the next fifty years. The projected increase in world population over the next 20 years presents a major challenge to the world and the agricultural industry to feed this growing number of people. Ireland has an important role to play in meeting this demand, as a supplier of food that is produced in a sustainable manner. The objective must be that all production from agricultural sources is sustainable and in this context it is important that policy at EU level in terms of curbing greenhouse gas emissions does not, by default, cause production to relocate to less sustainable systems outside the EU.
119 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will recommend to Coillte the appointment of an arbitrator to report on the complaints of suppliers (details supplied) to Coillte; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19600/08]
Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the one referred to by the Deputy, are the responsibility of the company. I understand that Coillte has processes in place for dealing with contractor issues and I believe that, as this is an operational matter, it is for the company to address any outstanding issues.
120 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to ensure a fair deal for Irish farmers at the WTO talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19593/08]
133 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the communications or meetings he has had with the EU Trade Commissioner; his future plans for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19587/08]
135 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his stance on the World Trade Organisation proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19622/08]
138 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the consequences for the beef industry here of the negotiations surrounding sensitive product status in the context of the World Trade Organisation; if this option is being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19607/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 133, 135 and 138 together.
A revised negotiating text on agriculture was issued yesterday evening and a text on non-agricultural market access earlier today. These texts are being issued with a view to facilitating a final WTO agreement by the end of 2008. It is by no means clear whether such an agreement will be reached this year. The range of issues outstanding across the broad spectrum of the negotiations and the US political situation are among the factors that make it uncertain whether an agreement can be secured in the coming period. Already there is slippage in the negotiating timetable. A Ministerial meeting, anticipated to take place on 19 May, has been deferred and the latest indications are that it will not now take place until the end of June or even early July.
Against this background, there is no doubt that these WTO negotiations represent a significant challenge for EU and Irish agriculture. I and my Government colleagues are seeking a balanced and fair outcome across all of the various pillars of the negotiations. I am very concerned about some of the proposals being made in the agriculture negotiations and with the lack of balance in the overall process. It is not acceptable that the current negotiations are focused on agriculture while other negotiating areas are not making progress.
The Irish Government has and will continue to take every opportunity to express our concerns in the strongest terms in the various EU and WTO meetings dealing with these negotiations. I recently met my French counterpart in Dublin, and the current state of play and imbalance in these WTO negotiations were high on the agenda of this meeting. I can report that France and Ireland share the same concerns on the direction of these negotiations and will continue to insist that the Commission does not accept a deal which undermines EU agricultural production.
The Commission, including Commissioner Mandelson and his officials, are well aware of Ireland's views on the matter. These views have been articulated clearly and consistently at all available forums over the last several years, including bilateral meetings, meetings of the Article 133 Committee, the Agriculture Council and the General Affairs Council. My colleague and predecessor, the Tánaiste, met the Commissioner on 29 April last and set out in no uncertain terms the concerns of the Irish Government in regard to the current situation. As the negotiations progress I will continue to impress on the Commission that Ireland will not accept an unbalanced agreement which does not provide real benefits to Ireland and the EU.
At yesterday's Agriculture Council of Ministers meeting I met the Agriculture Commissioner, Mrs. Fischer Boel and I reiterated and highlighted Ireland's concerns to the Commission and to other Member States, insisting that any WTO agreement must not place a disproportionate burden on EU and Irish agriculture. I will also continue to ensure that Ireland plays a leading role in the Group of 14+ like-minded Member States who have come together to express concerns in relation to the direction of the WTO agriculture negotiations. I will continue to work closely with like-minded Ministers in other Member States to seek support for my position. I am travelling to Slovenia next week where I will have bilateral discussions on the WTO with my colleagues in this group. At official level, my Department, and other Departments involved, have and will continue to work assiduously in the various technical meetings to ensure Ireland's interests are best protected. In summary, I will continue to pursue an outcome which does not undermine the 2003 reforms of the CAP and ensures that Irish and EU agriculture can compete on world markets.
As to the question of sensitive product status for the beef sector, the detailed negotiations regarding the treatment of sensitive products are not yet finalised. Under the proposals currently on the table, designation of beef as a sensitive product would reduce the proposed tariff cut of between 66 and 73% by two-thirds to a figure of approximately 23%. In turn, the EU would be expected to open an additional import quota for beef of some 290,000 tonnes. Although final decisions surrounding the designation of products as sensitive will not be taken until the final details of the treatment of such products is known, there is no doubt in my mind that the intention is that beef will feature among the products declared sensitive by the EU.
A major concern, even with sensitive product status, is that imports would be concentrated on the high value "steak" cuts. We have emphasised the nature of this specific problem repeatedly to the Commission over the course of the negotiations. Overall, I continue to seek an outcome which will provide the maximum possible protection to the beef sector.
121 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will meet with representatives of the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation to discuss the Lisbon treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19620/08]
As Minister with responsibility for fisheries, I will be working closely with the Irish fishing industry, through its representative organisations, to address the key issues the industry faces into the future. Meetings are held at regular intervals with industry representatives — including those from the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation — through the Sea Fisheries Consultative Council, to discuss these issues and to develop strategies that will safeguard the Irish industry's future. I plan to meet the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF), which includes the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation in the near future to hear their concerns at first hand. Officials of my Department also meet industry representatives on a regular basis in relation to management of the various fisheries. I am always available to listen to and consider the concerns of the industry and its representatives.
122 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of hectares newly planted by Coillte in each of the past 20 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19614/08]
Coillte Teoranta was established from 1 January 1989 and the annual total planting, both afforestation and reforestation, by the company since then is set out in the table. The majority of the afforestation undertaken in recent years has been on behalf of private growers. In 1999 Coillte became ineligible for payment of the afforestation premium due to a decision by the European Commission, which was subsequently upheld by the European Court of Justice. In the last number of years the bulk of Coillte planting has therefore been reforestation. Coillte has also indicated that all of the land in its ownership, which is suitable for planting, has been planted.
|
Year |
Afforestation (hectares) |
Reforestation (hectares) |
Total |
|
1989 |
6,629 |
3,433 |
10,062 |
|
1990 |
6,670 |
3,682 |
10,352 |
|
1991 |
8,003 |
4,003 |
12,006 |
|
1992 |
7,634 |
3,868 |
11,502 |
|
1993 |
6,827 |
4,421 |
11,248 |
|
1994 |
4,774 |
5,840 |
10,614 |
|
1995 |
5,247 |
6,487 |
11,734 |
|
1996 |
4,545 |
6,003 |
10,548 |
|
1997 |
3094 |
6,890 |
9,984 |
|
1998 |
2,912 |
6,985 |
9,897 |
|
1999 |
2,672 |
7,724 |
10,396 |
|
2000 |
2,007 |
9,038 |
11,045 |
|
2001 |
1,706 |
8,601 |
10,307 |
|
2002 |
816 |
9,190 |
10,006 |
|
2003 |
1,450 |
10,325 |
11,775 |
|
2004 |
3,126 |
9,130 |
12,256 |
|
2005 |
3,359 |
7,836 |
11,195 |
|
2006 |
1,927 |
6,694 |
8,621 |
|
2007 |
1,485 |
6,996 |
8,481 |
|
Totals |
74,883 |
127,146 |
202,029 |
123 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures in place to promote disease eradication; if there are plans for the introduction of an all-Ireland health policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19640/08]
My Department accords a high priority to maintaining Ireland's high status in relation to animal health and welfare in the context of protecting consumers and in view of the economic and social importance of agriculture to the country. It remains essential that we anticipate future possibilities wherever possible and maintain the capability of dealing effectively with any threats in this area, from wherever they emerge.
A comprehensive approach to these threats involves the following measures:
continued operation of schemes to reduce and eventually eradicate diseases of significant importance such as TB and Brucellosis;
an intensive programme of measures to eradicate BSE; and
measures to deal with threats from or actual outbreaks of other diseases.
The disease programmes operated by my Department include comprehensive compensation measures to compensate farmers for losses arising from the removal of animals as a result of disclosure of disease.
The animal traceability system and the Animal Health Computer System are essential elements in supporting the Department's policies in relation to animal health and welfare activities and consumer confidence. These systems bring the benefits of modern technology also to the administration of the Department's various programmes, including the management of the TB and Brucellosis eradication schemes. The Animal Health Computer System has been extended also to facilitate the creation of a national database of all registered keepers of domestic poultry and captive birds as part of the Department's response to the threat of an outbreak of Avian Influenza. There is a long history of co-operation between the administrations North and South on animal health issues. The administrations have traditionally shared information at local and national levels on disease control and surveillance issues. The importance of agriculture on the island of Ireland and the potential threats posed by diseases require that both Governments are involved at the highest level in protecting and enhancing the animal health and welfare status of livestock.
The North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) provides a framework for the development of an all-island animal health policy. The main objectives of the NSMC are to foster co-operation and to devise a common, unified animal health strategy for the island as a whole. This involves the co-ordination of animal health policies and the development of joint strategies for dealing with animal diseases. Since 2001 the structured arrangements have been very valuable particularly in our dealings in relation to outbreaks of FMD, Bluetongue and Avian Influenza in England. In addition progress has been made in relation to policies on animal identification and on a variety of animal diseases including T.B, Brucellosis, BSE and Scrapie.
I welcome the continued co-operation at all levels on the activities included in the All-Island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, most recently discussed at the North/South Ministerial Council Agriculture Sectoral meeting held in the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh on 30 April last. Progress has been noted in a number of areas, including in the areas of common contingency plans for diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease and Bluetongue, joint data sharing, identification of sheep, the development of common approaches to sheep genotyping and to Salmonella. In addition there has been progress relating to Aujeszky's Disease in pigs, and the hygiene package in respect of the transmission of food chain information with animals going to slaughter and of the feasibility and priority of an all island approach relating to Trichinella in pigs. There are also plans for consultation and a future cross-border event with key agriculture stakeholders from both jurisdictions to discuss the all-island strategic approach.
124 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of offshore wind turbines granted permission for construction; the number built; the number for which permission has been applied; the arrangements he has made to provide for public consultation procedure, as promised, prior to any granting of permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14937/08]
The position in relation to leases and licences for Offshore Windfarms under the Foreshore Act 1933 is as follows:
A. There are currently three valid Foreshore licences for site investigation.
B. There are seven Foreshore licence applications for site investigation currently being processed.
C. Two Foreshore leases for the construction of Offshore windfarms 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. Seven turbines have been constructed to date.
(ii) In November 2005, a lease was granted to Codling Wind Park Ltd for the construction of 220 wind turbines on the Codling Bank. No turbines have been constructed to date.
D. There are three lease applications currently being considered.
(i) In January 2002 Kish Offshore Wind Ltd applied for a lease for the construction of a 75 turbine windfarm on the Kish Bank.
(ii) In January 2002 Bray Offshore Wind Ltd applied for a lease for the construction of a 70 turbine windfarm on the Bray Bank.
(iii) In February 2007 Oriel Windfarm Ltd applied for a lease for the construction of a 55 turbine wind farm off Dundalk Bay.
In relation to the above information it is important to note that 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. The public consultation for a Foreshore Licence for an Offshore Electricity Generating Station lasts one month. The commencement of the public consultation process is advertised in national and regional newspapers and also generally placed on the Department's web site.
Where the site for which a licence has been granted proves suitable, an application may be made for a foreshore lease. The lease application process evaluates the project and its impacts in detail using specialist advisors, statutory and non-statutory consultees, and is followed by extensive public consultation. The current public consultation process for a Foreshore lease for an Offshore Electricity Generating Station lasts two months. Recent applications have seen over one hundred and twenty organisations consulted. The commencement of the public consultation is advertised in national and regional newspapers and also generally placed on the Department's web site.
The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 for all energy developments (including oil, gas, wave, wind and tidal energy) 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.
125 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on global food shortages; the impact he foresees the impending food security crisis will have on Irish consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19597/08]
139 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the initiatives he is undertaking to promote self sufficiency in food production in view of the growing food shortages worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19633/08]
379 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which provision is being made to ensure adequacy of food supplies here and throughout the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19890/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 125, 139 and 379 together.
Increasing food prices and concerns regarding availability of food is a global situation, which is most severely affecting those people living in developing countries. This complex issue has many causes, including recurrent bad weather, and changing and increasing food requirements among countries caused in particular by economic and population growth. This underlines the role of Ireland as a major food-exporting nation. The 2003 reforms of the CAP, with the introduction of the full decoupling of direct payments under the Single Payment Scheme, allows farmers to respond to the demands of the market and effectively meet consumers' needs.
Although imports of certain commodities into the European Community may have increased, Ireland is a net exporter and is therefore not affected to the same extent as food deficit countries by global food shortages. Bord Bia produces annual estimates for the export performance of the Irish food and drink sector and has indicated that the agri-food sector increased its level of exports by 5% in 2007 to over €8.6 billion. There was marked growth in the exports of dairy products, food ingredients, prepared foods, beverages, horticulture and cereals.
126 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there are sufficient stocks of blue tongue vaccine available for distribution in the event of an outbreak of the disease. [19626/08]
Ireland has been and remains bluetongue-free and the presence of the disease in a number of other member States has not had any significant impact on Irish agriculture to date. It continues to be my objective to ensure that Ireland remains disease free and that we make every effort and take all such reasonable precautions to that end.
With regard to vaccination, it is envisaged that we would vaccinate only in the event of a confirmed outbreak of the disease but that we will not vaccinate on a prophylactic basis. A number of companies have commenced the production of vaccines for the particular strain of bluetongue that is present in the affected member states and vaccination programmes have commenced in a number of these. It is expected that supplies will increase significantly later in the year and it is proposed to secure a store of vaccine for immediate use here in the event of a confirmed outbreak of bluetongue in and around the location of the outbreak. Further decisions on extending a vaccination programme will be taken on a risk-assessment basis, including decisions on the extent of any such programme. My Department is currently in advanced discussions with potential vaccine suppliers about arrangements for securing appropriate quantities of bluetongue vaccine under different scenarios. It is also in the process of finalising a comprehensive vaccination plan that will be discussed further with various stakeholders, including the farm organisations and the veterinary profession.
127 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the consequences of imminent EU legislative proposals to restrict the availability of chemical pesticides and fungicides; the steps being taken to protect the Irish tillage sector in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19596/08]
The Commission has proposed a Thematic Strategy for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides. The Strategy includes a number of initiatives designed to reduce the negative impacts associated with use of chemical pesticides. Firstly, the Commission has proposed a framework Directive on the sustainable use of pesticides, the aim of which is to reduce the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment. The current proposal was addressed at yesterday's meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council and contains provisions such as operator and advisor training, inspection of application equipment and national action plans and seeks to ensure that pesticides are used safely. Accordingly Ireland endorsed the current text which was adopted by the Council.
In addition the Commission has proposed a new Regulation concerning the placing on the market of plant protection products. This proposal is designed to replace Council Directive 91/414/EEC (the current legislative instrument in place). The proposal contains many novel provisions which are acceptable, including the regulation of parallel trade and simplified provisions for data protection. However, it also includes a provision for ‘hazard-based cut-off criteria' as a mechanism for making decisions relating to the approval of fungicides, herbicides and insecticides. If unchanged, this provision could result in a significant reduction of the number of substances available for plant protection in Europe. At yesterday`s Council meeting in Brussels Ministers failed to reach agreement on this dossier because of continuing differences between Member States on elements of the proposal. In these circumstances the Presidency undertook to "take stock" of the position and reflect further on the outcome of the meeting.
128 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the review of penalties imposed on fishermen will be completed; if he will remove the element of criminal prosecution of those charged under the various Fisheries Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19599/08]
The review of the operation of sanctions under the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006 currently being conducted by officials of my Department is ongoing and every effort will be made to have it completed by the early autumn. I look forward to the outcome of this review, and will consider its conclusions carefully. It is important to note that administrative fines for fisheries offences could be introduced in Ireland if such were a requirement under European law. I am supportive of any proposals that may be brought forward by the Commission in this regard.
129 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the initiatives planned to promote the indigenous fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19649/08]
Steering a New Course — strategy for a restructured, sustainable and profitable Irish seafood industry 2007-13, was approved by the Irish Government on 10 January 2007 and launched by the Taoiseach on 28 January as the blueprint for developing the fishing sector into the future. The plan envisages an Irish Seafood Industry that is sustainable, profitable, competitive and market-focused, making the maximum long-term economic and social contribution to coastal communities and Ireland as a whole. In order to ensure that the Irish seafood industry delivers on this vision, the Cawley report makes a series of recommendations which are focused on addressing critical issues impacting on the industry's development. These recommendations, are grouped under ten core themes. Associated with each of the development themes is a ‘key priority', which defines the overall objective for each of the core themes. These include:
Market Development
Invest further in market research and intelligence.
Focus marketing support in a targeted fashion on key export markets in addition to the domestic market.
Establish a ‘Seafood Island' identify for Irish seafood
Adopt a structured approach to providing services for commercially focused R&D/NPD more effectively through BIM's Seafood Development Centre.
Invest in identifying the potential usage of fish and marine biodiversity in functional foods.
Prioritise support for businesses with good potential.
Encourage investment in seafood processing from the wider food processing sector.
Introduce measures to improve competitiveness.
Co-ordinate State support to the processing sector.
Extend and develop the current Whitefish Fleet Decommissioning Programme .
Further investigate the need for a targeted decommissioning scheme for vessels less than 18m in length.
Review entry-exit regime for all fleet segments.
Implement a new and devolved fisheries management regime and Establish an industry-based legal entity to oversee quota management.
Update fisheries management objectives and fleet management policies.
Enhance institutional support for inshore fisheries.
Implement more effective and co-ordinated arrangements for first point-of-sale for seafood.
Proactively support cost reduction and performance improvement and Enhance onboard technologies.
Increase awareness and response to environmental policies.
Promote local area management strategies and the Coastal Zone Management approach.
Promote the introduction of Environmental Management Systems.
The Seafood Strategy Implementation Group (SSIG) has been established to oversee the implementation of the strategy recommendations in a coordinated and cohesive manner. Chaired by Dr. Noel Cawley, and consisting of representatives from the various sectors of the industry, the Department and relevant State Agencies, the SSIG has been tasked with driving, supporting, and monitoring the delivery of the plan in addition to reporting to me on the progress of the implementation of the plan.
130 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the issues raised by the EU Commission in recent correspondence regarding the operational programme for fisheries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19605/08]
The Commission submitted their observations on Ireland's Operational Programme (O.P) for Fisheries via a "Negotiation Position" document received on the 22nd of April 2008. This is a normal part of the consultative process for approval of O.P's. The issues raised by the Commission were mainly procedural and/or editorial in nature. Disappointment was expressed at the exclusion of measures under the Axis 4 pillar of the European Fisheries Fund "sustainable development of fisheries areas".
At a meeting between the Commission and officials of my Department on the 24 April, acknowledgement was given to our commitment for implementing these measures through state aided funds as outlined in the National Strategic Plan for Fisheries 2007-2013. Nonetheless, the Commission continued to press for its inclusion under the operational programme. The Commission also expressed concerns in relation to Ireland's implementation of certain EU Directives on the Environment in the context of providing EU funding under the OP for aquaculture development. My officials are fully engaged with the Commission with a view to bringing the consultation process to a successful conclusion and getting the O.P approved as soon as possible.
131 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding milk quotas for the past milk quota year; the possibility of eliminating penalties for over-production in view of imminent quota increases, the failure within the EU to fill its milk quota and the global demand for dairy products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19595/08]
The position regarding milk deliveries for the 2007/2008 milk quota year is currently being finalised, and the expectation is that the country will be over quota. In accordance with EU law, a levy will therefore be payable by over-quota producers attached to milk purchasers in whose areas quota was exceeded. Although any levies arising in respect of the 2007/2008 milk quota year will incorporate reallocations made to take account of non-delivery of milk by some producers, once calculated they cannot be eliminated. In this regard the decision earlier this year by the Council of Ministers to increase EU milk quotas by 2 per cent applies only from 1 April 2008, and so does not provide an opportunity to eliminate levy liability in respect of the 2007/2008 milk quota year. The filling of milk quota at EU level and the global demand for dairy products are central to the Health Check of the 2003 CAP reform as it affects the dairy sector. The Government's position is that, with milk quotas due to be abolished in 2015, an ambitious annual quota expansion is necessary in the interim in order to facilitate a "soft landing" for producers.
132 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he plans to introduce a national strategy regarding infectious diseases such as IBR, BDVD and Joannes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19647/08]
My Department is actively working with relevant stakeholders to progress a herd health initiative to deal with non-regulated diseases in a comprehensive and integrated manner. The initiative complements existing animal health programmes and aims to develop effective national plans for action and facilitate Ireland achieving international best practice in the area of animal health. Officials of my Department have had discussions with the principal stakeholders, including farming and industry representatives, service providers and relevant state agencies and all have indicated broad support for the initiative. Following on these discussions, formal proposals have been circulated to the stakeholders inviting them to indicate if they can support the initiative and its intended objectives and seeking commitments from them to funding.
I am satisfied that there is a genuine commitment by all parties to work together to develop an infrastructure to improve animal health. A number of those contacted have already responded positively to the formal proposals circulated and we are awaiting definitive responses from the remaining stakeholders.
134 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will extend the country of origin labelling of beef introduced in 2006 to cover lamb products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19651/08]
The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) through its service contracts with my Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the Health Services Executive, the Local Authorities and the National Consumer Agency. Breaches of food labelling legislation should be reported to the FSAI.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, drafted regulations that would require the country of origin to be indicated on pigmeat, poultry and sheepmeat. This was notified to the EU Commission in December 2007 as required by legislation. The Commission was not prepared to adopt the draft regulations in their present format on the grounds that the proposed legislation is not in compliance with EU food labelling regulations. However, it indicated that it would reconsider the draft measures on submission of additional explanatory information. This information is currently being prepared for transmission to the Commission. I will continue to press for progress, as I believe consumers are entitled to full information on the labelling of food products.
136 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will include applicants under the farm improvement scheme whose applications were received during the last ten days of October 2007 for grant aid under the scheme; the number of applicants involved; the estimated cost of this concession; the category of works involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19608/08]
€79 million was provided under the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016, for the operation of the Farm Improvement Scheme. 12,675 applications were received by my Department under the Scheme prior to its suspension for new applications on 31 October 2007. To date, 6,017 approvals have issued to farmers to commence work under the Farm improvement Scheme. The remaining applications are currently being processed up to the level of funding available.
137 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reintroduce supports and incentives to encourage young farmers to stay in agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19625/08]
149 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the supports in place for young farmers to help redress the age profile in agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19623/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 149 together.
A number of schemes and reliefs have been introduced in recent years to bring about improvements in farm structures and the age profile of the sector. In 2005, 8% of farmers were under the age of 35 and they farmed a similar proportion of farmland. The Irish age structure is in line with the EU average. To maintain this structure, there are a number of generous schemes and reliefs aimed at encouraging the early transfer of farms to young farmers and reducing the tax burden of such transfers on farmers. In particular, the Rural Development Plan 2007-2013 includes a range of enhanced measures to improve the structure and competitiveness of Irish farming. The new Rural Development Plan 2007-2013 contains a generous Installation Grant Aid for young farmers of €15,000 (an increase of 55% of the previous grant). The early retirement pension also increased to a maximum €15,000 per annum for farmers who dispose of their land by gift, sale or lease.
Other incentives for early farm transfer include:
100% stamp duty relief for on transfers of agricultural land and buildings to young trained farmers;
100% stock relief for up to four years for young trained farmers;
90% agricultural relief from capital acquisitions tax;
Higher grant rates for young trained farmers under the farm improvement scheme;
Capital Gains Tax — Retirement relief on farm disposals up to the value of €750,000 and marginal relief on disposals above this threshold.
Also the Finance Act 2007 included a number of provisions to facilitate greater levels of land mobility and farm consolidation. The measures include a third rental income exemption threshold — €20,000 for leases of 10 years or over; stamp duty relief for farm consolidation where only one farmer is consolidating his holding; and a provision whereby farmers who are leasing out land can still, subject to certain conditions, qualify for Capital Gains Tax retirement relief. All these measures help to improve land mobility through early farm transfer or by encouraging greater levels of leasing, land swaps or farm consolidation.
140 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of persons employed full time and employed part time in agriculture in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19641/08]
The most recent figures available from the Central Statistics Office are for the year 2005 and these show that there were 73,500 farmers whose sole occupation was farming or 56% of the total. The number of farmers with another either major or subsidiary occupation was 58,900 or 44% of the total and they would be considered to be part-time. The trend in recent years has been towards part-time farming and reflects a combination of factors including the increased availability of off-farm employment. Many small-scale producers find that combining farming with off-farm employment is an effective way to ensure their continued viability in farming. At the same time, full-time farmers are looking to the new flexibility offered to them under decoupling to develop and intensify their commercial farm enterprises.
141 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason no rural development proposal under Axis 4 was made under the operational programme for fisheries for the benefit of coastal communities; if his Department will consider one in view of recent Commission views on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19604/08]
The draft Operational Programme (O.P) for Fisheries for Ireland, submitted to the Commission envisages the use of EU funds under the European Fisheries Fund to support decommissioning of fishing vessels, aquaculture development and environmental/inshore fisheries support, specifically a small number of Co-Financed measures under the pillars of axis 1, 2 and 3. As part of the normal consultative process for approval, the Commission adopts a negotiating position where it sets out how the OP should be improved and completed to meet the Commission's quality requirement for the programme. This negotiating position was received on the 22nd of April 2008. Officials from my Department met the Commission (DG Mare, DG Regio and DG Environment) on 24 April as part of the formal process in the consideration of Ireland's Fisheries Operational Programme 2007-2013. The observations of the commission on the content of the operational programme will be fully considered.
It is important to note that, as outlined in the National Strategic Plan for the Fisheries Sector (2007-2013), measures under Axis 4 are planned as Non-Co Financed (ie State aided). These predominantly socio-economic sustainability measures will be implemented by BIM with the assistance of local development networks such as Leader. I am fully committed to the introduction these measures, the benefit of which will be of great import to Coastal Communities. BIM have the primary responsibility for the implementation of the measures and are consulting with LEADER with a view to putting in place the best possible delivery mechanisms to ensure that the coastal communities dependent on fishing are given the best support.
142 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will implement measures to ensure growth in the cereals sector of the economy here to meet growing demand into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19632/08]
The EU Council of Ministers has set the obligatory set aside rate at zero for sowings for the 2008 harvest and this is expected to lead to a significant increase in EU grain production this year. Production of cereals in Ireland has averaged about 2 million tonnes in recent years, with fluctuations in production being mainly attributable to weather conditions. The increased cereals prices in the past year, together with the warm dry weather last autumn, encouraged a major increase in the sowing of winter cereals for the 2008 harvest in Ireland. Initial estimates suggest the total area sown to winter cereals is expected to increase by around 20% overall. Estimates of spring sowings will not be available until later in the year.
To support grain growers, my Department continues to operate a range of services aimed at improving the efficiency, quality and viability of cereal production. These services include seed certification, seed testing, recommended lists of varieties etc. In addition, Teagasc provides comprehensive research, training and advisory services for cereal producers. The value of all these support services is reflected in the fact that Irish cereal producers have consistently achieved some of the highest yields in the world.
143 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will process without delay applications made by farmers to the farm investment scheme between 21 October 2007 and 31 October 2007 as many of these farmers are combining FIS investment with the farm waste management scheme investment in view of the fact that the deadline for completed works for the farm waste management scheme is 31 December 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19621/08]
€79 million was provided under the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016, for the operation of the Farm Improvement Scheme. 12,675 applications were received by my Department under the Scheme prior to its suspension for new applications on 31 October 2007. These applications are currently being processed up to the level of funding available. To date, 6,017 approvals have issued to farmers to commence work under the Farm improvement Scheme. The remaining applications are currently being processed up to the level of funding available. The deadline of end-2008 for completion of works under the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme introduced by my Department in March 2006 does not apply to the Farm Improvement Scheme. Under the latter Scheme, farmers normally have a period of two years from the date of approval to complete the investment works concerned.
144 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of hectares planted in the production of bio-fuels in each of the past six years; the amount of energy produced as a result of this crop production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19617/08]
157 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will put in place a proper policy framework that supports an indigenous bio-energy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19630/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 157 together.
The number of hectares planted with crops for bioenergy purposes for each of the last six years is as follows:
|
Year |
Hectares |
|
2002 |
Not available |
|
2003 |
137 |
|
2004 |
732 |
|
2005 |
2,590 |
|
2006 |
4,456 |
|
2007 |
9,057 |
My Department does not have figures relating to the amount of energy produced as a result of this crop production. The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) has overall responsibility for energy policy and is the lead Department for the promotion and development of renewable energy, including bioenergy.
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, the then Minister 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, the Minister subsequently launched a range of measures to stimulate production of energy crops and to complement measures introduced by other Ministers, notably the Mineral Oil Taxation Relief Scheme.
The specific agricultural measures included a new National Energy Crop Premium of €80 per hectare to supplement the EU premium available under the EU Energy Crops Scheme. A new Bioenergy Scheme was also launched 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 announced in December 2007 and sufficient funding has been provided to support the planting of a further 1,600 hectares in 2008. Areas planted with energy crops can also qualify for the Single Payment. Other measures introduced included the Wood Biomass Harvesting Machinery Scheme to support developing enterprises in the wood chip supply sector and grant aid for anaerobic digestion projects under the Scheme of Investment Aid for Demonstration On Farm Waste Processing Facilities.
In addition, my Department is 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. The allocation under the 2007 Call for Proposals was significantly increased providing for the award of 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.
145 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has plans or if his attention has been drawn to plans to provide high rope adventure courses in any of Ireland’s forests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19618/08]
Coillte Teoranta has looked at the feasibility of locating aerial trail adventure systems in a small number of appropriate locations across the country, which is part of its strategy to improve the recreational facilities it provides and to promote the value of its forest estate as a recreational resource. In this context, Coillte has received proposals from commercial operators on the operation of aerial trail adventure systems on its properties. At Lough Key Forest Park, Co. Roscommon, Jungle Parc has been chosen to operate the facility and has recently applied for planning permission. A number of other proposals are currently being considered.
146 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which he has had discussions with his EU colleagues in the context of a check of the CAP with a view to maximising food production potential within the EU thereby reducing dependancy on imports; if he has put forward proposals in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19580/08]
At yesterday's Agriculture Council we had a general debate on the agricultural market situation and the evolution of agricultural and food prices. In the course of the debate, I made the point that Europe has to consider the role of its own agri-food sector, so that it can play its part in ensuring a high standard of quality food for future generations. I said it was more important than ever that we ensure that we retain a strong agricultural production base in Europe. We needed to recognise this in considering issues such as WTO and the shape of our future Common Agricultural Policy. My comments were echoed by a number of other Ministers.
Yesterday's debate in the Council illustrated the increased focus of EU Ministers on the issue of food self-sufficiency. I believe that this increased focus will gather momentum in the forthcoming discussions on the CAP Health check and in the debates on the future of the CAP post 2013. I will participate actively in these discussions. I will be arguing for the need to build a better and stronger CAP, adapted to contemporary needs and more effective in supporting our farmers and food industries. I have already spoken on this matter to my French counterpart, Michel Barnier at our meeting in Dublin a week ago. We both agreed on the necessity for the CAP to continue to support sustainable agriculture, in line with the European model of agriculture, thereby ensuring stable food supplies to European consumers.
147 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress in the past 12 months in securing for farmers advance notice of cross compliance checks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19602/08]
The position is that the cross-compliance regime has been in place since the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme in 2005. Cross-compliance involves two key elements:
A requirement for farmers to comply with 18 statutory management requirements (SMRs) set down in EU legislation on the environment, food safety, animal health and welfare and plant health and
A requirement to maintain the farm in good agricultural and environmental condition.
The Cross Compliance obligations were phased in over a three-year period. Eight cross-compliance SMRs came into force in 2005 together with the Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition requirements. A further 7 SMRs governing food, animal and plant health came on stream from 1 January 2006. The final 3 SMRs governing Animal Welfare were introduced with effect from 1 January 2007.
A Commission report on the application of cross-compliance was presented to the April 2007 Agriculture Council and Council conclusions were adopted in June 2007. The following issues were covered in the conclusions:
Tolerance for minor non-compliance
Introduction of a "de minimis" rule for penalties
Harmonisation of control rates
Advance notice of Inspections
Reviewing the "10 month land availability rule"
Making better use of the results of existing controls in the context of risk analysis for cross-compliance
Phasing in of cross-compliance for new Member States.
Council and Commission Regulations are now in place implementing the new arrangements with effect from 1 January 2008.
Under the new regime, while all inspections should generally be unannounced, a Member State can give up to 14 days notice for land eligibility inspections and for cross-compliance inspections involving SMRs other than those related to animal identification and registration, food, feed, and animal welfare. For checks involving animal identification and registration the maximum advance notice is 48 hours provided that the purpose of the inspection is not jeopardised. For SMRs dealing with feed, food and animal welfare no advance notice may be given.
My Department is required to ensure that the control environment established under cross-compliance is robust and meets with regulatory and audit requirements. Nevertheless, my Department believed that the cross-compliance provisions were overly complex for farmers and has sought and gained appropriate simplification in the context of the review of cross-compliance conducted by the Commission and the Regulations introduced as a result. It is intended however, that further simplification of the cross-compliance arrangements will be pursued in the context of the CAP Health Check.
148 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will press for an increased rate of export refunds to assist milk processors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19628/08]
The Common Agriculture Policy provides the EU with various market measures with which it manages the dairy market. During 2007 dairy prices increased dramatically as a consequence of high demand and tightness of supply on EU and World Markets. This shortage of supply caused the Commission to zero rate export refunds for milk products. Prices have fallen back from their high point of last autumn but still remain strong and above intervention levels. Increased EU production in recent months has seen large quantities of butter go into private storage, which indicates an expectation of strong demand in the second half of the year. My Department closely monitors developments in the dairy market on an ongoing basis. I will continue to recommend that the Commission utilise the various market measures, including export refunds, when the market conditions warrant them.
150 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details in relation to the administration of Axis 4 in Ireland’s proposed operational programme for the delivery of the European Fisheries Fund; his views on whether Axis 4 would be of significant benefit to the development of coastal communities under his Department’s remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18977/08]
The draft Operational Programme (O.P) for Fisheries for Ireland, submitted to the Commission envisages the use of EU funds under the European Fisheries Fund to support decommissioning of fishing vessels, aquaculture development and environmental/ inshore fisheries support, specifically a small number of Co-Financed measures under the pillars of axis 1, 2 and 3. There was no provision in the O.P submitted, for measures under axis 4.
However, as outlined in the National Strategic Plan for the Fisheries Sector (2007-2013), measures under Axis 4 are planned as Non-Co Financed (ie State aided). These predominantly socio-economic sustainability measures will be implemented by BIM with the assistance of local development networks such as Leader. I am fully committed to the introduction these measures, the benefit of which will be of great import to Coastal Communities. BIM have the primary responsibility for the implementation of the measures and are consulting with LEADER with a view to putting in place the best possible delivery mechanisms to ensure that the coastal communities dependent on fishing are given the best support.
151 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the initiatives he is undertaking in 2008 to help combat climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19636/08]
Climate change has potentially serious implications not just for agriculture but for all sectors of the economy. The Irish agricultural pasture-based production system has many advantages in terms of sustainability and in a decoupled environment, efficiency of production is pursued which means that carbon emissions per unit of production are kept as low as possible. In the context of carbon proofing, the agriculture sector will continue to effect production efficiencies in order that the emissions per unit of food produced are as low as possible. In this regard it can be expected that in 2008 the continued implementation of the Nitrates Regulations will result in better utilization of nutrients, with a consequent reduction in nitrogen applications. Other measures which will contribute to greenhouse gas abatement, such as the encouragement of minimum tillage, the use of clover swards and the adoption of low emission trailing shoe technology for slurry spreading have been introduced under the new Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Forestry sequestration of carbon is a significant element in the National Climate Change Strategy and will play a very important role in meeting our Kyoto targets. Both forest products and energy crops also contribute to the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by acting as substitutes for fossil fuels and my Department will continue to invite participation in the EU Energy Crops Scheme and the Bioenergy Scheme in 2008. I realize that further initiatives may be needed to address the challenge of climate change, which is why my Department has committed substantial funding, under the Research Stimulus Fund, to various research projects devoted to identifying sustainable greenhouse gas reduction measures. A comprehensive analysis of research needs has been carried out by my Department and will be used to inform future calls for research in the area of climate change. Furthermore, my officials are currently working closely with Teagasc and COFORD in carrying out a review of the potential mitigation options available to the sector.
152 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the promised animal welfare legislation will be published; the objectives of the legislation; if the Bill will provide for the prohibition of fur farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19603/08]
Significant work has been undertaken on drafting a new Animal Health and Welfare Bill and I intend to initiate a process of public consultation by publishing a discussion paper next week and inviting submissions from interested parties and other stakeholders. The proposed Bill will give effect to a number of important commitments, in the area of animal health and welfare, contained in the Programme for Government.
It will be a wide ranging piece of legislation, which will amend and consolidate previous legislation to reflect the changed disease status of our nation's animals and update existing legislation, to ensure that the welfare of all animals (including non-farm animals) is properly protected and that penalties for offenders are increased significantly. The Bill will also contain provision to repeal and revoke a number of pieces of existing legislation as some of the principal Acts in this area date to 1911. It is intended that the forthcoming legislation will provide for the continuation of normal sporting and farming activities, including fur farming, where these do not involve reckless endangerment of the welfare of animals.
153 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the percentage of land planted in forestry for each of the past 11 years; if present trends continue, the year he would expect to reach the national target of 30%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19616/08]
The level of forestry land planted in each of the past eleven years as a percentage of total land area is illustrated in the table.
|
Year |
Total Hectares |
% of land area |
|
% |
||
|
1997 |
608,522 |
8.83 |
|
1998 |
621,450 |
9.02 |
|
1999 |
634,118 |
9.20 |
|
2000 |
649,813 |
9.43 |
|
2001 |
665,277 |
9.66 |
|
2002 |
680,331 |
9.87 |
|
2003 |
689,428 |
10.01 |
|
2004 |
699,166 |
10.15 |
|
2005 |
709,262 |
10.29 |
|
2006 |
717,299 |
10.41 |
|
2007 |
724,246 |
10.51 |
The Strategic Plan for the Development of the Forestry Sector in Ireland ‘Growing for the Future,' published in 1996, sets a target of 17% of the total land area for forest cover to be achieved by 2035. Under the current climate, with high land prices and pressures from other areas in the context of land use, it is not possible to definitively state when the 17% target may be reached. The National Biodiversity Plan, published in 2000, called for a minimum of 30% broad-leaved trees to be planted in any given year as part of the national afforestation program. This target was achieved in 2005 and has been maintained each year since then.
154 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he will take to meet the target of planting 10,000 hectares of forestry per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19610/08]
The Strategic Plan for the Development of the Forestry Sector in Ireland ‘Growing for the Future,' sets a target for forest cover of 17% of the total land area to be achieved by 2035. Over the period of the National Development Plan, 2007 to 2013, the short-term objective is to grow annual planting to 10,000 hectares per annum. The average rate of planting over the last three years was 8,360. Planting of trees, is supported by my Department through the current suite of Afforestation Grant and Premium Schemes, along with the various support measures such as road infrastructure and shaping and pruning grants. This is the most financially attractive package available in the history of forestry in Ireland. The establishment grant covers 100% of the planting costs, while the annual forestry premium is payable to farmers for 20 years. Both the grant and premium rates have been reviewed in recent times and increased to make the scheme more attractive.
Under the Forest Environment Protection Scheme (FEPS), landowners can receive a premium of up to €200 per hectare, in addition to their forestry premium, should they choose to avail of the scheme, which promotes the establishment of high nature value forestry. This scheme was launched as a pilot in 2007, and after some refinements, including reducing the planting level threshold from 8ha to 5ha, has been adopted into the suite of afforestation schemes. My Department is also undertaking significant promotional activities to encourage further participation in forestry, for instance the joint national promotion campaign run with IFIC. A series of radio advertisements highlighting the benefits of planting forests were aired on local and national stations in March and April this year. These ads are supplemented by promotion and publicity in other media throughout the year.
In March of this year, Mr. John Malone completed a review of the factors affecting the rate of afforestation in Ireland. In his report, he makes several recommendations aimed at furthering the afforestation programme, which are currently under review. I am committed to boosting the forest planting levels in Ireland. I believe that with the excellent financial package available and the promotional efforts supporting the planting programme that an increase in the afforestation rate can be achieved.
155 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide clarification regarding REP scheme payments to miscanthus growers and in particular the qualifying hectarage of miscanthus grass which will allow farmers to make best use of the Government support schemes in view of the fact that growers have sprayed and ploughed land in preparation for planting thereby placing a constraint on the need for clarification on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18791/08]
REPS is an agri-environmental measure, and for that reason payments to farmers must be costed and justified on the basis of quantifiable environmental benefits that go beyond keeping land in good agricultural and environmental condition and observing the statutory management requirements of the Single Payment Scheme. No element of the REPS payment can be justified on the basis of a production support, nor can a farmer be compensated for the same action twice. REPS is not a support scheme; it is a voluntary scheme open to all farmers and payments under the scheme are not entitlements as of right. Participants who agree to be bound by the scheme conditions qualify for payment.
Under the specification for REPS 4, the maximum area of willow and miscanthus permitted on REPS farms is 10 hectares or 25% of the REPS contract area, whichever is the greater. This area limitation is in order to maintain landscape diversity. It would not be desirable or acceptable in an agri-environmental scheme to have whole farms, or a major portion of the lands, devoted to the growing of an introduced species monoculture. Existing levels of flora and fauna need to be sustained, and if possible improved, on all REPS farms and the large-scale growing of miscanthus is not consistent with this objective. The same maximum area applies in REPS 3 and my Department has clarified the position in a circular sent directly to all REPS planners. It has come to my Department's notice that a small number of farmers have exceeded the limits. My Department is examining these sympathetically on a case-by-case basis.
156 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to protect the industry against the threat of adventitious presence in feed imports from non-EU approved events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19646/08]
The lack of synchronisation in the authorisation process for the marketing of GM crops employed in the US and in the EU can result in the adventitious or accidental presence of unauthorised GM events in imported animal feed because the GM event, although authorised in the US, is not yet authorised in the EU. The Commission are conscious of the anxiety and difficulties this situation is causing in the Irish and EU feed trade. They have recently referred to the requirement to introduce appropriate tolerance levels for GM events not yet authorised in the EU but authorised in other jurisdictions and to expedite their authorisation process. In the meantime my Department has in place a risk based sampling programme to protect the industry against the threat of adventitious presence in feed imports from non-EU approved events.
158 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that precautions are taken for high risk cargo such as horses straw, compost and plants at all points of entry under the new controls announced relating to bluetongue restricted zones. [19627/08]
Ireland has been and remains bluetongue-free and the presence of the disease in a number of other Member States has not had any significant impact on Irish agriculture to date. It continues to be my objective to ensure that Ireland remains disease free and that we make every effort and take all such reasonable precautions to that end.
My Department has carried out a number of assessments to seek to determine the risk of the possible introduction of the disease into the country. The first of these was undertaken and published in November and the analysis considered a number of possible routes of introduction of bluetongue. These ranged from the possible importation of infected ruminants and wind-borne infected vectors, which were classified as representing high risk routes of introduction, to the potential risk associated with the accidental importation of infected midges travelling on horses, in vehicles / containers or with agricultural / horticultural products such as hay, straw or plants. These latter alternative routes were classified in the risk assessment as representing a low risk route of introduction of the virus and the analysis concluded that no further control measures or mitigation procedures were required or warranted at that time.
That risk assessment was by its nature based on an assessment of the disease situation and the controls in place at a particular period in time and is, therefore, subject to revision should there be a significant change in that disease situation. Due to changes in animal movement regulations that were introduced in response to new scientific data on how the virus can be transmitted in animals and pressure from Ireland, a further risk analysis was carried out by my Department earlier this month. This risk analysis concluded that there have been no new developments since the November study in scientific knowledge on the accidental introduction of infected vectors by other means such as carriage on wind current, in vehicles, containers, on plants, on non-susceptible species (horses, pets, people) or in hay and straw. Consequently, the risk from these possible sources remains as outlined in the November assessment. Further information on bluetongue is available on my Department's website.
159 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has given guidelines to Coillte in relation to considering the carbon effect of forestry planting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19619/08]
I have not issued guidelines to Coillte Teoranta on this matter and I am satisfied that the company is fully aware of the carbon effect of planting forestry.
160 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Taoiseach the appointments to bodies that were made by him since 2 April 2008; the persons who were the appointees; the bodies to which they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18999/08]
162 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the appointments made by him between 26 of February 2008 and 1 April 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19252/08]
163 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the appointments made by him between the 2 of April and 7 May 2008 inclusive; the place or town of residence of each appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19254/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 160, 162 and 163 together.
Since the 26 February 2008 to date, I have made no appointments to Bodies.
161 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Taoiseach the firms of solicitors or individual barristers which he has engaged on a contractual basis in the past 18 months; the purpose of that engagement; the fees already paid or an estimate of the fees expected to be paid by the conclusion of the task engaged for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19251/08]
The following firms of solicitors and individual barristers have been engaged by my Department on a contractual basis in the past 18 months. Commission of Investigation (Dublin and Monaghan Bombings 1974)
The Commission of Investigation (Dublin and Monaghan Bombings 1974) was established in May 2005 to examine specific matters relating to the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings of 1974, including aspects of the Garda investigation and missing documentation. The Commission completed its work and presented its Final Report to the Taoiseach in March 2007. The Sole Member of the Commission was Mr. Patrick MacEntee S.C. Mr. Felix McEnroy S.C was contracted to assist Mr. MacEntee in his work.
|
Name |
Period |
Fees paid |
|
€ |
||
|
Mr. MacEntee |
December 06 – March 07 |
238,976.00 |
|
Mr. McEnroy |
December 06 – March 07 |
50,127.90 |
|
3rd Party fees |
December 06 – March 07 |
10,938.40 |
The Chief State Solicitors Office was engaged to act on behalf of the Department of the Taoiseach in seven cases during the period in question. The following Counsel were engaged by that Office, at a total cost of €87,714.11.
|
Names |
Cost |
|
€ |
|
|
Paul Anthony McDermott, BL |
25,489.86 |
|
Brian Murray, SC |
7,260.00 |
|
Donal O’Donnell, SC |
22,687.50 |
|
Una Ní Raifeartaigh, BL |
605.00 |
|
Gerard Duncan, SC |
18,150.00 |
|
Remy Farrell, BL |
4,840.00 |
|
Mark O’Mahony, BL |
4,749.25 |
|
Paul Sreenan, SC |
3,932.50 |
164 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the number of Council of Ministers meetings attended by Ministers at his Department for each of the past three years in tabular form; the number of decisions made by the Council at those meetings; the number of occasions on which those decisions were decided upon by a vote; the number of occasions on which Ireland voted against a decision which was adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19269/08]
I am a member of the European Council which Heads of State and Government attend. I have no direct function in relation to the Council of Ministers and I do not attend them. As the Deputy will be aware, each configuration of the Council of Ministers is attended by the Minister responsible for that area, for example the General Affairs and External Relations Council is attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Economic and Financial Affairs Council is attended by the Minister for Finance.
165 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Taoiseach the expenditure by his Department on consultants to date in 2008; and if he will compare this to the expenditure on consultants for each of the past five years. [19505/08]
The table outlines expenditure from my Department's Vote on consultancy services to date in 2008 and for each of the past five years. The figures also include consultancy spend recouped from the Change Management Fund in the Department of Finance.
|
Year |
Spend on Consultancy |
|
€ |
|
|
2003 |
272,942 |
|
2004 |
477,398 |
|
2005 |
405,188 |
|
2006 |
527,924 |
|
2007 |
663,869 |
|
2008 (End of April) |
226,192 |
166 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Taoiseach the number and cost of mobile phones or such communications equipment issued to programme managers, advisers, press officers and departmental personnel during each of the past three years; and the annual billing cost of same. [19520/08]
The tables outline the number of mobile phones and blackberries provided by my Department to Programme Manager, Advisers, Press Officers and other Department personnel during each of the past three years, and the average cost of this equipment in each year.
Number issued:
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
||||
|
Mobile phones |
Blackberries |
Mobile phones |
Blackberries |
Mobile phones |
Blackberries |
|
|
Programme Manager |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Special Advisers |
2 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
Press Officers |
6 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
|
Other Departmental Personnel |
38 |
7 |
23 |
6 |
26 |
22 |
|
Total: |
46 |
20 |
29 |
7 |
32 |
26 |
Cost of equipment:
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
||||
|
Mobile phones |
Blackberries |
Mobile phones |
Blackberries |
Mobile phones |
Blackberries |
|
|
Average cost of equipment per hand set |
€137.94 |
€205.25 |
€118.82 |
€224.37 |
€56.87 |
€195.97 |
Billing Cost:
The total number of mobile phones and blackberries in use in my Department and the annual billing cost in respect of these during each of the past three years are detailed in the following table.
|
Mobile phones |
Blackberries |
Total Units |
Total Billing cost |
|
|
€ |
||||
|
2005 |
74 |
20 |
94 |
131,932 |
|
2006 |
103 |
27 |
130 |
147,142 |
|
2007 |
135 |
53 |
188 |
164,121 |
A breakdown of this cost in the format requested by the Deputy is not readily available. However, an analysis of billing details for a sample month (November, 2007) is set out in the following table.
|
Total mobile & blackberry charges in (November, 2007) |
% of total |
|
|
€ |
% |
|
|
Programme Manager |
188.23 |
9.2 |
|
Special Advisers |
1,361.69 |
12.4 |
|
Press Officers |
1,826.73 |
1.3 |
|
Other Departmental Personnel |
11,377.86 |
77.1 |
|
Total: |
14,754.51 |
100.0 |
167 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Taoiseach the number of Ministers of State appointed in the State at five year intervals from 1970 to date in 2008; and the present number of Ministers of State. [19573/08]
168 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Taoiseach the number of super Ministers of State in the State at 1970 and at five year intervals to date in 2008; and the present number of such persons appointed. [19574/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 168 together.
I take it that the Deputy's first question relates to Parliamentary Secretaries (as they then were) up to the coming into operation of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1977, which established the office of Minister of State, and to Ministers of State thereafter. The number of Parliamentary Secretaries standing appointed on 1 January 1970, was 6 and on 1 January 1975 was 7. The number of Ministers of State standing appointed on 1 January 1980 was 10 and on 1 January 1985, 1990 and 1995 was 15. On 1 January 2000 and 2005 there were 17 and currently there are 20.
I take it that the Deputy's second question refers to the practice initiated in 1994 whereby a Minister of State, in addition to the Chief Whip, normally attends meetings of the Government. On 1 January 1995, 2000 and 2008 there was one such Minister of State while on 1 January 2005 there was none.
169 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the facts surrounding a mine exploding on 15 May 1943 in Mullaghduff, County Donegal in which 19 people died (details supplied); and if there are plans for a commemoration by the State or if he will consider funding or contributing to such a commemoration if organised by relatives or by a community group. [19844/08]
The tragic mine explosion at Mullaghduff, Co Donegal in 1943 which resulted in the deaths of 19 people and injuries to four others was the worst of the several incidents to occur in the State during the period of the Second World War. These civilian deaths are included among those remembered annually at the National Day of Commemoration in July in honour of those Irishmen and Irish women who died in past wars or in service with the United Nations. I understand that a commemoration is to take place this year on the 65th anniversary through a local community initiative. I am not aware that any application has been received by Government for a contribution towards the costs arising from this commemoration.
170 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the number of civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of the Taoiseach and his Ministers of State since 1997 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20059/08]
The number of Civil Servants who have worked in my Constituency Office and in the Constituency Offices of the Ministers of State attached to my Department since 1997 to date in 2008 are listed in the table.
|
Civil Servants in Taoiseach’s Constituency Office 1997-2008 |
Civil Servants in Office of Chief Whip Constituency Office 1997-2008 |
|
|
1997 |
6 |
2 |
|
1998 |
5 |
1.5 |
|
1999 |
6 |
1.5 |
|
2000 |
6 |
2 |
|
2001 |
7 |
2 |
|
2002 |
5.5 |
2 |
|
2003 |
6 |
2 |
|
2004 |
6.5 |
2 |
|
2005 |
6.5 |
1 |
|
2006 |
6.5 |
1 |
|
2007 |
7 |
1 |
|
2008 |
7 |
1 |
171 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Finance the person who is responsible for translation of signs such as An tOileán Naofa for Holy Island on signage indicating the monastic settlement of Iniscealtra situated on Lough Derg on the River Shannon; the location where that translation came from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19860/08]
The Built Heritage Services of the Office of Public Works refer to a panel of translators for publications, exhibitions and signage. It is investigating the specific example referred to regarding Iniscealtra/Holy Island.
172 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Finance the position with regard to the Office of Public Works replacing the old collapsed bridge over the Rincoe River dividing the lands of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19348/08]
The Office of Public Works has no statutory responsibility for the bridge referred to, as it is not a scheduled structure of the Arterial Drainage scheme in question. The OPW will provide advice to the property owner, should he wish to replace the bridge himself.
173 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the funding that was put in place in relation to the flooding problem (details supplied) in south Mayo. [19403/08]
174 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the position in the Office of Public Works in relation to finding a resolution to the flooding problem (details supplied) in south Mayo; the flood prevention works that have been carried out to date; the action being taken to ensure that the risk of flooding in the locality is reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19404/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 174 together.
The Office of Public Works is continuing to work with Mayo County Council to reduce the risk of flooding in South Mayo. In the case of Clyard, Thomastown and Kilmaine flood mitigation works were completed in 2007, at a cost of approximately €270,000. Efforts to find a solution to the problem in the Neale are ongoing, in conjunction with the Council. An ecological assessment of the proposed works at Hollymount will be completed shortly. It is expected that an application for permission to proceed with the works will be made to the National Parks and Wildlife Service during June. Funding will be made available for flood mitigation works in Neale and Hollymount that are acceptable on environmental and economic grounds.
175 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 will be assisted. [19414/08]
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.
176 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of Ministers and Ministers of State since 1997 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19417/08]
Guidelines issued by the Department of Finance specify that the number of staff in a Minister's and a Minister of State's Constituency Office may not exceed 6 and 5 respectively. During the period 1997 to date the number of staff in the Constituency Office of the Minister for Finance and of the Minister of State assigned to the Department of Finance have never exceeded those numbers.
177 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the expenditure by his Department on consultants to date in 2008; and if he will compare this to the expenditure on consultants for each of the past five years. [19500/08]
The following table sets out the details of expenditure on consultants by my Department and the Offices under its aegis in each of the years 2003 to 2007 and 2008 to date.
|
Name of Office |
YTD |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
|
€,000 |
€,000 |
€,000 |
€,000 |
€,000 |
€,000 |
|
|
Commission for Public Service Appointments |
49 |
227 |
173 |
169 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Comptroller and Auditor General |
27 |
181 |
297 |
73 |
65 |
85 |
|
Department of Finance |
39 |
1,657 |
1,873 |
2,473 |
2,140 |
1,954 |
|
Office of the Ombudsman |
17 |
47 |
38 |
126 |
30 |
37 |
|
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
148 |
627 |
27,706 |
22,900 |
18,530 |
12,450 |
|
Public Appointments Service |
142 |
229 |
39 |
234 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
State Laboratory |
0 |
70 |
45 |
56 |
90 |
122 |
|
Valuation Office |
19 |
68 |
74 |
35 |
25 |
17 |
The Office of the Commission for Public Service Appointments and the Public Appointments Service did not exist prior to 2005. However, their predecessor body, The Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission, spent some €1.028m in 2004 and some €1.469m in 2003 on consultancy services. In the time available to answer the question, the Office of Public Works was unable to compile the information sought by the Deputy. However, the information will be compiled and forwarded by that Office to the Deputy as soon as possible.
178 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the number and cost of mobile phones or such communications equipment issued to programme managers, advisers, press officers and departmental personnel during each of the past three years; and the annual billing cost of same. [19515/08]
The number and cost of mobile phones and other such communications equipment issued to programme managers, advisers, press officers and Departmental personnel during each of the past three years, is set out in the table, together with the annual billing cost for mobile communications.
|
Year |
Average number of devices |
Annual billing costs |
Purchase cost of equipment |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
2005 |
255 |
90,020.16 |
5,331.26 |
|
2006 |
215 |
70,378.65 |
2,302.63 |
|
2007 |
236 |
93,534.68 |
6,324.19 |
179 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 235 of 20 June 2006, the funding made available for the project (details supplied) in County Clare; when the appearance of the building will be enhanced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19565/08]
The design and drawings for the newly refurbished building in Co. Clare have been completed, and tender documents are being prepared. The Commissioners of Public Works are also assessing the planning implications of this proposal. I expect that works will start on the building later this year. €1 million funding has been earmarked and the building works are expected to be completed and occupied by Autumn 2009.
180 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the year in which a tax exemption was introduced for stud fees; and the conditions attaching to those exemptions. [19583/08]
181 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if stud fees earned abroad by stallions which are at stud in this State for most of the year are tax exempt. [19584/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.
The income tax exemption for stallion stud fees was introduced in 1969. The exemption was subsequently extended to cover corporation tax on its introduction in 1976. The exemption itself currently applies to profits or gains arising
to the owner, or part owner, of a stallion which is ordinarily kept on land in the State from the sale of stud services or rights to stud services within the State, or
to the part owner of a stallion which is ordinarily kept on land outside the State from the sale of stud services or rights to stud services anywhere.
In this latter case, the part owner must be engaged in bloodstock breeding within the State and must show to the satisfaction of the Revenue inspector that the part ownership of the stallion in question is primarily for the purposes of that bloodstock breeding business.
In certain circumstances, stallions which normally stand at stud in Ireland are sent abroad to the Southern Hemisphere when the breeding season has finished in Ireland. These are treated for the purposes of the exemption as being ordinarily kept on land in the State. This means that the tax exemption continues to apply but only as regards profits or gains arising from the servicing of mares within the State. Profits arising from the servicing of mares outside the State are not exempt. This exemption will terminate with effect from 31 July this year, after which time the profits or gains will be fully within the charge to tax. These changes were provided for in the Finance Acts of 2006 and 2007.
182 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance his plans to have Annex III of the EU VAT directive amended to include road safety products and thereby reduce the rate of VAT applicable on such products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19666/08]
The position is that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the VAT Directive Member States may only apply the reduced VAT rate to those goods and services which are listed under Annex III of the VAT Directive. As Annex III does not include the supply of road safety products, the only rate that can apply to such products is the standard VAT rate which in Ireland is 21%.
In relation to amending Annex III of the VAT Directive, I would point out that this could only be done in the context of an overall review at Community level of reduced rates. Whilst the Commission launched a debate on reduced rates in July 2007, as yet, no specific Commission proposals have been brought forward. Generally, any significant review of the application of VAT across the different EU Member States can be complex.
183 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the VAT rate on defibrillators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19674/08]
The Deputy will be aware that in matters relating to the VAT rating of goods and services, I am constrained by the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. In relation to the VAT rate that applies to defibrillators, the position is that under the VAT Directive, Member States may retain the zero rates on goods and services which were in place on 1 January 1991, but cannot extend the zero rate to new goods and services. The zero VAT rate cannot therefore be applied to defibrillators which are subject to the standard rate.
In addition, Member States may only apply the reduced VAT rate to those goods and services which are listed under Annex III of the VAT Directive. While Annex III does include the supply of medical equipment for the exclusive personal use of a disabled person, it does not include defibrillators for general use. The reduced rate cannot be applied to the supply of defibrillators. Therefore the only rate of VAT that can apply to the supply of defibrillators is the standard VAT rate which in Ireland is 21%.
184 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide funding for works to prevent annual flooding of the main Tramore to Waterford road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19702/08]
The Office of Public Works will consider funding Waterford City Council to undertake works to alleviate flooding of the Tramore Road if a scheme, which is technically feasible, cost beneficial and which at a minimum is not detrimental to the environment can be devised. The scheme, which was originally proposed for the Tramore Road, was not cost beneficial, and could not therefore be funded. The Tramore Road passes through Kilbarry Bog, which is a National Heritage Area. Waterford City Council, with funding from OPW has commissioned an Environmental Impact Assessment, which will inform the nature and extent of any works that may be possible in the area.
185 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance when he expects construction of a new headquarters for Ordnance Survey Ireland in Dungarvan, County Waterford to be completed; when the OSI plans to take occupation of the new headquarters building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19704/08]
A detailed brief of requirements has been agreed with Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI), and tender documentation is being prepared at present, with a view to inviting tenders in the near future, subject to receipt of the necessary sanction. Following receipt and assessment of the tenders, a Preferred Tenderer will be selected, who will be instructed to apply for planning permission. On completion of the planning process, the OPW will request the Preferred Tenderer to submit working drawings and a Bill of Quantities, with a view to a contract being placed and work commencing on site at the earliest possible date. It is estimated that construction will take up to two years, and the building would be ready for occupation by the OSI on completion.
186 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding an application for a tax rebate in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [19728/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have no record of having received an application for repayment of tax from the person in question for the tax year 2007. From their records it appears that no income tax was paid in 2007; therefore, no income tax would be repayable for that year. If the person in question was a married person in 2007, she may be in a position to transfer her personal tax credit to her spouse for that year. Relevant information can be obtained by contacting 1890 22 24 25 or logging onto the revenue website at www.revenue.ie.
187 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if there are tax incentives for specific developments (details supplied); and if there are proposals to introduce such an incentive. [19743/08]
The Finance Act 1995 introduced a scheme of tax relief in the form of capital allowances from 1 July 1995, on expenditure incurred on the construction or refurbishment of certain multi-storey car parks, where the relevant local authority certified that the car park was developed in accordance with criteria laid down by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Following a major review of various property and area based tax incentive schemes the then Minister of Finance announced in Budget 2006 that most of the existing reliefs were being phased out. These included the multi-storey car park scheme, which is no longer available to new developments.
188 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the arrangements currently in place and the arrangements proposed to secure permanent office accommodation at Portlarlington, County Laois, having regard to the fact that civil servants currently attached to the Equality Tribunal who wish to decentralise to Portarlington have discovered that there is no office space available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19812/08]
The Commissioners of Public Works are in negotiations to lease a permanent premises in Portarlington to accommodate the four Bodies decentralising to the town, the Equality Tribunal, the Data Protection Commissioner, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), and the National Educational Welfare Board. Initiation of the construction of the new offices, by the Landowner, is dependant on the successful outcome of the negotiations. The Data Protection Commissioner (22 Staff) is currently accommodated in temporary premises in Portarlington. Additional temporary premises are currently being fitted out for advance parties of staff from the NCCA and the Equality Tribunal in Portlaoise. Twenty-five staff in all will be accommodated on a temporary basis from circa 1 September 2008.
189 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if expenses associated with in-vitro fertilisation are eligible for income tax relief; and if not, if he will undertake an assessment of the cost of extending this concession and consider it in the context of the Finance Bill 2009. [19814/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that expenses incurred in respect of "In Vitro Fertilisation" are eligible for Income Tax relief, provided the treatment is carried out by a practitioner or in a hospital, as defined in section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997:
Under the legislation—
"practitioner" means any person who is:—
(a) registered in the register established under section 26 of the Medical Practitioners Act 1978,
(b) registered in the register established under section 26 of the Dentists Act 1985, or,
(c) in relation to health care provided outside the State, entitled under the laws of the country in which the care is provided to practise medicine or dentistry there;
"hospital" means:—
(a) any institution which is provided and maintained by the Health Service Executive for the provision of services pursuant to the Health Acts 1947 to 2004,
(b) any institution in which services are provided on behalf of the Health Service Executive pursuant to the Health Acts 1947 to 2004,
(c) any hospital, nursing home, maternity home or other institution approved of for the purposes of this section by the Minister for Finance after consultation with the Minister for Health and Children.
Once an institution falls within the definition of "hospital" as set out above, health expenses in respect of maintenance or treatment in that institution may qualify for tax relief.
190 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance his plans for the provision of a suitable Garda station at a location (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19864/08]
The Office of Public Works is currently finalising the assessment of site proposals received in response to an advertisement.
191 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the estimate of the cost of answering a parliamentary question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19877/08]
192 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance his views on the veracity of the estimate that it costs €200 to answer a parliamentary question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19878/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 192 together.
As outlined to the Deputy in my response of 13th May 2008 to his question in relation to the estimated cost of answering a Parliamentary Question, the cost of answering a Parliamentary Question will vary according to the nature, and phraseology, of the question asked and this inevitably involves differences in the costs among Departments and indeed within a Department from time to time. The figure quoted by the Deputy must be read in that context.
193 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to foster a parent plus approach to support families and parents and establish local programmes to help parents, including parenting classes for those whose children have been identified as most at risk of future anti-social behaviour. [19299/08]
The dominant focus in child care services since the early 1990s has been on the protection and care of children who are at risk. During this time work was undertaken on the development of our foster care and residential care services, including the development of special care units for children who require intensive interventions. More recently, the policy focus has shifted to a more preventive approach to child welfare, involving support to families and individual children, aimed at avoiding the need for further more serious interventions later on. These family support services complement the existing residential and foster care services.
"The Agenda for Children's Services" has been developed and published by the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in 2007. The principle of having health and social services provided on the basis of the child being supported within the family, within the local community, is at the core of "the Agenda". The purpose of the policy document is to set out the strategic direction and key goals of public policy in relation to children's health and social services. "The Agenda" includes a list of "Reflective Questions" for policy makers, HSE Senior Managers and frontline staff. This is a unique feature of "the Agenda". The aim of these questions is to assist people working in the system to check and change the way they work in the light of learning from past experience and also to allow them to better understand where their own work on behalf of children fits into the wider system. The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is working with the HSE in promoting the message of "the Agenda" to service providers around the country.
Family support services are provided to promote the welfare of children who may be at risk of abuse or neglect. Family support may be delivered formally through the direct services of statutory and voluntary organisations, and informally through the support of extended families, friends, neighbourhoods, communities, parishes and other local networks. Family support programmes are provided nationally by services such as the Community Mothers, Family Support Workers, Teen Parents Support Projects, Youth Advocacy Programmes and Spring Board Projects and encompass a range of general parenting programmes and supports, including parenting classes. The HSE works closely with non-governmental organisations in the provision of these services. HSE funding for family support initiatives has increased by 79% since 2003 (from €45.7m to €81.8m in 2008). This reflects the Government's on-going policy of emphasising a preventive and supportive approach to child welfare, within the family setting, in line with "the Agenda for Children's Services".
194 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to open two cocaine-specific treatment centres, in addition to pilot projects for cocaine approved under the emergency needs fund. [19312/08]
In recent times, the Health Service Executive has re-oriented its addiction services to address the needs arising from changing patterns of drug use in the population e.g. evidence shows that most cocaine users are poly drug misusers and need to be treated for poly drug misuse and not solely for cocaine use. The HSE is also involved in developing community based stand-alone stimulant intervention services which includes additional training for its staff on issues such as cocaine and it is re-engineering existing addiction services to meet emerging needs. Evidence also indicates that many approaches already in use in general addiction services work well with cocaine users. The commitment in the Programme for Government is being considered against this background.
195 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to mandate the Health Service Executive to ensure sexual assault treatment centres are established in all regions. [19339/08]
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.
196 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite a decision on an application for domiciliary care by a person (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of their two children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19811/08]
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.
197 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a wheelchair will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19260/08]
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.
198 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the decision made with regard to subvention for nursing home care in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19261/08]
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.
199 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the name of the applicant who made an application for payment under the health repayment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that there should only be one rightful claimant. [19265/08]
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.
200 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the companies working on behalf of her Department in the administration of the health repayment scheme; the payments made to each company on an annual basis since the scheme was introduced; if this work was put out to tender; the way these companies were appointed; the reason it was deemed necessary for this work to be outsourced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19267/08]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the health repayment scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator K.P.M.G. and McCann Fitzgerald. The HSE has advised my Department that the repayment scheme was publicly advertised and tendered for in accordance with EU procurement regulations. The HSE has advised that the reason it was deemed necessary for the work to be outsourced was to secure the most economically advantageous business solution for the HSE. The HSE has advised that the following payments were made since the scheme was introduced.
|
Company |
Amount Paid to 31/03/08 |
2007 |
2006 |
Total |
|
Scheme Administrator |
2,412,000.00 |
2,274,000.00 |
1,118,000.00 |
5,804,000.00 |
|
(KPMG & McCann/Fitzgerald) |
||||
|
IT Consultancy Services |
||||
|
Client Solutions |
5,800.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
5,800.00 |
|
I B M |
0.00 |
34,000.00 |
27,866.00 |
61,866.00 |
|
Advertising |
||||
|
Drury Communications |
17,000.00 |
19,000.00 |
96,800.00 |
132,800.00 |
|
BBDO |
0.00 |
416,753.00 |
726,547.00 |
1,143,300.00 |
|
Legal Expenses |
306,000.00 |
770,000.00 |
485,700.00 |
1,561,700.00 |
|
Contract Consultancy — Accenture |
12,342.00 |
12,342.00 |
||
|
Appeals Office IT Consultancy |
||||
|
Complete Network Techology |
7,000.00 |
7,260.00 |
5,000.00 |
19,260.00 |
|
IT Force |
6,800.00 |
9,500.00 |
44,247.00 |
60,547.00 |
|
8,801,615.00 |
||||
|
Iron Mountain (Escrow Agreement) |
$4,950 |
$4,950 |
201 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for a scan. [19273/08]
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.
202 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown, on a hospital and county basis, of the number of cases of MRSA that have been reported in each hospital in the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2007 and from 1 January 2008 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19280/08]
At a European level, the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (EARSS) was established in 1999 in response to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in Europe. EARSS comprises a network of over 800 microbiological laboratories serving some 1,200 hospitals in 30 countries that collects routinely generated antimicrobial susceptibility testing data on invasive infections caused by seven important bacterial pathogens. As of January 2008, all 44 microbiology laboratories in Ireland serving 65 acute hospitals (public and private) participate in EARSS representing 100% coverage of the Irish population.
Under the case definition for EARSS, data are collected on the first bloodstream isolate of Staphylococcus Aureus per patient per quarter. The table provides an extract of the relevant information as requested by the Deputy, taken from the recent report of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. The table which relates to 2007 includes the number of MRSA isolates by hospital. Most of the variation in reported numbers of S. aureus bloodstream infections between hospitals can be explained by differences in hospital size, activity and patient populations. At present there is no way to adjust the data to allow for these differences and hence direct comparisons between hospitals are not possible.
There are limitations on the data provided. The EARSS case definition does not distinguish between clinically significant and non-significant bloodstream isolates, so some isolates may be contaminants (e.g. bacteria on the patient's skin), rather than true bloodstream infections. The definition only includes bacteria isolated from blood cultures, and does not include other types of infection caused by Staphylococcus Aureus such as wound infections, pneumonia etc. The standardised method for surveillance of antimicrobial resistance includes the first isolate of Staphylococcus Aureus from each patient in each three month period. This could mean that if a patient has more than one episode of MRSA in a three month period then only the first episode is reported and alternatively some duplicates may occur as Staphylococcus Aureus (either MRSA or MSSA) can be isolated from the same patient over two or more quarters.
It should also be noted that if a patient is diagnosed with a bloodstream infection at a given hospital it does not indicate that the infection was acquired at that hospital. Many bloodstream infections are acquired in the community, but only diagnosed upon admission to hospital. A patient may either have acquired the infection in one hospital, but the infection may be diagnosed on transfer to another hospital. The frequency with which blood cultures are taken depends on the numbers and types of patients being treated at that hospital and access to laboratory services. Hospitals that have a high frequency of taking blood cultures are more likely to diagnose bloodstream infections, but are also more likely to detect contaminated blood cultures.
The report of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre which includes this data together with information on antibiotic consumption and alcohol-based hand rub usage in both 2006 and 2007 is the first of its kind and forms part of the HSE action plan to guide infection control. While the data in the report comes with multiple caveats, it does nonetheless represent a significant step forward in terms of providing essential data that will serve as a benchmark for assessing progress in the future. While we don't have information yet on 2008, it is intended that similar data will be published quarterly from now on. I am glad to note that the trend so far is downward both in terms of the overall level of MRSA and the proportion of S. Aureus that is methicillin resistant, although the improvement is not statistically significant. While accepting that not all HCAIs are preventable, I am satisfied that significant steps are being taken to reduce the rates of HCAIs generally and to treat them promptly when they occur.
|
Acute Public Hospital |
Total number of isolates of MRSA |
Ratea per 1,000 bed days used (MRSA) |
|
Adelaide, Meath and National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin |
18 |
0.10 |
|
Bantry General Hospital |
8 |
0.31 |
|
Beaumont Hospital (including St. Joseph’s Hospital, Raheny), Dublin |
50 |
0.22 |
|
Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dublin |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Cavan General Hospital |
9 |
0.14 |
|
Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin |
14 |
0.17 |
|
Coombe Women’s Hospital, Dublin |
2 |
0.03 |
|
Cork University Hospitalb |
39 |
0.18 |
|
Erinville Hospital, Corkb |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Kerry General Hospital, Tralee |
16 |
0.19 |
|
Letterkenny General Hospital, Donegal |
13 |
0.13 |
|
Lourdes Orthopaedic Hospital, Kilcreene |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Louth County Hospital, Dundalk |
1 |
0.03 |
|
Mallow General Hospital, Co. Cork |
4 |
0.14 |
|
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin |
40 |
0.22 |
|
Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar |
20 |
0.23 |
|
Mercy University Hospital, Cork |
15 |
0.22 |
|
Merlin Park Regional Hospital, Galway |
7 |
0.14 |
|
Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar |
5 |
0.09 |
|
Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise |
3 |
0.07 |
|
Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore |
13 |
0.21 |
|
Mid-western Regional Hospital, Ennis |
3 |
0.09 |
|
Mid-western Regional Hospital, Nenagh |
10 |
0.37 |
|
Mid-western Regional Hospital, Dooradoyle, Limerick |
16 |
0.12 |
|
Mid-western Regional Maternity Hospital, Limerick |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Mid-western Regional Orthopaedic Hospital, Limerick |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Monaghan General Hospital |
3 |
0.14 |
|
Naas General Hospital |
11 |
0.15 |
|
National Maternity Hospital, Holles St., Dublin |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda |
* |
N/A |
|
Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, |
4 |
0.07 |
|
Our Lady’s Hospital, Cashelc |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan |
6 |
0.14 |
|
Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe |
3 |
0.06 |
|
Roscommon County Hospital |
3 |
0.09 |
|
Rotunda Hospital, Dublin |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Sligo General Hospital |
13 |
0.15 |
|
South Infirmary — Victoria University Hospital, Cork |
4 |
0.07 |
|
South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel |
1 |
0.01 |
|
St. Colmcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown |
8 |
0.19 |
|
St. Finbarr’s Hospital, Corkb |
3 |
0.11 |
|
St. James’s Hospital, Dublin |
61 |
0.20 |
|
St. John’s Hospital, Limerick |
2 |
0.08 |
|
St. Luke’s General Hospital, Kilkenny |
10 |
0.11 |
|
St. Luke’s Hospital, Dublin |
2 |
0.04 |
|
St. Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital, Gurranebraher, Cork |
0 |
0.00 |
|
St. Michael’s Hospital, Dun Laoghaire |
2 |
0.08 |
|
St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin |
28 |
0.16 |
|
University College Hospital, Galway |
30 |
0.17 |
|
Waterford Regional Hospital |
26 |
0.18 |
|
Wexford General Hospital |
0 |
0.00 |
*No data received.
N/A, Not applicable.
a Rates calculated using the appropriate denominator data [Appenix 1: bed-days used or blood culture sets processed (B/Cs).
b In 2007, maternity services at Erinville Hospital and St. Finbarr's Hospital, Cork transferred to Cork University Maternity Hospital, which together with Cork University Hospital (CUH) composed CUH group. All data for CUH group in 2007 are presented under CUH.
c In 2007, acute services at Our Lady's Hospital, Cashel transferred to South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel.
203 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children the rationale behind the decision to outsource cervical screening services to a laboratory (details supplied) in view of the fact that Irish laboratories, whose staffs have provided this service for many years in the absence of a national screening programme, already meet international best practice criteria; if specialist graduates from the training programme established between the Irish cervical screening programme, the Academy of Medical Laboratory Sciences and DIT Kevin Street will be surplus to requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19283/08]
204 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on a case (details supplied). [19358/08]
218 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons it was decided to outsource cervical screening services to a company based in the US; her views on the impact this decision will have on health care personnel in this country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19458/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 203, 204 and 218 together.
The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) have announced a preferred bidder for the provision of laboratory testing services for the National Cervical Screening Programme. This is an important milestone which will enable the NCSS to launch the first quality assured, population based National Cervical Screening Programme for women in Ireland aged 25-60 years.
In keeping with EU procurement legislation, the procurement process is being conducted in an open and competitive manner. Submissions were invited from local and international laboratories during the process. The NCSS has concluded that the preferred bidder can deliver a service that meets all of the required quality criteria. The Deputies will appreciate that quality is a critical requirement of the new programme. The National Hospitals Office (NHO) of the HSE has a commitment to staff currently employed in cytology services, and has met with their representative. Any decisions regarding reassignment of employees will be addressed after the National Cancer Screening Service has completed the procurement process for cytology services.
205 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount on average it costs for an orthopaedic surgeon to carry out a hip replacement; the cost to the Exchequer for funding all other services and assistance ancillary to the operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19365/08]
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.
206 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of private operations by private consultants carried out in public facilities on an annual basis; the basis on which these consultants are supplied with ancillary services and assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19366/08]
I take it that the Deputy is referring to the private practice of public hospital consultants employed in public acute hospitals under the consultants' common contract. The provision of private care in public acute hospitals is a long standing feature of the Irish health care system. Over 2,500 beds in public hospitals are designated as private and semi-private. A ratio of 80:20 public/private applies on average across the entire acute system. The percentage of beds designated as private varies between individual hospitals; for example, there is a higher ratio of private beds in maternity and paediatric hospitals and a lower ratio in other hospitals.
Under the common contract, consultants are entitled to engage in private practice within the public hospital or hospitals in which they are employed. The extent to which consultants may engage in off-site practice is determined by the category of post which they hold and is subject to them satisfying the employing authority that they are fulfilling their contractual commitment to the public hospital(s). With regard to on-site private practice, a consultant's overall proportion of private to public patients should reflect the designated ratio of public to private beds.
I am concerned that there are instances where the ratio of private work has far exceeded the stated bed designation. This is a matter which is central to this Government's reform programme, in particular in relation to a new hospital consultants' contract. In this context, I should add that the new consultants' contract, which was accepted by the Irish Hospital Consultants Association on 16 May, will facilitate the appointment of Clinical Directors who will lead and manage consultants, as well as managing clinical budgets and services for patients. The Clinical Director will also have a pivotal role in monitoring compliance with the ratio of public to private practice, and taking corrective action where the private practice limit is exceeded. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to arrange to provide the detailed information requested by the Deputy directly to him as soon as possible.
207 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are plans to remove the garden from St. Luke’s Hospital; the reason for this removal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19368/08]
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.
208 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of beds available for drug detox in community based residential detox units, in medical detox units including stabilisation services, in residential rehabilitation units, in step-down and half way houses and in general and psychiatric hospitals; the corresponding figures for 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19389/08]
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.
209 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of medical and clerical staff employed by the Health Service Executive within its detoxification and rehabilitation residential services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19390/08]
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.
210 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people on a waiting list for admission to residential detox services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19391/08]
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.
211 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of an eight bed hospice unit at Roscommon County Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19393/08]
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.
212 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of a 14 bed hospice unit at Mayo General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19394/08]
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.
213 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will undertake an immediate review as recommended by the recent OECD report which suggests that the Government take a broader look at international systems, including systems that are similar in terms of their needs, in order to examine different patterns of hospital requirements in the north east; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19395/08]
The OECD review of the Irish Public Service report — Ireland Towards an Integrated Public Service — includes a health sector Case Study on the reconfiguration of hospital services in the North East. The OECD state that the Case Study does not purport to be a full analysis or review of wider issues relating to health care in Ireland or a commentary on health service provision generally in Ireland. The Report emphasises the need to deal with the reforms of primary and community care in tandem with the reconfiguration of hospitals if the overall vision is to be realised. In order to ensure the model is the optimum for the region, it suggests a broader examination of international systems. This would help identify how other countries have met the needs of areas with characteristics similar to the North East.
The OECD took the view that an examination could include the possibility of having two hospitals, one regional and one general, in the North East. It added that the outcome of such an examination could equally be a reaffirmation of the plan for one acute hospital for the region. The OECD findings will need to be carefully considered in the context of the Transformation Programme for the North East. No decisions have been made by the Government or by the Health Service Executive (HSE) on the future location of the new hospital.
The immediate focus of the Transformation Programme is to have acute and complex care moved from 5 to 2 hospital sites and to ensure that services in the region are organised to optimise patient safety. The first step in the development of a fully integrated regional health service is to ensure that the people of the North East have local access to both routine planned care and immediate life saving emergency care. Over the next few years, in preparation for all acute emergency in-patient care and complex planned care being provided at a regional centre, the existing five hospitals will continue to improve services by further merger of their acute care specialties.
214 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive the BCG vaccine. [19399/08]
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.
215 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason it has taken such an inordinate amount of time for a primary certificate examination for the disabled drivers to take place in the case of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19409/08]
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 Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of young people awaiting orthodontic treatment in County Donegal; the number of orthodontists working in Donegal; if there are plans to increase the number of orthodontists in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19428/08]
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.
217 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. [19429/08]
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 case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
219 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 153 of 29 April 2008, the classification of those children on the waiting list in County Clare as at 31 March 2008 for access to the child and adolescent mental health services; the number of those children who are awaiting intervention following notification of child abuse or neglect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19459/08]
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.
220 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an application to the Health Service Executive for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19468/08]
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.
221 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the application for a motorised transport grant for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo. [19478/08]
The Department of Health and Children Motorised Transport Grant circular of March 2007 states that "The Health Service Executive may pay a grant towards the purchase of a vehicle and/or adaptations to a vehicle being purchased by a person with a severe disability who is 17 years or older and under 66 years of age, where a vehicle is essential for him / her to retain employment." My Department is aware of the issue of age related criteria for health allowances and grants. Having regard to equality legislation, my Department is considering the question of removing the upper age limit for this scheme.
222 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the action being taken to alleviate the unnecessary stress and hardship to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [19479/08]
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.
223 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the expenditure by her Department on consultants to date in 2008; and if she will compare this to the expenditure on consultants for each of the past five years. [19502/08]
The information requested by the Deputy regarding expenditure on consultants by this Department is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
224 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number and cost of mobile phones or such communications equipment issued to programme managers, advisers, press officers and departmental personnel during each of the past three years; and the annual billing cost of same. [19517/08]
The information you requested is detailed in the following table.
|
Year |
Total Amount |
No. of Mobiles/Blackberry Devices |
|
€ |
||
|
2005 |
113,825 |
173 |
|
2006 |
122,473 |
189 |
|
2007 |
140,140 |
196 |
225 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the name of the person with overall responsibility for the day to day construction of Tralee Community Hospital; the persons who will provide the medical expertise when the community hospital is opened; the proposed governance structure for the hospital when it is opened; if the patients of Loher and Dinish wards will be moved to the new community hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19541/08]
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.
226 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if the medical director has been appointed to the development board of the children’s hospital, Tallaght; if not, when such an appointment will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19542/08]
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board has responsibility for planning, designing, building, furnishing and equipping the new national paediatric hospital. My Department is advised that the Development Board hopes to be in a position to appoint a Medical Director shortly.
227 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of vacant beds in public nursing homes (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that the local health manager indicated that there were a number of beds vacant at a meeting with public representatives a number of weeks ago. [19545/08]
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.
228 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of neurologists per head of the population; the equivalent numbers for other European countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19554/08]
229 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the recommendation from Comhairle na nOspidéal in recent years for a minimum of one neurologist per 100,000 people when the current level here stands at 20 neurologists; if there are plans in the next year to improve this situation; if this is considered suitable in view of the rising age of the population and the importance of adequate neurology care for older people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19555/08]
230 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the action taken to tackle the future problems in neurology stemming from the projected increase in the incidence of neurological conditions due to an ageing population; the extra amount spent on neurology over the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19556/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 to 230, inclusive, together.
In recognition of the need to develop neurology and neurophysiology services additional revenue funding of €3m was allocated to the Health Service Executive (HSE) in 2006. In 2007 further additional revenue funding of €4m was allocated to support the continuing development of services in the area of neurosciences (neurology, neurophysiology and also neurosurgery services). There has been an increase in the number of consultant neurology posts arising from this investment. There are currently 24 approved posts of consultant neurologist in Ireland. This is an increase of 10 approved posts since the 2003 Comhairle na nOspideal report on neurology and neurophysiology. In addition, there are currently 7 approved posts of consultant clinical neurophysiologist, an increase of 4 approved posts since the Comhairle report. The HSE has made provision in its 2008 National Service Plan to progress the recruitment of a number of unfilled consultant neurologist and consultant neurophysiologist posts.
A Strategic Review of Neurology services in Ireland has been undertaken by the 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:
1. Describe the epidemiology of neurological conditions in Ireland.
2. Evaluate current neurology services, including paediatrics and neurophysiology.
3. Review the evidence in relation to models of service delivery and make a recommendation on the preferred model for the Irish health system.
4. Identify requirements for the development of neurology and neurophysiology services nationally and prioritise service requirements.
5. Report to the Director of the National Hospitals Office.
Work on the review has recently been completed and the final draft report has been submitted to the Director of the National Hospitals Office for consideration. The review builds on the previous work done in 2003 by Comhairle na nOispidéal. The findings will help to inform the approach taken by the HSE to the future development of these services. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy on the additional issues raised.
231 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding provided in each of the past seven years for all residential care placements for child care services; the funding for 2008; the corresponding figure for residential placements of separated children seeking asylum; the number of children and family social workers in each year in question and the corresponding figure for those working with separated children seeking asylum; the number of all reports, including child abuse and child welfare, to social work departments in each year in question and the corresponding figure for separated children seeking asylum; the number which required an initial assessment regarding possible abuse and an initial assessment regarding child welfare in each year and the corresponding figure for separated children seeking asylum; the number of cases which have been unallocated to social workers in each year and the corresponding figure for separated children seeking asylum; the number of children in residential care in each year in question and the corresponding figure for separated children seeking asylum; the corresponding numbers placed in foster care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19563/08]
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.
232 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a commitment that a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 10 will be provided with sufficient funding to ensure that in September 2008 it can become fully operational hiring more staff and opening its doors to more children. [18863/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) which replaced the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), which was also administered by my Office. I understand that the Group in question received capital funding totalling €1.16 million under the EOCP and, as a result, has recently entered their new building.
The Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) under the NCIP was introduced by my Office in January of this year and has an allocation of €154.2 million over three years. This Scheme will continue to support community-based childcare services to provide reduced childcare fees for disadvantaged parents, complementing the universal supports in place for all parents. The Group in question has been approved under the CCSS for transitional funding for the period January-June 2008 of €37,375. I understand that they received their first instalment of this grant on 22 February.
Community childcare services qualify for grant aid on the basis of the level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. In general, the parent profile of services, and the amount of subvention they will receive, are determined on the basis of completed parent declaration forms which are returned as part of the application process. However, in the case of some specialist services, such as that operated by the Group in question, it is recognised that some additional arrangements may be necessary. Officials from my Office have been in correspondence and discussions with the manager of the service in this regard.
I am pleased to inform you that the service has been approved CCSS funding of €107,640 for the period July to December 2008. This level of funding is guaranteed for the start-up period of July-December 2008 and the level of funding for 2009 will be reviewed in the context of the level of service provided from September 2008. The Childcare Directorate of my Office has notified the Group of this decision.
233 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a review can or will be undertaken with regard to a mobility allowance application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19576/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
234 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if assistance will be offered to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19577/08]
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.
235 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the development of services at Portiuncula Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19667/08]
236 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the funds ring fenced by the Health Service Executive for the transfer of surgical services from Roscommon County Hospital; the timetable for its implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19676/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 236 together.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that it has conducted a review of services at Roscommon County Hospital and at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe. The review was initiated in response to concerns raised by Comhairle na nOspidéal about the current service configuration for surgery and anaesthetics, at Roscommon and Portiuncula, the issues faced by the two small hospitals in maintaining surgical services independently, and the need for closer co-operation between them to ensure services are sustainable in future. The review will help to inform decisions about the most appropriate configuration of services at these hospitals in the future. My Department has been informed by the HSE that the Executive is at present considering the outcome of this review.
237 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in revaccinating children who received the out of date oral polio vaccine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19677/08]
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.
238 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children when a child (details supplied) will be called for speech therapy services; if owing to the long delay experienced she will examine the situation with the child’s waiting list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19686/08]
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 this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
239 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for nursing home subvention in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [19727/08]
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.
240 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Health and Children if departmental guidelines have been produced under the Health (Amendment) (No. 3) Act 1996 or the Health Act 2004 relevant to the sale of land vested in the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19731/08]
241 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Health and Children if departmental guidelines have been issued under the Health (Amendment) (No.3) Act 1996 or the Health Act 2004 which both referred to general directions as opposed to consent for the sale of Health Service Executive land (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19732/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 240 and 241 together.
The provisions of Part 5 of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (2001) sets out requirements in relation to the disposal of assets by the state bodies, including the HSE. The Board of the HSE has put in place a set of guidelines titled "Protocol for the Acquisition and Disposal of Property" which are consistent with and meet the requirements of Part 5 of the Code of Practice. The detailed protocol adopted by the HSE Board governs the sale of land vested in the HSE. No specific regulations relevant to property disposals have been made under the Health Act, 2004. I am satisfied that the requirements and protocols set out above deal adequately with the matter.
242 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the provision of a BCG vaccine for new born babies in Cork city and county; the number of children currently awaiting the vaccine; and the expected waiting period. [19766/08]
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.
243 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify that the multi-annual funding for the disability sector promised in the programme for Government is being fulfilled in 2008. [19770/08]
The Government has fulfilled it's promise in relation to the 2008 element of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 by allocating additional funding of €50m to the HSE in the 2008 Budget. The Health Service Executive proposed to allocate this funding, in its approved service plan for 2008, as follows:
Services for Persons with an Intellectual Disability and those with Autism: €29.34m
Residential/Community Care — 200 additional residential places
Day Care — 467 additional day places
Respite Care — 53 additional respite places.
Services for Persons with Physical or Sensory Disabilities: €10.82m
Residential Care — 80 additional residential places
PA/Home Support hours — 200,000 additional PA/Home Support hours.
Disability Act: €9.8m
This will create 140 additional multidisciplinary team posts to provide assessment and ongoing intervention services to children with a disability and in particular with reference to the implementation of the Disability Act, 2005.
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 this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
244 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 175 of 12 March 2008, when a person (details supplied) in County Meath will be seen by a consultant in view of the fact that they continue to suffer with considerable pain. [19772/08]
The Health Service Executive has advised my Department that it has been in contact with the Deputy regarding this case. However my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter further investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
245 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements in place to ensure that patients entitled to GMS will have access to a general practitioner in areas where doctors are not accepting new people on their lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19773/08]
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. The arrangements for the provision of publicly funded GP services, including those provided under the GMS Scheme, are under consideration. 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.
246 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there are no resources for palliative care nursing services in County Wicklow. [19774/08]
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.
247 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children from north Tipperary that are classified as at serious risk and who are currently on waiting lists for assessment by a social worker and looking to avail of social work services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19780/08]
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.
248 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the number of social workers working in north Tipperary has increased or decreased since the Health Service Executive recruitment embargo in September 2007; if the number of all reports from north Tipperary, including child abuse and child welfare, to social work departments has increased or decreased in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19781/08]
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.
249 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of social workers that were working in north Tipperary in 1998; the number of children availing of social work services in the same area at that time; if she will provide the same information for 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19782/08]
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.
250 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of vacant social worker posts in north Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19783/08]
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.
251 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 195 and 197 of 8 April 2008, if her attention has been drawn to plans to provide a facility (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19813/08]
The provision of the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of primary care services is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. My Department has again requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters raised by the Deputy investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
252 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children if community based homework clubs will be considered for funding under the national child care investment programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19818/08]
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 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 of which will include 5,000 after school places and 10,000 pre-school education places aimed at 3 to 4 year olds.
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 which includes homework clubs, and childminding. Special consideration is given to supporting services which provide a range of these services. Application for support should, in the first instance, be made to City and County Childcare Committees.
253 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures she is taking to tackle the problem of obesity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19824/08]
The Government has agreed to the establishment of an Inter-Departmental Group (IDG) which will facilitate intersectoral collaboration on the prevention of chronic diseases. It is intended that measures to tackle obesity and to promote good health will be advanced through the IDG. My Department will be publishing our first National Nutrition Policy later this year. Recommendations will focus, primarily, on the nutrition needs of the 0-18 year age group.
My Department and the Department of Education and Science have been involved in developing healthy eating guidelines for schools. Guidelines for preschools and primary schools are already developed and appropriate healthy eating training by community dieticians with preschool and primary school staff is currently underway. Post-primary school guidelines will be launched in the coming weeks. Guidelines on levels of physical activity are currently being devised by the Population Health Directorate of the Health Service Executive. The Chronic Disease Framework, which I launched on the 10th April 2008, acknowledges the burden of chronic disease and the need for an integrated approach on prevention to tackle lifestyle factors including obesity. The Cardiovascular Health Policy Group, due to report this summer, will also be advising on measures to tackle lifestyle issues like obesity, at population level as well as in the primary care setting.
The Health Service Executive has established a Working Group to implement the recommendations of The Report of the National Taskforce on Obesity, for which it has the lead responsibility. A sum of €3 million was allocated for this purpose in 2006. This is in addition to the annual spend of €25 million on health promotion activities, €5 million of which is utilised in anti-obesity initiatives.
254 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of public long-term care beds for the elderly in Limerick city, Limerick west and County Clare; the comparative figures for such beds in 1998; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19839/08]
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.
255 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the recommendations of the Judge Harding Clarke report into maternity services at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda that have been implemented; the recommendations still to be implemented; the timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19845/08]
The Health Service Executive is overseeing the implementation of the recommendations of the Lourdes Hospital Inquiry Report as it relates to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy on the implementation of the recommendations in the Report in respect of the Hospital.
Following the publication of the Inquiry Report additional funding of €3m was allocated to the Health Service Executive in respect of patient safety and risk management measures nationally. The funding was targeted specifically at implementing the findings of the Inquiry Report and the Madden Report on Post Mortem Practice and Procedures. A number of other initiatives have been taken at national level since the publication of the Inquiry Report and which are designed to strengthen the patient safety framework nationally;
the establishment of the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance
the establishment of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA)
the enactment of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007.
Last year I established a special Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance. The overall objective of the Commission is to develop clear and practical recommendations to ensure that quality and safety of care for patients is paramount within the healthcare system. The Commission is due to report to me in July of this year.
The Health Information and Quality Authority was also established as part of the Health Reform Programme. A core function of the Authority is to set standards on safety and quality of services and to monitor compliance on the part of the HSE and service providers with these standards in an open and transparent way. Other main functions of the Authority relating directly to patient safety include undertaking investigations as to the safety, quality and standards of services where it is believed that there is a serious risk to the health or welfare of a person receiving services.
In addition, the main objective of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 is to provide for a modern, efficient, transparent and accountable system for the regulation of the medical profession, which will satisfy the public and the profession that all medical practitioners are appropriately qualified and competent to practise in a safe manner on an ongoing basis. Key areas addressed in the Act include registration, maintenance of professional competence, fitness to practise procedures and new provisions for supervising education & training at basic and specialist level. The Act provides for a Medical Council and Fitness to Practise Committee comprising a majority of persons who are not medical practitioners and for Fitness to Practise inquiries to be held in public.
256 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the administrators of the nursing home refund scheme have refused repayments for periods when patients resided in a contract bed in private homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19872/08]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the health repayment scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator K.P.M.G. and McCann Fitzgerald. The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 provides a clear legal framework to repay recoverable health charges for publicly funded long term residential care including contract beds in private homes. Recoverable health charges are charges which were imposed on persons with full eligibility under the Health (Charges for In-patient Services) Regulations 1976 as amended in 1987 or charges for in-patient services only, raised under the Institutional Assistance Regulations 1954 as amended in 1965. A patient may have occupied a contract bed in a private home but may not have paid any recoverable health charges and would therefore not be due a repayment. The Act provides an independent appeals process whereby applicants can appeal the decision of the scheme administrator.
257 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff in the appeals office reviewing the decision of the scheme administrator of the nursing home refund scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19873/08]
The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006. Following the establishment of the appeals office a temporary appeals officer was seconded from the Chief State Solicitor's Office. Subsequently, a recruitment process was undertaken by the Public Appointments Service and a panel of appeal officers has been established. A second appeals officer is due to begin work shortly. In addition, four administrative staff support the work of the appeals officer.
258 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19880/08]
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.
In general, eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants (income and relevant outgoings). The main exception is persons aged 70 and over, who have an automatic statutory entitlement to a medical card. 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.
259 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when tests and x-ray results carried out at Blanchardstown Hospital in July 2007 will be relayed to St. James’s Hospital Dublin and Clane Hospital, County Kildare respectively in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19902/08]
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.
260 Deputy James McDaid asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children who require speech and language therapy here; the number of speech and language therapists working here; the number of colleges and institutes that have speech and language therapy courses; and the locations of same. [19937/08]
There has been a growing demand for, and investment in, speech and language therapy services over the last number of years. A particular priority for this Department and the Department of Education and Science in recent years has been the expansion of the supply of therapy graduates. In this regard, training places for speech and language therapists have increased by 320% since 1997 (from 25 to 105). My Department has worked closely with the HSE in the provision of clinical placements for these students; an essential component of the therapy degree programmes.
There are currently four Speech and Language Therapy courses in Ireland — 3 undergraduate courses and one graduate entry course. The undergraduate courses are in University College Cork (UCC), Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG). The undergraduate courses are of 4 years duration leading to an honours degree. The graduate entry course is provided in the University of Limerick (UL) and is of 2 years duration. For entry to this course students are required to have a relevant undergraduate degree at honours level. The number of speech and language therapists employed in the public health service has grown from 282 wholetime equivalents in 1997 to 721 wholetime equivalents at end March 2008, a 156% growth in that period.
The part of the Deputy's question regarding the number of children who require speech and language therapy relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
261 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding access to speech therapy at the Bandon Clinic in County Cork; the number of persons on the waiting list for this service; and when she will provide a demand led service. [19938/08]
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 this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
262 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [19973/08]
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.
263 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount to date that has been granted to the authors of the Teamwork report; if the personnel are still under contract with the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20003/08]
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.
264 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of the Minister and her junior Ministers since 1997 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20056/08]
Guidelines issued by the Department of Finance specify that
the number of staff in a Minister's and a Minister of State's Constituency Office may not exceed 6 and 5 respectively
the number of staff in a Minister's and a Minister of State's Private Office may not exceed 10 and 7 respectively and
where a Minister of State is assigned to more than one Department, the total number of staff between all Private Offices may not exceed 9. (There should be only one Constituency Office with a maximum of 5 staff)
The historic information requested by the Deputy in respect of the number of civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of the Minister and Ministers of State is not readily available. The following table details the number of civil servants (wholetime equivalents) working in my office and the offices of the Ministers of State in this Department on 5th May 2008.
|
Minister Mary Harney T.D. |
|
|
Total Number of Civil Servants (WTE) |
|
|
Constituency Office |
2 |
|
Minister of State Brendan Smith T.D. |
|
|
Total Number of Civil Servants (WTE) |
|
|
Constituency Office |
3.6 |
|
Minister of State Pat the Cope Gallagher T.D. |
|
|
Total Number of Civil Servants (WTE) |
|
|
Constituency Office |
2 |
|
Minister of State Máire Hoctor T.D. |
|
|
Total Number of Civil Servants (WTE) |
|
|
Constituency Office |
2 |
|
Minister of State Jimmy Devins T.D. |
|
|
Total Number of Civil Servants (WTE) |
|
|
Constituency Office |
1 |
265 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Transport if he is bringing forward a land Bill to control the price of land being acquired for new road developments or road widening projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19561/08]
I am concerned at the significant costs to the State associated with land acquisition for transport projects. However, due cognisance must also be taken of the rights of individuals, as protected by the Constitution, in acquiring land compulsorily. I have asked my Department to examine and report to me later this year whether there are legislative measures, within the constraints of the constitutional protections afforded to property owners, which could be taken to materially reduce the cost of land acquisition for transport projects.
266 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the policy of the National Car Test company to limit the certificate time for imported cars from Japan, Korea and other jurisdictions in view of the fact that the fee of €49 is the same for a two year certificate as for a limited certificate; and his views on whether the fee should be amended. [19353/08]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006), the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the operation of the car testing service. It is also responsible for the contract with the National Car Testing Service.
267 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 88 of 3 April 2008, when an order will be made designating the road as a motorway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19362/08]
Under Section 8 of the Roads Act 1993 the National Roads Authority (NRA) may apply to the Minster for Transport to re-designate a road to be a motorway subject to certain conditions being met. This includes a requirement for a public consultation process. That process is being undertaken in connection with an application by the National Roads Authority for redesignation of elements of the N6, N7, N8 and N9 as motorways. The time limit for forwarding written submissions to the Minister expired on Friday 28th March 2008. A number of written submissions have been received and these submissions are currently under consideration in my Department. Once that process has been concluded, I will make a decision on whether to grant the application from the NRA.
268 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the number of letters that have been sent out to owners of re-sold cars that were written off; the number that will be sent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19419/08]
Data relating to some 5,400 written off vehicles which was provided voluntarily to my Department by one major insurer has been analysed against the 2.5 million active vehicles on the NVDF and as result of this process the owners of 261 vehicles have been written to, advising them that the roadworthiness status of their vehicle should be checked. Of the 261 vehicles concerned the NVDF records indicate that registered ownership changed in the case of 187 vehicles since the write-off date. Other insurers have also agreed to provide the data voluntarily and officials in my Department are currently in discussion with the Irish Insurance Federation on their behalf in relation to the arrangements for the transfer of this data.
269 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport his views on the recent proposals of the chairman of the Joint Committee on Transport to ban cars from certain streets in Dublin city centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19420/08]
I have not yet received proposals from the Joint Committee on Transport regarding this matter. When I do I will convey this to the group established and chaired by the Dublin City Manager, to develop a new Dublin City Centre Traffic Management Plan to address the traffic management issues which will arise from the construction of major Transport 21 projects, particularly in the city centre. The plan will also take account of the impact of other works, including the renewal of water, gas and electricity services and a range of private developments planned for the city. The Group includes the chief executives of the transport agencies and representatives of business organisations. The City Council is working to ensure that the Traffic Management Plan will be in place and tested well before initial work on the various T21 investment projects commences.
The objective of this plan will be to ensure continued access to the City Centre and its retail, cultural and leisure attractions. All the agencies participating in the formulation of the plan are keenly aware of the importance of maintaining access to the centre of Dublin and of retaining and enhancing its competitive edge. The proposals to which the Deputy has referred are, I presume, those outlined recently in the media by the Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport. I understand that the Chairman has indicated that he intends to present this plan to me. When I receive the plan, it is my intention to ask the Chairman to take the report into consideration in the deliberations of the group.
270 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the way he will ensure that impact on traders caused by the construction of metro north will be minimised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19421/08]
Dublin City Traffic Management is a matter for Dublin City Council who are currently working on a Traffic Management Plan.
271 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport his views on using underground power cables for future Luas and metro lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19422/08]
The issue raised by the Deputy is a technical matter for the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA). I have asked the Agency to respond directly to the Deputy on the matter.
272 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the expenditure by his Department on consultants to date in 2008; and if he will compare this to the expenditure on consultants for each of the past five years. [19506/08]
The expenditure on consultants in 2008 to date (as of 15 May 2008) is €300,035. The following table sets out the expenditure on consultants from 1 January to 15 May for each of the past five years.
|
(1 January-15 May) |
€ |
|
2008 |
300,035 |
|
2007 |
3,305,165 |
|
2006 |
680,820 |
|
2005 |
344,918 |
|
2004 |
1,216,800 |
273 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the number and cost of mobile phones or such communications equipment issued to programme managers, advisers, press officers and departmental personnel during each of the past three years; and the annual billing cost of same. [19521/08]
There are approximately 190 mobile phones/blackberries in use by personnel of my Department including those issued to advisers and press officers. No programme manager has been appointed to my Department in the period covered by this Question. In each of the years 2005-2007, the cost of mobile phones has been €107,191, €153,628, and €166,397 respectively. A breakdown of individual items of expenditure is not readily available from my Department's records.
274 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the number of directors he has appointed to the board of Aer Lingus; if there are more Government slots on the board of Aer Lingus still to be filled; if so, when he will fill these positions; the names and relevant qualifications of all current Government appointed directors to the board of Aer Lingus; the directions he has given these directors particularly in terms of the critical maintenance of Irish air connectivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19855/08]
I have appointed three directors to the Board of Aer Lingus and this fulfils the quota of Ministerial Nominees permitted under the terms of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company. The nominees are Mr. Francis Hackett, Mr. Chris Wall and Dr. Colin Hunt. All three directors are well established in the business sector and bring a wealth of commercial, economic and legal expertise to the board. Under Company Law all directors are obliged to pursue the best interests of the company. Subject to that duty the three Minister's Nominees have been mandated to seek to ensure that all future decisions of the company that have significant implications for wider Government, aviation or regional development policies are considered at board level. In any such decisions, the State-nominated directors are directed to seek to reconcile commercial and public policy objectives.
275 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the air routes currently the subject of aviation PSOs; the value of each aviation PSO route; his views on the extension of the PSO mechanism on the Waterford-Dublin route for example; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19857/08]
Under the terms of the relevant EU Council Regulation, (EEC) No. 2408/92 of 23 July 1992, Member States can establish a PSO route in respect of scheduled air services to an airport serving a peripheral or development region in its territory, where such air services are considered vital for the economic development of the regions concerned and where air carriers are not prepared to provide them on a commercial basis.
The current PSO 3 year programme comprises the following return flights to Dublin:
|
No. |
|
|
Kerry |
3 return flights |
|
Galway |
3 return flights |
|
Sligo and Donegal |
2 return flights |
|
Derry |
2 return flights |
|
Knock |
1 return flight |
The contract cost of the programme over the current contractual period (22 July 2005 to 21 July 2008) is:
|
€m |
|
|
Kerry |
9.025 |
|
Galway |
8.999 |
|
Sligo/Donegal |
15.526 |
|
Derry/Knock |
12.266 |
|
Grand Total |
45.816 |
I recently announced the results of the tender competition for the next contractual period (22 July 2008-21 July 2011). The cost of the programme over that period is expected to be as follows:
|
€m |
|
|
Kerry |
5.250 |
|
Galway |
10.016 |
|
Sligo/Donegal |
16.925 |
|
Derry |
7.568 |
|
Knock |
4.865 |
|
Grand Total |
44.624 |
The question of introducing a PSO air service on the Waterford-Dublin route was first raised in 1993. I understand that the E.U. Commission refused to sanction the proposal because the route is relatively short and because Waterford was already adequately served by other transport modes. In the interim, the relevant surface transport links have been upgraded and continue to be improved. In the circumstances, I have no proposals to revive the question of including the airport in the Irish PSO air service programme. However €22.3 million has been allocated to Waterford airport under the regional airports capital expenditure grant scheme as part of Transport 21. In 2007, Waterford received €1.3m in operational subvention for the airport and I expect to consider a further application for subvention to the airport in the current year.
276 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the speed limit on the N8 between Fermoy and Watergrasshill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19883/08]
Under the Road Traffic Act 2004 a default speed limit of 100km/h applies to a rural national road. It is a matter for Cork County Council, with the consent of the National Roads Authority, to determine if a special speed limit should be applied in lieu of the default speed limit at any location on a national road. I have no function in relation to speed limits on the N8.
277 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the number of civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of the Minister and his Ministers of State since 1997 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20060/08]
Information on the number of individual civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of the previous Ministers and Ministers of State, since this Department was established in 2002, is set out in the table. The number of staff in a Minister and Minister of State's Constituency Office may not exceed 6 and 5 respectively. This number includes both ministerial appointments and civil servants.
|
Year |
Minister |
Numbers of Civil Servants in the constituency office |
|
June 2002–2004 |
Seamus Brennan |
3 |
|
2004–2007 |
Martin Cullen |
2 |
|
2007–date |
Noel Dempsey |
2 |
|
Year |
Minister of State |
Numbers of Civil Servants in the constituency office |
|
June 2002–2004 |
Jim McDaid |
2 |
|
2004–2005 |
Ivor Callely |
3 |
|
2006–June 2007 |
Pat The Cope Gallagher |
4 |
|
June 2007–May 2008 |
No Minister of State during this period |
0 |
|
May 2008 |
Noel Ahern |
Staff are currently being assigned to this office |
278 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the expenditure by his Department on consultants to date in 2008; and if he will compare this to the expenditure on consultants for each of the past five years. [19501/08]
The Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible for two Votes — Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 29 (International Cooperation). I have set out in the table details of expenditure under sub-head A7 (Consultancy) under both Votes since 1 January 2008, and for each of the previous 5 years.
|
Year |
Subhead A7 Expenditure Vote 28 |
Subhead A7 Expenditure Vote 29 |
|
(€) |
(€) |
|
|
2003 |
630,295 |
930,000 |
|
2004 |
812,174 |
1,338,000 |
|
2005 |
732,532 |
1,699,000 |
|
2006 |
592,317 |
2,248,000 |
|
2007 |
245,462 |
2,840,000 |
|
2008 (to-date) |
52,120 |
1,080,000 |
I am very conscious of the need to achieve value for money on such expenditure. The Department commissions consultancy services only where specialised knowledge and/or skills are not available within the Department and, particularly in the case of Irish Aid (Ireland's official development assistance programme), where ongoing independent evaluation of programmes and projects is required. Given the overall scale of the Irish Aid Programme, I am satisfied that this level of monitoring, review and evaluation is both prudent and proportionate.
279 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number and cost of mobile phones or such communications equipment issued to programme managers, advisers, press officers and departmental personnel during each of the past three years; and the annual billing cost of same. [19516/08]
The table sets out the number and cost of mobile phones, or such communications equipment, issued to staff in my Department for the past three years.
|
Year |
Number of mobile Phones |
Annual cost of mobile phones |
|
€ |
||
|
2005 |
241 |
205,107.27 |
|
2006 |
215 |
179,886.85 |
|
2007 |
220 |
166,909.03 |
280 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason for the difficulty in issuing a passport for a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan in view of the fact that they were previously issued a passport and the current application is simply to replace the first passport which has been lost. [19736/08]
The Passport Office can only issue a passport to an Irish Citizen. The person in question was born in Ireland in 2005. Under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 2004, persons born in the State after 1 January 2005, where neither parent is an Irish or British citizen or otherwise entitled to reside without restriction in the State or in Northern Ireland, may claim citizenship by birth in the State only where a parent has been lawfully resident in the State for 3 years of the 4 years preceding their birth. In all such cases, it is the practice of the Passport Office to seek evidence, in the form of official documentation, of lawful residence in the State by one or both parents.
An application for an Irish passport was first submitted on behalf of the child by his mother to the Passport Office in November, 2005. This application was approved and a passport was issued in December, 2005. The passport was reported lost by the applicant's mother and an application for a replacement passport was received on 21 February, 2008. In line with routine procedure in respect of lost or stolen passports, it was necessary for the applicant's mother to re-submit original papers including evidence of citizenship. Upon checking of these papers, it was the view — wrongly as it turned out — that satisfactory evidence of reckonable residency in the State had not been provided and that the applicant's entitlement to Irish citizenship had not been established. The application was therefore rejected on 10 March, 2008.
Both applications were subsequently re-examined in detail by the Passport Office. Based on this review, the Passport Office is satisfied that the applicant is a citizen and therefore entitled to an Irish passport. A replacement passport was issued on 16 May 2008. The Passport Office has also been in contact with the applicant's mother to apologise for the error and for the inconvenience.
281 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of the Minister and Ministers of State since 1997 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20055/08]
The requested details for each Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister of State at my Department during the period in question are set out below:
Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister Ray Burke T.D.
June 1997 to October 1997
Four civil servants were employed in the constituency office of the Minister.
Minister David Andrews T.D.
October 1997–January 2000
No civil servants were employed in the constituency office of the Minister.
Minister Brian Cowen T.D.
January 2000–September 2004
Four civil servants were employed in the constituency office of the Minister.
Minister Dermot Ahern T.D.
September 2004 to May 2008
Three civil servants were employed in the constituency office of the Minister on a full time basis and one on a part time basis.
Minister Micheál Martin T.D.
7 May 2008 to date
The staffing arrangements for my constituency office are still under consideration.
Minister of State for Overseas Development Ms. Liz O'Donnell T.D.
July 1997 to June 2002
Two civil servants were employed in the constituency office of the Minister of State.
Mr. Tom Kitt T.D.
June 2002 to September 2004
Four civil servants were employed in the constituency office of the Minister of State.
Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D.
October 2004 to June 2007
Three civil servants were employed in the constituency office of the Minister of State.
Mr. Michael Kitt T.D.
June 2007 to May 2008
Three civil servants were employed in the constituency office of the Minister of State.
Mr. Peter Power T.D.
14 May 2008 to date
The staffing arrangements for the Minister of State's constituency office are still under consideration.
Minister of State for European Affairs Mr. Dick Roche T.D.
June 2002 to September 2004
Three civil servants were employed in the constituency office of the Minister of State.
Mr. Noel Treacy T.D.
September 2004 to June 2007
Three civil servants were employed in the constituency office of the Minister of State on a full time basis and one on a part time basis.
Mr. Dick Roche T.D.
June 2007 to date
Four civil servants were employed in the constituency office of the Minister of State on a full time basis and one on a part time basis.
282 Deputy James Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the procedure to be followed by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19402/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that the initial application made by the applicant for a work permit under the Spousal/Dependant scheme was refused. This decision has been appealed and is pending further information to be submitted by the applicant. According to correspondence received in the Employment Permits Section, this should take the applicant approximately two weeks to submit. The Appeals Officer will issue a decision in this case as soon as the information is made available.
283 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether the commitment of 50% of greenfield projects in the BMW region should be re-affirmed (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19272/08]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. For the period 2000 to 2006 IDA Ireland had set itself a high-level performance target for the Objective 1 (BMW) Area, which committed the Agency to work to deliver a target of 50% of all new Greenfield jobs to be located in the Objective 1 Area. Despite difficult global trading conditions, substantial progress was achieved against this target and in that period 36% of all new Greenfield jobs were located in the area. At the end of 2007, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 26,430 people employed in IDA supported companies in the BMW Region, which represents almost 20% of all IDA supported employment in the country.
The knowledge intensive FDI for which Ireland now competes favours locations in or near centres of urban scale, where it has access to the concentrations of infrastructure, skills and services it needs. Accordingly, IDA Ireland has aligned its regional strategy with the National Spatial Strategy and is focused on delivering investments to the Gateway and Hub locations. In this regard the target now for IDA Ireland is to locate 60% of new investments outside of the Greater Dublin Area. The strategy in place to achieve this involves matching investor requirements with the competencies, infrastructure and critical mass of the Gateway and Hub location. The key sectors of focus for IDA are Life Sciences, Information and Communications Technologies and high value Services activities. In this connection, it must be remembered that, under the revised EU Regional Aid Guidelines, the BMW and South East Regions are the only areas where regional aid is available up to 2013.
I am satisfied that the work of the Agency on the ground, together with the continued roll out of the National Development Plan will continue to bear fruit in terms of investment and job creation for the people of the BMW Region.
284 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the anticipated benefits for house purchasers arising from the application of consumer protection law to real property transactions, as a result of the Consumer Protection Act 2007; if, in particular, a reduction in the conveyancing costs for intending purchasers is anticipated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19407/08]
I would advise the Deputy that I have no direct responsibility in relation to property transactions or in relation to the level of conveyancing costs attending to such transactions. In so far as the Consumer Protection Act 2007 is concerned, the Act, whilst not dealing with issues such as the cost of specific products or services, does contain provisions applicable to all sectors which prohibit traders from engaging in unfair commercial practices including misleading actions, misleading omissions and aggressive commercial practices.
In that regard, any consumer who believes that they have suffered as a result of being misled in relation to the price of a good or service, including in relation to a property conveyancing service, may wish to contact the National Consumer Agency which is the body responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 2007. The Deputy will be aware that the Agency is independent in the exercise of its statutory functions.
285 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason regulations in the safety, health and welfare at work (construction) regulations 2006 are being postponed until 9 July 2009 as stated in S.I. No. 130 of 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19411/08]
The Statutory Instrument 130 of 2008 deferred the introduction of the requirement for employers to provide training to employees in respect to specific tasks listed in Schedule 4 of Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006 (S. I. No. 504 of 2006). The tasks involved are:
(i) mobile tower scaffold (where the employee has not been trained in basic or advanced scaffolding),
(ii) signing, lighting and guarding on roads,
(iii) locating under-ground services, and
(iv) shotfiring.
The reason for the deferral was that, due to problems in the accessing of certified training courses, it was not practicable for the required numbers of employees to obtain the required competence levels to obtain the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card as described in the 2006 regulations. It should be noted, however, that the recent statutory instrument did not defer the introduction of the requirement for competence and CSCS recognition for other tasks listed in the 2006 Construction Regulations. These tasks are:
(i) self erecting tower crane operation — where the employee has not been trained in tower crane operation
(ii) mini-digger operation — where the employee has not been trained in 1800 excavator operation.
286 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has had contact with FÁS regarding the awarding of an advertising contract to a local media outlet, as identified in a recent Comptroller and Auditor General report; if she has expressed concerns to FÁS over procurement and contract awarding practices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19412/08]
The report referred to by the Deputy deals with a number of issues which arose in recent audits of Non-commercial Semi-State Bodies, including FÁS and I have discussed this matter with the Director General of FÁS. The issues referred to by the Comptroller and Auditor General had been previously identified in a report by the FÁS Internal Audit Unit which was subsequently forwarded by FÁS to the Comptroller and Auditor General. The issues identified in the report arose in the period 2002-2005. FÁS has already taken a number of steps in response to its internal audit report, on which the Comptroller and Auditor General's report is based. It has clarified its procedures and strengthened its internal controls.
287 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if particular assistance is available for professional and technically trained disabled persons. [19462/08]
Under the aegis of my Department FÁS labour market services for disabled people have been mainstreamed, in line with best practice internationally. This means that the objective is the systematic integration of disabled people into the open labour market by actively creating conditions whereby disabled people can compete and operate in the labour market on an equitable basis with their non-disabled peers.
FÁS has been making considerable efforts to encourage disabled jobseekers, regardless of their educational or working background, to register with FÁS Employment Services. In particular, FÁS supports GET AHEAD which is an organisation that assists disabled third level students or graduates seeking employment to find work appropriate to their qualifications. This organisation operates a work placement initiative in partnership with large companies. Graduates with disabilities who are finding it difficult to get employment are encouraged by FÁS to familiarise themselves with the service provided by GET AHEAD. They may be contacted at AHEAD, Anglesea House, 63 Carysfort Ave, Blackrock, Co Dublin, telephone number 01- 2789325.
A job seeker with a disability should initially call to the local FÁS Office and discuss his or her options with an Employment Services Officer (ESO). The ESO is the access point to all FÁS training and employment services. FÁS staff have considerable experience in assisting unemployed people, including those with disabilities and across a wide range of backgrounds, on the options to assist people access labour market opportunities, or return to employment. All vacancies advertised by FÁS are open to disabled people, as indeed are all FÁS training courses and employment programmes. FÁS has in place a series of employer supports that are specifically for the employment of disabled people. Full details of these supports are available from the FÁS Employment Service Offices or on the disability portal of the FÁS website at www.fas.ie.
288 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the expenditure by her Department on consultants to date in 2008; and if she will compare this to the expenditure on consultants for each of the past five years. [19498/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
January to end-April 2008 |
514,367 |
|
2007 |
3,096,703 |
|
2006 |
1,641,048 |
|
2005 |
4,593,950 |
|
2004 |
6,103,087 |
|
2003 |
6,258,496 |
I should point out that the figures for 2006, 2007 and 2008 refer to consultancies as defined by the revised 2006 Guidelines issued by the Department of Finance. Figures for the earlier years predate these revised guidelines and represent total expenditure by my Department on consultancies, contractors and external service providers — categories which we had previously grouped together as "consultancies" when replying to previous Parliamentary Questions on this topic.
289 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number and cost of mobile phones or such communications equipment issued to programme managers, advisers, press officers and departmental personnel during each of the past three years; and the annual billing cost of same. [19513/08]
The table shows the details of mobile phones and BlackBerry devices issued to programme managers, advisers, press officers and personnel in my Department over the past three years.
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 (4 months) |
|
|
*Number of phones/devices allocated |
314 |
350 |
323 |
302 |
|
Hardware Cost of new/replacement devices |
€18,690 |
€14,110 |
€28,034 |
€3,189 |
|
Annual Billing Cost |
€188,699 |
€235,060 |
€226,325 |
€80,818 |
*The number of phones is the total allocated to staff for the year in question, not newly issued phones.
290 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will confirm if she had an official meeting with a company (details supplied); and if she was accompanied by officials from her Department at this meeting. [19526/08]
I can confirm that a meeting took place with the company. The Chief Executive of Enterprise Ireland was also present.
291 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of an application for a person (details supplied). [19539/08]
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 only for highly skilled, highly paid positions or for non-EEA nationals already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits. Furthermore, the newspaper advertisements submitted in support of the application were out of date as a permit must be applied for within 60 days of the advertisements being posted. Having examined the appeal, the Appeals Officer has upheld the original decision in this case.
292 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding allocated to each city and county enterprise board each year for the past five years respectively; the amount of same which was used by the boards for administration purposes; the amount used for grant aid to businesses and projects; the number of projects which received funding from each board each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19589/08]
The 35 County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) were set up in 1993 to provide support for micro-enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level. The CEBs deliver a series of Programmes to underpin this role and they can provide both financial and non-financial assistance to a project promoter.
The Boards are widely dispersed geographically and provide a single point of contact at local level for new and established small businesses. All areas of the country are served by and benefit from, the full range of Enterprise Board grant supports and entrepreneurial development programmes. Subject to certain eligibility criteria enterprises may access assistance and support from the CEBs. The forms of financial assistance which are available, subject to certain restrictions, include Capital Grants, Employment Grants and Feasibility Study Grants. The provision of non-financial assistance can take the form of a wide range of business advice such as Programmes covering Business Management, Mentoring, E-commerce, Enterprise Education, and Women in Business networks.
The cost of administering the CEB network is primarily made up of payroll costs and associated expenditure — travel costs, office accommodation, etc. Typically, each CEB would have between 4 and 5 staff. The total number of staff employed by the CEBs nationally is about 150, a figure that has been broadly constant for several years. The focus of CEB activity has been increasingly on the provision of "soft" supports — management training, mentoring, advisory and information services, etc. A significant allocation is made to the CEBs each year for the provision of these soft support or Measure 2 activities. These activities are considerably more labour intensive than processing grant applications. While the direct costs of training, mentoring, etc are borne by the programme budget (€11.2 million in 2007), a very significant portion of CEB staff time is taken up with the organisation and delivery of such activities. In addition, CEB staff would be engaged on a daily basis in the provision of an informal information and advisory service to local entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs.
In 2008 the Capital allocation for the 35 CEBs stands at over €20m. This will enable the Boards to continue to be actively involved in the area of economic development and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development. This will be done not just by direct grant aid to businesses and project promoters but also through the provision of a range of other important business supports such as mentoring, business training and business advice all of which help to stimulate indigenous enterprise creation. The precise statistical information sought by the Deputy is in tabular format as follows. Figures in relation to grant approvals and project approvals are collated on an annual basis at year-end. Accordingly 2008 figures are not yet available for these activities.
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
Totals |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Carlow |
788,307.00 |
679,157.00 |
912,405.73 |
966,884.00 |
972,463.00 |
906,850.00 |
5,226,066.73 |
|
Cavan |
730,428.00 |
691,983.35 |
919,119.87 |
979,413.50 |
1,044,086.39 |
961,637.00 |
5,326,668.11 |
|
Clare |
905,404.00 |
892,506.00 |
948,769.75 |
958,638.00 |
895,582.00 |
916,340.00 |
5,517,239.75 |
|
Cork City |
697,791.00 |
781,113.00 |
826,059.11 |
917,044.00 |
845,800.00 |
898,245.00 |
4,966,052.11 |
|
Cork North |
271,007.71 |
431,000.00 |
246,789.42 |
264,000.00 |
315,700.00 |
347,572.00 |
1,876,069.13 |
|
Cork South |
779,964.00 |
908,889.00 |
979,000.99 |
1,205,300.00 |
1,215,751.82 |
1,170,836.00 |
6,259,741.81 |
|
Cork West |
640,611.00 |
746,819.37 |
1,026,662.05 |
885,515.42 |
849,711.56 |
929,949.00 |
5,079,268.40 |
|
Donegal |
1,034,131.00 |
1,318,941.01 |
1,311,326.36 |
1,527,415.51 |
1,277,243.00 |
1,243,607.00 |
7,712,663.88 |
|
Dublin City |
1,341,322.00 |
1,179,566.00 |
1,619,367.67 |
1,760,380.00 |
1,895,116.00 |
1,657,406.00 |
9,453,157.67 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
1,064,747.00 |
1,231,505.00 |
1,220,603.88 |
1,367,692.00 |
1,203,289.00 |
1,167,916.00 |
7,255,752.88 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
1,073,887.00 |
1,318,232.00 |
1,462,915.66 |
1,432,724.00 |
1,336,994.00 |
1,196,658.00 |
7,821,410.66 |
|
Galway |
1,058,694.37 |
1,078,687.01 |
1,111,395.79 |
1,107,206.59 |
926,098.00 |
1,031,292.00 |
6,313,373.76 |
|
Kerry |
990,465.00 |
740,768.00 |
990,467.64 |
1,116,073.00 |
827,390.00 |
942,795.00 |
5,607,958.64 |
|
Kildare |
781,293.00 |
683,147.00 |
965,003.53 |
1,041,886.00 |
1,016,498.00 |
941,613.00 |
5,429,440.53 |
|
Kilkenny |
775,803.00 |
824,076.00 |
1,035,826.93 |
992,593.00 |
847,387.82 |
917,422.00 |
5,393,108.75 |
|
Laois |
661,980.00 |
665,418.00 |
637,191.00 |
942,949.18 |
843,264.61 |
764,996.00 |
4,515,798.79 |
|
Leitrim |
726,980.00 |
688,914.00 |
755,384.00 |
894,275.00 |
798,125.00 |
835,671.00 |
4,699,349.00 |
|
Limerick City |
754,906.00 |
723,783.00 |
884,755.87 |
999,616.00 |
807,771.00 |
865,816.00 |
5,036,647.87 |
|
Limerick County |
1,083,919.00 |
797,463.00 |
971,164.37 |
981,152.00 |
854,891.00 |
851,117.00 |
5,539,706.37 |
|
Longford |
744,521.00 |
627,524.00 |
724,000.00 |
860,000.00 |
805,223.00 |
768,014.00 |
4,529,282.00 |
|
Louth |
791,773.00 |
723,487.00 |
940,885.00 |
1,011,303.00 |
1,127,500.00 |
1,045,516.00 |
5,640,464.00 |
|
Mayo |
761,552.37 |
714,514.01 |
957,256.79 |
1,195,937.51 |
906,960.42 |
972,937.00 |
5,509,158.10 |
|
Meath |
825,950.00 |
867,574.00 |
1,122,236.12 |
960,240.00 |
921,194.57 |
1,037,750.00 |
5,734,944.69 |
|
Monaghan |
784,058.00 |
707,681.00 |
681,293.00 |
875,442.00 |
963,599.00 |
878,291.00 |
4,890,364.00 |
|
Offaly |
875,159.00 |
635,859.00 |
955,554.00 |
1,067,731.00 |
860,289.00 |
909,267.00 |
5,303,859.00 |
|
Roscommon |
813,182.00 |
635,795.00 |
863,197.00 |
953,802.00 |
845,345.67 |
819,199.00 |
4,930,520.67 |
|
Sligo |
784,217.00 |
798,390.00 |
891,433.00 |
1,079,606.00 |
995,412.00 |
957,270.00 |
5,506,328.00 |
|
South Dublin |
1,079,408.00 |
1,169,922.00 |
1,052,242.21 |
1,283,012.00 |
1,144,549.00 |
1,201,771.00 |
6,930,904.21 |
|
Tipperary NR |
770,204.00 |
723,070.00 |
884,682.02 |
875,389.00 |
866,833.00 |
832,404.00 |
4,952,582.02 |
|
Tipperary SR |
782,493.00 |
682,506.00 |
777,779.97 |
920,971.00 |
832,181.00 |
836,008.00 |
4,831,938.97 |
|
Waterford City |
843,971.00 |
653,940.00 |
799,978.60 |
772,342.00 |
798,069.21 |
772,268.00 |
4,640,568.81 |
|
Waterford County |
558,562.00 |
709,612.00 |
786,132.90 |
794,062.00 |
759,054.00 |
740,551.00 |
4,347,973.90 |
|
Westmeath |
921,410.11 |
777,834.00 |
983,771.00 |
1,195,939.00 |
1,161,611.00 |
925,937.00 |
5,966,502.11 |
|
Wexford |
971,403.00 |
1,013,653.00 |
1,184,985.72 |
1,190,509.00 |
1,106,987.00 |
1,014,873.00 |
6,482,410.72 |
|
Wicklow |
1,337,354.00 |
747,085.00 |
900,074.57 |
985,590.00 |
1,032,312.58 |
1,031,095.00 |
6,033,511.15 |
|
Totals |
29,806,857.56 |
28,570,413.75 |
33,329,711.52 |
36,362,632.71 |
33,900,282.65 |
33,290,889.00 |
195,260,787.19 |
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
Totals |
|
|
Carlow |
332,002.00 |
374,600.00 |
366,738.00 |
382,000.00 |
418,550.00 |
420,012.00 |
2,293,902.00 |
|
Cavan |
278,508.00 |
347,823.35 |
367,923.87 |
386,268.50 |
405,582.18 |
420,719.00 |
2,206,824.90 |
|
Clare |
321,466.00 |
330,548.00 |
343,925.00 |
356,993.00 |
377,516.00 |
394,623.00 |
2,125,071.00 |
|
Cork City |
264,037.00 |
309,800.00 |
310,500.00 |
324,600.00 |
374,800.00 |
408,245.00 |
1,991,982.00 |
|
Cork North |
217,800.71 |
226,000.00 |
136,000.00 |
214,000.00 |
245,700.00 |
245,375.00 |
1,284,875.71 |
|
Cork South |
317,826.00 |
367,230.00 |
401,700.00 |
439,300.00 |
449,520.82 |
457,067.00 |
2,432,643.82 |
|
Cork West |
297,522.00 |
324,712.37 |
355,477.45 |
383,987.42 |
392,149.25 |
385,917.00 |
2,139,765.49 |
|
Donegal |
383,306.00 |
420,020.01 |
428,543.06 |
437,299.51 |
442,000.00 |
422,514.00 |
2,533,682.58 |
|
Dublin City |
332,010.00 |
347,025.00 |
394,075.00 |
468,667.00 |
534,162.00 |
522,178.00 |
2,598,117.00 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
340,553.00 |
369,000.00 |
380,000.00 |
405,000.00 |
415,000.00 |
413,835.00 |
2,323,388.00 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rath |
387,450.00 |
343,358.00 |
420,000.00 |
380,800.00 |
400,000.00 |
440,000.00 |
2,371,608.00 |
|
Galway |
311,903.37 |
349,150.01 |
362,695.79 |
375,099.59 |
293,855.00 |
389,049.00 |
2,081,752.76 |
|
Kerry |
316,323.00 |
350,000.00 |
365,767.00 |
383,314.00 |
331,000.00 |
346,295.00 |
2,092,699.00 |
|
Kildare |
315,809.00 |
306,353.00 |
322,000.00 |
353,400.00 |
384,500.00 |
387,615.00 |
2,069,677.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
278,112.00 |
307,000.00 |
318,500.00 |
318,750.00 |
330,750.00 |
339,437.00 |
1,892,549.00 |
|
Laois |
262,505.00 |
272,831.00 |
280,000.00 |
305,173.18 |
340,000.00 |
344,996.00 |
1,805,505.18 |
|
Leitrim |
338,434.00 |
362,250.00 |
370,700.00 |
375,000.00 |
386,000.00 |
418,643.00 |
2,251,027.00 |
|
Limerick City |
322,810.00 |
352,000.00 |
382,000.00 |
396,491.00 |
429,000.00 |
419,833.00 |
2,302,134.00 |
|
Limerick County |
285,920.00 |
309,133.00 |
322,581.00 |
333,396.00 |
355,950.00 |
351,477.00 |
1,958,457.00 |
|
Longford |
268,679.00 |
291,000.00 |
329,000.00 |
340,000.00 |
376,000.00 |
349,225.00 |
1,953,904.00 |
|
Louth |
343,430.00 |
346,567.00 |
368,145.00 |
409,203.00 |
440,000.00 |
458,016.00 |
2,365,361.00 |
|
Mayo |
277,115.37 |
254,600.01 |
319,291.79 |
307,562.51 |
336,625.42 |
339,812.00 |
1,835,007.10 |
|
Meath |
352,209.00 |
370,000.00 |
372,000.00 |
382,520.00 |
418,247.57 |
426,710.00 |
2,321,686.57 |
|
Monaghan |
346,310.00 |
353,293.00 |
353,993.00 |
354,742.00 |
419,775.00 |
415,442.00 |
2,243,555.00 |
|
Offaly |
306,860.00 |
306,000.00 |
354,000.00 |
369,000.00 |
394,000.00 |
403,978.00 |
2,133,838.00 |
|
Roscommon |
282,624.00 |
297,758.00 |
323,668.00 |
336,726.00 |
356,530.67 |
371,509.00 |
1,968,815.67 |
|
Sligo |
323,212.00 |
375,271.00 |
381,899.00 |
398,069.00 |
418,176.00 |
427,846.00 |
2,324,473.00 |
|
South Dublin |
303,302.00 |
338,915.00 |
368,915.00 |
387,462.00 |
409,802.00 |
411,221.00 |
2,219,617.00 |
|
Tipperary NR |
302,820.00 |
330,000.00 |
346,183.00 |
355,000.00 |
380,000.00 |
359,626.00 |
2,073,629.00 |
|
Tipperary SR |
279,400.00 |
305,572.00 |
322,758.00 |
351,921.00 |
372,657.00 |
371,008.00 |
2,003,316.00 |
|
Waterford City |
254,266.00 |
285,217.00 |
306,000.00 |
276,500.00 |
303,552.00 |
319,268.00 |
1,744,803.00 |
|
Waterford County |
214,900.00 |
226,000.00 |
236,600.00 |
255,000.00 |
306,811.00 |
295,808.00 |
1,535,119.00 |
|
Westmeath |
315,424.11 |
362,050.00 |
398,700.00 |
408,886.00 |
416,348.00 |
388,875.00 |
2,290,283.11 |
|
Wexford |
376,218.00 |
403,877.00 |
404,219.00 |
432,050.00 |
436,122.00 |
438,473.00 |
2,490,959.00 |
|
Wicklow |
309,349.00 |
365,100.00 |
373,795.00 |
394,845.00 |
401,508.00 |
408,363.00 |
2,252,960.00 |
|
Totals |
10,760,415.56 |
11,580,053.75 |
12,188,292.96 |
12,779,025.71 |
13,492,189.91 |
13,713,010.00 |
74,512,987.89 |
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
||
|
CEB Approvals |
Grants Approved |
Grants Approved |
Grants Approved |
Grants Approved |
Grants Approved |
Totals |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Carlow |
297,372.00 |
155,268.00 |
300,600.00 |
351,142.00 |
298,853.45 |
1,403,235.45 |
|
Cavan |
270,075.00 |
189,750.00 |
368,000.00 |
362,945.00 |
439,850.00 |
1,630,620.00 |
|
Clare |
333,101.00 |
360,830.00 |
318,570.00 |
335,275.00 |
321,610.00 |
1,669,386.00 |
|
Cork City |
221,047.00 |
284,567.00 |
218,322.00 |
357,444.00 |
345,343.00 |
1,426,723.00 |
|
Cork North |
— |
135,000.00 |
— |
— |
— |
135,000.00 |
|
Cork South |
225,596.00 |
330,804.00 |
286,500.00 |
446,000.00 |
593,775.00 |
1,882,675.00 |
|
Cork West |
120,605.00 |
221,257.00 |
403,402.00 |
239,062.00 |
327,632.00 |
1,311,958.00 |
|
Donegal |
346,767.00 |
645,120.00 |
593,405.30 |
667,072.00 |
638,475.00 |
2,890,839.30 |
|
Dublin City |
675,000.00 |
520,500.00 |
707,100.00 |
821,986.00 |
1,010,485.36 |
3,735,071.36 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
423,194.00 |
600,100.00 |
434,000.00 |
601,400.00 |
498,500.00 |
2,557,194.00 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
459,065.00 |
700,713.00 |
554,014.00 |
701,529.00 |
814,290.19 |
3,229,611.19 |
|
Galway City & Co. |
510,056.00 |
505,975.00 |
498,700.00 |
457,107.00 |
521,393.00 |
2,493,231.00 |
|
Kerry |
532,807.00 |
249,433.00 |
460,281.00 |
508,759.00 |
575,037.00 |
2,326,317.00 |
|
Kildare |
277,220.00 |
200,174.00 |
319,058.00 |
387,986.00 |
426,100.00 |
1,610,538.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
285,288.00 |
341,100.00 |
466,473.28 |
412,870.00 |
366,237.92 |
1,871,969.20 |
|
Laois |
242,072.00 |
243,094.00 |
199,929.00 |
434,126.00 |
283,658.05 |
1,402,879.05 |
|
Leitrim |
211,589.00 |
179,202.00 |
209,012.00 |
304,275.00 |
298,969.00 |
1,203,047.00 |
|
Limerick City |
253,609.00 |
193,600.00 |
306,189.00 |
378,125.00 |
227,690.50 |
1,359,213.50 |
|
Limerick County |
571,900.00 |
299,450.00 |
437,724.00 |
437,756.00 |
297,388.00 |
2,044,218.00 |
|
Longford |
328,216.00 |
199,500.00 |
235,000.00 |
319,000.00 |
221,183.00 |
1,302,899.00 |
|
Louth |
242,055.00 |
200,500.00 |
357,740.00 |
319,600.00 |
307,430.00 |
1,427,325.00 |
|
Mayo |
291,068.00 |
280,898.00 |
437,965.00 |
619,375.00 |
483,250.00 |
2,112,556.00 |
|
Meath |
182,818.00 |
275,508.00 |
407,664.00 |
317,720.00 |
364,391.53 |
1,548,101.53 |
|
Monaghan |
251,014.00 |
196,900.00 |
137,300.00 |
317,000.00 |
255,604.00 |
1,157,818.00 |
|
Offaly |
399,163.00 |
171,990.00 |
420,554.00 |
476,731.00 |
450,299.00 |
1,918,737.00 |
|
Roscommon |
363,378.00 |
184,975.00 |
361,529.00 |
396,076.00 |
318,973.40 |
1,624,931.40 |
|
Sligo |
293,825.00 |
267,905.00 |
329,534.00 |
448,537.00 |
418,169.00 |
1,757,970.00 |
|
South Dublin |
493,329.00 |
587,979.00 |
384,500.00 |
510,000.00 |
650,000.00 |
2,625,808.00 |
|
Tipperary NR |
244,900.00 |
211,490.00 |
315,051.00 |
295,389.00 |
438,171.00 |
1,505,001.00 |
|
Tipperary SR |
314,525.00 |
211,550.00 |
261,148.00 |
366,550.00 |
311,550.00 |
1,465,323.00 |
|
Waterford City |
372,109.00 |
192,949.00 |
265,132.00 |
255,842.00 |
386,140.00 |
1,472,172.00 |
|
Waterford Co. |
157,475.00 |
324,005.00 |
368,758.00 |
329,062.00 |
359,975.00 |
1,539,275.00 |
|
Westmeath |
386,152.00 |
228,931.00 |
354,071.00 |
444,653.00 |
506,285.05 |
1,920,092.05 |
|
Wexford |
401,419.00 |
426,174.00 |
526,043.00 |
466,949.00 |
695,439.45 |
2,516,024.45 |
|
Wicklow |
794,629.00 |
189,316.00 |
263,773.00 |
284,883.00 |
349,166.00 |
1,881,767.00 |
|
Total |
11,772,438.00 |
10,506,507.00 |
12,507,041.58 |
14,372,226.00 |
14,801,313.90 |
63,959,526.48 |
|
CEB projects approved |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
Totals |
|
Carlow |
21 |
20 |
24 |
22 |
17 |
104 |
|
Cavan |
23 |
20 |
36 |
27 |
28 |
134 |
|
Clare |
38 |
36 |
38 |
29 |
32 |
173 |
|
Cork City |
17 |
18 |
23 |
26 |
20 |
104 |
|
Cork North |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Cork South |
13 |
15 |
12 |
12 |
14 |
66 |
|
Cork West |
13 |
18 |
24 |
16 |
18 |
89 |
|
Donegal |
17 |
28 |
26 |
29 |
25 |
125 |
|
Dublin City |
61 |
47 |
48 |
63 |
66 |
285 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
35 |
51 |
23 |
25 |
24 |
158 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rath |
26 |
46 |
32 |
31 |
43 |
178 |
|
Galway County and City. |
68 |
42 |
66 |
61 |
63 |
300 |
|
Kerry |
54 |
37 |
54 |
42 |
49 |
236 |
|
Kildare |
23 |
19 |
18 |
22 |
16 |
98 |
|
Kilkenny |
30 |
30 |
32 |
27 |
31 |
150 |
|
Laois |
21 |
21 |
21 |
25 |
34 |
122 |
|
Leitrim |
26 |
22 |
24 |
24 |
27 |
123 |
|
Limerick City |
25 |
20 |
24 |
21 |
19 |
109 |
|
Limerick County |
27 |
18 |
21 |
24 |
15 |
105 |
|
Longford |
44 |
24 |
36 |
34 |
22 |
160 |
|
Louth |
28 |
29 |
41 |
24 |
28 |
150 |
|
Mayo |
25 |
23 |
23 |
30 |
21 |
122 |
|
Meath |
20 |
23 |
20 |
22 |
27 |
112 |
|
Monaghan |
14 |
18 |
26 |
13 |
22 |
93 |
|
Offaly |
39 |
23 |
27 |
19 |
34 |
142 |
|
Roscommon |
24 |
11 |
24 |
24 |
26 |
109 |
|
Sligo |
34 |
25 |
24 |
30 |
36 |
149 |
|
South Dublin |
44 |
27 |
14 |
11 |
15 |
111 |
|
Tipperary NR |
16 |
15 |
17 |
16 |
21 |
85 |
|
Tipperary SR |
24 |
21 |
21 |
23 |
31 |
120 |
|
Waterford City |
28 |
22 |
20 |
26 |
24 |
120 |
|
Waterford County |
16 |
21 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
100 |
|
Westmeath |
43 |
12 |
34 |
26 |
24 |
139 |
|
Wexford |
38 |
39 |
32 |
27 |
34 |
170 |
|
Wicklow |
16 |
21 |
23 |
22 |
17 |
99 |
|
Total |
991 |
864 |
948 |
894 |
945 |
4,642 |
293 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when cross-departmental joint labour investigation teams will be operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19669/08]
The Social Partnership Agreement ‘Towards 2016', provides for greater co-ordination between organisations concerned with employment rights compliance, with a view to realising the considerable potential for synergy that exists in this area. In particular, the agreement provides that authorised officers of the new National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) will join with officers of the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to work together in Joint Investigation Units. The role of these Joint Investigation Units is to address areas where evidence suggests that non-compliance with employment rights legislation exists.
The Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2007, which came into operation on 30th March, 2007, provides for the disclosure of relevant employment data between the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment/NERA. This legislation effectively enables NERA to join with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners to work together in Joint Investigation Units. Since the enactment of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2007, exchange of information activity has already taken place between the bodies in a number of specific cases. In addition Joint Investigation activity, involving the three bodies, has also taken place, particularly in the context of the NERA Construction Industry Campaign in May-July 2007.
A Working Group has been established comprising the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and NERA to further enhance procedures for improved cross-Departmental co-operation and the sharing of information by the respective Departments/Offices and to plan future Joint Investigation activities and strategies.
294 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she is taking to streamline the issuing of work permits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19670/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that following the introduction of new administrative arrangements in 2007 under the Employment Permits Act, 2006, employment permits are now issued on the basis of different permit types with dedicated staff working in each group. This system has streamlined the work of the section allowing faster times for issuing. Currently, fully completed applications for all employment permit types are processed within our business target of 15 working days.
295 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, with regard to electrical contractors and the fact that a private company (details supplied) is calling on contractors and requesting to see their books and records, including payroll, she will confirm the way statutory authority would be given to a limited company to force employers to hand over their books and records in order that they carry out an inspection to see if the employees are in the pension scheme operated by the construction workers pension scheme and then report the matter to the Labour Court; if she had a role in promoting the CWPS to business people when they were setting up in business, in view of the fact that it has come to this Deputy’s attention that the Technical Engineering Union has suggested in correspondence that the details of this pension scheme are readily available through the Labour Court and her Department; if she is satisfied that when the Labour Court passes a complaint to the labour inspectorate of her Department as a result of an inspection carried out by the company which is a limited company with no statutory powers, that she should recommend prosecution; and if she is further satisfied that section 27(3)(c) of the Industrial Relations Act 1946, has been fully met by the Labour Court and that all sides to the employment agreement between the Electrical Contracting Association and the Technical and Engineering Union, meet the criteria of substantially representing the majority of the employers and unions in the industry, particularly when this agreement was set up on 24 September 1990, and as at the latest review dated 11 May 2007. [19808/08]
The company to which the Deputy refers (EPACE) was established under the aegis of the National Joint Industrial Council for the Electrical Contracting Industry. While its main objective is to advise Electrical Contractors of their responsibilities under the Registered Employment Agreement (REA) for the Electrical Industry it also carries out inspections of Electrical Contractors in order to ensure compliance with the agreement. While the organisation does not have statutory authority under employment rights legislation to undertake such inspections, Electrical Contractors have in the past been in general willing to facilitate, and cooperate with, these arrangements.
Section 45 of the Employment Law Compliance Bill 2008 is intended to support and enhance monitoring and inspection activity in relation to compliance with the Registered Employment Agreement in the electrical contracting industry. The Bill awaits consideration by Dáil and Seanad Éireann. In the meantime current arrangements continue to apply. Regarding the question of initiating prosecutions on the basis of an inspection undertaken by EPACE, the Deputy should be aware that enforcement of the provisions of the Registered Employment Agreement for the Electrical Sector is effected through the Labour Court under the Industrial Relations Acts.
A trade union, an association of employers or an individual employer may complain to the Labour Court that a particular employer is not complying with the Agreement. As EPACE does not have a statutory basis for taking a complaint to the Labour Court, complaints to the Court in respect of non-compliance with the Registered Agreement are in the normal course made by the Technical and Electrical Engineering Union (TEEU). If, after investigating a complaint, the Labour Court is satisfied that the employer is in breach of the Agreement, it may by order direct compliance with the Agreement.
NERA's Inspection Services receive requests, from time to time, from the Labour Court to undertake an inspection of an employer's records for the purposes of securing certain employee details. Such information is then used by the Labour Court in calculating the amount of pension or other arrears due to employees in the context of a complaint made by the TEEU. In such cases, therefore, the Labour Court is the relevant redress authority and I, as Minister, do not have any function insofar as making a determination or initiating a prosecution is concerned. Failure to comply with an order of the Labour Court is an offence punishable by a fine. In accordance with section 7 of the Industrial Relations Act, 1946 the Minister may bring proceedings in relation to such offences. Insofar as non-compliance with Labour Court orders directing compliance with the Registered Employment Agreement for the Electrical Sector is concerned, the practice is for the TEEU to request the Department to initiate legal proceedings against the relevant employer.
As regards the specific query about Section 27.3(c) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1946, I repeat that the Labour Court is a separate statutory body, which acts independently of the Minister in the carrying out of its functions. I have no function in relation to the decision making process of the Court.
296 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits to County Mayo conducted by IDA Ireland in 2007 and to date in 2008 (details supplied). [19831/08]
297 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of visits hosted by IDA Ireland by potential investors to an area (details supplied) in 2007 and to date in 2008; and the outcome of those visits. [19832/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 297 together.
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas 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 Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
In the period January 2007 to date, there have been 3 site visits to Mayo, 2 in 2007 to both Westport and Castlebar and one in 2008 to Westport. To date none of these visits has resulted in the establishment of an industry in County Mayo. Discussions with existing or prospective client companies are an operational matter for the Agency and are treated as confidential. While IDA Ireland seeks to influence the selection of location, the final decision on location is taken in all cases by the promoting company.
298 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of people employed in IDA supported companies in a location (details supplied). [19833/08]
The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains and losses in companies that are clients of the industrial development agencies. Information is aggregated on an annual basis at county level. The survey shows that for 2007 there were 3,004 people employed in IDA supported companies in County Mayo.
299 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the industry focus of IDA Ireland in attracting new foreign direct investment to an area (details supplied). [19834/08]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas 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 Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
A central goal for IDA Ireland is the achievement of balanced regional development. The National Spatial Strategy provides a framework for achievement of this goal through the prioritization of development and investment in the gateway and hub locations. On this basis, IDA Ireland seeks to attract Foreign Direct Investment into the gateways and hubs, as well as a small number of additional locations, throughout the West, and particularly in Mayo through the linked hubs of Ballina and Castlebar, and Westport. IDA Ireland's sectorial emphasis in Co Mayo is on attracting new knowledge intensive projects in the Medical Technologies, Life Sciences, Information Communications Technology and International Services sectors.
In addition, the Agency works with its existing base of overseas companies in County Mayo to encourage them to grow and expand. A notable success of this strategy was the announcement, in November 2007, by Baxter International Inc, a world leading healthcare company, in November 2007, that it intended, with IDA support, to invest more than €75 million over a six year period as part of a strategic programme to introduce new technologies and higher value products to its manufacturing plants in Castlebar and Swinford, Co. Mayo. This investment will establish a development and innovation capability, enhance therapies for the treatment of patients with renal failure, introduce new generation manufacturing processes, up-grade existing manufacturing facilities and advanced drug delivery and packaging systems and provide for extensive re-skilling of the existing workforce.
300 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will ascertain from IDA Ireland, the assets held by it in the quest for further overseas investment in an area (details supplied). [19835/08]
The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio including the purchase of land and the creation of business parks, are day-to-day operational matters for the agency and not matters in which I have a function. I have been informed by IDA Ireland that it owns a total of 63.21 hectares of land in County Mayo, of which 14.82 hectares are unused and currently being marketed. The tabular statement sets out the location of the individual properties.
In addition, the Agency own two buildings in County Mayo, a 335 m2 cluster unit in Ballina and a 540 m2 factory unit in Charlestown. The unit in Ballina is occupied at present while the Agency's Property Marketing Department is currently involved in sale negotiations on the unit in Charlestown. IDA Ireland also holds a 35 year lease on a 2,603 m2 Factory in Ballina which the Agency has sublet since 1992 to an Enterprise Ireland company.
|
Location |
Total Hectares |
Hectares available |
|
Ballina (Bunree Industrial Estate) |
10.29 |
1.41 |
|
Ballinrobe Business Park |
1.54 |
Nil |
|
Ballyhaunis Business Park |
2.55 |
Nil |
|
Castlebar Business & Technology Park |
11.18 |
4.21 |
|
Castlebar BusinessPark |
5.19 |
Nil |
|
Castlebar (Gorteen) |
1.62 |
Nil |
|
Charlestown Industrial Park |
0.71 |
Nil |
|
Claremorris Industrial Estate |
2.87 |
Nil |
|
Foxford Business Park |
1.46 |
0.68 |
|
Knock Business Park |
0.49 |
Nil |
|
Westport Business and Technology Park |
25.31 |
8.52 |
|
Total |
63.21 |
14.82 |
301 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the requirements for security personnel at private companies who are required to do shift work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19874/08]
I understand the requirements that the Deputy is referring to is the provision of toilet and changing/shower facilities. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (No. 10 of 2005) applies to employers and employees in all employments, including those in the security industry. Section 8 of the Act requires that every employer ensures, so far as is reasonably practicable the safety, health and welfare at work of all of his or her employees. The general duties of the employer as set out in Section 8 includes the provision of adequate welfare facilities.
The provision of sanitary and washing facilities and changing rooms and lockers are provided for in Regulations 20 and 21 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 299 of 2007). A guide to the appropriate numbers of conveniences to be provided can be found in Chapter 1 of Part 2 Workplace of the Guide to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 published by the Health and Safety Authority. The provisions set out in this legislation and guidance document are generally applicable to all places of employment and would therefore apply in this case also.
302 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of the Minister and Ministers of State since 1997 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20053/08]
The number of civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of the Minister and the Ministers of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment from 1997 to date in 2008 are included in the following table.
|
Year |
Office Holder |
Number of civil servants in Constituency Office |
|
1997 |
Richard Bruton, T.D. Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. |
4 |
|
Eithne Fitzgerald, T.D. Minister of State for Labour Affairs. |
4 |
|
|
Pat Rabbitte, T.D. Minister of State for Commerce, Science & Technology. |
2 |
|
|
June 1997 – June 2002 |
Mary Harney, T.D. Tánaiste & Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. |
1997 and 1998 – 4 1999 to 2002 – 4 |
|
Tom Kitt, T.D. Minister of State for Labour Affairs. |
1997 – 2 1998 – 3 1999 to 2001 – 4 2002 – 3 |
|
|
Noel Tracey, T.D. Minister of State for Science & Technology. |
1997 to 2002 – 4 |
|
|
June 2002 – September 2004 |
Mary Harney, T.D. Tánaiste & Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. |
2002 to 2004 – 4 |
|
Frank Fahey, T.D. Minister of State for Labour Affairs. |
2002 – 3 2003 – 2 2004 – 4 |
|
|
Michael Ahern, T.D. Minister of State for Trade and Commerce. |
2002 to 2004 – 2 |
|
|
September 2004 – June 2007 |
Michael Martin, T.D. Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. |
2004 to 2007 – 3 |
|
Tony Killeen, T.D. Minister of State for Labour Affairs. |
2004 and 2005 – 2 2006 and 2007 – 0 |
|
|
Michael Ahern, T.D. Minister of State for Trade and Commerce. |
2004 to 2006 – 1 |
|
|
June 2007 – May 2008 |
Michael Martin, T.D. Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. |
2007 and 2008 – 3 |
|
Billy Kelleher, T.D. Minister of State for Labour Affairs. |
2007 – 0 2008 – 0 |
|
|
Michael Ahern, T.D. Minister of State for Innovation Policy. |
2007 and 2008 – 1 |
|
|
John McGuinness, T.D. Minister of State for Trade and Commerce. |
2007 – 0 2008 – 1 |
|
|
May 2008 – date |
Mary Coughlan, T.D. Tánaiste & Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. |
2008 – 3 |
|
Billy Kelleher, T.D. Minister of State for Labour Affairs. |
2008 – 0 |
|
|
John McGuinness, T.D. Minister of State for Trade and Commerce. |
1 |
|
|
Dr. Jimmy Devins, T.D. Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation. |
1 |
303 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a club (details supplied) in Dublin 3 will be supported. [19819/08]
320 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will support the case of a club (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [19972/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 303 and 320 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. The deadline for receipt of applications under the 2008 programme has now passed and the club has not applied for funding under the programme.
While the date of the next round of the programme has not yet been decided, it is open to the club in question, should they wish to do so and should they have a project which satisfies the terms and conditions of the programme, to submit an application under the next round of sports capital programme. As in previous years, advertisements announcing the next round of the programme will be placed in the national press and application forms will be available at that stage. To ask 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.
304 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. [19360/08]
I refer the Deputy to the answer by my predecessor to Question No. 537 (Ref. 12040/08) on the 2nd April last.
305 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. [19361/08]
I refer the Deputy to the answer by my predecessor to Question No. 537 (Ref. 12041/08) on the 2nd April last.
306 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will approve an equipment grant for a centre (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the 2008 sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19364/08]
318 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will support an application by a club (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for financial assistance under the sports capital grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19836/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 318 together.
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The 2008 programme was advertised on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications was 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for on-line applications. All applications received before the deadline, including the ones in question, will be 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.
307 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made to ensure that Ireland improves its performance at the summer 2008 Olympics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19423/08]
The amount of funding available for spending on sport in 2008 is €336 million which demonstrates a clear and substantial commitment to investment in sport by this Government. In 2008 my Department has allocated €57.631 million to the Irish Sports Council, an increase since the last Olympic year of €26.9 million, or 87%. One of the ISC's primary functions is to encourage the promotion, development and co-ordination of competitive sport and the achievement of excellence in competitive sport. In this regard the ISC works in partnership with the Irish Institute of Sport, the Olympic Council of Ireland, the Paralympic Council of Ireland and the relevant governing bodies of sport in the preparation of Irish athletes for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Significant progress has been made to date by all the agencies in preparation for the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Olympic and Paralympic Councils of Ireland are the agencies responsible for the organisation and participation of the Irish teams at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Irish Sports Council provides annual funding to both Councils for administration and programme costs aimed specifically at preparation for the Games. The OCI and PCI have responsibility for a number of areas including:
(i) team selection (following nominations from governing bodies of athletes that have reached qualification standards);
(ii) selection of support personnel;
(iii) team manager training programmes;
(iv) preparation visits to Beijing by key personnel;
(v) heat and acclimatisation strategy;
(vi) the organisation of multi-sport camps in advance of the Games;
(vii) all logistics at Games time and
(viii) liaison with the organising committee and the International Olympic Committee.
Primary responsibility for the preparation and performance of individual athletes rests with the relevant National Governing Body or, in the case of Paralympic sports, the Paralympic Council of Ireland.
Planning has been comprehensive and well funded, with plans implemented by top quality professionals at every step. The ISC has defined success as meeting its target of six finalists at the Olympics. This target is still in place and I hope it will be achieved. In February 2008, the ISC announced the allocation of €9 million in High Performance Support. 15 focus sports received over €5.9 million for their high performance plans, athletes and teams received over €2.2 million under the International Carding Scheme and the Institute of Irish Sport received €935,000. This brought the total to €30.06 million invested in this Olympic and Paralympic cycle.
308 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the expenditure by his Department on consultants to date in 2008; and if he will compare this to the expenditure on consultants for each of the past five years. [19493/08]
My Department, including the National Archives, incurred the following expenditure on consultancy over the years in question.
|
Year |
€ |
|
2008 (YTD) |
40,365 |
|
2007 |
196,060 |
|
2006 |
207,445 |
|
2005 |
406,103 |
|
2004 |
2,165,932 |
|
2003 |
759,119 |
My Department observes the Department of Finance Guidelines for Engagement of Consultants in the Civil Service. The expenditure on consultancy has been reduced year-on-year since 2004. This is a result of my Department's efforts to ensure that consultants are only employed in circumstances where specialised knowledge or expertise, which is not available in the Department or elsewhere in the public service, is required for a temporary period or a specialist study/project must be completed within a very short time scale.
309 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number and cost of mobile telephones or such communications equipment issued to programme managers, advisers, press officers and departmental personnel during each of the past three years; and the annual billing cost of same. [19508/08]
The total number of mobile phones and communications equipment such as Blackberrys in use in the Department, including the National Archives, for each of the past three years is
|
Year |
Phones /Blackberrys |
|
2008 |
74 |
|
2007 |
93 |
|
2006 |
57 |
|
2005 |
32 |
The total expenditure on the billing of such equipment is set out below
|
Year |
€ |
|
2008 (YTD) |
16,070 |
|
2007 |
32,215 |
|
2006 |
28,840 |
|
2005 |
36,330 |
A small number of the phones are kept for occasional use by staff travelling abroad on official business and the Blackberrys are also used to enable staff to keep in touch with emails whether travelling abroad or to and from the decentralised offices in Fossa, Killarney.
310 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he expects the swimming pool grants programme to be reopened; his views on granting funding for the provision of a swimming pool in an area (details supplied) in County Dublin; when he expects funding to become available again for swimming pools in areas of population growth which have not benefited from previous funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19685/08]
The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme provides grant aid to a maximum of €3.8 million towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. The current round of the Programme closed to applicants on 31 July 2000 and the expenditure under the Programme since that time has focused on the 57 projects which make up the existing Programme. €184m has been provided in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 for supporting existing projects in the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme and for new projects to be selected following the launch of a new round of the Programme.
The terms and conditions of a new round will be devised taking into account the recommendations of the Value for Money and Policy Review report on the existing Programme which has been completed by my Department and which will be published shortly. I have not yet decided on the timing for a new Programme. However following the launch of a new Programme, Local Authorities, including South Dublin County Council, may submit applications under the terms that will apply at that time.
311 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will send a delegation to 2008 Beijing Olympics to actively promote Ireland as a destination for training prior to the London Olympics in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19689/08]
A London 2012 Task Force was established in August 2006 to ensure Ireland can identify and maximise the complete range of opportunities arising from our proximity to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London 2012. This Task Force included experts from the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors and was supported by staff within my Department. The selection of London as the host city for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games offers opportunities, which could be availed of by Ireland in the areas of tourism, business, sport and culture. The Task Force's focus has been on:
(i) assessing the quality and suitability of Ireland's sporting and ancillary infrastructure in terms of its appeal to countries and athletes preparing to take part in the London Olympics and Paralympics;
(ii) completing an economic evaluation of the potential impacts in the sectors of tourism, business and sport arising from Ireland's proximity to the 2012 Games; and
(iii) identifying other beneficial spin-offs from the Olympics and Paralympics.
The Task Force has now submitted its report and I will be considering its findings and recommendations. The issue raised by the Deputy will be considered in this context.
312 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will confirm receipt of an application for funding from an organisation (details supplied); when a decision on the application for funding will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19692/08]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The 2008 programme was advertised on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications was 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for on-line applications. All applications received before the deadline, including the one in question, will be 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.
313 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he will announce the successful applicants for funding under the sports capital funding for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19820/08]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The 2008 programme was advertised on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications was 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for on-line applications. All applications received before the deadline will be 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.
314 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the measures he is taking to tackle the problem of obesity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19825/08]
The Government recognises that the response to the issue of obesity must address the various complex causes, including diet, lifestyle and environmental factors. As part of this response, I am aware that investment in sport can yield very tangible returns in improved fitness and health for individuals, which can help combat obesity and result in a consequent reduction in the demand on health services. The Irish Sports Council (ISC) has a statutory role in developing sport and increasing participation in Sport in Ireland. My Department funds the ISC on an annual basis and has allocated over €57 million to the ISC in 2008. 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.
The Irish Sports Council's current strategy, "Building Sport for Life" 2006 — 2008, identifies increasing participation in sport as a key objective and, based on its research programme with the Economic and Social Research Institute, sets specific targets in this regard. To implement its plans for increasing participation, the ISC is ensuring the national roll out of the Local Sports Partnership (LSP) network in order to deliver greater access to sport for all. It is working with National Governing Bodies of Sport to deliver large-scale participation programmes and it is targeting sections of the community that have traditionally low levels of participation in sport and physical activity, such as older people, women and people from areas of disadvantage.
Children and young people are also specific target groups and there are several ISC programmes and initiatives aimed specifically at young people. These include the Buntús series of programmes for primary schools and pre-schools, which operate through the LSP network; the Youth Field Sports initiatives to support the work of the GAA, FAI and the IRFU in expanding their participation base, with a particular emphasis on young people in areas of low participation; and various programmes specifically targeting young people organised under the Women in Sport scheme or operating within the LSP network. Some of the LSP projects have been supported in partnership with the Health Services Executive, thus recognising the need to challenge the issue of obesity through a multi-disciplined, cross-functional approach.
Furthermore, the availability of sporting facilities is crucial to the greater involvement of people in sporting activities. In that context, the Government has invested significantly in the provision of such facilities through the Sports Capital and Local Authority Swimming Pool programmes. Under the Sports Capital Programme, allocations to the value of €85 million were awarded to 935 projects nationwide in 2007 and allocations for 2008 will be announced after the 2008 applications have been assessed. Under the Pool Programme, eight new swimming pools were opened in 2007 and a further three pools have been opened so far in 2008. I will continue to monitor progress in this area closely and I am confident that the programmes provided by the Irish Sports Council to increase participation, together with the continued Government investment in sports facilities, will contribute significantly to combating the problem of obesity in this country.
315 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the measures in hand, or proposed, to promote an awareness of the arts among young people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19827/08]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to PQ No. 87 (17674/08) on this issue in the house on Tuesday 13th May last.
316 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he is satisfied with the regional balance of tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19829/08]
CSO statistics for overseas tourism for 2007 show a very positive result in terms of overseas numbers — up 3.9% to an all time high of over 8 million visitors — and revenue earnings — up almost 4.5% to €4.9 billion. As global competition intensifies and consumer preferences evolve, these results represent a very robust performance by the sector and confirm how dynamic and responsive the Irish tourism sector is. Performance to date in 2008 is so far positive. The CSO figures for the first two months of the year show over 900,000 visitors to Ireland for the period — an increase of almost 1% over 2007, which was a record year for Irish tourism. Financial instability, deteriorating exchange rates and weaker economic growth, have become features in some of our key source markets in recent times and would suggest that 2008, despite performance to date, will prove to be a very challenging year.
The home holiday market is an increasingly important component of the tourism business in Ireland particularly in terms of seasonal and regional spread. Statistics on the regional spread of tourism in 2007 will not be available until later this week but in 2006 (the latest figures available) over eighty-three per cent of holiday trips and eighty-eight per cent of holiday nights by domestic tourists were spent outside the Dublin area. This offsets, to some extent, the relative strength of Dublin in the overseas visitors market. In 2006, expenditure on domestic tourism across all regions (excluding Dublin) grew by 17% — with some regions performing better than others. Preliminary estimates for 2007 indicate that domestic expenditure has grown by a very positive 23%.
While the regions outside of Dublin earn almost 70% of all Tourism revenue (based on 2006 figures) the fact that all regions and sectors are not benefiting to the same extent from our tourism success continues to be a matter for attention from the Department and the State tourism agencies as tourism policy and programmes evolve. I am confident that the new regional tourism development boards and the strategies that they have prepared will facilitate the tourism industry to maximise its contribution to the regions to a greater extent than at present, and that the various region specific initiatives managed by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland Ltd will further help to address this situation.
317 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which his support for the promotion of arts, sport and tourism is reflected in financial allocation by or from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19830/08]
The Department's mission, as set out in the Statement of Strategy 2008-2010, is ‘‘To enrich Irish society by supporting the growth of a competitive and sustainable tourism industry and increasing access to, and participation in sport, the arts and culture''. Each sector of the Department has a unique contribution to make to the enrichment of our society, and as a consequence the quality of life of the people of Ireland. The Revised Estimates Volume, copies of which are available in the Dáil Library, sets out the details of expenditure planned by the Department for 2008 in each of the sectoral areas of Arts and Culture, Sport and Tourism. Total expenditure will amount to €725 million this year including programme expenditure of €170 million on Tourism Services, €336 million on Sport and Recreation Services and €208 million on Arts and Culture.
In addition the National Development Plan, 2007 — 13, which was published in January, 2007 contains the largest ever Government investment programme for the development of the arts and culture, tourism and sport sectors. The NDP includes an €800m Tourism Development Programme, a €904m Cultural Sub-Programme and a €991m Sport Sub-Programme. These programmes contain a wide range of capital schemes and projects which will be progressively rolled out over the lifetime of the Plan. The Government is committed to implementing the NDP and I look forward to advancing the full range of projects envisaged during my tenure as Minister.
319 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the responsibilities of the new Minister of State for arts; the way this will affect his work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19847/08]
I have met with the Minister of State to discuss his role and I will be bringing the details to Cabinet shortly.
321 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of the Minister and Ministers of State since 1997 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20048/08]
The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism was established in June 2002. Currently there are 2 established civil servants employed in my constituency office. The number of established civil servants, some of whom were employed on a worksharing basis, who served in the constituency office from 2002 to 2007, is set out. The staffing numbers are in line with the Department of Finance guidelines on such matters.
|
Year |
No. |
|
2002 |
5 |
|
2003 |
5 |
|
2004 |
6 |
|
2005 |
5 |
|
2006 |
5 |
|
2007 |
5 |
Since its establishment in 2002, no Minister of State was appointed at the Department up to the recent appointment of Minister of State Mansergh. I understand that Minister of State Mansergh will not require constituency facilities at the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism.
322 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a carer’s allowance appeal will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo particularly as the medical condition of the care recipient has worsened. [19271/08]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of my Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
323 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the mechanism available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to make a claim for personal financial support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19345/08]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). SWA provides a safety net against poverty in that it gives a statutory entitlement to a minimum weekly income, based on criteria set out in legislation. The Eastern Area of the HSE has advised that the person concerned was refused supplementary welfare allowance on the grounds that she did not seek maintenance from her spouse. The person concerned appealed this decision and an Appeals Officer of the HSE has upheld the decision to refuse payment. It is open to the person concerned to re-apply for supplementary welfare allowance should her personal circumstances change.
324 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [19347/08]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the entitlement to rent supplement of the person concerned has been reviewed. The executive has established that she has means which were not previously taken into account in the assessment of entitlement to rent supplement. The assessment of these means has resulted in the rate of rent supplement being reduced and she has been advised accordingly. The person concerned has lodged an appeal against this decision to the HSE Appeals Office.
325 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who has had their supplementary welfare benefit removed. [19350/08]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). SWA provides a safety net against poverty in that it gives a statutory entitlement to a minimum weekly income, based on criteria set out in legislation. The Midland Area of the Health Service Executive has advised that the person concerned was in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance but this payment was suspended on the grounds that he was working. The Community Welfare Officer has now reviewed the case and payment of supplementary welfare allowance has recommenced from 16 May 2008.
326 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position of an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare against the decision to refuse their application for rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19425/08]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The purpose of rent supplement 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 HSE has advised that the person concerned is residing in the family home. Consequently, she has accommodation available to her and is not entitled to rent supplement in respect of alternative accommodation. She has been advised accordingly and has appealed against this decision to the HSE Appeals Office. She will be advised of the outcome of her appeal in due course.
327 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the outgoings of a household have a bearing on a claim or an appeal for jobseeker’s allowance. [19439/08]
The outgoings of a household are not taken into account in the means assessment for jobseeker's allowance. The assessment is based on income. All the income of the customer and his/her spouse/partner is taken into account. However certain disregards apply. For example, the first €20,000 of any savings or investments is disregarded. If the customer or his/her spouse/partner is working in insurable employment, PRSI, Union Subscriptions, Personal Retirement Savings Accounts and Additional Voluntary Contributions are disregarded. There is a further daily disregard of €20 for each day worked up to a maximum of €60 a week and the balance is assessed at 60%.
Where the person has a mortgage on the property in which he/she resides, the mortgage repayment is not taken into account. The value of this property is not assessed for means purposes. Where a person owns a second property, any outstanding mortgage on this property is disregarded from the capital value of the property and the balance is assessable. In the case of self-employed customers and farmers all reasonable business expenses are disregarded in the means assessment. There are no disregards for mortgage repayments on the family home or loans. However, supports are available under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to assist people in certain circumstances where they experience difficulties with mortgage payments or other household bills.
328 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is not being provided with a rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19465/08]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that an application for rent supplement has been received from the person concerned. It is awaiting the receipt of outstanding documentation from him. A decision on entitlement to rent supplement cannot be made until all documentation requested has been received.
329 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded the arrears due to them. [19491/08]
A Deciding Officer awarded the person concerned jobseeker's allowance at the weekly rate of €56.80 from 8 February 2008. A claim for a retrospective jobseeker's allowance payment for the period from December 2007 to February 2008 is currently being examined. A decision will be given as soon as possible and he will be notified of the outcome. 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.
330 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the expenditure by her Department on consultants to date in 2008; and if she will compare this to the expenditure on consultants for each of the past five years. [19504/08]
My Department's activities require the engagement of a range of consultancy expertise. In the main consultancy expertise is sought to support the Department with a number of strategic multi-annual programmes aimed at enhancing the delivery of the services to the customer e.g. the Service Delivery Modernisation Programme (SDM) and to provide technical consultancies relating to the ongoing development of information technology systems. The Department has spent €2,432,665 on consultancy in 2008. This figure covers the period 01/01/2008 to 30/04/2008 inclusive. The amounts paid by the Department on the engagement of consultants in each year since 2003 are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Total Paid |
|
€ |
|
|
2003 |
1,975,000 |
|
2004 |
2,822,000 |
|
2005 |
3,900,000 |
|
2006 |
8,728,000 |
|
2007 |
8,619,219 |
|
2008 |
2,432,665 (To end April) |
331 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number and cost of mobile phones or such communications equipment issued to programme managers, advisers, press officers and departmental personnel during each of the past three years; and the annual billing cost of same. [19519/08]
My Department administers around 50 schemes and makes payments to 1 million people each week. In order to deliver these services efficiently and effectively, a number of staff in the Department have been supplied with mobile phones for use in the course of their work. These phones are supplied for official use only and arrangements are in place to reimburse the department for any personal calls made. Details of the mobile phones and similar communication equipment supplied by my Department and billing costs for the years in question are as follows:
|
No. Mobile Phones |
No. of Data Cards |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
|
Advisors |
9 |
4 |
6, 709.24 |
255.89 |
1,635.92 |
2909.85 |
|
Press Officers |
3 |
3 |
508.91 |
1,329.91 |
1,832.87 |
856.44 |
|
Departmental Personnel |
1,029 |
204 |
457,161.29 |
460,495.20 |
495,775.71 |
122,932.21 |
|
Overall Total |
1,041 |
211 |
464,379.44 |
462,081.00 |
499,244.50 |
126,698.50 |
My Department had no programme managers during these years. The equipment in question was either purchased prior to the period or was provided as a non-chargeable upgrade by the telecommunications provider.
332 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the serious and ongoing delays in the handling of social welfare queries and customer services at the social welfare office in Edenderry, County Offaly; if she will confirm that a full and appropriate staff complement is currently in place at the office; the reason for such delays; the improvements planned in order to ensure a high degree of customer service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19657/08]
My Department delivers a front-line service through a network of 60 local offices and 65 branch offices countrywide. The 60 local offices are staffed by departmental staff. The 65 branch offices are run by private individuals who are employed under a contract for service by my department to administer social welfare services, with the exception of claims decisions, to members of the public in their catchment area. The branch manager is required to provide suitable premises and adequate staffing to deal with claim load. Each branch office reports to a parent office where decisions on branch office claims are made. The branch office in Edenderry reports to the local office in Mullingar
The Department is currently in the process of providing a replacement for a part time inspector in the Edenderry office, who recently retired. In the meantime support is provided from the Tullamore Office and any delays currently being experienced at Edenderry are of a temporary nature. My Department is making every effort to ensure that they are kept to a minimum.
333 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the serious and ongoing delays in the handling of social welfare queries and customer services at the social welfare office in Portlaoise, County Laois; if she will confirm that a full and appropriate staff complement is currently in place at the office; the reason for such delays; the improvements planned in order to ensure a high degree of customer service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19658/08]
My Department delivers a front-line service through a network of 60 local offices and 65 branch offices countrywide. The main services provided from these offices include jobseekers payments, one-parent family payment and a customer information service. The 60 local offices are staffed by departmental staff. The 65 branch offices are run by private individuals who are employed under a contract for service by my Department to administer social welfare services, with the exception of claim decisions, to members of the public in their catchment area. The branch manager is required to provide suitable premises and adequate staffing to deal with the claim load. Each branch office reports to a parent local office where decisions on branch office claims are made. Portlaoise branch office reports to the local office in Kilkenny.
The Live Register for Portlaoise currently stands at 1,593. This is an increase of almost 70% on the figure for May 2007 (929) which is significantly higher than the national increase of approximately 27% over the same period. The Portlaoise office is currently staffed by five staff and the Branch Manager is satisfied that this number is adequate to meet local demand. The branch manager has spent some €60,000 recently in upgrading the office to improve the physical environment and introduced a range of measures to improve customer service. In addition, staff in Kilkenny local office are working overtime to deal with the increased volume of claims from Portlaoise.
My Department recently commissioned a customer service survey of all local and branch offices in the South East Region, which includes Portlaoise. The survey report, which issued in April 2008, made a number of recommendations on measures to be taken to improve customer service generally. Regional management in the South East Region is currently working with offices in the region with a view to implementing the recommendations in the report.
334 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the arrangements being made in relation to the new electronic system for the collection of State pensions to ensure that a spouse can collect the pension at local post offices if the pensioner is incapacitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19735/08]
The Department and An Post are working on a solution to enable a person who collects their payment using a social services card to have an agent appointed if that becomes necessary. This solution will be rolled out from June 2008. In the meantime, if a person who normally collects his/her payment by card is unable to collect the payment for a short period, they can nominate a family member or friend to act as an agent on their behalf. The agent can complete a form at the post office and will be able to collect the payment on or after its due date. For longer term requirements, and until the permanent solution is in place, a letter will issue from the Department enabling a designated person to collect the payment.
335 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way her Department expects a person (details supplied) in County Mayo to live on jobseeker’s allowance of €64.10 per week in view of the fact that they have no other current income. [19744/08]
337 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way she expects persons (details supplied) in County Mayo to live on an income in May 2008 based on earnings from December 2007-January 2008; and if this person’s rate of jobseeker’s allowance will be immediately reviewed based on their current self-employment means of nil. [19746/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 335 and 337 together.
The person concerned, who is a self-employed carpenter, applied for jobseeker's allowance on 18 April 2008. A Deciding Officer assessed his weekly means at €356.00 and awarded the allowance to him at the weekly rate of €69.10 from 22 April 2008. A first payment issued to him on 12 May 2008. The means assessment in this case is based on records supplied by the person concerned in relation to earnings for 12 months prior to April 2008. He appealed the Deciding Officer's decision on 14 May 2008, and his means are being reviewed currently. He will be notified of the outcome of this review. 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.
336 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review the jobseeker’s allowance decision for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that they were assessed with means from self-employment based on historical income rather than actual current means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19745/08]
A Deciding Officer disallowed the jobseeker's allowance claim of the person concerned from 19 November 2007 on the grounds that his means were in excess of the maximum rate payable. He was assessed with weekly means of €442.00. This includes means of €48.10 from self-employment and €393.93 (rounded to €394.00) from spouse's income. He appealed this decision and the Appeals Officer, having considered all the available evidence, upheld the Deciding Officer's decision. An Appeals Officer's decision is final in the absence of new facts, or fresh evidence. 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.
338 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of the Minister and Ministers of State since 1997 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20058/08]
Details of the numbers of civil servants who worked in the constituency offices of the Minister and Minister of State in this Department for the period from 1997 to date are set out in the following table:
|
Period |
No. of civil servants in Minister’s Office |
No. of civil servants in Minister of State’s Office |
|
January 1997 to June 1997 |
4 |
3 |
|
June 1997 to June 2002 |
5* |
— |
|
June 2002 to September 2004 |
4 |
— |
|
September 2004 to June 2007 |
4 |
— |
|
June 2007 to May 2008 |
3 |
— |
|
May 2008 to date |
2** |
— |
*Includes 2 job sharing officers.
**There are currently 2 vacancies in this office.
There was no Minister of State appointed to the Department for the period June 1997 to 10 July 2007. No staff in this Department have been assigned to the constituency office of the Minister of State with special responsibility for Older People appointed to this Department for the periods 11 July 2007 to 6 May 2008 and 13 May 2008 to date.
339 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding a case (details supplied). [19258/08]
341 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will advise on a query by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [19357/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 339 and 341 together.
The purpose of the Scheme of Community Support for Older People is to encourage and assist the community's support for older people. This Scheme is open to people aged 65 and over who have a genuine need for assistance. Any local voluntary or community based organisation, especially those working with or providing support for older people, can apply to my Department for funding under the Scheme. Individual applications must be made through such organisations. My Department can provide assistance in identifying a local community and voluntary groups in different geographical locations
The Scheme provides maximum individual grants of €300 in respect of the once-off installation cost of socially monitored alarms. Funding is also available under the Scheme for a range of other security measures for older people. I should point out that the Scheme does not cover conventional intruder alarms. Full information in respect of this Scheme is available on my Department's website www.pobail.ie.
340 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to implement the recommendations of the working group on drug rehabilitation. [19313/08]
The Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation, published in May 2007, made a series of recommendations for the development of a comprehensive rehabilitation pillar under the National Drugs Strategy. The Programme for Government also contains a commitment to implement these recommendations.
I can assure the Deputy that I will be working to ensure that the recommendations of the Report are implemented. Indeed, I understand that Minister of State, Pat Carey T.D., met with the Minister for Health & Children, Mary Harney T.D., twice this year to pursue this matter. In this context, the Deputy should note that the HSE is taking the lead role on rehabilitation and I understand that the post of Senior Rehabilitation Co-ordinator is to be advertised shortly and that it will be filled by September. It is also proposed that the National Drugs Rehabilitation Implementation Committee, the establishment of which was recommended in the Report, will be in place for September to dovetail with the appointment of the Senior Rehabilitation Co-ordinator, who will chair it.
Overall progress on the implementation of the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation is also monitored through the Inter-departmental Group on Drugs (IDG). The following are among the recommendations on rehabilitation that are being progressed:
steps are being taken to increase the numbers on drug-specific Community Employment Schemes from 1,000 to 1,300;
the Dept Education & Science is developing proposals for an Education Fund for drugs rehabilitation;
the Dept Environment, Heritage & Local Government is establishing a Working Group to progress the recommendations in regard to accommodation issues for drug misusers;
the Irish Prison Service is working to improve the operation of the Local Prisons Liaison Groups and to ensure a continuum of care for problem drug users when they leave prison; and
various research options are being considered. In addition, my Department has provided increased funding to the Family Support Network that will help to support the role of families in the rehabilitation process.
Furthermore, it should be noted that additional funding of €12.5m was secured for the drugs area of my Department in 2008 and part of this is being used for rehabilitation initiatives. In particular, funding of €0.75m is being provided to support the development of rehabilitation initiatives through the Drugs Task Forces, building on the recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation. These initiatives will assist drug users to regain the capacity for daily life from the impact of their drug use. Overall, I am confident that progress will be made on the implementation of the recommendations of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation in the short-term and I look forward to the benefits that this will bring to recovering drug users.
342 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expenditure by his Department on consultants to date in 2008; and if he will compare this to the expenditure on consultants for each of the past five years. [19495/08]
My Department has made available on its website details regarding consultancies (excepting those of minor value, i.e., less than €5,000 excluding VAT) from June 2002 up to the end of March 2008. The relevant link, which will take the Deputy directly to these details, including the information sought by him, in relation to expenditure by my Department is: www.pobail.ie/en/CorporateSupportServices/Finance/Consultancies> For the Deputy's convenience, I have also arranged for a copy of the material in question to be sent directly to him at his Oireachtas e-mail address.
343 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number and cost of mobile phones or such communications equipment issued to programme managers, advisers, press officers and departmental personnel during each of the past three years; and the annual billing cost of same. [19510/08]
The number of official mobiles phones currently issued by my Department is 109. 17 Blackberry devices have also been issued. The cost of these phones and other devices (including modems) for each of the past three years, as well as the annual billing cost of same, is set out in the table.
|
Item |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 to date |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Equipment costs |
5,245 |
6,191 |
2,778 |
|
Billing costs |
64,192 |
102,578 |
33,662 |
344 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the projects that have received funding in south Tipperary since the creation of the CLÁR programme; if a list of projects with the amount of funding and details of specific projects will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19546/08]
As the Deputy is aware, the CLÁR Programme is a targeted investment programme for rural areas, which was launched in October 2001. Details of funds provided to South Tipperary under the various measures are set out in the table. Specific details of projects under the various measures can be found on my Departments website at www.pobail.ie.
|
Projects |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 to date |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Non-National — Forestry Access Roads |
20,000.00 |
||||||
|
LIS Roads |
41,004.00 |
63,930.00 |
|||||
|
Non-National Roads |
90,000.00 |
30,000.00 |
15,000.00 |
15,000.00 |
15,000.00 |
74,538.00 |
|
|
100% Flashing Amber Safety Lights |
7,000.00 |
133,000.00 |
7,000.00 |
||||
|
Small Public Water and Sewerage Schemes |
47,830.88 |
65,564.00 |
|||||
|
Group Water Schemes |
37,647.38 |
||||||
|
Village Enhancement |
10,000.00 |
10,000.00 |
10,000.00 |
10,000.00 |
|||
|
School Outdoor Play Facilities Enhancement Scheme |
675.00 |
40,072.25 |
21,014.40 |
||||
|
CLÁR Top-up Sports Capital Grants |
104,000.00 |
||||||
|
ESB 3 phase upgrade |
2,888.58 |
2,372.15 |
|||||
|
Total |
205,478.26 |
40,000.00 |
25,675.00 |
32,000.00 |
294,640.25 |
273,370.98 |
2,372.15 |
345 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding under the community development programme for Tipperary, Clonmel, Cahir, Carrick-on-Suir and Cashel from 1998 to date in 2008; the number of projects funded in the past ten years; and if this information will be presented as a table including the amount of money and number of projects that received funding nationally for the same ten-year period. [19547/08]
The Community Development Programme is designed to reduce social exclusion by targeting support at disadvantaged and socially excluded communities in order to improve their capacity to benefit from social and economic development. In 2008, funding in the region of €24 million will be provided to meet the staff and overhead costs for over 180 Community Development Projects in disadvantaged areas countrywide.
Details of funding up to and including 2001 are available in the Oireachtas Library for the information of members. In June 2002 the responsibility for the Community Development Programme transferred from the Department of Social and Family Affairs to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The figures listed represent the funding paid to Community Development Projects (CDPs) from June 2002 to the end of December 2007.
|
Year |
No. of CDPs |
Amount Allocated |
|
€m |
||
|
2002 |
168 |
13.78 |
|
2003 |
175 |
20.207 |
|
2004 |
177 |
20.578 |
|
2005 |
188 |
21.218 |
|
2006 |
186 |
23.947 |
|
2007 |
185 |
24.4 |
Between 2002 and 2008 the following projects in Tipperary have been funded under the Community Development Programme. The figures shown include core funding to the projects including other once-off grants paid under the programme:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2007 |
33,000 |
|
2008 |
66,000 |
|
Year |
€ |
|
2002 |
232,720 |
|
2003 |
164,533 |
|
2004 |
163,000 |
|
2005 |
174,099 |
|
2006 |
189,000 |
|
2007 |
227,950 |
|
2008 |
212,200 |
|
Year |
€ |
|
2002 |
55,370 |
|
2003 |
85,940 |
|
2004 |
90,560 |
|
2005 |
44,949 |
|
2006 |
99,580 |
|
2007 |
120,300 |
|
2008 |
123,400 |
|
Year |
€ |
|
2005 |
70,500 |
|
2006 |
97,550 |
|
2007 |
126,630 |
|
2008 |
122,200 |
|
Year |
€ |
|
2002 |
80,000 |
|
2003 |
142,947 |
|
2004 |
78,433 |
|
2005 |
50,700 |
|
2006 |
15,210 |
346 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding under the community services programme for Tipperary, Clonmel, Cahir, Carrick-on-Suir and Cashel from 1998 to date in 2008; the number of projects funded in the past ten years; and if this information will be presented as a table including the amount of money and the number of projects that received funding nationally for the same ten-year period. [19548/08]
The Community Services Programme (formerly known as the Social Economy Programme) transferred to my Department in January 2006 from FÁS. The amount of funding under the Programme for Tipperary, Clonmel, Cahir, Carrick-on-Suir and Cashel and nationally from January 2006 to date is set out in the table together with the number of projects funded by my Department since it took over the Programme in 2006.
|
Projects with contracts as of March 2008 |
Total Annual Budget Allocation (2006-2008) |
|
|
€ |
||
|
Located in Cahir, Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary town and Cashel |
4 |
1,144,052 |
|
Located in all other areas: |
315 |
122,157,007 |
|
Total |
319 |
123,301,059 |
|
% of Total |
1.3% |
0.9% |
Details of organisations which received funding under the CSP from 2006 to date are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.
347 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the projects and policies planned for south Tipperary under the national drugs strategy 2009 to 2016. [19553/08]
The process of developing a new National Drugs Strategy for the period 2009–2016 has commenced in my Department. In this context, a Steering Group has been established with representatives from the key statutory, community and voluntary interests involved in tackling problem drug use. The work of the Group is ongoing and an extensive consultation process is currently underway. I look forward to the development of a new Strategy that will further strengthen our overall response to the evolving drugs problem. With this in mind, the Deputy will appreciate that I would not like to pre-empt the outcome of this process.
With regard to the current strategy, the South Eastern Regional Drugs Task Force, which includes Tipperary South, has been allocated approximately €1.6m this year. An alcohol and substance misuse campaign to highlight and promote positive extra curricular activities specifically aimed at young people to distract them away from alcohol and substance misuse into healthier pursuits has been funded. An outreach worker is also funded to provide support, mentoring and outreach services to young people in South Tipperary who are at risk of substance misuse or engaged in substance misuse and who are excluded for these reasons. Funding has also been provided to Aiseirí Addiction Treatment Centre which provides residential treatment.
348 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the Leader companies will be allocated funding for allocation of grants under the new rural development programme; the categories under which funding will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19662/08]
The Deputy will be aware that I am launching the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme this afternoon. The process of selecting Local Action Groups for the delivery of these axes will commence with the issuing of a call for proposals from Local Action Groups tomorrow morning. The selection process will run over the coming months and will culminate in the allocation of funding on the basis of recommendations from independent evaluators. The final allocations will be subject to Government approval.
I expect Local Action Groups to be in a position to commence delivery of axes 3 and 4 of the Programme in October 2008. Funding will available under the following measures:
Diversification into non-agricultural activities for farm families
Support business creation and development
Encouragement of tourism activities
Basic services for economic and rural population
Village renewal and development
Conservation and upgrading of rural heritage
Training and information on adapted and new skills.
Total funding available under axes 3 and 4 is €425m, which is almost three times more than the amount available under the 2000-2006 programming round.
349 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the implications for the national drugs strategy of the move of responsibility for the young people’s facilities and services fund to the Minister for Children instead of being under the Minister of State with responsibility for drugs at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. [19737/08]
In the context of better alignment of drugs prevention and youth policies, the transfer of the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund is being considered at present.
350 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding opportunities currently available to community-based homework clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19816/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department does not operate a scheme or programme that specifically provides support to community based homework clubs. However, under the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP) and the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF), some funding may be available to support an element of the service that the Deputy refers to. Details in relation to the LDSIP and the YPFSF and all the programmes and schemes operated by my Department, including eligibility criteria can be accessed on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.
351 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of the Minister and Ministers of State since 1997 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20050/08]
Details in relation to the number of civil servants who have worked in constituency offices in my Department since its establishment in June 2002 to date are set out in the table below. It may be noted that during the period June 2002-June 2007, the then Minister of State's constituency office was located in a different Department.
|
Year |
Number of civil servants in Minister’s constituency office |
Number of civil servants in Minister of State’s constituency office |
|
2002 |
3 |
N/A |
|
2003 |
4 |
N/A |
|
2004 |
3 |
N/A |
|
2005 |
3 |
N/A |
|
2006 |
3 |
N/A |
|
2007 |
3 |
2 |
|
2008 |
3 |
2 |
352 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, regarding renegotiations for blue whiting in EU waters, there are plans in place to renegotiate Irish fishing rights within the framework of the Lisbon treaty, with particular emphasis on the principle of subsidiarity within the EU Lisbon treaty, which expects regions within Europe to harness economic and social potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19372/08]
Ireland's share of the Community's fishing opportunities was established for the main stocks in the early 1980s when these opportunities were being portioned out between Member States. The share allocations were based on catch records and reflect the fishing levels by the Irish fleet at that time. The percentage shares held by each Member State have generally remained the same for over 20 years under the Common Fisheries Policy's principle of "relative stability". In addition, at each December Fisheries Council, Ireland has received an additional share of some of the most important stocks around our coast under the "Hague Preferences" based on the 1976 Hague Agreement which recognised the development needs of peripheral regions whose populations were heavily dependent on fishing activity.
Since then, it has been a priority of successive Government Ministers with responsibility for the fisheries brief to try to have these shares improved. The Common Fisheries Policy was reviewed in 1992 and again in 2002, and in both cases substantial efforts were made to push Ireland's case for increased shares of important stocks but without success. Ireland received no support from other Member States for changes in the allocation keys for the share out of stocks. The next overall review of the basic framework of the Common Fisheries Policy is not scheduled until 2012.
The discussions regarding sharing out blue whiting quota in EU waters is a different matter. Blue whiting is a highly migratory species in the North-East Atlantic which is to be found in European Community waters only part of the year. The stock is managed under arrangements between the European Community, Norway, the Faroe Islands and Iceland. These arrangements are negotiated on an annual basis and involve setting a total allowable catch (TAC), based on scientific advice and catch records of the parties, as part of a series of coastal states agreements for the year. Once agreed, the 2008 blue whiting TAC total is shared out amongst the parties concerned according to agreed allocation keys, with the European Community's share similarly distributed among Member States.
I am committed to working closely with the Irish fishing industry to deliver the best possible deal, taking account of the scientific advice on fish stocks and the needs of fishing communities around the coast, at the annual TAC and Quota negotiations near the end of the year.
353 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress to date in relation to the decentralisation scheme on the securing of permanent office accommodation in a single unit at Portlaoise having regard to the fact that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food officials have relocated, under the Government’s decentralisation scheme to a number of offices in different parts of the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19696/08]
The OPW announced late last year that a consortium, the Macquarie Partnership, has won the tender for the project to build the permanent offices in Portlaoise, Mullingar and Carlow (a design, finance, build and maintain contract). The planning permission process for the building in Portlaoise, which will accommodate over 800 staff, is underway. The site in Portlaoise is situated on the new orbital route, just off the Mountrath Road.
354 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will address staff issues in the Mallow AES office, Gouldshill, which has led to the non-processing of queries or taking of phone calls from farmers for a number of weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19698/08]
The staff issues have been addressed and remedial work has been carried out in the offices.
355 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there is a mechanism in place to monitor discards from factory ships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19369/08]
The issue of high levels of discards in commercial sea fisheries from large pelagic factory vessels is a matter of substantial concern. Ireland has pushed for the introduction of observers on board these vessels. I consider that the monitoring of the activity of factory vessels is necessary to deliver sustainable fisheries and I intend to pursue this agenda with Commissioner Borg and other Member States.
356 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the basis on which Irish fishing quotas are reached; if track record is taken into account when quotas are being distributed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19370/08]
Within the European Community, fishing activities are carried out under the Common Fisheries Policy. Under this Policy, the annual Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and quotas for fish stocks are agreed each year during negotiations at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in December. The TACs and quotas are based on advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES). ICES recommends TACs for the various fisheries based on its analysis of the sustainability of the stocks involved. The European Commission then brings forward a TAC and Quota proposal for the coming year which takes into consideration the scientific advice as well as the Commission's consultations with all the stakeholders.
The Commission's proposal is considered by the Council of Fisheries Ministers in December, and a revised proposal is agreed. Member States' quotas are determined by the allocation keys that are fixed for each fishery. These guarantee the Member States fixed shares of the various TACs. Ireland and the United Kingdom are also able to invoke the so-called "Hague Preferences" in respect of certain important fish stocks during the negotiations. The Hague Preferences gives Ireland an additional share of certain TACs in these fisheries. Each Member State is responsible for managing its fishing quotas and ensuring that catches by its fishermen do not exceed the limits agreed at the December Council. In Ireland, representatives from the industry, the Department and the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority meet once a month to agree the catch limits for whitefish and deep-sea species for the following month. Meetings are also held as required to discuss pelagic management arrangements. The proposals of industry representatives for the management of fish stocks are, as far as possible, implemented.
357 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps the Government has taken in the past year to combat food poverty; his views on the progress the Government is making towards eliminating food poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19405/08]
358 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he has taken to negate the effects of recent price rises which hit lower income families more; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that soaring food prices are drawing more families into the cycle of food poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19406/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 358 together.
Changes in food prices are primarily a function of market forces operating at international, EU and national level. 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. In common with the rest of the EU, Ireland has been affected, both positively and negatively, by higher food prices.
Data on the recent rise in food and non-alcoholic beverage prices must be viewed in the context of Ireland's position regarding overall food expenditure, where the proportion of household income spent on food is among the lowest in the EU. In common with countries such as the UK, Germany and Luxembourg, Ireland would spend a significantly lower proportion of total household expenditure on food when compared to other EU countries, with the most recent estimates putting Ireland at approximately half the EU 27 average for expenditure on food. I am aware of the possible impact of higher food prices on the less well off; therefore this Government will continue to focus on the need to keep in place sound economic and social policies to protect the more vulnerable sections of society.
359 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the expenditure by his Department on consultants to date in 2008; and if he will compare this to the expenditure on consultants for each of the past five years. [19492/08]
Details of expenditure by my Department for the years 2003 to 2007 and to date in 2008 are as follows:
|
Year |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007* |
|
Expenditure |
€616,985 |
€684,741 |
€243,083 |
€922,228 |
€2,805,875 |
|
No. of contracts |
22 |
26 |
17 |
21 |
34 |
*Figure includes 2007 expenditure for Fisheries functions.
It was not possible to compile details of expenditure for 2008 within the time permitted. I will forward the outstanding information to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
360 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number and cost of mobile phones or such communications equipment issued to programme managers, advisers, press officers and departmental personnel during each of the past three years; and the annual billing cost of same. [19507/08]
The information requested is not readily available but will be collated and referred directly to the Deputy.
361 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will introduce a labelling system that will enable consumers to distinguish between high quality Irish fish and imported produce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19568/08]
The Seafood Strategy — Steering a New Course 2007 sets down a vision for a sustainable profitable and self-reliant industry. The Strategy clearly recognises that the vision must revolve around developing a strong and positive identity for Irish seafood on the domestic market and in key international export markets. The development of such an identity will assist in positioning Irish seafood products at the upper end of the industry's targeted market.
BIM have been involved in progressing the Strategy's vision in terms of developing quality product schemes and encouraging industry wide participation and cooperation in promotional and marketing initiatives. Significant progress has been achieved with four of the main fishing cooperatives coming together under a single brand name. The April Brussels Seafood Show provided an opportunity for these cooperatives to meet buyers from key international markets and the initial feedback from the buyers was extremely encouraging. It is anticipated that other such developments will follow.
362 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set up a task force to address the short, medium and long-term options for fishermen to negate the effect of record fuel prices. [19569/08]
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. In addition Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) is making grant aid available to improve fuel efficiency on board fishing vessels. 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.
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. Under the National Development Plan 2007-2013, the Irish seafood industry will benefit from funding of €216m. A further €118m 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 the Whitefish decommissioning scheme 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.
I will continue to ensure that priority will be given to the delivery of the national strategy for the seafood industry — Steering a New Course (the Cawley report). I do not consider that the establishment of a specific task force in this area would deliver any additional benefits.
363 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will examine the vital issue of administrative sanctions for minor fishery offences and reform the 2006 fisheries legislation accordingly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19570/08]
The Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006 was enacted on the 4th of April 2006 and provides for dissuasive and effective penalties for infringements of fisheries law as required under the Common Fisheries Policy. On foot of the recent Court of Auditors Report on Fisheries control the Commission is proposing wide-ranging proposals to reform and update the EU Fisheries Control framework and it is likely that the issue of harmonised sanctions will be considered in that light. In the interim I have asked my Department to review the operation of sanctions under the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006 in light of experience since its enactment.
Officials of my Department will be consulting with, amongst others, industry representatives, the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority itself and the Office of the Attorney-General in the course of their review. This review is ongoing and effort will be made to have it completed by the early autumn. I await the outcome of this review, and will consider its conclusions carefully. It is important to note that administrative fines for fisheries offences could be introduced in Ireland if such were a requirement under European law. I am supportive of any proposals that may be brought forward by the commission in this regard.
364 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to reduce the burden of red tape on small animal feed merchants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19673/08]
I am not aware of any specific requirements being placed on small animal feed merchants, other than those required of any small business enterprise, that could be considered burdensome red tape. The Deputy may be referring to a letter distributed by my Department last November, with an end December closing date, to all commercial feed operators involved in the manufacture, storage or handling of animal feed. In accordance with EU Feed Hygiene Regulations all operators involved in such activity were registered as Feed Business Operators in 2006. The Regulations require my Department to secure a declaration from these operators, within two years of registration, that they are in compliance with the obligations of such registration, particularly in relation to HACCP and food/feed safety.
The letter merely reminded the operators of their obligations and asked that the declaration be signed. A stamped return envelope was provided. My Department is currently examining the returns. I am satisfied that this process did not place any undue burden on the businesses concerned.
365 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the mechanisms he is putting in place to improve the traceability of meat consumed here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19678/08]
375 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that all food labelling in respect of food products on sale here accurately reflects the country of origin and complies with Irish and EU standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19886/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 365 and 375 together.
It is a matter for the FSAI to ensure that appropriate checks are carried out and any breaches of food labelling legislation should be reported to the FSAI. EU beef labelling legislation requiring country of origin labelling of beef has been in place since September 2000. As this legislation did not cover beef sold by the catering trade Minister Coughlan collaborated with the Minister for Health & Children to have national legislation enacted to require that all beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector is now required to carry an indication of the country of origin. This legislation is enforced by the FSAI.
Regarding the labelling of poultrymeat, there are EU Regulations which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultrymeat at retail level. The Regulations require such poultrymeat to be labelled with the information regarding class, price, condition, registered number of slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin. My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, drafted regulations that would require the country of origin to be indicated on pigmeat, poultry and sheepmeat. This was notified to the EU Commission in December 2007 as required by legislation. The Commission was not prepared to adopt the draft regulations in their present format on the grounds that the proposed legislation is not in compliance with EU food labelling regulations. However, it indicated that it would reconsider the draft measures on submission of additional explanatory information. This information is currently being prepared for transmission to the Commission.
366 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when applications for the Farm Improvement Scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be processed and dealt with, which were received from 21 October to 31 October 2007; if it is proposed to fund them from the main FIS funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19690/08]
The person named is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Applications under this Scheme are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016. The application concerned is, therefore, eligible for consideration and will be processed subject to funding still being available at that time.
367 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary did not receive the cost of living increase in their pension. [19734/08]
The person named is a participant in the 2000–2006 Early Retirement Scheme. From 1 November 2006, the maximum annual pension under this Scheme was increased from €13,515 to €15,000 per annum. The person named received the appropriate increase in his pension.
368 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the level of funding provided for the Farm Improvement Scheme in the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016; and the expected applicants that will be approved a grant from this level of funding. [19738/08]
€79 million was provided under the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016, for the operation of the Farm Improvement Scheme. 12,675 applications were received by my Department under the Scheme prior to its suspension for new applications on 31 October 2007. To date, 6,017 approvals have issued to farmers to commence work under the Farm Improvement Scheme. The remaining applications are currently being processed up to the level of funding available.
369 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all applications for the Farm Improvement Scheme received by his Department prior to 31 October 2007 have been processed and approved for payment; and if he will provide statistical details in this regard. [19739/08]
12,675 applications were received by my Department under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007. A county-by-county breakdown of these applications is as follows:
|
County |
Number of Applications |
|
Carlow |
176 |
|
Cavan |
675 |
|
Clare |
510 |
|
Cork |
1,863 |
|
Donegal |
931 |
|
Dublin |
29 |
|
Galway |
850 |
|
Kerry |
875 |
|
Kildare |
133 |
|
Kilkenny |
519 |
|
Laois |
336 |
|
Leitrim |
375 |
|
Limerick |
368 |
|
Longford |
218 |
|
Louth |
209 |
|
Mayo |
740 |
|
Meath |
272 |
|
Monaghan |
362 |
|
Offaly |
282 |
|
Roscommon |
484 |
|
Sligo |
255 |
|
Tipperary |
895 |
|
Waterford |
487 |
|
Westmeath |
274 |
|
Wexford |
295 |
|
Wicklow |
262 |
|
Total |
12,675 |
To date, 6,017 approvals have issued to farmers to commence work under the Scheme. The remaining applications are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding made available for the Scheme under the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
370 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications for the Farm Improvement Scheme received in his Department prior to 31 October 2007; the number of those applications that were sanctioned funding giving details on a county basis. [19740/08]
12,675 applications were received by my Department under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007. A county-by-county breakdown of these applications is as follows:
|
County |
Number of Applications |
|
Carlow |
176 |
|
Cavan |
675 |
|
Clare |
510 |
|
Cork |
1,863 |
|
Donegal |
931 |
|
Dublin |
29 |
|
Galway |
850 |
|
Kerry |
875 |
|
Kildare |
133 |
|
Kilkenny |
519 |
|
Laois |
336 |
|
Leitrim |
375 |
|
Limerick |
368 |
|
Longford |
218 |
|
Louth |
209 |
|
Mayo |
740 |
|
Meath |
272 |
|
Monaghan |
362 |
|
Offaly |
282 |
|
Roscommon |
484 |
|
Sligo |
255 |
|
Tipperary |
895 |
|
Waterford |
487 |
|
Westmeath |
274 |
|
Wexford |
295 |
|
Wicklow |
262 |
|
Total |
12,675 |
To date, 6,017 approvals have issued to farmers to commence work under the Scheme. The remaining applications are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding made available for the Scheme under the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
371 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in relation to the applicants for the Farm Improvement Scheme who submitted their applications prior to 31 October 2007 but did not receive funding due to budgetary constraints, there are proposals to include these applicants in any future scheme; and if they will get priority treatment in view of the fact that their applications were submitted but the funding ran out. [19741/08]
The Farm Improvement Scheme was introduced by my Department in July 2007 with funding of €79 million as agreed under the Partnership agreement, Towards 2016, and was suspended on 31 October 2007 as applications received had reached this level of funding. 12,675 applications were received from farmers prior to the closing date of the Scheme. These applications are currently being processed within my Department up to the level of funding made available for the Scheme.
372 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the options available to farmers for capital investment following the suspension of the Farm Improvement Scheme; his plans to introduce a new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19742/08]
The Farm Improvement Scheme was suspended for new applications on 31 October 2007 as applications received had reached the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016. I have no plans at present to reopen the Scheme to further applications.
374 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the names of all the schemes being administered by his Department; the start date of each scheme; the end date for each scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19826/08]
Full details of all the schemes operated by my Department are provided in my Department's main information booklet "Schemes & Services 2008". Copies are available from the local offices of my Department and from Teagasc offices. The booklet is also available on the website www.agriculture.gov.ie. I have arranged for a copy to be sent to the Deputy.
376 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which traceability in respect of all meat and meat products imported into Ireland is effected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19887/08]
Meat and meat products imported from an EU source must come from an approved establishment and be accompanied to its destination by a commercial document or a health certificate signed by an official veterinarian of the competent authority of the Member State of origin. In the case of importation from third countries meat and meat products must originate in a country approved by the EU for trade in such products, have been produced in an approved establishment and be accompanied by a health certificate in accordance the provisions of Community legislation. In addition such products must be presented for inspection at an EU Approved Border Inspection Post. My Department and other State Agencies have a system in place to ensure that all food imported into this country complies with National and EU Regulations. Furthermore checks are carried out by the EU Food and Veterinary Office, both within the EU and in the Third Countries, to ensure compliance with EU requirements.
377 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has achieved a reversal of any previous proposals in the CAP reform in the course of the CAP health checks currently in progress; the extent to which he has succeeded in safeguarding the Irish and European food producing sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19888/08]
The Commission proposals on the Health Check of the CAP will be published this afternoon. They will be presented for the first time at the Informal Council of Ministers in Slovenia on 27 May where I will have an opportunity to give a first reaction. The negotiating process will commence under the Slovenian Presidency with a series of Working Groups in May and June and will continue under the French Presidency with further Working Groups in July through to October. The proposals will also be discussed at the Special Committee for Agriculture and Council meetings between June and September.
My aim in the negotiations will be to achieve the best possible outcome for Ireland, for agriculture and for the agrifood sector. We have already outlined the issues of concern to Ireland to Commissioner Fischer Boel, to Commission officials, and to colleagues in other Member States. I will continue to take an active role in the discussions at every opportunity and to reiterate our priorities. These include:
Ensuring that further simplification of the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) and cross-compliance is delivered;
In preparation for expiry of milk quotas in 2015, seeking ambitious annual quota increases and clear, predictable decisions taken at this stage to give policy certainty to producers and the industry;
Maintaining effective market management measures to cater for any market volatility that may occur;
Opposing the proposed increase in compulsory modulation.
I will also be seeking a degree of subsidiarity in a number of areas but specifically in relation to the management of the Single Payment Scheme, to adjust policy to national circumstances.
378 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which large overseas fishing fleets are being restricted from over-fishing in traditional Irish fishing waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19889/08]
381 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which it is expected that fish stocks in or in close proximity to Irish waters are likely to be protected from over-fishing by other than Irish fishermen in the future; if sufficient safeguards are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19892/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 378 and 381 together.
Ireland has a very important position as custodian of some of the largest and richest fishing waters within the EU but also in our location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Illegal fishing practices by all fishing fleets in Ireland's Exclusive Fisheries Zone are and have been a matter of ongoing and substantial concern. Illegal practices militate against the protection of our fisheries resources, and their exploitation in a sustainable way into the future. Ireland sets and maintains high standards in the enforcement of regulations within our Exclusive Fisheries Zone using the resources of the Naval Service, the Air Corps and the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority. The use of these resources with the addition of satellite monitoring of all fishing vessels both EU and Non-EU allows a high level of monitoring and surveillance of our waters.
Ireland's control authority, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) which came into being on the 1st January, 2007 has significantly strengthened our capacity to monitor and control illegal fishing activities in Irish waters. The SFPA and our Naval Service are enhancing their monitoring and inspection systems, with upgraded communications systems, greater co-ordination between agencies and the appointment of additional inspection staff at our ports. At EU level, agreement was reached late last year on a Regulation on Electronic Recording and Reporting of fishing activity and on a means of remote sensing of fishing vessels. The new measures oblige fishing vessels to record and submit their logbook by electronic means at least once a day to the control authorities. The Regulation also allows remote sensing to be used to detect and track fishing vessels. The electronic logbook will be mandatory for all vessels over 24 metres in length from 1 January 2010 and it will be applied to vessels over 15 m in length from 1 July 2011.
Following strong pressure from Ireland, including a bi-lateral meeting in the autumn between my predecessor Minister Coughlan and Commissioner Borg, it was agreed that the implementation rules would ensure that each Coastal Member State would have full on-line access in real time to the electronic logbook data and landing declaration data of all vessels operating in its waters. This measure will substantially strengthen Ireland's controls at sea. These control measures will substantially strengthen Ireland's ability to monitor and control all fishing activity within its Exclusive Fisheries Zone. This is particularly important to Ireland because it will give our Naval Service access to catch data of all vessels operating within our Zone and strengthen their ability to target fishing vessels whose catch records would not appear to correspond to the profile of their fishing activity as determined by the vessel monitoring system. In addition the introduction of remote sensing will help to address instances where fishing vessels eluding monitoring by switching off their VMS system.
The measures outlined here are vitally important in demonstrating that Ireland is serious about control and for ensuring that all fishing vessels, Irish and non-Irish alike, fully record and report on their catch levels in our waters. These combined measures will substantially enhance Ireland's ability to effectively control all fishing activity within our waters and ensure that fish stocks in Irish waters are protected from over-fishing. In addition, the recently established EU Community Fisheries Control Agency will help to improve co-operation and co-ordination between the control authorities of member states. At European level also, there are new measures under discussion to regulate the activities of EU-flagged vessels outside of Community waters as well as of non-EU vessels wishing to exploit fishing opportunities within EU waters under international agreements. Ireland also campaigns vigorously for a level playing field on control across all Member States and this will remain one of my top priorities.
380 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which set-aside lands are being utilised to grow biofuel crops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19891/08]
The rate of obligatory set-aside has been set at 0% for the 2008 Single Payment Scheme. Therefore, a farmer with set-aside entitlements is not required to put any land into set-aside in order to draw down payments on set-aside entitlements. A farmer with set-aside entitlements must, however, declare sufficient hectares of land on his/her 2008 Single Payment Scheme application form that, under the provisions of the relevant EU Regulations, are eligible for set-aside.
Given that the closing date for the receipt of applications under the 2008 Single Payment Scheme was just last week, and bearing in mind that applicants have until 31 May 2008 to submit late applications, it will be some weeks before it becomes clear as to the number of hectares being utilised to grow bio-fuels in 2008. Furthermore, it is difficult to estimate the number of hectares which will be utilised to grow bio-fuels in 2008, largely because of the dramatic price increase during 2007 for crops such as oilseed and the 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. Under the 2007 Energy Crops Scheme, 2,858 hectares of set-aside land was used to grow various eligible crops. In 2007, 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 was introduced. 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. Sufficient funding has been provided in 2008 to support the planting of a further 1,600 hectares. As a further support measure, land planted with these energy crops can also benefit under the Single Payment Scheme, Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and REPS.
382 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action he proposes to take in the event of the World Trade Organisation being influenced by the Mandelson proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19893/08]
383 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he and his EU colleagues have an agreed strategy to ensure that the Irish and European food producing sectors are not damaged or placed at a disadvantage by the World Trade Organisation discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19894/08]
384 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that agricultural production here will not be determinately affected by the World Trade Organisation discussions, having particular regard to the fact that Ireland is a food producing nation, exporting almost all of its products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19895/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 382 to 384, inclusive, together.
A revised negotiating text on agriculture was issued yesterday evening and a text on non-agricultural market access earlier today. These texts are being issued with a view to facilitating a final WTO agreement by the end of 2008. It is by no means clear whether such an agreement will be reached this year. The range of issues outstanding across the broad spectrum of the negotiations and the US political situation are among the factors that make it uncertain whether an agreement can be secured in the coming period. Already there is slippage in the negotiating timetable. A Ministerial meeting, anticipated to take place on 19 May, has been deferred and the latest indications are that it will not now take place until the end of June or even early July.
Against this background, there is no doubt that these WTO negotiations represent a significant challenge for EU and Irish agriculture. I and my Government colleagues are seeking a balanced and fair outcome across all of the various pillars of the negotiations. I am very concerned about some of the proposals being made in the agriculture negotiations and with the lack of balance in the overall process. It is not acceptable that the current negotiations are focused on agriculture while other negotiating areas are not making progress.
The Irish Government has and will continue to take every opportunity to express our concerns in the strongest terms in the various EU and WTO meetings dealing with these negotiations. I recently met my French counterpart in Dublin, and the current state of play and imbalance in these WTO negotiations were high on the agenda of this meeting. I can report that France and Ireland share the same concerns on the direction of these negotiations and will continue to insist that the Commission does not accept a deal which undermines EU agricultural production.
The Commission, including Commissioner Mandelson and his officials, are well aware of Ireland's views on the matter. These views have been articulated clearly and consistently at all available forums over the last several years, including bilateral meetings, meetings of the Article 133 Committee, the Agriculture Council and the General Affairs Council and in bilateral meetings with the Commission. As the negotiations progress I will continue to impress on the Commission that Ireland will not accept an unbalanced agreement which does not provide real benefits to Ireland and the EU.
At yesterday's Agriculture Council of Ministers meeting, I re-emphasised to the Agriculture Commissioner, Mrs. Fischer Boel and to the Council as a whole, Ireland's concerns, insisting that any WTO agreement must not place a disproportionate burden on EU and Irish agriculture. I will also continue to ensure that Ireland plays a leading role in the Group of 14+ like-minded Member States who have come together to express concerns in relation to the direction of the WTO agriculture negotiations. I will continue to work closely with like-minded Ministers in other Member States to seek support for my position. At official level, my Department, and other Departments involved, have and will continue to work assiduously in the various technical meetings to ensure Ireland's interests are best protected.
In summary, I will continue to pursue an outcome which does not undermine the 2003 reforms of the CAP and ensures that Irish and EU agriculture can compete on world markets. The current world food situation, with demand exceeding supply and stocks falling to unprecedented low levels, underlines the need for Europe to retain a strong agriculture production base. Security of food supply is firmly back on the European agenda — this was very clear at the Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting yesterday. This was not the situation when we started out on these WTO talks seven years ago — back then Ireland was a relatively isolated voice on this issue, but the great majority of European agriculture ministers now recognise its importance. My view is that we must seek to make the CAP more effective in supporting our farmers and food industries. Our efforts should focus on building a better and stronger CAP, adapted to contemporary needs, not to dismantling a policy that has proven so effective.
385 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of animals exported from Ireland for use in circuses in 2007, including the species, the number, their countries of origin and the circuses to which they were attached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20001/08]
Information on movements of such animals is not held centrally. Under rules applying to intra Community trade, live animals including animals destined for circuses are certified from points of origin to points of destination. Circus animals generally do not come within the ambit of the computerised EU animal movement system (TRACES) which in any event only holds data for a period of 4 months.
386 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if an effort is being made at Brussels level to get an extension to the time for completion of the farm waste management grants in view of the difficulties that farmers are experiencing in getting contractors to carry out the work; his views on whether the EU Commission is prepared to give a period of grace up to 36 months from the date the scheme started; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20002/08]
The revised Farm Waste Management Scheme, introduced in order to assist farmers meet the additional requirements of the Nitrates Directive, was launched in March 2006 following the receipt of EU state aid approval for the Scheme. The EU Commission approval specifically states that all work must be completed by farmers under the Scheme by end-December 2008 in order to qualify for the grants available. The final date for completion of work has been very well publicised and I have no plans to approach the EU Commission to seek an extension of that deadline and all applicants were advised of the situation.
387 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of the Minister and Ministers of State since 1997 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20047/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.
|
Term of Office |
Number of Civil Servants |
|
|
Ministers |
||
|
1997 – 2002 |
Joe Walsh |
4.70 |
|
2002 – 2004 |
Joe Walsh |
4.70 |
|
2004 – 2008 |
Mary Coughlan, TD |
2.80 |
|
2008 – to date |
Brendan Smith, TD |
2.00 |
|
Ministers of State |
||
|
2007 – to date |
Trevor Sargent, TD |
2.00 |
|
2008 – to date |
Tony Killeen, TD |
0.00 |
|
2004 – 2008 |
Mary Wallace, TD |
1.00 |
|
2004 – 2008 |
John Browne, TD |
2.00 |
|
2004 – 2007 |
Brendan Smith, TD |
2.00 |
|
2002 – 2004 |
Liam Aylward |
0.00 |
|
2002 – 2004 |
Noel Treacy, TD |
0.00 |
|
1997 – 2002 |
Eamon O’Cuiv, TD |
4.00 |
|
1997 – 2002 |
Noel Davern, TD |
4.25 |
|
1997 – 2001 |
Ned O’Keeffe, TD |
5.00 |
388 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received a request from a school (details supplied) in County Kerry for extra accommodation at its existing rented premises for the school year starting September 2008 as its current premises is unsuitable to meet its needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19263/08]
An application for temporary accommodation from the school for which the Deputy refers has been received. The application is currently being assessed. My Department will be in contact with the school as soon as a decision has been made.
389 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date regarding a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19270/08]
The project for the school referred to by the Deputy has advanced to the stage that the Department has agreed the Schedule of Accommodation for a new 16-classroom school. The site required for the new school has now been acquired and the process of appointing a design team has commenced. The Department published the advertisement seeking qualified consultants on the public procurement website in January 2008. These re-qualification questionnaires have been received in the Department for assessment and the Department will be back in contact with the school authorities on this matter as soon as possible.
In the interim period pending the provision of a new school building the Department has approved the rental of one further temporary classroom for this school for September 2008 to cater for its immediate accommodation needs. In addition the Department also funded grant-aid of €394,771.72 in 2007 for the provision of adequate car-parking facilities for this school. The building project required to deliver the new school building will be progressed in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme and availability of funding.
390 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to set up a training programme on computer literacy for persons over 50 years. [19275/08]
The teaching of computer literacy to those over 50 years of age is delivered through a number of current initiatives. Through The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI), the Department provides funding for part time learning opportunities for adults. Information and Communications Technology courses feature prominently within BTEI provision. Participants undertake programmes in ICT for both personal and vocational reasons.
Older people are specifically prioritised within BTEI, as one of a number of target groups. In 2007 over 5,000 participants on BTEI programmes were aged over 55 years. This represents 20.6% of BTEI participants overall, 12.7% of participants were aged between 55 and 64, with a further 7.9% aged over 65. In 2007, the number of BTEI places was increased by 1,000 bringing the total number to 9,000. An additional 500 places has been allocated in 2008. Adult Literacy classes include literacy tuition through the use of computers. In 2005, 4,400 participants over the age of 55 availed of the Adult Literacy service provided through the VECs. In 2006 this number increased to 5,200 participants. The number of older people availing of adult literacy tuition represents 13% of the overall number of people availing of the service. In 2007, the number of Adult Literacy places was increased by 3,000 serving almost 44,000 participants. Provision has been made in the Revised Estimates for an additional 500 places this year.
Under the Community Education Programme, older people also participate in computer classes, language classes and hobby type courses, funded mainly through the provision of tutor hours. The Department also provides funding to Age Action Ireland for a project entitled University of the Third Age (U3A). This is part of an international movement to support active ageing through the development of self-help learning circles for older people who are no longer working full time. The learning activities include computer training for older people.
391 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in the case of a school (details provided) in County Tipperary which has applied for funding for much needed additional classroom facilities. [19276/08]
A grant was sanctioned in March 2007 to enable the management authority of the school in question to extend and modernise their school. This scheme allows Boards of Management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives them control of the building project. I understand that construction is due to commence during the summer holidays and the initial portion of the grant will be paid to the school at that stage.
392 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application of Waterford Institute of Technology for upgrading to the university of the south east (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19286/08]
426 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will take a decision in principle to approve the application of Waterford Institute of Technology for upgrading to university status which is fully supported by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19679/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 392 and 426 together.
To date applications have been received to invoke Section 9 of the Universities Act, 1997 from Waterford Institute of Technology, Dublin Institute of Technology and Cork Institute of Technology. These applications raise significant issues regarding Government policy towards higher education, in particular the existing roles of the Universities and Institutes of Technology which have distinctive missions from each other, provide different levels and types of academic programmes, fulfil different roles in the community and have separate academic and governance structures. I will be reviewing the appropriate next steps in relation to these applications and would intend to present proposals to Government in this regard.
393 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary which is to amalgamate with another school in the area. [19354/08]
It is necessary for the Department to purchase additional land to enable a building project to facilitate this development and this process is on-going. Progress on the building project will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
394 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 964 of 30 January 2008 and in view of the fact that the board of management has submitted an application for the funding of emergency works to address serious health and safety issues, if he will approve funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19363/08]
The Modernisation and Policy Unit of my Department received an application for emergency funding from the school in question. A decision on this application will be made as soon as possible and the school authority will be advised of the outcome.
395 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied); and when sanction will be given to proceed with the construction of the badly needed extension. [19424/08]
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. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
396 Deputy James McDaid asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students taking up third level education on average over the past five years; and the number of students on average taking up third level education in Northern Ireland. [19437/08]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following tabular statement.
|
06/07 |
05/06 |
04/05 |
03/04 |
02/03 |
|||||
|
Full-time |
Part-time |
Full-time |
Part-time |
Full-time |
Part-time |
Full-time |
Part-time |
Full-time |
Part-time |
|
138,362 |
*31,194 |
136,719 |
31,354 |
133,691 |
34,509 |
133,887 |
34,000 |
129,283 |
34,680 |
*For some institutions data relates to 05/06.
In addition to these numbers approx 10,000 students study in private colleges each year.
|
06/07 |
05/06 |
04/05 |
03/04 |
02/03 |
|||||
|
Full-time |
Part-time |
Full-time |
Part-time |
Full-time |
Part-time |
Full-time |
Part-time |
Full-time |
Part-time |
|
2,000 |
1,865 |
2,510 |
2,150 |
2,480 |
2,055 |
2,415 |
2,030 |
2,410 |
1,740 |
Source: Department for Employment and Learning Northern Ireland.
397 Deputy James McDaid asked the Minister for Education and Science his estimate of the average annual cost of putting a student through third level education. [19438/08]
Data on the average annual cost of living for higher education students is not collected annually. The main source of data is the Eurostudent Survey, which is conducted with other research in this area by the Higher Education Authority. The second survey in the series, published in 2005, indicated that the average monthly expenditure (excluding tobacco, alcohol and entertainment) incurred by a student residing at home was €340 and €672 for those living away from home. It is anticipated that the 2007 Eurostudent study will be ready for publication towards the end of 2008.
398 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ascertain from the Teaching Council of Ireland if a graduate of a specific degree included on the Council’s approved qualifications list is automatically entitled to registration with the council as a teacher of the associated approved subjects, all other requirements being satisfied; if not, if this means that every applicant for registration has to be individually assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19449/08]
A person with a degree on the list of approved qualifications is automatically entitled to be considered for registration with the Teaching Council (all other requirements being satisfied) provided that the subject coverage in his/her undergraduate degree meets the general and specific requirements for at least one curricular subject. These subject specific requirements are available on the website of the Teaching Council. For example, a person with a BSc degree shown on the list of approved qualifications is not automatically registered to teach all science subjects. An applicant must take a curricular subject as a major subject in the degree extending over at least three years and of the order of 30% at a minimum of that period.
All applications for registration are individually assessed to determine that the undergraduate qualification(s) of the applicant satisfy the general and specific requirements for curricular subjects referred to above. In a small number of cases, a person with a qualification included on the list of approved qualifications (e.g. a Bachelor of Arts) will present for registration with insufficient undergraduate academic time spent on any post-primary curricular subject in his or her degree. In these cases, the person cannot be registered. One of the roles of the Council is to maintain and improve standards of teaching, knowledge, skill and competence. The assessment of all applications for registration in the manner referred to above ensures that the Council is fulfilling this role.
399 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if schools submitting applications for new buildings or renovations to existing school buildings are required to submit financial projections of the cost of the proposed projects to his Department when applying for funding under the school building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19450/08]
400 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if cost projections for individual school building projects are taken into consideration when considering the prioritisation and band designation of projects under the school building programme; the other specific criteria taken into consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19451/08]
401 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the estimated capital cost of approving all outstanding applications on the school building programme assigned a project band of one to four, based on initial preliminary estimates of the cost of each individual project submitted to his Department by the applicant schools concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19452/08]
402 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide a list of all schools on the schools building programme waiting list, categorised by designated band and project type, including those approved to proceed in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19453/08]
429 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools within band one, band two, band three and band four on his list of applications for funding under the school building and modernisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19753/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 399 to 402, inclusive, and 429 together.
Projects are usually activated by an application from the relevant school authority for capital works or on foot of the outcome of an Area Development Plan initiated by my Department. The estimated cost of a project cannot be easily determined at this initial stage. Generally before establishing the scope of such capital works, the viability and long term future of the school is verified through examination of existing data on pupil numbers at the school and in the general area and, in the case of post-primary schools, in the feeder primary schools within the catchment area. Consultation with patrons and other education providers in the general area and with Local Authorities and examination of local area development plans may also be required.
The scope of the works is established through visiting the school(s) involved and through preparation of technical reports by my Department's professional and technical staff. The priority rating of each major project is established in accordance with the Criteria for Prioritising Capital Projects which allocates each project to an appropriate priority band rating on the basis of objective criteria. Following a review of the criteria, undertaken in 2004 in consultation with the Education Partners, amended criteria were applied to all projects from 2005 onwards. In general the cost of a proposed project would have no bearing on its band rating.
It would not be realistic to try to estimate with any accuracy the potential cost of all building projects on hand in my Department. A variety of factors can affect the final cost of a project. Site size/conditions, demographic trends, technical assessment of the existing buildings etc., requirement for new buildings, extension to existing schools or refurbishment of existing schools will all affect the cost of the various projects, as will the trend in building costs in the broader economy. Ultimately it is only when a project has been tendered that an accurate cost becomes available.
Projects are assigned a band rating as follows:
Band 1
Band 1 projects address:
The needs of schools in rapidly developing areas.
The provision of specialist accommodation for special needs pupils.
Schools with structural issues.
Rationalisation projects.
Band 2
Band 2 addresses the needs of schools that have a deficit of mainstream accommodation and/or require refurbishment.
Band 3
Band 3 addresses the needs of schools that have no deficit of mainstream accommodation but that have a deficit of ancillary accommodation.
Band 4
Band 4 addresses the needs of schools that have desirable but not urgent needs.
When it is necessary to select projects from within the same band, as a general principle, projects will be selected on the basis of enrolment stability; projects that have been the longest period in the planning process and the most cost effective solution. In this regard, it should be noted that a project's banding, or classification, can be subject to reassessment having regard to demographic developments in the area served by the school and also, for example, if on foot of a technical examination of the school it was found that the proposed project put forward by the school was not an appropriate design solution to meet the accommodation requirements.
The number of school building projects categorised by band rating is as follows: Band 1: 330; Band 2: 800; Band 3: 244; Band 4: 54
403 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Science the policy for the educational support of children with Down’s syndrome; if he will provide a guaranteed minimum of educational support services for children with Down’s syndrome; if he will state what these service are; and if he will ensure that educational support services for disabled children are ring-fenced in the school system. [19460/08]
The Deputy is aware that my Department has put in place a range of teaching and care supports for pupils with special educational needs, including those with Down Syndrome. Pupils with Down Syndrome are entitled to additional teaching support in school, either under the terms of the general allocation system for children with high incidence special needs or through an allocation of additional resources where a pupil has been assessed as being within the low incidence category of special need. One of the benefits of the general allocation system is that it has put support teaching resources in place in schools on a more systematic basis. This facilitates flexible and early intervention and gives schools more certainty about their resource levels.
In circumstances where a pupil with Down Syndrome has other associated needs and would fall into the low incidence disability categories, schools can apply to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) for an additional resource teaching allocation. The number of additional teaching hours allocated would range from three to five hours per week depending on the pupil's special educational needs. Special needs assistant posts are allocated to schools to support students with care needs. Funding has been made available to enable schools support students with special educational needs with specialist furniture and/or assistive technology if necessary and special school transport arrangements may also be put in place. Applications for such support are made through the local Special Educational Needs Organiser. These supports are targeted at the special educational needs of the pupils concerned.
404 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedures in place in institutes of technology to ensure that, should complaints of bullying and harassment be made against a member of senior management, the correct procedures and protocol are followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19467/08]
Both the Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2007 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 place obligations on employers to prevent harassment and ensure the health and safety of their employees in the workplace. Such policies are a matter for each institution in accordance with the requirements of the Institutes of Technology Act 2006. It is my understanding that all Institutes have formal procedures in place for dealing with all allegations of bullying and harassment.
405 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number and percentage of schools who have broadband access at primary and at secondary level; the investment cost to date; and the cost in recurrent support costs falling on his Department and on schools. [19470/08]
406 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number and percentage of schools who are participating in the wide area network for schools supported by the National Centre for Technology in Education at primary and at secondary level; the investment cost to date; and the cost in recurrent support costs falling on his Department and on schools. [19471/08]
407 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science his targets for 2008 and 2009 for schools accessing broadband and for schools connecting to his Department’s supported network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19472/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 405, 406 and 407 together.
My Department is providing broadband connectivity to recognised primary and post-primary schools under the Schools Broadband Access Programme. This programme is being undertaken in partnership with industry in the context of a Government — IBEC/TIF (Telecommunications and Internet Federation) Agreement to provide local broadband connectivity to schools. The Programme has three elements — local connectivity to schools, a national broadband network and a broadband support service desk. Schools connectivity is being routed to the Internet through a national broadband network, which is supported by HEAnet and provides centrally managed services for schools such as security, anti-spam/ anti-virus and content filtering. The broadband support service desk has been established to interface between the network, the local broadband service Access Providers and schools. It is managed by the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE).
The total costs of the Programme for the first three years, including the initial set-up costs, are some €30m. Schools are not required to meet the costs of their broadband connectivity under the Programme. The Agreement provides for the establishment of a three year €18m joint Government-IBEC/TIF Fund, with industry contributing €5m per annum and the Government contributing €1m per annum. To date the receipts to the Fund comprise the State's contributions of €3m and €8.03m from IBEC/TIF contributing members. The costs associated with the broadband network, the help-desk and the routers in schools are met by my Department. In addition, there are staffing costs in the NCTE and my Department associated with the operation and management of the Programme, which are met from the overall provision for each organisation.
A competitive, technology neutral, central procurement process for the provision of local connectivity for schools was undertaken based on a tiered bandwidth provision, ranging from 0.5 Megabits per second (Mbps) in the case of small primary schools up to 2 Mbps for larger post-primary schools. Contracts were finalised in 2005 with six Service Providers for the provision of local access connectivity to 3,925 schools and with a further Provider for the installation of a broadband router at school level where appropriate. The 3,925 initial individual school awards involved a range of technologies. Roll-out commenced in June 2005. The installation process has two stages starting with the local broadband connectivity installation followed by the installation of a high-speed router and circuit and acceptance testing.
The total number of schools involved in the Programme has been adjusted in the meantime to reflect a number of school openings, closures and amalgamations and stands currently at 3,936. As of 24th April, 2008, 3,907 (99%) have had their local connectivity installed and of these 3,904 have had their router capability installed and tested. The number and percentage of schools that have had their local connectivity installed is 3,211 (99%) at primary level and 696 (99%) at post-primary level. There are 29 schools that have yet to be connected to the Network. Of these 15 schools have been awarded service providers and their installation is being progressed. 2 schools were not bid for by any service provider, 8 schools have refused the service on the basis that their existing broadband service is preferred or because of concerns regarding the particular service offered and 4 schools have outstanding issues in relation to building works that have delayed the installation.
Of the 3,907 local connectivity installations, 27% have fixed line services, 26% have wireless services and 47% have satellite services. Having regard to the usage levels observed by HEAnet, my Department has procured additional bandwidth from its two satellite providers to improve the broadband connection speeds for schools on this portion of the Schools Broadband Network. The situation continues to be monitored closely. Another development has been that increased bandwidths have been provided to some schools with fixed line services as a consequence of improvements in the wholesale broadband market. Over 650 schools are now receiving bandwidths of 3Mbps or higher. In addition, my Department has migrated schools to superior alternative technology, where feasible. A further 72 schools have had broadband access provided under the Hermes and Advanced Deployment programmes. Where feasible, these schools have been connected to the national broadband network and to date, 66 of these schools have been connected.
My Department will shortly issue a Request for Tenders for the next round of service. The priority for the new procurement process will be to ensure that the broadband services to schools keep in line with national infrastructure improvements. The RFT will seek tenders which at least maintain the existing service (in terms of speed and reliability) that schools currently receive. Having regard to the general developments in broadband availability nationally, improved service offerings are expected to be received under the new tender process.
408 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Science when the technical assessment for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will take place, as it was stated in the development plan for education in north Dublin that this assessment should be carried out as a matter of urgency and is still outstanding as at May 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19475/08]
As part of the Programme for Government, a Developing Areas Unit was set up recently in my Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas, including Rush. 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 all schools in Rush are being assessed. The school referred to by the Deputy is being included in this assessment. As is the case with all large capital projects currently on hand within the Unit, their progression will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
409 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if departmental policies relating to the keeping of information on laptop computers used by members of the school inspectorate were followed by a school inspector from whose car a laptop computer was stolen (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19483/08]
410 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science his departmental policies relating to the keeping of information on laptop computers used by members of the school inspectorate; if such policies were updated following the theft of a laptop computer from a school inspector’s car (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19484/08]
411 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if the laptop computer reported stolen from a school inspector’s car (details supplied) contained details of individual teachers, pupils, schools or parents; if so, if all such persons were contacted and informed of this; the action that was taken subsequently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19485/08]
412 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if the theft of a laptop computer from a school inspector’s car (details supplied) was reported to the Data Protection Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19486/08]
413 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if departmental policies relating to the keeping of information on laptop computers were followed by the individual or individuals who had use of a laptop computer stolen from his Department’s offices in Marlborough Street (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19487/08]
414 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science his departmental policies relating to the keeping of information on laptop computers used by departmental staff; if such policies were updated following the theft of a laptop computer from his Department’s offices in Marlborough Street (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19488/08]
415 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if the laptop computer reported stolen from his Department’s offices in Marlborough Street (details supplied) contained details of individual teachers, pupils, schools or parents; if so, if all such persons were contacted and informed of this; the action that was taken subsequently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19489/08]
416 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if the theft of a laptop computer from his Department’s offices in Marlborough Street (details supplied) was reported to the Data Protection Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19490/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 409 to 416, inclusive, together.
There are a range of measures in place to safeguard personal data held by various business units in my Department. My Department has produced a set of guidelines for all staff which sets out the issues to be considered when collecting, storing and processing personal data. These guidelines were approved by the Data Protection Commissioner in 2007. The guidelines were circulated to all staff in the Department and are also available on the Department's Intranet. Staff are made aware of their obligations under the Data Protection Acts, 1988 and 2003 at induction training courses. In addition, my Department is currently rolling out records management training courses to staff, part of which covers data protection issues.
My Department's ‘Computer and Network Usage Policy', which was in place at the time of these thefts, covers the use of laptops as well as desktop computers. The officials who were using the laptops that were stolen reported the laptop thefts to the Department's Personnel Section and IT Unit as required by the policy. My Department is in the process of finalising a ‘Policy for use of laptops and other portable electronic devices' and this will be issued to all staff shortly. The laptop stolen from the Department's offices in Marlborough Street did not contain personal data.
The laptop which was stolen from an Inspector's car contained draft reports on quality and standards in the classrooms of teachers on probation. As this laptop was used by the Inspector for occasional work only, an exact list of the draft reports on the laptop at the time it was stolen is not available. However, it is estimated that there were approximately ten reports at various stages of drafting on the laptop when it was stolen. While the draft reports contained the name of the teacher and the roll no. of the school where they were teaching, and certain information in relation to the performance of teaching duties, the reports did not contain personal information such as date of birth, home address etc. The reporting template provides for inclusion of PPSN but it is understood that this was not included on any draft reports contained on the laptop. The stolen laptops had a dual level of password protection. The Department did not notify the Data Protection Commissioners of the theft of this laptop given the type and volume of information involved.
A third laptop was stolen from the home of an Inspector in 2007. The theft was reported to the Department's Personnel Unit and IT Unit. The laptop did not contain personal data.
417 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the expenditure by his Department on consultants to date in 2008; and if he will compare this to the expenditure on consultants for each of the past five years. [19497/08]
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to expenditure by my Department on consultants is being compiled and will be forwarded as soon as possible.
418 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the number and cost of mobile telephones or such communications equipment issued to programme managers, advisers, press officers and departmental personnel during each of the past three years; and the annual billing cost of same. [19512/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is being prepared in my Department and will be forwarded directly to him.
419 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed new national school at Cahergal, Tuam, County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that firm commitments were given over the past number of years that this school would be built immediately; when this project will go to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19536/08]
The development of a building project for the school referred to by the Deputy 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. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
420 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve the application by the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for an extension which is urgently required. [19540/08]
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 staffing figure on which the school's accommodation needs will be based. Once the long term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities the proposed building project will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's multi annual School Building and Modernisation programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
421 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on criticisms of his Department’s circular 0044/2007 in respect of the teaching of English in gaelscoileanna; and his further views on the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment’s proposals regarding language and literacy in Irish-medium primary schools. [19559/08]
Circular 044/2007, issued in July 2007, requires all schools to provide the minimum recommended tuition in English in Irish medium primary schools, beginning no later than the start of the second term in Junior Infants. The revised primary curriculum was launched in 1999 after extensive consultation with the partners in education. Page 27 in the Introduction to the Curriculum states "It is a particular feature of Irish primary education that children, from the beginning of schooling, have experience of language learning in two languages."
Fundamentally this issue is about access by all children to the full national curriculum. My Department's policy in this area, which has been set out in replies to Parliamentary Questions, is that all schools, including Irish medium schools, should provide the minimum recommended instruction time in English in the infant classes of 2.5 hours per week. There are compelling public policy reasons why an "a la carte" approach to curricular provision should not be encouraged. The current debate is about availability of English at the early stages of primary schooling but one could readily see why similar arguments could be advanced in relation to the required provision of other areas of the curriculum. It is also quite likely that delaying the introduction of English would have the effect of deterring the enrolment of disadvantaged and special needs pupils which would run counter to the State's policy of maximum inclusion.
The question of deferring a decision was considered in relation to this matter pending a research project to ascertain the impact on student performance of various models of immersion education. Such research is, in any event, likely to be inconclusive, given the many variables (socio economic status, school practice, variations in first language at home of students etc) that are at play here. In any event, research will, by its nature, focus on but one subset (learning impact) of what is a significantly wider public policy matter and it would be inappropriate to base a decision purely on research or indeed to delay a decision pending any such research. The issue of the circular is currently subject to Judicial Review. In addition, my Department has undertaken a consultation process, with a deadline for feedback of 31 May, on proposals to prescribe the primary curriculum by regulation.
422 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the stage of the building programme at a school (details supplied) in County Cavan which applied for a sports hall over ten years ago to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19560/08]
I can confirm to the Deputy that an application for funding has been received from the relevant Vocational Education Committee in respect of the school in question. The application seeks funding for an extension, refurbishment and a PE Hall. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage 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. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
423 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a new primary school (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19585/08]
The Office of Public Works (OPW), which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has been asked to source a suitable site for the school in question. A suitable site has been identified. The progression of the site acquisition for the school in question and all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage 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.
424 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of his review of school transport catchment boundaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19659/08]
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to review the school transport system including catchment boundaries. The Department is currently finalising proposals for progressing this commitment.
425 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he is taking to improve the standard of language education and competency for migrant pupils in the primary and post-primary sectors respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19660/08]
To meet the needs of migrant pupils for whom English is a second language English Language Support Teachers have been appointed to primary and post-primary schools. There are now just under 2,000 language support teachers in the schools at a cost of €120 million per annum. Schools with less than the 14 such pupils needed to qualify for one support teacher are provided with financial resources to assist them.
The National Council on Curriculum and Assessment has developed Intercultural Guidelines, one for primary schools and one for post-primary schools, to support teachers and schools in developing a more inclusive learning environment and in providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to participate in an diverse society. There are also resources available specifically for English Language Support Teachers and other resources for the whole school team.
A number of research projects are also underway: The Inspectorate is conducting an evaluation of the provision of English as an Additional Language (EAL) in a number of primary and post-primary schools in 2008 and 2009. A report will be prepared for mid 2009.
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) is undertaking a large-scale study into how an increasing diversity of students impacts upon resource requirements and day to day teaching and learning in primary and post-primary schools. It is expected that this review will be completed in autumn 2008.
The Department of Education and Science has agreed to become involved in the OECD thematic review of migrant education policy and practice at pre-school, primary and post-primary, which will be carried out by a team of OECD experts. It is expected that the OECD report will be completed by autumn 2009.
The findings of this research work will evaluate current provision and will inform me on ways, where such are indicated, to improve the standard of English language education for migrant pupils in primary and post-primary schools.
427 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the month and year when a decision will be taken on the tenders submitted for the building of a primary school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19693/08]
The project for the school referred to by the Deputy has advanced to the stage that the Department has agreed the Schedule of Accommodation for a new 16-classroom school. The site required for the new school has now been acquired and the process of appointing a design team has commenced. The Department published the advertisement seeking qualified consultants on the public procurement website in January 2008. These pre-qualification questionnaires have been received in the Department for assessment and the Department will be back in contact with the school authorities on this matter as soon as possible.
In the interim period pending the provision of a new school building the Department has approved the rental of one further temporary classroom for this school for September 2008 to cater for its immediate accommodation needs. In addition the Department also funded grant-aid of €394,771.72 in 2007 for the provision of adequate car-parking facilities for this school. The building project required to deliver the new school building will be progressed in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme and of available funding.
428 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the rationale employed by him in ensuring that there is not an automatic transfer from primary to post-primary education of education resources and with a proper assessment for children with special needs; the reason he ensures that a child with special needs on leaving primary education has to be reassessed before resources can follow that child in post-primary education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19752/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special needs supports on the basis of applications in respect of individual pupils. The SENOs operate within the policy outlined in my Department's circulars for allocating such support.
Each SENO works in an assigned local area with parents, schools, teachers, psychologists, health professionals and other staff who are involved in the provision of services in that area for children with special educational needs. All schools have contact details of their local SENO. It is also open to parents to contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, including issues that arise in relation to transition from primary to post-primary level, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
When a child in primary school has been in receipt of additional resource teaching and other educational resources, it is appropriate that these supports should be reviewed by the NCSE at the end of the primary school cycle. Where children are in receipt of additional resources in primary school, it is the responsibility of the post primary school to which they have enrolled to submit an application to the local SENO, prior to the child's transfer, seeking the supports required for the child in post primary school.
Such applications should be accompanied by any relevant assessment and attainment information, including information on the child's educational progress. Resources will then be made available by the NCSE to the school at the appropriate level and in a speedy manner taking into account the resources that may already be available within the school. The NCSE issues specific guidelines to schools in this regard each year.
430 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that applied for the debt relief scheme that is operated by his Department; the number that received this funding in each year over the past five years; if he will confirm that the debt relief scheme has operated since 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19754/08]
My Department does not operate a debt relief scheme for schools. However, a small number of schools have sought assistance as an exceptional matter to deal with serious financial difficulties. Between 2002 and 2006, additional financial assistance for this purpose was provided to a total of 97 schools, mainly serving disadvantaged areas. In 2002, 26 schools received approximately €341,000; in 2003, 25 schools were allocated a total of €519,000; in 2004, €108,000 was given to 10 schools; in 2005, 32 schools shared a total of €784,000; and in 2006, just over €112,000 was paid to 4 schools.
During the same period, the following numbers of schools sought assistance:
|
Year |
No. |
|
2002 |
27 schools |
|
2003 |
27 schools |
|
2004 |
33 schools |
|
2005 |
43 schools |
|
2006 |
52 schools |
It should be noted that the responsibility for sound financial management of schools' affairs rests with school authorities and these were exceptional payments. Funding to schools to cover their day-to-day running costs has increased substantially in recent years. With increases in capitation and ancillary services funding, primary schools are now getting €105 more per pupil per year than they were in 2002. The capitation grant has been increased to €178.58 per child, and the ancillary services grant has risen to €151.50 per child, bringing the total value of both grants to €330 per pupil. This amounts to almost €100,000 a year for a 300-pupil school.
There have also been significant improvements in recent years in the level of funding for voluntary secondary schools. With effect from January 2008, the standard per capita grant was increased by €15 per pupil and now amounts to €331 per pupil. In addition, voluntary secondary schools have benefited by the increase of €15 per pupil in 2008 in the support services grant bringing that grant to €204 per pupil. The cumulative increase of €30 per pupil in a voluntary secondary school brings the aggregate grant to €535 per pupil. These grants are in addition to the per capita funding of up to €40,000 per school that is also provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services. For example in the case of a secondary school with 500 pupils, this brings annual grants towards general expenses and support service to over €300,000.
Budget allocations for schools in the Community and Comprehensive school sector along with those in the VEC sector are increased on a pro rata basis with increases in the per capita grant. All schools are eligible for recurrent per capita grants towards special classes and curricular support grants. Schools have, therefore, benefited from major increases in funding in recent years. The Deputy will be aware that as well as general increases in capitation funding, extra financial supports are being provided to schools under the DEIS action plan for educational inclusion. In the current school year, DEIS related grants totalling almost €19 million were paid to schools to meet the needs of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. The comparable amount paid for 2006/2007 was almost €17 million.
The Government will continue to prioritise the needs of schools serving disadvantaged communities going forward. The emphasis on tackling educational disadvantage in recent years is absolutely unprecedented. In 2008, we are investing over €800 million in measures aimed at tackling disadvantage at all levels. This represents an increase of nearly €70 million on the 2007 figure and an almost 74% increase on the €460 million provided in 2003. As well as continuing to prioritise disadvantaged schools, we are also determined to ensure that both primary and post-primary schools benefit from increased funding over the next five years. The Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to double the standard capitation grant for primary schools. Grants to schools for the employment of secretaries and caretakers will also be increased significantly. In summary, therefore, we have substantially increased funding for schools and will prioritise further improvements in the years ahead.
431 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a retired teacher works as a temporary teacher for the purposes of filling in or replacing a permanent teacher in a local school, that for the number of days that they work, they are unable to receive their appropriate pension entitlements for those days; if he will confirm that this is the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19755/08]
Where the nature of the pension awarded to the teacher on initial retirement does not debar a return to employment, such a return to work may give rise to abatement of pension. Abatement is a standard feature of public service pension schemes and is the mechanism used to ensure that the combined earnings (pension plus pay) do not exceed the uprated pay on which the pension is based. Where a teacher returns in a temporary capacity for any period of wholetime daily employment and is in receipt of incremental salary and allowances for that period, pension is stopped.
432 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a homework club (details supplied) in Dublin 8 was not granted funding under the school completion programme; if he will consider this homework club for funding in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19815/08]
While my Department does not operate a specific national scheme for the provision of homework clubs, it supports a range of programmes which target additional resources at pupils from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds in order to facilitate their full participation in the education system. In assessing applications for funding, my Department gives consideration to interventions already in place and supported by my Department in the areas concerned so as to avoid duplication of effort and resource. My Department currently supports 27 schools (8 post primary and 19 primary schools) in 6 School Completion Projects in this area under DEIS, the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion. The 6 School Completion Projects receive over €1.2 million in total annually which targets approx. 1355 young people and 71 out of school students.
In addition, there are a variety of other interventions in place in these schools under DEIS such as reduced class sizes, appointment of administrative principals on lower enrolments, a range of literacy/numeracy initiatives, Free Book Grant Scheme and meal provision. The Home School Community Liaison Scheme helps to get parents involved in their children's education, which as we all know is a crucial component of convincing young people of the value of education. Additional financial resources amounting to €619,820 has been allocated to the schools in this area under DEIS. These financial supports allocated to each of the schools selected under DEIS provides for the inclusion of after school and holiday time support — for literacy and numeracy development as well as homework support, social and personal development and arts activities.
The objective of the School Completion Programme is to provide a range of interventions in areas of disadvantage that support the retention of young people in education and aims to develop local strategies to ensure maximum participation levels in the education process, entails targeting individual young people of school-going age, both in and out of school, and arranging supports to address inequalities in education access, participation and outcomes. It is based on the project model with an integrated approach involving primary and post primary schools, parents and relevant statutory, voluntary and community agencies. The programme is funded on a multi-annual basis under the National Development Plan (NDP) and up to 2007 with assistance from the European Social Fund (ESF).
A local management committee, comprising representatives of schools and other relevant agencies, manage each project. Projects are required to engage in a consultative and planning process with the school staff, with parents and with local representatives of relevant statutory, voluntary and community agencies in the development of annual retention plans. What makes the School Completion Programme unique is its ‘bottom up' approach, which allows the local management committees to put together plans and supports that target the needs of local young people at risk of early school leaving. Each project employs a local Co-ordinator to run the project at local level.
A member of the National Coordination Team for SCP will make contact with the Homework Club to which the Deputy refers and with the Schools and SCP projects in the area, with a view to establishing the needs in the area with regard to homework provision.
433 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding opportunities currently available to community based homework clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19817/08]
While my Department does not operate a specific national scheme for the provision of homework clubs, it supports a range of programmes which target additional resources at pupils from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds in order to facilitate their full participation in the education system. In the region of €800 million will be spent by my Department this year on tackling educational disadvantage at all levels from pre-school to further and higher education. This represents an increase of nearly €70 million on the comparable 2007 figure and is testament to the Government's determination to prioritise social inclusion and ensure that all our children and young people get the supports they need to do well at school. Social Inclusion measures across all Government departments have also been prioritised under the Towards 2016 agreement, the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-16 and the National Development Plan.
In the current school year, grants totalling almost €19 million were paid to schools to meet the needs of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds under DEIS (the Action plan for Educational Inclusion). These financial supports allocated to each of the schools selected under DEIS provides for the inclusion of after school and holiday time support — for literacy and numeracy development as well as homework support, social and personal development and arts activities.
Preventative measures are also in place such as the Home School Community Liaison Scheme which helps to get parents involved in their children's education, which as we all know is a crucial component of convincing young people of the value of education. Under the School Completion Programme children at risk of early school leaving are targeted for a variety of extra supports, educational and non-educational, during and outside of school time — all aimed at encouraging them to stay in school. There are 124 School Completion projects spanning 26 counties, comprising 224 post-primary schools and 468 primary schools.
After-school activities are delivered as part of the School Completion Programme and homework clubs in particular are a widely implemented support to provide students with a structured environment to complete homework. After-School Supports provided under the School Completion Programme focus on the personal and social development of young people, aiming to enrich their overall educational experience by providing fun activities that tap into the many talents of young people. Programmes that focus on activities like Drama, Music, Art, Craftwork and Sport enable children to develop a range of creative and sporting skills. These activities help to boost self-esteem, have positive consequences for the classroom and are particularly important for academically weaker students.
A local management committee, comprising representatives of schools and other relevant agencies, manage each project. Projects are required to engage in a consultative and planning process with the school staff, with parents and with local representatives of relevant statutory, voluntary and community agencies in the development of annual retention plans. What makes the School Completion Programme unique is its ‘bottom up' approach, which allows the local management committees to put together plans and supports that target the needs of local young people at risk of early school leaving.
434 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of legal actions his Department is currently engaged in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19822/08]
There are some 156 cases before the Courts which involve the Department as a Defendant or Respondent. They include litigation relating to Primary and Post-Primary Schools, Community and Comprehensive Schools, Special Educational Needs, school non-attendance, school transport, employment law matters, (including salaries and pensions), litigation arising from industrial relations actions and/or appeals to the Courts from decisions of the Equality Tribunal, contractual disputes and a diverse range of matters.
This figure does not include childhood abuse cases, which largely relate to industrial and reformatory schools and residential institutions. These would amount to approximately 170 primary day school childhood abuse litigation cases and 118 Residential Institutions childhood abuse litigation cases. There are an additional 652 Residential Institutions litigation cases in which legal proceedings were initiated but they are not currently before the Courts. However, it is not possible to indicate what percentage of these cases would actually reach a hearing, as a large number of cases are discontinued following the acceptance by the plaintiffs of awards made by the Redress Board. Accordingly, it would not be entirely accurate to describe the Department as being currently engaged in these proceedings in any manner comparable to those which are actively before the Courts.
It should also be noted that the term ‘legal actions' does not encompass inquiries conducted under Rule 108 of the Rules for National Schools, statutory inquiries held pursuant to the provisions of the Vocational Education Acts 1930-2006, or matters which are before the Equality Tribunal, the Employment Appeals Tribunal, LRC, Labour Court and other statutory industrial relations mechanisms available under the Protection of Employees (Fixed Term Work) Act 2003, Maternity Protection Acts 1994-2004, Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977-2005.
435 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of post-primary schools offering the full complement of science subjects to leaving certificate level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19823/08]
The latest information available to my Department on the number of schools offering specific subjects relates to the 2005/06 school year. 554 second-level schools offered physics to Leaving Certificate level. 69 second-level schools offered the subject Physics and Chemistry to Leaving Certificate level. 550 second-level schools offered chemistry to Leaving Certificate level. 691 second-level schools offered Biology to Leaving Certificate level. 193 schools offered applied mathematics to Leaving Certificate level. The Deputy will be aware that the decision as to which subjects to offer is made at the level of the individual school, subject to compliance with my Department's regulations concerning provision of the core curriculum. Demand will of course depend on the number of students that want to take other subject options.
436 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has proposals to try and help a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if, on compassionate grounds, he will sanction the third level grant retrospectively, due to the delays in this case. [19838/08]
The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the local authority or 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. I understand that the candidate referred to by the Deputy is in receipt of a grant in respect of 2007/08 academic year but is requesting funding in respect of 2006/07 academic year. Retrospective awards are not generally paid after the academic year has finished.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department.
437 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the provision of a new school (details supplied) in County Cavan which was promised more than ten years ago and many times since; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19850/08]
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 development of the proposed project is at an advanced stage. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.
438 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve an ABA school for autistic children in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19851/08]
The Deputy will be aware of my Department's commitment to ensuring that all children including those with special needs can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. This facilitates access to individualised education programmes, fully qualified professional teachers, special needs assistants and the appropriate school curriculum with the option, in line with each child's ability, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils.
Parents of children with autism now have three distinct choices available to them: their child can attend a mainstream class in their local school with additional supports as required; they can attend a special autism-specific class in a mainstream school or in 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 can tailor these to the needs of the individual child. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils.
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. In excess of 315 autism-specific classes have now been approved around the country at primary and post primary level, while more may be set up as required. 13 of these classes are in Co. Kerry.
My Department is currently funding a number of ABA pilot centres which were established in the absence of this network of special classes in our schools. The Programme for Government commits to the long-term funding for the centres that are currently in the ABA pilot programme subject to agreement with my Department on standards that will enable them to be supported them as primary schools for children with autism. I am pleased to advise that the issue is being actively progressed. However, now that a national network of special classes catering specifically for children with autism is available in schools, new centres will not be brought into the pilot programme.
439 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he 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 he will make a statement on the matter. [19852/08]
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 the school in question. On foot of advertising a number of proposals were received and an assessment of the proposals is currently with my Department for consideration and further instruction to the OPW.
440 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will send a technical team to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry to determine the school’s accommodation needs, which was promised before the summer of 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19853/08]
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 ongoing basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.
441 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 62 of 9 April 2008, the schools in Counties Roscommon, Leitrim, Longford, Westmeath, Mayo, Sligo and Galway which are affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19862/08]
I will arrange for an official from my Department to contact the Deputy directly regarding this matter.
442 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to provide a suitable school building for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19863/08]
The Stage 3 documentation for the project referred to by the Deputy is currently being examined by my Department's Technical Staff. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, due to the competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible, at this time, to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this project to the next stage.
443 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is his intention to reintroduce the summer works scheme as administered by his Department; if his attention has been drawn to the huge loss of this scheme to the upkeep of schools and in particular the improvements that are required under health and safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19867/08]
I am aware of the benefits to schools deriving from the Summer Works Scheme. Since the scheme was introduced in 2004, 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, my Department is focusing on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008. Accordingly, there is no Summer Works Scheme for 2008. However, it is intended to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2009.
444 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that parents of children attending a special needs school (details supplied) in County Cork are encountering in finding suitably qualified teachers to provide tuition under his Department’s July provision programme for special schools; and his views on allowing special needs assistants to give the tuition under the scheme. [19869/08]
The Deputy will be aware the July Education Programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism who choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides for a July Programme for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. My Department encourages all eligible schools to participate in this initiative in the interest of the children in question. There has been a steady increase in the number of schools offering the programme since it was introduced in 2001 when relevant schools were circulated with details.
Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided. As home tuition takes place outside of the normal school framework, there is need to ensure that tuition providers are appropriately qualified to give education to the children concerned. My Department's qualification preference is for a fully qualified teacher. Where parents cannot recruit a fully qualified teacher, then some alternative qualifications are acceptable including certain Montessori qualifications. Details in this regard are published on my Department's web site.
445 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation with respect to an application for additional accommodation for a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19876/08]
I can confirm to the Deputy that an application for additional accommodation for the school in question has been received. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage 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. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
446 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school placement will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19899/08]
447 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school placement will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19900/08]
448 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school placement will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19901/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 446 to 448, inclusive, together.
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.
449 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 62 and 63 of 13 November 2007, the progress the National Council for Special Education has made in the compilation of data in relation to the number of children with special educational needs in schools and the number of children who have been allocated resources; the details of their findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19940/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE also has a research function and part of this remit is to advise my Department on policy matters upon undertaking appropriate research and analysis. My officials have been in contact with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) regarding the compilation of data in relation to the number of children with special educational needs in schools and the number of children who have been allocated resources and have been advised that the work in compiling this data is ongoing. The NCSE hope to have this work completed by the end of the year.
450 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of the Minister and Ministers of State since 1997 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20052/08]
The number of civil servants who have worked in the Constituency Offices of Ministers for Education and Science and Ministers of State at my Department are as follows:
Minister for Education 1997-2002: 4 civil servants
Minister for Education 2002 to date: 3.5 civil servants
Minister of State 1997-1998: 2.5 civil servants
Minister of State 1998 to date: 3 civil servants
The number of civil servants assigned to Constituency Offices is in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Department of Finance in relation to the staffing of Ministerial Offices.
451 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Defence the expenditure by his Department on consultants to date in 2008; and if he will compare this to the expenditure on consultants for each of the past five years. [19496/08]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the table that follows.
|
Year |
Total expenditure on Consultants |
|
€ |
|
|
Period 01.01.2008 to 14.05.2008 |
387,559.12* |
|
2007 |
402,119.00 |
|
2006 |
46,069.00 |
|
2005 |
42,269.00 |
|
2004 |
45,659.00 |
|
2003 |
137,510.00 |
*This figure includes the cost of country-wide distribution of the emergency planning handbook "Preparing for Major Emergencies".
I wish to state also that there is an ongoing capital building programme in my Department designed to modernise the living, training, operational and accommodation facilities available to the Defence Forces, both Permanent and Reserve. There has been an unprecedented level of spending on the programme to date with over €250 million spent since 1999. This year will see a further €26 million invested in the programme.
As a result of this significant increase in the building programme Consultants with appropriate expertise are engaged by the Department as necessary to provide technical services in connection with building and engineering projects. It should be noted that (as per Comptroller and Auditor General, Report on Value for Money "Consultancies in the Civil Service" 1998) such design and engineering consultancies for capital projects are better examined in association with the construction projects to which they relate. The Department spends approximately €2m annually on Construction Consultants Fees.
452 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Defence the number and cost of mobile phones or such communications equipment issued to programme managers, advisers, press officers and departmental personnel during each of the past three years; and the annual billing cost of same. [19511/08]
In relation to numbers and costs of mobile phones and such communications equipment issued to programme managers, advisers, press officers and Departmental staff, the information required by the deputy is in the following table.
|
Year |
Total new connections or subscriber starts — all staff (These figures include upgrades and replacements) |
Total no. of Instruments held by Department |
Total annual billing cost |
|
€ |
|||
|
2005 |
10 |
121 |
52,984 |
|
2006 |
21 |
131 |
51,984 |
|
2007 |
45 |
122 |
52,057 |
|
2008 Jan-Mar |
21 |
119 |
13,634 |
453 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the number of medical staff within the Defence Forces; the number who have a psychiatric qualification; the number in each category serving in a medical role here and overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19663/08]
The number of medical staff within the Defence Forces is thirty-one (31) comprised of twenty-two (22) Medical Officers, four (4) Dentists, one (1) Periodontist and four (4) Pharmacists. In addition, there are twenty-four (24) members of the Army Nursing Service. The number of medical staff who hold a Psychiatric qualification is one (1).
The number of medical personnel serving or assigned for service overseas is as shown in the following table.
|
Mission |
Doctors |
Dentist |
Total |
|
KFOR |
1 |
Nil |
1 |
|
EUFOR |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Chad |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|
Nordic Battle Group |
1 |
Nil |
1 |
|
Total |
5 |
1 |
6 |
The key issue in the provision of medical services to the Defence Forces at this time is the acknowledged shortage of Medical Officers (Doctors) in the Medical Corps. The establishment for doctors is forty seven (47). The current strength of Medical Officers serving in the Defence Forces is twenty two (22). The challenges facing the Medical Corps have been recognized for some time and a review of the provision of medical services is ongoing as part of the Modernisation Agenda for the Defence Forces. The Representative Associations are involved in this review. The scope of the review includes the level of service to be provided to members of the Defence Forces and the resources required for the delivery of that service.
Given the ongoing issues and mindful of the need to make progress in this area I have decided to engage consultants to make recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces. Tender documents for the consultancy have been evaluated and it is expected that a contract will be awarded shortly.
454 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of the Minister and Ministers of State since 1997 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20051/08]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following tables.
|
Year |
Number of Civil Servants employed |
|
|
Full time |
Part time |
|
|
01.01.2008 to 20.05.2008 |
5 |
1 |
|
2007 |
6 |
0 |
|
2006 |
5 |
1 |
|
2005 |
5 |
1 |
|
2004 |
2 |
1 |
|
2003 |
2 |
1 |
|
2002 |
3 |
1 |
|
2001 |
3 |
1 |
|
2000 |
2 |
0 |
|
1999 |
3 |
0 |
|
1998 |
3 |
0 |
|
1997 |
3 |
0 |
|
Year |
Number of Civil Servants employed |
|
01.01.2008 to 20.05.2008 |
2 |
|
2007 |
2 |
|
2006 |
2 |
|
2005 |
2 |
|
2004 |
2 |
|
2003 |
2 |
|
2002 |
2 |
|
2001 |
2 |
|
2000 |
3 |
|
1999 |
3 |
|
1998 |
2 |
|
1997 |
3 |
455 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [19266/08]
I understand that there are ongoing discussions with the Stardust Victims Committee's legal representative concerning the arrangements for the independent examination.
456 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce legislation to govern the management of apartment complexes and other similar developments. [19381/08]
The Law Reform Commission has indicated that it will publish, in the coming weeks, 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 other actions to be taken in response to the Commission's reform 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.
457 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount it would cost annually to provide paid paternity leave for two weeks at a flat rate of 60% of the average industrial wage. [19466/08]
No costs of the kind sought by the Deputy are available at present. My Department, however, is examining the issue of paternity leave as part of an overall review of maternity, parental and paternity leave as promised in the Agreed Programme for Government and the Social Partnership agreement "Towards 2016". Costings in relation to the provision of paid paternity leave will, no doubt, be prepared as part of this review. This review will be conducted by my Department with input from other relevant Government Departments and from the social partners. The issue of the introduction of a statutory entitlement to paternity leave was examined before, in 2002, by a Working Group, membership of which included Government Departments and the Social Partners, as part of the Review of the Parental Leave Act 1998. The Working Group could not reach consensus on the issue.
458 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the new funding provided since the establishment of the office for integration to groups involved in migrant integration; the funding under this category which has been provided to address racism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19661/08]
For 2008, an amount of €9.2 million was allocated to my Office in the Estimates. This is being used to create new funding lines and establish new integration structures as outlined in my recent policy statement, Migration Nation, as well as to support existing initiatives. In line with the policy I have announced, a special emphasis is being placed on funding membership organisations, faith-based groups and building local structures I expect to allocate around €3 million for these areas in 2008.
Since I took office, actual expenditure and planned expenditure for the remainder of 2008 under the European Social Fund to support immigrants in gaining employment and/or further education and training amount to €750,000. €4.4 million has been made available for other integration-related projects such as, for example, initiatives to support the integration of legally resident immigrants. My Office also operates a small grants scheme to support community and voluntary efforts at a local level. Expenditure on this since I took office and planned for 2008, is €525,000. In the area of addressing racism I am providing approximately €1.05 million this year through the National Action Plan against Racism (NPAR) and €500,000 is being used to fund the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism. The NPAR allocation is used primarily to make strategic interventions in the implementation of the Plan, to pursue specific research projects and to undertake public awareness/information initiatives and grants schemes.
In addition to the above measures, which are funded in 2008 from the €9.2 million allocation in respect of my Office, €1.2 million is available from the European Refugee Fund and a further €1.6 million from the European Fund for the Integration of Third Country Nationals. Pobal is administering these Funds on behalf of my Office and they have recently decided on the projects to be supported following a call for proposals and formal appraisal.
459 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he received an application for long-term residency from a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will be made in relation to this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19256/08]
Long term residency is an administrative scheme that was introduced in May 2004 and is focused on persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit / work authorisation / work visa conditions. Such persons may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date. I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that they have recently been in contact with the person referred to by the Deputy in relation to his immigration status. Further documentation has been requested from the person concerned in order to facilitate the Immigration Division in examining his case.
460 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the decision made in the application of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 for residency based on a de facto relationship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19262/08]
I have been informed by the Immigration Division of My Department, that the person referred to by the Deputy received permission to remain in the State for one year on work permit conditions. An application in respect of the person in question was received by the Immigration Division on the 13th March 2008, seeking an extension of his work permit permission as he was in a de facto relationship. The Immigration Division replied to that application on the 8th May 2008 stating that the Department could not accept the submitted application, as it did not provide documented evidence that he and his partner had been in a relationship for four years.
There are no provisions in Irish immigration law or procedure, or in EU law, whereby a non-EEA national may obtain permission to reside in the State on the basis of a relationship with an Irish national, except where the person in question is the spouse or an immediate dependent family member of the Irish national in question. However, it is open to any non-national to make an application to be allowed reside in the State in which case, the nature and duration of that person's relationship with an Irish national, as well the person's capacity to support himself or herself without recourse to public funds, would be taken into account in determining whether or not permission would be granted.
461 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 249 of 24 April 2008 (details supplied), the requirements of the applicant’s dependants who have been legally resident here for over five years and who have been included in the original application of the applicant; if he will clarify the status; the exemption in place for minor dependants; if these dependants have to wait for a further five years after reaching their 16th birthdays to apply in their own right for legal residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19274/08]
As outlined in Parliamentary Question No. 249 put down for answer on 24 April, 2008, an application from the person referred to by the Deputy was received by the Immigration Division of my Department on the 5th July 2006 seeking long term residency. This application was refused on 24 October 2006, as the individual did not meet the minimum criteria of over five years in the State on work permit conditions. On two occasions the Immigration Division of my Department granted the person referred to by the Deputy, Stamp 1 conditions for a four-month period in order to obtain a work permit.
To date the Immigration Division has not received any further applications for long term residency from this person and therefore are unable to confirm if he meets the minimum criteria for the long term residency scheme. I have been informed by the Immigration Division that it is open to the person referred to by the Deputy to submit a fresh application in respect of himself and his dependants when he has completed five years legal residency (60 months of Stamp 1 endorsements on his passport) in the State, on work permit conditions. On receipt of such an application, the case will be considered on its own merits.
Dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants. Under current legislation, persons under the age of 16 are not currently requested to register or obtain permission to remain in the State. Dependants of the person referred to by the Deputy will have to be resident in the State for a minimum of five years following their 16th birthday before they can be permitted to apply for long term residency. Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency.
462 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to invest significantly in rehabilitation for prisoners. [19287/08]
463 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that a prisoner’s rehabilitation needs are assessed on entering prison and that an appropriate programme is offered based on risk assessment and rehabilitation needs. [19288/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 462 and 463 together.
The Irish Prison Service has made significant progress in meeting the commitments contained in the Programme for Government relating to rehabilitation for prisoners. Prisoner rehabilitation involves significant multidimensional input by a diverse range of general and specialist services provided both by the Irish Prison Service and in-reaching statutory and non-statutory services. Amongst these are health care, psychiatric, psychological, educational, work and training, vocational, counselling, welfare and spiritual services. These services are important in addressing offending behaviour, drug and alcohol addiction, missed educational and vocational opportunities, anger management, and self management in the interest of encouraging positive personal development in prisoners, and preparing them for re-integration and resettlement on release from custody.
The Probation Service has an active role during the course of the prisoner's sentence in helping maintain links with family and community agencies, encouraging prisoners to address their offending behaviour and engaging prisoners in individual counselling and group counselling programmes such as offending behaviour, addiction, violence and sex offending. The Service also provides supervision in certain cases under temporary release provisions.
The Irish Prison Service places a strong emphasis on access to educational services and on the provision of work and training activities for prisoners. As a result of the Programme for Organisational Change, there has been a significant expansion and development of vocational training programmes. The Work Training Service comprises an authorised complement of over 250 prison service posts and there are over 90 workshops operating in our prisons actively catering for in excess of 800 prisoners each day. Training activities are chosen to give as much employment as possible for those in prison and to give opportunities to acquire skills which will help them secure employment on their release. External accreditation of certified training is available for a number of courses run within the institutions.
Educational services are now available at all institutions and are provided in partnership with a range of educational agencies in the community including the VECs, Public Library Services, Colleges and the Arts Council. Broad programmes of education are made available which generally follow an adult education approach. During the academic year 2007/08, 220 whole-time-equivalent VEC teachers were the main providers of these education programmes.
The Irish Prison Service is also delivering programmes aimed at reducing the demand for drugs within the prison system through enhanced security measures as well as education, treatment and rehabilitation services for drug-addicted prisoners. The Irish Prison Service Drugs Policy & Strategy — Keeping Drugs Out of Prisons — caters for the expansion of existing drug treatment programmes and further recruitment of dedicated staff. The expansion of these services is being achieved in partnership with community based services and will see a significant improvement in the range, quality and availability of drug treatment service in the prisons. Drug rehabilitation programmes for prisoners involve a significant multidimensional input by a diverse range of general and specialist services provided both by the Irish Prison Service and visiting statutory and non-statutory organisations. Particular initiatives include the provision of detoxification, methadone maintenance, education programmes, an information forum, addiction counselling, drug therapy programmes and the operation of drug free units.
Every effort is made to assist sex offenders in custody who are willing to participate at any level in their personal rehabilitation and relapse prevention. In this regard, there are three forms of direct therapeutic intervention currently available — i.e., individual counselling from the Irish Prison Service's Psychology Service and from the Probation Service; the Sex Offender Programme which has been in operation since 1994, and the Psychiatric Service which provides some support to prisoners in this category.
Significant progress is also being made in the development of programmes based on risk assessment and rehabilitation needs. The Irish Prison Service is developing and rolling-out, between now and 2012, a fully coordinated Integrated Sentence Management System (ISM) across all prisons and places of detention.
464 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that prisoner remission will only be earned by participation in rehabilitation programmes. [19289/08]
465 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that remission higher than 10% will only be available where rehabilitation programmes are successfully completed and the offence did not involve violence. [19290/08]
466 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to put in place similar conditions for those on remission as exist for those on bail regarding where they reside, who they associate with, and so on. [19291/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 464 to 466, inclusive, together.
The Programme for Government, insofar as it relates to penal matters, contains proposals about revising the system of sentence remission for prisoners. These include lowering the rate of remission available to violent offenders and making its award conditional on various factors. The Programme also includes further proposals on post release supervision in the community for former prisoners.
Traditionally, 25% remission of sentence is granted to the majority of prisoners. The use of remission in this way is tried and tested and has proved to be an important tool in the good management of our prisons. The rate of remission granted can be affected where a sanction involving loss of remission is imposed for specific breaches of prison discipline. Notwithstanding that, even when a sanction of this nature is imposed, the period forfeited may be restored through subsequent good conduct.
The following categories of prisoner are not eligible to earn remission of sentence:
Life sentence prisoners
Persons convicted of debtor offences
Persons convicted of contempt of court
Persons being held on remand warrants
Persons serving a sentence of less than one month.
The Probation Service has a role in relation to offenders on supervised temporary release and other orders including those on post release supervision under the Sex Offender Act 2001, as well as offenders released on part suspended sentences under the Criminal Justice Act 2006. There are also provisions under the Children Act for supervision following a period of detention. The Probation Service works with offenders in custody who request assistance in their reintegration into society. The purpose of intervention by the Probation Service is to address the issues that contribute to reoffending and assist the offender in reintegration.
There are a number of specific legal and constitutional issues raised by the commitments in the Programme for Government. Matters to be explored will include whether changes to remission can be applied retrospectively where such application might have adverse implications on the liberty of the person in question. There are rulings from the European Court of Human Rights that may be relevant in this context. There are also issues as to whether rates of remission can be varied by reference to the nature of the offence, what type of conditions can be imposed on a person granted remission and the implications of linking remission solely to rehabilitation without reference to behaviour while in prison. My Department is examining how best to implement the commitments in the Programme for Government with particular reference to any possible legislative amendments that might be required.
467 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to extend measures to make prisons drug free. [19292/08]
I am committed to ensuring that all prisons are drug free in line with the commitments contained both in the Programme for Government and the Irish Prison Service Drugs Policy and Strategy and I will continue to pursue strategies to achieve that objective. The Irish Prison Service Drugs Policy and Strategy, entitled Keeping Drugs out of Prison was launched in May 2006 and the Irish Prison Service continues to take firm steps to eliminate the supply of drugs into prisons as well as enhancing the range of treatment options for those who are already addicted to drugs.
With regard to supply elimination, the implementation of the Policy and Strategy has seen an intensification of efforts to eliminate the availability of illicit drugs within prisons, including:
Tighter control and monitoring of prisoner visits in all closed prisons;
New visiting arrangements in most closed prisons, with visitors required to be pre-approved by the Governor and required to provide identification on each visit;
Greater use of screened visits;
Greater vigilance in examining mail by prison censors and searching of other items entering the prison;
Increased random searching of cells and their occupants;
Stricter searching of all persons committed to custody and prisoners returning from court, temporary release, after visits or on receipt of intelligence;
Use of modern cameras and probe systems which assist in searching previously difficult areas such as hollow chair or bed legs, under floor boards and other cavities; and the
Installation of nets over exercise yards to prevent access to contraband items, including mobile phones and drugs.
As regards enhanced security, the Deputy will also be aware that in 2007 my predecessor secured sanction for an additional 155 staff to implement a range of security measures, coordinated nationally by a dedicated Governor, aimed at keeping contraband out of our prisons. These measures include:
the establishment of a drug detection dog service within the Irish Prison Service;
the establishment of Operational Support Units in each prison dedicated to, and developing expertise in, searching and gathering intelligence; and
the introduction of enhanced security screening and searching of all persons (visitors and staff) entering our prisons.
With regard to demand elimination and treatment for prisoners with drug problems, the policy and strategy provides for a comprehensive range of treatment options. Drug rehabilitation programmes for prisoners involve a significant multidimensional input by a diverse range of general and specialist services provided both by the Irish Prison Service and visiting statutory and non-statutory organisations. The programmes seek to reduce the demand for drugs within the prison system through education, treatment and rehabilitation services for drug-addicted prisoners. Particular initiatives include, inter alia, the provision of detoxification, methadone maintenance, education programmes, addiction counselling and drug therapy programmes.
The strategy sees existing drug treatment programmes being expanded and enhanced with the further recruitment of nurses, psychologist and 24 dedicated addiction counsellors, as well as other staff including prison officers. The expansion of these services is being achieved in partnership with community based services and will see a significant improvement in the range, quality and availability of drug treatment services in the prisons.
The Prison Rules 2007, which took effect from 1 October 2007, include specific provision for mandatory drug testing. Mandatory drug testing provides information on trends in drug misuse, enables the identification and referral of drug abusers to treatment programmes, enables enhanced focusing of resources and acts as a deterrent to drug misuse. Mandatory drug testing will also serve to provide important information to prison management that will contribute significantly to decision-making in relation to the management of individual prisoners' sentences. Mandatory drug testing is currently in use in the Training Unit, St. Patrick's Institution, Castlerea Prison, Loughan House and Shelton Abbey. All prisoners must be drug free to attend an open centre and the intention is to roll out a programme of testing to the remaining institutions during 2008.
For those prisoners who have given up drugs, and those who do not misuse drugs, the policy provides for the establishment of Voluntary Drug Testing Units within each closed prison. This allows prisoners to reside in an environment that has enhanced supports to maintain their drug free status. For many offenders, prison provides the first opportunity to escape from the cycle of drug abuse. Drugs awareness courses and other interventions to highlight the detrimental effects of drug use and encourage prisoners to adopt or maintain a drug free lifestyle are also provided.
468 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that major prisons contain high security wings or sections to house those convicted of particularly violent crime. [19293/08]
Recent developments in this area include the opening of high security units at Cloverhill Prison and Portlaoise Prison. In addition the new prison facilities at Thornton Hall will include a purpose designed high security facility capable of accommodating up to 40 prisoners in a safe, secure setting with appropriate support facilities. It is also intended that the proposed prison development at Kilworth, County Cork will have a high security unit and this is being provided for in the design brief for the new facility.
469 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce a prison discipline strategy. [19294/08]
Part 3 of the Prisons Act 2007, which came into operation on 1 October 2007, relates to prison discipline and provided a basis in primary legislation for revised disciplinary procedures applicable to prisoners, including access for prisoners to an independent appeals mechanism. Section 12 provides for an inquiry to be held by a prison governor if a prisoner is alleged to have committed a breach of discipline and provides that the procedures for such an inquiry may be set out in prison rules. The governor may impose a sanction and record the finding and the sanction, or record a finding that the allegation was not substantiated. Section 13 lists the sanctions that may be imposed.
Under section 14, a prisoner on whom a sanction is imposed may make a petition to the Minister on the finding or the sanction, and the Minister, following consultation with the governor, may affirm, alter, suspend or revoke the sanction imposed. Section 15 introduces an independent appeals mechanism to review loss of remission for prisoners. It provides that a prisoner against whom a penalty involving loss of remission has been imposed may make an appeal to an independent Appeal Tribunal. This Appeals Tribunal was established by my predecessor in January of this year. The Tribunal may uphold or quash the original finding and may affirm, vary or quash the original sanction applied. I wish to advise the Deputy that to date four prisoners have appealed disciplinary penalties which consist of or include loss of remission. Arrangements are being made to hear the appeals in the coming weeks.
470 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure effective and independent monitoring and inspections of places of detention and to ratify the optional protocol to the UN Convention against Torture to guarantee this obligation. [19295/08]
The Office of the Inspector of Prisons, was established on a statutory independent basis under Part 5 of the Prisons Act 2007. Under section 31 of that Act, the Inspector shall carry out regular inspections of prisons and to that end may enter any prison at any time. Particular issues of concern identified in the course of such an investigation may be brought by the Inspector to the attention of the Director-General of the Irish Prison Service or the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Inspector is required to submit an annual report on the exercise of his or her functions containing details relating to each of the prisons inspected, in particular, addressing the general management of any prison inspected; conditions and health and welfare of its prisoners; conduct and effectiveness of persons working in the prison; compliance with national and international practices; programmes and facilities available to prisoners and the level of participation in such; security and discipline.
In addition to the general function relating to the inspection of prisons, the Inspector may also investigate any matter relating to the management and/or operation of a prison. On completion of such an investigation a report shall be submitted to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform a copy of which will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and published. Ireland signed the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment on 2 October, 2007 and preliminary work on draft legislation to enable ratification has commenced in my Department.
471 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to build on the community service order regime by introducing a community payback scheme. [19296/08]
The Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act, 1983, provides that a Court may make a Community Service Order as an alternative to a sentence of imprisonment or detention in respect of any individual over the age of 16 years who has been convicted of a criminal offence and who consents to the Order being made. As the Deputy will be aware, the Community Service Order requires an offender to perform unpaid work for between 40 and 240 hours, usually to be completed within 12 months. The aim of a Community Service Order is to rehabilitate the offender and make meaningful reparation to the community for his or her crime. The Probation Service of my Department has responsibility for the supervision and management of Community Service Orders.
The Programme for Government provides for a Community Pay Back Scheme which will build on the Community Service Scheme, currently the subject of a Value for Money and Policy Review by an Independent Evaluator. The findings of that Review, which will be available mid year, will influence how best to progress this aspect of the Programme for Government currently under examination by my Department.
472 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to give victims and communities a greater say in the work offenders do as part of their community service. [19297/08]
The Deputy will be aware that the Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act, 1983 provides for the performance of between 40 and 240 hours of unpaid work in the community under the supervision of the Probation Service by a person who is 16 years or over, who has been convicted of an offence, for which the appropriate penalty would be an immediate custodial sentence and who has given his/her consent to the Court. Community Service Orders have been available as a community sanction to Courts since 1985.
In 2007 Courts in Ireland imposed 1519 Community Service Orders and offenders under the supervision of the Probation Service providing for 217,879 hours of unpaid community service work for their communities in lieu of prison sentences. The range of work generally carried out by offenders on Community Service Orders, has included painting, decorating, landscaping, clearing/maintenance of community facilities (indoor and outdoor) restoration or enhancement of existing facilities such as community centres, youth clubs, grass cutting, cleaning graveyards and work with community groups in groups.
The express purpose of Community Service is to provide benefit at no cost to communities, and indirectly to victims through the work of offenders as reparation. Community Service is widely recognised as a practical and visible embodiment of Restorative Justice principles and offender reparation, in particular. Community Service projects are identified and established with the assistance and support of local community organisations and interests. There is ongoing communication and consultation by the Probation Service with local communities to maximise the benefits of Community Service.
A key action within the current Probation Service Strategy and Workplan is to maximise the benefit of Community Service to local communities by reforming, revitalising and restructuring its delivery. An independent review of the operation of Community Service is currently being completed by consultants to advise on the most appropriate model and structure of operation of Community Service. Having regard to the commitment in the Programme for Government, I await the findings of that review which are due mid year.
473 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to provide for a system of parental responsibility for criminal damage and costs incurred by victims of their children’s anti-social behaviour. [19298/08]
The Children Act 2001, as amended, provides for a number of measures in relation to parental responsibility in respect of children involved in anti-social behaviour, and children found guilty of offences. Section 111 of the Act provides that in any proceedings in which a child is found guilty of an offence, the court may make an order for the supervision of the child's parents where it is satisfied that a wilful failure of the child's parents to take care of or control the child contributed to the child's criminal behaviour.
Section 113 of the Act provides that where a court is satisfied of the guilt of a child and that the appropriate way of dealing with the case is to make a compensation order, it may order that the compensation be paid by the parent or guardian of the child instead of the child. Section 114 of the Act provides that a parent or guardian may be ordered by the court to enter into a recognisance to exercise proper and adequate control over their child. If the child is found guilty of another offence as a result of said parent or guardian failing to exercise such control, the parent or guardian would forfeit the recognisance.
It should be noted, however, that the imposition of any particular sanction referred to above on the parents or guardians of an offending child is a matter for the judiciary. In addition, Part 13 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 introduced new measures with effect from 1st March 2007 to tackle anti-social behaviour of children through a civil process. These measures provide that when a Garda becomes aware of anti-social behaviour, the Garda may issue a behaviour warning to the child. Failure to obey the warning may result in a good behaviour contract being made involving the child, their parent(s) or guardian and the Gardaí. If a contract is broken or if it is not working, it can be renewed or, an application can be made to the Children Court for a Civil Behaviour Order. In addition to the Order, the court may also make a plan for the child to be supervised by their parents or guardian.
Finally, the National Youth Justice Strategy 2008-2010 which was published recently provides for the monitoring of the use of the anti-social behaviour measures in the Children Act. This will be progressed during the term of the strategy.
474 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to create anti-social behaviour action teams in each local authority area. [19300/08]
I attach a high priority to the combating of anti-social behaviour. One of the priorities set for An Garda Síochána for 2008 under section 20 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 is to combat, particularly in cooperation with other agencies and the community generally, the problems of public disorder with particular emphasis on alcohol related behaviour (including underage drinking) and socially disadvantaged communities especially through utilisation of the legal mechanisms being made available. To this end An Garda Síochána are driving forward the establishment of interagency activities against anti-social behaviour, including the deployment of CCTV in urban areas. In addition, they are identifying local public order and anti-social behaviour hot spots and developing actions and plans in response.
The Agreed Programme for Government contains a range of commitments to combat anti-social behaviour. One of these is the creation of Anti-social Behaviour Action Teams (ASBATs) which would operate in areas experiencing serious problems with anti-social behaviour. My Department is currently researching the structure, role and activities of similar teams in other jurisdictions with a view to advancing implementation of this commitment.
475 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to expand Garda powers to issue stay away orders where there is harassment in public places, at a person’s home or witness intimidation. [19301/08]
The Programme for Government represents a comprehensive approach to the important issues facing the Government and the country. This Programme is, of course, a Programme for the life of this Government. As a consequence progress across the range of issues will reflect a sustained level of commitment to achieving the full implementation of the Programme. The question of expanding Garda powers to issue stay away orders will be addressed as part of the overall response by my Department to crime generally.
476 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to legislate to allow gardaí to issue restriction orders which would be used in emergency situations to restrict named persons from travelling to or from certain places for defined periods of time. [19302/08]
Consideration of the commitment in the Programme for Government 2007-2012 to legislate to allow Gardaí to issue restriction orders which would be used in emergency situations to restrict named persons from travelling to or from certain places for defined periods of time is at an early stage.
Existing ‘restriction on movement'- type powers under Irish law largely arise in either the context of decisions to grant bail subject to certain conditions or at sentencing. In the latter case examples include exclusion orders under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003, the mandatory notification requirements imposed under the Sexual Offenders Act 2001 on persons convicted of sexual offences and the post-release supervision orders provided for in section 26 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007. Going beyond what is permitted by existing statutory provisions will give rise to consideration of highly sensitive issues, including ones of constitutional importance and will require careful scrutiny. In this regard I have, for example, the constitutional right to travel within and outside the State in mind. The examination of the commitment will take account of issues such as that. The examination is expected to take some time to complete.
477 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to increase the closed circuit television grant aid system for community groups and organisations as part of a nationwide CCTV roll-out in all major towns. [19303/08]
The Community-based CCTV Scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems. Pobal has been engaged by my Department to carry out the day-to-day administration of the scheme.
I have been informed by Pobal that the following locations have CCTV systems that are fully operational:
Limerick — Moyross;
Limerick — Our Lady of Lourdes Community Services Group;
Corduff, Dublin;
Tralee, Co. Kerry;
Drogheda, Co. Louth;
Athy, Co. Kildare;
Tuam, Co. Galway;
Waterford;
Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Three other locations, Sligo, Ballinasloe and Mallow, are nearing completion and over the course of this year a further 13 schemes are expected to become operational. I intend to invite a further round of applications under the scheme later this year. Further details of the scheme and the relevant documentation are available on my Department's website (www.justice.ie) or on Pobal’s website (www.pobal.ie). In addition, a major expansion programme of town centre CCTV systems is being introduced by the Garda Síochána. Three systems at Ballyfermot, Clondalkin and Tullamore were completed in 2007 and a further fourteen systems at Drogheda, Tallaght, Mullingar, Waterford, Portlaoise, Kilkenny, Sligo, Castlebar, Ennis, Kinsale, Dungarvan, Athlone, Clonmel and Carlow are planned to be implemented this year.
478 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to establish special Garda units to deal with anti-social behaviour on public transport. [19304/08]
The Agreed Programme for Government contains a wide range of commitments to combat anti-social behaviour. One of these is to establish special Garda units to deal with anti-social behaviour on public transport. I am informed that currently, An Garda Síochána carries out patrols to deal with specific incidents and complaints as they arise, primarily in the late evenings when incidents of anti-social behaviour are most likely to occur.
The issue of implementation of this commitment will be addressed in the context of the overall allocation of the resources available to An Garda Síochána. The Force now has more resources than ever before, and this significant investment of public funds has to be used in the most efficient and effective manner to protect public safety. Consequently, my predecessor as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform announced on 3 April last that he had asked the Garda Inspectorate to examine the allocation of Garda resources. The Inspectorate can play an important role in examining resource allocation, bringing its knowledge and experience, and international best practice, to assist An Garda Síochána in improving the way it operates.
479 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to legislate for mandatory jail terms for violent unprovoked assaults and specifically criminalise the practice of so-called happy slapping. [19305/08]
The Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997 provides for offences in relation to assault, assault causing harm, causing serious harm, threats to kill or cause serious injury as well as a range of other offences and includes appropriate penalties. The need for further measures in the light of the commitment in the Programme for Government 2007-2012 dealing with violent unprovoked attacks and the practice of so-called "happy slapping" is under consideration. Consideration of this issue is taking place in the context of other legislative priorities within my Department.
480 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to further increase Garda numbers to 15,000 by 2010. [19306/08]
The accelerated intake of 1,100 Garda recruits per annum is fully on course to meet the recruitment target of 15,000 by 2010. As of 30 April 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 13,874 attested members of An Garda Síochána with more than 1,000 recruits in training.
481 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce a Garda charter setting out targeted Garda response times and levels of service which the public can expect. [19307/08]
The policing priorities for 2008 for An Garda Síochána include, "To increase the level of high visibility patrols, including through greater use of marked vehicles, linked to the development during 2008 of a Garda Charter which will set out targeted response times and levels of service, including frequency of high visibility patrols." This priority has been incorporated into the Annual Policing Plan for 2008 by the Garda Commissioner who has set a target for its development later this year.
The Garda Inspectorate has been requested to examine the allocation of Garda resources and also to provide advice on the development of a Garda Charter as proposed in the Programme for Government and I look forward to receiving its advice. An Garda Síochána has always been cognisant of its duty to provide a high quality service to the public. It has currently in place a Garda Customer Charter and a Declaration of Ethical and Professional Standards, and it is developing a Customer Relationship Model for all its customers. I aim to build on the excellent record of An Garda Síochána in this regard through the development of a Charter which will ensure that Garda resources are targeted where they can have most effect and can respond rapidly and effectively to the needs of communities in all parts of the country.
482 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to conduct regular detailed analyses of Garda to population ratios to ensure every region in the country has appropriate policing. [19308/08]
I have been informed by the Commissioner that 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. The Garda Inspectorate has been tasked to examine and report on how the allocation of Garda resources can be improved, including inter-alia, the geographical spread of policing demands and the differing requirements in urban and rural locations. The Garda Síochána are examining policing needs as part of implementation of the re-alignment of Divisional Boundaries, particularly where new Divisions are being created.
483 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to support the Garda Reserve and ensure that its strength reaches and is maintained at 10% of the Garda strength. [19309/08]
As at 30th April 2008 there were 51 Reserve trainees and 261 attested Reserve Gardaí. The Agreed Programme for Government has set a target strength for the Reserve at 10% of the strength of full-time members of the force. Garda Reserve members undertake their training and other duties on a voluntary basis during their free time. As a result it is not possible to predict how many people will commence training in any particular period. In the Annual Policing Plan for 2008 the Garda Commissioner has set a target of recruiting 270 members this year. The next class of Reserve trainees will commence training on the 7th of June.
Recruitment is continuing and regular promotional efforts to attract potential Reserve members are being undertaken. In February and March 2007, the Garda Commissioner appointed a Chief Superintendent and Superintendent to co-ordinate the management and marketing of the Garda Reserve. There is an on-going marketing campaign to recruit members to the Garda Reserve. This is achieved through local media interviews, radio advertisements, cinema advertisements, DART advertisements and Dublin Bus advertisements. There were also stands taken at the Ploughing Championships, the Young Scientist of the Year Awards and FÁS Opportunities in Croke Park.
There was a feature on the Garda Reserve on the RTE Crime Call programme. A promotional DVD was commissioned and forwarded to all second level schools in the country. This DVD was transmitted on the City Channel for three months. Promotional material on the Garda Reserve has been forwarded to each District Officer in the country to be disseminated to post offices, libraries, leisure centres, shopping centres, banks and credit unions in their District, as well as to local residents associations, neighbourhood watch groups and community alert groups. I cannot predict exactly when the full complement of Garda Reserve members will be reached but I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána have advised me that they are making every effort to reach it and they have my total support in that objective.
484 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce conditions governing the use by a suspect of the Garda interview video. [19310/08]
Section 56 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 governs the circumstances in which a copy of the recording of interviews conducted by the Garda Síochána may be given to an accused. Specifically the section provides that only a person charged with an offence before a court, or his or her legal representative, may be given at a copy of any recording of the questioning of the person while he or she was detained. The decision is a matter for the court and it may be subject to such conditions (if any) as the court may specify. A breach of the court order is punishable as a contempt of court.
This section repeals provisions in the Criminal Justice, Act 1984 (Electronic Recording of Interviews) Regulations, 1997 which provided that a copy of the recording be provided by the Superintendent, subject to certain exceptions, to the person interviewed or his/her legal representative on receipt of a written request irrespective of whether the person was charged with an offence. Section 56 creates a more restrictive framework while at the same time ensuring the accused's right to due process.
485 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to complete the implementation of the Barr tribunal recommendations and to implement the recommendations contained in the Garda Inspectorate report relating to barricade inspections. [19311/08]
Following the publication of the Barr Tribunal Report the Garda Inspectorate were tasked with reviewing the report to assess the reforms already introduced in the Garda Síochána and to recommend any additional steps required to bring the organisation into line with best international practice particularly relating to barricade incidents. Recently the Inspectorate published a progress report on the implementation of the recommendations contained in their report and I am informed by the Garda Authorities that of the total of eighty-five recommendations contained in the report, thirty-four have been fully implemented with a further forty-one recommendations currently underway with a targeted date for implementation by the end of 2008. The remaining nine recommendations, which were accepted by the Commissioner with some modifications, are planned for implementation in 2009.
In relation to gun licensing law, the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which was signed into law on 16 July 2006, provides for significant amendments to the Firearms Acts 1925-2000 and substantially reforms the law in relation to legally and illegally held firearms. The vast majority of the recommendations proposed for gun licensing have been legislated for in this Act. The Firearms Consultative Panel, which was set up in 2007 to assist with the introduction of the firearms licensing regime, is currently working on the outstanding issues. The Panel comprises organisations representing the different shooting interest groups, firearms dealers representatives, the Garda Síochána, officials of my Department and other relevant Departments.
486 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to expand the successful drug court programme and provide judges with the option of sentencing certain offenders to mandatory drug treatment programmes in addition to prison. [19314/08]
The Drug Treatment Court, which originally operated on a pilot basis in the North inner city of Dublin, has been placed on a permanent footing and extended to the Dublin 7 area. The Court uses a multi-disciplinary approach and involves a range of Government Departments and agencies charged with dealing with various aspects of the problem of drug misuse.
The Court operates with the assistance of a team which includes the judge, a probation and welfare officer, an addiction nurse, a Garda liaison officer and education/training representative and counsellors. My Department is currently examining the operation of the court and officials are looking at best practice elsewhere to see how the Court's throughput might be enhanced. There are plans to extend the concept to the rest of the Dublin Metropolitan District Court area on a phased basis and discussions with other agencies are ongoing in this regard.
487 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to increase Garda search powers in relation to drug crime along the lines of the new random breath-testing model for drink driving to allow random searches at particular places, times and events. [19315/08]
I refer to the replies to Question Nos. 9121/08 and 14079/08 of 4 March and 17 April 2008 respectively. The position is unchanged.
488 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to support targeted Garda anti-drug use programmes in schools and third level institutions. [19316/08]
An Garda Síochána currently delivers both Primary and Secondary School Programmes throughout the country which include a focus on drugs education. The Garda Secondary School Programme has been designed in conjunction with the Social Personal & Health Education (SPHE) syllabus of the Department of Education & Science. This SPHE syllabus supports the personal development, health and well being of young people and helps them to create and maintain supportive relationships. Through this Garda programme, trained Gardaí facilitate classes as part of the SPHE course at Junior cycle in modules which focus on substance misuse issues. In addition, at primary level, An Garda Síochána also delivers a comprehensive education programme for 5th class pupils throughout the country through the Garda Primary Schools initiative which includes modules on drugs education.
The Government is fully supportive of these initiatives and the issue of the further appropriate development of targeted Garda anti-drug use programmes in schools and third level institutions is one which will be considered in the context of the new National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 which is currently being developed under the remit of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
489 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to expand the Criminal Assets Bureau operational presence in each Garda division with the introduction of additional criminal assets profilers and CAB liaison officers in each Garda division. [19317/08]
In relation to the issue of the Criminal Asset Bureau's work at regional and local levels, I can inform the Deputy that in order to maximise the benefit that can be derived from local knowledge, officers from the Criminal Assets Bureau work closely with Gardai from specific regions and localities in order to ensure that the efforts of the Bureau are targeted in the most effective manner possible. As you may also know, my colleague and predecessor as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. Brian Lenihan T.D. , has also already included in the Government's policing priorities for 2008 for An Garda Síochána a specific reference to enhanced liaison arrangements between Garda Divisions and the Criminal Assets Bureau in the pursuit of those engaged in drug dealing at all levels.
The Bureau will continue to utilise the services of Divisional Criminal Assets Profilers throughout the country and profilers are now in place in all Garda Divisions across the country. At present eighty one Garda divisional profilers have been appointed and are operational and the complement of Divisional profilers will continue to be monitored and reviewed on an on-going basis. In addition, eleven officials from the Revenue Commissioners have been trained as asset profilers. The use of local Garda officers in this way ensures that preparatory groundwork can be carried out in advance of a full investigation by the Bureau. Asset profilers have at all times recourse to the expertise and advice of the Bureau. Essentially a key function of these profilers is to ascertain and build up information at local levels and point out individuals at whom the Bureau's work can be targeted. Such information is then investigated and followed up further by the Criminal Assets Bureau.
490 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to require all mobile phones to be registered with name, address and proof of identity in order to stop drug-pushers using untraceable, unregistered phones. [19318/08]
Insofar as my Department has responsibility in relation to the matters referred to by the Deputy, consultations are taking place with An Garda Síochána with a view to progressing this matter.
491 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce divestitures which require defendants to divest themselves of interests in tainted enterprises, impose restrictions on the future activities and investments of an individual and order the dissolution or reorganisation of any enterprise. [19319/08]
492 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce trusteeships that will allow the courts to empower trustees to run organisations where they are infiltrated or controlled by criminal elements. [19320/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 491 and 492 together.
The Agreed Programme for Government contains commitments in relation to the use of divestitures and trusteeships in the fight against organised crime. As Minister, I am determined to take whatever steps are required to disrupt the activities of criminal gangs through the seizure of assets and the targeting of businesses and other enterprises used by them in furtherance of their criminal objectives.
In this regard, the Criminal Assets Bureau is being actively utilised to identify and target assets accumulated by crime gangs, in order to seize such assets and to deprive criminals of the profits of their illegal activities. The measures which the Criminal Assets Bureau continues to take against crime groups involves the restraint and seizure of assets by way of the Proceeds of Crime legislation, the raising of tax assessments and the collection of money under revenue legislation and through the implementation of actions as deemed appropriate under Social Welfare legislation. This work continues to cause major disruption to these crime groups by removing the profit generated by their criminal activities and such action will continue to be vigorously pursued by the Bureau. My Department will continue to consider how to advance additional measures, such as the use of divestitures and trusteeships, designed to assist in the fight against organised crime.
493 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to establish a judicial sentencing commission under the auspices of the Courts Service. [19321/08]
The Agreed Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish a Judicial Sentencing Commission. This matter is being considered in the context of the Judicial Council Bill under preparation. I stress, however, the independence, within the law, of the Judiciary and each member of the Judiciary in the matter of sentencing, as in other matters concerning the exercise of the judicial function. In considering this matter, my Department is guided by the ongoing work of the steering committee established by the Courts Service Board to plan for and provide information on sentencing. The committee, under the chair of Mrs. Justice Susan Denham of the Supreme Court, comprises a judge from the High, Circuit and District Courts and a university law lecturer with expertise in sentencing law.
The project, known as the Irish Sentencing Information System, involves an examination of the feasibility of providing a computerised information system on sentences and other penalties imposed for criminal offences. This will assist judges when considering the sentence to be imposed in an individual case. The objective of a sentencing information system is to enable a judge, by entering relevant criteria, to access information about the range of sentences and other penalties imposed for particular types of offence in previous cases. The Committee established a pilot project in June 2006 in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. A further pilot commenced in Cork Circuit Court in April 2008. An appropriate IT system has been developed incorporating a database where the information collected is electronically stored for subsequent retrieval and searching.
494 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce a formal review process on an annual basis, to assess the effect of the stringent new mandatory sentence regime for drug crime introduced in the Criminal Justice Act 2007. [19322/08]
Section 27 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, as amended by the Criminal Justice Acts 1999 and 2006, provides for mandatory minimum sentence of not less than 10 years of imprisonment for individuals convicted of a first offence under section 15A — possession of drugs with a value of at least €13,000 for sale or supply — or 15B — importation of drugs with a value of at least €13,000 — of that Act. The mandatory minimum sentence, or to give it its more correct name, presumptive minimum sentence, is to be imposed in all cases save for those with very specific and exceptional mitigating factors. Where an individual is convicted of a second or subsequent office under sections 15A and/or 15B a court has no discretion and must always impose a sentence of not less than the mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. The maximum sentence available for section 15A and 15B offences is life imprisonment.
Having regard to concern about the degree to which the presumptive minimum sentence was being imposed, notwithstanding the amendments introduced by the Criminal Justice Act 2006, section 33 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 further amended section 27 of the 1977 Act to insert an interpretation clause. The clause emphasises that a decision to depart from the presumptive minimum sentence must be based on the presence of individual and extraordinary reasons as to why the interest of justice would not be served by imposition of a sentence of not less than 10 years. Referring to the damaging effects of drug related crime on Irish society the clause states that a court must, as a general principle, always impose the mandatory minimum sentence on persons convicted of an offence under sections 15A and 15B.
The Agreed Programme for Government includes a commitment to conduct a formal annual review of the effect of these provisions concerning the mandatory sentence regime for drug crime which were introduced by the Criminal Justice Act 2007. As the provisions in question which are contained in Section 33 of the Act were commenced with effect from 18 May 2007, they have only been in operation for just approximately one year to date. Therefore, the issue of establishing a formal review mechanism will be addressed at the appropriate stage.
495 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce a formal annual review to assess the effect of the stringent new bail regime introduced in the Criminal Justice Act 2007. [19323/08]
New and stringent provisions in relation to bail were introduced by the Criminal Justice Act 2007. These included a requirement that applicants for bail may have to provide a statement of their means, their previous criminal record and details of any offences committed while previously on bail. The Act also provides that a Garda Superintendent may give an opinion that bail should be refused on the grounds that the applicant is likely to commit a serious offence if granted bail. The prosecution authorities were also given the right to appeal against decisions to grant bail or, where it is granted, the conditions attaching to it. The Agreed Programme for Government includes a commitment to conduct a formal annual review of the new measures in relation to bail introduced in the Criminal Justice Act 2007. As the Deputy is aware, the provisions in question have been in operation for less than a year. The issue of establishing a formal review mechanism will be addressed at the appropriate stage.
496 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to provide for the Director of Public Prosecutions to appeal against lenient sentences in the District Court and allow the DPP to make submissions at sentencing stage. [19324/08]
The commitments in the Programme for Government 2007-12 to which the question refers are under consideration. The question of giving the DPP the power to seek a review of unduly lenient sentences handed down in the District Court was examined by the Law Reform Commission in its report on prosecution appeals and pre-trial hearings (LRC 81-2006). The LRC decided that in principle such sentences should be subject to review. However, the LRC felt that more information was required on sentencing practices in the District Court before giving the DPP such a power. This information deficit is being addressed by the steering committee established by the Courts Service Board to plan for and provide information on sentencing.
The committee, under the chair of Mrs. Justice Susan Denham of the Supreme Court has initiated a project, known as the Irish Sentencing Information System. The project involves an examination of the feasibility of providing a computerised information system on sentences and other penalties imposed for criminal offences. This will assist judges when considering the sentence to be imposed in an individual case. The objective of a sentencing information system is to enable a judge, by entering relevant criteria, to access information about the range of sentences and other penalties imposed for particular types of offence in previous cases. The Committee established a pilot project in June 2006 in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. A further pilot commenced in Cork Circuit Court last month. An appropriate IT system has been developed incorporating a database where the information collected is electronically stored for subsequent retrieval and searching. It is expected that the outcome of this initiative will prepare the ground for the implementation of this commitment in the Programme for Government.
The issue of prosecution submissions at the sentencing stage was examined by the Balance in the Criminal Law Review Group. At present there is no statute regulating the right of the prosecution to make such submissions. The Deputy will be aware that the DPP's Guidelines for Prosecutors give some direction in this regard, as do the codes of conduct of the Bar and the Law Society. In light of its deliberations the Group recommended that the DPP guidelines be amended to permit the prosecution to assist the sentencing judge by volunteering information on sentencing precedents irrespective of whether such detail was or was not solicited by the Court.
The Group further recommended that my Department, together with the Office of the DPP, keep under review the possibility of allowing the prosecutor to volunteer precedents and to make submissions at the outset of the sentencing stage and to make submissions to the court as to the aggravating factors, but without recommending a particular sentence range. The recommendations made by the Review Group are being examined by my Department. In the course of that review, the views of the Office of the Attorney General and of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions will be sought. I am not in a position at this stage to say when the review will be completed.
497 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce means to ensure that criminal trials can no longer be collapsed because of legal technicalities and that this will include legislation and if necessary appropriate amendment to the Constitution. [19325/08]
498 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce new pre-trial procedures to deal with admissibility of evidence to save overtime, and the time of jurors and the court. [19326/08]
499 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce procedures in order that the defence should provide the prosecution with a list of intended witnesses and put structures in place to ensure that the prosecution is on notice of the points of defence to be raised by the defence in advance. [19327/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 497 to 499, inclusive, together.
The Deputy's Questions refer to Government commitments regarding the conduct of and procedures relating to criminal trials. The issues raised by these commitments were considered by the Balance in the Criminal Law Review Group, chaired by Dr. Gerard Hogan SC, which reported in March 2007 to the then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. In considering the disposal of admissibility issues pre-trial, the Review Group recommended that legislation be introduced to provide that admissibility issues may be determined prior to the swearing in of a jury on the first day of the trial. The Group considered that the present arrangement whereby a jury is sworn in before any admissibility issue is determined is illogical and inconvenient on a number of levels and is based on historical considerations which no longer apply.
The Deputy will be aware that a considerable disparity exists between the advance disclosure obligations of the defence and prosecution counsel in criminal cases. The prosecution is required to set out the precise details of the case they will seek to present and the conclusions which it will attempt to prove. The defence, in contrast, is not required to furnish any such information, with certain exceptions such as alibi evidence under Section 20 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, witness information required under the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 and evidence regarding the mental state of the accused under Section 19 of the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. The Review Group considered a range of options regarding defence statements, including models based on UK law. The Group concluded that, having regard to the difficulties of moving to a defence statement regime, the obligation on additional disclosure should be limited to expert and technical reports and witness statements of experts on which the defendant intends to rely.
The Government commitment to introduce measures to ensure that criminal trials can no longer be collapsed encompasses the majority recommendation of the Review Group concerning the exclusionary rule of evidence. The majority of the Group recommended that the strict exclusionary rule as articulated by the Supreme Court in 1990 in DPP v. Kenny should be recalibrated so that the court would have the discretion to admit unconstitutionally obtained evidence or not, having regard to the totality of the circumstances and in particular the rights of victims. The majority suggested, in the first instance, the approach of seeing whether a change in jurisprudence emerges following use of the more extensive opportunities for prosecution right of appeal which was provided by means of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. If such an approach does not bear fruit, the majority suggested various legislative options or possibly constitutional change. The majority recognised the legislative options examined would give rise to important constitutional issues. The Chair of the Group submitted a minority report. In it, he argues that change is unnecessary and, perhaps, undesirable.
In my view, the procedures mentioned by the Deputy are important and could have a significant impact on the conduct of criminal trials. As with all long established procedures relating to the criminal law, it is important that we consider the issues and implications very carefully before undertaking radical changes. However, that is not to say we should shy away from change where it is necessary. These matters are being examined in my Department at present in the context of the commitments made in the Programme for Government. We are fortunate in having the considered opinions of the Balance in the Criminal Law Review Group on the issues as a starting point for the examination.
The recommendations made by the Review Group are being examined by my Department. In the course of that examination, the views of the Office of the Attorney General and of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions will be sought. I am not in a position at this stage to say when the examination will be completed.
500 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to establish a statutory victims support agency and set up a victims council to formulate victim policy. [19328/08]
My predecessor, Michael McDowell, appointed the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime for a three-year period with effect from March 2005. The Commission was tasked with devising an appropriate support framework for victims into the future. In this regard, the Commission has over the past 3 years been in contact with the major stakeholders with a view to embodying their opinions in their Final Report. The Commission recently submitted its Framework Document — Recommendations for the Future Structure and Services for Victims of Crime. This Document is being considered within my Department with a view to developing the best possible structures for the support of victims of crime into the future and thereby honouring the commitment in the Programme for Government. I take this opportunity to thank the Members of the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime for their invaluable work over the past three years.
501 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to protect the identities of witnesses and victims at identification parades through the installation of one-way glass in Garda stations. [19329/08]
The current procedure used by the Garda Síochána, which was introduced following advice from the Law Officers, involves each participant in an identity parade being assigned a number. To ensure there is no doubt as to the person the victim or witness has identified, it is necessary that a clear identification is made. This may be done in a number of ways, including pointing at or stating the position or number of a person on the line-up. Prior to this the procedure necessitated the witness or victim placing their hand on the person as part of the identification process. The installation of one-way mirrors in Garda stations for identification parades including the practical issues such as suitable locations within stations is being examined by the Garda authorities.
502 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to re-instate the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board. [19330/08]
503 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce a right for the State to recover from the perpetrators of crime the amount paid out by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board in respect of that crime. [19331/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 502 and 503 together.
I can inform the Deputy that a new Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal was appointed in September of last year. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme provides an accessible and independent means by which the victims of violent crime can receive financial compensation for any out of pocket expenses arising as a result of that crime, including loss of earnings and vouched medical expenses. It is my intention to pursue the second undertaking referred to by the Deputy through further study over the course of my term of office and against the backdrop of a range of complementary measures to improve supports for the victims of crime.
504 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that an accused who can afford to defend themselves does not obtain legal aid by requiring those seeking legal aid to complete a statutory declaration prior to attending court. [19332/08]
The Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962 provides that free legal aid may be granted in certain circumstances for the defence of persons of insufficient means in criminal proceedings. Under the 1962 Act, the courts, through the Judiciary, are responsible for the granting of legal aid. An applicant must establish to the satisfaction of the court that his/her means are insufficient to enable him/her to pay for legal representation him/herself. The court must also be satisfied that, by reason of the "gravity of the charge" or "exceptional circumstances", it is essential in the interests of justice that the applicant should have legal aid. I have no function in these matters which are determined by the Judiciary.
The current position is that, under the Act, an applicant for free legal aid may be required by the court to complete a statement of means. It is an offence for an applicant to knowingly make a false statement or conceal a material fact for the purpose of obtaining legal aid. My Department, in consultation with the Courts Service, is carrying out a review of the operation of this aspect of the Scheme in line with the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government.
505 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to establish a domestic violence prevention office. [19333/08]
The Government's commitment to tackling domestic violence was reflected in the establishment in June 2007 of Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence. Cosc's key responsibility is to ensure the delivery of a well co-ordinated "whole of Government" response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Cosc's major priority is to produce a National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence which has the support of State and non-government organisations in the sector. The Strategy will set out the policy on addressing domestic and sexual violence, and the preventative and responsive actions to be taken by the broad ranging organisations to ensure a well co-ordinated system.
Work on preparing the Strategy has commenced including the publication in April of a call for submissions in the national newspapers, the organisation of an international conference on domestic violence at the end of this month and mapping of relevant services available in Ireland. The preparation of the Strategy is being carried out in partnership with the relevant State and non-governmental organisations. The commitment in the Programme for Government for the establishment of an office providing a unified service incorporating legal advice, counselling and other services is being addressed in the context of the National Strategy.
506 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to set up a domestic violence fund under which there will be an increase in the number of refuge spaces. [19334/08]
Following a Government Decision, Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence was set up in June 2007 with the key responsibility is to ensure the delivery of a well co-ordinated "whole of Government" response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. As part of its remit, Cosc facilitates the development of strategies and services in relation to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in line with best international practice. This involves mapping current service standards as well as sourcing, disseminating and, in due course, facilitating the implementation of best practice in relation to the services.
With the aim of progressing its interagency work on health and housing issues, Cosc has established a committee which comprises senior representatives from Cosc, the Health Service Executive and the Departments of Health and Children and Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The involvement of these organisations is important as the provision of refuge accommodation can be funded through the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government's voluntary housing programme while the Health Service Executive provides funding for the staffing of the refuges. The committee has agreed that the first steps in addressing the adequacy of safe accommodation provision is to conduct an assessment of the current system and to develop a needs assessment system informed by the National Housing Policy and policy to be included in the National Strategy on Domestic and Sexual Violence. The outcomes of this assessment and consultation work will inform decisions on any increase in the number of refuge spaces.
507 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to provide that each Garda region will have a team extensively trained in the area of domestic violence. [19335/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that as part of Student / Probationer training all members of An Garda Síochána receive training to prepare for and assist them in the investigation of incidents relating to domestic violence. They receive this in two modules, namely Social and Psychological studies and Legal and Policing studies. Additional training is provided as part of the Continuous Professional Development programmes and a dedicated training programme is provided for those selected for the Detective Branch. Continuous Professional Development incorporated domestic violence in the 1997 Core Programme for all members of Garda and Sergeant rank after the Domestic Violence Act came into force in 1996.
Furthermore, a policy document was issued to all members. The Core Continuous Professional Development Programme for 2006 contained a module on Sexual Crime, developed in consultation with the Rape Crisis Counselling Network and covered some areas pertinent to domestic violence. The situation is kept under constant review by Continuous Professional Development. A Specialist Child Interviewer Course has been developed and 21 members of An Garda Síochána have successfully passed the course to date. This intensive course trains the participants to interview children under 14 and persons with an intellectual disability. There is a Garda Inspector in each Garda Division nominated to monitor all incidents of domestic violence within the Division and to ensure that members of An Garda Síochána investigating such incidents adhere to the Garda Síochána Policy on domestic violence.
508 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to expand the mechanism by which sexual offenders are monitored after their release from prison including the expansion of resources to the probation service and the Garda vetting unit. [19336/08]
513 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that all sexual offenders are assessed before their release from prison to identify the level of supervision and regulation needed. [19342/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 508 and 513 together.
There are a range of mechanisms in place for the assessment and monitoring of this group of offenders. The Sex Offenders Act 2001 which commenced on 27 September 2001, makes provision, under Part 5, for the Courts to impose a post release supervision Order which obliges the convicted person to undergo supervision by the Probation Service for a specified period and to comply with such conditions as are specified therein. Offenders who are subject to a post release supervision Order are managed on a one-to-one basis by a Probation Officer. If a sex offender fails to comply with obligations as outlined in the Act, the offender is guilty of an offence and subject to a fine and / or imprisonment.
It is a matter for the Court in its deliberations to decide whether or not to impose a post release supervision order. There is also a system in place whereby Child Care Managers in the Health Service Executive are informed, by the Senior Probation Officer, of the impending release of sex offenders from prisons irrespective of whether the offence is against a child or adult. The Child Care Manager is provided with the date of release, details of the offence committed and address of the offender following release.
Section 9 of the 2001 Act places an obligation on Prison Governors to inform the gardaí of the impending release of a sex offender, at least 10 days in advance, and to remind the offender of his or her obligations under the legislation prior to release. In addition to offenders approaching release, offenders who are going to Court where there is a possibility of early release (i.e. a review of sentence or an appeal of length of sentence) must also be informed of their obligations before they attend Court. Furthermore, a convicted sex offender must notify his/her name(s), date of birth and current home address to An Garda Síochána within seven days of the conviction for the sexual offence concerned or, where the offender is sentenced to imprisonment, from the date of full release from prison. The offender must also notify the gardaí of a change of name or address within seven days of that change. Notification of any address where the offender spends either as much as seven days or two or more periods amounting to seven days in any 12-month period must also be given to the gardaí. If the offender intends to leave the State for a period of seven days or more s/he must inform the gardaí of this fact and the address at which s/he intends to stay and also notify the Gardaí of his/her return.
The provisions of the Act extend to any sex offenders entering this jurisdiction from abroad who have an obligation to register in their own countries or who have been convicted abroad of an offence comparable to one covered by the Act. It is an offence under Part 4 of the Act for convicted sex offenders to apply for, or to accept, work or to offer services, a necessary and regular part of which consists mainly of unsupervised access to, or contact with, children or mentally impaired persons, without informing the employer or organisation of his/her conviction for a qualifying sexual offence. It is an offence to fail to comply with the notification requirements. An Garda Síochána has in place a system for the monitoring of persons subject to aforementioned requirements.
In September 2007, following a review and restructuring exercise, the Probation Service established a division to manage the rehabilitation of high risk offenders from prison to the community, on a national basis. This followed from the allocation of additional resources to the Probation Service, on foot of a Government Decision of 18 April 2007 which approved an additional 71 professional and administrative posts for the Service. The division consists of seven teams who deliver services to the main prisons for sentenced prisoners. This dedicated division provides pre-sanction Reports to the Central Criminal Court, co-manages the Sex Offender Programme in Arbour Hill Prison with the Psychology Service of the Irish Prison Service, and co-delivers the Probation funded community based treatment programmes in conjunction with the Granada Institute known as the Lighthouse project.
Furthermore, to enhance effective practice, the Probation Service is committed to the introduction of an all-Ireland sex offender risk assessment instrument which will enhance the assessment of sex offenders in prisons and in the community. In turn, such assessments will facilitate an ability to target resources at those offenders who are categorised as posing a greater risk of re-offending and a risk to public safety. In addition, linkages at a central level have been developed with the Irish Prison Service and the Garda. Joint training in sex offender assessment between the Probation Service and the Garda will commence in June of this year.
Linkages with the Probation Board of Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Sex Offender Strategic Management committee have been increasing. Contact has also been established with the Scottish Executive through Probation Officers attending training programmes at their invitation. In addition, as part of the Homeless Agency structures in Dublin, the Probation Service chairs a multi-agency committee on homeless sex offenders. The committee has representation from the four local authorities, HSE, justice and voluntary sectors. My Department, through the Probation Service, has committed €200,000 over two years to recruit a co-ordinator to increase the extent and effectiveness of cross-agency working in this area. I will keep developments under constant review.
509 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to provide the Garda with the power to require individual sex offenders to provide specific information about their movements and activities. [19337/08]
Work on the preparation of a Sexual Offences Bill is at an advanced stage of preparation in my Department. The legislation will include changes to the Sex Offenders Act 2001 with regard to the notification requirements for sex offenders. It is hoped to publish the General Scheme of the Bill before the summer.
510 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to provide an entitlement to free full separate legal advice, assistance and representation to complainants in cases of sexual violence. [19338/08]
I can inform the Deputy that the Legal Aid Board provides legal advice to complainants in a prosecution for a defined range of categories of sexual assault, including rape. At present a means test applies in respect of access to this service but an amendment contained in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006, currently before the Seanad, removes this test. In addition, legal representation in Court is also available to a complainant in certain sexual assault cases where the prior sexual history of the complainant is being raised by the accused person. No means test applies in these cases.
511 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to create a new offence of supplying and administering date rape drugs. [19340/08]
Section 12 of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997 makes it an offence for a person to intentionally or recklessly administer to, or cause another to take, a substance which he or she knows to be capable of interfering substantially with the other person's bodily functions and where he or she knows the person does not consent to what is being done. Section 12(2) of that Act provides that a substance capable of inducing unconsciousness or sleep is capable of interfering substantially with bodily functions. The need for any further measures in the light of the commitment in the Programme for Government 2007-2012 to create a new offence of supplying and administering ‘date rape' drugs is under consideration.
512 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to provide for the forfeiture of all material gains from the production, sale and distribution of illegal pornography. [19341/08]
The Proceeds of Crime Act 1996 and the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996 both of which are amended by the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act 2005, provide for the recovery and disposal of the proceeds of crime. This may include the confiscation, restraint of use, freezing, preservation or seizure of assets identified as deriving, or suspected to derive directly or indirectly, from criminal activity. The need to take further measures in light of the commitment in the Programme for Government 2007-2012 to provide for the forfeiture of all material gains from the production, sale and distribution of illegal pornography is also under consideration.
514 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce a Sexual Offences Bill which will consolidate and modernise all criminal law in the area of sexual offences. [19343/08]
I am preparing a Sexual Offences Bill which will provide greater protection to children and other vulnerable persons against sexual abuse and exploitation. The Bill is at an advanced stage of preparation and it is hoped to publish a General Scheme before the summer. As the Deputy is aware, the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children is presently examining the Bill amending the Constitution published last year and expects to report to the Oireachtas by the end of November. This deals, inter alia, with important matters that arose from the decision of the Supreme Court in the C.C. case and it is likely that further legislation will be necessary to give effect to the Committee’s recommendations. As soon as those two pieces of legislation are enacted, we will have a modern set of criminal laws governing sexual offences. However, it is only at that point that the question of consolidation will arise.
515 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ratify the UN convention for the suppression of the traffic in persons and of the exploitation of the prostitution of others. [19344/08]
The Deputy's question is understood to refer to the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime. Many of the provisions of the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organised Crime have already been given effect through legislation. Some additional legislation and administrative procedures will be required before ratification of the Convention can take place. This work is in train.
The enactment of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 which comes into effect on 7 June 2008 will bring Ireland into compliance with the criminal law/law enforcement elements of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Other aspects of the Protocol are being dealt with administratively in the context of preparation of a National Action Plan and through engagement with the Governmental and non-governmental organisations in this area. It is expected that the Protocol will be ratified next year.
516 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will advise on the matter. [19359/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 20 February 2002 and applied for asylum. His asylum application was refused following the 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 January 2004, 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 were submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
Following the consideration of his case under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), as an exceptional measure and subject to certain stated conditions, the person concerned was granted temporary leave to remain in the State for a period of three years, to 7 November 2010. The person concerned was notified of this decision by letter dated 7 November 2007. The position in the State of the person concerned is not such as would establish any entitlement to family reunification.
517 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for Irish citizenship through naturalisation of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [19400/08]
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 August 2005. On examination of this application it was determined that the person concerned did not satisfy the residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. A letter informing him of this was issued on 8 September 2005. A further application was received in August 2007. Officials in the Citizenship section inform me that processing of the application has commenced and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in the coming months. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the matter.
518 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed at Maynooth Garda station at present and at this point in each of 2005, 2006 and 2007; the number of cases of breaking and entering in the area served by the Maynooth Garda station for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; if he and the Garda are satisfied that a full service can be offered to people in rural areas of County Meath served by the station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19434/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Maynooth Garda Station as of 30 April in each of the years 2005-2008, inclusive, is as set out in the table hereunder:
|
Year |
Strength |
|
2005 |
16 |
|
2006 |
16 |
|
2007 |
16 |
|
2008 |
17 |
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 and other resources throughout the Force taking everything into account. In that regard, the needs of Maynooth Garda Station will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the CSO to compile and publish criminal statistics and that body has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006. These figures are available at www.cso.ie. In any event I have requested the CSO to send the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to her.
519 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for permission to remain on humanitarian grounds of a person (details supplied) who came here from Cameroon in 2001 and whose two children are here since 2003, one of whom is sitting their leaving certificate examination in 2008. [19454/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 13 February 2001 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 23 August 2002, 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. Representations were submitted on behalf of the person concerned. The person concerned was subsequently joined in the State by her two minor children who were then included in her asylum claim.
Following consideration of the case of the person concerned, under Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended), as an exceptional measure and subject to certain stated conditions, the person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State for a period of one year, to 11 May 2009. This decision was conveyed to the person concerned by letter dated 14 May 2008. This decision applies equally to the two dependent children of the person concerned.
520 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will assist in the case of a person (details supplied). [19464/08]
I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that every assistance has been provided by that Division within its remit in facilitating the request of the person referred to by the Deputy. The Immigration Division has been in contact with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and has been informed that the Bureau will be returning the passport of the person in question prior to her intended journey outside the State. I have also been assured that the immigration authorities of this State will have no difficulty in permitting the person in question to re-enter the State after her school trip. Visa requirements to enter France are a matter for the French authorities.
521 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the expenditure by his Department on consultants to date in 2008; and if he will compare this to the expenditure on consultants for each of the past five years. [19503/08]
Expenditure on consultants in my Department was in the region of one hundred and fifty six thousand euros to the end of April 2008. This includes the engagement of professional services in relation to the expansion of Financial Shared Services and the development of human resources initiatives. The expenditure over the same period for the last five years averaged out at two hundred and sixty six thousand euros.
522 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and cost of mobile phones or such communications equipment issued to programme managers, advisers, press officers and departmental personnel during each of the past three years; and the annual billing cost of same. [19518/08]
I can inform the Deputy that, insofar as my Department's Administrative Budget is concerned, the full costs incurred in purchasing and operating mobile communications equipment and other such devices was €343,870 in 2006, €336,551 in 2007 and €73,478 to end April 2008. This expenditure relates to 397 such devices.
523 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application under the family reunification scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19537/08]
I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that as the person concerned has not been granted full refugee status, he is not eligible to make an application under the family reunification scheme in respect of his mother or any other family member. I have also been informed by the Immigration Division that the mother of the person referred to by the Deputy entered the State on foot of a C visit visa, after having guaranteed in her original visa application that upon termination of her visit to this State and prior to the expiration of the 90 day maximum period permitted under the C visit visa, she would return back to India.
I understand that the person referred to by the Deputy also guaranteed that his mother would return to India on termination of her visit. Under the terms of the C visit visa scheme, the visa holder is required to leave the State on or before the expiration of the 90 day period and if she wishes to return at a future date she should apply to the nearest Irish Embassy, outside the State, for the appropriate visa to re-enter the State.
524 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a decision will be made in the near future regarding the appointment of the successful tenderer to operate the safety cameras to reduce speeding on roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19552/08]
A tender process for procuring an outsourced safety camera network is under way, the contracting authority for which is An Garda Síochána. Following a two-stage tender and evaluation process, a preferred bidder has been identified. The Government has confirmed that it will be proceeding with the outsourcing of a countrywide safety camera network and the financial resources necessary to do so will be provided. It is expected that An Garda Síochána will shortly commence contract negotiations with the preferred bidder, which will be concluded as expeditiously as possible.
525 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if persons (details supplied) will be supported. [19564/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the application referred to was approved on appeal on the 15th May 2008.
526 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on extending the visa of a person (details supplied) for nine months to allow them go back to Bangladesh to receive much needed medical care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19572/08]
I refer the Deputy to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 567 of 17 April 2008. 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.
While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date. I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that an application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on 12 June 2007. I understand that applications received in August 2006 are currently being dealt with and that as soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.
The person in question also made an application for Business Permission in the State which was refused in August 2007. There is currently an appeal pending in relation to this refusal and a decision should issue shortly. If the person referred to in the Deputy's Question wishes to leave the State for medical attention, he may do so, and if he wishes to return at a future date he should apply to the nearest Irish Embassy for the appropriate visa to re-enter the State.
527 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19578/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 220 of Thursday 3 April 2008, No. 391 Tuesday 22 April 2008 and the written Replies to those Questions. The first named person concerned arrived in the State on 15 December 2002, accompanied by two of her children, and made an application for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the first named person was informed, by letter dated 28 April 2004, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of her and her children. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of deportation orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she and her children should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the first named person concerned and her two children.
Additionally, the first named person concerned has recently submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). When consideration of this application has been completed, the first named 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 first named person, 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 first named person is passed to me for decision.
The second named person referred to by the Deputy applied for Asylum on 24 October 2006. The claim was assessed by the Refugee Applications Commissioner who concluded that the second named person concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee. The Commissioner's recommendation was communicated to him by letter dated 15 November 2006. 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 second named 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 12 May 2008.
In accordance with normal procedures, the applicant's file will be forwarded to my Department's Ministerial Decisions Unit for final processing of the Asylum claim. A letter will issue to him from my Department advising him formally that his asylum claim had been rejected and affording him three options as follows: 1. Return home voluntarily; 2. Consent to the making of a deportation order, or; 3. Make written representations to me within 15 working days for temporary leave to remain in the State and/or make an application for subsidiary protection under the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (SI No. 518 of 2006).
528 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when travel documents will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19579/08]
The person in question has lodged a travel document application with my Department. The application is currently under consideration and a decision will issue directly to the applicant shortly.
529 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the length of time it is taking the Irish naturalisation and immigration service to process an application for naturalisation; and when a decision would be expected to be made for an application made in August 2006. [19588/08]
Since the Deputy has not provided details of a particular case, I can only set out the position generally. The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. These conditions are that the applicant must: be of full age, or by way of exception, be a minor born in the State; be of good character; have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years; intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation; have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.
Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that I may, in my absolute discretion, waive some or all of the statutory conditions in certain circumstances i.e. where an applicant is of Irish descent or of Irish associations; where an applicant is a person who is a refugee within the meaning of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees; or where an applicant is a Stateless person within the meaning of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Stateless persons. If the Deputy wishes to furnish further particulars, officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department will advise him of the position.
530 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum applications which have been deemed withdrawn in each year from 2000 inclusive to date in 2008 due to their failure to inform the Irish naturalisation and immigration service of their change of address; the number of such persons who have been issued with an intention to deport notification; the number deported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19664/08]
The Immigration Act 2003, which was commenced on the 15th September 2003, contained a number of key changes to the Refugee Act, 1996 which enabled the processing of asylum applications to be speeded up and enhanced our ability to deal with abusive applications. These changes included the imposition on applicants of a clear statutory duty to actively pursue their asylum applications and co-operate at all times with the processing agencies or face having their applications deemed withdrawn.
The most common reasons for an application to be deemed withdrawn are where an applicant fails to attend for an interview at the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) without reasonable cause; an applicant fails to co-operate with the Refugee Applications Commissioner after having lodged his or her application; or an applicant fails to notify the Commissioner of his or her postal address or change of address.
Since the commencement of the Immigration Act, 2003 recommendations are made by the ORAC to the Minister that an application should be deemed withdrawn. Statistics are not maintained in a way which distinguishes between applications deemed withdrawn on the basis of applicants failing to notify the Refugee Applications Commissioner of their postal address or change of address and applications deemed withdrawn for other reasons. The number of asylum applications deemed to be withdrawn in the period from 2000 to end of April 2008 are set out in the following tabular format (asylum applications deemed to be withdrawn where the application was transferred to another Dublin Convention country are provided separately).
|
Year |
Asylum applications deemed withdrawn |
|
2000 |
n/a |
|
2001 |
n/a |
|
2002 |
n/a |
|
2003 |
402 |
|
2004 |
1,734 |
|
2005 |
802 |
|
2006 |
477 |
|
2007 |
1,777 |
|
2008 (30/04) |
310 |
n/a — not applicable.
Section 13(2) of the Refugee Act (as amended) provides that there is no right of appeal against a recommendation to deem an application withdrawn. Where an asylum application is deemed to be withdrawn the applicant is served with a notice of intent to deport under section 3(3)(a) of the Immigration Act, 1999. A person served with a notice of intent to deport is afforded certain options, viz. to leave the State voluntarily; to consent to the making of a Deportation Order; to make an application for subsidiary protection; or to make representations in writing within 15 working days setting out reasons as to why a Deportation Order should not be made and why temporary leave to remain in the State be granted instead.
In determining whether to make a deportation order or grant temporary leave to remain in the State, I must have regard to the eleven factors set out in Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 (Prohibition of Refoulement) of the Refugee Act, 1996, as amended. Temporary leave to remain is considered in every case regardless of whether representations are made by, or on behalf of, the persons concerned. Statistics are not maintained in a way which distinguishes between deportations effected arising from applications deemed to be withdrawn and other deportations. The overall number of deportations effected in the period from 2003 to end of April 2008 is set out in the following tabular format.
|
Year |
Deportation orders effected |
|
2003 |
591 |
|
2004 |
599 |
|
2005 |
396 |
|
2006 |
302 |
|
2007 |
135 |
|
2008 (30/04) |
38 |
|
Year |
No. of asylum applications transferred to Convention countries |
|
2003 |
0 |
|
2004 |
65 |
|
2005 |
209 |
|
2006 |
294 |
|
2007 |
225 |
|
2008 (30/04) |
95 |
531 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the sale of Garda houses (details supplied) attached to the Garda College, Templemore, County Tipperary and in particular the sale of houses to the long-term occupants of same; further to Parliamentary Question No. 479 of 3 July 2007, if Garda authorities have targeted houses for sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19778/08]
The Deputy will be aware that the allocation of Garda resources, including accommodation where this is appropriate, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the status of a number of houses attached to the Garda College, Templemore, has been reviewed and in consultation with the Office of Public Works an Garda Síochána is evaluating the future plans for these houses.
532 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals for the development of farmland at Dromard, Templemore which was purchased for further development by the Garda College in Templemore; the timeframe for the proposed development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19779/08]
It is proposed to develop the facilities at Dromard, Templemore into a Centre of Excellence for the training of members of the Garda Síochána across a wide range of disciplines. I am advised by the Garda authorities that a Project Board has been set-up and is currently establishing Garda requirements. The plans are being advanced in conjunction with the Office of Public Works. As the development of the site is at conceptual design stage the timeframe for the development has yet to be finalised.
533 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the proliferation of standard form restrictions that prohibit apartment residents, whether owners or tenants, from hanging their washing out to dry on their apartment balconies; his further views on whether purported aesthetic or property value considerations could or should outweigh the importance of promoting energy conservation and the avoidance of excessive and unnecessary domestic electricity consumption by drying machines and the like; if he plans to have consultations with representatives of landlords and property managers regarding abolishing the rule; if he proposes appropriate legislation if that proves ineffective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19807/08]
Apartment living involves a high level of interdependence between residents and this is frequently reflected in the fact that the leases for such accommodation contain conditions or covenants which are designed to maintain the exterior of the building while minimising internal noise and nuisance levels for the benefit of residents. Such conditions may, for example, regulate the uses to which balcony space may be put, the keeping of pets or the installation of wooden floors. These covenants form part of the contractual arrangements entered into by residents themselves and are essentially a matter for the parties concerned.
534 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of incidents of juvenile crime recorded in each division since 2004 to date in 2008; the number of cases dealt with by the juvenile diversion programme in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19821/08]
The compilation and publication of crime statistics is now the responsibility of the Central Statistics Office (CSO). This decision was taken following the submission of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics related to juvenile crime directly to the Deputy. Statistics in regard to the number of children referred to the Garda Diversion Programme have been provided by the Garda Commissioner and are as follows in each year since 2004: 2004 — 17,656; 2005 — 17,567; 2006 — 20,016; 2007 — 21,941; 2008 to date — no figures available for this period.
Diversion of young people from crime and the criminal justice system is one of the key responsibilities of my Department in accordance with the provisions of the Children Act 2001, as amended. The causes of delinquent, anti-social, and criminal behaviour are often complex and may cover a range of issues which are dealt with by a number of Government Departments. In my own Department, for example, the Government has put in place a comprehensive programme to implement youth justice reforms including the establishment of the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS). In March of this year, the National Youth Justice Strategy was published.
In developing the strategy the IYJS and other agencies agreed a number of goals and actions needed to achieve these goals over the next three years. It provides for a coordinated approach across agencies. The success of the strategy is dependent on the commitment and work of not only the IYJS, but also of other agencies working together in order to deliver services effectively to young people in trouble with the law. The focus is on diverting children from crime and the criminal justice system, promoting restorative justice, enforcing community sanctions, facilitating rehabilitation and, as a last resort, providing for detention.
The Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme which the Deputy refers to is an initiative first introduced in 1963 to provide an opportunity to divert juvenile offenders from criminal activity. It has proven to be highly successful in diverting young persons away from crime by offering guidance and support to juveniles and their families. It also enables referral to the Garda Youth Diversion Projects which are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives operating separately from the Programme and which aim to divert young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour. There are currently 100 of these type of projects operating throughout the country and this number will be extended to 168 in line with the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government.
535 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will bring forward an amendment to legislation to allow people to apply for naturalisation or long-term residency if they have been here for five years and to address the anomaly whereby they cannot leave the country for a short time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19841/08]
With regard to proposed legislation, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008, which is currently at Committee Stage in the House. Section 36 of the Bill contains proposals for the Introduction of a statutory long-term resident status based on a number of standard eligibility requirements including a requirement that the applicant have at least five years satisfactory residence in the State. Applications in relation to the current administrative scheme for long term residency are considered in respect of persons who have resided legally in Ireland for a period of time in excess of 60 months on the basis of a Work Permit, Work Authorisation or Working Visa. In calculating the reckonable period of 60 months residence, consideration is given only to time spent in the State legally on work permit conditions. Short absences from the country, such as for holidays or business travel, would not prejudice an application.
With regard to naturalisation, section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, requires that an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation has had a period of one year's continuous residence in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, has had a total residence in the State amounting to four years. Applicants must also intend to have their usual or principal place of residence in the State after naturalisation.
Should the applicant fulfil the aforementioned criteria, his / her application will move to be processed. During the processing stage, while it may not be deemed prejudicial to the application should the applicant wish to leave the State for short periods, each case is considered individually. In circumstances where the person in question does wish to leave the State while his / her application is being processed, he / she should notify the Citizenship section of my Department of the dates of travel and the reasons for same.
536 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 with their application for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19842/08]
The person referred to in the Deputy's question made an initial application for naturalisation in December 2004. He did not meet the statutory residency requirement. A further application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in March 2008. The application has not been examined in detail. Examination of the residency requirement will take place in the near future and the applicant will be contacted at that time informing him when his application will be further examined or, of any shortfall in his residency.
537 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will establish a sex offenders register; if it will include individuals who have been convicted of heinous sex crimes in foreign jurisdictions; the measures in place to monitor individuals who are considered a potential danger to Irish citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19854/08]
The Sex Offenders Act, 2001 was enacted on 30 June, 2001 and contains a comprehensive series of provisions aimed at protecting children and other vulnerable persons against sexual abuse and attack. The Act came into operation on 27 September, 2001. The Act sets out the obligations on persons convicted of a range of sexual offences, making them subject to notification requirements under Part 2 of the Act. The provisions of the Act also extend to any sex offenders who enter the State. An Garda Síochána has in place a system for the monitoring of persons subject to these requirements. The Domestic Violence and sexual Assault Unit monitor and manage the notification provisions.
There are nominated Garda Inspectors in each Garda Division who have responsibility for the monitoring of persons subject to the requirements of the Act in their Division. As soon as the Domestic Violence and Assault Investigation Unit is advised by a relevant authority, such as the Irish Prison Service, the Courts Service or a foreign law enforcement agency, of the impending release or movement of sex offenders into their area this information is immediately passed to the nominated Inspectors, who are advised of information relevant to their Division. Should they arise, child protection issues are raised with the health authorities, as set out in the Children First guidelines.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure that information on sex offenders who plan to travel between Ireland and the UK, including Northern Ireland, is shared by the relevant police forces was signed on 26 November, 2006. There is ongoing contact between my Department and the Northern Ireland Office in the context of ensuring that registered sex offenders in both jurisdictions do not exploit differences in the legislative provisions and so evade the law.
The provisions of the Sex Offenders Act are kept under constant review with a view to ensuring the Act is operating in an efficient and effective manner. I am preparing a Sexual Offences Bill in which it is proposed to amend certain provisions of the Act, including those concerning the notification requirements placed on convicted sex offenders. At present a convicted sex offender is allowed seven days to notify the Gardaí of his or her name and address. It is intended that this will be reduced to three days and so bring the law in this respect into line with that in Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. Provision is also being made for annual notification, even where offenders have not changed their name or address.
In addition, provision is being made that when an offender notifies his or her name and address to An Garda Síochána, it is the name and address on the date of notification that must be provided and not, for example, the address at the date of conviction, which might be different. It is intended also that offenders will be obliged to register in person at the Garda divisional or district headquarters for the area in which they reside. Previously, offenders could notify Gardaí at any divisional or district headquarters. An additional requirement will also be placed on offenders convicted abroad whereby they will have to provide their address where they usually reside in their home country.
538 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí allocated to a division (details supplied) in County Tipperary for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19866/08]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of the Clonmel Garda District on 31 December 2005 to 31 December 2007 inclusive, and on 30 April 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out hereunder:
|
Year |
Strength |
|
2005 |
65 |
|
2006 |
71 |
|
2007 |
74 |
|
2008 |
75 |
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 and other resources throughout the Force taking everything into account. In that regard, the needs of Clonmel Garda District will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Districts throughout the country.
539 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the availability and use of airsoft guns here; and if he has plans to introduce legislation in the area. [19870/08]
Section 1 of the Firearms Act, 1925 (as amended by Section 26 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006) provides that airsoft devices with a muzzle energy less than or equal to 1 joule do not fall within the definition of a firearm and consequently do not come within the firearms licensing regime. I have no proposals at present for a change in that respect of our firearms legislation.
540 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí performing forensic investigations into road traffic accidents; the regions each member is covering; the plans to provide additional personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19871/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that An Garda Síochána currently have thirteen (13) qualified Forensic Collision Investigators. The Regions to which they are attached is as outlined hereunder:
|
Region |
Division |
Sergeant |
Garda |
|
D.M.R. |
DMR Traffic |
4 |
|
|
Southern |
Limerick |
1 |
|
|
Southern |
Cork City |
1 |
1 |
|
Eastern |
Louth / Meath |
1 |
|
|
Western |
Mayo |
1 |
|
|
Western |
Galway West |
1 |
|
|
South Eastern |
Waterford / Kilkenny |
1 |
|
|
Garda College* |
Garda College |
2 |
|
|
Total (13) |
6 |
7 |
*One of the Sergeants attached to the Garda College has been appointed as the Senior Forensic Collision Investigator, with the responsibility for the quality control of investigations and the continuous professional development of newly qualified Forensic Collision Investigation personnel.
Applications have recently been invited from members of Garda and Sergeant rank who wish to be considered for appointment as Forensic Collision Investigations at the following locations:
|
Region |
Division |
Position |
|
Northern |
Donegal |
1 |
|
Northern |
Sligo/Leitrim |
1 |
|
Southern |
Cork West |
1 |
|
Southern |
Kerry |
1 |
|
Eastern |
Longford/Westmeath |
1 |
|
Eastern |
Carlow/Kildare |
1 |
|
Western |
Roscommon/Galway East |
1 |
|
Western |
Mayo |
1 |
|
South Eastern |
Tipperary |
1 |
|
South Eastern |
Wexford/Wicklow |
2 |
|
D.M.R. |
DMR Traffic |
1 |
|
Total |
12 |
The complement of Forensic Collision Investigators will continue to be monitored and reviewed on an on-going basis, having regard to the operational requirements of An Garda Síochána.
541 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); if a substantive reply will issue to correspondence sent by this Deputy on 28 February 2008 requesting permission for the application to be processed through the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform instead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19879/08]
A substantive reply to the correspondence sent by the Deputy will issue in the next few days. The applicant referred to by the Deputy can apply for a visa on-line. Further information on how to apply on-line can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Services www.inis.gov.ie.
542 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19904/08]
As referred to in my previous reply of 1 May 2008, if the personal circumstances of the person referred to have changed, the person must write to the Marriage to Irish National Section of the Irish National Immigration Service outlining the changes in his circumstances and stating clearly why his wife cannot attend with him to renew his permission to remain in the State.
543 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19905/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 13 April 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), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 24 November 2004, 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 submitted on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully 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, before the file is passed to me for decision.
544 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dunlin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19906/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 26 June 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), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 12 November 2004, 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 submitted on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully 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, before the file is passed to me for decision.
545 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected status in the application for asylum in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19907/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 9 July 2006 and applied for asylum. Her asylum application was refused following 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 10 July 2007, 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. Representations were submitted on behalf of the person concerned. In addition, the person concerned 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).
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and, following consideration of this application, it was determined that the person concerned was not eligible for Subsidiary Protection in the State. The person concerned was notified of this decision by letter dated 25 April 2008. The case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will now 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.
546 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19908/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 240 of 15th May, 2008. The position remains unchanged.
547 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person in the advanced processing stages of a citizenship application may leave the State for a period of time to attend to a very seriously ill family member in their native country without jeopardising their application; the procedure such a person should follow to ensure their absence is registered as temporary rather than as a loss of residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19939/08]
Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, requires that an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation has had a period of one year's continuous residence in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, has had a total residence in the State amounting to four years. Applicants must also intend to have their usual or principal place of residence in the State after naturalisation.
Should the applicant fulfil the aforementioned criteria, his/her application will move to be processed. During the processing stage, while it may not be deemed prejudicial to the application should the applicant wish to leave the State for short periods, each case is considered individually. In circumstances where the person in question does wish to leave the State while his/her application is being processed, he/she should notify the Citizenship Section of my Department of the dates of travel and the reasons for same.
548 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of the Minister and Ministers of State since 1997 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20057/08]
Guidelines issued by the Department of Finance specify that the number of staff in the Minister and Minister of State's Constituency Office may not exceed 6 and 5 respectively. During the period 1997 to date the number of staff in the Constituency Office of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Ministers of State assigned to this Department have not exceeded these guidelines.
549 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to facilitate the building of retirement villages and introduce on a pilot basis purpose built neighbourhoods for older people in existing communities. [19268/08]
Housing policy and support, as set out in the Government's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, is designed to reflect the needs of our growing and diverse population and to target supports at the particular needs of people in different phases of their life.
Supported by an unprecedented €18 billion investment in housing programmes provided for under the National Development Plan, 2007-2013, my Department's social housing investment programme is focused on meeting the needs of individual residents by providing them with homes for life in safe and well planned neighbourhoods. The Government has undertaken a broad range of actions as part of a strategic response to enhance the range of housing supports and services available to older people. These actions range from the introduction of better-targeted financial supports to the development of inter-agency protocols to ensure coordinated service delivery at local level where there is a care dimension in association with meeting housing need.
Apart from the provision of retirement-type accommodation by the private sector, the specific accommodation needs of older people can be directly met through a wide range of available supports including grant schemes which allow people to remain in their own homes to the provision of specific accommodation through local authority housing and voluntary and cooperative housing. In the context of Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, my Department continues to keep the matter of financial contribution schemes, whereby private housing is part-exchanged for social rented accommodation appropriate for older people, under review.
The provision of accommodation by approved voluntary and co-operative housing bodies is an integral part of the Department's overall response to delivering on housing need for older people. Under the Capital Assistance Scheme, funding of up to 100% of the approved cost is available for the provision of permanent accommodation for groups with special housing needs, including the elderly. This year the allocation for the scheme is being increased from €113m in 2007 to a record €130m. Approved housing bodies which provide sheltered housing under the scheme, normally provide on-site support for the tenants where necessary. However, where a higher level of support is needed, this may be done with assistance from the Health Service Executive. The HSE introduced a scheme of dedicated funding for sheltered housing in 2006 with funding of €0.5m in 2006 and 2007. This was increased to €1.1m in 2008.
In line with the commitments set out in the housing policy statement and the partnership agreement, Towards 2016, a cross-departmental team on sheltered housing, chaired by my Department, was established last year to develop and oversee policy in this area and to agree, as a priority, local structures and protocols for integrated management and delivery of housing and related care services. The work of this group will ultimately feed into the new National Positive Ageing Strategy, outlined in the Programme for Government.
550 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of unique hits to the www.change.ie website since it went on-line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19550/08]
I launched the consumer communication aspect of the Government's communications and public awareness climate change campaign, including the www.change.ie website, on 8 April 2008. Since then there have been 23,439 unique site visitors. In addition, since I launched a user-friendly carbon calculator as a development of the website on 5 May 2008, almost 12,000 people have calculated their carbon count number.
The "Change" campaign will complement the roll out of the National Climate Change Strategy and has two key and overriding imperatives: firstly to change how people in Ireland think about climate change, and secondly to encourage everyone to change their behaviour patterns and play their part in tackling the climate change challenge. In addition to the website, the campaign includes a lo-call information line 1890 242 643, a significant advertising element, and an extensive stakeholder engagement process to develop specific programmes and initiatives tailored to achieve emission reductions in their sectors.
551 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 622 of 12 February 2008, the amount of funding provided to date to Meath County Council to enable Kells Town Council to proceed with refurbishment plans (details supplied) in County Meath; if there is a timeframe on the funding and project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19259/08]
The commencement of the project on foot of the approval issued by my Department on the 8 February 2008 is a matter for the housing authority. I have included in the housing allocations for 2008 a sum of €2.5m to allow the project concerned to be advanced this year.
552 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 197 and 198 of 27 September 2007, the number of planning permissions refused by local authority planning departments under their new powers to refuse planning permission to a developer who has substantially failed to comply with a previous planning permission; the location of these refusals; his views on whether this new power has been used by the various local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19282/08]
As indicated in the reply to Question Nos 197 and 198 of 27 September 2007, the non-completion of any development in line with the planning permission for that development is unauthorised development, which is an offence under the Planning Acts. Enforcement of planning control is a matter for the planning authorities, which have substantial enforcement powers and duties under the Planning Acts.
The power to refuse planning permission to a developer who has substantially failed to comply with a previous planning permission was introduced under the Planning and Development Act 2000. This provision was further strengthened under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006, to allow planning authorities refuse planning permission in such circumstances, without recourse to the High Court, effectively reversing the burden of proof in such cases.
The use of these powers, and the enforcement of planning control across the range of provisions for enforcement action in cases of breaches of the planning code, is a matter for each planning authority. My Department does not, therefore, hold information on the extent to which the new powers are being applied by planning authorities. However, data on local authority performance on planning enforcement more generally are included in the publication Service Indicators in Local Authorities produced annually by the Local Government Management Services Board and available in the Oireachtas Library.
553 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will investigate complaints that illegal glue traps are on display for sale at a premises (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if appropriate action will be taken. [19284/08]
I have requested my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service to investigate this matter and I will inform the Deputy of the outcome.
554 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to expand delivery of social and affordable housing options to meet the needs of 90,000 households. [19373/08]
The Government is committed to expanding social and affordable housing programmes over the coming years. The Programme for Government provisions build on the Government's housing policy statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, and the National Development Plan 2007-2013 (NDP), reflecting also the strong commitment to expand social and affordable housing provision contained in the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
The NDP provides the resources — some €18 billion in total — which will support increased output from social and affordable housing measures and result in the needs of some 140,000 new households being met in this period. This level of provision has enabled significant progress to be made on the expanded delivery of social and affordable housing programmes with over 13,000 housing units provided through these measures last year by local authorities and the voluntary and co-operative housing sector. When account is taken of the full range of housing schemes and naturally occurring vacancies in the social housing stock, the housing needs of some 18,300 households were met in 2007.
555 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to achieve a significant fall in homelessness. [19374/08]
Homelessness involves a complex interplay between personal, economic, social and structural factors. Significant progress has been undertaken to address this issue since the adoption of the Integrated Government Strategy on Homelessness in 2000. This has resulted in an improvement in both the quality and range of services for homeless persons. Homeless fora have been established throughout the country and local action plans on homelessness adopted. A range of new services, in relation to emergency, transitional and long-term accommodation has been provided and settlement services have been developed to assist people out of homelessness.
In order to ensure a "whole of Government" approach to the issue of homelessness, the Government established a Cross Department Team on Homelessness. The Team works to ensure an integrated response to the many issues which affect homeless people, including emergency, transitional and long-term responses as well as issues relating to health, education, employment and home-making. The integrated work of this team, complemented by integration at local level achieved by local homeless fora, reflects the Government's recognition that the response to homelessness must involve not just the provision of housing or shelter, but that a comprehensive approach is needed involving health, care and welfare, education, training and support, as well as accommodation, to enable homeless persons to re-integrate into society and to prevent others from becoming homeless.
Regarding the trend in homelessness, progress is reflected in the most recently published national figures for homelessness, which showed a total of 2,399 homeless households in the country at March 2005, a decrease compared to 2,468 households at March 2002. The 2005 figures comprised 3,031 individuals, a significant reduction from 5,581 persons in 2002. A count has taken place in March 2008 and indicative results are expected later this year.
A revised Government Strategy on Homelessness is being developed by my Department, under the aegis of the Cross Department Team on Homelessness with input from the National Homeless Consultative Committee, which includes representatives of local authorities, the HSE and voluntary bodies. I anticipate that the strategy will be submitted to Government shortly. The strategy aims to eliminate long term occupation of emergency homeless accommodation and the need to sleep rough, by 2010 and also addresses the prevention of homelessness, where possible. This builds on the commitments in both the Programme for Government and in Towards 2016.
556 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to bring a new focus on quality in the provision of housing. [19375/08]
My Department, through its various mechanisms of policy, legislation and guidance, places priority attention on the promotion of quality in the built environment. Building quality housing is at the core of the Government's housing policy statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, which sets out a vision to guide the transformation of the Irish housing sector over the next ten years. Since its publication in February 2007, the reform agenda put forward in the statement has been actively pursued and a number of initiatives have already been undertaken.
My Department is developing a suite of guid-ance documents to promote the highest possible standards in residential development and the provision of sustainable communities with access to the requisite range of public services and facilities. Included in the guidance is the promotion of better quality living standards, sustainable residential development and energy efficiency. In particular, in March 2007 at the National Housing Conference, my Department launched new design guidelines on housing delivery entitled Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities. The conference, which was jointly organised by my Department and the RIAI, had as its central theme the housing policy statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities.
The chief purpose of the conference was to debate implementation issues which need to be addressed if we are to transform the Irish housing environment to meet the challenges ahead that are identified in the policy statement. The conference, and associated study tours, demonstrated considerable evidence of integrated approaches to the delivery of housing and greater consciousness of quality in urban design. A subsequent conference, which addressed energy efficiency measures in the revised Building Regulations which come into operation in July and sustainability issues, as well as new approaches to dwelling design, was held in January 2008 and further events of this nature are planned.
In addition, in September 2007, new guidelines for planning authorities entitled Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments were published. These were followed by the publication by my Department, in February 2008, of draft guidelines for planning authorities on sustainable residential development in urban areas, for public consultation. The consultation period has now ended and the finalised guidelines will be published later in 2008.
In the private rental sector, while responsibility for enforcement of the private rented accommodation standards as prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993 rests with the local authorities, I am committed to ensuring that a robust framework is in place to promote improved standards in this part of the residential sector. My Department has provided significantly increased resources to support inspections by local authorities and this performance-linked funding is translating into significantly increased enforcement activity on the ground. I will continue to take the opportunity, when meeting with local authorities, to emphasise the high priority that must be assigned to effective action in this area.
The revision of the Standards Regulations themselves is an important element of an Action programme to promote improvement in standards, which was launched on foot of the Towards 2016 agreement. On foot of a general review of the current Regulations, a Working Group comprising local authority and sectoral representatives is in place and has met twice so far to input into the final drafting of the revised Regulations. Following a short further period of consultation, I intend to finalise the new Regulations in July.
557 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to bring forward legislation on the foot of the recommendations of the All-Party Committee on the Constitution on property rights. [19376/08]
The principal recommendation in the Ninth Progress Report of the All Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution (APOCC), on Private Property, was for the implementation of the central proposal of the 1973 majority — Kenny Report — a "designated area scheme" under which local authorities would be empowered to compulsorily acquire land for general development purposes, at its existing use value plus 25%, rather than at open market value. In the light of a range of substantive legal, practical and financial considerations, successive Governments since the 1970's have not proceeded with such a scheme.
However, the Government has approved the drafting of a Designated Land (Housing Development) Bill to provide for a "use it or lose it" scheme. The General Scheme of the Bill provides for: powers for planning authorities to enter into a binding agreement with, or impose requirements on, the owners of designated land in order to bring such land into housing development; an amended compensation mechanism whereby designated land, if not developed in agreement with, or in accordance with requirements imposed by, the relevant planning authority, could be compulsorily acquired at below market value; and as a possible alternative to compulsory acquisition, the imposition by planning authorities of an annual development incentive levy on designated land. The General Scheme also provides for mandatory registration of, and the imposition of a levy on, land purchase options. It is anticipated that the Bill will be drafted not later than the end of 2008.
The APOCC report recommended, inter alia, that: there should be a ‘one stop shop’ planning procedure for strategic infrastructural projects; the right to compensation for the acquisition of property rights below a specified depth under the surface should be removed, and the existence of land purchase options should be made public to achieve transparency in property markets generally. The Strategic Infrastructure Act 2006 introduced a streamlined planning consent procedure for strategic infrastructure developments and amended the rules of compulsory acquisition to provide that the value of any land lying 10 metres or more below the surface shall be taken to be nil, unless it can be shown to be of greater value by a claimant.
558 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to extend the remit of the affordable homes partnership nationwide to cover areas where affordability is a problem to accelerate the provision of affordable housing. [19377/08]
559 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce new incentives for the provision of affordable housing. [19378/08]
560 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to put in place an appropriate tax incentive scheme to operate in areas in association with the affordable homes partnership. [19379/08]
561 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to expand the paths to home ownership to assist the maximum number of people in gaining a stake in their own home. [19380/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 558 to 561, inclusive, together.
While continuing to have a particular focus on the Greater Dublin Area, the remit of the Affordable Homes Partnership was extended in June 2007 in relation to a number of affordable housing issues. These include issues in relation to communications on affordable housing, and common approaches to affordable housing application systems and to the implementation of Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2006. In relation to affordable housing supply, the Partnership was requested to conduct a study on ways in which the range of existing affordable housing mechanisms might be improved or expanded in order, principally, to increase supply and accelerate delivery. The study is now completed and the resultant report, "Increasing Affordable Housing Supply", has been published for public consultation with a view to submitting proposals to Government following completion of the consultation process underway. The particular issues referred to in the questions would fall to be considered in that context.
The housing policy statement of February 2007, "Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities", signalled the intention to introduce a scheme of tenant purchase for local authority apartments and a scheme of incremental purchase targeted at households with an income lower than that required for affordable housing. Work is continuing on the drafting of the necessary legislative provisions for these schemes in the context of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which is scheduled to be published in the current parliamentary session. Arrangements are also being considered for the piloting of the proposed incremental purchase scheme in certain areas.
562 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to clearly set out the duties of local authorities in relation to the provision of services for all residential developments. [19382/08]
In addition to the comprehensive legislative framework already in place, and in keeping with the Programme for Government commitment, my Department issued updated policy guidance to planning authorities in February 2008 on the taking in charge of estates in the form of circular letter PD 1/08. Each planning authority is now being asked to develop or update, as appropriate, its policy on taking in charge by the end of June 2008, on the basis of the framework, and wider housing and planning guidance, as set out in the annex to the circular.
The new guidance is primarily focused on proactively addressing the issue of taking in charge at the pre-planning stage. The main principles now set out in the overall framework for taking in charge are: a statement of the facilities that will be taken in charge and the maintenance services that will be provided must be set out and the issue of taking in charge must be addressed at the pre-planning stage with the approved design facilitating the taking in charge of core facilities; developers will be required, through the development management process, to complete residential developments to a standard that is in compliance with the planning permission granted; planning authorities must take all necessary measures in this regard in particular through securing adequate bonds, inspection of construction and the taking of enforcement action when necessary; and the procedures for taking in charge will begin promptly on foot of a request by the majority of the residents in the development or by the developer, as appropriate; protocols, including time frames, must be set out by planning authorities to respond to requests for taking in charge; in general, planning authorities must not attach the establishment of management companies as a condition of planning in respect of traditional housing estates; in relation to older estates, priority must continue to be given to resolving those estates that have been left unfinished or not taken in charge for the longest period.
This new approach, coupled with the extensive powers already available to planning authorities to deal with non compliant developers, will appropriately address the issue of unfinished estates.
563 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce new urban design guidelines for building new housing developments in order that future generations can look back with pride on the environment which we are building today. [19383/08]
564 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to require all new apartments and other high density developments to comply with minimum design standards dealing with space, light, noise protection, recycling facilities and recreational facilities. [19384/08]
565 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to include in local area plans, adequate provision for green areas, play spaces and community space. [19385/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 563 to 565, inclusive, together.
My Department issued Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for Apartments on 18 September 2007, with the aim of promoting sustainable urban housing by ensuring that the design and layout of new apartments provide high quality accommodation for a variety of household types and sizes, including families with children. The guidelines have a strong emphasis on family living which is reflected in the minimum floor areas and other dimensions cited. They also address and give guidance on issues such as: access; safety and security; general storage areas in apartments; communal refuse storage facilities, including recycling; car and bicycle parking; adequate daylight and sunlight in apartments; minimising noise transmission between apartments; communal and private open space; and recreational and play facilities for children. The guidelines were issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, which requires planning authorities to have regard to them in the performance of their functions, and are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
Draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas were issued by my Department for public consultation in early February. These draft guidelines, which are accompanied by a best practice Urban Design Manual, call for high-quality standards in terms of the design and layout of new residential areas which are properly integrated with good transport links, community and recreation facilities. They also cover the broad range and types of urban development from city centre developments down to residential developments in small towns and villages. The public consultation period closed on 6 May and the Department is currently collating and considering the submissions received. The draft guidelines and Urban Design Manual are available to view on my Department's website. These guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Act when finalised later this year.
Section 10(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 requires development plans to include objectives for the preservation, improvement and extension of amenities and recreational amenities and, also, the provision, or facilitation of the provision, of services for the community such as childcare facilities. Section 19 of the Act also requires local area plans to be consistent with the objectives of the development plan for the area.
In order to assist planning authorities in the preparation and implementation of development plans, my Department published Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Development Plans in June 2007. These guidelines, inter alia, emphasise the objectives for the provision of public open space and recreation space, including space/places for children to play and the preservation, improvement and extension of amenities and recreational amenities. These guidelines were also issued under section 28 of the Act and are available on my Department's website.
566 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to maximise water efficiency and the re-use of rainwater for non-drinking purposes. [19387/08]
My Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009 incorporates a national water conservation sub-programme under which grant aid of €288 million is available over the three years to local authorities to fund: management systems to monitor water use and loss in the public supply networks, targeted leakage control measures, whereby local authorities locate and repair leaking pipes; and the rehabilitation and replacement of obsolete supply networks, where repair has proven to be uneconomic due to the age or condition of the pipes.
These measures enable local authorities to reduce unaccounted for water levels in public distribution networks, improve the quality of supply to consumers, lower operating costs and maximise the value of investments in new works. Article 9.1 of the EU Water Framework Directive requires Member States to take account of the principle of water services cost recovery, including environmental and resource costs, in accordance with the polluter pays principle. The Directive is being implemented in Ireland in relation to the non-domestic sector on the basis of recovery of all non-domestic water services costs from non-domestic users of the services through water charges. This is being achieved by means of a meter based volumetric charge to ensure water charging of users according to actual consumption. The metering of all non-domestic users is expected to be completed before the end of 2008. Water charging in respect of non-domestic use should incentivise efficiency and conservation.
A pilot rainwater harvesting project is being undertaken by the Dublin Institute of Technology on behalf the National Rural Water Monitoring Committee. The overall objective of the project is to: determine the role and benefit of rainwater harvesting as a demand management tool; quantify the amount of harvestable rainwater at farmyard and domestic building level; measure and compare rainwater against mains water usage for farm use and for domestic purposes; determine the costs and benefits involved and calculate the pay-back period; and produce guidelines on rainwater harvesting based on experience with the project.
There are two separate elements to the pilot project, a household application and a farmyard application. The household project is being undertaken in a private housing development in Co. Carlow, supplied from a small public water scheme. The farmyard project is located in a farm in County Meath. It involves the harvesting of water from three barns, each with a total roof area of 1,000 sq metres. Monitoring of the operation of the project is ongoing.
567 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that noise insulation levels protect the quality of life of home owners. [19388/08]
As indicated in the reply to Question No. 609 of 8 May 2008, my Department is currently examining options to strengthen legislation on noise pollution and I will announce my preferred approach as soon as possible. Part E (Sound) of the Building Regulations 1997, and the related Technical Guidance Document E, TGD E, sets out requirements in relation to sound insulation in buildings. Home Bond are currently carrying out a major study of sound insulation standards in buildings. I intend to initiate a review of Part E of the Building Regulations and the related TGD — E in the light of the results of the Home Bond study and in consultation with the Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB).
568 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding allocated to Clare County Council to operate the housing adaptation grant for the elderly and the housing adaptation grant for people with disabilities; the number of applicants facilitated under both schemes to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19398/08]
587 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications received for grant aid (details supplied) by North Tipperary County Council; the amount of grant aid issued to date to applicants since the schemes were introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19777/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 568 and 587 together.
The most recent information received from Clare County Council and North Tipperary County Council regarding activity under the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability, is set out below.
|
Scheme |
Clare County Council |
North Tipperary County Council |
||||
|
Apps. Received |
Apps. Approved |
Grants Paid |
Apps. Received |
Apps. Approved |
Grants Paid |
|
|
Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability |
107 |
24 |
3 |
14 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mobility Aids Grant |
29 |
12 |
2 |
12 |
0 |
0 |
|
Housing Aid for Older People Grant |
255 |
62 |
1 |
98 |
0 |
0 |
The Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department, together with 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. Notification of the combined capital allocations for 2008 in respect of all of the Schemes will shortly issue to local authorities. It is then a matter for local authorities to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed towards each of the Schemes, from within the combined allocation notified to them by my Department, and to manage the operation of the Schemes in their area from within this allocation.
569 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will issue the building floor area certificate for an apartment (details supplied) in Dublin 24. [19408/08]
A Floor Area Compliance Certificate has recently issued in respect of this property.
570 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has had discussions with a company regarding the provision of a private incinerator at a location (details supplied) in County Dublin; his policy in relation to the provision of such private incinerator facilities; if they conform with national waste management policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19463/08]
Under the Waste Management Acts statutory responsibility for the making of regional waste management plans, which includes determinations in regard to the waste management infrastructure appropriate to each region, rests with the local authority (or local authorities) concerned and my Department has no function in this regard. The proposed development in question is by a private company and my Department has no function in relation to this facility which it is understood will be the subject of an application to An Bord Pleanála for planning permission under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006. Under the Planning and Development Acts the Minister is specifically precluded from involvement in a matter for which the Board has statutory responsibility.
My Department and I hold regular consultations with stakeholders in the context of the ongoing implementation of Government policy on waste management. Consulting widely, with a range of stakeholders, is designed to ensure that my Department and I have as full as possible an understanding of the issues and concerns of stakeholders and are therefore in a position to address them, where it is possible and appropriate to do so. Such consultations are also useful to assist me and my Department in keeping up to date on alternative technologies to landfill and to traditional incineration. In July 2007 I met with an environmental consultant acting on behalf of the proposers of the project. The purpose of this meeting, and of a separate meeting with my Department, was to outline a form of thermal treatment of waste which differs from conventional municipal waste incineration. There was, of course, no question of these discussions comprehending matters proper to the physical planning or environmental licensing processes from which I, and my Department, are precluded from involvement.
The Programme for Government clearly sets out the approach to waste management that will be reflected in national policy in the years ahead. It is firmly grounded in a continuing commitment to the waste hierarchy with a renewed drive towards the achievement of international best practice in the reduction, re-use and recycling of our waste. This, coupled with an increasing emphasis on technologies for the mechanical and biological treatment of waste, will significantly reduce potential reliance on landfill and incineration.
571 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the expenditure by his Department on consultants to date in 2008; and if he will compare this to the expenditure on consultants for each of the past five years. [19499/08]
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
572 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and cost of mobile phones or such communications equipment issued to programme managers, advisers, press officers and departmental personnel during each of the past three years; and the annual billing cost of same. [19514/08]
The information requested in the question is set out in the table.
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
|
Number of Mobiles |
|||
|
Programme Managers |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Advisors |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Press Officers |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Departmental Personnel |
396 |
436 |
500 |
|
Total |
399 |
439 |
503 |
|
Number of Blackberries |
|||
|
Programme Managers |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Advisors |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Press Officers |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Departmental Personnel |
14 |
14 |
24 |
|
Total |
16 |
17 |
27 |
|
Cost of Mobiles |
|||
|
Programme Managers |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Advisors |
776.38 |
1,223.51 |
1,001.21 |
|
Press Officers |
3,488.45 |
2,970.20 |
2,071.82 |
|
Departmental Personnel |
219,259.26 |
243,402.72 |
258,686.97 |
|
Total |
223,524.09 |
247,596.43 |
261,760.00 |
|
Cost of Blackberries |
|||
|
Programme Managers |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Advisors |
776.38 |
1,223.51 |
1,001.21 |
|
Press Officers |
765.99 |
1,098.51 |
1,246.64 |
|
Departmental Personnel |
8,544.95 |
719.35 |
759.60 |
|
Total |
10,087.32 |
3,041.37 |
3,007.45 |
573 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the electronic voting machines. [19528/08]
574 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of storing the electronic voting machines each year to date. [19529/08]
575 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans to centralise the storage of the electronic voting machines; and the way such plans can take into account long-term leases which were entered into for the storage of some of these machines. [19530/08]
576 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the duration and cost of each contract entered into for the storage of electronic voting machines. [19531/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 573 to 576, inclusive, together.
Responsibility for storage of manual voting equipment has always been a matter for the local returning officers and so similar responsibility was assigned to them in regard to the electronic voting equipment. In the majority of cases, leases were entered into by them for the storage of the machines, which have a 20-year lifespan. The Government decision to centralise storage of the electronic voting equipment was made taking into account a range of factors, including costs of local and centralised arrangements and the likely benefits to be realised; the majority of the electronic voting machines are now stored in containers at Gormanston Camp.
Information provided by returning officers to my Department indicates that the total annual storage costs incurred by them in respect of the electronic voting machines and ancillary equipment in 2007 is some €489,000, with figures for 2004, 2005 and 2006 amounting to some €658,000; €696,000; and €706,000 respectively. Costs incurred to date in respect of the movement of the electronic voting equipment to centralised storage arrangements are some €328,000. Further costs will be incurred in relation to the completion of these arrangements, including buy-out costs.
The following table sets out information provided by returning officers regarding storage arrangements entered into by them in each of the 25 locations involved.
|
City/County |
Location of Storage Premises |
Storage Costs 2007 (incl. VAT) |
Lease |
|
€ |
|||
|
Carlow-Kilkenny |
Mortarstown |
24,653.65 |
2 years |
|
Cavan-Monaghan |
Monaghan Town |
21,608.32 |
25 years |
|
Clare |
Ennis |
3,600.00 |
Monthly basis |
|
Cork City |
Togher |
48,561.85 |
10 years |
|
Cork County |
Ballygarvan |
35,913.29 |
Annual basis |
|
Donegal |
Letterkenny |
13,987.80 |
Annual basis |
|
Dublin City |
Ballycoolin |
6,954 |
8 years |
|
Dublin County |
Finglas |
Nil |
Annual basis |
|
Galway |
Galway City |
5,000 |
N/A |
|
Kerry |
Tralee |
28,003.00 |
10 years |
|
Kildare |
Clane |
29,364.82 |
9 years 9 months with 5 year break clause |
|
Laois-Offaly |
Portlaoise |
27,647.60 |
5 years |
|
Limerick |
Limerick City |
28,423.10 |
4 years 9 months |
|
Longford |
Longford Town |
20,003.28 |
4 years 9 months |
|
Roscommon |
Roscommon Town |
10,664.82 |
2 years 6 months |
|
Louth |
Dundalk |
595.06 |
N/A |
|
Mayo |
Castlebar |
38,608.00 |
Annual basis |
|
Meath |
Navan |
26,354.72 |
9 years 9 months |
|
Sligo |
Sligo Town |
Nil |
N/A |
|
Leitrim |
Carrick-on-Shannon |
3,200.00 |
1 year |
|
Tipperary (N&S) |
Clonmel |
39,196.00 |
5 years |
|
Waterford |
Waterford City |
35,989.67 |
10 years |
|
Westmeath |
Mullingar |
21,440.30 |
4 years 9 months |
|
Wexford |
Drinagh |
18,934.46 |
Monthly basis |
|
Wicklow |
Kilcoole |
Nil |
Annual basis |
My Department engaged consultants with valuation expertise in May 2007, following a competitive tendering process, to examine individual lease arrangements and to make recommendations as to termination of the leases, where appropriate. The consultants' recommendations are currently under consideration in the Department. I am at present considering the next steps to be taken in relation to this project. In this, I am taking into account the work of the Commission on Electronic Voting, which has examined the system, relevant experiences and developments internationally, and the need to maintain public confidence in the electoral process, as well as the provisions in the Programme for Government relating to electoral reform generally.
577 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the expenditure by each local authority on bed and breakfast accommodation for homeless persons in each of the past five years. [19532/08]
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
578 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the expenditure by his Department on capital projects which were provided to eliminate homelessness in each of the past five years; and the location of each of these facilities. [19533/08]
The provision of accommodation by approved voluntary and co-operative housing bodies is an integral part of the Department's overall response to delivering on housing need for older people. Under the Capital Assistance Scheme, funding of up to 100% of the approved cost is available for the provision of permanent accommodation for groups with special housing needs, including the elderly, homeless and people with disabilities. Overall expenditure under the Capital Assistance Scheme for the 5-year period 2003 to 2007 amounted to €476m. This year the allocation for the scheme is being increased from €113m in 2007 to a record €130m. These figures do not include funding for accommodation provided for homeless persons by Local Authorities under their social housing programmes.
Given that the special needs accommodation provided by voluntary housing bodies may be multi-purpose or may not be categorised specifically, and taking account of the fact that the accommodation needs of homeless persons can also be met from within the main local authority housing programmes, separate figures are not available for capital expenditure on accommodation for homeless persons.
579 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the proposed EU soil directive; the main elements of the proposal; if an evaluation of its impact on Ireland has been completed; the conclusions of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19665/08]
The European Commission's proposal for a directive establishing a framework for the protection of soil was considered at the Environment Council meeting of 20 December 2007 and did not have sufficient Member State support to achieve a political agreement. The proposed Directive has the objective of establishing a common strategy for the protection and sustainable use of soil based on the principles of integration of soil concerns into other policies, preservation of soil functions within the context of sustainable use, prevention of threats to soil and mitigation of such effects, as well as restoration of degraded soils to a level of functionality consistent at least with the current and approved future use. An assessment of the potential impacts for Ireland will focus on any revised proposals to emerge.
580 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will implement the commitment to review the derogation on turf cutting on designated bogs with the view to extending the right beyond 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19675/08]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 628 of 17 April 2008. As indicated in that reply, a recent review of the state of our bogs confirmed that continuing damage was occurring, with losses of the remaining raised bog at a rate of 2%-4% per annum. In the light of this scientific evidence, it would not be appropriate to extend the 10-year derogation for raised bogs designated prior to 2002.
581 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people on housing waiting lists in each local authority area in each of the years 1998 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19701/08]
A statutory assessment of housing need is carried out triennially by housing authorities. The most recent of these took place in 2005 with previous assessments undertaken in 2002, 1999 and 1996. The results of the 2005 assessment indicated that there were 43,684 households on local authority housing waiting lists. Data in relation to these assessments for each housing authority are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Local authorities are currently carrying out the 2008 statutory housing needs assessment the results of which will be published in due course.
582 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is intended to implement the new energy rating provisions for houses; if the provisions will apply equally to local authority housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19756/08]
The EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings, which was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006, introduced a requirement for a Building Energy Rating System, or BER as it is more commonly known.
The BER system is being implemented under the Regulations in 4 phases:
BER for new dwellings was introduced with effect from 1 January 2007, with a transitional exemption applying to new dwellings for which planning permission was applied for on or before 31 December 2006, and provided they are substantially completed by 30 June 2008;
BER for new non-domestic buildings will commence from 1 July 2008, with a transitional exemption applying for buildings for which planning permission was applied for on or before 30 June 2008 and provided they are substantially completed by 30 June, 2010;
BER for existing buildings of any class being offered for sale or letting will commence from 1 January, 2009; and
BER for all new public service buildings will come into effect from 1 July 2008, subject to the transitional arrangements applying to new non-domestic buildings, and will be applicable to existing large public service buildings from 1 January 2009.
The requirement to obtain a BER certificate applies to both local authority and private housing.
583 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the procedures available under the housing Acts to facilitate the transfer of tenants from one local authority to another; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19757/08]
Under section 58 of the Housing Act 1966, housing authorities are responsible for the management and maintenance of dwellings, of which they are the owner, provided under the Act. Regulations under the section allow that the tenant may, with the consent of the authority, exchange the tenancy of his/her house for the tenancy of another house provided by a housing authority. The administration of tenancy transfers are a matter for individual housing authorities having regard to individual schemes of priorities for letting dwellings under section 11 of the Housing Act 1988.
584 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans in place or the contingency funds being made available to local authorities in view of the fact that development levies are in sharp decline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19758/08]
As Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government I have overall responsibility for the legislative and policy framework governing development contribution schemes. Under sections 48 and 49 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, planning authorities may levy development contributions in respect of public infrastructure and facilities provided by, or on behalf of, the local authority that benefit development in the area, based on a scheme of contributions adopted by the elected members of the authority. The money collected in development levies is used to fund public infrastructure servicing new development, for example, roads, water and waste water services, community and other facilities.
Development contribution schemes are adopted by the members of the local authority following a public consultation process. It is a matter for the elected members of the planning authority to determine the level of contribution and the types of infrastructure to which it will apply the contributions in its own functional area having regard to the governing legislative and policy framework. The operation of the development contributions system will be kept under review by my Department.
585 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm that voluntary housing groups such as Clúid or Respond can administer affordable housing schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19762/08]
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.
A number of approved housing bodies, including Clúid and Respond!, are co-operating with local authorities in delivering, through a partnership arrangement, integrated housing developments comprising of voluntary housing units as well as social and affordable housing. In these circumstances, approved housing bodies support the housing authority in implementing its social and affordable housing programme and act as project managers for the planning, procurement and construction stages of integrated projects. There are no arrangement in place at present for the direct provision of affordable homes by approved voluntary housing bodies.
My predecessor asked the Affordable Homes Partnership (AHP) to consider how the range of existing affordable housing mechanisms might be improved or expanded by new initiatives to increase supply, accelerate delivery, improve access and affordability and deliver value for money for any associated resources required. The resultant report was published last month for consultation, providing an opportunity for interested parties to comment on the recommendations and future directions of affordable housing. My Department also approved two pilot projects, based on an equity-sharing model, to facilitate home ownership by low-income families. These projects were undertaken by the National Association of Building Co-operatives and are now complete. Any future expansion of the equity-sharing model will be considered in the light of the AHP report and the associated consultation process.
586 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to schemes run by local authorities (details supplied); if funding has been approved for these schemes and allocated to local authorities; and the breakdown of the allocations on a county basis. [19776/08]
588 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will provide the full allocation of money to the local authorities for the processing of the housing aid for older persons scheme; and if he will clarify whether people who need assistance to carry out repairs to their house should go to the Health Service Executive or their local county council offices. [19837/08]
589 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when Wexford County Council will be notified of their allocations under the disabled persons and essential repairs grants. [19868/08]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 568, 588 and 589 together.
The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme is administered by local authorities and is part of a revised framework of grant aid, introduced in November 2007, to assist older people and people with a disability with their accommodation needs. The Scheme, which amalgamates the provisions of the old Essential Repairs Grant Scheme and the existing Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme (SHAE), is designed to provide targeted support to improve conditions in the existing housing of older people.
The Scheme facilitates the implementation of a Government Decision, taken in February 2006, to transfer the SHAE from the Health Service Executive to my Department. That decision arose on foot of a recommendation made in the Core Functions of the Health Service Report that a more integrated service and better value for money may be achieved by transferring responsibility for the SHAE Scheme to the local authorities, who already had responsibility for the Essential Repairs and Disabled Persons Grant Schemes.
I am conscious of the need to ensure a smooth and seamless transfer of the SHAE Scheme from the HSE to the local authority sector. To allow sufficient time to resolve relevant issues, including the allocation of staffing and other resources, it has been agreed with the HSE that the SHAE Scheme will continue to operate and be administered by the HSE, until such time as the appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure that the local authorities are in a position to accept the scheme on transfer. My Department is engaged on an ongoing basis with the HSE to conclude this process as quickly as possible. In the meantime, applicants who require repairs or improvements to their homes can avail of either the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme or the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme.
The Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department, together with 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. Notification of the combined capital allocations for 2008 in respect of the Schemes will shortly issue to local authorities. It is a matter for local authorities to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed towards each of the Schemes, from within the combined allocation notified to them by my Department, and to manage the operation of the Schemes in their area from within this allocation.
590 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of the Minister and Ministers of State since 1997 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20054/08]
The information requested in the question is set out in the tables below:
|
Minister |
Duration |
Number of Civil Servants working in Constituency Office |
|
Noel Dempsey |
1997 – 2002 |
4 |
|
Martin Cullen |
2002 – 2004 |
4 |
|
Dick Roche |
2004 – 2007 |
4 |
|
John Gormley |
2007 – to date |
4 |
|
Minister of State |
Duration |
Number of Civil Servants working in Constituency Office |
|
Dan Wallace |
1997 – 2002 |
2 |
|
Bobby Molloy |
1997 – 2002 |
3 |
|
Pat the Cope Gallagher |
2002 – 2004 |
2 |
|
Noel Ahern |
2002 – 2007 |
3 |
|
Batt O’Keeffe |
2004 – 2008 |
3 |
|
Tony Killeen |
2007 – 2008 |
2 |
|
Máire Hoctor* |
2007 to date |
0 |
*Staffing arrangements for the Office of the Minister of State, Máire Hoctor, with responsibility for Older People are dealt with by the Department of Health and Children.
Appropriate staffing arrangements are not yet in place in respect of the offices of Ministers of State Michael Finneran and Michael Kitt.
591 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce a national attic and wall insulation grant scheme to the value of €100 million. [19386/08]
I launched a pilot Home Energy Saving Scheme on 24 April this year. The pilot scheme, for which funding of €5 million is provided in 2008, is designed to encourage owners of older homes to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, primarily through insulation measures. Informed by the emerging outcomes of the pilot scheme I will be discussing the funding of a national roll-out of the scheme from 2009 with the Minister for Finance in the Estimates context.
592 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the former salmon drift net licence holders who availed of the hardship payments did not get a tax break from the Government unlike other schemes, that is, the decommissioning of the white fish fleet, where serious tax exemptions have been afforded to applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19566/08]
The treatment of payments made from the Salmon Hardship Fund for tax purposes is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners in their assessment of each individual's liabilities.
I am advised, however, that the Revenue Commissioners have indicated that payments from the Salmon Hardship Scheme, which is quite different in nature from the whitefish fleet decommissioning referred to by the Deputy, will be taxable on recipients as income in the year of receipt. Therefore, commercial fishermen will have to include any payment received under the scheme as a receipt in their accounts. That part of the payment which relates to six times the value of the 2006 licence fee will not, however, be liable to tax. I understand that Bord Iascaigh Mhara, which is administering the scheme, has identified that element of the payment separately for recipients so that they can exclude the amount from their income tax returns.
593 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if it is intended to repeal, review or in any way revise the Fisheries Acts 1959 to 2006 in light of the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who was penalised in an arbitrary fashion when they and their family were preoccupied with family ill health and having particular regard to the concern amongst fishing industry supporters at such arbitrary action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19567/08]
I have no proposals to make changes to Section 25 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1999 as inserted by Section 3 (b) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2000. Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the management, conservation, protection and development of the inland fisheries resource rests with the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards.
594 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of public servants from outside Ordnance Survey Ireland who have applied to join OSI in Dungarvan, County Waterford; the number of those who are administrative staff; the number who are technical; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19703/08]
A total of 36 external administrative and eight external technical staff have applied to join the Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi) through the central applications facility. For the purpose of decentralising to Dungarvan, the OSi has itself, in place, a level grade structure and does not differentiate between the occupational categories of staff.
595 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of administrative staff of Ordnance Survey Ireland who have applied to transfer to Dungarvan, County Waterford; the percentage of the total OSI administrative staff this represents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19705/08]
596 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of technical staff of Ordnance Survey Ireland who have applied to transfer to Dungarvan, County Waterford; the percentage of the total OSI technical staff this represents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19706/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 595 and 596 together.
Ordnance Survey Ireland has a total of 12 staff who have applied to decentralise to Dungarvan, County Waterford. The organisation has in place a level grade structure and does not differentiate between the occupational categories of staff.
597 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the expenditure by his Department on consultants to date in 2008; and if he will compare this to the expenditure on consultants for each of the past five years. [19494/08]
In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested by the Deputy. My Department is in the process of identifying and assembling the information. I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.
598 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number and cost of mobile phones or such communications equipment issued to programme managers, advisers, press officers and departmental personnel during each of the past three years; and the annual billing cost of same. [19509/08]
The information required by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Calls & Rental |
Equipment purchase |
Total Instruments |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
2005 |
178,949.37 |
15,539.74 |
221 |
|
2006 |
164,967.57 |
18,353.95 |
282 |
|
2007 |
138,065.46 |
5,396.73 |
265 |
|
2008 |
25,220.49* |
0.00 |
175 |
*To date.
599 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount allocated to the warmer homes scheme for 2006, 2007 and 2008; the amount spent for each of those years; the person who is in charge of administering this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19549/08]
The Warmer Homes Scheme provides insulation and other energy efficiency solutions to low income homes across Ireland. The service is coordinated by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and is delivered principally through Community Based Organisations. The scheme is targeted at householders who are in receipt of the Fuel Allowance, Disability Benefit or Invalidity Benefit and is provided either free of charge or for a nominal fee (less than €100). Households are identified by community based installers working closely in association with other intermediaries including the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Health Services and GP networks. The following table summarises the expenditure on the Warmer Homes Scheme since 2006.
|
Year |
Allocation |
Expenditure |
Homes Retrofitted |
|
(€m) |
(€m) |
||
|
2006 |
2.0 |
1.98 |
2,124 |
|
2007 |
4.5 |
4.47* |
3,482 |
|
2008 |
4.0 |
4,000 expected |
*€2.0m of the 2007 allocation for Warmer Homes Scheme came from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
600 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to promote the use of domestic renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19668/08]
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 scheme targets a full 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.
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 will help 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 maturing technologies and market developments.
I have also recently announced an electricity microgeneration programme whereby grant support to meet 50% of the initial start up costs will be made available for the installation of microgeneration systems in approximately 50 trials to be conducted nationwide. This programme is being administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and will focus on commercial/organisational on-site generation in its initial phases. It will subsequently concentrate on generation by individual householders.
601 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to ensure the availability of quality electricity supply here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19671/08]
Statutory responsibility for monitoring and ensuring quality of electricity supply rests with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The performance of the electricity networks has significantly improved in recent years. This reflects the considerable investment of approximately €3 billion in both our transmission and distribution networks that has taken place in the period 2001 to 2005, with another €3 billion planned for investment up to 2010. In allowing for capital expenditure in its revenue determination the CER sets challenging performance standards and monitors performance to ensure these are achieved.
As distribution system operator, ESB Networks is required by the CER to maintain certain levels of quality of supply and to report annually on the criteria set out by the CER. These service level requirements are reinforced with financial incentives, rewards for achieving better service and penalties for failure. I have been advised by the CER that, while the data for 2007 is yet to be finalised, that for 2006 shows positive downward trends continuing in the two key metrics for quality of supply, Customer Minutes Lost and Verified Voltage complaints. In addition, the twelve specific guarantees of quality of service delivery are set out in the Distribution Services guarantees section of the ESB customer charter.
602 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of total fuel consumption comprised of bio-fuels; the percentage of Irish bio-fuels production that is waste based; the percentage that is crop based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19859/08]
603 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of bioethanol produced here in percentage terms and tonnes; the way this compares to the target for bio-fuels in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19861/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 602 and 603 together.
Definitive figures on bio-fuel production for 2007 have not yet been finalised and it is likely that the figures included here will increase when all the data is available. Based on provisional figures currently available bio-fuels represented 0.60% of the total fuel consumption in Ireland in 2007. The provisional figures for 2007 are a significant increase on figures for 2005 and 2006 which were 0.04% and 0.09% respectively of the total fuel consumption in Ireland. Following the introduction of the Mineral Oil Tax Relief Scheme, there have been increases in production towards year end 2007, despite increases in input prices. While there is no specific information available relating to the percentage of Irish bio-fuel production, which is waste based and crop based, I can advise the Deputy that bio-fuels being produced here rely on a range of feedstocks which include soya oil, waste recovered vegetable oils, tallow and whey along with energy crops such as oil seed rape and wheat.
Provisional figures for the production of bioethanol in 2007 indicate that over 5500 tonnes was produced which represents 0.07% of the total road transport fuel consumption in Ireland in 2007. The nature of ethanol production is such that large scale investment is required with significant lead in time for production start up. There are currently two producers of bioethanol in Ireland and a number of other operators have plans in that direction. We have committed to the overall EU bio-fuels target as set out in the EU Commission presentation on the 23 January last which includes a commitment to insuring the environmental sustainability of any new bio-fuel supplier. In order to meet these EU targets we are preparing for our own national bio-fuel obligation scheme which will be going out for public consultation in a matter of weeks.
604 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of the Minister and Ministers of State since 1997 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20049/08]
The number of civil servants who have worked in the constituency offices of the Minister and Junior Minister within my Department since its formation is as set out in the following tables.
|
Date |
Minister |
Number of Civil Servants employed in constituency office |
|
June 2002 to September 2004 |
Mr Dermot Ahern |
2 |
|
September 2004 to June 2007 |
Mr Noel Dempsey |
3 |
|
June 2007 to date |
Mr Éamon Ryan |
2 |
|
Date |
Minister of State |
Number of Civil Servants employed in constituency office |
|
June 2002 to September 2004 |
Mr John Browne |
2 |
|
September 2004 to February 2006 |
Mr Pat the Cope Gallagher |
2 |
|
February 2006 to June 2007 |
Mr John Browne |
2 |
|
June 2007 to6 May 2008 |
Mr Tony Killeen |
No constituency staff employed in Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources |
