Vol. 655 No. 3
95 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has been in contact with the Health Service Executive or the Department of Health and Children regarding the funding for staff to operate homeless shelters that were constructed with funding from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20840/08]
105 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his policy towards homelessness; if he is satisfied that it is tackling the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18701/08]
455 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is compiling interdepartmental proposals or research to tackle the issue of homelessness in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18703/08]
457 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the new national homeless strategy; if his Department has set a launch date for this strategy; when the launch date can be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20976/08]
461 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the new national homeless strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21039/08]
462 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in advance of the publication of the forthcoming national homeless strategy, a comprehensive agreement and commitments have been obtained by all statutory stakeholders on targets and budgets to fund the strategy’s implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21040/08]
463 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if plans are underway at his Department to draft and deliver an implementation plan which would set out the way the targets in the forthcoming National Homeless Strategy will be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21041/08]
478 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will publish the next national homeless strategy within the coming weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21191/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95, 105, 455, 457, 461 to 463, inclusive, and 478 together.
Homelessness involves a complex interplay between personal, economic, social and structural issues and the Government is, therefore, committed to addressing homelessness in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. Significant progress has been made 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, leading to a reduction in the number of persons classified as homeless.
There are a number of streams of funding which support the running costs of homeless services. My Department is responsible for accommodation and related costs for homeless persons and, under section 10 of the Housing Act 1988, recoups 90% of expenditure by local authorities for such purposes. Funding to local authorities under section 10 has increased significantly in recent years and, in 2008, the provision exceeds €53 million.
The funding of care-related costs for homeless services is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Discussions have taken place at Ministerial level in relation to the provision of funding by the HSE for the opening or bringing into full operation of certain new homeless facilities and my officials are engaging with the HSE and Department of Health and Children to achieve a satisfactory resolution of the issues involved as quickly as possible.
To underpin future progress on homeless issues, 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. The work of these groups helps to ensure a full and integrated response to the many needs and issues involved.
The strategy will aim to eliminate long term occupation of emergency homeless accommodation and the need to sleep rough by 2010, and will also address the prevention of homelessness, where possible. This builds on the commitments in both the Programme for Government and the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016. It will include specific national and local actions and will be implemented in accordance with timelines for the key objectives set out in the strategy, supported by a specific implementation plan to be put in place following the strategy's publication.
I expect the revised strategy to be submitted to Government shortly, with publication to follow as soon as possible thereafter.
96 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reform the Environmental Protection Agency 2000 standard for septic tanks in order to promote more effective treatment systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20865/08]
99 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he is planning to ensure compliance with building regulations and planning permission conditions in relation to septic tanks or a minimum quality of treated effluent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20892/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 99 together.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently finalising a revised edition of their Code of Practice on Wastewater Treatment Systems serving Single Houses in consultation with all interested parties, including my Department.
Part H of the Building Regulations (Drainage and Waste Water Disposal) sets out the requirements for the treatment of effluent from wastewater systems. The relevant Technical Guidance Document H provides guidance on how to comply with the requirements of Part H and incorporates, inter alia, Irish Standard Recommendation SR:6 of 1991 — Recommendations for Domestic Effluent Treatment and Disposal from a Single Dwelling House, issued by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). Compliance with the Building Regulations is primarily the responsibility of the builder and the owner of the building while their enforcement is a matter for the 37 local Building Control Authorities.
A new European Standard for small wastewater treatment plants has been introduced and will come into force on 1 July 2009. The need for new systems to comply with this standard, together with recommended performance levels for treatment systems, has been brought to the attention of Local Authorities by Circular Letters from my Department in November 2006 and January 2008 respectively.
I understand that the EPA Code of Practice on Wastewater Treatment Systems, when finalised, will refer to relevant European Standards and that the NSAI propose to withdraw SR6: 1991, in favour of this Code of Practice. Moreover, I will amend Technical Guidance Document H to include the Code of Practice in the guidance document.
97 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to reform the electoral register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20849/08]
In law, the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register.
In working to compile the Register for 2007/8, local authorities undertook and completed, with assistance from my Department, the most extensive registration campaign in decades. On the basis of the work undertaken, I am satisfied that local authorities achieved a significant improvement in the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register compared to previous years. The task now for local authorities, in relation to the Register, is to maintain and build on the progress made to date.
Beyond that, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an independent Electoral Commission. The Commission's responsibilities will include taking charge of the compilation of a new national rolling electoral register. In this regard, I welcome the recent report of the Joint Committee on Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to The Future of the Electoral Register in Ireland and Related Matters. The report is consistent with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government to establish an Electoral Commission, and is an important input to future Government decisions in this area.
98 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the attempts he has made to inform prospective car owners of tax changes due to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20819/08]
As announced in my Carbon Budget of 6 December 2007, a fundamental change is being made in the manner in which motor tax is charged for new cars to give effect to the commitment in the Programme for Government to introduce measures to rebalance motor tax in favour of cars with lower CO2 emissions. The Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Act 2008, giving effect to the changes was enacted in March.
The new motor tax system complements the new CO2 based VRT system which applies to the purchase of a new car and which is administered by the Revenue Commissioners. Both the new CO2 based motor tax system and VRT systems come into operation on 1 July 2008.
Linking the VRT and motor tax rates to CO2 emission levels will mean that those purchasing cleaner, low emission cars will pay less while those opting to purchase higher emitting vehicles will pay more. Both systems apply the same seven bands for determining the taxation class.
My Department has worked closely with the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Transport and the motor industry to ensure the smooth introduction of the new system.
The websites of both my Department and the Revenue Commissioners include comprehensive information, including questions and answers, on the new motor tax and VRT systems. Information on the new motor tax system has been supplied and is available on motor tax offices websites. The website of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has more specific information on the CO2 emissions ratings of individual car makes and models as does the website of Sustainable Energy Ireland.
On a more individual basis, motorists who registered their cars in the first six months of this year will, next month, prior to receipt of the motor tax renewal notice, receive a letter explaining the new system and how it affects their motor tax position. Many of these owners will be transferred to the new CO2 based system on first renewal of their motor tax.
A key part of both the new CO2 based motor tax and VRT systems will be a new mandatory labelling system for cars based on CO2 emission levels.
Experience has shown that existing labelling requirements are not sufficiently consumer-friendly, and that an improved design would be beneficial to car buyers. It is my intention to introduce a new information label based on the seven CO2 bands from 1 July. The label will be similar to the energy-rating label which already exists for many consumer electrical goods and which is already familiar to consumers. The label will also include information on fuel efficiency, the amount of motor tax and the applicable rate of vehicle registration tax.
In this way, consumers will be fully aware of the incentives that are being created through changes to the motor taxation system. This will assist them in making informed decisions. The new labelling regime will be promoted as part of the climate change campaign. Separate legislation to give effect to labelling proposals will be brought forward shortly.
100 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the contact he has had with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform regarding putting the National Property Services Regulatory Authority on a statutory footing; if he has plans to amend the Planning Acts to give greater clarity to the role and responsibilities of property management companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20858/08]
The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is currently preparing legislation to establish the National Property Services Regulatory Authority (NPSRA) on a statutory footing. This legislation will provide for licensing and standards-setting for property management agents and other property services providers. Details of the proposed legislation are available on that Department's website, www.justice.ie.
The legislation will give effect to key recommendations of the Auctioneering-Estate Agency Review Group on which my Department was represented. My Department was also consulted in 2006 by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform as part of that Department's preparation of proposals for the Government regarding the establishment of the NPSRA. More recently the two Departments have been in contact as the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform drafts the legislation.
My Department has no function in relation to the operation of property management companies. These companies, consisting of the owners of dwellings, are generally constituted under the Companies Acts and are required to operate in compliance with company law, which comes within the area of responsibility of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has the lead role in progressing issues relating to management companies. It chairs a high-level interdepartmental committee, also involving the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Finance and my Department, to consider the matters involved, including any recommendations for legislative changes that may be contained in the Law Reform Commission's forthcoming Report on Multi-Unit Developments. Any necessary legislation relating to the regulation of management companies will be progressed by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment being involved in relation to any company law aspects.
Subject to the finalisation of the above processes, I have no proposals to amend the Planning and Development Act 2000 in relation to management companies. However, my Department has issued updated policy guidance to planning authorities on the taking in charge of estates. One of the main principles now set out in the overall framework for taking in charge is that, in general, planning authorities must not require the establishment of management companies as a condition of planning in respect of traditional housing estates, save in very exceptional circumstances.
101 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reforms he plans to introduce to adequately fund construction of social and affordable housing to meet the targets as set out in the programme for Government and the Towards 2016 social partnership document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20877/08]
103 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses developed under the social housing scheme and the number of houses developed under the affordable housing scheme since the introduction of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000; the number of applicants on the waiting list for social housing and the number on the waiting list for affordable housing in the same period. [20784/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 103 together.
The Government's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, and the National Development Plan 2007-2013 (NDP) reflect 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.
Within this, a significant programme of activity to assist house purchase is provided for. In particular, over the period of the NDP, some 40,000 households will benefit from affordable housing. In addition, the needs of some 100,000 households are to be met through a range of social housing measures, including through the commencement and acquisition of 63,000 new social homes in the period 2007-2013. Over the period 2007 to 2009, sufficient resources will be made available to commence or acquire some 27,000 of these.
The impact of the record levels of investment this Government is committing to these housing programmes is already evident. Last year, over 13,000 social and affordable housing units were delivered and, overall, the needs of almost 18,300 households were met through the broad range of social and affordable housing programmes, 24% up on 2006.
The funding provided for housing programmes has been increased again in 2008, with some €2.5 billion available to local authorities and the voluntary and co-operative sectors for their activities. This will allow for the commencement of a significant number of new social housing units, further progress under regeneration programmes, and the completion of a large number of units under both the local authority and voluntary housing programmes. Preparations for the introduction of a new Incremental Purchase Scheme are also underway and a study on affordable housing delivery mechanisms is currently the subject of a public consultation process, with a view to submitting proposals to Government in due course.
I am satisfied that Part V of the Planning and Development Acts is operating effectively, evidenced by its significantly increased delivery of both social and affordable housing. From a position where just 46 homes were delivered under Part V in 2002, delivery has increased significantly since then, with over 3,240 social and affordable homes coming on stream under this mechanism in 2007. In total, up to the end of 2007, over 7,600 social and affordable houses had been acquired and in excess of 5,000 units were in progress at that stage on foot of Part V agreements with developers.
Local authorities are currently carrying out the 2008 statutory housing needs assessment, the results of which will be published in due course. While comprehensive information on the numbers applying for affordable housing is not collected by my Department, the indications are that demand for affordable housing remains strong in certain areas, particularly in the Greater Dublin Area and near other major urban centres.
102 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will set up the electoral commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20832/08]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an independent Electoral Commission which will take responsibility for electoral administration and oversight, implement modern and efficient electoral practices, revise constituency boundaries, take charge of compiling a new national rolling electoral register, take over the functions of the Standards in Public Office Commission relating to election spending, and examine the issue of financing the political system.
This reform project spans the entire electoral agenda and is clearly the most far-reaching and ambitious reform measure affecting electoral administration in Ireland since the foundation of the State. The establishment of an Electoral Commission will be a major body of work with issues arising for consideration including international best practice, the Commission's structure and functions, who it reports to, its relationship with other bodies currently involved, and the approach to be followed in relation to the extensive legislation that will be required.
As a first input to this process, my Department has appointed consultants to carry out preliminary research on the issues arising in relation to the establishment of the Electoral Commission. The consultants' work has recently begun.
104 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps being taken to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills in view of the recent ESRI report that found that 80% of household waste is going to landfills, that there is a discrepancy between the stated policy of the Government and the policies in place regarding landfill and that European Union targets on reducing waste going to landfills will be missed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20793/08]
107 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps, following a report by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2008 that found that the volume of waste going to landfill is increasing and that Ireland is in significant danger of missing its European Union targets for diverting recyclable waste from landfill, he is taking to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20794/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 107 together.
Council Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste sets challenging targets for the diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill. In the case of Ireland, the diversion rates required are projected to equate to 59% for 2010, 73% by 2013 and 80% by 2016 for this particular waste stream. The recent National Waste Report 2006 published in January 2008 by the EPA presents the scale of the challenge in sharp focus: while the recovery rate for this waste stream increased to 38% from 35% in 2005, the quantity of this waste going to landfill rose by 15%.
A National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste, published in 2006, sets out a wide range of integrated measures, designed in accordance with the waste hierarchy, to support biodegradable municipal waste minimisation and diversion from landfill. The Programme for Government is clearly committed to the effective implementation of this Strategy.
My Department is supporting the roll-out by local authorities of segregated ‘brown bin' collections for food and garden waste; this will make a significant contribution to diversion of household waste from landfill as we have already seen in places like Galway and Waterford. In addition, it has become clear that landfill gate fees have fallen thereby making landfill more attractive as a waste disposal option. I have, therefore, recently announced my intention to increase the landfill levy to encourage recycling and will shortly be making an Order and associated Regulations to give effect to the proposed increase.
In line with the commitment given in the Programme, a major review of waste policy is currently being initiated. The review will examine the potential contribution that mechanical-biological treatment (MBT) and other technologies can deliver towards our landfill diversion targets, particularly in the context of recovering the biodegradable fraction in residual waste arising from domestic households. I have already placed on the record my position that an over reliance on incineration is not the answer for residual waste treatment.
106 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the policy guidance documents in the planning and housing areas which have been produced which specifically target multi-unit living and the issues of sustainability, well designed quality housing, and proper social community and transport networks; and the legal standing of same. [20781/08]
118 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legal standing of guidelines in relation to planning issued by his Department; the guidelines that have been issued by his office since he took office; and the legal standing of these guidelines. [20777/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 118 together.
Guidelines for planning authorities are issued by my Department as statutory guidelines 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.
In September 2007, I issued Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments. The primary aim of these guidelines on design standards for new apartments is to promote sustainable urban housing by ensuring that the design and lay-out of new apartments will provide satisfactory accommodation for a variety of household types and sizes, including families with children, over the medium to long term.
More recently in February 2008, I published draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas for public consultation. These draft guidelines promote high design standards in new residential developments, encourage higher density developments at appropriate locations such as those with access to public transport, and emphasise that new residential development must be integrated with facilities and services for the new community.
In addition, Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Development Management and Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Development Plans were issued by my Department in June 2007.
In March 2007, my Department also published design guidelines on housing entitled Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities in follow up to the Government's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, which was published in February 2007.
109 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of funding affecting all local authorities; if he has proposals to address the issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20766/08]
This year I am providing €999.2m in general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund to local authorities. These grants are my contribution to local authorities to meet the difference between the cost to them of providing an acceptable level of day to day services and the income available to them from local sources and specific grants. The amount being made available for general purpose grants has been increased by some €51.5m, or 5.4%, over the amount provided for 2007.
I am satisfied that the general purpose allocations I have provided for 2008, together with the income available from local sources and specific grants, will enable local authorities to provide an acceptable level of services to their customers.
In my green paper Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change, I have recognised the financial challenges facing local government in the coming years, and the specific task assigned to the new Commission on Taxation to consider and make recommendations on the options for the future financing of the sector.
110 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of legal cases conceded or lost by his Department with regard to the non-implementation of EU directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18843/08]
The European Court of Justice has delivered judgments in fourteen cases relating to EU environmental laws in areas for which my Department has responsibility. In one case, case C-216/05, the Court dismissed the action by the Commission.
In thirteen cases, the Court found fully or partly against Ireland. Five of these cases have now been closed. My Department is working to meet the requirements of the court on the other eight cases, which are at various stages of proceedings as set out in the following table.
|
European Court of Justice: Reference |
Directive / Regulation |
Date of judgement |
Current stage in proceedings |
|
C-392/96 |
85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment |
September 1999 |
Closed, September 2005 |
|
C-67/99 |
92/43/EEC on habitats |
September 2001 |
Article 228 Reasoned Opinion |
|
C-117/00 |
79/409/EEC on wild birds |
June 2002 |
Article 228 Reasoned Opinion |
|
C-316/00 |
80/778/EEC on the quality of drinking water for human consumption |
November 2002 |
Article 228 Reasoned Opinion |
|
C-396/01 |
91/676/EEC on nitrates |
March 2004 |
Closed, October 2007 |
|
C-460/03 |
2000/53/EC on end of life vehicles |
October 2004 |
Closed, June 2006 |
|
C-406/03 |
Regulation (EC) No 2037/2000 of 29 June 2000 on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer |
October 2004 |
Closed, June 2006 |
|
C-494/01 |
75/442/EEC the waste directive |
April 2005 |
Article 228 Letter of Formal Notice |
|
C-282/02 |
76/464/EEC on dangerous substances in water |
June 2005 |
Article 228 Reasoned Opinion |
|
C-216/05 |
85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment |
November 2006 |
Closed, November 2006 |
|
C-183/05 |
92/43/EEC on habitats |
January 2007 |
European Court of Justice decision to be implemented |
|
C-391/06 |
2003/4/EC on public access to environmental information |
May 2007 |
Closed, June 2007 |
|
C-248/05 |
80/68/EEC on groundwater |
October 2007 |
European Court of Justice decision to be implemented |
|
C-418/04 |
79/409/EEC on wild birds |
December 2007 |
European Court of Justice decision to be implemented |
111 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will complete an efficiency review and audit of all State agencies and bodies under the responsibility of his Department; if he has plans to merge or abolish any State agencies or bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20597/08]
Arising from the Budget Day announcement by the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, an efficiency review of all administrative spending has been conducted by my Department including agencies under the aegis of the Department. The results of the review have been communicated to the Department of Finance. My Department has also commenced a review of the Local Government Management Services Board and the Local Government Computer Services Board with a view to maximising the most effective and efficient delivery of the services provided by these agencies to the local government sector.
112 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures in place to ensure that local authorities comply with the guidelines set out in the Good Practice Guidelines for Local Authorities on Standards in the Private Rented Sector, Strategic Planning, Effective Enforcement. [20785/08]
Standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 1993. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority, supported by a dedicated stream of funding allocated by my Department.
As part of the Action Plan to promote improvement in standards of private rented accommodation, my Department requested the Centre for Housing Research to undertake a study of measures to promote improvements in these standards and develop good practice guidelines to assist housing authorities in their functions relating to the private rented sector. Two reports — the first entitled Good Practice in Housing Management: Guidelines for Local Authorities, the second Promoting Improved Standards in the Private Rented Sector: Review of Policy and Practice — were published by the Centre in late 2007 and were launched by my predecessor at the Housing Practitioners' Conference in November 2007.
Copies of these reports were circulated by the Centre for Housing Research to a wide range of relevant bodies including local authorities. As set out in the reports, it is a matter for each local authority, having regard to its particular situation, to decide on its own approach to the recommendations contained in these reports.
Relevant recommendations from the reports are also being taken into account in the review of the regulations relating to the standards for private rented accommodation, which is currently underway. I expect to be publishing revised regulations in July.
In addition, my Department is providing significantly increased funds from the proceeds of tenancy registration fees to support local authorities in their inspection functions relating to the private rented sector. Over €7m has been provided to local authorities for this purpose since 2004, and I expect to provide further increased resources in respect of 2008, linked to actual inspection performance.
113 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on implementing change at local government level through directly elected mayors as considered in the recently published Green Paper, Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20768/08]
124 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the greater devolution of decision making from county to town councils as discussed in the Green Paper, Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change. [20769/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 124 together.
The Green Paper, Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change, presents a set of options which share a common theme of strengthening local democratic leadership. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, Stronger Local Democracy proposes a Regional Mayor for Dublin to address the strategic challenges the city faces. The Paper also considers that local leadership, accountability and connection with the citizen can be achieved through the provision of directly elected mayors, with key powers of initiative, for all counties and cities.
Stronger Local Democracy proposes for examination measures such as the empowerment of existing town councils through devolved decision making and the negotiated transfer of functions from county to town level. The Paper states that town government can best be empowered by giving local councillors a greater say in decision making while working with county council staff and resources to implement those decisions.
The Green Paper is part of a transparent, inclusive policy formulation process. It includes key proposals for strengthening local democracy and sets out a range of options as to how those proposals may be brought forward. Copies of Stronger Local Democracy have been sent to all members of the Oireachtas.
My Department is now embarking on a public consultation process to inform the drafting of the White Paper, which I hope to finalise by year end. My own views are contained in the Green Paper, and I look forward to receiving responses from all concerned. Details of how to contribute to the consultation process are available on my Department's website. I will also be holding a number of regional seminars in the coming weeks in order to gather as full a range of perspectives as possible.
114 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will rectify the anomaly whereby licensees of residential properties do not come under the jurisdiction of the Private Residential Tenancies Board and therefore this area of private rented accommodation is not subject to inspection by local authorities. [20773/08]
134 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will rectify the anomaly whereby, because licensees do not come under the jurisdiction of the Private Residential Tenancies Board, landlords are able to avoid tenancy registration requirements through licensing and other arrangements and consequently no statistics are kept on the number of such landlords or properties. [20772/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 134 together.
Section 144 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 provides powers of direction in respect of a tenancy that is not registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) but which, in the opinion of the Board, ought to be registered. The improper use of licensing arrangements in order to avoid tenancy registration is an offence under the Act and a person found guilty of such an offence is, on summary conviction, liable to a fine of up to €3,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment.
The PRTB has a function of reviewing the operation of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 and of making recommendations for the amendment of the Act and any other related enactments, where this is considered necessary. I am open to considering any such recommendations and am aware that the PRTB has recently identified possible amendments to the Act that may enhance the Board's operations. These amendments are being considered in the context of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which is currently being drafted.
I understand that the PRTB has, in reviewing the operation of the 2004 Act, considered licensing arrangements and makes no recommendations in this regard. Such issues are understood not to be the subject of a significant number of cases received by the PRTB. The Board is however mindful of the need to ensure that tenancy registration requirements are not avoided through licensing and other arrangements and will continue to adopt a robust approach in dealing with any such cases arising.
Section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992 provides that the Minister may make regulations prescribing standards for houses let for rent or other valuable consideration. Minimum standards for private rented accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority, supported by a dedicated stream of funding allocated by my Department.
The revision of the Standards Regulations is an important element of an Action Programme to promote improvement in standards, which was launched on foot of the Towards 2016 agreement. My Department, in consultation with local authority and sectoral representatives, is conducting a review of these Regulations and I intend to finalise the revised Regulations in July.
115 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps that have been taken in response to the recent findings of the report compiled by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland, that found that since the transposing of the European Union Habitats Directive over a decade ago the condition of many protected habitats have deteriorated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20797/08]
126 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to ensure to provide more resources to the relevant authorities to address the poor and bad status of over 90% of protected habitats as found by the report compiled by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20798/08]
137 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the report, The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland, compiled by the National Parks and Wildlife Service that found that of 59 protected habitats only 4% or 7% had good status overall with the remainder either poor or bad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20795/08]
139 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to address the threat to a number of protected species, including the freshwater pearl mussel, otter, hare and Atlantic salmon, that was identified in the report compiled by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Wildlife Species in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20796/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115, 126, 137 and 139 together.
My Department's Report on the Status of Habitats and Species in Ireland is the first comprehensive compilation of the status of those habitats, animals and plants in Ireland which have protected status under national and EU law. The Report highlights the pressures and threats that habitats and species face in Ireland including through peat cutting, overgrazing and undergrazing, pollution, unsustainable exploitation, and from alien species and recreational pressure.
The Report is important and highlights many substantial and difficult challenges. The critical issue in the next few years will be the need to maintain and restore habitats, especially in Special Areas of Conservation, and to monitor and report on changes achieved. Ireland is currently moving from a phase of designation to one of more targeted management and protection. This requires the involvement of land owners, Government Departments, planning authorities and licensing agencies, and my Department is carrying out substantial work with the relevant groups to improve the situation. The Programme for Government 2007-2012 includes a commitment to strengthen Ireland's implementation of the Habitats Directive and I have secured greatly increased funding for my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service in 2008.
The report was compiled according to a strict template provided by the European Commission. The template required that any deterioration in status in recent times should receive an assessment of "poor"; and any significant deterioration an assessment of "bad". For a habitat or species to achieve good status, there must be evidence that it is being maintained or is improving, and it must have good prospects in the future. The results outlined in the report reflect the position that many of these habitats and species were already considered threatened, that Ireland has seen substantial economic growth and agricultural intensification, and that the assessments cover all the habitat or species range, both inside and, critically, outside protected areas.
There are already significant policies and work programmes in place which will address the conclusions in the Report. These include the designation of Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives, respectively; continued enforcement of the Habitats Regulations to protect SACs and SPAs; the Single Farm Payment scheme which removes incentives for overgrazing, the Commonage Framework Plans which assessed appropriate grazing levels on commonages; implementation of the Water Framework Directive; the Water Services Investment Programme; and the ban on drift netting of salmon.
In relation to the freshwater pearl mussel, 19 sites have been designated as SACs for this species and these sites contain about 85% of the known populations of the mussel. The Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food earlier in 2008 published a document on requirements for forestry management in the catchments of pearl mussel rivers. In addition, I will be making Regulations later this year on water quality objectives for freshwater pearl mussel rivers. Given the extreme threat to this species, my Department is also funding a programme of captive breeding in several locations.
A number of significant steps have been taken in recent years to secure the long term future of the otter in Ireland. 44 SACs have been designated for the otter of which most are large sites incorporating extensive river, lake or coastal systems. My Department has also liaised closely with the National Roads Authority to prepare strict guidance for the protection of otters during the planning and construction of national roads. Furthermore, considerable efforts are being made under the Water Framework Directive and the Water Services Investment Programme, to improve water quality nationally. Significant progress has been made in recent years to eliminate water pollution from non-domestic and domestic sources and progress is also underway in this regard within the agricultural and forestry sectors. A Species Action Plan has also been recently published by my Department for the otter which outlines the conservation actions that are needed to secure the future of the otter throughout Ireland over the coming five years.
In relation to the hare, my Department conducted the first national hare survey of Ireland in 2006 and 2007. The survey showed that the Irish hare is widespread, occurring throughout the entire country. However, population densities for Irish hare were found to be highly variable and it seems that populations can rapidly increase and decrease in a short space of time.
My Department has also published, together with the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland, an all Ireland Species Action Plan for the Irish hare. This plan identifies actions to be delivered in areas such as policy and legislation, site safeguard and management and research and monitoring. Implementation of the actions identified is ongoing. While the recent survey estimates suggest that the population is healthy, the hare was assessed as "poor" in this report due to habitat loss through agricultural intensification and the expansion of towns and cities into formerly rural areas. Measures in relation to the Atlantic salmon include the ban on drift netting of salmon.
116 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the local electoral area boundary committees are up to date with their work; and when he expects to be in position to publish their reports. [20761/08]
On 8 January 2008, I announced that I had established two boundary committees to review local electoral areas. The committees, which are independent in the performance of their functions, are required to report as soon as possible and, in any event, not later than 20 June 2008. The committees' website is www.electoralareacommittees.ie.
117 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will implement the recommendations contained in the report by the Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the future of the electoral register in Ireland published in April 2008; and when will he introduce the required legislation. [20771/08]
451 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the electoral register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20912/08]
452 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of names that incorrectly remain on the electoral register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20913/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117, 451 and 452 together.
In law, the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register.
In working to compile the Register for 2007/8, local authorities undertook and completed, with assistance from my Department, the most extensive registration campaign in decades. On the basis of the work undertaken, I am satisfied that local authorities achieved a significant improvement in the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register compared to previous years. The task now for local authorities, in relation to the Register, is to maintain and build on the progress made to date.
Beyond that, I welcome the recent report of the Joint Committee on Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to The Future of the Electoral Register in Ireland and Related Matters. The report is consistent with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government to establish an Electoral Commission, with responsibilities to include compiling a new national rolling electoral register, and is an important input to future Government decisions in this area.
120 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a commitment (details supplied) to the effect that he would take responsibility for parliamentary questions relating to the administration and policy of local authorities thereby ensuring openness, accountability and transparency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20767/08]
It is a matter for each local authority to deal with requests for access to information by a parliamentary representative as expeditiously as possible and in accordance with a proper level of customer service. In this regard local authorities are required to put in place arrangements to ensure that systems, procedures and time frames equivalent to those used by them in relation to correspondence from local authority members also apply in respect of parliamentary representatives.
My Department has previously gathered information from local authorities on the practical application of the arrangements for the supply of specified information to Oireachtas members under the Local Government Act 2001 (section 237A) Regulations 2003. This information is being updated at present. Based on the further information received to date, I understand that local authorities are generally complying with these arrangements. I am however continuing to review this matter and, if necessary, will issue supplementary guidance to local authorities reminding them of the need to provide a reasonable level of service for Oireachtas members and facilitate them in carrying out their work on behalf of local communities.
122 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the implications of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007, SI 684 of 2007, article 46 of the regulations, regarding funding of capital works (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15766/08]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 510 of 11 March 2008.
123 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the warnings and opinions Ireland has received from the European Commission in respect of lack of compliance with the 1999 Landfill Directive; the matters that the European Commission has sought rectification of in these warnings; the Government response to these warnings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20792/08]
131 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to respond to the final warning sent by the European Commission in respect of Ireland’s failure to properly transpose the 1999 Landfill Directive; if the Government has sent a reply by the deadline of 1 May 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20791/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 131 together.
Ireland, by letter dated 16 May 2008, has responded to a letter from the European Commission dated 31 January in regard to matters concerning the transposition of elements of the Landfill Directive. The concerns of the Commission have been substantially addressed in the Waste Management (Registration of Brokers and Dealers) Regulations 2008 which include various provisions more effectively to transpose into national legislation definitions contained in the Landfill Directive. These regulations have now been formally notified to the Commission.
A meeting has been requested with the Commission further to clarify positions on a small number of outstanding matters.
127 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reiterate the commitment of his Department towards the policy of equalisation, which has existed for the past ten years in the local government fund grant application, as Longford County Council is very concerned at the small allocation towards equalisation measures in the local government fund grant allocation for 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15765/08]
General purpose grants from the Local Government Fund are structured to bring about equalisation, over time, so that each authority will have sufficient resources, either from central grants or from its local income base, to provide an acceptable level of day to day services to its customers.
In determining these grants I take into account a number of factors including the overall funding available for this purpose, the estimated cost to each authority of providing an acceptable level of day to day services to their customers, the income each authority should generate from local sources and the necessity to provide each authority with a baseline allocation that will ensure financial stability.
The Needs and Resources Model has been used in determining these grants since the year 2000. While the Model has been refined and adjusted since it was introduced, there have been a number of significant changes to local authorities' expenditure and income patterns and financial systems over this period. It is intended therefore that the Model will be kept under review with a view to maintaining the process of equalisation.
Longford County Council's general purpose allocation for 2008 is €15,522,985, an increase of 5.91% over the 2007 allocation. General purpose grants to Longford County Council have increased by some 265% since 1997, which is more than a third higher than the average increase to local authorities over that period.
128 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps his Department are taking to address the issue of water charges on farms. [19525/08]
Local authorities are required to recover from non-domestic water consumers the costs incurred in the provision of water services to those consumers in accordance with the polluter pays principle and the requirements of Article 9 of the EU Water Framework Directive. The requirement for non-domestic consumers to pay for water services supplied to them applies regardless of the use to which the water is put.
129 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will meet with representatives of turf cutters on designated bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19787/08]
There are long established procedures for representing the views of domestic turf cutters to my Department and to the Government. In particular, the farming organisations represent the interests of turf cutters, as well as those of farmers, in a standing committee which meets with representatives of my Department on a regular basis. I have no plans for a separate meeting with turf cutters at the present time.
132 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the local authorities which invoice the Health Service Executive or others for fire services and the circumstances of same. [20786/08]
The information sought in the Question is not available in my Department. It is a matter for each fire authority to decide whether or not to charge for any of its fire services. I understand that Dublin City Council is recouped part of the cost of its fire and emergency services from the adjoining three county councils and the Health Service Executive.
133 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is undertaking an update on the uptake of the rental accommodation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18700/08]
454 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the external evaluation of the rental accommodation scheme will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18699/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 454 together.
The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) is at the mid-point in its initial implementation period and is operational in all housing authorities, with, in some cases, the County Council managing the scheme for the county at large. All housing authorities have transferred cases from Rent Supplement to RAS and, since the commencement of transfers in September 2005, the pace of delivery has increased. Some 13,000 households with long-term housing need have been accommodated to date in either voluntary, private rental properties or other social housing options. €51 million is being provided to local authorities for RAS for the current year and the aim is that a total of at least 15,000 cases will have been accommodated through the scheme by the end of 2008.
The experience to date suggests that the response to meeting the needs of households on rent supplement with a long term housing need in some areas will be mainly through the existing local authority and voluntary/co-operative housing programmes. In other areas, particularly in larger urban areas, RAS will play a substantial role in meeting housing need. Over the longer-term the use of leased accommodation will become an integral part of the approach of local authorities to meeting social housing need. Ultimately this is a matter for local authorities to decide taking into account demographic factors, the available supply of different types of social housing, the level of long-term housing need in the area, market conditions and the individual aspirations of households.
As indicated, the Rental Accommodation Scheme is midway through its implementation period and my Department is currently carrying out a Value for Money and Policy Review of the scheme to date. A report of the review is currently at an advanced stage of drafting. A specific aim of the review is to evaluate the operation of RAS in the light of the objectives set for it, including the financial arrangements under which the scheme operates. A further review is planned for the scheme, at the end of the implementation period.
135 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is overall monitoring and record of the number of on-the-spot litter fines imposed annually; if so, the figures and amounts for each of the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20760/08]
Under the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2003, primary responsibility for developing and implementing responses to litter, including the issuing and enforcement of litter fines, lies with local authorities.
Statistics on local authority enforcement action on litter, including the number of on-the-spot litter fines issued, are submitted by local authorities to my Department every six months. The latest figures available relate to the period January — June 2007, these figures and those for the preceding four years are obtainable from the Oireachtas Library.
136 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will implement controls on candidate expenditure in the forthcoming local elections. [20782/08]
In accordance with the Programme for Government, my Department recently published the Green Paper on local government reform, Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change. The Green Paper outlines a range of issues for consideration including the establishment of expenditure limits at local elections.
The submissions made in the course of the preparation of the Green Paper were generally supportive of some kind of expenditure limit. The Green Paper outlines two main options in relation to such limits for local elections: to introduce a fixed expenditure ceiling or to link limits to a proportion of Dáil expenditure. It states that care needs to be taken to ensure against overly bureaucratic rules and suggests that it may be useful to engage on the issue on a cross party basis. I will be writing shortly to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Heritage and Local Government to seek a meeting with them in this regard.
138 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he considered the time frame appropriate between the advertisement for registration of postal votes for the Lisbon reform referendum and the deadline for such registrations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20894/08]
Postal voting is provided for in respect of certain categories of person as specified in electoral law. Electors who are eligible for, but not already included on, the postal voters list may apply for entry on the supplement to this list and they can do this at any time. However, in accordance with electoral law, such persons must apply for inclusion on the supplement to the postal voters list not later than two days after a polling day order is made at a referendum, if they wish to avail of a postal vote at that referendum.
As the polling day order fixes the polling day, it is not possible to advertise the definitive closing date for the postal voters' supplement in advance of the order being made. The polling day order for the Lisbon Treaty Referendum was made on 12 May and, accordingly, the closing date for the supplement to the postal voters list was 14 May. My Department notified advertisements to the print media immediately on the making of the polling day order and these were widely published on the 13 and 14 May. In addition, the Referendum Commission website www.lisbontreaty2008.ie, which went live on 18 April, contained detailed information relating to voter registration for the referendum, including requirements in relation to the supplement to the postal voters list.
141 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in establishing the housing aid for older people scheme with local authorities and the delay in transferring the housing aid for the elderly scheme from the Health Service Executive to local authorities; if his attention has been drawn to the confusion and upset which this causes applicants; and when the plan will be fully implemented. [20783/08]
441 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in establishing the housing aid for older people scheme with local authorities and the delay in transferring the housing aid for the elderly scheme from the Health Service Executive to the local authorities; if his attention has been drawn to the confusion and upset which this causes applicants; when the plan will be fully implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20665/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 441 together.
The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme 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 (HSE) 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 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 from the HSE to the local authority sector. For that reason it is essential to allow sufficient time to resolve relevant issues, including the allocation of staffing and other resources. It has therefore been agreed with the HSE that the 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.
142 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the specific date for the publication of the Social Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill due to be brought before the House this term. [20779/08]
Considerable progress has been made in drafting the Bill, and every effort is being made to outstanding legal issues with a view to publication before the end of the current Dáil session.
143 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Taoiseach the numbers unemployed in both County Carlow and County Kilkenny; the way these figures have varied for each year since 1995 for unemployment numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20633/08]
The Live Register figures for County Carlow and County Kilkenny for each month from 1995 to date are set out in the following table.
The Live Register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Figures are published for each county and each Local Social Welfare Office. The most recent information is for April 2008.
Estimates of employment and unemployment rates are compiled, at a regional level, from the Quarterly National Household Survey. There are eight regions in the State; Border, Midland, West, Dublin, Mid-East, Mid-West, South-East and South-West. Sub-regional statistics, of the kind requested by the Deputy, are not available from the Quarterly National Household Survey. The latest results are for the period September to November 2007 and showed an unemployment figure of 11,700 persons in the South-East region.
|
Live Register County Carlow total |
||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Annual Average |
||||||||||||||
|
Persons |
||||||||||||||
|
Year |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Persons |
% change |
|
1995 |
3,656 |
3,758 |
3,601 |
3,742 |
3,624 |
3,763 |
3,901 |
3,854 |
3,575 |
3,573 |
3,533 |
3,661 |
3,687 |
|
|
1996 |
3,816 |
3,844 |
3,874 |
3,872 |
3,774 |
3,989 |
4,032 |
3,987 |
3,688 |
3,453 |
3,381 |
3,576 |
3,774 |
+ 2.4 |
|
1997 |
3,535 |
3,557 |
3,709 |
3,637 |
3,531 |
3,649 |
3,616 |
3,544 |
3,340 |
3,233 |
3,185 |
3,407 |
3,495 |
-7.4 |
|
1998 |
3,418 |
3,408 |
3,263 |
3,232 |
3,239 |
3,350 |
3,346 |
3,293 |
3,083 |
2,980 |
2,925 |
3,050 |
3,216 |
- 8.0 |
|
1999 |
3,092 |
3,002 |
2,894 |
2,846 |
2,775 |
2,841 |
2,921 |
2,801 |
2,577 |
2,440 |
2,343 |
2,496 |
2,752 |
- 14.4 |
|
2000 |
2,500 |
2,451 |
2,312 |
2,323 |
2,174 |
2,283 |
2,336 |
2,268 |
2,009 |
1,857 |
1,809 |
1,964 |
2,191 |
- 20.4 |
|
2001 |
1,902 |
1,918 |
1,901 |
1,889 |
1,820 |
1,920 |
1,997 |
1,988 |
1,800 |
1,767 |
1,925 |
2,026 |
1,904 |
- 13.1 |
|
2002 |
2,112 |
2,198 |
2,246 |
2,128 |
2,064 |
2,208 |
2,265 |
2,298 |
2,100 |
1,977 |
1,978 |
2,079 |
2,138 |
+ 12.3 |
|
2003 |
2,112 |
2,173 |
2,195 |
2,292 |
2,257 |
2,431 |
2,524 |
2,509 |
2,247 |
2,170 |
2,119 |
2,227 |
2,271 |
+ 6.2 |
|
2004 |
2,314 |
2,323 |
2,309 |
2,305 |
2,262 |
2,395 |
2,516 |
2,473 |
2,187 |
2,114 |
2,048 |
2,223 |
2,289 |
+ 0.8 |
|
2005 |
2,272 |
2,272 |
2,324 |
2,128 |
2,197 |
2,305 |
2,414 |
2,364 |
2,064 |
1,927 |
1,973 |
2,065 |
2,192 |
- 4.2 |
|
2006 |
2,082 |
2,075 |
2,046 |
2,039 |
2,058 |
2,158 |
2,242 |
2,219 |
1,953 |
1,933 |
1,867 |
1,965 |
2,053 |
- 6.3 |
|
2007 |
1,992 |
2,057 |
2,023 |
2,066 |
2,090 |
2,303 |
2,506 |
2,488 |
2,273 |
2,212 |
2,310 |
2,448 |
2,231 |
+ 8.7 |
|
2008 |
2,614 |
2,747 |
2,960 |
2,939 |
|
Annual Average |
||||||||||||||
|
Persons |
||||||||||||||
|
Year |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Persons |
% change |
|
1995 |
4,098 |
4,144 |
4,060 |
4,066 |
3,986 |
4,060 |
4,066 |
4,073 |
4,010 |
4,011 |
4,004 |
4,160 |
4,062 |
|
|
1996 |
4,211 |
4,207 |
4,084 |
4,087 |
3,964 |
4,146 |
4,281 |
4,305 |
4,147 |
3,950 |
3,867 |
3,963 |
4,101 |
+ 1.0 |
|
1997 |
3,923 |
3,873 |
3,829 |
3,785 |
3,680 |
3,838 |
3,853 |
3,836 |
3,752 |
3,706 |
3,621 |
3,752 |
3,787 |
- 7.7 |
|
1998 |
3,778 |
3,708 |
3,642 |
3,577 |
3,477 |
3,627 |
3,556 |
3,598 |
3,424 |
3,276 |
3,219 |
3,472 |
3,530 |
- 6.8 |
|
1999 |
3,381 |
3,278 |
3,124 |
3,062 |
2,983 |
3,039 |
3,091 |
3,122 |
2,835 |
2,840 |
2,664 |
2,703 |
3,010 |
- 14.7 |
|
2000 |
2,726 |
2,561 |
2,358 |
2,413 |
2,173 |
2,229 |
2,229 |
2,254 |
2,084 |
1,987 |
2,036 |
2,047 |
2,258 |
- 25.0 |
|
2001 |
2,064 |
2,033 |
1,991 |
2,020 |
1,948 |
1,973 |
2,066 |
2,050 |
1,947 |
2,013 |
2,243 |
2,182 |
2,044 |
- 9.5 |
|
2002 |
2,308 |
2,326 |
2,322 |
2,228 |
2,163 |
2,241 |
2,408 |
2,431 |
2,293 |
2,315 |
2,335 |
2,467 |
2,320 |
+ 13.5 |
|
2003 |
2,512 |
2,532 |
2,463 |
2,461 |
2,439 |
2,614 |
2,785 |
2,851 |
2,629 |
2,642 |
2,606 |
2,716 |
2,604 |
+ 12.2 |
|
2004 |
2,767 |
2,701 |
2,618 |
2,564 |
2,545 |
2,618 |
2,805 |
2,793 |
2,537 |
2,483 |
2,376 |
2,489 |
2,608 |
+ 0.2 |
|
2005 |
2,548 |
2,524 |
2,478 |
2,369 |
2,349 |
2,471 |
2,606 |
2,639 |
2,370 |
2,322 |
2,329 |
2,484 |
2,457 |
- 5.8 |
|
2006 |
2,519 |
2,514 |
2,473 |
2,469 |
2,434 |
2,610 |
2,757 |
2,806 |
2,545 |
2,498 |
2,479 |
2,557 |
2,555 |
+ 4.0 |
|
2007 |
2,632 |
2,610 |
2,514 |
2,455 |
2,454 |
2,604 |
2,766 |
2,715 |
2,479 |
2,466 |
2,536 |
2,692 |
2,577 |
+ 0.9 |
|
2008 |
3,006 |
3,167 |
3,312 |
3,271 |
Source: Live Register Series, Quarterly National Household Survey.
It should be noted that:
(a) the Live Register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, seasonal and casual workers entitled to Unemployment Assistance or Benefit. Statistics on unemployment are measured at regional level by the Quarterly National Household Survey.
(b) the exact area covered by each Local Office is not limited to the immediate locality of the particular office. For instance, in the Tallaght Local Office there may be registered, persons from the Blessington area.
144 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach if he personally pays the toll charges incurred on his travels; if not, the cost to the taxpayer of tolls of such for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20554/08]
Ministerial cars are driven by members of An Garda Síochána. Such vehicles are exempt from tolls under Section 62 of the Roads Act, 1993. Accordingly, no cost arises to the Exchequer.
145 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement the recommendation of the Task Force on Active Citizenship to introduce a national active citizenship theme culminating in a national active citizenship week. [20555/08]
146 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement the recommendation of the Task Force on Active Citizenship to introduce a national presidential citizen awards to recognise outstanding contributions made by individuals to society here. [20556/08]
147 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement the recommendation of the Task Force on Active Citizenship to undertake an audit of existing community facilities to identify gaps and opportunities for improved use of existing facilities. [20557/08]
148 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement the recommendation of the Task Force on Active Citizenship to identify the way better use can be made of schools at evening and weekends to act as community hubs. [20558/08]
149 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement the recommendation of the Task Force on Active Citizenship to introduce a formal citizenship ceremony. [20559/08]
150 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement the recommendation of the Task Force on Active Citizenship to strengthen further the relationship between Government and community and voluntary organisations. [20560/08]
151 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement the recommendation of the Task Force on Active Citizenship to develop a system of academic accreditation in recognition of volunteering skills. [20561/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 to 151, inclusive, together.
Active Citizenship is a priority area for the Taoiseach evidenced in the fact that he has assigned special responsibility to me to lead this initiative as Minister of State in his Department. Over the coming years, I look forward to working with the various stakeholders in this area of community cohesion and social interaction. Working together, I believe that we can achieve a strong policy and delivery platform for all citizens.
The recommendations of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship covered a wide and cross-cutting range of public policy areas specific to a number of Government Departments. The recommendations also relate to the community and voluntary sectors, to business and educational interests and, of course, to individual citizens.
I am currently undertaking a series of meetings with key officials in my own Department and in relevant other Departments to assess the level of progress on implementation to date.
The Deputy will be aware that the timescales for the recommendations will vary in terms of the complexities of consultations required in Departments with their respective stakeholders and in terms of resource issues and detailed planning of initiatives. I am, however, pleased to report that the audit of community facilities has commenced under the direction of Local Authorities and coordinated by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
The Green Paper on Local Government Reform was recently published by Minister Gormley. It seeks to strengthen the links between local government and communities. I intend to progress the Active Citizenship agenda as quickly as possible. I will be assisted in this work by a Steering Group, especially in the areas of public policy, business and the media chaired by Mary Davis. I will guide and support the Active Citizenship Office in the implementation of the recommendations. In the coming months, I look forward to supplying more extensive updates on the important elements of the recommendations of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship.
152 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the number of civil servants within his Department at the grade of assistant principal or higher; the number of whom were recruited to those roles from outside of the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20681/08]
There are 55 Civil Servants within my Department at the grade of Assistant Principal or higher. All these staff were recruited to their current positions from within the Civil Service.
153 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Taoiseach the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to reconsider the recommendations of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Constitution regarding Dáil reform. [20321/08]
154 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Taoiseach the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to pursue the issue of reform of Oireachtas sitting times, Oireachtas procedures and strengthening the role of Committees. [20322/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.
The matter of Dáil Reform is essentially one for the House itself which, under the Constitution, has responsibility for making its own rules and standing orders.
While the Government parties are committed to progressing any commitments contained in the Programme for Government, it is ultimately the Committee on Procedures and Privileges who progress Dáil Reform.
Responsibility for promoting Dáil Reform is shared by all parties in this House. This gives the Parties the opportunity of working out common positions on a range of issues. The Government will play a constructive part in exploring with those parties opportunities for improving procedures.
155 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Taoiseach the cost of his predecessor’s recent visit to the United States; the names and roles of the persons who accompanied him; the mode of transport used in each case; the cost of travel, hotel and other expenses in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20944/08]
156 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Taoiseach the names and roles of each person for whom any travel, hotel or other expenses were covered in connection with his predecessor’s recent visit to the United States; the cost in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20945/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.
Joint Meeting of the United States Congress
The following people travelled to the United States as part of the official delegation for the then Taoiseach's address to the Joint Meeting of the United States Congress:
Then Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern
Gerry Hickey, Taoiseach's Adviser
Eoghan O'Neachtain, Government Press Secretary
Mandy Johnston, Taoiseach's Adviser
Brian Murphy, Taoiseach's Adviser
Martin Fraser, Assistant Secretary
Paul McGarry, Principal Officer
David Feeney, Private Secretary to the Taoiseach
Nick Reddy, Assistant Private Secretary to the Taoiseach
Olive Melvin, Taoiseach's Personal Assistant
John Byrne, Security Officer
Minister Dermot Ahern
Dermot Gallagher, Secretary General
Pat Hennessey, Director, Anglo-Irish Division
Sinead Ryan, Private Secretary to the Minister
Michael Lonergan, Press Officer
Ciaran O'Cuinn, Minister's Adviser
Transport in Washington was provided by two cars, four multi-person vehicles and two vans. Transport in Boston was provided by one car, four multi-person vehicles and two vans. Costs discharged by my Department in relation to this trip currently stand at €8,665.08. This can be broken down to travel costs at €6,661.41 and subsistence costs at €2,003.67. Costs discharged by the Department of Foreign Affairs in relation to this trip currently stands at €16,757. The costs for this trip have not yet been finalised. Further charges have not yet been received in respect of hotel and transport costs.
St. Patrick's Day
The following people travelled to the United States as part of the official delegation for the then Taoiseach's visit to Scranton PA and Washington DC to mark the St. Patrick's Day period.
Then Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern
Gerry Hickey, Taoiseach's Adviser
Eoghan O'Neachtain, Government Press Secretary
Martin Fraser, Assistant Secretary
Paul McGarry, Principal Officer
David Feeney, Private Secretary to the Taoiseach
Pat Hennessy, Director, Anglo-Irish Division, Department of Foreign Affairs
Olive Melvin, Taoiseach's Personal Assistant
Dermot Hobbs, Security Officer
Costs discharged by my Department in relation to this trip currently stand at €2,826.16. Costs in relation to gifts given stand at €1,479.32 and costs in relation to subsistence stand at €1,346.84. There are no travel costs associated with this trip. Costs discharged by the Department of Foreign Affairs in relation to this trip currently stand at €235. The costs for this trip have not yet been finalised. Further charges have not yet been received in respect of hotel and transport cost
157 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Taoiseach the members of the Cabinet Sub-committee on Health; when the committee last met; and when it will meet again. [20971/08]
The Cabinet Committee on Health comprises:
the Taoiseach;
the Tánaiste;
the Minister for Finance; and
the Minister for Health and Children.
Ministers who are not members of a Cabinet Committee may attend Committee meetings where appropriate. The Committee last met on 5 March, 2008 and its next meeting is scheduled for tomorrow.
158 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the dates of the Valuation Office records currently being transferred to Portlaoise; the arrangements being put in place to ensure that these records can be accessed for research or other purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21061/08]
The Valuation Office is scheduled to move 100 staff to Youghal in late 2009. To date, accommodation has not been secured for this move. There are no arrangements in place at present to transfer any of the Office records to Youghal.
159 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the amount accrued to the Exchequer each month for the past 12 months by way of excise duty, VAT and other such payments through the sale of respective petroleum products to include home heating oil, petrol and diesels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20563/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the amounts of tax revenue collected from Mineral Oil Tax and VAT on petroleum products for the annual year 2007 and the first four months of 2008 are as follows:
|
Mineral Oil Tax |
(Jan to Dec) 2007 |
(Jan to Apr) 2008 Prov |
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
Petrol |
1,051 |
382 |
|
Auto Diesel |
1,076 |
393 |
|
Fuel Oil |
8 |
2 |
|
Marked Gas Oil |
68 |
26 |
|
Auto LPG |
0.07 |
0.02 |
|
Total |
2,204 |
803 |
|
Estimated VAT Yield |
(Jan to Dec) 2007 Est. |
(Jan to Apr) 2008 Est. |
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
Petrol |
465 |
177 |
|
Auto Diesel |
57 |
23 |
|
Marked Gas Oil |
70 |
31 |
|
Kerosene |
77 |
46 |
|
Auto LPG |
0.1 |
0.03 |
|
Total |
669 |
277 |
Note: The VAT yield from petroleum products is estimated as the information to be furnished on VAT returns does not require the yield from particular sectors of trade to be identified. It should also be noted that the VAT content of purchases of Auto Diesel is a deductible credit for business in the Irish VAT system.
160 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Finance the take up there as been from the private sector in relation to the amendment to the Finance Bill 2008 regarding the provision of hospice beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20570/08]
Finance Act 2008 introduced a new scheme of capital allowances for capital expenditure incurred on the construction and refurbishment of qualifying specialist palliative care units.
Approval for this scheme from a State aid perspective is required from the EU Commission. The scheme will commence on receipt of approval from the EU Commission, at which time I will issue a commencement order. The process of obtaining State-aid approval from the EU Commission is under way in my Department.
161 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance if he will report all communications he or his Department has had with the National Treasury Management Agency regarding the provision of additional Government borrowing-national debt since the start of the second quarter in 2008; if he will make a statement on the projected additional increases to the national debt for quarter three and quarter four. [20572/08]
The primary role of the National Treasury Management Agency is to ensure that sufficient funding is available at all times to meet the day-to-day requirements of the Exchequer. It is a matter for the Agency to decide when and how much to borrow in the light of those needs, commercial considerations surrounding the raising of debt on the markets and the need to maintain an appropriate level of liquidity.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail on communications with the Agency on this issue, given the commercial sensitivity of the Agency's remit.
I might add that Budget 2008 provided for an Exchequer Borrowing Requirement of €4.9 billion in 2008. Details of the movement in the debt and the Exchequer balances are published as part of the Exchequer Statement at the end of each month.
162 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for an investigation to be carried out by the Office of Public Works for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo to see if an ongoing drainage problem can be resolved. [20575/08]
The OPW and Mayo County Council undertook works to divert a channel of the Moy Catchment Drainage Scheme during the construction of the Rathroeen Landfill Site. Further alterations to the scheme channels took place over time.
The works resulted in waters, which had previously flowed overland through a channel of the Scheme and Rathroeen Lough, flowing through a newly laid pipeline.
I am advised that any alterations were localised and have had minimal impact on the drainage of the area. Officials from the OPW have visited the site on a number of occasions and are satisfied that the scheme is operating to its design parameters. It is not proposed to carry out further works at present.
163 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants within his Department at the grade of assistant principal or higher; the number of whom were recruited to those roles from outside of the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20676/08]
The number of officers within my Department at the grade of Assistant Principal or higher, and the number recruited from outside the civil service are as follows:
|
Grade |
Number in grade |
Number recruited from outside Civil Service* |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
Appointed by the Government |
|
Secretary General PSMD |
1 |
Appointed by the Government |
|
Second Secretary General |
3 |
0 |
|
Chief Medical Officer |
1 |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
11 |
3 |
|
Principal and equivalent grades |
55 |
2 |
|
Assistant Principal and equivalent grades |
170 |
11 |
*These posts were filled following open recruitment competitions — in some cases, the successful candidate may already have been a serving civil servant.
164 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money spent in 2005 to recruit three candidates from 2,737 applicants from an open higher executive officer competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20693/08]
Traditionally the recruitment grades to the civil service were at Clerical Officer, Executive Officer and Administrative Officer (graduate) levels. Appointments to the middle management grades of Higher Executive Officer and Assistant Principal and more senior management grades of Principal Officer and above were made exclusively through internal promotion processes and therefore were confined to serving civil servants.
These arrangements changed as a result of the National Partnership Agreement Sustaining Progress 2003-2005. In this agreement arrangements were put in place for open recruitment into the civil service at Higher Executive Officer (HEO), Assistant Principal (AP) and Principal (PO) levels. The quota of vacancies to be filled was to equal the number of staff who had resigned from the civil service in the previous year to take up positions in the private sector or elsewhere in the public sector.
As a direct result of this agreement recruitment campaigns open to all qualified people were launched in 2003 and 2005. These campaigns were initiated to fill the vacancies that arose as a result of civil servants leaving to take up positions in the private or wider public service.
For the 2005 Open Higher Executive Officer Competition 2,737 applications were received. Based on the agreed criteria in Sustaining Progress it was determined that 3 positions were due to be filled. The Public Appointments Service could, if the need had arisen, have filled many more vacancies from this campaign.
While initially small in number, the establishment of the principle of open recruitment to higher grades is an important one in the context of the public service modernisation programme. Subsequent National Agreements have now significantly increased the quota of people who can enter the civil service at senior management grades from outside the system.
Costs:
For reasons of efficiency and economies of scale the Open HEO campaign was run alongside a number of other campaigns (Open AP and Confined AP). This meant that test centres were shared as indeed were staff costs and advertising costs. It is not possible therefore to be definitive and apportion specific costs to the HEO campaign component alone.
The approximate cost for the running of this particular HEO campaign was €37,000. This included: equipment hire, staff costs, staff expenses, venue hire and advertising.
165 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the mortgage interest relief at source scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the projected cost to the Exchequer for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; the number of taxpayers for each of these time periods benefiting from the mortgage interest relief scheme who claimed tax relief at source (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20737/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the cost to the Exchequer of mortgage interest relief by way of tax relief at source (TRS) and the associated number of claimants in each of the years 2005 to 2008 inclusive is as follows:
|
Tax Year |
Numbers |
Cost |
|
€m |
||
|
2005 |
587,800 |
280 |
|
2006 |
648,950* |
350 |
|
2007 |
697,250* |
545 |
|
2008 (4 months) |
707,900* |
230* (estimate) |
* These figures are provisional and subject to revision.
It should be noted that married couples are counted as a single claimant. The cost to the Exchequer of tax relief allowed for mortgage interest in 2008 is provisionally estimated at €645 million.
A breakdown by range of amount of tax relief provided at source could not be identified without carrying out a significant development of the Revenue Commissioners' TRS computer system.
Projections for income tax receipts are based on assumed movements in macroeconomic parameters and not by reference to the costs of individual tax reliefs. Accordingly, I am not in a position to provide the information requested in relation to forecasts of mortgage interest relief for the years 2009 and 2010.
The figures for numbers of claimants given in respect of 2006 and 2007 are upward revisions of figures provided in reply to a previous related question given on 12 February 2008. The revision was necessitated by new historical information becoming available in the interim.
166 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the rent relief for private accommodation scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the projected cost to the Exchequer for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; the number of taxpayers who availed of the rent relief for private accommodation scheme in each of those time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20738/08]
168 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the tax relief on service charges scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the projected cost to the Exchequer for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; the number of taxpayers who availed of the tax relief on service charges scheme in each of those time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20740/08]
170 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the trade union subscription scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the projected cost to the Exchequer for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; the number of taxpayers who availed of the trade union subscription scheme in each of those time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20742/08]
171 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the health and medical expenses relief scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the projected cost to the Exchequer for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; the number of taxpayers who availed of the health and medical expenses relief scheme in each of those time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20743/08]
172 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the tuition fees tax relief scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the projected cost to the Exchequer for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; the number of taxpayers who availed of the tuition fees tax relief scheme in each of those time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20744/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 166, 168 and 170 to 172, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent year for which final information is available on the cost to the Exchequer, and the numbers of taxpayers availing, of the tax reliefs mentioned by the Deputy is for the income tax year 2004. However, corresponding figures on the cost and numbers availing for the income tax year 2005 are available as follows on a preliminary basis.
|
Tax relief |
Estimated cost to the Exchequer |
Estimated numbers availing |
|
€m |
||
|
Rent paid in private tenancies |
48 |
144,600 |
|
Service charges |
17 |
304,700 |
|
Trade union subscriptions |
12 |
272,100 |
|
Health and medical expenses |
134 |
260,700 |
|
Tuition fees |
14 |
29,900 |
These figures are subject to revision.
Projections for income tax receipts are based on assumed movements in macroeconomic parameters and not by reference to the costs of individual tax reliefs. Accordingly, I am not in a position to provide the data requested by the Deputy for the years 2006 to 2010 in relation to the above mentioned reliefs.
The numbers availing represent income earners who were in a position to absorb at least some of the tax relief and thereby give rise to an Exchequer cost. They do not include the numbers of potential claimants whose entitlements to other tax reliefs were sufficient to reduce their liability to tax to nil without reference to the specific relief. The numbers availing are rounded to the nearest hundred as appropriate.
A married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
167 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the medical insurance premiums tax relief at source scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the projected cost to the Exchequer for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; the number of taxpayers who availed of the medical insurance premiums tax relief at source scheme in each of those time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20739/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the cost to the Exchequer of tax relief allowed for medical insurance premia by way of tax relief at source (TRS) and the associated number of policies in each of the years 2005 to 2008 inclusive is as follows:
|
Tax Year |
Numbers |
Cost |
|
€m |
||
|
2005 |
1,073,400 |
230 |
|
2006 |
1,134,500* |
260 |
|
2007 |
1,195,400* |
300 |
|
2008 (4 months) |
not available |
110* |
* These figures are provisional and subject to revision.
The cost to the Exchequer of tax relief allowed for medical insurance premia in 2008 is provisionally estimated at €315 million.
It should be noted that the numbers provided relate to the number of policies issued as it is not possible to compile a reliable count of the number of individual claimants.
Projections for income tax receipts are based on assumed movements in macroeconomic parameters and not by reference to the costs of individual tax reliefs. Accordingly, I am not in a position to provide the information requested in relation to forecasts of tax relief for medical insurance for the years 2009 and 2010.
169 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the home carer tax credit scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the projected cost to the Exchequer for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; the number of taxpayers who availed of the home carer tax credit scheme in each of those time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20741/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent year for which final information is available on the cost to the Exchequer, and the numbers of taxpayers availing, of the home carer tax credit is for the income tax year 2004. However, corresponding figures on the cost and numbers availing for the income tax year 2005 are available as follows on a preliminary basis.
|
Tax credit |
Estimated cost to the Exchequer €m |
Estimated numbers availing |
|
Home carer tax credit |
64 |
87,900 |
In addition, provisional estimates of the cost to the Exchequer of the home carer's tax credit and the associated number of income earners availing of it are available as follows for the income tax years 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Home carer tax credit
|
Tax year |
Estimated cost to the Exchequer €m |
Estimated numbers availing |
|
2006 |
69 |
93,900 |
|
2007 |
70 |
94,900 |
|
2008 |
84 |
98,100 |
The figures for 2006 to 2008 are estimates from the Revenue tax forecasting model using actual data for the year 2004 adjusted as necessary for income and employment growth for the years in question and are therefore provisional and subject to revision.
Projections for income tax receipts are based on assumed movements in macroeconomic parameters and not by reference to the costs of individual tax reliefs. Accordingly, I am not in a position to provide the data requested by the Deputy for the years 2009 and 2010 in relation to the home carer credit.
The numbers availing represent income earners who were in a position to absorb at least some of the home carer tax credit and thereby give rise to an Exchequer cost. They do not include the numbers of potential claimants whose entitlements to other tax credits were sufficient to reduce their liability to tax to nil without reference to the home carer credit. The numbers availing are rounded to the nearest hundred as appropriate.
A married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
173 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the tax relief for pension investment scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the projected cost to the Exchequer for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; the number of taxpayers, for each of these time periods, benefiting from the tax relief for pension investment scheme who received this tax relief at a marginal rate of 20%; the number of taxpayers, for each of these time periods, benefiting from the tax relief for pension investment scheme who received this tax relief at a marginal rate of 41%; the number of taxpayers, for each of these time periods, benefiting from the tax relief for pension investment scheme who received this tax relief on less than €5,000 of their gross income; the number of taxpayers, for each of these time periods, benefiting from the tax relief for pension investment scheme who received this tax relief on more than €5,000, more than €10,000, more than €20,000, more than €30,000, more than €40,000, more than €50,000, more than €75,000, more than €100,000, more than €150,000 and more than €200,000 of their gross income and at the maximum allowable proportion of their gross income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20745/08]
As part of the work on the Green Paper on Pensions, a review was carried out into the current regime of tax incentives for supplementary pension provision. This was done with a view to developing more comprehensive and reliable estimates of the cost of reliefs in this area. Arising from the review, the following revised and up to date estimates of the cost of tax and other reliefs for private pension provision for 2006 have been made. Estimates on a consistent basis are not available for 2005.
|
Estimated costs |
Numbers* |
|
|
€million |
||
|
Employees’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes |
540 |
680,000 |
|
Employers’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes |
120 |
362,000** |
|
Estimated cost of exemption of employers’ contributions from employee BIK |
510 |
362,000 |
|
Exemption of investment income and gains of approved Superannuation Funds |
1,200 |
Not available |
|
Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) |
380 |
2006 data not available |
|
Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) |
120 |
71,500 |
|
Estimated cost of tax relief on “tax-free” lump sum payments |
130 |
|
|
Estimated cost of PRSI and Health Levy relief on employee and employer contributions |
220 |
Not available |
|
Gross cost of tax relief |
3,220 |
|
|
Estimated tax yield from payment of pension benefits |
320 |
|
|
Net cost of tax relief |
2,900 |
*Numbers as included in P35 returns from employers to Revenue for 2006. Figures are as verified to date but there may be some understatement . |
**Numbers of employees for whom employers are contributing to occupational pension funds as included in P35 returns to Revenue for 2006.
As regards projections for 2007-2010, projections for income tax receipts are based on assumed movements in macro-economic parameters and not by reference to the costs of individual tax reliefs. Accordingly, I am not in a position to provide the projected cost data requested by the Deputy for the years 2007 to 2010 in relation to the above-mentioned reliefs.
Breakdown of Figures by Tax Rate
With regard to occupational pensions, (that is, schemes set up by the employer), the figures in respect of employee and employer contributions are available only in aggregate form on a tentative basis. Information on such contributions is not captured in such a way as to make it possible to provide disaggregated figures by tax rate.
A breakdown of the figures by tax rate is only available at present in respect of the tax relief for contributions to Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) to the extent that these contributions have been included in the personal tax returns of tax payers. The available data is set out in the following tables:
|
Tax Rate |
Number of Cases |
Amount of Deduction |
Reduction in tax |
|
€m |
€m |
||
|
Standard Rate (20%)* |
47,718 |
140.6 |
33.0 |
|
Higher Rate (42%) |
63,596 |
755.0 |
312.8 |
|
Total |
111,314 |
895.6 |
345.8 |
* Includes claimants benefiting from marginal relief or with zero tax liability
|
Tax Rate |
Number of Cases |
Amount of Deduction |
Reduction in tax |
|
€m |
€m |
||
|
Standard Rate (20%)* |
4,152 |
10.7 |
2.5 |
|
Higher Rate (42%) |
5,854 |
47.9 |
19.8 |
|
Total |
10,006 |
58.6 |
22.3 |
* Includes claimants benefiting from marginal relief or with zero tax liability.
The figures for PRSAs do not include contributions made by employees through employers' payroll systems and in respect of which tax relief is provided on the net pay basis. Information on such contributions is not captured in such a way as to make it possible to provide disaggregated figures by tax rate. Contributions to RACs are generally not made through employers payroll systems.
The lower aggregate figures for RACs in the tax rate table (compared to the slightly higher figures for RACs in the preceding table for 2005) are taken directly from filed income tax returns which represent about 98.5% of all income tax returns expected for 2005. The higher figures in the initial table have, in accordance with normal practice, been grossed-up. The designation of a tax rate to claimants is based on identifying the top tax rate applying to the taxable income of each claimant.
Tax Relief — Different Income Categories
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not possible to provide disaggregated figures in regard to the take-up of the tax relief for all pension contributions across different income categories because the relevant data in regard to contributions is not captured in such a way as to make this possible. The latest relevant information available in this area is in respect of income tax relief allowed for contributions to Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) for the income tax year 2005, as returned for that year by individuals in personal income tax returns. This information is set out in the following tables which provide the number of cases as well as amount of deduction and reduction in tax for tax relief for RACs and PRSAs for the various contribution ranges. A married couple who has elected or has deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit:
|
Retirement Annuity — by range of Gross Income. |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Range of gross income |
Totals |
||||||
|
From |
To |
Number of cases |
Amount of deduction |
Reduction in tax |
Tax due for payment |
Gross Tax * |
Reduction in tax as % of Gross Tax |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
% |
|
|
— |
5,000 |
406 |
1,097,106 |
63,318 |
1,425 |
64,743 |
97.8 |
|
5,000 |
10,000 |
867 |
1,159,428 |
42,565 |
8,660 |
51,225 |
83.1 |
|
10,000 |
20,000 |
5,961 |
10,431,557 |
1,653,915 |
2,344,578 |
3,998,493 |
41.4 |
|
20,000 |
30,000 |
12,747 |
26,240,915 |
5,058,931 |
16,246,859 |
21,305,790 |
23.7 |
|
30,000 |
40,000 |
15,531 |
38,936,407 |
10,709,433 |
42,082,844 |
52,792,277 |
20.3 |
|
40,000 |
50,000 |
14,363 |
45,816,794 |
14,547,614 |
64,596,863 |
79,144,477 |
18.4 |
|
50,000 |
75,000 |
26,455 |
119,126,817 |
41,183,052 |
209,407,932 |
250,590,984 |
16.4 |
|
75,000 |
100,000 |
13,615 |
99,961,110 |
40,744,562 |
194,639,337 |
235,383,899 |
17.3 |
|
100,000 |
150,000 |
9,892 |
125,055,147 |
52,235,223 |
243,246,995 |
295,482,218 |
17.7 |
|
150,000 |
200,000 |
3,705 |
81,437,198 |
34,165,790 |
150,008,622 |
184,174,412 |
18.6 |
|
Over |
200,000 |
7,772 |
346,371,116 |
145,381,314 |
840,686,061 |
986,067,375 |
14.7 |
|
Totals |
111,314 |
895,633,596 |
345,785,718 |
1,763,270,177 |
2,109,055,895 |
16.4 |
*"Gross tax" means the tax that would be due before relief is allowed for retirement annuity deductions.
|
Personal Retirement Savings Accounts — by range of Gross Income. |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Range of gross income |
Totals |
||||||
|
From |
To |
Number of cases |
Amount of deduction |
Reduction in tax |
Tax due for payment |
Gross Tax * |
Reduction in tax as % of Gross Tax |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
% |
|
|
— |
5,000 |
42 |
56,972 |
— |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
|
5,000 |
10,000 |
93 |
119,689 |
6,095 |
1,305 |
7,400 |
82.4 |
|
10,000 |
20,000 |
667 |
1,049,901 |
174,848 |
283,563 |
458,411 |
38.1 |
|
20,000 |
30,000 |
1,481 |
2,765,927 |
538,977 |
2,231,669 |
2,770,646 |
19.5 |
|
30,000 |
40,000 |
1,532 |
3,906,090 |
1,224,513 |
4,866,740 |
6,091,253 |
20.1 |
|
40,000 |
50,000 |
1,231 |
3,918,871 |
1,331,798 |
6,484,724 |
7,816,522 |
17.0 |
|
50,000 |
75,000 |
2,162 |
10,090,575 |
3,684,956 |
18,938,475 |
22,623,431 |
16.3 |
|
75,000 |
100,000 |
1,143 |
8,357,350 |
3,448,343 |
17,283,452 |
20,731,795 |
16.6 |
|
100,000 |
150,000 |
914 |
10,057,040 |
4,219,484 |
24,022,297 |
28,241,781 |
14.9 |
|
150,000 |
200,000 |
302 |
5,161,334 |
2,166,660 |
13,055,338 |
15,221,998 |
14.2 |
|
Over |
200,000 |
439 |
13,109,444 |
5,503,766 |
45,100,397 |
50,604,163 |
10.9 |
|
Totals |
10,006 |
58,593,193 |
22,299,439 |
132,267,960 |
154,567,400 |
14.4 |
*"Gross tax" means the tax that would be due before relief is allowed for PRSA deductions.
*Figures for PRSAs reflect the relative early stage of the scheme which was introduced in 2002.
Maximum Allowable Proportion
With regard to occupational pensions (that is approved superannuation schemes set up by the employer) I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there is no statistical basis on which to provide an estimate of the maximum allowable proportion of tax relief claimed as the required data at individual employee level is not available to the Revenue Commissioners. Individuals claiming tax relief on contributions to Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) or Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) make that claim by way of a tax return to the Revenue Commissioners.
Figures illustrating the highest value of tax relief achievable (and how this is arrived at) for pension contributions by individuals in the years 2005 to 2008 are set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Contribution earnings cap |
Highest proportion of contribution earnings cap allowable |
Amount of highest contribution allowable |
Top rate of income tax |
Value of highest amount of contribution allowable in terms of tax saving |
|
€ |
% |
€ |
% |
€ |
|
|
2005 |
254,000 |
30 |
76,200 |
42 |
32,004 |
|
2006 |
254,000 |
40 |
101,600 |
42 |
42,672 |
|
2007 |
262,382 |
40 |
104,953 |
41 |
43,031 |
|
2008 |
275,239 |
40 |
110,096 |
41 |
45,139 |
The relief can be doubled in the case of a married couple where each spouse qualifies for the maximum individual relief.
On the basis of the information available from tax records, the highest values of tax relief allowed in 2005 (the most recent year for which the necessary detailed information is available) were €64,008 for RACs and €59,397 for PRSAs. These are the amounts of tax relief corresponding to allowable contributions of €152,400 and €141,421 respectively, as relieved at the top tax rate of 42%.
In relation to the numbers of taxpayers availing of the maximum pension relief allowable, the most recent year for which the necessary detailed information is available is also 2005.
The following are the figures that are available for income tax year 2005.
|
RACs |
2005 |
|
Single & widowed persons |
134 |
|
Married persons |
907 |
|
PRSAs |
2005 |
|
Single & widowed persons |
2 |
|
Married persons |
15 |
The figures provided for the numbers availing of the maximum pension relief allowable assume that, in the case of married couples where both spouses are earning, the maximum allowable contributions can be confined to €76,200 (where only one spouse is a contributor) or to any amount falling between €76,200 and double that amount at €152,400 (where both spouses contribute the maximum allowable).
174 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he has plans to increase the State guarantee on bank deposits here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20746/08]
Before addressing the specifics of the Deputy's question, I might firstly explain that the first and most robust line of defence for depositors is a well-managed system of prudential regulation and supervision so as to minimise the risk that a Deposit Guarantee Scheme (DGS) might need to be activated. Recent assessments by reputable international bodies such as the IMF and the OECD have confirmed that the Irish system of financial regulation complies with best international practice. I might also add that Irish banks are well capitalised, liquid, profitable with strong asset quality and no material exposure to sub-prime securitisations and are thus well placed to cope with the uncertainty currently prevailing at the international level.
As regards the coverage of the current Irish DGS, the Deputy will probably be aware that it guarantees 90% of deposits with a credit institution up to a limit of €22,222, which means that the maximum payout is €20,000. This is in line with the requirements of the EU Deposit Guarantee Directive and as highlighted in the recent OECD Economic Survey of Ireland, it is in the mainstream of European law and practice and should be sufficient to provide protection to the vast majority of depositors.
The Deputy may be aware that arising from an ECOFIN Council meeting in October 2007 in the wake of the dislocation in the global financial markets, the EU has been considering possible enhancements to the EU Deposit Guarantee Directive. This review is ongoing and Ireland is participating in those discussions. I and my Department will consider the efficacy of national arrangements in the light of this to ensure that savers in Ireland benefit from safeguards in line with EU best practice.
175 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance the income earned by the State on all duties and taxes imposed on the sale of white diesel for motoring, on green diesel, home heating oil, and petrol for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20895/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the amounts of tax revenue collected from Mineral Oil Tax and VAT on these products for the years 2004 to 2007 and the first four months of 2008 are as follows:
|
Mineral Oil Tax |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 Prov. |
2008 (Jan to Apr) Prov. |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Petrol |
970.7 |
1001.9 |
1026.4 |
1051.3 |
382.4 |
|
Auto Diesel |
870.7 |
920.5 |
1016.7 |
1075.8 |
392.6 |
|
Marked Gas Oil |
70.9 |
72.9 |
68.8 |
68.4 |
26.2 |
|
Kerosene |
33.5 |
33.7 |
18.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
Total |
1,945.8 |
2,029.0 |
2,129.9 |
2,195.5 |
801.2 |
|
Estimated VAT Yield |
2004 Est. |
2005 Est. |
2006 Est. |
2007 Est. |
2008 (Jan to Apr) Est. |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Petrol |
342 |
393 |
440 |
465 |
177 |
|
Auto Diesel |
38 |
46 |
53 |
57 |
23 |
|
Marked Gas Oil |
48 |
65 |
73 |
70 |
31 |
|
Kerosene |
51 |
69 |
79 |
77 |
46 |
|
Total |
479 |
573 |
645 |
669 |
277 |
Note: The VAT yield from petroleum products is estimated, as the information to be furnished on VAT returns does not require the yield from particular sectors of trade to be identified. It should also be noted that the VAT content of purchases of Auto Diesel is a deductible credit for business in the Irish VAT system.
176 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the number of additional customs and excise officials recruited since the date of the introduction of vehicle registration tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20919/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that all work relating to the management of vehicle registration tax has been carried out within the overall staffing limits agreed with my Department and no additional numbers have been recruited specifically for dealing with vehicle registration tax.
177 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the number of Revenue Commissioner officials who transferred from Revenue offices to decentralised Departments since the date that decentralisation first commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20920/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that three hundred and forty three (343) revenue officials have transferred from revenue offices to other decentralised Departments since the Minister's announcement in the December 2003 budget.
178 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the guidelines laid down for the inspection of passengers being searched at ports and airports by customs and excise authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20921/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Customs Officers have powers to search persons at ports and airports under the Customs Acts. Officers must, in the first instance, have reason to suspect that a person has concealed on his/her person uncustomed or prohibited goods (including drugs) which have been imported or that the person is attempting to export prohibited goods. The authorisation of a senior officer must be obtained before a person is searched. This officer reviews the case to ensure there is a valid reason for the search and that such action is proportionate in the circumstances of the case before the search is allowed to proceed. The officer(s) conducting a search must be of the same sex as the person to be searched. Search rooms are provided for this purpose in all the larger ports and airports. Officers are trained in search of person as part of their enforcement training programme.
Customs also have powers under proceeds of crime legislation to search persons if they suspect an attempt is being made to import or export cash which is not less than the prescribed amount (currently €6,350) and that the cash directly or indirectly represents the proceeds of crime or is intended by the person for use in connection with any criminal conduct.
179 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the number of inspections of occupants of private aircraft which were carried out by customs and excise authorities at Carrickfin, Sligo, Ireland West and Galway airports in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20922/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that during the years in question a total of 191 inspections of the occupants of private aircraft were carried out at the airports concerned as follows:
|
Year |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Number of Inspections |
35 |
40 |
43 |
73 |
I am further advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Customs controls at the airports listed are risk based and are carried out by mobile Special Compliance/Enforcement staff. A drugs detector dog is used frequently and attendance by staff is selective and targeted and is based on analysis and evaluation of general seizure trends, traffic frequency, route and similar risk indicators. These attendances are kept under constant review in particular to take account of emerging smuggling trends and any traffic increase at the airports.
It is important to note by way of context that the operating environment for Customs has been shaped to significant degree by the introduction of the Internal Market and the related principles of freedom of movement within the European Union. Of specific relevance are the abolition of routine and systematic Customs checks on goods and passengers moving within any part of the EU and the elimination of Customs controls on the baggage of intra-Community passengers other than anti-smuggling checks. This is particularly relevant in the case of aerodromes listed where passenger traffic is predominantly intra-Community. In this context, Revenue's approach has of necessity been to balance the freedom of movement principle in regard to people and goods with the need to control smuggling and enforce prohibitions and restrictions.
The Revenue Commissioners assure me that having regard to the context set out above, they are satisfied that their risk based approach, which is in line with the methodology adopted by other EU administrations in similar circumstances, remains valid. I am also assured that the Revenue Commissioners will continue their strong commitment to playing their part in combating smuggling criminal activity without unduly impeding international travellers or international trade.
I am advised that a risk rating for these airports was carried out at the beginning of this year and is due to be reviewed by 30 June 2008. Any enforcement issues arising from this review will be dealt with.
180 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the delay in commencing flood relief works in an area (details supplied) in County Cork. [20965/08]
There is no delay on this scheme. The programme for the progression of the Munster Blackwater (Fermoy North) Drainage Scheme showed the tenders for the civil engineering contract to undertake the works being received in the middle of May. Those tenders have been received and are currently being assessed. Once a tender report has been completed, the Office of Public Works expects to issue a Letter of Intent to the successful contractor towards the end of June, with works commencing within a matter of weeks afterwards. This is in line with the programme outlined previously.
181 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance if there are plans to increase and upgrade telecommunications equipment which is attached to the telecommunications mast at Shankill Garda Station; the discussions the Office of Public Works has had with telecommunications operators regarding this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20995/08]
The Office of Public Works is currently carrying out minor engineering work on the telecommunications mast at Shankill Garda Station with a view to ensuring that it is capable of supporting equipment which will be required for the National Garda Digital Radio Network. There is one telecommunications operator with equipment on the mast at present.
The OPW has been in discussions with other operators, who have also made requests to use the mast, but no decision has been taken in the matter.
182 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the tax take on a litre of diesel costing €1, €1.05, €1.10, €1.15, €1.20, €1.25 and €1.30. [20997/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the tax take, in cents, on a litre of diesel selling at the stated prices is as follows:
|
Commodity |
Price per Litre |
Excise Content |
VAT Content |
Total Tax Content |
|
1 Litre |
(Cents) |
(Cents) |
(Cents) |
(Cents) |
|
Diesel |
100 |
36.8 |
17.4 |
54.2 |
|
105 |
36.8 |
18.2 |
55.0 |
|
|
110 |
36.8 |
19.1 |
55.9 |
|
|
115 |
36.8 |
20.0 |
56.8 |
|
|
120 |
36.8 |
20.8 |
57.6 |
|
|
125 |
36.8 |
21.7 |
58.5 |
|
|
130 |
36.8 |
22.6 |
59.4 |
183 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the tax take on a litre of petrol costing €1, €1.05, €1.10, €1.15, €1.20, €1.25 and €1.30. [20998/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the tax take, in cents, on a litre of petrol selling at the stated prices is as follows:
|
Commodity |
Price per Litre |
Excise Content |
VAT Content |
Total Tax Content |
|
(Cents) |
(Cents) |
(Cents) |
(Cents) |
|
|
Petrol |
100 |
44.3 |
17.4 |
61.6 |
|
105 |
44.3 |
18.2 |
62.5 |
|
|
110 |
44.3 |
19.1 |
63.4 |
|
|
115 |
44.3 |
20.0 |
64.2 |
|
|
120 |
44.3 |
20.8 |
65.1 |
|
|
125 |
44.3 |
21.7 |
66.0 |
|
|
130 |
44.3 |
22.6 |
66.8 |
184 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance if the EU has imposed fines or penalties on Ireland for non-compliance with EU laws on tendering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21004/08]
No fines or penalties have been imposed on Ireland in respect of tendering procedures referred to the European Commission or the European Court of Justice for examination on the basis of compliance with EU laws on public tendering.
In relation to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund, the European Commission or the European Court of Auditors conduct audits on individual programmes or projects and following the outcome of extensive consultation procedures with the Member State in question, may impose a financial correction for a failure to comply with a particular article in the Public Procurement Directive. Since 2000 the European Commission has imposed Cohesion Fund financial corrections for breaches of tendering amounting to €10.3 million. This represents only about 0.5% of the total of €2,081.2 million in Cohesion funding approved for Ireland in the 1993-2003 period.
185 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the tax take on motor fuels for each of January, February and March 2007; if he will compare these figures to the corresponding figures for 2008. [21005/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the amounts of tax revenue collected from Mineral Oil Tax and VAT on motor fuels for the period January to March 2007 as compared to January to March 2008 are as follows:
|
Mineral Oil Tax |
2007 Prov. |
2008 Prov. |
Diff. |
% Change |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
% |
||
|
Petrol |
Jan |
122.5 |
123.2 |
0.7 |
0.5% |
|
Feb |
80.6 |
83.2 |
2.6 |
3.2% |
|
|
Mar |
88.5 |
84.9 |
-3.6 |
-4.1% |
|
|
Total |
291.6 |
291.3 |
-0.3 |
-0.1% |
|
|
Diesel |
Jan |
111.3 |
113.7 |
2.4 |
2.2% |
|
Feb |
85.5 |
91.0 |
5.5 |
6.4% |
|
|
Mar |
91.3 |
88.3 |
-3.0 |
-3.3% |
|
|
Total |
288.1 |
293.0 |
4.9 |
1.7% |
|
Estimated VAT Yield |
2007 Est. |
2008 Est. |
Diff |
% Change |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
% |
||
|
Petrol |
Jan |
49.7 |
57.3 |
7.6 |
15.3% |
|
Feb |
32.3 |
38.1 |
5.8 |
17.8% |
|
|
Mar |
37.0 |
39.7 |
2.7 |
7.4% |
|
|
Total |
118.9 |
135.0 |
16.1 |
13.5% |
|
|
Diesel |
Jan |
5.6 |
6.7 |
1.1 |
19.5% |
|
Feb |
4.2 |
5.2 |
1.0 |
23.2% |
|
|
Mar |
4.6 |
5.1 |
0.5 |
10.1% |
|
|
Total |
14.4 |
16.9 |
2.5 |
17.6% |
Note: The VAT yield from petroleum products is estimated, as the information to be furnished on VAT returns does not require the yield from particular sectors of trade to be identified. It should also be noted that the VAT content of purchases of Auto Diesel is a deductible credit for business in the Irish VAT system.
The yield from excise, as excise is set at a nominal amount, does not increase as the price of fuels increase. On the other hand, the yield from VAT, as VAT is set as a percentage of the price, increases as the price of fuels increase. However, in this regard it should be borne in mind that to the extent that spending in the economy is re-allocated to petrol and other oil products, and away from other VAT liable spending, and to the extent that the overall level of economic activity is reduced by higher oil prices, there may be little or no net gain to the Exchequer.
186 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will express as a percentage the tax take on a motorist who spends €50 on diesel. [21006/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the percentage tax take on a motorist who spends €50 on diesel is 45%. This percentage is based on a sample price of €1.32 per litre.
187 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will express as a percentage the tax take on a motorist who spends €50 on petrol. [21007/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the percentage tax take on a motorist who spends €50 on petrol is approximately 53%. This percentage is based on a sample price of €1.25 per litre.
188 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who is separated over five years from their spouse for tax purposes can now be taxed as a single person and given the appropriate allowances; and if all moneys due to them from Revenue that is tax will be issued to them without further delay. [21043/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a single person's certificate of tax credits and standard rate cut-off point, granting single person's tax credits and the appropriate standard rate band in respect of the tax year 2008, issued to the person in question on 12 April 2008.
There was no tax paid in 2004 by the person and tax credits granted for the tax years 2005 and 2006 were under allowed. Arrangements have been made to issue PAYE balancing statements for these years to the person and the appropriate refunds will be made shortly.
The Revenue Commissioners have no details of pay and tax for the person in question for the tax year 2007 so if a P60 can be submitted for that year, a review of tax deducted will be carried out.
Tax relief in respect of mortgage interest is now granted at source and the person in question is currently in receipt of that relief from her mortgage provider.
189 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties experienced by families who are in receipt of domiciliary care allowance whereby when the payment lapses on the child’s 16th birthday, the automatic entitlement to the carer’s respite grant lapses with it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21013/08]
190 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the rationale for limiting domiciliary care allowance to children up to the age of 16 years; and the estimated extra cost to the State of extending the age limit to 18 years. [21014/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.
Domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly allowance administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Eligible children from birth to the age of 16 who are living at home and who have a severe disability requiring continual or continuous care and attention which is substantially in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age may qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance. The current Domiciliary Care Allowance rate is €299.60 per month.
Entitlement to Domiciliary Care Allowance ceases on the child's 16th birthday. However, when the child is approaching the age of 16, the HSE advise the family to apply for the Disability Allowance, operated by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. I understand that the Health Service Executive notify the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the child at least six months prior to the child's 16th birthday. Claimants must satisfy a means test and medical criteria. The personal Disability Allowance rate is €197.80 per week. While the automatic entitlement to respite care grant lapses with the Domiciliary Care Allowance, a respite care grant is available from the Department of Social and Family affairs, subject to the satisfaction of eligibility criteria.
There are no proposals to extend the age limit of the Domiciliary Care Allowance. My Department has asked the HSE, if it is possible, to estimate the cost of extending the age limit to 18 years of age net of those people who would switch to Disability Allowance and to reply directly to the Deputy.
191 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children currently in receipt of domiciliary care allowance. [21015/08]
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.
192 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a decision was taken by the National Cancer Screening Service to outsource specialised cervical screening to an American company (details supplied); the implications this will have for laboratory services here and other allied health services that have been providing a quality service in the absence of a national screening programme; and the measures her Department is taking to promote job creation here in this particular sector. [21057/08]
The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) will shortly implement a quality assured national population based screening programme, so that unnecessary deaths from cervical cancer among women can be avoided. The (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.
The Deputy will appreciate that quality is a critical requirement of the new programme in the context of patients' best interests. 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. Quality standards formed the key measurement criteria and there were strict quality criteria/accreditation required. The necessary entry criteria in choosing a cytology partner also included a laboratory dealing with a volume of a minimum of 25,000 smears per annum. These criteria were chosen in line with international acceptable criteria for cervical screening programmes. The NCSS has concluded that the preferred bidder can deliver a service that meets all of the required quality criteria. The initial contractual period with laboratories will be for a two year period.
The HSE has undertaken a review of its laboratory medicine services. I welcome steps that are being taken by certain HSE funded laboratories to secure accreditation. I believe that if all those involved work together in partnership there is scope to provide high quality and cost effective services within HSE funded laboratories. 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.
193 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Health and Children when payment of moneys due from the Health Service Executive will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick in respect of the person’s employment as a home help further to the person’s recent retirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20546/08]
The Health Service Executive administers the pension scheme in question and therefore is the appropriate organisation to address the Deputy's query. 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.
194 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting list for personal care assistants for people with a disability in the Dublin area per postal district; the steps to reduce the waiting list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20547/08]
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.
195 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if rehabilitation duties form part of the duties of psychiatric nurses in rehabilitation units under the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20548/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act, 2004. It is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
196 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children when a hospital (details supplied) in County Dublin was built and renovated as a rehabilitation unit; and the staff compliment of same and their grade. [20549/08]
197 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of the staffing grant and the operating budget per month for a hospital (details supplied) in County Dublin. [20550/08]
198 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is no access officer for a hospital (details supplied) in County Dublin, as there is a gravel path at the entrance which means it is not accessible to persons in wheelchairs; and if it is correct that if the rehabilitation unit was built prior to the Disability Act 2004, there must be an access officer appointed to address the issues of access, egress etc. [20551/08]
200 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures that can be taken if consultants or clinical directors of a hospital (details supplied) in County Dublin are unwilling to comply with the policy as set out in A Vision for Change and the guidelines of the Mental Health Commission on treatment of psychiatric patients in rehabilitation units when it is not a resource issue in view of the fact that there is a staff ratio of 5:2. [20553/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 to 198, inclusive, and 200 together.
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.
199 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps including disciplinary steps, that can be taken if a member of staff at a rehabilitation unit is not willing or has not fulfilled his or her role as outlined in a patient's care plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20552/08]
Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. It is a matter for the Health Service Executive to manage 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. This includes dealing with matters relating to staff disciplinary procedures. I am aware that the HSE has produced a comprehensive document on the matter entitled "Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures for the Health Service". This document was produced by a joint union/management working group under the auspices of the HSE — Employers Agency. The procedures were prepared in accordance with the Labour Relations Commission's Code of Practice on Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures and came into effect from 1st May 2004.
Professionals who are subject to statutory regulation, such as doctors and nurses, may also face an inquiry and disciplinary process through their regulatory body in the event that a complaint of professional misconduct is made against them.
As disciplinary procedures regarding HSE staff are a matter for the Executive, my Department has requested the HSE to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy further and to reply to him directly.
201 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason in the past eight months the Health Service Executive have not assessed a child (details supplied) in County Kildare for domiciliary care allowance. [20577/08]
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.
202 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children in County Clare under the supervision or in the care of the Health Service Executive who have gone missing or are unaccounted for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20615/08]
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.
203 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the protocols in place for the Health Service Executive and the circumstances under which the HSE can divert voted Oireachtas moneys for the provision of a specific health service to another health service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20616/08]
The Revised Estimates Volume sets out a formal description of the services to be financed from each Vote and sets out the gross provision by subhead. The subheads of a Vote set out the detailed allocations of all the expenditure on programmes and services within the ambit of the Vote, and are the headings under which a Department or Office is required to account for the expenditure in its Appropriation Account.
If, after publication of the Revised Estimates Volume, factors emerge to change the amount of the requisite grant before it has been voted, the Estimate may be withdrawn and replaced by a Further Revised Estimate.
In accordance with Public Financial Procedures allocations may be transferred between subheads with the approval of the Department of Finance, by a process known as ‘virement’. This allows savings in one area to be compensated for by higher than anticipated spending in another, and can include viring between capital and revenue. Sanction for important changes is not given unless the prior approval of the Committee of Public Accounts has been obtained by the Department of Finance.
Where the changes proposed are substantial a Supplementary Estimate may also be used by the Department of Finance to secure Dáil approval to switch money from one particular service to another within a Vote.
These protocols apply to the HSE Vote 40 in the same way as they apply to other Votes.
204 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if an inquiry has been established into the treatment and death of a person (details supplied); the findings of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20617/08]
I was very concerned to learn of the death of the lady concerned and I wish to extend my sincere sympathies to her family at this very difficult time.
I have requested the Health Service Executive (HSE), as the appropriate body to consider this case in the first instance, to furnish a report, as a matter of urgency, to my Department on the issues raised. I will reply directly to the Deputy on foot of the HSE response.
205 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of speech and language therapists working with primary schools in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20637/08]
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.
206 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of appeals heard under the health repayment scheme; the number of those appeals successful and the number unsuccessful in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20638/08]
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.
My Department has been advised by the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office that up to 16 May 2008 the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office has issued decisions in relation to 1,293 appeals. 1,000 of the decisions issued agree with the decision of the scheme administrator. 122 of these decisions resulted in an initial offer being made to claimants and a further 171 decisions resulted in an increased offer of repayment to claimants. The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office does not categorise its decisions on a county by county basis.
207 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the planned commencement date on construction of the new children’s hospital to replace Temple Street Hospital; the level of provision in key specialising which will be provided on the site; and the plans to undertake a transition for various component services to the new facilities. [20641/08]
257 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the projected cost of the development of the new national paediatric hospital; the funding that has been ring-fenced or provided to date; the source of this funding; the arrangements that have been put in place to meet remaining costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20978/08]
258 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the new national paediatric hospital project; the date construction of the new hospital will commence; when she expects the project to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20979/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 207, 257 and 258 together.
The development of the National Paediatric Hospital is a priority project for the Government. The objective is to provide a world class specialist paediatric service for children in this country.
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board was established in May 2007. The Board has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building, furnishing and equipping the new National Paediatric Hospital.
The Board is made up of representatives from transferring paediatric hospitals, the Faculty of Paediatrics of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, the General Public and the Health Service Executive. The Executive is working closely with the Development Board in progressing the project.
The Board is in the process of recruiting a number of key personnel to progress the project to the next stage, including a Chief Officer and a Medical Director. My Department is advised that the Development Board hopes to be in a position to make these appointments shortly.
The Board is also procuring professional project management support services. Tenders for a Business Adviser Service are currently being evaluated by the Board, while invitations to tender issued recently to short-listed candidates for Planning and Design support services (including architects, engineers etc). Tenders are required to be submitted to the Board by the end of May.
Following the recruitment of the support teams, the next stage of the project will involve the preparation of a detailed Development Brief for the new hospital. This will build on the work undertaken for the HSE by RKW, which involved the preparation of a High Level Framework Brief for the hospital. The target of the Board is to have the Development Brief completed by the end of the 1st Quarter 2009.
The Brief will be converted into a detailed design, outlining the exact dimensions and specifications for the new hospital, to allow the project proceed to tender for construction.
The HSE Draft Capital Plan includes provision for the bulk of the anticipated cost through National Development Plan Exchequer funding. The final cost will not be known until completion of the detailed Development Brief.
The legal requirements to enable the transfer of the designated site for the hospital to the HSE have been agreed. The legal firm representing the Mater Hospital has been instructed to proceed with the execution of the agreement for the transfer.
I look forward to continuing progress on this important development.
My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to revert to the Deputies on the specific operational issues raised.
208 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that she or the Health Service Executive has recently entered into five year leasing agreements for upgrading and supply of two imager machines for reading cervical smear tests for St. James’s-Coombe Hospitals and Rotunda-Beaumont at a cost of €1 million per machine totalling €2 million; the use these machines will be put to over the next five years taking into account her plans to outsource all cervical smear tests to an American company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20642/08]
The specific questions raised by the Deputy in relation to equipment for cervical smear testing relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.
209 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to regulate eye clinics offering laser eye surgery; if her Department or the Health Information and Quality Authority have remit in inspecting such clinics to ensure they meet best practice and internationally safe standards; if not, if she will take steps to initiate and enable such regulation and inspection by HIQA or the relevant authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20644/08]
At present there is no legislation in Ireland governing laser eye treatment. However, the involvement of medical practitioners in this practice is subject to the provisions of the Medical Practitioners Act and the Medical Council's guidelines.
Under the Medical Practitioners Act 1978, the Medical Council is charged with responsibility for the registration of medical practitioners and the regulation of their activities. The Medical Practitioners Act 2007 provides for a clear compulsory requirement for registration of all medical practitioners, changes to the Fitness to Practise process and the introduction of a mandatory scheme for the maintenance of professional competence. Provision is also made for the Medical Council to have a function in relation to advertising by registered medical practitioners. The Act will be commenced on a phased basis over the coming months. When commenced, these and other new provisions of the Act will afford greater protection to the public.
In January 2007, the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance was established to develop proposals for a health service wide system of governance based on corporate accountability for the quality and safety of all health services. One of its terms of reference is to specifically examine and make recommendations in relation to a statutory system of licensing for public and private health care providers and services. The Commission is due to report by July this year.
210 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to amend the Adoption Act 1952, to allow for the adoption of a child by a surviving parent and his or her new spouse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20652/08]
Section 10(c) of the Adoption Act, 1952, as amended by Section 2 of the 1964 Act provides that, in order to be eligible for adoption, a child must be "illegitimate or an orphan" or be a child who has been legitimated, but whose birth has not been re-registered. The Adoption Act, 1988, does permit the adoption of any child (including children of marriage) but only in exceptional and very limited circumstances where the parents are shown to have completely abandoned their parental duties, and there is an expectation that they will continue to do so until the child reaches the age of eighteen. After its passage through the Oireachtas, the President referred the Adoption Bill, 1988 to the Supreme Court under Article 26 of the Constitution, for a decision on whether the provisions of the Bill were repugnant to the Constitution. While it was found to be Constitutional, and subsequently became the Adoption Act, 1988, it was clear that these narrow circumstances, based on Article 42.5 of the Constitution, were the basis for the decision of the Supreme Court.
The Twenty-Eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2007 was published in February 2007 and contained the Government's proposal to amend the Constitution in relation to children and included a provision to ensure that all children would be eligible for voluntary adoption, subject to appropriate consents. The Programme for Government of June 2007 committed to deepening consensus on the Twenty-Eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2007 and to this end, the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children [JCCAC] was established in November, 2007, to report back within four months, on the proposals set out in the Bill. The Committee recently received Dáil and Seanad approval for an extension of their timeframe to 30th November 2008. The Committee is now progressing with its work and the Government awaits the outcome of its deliberations before proceeding further with the proposed amendment of the Constitution in relation to children.
211 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will advise on the case of a person (details supplied). [20659/08]
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 James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the outsourcing of cervical smears in Cork where 39,000 smears were processed by a company (details supplied); the number of smears that were borderline; the number that were positive; the number that were negative; the number that were high grade; the number that were repeats; the number of high grades missed by the company; if she will confirm that 12 high grades were missed by the company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20664/08]
The specific questions raised by the Deputy in relation to cervical smear test results relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.
213 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of civil servants within her Department at the grade of assistant principal or higher; the number of whom were recruited to those roles from outside of the Civil Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20678/08]
Towards 2016 commits Departments and Trade Unions to agreement on the increased use of Open Recruitment to the Civil Service. In any year the Civil Service may recruit from Open Competition to fill:
2 in 9 of all vacancies at Principal Officer and equivalent level with effect from May 2007
1 in 5 of all vacancies at Assistant Principal and equivalent level with effect from September 2007
1 in 6 of all vacancies at Higher Executive Officer and equivalent level with effect from October 2007.
The Deputy should note that existing civil servants may apply for open recruitment competitions run by the Public Appointments Service.
The number of civil servants at or above the grade of Assistant Principal (AP) in my Department on 31st December 2007 was 155 wholetime equivalents (WTE). This figure does not include officers seconded in or out of the Department. Of these, 16.8 WTE have been recruited directly from outside the Civil Service to positions at AP level and above. The breakdown of grades is as follows:
|
Grade/Grade Equivalent |
Wholetime Equivalent |
Recruited from Outside the Civil Service |
|
Assistant Secretary |
8 |
0 |
|
Assistant Principal |
92.9 |
3 |
|
Appeals Officer |
1 |
1 |
|
Chief Medical Officer |
1 |
1 |
|
Deputy Chief Medical Officer |
5.5 |
5.5 |
|
Director |
2 |
0 |
|
Legal Adviser |
1.5 |
1.5 |
|
Pharmacist |
0.8 |
0.8 |
|
Principal Officer |
38.3 |
3 |
|
Professional Accountant |
1 |
1 |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
0 |
|
Senior Statistician |
1 |
0 |
|
Senior Welfare Officer |
1 |
0 |
|
Total |
155 |
16.8 |
214 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the mechanisms, which are in place for hiring taxis in terms of tendering, value for money and procedure for using taxis, which are in close proximity to the patient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20685/08]
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.
215 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite the appointment of an occupational therapist to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal, in order to ascertain the need for a special needs assistant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20686/08]
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.
216 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the proposed fair deal scheme for elderly nursing home care. [20690/08]
The Bill providing for the Fair Deal scheme is being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General at present. My colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, intends to publish the Bill as soon as possible following finalisation by the Attorney General and Government approval, and to bring the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas thereafter.
217 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14. [20692/08]
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.
218 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of pharmacists that have withdrawn from the community drugs scheme; the alternative mechanisms her Department or the Health Service Executive have put in place to overcome such problems; the cost to her Department or the HSE of arranging such mechanisms; the number of patients or customers that the new arrangements have to deal with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20695/08]
222 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of the negotiations between the pharmacists and the Health Service Executive; if a deadline has been set in relation to the conclusion of the negotiations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20703/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 222 together.
Firstly, I would point out that no community pharmacist has withdrawn from the community drugs schemes at this point, and all patients continue to receive their entitlements in the normal way. An agenda has been agreed for detailed discussions on a number of outstanding issues between the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). These discussions commenced in the week beginning 5 May 2008, and are ongoing. With goodwill on all sides I am hopeful that these discussions can bring about an agreed resolution on these issues in the coming weeks.
Following the withdrawal of injunction applications by the HSE against individual pharmacists for threatened breach of contract, both sides agreed that there will be no disruption of pharmacy services pending the completion of the work of the Independent Pricing Body — chaired by Mr. Sean Dorgan. In addition, a process of mediation requested by the High (Commercial) Court is due to begin on 5 June next under the chairmanship of Mr. Eoin McCullough S.C.
219 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 will have the surgery they have waited 18 months for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20697/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
220 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she is taking, in view of complaints to the Health Service Executive regarding the deterioration of staffing at St. Colman’s Hospital, County Wicklow, to rectify the situation. [20698/08]
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.
221 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the savings or estimated savings to the Health Service Executive as a result of the first reduction in payments for April 2008 to the pharmacists in relation to the community drug scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20702/08]
The information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Health Service 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 directly to the Deputy.
223 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of cases in each of the past ten years where social workers were required to investigate allegations of children being at risk and where such investigations subsequently proved groundless; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20707/08]
224 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the regulations and criteria set down that require a social worker to investigate allegations of children being at risk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20708/08]
225 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if all allegations of children being at possible risk are investigated by social workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20709/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 to 225, inclusive, together.
Under the Child Care Act, 1991 the Health Service Executive (HSE) has the responsibility of promoting the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. Social workers have the major responsibility in HSE child protection duties under this Act and conduct assessments under this legislative basis. These responsibilities are carried out through locally based community care teams. The thrust of the 1991 Child Care Act promotes the welfare of children within their own families where possible, with the welfare of the child being regarded as the first and paramount principle. The social work service in the HSE actively supports children being cared for in their own family environment through its family support programmes. There are, however, a number of vulnerable families who despite intensive family support input have long-standing and/or acute difficulties which require a different intervention. Health Service staff are then engaged in assessing the risk to children's welfare, and whether or not they can safely remain in the care of their families. Partnership with the Garda Síochána as outlined in Children First — National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children is an essential element of this work.
The introduction of Children First — National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children was intended as an aid to professionals to recognise and respond effectively to children who are vulnerable to abuse and neglect in various forms, arising from their dependency and vulnerability.
In relation to the Deputy's question on whether all allegations of children are investigated by social workers, I have asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to arrange to have this information issued directly to the Deputy. In relation to the statistics sought by the Deputy, from 1998 to 2005 the Department of Health and Children collated information from the HSE's Child Care Interim Dataset. From 2005 the HSE has the responsibility for the collation of this information. Extracts from the Analysis of Child Care Interim Dataset Reports from the years 1998 to 2004, which are relevant to the Deputy's questions, are being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. In relation to data from 2005 to date my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this information issued directly to the Deputy.
226 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of private hospitals in use here; the location and bed capacity of each hospital; the number of public hospitals in use and on call; the number of beds being used in each of them; her views on whether bed capacity is still a major problem in view of the fact that there is a scarcity of step down beds and a serious lack of home support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20715/08]
Neither my Department nor the Health Service Executive has a direct responsibility for the operation and management of private hospitals. I am not therefore in a position to provide the information sought by the Deputy in that regard. My Department has requested the Health Service Executive to forward directly to the Deputy the detailed information sought by him in respect of public hospitals.
In 2001 the Government made a commitment, in the context of the Health Strategy Quality and Fairness, to increase public acute hospital bed numbers by 3,000 over ten years. This commitment included both acute in-patient beds and day places. The Government is substantially on target to reach this objective.
In 2001 the average number of in-patient beds and day places available in the 53 public acute hospitals was 12,145, based on returns to the Department (11,374 in-patient beds and 771 day places). The number of acute hospital beds recorded by the HSE for 2006 was 13,771 (12,574 in-patient beds and 1,197 day places) based on a total bed complement.
This represents an increase of over 1,600, an average of some 325 new bed and day places per year, a very high level of annual increase by historic standards.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to provide an additional 1,500 public acute hospital beds. About 1,000 of these will be provided through the co-location initiative and the balance through the HSE's capital plan, which is part of the National Development Plan.
With regard to the important area of home supports, a key-stone of the Government's policy in relation to older people is to support them to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.
In this context, over €190 million additional funding was provided in Budgets 2006 and 2007 to expand a wide range of existing community-based services. These include Home Care Packages, Home Helps, Meals-on-Wheels, and Day/Respite Care. This has significantly enhanced the capacity of the HSE to meet increasing service demands in the last two years. In 2007, for example, the Executive:
had in place some 4,300 Home Care Packages, benefitting in the region of 11,500 clients;
provided around 11.7 million Home Help hours;
supported in excess of 21,000 Day Care places.
In addition to these community based developments, the HSE's Fast Track Beds Initiative is due to provide 860 public beds over the period 2007-2009 under the Executive's capital programme.
The HSE earlier this year published a Review of Acute Bed Capacity carried out by PA Consulting, together with a HSE discussion document which proposes an integrated approach to health service delivery. The Review considered that taking account of such factors as our ageing population and the increase in chronic diseases, we will need to plan for a 60% increase in demand for health care by 2020. It suggests that if current practices and processes were to continue, the demand for public hospital beds would escalate to nearly 20,000 by 2020. To meet this need we would have to provide the equivalent of twelve new 600-bed hospitals over the period to 2020. It concludes that such reliance on acute hospitals for service delivery is neither sustainable nor in the best interests of patients.
The Review examined alternative approaches to meeting this demand. It recommends an integrated approach to health service delivery involving substantial change in the way care is provided. Among the measures proposed are significant increases in day beds in hospitals, more long-term care beds, more rehabilitation beds and more services in community-based, non-acute hospital settings.
The Review outlines a number of bed demand scenarios. It suggests for example, that if the proposed model of integrated health service delivery was 100% operational by 2020, the number of acute beds required could be reduced to about 8,800. If the model was 75% operational, the number would be about 10,700; at 50% the number is estimated at about 13,000 and at 25% the number is about 16,000. It makes the point that other developed countries, such as Australia, Canada, Denmark and England have achieved results of this kind through their reform programmes. It also points out that some of our hospitals are already achieving the required efficiencies, such as shorter lengths of stay, more day surgery and admission on day of surgery. The challenge is to achieve these standards of service across the entire acute system.
Pending the implementation of such reforms, the Review estimates that 1,100 additional acute hospital beds are needed to meet current demand. As outlined the Government has already committed itself to providing 1,500 extra acute beds through a combination of direct capital investment and the co location initiative.
The Review forms a basis for discussion with key stakeholders on how best to plan for the provision of public health care delivery to 2020.
227 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the crisis in the subvention structure particularly in the Cavan-Monaghan area where no increased payments have been allowed in 2008 to cover the increased charges being imposed by the private nursing homes; when the promised fair deal structure will be put in place; if she will advise the Health Service Executive to redirect some of the €110 million earmarked for the fair deal structure to ease the pressure of individuals and families who do not know where to turn; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20716/08]
The maximum rate of basic subvention was increased from €190 per week to €300 per week in January 2007. In addition to basic subvention, the HSE may pay a discretionary enhanced subvention. The maximum amount that can be provided as enhanced subvention is not set out in legislation and is determined by the HSE itself subject to its resources. Additional funding of €85m was allocated for subvention in Budget 2007.
The Bill providing for the new Nursing Home Support Scheme, A Fair Deal, is currently being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General and will be published, as normal, when it has been approved by the Government.
Redirecting some of the €110 million earmarked for the Fair Deal could only be considered within the context of the HSE's overall financial position this year and in 2009, particularly its ability to fund the full year cost of the Fair Deal in 2009, and having regard to other competing service priorities.
228 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork had been told that they will receive a replacement mobility scooter to replace their present one which has been broken for almost four months but that there is a long waiting list and they could not get an indication as to when they would receive the replacement scooter. [20722/08]
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.
229 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the home help service in Dublin south city is currently invoicing elderly persons who are in receipt of home help for additional payments to cover annual leave for home helps, as well as payment for replacement home helps; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20731/08]
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.
230 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will publish the nursing home support Bill; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20748/08]
The Bill providing for the Fair Deal scheme is being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General at present. The legislation is complex and requires careful drafting in order to ensure that the interests of older people requiring residential care are fully protected.
In the course of progressing the legislation, the Department has received legal advice in relation to a number of matters. Some of these matters are still the subject of consideration in the context of finalising the Bill. It would not be appropriate to comment further until the Bill has been brought before the Government for approval.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, intends to publish the Bill as soon as possible following finalisation by the Attorney General and Government approval, and to bring the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas thereafter.
231 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20751/08]
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.
232 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the findings of a Health Service Executive working group set up approximately two years ago (details supplied) to inquire into services for cystic fibrosis patients; if the group has reported; the action taken as a result of the report; if the report has not been completed, when it will it be completed; if she or the HSE will publish the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20752/08]
233 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will pursue cross-Border co-operation with Royal Group of Hospitals for cystic fibrosis patients (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20754/08]
234 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the recommendations in the Pollack report for an outreach clinic in Sligo for cystic fibrosis patients from the north west; if she or the Health Service Executive have plans to establish such a clinic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20756/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 232 to 234, inclusive, together.
Following publication of the Pollock Report in 2005, the Health Service Executive established a Working Group to undertake a detailed review of cystic fibrosis services. The Group, which was multi-disciplinary in its composition, was asked to review the current configuration and delivery of services to persons with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. The Group identified a range of service improvements required for persons with Cystic Fibrosis, including the need to increase the level of clinical, nursing and allied health professional staffing in Cystic Fibrosis units around the country.
Arising from the Pollock Report and the emerging recommendations of the Working Group, I identified the development of cystic fibrosis services as a policy priority in the Estimates process. In 2006 and 2007, additional revenue funding of €6.78 million was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) to develop services.
My Department is advised by the HSE that 44 additional staff dealing with cystic fibrosis were recruited on foot of this additional funding and that the necessary funding is available to facilitate the recruitment of a further 37 staff nationally. The HSE was asked to place a particular focus on the development of services at the National Adult Tertiary Referral Centre at St. Vincent's Hospital. A number of capital projects have recently been completed at the hospital and have helped to improve facilities.
However, it is accepted that these developments do not fully address the immediate needs of patients. The HSE has been working intensively with the Hospital and with representatives of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland to progress options for further interim improvements.
In the longer term, a new ward block is to be built and will include 120 replacement beds in single en-suite accommodation. The new facility will accommodate cystic fibrosis patients and will include appropriate isolation facilities.
Beaumont Hospital operates as a regional centre in providing services to adults with cystic fibrosis. In the 2008 Budget, a special allocation of €2.5m capital funding was provided to enable Beaumont Hospital to provide out patient facilities for cystic fibrosis patients.
I understand that the Report of the Health Service Executive Working Group on Cystic Fibrosis will include a recommendation that cross border arrangements should be facilitated if this provides closer access to specialist care and is the preference for the person with cystic fibrosis. The requirement for such an arrangement will need to be considered by the HSE in the context of the implementation of the Working Group recommendations.
From my perspective I am supportive of collaborative arrangements between our respective health authorities which reduce the distance patients have to travel and which have the potential to match or improve health outcomes.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the other issues raised, including the provision of services in the North West and the publication of the Working Group.
235 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will introduce neonatal screening for cystic fibrosis as better outcomes result for children diagnosed early; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20757/08]
The Health Service Executive National Service Plan for 2008 includes provision for the implementation of a plan for screening newborns for cystic fibrosis and commencement of screening by the end of 2008. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond more fully to the Deputy on the matter.
236 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of breaches of food labelling and traceability regulations detected in the food processing, retailing and catering sectors since 1 January 2005; the number of prosecutions undertaken as a result of such breaches; the number of convictions secured; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20764/08]
Responsibility for the enforcement of labelling and traceability legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and its official agents, which includes the Health Service Executive and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Between 2005 and 2007 the Health Service Executive (HSE) reported to the FSAI that, in the course of its inspection programme, 3,683 breaches of labelling regulations were detected. Food business operators were notified of these non-compliances and appropriate follow up action was taken. The HSE has taken 58 prosecutions against food business operators in this period, some of which included charges in relation to labelling. I have asked the Chief Executive Officer of the FSAI to forward, directly to the Deputy, details of how many of these prosecutions relate to labelling and how many of these prosecutions resulted in convictions. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has indicated to the FSAI that between 2005 and 2007 it detected 662 breaches in relation to the labelling of poultry and egg products. Food business operators were notified of these non-compliances and appropriate follow up action was taken. Two prosecutions were taken in 2007 and 105 seizure notices were served. In June 2007 the FSAI secured a conviction in the District Court against a food business operation for illegal labelling of food. In March of this year South Dublin County Council secured a conviction in the District Court against a food business operator for breaches of general and beef labelling legislation.
237 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on granting a full medical card on diagnoses to all children with a intellectual disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20804/08]
At present, medical cards are granted primarily on the basis of means and individual circumstances. Under the Health Act, 2004, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Persons aged seventy years and over are automatically entitled to a medical card, irrespective of means. The HSE has discretion, in cases of exceptional need, to provide assistance to individuals where undue hardship would otherwise be caused.
Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of general practitioner services. In 2005, the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on lower incomes who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP. In June 2006, I agreed with the HSE to raise the assessment guidelines for GP visit cards and these are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards. For medical card and GP visit card applications, the HSE now considers an applicant's income after tax and PRSI are deducted, rather than total income. Allowances are also made for expenses on childcare, rent and mortgage costs and the cost of travel to work.
I have no plans to provide for the granting of medical cards to any particular group as a whole. However, my Department is currently reviewing all legislation relating to eligibility for health and personal social services with a view to making the system as fair and transparent as possible. As part of this general review, a review of the eligibility criteria for medical cards in the context of economic/financial, medical and social need is being undertaken with a view to clarifying entitlement to a medical card, and is expected to be completed by Autumn 2008. This review will have regard, inter alia, to the Programme for Government commitment in respect of medical cards and GP visit cards to treble the income limit eligibility of parents of children with an intellectual disability under 18 years of age.
238 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on introducing home care packages similar to those that have been successfully introduced for older people to persons with an intellectual disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20806/08]
The Government is committed to providing a high quality service to all people with a disability as illustrated by the substantial investment in the disability sector over the last number of years. An integral part of the National Disability Strategy is the Multi-Annual Investment Programme, published in December 2004, which contains details of specific commitments in relation to the provision of high priority disability services over the period 2006 to 2009. These commitments include the development of new residential, respite and day places for persons with intellectual disability and autism in each of the years covered by the programme. Additional funding was also provided to enhance the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services, available to adults and children with intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities and those with autism.
One of the central elements of the National Disability Strategy is The Disability Act 2005. The Act is a positive measure designed to advance and underpin participation by people with disabilities in everyday life.
Part 2 contains the health and education related elements of the Disability Act 2005 and the Department of Health and Children together with the Health Service Executive, the Department of Education and Science and the National Council for Special Education are working together on the implementation of Part 2.
In recognition of the importance of intervention early in life, which can have a significant impact on the disabling effects of a condition or impairment, Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 commenced for children aged under 5 years with effect from 1 June, 2007. Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 provides people with disabilities with an entitlement to: an independent assessment of health and education needs; a statement of the services (Service Statement) which it is proposed to provide; pursue a complaint through the Health Service Executive complaints process if necessary; make an appeal to the independent Disability Appeals Officer.
Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 will be commenced in respect of children aged 5-18 in tandem with the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act (EPSEN) 2004. The Department of Education and Science has informed the Department that it is envisaged that all sections of the EPSEN Act 2004 will be implemented over a five year timeframe, with the assessment process as provided for in the EPSEN Act 2004 due to commence in 2010. The statutory requirements of Part 2 of the Disability Act will be extended to adults as soon as possible but no later than 2011.
In preparation for its implementation, health related support services for children aged 5 to 18 and adults will continue to be enhanced to enable the Health Service Executive to meet needs identified for this group.
239 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason persons (details supplied) in County Longford have been refused renewal of their medical cards despite the fact that their circumstances have not changed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20897/08]
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.
240 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason persons (details supplied) in County Longford have been refused a medical card for their autistic child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20898/08]
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.
241 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in implementing the specific recommendation on the mental health needs for people with an intellectual disability as contained in a Vision for Change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20910/08]
The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, ‘A Vision for Change', which was launched in January 2006, provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over a seven to ten year period. The Government has accepted the Report as the basis for the future development of our mental health services.
Responsibility for the implementation of the Report is a matter for the HSE and in this regard an Implementation Plan has now been approved by the HSE. The plan sets out six key priorities for implementation in 2008 and 2009, including mental health services for people with an intellectual disability. It is understood from the HSE that considerable work in planning the reconfiguration of mental health services for people with an intellectual disability was undertaken in 2007 following the Report of the Forum on Mental Health and Intellectual Disability. That Report also had regard to the recommendations included in ‘A Vision for Change'. Further progress on the reconfiguration of services, in association with the voluntary partners, is anticipated in 2008.
242 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of the promised 255 residential places, 85 new respite places and 535 new day places for persons with an intellectual disability as promised and budgeted for in Budget 2007, that have come on stream; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20911/08]
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.
I am informed by the HSE that the following outputs were achieved in relation to Intellectual Disability and Autism Services at the end of December 2007:
|
Target |
Output |
|
255 residential places |
(a) 198 places actual (b) 115 enhanced |
|
85 respite places |
(a) 74 places actual (b) 15 enhanced |
|
535 day places |
(a) 492 places actual (b) 66 enhanced |
243 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the budget for ambulance services in Counties Mayo, Galway and Roscommon in each of the past five years; the amount by which spending in this sector has exceeded the budgeted costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20916/08]
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.
244 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated number of young people by gender below the age of 18 who smoke; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20917/08]
In August 2007 my Department published the results of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study 2006. The data from the HBSC Study, which is undertaken every four years, provides a comprehensive picture of the health behaviours, including smoking, of school-aged children. The percentage of boys and girls who report that they are current smokers, by age category, is shown in the following table.
|
Ages |
Boys |
Girls |
|
10-11 years |
3% |
2% |
|
12-14 years |
10% |
11% |
|
15-17 years |
23% |
28% |
245 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason persons (details supplied) in County Kildare who have had the home care package withdrawn in view of the their circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20924/08]
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.
246 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of agency nurses employed in the health services in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; and the cost of the employment of agency workers in each year. [20925/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act, 2004. It is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
247 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of permanent non-agency nurses working in the health service in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008. [20926/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act, 2004. It is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
248 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when she proposes to publish draft infection prevention control standards. [20927/08]
The Health Information and Quality Authority, in conjunction with major stakeholders, is currently in the process of producing infection prevention and control standards. These standards will be finalised later this year. I have been informed that the draft standards will be going out for public consultation in the next week.
249 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the reason a drug to treat multiple sclerosis (details supplied) is not properly available here despite receiving major backing from doctors after new research was published in the United States supporting its use. [20928/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services including the availability of drugs and medicines was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, 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 Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on a recent review of medical schools carried out by the Medical Council which states that interns are taking consent for procedures they do not fully understand and are being instructed to act above their grade; and her views on this recent finding. [20929/08]
The findings in the Review of Medical Schools in Ireland 2007 — A Report to the Public By The Medical Council referred to by the Deputy are part of a broad report covering a number of issues relating to undergraduate medical education.
The overall conclusion in the Report is that the medical schools are producing graduates with the knowledge, skills and behaviour to successfully undertake an internship and to gain full registration.
The Medical Council's A Guide to Ethical Conduct and Behaviour , 6th Edition 2004, Section 4.6, provides that junior doctors should never be asked to perform tasks for which they are not fully competent except under the direct supervision of senior colleagues who can take over should difficulty be encountered.
Section 17.1 of the Guide provides that informed consent can only be obtained by a doctor who has sufficient training and experience to be able to explain the intervention, the risks and benefits and the alternatives.
This provision has been further expanded on and supported in a recent Medical Council document "Good medical practice in seeking informed consent to treatment" which was adopted by the Council at its last meeting held on Wednesday 21st May, 2008. This document will be disseminated to all relevant parties i.e. Post Graduate Training Bodies, Employers and registered medical practitioners. The document is also to be included in induction packs for all new doctors employed throughout the Health Service Executive.
251 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she proposes to advise Irish football fans planning to travel to the Euro 2008 tournament this summer to ensure that they are vaccinated against measles in view of the warning given by a public health specialist (details supplied) regarding major outbreaks of measles in Austria and Switzerland who are hosting the competition. [20948/08]
Following major outbreaks of measles in Austria and Switzerland, the HSE has advised that travellers to those countries who are not already measles-immune, (i.e. not already vaccinated or having had previous measles infection) should seek vaccination from their GP to protect them against measles infection. Measles is an extremely contagious and potentially fatal disease and I would also advise football fans planning to travel to this summer's Euro 2008 tournament to heed this advice.
252 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. [20952/08]
253 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be assisted with extra hours home help; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20953/08]
254 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be assisted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20954/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 252 to 254, inclusive, together.
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.
255 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of the home care package for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the package has been withdrawn; if the Health Service Executive is aware that the person has suffered a stroke; the mechanism to appeal the decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20957/08]
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.
256 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of general practitioners who are continuing to receive payments under the general medical services scheme after their patients have taken up residence in nursing homes; and the policy regarding this situation. [20973/08]
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 medical card and GP visit card patients. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
259 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will publish legislation setting out the way the dignity of persons and the protection of human rights will be safeguarded in the planning and delivering of mental health services as suggested in A Vision for Change; and if she will ensure that those responsible for such services are familiar with the rights and responsibilities that flow from human rights standards in order to ensure that the core values in A Vision for Change are to be made meaningful. [20988/08]
The Mental Health Act 2001 provides a modern framework within which people who have a mental disorder and require treatment or protection can be cared for and treated. It puts in place mechanisms by which the standards, care and treatment in mental health services can be monitored, inspected and regulated.
Sections 1 to 5, 7 and 31 to 55 of the Mental Health Act 2001 were commenced in April 2002. These involved the establishment of the Mental Health Commission to promote, encourage and foster the establishment and maintenance of high standards and good practice in the delivery of mental health services and to promote the interests of people detained under the 2001 Act. It also provided for the establishment of the Office of the Inspector of Mental Health Services, replacing the former Inspector of Mental Hospitals.
The remaining provisions of the Act were commenced on 1 November 2006. This included the establishment of the Mental Health Tribunals, under the auspices of the Mental Health Commission. The Tribunals conduct a review of each decision by a consultant psychiatrist to detain a patient on an involuntary basis, or to extend the duration of such detention, the latter as a consequence of a renewal order at 3,6 and 12 month periods.
I am satisfied that the commencement of the full provisions of the Mental Health Act 2001 brings Irish mental health law into compliance with international conventions, including the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
260 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children waiting for treatment in a county (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20989/08]
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.
261 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive’s allocation of funding for people with disabilities for 2008 has been given to the various HSE regions, including funding for people with autistic spectrum disorders due to leave school in June 2008; if not, the reason for the delay; the breakdown of the allocations on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20994/08]
266 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there has been a delay on the part of the Health Service Executive in allocating funding for disability services allocated for 2008, including funding for transitional services for children with autism completing school in 2008 and requiring assistance in their transition to day services in the autumn. [21046/08]
268 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason Health Service Executive funding to providers of autistic spectrum disorders has not been allocated for 2008; the further reason in view of the difficulties with change experienced by such suffers, no services are already in place to meet the needs of June 2008 school leavers and sufferers leaving rehabilitative training for a day care service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21060/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 261, 266 and 268 together.
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5s and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements. A further €50m investment was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's specific questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
262 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. [21009/08]
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 Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the closing date for the applications under the health repayment scheme; if there is any leeway in respect of the closing date where an error was made in failing to submit the application form to meet the deadline imposed therein; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21033/08]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the Health Repayment Scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald.
Since the launch of the Health Repayment Scheme in August 2006, the HSE has informed my Department that it has undertaken extensive national and local media communication campaigns to ensure that potential applicants are made aware of the Scheme. In addition, a series of nationwide road shows was undertaken to create awareness of the Scheme and to provide hands on support to applicants.
The HSE also undertook a final publicity campaign in December 2007 which consisted of a national print advertising campaign, a national radio advertising campaign which included advertisements in the Irish Independent, Irish Times, Irish Examiner, Sunday World and Sunday Independent. In addition, a regional media campaign resulted in press releases issued to the local print press and regional radio interviews on 20 stations.
The closing date for receipt of applications under the scheme was 31 December 2007. In view of the various measures undertaken by the HSE/Scheme Administrator to maximise awareness of the scheme, I have decided not to extend the closing date for receipt of applications.
264 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children if financial provision was made by her Department for the appointment of a clinical auditor at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, in line with the recommendation of Judge Maureen Harding Clarke; when such provision will be made; the level of urgency attached to this appointment; when it will be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21042/08]
Following the publication of the Lourdes Hospital 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.
The Health Service Executive is overseeing the implementation of the recommendations of the 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 specific issue raised.
265 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will establish a national working group comprising children with specific speech and language impairment and their parents and key agencies involved in service provision including her Department, the Department of Education and Science and the Health Service Executive, with a view to reviewing and establishing agreed terminology and diagnostic criteria for SSLI and addressing policy and service development. [21045/08]
The National Disability Strategy was launched in September 2004 following a number of positive legislative and policy measures in prior years, and contains a suite of elements, principally the Disability Act 2005, the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004, Sectoral Plans prepared by six government Departments during 2006, the Citizens Information Act 2007 and a multi-annual investment programme totalling some €900m between 2006 and 2009.
Recognising the cross-cutting nature of this subject, the Government announced the establishment of the Office for Disability and Mental Health in January 2008, to support the Minister for Disability & Mental Health in exercising his responsibilities across four Government Departments: Health & Children, Education & Science, Enterprise, Trade & Employment and Justice, Equality & Law Reform.
The new Office brings together responsibility for a range of different policy areas and State services which directly impact on the lives of people with a disability and people with mental health issues. The Office will aim to bring about improvements in the manner in which services respond to the needs of people with disabilities and mental health issues, by working to develop person-centred services, focussing on the holistic needs of clients and service users and actively involving them in their own care. The Director of the Office is a member of the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion, which monitors progress on the Government's commitments in relation to social policy, including the National Disability Strategy.
Very substantial progress has been made in recent years in the areas of disability and mental health, but much remains to be done. In particular, there is a need to improve co-ordination and communication across different Government Departments and agencies in their delivery of services to this client group. This will be the main focus for the new Office in the coming months.
A key priority for the Office for Disability and Mental Health is to support the implementation of the Health Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005. The Office will focus in particular on facilitating the delivery of integrated health and education support services for children with special needs, by further developing existing mechanisms for co-operation and co-ordination between the health and education sectors, both at national and local level.
A Cross-Sectoral Team consisting of senior officials from the Office for Disability and Mental Health, the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Education and Science, the Health Service Executive and the National Council for Special Education was established in 2006 and meets on a regular basis. This group continues to address issues arising in relation to the implementation of both Acts. A sub-group of this team was set up in January 2008 in order to plan for the commencement of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 and the relevant sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 in respect of children aged between 5 and 18 and adults.
The focus of these groups is on the interaction required between the education and health sectors in order to advance and enhance services to people with disabilities. A wide range of matters are discussed in these fora and the matter raised by the Deputy will be considered by the Cross-Sectoral Team in this context.
267 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children when dental treatment will be available to a child (details supplied) in Dublin 22 who is in urgent need of dental extractions and is the holder of a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21059/08]
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.
269 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 209 of 22 April 2008. [21199/08]
I understand from the Health Service Executive that they have issued a reply to the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 209 of 22 April 2008.
270 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the specialist palliative care nursing service in Wicklow community care which has been withdrawn; if she will intervene and reinstate the service; the reason this service has been withdrawn; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21200/08]
My Department has contacted the Health Service Executive in relation to the Deputy's question. As the Deputy is aware, due to the temporary unavailability of specialist nursing staff it has been necessary to reorganise the service in Wicklow. The Executive has stated that work continues to ensure that the specialist Palliative Care service is re established in the Local Health Office, Wicklow. This process may require a national recruitment drive. The Executive will update my Department and the Deputy on future developments.
271 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the application from a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow for two morphine pumps for their practice for ongoing patient care; if same will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21201/08]
Under the Health Act 2004, the management and delivery of health and personal social services is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
272 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money that was spent by the Health Service Executive on general building maintenance on its premises around the country in 2007; the amount that was spent on washing windows; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21202/08]
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.
273 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if the failure of the Health Service Executive to spend funds announced by her in 2006 and 2007 for palliative care and A Vision for Change on those areas, was approved by her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21207/08]
The Deputy will be aware that the Health Service Executive must live within its overall allocation from the Oireachtas each year. Under the Programme for Government, the Government has committed to removing the regional disparities in the provision and funding of palliative care, and to ensuring that the needs of all those who require palliative care are met. The Department of Health and Children is committed to working with the HSE and other key stakeholders in developing palliative care services throughout Ireland.
Funding is being provided for the development of palliative care services in line with the recommendations in the Report of the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care (2001) and in the context of available resources and workforce planning across the health service. Additional funding totalling €18 million was provided by the Government in Budgets 2006 and 2007. Not all of this funding was used as planned because of competing expenditure pressures and the overriding obligation on the HSE to live within its approved overall allocation. Funding was primarily in respect of 138 additional whole-time equivalent (WTE) posts to support a range of new service developments nationally. I understand that approx 40% of these posts have been filled to date.
The Executive is developing a five-year capital and revenue implementation framework, in consultation with the Irish Association for Palliative Care, the Irish Hospice Foundation and the Irish Cancer Society. Work is ongoing on the development of this plan and good progress has been made to-date. The question of progressing outstanding service developments not yet implemented is being considered by the Executive in this context.
In relation to the additional €51.2 million development funding provided in 2006 and 2007 for the implementation of A Vision for Change, the Department has been advised by the HSE that this was not used as planned because of competing expenditure pressures and the overriding obligation on the HSE to live within its approved overall allocation. As a result, some of the planned developments in mental health services have been delayed. However, some of these developments will proceed in 2008, for example the recruitment of 8 child and adolescent mental health teams and the provision of 18 beds for children and adolescents.
274 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport the status of funding for the Thomastown relief road; when it is hoped to commence works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20627/08]
The provision and maintenance of regional and local roads in County Kilkenny is a matter for Kilkenny County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants provided by my Department. In 2008, a grant of €1,375,186 was allocated to Kilkenny County Council for the R700 Thomastown Relief Road. Progress with the project is a matter for Kilkenny County Council.
275 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of the overall CO2 emissions here that came from public transport such as buses and DARTs in 2007 in comparison to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21002/08]
The main source for information on transport emissions is from Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). The most recent figures available from SEI relate to 2006 and they indicate that Public Service Vehicles constituted 3% of the Transport Sector share, or 1.02% of Ireland's entire energy related CO2 emissions. This data is available from SEI's Energy in Transport 2007 Report, located online at: http://www.sei.ie/index.asp?locID=1499&docID=1431.
276 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the projects under Transport 21 that are to be financed by public private partnerships; the cost expected to the Exchequer for each project; the reason a PPP financing process was chosen for each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20588/08]
277 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the number of projects under Transport 21 that are to be financed by public private partnerships but were originally meant to be financed entirely from public funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20589/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 276 and 277 together.
The overall Transport 21 capital envelope provides for Exchequer funding of €26 billion and Public Private Partnership (PPP) funding of €8 billion.
The NRA is in the process of completing its first phase PPP programme involving private funding of €2.1 billion on toll-based projects. The projects involved are:
M50 Second Westlink Bridge
M1 Dundalk Western Bypass
N4 Kilcock to Kinnegad
M8 Fermoy to Rathcormac Bypass
M3 Clonee to North of Kells
N6 Galway to Ballinasloe
N7 Limerick Tunnel
M7/M8 Portlaoise to Cullahill/Castletown
N25 Waterford City Bypass
M50 Phase 2 Upgrade.
The first four of these projects are now open to traffic and the remainder are under construction.
In addition, the following projects will be procured as unitary payment PPP's under Transport 21:
Metro North
Metro West
Luas Lucan line
the DART Interconnector
N20 Cork-Limerick (2 projects)
N17 Galway-Claremorris
N11 Gorey-Enniscorthy/New Ross Bypass.
The use of Public Private Partnership procurement in relation to each of these projects represents an opportunity for value for money, innovation and optimal transfer of risk over the lifetime of the infrastructure.
The Metro North, Metro West and Luas Lucan line projects were identified at an early stage of Transport 21 for procurement as unitary payment PPPs. The Government, decided, earlier this year, that certain national road projects and elements of the DART Interconnector which were originally planned to be Exchequer funded would now be procured as unitary payment PPPs. The NRA subsequently identified the N11, N17 and N20 projects outlined above, as suitable for procurement as PPPs. The total amount of Exchequer and PPP expenditure under Transport 21 remains unchanged.
The Exchequer will usually fund the planning phase of PPP projects, including obtaining the relevant statutory consents. It may also fund advance land acquisition and preparatory works and in appropriate circumstances may provide a capital contribution towards the construction costs. The cost to the Exchequer will be decided on a case-by-case basis for each PPP project and will be met from the overall Exchequer allocation in the Transport 21 capital envelope.
278 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the number of civil servants within his Department at the grade of assistant principal or higher; the number of whom were recruited to those roles from outside of the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20682/08]
There are 83 general service civil servants in my Department at the grade of Assistant Principal or higher. None of these were recruited to their position from outside of the Civil Service. There are also 38 professional and technical posts at the equivalent of Assistant Principal or higher in my Department. Of this number 26 were recruited from outside the civil service.
279 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if he will investigate the delay in issuing payments to a coast guard unit (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20747/08]
The Department has investigated this matter and can confirm that the relevant payments were issued on the 23rd May.
280 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport the reason given by him in letters to Dublin Bus for them to discontinue three 25X departures during peak hours in the morning from Lucan to the city centre; the reason he concluded that these departures were not in keeping with competition, notification rules or transport legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20802/08]
I refer to my replies to Questions Nos. 135 on the 9 April 2008, and 160 on 23 April 2008 in which I advised that my Department has made no demand on Dublin Bus to cease any of its authorised route 25X departures operating from the south Lucan area.
As advised in those replies, the initiation or alteration of a bus service by Dublin Bus is subject to compliance with the requirement of giving advance notice to my Department and to compliance with the provisions of Section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 concerning competition with licensed private operators.
No prior notice of the introduction of those particular services was given by Dublin Bus to my Department. For that reason my Department wrote to Dublin Bus on 4 October 2007 requesting that three additional Route 25X departures which the Company was operating from the Newcastle Road Area, which were not subject to the authorisation of my Department should cease. The letter indicated that an application for the authorisation of those services should be made and would be considered. To date no such application has been made to my Department.
281 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport the number of privately owned aircraft which used Carrickfin, Sligo, Ireland West and Galway airports for the years 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20923/08]
Statistics relating to the number of privately owned aircraft using the regional airports are a matter for the individual airports concerned and I have no function in the matter.
282 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if a draft protected area order was prepared in relation to Dublin Airport by his Department in accordance with the terms of section 14 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1950; if so, the reason such an order was not promulgated in accordance with the wishes of the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21008/08]
The Air Navigation (Protection Area) Order 1988 (S.I. No. 284 of 1988) created a protected area of 300 metres radius around the Doppler Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Radio Range and Distance Measuring Equipment sited at Rowlestown West in Co. Dublin. The Order was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas in November 1988 as required under the Section 14(4) of the Air Navigation and Transport Act, 1950.
283 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he or his Department have allocated or intend to allocate funding to Kildare County Council for the purpose of upgrading the Enfield to Edenderry regional road; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the proposal is at variance with the very minor request of the residents of Carbury to the effect that access to their village would continue unimpeded; if he will take the necessary action to ensure that democracy prevails at this level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21181/08]
The provision and maintenance of regional and local roads in County Kildare is a matter for Kildare County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants provided by my Department. The upgrade of the Edenderry to Enfield road is being undertaken by Kildare County Council with grant assistance provided by my Department. The Council has been allocated €2.5 million for this scheme in 2008. The design of the route is primarily a matter for the local authority.
Before works of this nature may proceed, the local authority is obliged to comply with requirements of planning legislation. I understand that those requirements, which include extensive public consultation, were complied with in respect of this project and that the works were approved by the elected members of Kildare County Council in December 2006. My Department has no function in that process.
284 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the assurances the Irish Government will give not to compromise in the treaty negotiations taking place at the Dublin Diplomatic Conference on Cluster Munitions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20590/08]
285 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason the USA, China and Russia did not attend the cluster bomb conference at Croke Park, Dublin. [20661/08]
286 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the EU countries that use cluster bombs. [20662/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 284 to 286, inclusive, together.
The three States referred to in Deputy Mc Grath's question are among those which have decided not to take part in the Oslo Process because, as we understand it, they do not feel able to commit themselves to its objectives. Specifically, full participation in the Dublin Diplomatic Conference requires States to have endorsed the Declaration adopted at the preceding Wellington Conference in February 2008, which included a commitment to the objective of concluding at Dublin a legally binding instrument prohibiting cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians. On that basis, 110 States are present in Dublin as participants with another 18 attending as observers. Naturally, following the adoption of a Convention at Dublin and its envisaged signature in Oslo in December, we will do all we can to encourage as many States as possible to become party to it. Some 22 EU Member States are full participants in the Dublin Diplomatic Conference, while five are present as observers.
The last recorded use of cluster munitions by an EU Member State was by the UK in Iraq in 2003. Several Member States have never had cluster munitions. This is the case with Ireland. Some others have already decided never to use them and to destroy their stockpiles. One of the most complex issues under negotiation at the Conference is the precise definition of a cluster munition which causes unacceptable harm to civilians and, as such, will be banned under the Convention. Up to 17 Member States possess weapons which might conceivably fall within the eventual definition agreed upon, but this remains to be determined. All States which become party to the Convention will of course have to comply with its provisions, which it seems clear will include a prohibition on the acquisition or use of specified munitions and a requirement to destroy stockpiles.
Nationally, Ireland is, in line with the provisions of the Programme for Government, strongly pressing for the most ambitious outcome possible in the negotiations. Of course, as chair, and consistent with the Conference's rules of procedure, we have a particular responsibility to seek as broad a consensus as possible.
287 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of civil servants within his Department at the grade of assistant principal or higher; the number of whom were recruited to those roles from outside of the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20677/08]
There are 309 officers serving in my Department at the grade of Assistant Principal or higher. Some 12 of these officers were recruited to their posts from outside the Civil Service. The officers in question were recruited to posts in the professional and technical grades which are equivalent to the grade of Assistant Principal Officer.
288 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make known to the Iranian Government his deep concern for the worsening human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran and particularly with reference to the Baha’i community whose leaders have been arrested in house raids and are being held in Tehran’s Evin Prison. [20684/08]
293 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a situation (details supplied); the action he will take to address the concerns outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21190/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 and 293 together.
The Government and our EU partners have expressed increasing concern at the serious and sustained erosion of human rights protections in Iran in recent years. We have been particularly concerned at the increase in the use of the death penalty, including executions of minors. Freedom of expression has been severely curtailed, and there has been an increase in the level of harassment of minority groups, including Iran's Baha'i community.
I am very concerned about the arrest of six members of the Baha'i faith in Tehran on 14 May. They are being detained and questioned by officials of the Ministry of Intelligence. On 21 May, the European Union called on Iran to release the six detainees. The EU stated clearly that Iran must act to uphold fully the right to adopt and practise a religion of choice and must end the persecution of the Baha'i community. I reiterate this position today, and repeat the Government's call for the release of the detainees.
Ireland participates actively in discussions within the EU on how best to advance our human rights concerns with Iran. In recent years, we have also co-sponsored a Resolution at the UN General Assembly on the human rights situation in Iran, along with Canada and others. We did so again last November. Regrettably, Iran has shown little interesting in engaging constructively on these issues. A formal Human Rights Dialogue between the EU and Iran is now effectively in abeyance. The last meeting was held during the Irish EU Presidency in 2004, and it seems clear that, for now, Iran is not willing to pursue the dialogue.
The Government and our EU partners will continue to use every opportunity to draw attention to, and where possible to uphold, the fundamental rights of the Iranian people. We will continue to raise our concerns about human rights abuses in our direct contacts with the Iranian authorities.
289 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number and names of the Irish non-governmental organisations operating in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20710/08]
Irish Aid supports human rights and democratisation in Burma through its Multi-Annual Programme Scheme and Civil Society Fund. For 2008, Irish Aid allocated Trócaire funding of €1.1 million in support of its programme to strengthen civil society in Burma and in support of Burmese refugees in Thailand. Irish Aid is also supporting Trócaire in response to the recent cyclone.
Voluntary Service Overseas has been allocated funding of €290,000 for a three year programme promoting democratisation, human rights and reconciliation among five ethnic groups on the Burma/Thailand border. Irish Aid has also provided funding of €68,000 this year for Burma Action Ireland to assist their work in raising awareness of human rights violations in Burma, and in support of civil society organisations and communities within Burma and the Burmese community in exile.
In 2008, the Irish Missionary Resource Service (IMRS) has provided support totalling €132,135 to its member organisations operational in Burma; Missionary Sisters of St Columban, Columban Fathers and Good Shepherd Sisters. An additional €30,000 in emergency funding has also been provided by the IMRS to the Columban Fathers and the Good Shepherd Sisters to support their work in responding to the current Burma emergency.
290 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number and details of non-governmental organisations involved in Kenya (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20711/08]
Irish Aid supports a number of NGOs in Kenya through the Multi Annual Programme Scheme (MAPS), the Civil Society Fund (CSF) and emergency funding as well as through the Irish Missionary Resource Service. Four of the five MAPS partners — Concern, Trócaire, GOAL and Self Help — work in Kenya. In 2008, MAPS funding amounting to €3.25 million has been allocated to assist the work of these NGOs in livelihood and food security, rural economic development, health, education, gender equality and HIV/AIDS in Kenya.
The Civil Society Fund, which is open to all Irish-based Non-Governmental Organisations, is designed to provide resources more effectively and efficiently for the development activities of civil society organisations. Under the CSF in 2008 €1.12 million has been allocated to NGOs to assist their work in Kenya in a number of areas including capacity building, education, health, HIV/AIDS, human rights, livelihood security, rural development and water/sanitation. In addition, Irish Aid has allocated a total of €1.1m this year to support Concern Universal and Trócaire's work in responding to the Kenyan crisis.
The Irish Missionary Resource Service (IMRS) supports the development work of Irish missionaries and their partners worldwide. Irish Aid allocated €20m to the IMRS in 2008. To date in 2008, the IMRS has allocated a total of €2,052,013 to its member organisations working in Kenya. An additional €384,520 in emergency funding has also been provided by the IMRS to support its members in responding to the Kenyan crisis.
The Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul are members of the IMRS. They received €303,848 from the IMRS in 2007 and have received €236,214 to date in 2008. €436,635 of this funding was allocated to Kenya for work in basic education, capacity building and primary health care. The contact details of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul in Ireland are as follows: Sr. Catherine Prendergast, Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Catherine's Provincial House, Dunardagh, Temple Hill, Blackrock, Co. Dublin Tel. 01 2882669, email: info@daughtersofcharity.ie. The contact details of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul in Kenya are as follows: Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Holy Cross Mission, Thigio, PO Box 705, Limuru 00217, Kenya.
291 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the desire of Taiwan to be invited to be an observer at the World Health Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21047/08]
In common with most Member States of the UN, and all EU partners, Ireland adheres to a ‘one-China policy', recognising the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China. We therefore do not support Taiwanese membership of organisations where statehood is a prerequisite for membership, and take the view that any status granted to Taiwan by the WHO must be compatible with the ‘One-China' policy.
However against the above background, and with our EU partners, Ireland continues to be active in seeking to ensure Taiwan's meaningful participation in the World Health Organisation (WHO) to the fullest extent possible , to ensure that there is no geographical gap in the important work of that organisation.
292 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the visa requirements for entry into New Zealand; if in particular he will outline the position whereby somebody has been in New Zealand for approximately four years, and overstayed their visa by approximately 12 months but on direction left the country voluntarily; the position in relation to such a person’s application for a new visa to visit New Zealand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21055/08]
Requirements for entry into New Zealand are the responsibility of the New Zealand authorities. In this regard, I would suggest that in the specific overstay case raised in the Deputy's question, the person concerned should seek clarification directly from the Embassy of New Zealand, 80 The Haymarket, London SW1Y4TQ, www.nzembassy.com/uk . (New Zealand does not have a resident Embassy in Ireland).
In general, Irish passport holders can enter New Zealand without a visa for a visit of up to three months. New Zealand Immigration may, however, require visitors to produce evidence of intention to return or of onward travel arrangements, and also evidence of sufficient funds to maintain themselves while in New Zealand. Persons seeking to enter New Zealand for the purpose of employment or under the working holiday scheme (which allows an Irish person aged between 18 and 30 years to work and travel in the country for up to two years), require special permits and should apply to the Embassy of New Zealand in London.
294 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a veto remains an option for the Government when dealing with the current world trade talks and that a veto will remain an option post ratification of the Lisbon treaty; the Government’s willingness to use the veto in view of the most recent proposals for agriculture by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21038/08]
Under the terms of the current Treaties and of the Lisbon Reform Treaty any WTO deal will require a unanimous decision within the EU Council of Ministers. We will have the same capacity to influence, support, or oppose, as appropriate, any WTO deal under the Lisbon Reform Treaty as we have today. This position has been confirmed by the EU Commission.
The Government's focus in these negotiations is on securing a balanced outcome, which takes account of the particular circumstances and challenges facing our Agri Sector, the opportunities and challenges presented for our goods and services exports and our commitment to developing countries. Our position on these negotiations will be determined by the shape and content of the final package of proposals which emerges.
The Government has repeatedly expressed its concerns in relation to the imbalance in these negotiations. This imbalance has seen agriculture being pushed out front in the negotiations, with Irish and EU agriculture being asked to carry an unacceptable burden.
The Government will continue to use every opportunity to express our concerns in the strongest possible terms and to seek a fair and balanced outcome across all areas of negotiation, which will deliver benefits to the Irish and EU economies. The Government will continue to take a leading role in consolidating support for this position with other like-minded EU Member States so as to ensure that any outcome to these negotiations will not result in our key interests being sacrificed.
295 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department has adopted a policy that work permit applications will not be accepted from people who have been made redundant where it took over three months to secure a new offer of employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20585/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that the Employment Permits Section will examine, on a fast track basis, new applications for Employment Permits made by foreign nationals who have been made redundant. Applications will be accepted for a three-month period after the employment has been terminated by reason of redundancy. Applications outside of this timeframe have been dealt with on a case-by-case basis and granted in exceptional circumstances.
For these applications, the normal requirements relating to the labour market needs test (ie. Advertising the position in the local press and with Fás/Eures) and the ineligible job categories are not applied. This policy is kept under review and will be updated should the need arise.
296 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on granting work permits to the worker rather than the employer in the case of spouses of health workers in view of the fact that the procedure of having to apply for permits hampers the search for work and creates an obstacle which deters employers. [20609/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that under the Employment Permits Act 2006, which was enacted on the 1st January, 2007, all employment permits are now granted and issued to the employee. The Act also allows for an application for an employment permit to be made by either the employer or the employee. All Employment Permits issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are granted specific to the employment in respect of which the application was made. In addition, the Spousal/Dependant Scheme was introduced to give greater ease of access to employment for spouses/dependants of all employment permit holders, who have been admitted to the State under Family Reunification by:
Not requiring the employer in question to advertise the job with FÁS/EURES in advance of making a work permit application,
Accepting applications for jobs in categories that would otherwise be ineligible for work permits, and
Exempting the application from the work permit fee. Full details of the Scheme are available on my Department's website at www.entemp.ie.
297 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the legal basis for the establishment of estate management companies operating in various estates in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20619/08]
Where established as a registered company under the Companies Acts 1963-2006, a company becomes a body corporate as and from the date mentioned in its certificate of incorporation. This would apply in the case of a company that provides property management services.
298 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is proposed to purchase additional lands for industrial development in the Carlow town area following the decision of a new business announced for the town taking up all of the lands in the existing business park; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20631/08]
Under the Industrial Development Acts, the purchase, disposal or leasing of property by IDA Ireland is an operational matter for the Agency, and not one in which the Minister of the day has a function. I have been informed that the Agency has no plans currently in relation to the purchase of property in Carlow town. I understand from the Agency that there are a number of private sector developments in the Carlow town area, including both greenfield sites and office accommodation that could provide property solutions to overseas and indigenous companies considering Carlow for investment.
299 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of existing Industrial Development Authority supported jobs in both County Carlow and County Kilkenny; the way these figures have varied for each year since 1995; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20632/08]
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 annualised basis at county level. The information is provided by companies on a confidential basis for statistical purposes only.
The number of jobs created in IDA supported companies in County Carlow and County Kilkenny in each of the years from 1995 to 2007 are set out in the following tabular statement. IDA Ireland is committed to the development of Counties Carlow and Kilkenny and, through its network of overseas offices, is actively promoting the towns of Kilkenny and Carlow for new investment. In recent months there have been two announcements for Carlow town with a potential to create a total of 370 new jobs. In February, 2008, Unum announced that it intended to establish a strategic software service centre in Carlow town. The new investment has the potential to create up to 200 new high-level positions and recruitment is currently underway.
In November last Merck & Co Inc. announced its intention to establish a new €200 million strategic vaccine facility in Carlow town, with a potential to create 170 new high quality jobs by 2011. In the Financial sector State Street has continued to grow its Funds Administration operation in Kilkenny and the company is an important player in the Financial Services cluster emerging in the South East region.
I am satisfied that the policies being pursued by Government, together with the work of the IDA on the ground, as well as the roll-out of the National Development Plan will continue to bear fruit in terms of investments and employment in the counties of Carlow and Kilkenny and the region as a whole.
|
Year |
Carlow |
Kilkenny |
|
1995 |
1,224 |
370 |
|
1996 |
1,156 |
326 |
|
1997 |
1,135 |
384 |
|
1998 |
1,223 |
319 |
|
1999 |
1,200 |
315 |
|
2000 |
1,144 |
267 |
|
2001 |
1,120 |
299 |
|
2002 |
1,073 |
389 |
|
2003 |
1,031 |
293 |
|
2004 |
771 |
355 |
|
2005 |
782 |
441 |
|
2006 |
692 |
436 |
|
2007 |
435 |
476 |
300 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the expenditure of the competition and policy section of her Department for each of the past five years; the number and grade of civil servants attached to that section; the number of reports commissioned by this section from external bodies; the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20643/08]
Due to the fact that my Department changed its financial management system within the last five years, the information on expenditure requested by the Deputy is readily available only from the beginning of 2004.
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
€ |
|
|
2004 |
759,286 |
|
2005 |
1,235,340 |
|
2006 |
1,118,903 |
|
2007 |
1,198,448 |
|
2008 Jan-April |
341,515 |
Competition and Consumer Policy Section is a Unit within the Department's Commerce, Consumers and Competition Division, which is headed up by an Assistant Secretary. The total authorised staff complement of the Section is 12: 1 Principal, 4 Assistant Principals (one part-time), 3 Higher Executive Officers (HEO), 2 Executive Officers (EO) and 2 Clerical Officers.
Over the past few years, the main focus of the Section's work has been the introduction of the Competition Act 2002, the transposition of EC Council Regulation 1/2003 on the implementation of the rules on competition laid down in Articles 81 and 82 of the Treaty, the implementation of and follow on to the 2005 Report of the Consumer Strategy Group, the abolition of the Restrictive Practices (Groceries) Order 1987 by way of the Competition (Amendment) Act 2006 and the introduction of the Consumer Protection Act 2007 which led to the establishment of the National Consumer Agency and transposed the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive.
The Report of the Consumer Strategy Group, referred to above, was published in 2005 and the cost was borne by Forfás. As a follow on to the work of that Group, the Department produced a Final Report of the High Level Interdepartmental Committee on the Recommendations contained in the Consumer Strategy Group and subsequently the Report on the Restrictive Practices (Groceries) Order 1987: A Review & Report of Public Consultation Process (October 2005). Both of these Reports were produced in-house with some external assistance at a cost of €10,000.
Current projects underway in the Section include a review of the Competition Act 2002, a review of the Sale of Goods legislation and participation in the review of the EU Consumer Acquis. In addition to providing the secretariat to the Advisory Group on Media Mergers which was established at the end of March, day to day work of the Section includes an oversight/support function in relation to both the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency and monitoring and contributing to competition and consumer developments at EU level.
I remain committed to ensuring that the Competition and Consumer Policy Section is adequately resourced to enable it carry out its important work of delivering a modern and effective national competition and consumer policy.
301 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of prosecutions taken since 2003 against employees in conjunction with compliance with Irish and European legislation, directives and conventions for the protection of workers; the number of convictions achieved; and the forms of sanctions imposed. [20645/08]
There have been no prosecutions taken against employees in conjunction with compliance with Irish or European legislation, directives or conventions for the protection of workers from 2003 to date.
302 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of prosecutions taken since 2003 against employers in conjunction with compliance with Irish and European legislation, directives and conventions for the protection of workers; the number of convictions achieved; and the forms of sanctions imposed. [20646/08]
The following table shows details of criminal proceedings initiated since 2003 insofar as alleged offences detected by the Labour Inspectorate (now the National Employment Rights Authority's (NERA) Inspection Services) under certain employment rights legislation are concerned.
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 (to 30th April) |
|
|
No. of Proceedings initiated |
25 |
54 |
59 |
62 |
98 |
19 |
|
No. of Proceedings settled/ withdrawn prior to Court Hearing |
8 |
26 |
29 |
31 |
29 |
14 |
|
No. of Convictions |
21 |
18 |
31 |
26 |
34 |
27 |
Note: The number of convictions secured and the number of cases settled/withdrawn prior to Court hearing do not necessarily refer to the cases in respect of which proceedings have been initiated in that year.
List of Employment Rights Legislation to which above proceedings refer:
National Minimum Wage Act, 2000
Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997
Industrial Relations Acts, 1946 to 2004 (and Employment Regulation Orders and Registered Employment Agreements made thereunder)
Payment of Wages Act, 1991
Protection of Young Persons Act, 1996
Monetary fines are the usual form of sanction imposed. The range of fines under key pieces of legislation are as follows:
|
Legislation |
Maximum Fines |
|
Industrial Relations Acts, 1946-2004 |
Range from €634.87 to €1,269.84 |
|
Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996 |
€1,904.61 |
|
Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 |
€1,904.61 |
|
National Minimum Wage Act, 2000 |
€1,904.61 €12,697.38 for conviction on indictment |
|
Payment of Wages Act, 1991 |
€1,269.74 |
The Courts may also, in certain circumstances, make orders directing the employer to pay arrears to employees arising from offences under employment legislation.
NERA reserves the right to initiate legal proceedings in all cases where breaches of employment legislation within its remit are detected. However, NERA's primary focus in such cases is to seek compliance and rectification of any breaches identified, including redress for the employees concerned and payment of any arrears due to those employees. In this regard, NERA recovered almost €2.5 million in arrears in total in 2007 arising from breaches of certain employment rights legislation. The Deputy should be aware that Rights Commissioners of the Labour Relations Commission also hear complaints concerning breaches of certain employment rights legislation.
303 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [20658/08]
While I have no direct function in relation to this matter, I understand that the case referred to by the Deputy relates to the practice of the company concerned imposing a charge on customers who pay their bills by means other than by direct debit.
I understand that the National Consumer Agency (NCA) has received a number of complaints on this matter from consumers. I am advised that the Agency met with the senior management of the company concerned on a number of occasions. Arising from these discussions, the company agreed that this charge would only apply to new customers of the company recruited after 27 November 2006 and that new customers would be made fully aware, before signing up for the company's services, that a charge would be imposed if they did not choose to pay their bill by direct debit.
Whilst the practice of imposing such a charge does not breach consumer legislation, I would be concerned that the imposition of charges of this nature should not impact unduly on consumers, particularly vulnerable consumers. In this regard, I understand that the National Consumer Agency continues to meet with the company concerned in relation to a range of issues.
304 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of civil servants within her Department at the grade of assistant principal or higher; the number of whom were recruited to those roles from outside of the Civil Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20674/08]
The number of civil servants in my Department at the grade of Assistant Principal and higher are as outlined in the table attached. Of the number at each grade one Assistant Principal was recruited from outside of the Civil Service in 2004. Since then and in accordance with the promotion sequence as determined by the Department of Finance, all vacancies in this Department to be filled from Interdepartmental and Open panels have been filled from the Decentralisation Central Applications Facility or the Dublin Surplus Arrangements. The Department has a number of other posts equivalent to some of the grades mentioned above i.e. Auditor, Professional Accountant, Legal Adviser and staff assigned to these posts were generally recruited by open competition.
|
Assistant Principal |
Principal Officer |
Assistant Secretary |
|
98 |
42 |
7 |
305 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes to employment permit arrangements for spouses of work permit holders in terms of application criteria and limitations. [20700/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that the Spousal/Dependant Scheme gives greater ease of access to employment for spouses/dependants of all employment permit holders, who have been admitted to the State under Family Reunification by:
Not requiring the employer in question to advertise the job with FÁS/EURES in advance of making a work permit application,
Accepting applications for jobs in categories that would otherwise be ineligible for work permits, and
Exempting the application from the work permit fee. Full details of the Scheme are available on my Department's website at www.entemp.ie.
306 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps taken to ensure that Ireland implements the Seveso Directive 2003/105/EC on the control of major accidents involving dangerous substances following the formal notice sent to Ireland from the European Commission on 23 March 2007 and in particular to meet the requirement that three outstanding establishments of 23 in total here prepare emergency plans under Article 9 of the directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20800/08]
307 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the 23 establishments that are required to prepare emergency plans under Article 9 of the Seveso Directive; the plans that have been prepared and which are outstanding in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20801/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 307 together.
Council Directive 96/82/EC on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances as amended by Directive 2003/105/EC, [known as the Seveso Directive], applies to all establishments where the inventory of dangerous substances exceeds specified thresholds. I am informed by the Health and Safety Authority that there are currently 90 such establishments notified to it. Of these, 32 are classified as "upper tier", and as such, in accordance with Article 11 of the Directive, require that external emergency plans be prepared.
The European Commission issued a Reasoned Opinion to Ireland on 23 October 2007, concerning the failure by Ireland to draw up such external emergency plans in respect of 11 establishments. The authorities in Ireland responsible for drawing up these external emergency plans are designated pursuant to the European Communities [Control of Major Accident Hazards] Regulations 2006, S.I. No. 74 of 2006. These include Local Authorities, an Garda Síochána and the Health Services Executive. I am informed that all but one external emergency plans are in place. In relation to the one outstanding plan, I am informed that it is expected that the plan will be finalised before the end of next month.
308 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will arrange for a review of a decision to refuse a work permit in relation to a person (details supplied) as their qualification is in a category allowed according to her Department guidelines and their potential employer has tried without success to find a suitable candidate within the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20961/08]
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 above named is resident in the State on a Visitor stamp and is, therefore, ineligible to enter employment.
Having examined an appeal, the Appeals Officer has upheld the original decision in this case.
309 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of visiting industrial and commercial itineraries internationally and nationally organised by the Industrial Development Authority that have visited sites in each county for each of the past five years; the results of each visit; the number of employment opportunities created; the cost or grants paid by the IDA in assisting to create such opportunities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21192/08]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas, for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
I am informed by the Agency that in the 5-year period from 2003 to 2007, there have been a total of 1329 site visits by foreign investors to various locations around Ireland. Details of these site visits are set out in Tabular Statement 1.
It is not possible, in the time available, to indicate the results of each of these individual site visits. However, in the same 5-year period (2003-2007) there have been 78 announcements by foreign investors establishing Greenfield investments in this country, with a potential to create 12,405 jobs. Details of those announcements are set out in Tabular Statement 2.
In the period 2003 to 2006 IDA Ireland paid out a total of €347,047,723 in grant payments to its client companies. Details of grant payments in each of those years are set out in Tabular Statement 3. Figures of grant payments for the year 2007 will not be available until the publication of the IDA's Annual Report later this year.
|
County |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Carlow |
7 |
6 |
7 |
||
|
Cavan |
1 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
|
|
Clare |
6 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
|
Cork |
38 |
39 |
35 |
16 |
27 |
|
Donegal |
3 |
16 |
4 |
9 |
3 |
|
Dublin |
32 |
45 |
71 |
90 |
91 |
|
Galway |
30 |
17 |
14 |
20 |
15 |
|
Kerry |
2 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
1 |
|||
|
Kilkenny |
|||||
|
Laois |
4 |
1 |
7 |
5 |
6 |
|
Leitrim |
2 |
1 |
|||
|
Limerick |
15 |
21 |
19 |
24 |
35 |
|
Longford |
3 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
Louth |
26 |
30 |
47 |
47 |
24 |
|
Mayo |
7 |
8 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
|
Meath |
10 |
8 |
12 |
2 |
|
|
Monaghan |
1 |
||||
|
Offaly |
15 |
12 |
7 |
1 |
4 |
|
Roscommon |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
Sligo |
11 |
11 |
6 |
5 |
6 |
|
Tipperary |
2 |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Waterford |
8 |
13 |
10 |
12 |
9 |
|
Westmeath |
36 |
31 |
14 |
16 |
18 |
|
Wexford |
8 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
Wicklow |
1 |
1 |
|
Date Announced |
Company |
Location |
Product / Activity |
No. Jobs Announced |
Type |
|
27-Nov-07 |
FINCAD |
Dublin |
EMEA HQ |
30 |
Greenfield |
|
19-Sep-07 |
Blizzard |
Cork |
European Customer Centre |
50 |
Greenfield |
|
19-Sep-07 |
KCI |
Westmeath |
Global Manufacturing Operation |
50 |
Greenfield |
|
10-Sep-07 |
Solar Winds |
Cork |
EMEA HQ |
75 |
Greenfield |
|
10-Sep-07 |
Apex Funds |
Cork |
European HQ |
40 |
Greenfield |
|
11-Jul-07 |
Teleflex |
Athlone |
Customer Service |
150 |
Greenfield |
|
17-Apr-07 |
ACI Worldwide |
Limerick |
Software |
100 |
Greenfield |
|
17-Apr-07 |
Rovsing A/S |
Limerick |
Software |
30 |
Greenfield |
|
17-Apr-07 |
AR Europe Limited |
Limerick |
ICT |
21 |
Greenfield |
|
17-Apr-07 |
Gala Inc |
Dublin |
On-Line Games |
32 |
Greenfield |
|
12-Apr-07 |
Paragon Global Resources |
Dublin |
International Services |
100 |
Greenfield |
|
02-Apr-07 |
Integra |
Offaly |
Medical Technology |
65 |
Greenfield |
|
22-Jan-07 |
Daiwa Securities |
Dundalk |
Hedge Fund Administration |
300 |
Greenfield |
|
04-Dec-06 |
Eli Lilly |
Cork |
Biopharmaceutical Manufacture |
200 |
Greenfield |
|
21-Nov-06 |
Cisco |
Galway |
R&D Communications Technology |
200 |
Greenfield |
|
27-Oct-06 |
Servier |
Belview |
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility |
155 |
Greenfield |
|
07-Sep-06 |
Northern Trust |
Limerick |
Fund Administration |
300 |
Greenfield |
|
25-Jul-06 |
Cordis |
Cashel |
Development & Manufacturing Centre |
450 |
Greenfield |
|
12-Jun-06 |
Netgear |
Cork |
Intl HQ |
100 |
Greenfield |
|
25-Apr-06 |
Sandisk Intl |
Dublin |
EMEA HQ |
125 |
Greenfield |
|
30-Mar-06 |
Pillar Data Systems |
Drogheda |
Computer Data Storage Systems |
200 |
Greenfield |
|
21-Mar-06 |
Abbott Laboratories |
Donegal |
Healthcare Products |
155 |
Greenfield |
|
20-Mar-06 |
Actel |
Dublin |
European IC Development Centre |
20 |
Greenfield |
|
01-Mar-06 |
Amazon.Com Inc |
Cork |
Multi-lingual Customer Service Centre |
450 |
Greenfield |
|
22-Feb-06 |
Sage Technologies |
Dublin |
Software |
40 |
Greenfield |
|
09-Feb-06 |
Vesta Corporation |
Dundalk |
Financial Services |
350 |
Greenfield |
|
25-Jan-06 |
Citco |
Cork |
Financial Services |
250 |
Greenfield |
|
12-Jan-06 |
USCI Ireland |
Galway |
Medical Technology |
125 |
Greenfield |
|
Date Announced |
Company |
Location |
Product / Activity |
No. Jobs Announced |
Type |
|
12-Jan-06 |
Amgen |
Cork |
Biotechnology |
1100 |
Greenfield |
|
28-Oct-05 |
Palm |
Dublin |
Mobile computing & provider of smartphones |
35 |
Greenfield |
|
22-Sep-05 |
Zeus Industrial Products |
Letterkenny, Co. Donegal |
Produce and distribute medical tubing products |
150 |
Greenfield |
|
21-Sep-05 |
Axa Assistance SA |
Athlone, Co. Westmeath |
Assistance service centre |
300 |
Greenfield |
|
22-Aug-05 |
BISYS Hedge Fund Services |
Waterford |
Financial Services |
250 |
Greenfield |
|
07-Jun-05 |
Qlogic Corporation |
Dublin |
Storage Area Network Infrastructure Component Providers |
100 |
Greenfield |
|
09-May-05 |
Ellison |
Clonakilty, Co. Cork |
Manufacture Dies & Die Cutting Equipment |
34 |
Greenfield |
|
12-Apr-05 |
DC Studios |
Dublin |
Video game development |
50 |
Greenfield |
|
11-Apr-05 |
Engenoi Information Technologies |
Cork |
Information Storage Systems |
95 |
Greenfield |
|
31-Mar-05 |
Toucan |
Sligo |
Consumer Telecoms |
300 |
Greenfield |
|
25-Feb-05 |
Resprionics Inc |
Galway |
Medical technology |
105 |
Greenfield |
|
25-Feb-05 |
Labcoat Ltd |
Galway |
Drug applications technologies |
68 |
Greenfield |
|
25-Feb-05 |
Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals Inc |
Galway |
Manufacture & distribute wire products for medical sector |
40 |
Greenfield |
|
15-Feb-05 |
Yahoo! |
Dublin |
Online product & service providers |
400 |
Greenfield |
|
03-Feb-05 |
Hartford Financial Services |
Dublin |
Financial Services |
130 |
Greenfield |
|
03-Feb-05 |
AutoEurpoe |
Dublin |
Car rental Call Centre |
60 |
Greenfield |
|
03-Feb-05 |
MarketBoomer |
Dublin |
eProcurement Service Provider |
35 |
Greenfield |
|
29-Nov-04 |
Innocoll Inc |
Roscommon |
Healthcare R&D & Manufacturing |
60 |
Greenfield |
|
29-Nov-04 |
Innocoll Inc |
Athlone, Co. Westmeath |
Healthcare R&D & Manufacturing |
16 |
Greenfield |
|
29-Nov-04 |
Conor Medsystems Inc |
Athlone, Co. Westmeath |
Drug Delivery Sector |
40 |
Greenfield |
|
29-Nov-04 |
Cooper Cameron Corporation |
Longford |
Manufacture of oil & gas exploration products |
57 |
Greenfield |
|
28-Oct-04 |
McAfee Incorporated |
Cork |
Security Software |
152 |
Greenfield |
|
12-Oct-04 |
Business Objects |
Dublin |
Business Intelligence Software Solutions |
350 |
Greenfield |
|
08-Oct-04 |
AK Pharmaceuticals |
Cork |
Pharmaceutical |
220 |
Greenfield |
|
05-Aug-04 |
Altera Corporation |
Cork |
Logic devices |
60 |
Greenfield |
|
27-Jul-04 |
Centocor |
Cork |
Biopharmaceutical Manufacture |
330 |
Greenfield |
|
Date Announced |
Company |
Location |
Product / Activity |
No. Jobs Announced |
Type |
|
28-Jun-04 |
ECC |
Dublin |
Web Learning Centre |
30 |
Greenfield |
|
21-Jun-04 |
Ecora Software |
Cork |
Software dev, research, sales and marketing |
60 |
Greenfield |
|
20-Apr-04 |
Merck & Co. Inc |
Dublin |
Pharmaceutical |
80 |
Greenfield |
|
05-Apr-04 |
Ubiqus SA |
Waterford |
Centre for report writing |
69 |
Greenfield |
|
23-Mar-04 |
Monster Cable |
Co. Clare |
Cable Manufacture |
50 |
Greenfield |
|
24-Feb-04 |
TKO Software |
Dublin |
Software development & services |
40 |
Greenfield |
|
20-Jan-04 |
Comprehensive Sports Information (CSI) |
Galway |
On-line sports news and statistics |
31 |
Greenfield |
|
04-Dec-03 |
Transas Ltd |
Cork |
Manufacture & supply software information technology solutions |
30 |
Greenfield |
|
14-Oct-03 |
Affiliated Computer Services Inc. (ACS) |
Cork |
Information technology outsourcing services |
100 |
Greenfield |
|
13-Oct-03 |
MAPICS Incorporated |
Athlone |
Software Development Centre |
55 |
Greenfield |
|
16-Sep-03 |
eBay & PayPal |
Dublin 15 |
Secure online payments |
800 |
Greenfield |
|
15-Sep-03 |
Pepsi-Cola |
Cork |
Soft Drinks Manufacture |
250 |
Greenfield & Expansion |
|
09-Sep-03 |
TR-Electronic GmbH |
Cork |
Software development |
30 |
Greenfield |
|
07-Jul-03 |
BuiPin GmbH |
Waterford |
Paint Manufacture |
20 |
Greenfield |
|
14-Apr-03 |
Overture Services Inc |
Dublin |
Internet Search Operations Centre |
200 |
Greenfield |
|
02-Apr-03 |
Guehring oHG Albstadt |
Waterford |
Coating of Metal Tools |
50 |
Greenfield |
|
01-Apr-03 |
SAP |
Galway |
Global Technical Support and Customer Interaction Centre |
350 |
Greenfield |
|
28-Mar-03 |
Schlumberger |
Little Island, Cork |
Shared Services Centre |
150 |
Greenfield |
|
28-Mar-03 |
ALTANA Pharma AG |
Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork |
Pharmaceutical manufacturing |
150 |
Greenfield |
|
12-Mar-03 |
|
Dublin |
Internet Search Operations Centre |
200 |
Greenfield |
|
04-Mar-03 |
Abbott Laboratories |
Longford |
Diagnostic manufacturing |
600 |
Greenfield |
|
12-Feb-03 |
Trend Micro |
Cork |
Anti-Virus Software & Content Security Software & Services |
100 |
Greenfield |
|
28-Jan-03 |
Recordati S.p.A |
Cork |
Pharmaceutical |
60 |
Greenfield |
|
16-Jan-03 |
Pfizer Inc |
Dublin |
Pharmaceutical |
200 |
Greenfield |
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
€ |
|
|
2003 |
97,490,515 |
|
2004 |
65,542,642 |
|
2005 |
87,296,576 |
|
2006 |
96,717,990 |
310 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will advise on the case of a club (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [20660/08]
Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. Since 1998, the organisation in question has been allocated €657,896 under the programme, €253,948 in 2000, a further €253,948 in 2001 and €150,000 in 2003. All of these allocations have been paid in full.
Applications for funding under the 2008 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications was 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for online applications. All applications received before the deadline are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. While I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed, I must inform the Deputy that there is no record of an application under the 2008 programme being received under the name supplied.
311 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of civil servants within his Department at the grade of assistant principal or higher; the number of whom were recruited to those roles from outside of the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20669/08]
A total of 42 civil servants are employed in the Department, including the National Archives, at the level of Assistant Principal or higher. Of these, three were recruited to their roles from outside the Civil Service, and a further two, who were already civil servants, were appointed through an open competitive process to their current positions.
312 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reports that have been completed or are in the process of being prepared on the current status or future development of the film industry here; if such reports are publicly available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20683/08]
My Department has not commissioned or prepared any reports on the current status or future development of the film industry in Ireland. It has, however, undertaken an Expenditure Review of the Irish Film Board, under the Department's Value for Money and Policy Review Programme.
I understand that the Irish Film Board, which is the independent statutory authority with responsibility for the support and promotion of film making in Ireland, in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions, recently commissioned consultants to carry out research to establish the entire size, character and value of the audio visual content production sector in Ireland. It is intended that the final report will be published by the Irish Film Board when the research process concludes.
313 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the construction of a football stadium at Tallaght, Dublin 24; the amount of funding that will be provided towards this project from central funding; when he expects the stadium to be functioning; if all matters relating to its operation are resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20730/08]
I understand from South Dublin County Council that the Contractor resumed works on Tallaght stadium earlier this month and it is hoped that the first phase can be completed by February 2009. Phase One will see the completion of the stand on one side of the pitch with a seating capacity of 3,000, the playing surface, changing rooms and showers and other amenities. Officials from South Dublin County Council met with officials from my Department to discuss the funding of the project. My Department has already allocated grants of €2.44m under the Sports Capital Programme to the development over the period 2000 to 2002. Funding towards the completing of Phase One of the project is being considered in the context of the 2008 Sports Capital Programme allocation.
All applications received before the deadline, including one in respect of the project 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. Operational issues in relation to the stadium are a matter for South Dublin County Council.
314 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he will publish the national audit of sports facilities phase one report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21011/08]
Phase one of the nationwide audit of sports facilities, which focuses on national and regional sports facilities, has now been completed within my Department. This work was part of the work being undertaken to assist in the preparation of the National Sports Facility Strategy. A draft of the Sports Facility Strategy is being finalised at present and will then be appraised by the inter-agency steering group established to oversee the development of the strategy. When the Sports Facility Strategy has been completed it will be published as will phase one of the audit of sports facilities.
315 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he will publish the report of the London Olympic Games task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21012/08]
The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics Task Force has recently submitted its report and I will be considering its findings and recommendations. The timing of the publication of the report will be considered when this process is complete.
316 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare was not assisted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20967/08]
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case.
The Mid-Western Area of the Executive has advised that they have no record of a claim for an exceptional needs payment from the person concerned either in June 2007 or currently. If the person concerned wishes to claim an exceptional needs payment, she should contact her local Community Welfare Officer.
The Executive has further advised that the person concerned is in receipt of a one-parent family payment and rent supplement. However, the rent supplement payment has been suspended pending the assessment of earnings from employment. Payment of rent supplement will be reviewed when all relevant information on earnings is made available to the Community Welfare Officer.
317 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the criteria for rent subsidy for qualifying applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20974/08]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA), which is administered on behalf of the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, provides for the payment of a rent supplement to assist eligible people who are unable to provide for their immediate accommodation needs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The Executive can also provide assistance with rent deposits to enable people to secure private rented accommodation.
In order to qualify for a rent supplement a person must satisfy a number of conditions including a means test and a habitual residence condition. The Executive must also satisfy itself that the applicant has a genuine accommodation need, that the property being rented is suitable to those needs and that a bona fide tenancy exists between the applicant and their landlord.
Rent supplements are normally calculated to ensure that the person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the appropriate basic weekly payment rate of SWA, less €13. This €13 represents the minimum contribution which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. In addition to the minimum contribution, applicants may also be required to contribute part of any assessable means which they have in excess of the appropriate SWA rate.
In recent years improvements have been made in the means test to encourage eligible people to engage in employment without losing their entire rent supplement payment. Where a person has additional income in excess of the standard weekly rate of supplementary welfare allowance, the first €75 of such additional income together with 25% of any additional income above €75 is disregarded for means assessment purposes. This ensures that those returning to work or participating in training schemes are better off as a result o f taking up such an opportunity.
In addition, rent supplement may continue to be paid to a person who engages in full time employment, subject to their satisfying the improved means testing arrangements, as outlined above, and where they have been accepted as having a long term housing need under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS).
There are a number of other qualifying conditions such as the cost of the accommodation, application for local authority housing etc. which need to be considered by the Executive when determining entitlement for rent supplement. More detailed descriptions of all of the qualifying conditions for rent supplement can be found on the Department's website (www.welfare.ie) under the heading of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
318 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare was not assisted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20980/08]
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case.
The Mid-Western Area of the Executive has advised that the person concerned has recently applied for an exceptional needs payment and was given an application form to complete and return to the Community Welfare Officer. When the completed form is returned with the required information, a decision will be made on entitlement to an exceptional needs payment.
319 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position with regard to an old age pensioner who is the holder of a valid travel pass, who sought to use the Dublin Bus Airlink and was informed that they are not entitled to travel on that service and when they subsequently sought to use a route 747 bus they were again told their travel pass could not be used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20567/08]
The Department operates the free travel scheme which provides free travel on the main public and private transport services. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as CIE, Luas and over 90 private transport operators. In addition, free travel pass holders can travel for free on cross border journeys between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Since April 2007, free travel customers aged over 66 can also avail of onward free travel within Northern Ireland under the all-Ireland free travel scheme.
Certain premium services operated by CIE, including the Dublin Bus Airlink service, are not covered by the free travel scheme. However, Dublin Bus operates a number of scheduled services to Dublin airport from various locations within the city on which the free travel pass can be used.
320 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it is her intention to facilitate the provision of social welfare payments through credit union accounts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20655/08]
The Department supports government policy which aims to facilitate the greater use of electronic payment systems in the economy in the interests of developing a world class payments environment in Ireland. Our payment strategy is designed to ensure that cost effective arrangements are in place for making payments to social welfare customers by using a range of payment options and to ensure that new payment facilities are made available to customers as they arise.
The current range of payment options offered by my Department to customers include payment to a local post office, bank or building society account and credit unions that have financial regulatory approval. Customers choose a particular payment option having regard to their own personal circumstances.
A list of credit unions to which payments are currently made is as follows.
List of Authorised Credit Unions
ASTI
Caherdavin & District
Cashel
Charleville
Coolock/Artane
Fermoy
Health Services Staffs
Mallow
Rathmore & District
St. Joseph's Aviation
St. Paul's Garda
Swords & District
Tallow Area
Thurles
Tipperary
Credit Unions — Independent Financial Institutions
Mullingar
Tullamore
Arklow
Waterford
321 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil servants within her Department at the grade of assistant principal or higher; the number of whom were recruited to those roles from outside of the Civil Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20680/08]
The following table details the number of staff within my Department at the grade of Assistant Principal and higher, and the number recruited from outside of the Civil Service.
Under the terms of Towards 2016 new arrangements are in place to increase open recruitment at Higher Executive Officer, Assistant Principal and Principal Officer across the civil service.
|
Grade |
No. of posts |
Recruited from outside Civil Service |
|
Assistant Principal |
212 |
— |
|
Professional Accountant |
4 |
2 |
|
Principal Officer |
52 |
— |
|
Medical Assessor |
19 |
19 |
|
Deputy Chief Medical Adviser |
1 |
— |
|
Chief Appeals Officer |
1 |
— |
|
Assistant Secretary |
5 |
— |
|
Director General |
1 |
— |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
— |
322 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was refused jobseeker’s allowance. [20750/08]
To be entitled to jobseeker's benefit or allowance a person must be available for and capable of work.
The person concerned had been in receipt of jobseeker's allowance and was paid in Dublin, until 1 April 2008, when her claim was suspended and then closed as she had failed to sign the live register as required.
The person concerned applied for an illness benefit payment on 2 April 2008 but did not qualify as she has insufficient contributions in the governing contribution year. However, she continued to provide medical certificates stating that she was incapable of work. These continued until 29 April 2008. In the meantime she approached the Social Welfare Office in Claremorris on 9 April 2008 and requested that her jobseeker's allowance claim be transferred to that office. A Deciding Officer disallowed her jobseeker's claim on the grounds that she was not available for and not capable of work, as she was medically certified as incapable of work.
Her Social Welfare Local Office will contact her regarding her current availability and medical capacity for work. Also, an application form for family income supplement (FIS) has been issued to her spouse as he may qualify for such a payment.
It is open to her to appeal the jobseeker's disallowance decision and a form for this purpose has been issued to her. 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.
323 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is an ongoing industrial dispute at a number of local welfare offices which is inconveniencing the general public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20896/08]
The Civil Public and Services Union is currently in dispute with my Department in relation to a claim for the extension of the flexible attendance bands. The industrial action being taken involves non co-operation with lunchtime opening in the Department's local offices and a ban on answering phones at lunchtime.
I regret the inconvenience to the public arising as a result of the industrial action. Every effort is being made by the Department to bring about a resolution of the dispute. Arrangements are currently being made for a facilitation process in the Labour Relations Commission.
324 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding qualification for the back to education allowance; and the framework by and through which it is determined that a person qualifies. [20909/08]
The back to education allowance (BTEA) is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to work. It is paid at a standard weekly rate equivalent to the maximum rate of the relevant social welfare payment that qualifies the applicant for participation in the scheme. It essentially replaces their existing social welfare income and in addition an annual €400 cost of education allowance is payable. This will be increased to €500 from the beginning of the next academic year 2008/2009.
To qualify for participation an applicant must, inter alia, be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment and must be at least 21 years of age prior to commencing an approved course of study. People in receipt of disability allowance, blind pension and incapacity supplement may access the scheme at 18 years of age. Similarly, lone parents and people in receipt of unemployment payments can qualify at 18 years of age if they have been out of formal education for at least 2 years. An applicant must also be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for at least six months, in the case of a person wishing to complete a second level course, or twelve months in the case of a person wishing to pursue a third level qualification. The twelve-month requirement is reduced to nine in the case of people who wish to attend a third level course and who are participating in the National Employment Action Plan. Under the plan persons aged 18 and under 64 years who are approaching three months on the Live Register are identified by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and referred to FÁS for interview with a view to job placement or offer of training.
325 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the rationale for the different criteria for the carers respite grant applying before and after the child reaches 16; if this issue is being examined as part of the review of payments to carers; if not, if she will ensure that this issue is reviewed as part of that process; the estimated cost to the State of extending automatic entitlement to the carers respite grant to children up to the age of 18; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21013/08]
Domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly allowance administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Eligible children from birth to the age of 16 who are living at home and who have a severe disability requiring continual or continuous care and attention which is substantially in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age may qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance. The current Domiciliary Care Allowance rate is €299.60 per month.
Entitlement to Domiciliary Care Allowance ceases on the child's 16th birthday. However, when the child is approaching the age of 16, the HSE advise the family to apply for the Disability Allowance, operated by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. I understand that the Health Service Executive notify the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the child at least six months prior to the child's 16th birthday. Claimants must satisfy a means test and medical criteria. The personal Disability Allowance rate is €197.80 per week. While the automatic entitlement to respite care grant lapses with the Domiciliary Care Allowance, a respite care grant is available from the Department of Social and Family affairs, subject to the satisfaction of eligibility criteria.
There are no proposals to extend the age limit of the Domiciliary Care Allowance. My Department has asked the HSE, if it is possible, to estimate the cost of extending the age limit to 18 years of age net of those people who would switch to Disability Allowance and to reply directly to the Deputy.
326 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will provide the figures available to her on the number of children who moved from domiciliary care allowance to disability allowance in each of the past three years. [21016/08]
Disability allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people with a disability who are aged between 16 and 66 years. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to both a medical examination and a means test.
Records in this Department show that 198 persons in the period February to December 2005, 246 persons in 2006, 248 persons in 2007 and 93 persons in the period January to April 2008 who were awarded Disability Allowance had been in receipt of Domiciliary Care Allowance. Domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment which provides financial support to families with children with severe disabilities up to the age of 16 years. In addition, an annual respite care grant is also payable with the allowance. This scheme is currently administered by the Health Service Executive under the aegis of the Department of Health and Children.
The Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2008 has put in place the necessary legislative provision for the transfer of Domiciliary Care Allowance to this Department. It is expected that the appropriate systems and administrative arrangements will be in place to give effect to the transfer in the second quarter of 2009. Following this transfer appropriate policy or further legislative development will be considered when the Department has had the opportunity to examine the circumstances and needs of recipients of the allowance.
327 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the new changes in rent supplement ceiling are expected; the changes envisaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21058/08]
Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department, by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Rent supplement is subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant may incur. Rent limits are set at levels that enable the different eligible household types to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation, having regard to the different rental market conditions that prevail in various parts of the State. The objective is to ensure that rent supplement is not paid in respect of overly expensive accommodation having regard to the size of the household.
Setting maximum rent limits higher than are justified by the open market would have a distorting effect on the rental market, leading to a more general rise in rent levels. This in turn would worsen the affordability of rental accommodation unnecessarily, with particular negative impact for those tenants on lower incomes, including people in low wage employment.
Notwithstanding these limits, under existing arrangements the HSE may, in certain circumstances, exceed the rent limits. This discretionary power ensures that individuals with particular needs can be accommodated within the scheme and specifically protects against homelessness.
The current rent limits were set in January 2007. A review of rent limits is currently being undertaken. A consultative process is being used to ensure that the views of all relevant parties are sought and taken into account in the process. This includes consultation with the HSE, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Central Statistics Office, the Private Residential Tenancies Board and voluntary agencies working in this area.
This process helps ensure that the new rent limits reflect realistic market conditions throughout the country. As the review is still underway, no decisions have been made regarding what changes may be necessary. Any adjustments to rent limits, resulting from this review, will be effective from 1 July 2008.
328 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding avenues available to prospective applicants who are endeavouring to establish rural tourism initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20568/08]
The Deputy will be aware that I launched the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme on Tuesday 20th May. The process of selecting Local Action Groups for the delivery of the LEADER element began with the publication of advertisements in the National newspapers on Wednesday 21st May. The selection process will run over the coming months and will culminate in the selection of Local Action Groups and the allocation of funding on the basis of recommendations from independent evaluators. The final allocations will be subject to Government approval.
Opportunities for funding for rural tourism will be available under the following measures of the Programme:
Diversification into non-agricultural activities for farm families. Funding will be available, inter alia, for the renovation of farm buildings for tourism purposes and the provision of facilities for walking, cycling, angling and pony trekking. Funding will also be available under this measure for the development of niche tourism and educational services such as arts and crafts, speciality food provision and open farms. Funding of €16.6m will be available under this measure.
Encouragement of tourism activities. Funding will be available for the analysis and provision of infrastructural needs for tourism, the maintenance of vernacular features such as disused railway lines, canal towpaths, &c., the development of the use of forests for tourism and recreation and the development of niche tourism such as arts and crafts, ecotourism, genealogy and archaeology. Funding of €45.4m will be available under this measure.
In addition the Rural Development Fund which is operated through my Department provides finance for policy-oriented research, evaluations and pilot actions in rural development and is currently providing assistance to a number of tourism related initiatives.
329 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when rural development companies currently not accepting funding applications and only expressions of interest, will accept an application in particular from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20607/08]
The Deputy will be aware that I launched the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme on Tuesday 20th May. The process of selecting Local Action Groups for the delivery of the LEADER element began with the publication of advertisements in the National newspapers on Wednesday 21st May. The selection process will run over the coming months and will culminate in the selection of groups and the allocation of funding on the basis of recommendations from independent evaluators. The final allocations will be subject to Government approval.
The Programme will subsequently commence with the signing of contracts between the successful applicant Local Actions Groups and my Department. The selected Local Action Groups will then be in a position to accept applications from project promoters under the Programme. I expect Local Action Groups to commence delivery of the Programme in October 2008.
330 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of civil servants within his Department at the grade of assistant principal or higher; the number of whom were recruited to those roles from outside of the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20671/08]
The number of civil servants within my Department at the grade of Assistant Principal or higher is 68 and the number of those who were recruited to those roles from outside of the Civil Service is 7.
331 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on correspondence (details supplied); the action taken to address the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20735/08]
I would like to refer the Deputy to my reply to question number 601 on 2 April 2008.
332 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason farmers who pay a collection charge on the purchase of silage cover or silage wrap at the point of purchase are subsequently required to load and draw the used plastic to an agreed centre and pay for that privilege at the point of delivery; the way or the reason farmers should have to pay twice and also deliver when it was supposed to be collected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20571/08]
The disposal of waste materials in all sectors, including agricultural, is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the first instance.
Under the Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 2001, manufacturers and importers of farm plastics — that is, silage bale wrap and sheeting — must take steps to recover farm plastics waste which they have placed on the market, or alternatively contribute to and participate in compliance schemes to recover the waste in question. Since 1997 a silage plastic collection service has been operated by the Irish Farm Films Producers Group (IFFPG), and involves payment of a levy of €127 per tonne by producers (manufacturers and importers). Since May 2006 an additional weight-based charge has also been levied on farmers. The necessity for such a charge emerged from a review which sought to address a lack of resources to collect plastics, which resulted in a build-up on farms. Stakeholders, including the farming organisations, were consulted on the introduction of this levy, which aims to incentivise the presentation of clean, dry plastic by farmers, and to help ensure that collection can be assured, by putting in place, along with the producers levy, an adequate return to contractors. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has no involvement in the running of the scheme.
As a temporary measure in order to deal with the backlog on farms, local authorities provided designated facilities where farmers could deposit stockpiled farm plastic free of charge. In total, some 35,000 tonnes of materials were collected at these temporary facilities over the period 2006 to 2007.
The operation of these temporary facilities proved so popular with farmers that the IFFPG have now developed a calendar of some 130 collections nationwide where farmers can deposit bale wrap and silage wrap, at a reduced weight-based charge. These collections have commenced and run through to the autumn of this year. Farmyard collections are still available from IFFPG but they are more expensive to operate and consequently involve a higher charge.
333 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on an alternative for the payment to farmers of single farm payments who do not have bank accounts and deal solely with credit unions or An Post and where the particular branches are not part of the electronic banking system. [20601/08]
Farmers can continue to have their payments made by cheque or electronic funds transfer directly into their bank account for the remainder of the 2008 EU financial year which ends on 15 October. As and from the 2009 EU financial year which commences on 16th October 2008, my Department is obliged, as the designated paying agency for EU funds, to make all payments under EU funded or co-funded schemes directly into bank accounts.
My Department will issue payments to any bank, building society or credit union account which has an electronic funds transfers arrangement with the Bank Clearing System. All banks and building societies operate such an arrangement. I understand that An Post/POSTBANK has recently launched a new current account with electronic fund transfer capability and that the new facility is being offered throughout the national post office network. I also understand that a limited number of credit unions are already participating in the Bank Clearing System and that this number will increase over time.
Farmers have a number of months to notify my Department of an account into which electronic payments should be made and I will be urging them to make the necessary arrangements as soon as possible in order to avoid disruption to their payments.
334 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of civil servants within his Department at the grade of assistant principal or higher; the number of whom were recruited to those roles from outside of the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20668/08]
Of the 10 Assistant Secretaries, 40 Principal Officers and 158 Assistant Principal Officers in my Department, one has been recruited from outside the Civil Service.
These figures do not include general service equivalent grades in the professional and technical streams within my Department.
335 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to parliamentary Question No. 326 of 29 April 2008, when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20723/08]
The person concerned was paid grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on 20 May 2008.
336 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures he proposes to ensure the enforcement of food labelling and traceability regulations in the food processing, retailing and catering sectors; his views on whether the failure to carry out such enforcement undermines the stringent traceability regime implemented by the farming sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20763/08]
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. 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.
I understand from FSAI that all agencies concerned check on compliance with labelling legislation in the course of their routine inspections of food premises. There is a commitment to enforce the regulations by all the agencies concerned. For example:
In June 2007 the FSAI secured a conviction in the District Court against a food business operator for illegal labelling of food. Fines and expenses totalling over €18,000 were imposed and,
In March 2008 a food business operation pleaded guilty to charges made by South Dublin Co. Council for breaches of general beef labelling legislation. While applying the Probation Act the District Judge required the food business operator to make a donation of €12,000 to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and awarded €1,500 expenses to the Council.
The stringent traceability regime implemented by the farming sector is part of the package of measures put in place by the EU to provide assurances on the safety of food demanded by consumers in the EU and importers in third countries.
337 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an area aid payment will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20959/08]
The position is that an application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Area Compensatory Allowance Scheme was received from the person named on the 15th May 2007.
As part of the control procedures under EU legislation governing these Schemes, the application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility and cross compliance inspection.
During the course of the ground eligibility inspection, questions arose as to the eligibility of the person named for the Single Payment/Disadvantaged Area Compensatory Allowance Scheme.
My Department wrote to the person named on the 4th April 2008 inviting her to attend a meeting with an official from my Department either at the person's home or at my Department's offices in Portlaoise. This letter was issued by ordinary post. A reply from the person named was received on the 15th April 2008 requested that my Department outline the issues to be discussed at the proposed meeting and some other related issues. My Department replied by registered post on the 8th May 2008. However, this letter was subsequently returned undelivered with a notation that the person named was "not at this address".
The person named has the contact details of the personnel within my Department who are dealing with the case and she should proceed to contact them now with a view to arranging the requested meeting in order to finalise her application.
338 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the application for a REP scheme payment for 2007 for a person (details supplied) in County Cork is now in order; when a payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20962/08]
The person named has been requested to provide amended documentation on a number of occasions, the most recent being last Friday. The required documentation has still not been received and processing of the application cannot be carried out until it is received.
339 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has established the baseline data for energy inputs for each farming sector to determine national averages for each sector; and if he has developed an energy savings programme to reduce the use of diesel on farms and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions. [20968/08]
Farmers operate in a competitive environment where efficiency of production is of paramount importance to the viability of their business. In this context, energy constitutes a significant and rising input cost and it is in the interest of all farmers, and indeed other competitive sectors, to manage such costs efficiently and to limit use where possible. My Department has baseline data on greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture, including fuel usage, and it is worth noting that in recent years the sector has achieved significant production efficiencies which have kept emissions per unit of food as low as possible. My Department and Teagasc will continue to assist and support the agriculture sector in pursuing such efficiencies. My Department will also continue to encourage farmers to plant forestry and energy crops, which have such an important role to play in the achievement of Ireland's renewable energy targets.
340 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of an application for grant aid by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and when the applicant can expect a decision. [20969/08]
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 will therefore be processed subject to funding still being available at that time.
341 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their REP scheme payment. [21022/08]
The application for payment by the person named will be processed in my Department's local office within the next ten working days, and if it is in order payment will issue shortly thereafter.
342 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give consideration to approving a reader for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal for their leaving certificate examination. [20566/08]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations and determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to him.
343 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will give the final approval for a building project (details supplied) in County Mayo to proceed. [20574/08]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an early stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, 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.
344 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the school in County Offaly referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 128 of 1 May 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20581/08]
The school in question is SN Cronain Naofa, Dromakeenan, Co Offaly. The further progression of the 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.
345 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the school in County Laois referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 128 of 1 May 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20582/08]
The school in question is the Convent of Mercy National School, Borris-in-Ossory, Co Laois. The further progression of the 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.
346 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, as a consequence of the Government failing to implement promises made on the pupil-teacher ratio, a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will lose a teacher for the academic year commencing in 2008 and instead of a reduction of the pupil-teacher ratio this will mean an increase in the ratio; and if he will take appropriate action to enable the school to retain its current pupil-teacher ratio. [20602/08]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30th September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued to all primary schools each year.
Data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy, indicates that the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2006 was 702 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0020/2007), which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2007/08 school year is a Principal and 26 mainstream class teachers.
According to data submitted by the Board of Management of the school, the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2007 was 673 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0010/2008), which is also available on my Department's website at www.education.ie and a hard copy of which has been issued to all primary schools, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2008/09 school year will be a Principal and 25 mainstream class teachers.
Within the terms of the staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30th September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30th September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.
It is open to the Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule. The criteria are also available in Circular 0024/2007 (Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools) which is available on my Department's website.
The first meeting of the Appeal Board took place on the 20 May 2008. Further meetings will be held in June and October 2008. The closing dates for receipt of appeals are 20 June and 10 October respectively. Appeals must be submitted to Primary Payments Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. The standard application form is available from Primary Payments Section or on my Department's website.
The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
347 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that as a consequence of the Government failing to implement promises made on the pupil-teacher ratio a school (details supplied) in Dublin 18, will lose a teacher for the academic year commencing in 2008 and instead of a reduction of the pupil teacher ratio this will mean an increase in the ratio; and if he will take appropriate action to enable the school to retain its current pupil-teacher ratio. [20603/08]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30th September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued to all primary schools each year.
Data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy, indicates that the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2006 was 702 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0020/2007), which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2007/08 school year is a Principal and 26 mainstream class teachers.
According to data submitted by the Board of Management the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2007 was 690 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0010/2008), which is also available on my Department's website at www.education.ie and a hard copy of which has been issued to all primary schools, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2008/09 school year will be a Principal and 25 mainstream class teachers.
Within the terms of the staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30th September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30th September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.
It is open to the Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule. The criteria are also available in Circular 0024/2007 (Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools) which is available on my Department's website.
The first meeting of the Appeal Board took place on the 20 May 2008. Further meetings will be held in June and October 2008. The closing dates for receipt of appeals are 20 June and 10 October respectively. Appeals must be submitted to Primary Payments Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. The standard application form is available from Primary Payments Section or on my Department's website.
The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
348 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that as a consequence of the Government failing to implement promises made on the pupil-teacher ratio a school (details supplied) in Dublin 18, will lose a teacher for the academic year commencing in 2008 and instead of a reduction of the pupil-teacher ratio this will mean an increase in the ratio; and if he will take appropriate action to enable the school to retain its current pupil-teacher ratio. [20604/08]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30th September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued to all primary schools each year.
Data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy, indicates that the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2006 was 624 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0020/2007), which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2007/08 school year is a Principal and 23 mainstream class teachers.
According to data submitted by the Board of Management the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2007 was 576 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0010/2008), which is also available on my Department's website at www.education.ie and a hard copy of which has been issued to all primary schools, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2008/09 school year will be a Principal and 21 mainstream class teachers.
Within the terms of the staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30th September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30th September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.
It is open to the Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule. The criteria are also available in Circular 0024/2007 (Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools) which is available on my Department's website.
The first meeting of the Appeal Board took place on the 20 May 2008. Further meetings will be held in June and October 2008. The closing dates for receipt of appeals are 20 June and 10 October respectively. Appeals must be submitted to Primary Payments Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. The standard application form is available from Primary Payments Section or on my Department's website.
The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
349 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 343 of 8 April 2008, the provisions in place to ensure that teachers who provide home tuition under the home tuition scheme are paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20610/08]
The Deputy is aware that the home tuition scheme provides a grant to parents to facilitate the provision of education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting an educational placement and provide early education intervention for pre-school children with autism.
Parents engage a teacher directly and the grant is paid directly to the parent on a quarterly basis in arrears. However, where the teacher is a serving primary teacher and already being paid through the teachers' payroll, my Department, if so advised by the parent, may process the payment directly through the teachers' payroll system.
350 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that his preferred option is for the development of a new school on a green field site in replacement of a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20613/08]
The school referred to by the Deputy initially applied for an extension and refurbishment project. This application was assessed and was assigned a band two rating under the band rating system operated by my Department. The long-term projected enrolment for the school was originally assessed at 500 and a schedule of accommodation was drawn up and agreed on this basis. However, the current enrolment is 441. This figure represents a 5% decline on the enrolment of 466 in 2003. In light of the trend in enrolments in the school in the past five years, the application is being reassessed to review the optimum solution to the school's needs.
I am aware that the trustees of the school have entered into negotiations with a local landowner regarding the possible purchase of a site for use by the school. The school has been in contact with my Department seeking a written commitment that its preferred option for the school is a new second level school on a greenfield site. However, as the Deputy will understand, it would not be prudent for my Department to give any such open-ended commitment which would, in effect, limit the Department's scope for manoeuvre in the future regarding the optimum solution for secondary school services in east Clare. My Department will continue to assess the needs of St. Joseph's and the east Clare region generally and progress on any building projects will be considered in the context of the resources available under the multi-annual building programme.
The final decision on the most appropriate solution to the accommodation needs of the area will include consideration of the possibility of building a new school on any suitable sites that are available in the area. However, this option will only be implemented if it results in the optimum solution for the school and the area and provides value for money for the taxpayer.
351 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the proposed amalgamation of secondary schools in New Ross town, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20622/08]
Discussions are ongoing in relation to the amalgamation of post-primary schools in New Ross. When the outcome of these discussions is known, the Department will be in a position to take decisions relating to capital investment in the area for the future.
352 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the primary and secondary schools for extensions to existing facilities in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20634/08]
353 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the annual cost associated with the rental of prefabs for both primary and secondary schools in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20635/08]
354 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools both primary and secondary using prefabs as classrooms in County Clare; the age of these prefabs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20636/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 352 to 354, inclusive, together.
Some 36 primary and 6 post-primary schools in Co. Clare have applied to my Department for capital funding for major building projects. 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. Progress on all major projects will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
My Department is currently working on compiling a database which will provide the type of information the Deputy has requested with regard to the rental of prefabricated accommodation. Work on this database is underway as part of a general review of rental policy being undertaken. Information will be collated on approximately 900 schools which have received approval from the Department to rent temporary accommodation, including but not limited to prefabs.
This will be used to produce a database of information which will be maintained on an ongoing basis and will inform my Department's future decision-making in this area. This work is well advanced and I anticipate it will be completed shortly.
355 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science if, due to the greatly increased number of enrolments in a school (details supplied), he will allocate additional teaching resources to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20649/08]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued to all primary schools each year. Within the terms of the staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30 September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30 September, sanction for the post is withdrawn. The mainstream staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy for the current school year is a Principal and 2 mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 72 pupils at 30 September 2006. The school also secured an additional mainstream class teacher for the 2007-08 school year under developing school criteria resulting in staffing of Principal and 3 mainstream class teachers.
According to data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management of the school, the enrolment in the school on 30 September 2007 was 98 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0010/2008), which is available on my Department's website, www.education.ie, and a hard copy of which has been issued to all primary schools, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2008-09 school year will be a Principal and 4 mainstream class teachers. The Board of Management of the school is therefore entitled to appoint one additional mainstream class teacher for the 2008-09 school year. The Board of Management submitted an application for an additional post under developing school criteria for the school year 2008-09. The application did not meet all of the criteria required under this arrangement and the Board of Management was notified accordingly. It is open to the Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule. The criteria are also available in Circular 0024/2007 (Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools) which is available on my Department’s website.
The first meeting of the Appeal Board took place on 20 May 2008. Further meetings will be held in June and October 2008. The closing dates for receipt of appeals are 20 June and 10 October respectively. Appeals must be submitted to Primary Payments Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. The standard application form is available from the Primary Payments Section or on my Department's website. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
356 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of civil servants within his Department at the grade of assistant principal or higher; the number of whom were recruited to those roles from outside of the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20673/08]
There are 133 civil servants in my Department at the grade of Assistant Principal or higher. Of these, one officer has been recruited from outside the Civil Service. Towards 2016 commits Departments and Trade Unions to agreement on the increased use of Open Recruitment to the Civil Service. In any year the Civil Service may recruit from Open Competition to fill 2 in 9 of all vacancies at Principal Officer and equivalent level with effect from May 2007, 1 in 5 of all vacancies at Assistant Principal Officer and equivalent level with effect from September 2007 and 1 in 6 of all vacancies at Higher Executive Officer and equivalent level with effect from October 2007. The Deputy should note that existing civil servants can apply for open recruitment competitions run by the Public Appointments Service and that a number of civil servants have been successful in these competitions.
357 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will clarify a matter (details supplied). [20701/08]
Under the provisions of the Education Act, 1998, the board of management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. In general, the Board has the responsibility to ensure that the school operates efficiently and effectively and also has responsibilities in relation to the actions of its employees. With regard to guidelines on discipline in schools, Section 23 of the Education Welfare Act 2000 requires all schools to have in place a Code of Behaviour. The school Principal is required, before registering a child in the school, to provide the child's parents with a copy of the Code of Behaviour and may, as a condition of registering the child, require his or her parents to confirm in writing that the Code is acceptable to them and that they will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the child will comply with the code. Guidelines for drawing up codes of Behaviour are currently being distributed to all schools by the National Education Welfare Board (NEWB). The guidelines are also available on the National Education Welfare Board website, www.newb.ie.
358 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of projects within band 1, band 2, band 3 and band 4 in relation to the school building projects programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20717/08]
There are 330 schools building projects categorised as being in band 1, 800 categorised as being in band 2, 244 categorised as being in band 3 and 54 categorised as being in band 4. 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 and rationalisation projects. Band 2 projects address the needs of schools that have a deficit of mainstream accommodation and/or require refurbishment. Band 3 projects address the needs of schools that have no deficit of mainstream accommodation but that have a deficit of ancillary accommodation. Band 4 projects address 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.
359 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if the criteria in terms of obtaining additional support from the visiting teacher service scheme, operated by his Department, has been changed recently; the nature of that change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20718/08]
My Department operates two visiting teacher services, one for Travellers and the other for children and young people with hearing or visual impairment. In neither service has there been a change in the relevant system of referral to visiting teachers or any change to the appropriate criteria under which service is provided. In the case of the visiting teacher service for Travellers, very close relationships with families, schools and statutory and voluntary agencies ensure that the education of Traveller children from new and existing families in an area is constantly monitored and supported. In the case of the visiting teacher service for the hearing and visually Impaired, referrals from the relevant professional and voluntary sources and from families themselves are processed as heretofore and criteria based on professionally assessed needs continue to apply.
360 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to reduce and eventually eliminate the heavy reliance, particularly by primary schools, on prefabricated rooms for temporary classroom accommodation and other purposes; his views on the suitability or otherwise of prefabs in inclement weather conditions for these purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20726/08]
Demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years, with the appointment of 6,000 extra teachers in the primary sector alone since 2002. In considering the need to provide extra resource and other teachers to schools in recent years, my Department has prioritised putting the extra teachers into schools as soon as possible. This in many cases meant that the quickest way of providing accommodation was through prefabricated units. Where it was possible to provide permanent accommodation, this was done by using the Permanent Accommodation Scheme, for example. While the ideal solution is to provide permanent accommodation, where this is not possible, modern prefabricated units conform to health and safety regulations and are suitable for use as school accommodation in Ireland. Against this background, my Department has nonetheless managed to keep expenditure on temporary accommodation low. When the rental and purchase of temporary accommodation is taken together, it still only comes to 6.2% of overall investment in school buildings last year.
361 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to correspondence from schools (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20728/08]
My Department received an application for funding under the emergency works scheme from the schools in question. A decision on the application will be made as soon as possible and the schools will be advised of the outcome.
362 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a committee was set up to monitor the provision and spending of ancillary grants in schools; if such a committee has made a report on its findings; and if not, when it will do so. [20753/08]
In the context of discussions on the Social Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016, an Informal Forum was established in the public sector to explore a number of staffing-related issues arising in companies and bodies operating in the voluntary and community sector that are largely funded from public funds. As part of that informal process, my Department has facilitated a number of meetings between the managerial bodies of schools employing secretaries and caretakers and the IMPACT and SIPTU trade unions representing the grades concerned. The most recent meeting took place on 11 March 2008 at which my officials undertook to continue to facilitate those discussions. In addition, representatives of the management bodies of schools agreed to meet separately with the trade unions concerned on issues of concern to their members. My Department has no plans to establish a committee to specifically monitor the provision and spending of ancillary grants in schools.
363 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the new buildings sanction for a college (details supplied) in Dublin 24; when work will commence; when it is expected that the works concerned will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20759/08]
My Department's current Public Private Partnership Programme was announced in September 2005. This Programme provided for the procurement of 17 projects in 9 third level institutions. These 17 projects had been identified as priorities in the Kelly report. Following an examination of the individual projects the bundling arrangements for the third level PPP projects were announced in January 2008. Pre-procurement on the first bundle has already commenced and it is envisaged that this bundle will be handed over to the NDFA for procurement later this year. The bundle referred to by the Deputy is one of two colleges that make up the second bundle of the Department's current Public Private Partnership Programme. It is intended that work on the pre-procurement of the second bundle will also commence this year.
364 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the extension and refurbishment of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal. [20765/08]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction 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.
365 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that a decision to cut the teacher numbers by one at a national school (details supplied) in County Sligo is deferred; if he will ensure that the current teacher numbers are maintained at the school in view of the fact that with 233 pupils enrolled for September 2008 the school will be entitled to re-appoint a teacher in September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20803/08]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued to all primary schools each year. Data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy indicates that the enrolment in the school on 30 September 2006 was 233 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0020/2007), which is available on my Department's website, www.education.ie, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2007-08 school year is a Principal and 9 mainstream class teachers. According to data submitted by the Board of Management of the school, the enrolment in the school on 30 September 2007 was 229 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0010/2008), which is also available on my Department’s website, www.education.ie, and a hard copy of which has been issued to all primary schools, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2008-09 school year will be a Principal and 8 mainstream class teachers.
Within the terms of the staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30 September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30 September, sanction for the post is withdrawn. It is open to the Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule. They are also available in Circular 0024/2007 (Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools) on my Department's website. The school referred to by the Deputy lodged an appeal with the Primary Staffing Appeal Board. The appeal was heard at the Appeal Board meeting on 20 May 2008 and was unsuccessful. The Board of Management of the school was notified in writing of the decision of the Appeal Board on 22 May 2008. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
366 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the stage his Department is at in implementing the remainder of the recommendations of the Health and Safety Authority’s Committee on Occupational Health and Safety in Schools (1995); the number of schools here that are fully compliant with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20805/08]
In general, individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, under Safety, Health and Welfare at Work legislation for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care. It is the responsibility of individual school management authorities to have a safety statement in place in their schools. The Statement should identify potential hazards, assess the risks to health and safety and put appropriate provision in place to safeguard the safety and health of employees and pupils. The Safety Statement should be reviewed on a regular basis. In practical terms, individual school authorities are best placed to assess the detail of their own health and safety requirements. My Department is working with the Health and Safety Authority and the State Claims Agency to develop a health and safety management system to support post-primary schools in meeting their obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. This work forms part of a wider initiative to reduce the administrative burden on post-primary schools by supporting them in preparing policies to meet a range of legislative and regulatory requirements.
Eight such policies have been published to date. They are available on the Department's website, www.education.gov.ie. The Department takes great care to ensure that all health and safety requirements are incorporated into new school buildings and extensions. The Department ensures that its technical guidance documentation takes cognisance of all health and safety legislation to inform Design Teams of their obligations in this area when designing building projects. Provision is built into the School Building and Modernisation Programme to enable schools to address urgent health and safety problems. Over €27 million was paid out to primary schools throughout the country in 2007 under the Minor Works Grant to enable thousands of small scale works to be completed without the need to interact with my Department. Individual primary schools received a grant in the sum of €5,500 plus €18.50 per pupil.
The Summer Works Scheme, which was introduced in 2004, provides capital grants for small scale refurbishment works at primary and post-primary schools. Responsibility for the delivery of the projects is entirely devolved out to the schools and their design teams. The scope of works covered under this scheme is intended to address Health and Safety issues in all schools as well as improvement works to the existing fabric of the buildings. Since 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.
367 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 was originally built with a 25 year lifespan some 35 years ago; if his further attention has been drawn to the poor condition of the science laboratories in the school; if he will provide funds to refurbish the school’s science laboratories; the position regarding the plans to provide a new or comprehensively refurbished school building for the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20899/08]
The school referred to by the Deputy has an application with the Department for major capital grant aid. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building works. Progress on the project will be considered 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. Since 2004 the school has received significant funding under the Summer Works Scheme and the Emergency Works Scheme for refurbishment works on areas such as roofs, drainage, windows and toilets. The school was also awarded a grant of €340,000 under the Permanent Accommodation Scheme for the provision of permanent classrooms.
368 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reinstate the summer works scheme for 2008 and subsequent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20900/08]
Since the Summer Works 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.
369 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of young people leaving school without a qualification; the breakdown for each of the 26 counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20901/08]
The Department's report on school retention, which was published on 31 March 2008, is based on a detailed analysis of the records held in the Post-Primary Pupils Database for the cohort of entrants to the first year of the junior cycle in 1999. The report is available on the Department's website, www.education.ie/servlet/blobservlet/pp_retention_1999_report.pdf. It must be noted that the figures refer to retention in State-aided second level schools only and do not include students progressing to further training and education at Junior or Leaving Certificate level, such as Youthreach courses, FÁS schemes, apprenticeship training as well as students in private, non-aided colleges at second level. The report shows that the national retention rate to completion of the Junior Certificate examination is 94.6%. The retention rate to completion of the Junior Certificate examination by county is given in table 5 of the report. The Government is determined to do all that is possible to ensure that every child gets all the opportunities and support they need to enable them to achieve their full potential and participate fully in education.
Steps designed to improve school attendance include the establishment of the National Educational Welfare Board in 2002, under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, with a remit to monitor school attendance, help parents to get a school place for their child and run promotional campaigns on the importance of attendance and finishing school. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. Under the terms of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, one of the functions of the Board is to conduct and commission research into the reasons for non-attendance on the part of students and into the strategies and programmes designed to prevent it. The Board has finalised the development of Guidelines for schools on developing Codes of Behaviour and work is commencing on the development of Guidelines on Attendance Strategies for Schools.
Enhancing attendance, progression, retention and attainment are central to DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion, which is being implemented at present in 873 schools comprising 670 primary schools (338 urban/town schools and 332 rural schools) and 203 second-level schools. A key objective of this action plan is to enhance integration and partnership working, both within the education sector itself and between all other relevant Government departments, agencies, organisations and groups. Under DEIS, my Department, through the network of ten regional offices is enhancing its capacity to work in partnership with locally based agencies and individuals promoting social inclusion measures.
Measures under DEIS range from pre-school interventions, supports for tackling children's literacy problems, reduced pupil teacher ratios, increased capitation grants, measures to tackle attendance and early school leaving and strengthen ties between the school, the family and the community. A key component of my Department's strategy to discriminate positively in favour of children and young people who are at risk of early school leaving is the School Completion Programme. This programme was implemented to directly target those in danger of dropping out of the education system and in line with current thinking favours an integrated cross-community and cross-sectoral approach based on the development of local strategies to ensure maximum participation levels in the education process. It entails targeting individual young people aged between four and 18, both in and out of school, and arranging supports to address inequalities in education access, participation and outcomes. In addition the Home School Community Liaison Scheme works to involve parents in their children's education which is a crucial component in convincing young people of the value of education.
In 2006 the National Behaviour Support Service was established. A National Co-ordinator and five Assistant National Co-ordinators have been appointed. In addition, ten Regional Development Officers and 14 part-time Associates were recruited to ensure the success of this significant initiative. A Research Officer has been appointed and will carry out research of current Irish and international literature and test against reality situations in Irish schools. This should provide an invaluable benchmark of the level of disruption in schools and the effectiveness of intervention by the NBSS. A full-time administrator is based in Navan Education Centre.
Since its appointment, the team has been working on a number of key issues, including the development of a Draft National Framework for Behaviour Improvement, the development of models of good practice for systems in schools which assist with and impact on classroom and whole school behaviour, ongoing training for the NBSS team and research into and communication with behaviour support systems in other jurisdictions. The NBSS is working with 50 selected schools throughout the country. Behaviour Support Classrooms have been established and staffed in 30 of these 50 schools. These classrooms provide an individualised intensive intervention programme for a targeted group of students. The Behaviour Support Classrooms are staffed by at least one qualified whole-time teacher. The Board of Management of the schools concerned have flexibility in respect of the employment of another whole-time teacher equivalent and may employ people with different expertise to cater for the needs of the students involved.
I emphasise that these classrooms cannot be, in themselves, a solution to the issue of poor student behaviour. They must be one part of a holistic response which should see a school, actively supported by the Behaviour Support Team, defining for itself a pathway to improvement. The NBSS also proposes to produce a training CD/DVD on all aspects of challenging behaviour, within the Irish context. It is envisaged that this would be available to all schools. A key feature of the composition of the National Behaviour Support Service is the assignment to it of a team of four psychologists. They have been seconded from the National Educational Psychological Service and their presence will ensure that the team operates in a multidisciplinary way. These measures are a clear indication of this Government's commitment to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk of poor attainment or of leaving school early.
370 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers at secondary level who have retired from full-time positions in 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20902/08]
A total of 521 teachers were awarded pension on retirement from secondary, community and comprehensive schools in 2006. The corresponding number of retirement awards in 2007 was 651. The overwhelming majority of these were wholetime teachers. My Department will write to the Deputy as soon as possible with the exact numbers of those retiring from wholetime positions.
371 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20904/08]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction 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.
372 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of full-time appointments that have been made in the secondary level in 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20918/08]
373 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department recognises a university in the UK as an institution covered in the payment of maintenance grants; if the application of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20930/08]
The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — the Local Authority or VEC. If an individual applicant considers that she or he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she or he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC. If 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 or her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department. The Department has received no appeal from the candidate referred to by the Deputy.
374 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will be making a capital allocation for the building programme of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11; when the school authorities including the board of management and principal will be informed; and the length of time the construction period will last. [20986/08]
My Department funded a major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy and its adjacent boy's school in 2005 at a cost in excess of €2.5 million. The school in question shares the same site as the boy's school and the building project was to provide additional classroom and ancillary accommodation as well as refurbishment of some existing accommodation. My Department does not have a record of a further application for a major building project from this school.
375 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed building project at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; the stage the project is at; the works carried out to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20990/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, a Developing Areas Unit has been established in the Department of Education and Science to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas including Balbriggan. The particular emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in developing areas including Balbriggan, while also showing the Government's commitment to delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. The Department is making significant additional primary school places available in Balbriggan for September 2008 via delivery of new school buildings for three existing schools. I understand that due to site restrictions it would prove difficult to expand further the school to which the Deputy specifically refers. However, the Department approved the provision of one additional mainstream classroom for September 2007 to cater for additional enrolments. Greenfield provision for this school will be considered in the context of the additional provision being made in the area and the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
376 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Question No. 343 of 29 April 2008 if he received a report from the transport liaison officer for County Limerick on the background to this case; and if he will provide the report to this Deputy. [20992/08]
An agreed transport provision is in place to cater for the pupil referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied in the current school year. The service may be reviewed over the summer months.
377 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the guidelines and procedures his Department has in place to deal with cyber bullying following a recent programme (details supplied) which highlighted the issue; if his Department has had many cases of cyber bullying reported to it over the past year; if all the cases were resolved; the cases of reported cyber bullying broken down on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20993/08]
I assure the Deputy that I am aware of the recent survey conducted by the Irish Independent in conjunction with RTE on the issue of “cyber bullying”, through the use of the internet and mobile phones. I share the Deputy’s concern that any child would feel upset in school because of bullying — be it physical, verbal or what is being termed “cyber bullying”. I assure him that supports are in place to enable schools to prevent bullying and to deal with cases that may arise. There is no requirement for schools to report incidents of bullying to my Department, nor do I believe that this should be the case. Accordingly, I am unable to provide the Deputy with details of cases of cyber bullying as requested. It is unreasonable to expect schools to have a sole responsibility for tackling it, as responsibility extends beyond the school and parents and young people themselves must take protective measures. It is at local level that an effective anti-bullying climate must be established. I am, however, anxious to support schools in tackling bullying and it is for that reason that a number supports have been put in place in recent years. Each school is required to have in place a policy which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour, within the framework of an overall school Code of Behaviour and Discipline. Such a code, developed through consultation with the whole school community and properly implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.
My Department has issued guidelines as an aid to schools in devising measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour and to increase awareness among school management authorities of their responsibilities in this regard. These guidelines were drawn up following consultation with representatives of school management, teachers and parents, and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of their school. In view of the increasing demands which have been placed on schools as a result of statutory obligations and the requirement for policies in a range of areas, my Department has been working to ensure greater availability of guidelines and template policies to assist schools. My Department has published policy templates for post-primary schools in five key areas, including anti-bullying, on its website as part of its ongoing efforts in this regard. The template documents are not prescriptive, but highlight possible approaches and potential material for inclusion in school policies. The anti-bullying policy template is based on the key document, Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour. However, it takes account of more recent legislative and regulatory changes. Reference is also made to issues of contemporary concern such as the need to tackle text bullying, cyber-bullying and homophobic bullying.
The National Educational Welfare Board has developed further guidelines for schools on Codes of Behaviour, as provided for under section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. These guidelines have been informed by broad consultation. The guidelines are being distributed to schools. It is envisaged that implementation will commence in the next school year. When schools have had an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the board's guidelines, my Department will commence the process of revising and updating its own Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour. This review will take into account issues such as legislative developments, the involvement of the support services available to schools, technological advancements such as use of the Internet, e-mail, mobile phones and camera phones and the latest developments in international best practice on dealing with bullying behaviour. My Department, through the National Centre for Technology in Education has also developed Policy Guidelines and Advisory Notes for schools and parents which deal with the issues of internet and mobile phone bullying.
I draw the Deputy's attention to the "Watch your Space" Internet safety campaign. This campaign, which was launched in February 2007, seeks to raise awareness and promote safe, responsible practice by young people when on-line. The key message of the campaign is " be creative, be yourself, but be in control". The campaign has a strong peer-to-peer perspective and centres on an interactive on-line service, www.watchyourspace.ie, which has been developed by the National Centre Technology in Education. The site offers practical tips and advice and supports teenagers who use the web. A key feature is the advice given from teenagers to teenagers on how to cope with the fall-out from abuses and misuse of social networking and picture-sharing websites. This new initiative perfectly compliments the other NCTE safety activities that are already up and running successfully such as Webwise, SAFT and the Once projects. The site offers invaluable help to those who may encounter cyber-bullying. It advises them not to respond to bullying messages, as this will only make things worse, to keep a record of the message so the problem can be dealt with properly, to block the sender and to talk to someone in authority about what has happened.
The NCTE provides ongoing advice and support to all schools. It reminds them that they need to have an up-to-date Acceptable Usage Policy in operation to deal with use of the Internet. Schools cannot be connected to the schools broadband network until they confirm that they have an Acceptable Usage Policy in place. Within the school environment, access to social networking and computer based instant messaging services are blocked under current filtering arrangements, inherent in the Schools Broadband Network, to which 99% of schools have connected. The NCTE provides advice on tackling cyber bullying on www.ncte.ie and on www.webwise.ie. The NCTE works with the National Parents Councils on developing and promoting advice to parents. The key Irish website for providing advice and guidance to schools, pupils and parents is www.webwise.ie, which has materials and resources for teachers and parents to assist children to develop safe on-line skills and a sense of responsibility about what to write and post on websites. Working with the NPC (Primary) the NCTE has developed a seminar to advise parents on how to engage with their children’s on-line lives. Since September 2007, over 100 seminars have been delivered in schools around the country. The NCTE has 41 trainers throughout the country.
Internet safety is addressed by the NCTE in a range of courses offered to teachers under the programme of continuing professional development. Over 10,000 places have been taken up by teachers on such courses. Working with the Social Personal and Health Education Support Service, the NCTE has created an Internet safety teaching and learning programme, "Be Safe, Be Webwise". It is targeted at Junior Certificate SPHE classes and was rolled out in Spring 2008. Through the combined work of the Department, the NCTE and the NEWB, schools will have available to them extensive guidance to enable them fulfil their responsibilities in relation to this issue. Dealing with bullying has been incorporated in training for principals through the Leadership Development for Schools programme. I have stressed to the teacher unions the importance of not only having a written policy on bullying but also ensuring a climate in which it is not tolerated in any form and in which children know that if they make a teacher aware of bullying that it will be dealt with. The education of students in primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is part of the SPHE curriculum. SPHE is a compulsory subject at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools.
378 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Questions Nos. 180 and 182 of 21 February 2008, the areas of County Kildare that have been classified by his Department as developing areas; if he is satisfied that he will have sufficient school places for these developing areas; if the emphasis on developing areas means that other projects in areas classified by his Department as non-developing will be put back in order to provide sufficient school places for areas classified as developing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21017/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government commits my Department to establishing a Developing Areas Unit to identify where new schools are needed and to ensure that these schools are delivered in the fastest possible timeframe. The specific areas in Kildare being addressed by the Developing Areas Unit are Newbridge, Naas, Maynooth, Celbridge, Athy and Kill. The process of assessing the need for new or additional educational facilities at primary or post-primary level in any given area entails consideration of all relevant factors, including enrolment and demographic trends, housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet the demand for places. My Department is satisfied that the approach it is taking to the identification and delivery of extra school places in rapidly developing areas will help to ensure that places will be provided when and where they are needed. Delivery of all building projects, including those in non-developing areas will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
379 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Questions Nos. 180 and 182 of 21 February 2008, the date of the next announcement regarding his Department’s multi-annual school building and modernisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21018/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, almost €600 million is being provided for school buildings this year to facilitate the completion of work on 67 large-scale primary schools projects that will deliver 7,000 additional permanent school places in new schools and 2,300 additional permanent school places in existing schools. It will also allow work to commence on 150 devolved projects under the Permanent Accommodation Scheme, which will provide 8,000 additional places in existing primary schools. In the post-primary sector, construction work will be completed on 19 large-scale projects which will provide 2,400 permanent school places in 4 new schools and additional accommodation and refurbishment works in 15 schools that will benefit over 7,000 pupil attendees. The capital envelope also allows for the purchase of sites to facilitate the smooth delivery of the school building programme, particularly in rapidly developing areas, as well as allowing projects to progress through architectural planning and design stages. On 1 February last, my predecessor as Minister, Deputy Hanafin, announced a tranche of projects that will be proceeding to construction this year. I intend to follow this on with further updates on the School Building and Modernisation Programme as the budgetary position for 2008 allows.
380 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in County Kildare currently being considered as part of his Department’s multi-annual school building and modernisation programme; the stage that these schools are at; the location of these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21019/08]
As the Deputy is aware, a large number of schools in the Kildare area have made applications for Major Capital Funding. All applications received from schools in the Kildare area are assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. Delivery of all building projects will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. The Programme for Government commits my Department to establishing a Developing Areas Unit to identify where new schools are needed and to ensure that these schools are delivered in the fastest possible timeframe. The particular emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also showing the Government's commitment to delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. The specific areas in Kildare being addressed by my Developing Areas Unit are Newbridge, Naas, Maynooth, Celbridge, Athy and Kill. However, if the Deputy wishes to enquire about a particular school, my office will be happy to arrange for officials to provide the information.
381 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Question No. 393 of 11 March 2008, the progress he has made in securing a patron for a primary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the patron has been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21020/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the 8 classrooms in question will be an expansion of an existing school and will be under the patronage of the Catholic Archbishop.
382 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has responded to correspondence from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21021/08]
My Department has received an application for funding in 2008 and related correspondence in respect of the centre in question. The process of determining my Department's financial allocations to the Youth Work Sector for 2008 is still under way. I expect that this process will be completed shortly and the organisation in question will then be notified of the outcome.
383 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will pursue a review of school catchment boundaries as they relate to school transport arrangements in view of the very considerable demographic changes in the country since the current arrangements were put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21037/08]
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..
384 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application for a new secondary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21050/08]
The project at the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase is considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. The particular emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also showing the Government's commitment to delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country.
385 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position on the application for a new primary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21051/08]
The project at the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage (Stage 2b — Detailed Design and Bill of Quantities) of the architectural planning process. 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 Naas. 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 Naas is being assessed. The schools referred to by the Deputy will be included in this assessment. As is the case with all large capital projects on hand within the Unit, their progression will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
386 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application for a new primary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21052/08]
387 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position on an application for a new school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21053/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 387 together.
The projects to which the Deputy refers are at an advanced stage of architectural planning process. The progression of all large scale building projects, including these projects, from initial design stage through to construction 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 projects at this time.
388 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if the contract under which a design team has been appointed by his Department for a new school building project (details supplied) in County Cork provides an absolute deadline for the completion of the new building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21056/08]
The proposed project at the school to which the Deputy refers has had its design team appointed and the process of architectural planning has commenced. The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to tender and construction, including this 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 further progression of the project at this time.
389 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science if a replacement music teacher will be appointed in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10 for the new school term 2008-2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21203/08]
Teacher allocations to second level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. Each school management authority is required to organise its timetable and subject options having regard to pupils needs within the limit of its approved teacher allocation. The rules for allocating teaching resources provide that where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation, my Department will consider applications for additional short-term support i.e. curricular concessions. An independent appeals mechanism is available to school authorities who wish to appeal the adequacy of their teacher allocation. The school in question did not submit an appeal to the independent appeals committee.
390 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he is taking to meet the educational requirements of autistic children; the timetable for having all such requirements in place; the progress of the ABA pilot schemes which was established in centres to cater for approximately 240 children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21205/08]
The Deputy will be aware of the Government's commitment to ensuring that all children with special educational needs, including those with autism, 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. The establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years. In excess of 315 classes have been approved around the country at primary and post-primary level, including many in special schools. 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, the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children and the Picture Exchange Communication System. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. Funding is also provided for assistive technology and specialist equipment as required and special school transport arrangements may also be put in place.
My Department has put in place a training programme for teachers in autism-specific interventions including Applied Behavioural Analysis, the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children and the Picture Exchange Communication System through the Special Education Support Service. A recent initiative has been the expansion of this service to enable it to recruit a behavioural specialist support team, led by a person with a PhD in ABA. My Department's ABA pilot scheme was established in the absence of this network of special classes in our schools. 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. Since July 2007, my officials have met on a regular basis with a representative group in relation to the commitment in the current programme for Government to long-term funding for the centres that are in the ABA pilot scheme subject to agreement with my Department on standards that will enable them to be supported as primary schools for children with autism. The discussions have been wide-ranging and have included curricular issues, funding and staffing. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the discussions are progressing well. My Department is very anxious to finalise these discussions so that permanent arrangements can be put in place as soon as possible. It has been agreed not to disclose the details of the discussions while they are ongoing. The Deputy will therefore appreciate that I am not in a position to provide details of the discussions.
391 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Question No. 174 of 3 April 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. [21206/08]
My Department received an application for emergency funding from the school in question. This application is under consideration and a decision will be reached shortly. The school authorities will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.
392 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil servants within his Department at the grade of assistant principal or higher; the number of whom were recruited to those roles from outside of the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20672/08]
The number of civil servants in my Department at the grade of Assistant Principal or higher is set out in the following table:
|
Grade |
No. of Full-Time Staff |
No. of Part Time Staff |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
0 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
2 |
0 |
|
Head of Corporate Services |
1 |
0 |
|
Principal Officers |
9 |
4 |
|
Professional Accountant |
1 |
0 |
|
Assistant Principal |
38 |
0 |
The Professional Accountant and 1 Assistant Principal were recruited from outside the Civil Service. Recruitment to grades at Assistant Principal or higher is carried out in accordance with schemes approved by the Department of Finance and which apply across the Civil Service.
393 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the protocols in place for the exiting of children both national and non-national at Shannon Airport, County Clare; if his attention has been drawn to any children, both national and non-national, who have gone missing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20614/08]
Members of An Garda Síochána who have been appointed as Immigration Officers conduct immigration control duties at approved ports of entry in respect of persons entering the State in compliance with the relevant immigration legislation. Immigration controls are not routinely undertaken in respect of persons who are exiting the State. However, from time to time, in the course of particular initiatives or Garda investigations, the monitoring of the movement of people out of the State at approved ports is undertaken. When the Garda Síochána becomes aware that a Court Order has directed that a minor is not to leave the jurisdiction or attaches restrictions to such movement, relevant information is circulated to personnel engaged in the immigration process at approved ports with a view to appropriate action being taken if a breach of such order is detected. Missing people, including minors and vulnerable adults, are reported at their local Garda Station, where investigations are conducted under the direction of the local Superintendent. The records kept on missing people do not indicate whether their subjects were, or were not, seeking asylum when they were reported missing. Missing people investigations do not differentiate between subjects who are or are not asylum seekers.
394 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Question No. 190 of 15 May 2008 and Question No. 395 of 8 April 2008, when a decision will be made on an application for family reunification made in April 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20564/08]
The wife of the person referred to by the Deputy was admitted to the State in November 2004 as a programme refugee. The person in question is the subject of a Family Reunification application made by his wife in April 2006. This application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course.
395 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application for residency of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20579/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 18 February 2001 with his father and was included under his application for asylum in the State. However, he was taken into the care of the Health Service Executive in 2003 and subsequently applied for asylum in his own right on 8 March 2006. 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 9 November 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were received from the person concerned.
The person concerned also submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006), however this application was deemed invalid as it was not signed by the applicant. The legal representative of the person concerned was notified of this by letter dated 15 December 2006 and was instructed to submit a signed form containing the signature of the person concerned. The legal representative of the person concerned informed my Department by letter dated 20 November 2007 that the person concerned wished to withdraw his application for Subsidiary Protection. 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.
396 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if members of the Garda Síochána on street duty are authorised to confiscate the passports of non-Irish nationals; the circumstances under which this may be allowed; the procedures such members are required to follow including instructions that must be given to the passport holder as to where the passport will be held and the way to retrieve it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20586/08]
The reason a member of An Garda Síochána seizes a passport varies depending on the circumstances under which the passport comes into their possession, e.g. on suspicion that a breach of the criminal law has been committed; for the purpose of deportation, etc. Section 12 of the Immigration Act 2004 places an obligation on non-nationals to produce to a member of An Garda Síochána, on demand, a valid passport or other equivalent document, issued by or on behalf of an authority recognised by the Government, which establishes his or her identity and nationality. If a member of An Garda Síochána suspects that a document produced to him or her in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Act 2004 is potentially evidence of the commission of a criminal offence he or she may take possession of the document. If the document concerned is a passport, it is in fact the property of the authority which has issued it. If, on examination, a seized document is found to be genuine and is not stolen or otherwise considered to be of evidential value in the investigation of a criminal offence, it will be returned to the person to whom it was issued. Otherwise it will be retained as potential evidence in a criminal prosecution.
If a non-national has made an application pursuant to the provisions of the Refugee Act, 1996, his or her passport will be forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner who will retain it pending consideration of the application. If a member of An Garda Síochána intends to engage in the removal of a non-national from the State pursuant to the provisions of section 5 of the Immigration Act 2003 or section 5 of the Immigration Act 1999, the surrender of a passport or travel document in the possession of the non-national may be required. If a member of An Garda Síochána takes possession of a passport or other travel document which he or she intends to retain, a receipt will issue to the person concerned which will identify the member of An Garda Síochána taking possession of same. If a person from whom a passport is seized is removed from the State, the document concerned will be handed to the immigration authority in the jurisdiction to which the person is removed.
397 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will extend the visa of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for six months in order that they can go home to have medical treatment or alternatively provide them with a ticket home. [20612/08]
I refer the Deputy to the replies to Question No. 567 of 17 April 2008 and Question No. 526 of 20 May 2008. I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that permission to remain is only granted for periods of time spent in the State and that if the person referred to in the Deputy's Question wishes to leave the State for medical attention, he may do so. 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. My Department does not meet the travel costs of those wishing to return voluntarily to their home country. Assistance with travel costs and travel documents may be provided through the International Organisation for Migration Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme, where an application is made under the Programme and receives approval. However, it should be noted that this Programme is only open to asylum seekers and irregular migrants from non-EEA countries who want to return permanently to their country of origin but do not have the means and/or travel documentation to do so.
398 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if work related travel out of this jurisdiction has affected the qualification for naturalisation of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22. [20620/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in September 2007.
Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, specifies certain conditions which an applicant must fulfil in order to be eligible to apply for naturalisation. One such condition is that the applicant should have at least five years reckonable residence for the purposes of an application for naturalisation is time spent in the State with the permission of the Minister. The person in question did not have the permission of the Minister from May 2003 to September 2003, therefore it does not count as reckonable residency.
It is open to the individual in question to lodge a new application if and when she is in the position to meet the statutory residency requirement applicable at that time.
399 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the renovation of Glenmore Garda Station in County Kilkenny; when works are scheduled to be finished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20629/08]
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that a review of Garda accommodation is now underway with a view to preparing a short and longer term strategy for all accommodation. It is planned to have this strategy completed by the end of 2008 and Glenmore Garda Station will be taken fully into account as part of this review.
400 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is proposed to create a new Garda district within the new Carlow/Kilkenny Division in the south Kilkenny-Ferrybank area to deal with areas formerly attached to the Waterford and Clonmel districts which will now be included in the new Carlow-Kilkenny division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20630/08]
In accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána Acts 2005 to 2007 proposals, inter alia, to alter the boundaries of a divisional geographical area are a matter in the first instance for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the Annual Policing Plan. The 2008 Policing Plan contains the Commissioner's proposals to realign Garda boundaries in a number of areas around the country to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries. This includes the establishment of a new Carlow/Kilkenny Division with Kilkenny as the Divisional Headquarters and the establishment of the city and county of Waterford as one Division with Waterford as the Divisional Headquarters.
The planned changes will bring about greater efficiencies and effectiveness in facilitating the establishment and functioning of Joint Policing Committees. I am advised by the Garda authorities that a detailed programme of work is well advanced to implement these planned changes including the Divisions referred to by the Deputy. This programme of work will ensure that service delivery to the community is maintained to a high standard and will also examine the geographical areas of district and sub-district stations arising from the Divisional boundary realignments.
401 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of burglaries recorded at the Garda stations in County Clare for 2007; the number of detentions from these burglaries which resulted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20639/08]
Following the submission of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. The CSO has published crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006.
I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
402 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the Civil Partnership Bill; when further progress will be made on its enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20647/08]
I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 18 on 17 April 2008 on the matter. I expect to bring proposals for a scheme of a Civil Partnership Bill to Government shortly.
403 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the mechanism in place to facilitate a person seeking Garda clearance which also involves clearance from UK police; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20654/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting for a number of organisations in Ireland which are registered with the GCVU and which employ people to work with children and/or vulnerable adults.
In respect of vetting applications which contain addresses in Northern Ireland a reciprocal arrangement is in place with the Police Service of Northern Ireland and results received are disclosed to the relevant registered organisation concerned. A Memorandum of Understanding is currently being negotiated with the Disclosure Scotland agency with a view to putting in place a reciprocal arrangement for vetting requests. Discussions are also ongoing with the Criminal Records Bureau of England and Wales to agree a similar Memorandum of Understanding.
404 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [20657/08]
I understand that the person to whom the Deputy refers has commenced a legal action in this matter. As the case is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
405 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is regulation in regard to the sale of plastic pellet guns; if no regulation exists, if he will introduce controls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20667/08]
The regime which applies to any such device depends on the muzzle energy. Section 1 of the Firearms Act, 1925 (as amended by Section 26 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006) provides that 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 but will keep the matter under review.
406 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civil servants within his Department at the grade of assistant principal or higher; the number of whom were recruited to those roles from outside of the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20679/08]
There are 302 civil servants in my Department in administrative grades at Assistant Principal or higher level. Under the current Social Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016, two in every nine vacancies at Principal Officer level, and one in every five vacancies at Assistant Principal level, are required to be filled by open recruitment. Eligible serving civil servants are, of course, eligible to apply for open competitions in the same way as any other applicants. My Department currently has three serving Principal Officers recruited from an open competition run by the Public Appointments Service. The Department currently has no serving Assistant Principals recruited through open competition.
407 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a response will issue to Parliamentary Question No. 410 of 26 February 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20687/08]
As the Deputy will recall the details he requested were not available in the timeframe available and I undertook to write to him directly when the information was to hand. The response issued on 22 May 2008.
408 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps being taken to deal with anti-social behaviour in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 7; if he will ensure that the closed circuit television cameras are functioning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20727/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of ongoing problems of public disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area concerned. I am further informed that the location referred to is in the Bridewell Garda sub-District and is patrolled by foot and mobile patrols from that Garda station. Members of the local Community Policing Unit allocated to this area liaise with the local community providing crime prevention and security advice.
To date in 2008 there have been twenty two anti-social behaviour type incidents recorded, twenty one of which have been detected, resulting in twenty five arrests and the issuing of two anti-social behaviour warnings and ten on-the-spot fine notices on behalf of Dublin City Council. During the same period six criminal damage incidents have been recorded resulting in the arrest of four persons.
Local Garda management liaises closely with the local authority in ensuring the law is enforced in the area referred to. Additional Garda patrols, including patrols by the District patrol car, District Detective and Drug Units, the Community Policing Unit and the Mountain Bike Units, supplemented as required by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel, have been directed to pay particular attention to this area, with a view to ensuring a visible Garda presence. I am also informed that the CCTV system referred to by the Deputy is maintained by Dublin City Council and is in working order.
Current policing policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property and drug-related crime, the prevention of public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of the residents. Specific initiatives and special operations are put in place when analysis of criminal behaviour and crime trends indicate that such measures are necessary. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of the policing service in this area.
409 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) in County Offaly has been requested to pay a fee of €634.87 for naturalisation papers; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this person’s relatives had to pay €126.97; the reason for such a difference in fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20732/08]
The person in question applied for a certificate of naturalisation in July 2005. My predecessor approved her application and the person concerned was informed of this by letter dated 27 March 2008. However, as a result of an administrative error, the wrong statutory fee was requested. A further letter, requesting the correct fee of €634.87, issued on 14 May 2008. The application will be finalised on receipt of the statutory fee.
I presume, when making reference to the person's relatives, the Deputy is referring to the son of the person concerned. As a minor at the time of application, the statutory fee applicable was €126.97.
410 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for residency by a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if a decision will be made as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20736/08]
Long term residency was introduced by way of an administrative scheme in May 2004. The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements. Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.
An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in August 2007. I understand that applications received in September 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.
411 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for residency in the State by a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when a decision will be made on the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20749/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 218 of Wednesday 9 April 2008 and the written reply to that question.
The person concerned arrived in the State on 3 December 2005 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 22 November 2007, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in 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 this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
The Deputy might wish to note that the person concerned also made an application for permission to remain in the State in accordance with the revised arrangements applicable to the non-Irish National parents of Irish born children born in the State before 1 January 2005. The revised arrangements in question were announced by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on 15 January 2005 and the Closing Date for receipt of applications was 31 March 2005. The application of the person concerned was received on 18 January 2006 and, as such, was received too late for consideration. The person concerned was made aware of the non-acceptance of his application by letter dated 25 January 2006.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
412 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the mechanisms in place to protect children from offensive, age inappropriate or dangerous multimedia activities that are easily accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20914/08]
Protection of children from the inappropriate use of multimedia activities is a very broad and encompassing term, but I take it that the Deputy is referring particularly to the internet, video games and mobile phones. I have no function in the regulation of broadcast media or phones but I can inform him as to the child protection arrangements in place in respect of a number of other media formats.
I am very aware of the concerns of parents, teachers and voluntary organisations regarding the content available to children via the internet. The recent establishment of the Office for Internet Safety (OIS) as an executive office within my Department will continue to build on the work of the Internet Advisory Board which was set up in 2002 following the Report of the Working Group on the Illegal and Harmful use of the Internet. The OIS will oversee and further develop the self-regulatory regime for the Irish internet service providers, encourage best practice procedures; promote awareness of the internet downside issues and provide advice and facilitate research on internet related issues regarding child safety.
The OIS will also continue to oversee the operation of the Hotline (www.hotline.ie — the system for dealing with reports of illegal content on the internet). The Hotline is funded by the Internet Service Providers' Association of Ireland with support from the EU Safer Internet Action Plan. It accepts and investigates reports from the public in relation to child pornography and other illegal material on the internet. It plays an important part by accepting reports, providing the resources to validate them and channelling those that are illegal directly to the appropriate jurisdiction and authority. If the material is hosted in Ireland, it will request the relevant Internet Service Provider (ISP) to remove it, in accordance with their Code of Practice and Ethics. Special protocols operate between the Gardaí and the Hotline that maximise cooperation on law enforcement issues. The Hotline provides a first port of call for parents and members of the public in general who encounter illegal material on the internet.
You may be aware of the booklets in the GET with IT! Series on behalf of the Internet Advisory Board (IAB). There are three booklets in the series, a parents' guide to new media technologies, a parents' guide to filtering technologies and a parents' guide to social -networking websites. These booklets give an overview of new technologies, help parents to understand and use websites and help them to safeguard their children online. Copies of these publications were distributed widely and can be had on request through a freefone number 1800 24 25 95. They are also available on the website of my Department at <www.justice.ie>.
With regard to video games, the position is that Ireland is a member of the Pan European Games Information (PEGI) system. Video games are classified by age appropriateness at the following levels; 3+: 7+ 12+; 15+ and 18+. The categorisation is then indicated on product packaging. Under these arrangements, video games are categorised according to a robust and consistent system and subject to independent non-industry verification.
A key component of video game arrangements is that the classification systems are designed to provide useful information as to the content of the product. In particular, the intention is to assist parents in making informed choices concerning the media they acquire for their children or which they permit their children to use.
In so far as films and videos/DVDs are concerned, the position is that these must be classified by the Irish Film Censor for sale, exhibition or rental. The age appropriateness of each work is then displayed in cinema and all video/DVD works must carry the age classification on the packaging and video/DVD.
413 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community gardaí in County Mayo; the number of juvenile liaison officers in County Mayo; the details of Garda youth diversion programmes in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20915/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 30 April 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 8 members of An Garda Síochána assigned to community policing duties in the Mayo Division, four (4) in Ballina and four (4) in Castlebar. There were also 2 Juvenile Liaison Officers attached to the Mayo Division based in Ballina and Castlebar Garda stations.
While these are the numbers of Gardaí specifically assigned to community policing, it is also of course the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues. The Garda Commissioner, who is responsible for the prioritisation and allocation of resources within the Force, is currently reviewing arrangements within An Garda Síochána for community policing. I look forward to the outcome of the review and receiving the Commissioner's proposals for the future development of community policing in Ireland.
As regards the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme, 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 operate separately from the Programme. These Projects are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young people from becoming involved, or further involved, in anti-social or criminal behaviour.
At present, there are 100 Garda Youth Diversion Projects operating throughout the country. Of these projects, there are two operating in County Mayo; Youth Action Ballina (YAB) and Castlebar Youth Action Project (YAC). The number of Garda Youth Diversion Projects established nationwide will be extended to 168 during the lifetime of the government, in line with the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government.
414 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20943/08]
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 May 2007. Officials in that Section are currently processing applications received in late 2005 and have approximately 10,500 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants.
415 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this Deputy has been requesting information by way of parliamentary question regarding the number of outstanding bench warrants in each Garda division and in each Garda district of the Waterford and Kilkenny Division since March 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20955/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the collation and verification of the information requested by the Deputy in Questions No. 228 and 229 of 14 May, 2008 is underway and that the information will be supplied as soon as possible. I have asked that this process be expedited and have directed that a comprehensive reply be prepared as quickly as possible for the Deputy, dealing with all the outstanding issues.
416 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason there is such a long delay for applicants for Garda vetting particularly for young people who are applying for jobs; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that because of the inordinate length of time it takes to have the process completed many people have lost the opportunity of getting a job; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20983/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that all vetting application forms received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) are processed in sequential order from the date of receipt. The current, average turnaround time for the processing of correctly completed vetting application forms is approximately one month. Significant departures from the average processing time occur only when further, more detailed enquiries are required in specific instances.
In order to meet the increased demand arising since 2006 from the ongoing major expansion in the provision of its vetting service, the GCVU has been in receipt of very significant additional resources. In particular, the human resource allocation to the Unit has increased from 13 originally to its current level of more than 60, with new personnel joining the Unit in each of the first three months of this year. When all these personnel have completed their induction and training, it is anticipated that processing times will be even further reduced.
All organisations registered for Garda vetting are aware of the processing timeframes for the receipt of Garda vetting and have been advised to take this into consideration in their recruitment and selection process.
417 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for leave to remain by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20996/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the status of the person in question and her two adult sons is currently under consideration and a decision will be issued shortly.
418 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of speeding summonses that have been dismissed due to the defence of non receipt of the notification by post; the reason that such communications are not delivered by registered post; the proposals he has to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21024/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that statistics are not compiled by An Garda Síochána in such a way as to indicate the number of speeding summonses that have been dismissed due to defence of non receipt of the notification by post. Furthermore, under the Courts Service Act, 1988, the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which include the provision of statistics.
I am also informed that the District Court rules provide a number of methods for service of summonses. These are, in addition to service by registered post, personal service on the defendant and service at the defendant's home or place of business.
419 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a proposed probation hostel (details supplied) in County Cork; when it is due to open; the proposed staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21025/08]
The Cork Probation Hostel which was established in 1984 was closed in 2004 for major refurbishment. As part of the implementation of the Children Act, 2001, as amended, external consultants were engaged in late 2006 to undertake a review of such residential facilities with a view to meeting the requirements of the Children Act in relation to certain community sanctions, and providing a service which reflects international best standards. This review, which was finalised in January 2007, concluded that service provision in the future should consider co-locating other services on site which could support other community sanctions. The Probation Service (Young Persons Probation) is currently finalising plans to utilise the facility to implement community sanctions under the Children Act, 2001 and will be submitting proposals to the Irish Youth Justice Service of my Department shortly.
420 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm in writing that a visa was issued to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 to enter the State legally in March 1998 and that a stamp four will be applied to their passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21049/08]
The person to whom the Deputy refers arrived in Ireland on a valid visa issued subsequent to his parents having been granted permission to remain in the State under the arrangements then in place for the parents of children born in the State. Following his arrival in the State, the person concerned continued to reside here as part of a family unit. A minor child is covered by the permission granted to his/her parents once the minor is resident with his/her parents in the State. On reaching the age of sixteen the minor is required to register with his/her nearest Immigration Officer.
I wish to confirm to the Deputy that a request from the person concerned for permission to remain, in his own right, has been received in my Department. Officials within my Department have written to the person concerned requesting further documentation. On receipt of such documentation, consideration will be given to the request, and the person concerned will be notified accordingly.
421 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take steps to have a visa issued to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who has been married since 27 April 2008 to an Irish Citizen and a resident here; if he will ensure that this visa is granted to this person as they are coming to reside with their spouse here, in the context of the relevant documentation authenticating the position being furnished to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21054/08]
If the individual referred to by the Deputy wishes to reside in Ireland with their spouse, an application for a "Spouse of Irish" visa must be lodged through the Visa Office at the Embassy of Ireland, Moscow. Comprehensive details on how to apply for a visa and the documents required for family members of Irish citizens can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service www.inis.gov.ie.
422 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of males and females respectively in prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21072/08]
I am informed by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that there were 129 females and 3,457 males in prison custody on 22 May 2008.
423 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21073/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 15 July 2002 and applied for asylum. Her asylum application was refused following the consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 22 November 2004, 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.
Following the consideration of her case under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, as an exceptional measure, the person concerned was, subject to certain stated conditions, granted temporary leave to remain in the State for an initial period of two years and this permission has been subsequently renewed for three years up until 10 October 2010.
In relation to the attached correspondence, requesting that the person concerned be allowed to bring her two children into the State; the position is that the person concerned was given, as an exceptional measure, permission to remain in the State on humanitarian grounds. One of the stated conditions of her permission to remain in the State is that the person concerned accept that the granting of permission to remain does not confer any entitlement or legitimate expectation on any other person, whether related to her or not, to enter the State. The entitlement of family reunification in this State is limited to the circumstances provided for in Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended). In essence this entitlement is only available to persons who have been recognised as refugees in this State and this provision is clearly not applicable to the person concerned.
424 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has received an application for residency in the State from a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if so, when a decision will be made on their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21189/08]
I would refer the Deputy to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 879 put down for answer on the 2nd 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.
The Immigration Division of my Department received an application for long term residency in February 2006 from the person referred to by the Deputy. In June 2006 the person concerned was refused on the grounds that he had insufficient time spent working in the State. The Immigration Division of my Department has no record of having received any subsequent application for long term residency from the person concerned since June 2006.
425 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of arrests arising from drink driving offences in each of the past two years; the number of convictions arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17450/08]
Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006.
I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
426 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if in view of the statement by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in Dáil Éireann on 22 February 2007 by reference to the Dublin waste to energy project that once a project is certified as being in compliance with a PPP all the arrangements pertaining to that project must be continued and in view of the letter of intent issued by Dublin City Council to a company (details supplied) at the end of June 2007, and the fact that Dublin City Council signed a project agreement on 24 August 2007 with the company to design, construct and operate a waste to energy facility in Dublin, he is satisfied that all relevant guidelines were properly followed and implemented in the evolution of the waste to energy project in Dublin; the role of the National Development Finance Agency in the development of the Dublin waste to energy project after 2005; if there was intervention by him in approving or deciding the terms of the project between February and August 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20905/08]
427 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will arrange for the release of the terms of a project agreement between Dublin City Council and a company (details supplied) on 24 August 2007 to design, construct and operate a waste to energy facility in Dublin in view of the recommendations of the First Interim Report 2007 Access to the Private Element of Public Private Partnerships an International Comparison of the Committee of Public Accounts that contracts should eventually after the appropriate time interval be disclosed in their entirety which would allow ongoing assessment of a project and provide reassurance to the public that their interest was being respected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20906/08]
428 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will arrange for the public release of the public sector benchmark on the Dublin waste to energy project in view of paragraph 2.7.9 of his Departments guidelines on public private partnerships where it is stated that in the case of a once-off project where there is not likely to be any similar procurement in the future, the release of the PSB after the contract has been signed could be considered, in view of the fact that the Dublin waste to energy project at Poolbeg is clearly a once-off project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20907/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 426 to 428, inclusive, together.
The facility in question is provided for in the Dublin regional waste management plan for which the four Dublin local authorities have statutory responsibility under the Waste Management Acts. Section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act, 1996 precludes the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority of a function conferred on it under the Act.
In view of the project's status as a prospective public private partnership, my Department was involved in certifying that the procurement was conducted in accordance with public policy on the procurement of infrastructure in this way. The Department by letter dated 14 September 2005 advised Dublin City Council, which acts as lead authority for the project, that having considered the submissions received in respect of the procurement process there was no objection to Dublin City Council proceeding to enter into contractual arrangements with the selected private partner. My Department and the National Development Finance Agency had representation on the project board established to manage the procurement process. The project board did not have a role in regard to the contractual arrangements subsequently entered into by Dublin City Council. My Department is not a party to this contract and has no further role in the matter.
The Minister for Finance in his response, in April 2007, to the recommendations in the Committee of Public Accounts report took the view that this recommendation would need to be considered by the relevant sponsoring agency on a case by case basis, having regard to protecting the State's negotiating position and the statutory, civil and legal rights of contracting parties. He also noted that all of the PPP documentation and analyses are available to the Comptroller and Auditor General.
In the case of this project Dublin City Council is the relevant sponsoring agency and the Council has not made any proposal to my Department to release the Public Sector Benchmark. My Department is aware that independent statutory processes are still in progress in regard to the project and any issues which arise in that context with implications for the contract are a matter for Dublin City Council.
429 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the level of greenhouse emissions to date in 2008 is less or more than the level of greenhouse emissions in the same time frame in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21000/08]
In accordance with requirements under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Environmental Protection Agency prepares an annual National Inventory Report on greenhouse gas emissions. The 2008 inventory, which reports on actual emissions in 2006, is available on the Agency's website (www.epa.ie). Future inventories will report on emissions in 2007 and 2008, and will be made available by the Agency in due course. Inventories must be prepared in accordance with strict guidelines adopted under the Convention and, pending completion of an inventory in respect of 2008, it is not possible to comment on year-on-year changes in actual greenhouse gas emissions.
430 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a UK citizen living here for many years can not vote in an Irish referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21003/08]
In order to be able to vote at elections and referenda in this jurisdiction, a person's name must be entered in the register of electors for a constituency in the State in which the person ordinarily resides. Subject to this primary requirement, the person's citizenship then determines the polls at which he or she is entitled to vote. Under article 47.3 of the Constitution only Irish citizens may vote at a referendum.
431 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals to extend the Border midlands western region or create a further such region to include areas where industrial development has not kept pace with the national average of employment creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21193/08]
There are no proposals on the lines suggested in the Question.
432 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made regarding Seanad reform included in the Agreed Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20562/08]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to determine the extent of cross-party agreement on the recommendations of the April 2004 Report on Seanad Reform by the Seanad Sub-Committee on Seanad Reform, and to advance proposals for implementation. The Report sets out comprehensive recommendations for further consideration and action concerning the composition, functions and future role of Seanad Éireann.
I consider that Seanad reform should be advanced on the basis of an All-Party, consensus approach, insofar as possible. Representatives of each of the Parties have been invited to attend a meeting of the All-Party Group on Seanad Reform on 18 June 2008. The aim of the Group will be to establish, in a small number of meetings, the extent of cross party agreement on the recommendations of the Seanad Sub-Committee on Seanad Reform's 2004 Report.
433 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in redeveloping a house (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that dozens of elderly tenants have been waiting to return home for more than two years. [20565/08]
The project appraisal and detailed drawings for this 99-unit scheme, costing an estimated €34 million, were received in my Department from Dublin City Council on 14 April, 2008. These are being examined at present with a view to deciding on the first phase of the project, involving the demolition of Fr. Scully House. This examination will be concluded as quickly as possible.
434 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the complete list of the 2007 general election ballot boxes identifying their corresponding polling district, electoral division and constituency. [20573/08]
The information sought is not available in my Department. The primary role of my Department in electoral matters is to provide an appropriate policy and legislative framework for a modern and efficient electoral system. Within this framework, Returning Officers are responsible for all matters in connection with the conduct of elections and referendums, including the provision of ballot boxes, and they are independent in the performance of their duties.
435 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the introduction of support for the replacement and upgrade of septic tanks older then 15 years with newer systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20583/08]
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a support scheme for replacing and upgrading septic tanks older than 15 years with newer systems. I am currently considering the terms, conditions and other arrangements that may be appropriate to taking forward this commitment.
436 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce the radon remediation grants which were set out in the Radiological Protection Amendment Act 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20618/08]
The Radiological Protection (Amendment) Act, 2002 provided, inter alia, the statutory basis for the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) to administer a radon remediation grant scheme in respect of houses from moneys to be provided by the Oireachtas. Such a scheme could require significant public expenditure and administrative resources.
It would be difficult for a demand led scheme of domestic radon grants to ensure appropriate and cost effective targeting of remedial action. Therefore, the Government's approach, which is similar to that of the majority of EU Member States, is that our efforts are better concentrated on increasing public awareness of the risks posed by radon in the home.
The Government, largely through the RPII, has, for many years now, committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country, and to increasing public awareness of radon and the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high radon concentrations. The Building Regulations introduced by my Department in 1998 and up-dated in 2004 also require all new buildings, including new houses, to incorporate radon protection measures at the time of construction.
Technical guidance on radon remediation techniques is available in a booklet issued by the Department, titled Radon in Buildings — Corrective Options, which is available on the Department's website. The RPII has also issued guidance entitled Understanding Radon Remediation — A Householders Guide. This is available on the RPII website, as is a list of companies who can provide a radon remediation service and offer specific advice and recommendations.
437 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the Rathvilly sewage treatment scheme in County Carlow; when a completion date will be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20623/08]
438 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the Hacketstown sewage treatment scheme in County Carlow; when a completion date will be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20624/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 437 and 438 together.
My Department is awaiting submission of Carlow County Council's Preliminary Report for the Tullow/Hacketstown/Rathvilly Wastewater Treatment Plants Scheme which has been approved for funding under the Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009.
439 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the sewage treatment scheme for the grouped three villages of Johnstown, Freshford and Goresbridge in County Kilkenny; when a completion date will be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20626/08]
The Freshford/Johnstown/Goresbridge Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009 as a scheme to advance through planning, at an estimated cost of €7.9 million. Kilkenny County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme is being examined in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.
440 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the moneys allocated by his Department to the local authorities in Carlow and Kilkenny for the provision of both social and affordable housing in both areas; the way these figures have carried for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20628/08]
Allocation details on the Local Authority Housing, Regeneration & Remedial Works and Traveller Accommodation programmes from 2003 — 2007, together with expenditure details under these programmes and the voluntary and co-operative housing Capital Assistance Scheme, are set out in the following table:
|
2003 Alloc. |
2003 Exp. |
2004 Alloc. |
2004 Exp. |
2005 Alloc. |
2005 Exp. |
2006 Alloc. |
2006 Exp. |
2007 Alloc. |
2007 Exp. |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Carlow |
11,280 |
13,170 |
10,700 |
12,313 |
15,000 |
22,020 |
16,000 |
21,774 |
15,100 |
14,967 |
|
Kilkenny |
5,150 |
10,691 |
13,500 |
16,025 |
15,600 |
19,156 |
30,000 |
24,883 |
25,835 |
30,464 |
In relation to affordable housing, the extent of Exchequer funding is dependent on demand and focused on the provision of subsidies to make homes affordable, while other expenditure relates to funding of mortgages by means of loans raised through the Housing Finance Agency. Details relating to direct Exchequer expenditure on subsidies, for the period concerned, are set out in the following table:
|
2003 Exp. |
2004 Exp. |
2005 Exp. |
2006 Exp. |
2007 Exp. |
|
|
€000s |
€000s |
€000s |
€000s |
€000s |
|
|
Carlow |
21 |
27 |
743 |
475 |
55 |
|
Kilkenny |
86 |
408 |
255 |
244 |
217 |
442 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of civil servants within his Department at the grade of assistant principal or higher; the number of whom were recruited to those roles from outside of the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20675/08]
There are 161 administrative staff at the grade of assistant principal officer or higher currently serving in my Department. Of these, 5 were recruited via open competition, including 1 from outside the civil service.
443 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines for the naming of estates; if the use of same are protected under legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20699/08]
Under Section 34 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, planning authorities may attach conditions to planning permissions in relation to appropriate naming and numbering of, and the provision of appropriate signage for, proposed developments. I have no plans to issue national guidance on this matter, which I consider is more appropriately dealt with at local authority level.
444 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimate, following his discussions with various local authorities throughout the country, of the number of schools which have installed water meters; if as a result of the installation of these meters this has led to a reduction or an increase in the water rate charged to these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20719/08]
The information requested in relation to the number of schools which are metered for water charges is not available in my Department. However, the metering of all non-domestic water users, including schools, is expected to be completed before the end of 2008. Water charging of non-domestic users on a volumetric basis should incentivise efficiency and conservation in the use of water, thereby reducing the running costs of non-domestic users generally.
Following on from a commitment in the Programme for Government in relation to school water charges, the Government decided on 4 January 2008 to introduce transitional arrangements for charging schools for water services, pending full cost from 1 January 2010. The transitional arrangements, involving a flat rate charge per pupil for water services, are the basis on which schools are to be charged for water services for the years 2007 to 2009. However, if actual usage, as recorded by a meter, produces a lower charge than the flat rate, the lower bill will apply for the transition period.
In the context of full cost recovery being applicable from 1 January 2010, local authorities have been asked to provide all schools with periodic indicative bills showing the volume of water supplied in the specified period and the associated full cost charge. Those schools with abnormally high water consumption are to be identified and contacted with advice on the necessity to implement measures to reduce water usage. Details of those schools are also to be supplied to the Department of Education and Science. This should assist schools in preparing for the transition to full volumetric billing in 2010.
445 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on amending the Planning and Development Act 2000, to ensure that the onus is put on a planning applicant to make contact with neighbours living in close proximity to a site on which planning is sought, in addition to the procedure of posting a planning application notice on the site, to ensure that people are made fully aware of pending planning applications that may have an impact on their dwellings or properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20721/08]
The Planning Code provides for extensive public notification of proposed development. It is a general requirement that a valid application for planning permission must be advertised by site notice and newspaper notice. The site notice must state, inter alia, that the planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the planning authority, and that submissions or observations in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the 5 week period beginning on the date of the receipt by the planning authority of the application. A notice of the proposed development must also be published in an approved local or national newspaper. This must, in addition, set out details in relation to the inspection of planning applications and the making of submissions and observations.
Ordinarily an appeal on a decision of a planning authority can be made only by the applicant, or an individual or group who made submissions or observations in writing to the planning authority in relation to the planning application in accordance with permission regulations. However, an exception is provided for persons with an interest in land adjoining the site which is the subject of the application. Section 37(6)(a) of the 2000 Act provides that a landowner/occupier on the site adjoining the application site may apply to the Board for leave to appeal the decision of the planning authority, within four weeks of the decision, even without having made submissions or observations to the planning authority in the first instance.
It is also possible for an individual to apply to the High Court for leave to seek a judicial review of a planning decision. Leave must usually be sought within eight weeks of the decision, and the High Court may only grant leave where it is satisfied that there are substantial grounds for contending that the decision is invalid or should be quashed. The person seeking leave must also have a substantial interest in the decision and have participated in the decision making process or had good and sufficient reasons for not doing so. While I have no proposals before me at the moment, I will keep the position under review to ensure that planning notice requirements are both effective and cost efficient.
446 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the regeneration projects for O’Devaney Gardens, Dominick Street and Sean MacDermott Street have collapsed because the developer has withdrawn; the steps he will take to ensure that the hundreds of tenants involved do not lose out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20729/08]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 88 on today's order paper which outlines the current position regarding the PPP regeneration projects in question.
447 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, under existing planning legislation, all documents in relation to a planning application must be placed on the planning file available for public inspection; and his views on whether such provision is being complied with by local authorities at present. [20734/08]
Section 38 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 requires the planning authority, within 3 working days of a decision on a planning application, to make the following documents available for inspection and purchase by members of the public, for a period of not less than 7 years after the making of the decision, during office hours at the offices of the authority: (a) a copy of the planning application and of any particulars, evidence, environmental impact statement, other written study or further information received or obtained by the authority from the applicant in accordance with regulations under the Act; (b) a copy of any submissions or observations in relation to the planning application which have been received by the authority; (c) a copy of any report prepared by or for the authority in relation to the planning application; (d) a copy of the decision of the authority in respect of the planning application and a copy of the notification of the decision given to the applicant; and (e) a copy of any documents relating to a contribution or other matter referred to in section 34(5).
Any document referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) above which is received or obtained by a planning authority must be made available for inspection and purchase by members of the public at the office hours of the authority from as soon as may be after receipt of the document until a decision is made on the application.
My Department issued Development Management Guidelines to planning authorities in June 2007, which are a step by step guide to all stages of the planning application process. These guidelines emphasise the importance of the availability of an up to date copy of the planning application file for inspection at the public office at all times when the office is open. A copy of the guidelines is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
448 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a consistent national system of waste collection waivers has been considered for persons who are elderly, on disability benefit, carers allowance, or unemployment assistance whose waste is collected by public or private collectors as this measure was being considered by his Department in 2003. [20755/08]
Waste management services have traditionally been provided at a local level, with individual arrangements being locally determined and tailored to local circumstances. The present legal framework, as determined by the Oireachtas, reflects this.
In accordance with section 52 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, the determination of waste management charges, and any associated waiver scheme, is a matter for the relevant local authority, where it acts as the service provider. Similarly, where a private operator provides the collection service, it is a matter for that operator to determine charges. The Minister has no statutory function in the determination of waivers.
It is recognised that significant regulatory issues have emerged as waste management services have rapidly evolved in recent years. These issues, which have been the subject of a formal public consultation, include the need for appropriate reflection of necessary public service criteria in relation to the provision of services in particular areas or in respect of specific households. The existing regulatory framework requires modernisation. The identification of the changes necessary will be greatly assisted by the recent OECD review of the public service, which included a specific case study on waste management, and will be implemented in the context of the overall review of national waste management policy provided for in the Programme for Government and now being initiated.
The revised approach to the collection of household waste being taken by the Dublin local authorities will further inform what measures may be necessary to underpin sustainable waste collection services and infrastructure provision, whether delivered by the private or public sectors. In these contexts the appropriate policy responses will be developed and elaborated.
449 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the outcome of an application for a thatching grant for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [20811/08]
The application was received in my Department on 9 April, 2008. An inspection with a view to issuing a Certificate of Approval, if in order, will be carried out shortly.
450 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people on housing waiting lists, those awaiting social housing or affordable housing in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20903/08]
A statutory assessment of housing need is carried out every three years by all housing authorities. The last assessment took place in 2005 and indicated that there were 43,684 households on local authority housing waiting lists. 1,301 of these households were on waiting lists of housing authorities in County Mayo; further information is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
This information on housing need has been a major consideration in the allocation of exchequer resources for the national social housing investment programme. This year alone, my Department has allocated almost €20 million to support social housing construction projects across County Mayo. Local authorities are currently carrying out the 2008 statutory housing needs assessment, the results of which will be published in due course.
My Department does not collect national figures on the numbers applying for affordable housing. The management of affordable housing lists remains a matter primarily for housing authorities themselves.
453 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the decision by the Dutch Government following an extensive series of tests by a variety of agencies including the Dutch intelligence services to abandon the same e-voting machines currently owned by the Government here and to abandon their overall e-voting project in view of the fact that it offers insufficient benefits over the existing pen and paper system; if he will take the decision to abandon the e-voting project here and dispose of the machines for maximum return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20956/08]
I am aware of recent developments in the Netherlands in relation to electronic voting, including a statement from the Dutch Government setting out its intention to end plans to introduce a new electronic voting system, as recommended in a Dutch official report from January 2008, in favour of voting by paper ballot. My Department also maintains contact with other developments internationally in relation to electronic voting.
As far as our own jurisdiction is concerned, the Commission on Electronic Voting in its Final Report in 2006 concluded that the voting equipment chosen for use in Ireland could be used, subject to further work which it also recommended. As I have already indicated, 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, 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.
458 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive payment from his Department for the sale of bog. [20981/08]
I understand that the Chief State Solicitor's Office has raised a number of queries regarding the draft contracts in this case with the vendor's solicitors and is awaiting a reply. No payment can be made until signed contracts are in place.
459 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive payment for the sale of bog to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20982/08]
I understand that the Chief State Solicitor's Office wrote to the vendor's solicitor on 16 May 2008 seeking requisitions on title so that the sale can be closed. The purchase will go through when these issues have been resolved.
460 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has responsibility for noise pollution caused by dogs constantly barking and creating a nuisance for their neighbours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20987/08]
Under the provisions of section 25 of the Control of Dogs Act 1986, the District Court may act on a complaint by any person where a nuisance has been created by excessive barking by a dog. A copy of the Form used for complaints to the Courts regarding barking is available from local authorities.
While complaints in relation to barking dogs are largely dealt with under the provisions of the Control of Dogs Acts, the position in relation to noise nuisance generally is that a legal remedy has been provided under Article 108 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (Noise) Regulations 1994. This allows an individual, a group of residents, a local authority or the Environmental Protection Agency to make a complaint to the District Court in respect of noise which gives reasonable cause for annoyance, for the purpose of obtaining an Order for the reduction, prevention or limitation of the noise. The defendant is obliged to comply with any such Order.
I am currently examining options to strengthen legislation on noise pollution as provided for in the Programme for Government. My intention is to consult with key stakeholders, including local authorities, and I will announce my preferred approach as soon as possible.
464 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the number, location and source of any potential threat of pollution to domestic drinking water supplies throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21162/08]
474 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken or proposes to take to ensure the elimination of any possible threat to the pollution of domestic drinking water supply throughout the country with particular reference to ensuring that local authority sewerage treatment systems do not pollute public water supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21174/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 464 and 474 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 73 of 22 April 2008. The position is unchanged.
465 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way he will deal with the local authority housing waiting lists, which in some cases contain families on the list for ten years or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21163/08]
A statutory assessment of housing need is carried out every three years by all housing authorities. The last assessment took place in 2005 and indicated that there were 43,684 households on local authority housing waiting lists. Detailed information on this assessment is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. This information on housing need, broken down by housing authority, has been a major consideration in the allocation of exchequer resources for the national social housing investment programme. This year alone, my Department has allocated a record €1 billion to support construction and acquisitions projects across the country. Local authorities are currently carrying out the 2008 statutory housing needs assessment, the results of which will be published in due course.
At present, the placement of applicants on housing waiting lists and the subsequent allocation of social housing units is a matter for each housing authority in accordance with its scheme of letting priorities. However, under the social housing reform agenda, as set out in the Government's Housing Policy Statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, there is a commitment to the reform of housing allocation policy. Proposals for a new allocation policy have been developed by my Department, in consultation with the County and City Managers' Association, and have been discussed and endorsed by the Housing Forum. The aims of these policy reforms are to improve consistency and transparency in decision making, to provide a better fit between needs and resources and to respond, as far as possible, to the expressed preferences of individual households. The necessary legislative support will be included in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which is currently being drafted.
466 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he has studied the results of air pollution monitoring at various locations throughout the country; if such results are expected to prompt him to take particular or specific action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21164/08]
Air quality assessment is the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency. The Agency's most recent report on Air Quality in Ireland, published in October 2007, contains details of the monitoring and assessment of national air quality, and incorporates data from all air quality monitoring stations operated by the EPA. Monitoring in 2006 showed that air quality in Ireland is good and complied with the air quality standards in force for all pollutants. In addition there has been a significant downwards trend for major pollutants well below the standards with the exception of some mainly vehicular related emissions. I am keeping the position under close review and in this regard I look forward to receiving the 2007 Air Quality Report in due course.
A key indicator from my Department's Statement of Strategy 2008 — 2010 is progress in addressing emissions of transboundary air pollutants and maintaining high air quality standards. Accordingly, my Department has in place ongoing relevant initiatives and programmes, including the National Emissions Reduction Plan, a Voluntary Agreement with the Solid Fuel Trade Group, currently under review, and the recent introduction of Sulphur Content of Heavy Fuel Oil, Gas Oil, and Marine Fuels Regulations, 2008. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to expand the network of air quality monitoring stations, my Department will also shortly undertake a review of the existing network in consultation with the EPA.
467 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses built and tenanted by the various local authorities in each of the past five years excluding those provided through or for voluntary housing agencies; his plans to meet the local authority need in the next four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21165/08]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 425 of 22 April, 2008. The position is unchanged.
468 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he has received requests for funding under various headings from the various local authorities in 2008; the extent to which he expects to meet these requirements in full in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21166/08]
I am providing some €999m in general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund to local authorities for 2008. These grants, notified to the authorities in December 2007, are my contribution to meet the difference between the cost of providing an acceptable level of day to day services and the income available to authorities from local sources and from specific grants. The amount being made available for these grants this year represents an increase of some €51.5m over the amount provided for 2007 and continues the trend of providing additional general funding to local authorities through the Local Government Fund.
There are no additional resources available to me to increase general purpose funding to local authorities this year. I am satisfied that the allocations made, together with the income available to local authorities from other sources, will enable them to provide an acceptable level of service to their customers.
469 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the degree to which his Department has received communication from Kildare County Council indicating deficiencies in existing sewerage treatment works or proposing new schemes; the estimated costs and locations of such proposals; the extent of the deficiency in the existing facilities; the degree to which he proposes to provide funding for these projects in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21168/08]
I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 416, 419, 420, 423 and 424 of 22 April 2008. The position is unchanged.
470 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which funding has been sought from his Department by Kildare County Council and other local authorities in County Kildare in 2008 in the context of the capital housing programme; the degree to which he proposes to allocate funding under this heading to the local authorities concerned before the end of 2008 having particular regard to the fact that more than 4,000 families are already on the housing waiting lists; the extent to which he expects this waiting list to be reduced in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21169/08]
A total of €51,450,000 has been allocated to the local authorities in Kildare for the supply of social housing in 2008, which is broken down as follows:
|
Local Authority |
Main Allocation |
Traveller Accommodation |
Total |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Kildare County Council |
45,000,000 |
450,000 |
45,450,000 |
|
Athy Town Council |
4,000,000 |
Nil |
4,000,000 |
|
Naas Town Council |
2,000,000 |
Nil |
2,000,000 |
|
Total |
51,000,000 |
450,000 |
51,450,000 |
In addition, a further €13m has been allocated under the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme to support activity by the Voluntary and Co-operative Housing sector in County Kildare in 2008. These allocations took into account the housing need figures for the housing authorities in question and the discussions between the authorities and my Department in the context of the recently concluded round of Housing Action Plan meetings with housing authorities generally.
471 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he has received communication from Kildare County Council for specific funding under various headings in 2008; his proposals to meet such requirements in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21170/08]
472 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which his Department gave financial commitments to Kildare County Council under various headings prior to the last general election; the degree to which such commitments have been delivered or are expected to be before the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21172/08]
475 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he expects to be in a position to offer extra funding to Kildare County Council in 2008 with particular reference to the need to offset reductions in income arising from the downturn in the construction industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21175/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 471, 472 and 475 together.
I am providing some €999.2m in general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund to local authorities for 2008. These grants are my contribution to meet the difference between the cost to local authorities of providing an acceptable level of day-to-day services and the income available to them from local sources and from specific grants. The amount being made available for these grants this year represents an increase of some €51.5m or 5.4% over the amount provided for 2007 and continues the trend of providing additional general funding to local authorities through the Local Government Fund.
Kildare County Council's general purpose grant allocation for 2008 is €28,176,862, an increase of 6.42% over the 2007 allocation and is above the national average increase for 2008. General purpose grants to Kildare County Council have increased by some 224% since 1997, which is also well above the national average increase of 195% in the same period. There are no additional resources available to me to increase general purpose funding to local authorities this year. I am satisfied that the general purpose grant allocation I have provided to the Council for 2008, together with the income available to it from other sources, will enable it to provide an acceptable level of services to its customers.
473 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his and the Government’s policy on waste management; the extent to which it is intended to provide facilities along such lines in each of the next four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21173/08]
In line with the commitment given in the Programme for Government the review of waste policy, which is currently being initiated, will involve a comprehensive examination of a broad range of waste management issues, including infrastructural provision, particularly in the context of meeting the challenging waste diversion target that Ireland is required to meet under Council Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste.
In the interim, my Department continues to provide grants towards the capital development of facilities such as bring banks, civic amenity sites, composting facilities and material recovery facilities. My Department will also continue to provide a subvention to local authorities to assist them in meeting the operational costs associated with the running of their recycling facilities.
476 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which the total domestic and other waste is being catered for by way of recycling, landfill or incineration; the extent to which it is intended to develop these services in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21176/08]
National waste statistics for all waste streams are published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the most recent National Waste Report being in respect of the year 2006. The following progress has been made in regard to waste recovery and recycling in the municipal waste stream in Ireland: the quantity of municipal waste (i.e. household and commercial waste) managed amounted to 3,100,310 tonnes in 2006 of which 1,980,618 tonnes was consigned to landfill with the remaining 1,119,692 tonnes sent for recovery, equating to an overall national recovery rate of 36.1%. In effect, our national target of 35% set for 2013 in the Government policy statement Changing Our Ways has been exceeded almost seven years ahead of schedule; household waste accounted for 1,773,246 tonnes of the municipal waste stream of which 1,379,246 tonnes was landfilled with 393,995 tonnes (22.2%) reported as being recovered in 2006. A significant challenge remains to achieve our national diversion target of 50% by 2013 as set in Changing Our Ways; a national recovery rate of 54.7% was reported for commercial waste with 725,697 tonnes recovered and the remaining 601,372 tonnes deposited to landfill. This represents a 5.3% increase in recovery on the 2005 figures; 57.3% or 589,519 tonnes of packaging waste was recovered in 2006 indicating that Ireland continues to exceed its 50% target required under Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste and is well on the way to achieving its mandatory 60% target required by end 2011 under the amending Directive 2004/12/EC. A total of 438,952 tonnes of packaging waste was consigned to landfill in 2006; recovery operators reported that circa 28,000 tonnes of packaging waste was exported for use as a fuel in 2006; a total of 866,969 tonnes (38%) of biodegradable municipal waste was recovered in 2006 with the balance of 1,412,581 tonnes disposed of to landfill. Under the Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC) Ireland must restrict the landfill of biodegradable municipal waste to no more than 967,433 tonnes by 2010 and to no more than 451,469 tonnes by 2016. The roll-out of the "brown bin" will play a key role in diverting substantial volumes of organic waste from landfill to facilitate the achievement of the challenging targets under Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste.
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, reuse and recycling of 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. This commitment to the waste hierarchy has added significance in the context of the requirements of the Landfill Directive to divert biodegradable municipal waste from landfill. Meeting this obligation will entail doubling the existing level of diversion from landfill by 2010 and further increases in diversion in subsequent years.
To assist the process of ensuring that our waste management system can act in support of these objectives my Department is currently initiating a major review of waste management policy as set out in the Programme for Government. The review will chart a new way forward. Given the need to accelerate movement away from landfill quite dramatically, we need to examine all the technologies that can contribute to optimising our environmental performance in relation to waste. The review will be designed, in addition, to support the necessary legal, institutional and policy framework to achieve international best practice in the management of our waste. If the outcome of the review indicates a need for significant legislative changes I will bring the necessary proposals to Government in this regard.
477 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the local authority housing policy with a view to revising the system whereby voluntary housing agencies appear to cherry pick applicants with the acquiescence of the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21177/08]
Under my Department's Capital Funding Schemes for voluntary and co-operative housing, funding of up to 100% of the approved cost is available for the provision of permanent accommodation for low-income families and persons with special housing needs where all proposed tenants have been assessed by the housing authority as being in need of social housing.
Approved housing bodies providing accommodation for persons with special housing needs, such as the elderly, homeless or persons with disabilities, may retain nominating rights for up to 25% of tenancies; in such cases, the terms of the Capital Assistance Scheme provide that funding is subject to a limit of 95% of the approved cost. The administration of the capital funding schemes, including the nomination of tenants from the authority's housing list, is the responsibility of the relevant housing authority.
479 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on introducing a grant scheme for wood log gasifiers, in view of the fact that there are over 14,000 farm foresters here and such a scheme would incentivise the use of this highly efficient technology for burning wood given that wood log gasifiers comply with the European standard EN303-5 and therefore should be eligible for grant aid under the greener homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21030/08]
The Greener Homes Scheme which is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland provides support to homeowners investing 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.
The Scheme is designed to consolidate the market for domestic renewable energy heating technologies, underpinning it with quality standards and training and providing for a long-term future for the sector that is not grant dependent. The aim is to ensure that the market for renewable energy products, services and fuels continues to develop strongly in a robust manner and that consumers continue to be guided towards discerning choices. The Greener Homes Scheme is continuing to evolve in light of maturing technologies and market developments. In that context the scope for adding further technologies such as wood log gasifiers is being kept under regular review.
480 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent of funding expected to be provided by his Department to improve the energy efficiency of domestic dwellings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21167/08]
482 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of the recent grant announced for a pilot scheme of home insulation indicating the persons who can qualify; and the eligibility criteria for all other grants operated for householders by his Department. [20608/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 480 and 482 together.
I launched the Pilot Home Energy Saving Scheme last month with a budget of €5 million for 2008. The Scheme, which is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), is designed to incentivise homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes thus reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. The Pilot Scheme is primarily aimed at older housing stock which is likely to be most in need of energy efficiency retrofitting. Clusters or groups of households are also included in the pilot Scheme.
The Pilot Scheme will operate this year in three geographical areas — North Tipperary, Dundalk Sustainable Energy Zone and Counties Clare and Limerick (excluding Limerick City). The fourth module of the Scheme will not be restricted to any particular area and will focus on clustered households. Participating households will be assigned a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessor, which will provide a BER rating on the house and advise on the works that need to be carried out to improve its energy efficiency. The householder will pay a €100 contribution towards the cost of the BER assessment. The advice will relate to attic insulation, interior or exterior wall insulation, low-emissivity double-glazing, heating controls and a range of other energy efficient works. The Pilot Scheme will measure the impact of providing capital grant incentives in three of the four areas. In the Dundalk Zone it is planned to measure the impact of the availability of green loans from financial institutions to incentivise investment by householders. SEI is undertaking the pilot scheme in partnership with Local Energy Agencies and Local Authorities. There are no restrictions on eligibility for the Pilot Scheme, other than the geographical boundaries of the three pilot areas. However, if more applications under the four modules are received than can be accommodated, a form of selection process will be implemented.
Preliminary estimates from SEI show that a household participating in the pilot scheme could save up to €500 in energy bills every year as a result of the energy efficiency investments undertaken. The pilot scheme is expected to result in reduced CO2 emissions of 6,000 tonnes per year, while the full €100 million scheme envisaged in the Programme for Government could be expected to yield CO2 savings of 175,000 tonnes per year. Decisions in relation to the roll-out of a national Scheme will be made in light of the Pilot Scheme and overall budgetary considerations.
The Warmer Homes Scheme has been in operation for a number of years and provides support to low income households for insulation and other energy efficiency improvement measures. The scheme administered by SEI and is currently being implemented by 18 community groups. Eligible homes are identified locally via networks drawn from the statutory and voluntary sector. Eligibility criteria are determined locally and can vary from one area to another.
481 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will extend the brown and silver eel fishing season from 1 June to 30 August to 30 September, to allow fishermen in the south east who use baited pots and are subject to tides and who cannot fish until 15 June when they have their bait to have a viable eel fishing season; if he has had discussions in this regard with eel fishermen in the south east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21204/08]
Following scientific research, conducted by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), indicating that the European eel stocks are in a critical state, the European Council introduced Council Regulation 1100/2007, the objective of which is to achieve recovery of the stocks to previous high levels. The Regulation requires the Irish authorities to prepare a national Eel Management Plan by 31 December 2008 for implementation from 1 July 2009 at the latest.
Earlier this year, in light of the EU Regulation and the requisite changes that will need to be implemented in the eel fishery to protect and recover stocks, my Department invited proposals from the Fisheries Boards for appropriate conservation measures for introduction in 2008. Following consideration of the scientific and management advice, I introduced Conservation of Eel Fishing (Annual Close Season) Byelaw No 297, 2008 that restricts the length of the seasons. This bye-law is a national conservation measure and there are no plans to extend the season. The affected fishermen have been kept abreast of developments through the regional fisheries boards.
483 Deputy Ciaran Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a licence is required and the cost of same in order to fish for rainbow trout in inland fishery lakes operated by regional authorities; if there has been a recent increase in fees; if concessions are available to the elderly, the young or the unwaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20666/08]
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.
No licence is currently required for rainbow trout fishing. There is a permit charge however, applied by the South Western Regional Fisheries Board for fishing the board's own stocked lakes. The determination of the level of the charge is a day-to-day operational matter for the fisheries board designed to contribute towards the cost of managing these facilities. I understand concessions are available.
484 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of civil servants within his Department at the grade of assistant principal or higher; the number of whom were recruited to those roles from outside of the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20670/08]
There are currently 66 civil servants within my Department at the grade of Assistant Principal or higher one of whom was recruited to their current grade from outside the civil service.
485 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress on the national broadband scheme; his views on whether it will achieve 100% coverage in North Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20999/08]
The procurement process for a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is under way. The NBS will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved including any unserved areas in County Tipperary and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met. Homes and premises that are more difficult to reach are also being examined and potential solutions are being considered. Consequently, it is expected that all homes and premises in currently unserved areas will be offered a broadband service.
The first phase of the procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. The four candidates were, in alphabetical order, BT Communications Ireland Ltd Consortium, Eircom Ltd, Hutchinson 3G Ireland Ltd and IFA/Motorola Consortium.
Following the withdrawal of the IFA/Motorola Consortium as a candidate the remaining three candidates participated in "Competitive Dialogue" with my Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet my Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of the country. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected in July 2008, with rollout to commence as soon as possible thereafter.
My Department has recently received notice of Judicial Review proceedings regarding certain elements of the NBS mapping process. These proceedings are currently before the Commercial Court and due for hearing on 10 and 11 June 2008. A speedy conclusion of the matter has been requested in order to advance the NBS as quickly as possible.
486 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made on the commitment in the programme for Government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 2 million tonnes per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21000/08]
Under the Programme for Government we are committed to the implementations in full of the National Bioenergy Action Plan for Ireland. The Plan sets a range of actions and targets to 2020 for the sustainable development of Ireland's bioenergy potential. The cumulative effect of these actions over the period has the potential to deliver reductions of greenhouse gas emissions by at least 2 million tonnes per annum by 2020.
In the electricity sector there is now over 1,100 Mega Watts of renewable generation capacity connected to the grid and over 9 per cent of electricity is being generated from renewable sources. Ireland is on course to exceed the 33% target for electricity from renewable energy by 2020.
The 2010 target of 5% renewable share in the heating sector will be met, primarily as a result of the Greener Homes Scheme and the commercial Renewable Heat Programme, and we have set a further target of 12% renewable share in the heating sector for 2020.
In relation to the sustainable deployment of biofuels in the transport sector, progressive delivery on the 8.75% target for 2010 is being supported through the biofuels excise relief scheme. Our biofuels target for 2010 and 2020 will be further underpinned by the introduction of the Biofuels Obligation which will be the subject of public consultation shortly and which will take full account of EU developments in relation to biofuel sustainability.
487 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will compare the average price of diesel at present with the average price of diesel in May 2007; the reason for the hike in price; his plans to reduce the price in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21001/08]
I have no function in relation to controlling the price of oil, diesel or petrol. The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated. There is free entry into the market. Prices at the pump reflect market factors such as global market price, transportation costs, Euro/Dollar fluctuations and other operating costs.
The Competition Authority is a statutory independent body with specific responsibility for the enforcement of competition law. The National Consumer Agency has specific statutory responsibilities for protecting the rights of consumers. Both have responsibility for ensuring that competition works optimally for the benefit of consumers throughout the country. EU price figures published on 19th May, 2008, show that the average price of diesel in Ireland in April was €1.248 per litre. The corresponding figure for April published in May 2007 was €1.072 per litre.
Traditionally, diesel has been less expensive than petrol in Ireland at the forecourts. This was due to the fact that the international prices for both products were at a similar level, and excise duty is lower on diesel. The excise differential in favour of diesel is 7.46 cents. The international price of diesel is determined by supply and demand, and the increase in demand for diesel which is taking place both within Europe and in China and other rapidly-developing economies world-wide, has pushed up the international price for diesel above the price of petrol. The increase in the demand for diesel has led to a shortage in European refineries, and diesel is now being sourced from farther afield, particularly from Russia. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has also reported that US refiners have been producing substantially more petrol than usual and domestic US stocks are very high. These factors are likely to have curbed flows of exports of petrol from Europe to the US, leaving Northwest European petrol stocks above average. The combination of all of these market factors has contributed to the rise in European diesel prices relative to petrol.
