Denis Naughten
Question:79 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to amend the State non-contributory pension income calculation for land owners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19804/08]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 12, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 13 to 67, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 68 to 78, inclusive, answered orally.
Pension Provisions.
I understand that the Deputy is concerned in particular about the current means testing arrangements applying in the case of the State pension (non-contributory) where a land-holder leases land or is otherwise in possession of land which is fallow or idle. Currently, a group in the Department is undertaking a review of means testing arrangements generally and I understand that the issue raised by the Deputy is being considered by the Group.
The State pension (non-contributory) was introduced in 2006 and it replaced a range of non-contributory payments for persons aged 66 and over including the old age pension. While no specific measures in relation to the leasing of land have been introduced in recent years, a wide range of important reforms were announced for non-contributory pensioners, including farmers, in conjunction with the introduction of the new pension. These reforms impacted on farmer pensioners generally including farmers who have let land or are considering leasing their land. Prior to 2006 all of these pension schemes featured a common means disregard of €7.60 per week, which had not increased since the 1970s. This general disregard was increased to €20 with effect from September 2006 and was subsequently increased to €30 with effect from January 2007. This means that the first €30 per week of all means, including any means from the letting of land, is not taken into account in determining entitlement to a pension.
Increases in rates and other improvements in pensions over many years have been among the major achievements of the Government. Since 2002, the level of the State pension (non-contributory) has increased by over 58% from €134 to €212 per week following Budget 2008. This improvement has had a marked impact on the living standards of older people enabling them to face the future with a greater sense of security and dignity. The Government is determined, subject to the availability of resources, to maintain and improve on the progress we have made in improving pensioners' incomes.
Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Shane McEntee
Question:80 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the discussions that have taken place between her Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the local anti-poverty strategies; the position regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24747/08]
Dinny McGinley
Question:98 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the discussions that have taken place between her Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the provision of social inclusion officers in local authorities; the position regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24748/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 98 together.
The effective delivery of services at both national and local levels with flexibility to adapt to change is essential in tackling poverty and social exclusion. This can best be achieved if the services are coordinated and, where appropriate, integrated at local and national levels and between these levels. The importance of this approach is recognised in Towards 2016, the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and the new National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016 (NAPinclusion).
The Local Government Social Inclusion Steering Group is a key element in this process. The Group is chaired by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and includes representation from this Department, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, local government, the Combat Poverty Agency and the Institute of Public Administration. The purpose of the Group is to promote and support the embedding of social inclusion in local government in the context of national policies.
A key project is the development of Local Anti-Poverty Strategies, with a view to providing a model of good practice for counties and cities. Funding and support to a number of local authorities has been provided by the Combat Poverty Agency. In 2003 supports were provided to Cork City Council, Donegal County Council and Westmeath County Council. In 2005 Laois County Council and Wicklow County Council received supports. It is understood that some other local authorities have also developed Social Inclusion Strategies. Discussions on the development of these strategies take place at Steering Group meetings, and include regular progress reports from the Combat Poverty Agency on its work in this area.
The provision of social inclusion officers in local authorities is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In line with the commitment in Towards 2016, pilot social inclusion units have now been established in half of all county and city councils with support funding from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. This Department has supported the social inclusion unit programme from the outset, particularly in the context of participation in the aforementioned Local Government Social Inclusion Steering Group. The Department was also represented on the inter-departmental Group which oversaw the recent extension of the units to a further nine local authorities. The ongoing exchange of information on social inclusion issues and activities between all levels of government is a key element of the process and as part of this the Steering Group recently oversaw the hosting of a seminar in April 2007 to disseminate information regarding Local Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategies to local authorities.
Pension Provisions.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:81 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the fact that while Ireland has one of the highest income levels per head in the world, the social welfare pensions are the lowest in the OECD, leaving nearly 4% of pensioners in consistent poverty and over 20% at risk. [24618/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the needs of older people have been a priority for Government for many years and we have managed to make very significant improvements in social welfare pensions. The rate of contributory pension has increased from just €95 per week in 1996 to more than €223 per week in 2008 and the non-contributory pension has increased from €82 per week in 1996 to €212 per week this year. In the Government Programme we have committed ourselves to a pension rate of €300 per week by 2012.
The overall policy in relation to pensions is to ensure that all residents will have an acceptable replacement income when they retire. The function of the social welfare element is to provide a basic income, while occupational and private pensions supplement this and give people additional resources related to their pre-retirement earnings and savings. Many OECD countries have introduced mandatory State schemes for providing both basic income and earnings-related pensions. OECD surveys tend to focus in the main on the level of payments made to pensioners from these mandatory schemes. Because of the way in which our pensions system is organised, such surveys can provide a distorted picture of the economic position of our older people. They make no allowance for important factors such as:
Income from private pensions;
The fact that the vast majority of older people would be home-owners by the time they retire; or
Additional supports provided by the Government such as the Household Benefits, Medical Cards etc.
Accordingly, while such surveys are useful to compare aspects of the pensions systems across other countries, for the reasons outlined, they are not a true indication of the economic position of our older people.
It is worth noting that the OECD statistics referred to by the Deputy relate to 2004 and do not take account of significant pension increases in recent years. The strong increases in social welfare pensions since 2006 should further improve the replacement rate of Irish state pensions. Finally, the Deputy will also be aware that the consultation process on the Green Paper on Pensions has recently closed and the Government is committed to deciding on a new framework for future pensions policy by the end of the year.
Social Welfare Code.
Jack Wall
Question:82 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to amend the household benefits package to allow greater flexibility in the scheme to those households whose principal source of heating is from oil. [24785/08]
The household benefits package is generally available to people living in the State, aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. It is also available to people aged under 66 who are in receipt of certain disability social welfare payments or carer's allowance. The package includes the electricity and gas allowance, telephone allowance and free television licence schemes. There are currently 355,000 people in receipt of household benefits at an annual cost of €317 million.
The electricity allowance element of the household benefits package is paid as a credit on the person's electricity bill. The natural gas allowance is an alternative to the electricity allowance for people whose homes are connected to a natural gas supply. People can choose to have the allowance applied to either their electricity or their gas bill, whichever is most beneficial to them. The national fuel allowance scheme also provides assistance to householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive (HSE) payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. Fuel allowances are paid for 30 weeks from end-September to end-April. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. The allowance is €18 per week with an additional €3.90 per week paid to those in smokeless fuel areas.
Fuel allowances are incorporated in the recipient's weekly social welfare payment. This reflects the objective that the total weekly income of benefit and assistance recipients, including the fuel allowance, is sufficient to meet all of their income needs, including heating costs. It is estimated that over 290,000 people will benefit under the scheme in 2008 at a cost of €173 million. There are no plans at present to amend the household benefits to include an allowance for oil based heating. However, I will continue to review the operation of the scheme with a view to identifying the scope for further improvements as resources permit.
Rental Accommodation Scheme.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:83 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way her Department is working with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to ensure the rental accommodation scheme meets its objective of catering for those on long-term supplementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24761/08]
Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the Health Service Executive (HSE), as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs, and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. In recent years, a significant number of people have come to rely on rent supplement for extended periods. Currently almost 32,000 people are getting rent supplement for 18 months or more. For this reason, the scheme has to be viewed in the context of overall housing policy, particularly in the case of long-term claimants.
In response to this situation, in July 2004 the Government introduced new rental assistance arrangements which include the rental accommodation scheme (RAS). This gives local authorities specific responsibility for meeting the longer-term housing needs of people receiving rent supplement for 18 months or more, on a phased implementation basis. At the end of April 2008, 6,759 rent supplement cases have been transferred to RAS units with a further 6,276 transferred to other social housing options. A financial allocation is transferred from this Department to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in respect of the RAS scheme each year. €27m is due for transfer in 2008.
The Department works closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and is represented on a number of RAS implementation groups. That Department is provided with quarterly updates of persons on long term rent supplement for use by local authorities in targeting tenants for transfer to RAS. Significant changes to the means test for rent supplement were implemented in 2007 specifically to facilitate people returning to work who had been accepted as eligible for accommodation under RAS. These measures are positive steps in assisting tenants in achieving a long-term housing solution for their needs.
When the new rental assistance arrangements are fully implemented it is expected that in excess of 30,000 individuals will have transferred from the rent supplement scheme to the local authorities under the rental accommodation scheme or other social housing schemes. The Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government in ensuring that RAS meets its objective of catering for those on long term rent supplementation while enabling rent supplement to return to its original role of a short-term income support.
Social Welfare Code.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:84 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on raising the living alone allowance in view of the recent report from the Vincentian Partnership, which showed lone pensioners struggling to make ends meet. [24620/08]
Michael D. Higgins
Question:88 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which living alone is factored into the setting of social welfare rates; the details of any analysis undertaken by or on behalf of her Department which has determined the extra cost associated with living alone on social welfare relative to a couple; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24770/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 88 together.
The policy in relation to support for older people has been, for many years, to give priority to increasing the personal rates of pension in addition to enhancing the Household Benefits Package rather than supplements like the living alone increase. The objective is to use resources to improve the position of all pensioners to the fullest extent possible. The results of this policy can be seen in the most recent results from the EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC), which showed that the position of older people improved significantly from 2005 to 2006, with the "at risk of poverty"rate falling from 20.1% to 13.6% and the consistent poverty rate falling from 3.7% to 2.1%. Furthermore, the number of people aged 65 and over "at risk of poverty" was significantly lower than the figure of 17% for the general population. The needs of older people have been, and will remain, a priority for the Government. I will continue to keep the position in relation to the living alone increase under review in the context of future budgets.
Paul Connaughton
Question:85 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the agencies that were consulted during the development of the proposals for supporting lone parents that the senior officials group on social inclusion and her Department are progressing; the discussions that took place between her Department and same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24759/08]
The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents", put forward proposals to tackle obstacles to employment for lone parents and other low income families. Extensive consultation has been carried out at all stages in the development of the proposal. Submissions were invited from a range of organisations when the working group was first established within the Department of Social and Family Affairs to analyse the income support arrangements for lone parents and parents on low income. Thirty-nine organisations were contacted, including organisations participating in social partnership, lone parent organisations and other relevant organisations. Submissions were received from thirteen of these.
A consultative forum also took place with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs following the publication of the Government Discussion Paper. Attendees included representatives from a range of lone parent organisations, other NGOs, relevant agencies and other government departments, as well as opposition spokespersons and members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social and Family Affairs. In May 2006 the then Minister for Social and Family Affairs participated in a debate on the discussion paper in the Seanad and he presented the proposals to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social and Family Affairs. The consultation process has continued as the proposals are being developed in the Department with a number of meetings having taken place between officials and lone parent groups. Presentations on the proposals have been made at various fora around the country. The discussion at these meetings and events has assisted in the development of the proposals.
Pension Provisions.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:86 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason there have been such delays for the past 12 months in dealing with pension applications; and if there are proposals to put in place a more efficient response system. [24711/08]
The Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that pension claims are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible. Claims for State Pension (Contributory) and State Pension (Transition) are now fully processed within three weeks of receipt of the applications where all information is available. Average processing times for all claims now stand at less than 8 weeks for a State Pension (Contributory) and 5 weeks for State Pension (Transition). Over the past year 59% of State Pension Non-Contributory claims were processed and decided within 8 weeks. The processes involved in deciding State Pension Non-Contributory claims are currently being reviewed with a view to reducing the time taken to decide claims.
In order to facilitate a good service people are advised to apply for a pension at least three months before reaching pension age. Recently, the Department introduced a process of contacting people inviting them to claim the State Pension Contributory pension in advance of reaching pension age in order to ensure their entitlement to pension is decided by the due date. Similarly, people who are in receipt of long term means tested payments, such as Disability Allowance, Jobseekers Allowance, etc. are also notified to claim State Pension Non-Contributory in advance of reaching pension age. I am satisfied that pension claims are processed in a timely manner and that customers do not experience undue delay.
Departmental Procedures.
Billy Timmins
Question:87 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way her Department is exploring the way greater data and money transfer efficiencies will be realised in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24764/08]
The Department exchanges data with a range of agencies and is committed to using the most modern, efficient and secure methods available for this purpose. The Department actively 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. The Department's 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 the Department to customers includes payment to a local post office, bank or building society account and credit unions that have financial regulatory approval.
Over one million payments across a range of schemes are issued to customers of the Department on a weekly basis. These payments are generated from several individual IT systems and merged into a single payments file prior to transmission to the payment agency concerned. The Department transfers over 40 data files containing customer payment information electronically, via the mechanisms outlined, on a weekly basis to payment agencies. The interagency data transfer mechanism on the Government Network is used for large volumes to and from public sector agencies. Secure point-to-point connections are used for the transfer of large data volumes to private sector agencies mainly for the purpose of generating payments. Smaller volumes of data are transferred via other secure, encrypted, data transmission facilities.
Departmental officials regularly review the security and efficiency aspects of information transfer arrangements. As well as internal reviews, officials are in regular contact with recipient agencies to ensure that arrangements for the transfer of data are the most efficient and secure mechanisms available at the time. The Department is also involved in discussions at EU working group level to ensure that future exchanges of data will be carried out in a secure, consistent and efficient manner between social security agencies in member states.
Question No. 88 answered with Question No. 84.
Question No. 89 answered with Question No. 76.
Departmental Staff.
John Perry
Question:90 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the discussions that have taken place to define the flexibility and discretion available to community welfare officers; the way this will be retained under the remit of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24754/08]
Bernard Allen
Question:112 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the discussions that have taken place between her Department and the Health Service Executive on where the community welfare officers will be based when they move to the remit of her Department; if they will remain in health centres; if her Department has chosen new locations for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24753/08]
John Perry
Question:113 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the negotiation process between her Department and the Health Service Executive in relation to the move by community welfare officers to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24755/08]
Bernard Allen
Question:132 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the exact breakdown and location of the community welfare services within her Department and those to be retained by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24752/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90, 112, 113 and 132 together.
In February 2006 the Government decided to transfer certain non core functions from the Health Service Executive to the Department. The General Registrars Office transferred to the Department with effect from 1 January 2008 and plans are well advanced for the transfer of a number of disability related payments including domiciliary care allowance. The transfer of the Community Welfare Service to the Department is also to take place.
The work of the community welfare officers requires them to exercise discretion when making decisions regarding entitlement of supplementary allowance. From the outset, assurances have been given that when they transfer to the Department they will continue to make discretionary payments under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. This discretion is recognised as being fundamental to the scheme and there is no proposal to make any change in this regard; the existing flexibilities will be retained. The 2007 and 2008 Social Welfare and Pensions Acts which provided the legislative basis for the transfer of functions did not in anyway alter the existing discretionary element of the scheme. In relation to the location of Community Welfare Officers who transfer to the Department the position is that arrangements have been agreed with the HSE for the continued use of their existing accommodation. They will continue to operate from Health Centres but opportunities for co-location with other locally based Departmental staff will be examined on an ongoing basis taking account of service needs.
The transfer represents a significant change for the staff involved and there are a considerable number of human resources issues to be dealt with. Discussions are taking place between the management side comprised of officials from the Department, the Department of Health and Children and the HSE and the staff unions SIPTU and IMPACT. These discussions are being facilitated by an independent chairman. An intensive series of meetings took place between October 2007 and April 2008. A summary position paper outlining management's proposals for the transfer has been sent to the Unions and I understand that this will form the basis of further discussions. Discussions are also taking place with unions representing existing staff in the Department in relation to the transfer proposals. The aim is to reach a collective agreement with all the unions involved that addresses the concerns of all the staff involved.
In addition to administering the supplementary welfare allowance scheme on behalf of the Department some Community Welfare Officers working in counties other than Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow are also engaged in means assessment work for medical cards, nursing home subventions and other schemes which will continue to be administered by the HSE. It has been decided that a proportionate number of staff will remain in the HSE to deal with this work. Out of a total of 1,033 posts, 167 will be retained in the HSE and 866 will transfer to the Department. This distribution of posts is based on a study undertaken by external consultants engaged by the HSE to examine the work of the CWS in order to determine the exact level of staff resources engaged in the various functions. The final detailed figures were agreed between the Department and the HSE taking account of service delivery requirements in relation to the full range of work involved.
The integration of the Community Welfare Service with the Department will allow for the development of the role of Community Welfare Officers. There is already a significant level of liaison between them and locally based staff in the Department. Under an integrated management structure existing areas of duplication of work can be reduced and ultimately this will lead to an improved and more efficient service for the public. The Department is moving to a more dynamic response to the needs of the unemployed, lone parents and persons with disabilities. This involves a more direct engagement with these groups and the introduction of a case management and activation approach.
Community Welfare Officers have developed a huge level of experience and expertise in relation to dealing with persons who are disadvantaged. They are well placed to become involved in the development of the case management and activation approach. There will be ongoing consultation with staff in relation to these developments. The Department's priority is to maintain the existing high standard of service to the public during the implementation of the transfer of functions from the HSE.
Data Protection.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:91 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the Data Protection Commissioner’s audit of her Department’s procedures for processing personal data is finalised; the details of the main conclusions reached; and the action her Department will take on foot of these conclusions. [24797/08]
The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) undertook an audit of the Department in late January 2008. When the final report is received by the Department, its findings and recommendations will be carefully examined with a view to taking whatever actions are necessary.
Tax and Social Welfare Codes.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:92 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress to date between her Department and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners on the finalising of the renewed memorandum of understanding between her Department and organisations regarding co-operation and mutual assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24763/08]
The Department and the Revenue Commissioners are continuing the process of negotiating a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The new MOU is designed to build on the close co-operation that already exists between this Department and the Revenue Commissioners by improving and intensifying the levels and scope of existing administrative and operational arrangements between the two organisations. To that end, it is mindful of the respective roles and missions of each as public service organisations, of the particular importance of the services provided by each and recognising the growing interdependencies between them in achieving delivery of those services to the highest standard. The scope of the draft MOU covers aspects such as:
the timely collection by Revenue on behalf of the Department, of pay related social insurance (PRSI) contributions;
transfer to the Department of monies collected in an agreed manner and within agreed timescales;
the provision of accurate customer information and data;
the timely transfer of information and data by the Department to Revenue;
active joint co-operation in combating fraud;
maximising the opportunities offered by new technologies;
shared services (for example in relation to printing);
joint training; and
related practices and provisions on governance, monitoring, consultation and ongoing review.
Detailed discussions have taken place and very good progress has been made. A final round of discussions is now under way with a view to concluding the new MOU in the coming months.
Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Liz McManus
Question:93 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to research from Sustainable Energy Ireland that suggests more than 114,000 households are living in fuel poverty; her views on this figure; and her strategy to address this problem. [24786/08]
Pat Breen
Question:114 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way she will tackle the issue of fuel poverty among social welfare recipients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24767/08]
Joe Costello
Question:139 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to recent remarks by the chief executive of Bord Gáis that the number of people unable to heat their homes is expected to increase substantially over the coming years and that more subsidies would be required by more people in the coming years to meet extra costs; the strategy her Department has of tracking the cost of fuels and analysing its impact on low income family units; and the plans to alter the household benefits package. [24776/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 93, 114 and 139 together.
Fuel poverty has been described as the inability to afford adequate warmth in a home, or the inability to achieve adequate warmth because of the energy inefficiency of the home. Various studies have been conducted in recent years which highlight fuel poverty problems affecting particular groups including households on low income, pensioners and lone parents. Studies include the Institute of Public Health's "All Ireland Paper on Fuel Poverty and Health" published in December 2007 and, more recently Sustainable Energy Ireland's "Energy in the Residential Sector" in June 2008. These studies give varying estimates of the numbers and types of households affected by fuel poverty.
One of the primary contributory factors to fuel poverty identified in reports is the low energy efficiency of parts of the private and public housing stock. Problems in this regard relate mainly to older housing, with poor insulation and draught-proofing or inefficient heating systems. All new housing, including social housing, is being built to modern energy efficiency standards. Local housing authorities are undertaking an ongoing programme, including draught insulation and energy efficiency, to upgrade the older social housing stock and provide better living conditions generally for tenants.
I am aware that the Chief Executive of Bord Gáis recently spoke about the issue of energy affordability in Ireland. He acknowledged that the Government currently provides substantial support for energy affordability through the National Fuel Scheme and the Household Benefits Package but that in addition to this, the energy industry needs to take a pro-active approach on the issue. The increasing cost of fuel will present a challenge to the Government on a number of fronts including the income support response for social welfare recipients.
The main role of the social welfare system in relation to fuel poverty is to provide income supports. Government policy in recent years has focused on significantly increasing primary social welfare rates to ensure that people on social welfare can meet their basic living costs, including heating costs throughout the year. Since December 2001, overall inflation has increased by 27% while energy product prices have increased by 65%. However, increases in social welfare payments have been between 71% and 88% in the same period. The government will continue to use annual budget increases to compensate social welfare recipients for increases in living costs. In addition to primary payments, there are a number of social welfare programmes to assist with heating costs, specifically – the national fuel allowance scheme, the household benefits package and the special heating needs supplement. These arrangements too have been improved in recent years.
The household benefits package was improved in January 2007 when the number of units of electricity covered by the scheme was increased from 1,800 to 2,400. An equivalent increase in the natural gas allowance had already come into effect in October 2006. These allowances also cover standing charges and the associated VAT. The natural gas allowance is an alternative to the electricity allowance for people whose homes are connected to a natural gas supply. People can choose to have the allowance applied to either their electricity or their gas bill, which ever is most beneficial to them. As currently structured, these allowances are linked to unit energy consumption so that people are protected against unit price increases in electricity or gas.
The Department is cooperating with a number of organisations including Sustainable Energy Ireland and Combat Poverty Agency and with the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government in action research projects on energy efficiency. Reports on these fuel research projects, due later this year, will help to inform Government policy in relation to fuel poverty. Any changes to social welfare programmes to assist with heating costs will be considered in a budgetary context and available resources. However, the main focus will be to increase social welfare payments in real terms to enable social welfare recipients to better meet heating and other needs.
Pension Provisions.
Denis Naughten
Question:94 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she will take to facilitate women forced out of employment due to the marriage rule to avail of contributory pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19803/08]
The Government is anxious to ensure that as many people as possible can be accommodated within the social welfare pensions system, with due regard being paid to the contributory principle underlying entitlement to contributory payments and, in the case of non-contributory payments, the need to ensure that resources are directed to those who are most in need. Over the last 10 years, means tests have been improved and qualifying conditions for contributory payments made easier. Many women in both the private and the public sector left employment on marriage because they were required to or because that was the societal norm at the time. Civil servants who left the workforce through the operation of the marriage bar were not insured for social welfare pension purposes. Accordingly, the loss of pension rights in their case relates more to their occupational position rather than social welfare pension entitlements.
That said, the Green Paper on Pensions, which was published on 17th October 2007 includes a full discussion on the social welfare pension position of women who had to resign due to the marriage bar. In this context, the Green Paper sets out a range of reforms for consideration, including the use of universal entitlements and back-dating the homemakers scheme. A consultation process commenced following the paper's publication and submissions were invited on all aspects of the pensions system. The consultation period has just concluded and work has recently commenced on developing a framework for future policy in this area. Decisions in relation to those who are not at present receiving support through the social welfare system, including those who had to leave employment on marriage, will be considered in that context. It is expected that the policy framework will be finalised by the end of the year.
Martin Ferris
Question:95 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on mailing every older person a booklet highlighting their entitlements upon their becoming eligible for a pension, as suggested recently by numerous age action groups. [24616/08]
The primary objective of my Department's information policy is to ensure that all citizens are made aware of their entitlements and that they are kept informed of changes and improvements in schemes and services as they occur. In relation to older people, the Department produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets and booklets. For example, a booklet entitled "Checklist for Pensioners" (SW10) which sets out the benefits for which a pensioner may qualify, has recently been updated and is currently being distributed to all Social Welfare local offices, and Citizens Information Centres. This booklet, along with other related information leaflets and claim forms, is available from the Department's LoCall Leaflet Line at 1890 20 23 25.
The Citizens Information Board, (CIB) which comes under the aegis of my Department, produced a booklet called "Information Age – How to access Senior Citizen Benefits" as part of an initiative to meet the information needs of older people. The booklet contains brief information on retirement, health services, income and support, and safety and security. Its primary purpose is to direct older people to sources of information, advice and support. In 2007, this booklet was sent to all Social Welfare pensioners and was promoted in a short media campaign. It is available through Citizens Information Centres, the Department's local offices and Health Centres. The Citizens Information Board also provides information through some 260 Citizen Information Centres and other outlets around the country, through a phone service which operates from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, and the website www.citizensinformation.ie.
The Department operates a network of approximately 130 local and branch offices throughout the country. Each Local Office has officers who are dedicated to providing information and are available to explain supports and services to people. This locally based service is supported by a central Information Unit which operates a LoCall information line (1890 66 22 44) which customers may call for information and guidance on their entitlements. In addition, information on all our schemes and services is available on the Department's website, www.welfare.ie. Information leaflets can be downloaded from this site or a request can be made on-line for a booklet to be posted out.
As well as attending exhibitions and seminars throughout the country promoting information on social welfare rights and entitlements, presentations and talks are given by staff directly to various groups of people approaching pension age. The Department has consulted widely with stakeholder groups representing older people and works closely with voluntary and community organisations involved in an information giving role. I am satisfied that the Department is taking all necessary steps to ensure that older people are made aware of their entitlements.
Social Welfare Code.
Paul Connaughton
Question:96 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding proposals for supporting lone parents; when they will go to the Cabinet committee on social inclusion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24758/08]
Mary Upton
Question:102 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will publish the findings of the pilot studies in Kilkenny and Coolock relating to reforms of the social welfare code as it relates to lone parents; and when she expects to act on these findings. [24790/08]
Paul Kehoe
Question:124 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the outcome of the pilot study carried out in Kilkenny and Finglas relating to lone parents; when the outcome of same will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24741/08]
Pat Rabbitte
Question:125 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she will abolish the cohabitation rule in respect of the one-parent family payment. [24798/08]
Mary Upton
Question:136 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her Department will publish proposals revising those in its discussion document proposals for supporting lone parents in order that all poverty traps are eliminated. [24791/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 96, 102, 124, 125 and 136 together.
The Government discussion paper, Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents, put forward proposals to tackle obstacles to employment for lone parents and other low income families. Under the proposals, the lone parenthood category would no longer exist. Instead, a new payment would be made to all parents, living alone or with a partner, with young children, on low income. The proposed payment would remove the current disincentive for lone parents to form stable relationships and facilitates a more neutral social welfare system with regard to people's choice of life style or living arrangements.
The tests in Coolock and Kilkenny were carried out to facilitate the development of the policy and operational details of the new scheme. They have highlighted how lone parents are not a homogenous group, are of different ages, have experienced different routes into lone parenthood and have different needs. The experience of this engagement process is feeding into the development of our approach to working with lone parents and qualified adults to support them into education, training and employment. Work is also ongoing in addressing possible poverty traps in the new income support scheme. These elements will form part of the proposals which I hope to bring to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion in the coming months.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:97 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the actions she has taken to explore the possibility of including in the household benefits package a national waste services waiver scheme. [24795/08]
The setting of waste management charges and the introduction of waivers in respect of waste charges is, as has been stated in this House on many occasions, a matter for each local authority. Local authorities operate under the auspices of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The introduction of a national social welfare scheme as part of the household benefits scheme to address the issue would not be feasible given the wide range of charging regimes and cost structures that exist in respect of waste management throughout the State. Charges vary across local authorities and within local authorities where there is more than one provider. In addition, some local authorities and private operators already operate waiver schemes but, again, the qualifying conditions for these schemes also vary. Any system put in place to assist people with waste collection charges would have to take account of the different local arrangements.
My officials have discussed this issue with their counterparts in the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and I understand that said Department does not have any plans at present to introduce a national waiver scheme. Similarly, I have no plans to introduce a waiver scheme through the social welfare system.
Question No. 98 answered with Question No. 80.
Phil Hogan
Question:99 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the recent figures compiled by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul showing a dramatic 50% increase in calls for the first five months of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007; the measures her Department has undertaken to address same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24750/08]
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has a proud tradition of supporting and championing the rights of the poorest members of our society. I met with representatives of the Society recently and listened carefully to their concerns about increased demands on their supports and services generally and in the Dublin area, in particular.
At the outset, I would like to draw attention to the fact that persons who are experiencing immediate financial emergencies can avail of the Community Welfare Service which operates the Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payment schemes on behalf of my Department. Improvements in social welfare supports are normally introduced by way of the annual Budget. Following Budget 2008, overall social welfare spending in 2008 is projected to be just under €17 billion. This is an increase of €1.5 billion (or nearly 10%) over 2007. Over the last five Budgets, the lowest social welfare rates have increased by 58% compared to cumulative price increases of 17% in the same period. In 2004, the lowest social welfare rate of payment equated to 24% of gross average industrial earnings. In 2008 this rate will equate to over 30%.
Budget 2008 provided for increases in welfare rates of payment which are ahead of the projected increases in prices for 2008. These included:
An increase in the maximum personal rates of contributory pension of €14, or 6.7%, per week, and
An increase of €12.00 per week, or 6.5%, in the lowest personal rate of payment.
In addition, a wide range of improvements for families with children were also announced. Following Budget 2008, total child income support for a welfare dependant family with one young child will be €87.77 per week or an increase of 7% over 2007.
The level of increases introduced this year clearly demonstrate the Government's determination to fully protect the most vulnerable in our society and to making real progress towards achieving our commitments for pensioners, carers, people with disabilities and all others relying in whole or in part on a welfare payment. I look forward, subject to available resources, to making further progress in this regard in the years ahead and I will take into account the views put forward by the Society and other welfare organizations in this regard.
Billy Timmins
Question:100 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she envisages the completion of the technical review of the entire welfare code to examine its compatibility with the Equal Status Act 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24765/08]
The purpose of the review of the social welfare code, which is currently being undertaken in the Department, is to examine its compatibility with the Equal Status Act, 2000 (as amended). The review will examine all the schemes and services provided for both in social welfare legislation and the administrative schemes operated by the Department. It will identify any instances of direct or indirect discrimination, on any of the nine grounds under the Act that are not justified by a legitimate social policy objective or where the means of achieving that objective are either unnecessary or inappropriate.
The review is being undertaken in two phases. Phase 1 involved undertaking a scoping exercise to establish the most appropriate approach and methodology to carrying out the main review, which would be robust and verifiable. The results of Phase 1 then formed the basis of the terms of reference of the main review. A request for tender for Phase 2 of the work, involving the undertaking of the main review, issued in April 2007. Consultants were selected to carry out the work in July 2007, with work commencing in October 2007. The work is expected to be completed by early 2009.
Phil Hogan
Question:101 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if progress on reducing poverty has stalled in the past 12 months and a minimally adequate standard of living remains out of reach for many Irish households; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24751/08]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:126 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the recent report on household budgets from the Vincentian Partnership which revealed that single female pensioners and single adults living on social welfare or the national minimum wage, have a weekly shortfall in terms of their income and expenditure. [24619/08]
Olwyn Enright
Question:141 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the report by the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice, Minimum Essential Budgets for Six Households; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24749/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 126 and 141 together.
I welcome the recent research by the Vincentian Partnership which clearly demonstrates the considerable progress made by the Government since the publication of their original research entitled "Minimum Essential Budgets for Six Households" in late 2006. This is one of a number of research modals and, it presents some very useful information and the updated findings will certainly be studied with interest by the Department. The recent update shows significant improvements in the position for most household types. In particular, pensioner couple households and lone parents or couples with younger children have seen their position improve dramatically.
The decisive steps taken by the Government in the last two years on a wide range of fronts have addressed some of the problems and challenges identified in the 2006 report, and in other similar studies. Such actions include the introduction of the early child care supplement, increases in social welfare rates and the National Minimum Wage. Social welfare pensions have increased by €30 per week and basic welfare rates by €32 per week since 2006. These increases have been well in excess of both inflation and wage growth. In addition, child benefit rates have increased by over 10% in the same period while the qualified child allowance has been significantly restructured and enhanced. Other measures have included:
Improvements in the means testing arrangements for a range of schemes such as jobseeker's allowance and disability allowance. These are designed to encourage recipients and their spouse/partners to work, thereby increasing total household income;
Changes in the upper earnings limit for one-parent family payment;
Improvements in the family income supplement focused on larger families.
This Government remains committed to significantly improving the standard of living of welfare dependent and low-income households and to implementing the National Action Plan on Social Inclusion, a key objective of which is the elimination of consistent poverty. We will continue to pursue these policies having regard to available resources.
Question No. 102 answered with Question No. 96.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:103 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the changes she has sought in respect of accommodation paid for by rent supplement from the review of housing standards regulations being conducted by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. [24788/08]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:120 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way her Department will keep the rent supplement scheme under review including the rent limits that apply with the schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24762/08]
Willie Penrose
Question:137 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will commission qualitative research of clients of her Department to establish the issues they face, in particular to ascertain their views on the quality of their accommodation or if their landlords require additional top-ups from the tenant as well as their rent supplement contributions. [24800/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 103, 120 and 137 together.
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. Under existing arrangements the HSE may, in certain circumstances, exceed the rent limits currently applying. This discretionary power ensures that individuals with particular needs can be accommodated within the scheme and specifically protects against homelessness.
Rent limits were last set in January 2007 and a review of these limits is currently being finalised. Any adjustments to rent limits, resulting from this review, will be effective from 1 July 2008. Rent supplement is calculated to ensure that a person, after payment of rent, has an income equal to the basic SWA rate, less a specified minimum contribution, currently set at €13 per week, which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. This minimum contribution has not been increased since January 2004, despite significant increases in basic social welfare payments in the intervening period. The tenant makes the application for rent supplement and the Department's relationship is with the tenant in all cases. Payment is made to the tenant, it is the property of the tenant and is specifically for the benefit of the tenant to assist them with their accommodation needs.
Where a landlord charges a rent in excess of that declared by him/her on the rent supplement application form, the matter should be reported to the relevant community welfare officer who will deal with the individual case. There are existing legislative provisions in place relating to the making of false statements for the purpose of obtaining payments from the Department.
Responsibility for setting and enforcing housing standards rests with the local authorities. The community welfare service of the HSE is not qualified to undertake this work. However, accommodation occupied by rent supplement tenants should at least meet minimum housing standards. Under legislative provisions introduced by the Department in 2006 and 2007, the HSE can decide that a rent supplement may not be payable where it has been notified by a housing authority regarding non-compliance with housing standards. Where a notification of non-compliance with standards is received from a housing authority in respect of an existing tenant, guidelines recommend that a community welfare officer discuss the situation with the tenant and take whatever action is necessary in the best interests of the tenant. The objective is to ensure that substandard accommodation does not come within rent supplementation.
The HSE must be satisfied that accommodation funded under the rent supplement scheme is reasonably suited to the residential and other needs of the claimant. Where the HSE becomes aware of accommodation or blocks of accommodation which appears to it to be sub-standard, it notifies the local authority and it may advise prospective tenants at that premises that rent supplement will not be paid in respect of those tenancies. Details of long-term rent supplement tenancies are provided to local authorities via the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Over 30,000 cases have been notified to date and this information sharing assists in enforcing housing standards. In addition, details of rent supplement tenancies are provided to the Private Residential Tenancies Board in order to ensure that tenancies are registered with the Board by landlords. Revenue generated from registration of new tenancies supports the inspection of housing standards.
The Department has no plans to undertake research in the area of rent supplements. However, a review of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993 is being undertaken by the Minister for State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Department is feeding into that process as required, and will fully support the implementation of any provisions that impact on the rent supplement scheme. Departmental officials meet with Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on a regular basis to discuss issues of common interest including standards for rented accommodation. The Department is committed to supporting the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Action Programme which aims to promote further improvement in private rented accommodation standards.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:104 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will issue guidelines to community welfare officers to pay higher rates of rent supplement to single person households in circumstances where the recipient has overnight access to their children; her views on whether such recipients require larger accommodation to facilitate the overnight stays by their children and that this is in the best interest of the children concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24799/08]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The purpose of the scheme is to provide short-term income support, in the form of a weekly or monthly payment, to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.
The community welfare service must satisfy itself that an applicant for rent supplement has a genuine accommodation need for which he or she cannot provide, that a bona fide tenancy arrangement exists between the applicant and the landlord and that the property being rented is suitable to his or her needs. In determining whether the accommodation is suited to the person's accommodation needs, a community welfare officer must establish the household composition, the size of the accommodation unit and identify any special needs that the person may have. As part of this process, the officer may carry out a visit to the residential premises in question.
A community welfare officer has the flexibility and discretion to make payment of rent supplement in any case where it appears to him that the circumstances of the case so warrant, including cases where both parents have custody of a child but reside apart. Documentary evidence of child custody arrangements is normally required before a decision could be made on entitlement in such circumstances. Every claim for rent supplement is determined having regard to the particular circumstances of the applicant.
Róisín Shortall
Question:105 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding her Department’s effort to comply with the Finance Act 2008 in respect of the collection of and provision to the Revenue Commissioners of the PPS numbers of landlords receiving rent supplement; if her attention has been drawn to section 473 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, which allows the Revenue Commissioners to seek a landlord’s PPS number as a condition of a tenant claiming tax relief on rent; and the way this is compatible with the stated position of her Department that the Finance Act 2008 presents it with legal difficulties. [24772/08]
Rent Supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible tenants living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.
The Department is committed to effective co-operation with the Revenue Commissioners and in this regard, details of rent supplemented tenancies, for many years, have been supplied to the Revenue Commissioners, in a format agreed with them. The information supplied pursuant to Section 888 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, consists of the full address of the tenancy, the name, address and telephone number of the landlord or agent and a statement of all payments arising from each individual tenancy. The Revenue Commissioners have indicated that they have had significant success in matching landlords of rent supplemented tenancies with their database of clients.
Section 123 of the Finance Act 2007 requires that my Department and/or the HSE request a PPS No. or other tax reference number from the owner of premises in respect of which rent supplement is to be paid. The required data must be supplied to the Revenue Commissioners by my Department or advice to the effect that the landlord has not complied with the request for such information. Section 123 of the Finance Act also requires the Department to request the landlord to furnish to the Department his or her PPS number. The Department is then required to transmit the PPS number to Revenue or to notify them if the landlord fails to provide this information. The Revenue Commissioners have been formally advised that the Department is making the necessary arrangements to collect, record and transmit landlords PPS or tax reference number. The earliest implementation date is estimated to be October 2008. The timescale proposed is acceptable to the Revenue Commissioners who will not be in a position to process 2008 data until October 2009 i.e. when 2008 returns are due from the self employed.
The scheme established by the Social Welfare Consolidated Act 2005 in relation to PPS numbers envisages the number being disclosed only to specified bodies for their public functions and does not envisage the PPS numbers being required to be disclosed to individuals. The Data Protection Commissioner has in the past, objected to the use of PPS numbers by non-public bodies. In the circumstances it would not be appropriate to require the tenant to request the landlords PPS number and for this reason the application form for rent supplement does not provide for collection of the number. Section 473 of the Taxes Consolidation Act covers the relationship between the Revenue Commissioners and a tenant claiming tax relief and would only be relevant if the tenant receiving rent supplement is also claiming tax relief.
Willie Penrose
Question:106 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the substantial extra costs incurred by families with dependent teenagers; and the extent to which costs associated with teenagers are factored into the setting of social welfare rates. [24769/08]
Child benefit is a universal payment, paid in respect of children up to the age of 16 years. It continues to be paid in respect of children up to age 19 who are in full-time education, or who have a physical or mental disability. The policy of the Government over the past number of years has been to substantially increase the amount spent on child benefit for all families. Commitment to this policy is reflected in the significant resources invested in the scheme since 2001, increasing monthly payments to €166.00 for each of the first two children and €203.00 for the third and subsequent children from April 2008.
In recognition of the need to target limited available resources at persons on low incomes with children in full-time education, a number of provisions have been introduced, including the extension of entitlement to an increase for qualified child to age 22 where the parent of a full-time student (including third level) is in receipt of either a long-term social welfare payment, or a short-term social welfare payment for six months or more (short-term schemes include such payments as jobseekers benefit and allowance, illness benefit and supplementary welfare allowance).
The back to school clothing and footwear allowance is paid in respect of children in the most vulnerable families, at €200 for children aged 2 to 11 and at €305 for children aged 12 years and older. In addition, in-work cash payments are provided to low-paid employees with families through the family income supplement scheme. Under this scheme, a qualified child is any child under the age of 18 or aged 18 to 22 if in full-time education. This supplement is paid where a family's weekly income is below a specified income threshold for the family size, and is calculated at 60% of the difference between the net family income (gross pay less tax, PRSI, health contribution, superannuation) and the relevant income threshold.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:107 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the transfer of the domiciliary care allowance scheme and other disability-related income maintenance schemes to her Department; the measures in place to ensure that the recipients of same scheme are updated on the transfer of the scheme to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24760/08]
This transfer arises from a Government decision to reallocate certain functions to the Department from the Health Sector. It involves the transfer of Domiciliary Care Allowance, the associated Respite Care Grant, Blind Welfare Allowance, Infectious Diseases Maintenance Allowance and Mobility Allowance. Legislation contained in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2008 provides for the transfer of Domiciliary Care Allowance, Respite Care Grant and Blind Welfare Allowance. This legislation will come into effect in 2009 by commencement order when all other arrangements have been put in place. In the case of Infectious Diseases Maintenance Allowance there are only 15 people currently in receipt of this allowance. It is proposed to transfer these recipients to another more appropriate income support payment at an equivalent rate of payment, and to discontinue the allowance. The transfer of Mobility Allowance will be considered in detail at a later stage.
A detailed project plan is in place and significant progress is being made to ensure that the transfer of these payments runs smoothly as possible and without any disruption in service to recipients of these payments. As part of the transfer programme a communication and consultation strategy has been devised by the Department and the HSE. This strategy commits to ongoing dialogue with all stakeholders associated with the transfer programme.
A primary focus of the communications strategy must necessarily be directed towards service users and recipients of the system. The Department is also acutely aware of the importance of engaging in consultation with representative organisations. In this regard, regular updates are given to the Department's Disability Consultative Forum which is attended by a range of organisations representing people with disabilities. They are quite supportive of the transfer proposal and the approach being taken. The specific communication measures to occur in advance of the transfer include:
Mailshots will be issued both by the HSE and the Department to existing recipients of these payments advising them fully on the transfer arrangements and about details of their individual payments.
Fact sheets outlining the principal features of the transfer will be distributed to a wide range of information providers.
Ongoing consultation with disability and carers representative organisations will occur.
A comprehensive national media campaign will also be put in place to supplement the information programme.
Pension Provisions.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:108 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if all carers providing full-time care are awarded social welfare contributions for retirement or old age pension regardless of whether they have had previous insurable employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24816/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:189 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will award contributory old age pension credits to carers who have provided care for ten years or more; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24987/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:190 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review the entitlements to contributory State pension for carers who have spent a specific number of years caring notwithstanding the fact that they might not have had other insurable contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24988/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 108, 189 and 190 together.
In order to qualify for the maximum rate of the state pension (contributory) a person must, amongst other qualifying conditions, achieve a yearly average of at least 48 contributions paid or credited on his/her social insurance record over their working life. Reduced pensions are paid to those with yearly averages as low as 10 contributions. Arrangements are also in place to cater for those with social insurance contributions at different rates, with contributions from other EU member States or countries with which Ireland has reciprocal social security agreements and with pre-1953 contributions. These arrangements have made it easier for people to qualify for a contributory pension.
Measures are also in place to protect the social welfare pension entitlements of those who leave work to care for sick or elderly relatives. People who qualify for payments such as carer's allowance or carer's benefit may, subject to certain conditions, qualify for credited contributions. The homemaker's scheme, which was introduced in and took effect from 1994, allows up to 20 years spent caring for children or incapacitated adults to be disregarded when a person's social insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes. This scheme applies to people who take time out of the workforce for caring duties but who do not qualify for credits through the carer's allowance or benefit schemes.
Any person, including a carer, may pay voluntary contributions once they satisfy certain qualifying conditions. Voluntary contributions allow a person to remain insured once they leave the compulsory PRSI system. To become a voluntary contributor a person must have at least 260 PRSI contributions paid in respect of either employment or self-employment and apply within 12 months of the end of the contribution year during which they last paid compulsory insurance or were last awarded a credited contribution. From June 2006 the number of hours a person can engage in employment, self employment, education or training outside the home and still be eligible for carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant was increased from 10 to 15 hours per week. Where a carer remains in employment he or she will continue to pay the appropriate social insurance contribution.
Overall, I am satisfied that adequate arrangements are in place to protect the pension entitlements of people who leave employment to provide full-time care so that they can qualify for a contributory pension. There are, of course, people caring who cannot benefit from these measures. The position of these, and others who are at present not receiving support through the social welfare pension system was considered in the Green Paper on Pensions. A consultation process on the Green Paper was conducted recently. The Government will respond to the process by developing a framework to address the pensions agenda over the longer term and I expect that this will be finalised before the end of the year. The position of those who are at present without a contributory pension entitlement will be considered in that context.
Departmental Staff.
Arthur Morgan
Question:109 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the shortage of staff in her Department dealing with jobseeker’s allowance and benefit claims leading to a backlog in the processing of these claims; and if she plans to address the matter. [24614/08]
Emmet Stagg
Question:121 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her strategy for dealing with the significant extra demand on social welfare offices as highlighted by the rising numbers on the live register; the way staff are being deployed to areas that have experienced high rises in the number of people signing on; if other services or planned services have been curtailed because of this. [24789/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 121 together.
The Department delivers a front-line service through a network of 60 Local Offices and 65 Branch Offices countrywide. The main services provided from these offices include Jobseekers Payment, One-Parent Family Payment and an Information service. The staffing levels in Local Offices are reviewed from time to time. Following on the most recent reviews undertaken by the Management Services Unit of the Department as a consequence of the increasing Live Register, an additional 31 posts have been allocated to some 15 offices and the necessary assignments are currently being made. This will not give rise to any curtailment of services in other areas of the Department.
In the past few years the Department has coped with increasing demands arising from significant changes to the social welfare code and in the numbers of persons accessing the system. Operational procedures and the organisation of work continue to be reviewed and restructured to maximise the benefits of technology and new developments in processing techniques and business information. The department monitors the fluctuations in the live register on an ongoing basis in order to address any customer service issues.
Social Welfare Code.
David Stanton
Question:110 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 342 of 20 November 2007, if the Government has completed its consideration of the report of the working group on long-term care; the action she will take to improve the situation of young carers as a result; the involvement her Department has had with the Office of the Minister for Children in the study of children engaged in inappropriate care roles as per the commitment in Towards 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24806/08]
The Working Group on Long Term Care was established in 2005 to identify the policy options for a financially sustainable system of long-term care. It comprises senior officials from the Departments of Finance, Health and Children and my Department. The report of that working group has influenced recent Budgets and the national partnership agreement Towards 2016. The Department of Health and Children published the report on its website in January 2008.
Towards 2016 includes a commitment to a study of the extent to which children undertake inappropriate care roles in order to establish the extent and degree to which this issue arises and the levels of impact it has on the lives of children concerned. The Office of the Minister for Children, which has the lead role in relation to this study, has invited tenders for a research project on mechanisms to identify young carers aged 5-17 years and the positive and negative impact of caring on their lives and to make recommendations for ways in which they can be assisted. Officials from my Department have been working closely with that Office in that regard. It is expected that the study will begin in July 2008.
I am aware of the particular difficulties faced by young carers and I accept that special help, advice and support are essential for young carers in particular and that services must be put in place to support the household and to ensure that young carers remain at school. These include the services of home helps, public health nurses and home care packages generally, which are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children.
The Department provides income support to carers by way of carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant. The respite care grant, which is an annual payment for carers who look after certain people in need of full-time care and attention, is payable from age 16. The payment is made regardless of the carer's means or social insurance contributions but subject to certain qualifying conditions. From June 2008 the value of the grant was increased to €1,700 per year in respect of each care recipient. Carer's allowance, which provides income support to people who are providing full time care and attention to a person in need of such care and whose incomes fall below a certain limit, is payable from age 18.
I am always prepared to consider changes to existing arrangements where these are for the benefit of recipients and financially sustainable within the resources available. However, I consider that it is through the provision of health and education services rather than income that we can best support young carers.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:111 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review the qualifying criteria for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance in order that low income families who derive earnings from self-employment may qualify. [24793/08]
A person may qualify for payment of a back to school clothing and footwear allowance if they are in receipt of a social welfare or Health Service Executive (HSE) payment, or are participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education and training course and have household income below standard levels. The scheme provides a one-off payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when their children start school each autumn. The allowance is intended to provide assistance towards the cost of school clothing and footwear, not to meet the full cost.
If a person is self-employed, they or their spouse may qualify in certain circumstances for jobseekers allowance or family income supplement subject to meeting the qualifying criteria of these schemes. Self-employed people may receive back to school clothing and footwear allowance provided they are receiving a qualifying payment, such as Family Income Supplement or Jobseekers Allowance. If a self-employed person is not in receipt of a qualifying payment such as jobseeker's allowance, then they will not qualify for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance.
The back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme is an important support for parents at a time of particular financial strain. I am satisfied that improvements to the scheme in recent years, namely an increase in income limits and an increase in the rates of payment respectively, provide a major boost to meeting the financial costs associated with return to school for those who most need assistance. Any changes to the structure of the scheme, rates of payment, income limits or amendments to the qualifying criteria would have cost implications and would have to be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of resources available for improvements in social welfare payments generally.
Questions Nos. 112 and 113 answered with Question No. 90.
Question No. 114 answered with Question No. 93.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:115 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the measures in place within her Department to improve processing times of all aspects of the appeals process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24756/08]
The social welfare appeals process is quasi-judicial and the procedures are designed to ensure that every appellant's case gets full and satisfactory consideration. It is necessary for the Appeals Officer to be satisfied that he/she has all the facts before making a decision on a case. The Appeals Officer must give the person making the appeal and the Deciding Officer the opportunity to make their views known on the facts of the appeal. In addition, in some cases it may be necessary to have further investigations carried out by the Department's Social Welfare Inspectors or Medical assessors and this, of course, can give rise to inevitable time lags in processing appeals.
In order to speed up the process, the Department introduced a right of review in 2002 to ensure that members of the public who receive adverse decisions could have them reviewed by Deciding Officers in the light of any new evidence they brought forward. People whose claims are disallowed or who are otherwise dissatisfied with a decision are advised they should bring any new facts or evidence to the attention of the Deciding Officer in the first instance for re-examination and, if appropriate, a revised decision. They are informed of this right is in addition to their right of appeal. They can seek a Deciding Officer's review before making an appeal or can do both concurrently. The right of appeal to the social welfare appeals office remains an option if the review by the deciding officer is not fruitful.
I am advised that the Social Welfare Appeals Office deals with over 14,000 appeals on an annual basis and the provision of a prompt service remains a major customer service objective for the Office. Available resources are prioritised to the greatest possible extent so as to achieve the best possible standard of service to its customers. However, due to the quasi judicial nature of the social welfare appeals system, any improvements made in processing times must be achieved in a manner which is consistent with natural justice and the need to ensure that every appeal is fully investigated and determined on all its circumstances.
Social Welfare Code.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:116 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated administrative cost of reforming child income supports by amalgamating qualified child additions with family income supplement; the discussions she has had with the Department of Finance regarding the possibility of partly facilitating this move by introducing refundable tax credits; and the level of engagement between the two Departments on this issue. [24775/08]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:127 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the Government policy on reforming child income supports by amalgamating qualified child additions with family income supplement; the action she will take in this regard; and the timescale she is working to. [24774/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 127 together.
In the context of social partnership The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) was asked to examine the feasibility of merging the family income supplement (FIS) with the increase for qualified children (IQC). While NESC failed to reach a consensus on this issue, a research paper by Dr. John Sweeney was made available late in 2007 as a contribution to the debate. This included a proposal to abolish both FIS and IQCs in favour of a new means-tested payment, estimated by Dr. Sweeney at a net (additional) annual Programme cost of €775 million in 2006 terms. Such a payment would be distributed where appropriate by means of a refundable tax credit, and otherwise by cash transfer. Consideration of this scheme would raise a number of policy issues as well as posing significant administrative challenges.
In view of the above, an examination of existing selective child income support measures is underway in the Department, adopting a two strand approach which includes an analysis of families already receiving FIS and an examination of qualifying families who may qualify for FIS but have not applied for payment and the underlying reasons for their failure to avail of FIS. The results of this study are expected to be available later this year. This review, together with consideration of the issues raised in Dr. Sweeney's discussion paper, will inform future policy in this area. In considering any change, all policy, administrative and cost implications would, of course, be fully taken into account. In developing future policy in this area it is important to keep in mind the multiple objectives behind the provision of child income support and to maintain the correct balance between broad based supports such as child benefit and more targeted supports such as FIS and IQCs.
Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Shane McEntee
Question:117 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the measures her Department has in place to monitor the operation of its schemes with a view to ensuring that poverty traps and disincentives are removed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24746/08]
Richard Bruton
Question:142 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the research or analysis of the removal of poverty traps relating to the policy of phasing and using transition payments for those coming off social welfare payments that has been undertaken by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24745/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 142 together.
There is a constant balance to be maintained in ensuring that social welfare programmes provide an adequate safety net for those who need to avail of them and, at the same time, provide opportunities to assist people to become less welfare dependent. In this context, a number of measures have been introduced in recent years to remove disincentives to taking up employment and to assist in the transition from welfare to work. These include the easing of means tests through income disregards, tapered withdrawal of benefits as earnings increase and the provision of employment supports. Examples of disregards and the tapered approach include: the weekly cash disregard on one parent family payment (OPFP) and 50% assessment of the balance, with the earnings ceiling increased to €425 from May 2008 and payment of half rate OPFP for 6 months where earnings exceed €425; the earnings disregard which applies to people with disabilities when engaging in work of a rehabilitative nature, and the enhanced disregards of earnings introduced in 2007 in relation to the rent supplement scheme which complement the rental accommodation scheme that was introduced in 2004.
Important progress in removing poverty and inactivity traps is also shown in two significant reforms which were introduced in September 2007. These improved the method by which a person's earnings from employment, or the earnings of their partner, are means tested and facilitate people in increasing their level of employment and income. This means that both adults associated with a jobseeker's allowance claim are now assessed in a similar manner and ensures that the families gain when earnings increase, encouraging qualified adults to move beyond long-term part-time employment. These changes are designed, in particular, to be progressive for women, who currently make up the majority of qualified adults in the social welfare system. Under the previous assessment procedures a trap existed whereby the loss in benefits to a household could exceed the gain in income attained by an increase in the earnings of a partner. The improved assessment applies to jobseeker's allowance, disability allowance, farm assist and pre-retirement allowance.
Family income supplement provides support for people in low-income employment with children, even where they have not previously been in receipt of a social welfare payment, preserving the incentive to take up or remain in employment. Farm assist is a weekly means-tested payment for low income farmers, including those who may have off-farm employment or additional self-employment. Recipients of various social welfare schemes may also qualify for a transitional payment under the back to work programme which provides for retention on a phased basis of their social welfare payment when taking up employment or self employment.
It is important to ensure that work pays and a number of policy instruments crossing a range of Government Departments are used as a way of alleviating poverty amongst people in low wage employment. In addition to those already mentioned, these include changes to the taxation system, the introduction of the national minimum wage, provision of training and access to lifelong learning opportunities and assistance with job search.
Budgeting Advice.
Joan Burton
Question:118 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she is taking to counter debt problems in view of the recent findings of a survey by the Financial Regulator to the effect that 37% of people have some degree of difficulty in keeping up with bills and credit and that 13% of adults have found themselves in financial difficulties within the past five years. [24783/08]
Richard Bruton
Question:143 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there have been discussions between her Department and the Department of Finance on the issue of over indebtedness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24744/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 143 together.
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is the main Government funded service which provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. There are 53 independent companies nationwide with over 240 money advice staff operating the service. Almost €18 million has been provided in 2008 to assist the MABS in dealing with its workload. In 2007, MABS provided services to almost 12,500 new clients throughout the country and to date in 2008 some 6,600 new clients have approached the service. The MABS National Telephone Helpline, which was launched in October 2007, has dealt to date with over 5,500 calls.
The issues that give rise to problems of over-indebtedness for people are highly complex. Research shows that lack of information about money management can be a contributory factor in many cases. The cost and availability of credit for people on low incomes and the barriers they face in accessing mainstream and cheap forms of credit add to the difficulties people encounter in managing their finances. Officials of the Department have met, in the past, with the Department of Finance and continue to engage with the Financial Regulator on these matters.
The MABS is making a unique and expert contribution to meeting the needs of people with debt difficulties in today's society. This includes promoting greater awareness about household budgeting and shaping the strategies, especially those of services providers such as the banks and the credit unions, to ensure greater financial inclusion in Ireland. The MABS works closely with the Financial Regulator in developing initiatives in this regard. For example the MABS and the Financial Regulator have developed an education programme on money management for Transition Year students which will be rolled out to schools from September 2008.
Social Welfare Code.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:119 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has proposals in respect of either extending the free travel scheme for Irish pensioners in the UK or for the development of a senior “Euro” card focused on free or concessionary travel facilities for the elderly throughout the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24727/08]
Emmet Stagg
Question:138 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action she has taken on foot of the commitments in the programme for Government to urgently examine the introduction of free travel for returning Irish citizens of pension age who live abroad. [24792/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 138 together.
The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over and to people receiving certain disability or care payments. Proposals to extend the free travel scheme to Irish born people living abroad and those receiving pensions from the Department have been examined and, in this regard, officials of the Department have engaged in discussions with EU Commission officials. However, at this stage, it has not been possible to progress the matter as, under EU legislation, discrimination on grounds of nationality is prohibited. More recently, the European Commission has indicated that to extend the scheme to people in receipt of an Irish pension could also be considered discriminatory.
Question No. 120 answered with Question No. 103.
Question No. 121 answered with Question No. 109.
Paul Kehoe
Question:122 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the national carers strategy will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24742/08]
Joan Burton
Question:133 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she expects to publish a national carers strategy. [24784/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 133 together.
The development of a National Carers' Strategy is a key Government commitment in both the national partnership agreement "Towards 2016" and the Programme for Government. A working group, chaired by the Department of An Taoiseach, is working on developing the strategy. The Department of Social and Family Affairs provides the secretariat to the working group which also includes representatives of the Departments of Finance, Health and Children and Enterprise, Trade and Employment as well as FÁS and the Health Service Executive. To date, the working group has met on four occasions, in February, March, April and June 2008.
Developing the strategy involves consultation with other government departments and bodies not represented on the working group. The Department of Social and Family Affairs, on behalf of the working group, has met with a wide range of organisations including the Equality Authority, Combat Poverty Agency, Citizen's Information Board, the National Council on Ageing and Older People, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the National Disability Authority. A request for submissions from the public was published in regional newspapers in early March. The closing date for submissions was Friday 18 April 2008. There was a good response from individuals and organisations and the submissions received are currently being examined.
"Towards 2016" commits the Department to hosting an annual consultation meeting of carer representative groups and relevant government departments and agencies. Such a meeting was held on 23 January 2008. Representatives of 12 groups and 9 departments and agencies attended. The theme was the National Carers' Strategy and groups were given an opportunity to comment on the draft terms of reference and to raise other issues considered relevant in the context of the strategy. It is intended to hold a second meeting with carer groups. The commitment to the development of a National Carers' Strategy also includes a commitment to appropriate consultation with the social partners. The first of two consultation meetings with the social partners was held on 8 May 2008. Key issues raised were recognition for carers and their work, access to suitable health services, income support, training, gender issues and balancing employment and care. It is intended to publish the strategy later this year.
Departmental Staff.
Joe Costello
Question:123 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she is taking to resolve the industrial relations dispute between clerical staff and her Department. [24782/08]
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. Every effort is being made by the Department to minimise inconvenience to the public arising as a result of the industrial action and to bring about a resolution of the dispute. In this regard, officials from my Department recently attended two meetings in the Labour Relations Commission. A further meeting in the Labour Relations Commission has been arranged.
Questions Nos. 124 and 125 answered with Question No. 96.
Question No. 126 answered with Question No. 101.
Question No. 127 answered with Question No. 116.
Question No. 128 answered with Question No. 75.
Social Welfare Code.
Liz McManus
Question:129 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she proposes to expand the free telephone rental scheme by providing for free broadband for older people as promised in the programme for Government. [24796/08]
The telephone allowance is a component of the household benefits package which also includes the electricity/gas allowance and free television license schemes. The package is generally available to people living in the State, aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of a social welfare payment or who satisfy a means test. It is also available to people aged under 66 who are in receipt of certain social welfare disability payments or carer's allowance. There are currently in the region of 355,000 people in receipt of the household benefits at an annual cost of €317 million.
The primary objective of the telephone allowance scheme is to ensure access to help in an emergency and to provide an element of security. A secondary objective is to encourage social contact and to assist in the prevention of social isolation for those living alone. The Department has endeavoured to meet the demands of deregulation, notably in the telecoms market, where it supports multiple providers within the fixed line telephone business.
A restructuring of the telephone allowance to a cash value was undertaken in 2003 and this has facilitated the inclusion of additional providers in the scheme since July 2004. The scheme was further extended to include mobile phones in April 2007 as a result of improvements announced in Budget 2007. Since then, people have the choice of either opting for a direct credit to a telephone company for their landline or for a cash payment in respect of their mobile phone. This means that it is no longer necessary for a person to have a fixed line phone in order to benefit from the telephone allowance. There are currently approximately 15,000 people availing of the mobile phone option. In addition, the value of the telephone allowance was increased in line with general price increases in August 2007 from €296 per annum to €310.80 per annum.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to extend the scheme further to incorporate broadband services for older people. The Department is currently examining how best to implement this commitment. It should be noted that where people access the internet using a landline, the telephone allowance applies to their bill usage and will cover the cost of calls or internet usage up to the level of their allowance.
Róisín Shortall
Question:130 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to change the conditions of maternity benefit, if even on a cost-neutral basis, to allow the father claim part of the payment instead of the mother where this is the choice of the parents concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24803/08]
The question of introducing a paternity benefit payment, in any format, would depend on establishing an underlying entitlement to statutory paternity leave in the first instance. Responsibility for issues relating to paternity leave rests with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Following commitments made in the social partnership agreement "Towards 2016", a Working Group led by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has been convened to review the level of provision of maternity leave and of paternity leave. The Group is currently examining options with regards to both maternity and paternity provision and is due to conclude its deliberations before the end of 2008.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:131 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she is taking to encourage more DEIS schools to apply for funding under one of her Department’s school meals programmes; and when she expects 100% coverage of pupils in DEIS schools. [24773/08]
The school meals programme gives funding towards provision of food services for disadvantaged school children through two schemes. The first is the long-standing statutory urban school meals scheme, operated by local authorities and part-financed by the Department. The second is the school meals local projects scheme through which funding is provided by the Department to participating schools and local and voluntary community groups who run specific school meals projects. The school meals programme has expanded significantly in recent years and this trend will continue throughout 2008. Expenditure on the programme increased from €13.6m in 2006 to €28.2m in 2007, and is expected to be in the region of €32m in 2008. In 2006, 1,394 schools and almost 125,000 pupils benefited from the programme and this increased to over 189,000 pupils in 1,900 schools in 2007.
The decision to operate a school food project or to apply for funding under the school meals local projects scheme rests with the school itself. Funding under the scheme is targeted at disadvantaged school children and is intended to assist schools or groups who are operating their own school food projects with the food costs of the project only. Responsibility for all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the scheme lies with the school. Demand for funding under the school meals local projects scheme remains high. Additional funding in 2008 will be used to include more DEIS schools in the scheme. The focus of the school meals scheme will remain on disadvantaged children and the inclusion of all eligible DEIS schools will continue to be the main priority for the scheme.
Question No. 132 answered with Question No. 90.
Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 122.
Sean Sherlock
Question:134 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the supports in place to farm operators suffering from a disability in view of the fact that the average age of farm operators experiencing a disability is only 52; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19652/08]
My Department currently operates a range of schemes for people with an illness or disability including the insurance based illness benefit scheme, the occupational injury benefit scheme for those who are unable to work because of an accident or illness suffered at work and the means-tested disability allowance scheme. Farm operators normally pay Class A social insurance contributions and therefore, subject to satisfying the contribution and medical requirements, would be entitled to the full range of illness and disability payments. Should they suffer from a specified illness related to their employment or an accident while at work they can apply for injury benefit which would be paid for a period of 26 weeks.
A person who acquires an illness or disability outside the work environment, or who is still unable to work after 26 weeks of receiving injury benefit, may qualify for illness benefit. They must meet certain medical and contribution requirements in order to receive this payment which can be paid for a period of 52 weeks or, if more than 260 contributions have been paid, may continue indefinitely. A person who does not satisfy the contribution conditions for illness benefit, and whose means are below a prescribed level, may qualify for disability allowance instead.
Departmental Staff.
Olwyn Enright
Question:135 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the plans she has in place to ensure customer service is not interrupted during the dispute by her Department’s staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24743/08]
The Civil Public and Services Union (CPSU), the union which represents clerical and supervisory grades in the civil service, is currently engaged in industrial action in pursuit of a claim for the extension of flexi time bands in the Department. Initially, the industrial action commenced with the withdrawal of co-operation with the implementation of a new Time and Attendance (T&A) system by the Department. The implementation of the new system had been agreed in November 2006 as part of the Department's "Towards 2016" Modernisation Action Plan, progress on which has been the basis for pay awards under the Agreement. Industrial action was escalated with effect from 28 April 2008 to include the withdrawal of lunch-time service to the public at the Department's local offices and not answering telephones during the lunch-time period across the Department. Discussions at departmental level, in the course of which the Department made a number of moves aimed at resolving the issue, did not yield a positive result.
Following the intervention of the National Implementation Body (NIB), the parties were referred to facilitation discussions at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC). At the end of two sessions, on 29 May and 12 June, agreement was not reached. The CPSU escalated industrial action, with effect from 16 June, to include not answering telephones in all of the Department's offices and a ban on overtime. However, on foot of a statement issued by the National Implementation Body on 19 June 2008 and the agreement of both the Department and the CPSU to engage in further discussions in the Labour Relations Commission, the CPSU stood down the escalated action that had been in effect from Monday 16 June. In accordance with the recommendation of the National Implementation Body the discussions at the LRC are to be completed by 1 July 2008.
Pending resolution of the dispute the Department's local offices will be closed and telephones will not be answered during lunch-hour. However, apart from this, services are being provided as normal. Clients who may be unable to attend at a local office during current opening hours may continue to make application for various payments by post. Application forms are widely available at post offices, Citizens Information Bureaus and on the Department's website www.welfare.ie. It is not envisaged that the current dispute will lead to delays in payments, but the matter will be kept under review. I was reassured to hear the Assistant General Secretary of the Civil Public and Services Union, state in an interview on national radio that "nobody's payment will be affected" and that it will continue to be a priority that "nobody suffers in terms of payments".
Question No. 136 answered with Question No. 96.
Question No. 137 answered with Question No. 103.
Question No. 138 answered with Question No. 119.
Question No. 139 answered with Question No. 93.
Anti-Poverty Strategy.
David Stanton
Question:140 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the fact that 700,000 people here still live in poverty despite more than a decade of prosperity and economic growth (details supplied); her views on the way her Department will assist in reducing this figure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24807/08]
The overall goal in the National Action Plan for social inclusion is to reduce the number of those experiencing consistent poverty or basic deprivation to between 2 per cent and 4 per cent by 2012, with the aim of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016. The rate of consistent poverty was 6.5 per cent in 2006 (latest figures available), down from 8.2 per cent in 2003. The proportion actually in poverty is often confused with the bigger proportion identified as being "at risk of poverty". People who fall into that category have incomes below a set threshold, which in the EU has been set at 60 per cent of average median income. This threshold increased in Ireland by 98 per cent from €102.44 in 1997 to €202.49 in 2006, as a result of the rapid increases in household incomes generally, due to the exceptional economic growth. Over the same period prices (Consumer Price Index) increased by 35.8 per cent, average industrial earnings increased by 61.8 per cent and basic social welfare payments by 99.7 per cent.
The "at risk of poverty" measure, therefore, does not indicate that a majority of this group are in poverty, but that despite substantial improvements in income, the rate of improvement in living standards for those on lower incomes has not fully kept pace with the very rapid growth in incomes generally over recent years. However this trend is also being reversed. The percentage of persons "at risk of poverty" reduced from 19.7 per cent in 2003 to 17.0 per cent in 2006. Ireland's comparative position with other EU Member States has also improved, having reduced from the third highest "at risk of poverty" rate in 2005 to tenth highest in 2006.
The NAPinclusion 2007-2016, and Chapter 10 of the National Development Plan 2007-13 are designed to build on the substantial progress already made. The Government's priority aim under the National Action Plans is to provide, over the coming years, the extra assistance and support over a whole range of policies to lift the most vulnerable in our society out of poverty and to enable those on low incomes generally, especially children, to steadily improve their living standards towards the norms prevailing in Irish society. These are ambitious objectives, and the means to achieve these objectives are in the strategic plans. The Government are fully committed to their implementation.
Question No. 141 answered with Question No. 101.
Question No. 142 answered with Question No. 117.
Question No. 143 answered with Question No. 118.
Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 78.
EU Directives.
Billy Timmins
Question:145 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Taoiseach the number of European directives and the titles of these directives that have been issued to his Department since Ireland joined the EU; the number of these that have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25056/08]
The Department of the Taoiseach has no Directives awaiting transposition. The information sought by the Deputy requires the review of a large number of records. This information is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Tax Code.
Brian Hayes
Question:146 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the Exchequer revenue made per litre of diesel; if he will present this data in percentage figures and in real terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24846/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Excise and VAT content of a litre of Diesel, based on a price of €1.43 per litre are as follows:
|
Price per litre |
Excise content |
VAT content |
Total Tax |
Excise as a % of price |
VAT as a % of price |
Total tax as a % of price |
|
|
(cent) |
(cent) |
(cent) |
(cent) |
||||
|
Diesel |
143.0 |
36.8 |
24.8 |
61.6 |
25.7% |
17.4% |
43.1% |
I would point out that excise duty rates on fuels in Ireland are relatively low by EU standards. Excise rates for diesel, petrol and other fuel oils have not been increased in the last four Budgets. The Exchequer 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, diesel 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. In relation to VAT, I should also point out that businesses are of course entitled to reclaim VAT incurred on their business inputs, including VAT incurred on diesel, as a deductible credit.
Departmental Funding.
Phil Hogan
Question:147 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the extent of grant-in-aid or payment made to the Institute of Public Administration on an annual basis for each of the past four years; the processes in place to ensure that value for money is obtained in respect of that funding; the measures taken to ensure that the funding does not constitute State aid in view of the fact that the Civil Service has its own training centre and the IPA competes with a range of other service providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24876/08]
The figures for Grant-in-Aid to the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) over the past four years are set out below. While the amount of the Grant-In-Aid shows an increase each year, it is in fact a diminishing percentage of the yearly income of the IPA.
|
Year |
€ |
|
2004 |
3,237,000 |
|
2005 |
3,318,000 |
|
2006 |
3,401,000 |
|
2007 |
3,500,000 |
All Government Departments are members of the IPA with their subscription included as part of the Grant-in-Aid. An expenditure review of the Grant-in-Aid to the IPA was completed in 2005. The review recommended that the Grant-in-Aid continue with the proviso that the IPA submits an annual performance statement to the Department as part of the estimates process. The first of these statements will accompany the 2007 accounts when presented.
The IPA provides a wide variety of training, education, research, consultancy and publishing services in relation to public administration to the civil service and the public service. The Civil Service Training and Development Centre (CSTDC) has primary responsibility for training and staff development policy within the civil service and also delivers a range of training products for civil servants; however it does not deliver third level education programmes. The Expenditure Review confirmed that the Grant-in-Aid primarily supports the IPA's third level and higher level education and research activities. There is therefore no overlap between the services of the CSTDC and the grant-supported activities of the IPA.
The IPA carries out research that is focused specifically on public administration matters and/or best practices in particular areas of public sector management. The absence of the IPA would result in individual Government Departments commissioning such research at a potentially higher cost. Unlike other educational institutions many of the courses provided by the IPA have a particular focus on the public sector. The publishing function is a resource that satisfies a small but vital market; its published material is important to students, teachers and researchers. The Institute's extensive collection of books and journals makes it a major resource for the study of the public sector. Without support it is quite likely the important material produced by the Institute would not be available. The IPA is subject to the normal procurement rules when tendering for training and/or development programmes.
Tax Code.
Paul Connaughton
Question:148 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance the steps he proposes to take to replace the excise duty refund for public transport services which is being terminated on 31 October 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24889/08]
The 2003 EU Energy Tax Directive incorporated special derogations which allowed specific excise duty reliefs to be applied in a number of Member States. In the Irish context, these derogations allowed inter alia for reduced rates to apply to fuel used for public transport services which includes school transport services. While these derogations expired on 31 December 2006, Ireland, along with other Member States, sought retention of its derogations beyond that date. However the European Commission, who is the deciding authority, refused such requests. The Finance Act 2008, as the Deputy is aware, consequently provided the legislative changes to withdraw the relief in respect of fuel used for public passenger transport vehicles. The relief will be withdrawn with effect from 1 November 2008 and the appropriate full excise rates will apply from that date. In the circumstances outlined above the question of reconsidering or deferring the withdrawal of the existing relief does not therefore arise.
The Department of Transport and other relevant line Departments have, in conjunction with my Department, explored alternative mechanisms that might be used to direct Exchequer resources toward such services from that date, subject of course to compatibility with competition and EU State Aid requirements. While the matter is still being considered it is necessary however to stress, despite the claims being made otherwise, that introducing an alternative suitable mechanism is not a straightforward matter.
Tax Collection.
Paul Kehoe
Question:149 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 216 of 17 June 2008, the queries that the Revenue Commissioners are awaiting satisfactory explanations to; when the person (details supplied) in County Wexford was asked for this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24917/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the agent acting for the company concerned was sent a letter on 20 March 2008 detailing the outstanding queries. A limited reply to these queries was received from the agent on 28 March 2008. A further letter issued on 1 May 2008 requesting a response to the remaining outstanding queries. Although there has since been some telephone contact the outstanding issues remain unresolved.
Tax Code.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:150 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance the plans he has to change the rate of mortgage interest relief; the further plans he has to offer other types of assistance to people with large mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24945/08]
The question of any change in the rate of mortgage interest relief would be a matter to be considered in the context of future Budgets. Having said that, I would point out to the Deputy that this Government has provided significant supports to home owners with large mortgages. In Budget 2008, the ceiling for first-time buyer mortgage interest relief was increased to €10,000 for a single person and €20,000 for a married couple or widowed person, fulfilling the commitment contained in the Government programme. The increase in Budget 2008 follows on from the increase in interest relief for first-time buyers in Budget 2007. In that Budget, the ceiling for first-time buyers was doubled from €4,000 for a single person and €8,000 for a married couple or widowed to €8,000 for a single person and €16,000 for a married couple or widowed person.
Cumulatively, therefore, as a result of the two Budgets, first-time buyers have obtained additional relief of up to €100 per month, if single, or €200 per month, if married or widowed, subject to paying sufficient mortgage interest to avail of the relief. In addition to the increase in mortgage interest relief, the limit of the exemption from income tax which applies to rent received when a person rents out a room or rooms in his or her principal private residence was increased from €7,620 to €10,000 in Budget 2008.
EU Directives.
Billy Timmins
Question:151 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the number of European directives and the title of these directives that have been issued to his Department since Ireland joined the EU; the number of these that have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25051/08]
The volume of Directives involved since 1973 is quite substantial. Full details of all EU Directives are published in the Official Journal of the European Union and details of relevant implementing legislation are published in Iris Oifigiúil. As the cost of compiling the information requested by the Deputy would be excessive and cannot be justified, and given that the information is already in the public domain, I am not in a position to provide the details requested. Apart from Directives that have recently issued and are not yet due for transposition, all Directives relevant to my Department have been implemented. If the Deputy wishes to request information in regard to a specific Directive falling within the remit of my Department, I will have the relevant information forwarded to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:152 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a grant will be awarded for the provision of speech and language and occupational therapy services required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24994/08]
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.
Richard Bruton
Question:153 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the decision in Crumlin Hospital to dispense with the services of a child psychologist; if she will seek clarification that the patients (details supplied) under her care will not suffer an interruption in service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24864/08]
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.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:154 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans she has to increase the amount of respite care for people with intellectual disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24880/08]
The 2008 Service Plan, developed by the HSE and approved by my Department, included €50m for the development of additional disability services. The standard expenditure sanction issued to the HSE for 2008 stipulated that the prior approval of my Department and the Department of Finance would be required in the event of any proposal to spend this money for any other purpose. Clearly, it is essential that the HSE lives within its overall budget for the year. It needs to manage its activity levels and cost drivers appropriately to achieve this and I do not believe it is desirable to resort to using development funding to offset expenditure pressures arising in respect of ongoing health services.
The HSE is currently reviewing its overall financial position for the year and the roll-out of planned developments in disability services is being considered in that context. I have been in communication with the HSE with a view to an early determination on the matter. The HSE has informed my Department that it plans to release €20m of the €50m additional funding for Disability Services. The Deputy's special 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.
Finian McGrath
Question:155 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a service (details supplied) received €83 million in 2008; and the new services for the coming year. [24881/08]
The 2008 Service Plan, developed by the HSE and approved by me, included €50m for the development of additional disability services. The standard expenditure sanction issued to the HSE for 2008 stipulated that the prior approval of my Department and the Department of Finance would be required in the event of any proposal to spend this money for any other purpose. Clearly, it is essential that the HSE lives within its overall budget for the year. It needs to manage its activity levels and cost drivers appropriately to achieve this and I do not believe it is desirable to resort to using development funding to offset expenditure pressures arising in respect of ongoing health services.
The HSE is currently reviewing its overall financial position for the year and roll-out of planned developments in disability services is being considered in that context. I have been in communication with the HSE with a view to an early determination on the matter. The HSE has informed my Department that it plans to release €20m of the €50m additional funding for Disability Services. The Deputy's specific 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.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Jack Wall
Question:156 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of appeals received each year since its inception by her Department or its acting agency in relation to payments of the health repayment scheme for persons who were in long-term care; if there is a waiting list; if so, the number awaiting a decision; the number of personnel actually dealing with such appeals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24882/08]
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 Appeals Office that up to the 13th June 2008, 3,359 completed appeal forms have been received. 1,206 of these completed appeal forms were received in 2007 and 2,153 completed appeal forms have been received in 2008.
Following the establishment of the Appeals Office a temporary appeals officer was seconded from the Chief State Solicitor's Office. Subsequently, a recruitment process was undertaken by the Public Appointments Service and a panel of appeal officers has been established. A second appeals officer is due to begin work shortly. In addition, four administrative staff support the work of the appeals officer.
The appeals officer must investigate each appeal independently, his investigations can require additional reviews by the Health Service Executive and the Scheme Administrator and certain appeals present a high level of complexity. In addition a very high percentage of appellants have requested an Oral Hearing and, up to the 13th June 2008, the appeals officer has completed 555 Oral Hearings at locations around the country. The appeals officer has carefully and thoroughly considered and assessed 1,612 appeals and he has issued decisions to each of these appellants. Taking the 193 appeals which have been withdrawn into account the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office currently has 1,554 appeals awaiting a decision.
Hospital Services.
Denis Naughten
Question:157 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when construction of the new cardiac unit at Roscommon County Hospital will commence; when work will commence on the new HDU/CCU facility; the cost of the project; when it is expected to be completed and commissioned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24891/08]
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 matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to reply directly to the Deputy in regard to the matters he has raised.
Health Services.
Michael Ring
Question:158 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved for the home care grant package. [24892/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Róisín Shortall
Question:159 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for a reduction in home help hours in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if, in view of the person’s age and infirmity, the home help hours will be restored immediately. [24893/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Enda Kenny
Question:160 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of speech and language therapist posts vacant; the regional breakdown of these vacancies; the action she will take to reduce the waiting times for speech therapy currently experienced throughout this country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24905/08]
Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Reform.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:161 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on establishing a national health care forum to include all interested parties with the objective of building a national consensus on the provision of an effective health care system in this century; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24914/08]
Policy in the delivery of health services has been determined by Government as the development of health services in all regions of the country, capable of providing safe, high-quality services that achieve the best possible outcomes for patients in primary care settings or when accessing a hospital service. My Department has developed a broad range of strategy documents and associated policies to guide it in its work. The National Health Strategy, Quality and Fairness — A Health System for You, was announced by Government in 2001 to provide vision and strategic direction for the health and personal social services. The Strategy sets out the key objectives for the health system up to 2010, which are centred on four national goals of Better Health for Everyone, Fair Access, Responsiveness and Appropriate Care Delivery and High Performance.
The Health Reform Programme derives from Quality and Fairness. It was clear that new structures and supporting processes were required to best meet current and future health needs as expressed in the goals and objectives of the Strategy. The Health Reform Programme also comprehends the Primary Care Strategy as well as the Prospectus, Brennan and Hanley Reports. These reports are guiding the future of the health service in that they layout the overall direction for the major changes in the health services and how they should be addressed and delivered in the coming years.
Another contributor to the way in which policy in the delivery of health services is being determined are the targets and objectives set out in Towards 2016, the current national social partnership agreement. The Government and social partners have agreed to work together to deliver tangible improvements in the health outcomes for all sectors of Irish society, including children, young adults, people of working age, older people and people with disabilities. The negotiating partners involved in agreeing the shared overall goals contained in Towards 2016 included the Government, trade unions, employers, farming organisations and the community and voluntary sector. The Government and social partners have agreed to continue to work together over a ten-year period to further develop and enhance the health care system in this country.
The Reform Programme is an enormous challenge, which will require the ongoing commitment of all relevant parties over the coming years. It is my belief that the policies and mechanisms currently being implemented by my Department will further advance the development of a world class health service in the years to come. Given the wide range of interested parties currently inputting to the provision of an effective healthcare system, I do not consider it necessary to establish a national health care forum.
Medical Cards.
Paul Kehoe
Question:162 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an medical card application for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24918/08]
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for the medical card benefit, 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.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:163 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [24921/08]
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.
National Drugs Strategy.
Catherine Byrne
Question:164 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the current situation regarding the work of the working group on alcohol and drugs; when it will publish its recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24923/08]
A Working Group,which includes the social partners, was established to progress Action 80 of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008 in relation to potential synergies between the areas of alcohol and drugs. The Working Group has had four meetings to date. The Working Group has considered a discussion paper prepared by its secretariat as well as number of submissions — including one from the National Drug Strategy Team which had consulted with the Local and Regional Drug Task Forces on the issues. It is anticipated that the Working Group will complete its report during the summer.
Catherine Byrne
Question:165 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of drug substitution treatment programmes operational; the substances used in these programmes; the location of these programmes; the amount of funding her Department allocates to these programmes annually; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24924/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Departmental Bodies.
James Reilly
Question:166 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the remit the Health Information and Quality Authority has over private health providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24931/08]
A core function of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is to set standards on safety and quality of health services and to monitor enforcement of those standards in an open and transparent way. The Health Act 2007 gives HIQA strong powers in this area in relation to services provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and bodies funded by the HSE to provide services on their behalf. The process by which such a regulatory regime is introduced first in the public sector is a feature of similar developments in other jurisdictions. A system of inspection of private nursing homes has been in place within the HSE for a number of years and arrangements are currently being made to transfer this function to HIQA as provided for under the Health Act 2007. The extension of this type of monitoring and control to other areas of the private health sector will involve further legislation of a complex nature.
The Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance was established last year 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 the end of July this year. There is already in existence extensive legislation governing the activities of healthcare professionals which includes those operating in the private sector. I will consider what additional appropriate regulatory framework should be applied to public and private healthcare providers and services when I receive the report of the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance.
EU Directives.
Billy Timmins
Question:167 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of European directives and the titles of these directives that have been issued to her Department since Ireland joined the EU; the number of these that have been implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25053/08]
All EU Directives issued since 1973 relevant to this Department have been transposed and implemented into national legislation with the exception of the following Directives:
Directive 2003/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products (many of the provisions of this Directive are already enacted under previous legislation. In addition, certain elements were under review pending the outcome of a court case which was withdrawn last year);
Commission Directive 2006/141/EC of 22 December 2006 on infant formulae and follow-on formulae and amending Directive 1999/21/EC (the main part of this Directive has been transposed with one other element outstanding) and
Commission Directive 2007/68/EC of 27 November, 2007 amending Annex IIIa to Directive 2000/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards certain food ingredients.
These Directives are being dealt with by my Department and will be transposed as soon as possible. In addition, there are a number of recently issued Directives relevant to my Department that are not yet due for transposition. It is intended that these Directives will be transposed and implemented on time. In view of the volume of Directives involved in the 35 years since 1973, I am not in a position to provide the Deputy with a list of the numbers and titles of those Directives relevant to my Department since that time. However all such Directives are published in the Official Journals of the European Communities.
Rail Services.
Brian Hayes
Question:168 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if he has met with the Railway Procurement Agency in view of recent events and the concerns of residents at locations (details supplied) in Dublin 1. [24847/08]
The issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) and I have no function in the matter.
Public Transport.
Áine Brady
Question:169 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Transport the funding available from his Department in 2008 and 2009 to provide bus lanes in the north Kildare area, including the towns of Maynooth and Naas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24878/08]
My Department provides funding to local authorities under Transport 21 for bus priority measures in the Greater Dublin Area, including County Kildare, through the Traffic Management Grant (TMG) Scheme. The funding allocation for the TMG Scheme in 2008 is €39.5 million. Projects are approved through the Dublin Transportation Office's TMG Committee and are implemented by the relevant local authorities. The current Quality Bus Network work programme, as approved by that Committee, runs to 2011. I understand that in its later phase (after the period referred to by the Deputy) it includes measures in Naas, though not in Maynooth.
Tax Code.
Paul Connaughton
Question:170 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport the steps he proposes to take to replace the excise duty refund for public transport services which is being terminated on 31 October 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24890/08]
The EU Energy Tax Directive incorporated special derogations which allowed specific excise duty reliefs to be applied in a number of Member States below the EU minimum duty rate. In the case of public transport services under my responsibility, these derogations included reduced rates to apply to fuel used for scheduled bus services. Scheduled bus services comprise bus passenger services provided by Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Eireann, private operators in accordance with bus route licences under the 1932 Road Transport Act and holders of Authorisations pursuant to European Council Regulation 684/92 as amended. While these derogations expired on 31 December 2006, Ireland, along with other Member States, sought retention of its derogations beyond that date. However the European Commission, which is the deciding authority, has to date refused all such requests. The Finance Act 2008 provided the basis for the removal of these excise duty reliefs with effect from 1 November 2008.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Finance and other Departments, has been exploring whether alternative support mechanisms could be appropriate and could be done in a manner compatible with EU State Aid and other legal requirements. My Department has also met the Coach Tourism and Transport Council, as well as CIE, on this matter. My Department has also received a written submission from the Coach Tourism and Transport Council. While my Department is in discussion with the Department of Finance on these issues, it is necessary to stress that, despite claims being made otherwise, introducing an alternative suitable mechanism is not a straightforward matter in the current economic climate.
EU Directives.
Billy Timmins
Question:171 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Transport the number of European directives and the titles of these directives that have been issued to his Department since Ireland joined the EU; the number of these that have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25057/08]
The volume of directives since 1973 is quite substantial. Details of all EU directives are published in the official journal of the EU. Details of relevant implementing legislation are published in the Iris Oifigiúil. As the cost of compiling the information requested by the deputy would be excessive and given the information is already in the public domain I am not in a position to provide the requested information. If the deputy wishes to request information on a particular directive I will have the relevant information forwarded to the deputy.
EU Treaties.
Joe Costello
Question:172 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will publish the Attorney General’s advice on the Lisbon Reform Treaty; the measures in the treaty that impact on the Irish Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24911/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government decided on the basis of the Attorney General's advice that ratification of the Lisbon Treaty would require an amendment of the Constitution. It is not the practice of the Government, however, to reveal the detailed contents of such advice.
Foreign Conflicts.
Jack Wall
Question:173 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; the efforts he has made or is proposing to make to address the concerns expressed; the number of Irish non-governmental organisations in Somalia; the number of Irish volunteers currently working in Somalia; the addresses of the NGO’s involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24859/08]
The humanitarian situation across Somalia remains grave, particularly in and around Mogadishu and I remain deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of Somalis and the aid community seeking to assist them. In what was already a precarious environment for humanitarian agencies, security and access have deteriorated even further in 2008. Security issues for those seeking to deliver relief in Somalia include random violence, piracy, kidnapping threats, the non-discriminating scourge of landmines and general banditry.
I welcome the recent Djibouti Agreement, brokered by the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia, but many armed groups remain outside the process. My officials will continue to raise the situation in Somalia in the appropriate fora, including in our bilateral consultations with UN agencies. Ireland has made substantial efforts to raise the crisis in Somalia at the EU level. Conclusions adopted by the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 16 June called for unimpeded humanitarian access for relief agencies in Somalia and urged all parties to comply fully with international humanitarian law.
Ireland's commitment to the ongoing crisis in Somalia is demonstrated by our status as the seventh largest bilateral contributor to humanitarian endeavour in Somalia in 2007 when we provided funding of over €7 million. In response to the 2008 United Nations appeal for Somalia, funding of €3.1 million has been provided to key UN humanitarian agencies in support of food security, health, shelter and coordination. Irish Aid also supports the work of Concern in Somalia and, since 2007, has allocated €2.67 million to its work in that country.
An Irish Concern development worker is currently based in Nairobi, Kenya from where support is provided to Concern's Somalian staff in-country. World Vision Ireland also received €1,237,521 from Irish Aid in 2007 for its work in Somalia while Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) received €700,000 in the same year. The above commitment has been complemented by three successive deployments of members of the Rapid Response Corps to assist UNHCR with their work for Somalia. I will communicate with the Deputy the addresses of the organisations concerned.
Joe Costello
Question:174 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the EU is providing resources or personnel to help monitor the second round of elections in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24909/08]
The European Union and Ireland had strongly supported providing resources and personnel to help monitor the second round of the presidential elections in Zimbabwe. However, Zimbabwean Government representatives have made clear their refusal to accept monitors from the EU. As will be appreciated it is simply not possible to monitor elections without host country consent. I utterly condemn the systematic campaign of state-sponsored political violence and intimidation which has made it impossible to hold free and fair elections and which left Morgan Tsvangirai no option but to withdraw from the run-off against President Mugabe. It appears as if the elections may nevertheless proceed. If so, the outcome of such a charade can have no legitimacy.
I strongly welcome the clear and unequivocal position taken by the UN Security Council on Monday in unanimously condemning the violence, which has led to scores of deaths. It is imperative now that the international community continue to speak with one voice and work together to resolve the crisis and chart a democratic future which reflects the wishes of the people of Zimbabwe. The African Union and governments in the region, especially South Africa, have a particular responsibility to bring all possible influence to bear.
European Affairs.
Joe Costello
Question:175 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans he has to act upon the recommendations made by the Joint Committee on European Scrutiny for a more central role for EU affairs in the daily business of Dáil and Seanad Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24910/08]
In the Dáil debate on June 4th last, the Government welcomed the special report by the Joint Committee on European Scrutiny on the enhanced role for national parliaments provided for in the Lisbon Reform Treaty. The Joint Committee is to be congratulated on the quality of its report. The report clearly identified the need to establish EU business as part of the regular routine of both Houses of the Oireachtas. I fully support that objective. Following last week's day-long debate in this House, the Government will be undertaking a detailed analysis of the outcome of the Referendum and its implications. I expect that the Houses of the Oireachtas and the relevant Joint Committees will have an important role to play in exploring the various issues that arose during the referendum campaign.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Billy Timmins
Question:176 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals for the development of the peace monument in County Louth; the cost involved; the proposed location; if a different location had previously been planned; if so, the location and the reason it was relocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25042/08]
The Peace Monument was always envisaged for the border region. During the course of consideration of possible locations, it was brought to the Department's attention that there was a suitable site, already in State ownership, at Carrickcarnan, Co Louth. This site is visible from the motorway from both the Northern and Southern approaches, it is easy to access and already has preliminary car parking facilities. On 7 March of this year, it was announced that the Monument would be located at this site.
In relation to the overall development of the Peace Monument, a Project Steering Group has been established, including representatives from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Office of Public Works and my own Department. The former Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern T.D., announced in April last that €5 million would be allocated towards the project. €2 million was provided in this Department's Estimates for 2008 to take forward the necessary work.
EU Directives.
Billy Timmins
Question:177 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of European directives and the titles of these directives that have been issued to his Department since Ireland joined the EU; the number of these that have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25052/08]
While my Department has an overall coordinating role in EU matters, it does not have the core responsibility for transposing EU Directives into Irish law. This responsibility rests with the Departments which are responsible for our national legislative and regulatory framework in the policy areas covered by individual Directives. I would recall that the volume of Directives adopted at EU level since 1973 is very substantial and that Ireland has benefited greatly over the past 35 years from the successful elaboration and implementation of EU law.
Billy Timmins
Question:178 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of European directives and the titles of these directives that have been issued to her Department since Ireland joined the EU; the number of these that have been implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25049/08]
In view of the volume of Directives involved in the 35 years since 1973, I am not in a position to provide the Deputy with a list of the numbers and titles of those Directives. However, all such Directives are published in the Official Journals of the European Communities. Full details of all current and recent EU Directives are maintained on the Departmental website, www.entemp.ie. There are currently a total of twelve Directives due to be transposed by my Department up to 2012. Two of these Directives are overdue. The first of these, Directive 2007/13EC on measuring instruments, is expected to be transposed by 30 June 2008. It is intended to transpose the second overdue Directive 2006/121/EC on dangerous substances, by 31 July 2008.
Sports Capital Programme.
John O'Mahony
Question:179 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he will give authority to release funding to a club (details supplied) in County Mayo under the sports capital grant scheme 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24976/08]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The aim of the Programme is to maximise participation in sport through the provision of modern high quality, safe, well-designed and sustainable facilities and sports equipment. The provision of such facilities allows for increased numbers to participate in sport.
The position is that under the Sports Capital Programme, grantees in receipt of funding over a specified level must enter into a Deed of Covenant and Charge in order to protect the Minister's interest and ensure that the property remains in sporting use. To date, €290,790 has been allocated to this group in 2001, 2006 & 2007 under the Sports Capital Programme and a Deed of Covenant and Charge is currently being drafted to cover this amount. It is also the case that the grantees have taken out a loan and the bank in question has placed a legal charge on the grantee's property. The ranking of charges placed on a grantee's land is regulated by means of a Priority Agreement. In such situations it is my Department's established practice to seek a valuation of the lands in question from the grantees, so that it may determine whether the property may bear the burden of the combined charges.
In this instance, it is proposed that the bank's charge ranks first in priority. The valuation provided by the grantees, however, means that the combined value of the prospective bank loan and cumulative grant allocations is in excess of the current valuation. You will appreciate that serious consideration must be given to this matter and my Department will make every effort to progress these issues with the grantee's solicitors through the CSSO.
EU Directives.
Billy Timmins
Question:180 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of European directives and the titles of these directives that have been issued to his Department since Ireland joined the EU; the number of these that have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25044/08]
No EU directives have been issued to the Department since its establishment in June 2002.
Social Welfare Code.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:181 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will further improve and ease the qualification guidelines for family income supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24979/08]
The Department of Social and Family Affairs administers a number of schemes designed to help working families on low incomes. Family income supplement is the principal income support for people in low-income employment with children. It is designed to provide the incentive to remain in, or take up, employment rather than be fully welfare dependent. Qualification for payment under this scheme requires that a person must be engaged in insurable employment for a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight. A couple may combine their hours of employment to meet the qualification criteria.
Improvements to FIS include the change of assessment from a gross income basis to net income, the increase to €20 per week in the minimum payment and, in recent years, the re-focusing of income thresholds to include additional gains for larger families. If a low income worker does not work sufficient hours to claim FIS, there is a range of other payments which may be more appropriate. For instance, people working up to three days per week may instead apply for a jobseeker's payment, provided they are unemployed for the remainder of the week and continue to seek full-time work. Entitlement can be either insurance based (jobseeker's benefit) or means-based (jobseeker's allowance).
The part-time job incentive scheme is available to those who were previously on a jobseeker's payment for 15 months or more and are now working under 24 hours per week while seeking full-time employment. This payment is not means-tested. Farm assist is a weekly means-tested payment for low income farmers, including those who may have off-farm employment or self-employment. In addition, many social welfare payments, including one parent family payment and disability allowance provide for earnings disregards and tapered withdrawal of payments as earnings increase. Any changes to the qualifying criteria of any scheme can only be considered in a budgetary context.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:182 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons eligible for free travel; if she is in a position to extend the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24980/08]
The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. All carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance, regardless of their age, receive a free travel pass. It is also available to people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type welfare payments, such as disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind person's pension. At the end of 2007, there were over 630,000 free travel passes in issue. A more detailed breakdown of this number by scheme can be found in the Appendix.
There have been significant improvements to the scheme in recent years. In September 2006, all peak time restrictions were removed so that pass holders can now travel free on participating services at any time. In spring 2007, the all-Ireland free travel scheme was introduced. This scheme is based on a reciprocal agreement between the Department and the Department for Regional Development in Northern Ireland, which operates the Northern Ireland concessionary fares scheme. Under the scheme, free travel pass holders aged 66 or over can travel free on services operating within Northern Ireland and senior smartpass holders aged over 65 from Northern Ireland can travel free on participating services here. Any further extension of the scheme could only be considered in a budgetary context.
|
Scheme |
Number |
|
State Pension Contributory |
198,634 |
|
State Pension Transition |
199 |
|
State Pension Non Contributory Pension |
96,486 |
|
Widow(er)s Contributory Pension |
71,790 |
|
Widow(er)s Non Contributory Pension |
182 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
48,161 |
|
Deserted Wives Benefit |
1,220 |
|
Deserted Wives Allowance |
26 |
|
Lone Parents |
379 |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
357 |
|
Free Fuel |
1,490 |
|
Carers Allowance |
31,591 |
|
Blind Persons Pension |
1,420 |
|
Disability Allowance |
86,744 |
|
Others |
639 |
|
No DSFA payment (Over 66) |
97,994 |
|
Total |
637,312 |
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:183 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has carried out an evaluation of the extra household running costs incurred by widows or widowers with young families; her proposals to address the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24981/08]
No specific research has been undertaken by the Department in relation to the cost of living for widows and widowers with children. However, those in question have benefited from a range of improvements in social welfare schemes in recent years. Widows and widowers can qualify for one of a number of different schemes depending on their particular circumstances. The contributory widow(er)'s pension is available to those who satisfy the necessary PRSI contribution conditions, either on their own record or that of the deceased spouse. People qualifying for this benefit are not subject to a means test.
People without the necessary PRSI contributions can, if they have qualifying children, receive the one-parent family payment. This is a means tested payment which comprises an earnings disregard, designed to assist with the extra costs lone parents with children face in trying to access training or employment. Up to €146.50 of earnings per week is completely disregarded, while earnings in excess of that and up to €425 per week are assessed at 50%. In addition, people whose earnings have risen above €425 per week may be entitled to half of their payment for up to 26 weeks. The widowed parent grant, introduced in 2000, provides additional assistance following a bereavement to those with children and is paid in addition to the usual after death payments such as the bereavement grant, currently €850. The widowed parent grant was increased by €2,000 to €6,000 in the last Budget in recognition of the particular difficulties faced by widows and widowers with children on the death of a spouse.
The social welfare budget 2008 enhanced the value of all weekly rates of payment, including the rate of widow's and widower's pensions, in relative terms, by giving increases well in excess of projected inflation for this year. Younger widows and widowers benefited from the €12 per week increase in the weekly rates of payment for persons of working age. This increase brings the rates of payment for widows and widowers to €197.80 per week for non-contributory payments and €203.30 for contributory payments. Increases in the rates of child benefit assist those widowed with children. Since 1997, the monthly rates of child benefit have been increased significantly in accordance with Government commitments.
Following Budget 2008 the rates of child benefit were increased to €166.00 per month for each of the first and second children and €203.00 per month for the third and subsequent children. In addition, the annual early childcare supplement (ECS) announced in Budget 2006 and applicable to children under 6 years of age was increased by €100 per annum. Furthermore, widows and widowers with children also benefited from the increase in the child dependant allowances to €24 per week. Widowed people are also entitled to the fuel allowance, back to school clothing and footwear allowance and other secondary benefits on the same basis as other social welfare recipients. Under the terms of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, 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. Eligible people would normally be in receipt of a social welfare payment (including widow(er)'s pension) or health service executive payment.
The level of increases and other improvements announced in the Budget were a further demonstration of this Government's ongoing commitment to the most vulnerable in our society. I will continue to keep the range and adequacy of the supports provided under review.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:184 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of respite grant applications refused in 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the most common reason for this refusal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24982/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:187 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications for respite grants in each of the past five years to date in 2008 on a monthly basis; the numbers granted or refused in the same periods; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24985/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 187 together.
The Respite Care Grant (RCG) is an annual payment made to all persons providing full-time care, regardless of means or PRSI contribution record, but subject to certain conditions. The extension of the scheme to all carers was introduced in Budget 2005. The Grant is payable from the first Thursday in June of the year in question. Details of applications received, claims allowed and claims refused by month, for the years 2005 to 2008, are detailed in tabular form below. Details for 2008 are for the period up to mid-June.
|
Month |
Applications |
Claims Allowed |
Claims Refused |
|
May |
2,536 |
0 |
0 |
|
June |
1,489 |
1,547 |
175 |
|
July |
728 |
2,367 |
180 |
|
August |
588 |
711 |
143 |
|
September |
474 |
431 |
60 |
|
October |
323 |
326 |
71 |
|
November |
363 |
356 |
69 |
|
December |
312 |
192 |
46 |
|
Total |
6,813 |
5,930 |
744 |
|
Month |
Applications |
Claims Allowed |
Claims Refused |
|
January |
275 |
237 |
64 |
|
February |
375 |
249 |
68 |
|
March |
435 |
318 |
129 |
|
April |
398 |
250 |
70 |
|
May |
6,647 |
428 |
136 |
|
June |
1,069 |
1,295 |
65 |
|
July |
692 |
1,965 |
330 |
|
August |
572 |
2,190 |
327 |
|
September |
1,086 |
694 |
172 |
|
October |
1,020 |
709 |
224 |
|
November |
835 |
993 |
167 |
|
December |
512 |
723 |
65 |
|
Total |
13,916 |
10,051 |
1,817 |
|
Month |
Applications |
Claims Allowed |
Claims Refused |
|
January |
511 |
549 |
139 |
|
February |
550 |
532 |
104 |
|
March |
441 |
464 |
74 |
|
April |
3,550 |
398 |
117 |
|
May |
4,619 |
149 |
80 |
|
June |
1,501 |
1,894 |
62 |
|
July |
719 |
3,853 |
161 |
|
August |
423 |
1,166 |
181 |
|
September |
349 |
683 |
180 |
|
October |
398 |
782 |
205 |
|
November |
296 |
342 |
127 |
|
December |
207 |
147 |
58 |
|
Total |
13,564 |
10,959 |
1,488 |
|
Month |
Applications |
Claims Allowed |
Claims Refused |
|
January |
193 |
244 |
97 |
|
February |
224 |
158 |
69 |
|
March |
191 |
123 |
125 |
|
April |
1,946 |
163 |
115 |
|
May |
3,719 |
167 |
107 |
|
June |
1,062 |
1,312 |
141 |
|
Total |
7,335 |
2,167 |
654 |
The most common reason for refusal (circa 40%) is that the person being cared for does not require full-time care and attention as laid down in the Respite Care Grant legislation. Such refusals are based on the advice of the Department's Chief Medical Advisor, whose advice is in turn based on information supplied on the application form by the General Practitioner of the person being cared for.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:185 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average time taken to process an application the subject of which comes under social welfare bilateral agreements and relating to contributions in two jurisdictions; if her attention has been drawn to the particularly long delays associated with some countries with which Ireland has such arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24983/08]
The Department currently has bilateral social security agreements with 7 countries, and also social security arrangements under EU Regulations with the other 26 EU countries, 3 EEA countries, and Switzerland. These arrangements are generally working satisfactorily. The time taken to process claims that fall to be examined under bilateral agreements can be longer than that for standard Irish entitlements, reflecting the added complexity that arises in determining entitlements under these agreements and the necessity to obtain the relevant foreign insurance details.
Liaison procedures to ensure the secure transfer of personal data have been established with each country and are kept under review. Regular contact is made with the appropriate agencies to ensure the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of transfer of the information required to decide on claims. Delays, in general, occur where people have had a varied employment history over a long period and this can lead to some difficulties in completing their full insurance record. Where particular delays occur in the exchange of information, every effort is made to minimise delays, having regard to ensuring people receive their full and correct entitlements.
Pension applications from people who have worked in the UK represent the largest category of claims under bilateral agreements. The Department has established a very good working relationship with the U.K. Department of Work and Pensions, with regular direct communication on operational matters. Delays in processing applications do not result in any losses to pensioners in that those who qualify for payment, receive payment from the due entitlement date.
Social Welfare Code.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review the criteria governing eligibility for the back to education allowance with particular reference to the habitual residency clause; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24984/08]
The back to education allowance (BTEA) is an educational opportunities scheme for unemployed people, lone parents and people with disabilities in receipt of particular social welfare payments. It affords them the opportunity to undertake approved second or third level courses of education to improve their skills and qualifications and, consequently, their prospects of returning to the active work force. The objective of the scheme is to enhance the employability skills of vulnerable groups who are distant from the labour market. It is paid at a standard weekly rate equivalent to the maximum personal rate of the relevant social welfare payment that qualifies the applicant for participation in the scheme. Increases for qualified adult and child dependants are also payable, where appropriate. In addition, an annual cost of education allowance of €500 is payable.
To qualify for BTEA a person must be in receipt of a primary social welfare payment which, depending on the scheme, could be subject to the habitual residence condition. The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1 May 2004. It was introduced in the context of the Government's decision to open the Irish labour market to workers from the new EU Member States without the transitional limitations which were being imposed at that time by many of the other Member States. The operation of the habitual residence condition was reviewed in 2006 and a report of the review published in 2007. There are no plans to change this condition.
The current back to education scheme has been subject to review and modification over the years to ensure that it continues to support those people who are most distant from the labour market and whose need is greatest. The number of people availing of the scheme is at its highest ever level, with more than 8,800 participants in the last academic year. I am satisfied that, overall, the current arrangements applying to the back to education allowance meet the objectives of the scheme and ensure that resources are targeted at those who are most in need. Any further changes to the scheme would fall to be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of the resources available for improvements in social welfare generally.
Question No. 187 answered with Question No. 184.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:188 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of carers in receipt of carer’s allowance; the number who have applied in the past year on a monthly basis; the number granted or refused in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24986/08]
There are currently 38,000 persons in receipt of carer's allowance. The information requested by the Deputy regarding carer's allowance applications received and decided in the past year is set out in tabular format as follows.
|
Received |
Awarded |
Refused |
Withdrawn |
|
|
Jun-07 |
1,716 |
847 |
625 |
156 |
|
Jul-07 |
920 |
752 |
314 |
116 |
|
Aug-07 |
1,216 |
1,016 |
340 |
136 |
|
Sep-07 |
1,743 |
907 |
323 |
137 |
|
Oct-07 |
3,338 |
922 |
226 |
61 |
|
Nov-07 |
3,166 |
1,528 |
152 |
72 |
|
Dec-07 |
1,161 |
520 |
354 |
26 |
|
Jan-08 |
930 |
1,136 |
187 |
27 |
|
Feb-08 |
2,122 |
1,791 |
322 |
189 |
|
Mar-08 |
1,418 |
848 |
284 |
31 |
|
Apr-08 |
2,105 |
1,467 |
301 |
89 |
|
May-08 |
2,015 |
1,324 |
476 |
115 |
|
June 08* |
1,066 |
813 |
210 |
63 |
|
Total |
22,916 |
13,871 |
4,114 |
1,218 |
*To week end 20/6/08.
Some 23,000 applications were received during the period 1st June 2007 to 20th June 2008 and over 19,000 claims were decided during the same period. The number of claims for carers allowance submitted in 2007 was 18,000 compared to 10,700 in 2006 representing an increase of 68%. Some 9,600 new applications for carer's allowance have been received in 2008 to date. The large increase in applications received is mainly due to the introduction of the half rate carer's allowance payment which came into effect from 27th September 2007.
Questions Nos. 189 and 190 answered with Question No. 108.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:191 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if adequate provision has been made in budget 2008 to meet the expected cost of rent or mortgage support for the full year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24989/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:192 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the total expenditure in respect of mortgage support in each of the past five years; the extent to which this is expected to change to take account of the increased number of people expected to need such support with particular reference to families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24990/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:193 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the total expenditure in respect of rent support in each of the past five years; the extent to which this is expected to change to take account of the increased number of people expected to need such support with particular reference to families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24991/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:194 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action she proposes to take to address difficulties created for families arising from the economic downturn with particular reference to adjusting rent and mortgage support to meet their requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24992/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 to 194, inclusive, together.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) provides for a weekly or monthly supplement to be paid in respect of rent or mortgage interest to any person in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible persons living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from another source. Similarly, mortgage interest supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only.
In recent years, a significant number of people have come to rely on rent supplement for extended periods, including people on local authority housing waiting lists. At 13 June 2008, over 63,000 people were in receipt of a supplement of which almost 32,000 recipients are getting a supplement for 18 months or more. The scheme was not designed to meet long-term ongoing housing needs. One of the measures introduced to address the issue of long-term rent supplementation is the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) which gives local authorities specific responsibility for meeting the long-term housing needs of people receiving rent supplement for eighteen months or more. Almost 13,000 tenants have been transferred from the rent supplement scheme to RAS since 2005.
Significant changes to the means test for rent and mortgage interest supplement were implemented in 2007. Additional provision was made specifically to facilitate people on rent supplement returning to work and those accepted as eligible for accommodation under RAS. These measures are positive steps in assisting tenants in achieving a long-term housing solution for their needs while also increasing the financial return from employment for those returning to work or moving to full-time employment. Expenditure on rent supplement and mortgage interest supplement for the past 5 years is shown in the attached tabular statement. The estimated provisions for the current year are also shown in the statement.
Overall, I am satisfied that the current rent supplement and mortgage interest schemes provide an adequate short-term "safety net" within the overall social welfare system to ensure that people do not suffer hardship due to loss of employment. Nonetheless I intend to keep the schemes under review to ensure that the schemes meet the objective of catering for those who require assistance on a short-term basis while long-term housing needs are dealt with in a more appropriate manner. Developments in relation to current year expenditure are being closely monitored in the context of the Government's framework for reporting on public expenditure.
|
Year |
Rent Supplement |
Mortgage Interest Supplement |
|
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
2003 |
331,471 |
7,663 |
|
2004 |
353,762 |
6,333 |
|
2005 |
368,705 |
6,339 |
|
2006 |
388,339 |
7,873 |
|
2007 |
391,466 |
12,198 |
|
2008 |
*392,100 |
*14,350 |
*As per Revised Estimates Volume.
EU Directives.
Billy Timmins
Question:195 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of European directives and the titles of these directives that have been issued to her Department since Ireland joined the EU; the number of these that have been implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25055/08]
Since 1973, six EU Directives have been transposed by my Department. Apart from Directive 79/7/EEC (which dealt with the principle of equal treatment in social security schemes) the remaining five Directives relates to issues concerning occupational pension schemes. Two Directives were transposed by way of Regulations made under Section 3 of the European Communities Act 1972, while three Directives were transposed by way of primary legislation. The table below lists the relevant directives and the legislation by which they were transposed.
|
Directive |
Transposed by |
|
79/7/EEC of 19 December 1978 on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security |
No. 14/1985: Social Welfare (No.2) Act 1985 S.I No. 152 of 1992. European Communities (Social Welfare) Regulations, 1992. |
|
Council Directive 86/378/EEC of 24 July 1986 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in occupational social security schemes |
Pension Act 1990 (Part VII) |
|
Council Directive 96/97/EEC of 20 December 1996 amending Directive 86/378/EEC re equal treatment for men and women in occupational social security schemes |
Pensions Act 1990 (as amended) |
|
Council Directive 98/49/EC of 29 June 1998 on safeguarding the supplementary pension rights of employed and self employed persons moving within the Community |
Pensions (Amendment) Act, 2002 S.I. No 4 of 2003 Occupational Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 |
|
Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October, 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breast-feeding |
European Communities (Social Welfare) Regulations 1995 (S.I. No. 25 of 1995), implements provisions relating to Health and Safety Benefit. |
|
Council Directive 2003/41/EC of 3 June 2003 on the activities and supervision of institutions for occupational retirement provision |
Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2005. Part 3 Consequential regulations: SI 592 of 2005 (Occupational Pension Schemes (Cross-Border) Regulations 2005 subsequently revoked and replaced by Occupational Pension Schemes (Cross-Border) Regulations, S.I. No. 292 of 2006 SI 593 of 2005 (Occupational Pension Schemes (Investment) Regulations 2005 subsequently revoked and replaced by Occupational Pension Schemes (Investment) Regulations, S.I. No. 294 of 2006 SI 594 of 2005 (Occupational Pension Schemes (Trustee) Regulations 2005 subsequently revoked and replaced by Occupational Pension Schemes (Trustee) Regulations, S.I. No. 234 of 2006 |
National Drugs Strategy.
Brian Hayes
Question:196 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason his Department has provided funding to a project (details supplied); the use to which this funding will be put; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24845/08]
The project referred to by the Deputy is an Education/Skills Training Programme in the North West Inner City area of Dublin. The project offers a FETAC-accredited training and education programme for female drug users who are stabilized and/or on methadone maintenance. The project receives annual funding from my Department under the National Drugs Strategy and the allocation in 2008 is €48,426.
Earlier this year, my predecessor, Minister of State, Pat Carey T.D., approved funding of nearly €900,000 towards the refurbishment of three floors of a Community Resource Centre in the North Inner City area. This will facilitate the transfer of the project from its current location and the expansion of the range of services it provides. This funding is being provided under the Drugs Task Force Premises Initiative managed by my Department.
EU Directives.
Billy Timmins
Question:197 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of European directives and the titles of these directives that have been issued to his Department since Ireland joined the EU; the number of these that have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25046/08]
No EU directives have been issued to my Department since its establishment in June 2002.
Fishing Industry Development.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:198 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will confirm that Cork, with its extensive shoreline, is to lose its Bord Iascaigh Mhara inshore development officer; the reason for the proposed reduction of this post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24848/08]
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Irish Sea Fisheries Board, is the independent, statutory agency with responsibility for developing sustainable Irish Sea Fishing and Aquaculture industries. The deployment of staff within the agency is a matter for BIM exclusively, in which the Minister has no role.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:199 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will confirm that Spanish and French fishermen are paying a little more than 50 cent a litre for diesel fuel for their fishing boats while Irish fishermen are paying almost 80 cent a litre; the basis on which this differential arrangement is applicable under the Common Fisheries Policy; and the steps he will take to relieve the difficulties confronting our fishermen. [24860/08]
The escalation of fuel costs is a result of global economic, market and political conditions. The Common Fishery Policy (CFP) has no remit as regards the pricing of fuel in the market place. It is important to note that the fishing industry in Ireland already receives favourable treatment in the form of a full rebate on excise and VAT on marine fuel, if the enterprise concerned is registered for VAT. Fuel subsidies, in terms of operating aid for fishing vessels, are not permitted under EU State Aid rules and any such measures introduced by EU Member States would be in breach of EU law and subject to Infringement proceedings in the European Court of Justice.
My officials and I are fully committed and will continue to strive, within the confines placed upon us, to bring about a situation whereby our fishing fleet can sustain itself from an economic, social and commercial perspective. Minister Killeen and I yesterday attended the Council of Fisheries Meeting in Luxembourg where we conveyed in the strongest possible terms the depth of feeling of Irish fishermen on this matter and the seriousness of the situation facing them. We outlined a strong case for a package of EU-funded measures to address the current difficulties experienced by fishermen across Europe but, particularly in Ireland. I am particularly pleased with the progress made in a number of areas of concern to Irish Fishermen and I believe the meeting was positive as regards the restructuring of the industry and action to combat illegal fishing.
Foreshore Licences.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:200 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of foreshore applications for marina developments which have been made over the past ten years; the number which have been granted; the number that have been refused; and the general reason given for refusal. [24861/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is not immediately available and will require an extensive examination of the Department's files, which has been commenced. When this has been completed, the information will be communicated to the Deputy without delay.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:201 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is the policy of his Department to encourage marina developments; and the steps taken in this regard. [24862/08]
My Department currently has no function in relation to the development of marine leisure facilities (including marinas).
European Council Meetings.
Michael Creed
Question:202 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the outcome of the recent meeting of the Council of Fisheries Ministers; the progress made regarding a financial aid package for Irish fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24952/08]
Minister Killeen and I yesterday attended the Council of Fisheries meeting in Luxembourg where we conveyed in the strongest possible terms the depth of feeling of Irish fishermen on this matter and the seriousness of the situation facing them. We outlined a strong case for a package of EU-funded measures to address the current difficulties experienced by fishermen across Europe but, particularly in Ireland. I am particularly pleased with the progress made in a number of areas of concern to Irish fishermen and I believe the meeting was positive as regards the restructuring of the industry and action to combat illegal fishing.
I welcome the agreement reached at Council on a new regulation to combat landings of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fish from within and outside the EU. I pressed the Commission to examine new initiatives at EU level to increase the return received by fishermen at the quayside and improved labelling to assist customers. I also asked the Commission to bring forward initiatives on research and innovation into ways to develop more fuel-efficient engines and fishing practices. I was particularly pleased with the support offered by a number of other Member States and with the response of the EU Fisheries Commissioner Borg, who has undertaken to come back to the issues at the next Council meeting on the 15th July.
Farm Retirement Scheme.
Michael Creed
Question:203 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the plans he has to reconsider the compulsory reduction in the farm retirement pension when the beneficiary reaches age 66 and is entitled to a State retirement pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24954/08]
It is a requirement of the EU Council Regulations under which the Early Retirement Schemes were introduced that the Early Retirement pension can be paid only as a supplement to any national retirement pension to which the participant, and his or her spouse or partner in a joint management arrangement, is entitled. This means that the value of any such national retirement pension must be deducted from the Early Retirement pension.
Michael Creed
Question:204 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department will review the regulations whereby persons who have availed of the farm retirement scheme are not entitled to the full rate of forestry grant and premium at the end of the ten year period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24956/08]
One of the requirements for entrants to the Early Retirement Scheme is that they undertake to cease all commercial farming activity definitively. As Scheme participants can no longer be regarded as active farmers for the purposes of forestry grants, any lands planted by them after the date they join the Early Retirement Scheme can only attract grants or premiums at the non-farmer rate. However, any lands planted prior to a participant's date of entry to the Early Retirement Scheme continue to be eligible for grants at the farmer rate.
Michael Creed
Question:205 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the proposals he has, in view of the fact that the farm retirement scheme pension can be increased from State funds and the incentive that this scheme could act as in the context of land mobility, to increase the rate of payment from Exchequer funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24957/08]
The maximum level of pension payable under the current Early Retirement Scheme, which is €15,000 per annum, was agreed with the farming organizations in the context of the negotiations on the partnership agreement Towards 2016.
Fisheries Protection.
Michael Creed
Question:206 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the situation regarding Irish commercial fishing vessels landing sea bass; the steps he will take to end discrimination against Irish vessels in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25038/08]
The domestic conservation measures for sea bass are kept under review on a regular basis, in light of scientific assessments by the Central Fisheries Board and the Marine Institute on the state of sea bass stocks. There are three measures in place to protect sea bass:
The (Bass (Conservation of Stocks) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 203 of 2006)) prohibits Irish sea-fishing boats from fishing for, landing, transhipping or having on board sea-bass.
The Bass Fishing Conservation Bye-law No. 826 of 2007, (which imposes a bag limit on anglers of two bass in any one period of 24 hours)
The Bass (Restriction on Sale) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 367 of 2007) (prohibiting the sale or offer for sale of bass (other than bass which has been imported into the State))
These regulations were introduced following scientific advice received on the subject. I will continue to keep the national conservation measures for sea bass under regular review; in this regard I have asked the Marine Institute to give me an up to date assessment of the current situation as it pertains to sea-bass. Following receipt of the new advice I will consult further with my colleague Eamon Ryan, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on the matter.
EU Directives.
Billy Timmins
Question:207 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of European directives and the titles of these directives that have been issued to his Department since Ireland joined the EU; the number of these that have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25043/08]
All EC Directives issued since 1973 and relevant to this Department have been transposed and thus implemented into national legislation with the exception of Council Directive 2006/88/EC and those that were recently issued and not yet due for transposition. The outstanding Directive will be transposed shortly and it is intended that all recently issued Directives will be transposed and implemented on time. In view of the volume of Directives involved in the 35 years since 1973, I am not in a position to provide the Deputy with a list of the numbers and titles of those Directives. However, all such Directives are published in the Official Journals of the European Communities.
School Transport.
Shane McEntee
Question:208 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science the regional breakdown on the location of the 2,000 warnings issued by school transport inspectors since 2004 to date in 2008 and the location of school transport contracts terminated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24849/08]
The warnings referred to by the Deputy refer to deficiencies in service performance found during in-service checks conducted by school bus inspectors. This is a separate mechanism from the system of random maintenance checks, which themselves are in addition to the statutory Roadworthiness test under the auspices of the Department of Transport. The Roadworthiness Test remains the national statutory standard and the most important testing mechanism for public buses.
The warnings issued following in-service checks conducted by Bus Éireann School Transport Inspectors related to matters such as carrying children without tickets, bad timekeeping, failure to use nominated vehicle or driver, missing fire extinguisher or first aid kit, driver not carrying his/her driving licence etc. The following is the list of the locations by Bus Éireann administrative region where such warnings/advisories were issued during the period in question, with the number of contract terminations shown in brackets:
Northwest Region 29 (6)
West Region 128 (22)
East Region 60 (4)
South West Region 397 (5)
South Region 1,410 (0)
I can assure the Deputy that the safety of children travelling on the school transport service is of paramount importance to my Department and to Bus Éireann.
Schools Building Projects.
Pat Breen
Question:209 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the status of a school building project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24851/08]
The development of a building project for the school in question is at an early stage. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered on an 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 further progression of the project at this time.
Pat Breen
Question:210 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the status of a school building project at a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24852/08]
An application for an extension has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy and an assessment of the long term needs of the school has been concluded. The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
Pat Breen
Question:211 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the status of a school building project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24853/08]
An application for a new school building on a new site has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
Pat Breen
Question:212 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the status of a school building project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24854/08]
An application for a new school building for the school referred to by the Deputy is at a very early stage of development. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
Pat Breen
Question:213 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the status of a school building project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24855/08]
An application for a new school building has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
Pat Breen
Question:214 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the status of a school building project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24856/08]
I can confirm that an application for a new school building has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
Pat Breen
Question:215 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the status of a school building project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24857/08]
An application for an extension was received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The progression of this project as with all large scale building projects, from initial design stage through to construction phase, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
Special Educational Needs.
Joe McHugh
Question:216 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the elements of the special needs disability Act 2004 that have been enacted; the elements of the Act that are outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24865/08]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004. A number of sections of the EPSEN Act, 2004 have been commenced, principally those establishing the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and those promoting an inclusive approach to the education of children with special needs. Specifically, the following sections have been commenced: 1, 2, 14(1)(a), 14(1)(c), 14(2) to 14(4), 19 to 37, 40 to 53. In addition, the Special Education Appeals Board (SEAB) was established in April 2007, under section 36 of the EPSEN Act 2004, to hear and determine appeals pursuant to a number of sections of the Act.
My Department is now at an advanced stage in finalising proposals to facilitate implementation of the remaining sections, including the provisions in respect of assessment and individual education plans (IEP). The time taken to finalise proposals reflects the complexities involved, the need for consultation across the wide range of people and sectors involved, the need to align with the requirements of the Disability Act, 2005 and define how the Health Service Executive (HSE) and NCSE will work together under both acts.
My Department's priority is to ensure that the necessary training, guidance and supports are in place to facilitate the commencement of the remaining sections of the Act. It must also be acknowledged that, during this necessary period of preparation and planning for the roll-out of the EPSEN Act, my Department continues to expand capacity and services for students with special educational needs across the schools network through the work of the National Council for Special Education.
Joe McHugh
Question:217 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a pupil (details supplied) has had their resource hours cut; if his Department oversees the decisions made by the special educational needs organisers; if there is an appeal process for parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24867/08]
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Council for Special Education is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special needs. Applications for SNAs may be considered by the NCSE where a pupil has a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or to other pupils. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
My officials have been in contact with the NCSE and have been advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is currently in receipt of 5 hours resource teaching per week. The pupil in question currently has access to support from a special needs assistant (SNA) on a full time basis. It has been determined that the SNA will be able to support the care needs of this pupil and another pupil in the school with effect from September 2008. The school has agreed to implement this arrangement. The NCSE will undertake to review a decision taken by a SENO on foot of a request from a school or parents/guardians, when accompanied by relevant additional information, which may not have been to hand at the time of the decision. The NCSE has outlined this process in its Circular 01/05.
All schools have contact details of their local SENO. It is also open to parents to contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I understand that the SENO will be in contact with the parents in the near future.
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.
Jack Wall
Question:218 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason persons having completed a two year VTOS course and having been recommended for a third year have had their income reduced by €30 from the completion of the second year course to the commencement of the third year course in the next term of the courses in the one continuous year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24872/08]
The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is a two-year year second chance education programme for adults unemployed for at least six months and over 21 years of age. Students who had a prior entitlement to certain Social Welfare payments receive a training allowance instead of their Social Welfare payment at a rate equivalent to the maximum rate of unemployment benefit. A person will qualify for a bonus payment of €31.80 if they have been in receipt of an unemployment payment for one year directly before their course commencement date.
Vocational Education Committees (VECs) are authorised to grant a third year on the VTOS programme in very exceptional circumstances such as: entry with very low levels of literacy/numeracy, where an extra year is required to reach accreditation or significant amounts of tuition time lost through serious personal health problems. Payments to VTOS students by the VEC cease following completion of the two year VTOS programme. Decisions on whether a student can stay on VTOS for a third year have to be ratified at a meeting of the VEC. In cases where students are approved for extension of the VTOS scheme any additional payments are reinstated and backdated.
Schools Building Projects.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:219 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on a proposal by the parents council of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick that approval be granted to commence construction of a new school in November 2008 in view of the fact that all the money to be spent in 2008 will be provided by the local community, including the site with full planning permission, plus €136,000, with no money required from his Department until 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24873/08]
Paul Kehoe
Question:223 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make a decision on the proposed allocation of funds for the construction of a new school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24915/08]
Paul Kehoe
Question:224 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the correspondence his Department has received since January 2007 to date in 2008 with a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24916/08]
Finian McGrath
Question:226 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a matter (details supplied). [24922/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 219, 223, 224 and 226 together.
My Department will be providing a new greenfield site building for the school to which the Deputies refer in due course. Tenders have been received for the project and it is now awaiting approval to proceed to construction. I am not in a position to give the go ahead for any more projects to proceed to construction at this time. I indicated this clearly to the school in question when I visited it recently. I am currently reviewing, with my officials, the Department's spending plans for this year and I will not be making any decision on any further capital expenditure until that process is completed.
What I can say is that the new building for the school in question will be provided when the requisite funding is available and on a time line consistent with the priority attaching to the project under the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. My Department has been in receipt of regular correspondence from the school authorities in question and this will continue to be dealt with in the normal fashion.
I can confirm that the school recently submitted a proposal to my Department in relation to how its project might proceed this year without incurring Departmental expenditure. This proposal will be examined by the School Planning and Building Unit in my Department and a response will issue directly to the school authority. The examination will be strictly governed by the capital allocation available in 2009 and the priority attaching to the project in this regard. Any other approach would be unfair to schools in a similar situation which cannot provide start-up funding for their projects.
Languages Programme.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:220 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason funding for a school (details supplied) was stopped; the effect this will have on the provision of English language training and other measures to promote integration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24874/08]
Denis Naughten
Question:228 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to reinstate funding for Integrate Ireland Language and Training; when he will have the mainstreamed programme operational; the additional funding to be provided to VECs in 2008 to mainstream the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24930/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 228 together.
Integrate Ireland Language and Training Ltd. (IILT) approached my Department earlier this year with a proposal to withdraw from direct tuition for adult refugees and with a request that this tuition be mainstreamed. IILT envisaged continuing direct tuition for a group of up to 200 programme refugees. My Department accepted that mainstreaming of service provision was appropriate as it accords with the overall approach to provision of services to migrants as set out in "Migration Nation" — a statement on integration strategy and diversity management which I recently launched. In doing so the Department decided that all provision should be mainstreamed and provided by VECs as it would make no sense to seek to continue with a small element of provision by IILT.
The funding allocated to IILT will now be redirected to provide for the continuation of this service through the VEC network. The Irish Vocational Education Association has confirmed that it is happy to cooperate and collaborate with my Department in delivery of necessary English language services. The VEC sector has already developed best practice in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision. The sector is already providing English language services for those whose first language is not English.
At present services are provided to over 12,000 people annually which clearly demonstrates the capacity of the VECs in this area. A further advantage of mainstreaming such provision through the VEC sector is the fact that the VECs have a nationwide network across all counties and cities that can readily provide classes where needed in the country using their facilities in schools and centres. My Department is currently in discussion with the IVEA to ensure the minimum of disruption to students and the smooth transition to the new basis of delivery.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:221 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science when the assessment packs to test students receiving English language support, promised for approximately two years, will be available. [24875/08]
Two copies of the "Primary School Assessment Kit", prepared by Integrate Ireland Language and Training (IILT) have been circulated by my Department to all primary schools in recent weeks. This will enable teachers to carry out initial and on-going assessments of the language proficiency of newcomer children. The Assessment Kit has also been placed on the Department's website. It is proposed to have an assessment kit for post-primary schools available later in the year.
School Accommodation.
Shane McEntee
Question:222 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science when payment will be made to a school (details supplied) in County Meath for the restoration of school grounds to the background of health and safety concerns at the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24908/08]
The Department has received an application for funding for the restoration of school grounds from the school authorities referred to by the Deputy. This application is under consideration at present and it is expected that a decision on this application will be made and conveyed to the school authorities shortly.
Questions Nos. 223 and 224 answered with Question No. 219
Higher Education Grants.
Finian McGrath
Question:225 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [24920/08]
The decision on eligibility for maintenance grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired. When assessing the means of students other than independent mature students, the means test provision of the scheme specifies that the students' means and those of their parents or guardians must be below a prescribed limit. This provision requires that parental income be taken into account irrespective of the individual circumstances in any case where the student is not an independent mature student.
Under the Higher Education Grants Scheme an approved course is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of at least two years duration or a full-time postgraduate course of not less than one year duration pursued in an approved institution. An approved institution is defined to mean a university, college or other institution of higher education in so far as it provides a course or courses of not less than two years duration, being a course, or courses, which the Minister for Education and Science approves for the time being for the purposes of the Acts. The Higher Education Grants Scheme specifies a list of approved institutions. For a number of the institutions only specified courses are approved. The courses in these particular institutions are reviewed annually. Mater Dei Institute of Education is one of those approved institutions under which specified programmes listed.
The Deputy's question refers to a student participating on a BA in Education in English & Religion. As this is not listed in the 2007 Grant Scheme, students on this course would not be considered for funding under the terms and conditions of the Higher Education Grant Scheme. The Deputy will appreciate that the terms of the schemes are of general application and it is not open to me to make exceptions in individual cases.
Question No. 226 answered with Question No. 219.
Schools Building Projects.
Denis Naughten
Question:227 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 147 of 8 November 2007, if he will expedite the project concerned in view of the traffic hazard at the current school site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24929/08]
A suitable site has been acquired for a proposed new school building for the school in question. The long term projected staffing, on which the accommodation needs will be based, has been determined. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
The issue of road safety measures outside the vested site areas of schools, such as road signage, traffic calming measures etc., is a matter that should be raised in the first instance with the relevant Local Authority. Local Authorities have the power to decide on road safety measures outside schools and should ensure that measures are in place to protect the safety of local school children.
Question No. 228 answered with Question No. 220.
Third Level Institutions.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:229 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give an assurance that an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare will continue to provide research and promotional services in the future; if there have been recent developments on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25025/08]
The estate in Co. Kildare referred to by the Deputy is in the ownership of a third level institution. The Institution is an autonomous body, with the day to day management of the Institution's affairs being a matter for its Governing Body. I have been informed by the Higher Education Authority that the Governing Body is currently engaged in an analysis of its requirements in relation to its overall campus development. In this regard, the Institution is exploring all options open to it, including an examination of the suitability and use of this estate.
EU Directives.
Billy Timmins
Question:230 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of European directives and the titles of these directives that have been issued to his Department since Ireland joined the EU; the number of these that have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25048/08]
It has not been possible to fully collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will respond directly to him as soon as the information has been collated by my Department.
Proposed Legislation.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:231 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence when he will publish the Curragh of Kildare Bill which will provide for the establishment of a statutory body to manage the Curragh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24902/08]
On 21 July 2004 the Government approved the Heads of Bill following a recommendation by the Inter-Departmental Task force on the future management and development of the Curragh of Kildare. The Bill is with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government for drafting. My Department is reviewing the strategic, procedural and technical issues relating to the role of the proposed Statutory Authority. This will take into account the varying usage by a range of different interests, not least the Defence Forces. It is not possible to progress the drafting of the Bill further pending completion of this review. As a result, I expect that it could be some time before the Bill is published.
EU Directives.
Billy Timmins
Question:232 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the number of European directives and the titles of these directives that have been issued to his Department since Ireland joined the EU; the number of these that have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25047/08]
My Department has issued no European Directives.
Garda Investigations.
Joe Costello
Question:233 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a request was made by a person (details supplied) to search a plane flying through Shannon Airport to Guantanamo Bay in relation to suspicion of extraordinary rendition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24926/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that in the case referred to by the Deputy two reports were received and Gardaí were requested to search the aircraft. The complainants declined to make formal statements of complaint when invited to do so.
As the Deputy is aware, the Garda Síochána is responsible for the investigation of offences. Statutory powers of search and entry are bestowed upon the Garda Síochána under various legislative provisions and when authorised by a judge. However, these powers are exercised in circumstances where a member of the Garda Síochána reasonably suspects that an offence has occurred. These powers can only be used, therefore, where a Garda has a reasonable suspicion supported by some evidence. The mere assertion of wrongdoing by a member of the general public is clearly insufficient in this regard. If the Gardaí were to accede to every such demand, unsupported by evidence, it would amount to an abuse of authority.
I am advised that inquiries by the Garda Síochána established that the plane in question was not, in fact, en route to Guantanamo Bay. I would remind the Deputy that the Garda Síochána has investigated a range of complaints of alleged unlawful activity at Shannon Airport and, where appropriate, files have been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions. In all these cases, no further action was found to be warranted, owing to a lack of any evidence of unlawful activity. Any person with credible information that Irish airports have been used for any alleged unlawful purpose should report their concerns to the Garda Síochána.
Citizenship Applications.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:234 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications for naturalisation currently in his Department; and the average length of time to process such applications. [24863/08]
I am advised by the Citizenship Section of my Department that the number of applications for naturalisation which have yet to be processed to a conclusion is approximately 19,700. The processing time is, on average, 30 months.
Crime Levels.
Joe Costello
Question:235 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on a reported increase in crime in an area (details supplied); the number of gardaí on patrol; the number of gardaí on bicycles in the area; the number of patrol cars in the area; the number of plain-clothes gardaí; the long-term plans for the future of Mountjoy Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24912/08]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is actively policed by Gardaí from Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station and Mountjoy Garda Station, which are part of Fitzgibbon Street Garda District. I am also informed that local Garda management is aware of public order and anti-social behaviour type offences being experienced by residents of the area concerned. Regular foot, bike and mobile patrols are conducted in the area by District and Divisional uniform and plain-clothes personnel supplemented, as required, by the District Detective and Drugs Units, the Community Policing Unit, which has dedicated patrols in this area, and the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel. Personnel are deployed on duties as appropriate by local Garda management.
The formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations is a matter, in the first instance, for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the annual policing plan, as provided for in section 22 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. I am advised that the long-term plans for Mountjoy station are being considered in the context of the future of both it and Fitzgibbon Street Stations and taking into account the overall policing requirements of the area. Current policing policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property, the prevention of public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of the policing service in this area.
Joe Costello
Question:236 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of reported crimes relating to vandalism and theft of cars and burglaries for each month of 2008 in areas (details supplied); the detection rate for these crimes; the number of gardaí on patrol, on bicycles and in patrol cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24913/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred is actively policed by Gardaí from Bridewell Garda Station. I am further informed that the personnel strength of the Bridewell Garda Station on 31 May 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 178. The Bridewell Garda Station forms part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Central Division which had a personnel strength of 689 on 31 May, 2008 which are deployed on patrol, on bikes, in patrol cars and on other duties as appropriate by Garda management.
The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day personnel strengths of individual divisions, districts and stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers. It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking all relevant factors into account. In that regard, the needs of the Garda Station referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.
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 crime statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
Criminal Prosecutions.
Joe Costello
Question:237 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cautions and arrests made in relation to prostitution in the Montpelier/Arbour Hill area for each month of 2008 giving details of the number of men and number of women arrested and cautioned; the number of cases regarding prostitution in this area that have been dealt with by the courts since 2008; the number of convictions that were secured in the courts; the penalties that were imposed on those convicted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24927/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table shows the number of arrests and cautions made in relation to prostitution in the Bridewell Garda Sub-District from 1 January, 2008 to 31 May, 2008.
|
Number Arrested and Charged |
Number of Cautions Issued |
|||
|
2008 |
Females |
Males |
Females |
Males |
|
January |
1 |
— |
24 |
11 |
|
February |
9 |
3 |
29 |
8 |
|
March |
8 |
5 |
31 |
8 |
|
April |
2 |
— |
22 |
7 |
|
May |
8 |
9 |
30 |
9 |
|
Total |
28 |
17 |
136 |
43 |
Members of the local Community Policing Unit are allocated to the area referred to and continue to liaise with residents and community groups in addressing the problem.
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 other statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
Proposed Legislation.
John Deasy
Question:238 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the nature of the technical amendments required to enable the commencement of sections 30 and 32 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24928/08]
I am advised that it is necessary to make certain transitional arrangements to facilitate operational changes in relation to a changeover from one year to three year licenses. These amendments will be provided for in the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous) Provisions Bill which will be published shortly. I will also take the opportunity of that Bill to consider whether the strengthening of firearms provisions is necessary in the light of court judgements.
EU Directives.
Billy Timmins
Question:239 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of European directives and the titles of these directives that have been issued to his Department since Ireland joined the EU; the number of these that have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25054/08]
All EC Directives issued since 1973 and relevant to this Department have been transposed and thus implemented with the exception of the eight Directives listed in the table below and those that were recently issued and not yet due for transposition. In view of the fact that 35 years have passed since 1973, I am not in a position to provide the Deputy with a list of the numbers and titles of the relevant Directives. However, all such Directives are published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.
|
EU Measure |
Transposition date |
Current position |
|
|
1 |
Council Directive 2004/82/EC of 29 April 2004 on the obligation of carriers to communicate passenger data |
N/A to Ireland |
This is a Schengen-related measure and therefore the original deadline for implementation only applied to Schengen Member States. The Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill will, in the main, provide the legislative vehicle for implementing the provisions of this Directive. |
|
2 |
Council Directive 2005/85/EC of 1 December 2005, relating to the minimum standards concerning the procedure for granting and withdrawal of refugee status in the Member States |
1/12/2007 |
Irish law and practice in this area is already substantially in compliance with the terms of this Directive. The Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill includes provisions to restate the law on refugee and other protection procedures in compliance with Ireland’s obligations under the Directive. |
|
3 |
Council Directive 2004/113/EC of 13 December 2004 implementing the principle of equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services |
21/12/2007 |
It is intended that the Directive will be transposed into Irish law by way of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006. The Bill has been passed by the Seanad and has been referred back to the Dáil. |
|
4 |
Council Directive 2002/90/EC defining the facilitation of unauthorised entry, transit and residence |
N/A to Ireland |
This is a Schengen-related measure and therefore the original deadline for implementation only applied to Schengen Member States. The legislative changes required to transpose this Directive are expected to be published later this year. |
|
5 |
Council Directive 2001/40/EC of 28 May 2001 on the mutual recognition of decisions on the expulsion of third country nationals |
N/A to Ireland |
This is a Schengen-related measure and therefore the original deadline for implementation only applied to Schengen Member States. A draft Directive on common standards on procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third country nationals will repeal much of this Directive. |
|
6 |
Directive 2006/24/EC of 15 March 2006 of the European Parliament and Council on the retention of data generated or processed in connection with the provision of publicly available electronic communications services or of public communications networks and amending Directive 2002/58/EC |
15/9/2007 |
Much of the Directive is covered by existing legislation. A draft Statutory Instrument which will transpose the remainder has been published and is currently being drafted. |
|
7 |
Directive 2005/60/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 26 October 2005 on the prevention of the use of financial systems for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing |
15/12/2007 |
Transposition will be effected by way of a Bill which is currently being drafted. |
|
8 |
Commission Directive 2006/70/EC of 1 August 2006 laying down implementing measures for Directive 2005/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the definition of politically exposed person and the technical criteria for simplified customer due diligence procedures and for exemption on grounds of a financial activity conducted on an occasional or very limited basis |
15/12/2007 |
Transposition will be effected by way of a Bill which is currently being drafted. |
Special Areas of Conservation.
Paul Connaughton
Question:240 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the method of selection of the Carnagopple/Gunnode bog at Mountbellew, Ballinasloe, County Galway for inclusion under the EU habitats directive 1992; the reason the bog was selected for inclusion; the person who carried out the on bog inspection; the date on which the inspection took place; the names of other bogs that were similarly investigated but were deemed to be ineligible for inclusion; the reason bog owners were not given a proper briefing on the way they could object to the inclusion of their bogs under the EU habitats directive 1992; the reason a number of other raised bogs in the area were not earmarked for inclusion in view of the poor quality of the turf contained therein; if his attention has been drawn to the outright opposition to the designation of this bog and others like it; if he will allow objections to be heard at an official appeals tribunal, public or private, before turf cutters are prohibited from cutting their 2009 crop of turf; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the economics of preventing people from cutting their turf is immeasurably greater than it was 16 years ago when the directive was introduced in view of the fact that a barrel of crude oil is now costing almost $150 a barrel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24886/08]
Scientific assessment of this site dates back to the early 1970s when it was surveyed by An Foras Forbatha. The site was then surveyed in detail in 1984 as part of The National Raised Bog Survey (NPWS). The site features in the report The Raised Bogs of Ireland (1990), where it is compared to a number of other raised bog sites in Co. Galway. In 1995 the site was considered for selection as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the EU Habitats Directive as part of a study (Kelly, Doak and Dromey 1995) carried out for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, now part of my Department. Broadly, the site can be characterised, from a scientific point of view, as being a raised bog, of the subgroup "western type", of moderate quality with the hydrology seriously damaged but with restoration of that damage being possible. This site was considered for SAC designation in conjunction with other similarly assessed sites in County Galway which included Lough Tee, Raford River, Derrynagran, Camderry, Kilsallagh, Cloonmore, Clooncullaun, Funshin, Lisnageeragh, Leaha, Moorfield and Keelogues. Some of these sites have been designated as SACs and other sites from this group have been designated as Natural Heritage Areas under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000.
The Directive does not require that all qualifying habitat be selected for SAC designation in any particular locality. Carrownagappal was considered to be the best representative sample in its immediate geographic area and as such was selected on scientific grounds and put forward for designation. This site merits SAC status on the basis of three qualifying interests under the Directive — Active Raised Bog, Degraded Raised Bog and Rhynchosporian depressions on peat substrates.
In March 1997, 86 landowners in the area proposed for designation were notified directly in writing and supplied with information on the scientific rationale for designation and on the objections procedure. The proposed designation of the site was also advertised in the Connacht Sentinel and the Galway Advertiser in March 1997. These advertisements indicated that there were procedures in place for objecting to the designation and advised on how to obtain further information. This notification/publicity exercise was supplemented by information supplied by regional staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. In all, 6 landowners objected — 3 were partly successful, 1 was unsuccessful and 2 withdrew their objections.
The statutory deadline for receipt of objections for inclusion/exclusion of land in this SAC has expired and no further objections can be accepted. I appreciate the escalating cost of fuel alternatives and envisage that an appropriate compensation mechanism will be applied in the context of the cessation of turf-cutting on designated bogs.
Water Pollution.
Enda Kenny
Question:241 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to implement a ban of the sale of lagarosiphon major in commercial outlets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25040/08]
Enda Kenny
Question:242 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received evidence of pollution by weed in Lough Corrib by lagarosiphon major; the plans he has to stem the advance of this weed for 2008 and 2009; the surveys his Department has carried out in other lakes to assess the extent of this weed pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25041/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.
Lagarosiphon major, also known as the curly-leaved pondweed, is a native of southern Africa. It has been widely sold for many years as an oxygenating plant for garden ponds and aquaria. However, it is viewed as a major threat to Irish lakes and their associated wildlife since it became established in Lough Corrib in 2005. A Lagarosiphon Task Force has been established to address the spread of the pondweed in Lough Corrib and in any other areas where it is identified. The Task Force, which is chaired by Galway County Council, includes representatives of my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Central Fisheries Board, the Western Regional Fisheries Board, the Office of Public Works together with Galway County Council. Last year my Department provided funding to the Central Fisheries Board to purchase a weed cutting boat to be dedicated exclusively to removing Lagarosiphon major in Lough Corrib. I understand that the boat recently began weed cutting operations. I have also provided additional funding of €200,000 this year to the Central Fisheries Board for work involving the removal and control of Lagarosiphon major in the lake.
In relation to adjoining lakes, the Central Fisheries Board have carried out surveys which have found no evidence of Lagarosiphon major in either Lough Mask or Lough Carra. I am aware that the Western Regional Fisheries Board recently appointed consultants to undertake a Biosecurity Plan for Lough Mask. The Plan will examine current biosecurity threats including invasive species and take into account the need to protect upstream lakes such as Lough Carra. Finally, my Department is examining the appropriate regulatory measures necessary to control the possession and dispersal of ecologically harmful and invasive species of plants (including Lagarosiphon major) in Ireland. I expect to address this issue in regulations to be made under the Wildlife Acts later this year.
EU Directives.
Billy Timmins
Question:243 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of European directives and the titles of these directives that have been issued to his Department since Ireland joined the EU; the number of these that have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25050/08]
The information sought is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work. Some 200 items of EU environmental legislation, including more than 140 Directives, have now been transposed in this country. The four Directives listed in the table below are outstanding for transposition and my Department is working hard to ensure they are transposed at the earliest possible date.
|
Outstanding Directive |
Title of Directive |
Deadline for transposition into Irish Law |
|
2003/35/EC |
Directive on public participation in plans and programmes relating to the environment and amending Directives 85/337/EEC and 96/61/EC |
25/06/2005 |
|
2004/107/EC |
Directive on arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air |
15/02/2007 |
|
2004/35/EC |
Directive on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage |
30/04/2007 |
|
2006/21/EC |
Directive on the management of waste from extractive industries and amending Directive 2004/35/EC |
01/05/2008 |
Telecommunications Services.
Áine Brady
Question:244 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be rolled out to an area (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24884/08]
The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Details of broadband suppliers, prices and locations throughout the country are available on www.broadband.gov.ie. The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services by competing private sector service providers.
The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These included providing grant-aid under the Group Broadband Scheme (GBS) and ongoing investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). Although broadband is now widely available in Ireland there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. These areas are being addressed by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), which will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met.
The first phase of the NBS procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete. The remaining candidates have been engaged in "Competitive Dialogue" with my Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet my Department's requirements. Judicial Review proceedings regarding certain elements of the NBS mapping process took place on 10 and 11 June 2008 in the High Court and a judgment is awaited. While the outcome of the Judicial Review cannot be anticipated, it is currently expected that a preferred bidder for the NBS will be selected in September 2008, with roll out to commence as soon as possible thereafter.
EU Directives.
Billy Timmins
Question:245 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of European directives and the titles of these directives that have been issued to his Department since Ireland joined the EU; the number of these that have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25045/08]
All EC Directives issued since 1973 and relevant to this Department have been transposed and thus implemented into national legislation with the exception of those that were recently issued and not yet due for transposition and Directives 2003/54/EC, 2004/8/EC and 2006/32/EC. The outstanding Directives are expected to be transposed shortly and it is intended that all recently issued Directives will be transposed and implemented on time. If the Deputy wishes to request information in regard to a specific Directive falling within the remit of my Department, I will have the relevant information forwarded to the Deputy.
The volume of Directives involved since 1973 is quite substantial. Full details of all EU Directives are published in the Official Journal of the European Union and details of relevant implementing legislation are published in the Iris Oifigiúil. As the cost of compiling the information requested by the Deputy would be excessive and, given that the information is already in the public domain, I am not in a position to provide the details requested.