Brian O'Shea
Question:8 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén gearradh siar a bheidh ar chaiteachas a Roinne i leith na Gaeilge in 2008; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [24932/08]
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 7, inclusive, answered orally.
Caiteachas Ranna.
Tá soláthar de bhreis ar €92m i Vóta mo Roinne i mbliana le caitheamh i leith na Gaeilge. San áireamh san fhigiúr sin, tá soláthar déanta do raon seirbhísí mar a leanas:
|
Seirbhís |
Soláthar |
|
€000 |
|
|
Tithíocht Ghaeltachta |
4,000 |
|
Scéimeanna Cultúrtha agus Sóisialta sa Ghaeltacht |
10,767 |
|
Scéimeanna Pobail agus Áiseanna Caithimh Aimsire sa Ghaeltacht |
6,367 |
|
Scéimeanna Feabhsúcháin sa Ghaeltacht |
6,133 |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta — Riarachán |
12,970 |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta — Caiteachas Reatha |
4,685 |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta — Caiteachas Caipitil |
22,500 |
|
Ciste na Gaeilge |
5,365 |
|
An Coimisinéir Teanga |
1,040 |
|
Tionscnamh Ard-Scileanna Gaeilge |
992 |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
17,288 |
Tá súil agam go gcaithfear an soláthar iomlán atá déanta i leith na Gaeilge faoi dheireadh na bliana.
Irish Language.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:9 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the grants available to students, youth clubs or sports clubs to attend summer courses in Gaeltacht and other areas in order to develop their interest in the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24948/08]
Under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge, which is administered by my Department, a daily grant of €10.50 per student is available to approved householders in Gaeltacht areas who accommodate Irish language students from outside the Gaeltacht while attending Irish Summer Colleges in the Gaeltacht. This particular scheme benefits all students who wish to improve their Irish and is not targeted specifically on youth or sports clubs. My Department also provides assistance to local committees who organise summer camps through Irish in the Gaeltacht. The aim of this scheme is to further strengthen Irish as the normal everyday language among young people through a range of recreational and educational activities. A sum of €50 is paid for each participant attending a camp for 5 days and €100 for 10 days. While this scheme is aimed primarily at young people living in the Gaeltacht, up to 25% of places are available for those living outside the Gaeltacht who wish to participate.
In addition, there are two schemes administered by Foras na Gaeilge which are targeted specifically at encouraging the use of Irish among young people aged 3 -16. Both its Summer Camp Scheme (Scéim na gCampaí Samhraidh) and Youth Scheme (An Scéim Óige) offer grants of up to €5,000 (or £3,500 STG) on an all-island basis to groups wishing to organise appropriate events outside the Gaeltacht. The Summer Camp Scheme covers camps of 5 or 10 days duration, which offer a mix of formal classes and fun activities. The funding available is offered on the clear condition that it is to be used to keep participants' fees low. The Youth Scheme applies to events organised outside school hours which give students the chance to use the Irish language in a variety of activities, e.g. sport, computers, music, visual arts, etc.
Leo Varadkar
Question:10 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in the development of an Irish language strategy; when this strategy will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25017/08]
As I indicated in my response to Questions Nos. 14 and 16 on 15 May 2008, progress has been made on two fronts in respect of the public consultation process element of compiling a 20 year Strategy for the Irish language. Firstly, public meetings have taken place over the period 30 April to 14 May in Cork, Limerick, Dublin, Galway and Sligo. Secondly, a survey that was devised to facilitate input from people who were unable to attend the public meetings is available online (at www.plean2028.ie), both in Irish and English. In this regard, I would like to point out that, in order to facilitate people wishing to participate in the process but who have difficulties in operating or accessing technology, surveys can be completed in hard copy also.
In terms of the next steps in the overall process, it is proposed to commence preparation of a draft discussion document outlining principal issues for the proposed Strategy, taking into account the views and recommendations expressed by the public, both at public meetings and through the completed surveys, together with the views of other stakeholders. It is expected that this paper will be available for further public consultation in the autumn. Thereafter, my Department will prepare a draft Strategy for my consideration and for submission for Government approval by the end of the year.
National Drugs Strategy.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:11 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the increase in availability and abuse of drugs in rural towns and villages as evidenced in recent surveys and reports and the need to increase the number of drugs task forces outside of Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24738/08]
Jack Wall
Question:20 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on reports of a 400% increase in the number of deaths recorded outside of Dublin from drug abuse; his further views on whether this reflects the wider availability of heroin, cocaine and other lethal drugs; the steps he is taking to reduce demand for such drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24941/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 20 together.
Yesterday, I launched the 2nd Bulletin of the All Island National Drug Prevalence Survey 2006/07, which was undertaken by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) in conjunction with their colleagues from Northern Ireland. The Bulletin looks at the regional spread of drug misuse in Ireland and the changes that have occurred since the last study in 2002/03. The first Bulletin, published in February last, indicated that while rates of lifetime and recent (last year) overall illegal drug misuse had increased, the level of current (last month) illegal drug misuse had stabilised. While this conclusion is broadly reflected in the 2nd Bulletin, there are important variations in individual regions and around individual drugs, particularly in relation to the more prevalent illegal drugs such as cannabis and cocaine.
The report, which is available on the NACD's website at www.nacd.ie, shows that there has been a significant increase in lifetime use of illegal drugs across all areas. It also concludes that prevalence rates tend to be higher across all age periods in the east of the country, roughly from Dundalk to Cork. The increase in lifetime use for all drugs was expected as older people tend to have less exposure to — and usage of — drugs over their lifetimes and given that illegal drug use is primarily a youth/younger adult (under 35s) phenomenon. Therefore, lifetime prevalence rates are likely to increase for a considerable period of time as the current younger population age.
The increase in recent (last year) use is of more concern and it emphasises the challenging task we continue to face in regard to tackling illegal drug use in our society. However, the report shows different rates of increase across different regions. Meanwhile, the overall stabilisation in current (last month) use, although it varies across regions, is to be welcomed and hopefully, with the continuing work being done through the National Drugs Strategy, this trend will continue. With respect to drug-related deaths outside of Dublin, I am aware that the Health Research Board is currently developing a comprehensive Drug Deaths Register, which they hope to publish later this year. It will cover the 1998-2005 period and will identify regional variations. The existing General Mortality register is the only register currently available but it is generally accepted that this understates the extent of drug-related deaths.
With respect to heroin misuse, the 3 source capture/recapture study, currently being undertaken by the NACD, will provide valuable information on the changes in prevalence of heroin misuse in the country, including the level of regional spread. The Steering Group established to develop the new National Drug Strategy, covering the period 2009 — 2016, will be examining in detail the findings of the Prevalence Survey, the 3 source heroin study and the findings of the new Drugs Death Register with a view to, among other things, determining the appropriate structures for delivering the Strategy. In this context, the question of additional Local Drug Task Forces will be considered. As I outlined at the public consultation meetings for the new Strategy that I attended, the Government is committed to the partnership process between the community, voluntary and statutory sectors. However, I welcome the opportunity that the development of the new Strategy provides to re-examine the existing structures underpinning the Strategy with a view to putting in place the most appropriate arrangements to manage problem drug use in our society over the coming years.
The actions in the National Drugs Strategy under the pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation continue to target a reduction in demand of illegal drug use in our society. As the Deputies will appreciate, there have been a number of successes in this regard, not least in the area of seizures and provision of treatment services. Finally, the Deputies should note that getting problem drug users into treatment has had an important effect in reducing demand as the ROSIE study undertaken by the NACD illustrates. The study found that those accessing and remaining in treatment report significant reductions in their levels of usage of illegal drugs.
Catherine Byrne
Question:12 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the success of the supply reduction pillar of the national drugs strategy; the way he works with the Garda and Revenue Commissioners in curbing the supply of drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24901/08]
There has been significant success in relation to the supply reduction pillar of the National Drugs Strategy and both An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners are playing key roles in this regard. Their levels of drugs seizures have been well in excess of the targets set out in the Strategy and they include a number of significant operations.
The Garda National Drugs Unit (GNDU) is the primary unit within An Garda Síochána charged with responsibility for drug supply law enforcement. At the end of April last, 62 people were assigned to that Unit. Additional Divisional Drugs Units have also been established and they had a total strength of 340 people at the same date. Both the GNDU and the Divisional Units are supported in their work by officers in the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation. Furthermore, as the Deputy will appreciate, Gardaí generally deal with drug related issues as they arise. Data provided by the Gardaí concerning the number, volume and value of drug seizures for the period 2000-2006 inclusive, demonstrates the operational success of the intelligence-led approach taken by the Gardaí.
Meanwhile, drug seizures by the Customs Service have also significantly increased in recent years, as have the number of supply detections. I understand that the Customs Service is to acquire a second customs cutter and a second mobile container X-ray scanner and that these will be deployed next year. The increased use of sniffer dogs has also proved fruitful. At the same time, it must be acknowledged that trade in illicit drugs is a global phenomenon and no country has fully come to grips with it. There has been a sharp increase in the production of heroin in Afghanistan and this has resulted in an increasing supply in Europe. Similarly, production of cocaine continues strongly, with the resultant implications for supply in Europe.
Among the recent initiatives at international level is the establishment in May 2007 of the Maritime Analysis and Operational Centre — Narcotics (MAOC-N), based in Lisbon. It is expected that this Centre which involves seven EU countries (Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, UK, Netherlands and Ireland), will provide significant benefits in the gathering of intelligence about air and sea routes for drug trafficking via West Africa. The U.S. also has a number of liaison officers attached to the Centre. In fulfilling its role, Ireland is deploying both Garda and Customs personnel to Lisbon. In addition, the Deputy should note that I plan to liaise regularly with Garda and Customs representatives to keep up-to-date with developments in respect of their drug-related operations. Reports on their progress are also made on a quarterly basis to the Inter-Departmental Group on Drugs, which I chair. Gardaí are also represented on Local and Regional Drugs Tasks Forces.
Finally, the Deputy should note that in the context of the consultation process for a new National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016, my officials and I recently met with senior officers from the Gardaí and the Customs Service. In these discussions, they both confirmed their commitment that supply reduction of illicit drugs will remain a priority for them over the coming years and that they will be key players in the roll-out of the new Strategy.
Rural Development.
David Stanton
Question:13 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the support his Department provides for the development of rural enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25037/08]
My Department currently provides support for the development of rural enterprises under a number of schemes and programmes, including the Rural Social Scheme, the Community Services Programme, the Enterprise Scheme for non-Gaeltacht offshore islands, and the LEADER programme 2001–2006, which will close shortly. Each of these schemes and programmes encourage social and economic development, and support the growth of rural business and enterprises. Further information in regard to these schemes and programmes is available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie. In addition to these schemes and programmes, the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2007–2013, which was launched recently, will provide significant support for the development of rural enterprises under Axes 3 and 4 of that Programme.
Axis 3 provides funding to improve the quality of life in rural areas and promote the diversification of the rural economy. Though all measures in the programme have relevance, the primary measure supporting the development of rural enterprise is the Support for Business Creation and Development measure. The aim of this measure is to position rural areas so that they can provide economic activity of sufficient mass to attract people to live and work in rural areas. Under this measure, funding of the order of €48.26m will be provided over the life of the Programme for a wide range of rural enterprise activity. It is expected that approximately 10,000 new or existing micro-enterprises will be supported with the potential to create 7,000 jobs over the lifetime of the Programme.
In addition to the schemes and programmes operated directly by my Department, the Deputy will also be aware that responsibility for the creation of employment in Gaeltacht areas rests with Údarás na Gaeltachta, a body that comes within the ambit of my Department, and the work of this body includes the development of rural enterprises. Information in relation to assistance provided by Údarás na Gaeltachta is published in that organisation's Annual Report and Accounts which, under sections 18 and 19 of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Act 1979, are laid annually before each of the Houses of the Oireachtas. Information is also available on its website at www.udaras.ie.
Finally, the Deputy should note that the Western Development Commission, another body that comes within the ambit of my Department, has responsibility for fostering and promoting economic and social development, including rural enterprise and job creation in the Western Region. Information in relation to the support provided by the WDC is published in that organisation's Annual Report and Accounts, which are also laid annually before each of the Houses of the Oireachtas. Information is also available on its website at www.wdc.ie.
Nuachtáin Gaeilge.
Arthur Morgan
Question:14 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Arthur Morgan den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad iad na bearta a dhéanfaidh sé, mar aon le Foras na Gaeilge, chun a chinntiú go leanfar den dá nuachtán Gaeilge, Lá Nua agus Foinse, ar a laghad, a fhoilsiú. [24740/08]
Mar is eol don Teachta, cuireann Foras na Gaeilge maoiniú ar fáil chun Foinse agus Lá Nua a fhoilsiú. Tuigim ón bhForas go mbeidh deireadh leis na conarthaí reatha ar 31 Nollaig 2008. Tuigim freisin go bhfuil próiseas comhairliúcháin maidir le foilseachán nuachtán Gaeilge ar siúl ag an bhForas i láthair na huaire agus go rabhthas ag glacadh le haighneachtaí ón bpobal go dtí Dé hAoine seo caite. Cuirfear torthaí an phróisis sin san áireamh nuair a bheidh Bord Fhoras na Gaeilge ag déanamh cinntí sa bhfómhar maidir lena straitéis chun nuachtáin Ghaeilge a mhaoiniú amach anseo.
Departmental Programmes.
Seymour Crawford
Question:15 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans he has to publish the value for money review of the local development social inclusion programme; if so, when it is expected this review will be made public; the action that will be taken on foot of the conclusions of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25033/08]
I expect that the formal processes relating to the Final Report of the Value for Money and Policy Review of the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme will be completed shortly. At that stage I will arrange for the report to be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas and the provision of copies to the Select committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Copies will also be made available to relevant Government Departments, Pobal, the Partnership Companies responsible for the delivery of the programme and other stakeholders. It will also be published on my Department's website. The contents of the report will form a key input into the strategic direction of the programme for the future.
National Drugs Strategy.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:16 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the ongoing consultations in relation to the new national drugs strategy. [24736/08]
Willie Penrose
Question:25 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position of the national drugs strategy; the number of persons who attended each area meeting; the number of individuals or organisations that made submissions to the review group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24964/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 25 together.
As part of the process of developing the next National Drugs Strategy, to cover the period 2009-2016, the Steering Group, chaired by my Department, is currently completing a comprehensive series of consultation meetings. I am attending as many of these meetings as possible as I see them as being a key part of the process of developing the new Strategy. The consultation process includes:
public consultation meetings at 15 locations;
written/e-mail submissions;
meetings with relevant Departments/Statutory Agencies;
meetings with key sectoral groups and organisations;
focus groups meetings; and
engagement with the Oireachtas.
All 15 public consultation meetings have now been held, with reports on all except the final meeting in Croke Park now available on my Department's website, www.pobail.ie. The report from this session will be available within the next week. The feedback received from attendees at these sessions was very favourable and people felt that there was good interaction, with ample opportunity for people to air their views and opinions. The total attendance over the 15 meetings was a little over 1,200, giving an average attendance of approx. 80 people. Details of the attendances at each of the 15 public meetings are provided in the attached table. To date, over 120 submissions by e-mail and in writing have been received from various organisations and individuals. The Deputies should note that next Monday, 30th June, is the closing date for receipt of submissions.
With regard to the other elements of the consultation process, most of the meetings with Departments and Agencies have been held at this stage, and the Steering Group has started to meet with the key sectoral groups and the focus groups. All in all, it is hoped to have the overall consultation process — which will involve about 45 meetings in total — completed around mid July. Meanwhile, I would encourage Oireachtas Members to input to the process in their capacity as elected representatives — and, in this context, I understand that Deputy Ó Snodaigh attended one of the public meetings in Dublin. I recognise that the current Strategy grew out of a political consensus in the late 1990s and I would welcome a continuation of that broad approach.
Last week, I attended a debate in the Seanad that afforded Senators an opportunity to contribute to the process and I will be meeting with the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on 24 September to hear their views. The views of Deputies and Senators will continue to be welcome as the Strategy is being formulated over the coming months. Following the consultation process, work on the finalisation of proposals will continue with a view to having a new Strategy developed by the end of the year.
|
Venue |
Attendance |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
85 |
|
Athlone |
30 |
|
Hilton Dublin Airport Hotel |
75 |
|
Galway |
100 |
|
Gorey |
70 |
|
Tallaght |
120 |
|
Sligo |
70 |
|
Dublin City (Southside) |
49 |
|
Portlaoise |
30 |
|
Limerick |
110 |
|
Tralee |
65 |
|
Cork |
140 |
|
Waterford |
75 |
|
Dundalk |
75 |
|
Croke Park |
125 |
Departmental Programmes.
Dan Neville
Question:17 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in relation to the evaluation of business proposals from local action groups; when it is envisaged funding for Leader programmes will be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25009/08]
The Deputy will be aware that I launched the call for proposals for Local Action Groups to deliver the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme on 20th May. The closing date for receipt of these proposals is 4th July, after which they will be assessed in accordance with the criteria laid down by my Department. Total funding available for these LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme is €425m, which is almost three times more than the amount available under the 2000–2006 programming round and I hope that project activity under the LEADER elements will commence in October 2008.
Coistí Ranna.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:18 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Michael D. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an mó cruinnithe a bhí ann go dtí seo den fhochoiste Rialtais i leith na Gaeilge. [24934/08]
Michael D. Higgins
Question:40 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Michael D. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil cathaoirleach nua le hainmniú don fhochoiste Rialtais i leith na Gaeilge. [24935/08]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh 18 agus 40 le chéile.
Faoi mar atá curtha in iúl don Teach cheana, bunaíodh an Coiste Rialtais a luann an Teachta chun breathnaithe ar shaincheisteanna a thagann chun cinn i gcomhthéacs na hanailíse agus na moltaí sa tuarascáil a d'eascair ón Staidéar Teangeolaíoch ar Úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht. Bhí an chéad chruinniú den Choiste ann ar 10 Aibreán 2008. Ag éirí as ath-ainmniú an Rialtais ar 7 Bealtaine 2008, tá cinneadh déanta go mbeidh ballraíocht ag an gCoiste mar seo a leanas:
An Taoiseach (Cathaoirleach)
An Tánaiste agus Aire Fiontair, Trádála agus Fostaíochta
An tAire Airgeadais
An tAire Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil
An tAire Iompair
An tAire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta
An tAire Gnóthaí Sóisialacha agus Teaghlaigh
An tAire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta
An tAire Gnóthaí Eachtracha
An tAire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha
An Príomh-Aoire
Tá mé ag súil leis go mbeidh an chéad cruinniú eile den Choiste ann go luath.
Rural Development.
Emmet Stagg
Question:19 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the response he has received to his call for new rural development groups to hold elections before submitting business plans for funding from his recently announced rural development package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24971/08]
When hosting the Rural Development Forum last week in Charleville, I made my disappointment clear that so few of the companies to date have been fully formed with the election of a chairperson — despite the work of the last 3 years. I indicated also that the lack of practical progress raised serious issues with regard to the continuation of interim funding for LEADER companies who have not fully cohesed and who have not taken concrete steps to comply with the Governance guidelines. Some progress, considerable in some areas, has been made. However, I fully expect to see significant progress made in relation to any such outstanding matters.
Question No. 20 answered with Question No. 11.
Community Development.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:21 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the changes to the programme of grants to community and voluntary organisations; the date these new changes will come into force; the reason behind the changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24955/08]
Kathleen Lynch
Question:36 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans he has to increase funding provided to the programme of grants to community and voluntary organisations following the changes in the application rules of these grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24958/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 36 together.
My Department funds two Programmes aimed at supporting the activities of community and voluntary groups with a focus on addressing disadvantage or where evidence of need has been clearly identified in their communities. The first Programme provides grants to smaller community and voluntary groups to support refurbishment work and the equipping of community facilities. The second Programme aims to enhance the capacity and activities of people and organisations working in the community and voluntary sector to improve governance and provide better quality services to the people they support.
Funding of €9m is being provided for the Programmes this year. Both Programmes were advertised in the first week of June this year and they contain some key improvements over previous programmes. These include:
an increase from €40,000 to €60,000 in the level of grants available for refurbishment work;
greater targeting of the resources available on disadvantaged communities;
simplifying the application process; and
a broadening of the eligibility of both Programmes.
My Department has also taken the opportunity to combine two previous schemes into a single Programme of Training Supports. The revisions of the Programmes are designed to simplify access for community and voluntary groups and to ensure better targeting of the resources available.
Departmental Programmes.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:22 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the proposed extent of expenditure under the CLÁR programme in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24996/08]
€21.183 million has been provided in my Department's Vote for expenditure under the CLÁR programme for 2008.
Cuanta agus Céanna.
Dinny McGinley
Question:23 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an gcuirfidh sé deontas ar fáil chun, obair riachtanach cóirithe agus atógála a dhéanamh ar Ché Inis Bó Finne, Dún na nGall; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [24894/08]
Dírím aird an Teachta ar an bhfreagra a thug mé ar Cheist Dála Uimh 783 ar 30 Eanáir 2008 agus ar Cheist Dála Uimh 297 ar 8 Aibreán 2008 faoin ábhar seo. Ag an bpointe seo, ní féidir a rá cén uair a bheidh sé d'acmhainn ag mo Roinnse tabhairt faoin obair atá luaite ag an dTeachta ach coimeádfar an cás faoi bhreithniú.
Regulation of Charities.
Michael Creed
Question:24 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has had discussions with the Revenue Commissioners with regard to their investigation into possible fraudulent behaviour by charities; if the Revenue Commissioners have concluded this investigation; if there is an indication of fraudulent behaviour having taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25011/08]
In a reply to a similar question on 15 May, the House was informed that one of the key purposes of the Charities Bill 2007 is to enact a reform of the law relating to charities in order to ensure accountability and to protect against abuse of charitable status and fraud. It is vital for public trust and confidence in the sector to be safeguarded and maintained. However, any matters that might currently be subject to investigation by the Revenue Commissioners are an internal matter for the Commissioners. As indicated previously, I have no statutory role in relation to the investigation of charities.
I am pleased to say that during the development of the Bill, there has been a very productive working relationship between my Department and the Revenue Commissioners, who currently maintain a list of bodies that have qualified for charitable tax exemptions. Also, in recognition of the value of the resource potentially available to the new Authority in terms of experience and expertise within Revenue, an amendment was introduced at Committee Stage providing explicitly for co-operation between the new Charities Regulatory Authority and Revenue in relation to the establishment of the Register of Charities, which is to be maintained by the new Authority.
The new Authority, to be established in due course after the Bill is enacted, will also be required to secure compliance by charities with their legal obligations and to encourage better administration of charities. It will be an offence for a body not on the Register of Charities to claim that it is a charity, or to operate or fundraise in Ireland. The new Authority may call for documents and search records, enter premises on foot of a search warrant, impose sanctions, and co-operate with foreign statutory bodies on law enforcement matters. There will also be significant penalties in place. However, I would like to reiterate that while the new Authority will determine whether or not an organisation is a charitable organisation for the purposes of entry onto the Register of Charities, it will remain a matter solely for Revenue to determine whether or not any funds applied by organisations for charitable purposes should be granted entitlement to tax exemption.
Question No. 25 answered with Question No. 16.
National Drugs Strategy.
Joe Carey
Question:26 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in the implementation of the recommendations of the working group on drugs rehabilitation; if he has had discussions with other Government Departments with regard to specific job creation measures to be introduced to encourage the return of drug users to the workforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25024/08]
Catherine Byrne
Question:45 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on whether the rehabilitation pillar of the national drugs strategy has had positive results since its introduction in the mid-term review in 2005; the main achievements in combating the drug problem here, which fall under the rehabilitation pillar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24900/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 45 together.
The Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation, published in May 2007, made a series of recommendations for the development of a comprehensive rehabilitation pillar under the National Drugs Strategy. The Programme for Government also contains a commitment to implement these recommendations. As agreed by the Working Group, the HSE is taking the lead role on rehabilitation and I understand that the post of Senior Rehabilitation Co-ordinator is to be advertised by them shortly, and that it will be filled by September. In addition, I understand that the National Drugs Rehabilitation Implementation Committee — the establishment of which was recommended in the Report — will be in place by September to dove-tail with the appointment of the Senior Rehabilitation Co-ordinator, who will chair it.
A number of other rehabilitation initiatives that are also being progressed through the Drugs Strategy:
steps are being taken to increase the numbers on drug-specific Community Employment Scheme places from 1,000 to 1,300;
the Irish Prison Service is working to improve the operation of the Local Prisons Liaison Groups and to endeavour to ensure a continuum of care for problem drug users when they leave prison;
the Dept of Education & Science is developing proposals for an Education Fund for drugs rehabilitation; and
the Dept of Environment, Heritage & Local Government is establishing a Working Group to progress the recommendations in the May 2007 Report in regard to accommodation issues for recovering drug users.
In addition, my Department is providing funding of €750,000 for rehabilitation initiatives at Local and Regional Drugs Task Force level this year, as well as increased funding to the Family Support Network that will help to support the role of families in the rehabilitation process. Overall progress on the implementation of the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation will continue to be monitored through the Inter-departmental Group on Drugs which I chair. In this context, I can assure the Deputies that I will be working to ensure that progress will be made to implement the recommendations of the Working Group over the coming months.
Job Losses.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:27 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps being taken to combat the impact of growing unemployment rates in rural and Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24969/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department operates a range of initiatives, schemes and programmes in both rural and Gaeltacht areas supportive of the development and growth of these areas, including measures to reduce and combat the impact of unemployment. The schemes and programmes operated by my Department, which are specifically relevant to the Deputy's query, include the Rural Social Scheme, the Community Services Programme, the Community Development Programme, the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme, the Enterprise Scheme for non-Gaeltacht offshore islands, the Gaeltacht Schemes and the LEADER Programmes 2001-2006, which will close shortly. Further information in regard to these schemes and programmes is available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.
Under the Community Services Programme, I can confirm that a total of 1,657 jobs were created in 2006 across the country, and this increased to 1,937 in 2007. In addition, there are currently 2,600 participants on the Rural Social Scheme and a further 130 supervisor positions. It should be noted that both these programmes not only offer employment opportunities in rural and Gaeltacht areas, but also significantly contribute to the social and cultural development of the communities in these areas. This is also the case in relation to the Community Development and Local Development Social Inclusion Programmes, which are delivered by my Department and which target disadvantage and promote social and economic inclusion.
The Deputy should also note that under the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2007–2013, which was launched recently, significant support and funding of the order of €425m will be provided over the lifetime of the Programme, for the development of the rural economy, under Axes 3 and 4 of that Programme. The primary objective of LEADER funding is to improve the quality of life in rural areas and promote the diversification of the rural economy. This overall objective will be facilitated through a number of measures that either directly or indirectly support both the increase of economic activity in rural areas and an increase in employment rates. It is expected that over 12,600 full-time equivalent jobs will be created over the lifetime of the Programme under the various different measures.
With regard to addressing unemployment rates in the Gaeltacht, my Department provides funding for a number of schemes in Gaeltacht areas, which are aimed at strengthening the Irish language as the everyday language of the region. Some of these schemes also provide employment to Irish speaking people, both inside and outside of the Gaeltacht. My Department also provides annual funding to Údarás na Gaeltachta, which operates a range of schemes and initiatives to create and maintain employment opportunities and support economic and social development in the Gaeltacht. Significant progress has been made in recent years in reversing the downward employment trend in the Gaeltacht and in effecting a transition from a declining manufacturing sector to employment in the services sector.
I understand from Údarás na Gaeltachta that 1,038 new jobs in total were created in 2007 and that total employment in Údarás assisted companies now stands at 8,026. This is the first year since 2001 that the full-time employment level has exceeded 8,000. Over 4,000 part-time jobs are also supported by Údarás. Further information in regard to assistance provided by Údarás na Gaeltachta and numbers of jobs created is published in that organisation's Annual Report and Accounts which are laid annually before each of the Houses of the Oireachtas. Information is also available at its website at www.udaras.ie.
The Western Development Commission, another body that also comes within the ambit of my Department, has responsibility for fostering and promoting economic and social development, including job creation in the Western Region. Information in relation to the assistance and support provided by the WDC, and numbers of jobs created, is published in that organisation's Annual Report and Accounts, which are also laid annually before each of the Houses of the Oireachtas. Information is also available at its website at www.wdc.ie.
Departmental Bodies.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:28 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of statutory bodies he has responsibility for; the number of agencies he has responsibility for; the number of appointments he has made to such bodies or agencies since the formation of the Government; the number of vacancies that exist on such bodies or agencies; if vacancies exist, when such positions will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24966/08]
The details requested by the Deputy in relation to the statutory bodies and agencies, which come within the ambit of my Department are outlined in the following Table. In this context, it should be noted that there are currently no vacancies on any of these bodies or agencies and that appointments to the North South Language Bodies are a matter for the North South Ministerial Council.
|
Number and Names of Statutory Bodies and Agencies |
Number of appointments from 14/06/2007 to date |
Current Number of Vacancies |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
0 |
0 |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
16 |
0 |
|
Ulster Scots Agency |
8 |
0 |
|
Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge(Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge was dissolved and their functions transferred to Foras na Gaeilge on 31/12/2007) |
0 |
0 |
|
Pobal |
5 |
0 |
|
Board of the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests |
1 |
0 |
|
Dormant Accounts Board |
4 |
0 |
|
Western Development Commission |
12 |
0 |
|
An Coimisiún Logainmneacha(An Advisory Body) |
0 |
0 |
In addition to the 8 boards and agencies listed above, it should also be noted that An Coimisinéir Teanga, Waterways Ireland, the National Drugs Strategy Team and the National Advisory Committee on Drugs are other public bodies funded by my Department. However these bodies do not have Boards.
Rail Network.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:29 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of interested groups with whom he has had meetings regarding the restoration of the western rail corridor; the involvement his Department has had in the preparatory works in relation to its restoration; the grants his Department has made in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24962/08]
My colleague the Minister of Transport announced the proposed re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor on a phased basis as part of Transport 21 in 2005. Following a number of meetings between my Department, the Department of Transport, Iarnród Éireann and various interested parties it was agreed that my Department would provide funding for line clearance so as to ensure the preservation of the railway line between Claremorris and Collooney. I announced €5m funding under the CLÁR programme on the 18th September 2006 to carry out the works. To date, €3.5m has been spent.
Rural Development.
Paul Kehoe
Question:30 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of Leader companies expected to be supported in the roll out of the new rural development programme; the number of people who will be employed by these companies; the way this differs from the previous programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25002/08]
The Deputy will be aware that I launched the call for proposals for Local Action Groups, to deliver the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme on 20th May. The selection of these Local Action Groups is a competitive open process, which requires the business plans to be submitted by 4th July 2008. Until such time as these proposals have been evaluated, I am not in a position to say how many groups will emerge from the process. In line with both the ‘bottom-up' approach of the LEADER method of rural development and with practice in previous funding rounds, each of the groups contracted to implement the programme employs its own staff and my Department does not have an input in this regard.
Departmental Programmes.
Willie Penrose
Question:31 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of RAPID areas within his Department’s remit; the plans he has to extend such areas or create new areas; the number of dedicated staff within his Department that deal with such areas; the number of reviews of progress made in such areas; the changes in policy as a result of such reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24965/08]
The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within the 46 designated RAPID areas. In terms of reviewing the programme, my attention at present is focused on an analysis of recent Census data with a view to ensuring that the boundaries of existing RAPID areas are appropriate. A key concern will be to ensure that the effectiveness of the RAPID Programme is not diluted and that Government action continues to prioritise and target communities with the greatest needs. The Government has given a commitment to continue to prioritise investment in the existing RAPID areas and no area currently included in the Programme will lose its eligibility for priority treatment.
Deputies will be aware that there was an evaluation of the RAPID Programme in 2006, which indicated that the experience of the Programme has been very positive in many areas and that it has made substantial progress in identifying the needs of disadvantaged communities and in implementing important local projects in response to those needs. The evaluation recommended that a future Programme should be developed under a number of key Strategic Themes. These were Community Safety & Anti-social Behaviour, Family, Youth, Physical Environment, Education, Health and Employment/Training.
A national framework for the development of these strategic themes is now in place and will support the development of strategies and plans to respond to the issues within a local context identified by the Area Implementation Teams (AIT). Each Department/Agency with responsibility for the strategic themes has prepared guidance for the AIT that includes objectives, performance indicators and targets. These will be further developed within the AIT in each RAPID area. I launched the Health, Family and Community Safety and Anti-social Behaviour themes on 30th January 2008. Responsibility for the development of each strategic theme rests with the lead Department or Agency. I expect to launch the remaining four Themes later this year.
Finally, I initiated the RAPID leverage schemes in 2004 in order to support small-scale projects identified locally by the Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas. These schemes are co-funded by the relevant agencies and fund projects that focus on estate enhancement, graffiti removal, traffic calming, community closed-circuit television, health and sports facilities, and the provision of playgrounds and multi-use games areas. The individual schemes are subject to ongoing review to ensure that they remain responsive to the demands of the RAPID communities. Where opportunities arise, the eligibility of individual schemes can be extended to reflect emerging needs identified by the Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas. At present, there are 3.5 head of staff within the Department engaged in working directly on the RAPID Programme.
Rural Development.
Sean Sherlock
Question:32 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the main provisions of the rural development package announced by him on 20 May 2008; the amount of funding available; the estimated number of jobs expected to be created; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24970/08]
I launched the call for proposals for Local Action Groups to deliver Axes 3 & 4 — the LEADER elements — of the Rural Development Programme on 20th May. The total funding available under the LEADER elements of the programme is €425.4 million, almost three times the amount available under the LEADER Programmes for the period 2000-2006. Axis 3 focuses on the quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy, while Axis 4 provides for the implementation of the LEADER approach to rural development through Local Action Groups who will deliver the measures in Axis 3.
The Programme measures under which funding will be provided for the 2007-2013 programming round, the amount of funding available for LEADER-type activity under each measure and the number of full-time equivalent jobs expected to be created are as follows:
|
Measure |
Funding Available (Millions) |
Employment creation expected |
|
€ |
||
|
Diversification into Non-Agricultural Activities |
16.66 |
1,500 fte* |
|
Support for Business Creation and Development |
48.26 |
8,000 fte* |
|
Encouragement of Tourism Activities |
45.40 |
500 |
|
Basic services for the Economy and Rural Population |
49.61 |
750 |
|
Village Renewal and Development |
54.20 |
1000 |
|
Conservation and Upgrading of the Rural Heritage |
51.70 |
750 |
|
Training and Information |
29.45 |
|
|
Skills acquisition and Animation, Local Development Strategies |
34.63 |
|
|
Implementing Local Development Strategies |
4.10 |
|
|
Implementing Co-operation Projects |
10.70 |
100 |
|
Running Local Action Groups |
80.73 |
* FTE: Full Time Equivalents.
Departmental Programmes.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:33 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications for funding made to his Department under the RAPID programme in respect of each year and in respect of each area since its inception; the number of grants drawn down; the amount of funding in relation to each area; the number of grants not drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24963/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:46 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the proposed extent of expenditure under the RAPID programme in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24997/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 46 together.
The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within 46 designated RAPID areas nationally. As I have indicated to the House on a number of occasions, it is a matter for individual Departments to report on the provision of funding and progress on delivery with respect to projects under their responsibility in the RAPID areas. In support, Pobal collects data from each RAPID area in respect of funding allocations received by projects from Government Departments and local state agencies. The latest data in respect of the programme is available on Pobal's website under the RAPID section (http://www.pobal.ie/live/RAPID). The Deputy may find it helpful to access this information.
I initiated the RAPID leverage schemes in 2004 in order to support small-scale projects identified locally by the Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas. These schemes are co-funded by the relevant agencies and fund projects that focus on estate enhancement, graffiti removal, traffic calming, community closed-circuit television, health and sports facilities, and the provision of playgrounds and multi-use games areas. Earlier this year I agreed to co-fund the provision of facilities in schools located in, or mainly servicing children from, RAPID areas. Details of funding allocated to all areas since 2004 are contained in the appendix.
Each of the 46 RAPID area makes applications under each cycle of each leverage scheme. To date there have been three cycles of the Local Authority Housing Estate Enhancement Scheme, two cycles of the Traffic Measures Scheme and three cycles of the Playground Scheme. Applications under other schemes — Sports Capital Top Up, CCTV, Health, Graffiti Removal and Schools Facilities are made to the relevant lead Department. In 2008 funding of some €1.5 million is allocated for current expenditure and of some €7.8 million for capital expenditure for the RAPID Leverage schemes. The provision in my Department's Vote funds the community support and administrative costs of RAPID Area Implementation Teams (AIT) and Pobal and the capital cost of the RAPID Leverage schemes.
Appendix — RAPID
The total allocation by my Department for each County is set out in the table below:
|
County |
Rapid Area |
Amount |
|
(€) |
||
|
Dublin |
11,320,105 |
|
|
Cork |
Cork City, Mallow, Youghal |
4,777,560 |
|
Limerick |
Ballynanty & Kileely, King’s Island, South City |
1,649,023 |
|
Waterford |
Waterford |
1,204,023 |
|
Louth |
Drogheda & Dundalk |
2,124,852 |
|
Wicklow |
Bray |
829,154 |
|
Westmeath |
Athlone |
709,860 |
|
Kildare |
Athy |
741,672 |
|
Galway |
Galway, Ballinasloe & Tuam |
2,161,881 |
|
Carlow |
Carlow |
809,000 |
|
Tipperary |
Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel, Tipperary Town |
1,904,093 |
|
Cavan |
Cavan |
527,641 |
|
Clare |
Ennis |
1,116,750 |
|
Kilkenny |
Kilkenny |
1,072,500 |
|
Longford |
Longford |
530,566 |
|
Meath |
Navan |
426,477 |
|
Wexford |
Wexford & New Ross |
1,044,628 |
|
Sligo |
Sligo |
1,228,453 |
|
Kerry |
Tralee |
697,603 |
|
Roscommon |
Athlone |
66,000 |
|
Total |
34,941,841 |
Some €17.5 m outstanding commitments from the above allocations remain to be drawn down by the areas. Total capital expenditure by my Department in all RAPID areas under the leverage schemes for each of the years 2004 to 2007 and to date in 2008 amount to €17.49m as set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
€ m |
|
|
2004 |
1.98 |
|
2005 |
4.52 |
|
2006 |
4.45 |
|
2007 |
5.32 |
|
To June 2008 |
1.22 |
|
Total |
17.49 |
In addition, I have provided €3m to support initiatives in RAPID areas undertaken by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for the graffiti removal project.
Under the initial round of funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund approximately €32m was approved for projects based within RAPID areas. Following enactment of the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2005, funding totalling over €19m has been ring-fenced to support priority projects in RAPID areas in 2006 and 2007.
Gaeltacht Areas.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:34 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of Gaeltacht areas; the population of each area for each of the past five years; the plans he has to create other Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24959/08]
The Gaeltacht is defined in section 2(2) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1956. There are Gaeltacht areas in seven counties as set out in Statutory Instruments Nos 245 of 1956, 200 of 1967 and 350 of 1982. As with other areas of the country, the population of these areas vary from time to time. The most recent population figures based on the 2006 Census can be accessed from the Central Statistics Office at www.cso.ie. As the Deputy is aware, my Department recently published the Report on the Linguistic Study of the Use of Irish in the Gaeltacht. This study makes a number of recommendations, including recommendations relating to Gaeltacht boundaries, which will be given due consideration by the Cabinet Committee on Irish and the Gaeltacht.
Rural Development.
Emmet Stagg
Question:35 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made to date in regard to the walks scheme introduced on a pilot basis in four areas of the country; if agreement has been reached with landowners in the areas; if there are plans to extend it to other parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24972/08]
The National Walks Scheme, which I launched in early March, is being piloted in the following four areas:
Sheep's Head Way in West Cork
Bluestack Way in Donegal
Suck Valley Way in Roscommon and
Éamonn a' Chnoic Loop Walk in Tipperary
The National Trails Office and the relevant Leader Companies are in the process of completing work plans for the maintenance of these trails. Indications are that at least 85% of the landholders on the trails will take part and that all landholders on the trails are willing to allow access to their land. It is expected that the first scheme payments to landowners in the four areas will issue in the coming weeks.
In tandem with the development of the Walks Scheme, my Department has reached agreement with Fáilte Ireland regarding the employment of 12 Rural Recreation Officers (RRO). Their role will be to promote walking tourism in areas where there are clusters of suitable, accessible walks. The RRO will act as a contact person for walking tourists and will provide a wide range of support and advice. The RRO will provide vital support in rolling out the Walks Scheme. All 12 of the RROs have recently been recruited. The four pilot areas have been assigned RROs and it is anticipated that, when the scheme is bedded down in these areas, it will be rolled out to routes in the other eight areas where RRO's have been appointed. It is expected that over time the scheme will be open to all existing National Waymarked Ways and Looped Walking Routes. In the future, new Waymarked Ways, Looped Walks and Heritage Routes may also be included along with other possible trails.
Question No. 36 answered with Question No. 21.
Question No. 37 withdrawn.
Departmental Bodies.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:38 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the membership and terms of reference of the national Famine memorial day committee; when he expects that the committee will report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24968/08]
In May 2008, it was announced that the Government would commemorate the Great Famine with an Annual Memorial Day. It was also announced that a National Famine Memorial Committee would be established to progress matters in this regard. The membership of this Committee, which I expect to announce over the coming weeks, will comprise a range of interested parties, including representatives of relevant Government and non-governmental organisations. I anticipate that the other matters referred to by the Deputy will be considered by the Committee at its inaugural meeting.
Tourism Industry.
Sean Sherlock
Question:39 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the supports in place to encourage the development of agritourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19639/08]
My Department manages the Leader elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 and the process of selecting the Local Action Groups for the delivery of these elements is currently underway. The Programme, through which €425m will be made available to improve the quality of life in rural areas and to encourage diversification of the rural economy, provides for funding of agritourism activities under the following measures:
Diversification into non-agricultural activities for farm families. Funding will be available, inter alia, for the renovation of farm buildings for tourism purposes and the provision of facilities for walking, cycling, angling and pony trekking. Funding will also be available under this measure for the development of niche tourism and educational services such as arts and crafts, speciality food provision and open farms. Funding of €16.6m will be available under this measure.
Encouragement of tourism activities. Funding will be available for the analysis and provision of infrastructural needs for tourism, the maintenance of vernacular features such as disused railway lines, canal towpaths, &c., the development of the use of forests for tourism and recreation and the development of niche tourism such as arts and crafts, ecotourism, genealogy and archaeology. Funding of €45.4m will be available under this measure.
In addition the Rural Development Fund, which is operated through my Department, provides finance for policy-oriented research, evaluations and pilot actions in rural development and is currently providing assistance to a number of tourism related initiatives.
Question No. 40 answered with Question No. 18.
Inland Waterways.
Jack Wall
Question:41 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the grants available to interested groups to develop waterways and associated amenities here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24942/08]
There are no grants available, at this time, from my Department or Waterways Ireland to groups to develop waterways and associated amenities. However, my Department, along with the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland, jointly funds Waterways Ireland, which has responsibility for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of certain inland navigable waterways, principally for recreational purposes. The waterways under its remit are the Shannon-Erne Waterway, the Shannon, the Erne, the Grand Canal (including the Barrow Navigation), the Lower Bann and the Royal Canal. Waterways Ireland is also responsible for taking forward the restoration of the south-west section of the Ulster Canal from Upper Lough Erne to Clones. Waterways Ireland works with a wide range of interested parties, both public and private, in developing these waterways and their associated amenities. For completeness under the new Rural Development Programme funding will be available to groups to develop amenities associated with the Waterways.
Irish Language.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:42 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views in respect of the 580 public bodies that did not respond to his Department’s letter regarding the new regulations he will sign under the Official Languages Act 2003; the plans he has to write once more seeking observations on the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24973/08]
My Department first began the process of consultation with other Government Departments in early 2004 regarding the preparation of draft Regulations under section 9(1) of the Official Languages Act 2003. This process continued until September 2006 when I published draft Regulations and laid them before each House of the Oireachtas. Individual Government Departments would also have provided an opportunity for bodies under their aegis to comment on the draft Regulations during this period. Any comments received from such bodies would have been incorporated in observations received by my Department from Departments during the course of that consultation process. As a result, a number of public bodies may not have felt a need to comment on the draft Regulations again when given the opportunity by my Department to do so in 2007.
As the Deputy is aware, I had the opportunity of presenting the draft Regulations to members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on 2 different occasions in late 2006. Both Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann approved the draft Regulations on 14 December 2006. Following my discussions with the Committee, I considered it appropriate to give public bodies a further opportunity to comment on the draft Regulations. Accordingly, at the beginning of 2007 my Department wrote to all public bodies covered by the Act (including Government Departments). As I indicated at a meeting of the Committee on 18 June 2008 when discussing the proposed Regulations, approximately 20 public bodies responded with comments and suggestions, some of which have been included in the revised draft of the Regulations, which was circulated to members of the Committee. The Committee is scheduled to meet again on 2 July next to discuss the Regulations for the final time. In the meantime, Members have been invited to forward any comments/amendments that they may have to my Department. Following this meeting, I expect to be in a position to make the Regulations.
As I indicated when the Deputy put this matter to me at the meeting of the Committee on 18 June, I do not consider that a further round of consultations would add value at this stage, having regard to the extensive, comprehensive consultation process which has already been undertaken.
Voluntary Sector.
Joe Costello
Question:43 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for encouraging non-Irish volunteers within communities here in view of the importance such volunteers can play in the integration of such communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24949/08]
My Department has been steadily increasing support and funding to strengthen volunteering in Ireland over the past few years. Funding of the order of €6m is available this year to support volunteering programmes, which include the funding of 20 Volunteer Centres, including Volunteering Ireland, around the country.
These Volunteer Centres encourage volunteering amongst all nationalities within communities in Ireland. They endeavour to match volunteers with the skills requirements sought by local community and voluntary organisations and build volunteer management capacity within these organisations. In recognition of the difficulties certain sectors of society can face in accessing volunteering opportunities, these centres also work to promote inclusive volunteering, challenging stereotypical perceptions of who can volunteer. The Report of the Task Force on Active Citizenship of March 2007 makes a number of cross-cutting recommendations to engage and welcome newcomers within their local communities. My Department will continue to engage with other relevant Departments, to progress recommendations of the Task Force.
Departmental Programmes.
Denis Naughten
Question:44 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the Leader companies will be allocated funding for allocation of grants under the new rural development programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19806/08]
The Deputy will be aware that I launched the call for proposals for Local Action Groups to deliver the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme on 20th May. The closing date for these proposals is 4th July 2008. I hope that project activity under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme can commence in October 2008. Total funding available for these LEADER elements is €425m, which is almost three times more than the amount available under the 2000-2006 programming round.
Question No. 45 answered with Question No. 26.
Question No. 46 answered with Question No. 33.
Dormant Accounts Fund.
Liz McManus
Question:47 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications his Department has received from non-governmental organisations or national sporting organisations for funding under the Dormant Accounts Fund for each year since its inception; the number of grants not drawn down; if an assessment of the reason for the grants not being drawn down has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24960/08]
Disbursements from the Dormant Accounts Fund are designed to assist three broad categories of persons — those socially or economically disadvantaged; those who are educationally disadvantaged; and persons with a disability. My Department has responsibility for administering a number of measures through the Fund. One measure specifically focuses on supporting projects identified annually by RAPID Area Implementation Teams, based on a funding allocation to each RAPID area. The other measures were run on a once-off basis and funded projects to enhance access to recreational and personal development opportunities for disadvantaged young people, flagships and to provide continuation funding from projects previously funded by the Dormant Accounts Disbursement Board. While the status of applicants is not formally recorded, experience would suggest that the majority of applicants to my Department for Dormant Accounts funded activities are non-governmental organisations.
In respect of the RAPID Additionality Measure, 200 applications were received in respect of the 2006 round of funding. The majority of applications were from non-governmental bodies and none were from national sporting organisations. Under the same scheme, 369 applications were received for the 2007 round of funding. Again, the majority of applications were from non-governmental bodies and included 19 applications from a national sporting organisation. The project promoters are in the process of drawing down grants under both cycles of this measure at present.
The measure to promote enhanced access to recreational and personal development opportunities for disadvantaged young people attracted a total of 53 applications, all of which were from non-governmental organisations. No applications were received from national sporting organisations. The Government approved funding for 51 organisations of which 50 have agreed to accept grants. One organisation has decided not to take up its allocation.
Under the Flagships measure, my Department received two applications, both of which were from non-government organisations. Additionally, my Department processed 55 applications for continuation funding from projects originally in receipt of funding from the former Dormant Accounts Disbursement Board. All applications were from non-governmental organisations.
Experience would suggest that there are a number of reasons as to why groups do not draw down the funding they have been granted. For example, some groups may decide that the project is no longer necessary or a priority. Others may experience capacity issues in relation to their ability to implement the project. Issues may also arise in relation to compliance with public procurement rules, planning permission and access to additional funding to complete the project.
Departmental Funding.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:48 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the grants available to youth clubs and sports clubs to purchase small scale equipment to enhance the facilities that they offer their members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24943/08]
My Department does not operate a grant scheme or programme specifically for the type of project referred to by the Deputy. However, some funding may be available from my Department for an element of such a project under the following grant schemes and programmes:
Once-off Grants for Locally Based Community and Voluntary Organisations;
Young Peoples Facilities & Services Fund;
CLÁR Programme; or
Gaeltacht grant schemes.
Funding may also be available from the Dormant Accounts Fund under the Equipment Grants for Youth Clubs/Grants, a measure operated by the Department of Education and Science. Details of all of the programmes and schemes operated by my Department, including eligibility criteria, can be accessed on the Department's website at www.pobail.ie.
Conradh na Gaeilge.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:49 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad é a thuairim faoi phlean Chonradh na Gaeilge an foirgneamh a bhronn an Stát air, ar an mbonn go n-úsáidfí é mar cheannáras agus chun cultúir na tíre a chur chun cinn ag 6 Sráid Fhearchair, a dhíol chun árais eile a fháil, agus an raibh aon teagmháil idir é agus Coiste Gnó an Chonartha maidir le deontas cuí a thabhairt don Chonradh chun an fhoirgnimh stairiúil seo a athchóiriú chun é a chur in oiriúint don nua-aois. [24739/08]
Tuigim go bhfuil ceannáras reatha, Conradh na Gaeilge ar Shráid Fhearchair ar an margadh le díol ag an eagras deonach seo ar mhaithe le lár-ionad Gaeilge nua agus le háiseanna níos oiriúnaí don lá atá inniu ann a thógáil i gcathair Bhaile Átha Cliath. Meastar nach bhfuil an suíomh agus an foirgneamh reatha oiriúnach do riachtanais an lae inniu, ach go bhfuil luach ann a d'fhéadfadh cur go mór le hinmharthanacht an togra atá beartaithe. Tá teagmháil rialta idir an Conradh agus mo Roinnse maidir leis an dtogra agus na féidearthachtaí a d'fhéadfadh a bheith ann chun tacú le lár-ionad sóisialta Gaeilge dá leithéid.
Irish Language.
Mary Upton
Question:50 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the discussions he has had with the Department of Foreign Affairs in regard to the use of the Irish language as an official working language of the European Union; the number of official meetings he has had in regard to the Gaeltacht and the Irish language in each of the past three months; the business in each case; the number of meetings he has had with the Taoiseach in regard to the Irish language since the Taoiseach assumed office; the decisions made arising from these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24974/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Irish language has had the status of an official and working language of the European Union since 1 January 2007. In this context, my Department is in frequent dialogue with the Department of Foreign Affairs and other relevant parties to increase the supply of qualified personnel — for example qualified translators and interpreters — available to the EU institutions to service the requirements of the Irish language.
As the Deputy will appreciate, given that responsibility for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht is central to my Ministerial remit, I have numerous meetings on a daily basis with a wide range of interested parties and I do not consider it would be warranted to detail all such meetings for a three month period in the context of a reply to a Question in the House. I also meet regularly with the Taoiseach and my Ministerial colleagues to discuss the Irish language and other issues that relate to the exercise of my functions as Minister. Decisions made at Government level and at other meetings are announced in the normal way as they arise and as appropriate.
Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 7.
Oileáin Ghaeltachta.
Dinny McGinley
Question:52 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad atá á dhéanamh ag Údarás na Gaeltachta maidir le fostaíocht agus infheistíocht ar na hOileáin Ghaeltachta i nDún na nGall; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [24895/08]
Dírím aird an Teachta ar an bhfreagra a thug mé ar Cheist Dála Uimh 88 ar 5 Nollaig 2007. Mar atá curtha in iúl cheana, bíonn iarrachtaí leanúnacha ar siúl ag Údarás na Gaeltachta chun deiseanna fostaíochta agus forbartha a chruthú i ngach ceantar Gaeltachta, na hoileáin Ghaeltachta amach ó chósta Dhún na nGall ina measc.
Tuigim ón Údarás go bhfuil pleananna forbartha cúig bliana d'Árainn Mór agus Toraigh á n-ullmhú faoi láthair ag na gcomharchumainn ar na hoileáin sin le cúnamh ó oifigigh an Údaráis. Cuideoidh na pleananna seo go mór le deiseanna forbartha, fiontraíochta agus fostaíochta a chur chun cinn. Chomh maith leis sin, cuireann an tÚdarás deontais reáchtála bliantúla ar fáil le struchtúir forbartha pobail a chinntiú d'Árainn Mhór agus Toraigh. Ar ndóigh, cuidíonn gníomhaíochtaí na gcomharchumainn le forbairtí eile a chur chun cinn ar na hoileáin — sna hearnálacha mara, turasóireachta, seirbhísí áitiúla agus teanga ach go háirithe.
Tuigfidh an Teachta go bhfuil dúshlán ar leith ag baint le hinfheistíocht a mhealladh ón mórthír isteach go dtí na hoileáin agus tá curtha in iúl ag an Údarás go bhfuil gach deis á glacadh, feadh a gcumais, chun infheistíochta dá leithéid a spreagadh.
Tourism Industry.
Liz McManus
Question:53 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications for funding from his Department or from agencies within the remit of his Department towards initiation of rural community-based tourism attractions in each of the past five years to date in 2008; the funding involved; his plans to increase the funding or change the guidelines in relation to such grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24961/08]
There is no formal scheme of the nature implied by the Deputy's question in operation either within my Department or by any agency within its remit. We do however consider proposals for rural based tourism/rural recreation from time to time. For example my Department has recently launched a Walks Maintenance Scheme which is in the process of being rolled out to four pilot areas at present and has provided funding to pilot projects such as Galway East Tourism Marketing Ltd which is a community based tourism company whose mission is to implement an integrated marketing strategy for the Galway East Region.
Funding for rural tourism activities is also provided under the LEADER Programmes managed by my Department and are implemented by Local Action Groups. In line with the bottom-up philosophy of rural development the Local Action Group is the decision-making authority in respect of all actions falling within its business plan. In this context, all applications for grant assistance are received and processed directly by the Local Action Groups. Consequently, my Department has no decision-making role in respect of applications made under the Programmes.
The application process to select Local Acton Groups to deliver the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 is currently under way and once this is completed funding under the programme will be available to all rural communities and will include funding of €45.40m for the encouragement of tourism activities over the lifetime of the Programme. Information on projects assisted by Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Western development Commission can be obtained from their websites www.udaras.ie. and www.wdc.ie or from their Annual Report and Accounts which are required to be laid before each of the House of the Oireachtas.
Rural Transport Initiative.
David Stanton
Question:54 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 79 and 187 of 5 December 2007, if a review of the pilot evening transport service has been completed; the plans he has to make funding available for the extension of such an initiative to all rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25036/08]
I refer the deputy to my reply to Priority Question 2 on 15 May 2008. As indicated, the pilot scheme will be reviewed between now and the end of the year.
Property Transactions.
Tom Hayes
Question:55 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the number of the residential and commercial property transactions that have taken place on average during the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25081/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the numbers of residential property transactions on which stamp duty was paid in 2005, 2006 and 2007 were 44,000, 52,900 and 40,800 respectively, corresponding to an annual average of 45,900 over the 3 years. The corresponding numbers of non-residential property transactions in 2005, 2006 and 2007 were 41,000, 45,000 and 37,900 respectively, an annual average of 41,300 over the 3 years.
Departmental Expenditure.
Leo Varadkar
Question:56 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the breakdown of grants-in-aid in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25105/08]
Vote 6 (Office of the Minister for Finance) had grant-in-aid subheads in the relevant period. The following table sets out the amounts expended by my department from its vote on grants-in-aid in 2007 and to date in 2008.
|
Vote 6 Subhead |
Description |
2007 |
2008 YTD |
|
€,000 |
€,000 |
||
|
C |
Economic and Social Research Institute (Grant-in-Aid) |
3,300 |
3,740 |
|
D |
Institute of Public Administration (Grant-in-Aid) |
3,500 |
1,950 |
|
E |
Ordnance Survey Ireland (Grant-in-Aid)* |
5,250 |
0 |
|
J2 |
Technical Assistance Costs of Regional Assemblies (Grant-in-Aid) |
1,390 |
447 |
None of the votes of the offices under the aegis of my department had grant-in-aid subheads in the relevant period. These include: the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Office of Public Works, the Commission for Public Service Appointment, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General, the State Laboratory and the Public Appointments Service.
*In the course of 2007 responsibility for the grant-in-aid to Ordnance Survey Ireland transferred from my department to the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
Tax Collection.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:57 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the amount raised by stamp duty on credit or cash card facilities and on bank transactions in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25129/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the net receipts from stamp duty on financial cards and cheques from 2003 to 2007 inclusive, broken down both by year and type of card, is as shown in the following table.
|
Card Type |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Credit/Charge |
51.7 |
59.0 |
63.8 |
67.8 |
72.4 |
|
ATM |
21.7 |
21.1 |
22.4 |
18.0 |
18.0 |
|
Debit |
1.8 |
2.4 |
3.3 |
0.6 |
0 |
|
Combined (ATM/Debit) |
9.2 |
11.8 |
12.2 |
17.7 |
24.3 |
|
Cheques |
15.3 |
17.8 |
16.5 |
16.7 |
18.6 |
There is no stamp duty on bank transactions.
Leo Varadkar
Question:58 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he will estimate the amount of VAT the Government has earned on unleaded petrol and diesel during May 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25138/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the only monthly information available as a basis for estimating the amount of VAT yield to the Exchequer on unleaded petrol and diesel is the clearances of petrol and auto diesel on which Mineral Oil Tax has been paid for the month of May. The estimated VAT generated for the month of May is as follows:
|
€m |
|
|
Petrol |
44.2 |
|
Auto Diesel |
5.9 |
|
Total |
50.1 |
I am also informed that VAT returns do not require the yield from a particular sector or sub-sector of trade to be identified and precise figures of the VAT yield in May on these oil products cannot therefore be provided. The figures provided for May VAT receipts are estimates of the amount of VAT yield that would be generated by the volume of clearances of petrol and auto diesel for the month in question based on available price indicators. Mineral Oil Tax is paid in the month of clearance of the product but, depending on the nature of the registration status of a trader, VAT returns can be made monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, half yearly or annually and this will dictate the point in time when VAT on sales will actually be paid to Revenue. It should be noted that the VAT content of purchases of auto diesel is a deductible credit for business in the Irish VAT system.
Government Bond Issue.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:59 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Finance the names of the bondholders and the financial amounts taken by each bondholder in tabular form in respect of the €7 billion Government bond issue floated in April 2007. [25165/08]
I am advised by the National Treasury Management Agency that the distribution of investors in the €7 billion 4.4% Treasury Bond issued on 8 April 2008 by country and by investor type is as set out in the following tables. The details of the amounts taken up by individual investors is confidential market-sensitive information. It is not the practice to publish this kind of information in the euro sovereign bond market.
|
Distribution of Investors by Country |
€m |
|
Austria |
89 |
|
Belgium |
239 |
|
Canada |
20 |
|
China |
400 |
|
Denmark |
275 |
|
Finland |
247 |
|
France |
1,120 |
|
Germany |
726 |
|
Greece |
26 |
|
Holland |
702 |
|
Ireland |
376 |
|
Italy |
141 |
|
Luxembourg |
45 |
|
Norway |
143 |
|
Slovenia |
2 |
|
Spain |
82 |
|
Sweden |
15 |
|
Switzerland |
134 |
|
UK |
2,040 |
|
US |
152 |
|
Other |
25 |
|
Total |
7,000 |
|
Distribution of Investor by Investor Type |
€m |
|
Asset Manager |
2,668 |
|
Bank |
1,914 |
|
Central Bank |
520 |
|
Corporate |
27 |
|
Hedge Fund |
489 |
|
Insurance |
376 |
|
Pension |
895 |
|
Supranational |
55 |
|
Other |
57 |
|
Total |
7,000 |
Tax Collection.
Frank Feighan
Question:60 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Finance the reason persons (details supplied) have not received their notice of tax assessments for 2006 despite the fact that all relevant information has been lodged with the Revenue Commissioners. [25177/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the details previously provided to the Deputy regarding three persons named in parliamentary question No. 171 of 17 June 2008 are confirmed as correct, with the income tax notices of assessment for 2006 having issued to all three concerned. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that an income tax notice of assessment for 2006 has issued to the additional named person in this parliamentary question. This person filed an income tax return (Form 11) for 2006 with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, Collector-General's Division on 8 May 2008. The return was processed on 17 June 2008. A notice of assessment for 2006, in accordance with the details on the return, issued on 18 June 2008.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:61 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when a P21 statement for 2007 will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25183/08]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that when the same parliamentary question was previously asked, a letter dated 20 May 2008 issued to the taxpayer requesting the necessary information to enable them issue a form P21 balancing statement for 2007. No reply has been received to date and accordingly, a reminder issued to the taxpayer on 24 June 2008.
Tax Code.
David Stanton
Question:62 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance his views on reducing the number of years from six years as the period of time required by the Revenue Commissioners for the holding of receipts by applicants claiming health relief for health expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25189/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the requirement to submit receipts with claims for tax relief for health expenses was waived in 1998. This was one of a number of customer service initiatives taken by Revenue designed to streamline the administration of claims, reduce processing times and therefore deliver an improvement in the quality of service to taxpayers. Claims for health expenses are accepted and processed on the basis of the figures shown on the relevant claim form submitted by the taxpayer. Some claims may subsequently be selected for a "credibility" check and where it seems from this ‘credibility' check that the claim is not in accordance with the taxpayer's circumstances, the taxpayer will be consulted to clarify the claim. In these circumstances, certain documentation to support the taxpayer's claim may be sought, and it is for this reason that there is a requirement that certain records be retained.
The relevant legislation — Section 886A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 — requires certain records to be retained for a period of six years. I am satisfied that this is a reasonable period of time and is necessary for audit and examination/verification purposes and furthermore, does not impose an undue burden on taxpayers. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that no particular difficulties have been encountered with this requirement. However, the matter will be kept under constant review with the aim of ensuring that no unnecessary burden is imposed on compliant taxpayers.
Tax Collection.
David Stanton
Question:63 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the number of detailed examinations that have taken place in each of the years 2000 to 2007, inclusive, on tax relief claimed in respect of medical expenses; the number of cases for which receipts were not available; the action taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25190/08]
David Stanton
Question:64 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the number of examinations that have been initiated to date in 2008 in respect of claims for relief in respect of tax relief claimed on foot of medical expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25191/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 64 together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are unable to provide the number of detailed examinations that have taken place in each of the years 2000 to 2007 inclusive, and for 2008 to date, on tax relief claimed in respect of medical expenses and the number of cases for which receipts were not available. Revenue have advised me that claims for credits are selected for checking based on a number of criteria, primarily risk. Claims are also selected for checking on a random basis. Revenue's computer systems identify cases selected for checking/audit/investigation, but do not provide information on the specific credits or reliefs selected to be checked in each case. I have also been advised that where a credit/relief is checked, e.g medical expenses, and the supporting documentation, including receipts, is not provided or is incorrect, the relief claimed is withdrawn and the customer's tax credits or tax assessment is amended accordingly.
Disabled Drivers.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:65 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if an application for a primary medical certificate will be reconsidered in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who works three days per week and has to acquire the services of a taxi to and from work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25213/08]
The initial application for a Primary Medical Certificate under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994, is made to the Senior Medical Officer of the relevant local Health Service Executive administrative area. If the Primary Medical Certificate has been refused in this case, the named person may appeal the refusal to the Medical Board of Appeal, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. I would point out that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Noel Grealish
Question:66 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding will be provided for a centre (details supplied) in County Galway for the year 2008-09; when a decision on this matter is expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25075/08]
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.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:67 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [25073/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Joe Carey
Question:68 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the provision of staff to operate the proposed CT scanner at Ennis General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25074/08]
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 have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Departmental Expenditure.
Leo Varadkar
Question:69 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown of grants-in-aid in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25107/08]
A grant-in-aid differs from other voted grants in that any unexpended balance of the sums issued is not liable to surrender to the Exchequer at the end of the financial year. Officials within my Department have confirmed that there are no grants in aid for the period in question for Votes 39 & 41.
Adoption Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:70 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in a case (details supplied). [25115/08]
Section 10(c) of the Adoption Act, 1952, as amended by Section 2 of the 1964 Act provides that, in order to be eligible for adoption, a child must be "illegitimate or an orphan" or be a child who has been legitimated, but whose birth has not been re-registered. The Adoption Act, 1988, does permit the adoption of any child (including children of marriage) but only in exceptional and very limited circumstances where the parents are shown to have completely abandoned their parental duties, and there is an expectation that they will continue to do so until the child reaches the age of eighteen. After its passage through the Oireachtas, the President referred the Adoption Bill, 1988 to the Supreme Court under Article 26 of the Constitution, for a decision on whether the provisions of the Bill were repugnant to the Constitution. While it was found to be Constitutional, and subsequently became the Adoption Act, 1988, it was clear that these narrow circumstances, based on Article 42.5 of the Constitution, were the basis for the decision of the Supreme Court.
The Twenty-Eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2007 was published in February 2007 and contained the Government's proposal to amend the Constitution in relation to children and included a provision to ensure that all children would be eligible for voluntary adoption, subject to appropriate consents. The Programme for Government of June 2007 committed to deepening consensus on the Twenty-Eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2007 and to this end, the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children [JCCAC] was established in November, 2007, to report back within four months, on the proposals set out in the Bill. The Committee recently received Dáil and Seanad approval for an extension of their timeframe to 30th November 2008. The Committee is now progressing with its work and the Government awaits the outcome of its deliberations before proceeding further with the proposed amendment of the Constitution in relation to children.
Health Services.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:71 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will have arrangements made for a person (details supplied) in County Cork to be medically assessed in respect of a primary health certificate in view of the fact that this person wishes to apply for the disabled passenger concessions. [25131/08]
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.
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
Denis Naughten
Question:72 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of projects sanctioned in 2007; the number envisaged for 2008; the corresponding figure for each PCCC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25158/08]
The Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme is currently administered by a Task Force under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and operated at a local level by the Health Service Executive. A total of €19.132 million was allocated in 2007 and an initial allocation of €13 million has been made available in 2008 to the Health Service Executive for the operation of the scheme nationally.
Inter-Country Adoptions.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:73 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if further consideration has been given to the contracting out of adoption assessments to a registered adoption agency in order to remove the burden from the Health Service Executive and speed up the assessment process. [25159/08]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:74 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason it takes almost seven years to effect an inter-country adoption and that there is a two year wait before a second assessment begins; and the action being taken to deal with such delays. [25160/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 74 together.
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 (HSE) 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.
As the Deputy may be aware, requests for assessment for intercountry adoption are continuously increasing. The recent study on intercountry adoption, undertaken by the Children's Research Centre in Trinity College, revealed that Ireland has one of the highest rates for foreign adoption in Europe. In addition, as a result of the increased number of children coming from abroad, a new and increasing demand for post-adoption reports from sending countries has been created. Both assessments and post-placement reports are being undertaken by HSE social work staff.
The HSE has been assessing the provision of services in the context of moving from the health board system to a single executive. It has acknowledged that there is a divergence in the provision of services and is committed to addressing those differences. In a number of areas, the HSE has improved waiting times by contracting assessments out to non-statutory agencies with appropriate expertise. It is important to note that couples find it frustrating that subsequent to undergoing an assessment with the HSE and receiving the Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability from the Adoption Board they must then wait before receiving a referral for a child from the sending country (for some countries up to two years). This is an aspect that is outside the jurisdiction of the HSE and is dependant on the regulations that each individual country has with regard to Intercountry Adoption
The HSE has undertaken a review of the intercountry adoption service. This review examined staffing, business processes, resources, strengths and options within the service and considered, inter alia, the issue of the commissioning of other providers to undertake some of the work associated with the assessment process. The HSE has indicated that it will contact the Department with a proposed strategy on the management of the service into the future based on this work and parallel discussions with professionals within the service. I would like to assure the Deputy of my attention to this issue and reiterate the importance of a rigorous and effective assessment system.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Frank Feighan
Question:75 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the funding crisis that exists within a project (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the consequences for pre-school children with a disability or special needs if this pre-school service has to be withdrawn from the most vulnerable children in society due to lack of funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25169/08]
The Paistí le Cheile project to which the Deputy refers was a pilot project in County Roscommon funded by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform under the Enhancing Disabilities Services Programme. While I understand that this funding has now ceased, I must advise the Deputy that my Office is not in a position to provide funding to accommodate this project under the current provisions of the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) which is implemented by my Office.
The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs provides funding on an annual basis to support activities set out in the Action Plans of the 33 City and County Childcare Committees. The total funding provided to the 33 City and County Childcare Committees in 2008 amounts to €13.3 million and represents an increase of more than 7% on the overall funding for the previous year. This includes €295,360 in funding approved for Roscommon County Childcare Committee, which is one of the highest allocations per capita in the country.
Health Services.
Pat Breen
Question:76 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25171/08]
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.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:77 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of funding for a post (details supplied) in County Cork for the remainder of 2008. [25185/08]
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.
EU Directives.
Billy Timmins
Question:78 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the European food supplements directive (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25192/08]
The Food Supplements Directive, 2002/46/EC, has been transposed into Irish law by Statutory Instrument No. 506 of 2007. That legislation is implemented by the Health Service Executive, under a Service Contract Agreement with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). This ensures that consumers in Ireland are protected by the harmonised EU rules on the sale of food supplements, in particular the labelling of food supplements and chemical form of vitamins and minerals they contain.
One of the objectives of the Food Supplements Directive (2002/46/EC) was to make provision for the European Commission to determine maximum and minimum levels of vitamins and minerals in food supplements. The European Commission published a Discussion Paper on determining maximum and minimum levels of vitamins and minerals in June 2006. The Irish response to this paper, issued in November 2006, gave Ireland's view that the Commission should proceed on a cautious basis, setting maximum limits for as many vitamins and minerals as possible. It was considered vital that the safety of the general population and the needs of particular subgroups such as pregnant women, children, older people and those on various specialist diets be taken into account in formulating the position on this issue.
Discussions are ongoing at European level on the development of a methodology under which maximum safe levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements will be set. Those discussions will permit the European Commission and Member States to further develop future direction on this issue. It is this Department's view that the setting of maximum levels for vitamins and minerals should not, in itself, cause major cost or hardship for consumers.
Health Service Allowances.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:79 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for mobility allowance will be reconsidered in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who works three days per week and has to acquire the services of a taxi to and from work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25211/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:80 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for a primary medical certificate will be reconsidered in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who works three days per week and has to acquire the services of a taxi to and from work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25212/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 80 together.
The Deputy's questions relate 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 these matters investigated and to have replies issued directly to the Deputy.
Tax Code.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:81 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Transport the action he has taken to replace the excise duty refund for public transport services which is proposed to be terminated on 31 October 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25079/08]
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 Atha 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. I don't envisage any approval from the Department of Finance for a replacement scheme in the current economic circumstances.
Marine Safety.
Sean Sherlock
Question:82 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will retain the status and operation of the marine rescue co-ordination centres at Valentia and Malin Head; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25080/08]
It is my intention that the Irish Coast Guard and Maritime Administration will be strengthened to meet the needs of this country well into the 21st century. I am still considering the matter referred to by the Deputy.
Departmental Expenditure.
Leo Varadkar
Question:83 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of grants-in-aid in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25110/08]
This Department has had no grants in aid in 2007 and to date in 2008.
Air Services.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:84 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport the directors representing the Government on the board of Aer Lingus; when they were appointed; the number of directors the Government is entitled to have on the board; and if he has held discussions with directors in relation to the re-introduction of the Aer Lingus Shannon-Heathrow service. [25125/08]
Under the terms of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company the Minister acting through the Minister for Finance, in his capacity as shareholder, is entitled to nominate up to three persons as "Minister's Nominees" on the Board of Aer Lingus. The current directors are Mr. Francis Hackett, Mr. Chris Wall and Dr. Colin Hunt.
Mr. Hackett became a "Minister's nominee" to the board following admission of the company's shares on the Stock Exchange on 2 October 2006. Mr. Chris Wall was first appointed to the Board of Aer Lingus on 23 December 1998 and served as an independent director following the IPO. His position was re-designated as a "Minister's Nominee" from 31st January 2008. Dr. Colin Hunt's nomination is also effective from the 31st January 2008.
Under Company Law all directors are obliged to pursue the best interests of the company. Subject to that duty the three Minister's Nominees have been mandated to seek to ensure that all future decisions of the company that have significant implications for wider Government, aviation or regional development policies are considered at board level. In any such decisions, the State-nominated directors are directed to seek to reconcile commercial and public policy objectives. Decisions relating to the re-introduction of Shannon Heathrow services are commercial decisions for the company.
Public Transport.
Frank Feighan
Question:85 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Transport if he will review and investigate the funding crisis existing within the rural transport system in north County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain services have been withdrawn as a result of a reduction in funding; and if he will commit to providing funding in order to maintain services in the Callow, Breedogue and Boyle area. [25178/08]
The total allocation for the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) in 2008 is Euro 11 million, up from Euro 9 million in 2007. This increased funding is providing for additional services under the Programme together with expanded area coverage. Pobal, which administers the RTP on behalf of my Department, makes specific allocations to individual RTP groups from funding provided by my Department. The management of the RTP is carried out locally and decisions regarding services and routes are made by the individual Boards of Directors.
I understand from Pobal that Tumna Shannon Development Company, which operates RTP services in the north of County Roscommon, has received an increased allocation for 2008. This is in addition to funding under the Free Travel Pass scheme funded by the Department of Social & Family Affairs. I also understand that Tumna Shannon Development Company was successful in securing funding under the Pilot Evening Rural Transport Scheme funded by the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs.
At present, there are two RTP community transport groups operating in County Roscommon, Tumna Shannon Development Company and Aughrim Kilmore Rural Transport Limited. As part of the expansion of the RTP going forward, Pobal envisages that these groups will combine to provide RTP services for the whole of County Roscommon, in order to achieve better value for money. The combined group will be asked to prepare a Strategic Plan for the county for the period 2008-2010. It is envisaged that this Strategic Plan will be completed by September this year and submitted to Pobal for appraisal. An allocation of funding will then be made for the RTP for County Roscommon.
Foreign Conflicts.
Richard Bruton
Question:86 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiatives which Ireland is supporting to address the deteriorating military situation in Somalia that is threatening civilians with famine and upheaval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25072/08]
I remain deeply concerned at the situation in Somalia. The country has been without an effective government since 1991. Despite an initial period of stability after Ethiopian troops and Transitional Federal Government (TFG) forces defeated the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) the situation worsened significantly in December 2006. Fighting in Mogadishu since October 2007 has prompted hundreds of thousands to flee the capital, adding to the humanitarian crisis. In total, approximately one million people have been displaced since the start of 2007, while up to two million need humanitarian aid.
The Djibouti agreement, which was signed by TFG Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein and the opposition Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia on 9 June, represents a first step in the right direction. However, many armed groups remain outside the process and, as indicated above, the security situation in Mogadishu and surrounding areas remains extremely poor. The humanitarian situation, which was already precarious, has also deteriorated further in terms of security and access for agencies. In this regard agencies face random violence, piracy, kidnapping threats, landmines and general banditry. The humanitarian situation is compounded by lower than expected rainfall during the 2007 rainy season which has led to a deepening drought in several regions of the country. The total rainfall was insufficient to replenish water sources, regenerate pasture, and for rain-fed crop development. The combined effects of poor rains, conflict and displacement have severely exacerbated the food security situation.
Ireland's commitment to resolving the ongoing crisis in Somalia is demonstrated by our status as the seventh largest bilateral contributor to humanitarian endeavours in Somalia in 2007. Irish Aid has allocated €4.88 million to Somalia thus far in 2008. In total Irish Aid has allocated more than €18 million in funding for aid in Somalia since 2006. Additionally, our commitment has been complemented by three successive deployments of members of the Rapid Response Corps to assist the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees with its work in Somalia. Overall Ireland will continue to extend every possible assistance both to ease the humanitarian situation and to support the promotion of internal dialogue and national reconciliation within Somalia.
Departmental Expenditure.
Leo Varadkar
Question:87 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the breakdown of grants-in-aid in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25106/08]
There are a number of Grant-in Aid programmes currently operating within my Department. A breakdown of this Grant in Aid expenditure across the two Votes of my Department is detailed below in tabular form for the period 2007 and 2008 (to date).
|
Grant–in–Aid Expenditure |
2007 |
2008 (to date) |
|
€ 000’s |
€ 000’s |
|
|
Vote 28 Foreign Affairs |
||
|
Subhead E — Contributions to Bodies in Ireland for the furtherance of International Relations |
285 |
130 |
|
Irish United Nations Association |
35 |
— |
|
European Movement in Ireland |
250 |
130 |
|
Subhead G — Cultural Relations with Other Countries |
995 |
581 |
|
Irish College Paris |
130 |
75 |
|
Fulbright Commission |
254 |
254 |
|
Irish Studies |
143 |
62 |
|
Book Donation Programme |
11 |
11 |
|
Embassy / Departmental Initiatives |
457 |
179 |
|
Vote 28 Total Expenditure |
1,280 |
711 |
|
Vote 29 International Co-operation |
||
|
Subhead B |
||
|
Bilateral Co-operation Programmes for Developing Countries |
||
|
Programme Countries and South Africa |
191,021 |
97,664 |
|
Other Countries |
17,160 |
71 |
|
Civil Society including Co-Financing with Non-Governmental Organisations |
||
|
Multi — Annual Programmes |
62,923 |
48,555 |
|
Central America |
4,511 |
— |
|
Civil Society Fund |
31,629 |
13,638 |
|
DOCHAS |
240 |
175 |
|
In-Country Micro projects |
2,491 |
464 |
|
Volunteer Related Programmes |
5,496 |
326 |
|
Irish Missionary Resource Service |
16,000 |
14,000 |
|
HIV/AIDS |
56,096 |
29,522 |
|
Global Health, Gender, Water & Sanitation etc |
25,400 |
6,957 |
|
Global Education |
10,500 |
— |
|
Recovery Assistance |
25,843 |
5,604 |
|
Rapid Response Initiative |
5,027 |
2,189 |
|
Stability Fund |
4,500 |
2,236 |
|
Co-Financing with Multilateral Organisations |
9,210 |
1,075 |
|
Co-Financing with World Bank |
4,110 |
|
|
Partnership Programme for Europe and Central Asia |
8,159 |
1,795 |
|
Private Sector Initiatives |
2,400 |
|
|
Support to Development Studies |
3,278 |
1,127 |
|
Governance Initiatives |
— |
400 |
|
Other Expenditure |
||
|
Development Education |
5,417 |
2,603 |
|
Information |
1,791 |
795 |
|
Advisory |
1,048 |
479 |
|
Strategic Cooperation with Higher Education and Research Institutions |
2,304 |
|
|
Miscellaneous Programmes |
488 |
192 |
|
Vote 29 Total Expenditure |
497,041 |
229,867 |
Consular Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:88 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will advise and assist on the case of a person (details supplied). [25140/08]
On 28 May, my Department first became aware of the case referred to by the Deputy when our Embassy in Ljubljana, which is accredited to Bosnia-Herzegovina, was informed by the British Embassy in Sarajevo of the person's death on 26 May at the Clinical Hospital in Mostar. Since then, my Department has provided consular assistance to the family. Our Embassy in Ljubljana liaised with the local undertakers in Mostar and, at the request of the family, assisted in the translation of relevant medical reports. The remains of the person were repatriated to Ireland on 30 May. In the light of the Deputy's question, I have asked our Ambassador in Ljubljana to make urgent further enquiries about this case. I will of course ensure that the family — to whom my deepest sympathy goes — and the Deputy are kept fully informed of developments.
Departmental Expenditure.
Leo Varadkar
Question:89 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the breakdown of grants-in-aid in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25103/08]
Grants-in-Aid are defined in the Department of Finance's Public Financial Procedures as differing in a number of respects from other voted grants. For example, one of the characteristics of a Grant-in-Aid is that any unexpended sum issued from a Grant-in-Aid Subhead is not liable to be surrendered to the Exchequer at the end of the year. However, strict instructions are in place to avoid monies being paid out which could remain unexpended at the year-end.
Only one Subhead in my Department's Vote is designated as a Grant-in-Aid Subhead. This Subhead relates to the part-funding of the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA). My Department funds 40% of IAASA's core overall administrative costs, with the balance being provided by way of a levy on the prescribed accountancy bodies.
In 2007, a gross sum of €957,000 was paid in respect of IAASA's costs from the Grant-in-Aid Subhead in my Department's Vote. This is the full amount of the Authority's payroll costs, the payment of which is administered by my Department. However, as the total payroll costs exceed the 40% limit on Departmental funding, IAASA makes a refund to my Department to ensure that the Exchequer's net contribution is within the agreed limit. Thus in 2007, a refund of €310,095 was made to the Department by the Authority, leaving a net Exchequer payment of €646,905 to IAASA for the year.
For 2008, provision has been made for a gross payment of €1.547 million for IAASA in my Department's Vote. This amount will be reduced by an estimated refund of €398,000 from IAASA, leaving a net payment of €1.149 million. The increase in the Exchequer payment in 2008 reflects the fact that IAASA had a number of vacant posts in 2007, which led to the Authority underspending on its original allocation.
Industrial Development.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:90 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of itineraries made by potential foreign investors to the Shannon free zone in the past five years with a breakdown in figures on a yearly basis. [25120/08]
Shannon Development is responsible for promoting foreign direct investment in the Shannon Free Zone. In the period 2003 to 2007 there were 88 business itineraries made by potential foreign investors to the Shannon Free Zone. A year-by-year breakdown of this figure is shown in the following tabular statement.
|
Year |
Number of itineraries |
|
2003 |
24 |
|
2004 |
17 |
|
2005 |
22 |
|
2006 |
11 |
|
2007 |
14 |
Job Protection.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:91 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created and the number of jobs lost in the Shannon free zone in the past five years; and the net gain or loss of jobs. [25121/08]
Shannon Development is responsible for promoting foreign direct investment in the Shannon Free Zone. The number of jobs gained and lost in the Shannon Free Zone in the five year period 2003 to 2007 is shown in the following tabular statement.
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
|
Jobs Created |
499 |
573 |
450 |
549 |
354 |
|
Jobs Lost |
497 |
409 |
739 |
546 |
485 |
|
Net gain/loss |
+2 |
+164 |
-289 |
+3 |
-131 |
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:92 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of employment in the Shannon free zone; the number of new companies that have announced that they are to establish themselves in the Shannon free zone in the past three years; and the number of jobs each company will provide. [25122/08]
Shannon Development is responsible for promoting foreign direct investment in the Shannon Free Zone. At the end of 2007, the latest date for which figures are available, employment at Shannon Free Zone was 7,047.
In the three year period 2005 to 2007, a total of 9 companies signalled their intentions to establish at Shannon Free Zone with the potential to create more than 500 new jobs. For reasons of client confidentiality it is not possible at this stage to indicate the potential number of new jobs to be created by each individual company. I am also glad to say, that, in February 2008, Zimmer Orthopaedics announced its intention to establish an Orthopaedics manufacturing project at Shannon with a potential to create a further 250 jobs.
Employment Rights.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:93 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if employees are entitled to a share scheme, particularly in the case of a person (details supplied); if so, the share scheme available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25193/08]
An employee's share scheme is essentially a matter for agreement between the employer and his employee. It is not an employment right or a statutory entitlement. Accordingly there is no legislation in place governing this. I understand that the company involved in this case has changed hands on a number of occasions in recent years. It is a possibility that any share scheme in existence has become overlooked. Legal or other expert advice may be necessary to determine the precise status of any share scheme. If the person concerned considers that their employment rights have, in fact, been infringed or that there has been discrimination involved they might consider contacting the Equality Authority or the National Employment Rights Authority or consider taking a case with one of the employment rights bodies.
Departmental Expenditure.
Leo Varadkar
Question:94 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the breakdown of grants-in-aid in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25098/08]
The table below shows the Grants-in-aid paid from the vote for my Department in 2007 and up to the end of May 2008, broken down between capital expenditure and current expenditure.
|
Period |
2007 |
1/1/2008-31/5/2008 |
||
|
Organisation |
Current |
Capital |
Current |
Capital |
|
€000s |
€000s |
€000s |
€000s |
|
|
Fáilte Ireland |
77,301 |
3,345 |
21,646 |
— |
|
SFADCo |
845 |
— |
420 |
— |
|
Tourism Marketing Fund |
45,000 |
— |
15,600 |
— |
|
Tourism Product Development |
— |
8,000 |
— |
— |
|
Irish Sports Council |
54,025 |
— |
35,541 |
— |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
6,242 |
2,030 |
3,340 |
790 |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
2,608 |
600 |
1,764 |
188 |
|
National Concert Hall |
3,290 |
800 |
1,285 |
495 |
|
Crawford Gallery |
1,180 |
800 |
— |
— |
|
An Chomhairle Ealaíon |
77,000 |
6,000 |
37,691 |
1,740 |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
13,512 |
4,820 |
4,818 |
997 |
|
National Library of Ireland |
9,201 |
3,500 |
3,945 |
760 |
|
Irish Film Board |
2,659 |
19,500 |
1,100 |
6,500 |
Swimming Pool Projects.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:95 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding an application for funding for the provision of a swimming pool in Lucan, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25117/08]
The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme was closed to applications on 31 July 2000 and no application was made in respect of a public swimming pool for Lucan before that date. The priority under the current round is to continue to support those projects remaining within the programme. Of the 57 projects with the current round, 34 have been completed, 11 are under construction or about to start construction, 2 are out to tender and the remaining 10 are at various stages in the process.
A sum of €184m has been provided in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 for supporting existing projects in the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme and for new projects to be selected following the launch of a new round of the Programme. The terms and conditions of a new round will be devised taking into account the recommendations of the Value for Money and Policy Review report on the existing Programme which has been completed by the Department and which will be published shortly.
The launch of the new programme will be a matter for discussion as part of the Estimates process which will start shortly between this Department and the Department of Finance. When the Programme is re-opened, it will be open to all local authorities including South Dublin County Council, on behalf of Lucan, to submit applications under the terms that will apply.
Sports Facilities.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:96 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the national audit of sports facilities will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25247/08]
The nationwide audit of sports facilities has commenced and is being carried out in stages to help speed up the availability of information. Phase one, which focuses on national and regional sports facilities, has now been completed within my Department. Phase two of the audit, which is a more complex undertaking to establish a record of existing sports facilities at local level and identifying the need for future provision, will be undertaken during 2008 with the assistance of Local Authorities. Guidelines have now been issued to Local Authorities to assist them in carrying out the audit.
Departmental Expenditure.
Leo Varadkar
Question:97 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the breakdown of grants-in-aid in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25109/08]
The Combat Poverty Agency is the only body, under the aegis of my Department, that is issued with a Grant-In-Aid. Breakdowns are published annually in the Revised Estimates for Public Services. The Department's 2008 Grant-In-Aid provision for the Combat Poverty Agency is €4.568m. The Agency's 2008 estimate is broken down as follows; Administration and Accommodation €0.685m, Board and Staff €1.81m, Community Projects €0.913m, Communications €0.605m, Research €0.557m and other sundry provisions €0.085m. Income, mainly consisting of carried forward funds, amounts to €0.364m. The Grant-In-Aid issued in the form of imprest payments, to date in 2008, to the Agency is €1,895,638.
The Department's 2007 Grant-In-Aid provision for the Combat Poverty Agency was €4.384m. The Agency's 2007 estimate was broken down as follows; Administration and Accommodation €0.67m, Board and Staff €1.831m, Community Projects €0.883m, Communications €0.585m, Research €0.559m and other sundry provisions €0.15m. Income, mainly consisting of carried forward funds, amounted to €0.488m.
The Grant-In-Aid paid by the Department to the Combat Poverty Agency in 2007 was €4.008m. The Agency's 2007 provisional outturn is broken down as follows; Administration and Accommodation €0.665m, Board and Staff €1.67m, Community Projects €0.871m, Communications €0.61m, Research €0.472m and other sundry headings €0.057m. Income, mainly consisting of carried forward funds, amounted to €0.477m.
Social Welfare Code.
Paul Connaughton
Question:98 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the financial hardship many elderly people will have to endure in winter 2008 due to the rise in the price of home heating and that many elderly people will be unable to heat their homes properly; if she has plans to increase the fuel allowance for old age pensioners and other recipients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25154/08]
This Department's role is to assist social welfare recipients with heating costs, both through their basic payments and through the household benefits package with fuel, electricity and gas allowances. These schemes have been improved significantly in recent years. The national fuel allowance scheme assists householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive (HSE) payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. Fuel allowance is now payable for 30 weeks and benefits over 290,000 people at an aggregate cost of €170 million this year. The payment rate has also increased to €18 per week or €21.90 for recipients living in designated smokeless areas. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full.
Electricity and gas allowances under the household benefits package, are payable throughout the year to over 355,000 pensioners, people with disabilities, and carer households towards their heating, light and cooking costs at an estimated overall scheme cost of €159m in 2008. The supplementary welfare allowance scheme can also be used to assist people in certain circumstances with specific heating needs due to infirmity or a particular medical condition.
The income maintenance needs of those on social welfare payments have been met in recent years through increased primary social welfare rates. Government policy has focused on significantly increasing social welfare rates to ensure that people can meet their basic living costs, including heating, throughout the year and also achieve an improvement in quality of life. This is a more costly approach than increasing fuel allowance as the increase is paid for the full year and not just the 30 weeks of the winter heating season. 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. Any changes to social welfare programmes to assist with heating costs will be considered in a budgetary context. However, the main focus of the Government will be on increasing social welfare payments in real terms to enable social welfare recipients to better meet heating and other needs.
Departmental Expenditure.
Leo Varadkar
Question:99 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the breakdown of grants-in-aid in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25100/08]
As the Deputy is aware, in accordance with Public Financial Procedures, financial assistance in relation to certain activities or services may be provided in the form of "grants-in-aid". My Department has not administered any grants-in-aid during the years in question.
Security of the Elderly.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:100 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on introducing some measures for old age pensioners to alleviate the payment of an €80 annual monitoring fee for emergency alarms in view of the fact that some old aged pensioners with solely the pension as an income are finding it difficult to pay the €80 fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25118/08]
Grants in respect of personal alarm systems are available for senior citizens as part of my Department's Scheme of Community Support for Older People. Local community and voluntary groups — with the support of my Department — administer the Scheme. Individual applicants must be 65 years of age or over and have a genuine need for the security equipment.
A maximum individual grant of €300 is provided under the Scheme in respect of the once-off installation cost of socially monitored alarms. The private commercial suppliers engaged by the community groups charge the ongoing monitoring costs that usually arise with such alarms. I understand these costs are of the order of €80 per annum per individual, which equates to approximately €1.50 per week. Given that the Scheme has benefited in excess of 100,000 older people to date, the Deputy will appreciate that the cost to my Department of providing funding for monitoring costs would be considerable. Accordingly, I have no plans, at present, to introduce such a subsidy.
National Drugs Strategy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:101 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding available in 2008 for community based groups involved in combating drug addiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25200/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:102 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding available for allocation to those providing drug rehabilitation services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25201/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:103 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans he has to provide funding for those involved in combating drugs on a county by county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25202/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 to 103, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the majority of expenditure allocated to community groups through my Department for drugs initiatives is channelled through the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces (RDTFs). The areas covered by the Drugs Task Forces are detailed below. Projects are submitted through Drugs Task Forces to the National Drugs Strategy Team who make recommendations to myself, as Minister with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, on funding.
Over 440 Local Drugs Task Force (LDTF) projects, including those under the Emerging Needs Fund, are receiving funding from my Department. The 2008 allocation of €22m for such projects shows an increase of 9.5% over the amount spent in 2007. In the region of 170 of these projects focus on treatment and rehabilitation. Across the ten Regional Drugs Task Force (RDTF) areas, work is progressing on the implementation of their Action Plans with the level of expenditure expected to increase by over 40% this year. Expenditure in 2007 on the ten RDTF plans came to over €7m and the increased provision in 2008 will allow for the full year cost of the approx. 155 community projects already in progress and the start of roughly another 40 projects this year. In 2007, a total of 67 treatment and rehabilitation projects were approved for funding and this is expected to rise to around 90 in 2008.
In addition, as part of a €2m funding package announced earlier this year to support rehabilitation and to address cocaine use, an amount of €750,000 was earmarked for rehabilitation-focussed projects. The funding will be allocated to suitable projects over the coming months. Under the Premises Initiative Fund, which addresses the accommodation needs of community drugs projects in Task Force areas, nearly €4m has been approved in 2008 for 15 capital projects, a number of which focus on rehabilitation.
Local Drugs Task Force areas
Ballyfermot
Ballymun
Blanchardstown
Bray
Canal Communities
Clondalkin
Cork City
Dublin North East
Dublin 12
Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown
Finglas / Cabra
North Inner City
South Inner City
Tallaght
Regional Drugs Task Forces
East Coast Area RDTF — Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown and East Wicklow.
Northern Area RDTF — North Dublin City and Fingal.
South-Western Area RDTF — South Dublin City, South Dublin, Kildare and West Wicklow.
Midland RDTF — Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois.
Mid-West RDTF — Clare, North Tipperary and Limerick.
North-Eastern RDTF — Monaghan, East Cavan, Meath and Louth.
North-Western RDTF — West Cavan, Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim.
Southern RDTF — Cork County and Kerry
South-Eastern RDTF — Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South and Waterford.
Western RDTF — Mayo, Roscommon and Galway.
Community Development.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:104 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding he will provide for various social or community groups in County Kildare in 2008; the number of applications on hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25203/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:106 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the grant assistance available to voluntary groups or bodies in County Kildare in 2008; the number of applications he has received to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25205/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 106 together.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department operates a wide range of schemes supportive of social, community and voluntary groups, and funding may be available for the groups in Kildare under a number of these programmes. Details in relation to each of the schemes and programmes operated by my Department, including eligibility criteria, can be accessed on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie. In relation to the data requested by the Deputy, the following is the position:
(i) Community Development Programme
|
Project Name |
Allocation in 2008 |
|
€ |
|
|
Athy Community Development Project Ltd |
114,800 |
|
North West Kildare CDP, Allenwood |
112,300 |
|
The Bridge CDP, Newbridge |
130,000 |
(ii) Local Development Social Inclusion Programme
|
Partnership Name |
Allocation in 2008 |
|
OAK Partnership (Offaly & Kildare Partnership) |
€966,376 (of which €483,188 refers specifically to Kildare) |
|
Kildare Community Partnership |
€792,335 |
|
Total |
€1,758,711 |
(iii) RAPID Leverage Scheme
Athy, Co. Kildare, is a RAPID area and an allocation of €66,000 was approved in 2008 under the RAPID leverage schemes (Playgrounds 2008). Once grants under the 2008 Sports Capital Programme are made by the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism, I will be making an announcement regarding top-up grants under the RAPID Programme to successful clubs in Kildare.
(iv) National Drugs Strategy
Funding for community groups from my Department for drugs initiatives in Co. Kildare is channelled through the South West Area Regional Drugs Task Force (SWRDTF). In this regard, funding of €0.34m has been made available to the Community Drug Team for Kildare and West Wicklow in 2008. Other funding provided to the Task Force will also provide benefit across their region of operation, including Co. Kildare. Under the Task Force's small grants scheme, funding of €30,000 is also available annually to support community groups & voluntary organisations within the region to develop responses to the drugs issue.
(v) White Paper Grants supporting Voluntary Activity
Kildare Volunteer Bureau has been awarded funding of €126,690 for 2008. In addition, two of the organisations funded under the Funding Scheme to support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector are headquartered in Co Kildare and these are:
Accord Catholic Marriage Care Service (€47,000 for 2008); and
Breaking Through Ltd (€73,000 for 2008)
(vi) Community Services Programme
The deadline for receipt of applications under the 2008 round of funding is 30th June 2008. To date, my Department has not received any application from a group in Co Kildare.
(vii) Community Support for Older People and Programme of Grants for Locally Based Community & Voluntary Organisations
|
Applications received in 2008 under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People |
Allocated and paid in 2008 |
|
€ |
|
|
Carers Association Naas |
8,660 |
|
Celbridge Community Council |
656 |
|
Newbridge Assoc for the Care of the Elderly |
3,848 |
|
Newtown Donadea Active Retirement Association |
300 |
|
Rathangan Core Group |
16,645 |
|
Staplestown Community Alert Group |
2,600 |
|
The Evergreens |
1,573 |
|
Naas and District Community Alert |
13,800 |
|
Bleach and District Community Alert Group |
380 |
|
Applications currently being processed |
|
|
Celbridge Community Council |
|
|
The Bridge CDP |
|
Applications received in 2008 under the Programme of Grants for the Community and Voluntary Sector |
Allocated and not yet paid in 2008 |
|
€ |
|
|
The 5th Kildare Athy Scouts |
40,000.00 |
(viii) LEADER Programmes
My Department is currently operating the LEADER Programmes 2001-2006, which will close shortly. The Programme is being delivered in Kildare by Kelt. In addition, my Department will implement the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, which was launched recently, and which will provide funding of €425m over the lifetime of the Programme. An open competitive process to select Local Action Groups to deliver the new Programme in Co Kildare, and elsewhere, is currently underway. It is envisaged that groups will be allocating funding by October 2008. At that stage, voluntary groups or bodies will be eligible to apply for funding under a number of measures.
(ix) Dormant Accounts
Funding may also be available for the purpose to which the Deputy refers under the Dormant Accounts Fund, which is targeted at three broad categories of persons — those affected by economic and social disadvantage; those affected by educational disadvantage and persons with a disability. Details in relation to this Fund can be accessed on the Department's website at www.pobail.ie.
Departmental Programmes.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:105 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he will offer funding under the CLÁR programme to any or all areas throughout County Kildare in 2008; the number of applications on hand at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25204/08]
The CLÁR Programme is a targeted investment programme in rural areas, which was launched in October 2001. The areas covered by the Programme were reviewed in 2003 and, again, in 2006. The total number of counties now covered is 23 counties with Kildare, Wexford and Dublin being the only counties not included in CLÁR. At the time of the CLÁR extensions, Kildare was not selected for inclusion in the Programme, as it did not fit the criteria. Therefore, there is no provision to accept applications for funding under the CLÁR programme. I have no plans at present for any further expansion of the areas covered by CLÁR.
Question No. 106 answered with Question No. 104.
Planning Issues.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:107 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is satisfied that all local authorities are operating in accordance with his previously expressed views on individual single rural housing with particular reference to meeting the needs of local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25206/08]
I have no statutory responsibility for rural housing or for the operation of local authorities. The National Spatial Strategy (NSS) addresses many of my concerns on issues such as rural housing. The rural settlement policy framework contained in the NSS, which represents overall Government policy on rural housing, aims to sustain and renew established rural communities while strengthening the structure of villages and smaller settlements to support local economies. In this way it seeks to ensure key assets in rural areas are protected to support quality of life and that rural settlement policies are responsive to the local circumstances of different areas. My Department liaises regularly with the Department of Environment Heritage and local Government on a range of issues of mutual interest.
Rural Development.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:108 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans he has to meet the challenge of rural depopulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25207/08]
The Government is firm in its commitment to Rural Development. We know that the challenges facing our rural communities differ from those in urban areas, and recognise also that strong, vibrant rural communities are essential to the well-being of the entire country. Ireland is a member of a European Union that prioritises rural development and diversification, and indeed, as the only country with a dedicated Minister with responsibility for Rural Development as a portfolio separate from Agriculture, Ireland is in many respects leading the way in this field. The Deputy will be aware that the mission of my Department is to promote and support the sustainable, inclusive development of vibrant urban and rural communities.
In pursuit of this mission, my Department operates a wide range of schemes designed to tackle issues such as depopulation, deprivation and social isolation. Details of all these schemes can be found on my Department's website www.pobail.ie. If the Deputy has any specific questions about these schemes I will be happy to answer them.
Community Development.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:109 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans he has to offer assistance to local community groups in the vicinity of Donadea Forest Park, County Kildare with a view to the establishment of a strategic plan for the development of the castle, out-buildings and lands as appropriate, notwithstanding that the property is owned by Coillte Teoranta, in view of the local support for such a venture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25208/08]
Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív) My Department will consider any requests for assistance provided that proposals are in line with Departmental policy. However, I cannot guarantee that my Department will be in a position to fund any proposal received.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:110 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans he has to assist rural or urban groups involved in urban regeneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25209/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department operates a wide range of measures, programmes and schemes supportive of both urban and rural communities. This includes the RAPID Programme, which specifically has a regeneration focus for disadvantage areas in both provincial towns and larger urban settings.
The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within 46 designated RAPID areas nationally. Funding is provided under this programme specifically for the regeneration of these 46 RAPID areas, including funding for projects that focus on estate enhancement, graffiti removal, traffic calming, community closed-circuit television, health and sports facilities, and the provision of playgrounds and multi-use games areas. I should add that the programme is monitored by a National Monitoring Committee (NMC), which is chaired by myself, and an important element of each NMC meeting is the input received from the individuals and groups on the ground, via the Area Implementation Teams in each of the Rapid areas.
In addition, the Deputy will be interested to note that my Department provides funding under the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP) to support Local Area-based Partnerships and Community Partnerships to develop and deliver a wide range of community projects in response to the needs of individual communities, some of which may be of a regenerative nature. Details in relation to the RAPID and LDSIP Programmes and all the programmes and schemes operated by my Department, including guidelines and eligibility criteria, are available from the Department's website at www.pobail.ie. It is open to individuals or groups, including those involved in urban regeneration, to make an application for funding under these schemes and programmes.
Departmental Expenditure.
Leo Varadkar
Question:111 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the breakdown of grants-in-aid in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25097/08]
The information sought by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Organisation |
Grant-in-aid 2007 Outturn |
Grant-in-aid 2008 Estimate |
Grant in Aid 2008 Outturn to date (Jan-Jun) |
|
(€‘000) |
(€’000) |
(€’000) |
|
|
Bord Bia |
27,705 |
27,505 |
13,752 |
|
Teagasc |
128,050 |
132,514 |
60,000 |
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) |
27,753 |
49,045 |
13,142 |
|
Marine Institute |
28,980 |
32,339 |
13,460 |
|
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) |
10,954 |
14,410 |
7,472 |
Grant Payments.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:112 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application for installation aid by a person (details supplied) in County Cork which was recently submitted. [25130/08]
The person concerned is an applicant for aid under the Installation Aid Scheme. His application is currently being examined within my Department and the outcome will be notified to the person concerned as soon as possible.
Paul Connaughton
Question:113 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application for single farm payment for newcomers to farming in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25161/08]
The herd number quoted is registered in the sole name of the second person named. The second person named applied to be considered for an allocation of entitlements under Category A of the 2005 National Reserve which catered for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May, 2005 and who had leased out his/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000 to 2002. The second person named did not apply under the New Entrant category of the 2005 National Reserve.
The second person named was deemed unsuccessful under Category A as he did not submit documentary evidence to indicate that the land he acquired from his father was received free of charge or for a nominal amount. The second person named subsequently submitted an appeal against this decision and provided additional documentation in support of his appeal. In all such cases, the procedure is that all contentions put forward in support of an appeal are first of all reviewed within my Department to see whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant any change to the original decision. In this case the documentation was examined by my Department but did not provide grounds for a change to the original decision. This appeal was then considered by the Independent Single Payments Appeals Committee who disallowed the appeal. A letter outlining the decision of the Committee has issued to the second person named.
To date the 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 National Reserve has specifically included a New Entrant category for farmers. The New Entrant category of the 2005, 2006 and 2007 National Reserve schemes catered for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year. The 2008 National Reserve caters for farmers who commenced farming for the first time after 31 December 2005. In addition all applicants must also meet certain criteria in relation to farming income and farming qualifications. As mentioned earlier the second person named has never applied under the New Entrant category of the National Reserve. However my Department will now contact the second person named directly to determine his eligibility under the New Entrant category of the 2005 National Reserve.
Fishing Industry Development.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:114 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action that will be taken to alleviate the issues outlined in correspondence from an organisation (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25173/08]
I am currently involved in a series of meetings with the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) regarding the very difficult issues facing the Irish fishing industry. Minister Killeen and I attended the Council of Fisheries meeting in Luxembourg where we conveyed in the strongest possible terms the depth of feeling of Irish fishermen on these issues and the seriousness of the situation facing them. We outlined a strong case for a package of EU-funded measures, as discussed previously with the FIF, to address the current difficulties experienced by fishermen across Europe but, particularly in Ireland. I was pleased 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.
Grant Payments.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:115 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the funding available to ensure that all applications received on or before 30 October 2007 will receive approval to be processed and qualify for payment under the farm improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25199/08]
Applications received under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007 are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding made available for the Scheme by the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
Data Protection.
Brian Hayes
Question:116 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 409 to 416 of 20 May 2008, if the teachers concerned were informed of the theft of the computer containing their records; if not, the reason they were not informed; if he will make the teachers concerned aware of the theft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25060/08]
The laptop which was stolen from an Inspector's car contained draft reports on quality and standards in the classrooms of teachers on probation. The teachers concerned were not informed of the theft of this laptop as:
(a) the laptop was used by the Inspector for occasional work only and an exact list of the draft reports on the laptop at the time it was stolen was not available and
(b) the stolen laptop had a dual level of password protection
(c) my Department considers that no personal data was compromised due to the theft of this laptop.
My Department has recently published a Policy for Protection of Data while using Laptops and other Mobile Data Devices. This has been circulated to all staff and includes advice on how to protect data while using laptops and other mobile data devices as well as steps to be taken in the event of devices being lost or stolen.
Site Acquisitions.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:117 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department or County Kildare Vocational Education Committee has reached agreement with the Department of Defence regarding the provision of a site for a new second level school at the Curragh Camp, County Kildare; the expected timescale for the delivery of this new school project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25063/08]
Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe) I am advised that the Department has been in contact with County Kildare VEC who are leading the negotiations for the site in question and that they have confirmed that the negotiations are ongoing with the Department of Defence. The conclusion of same can only be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally. I am not in a position to say at this stage when the acquisition will be concluded.
School Enrolments.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:118 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to issue guidance to schools regarding their enrolment policies; his views on children being enrolled in schools outside their local catchment areas; if his attention has been drawn to the schools that have consequently refused enrolment to local applicants on the basis of the school having reached its enrolment capacity, albeit with some children from outside the catchment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25064/08]
Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and my Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000. Where a Board of Management refuses to enrol a student in a school, the parent of the student or, where the student has reached 18 years of age, the student himself or herself, following the conclusion of any appeal procedures at school level, has a statutory entitlement under section 29 of the Education Act to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science. A committee is established to hear the appeal with hearings conducted with a minimum of formality. In most cases appeals must be dealt with within 30 days. Where appropriate, the Secretary General may give whatever directions to the Board of Management that are considered necessary to remedy the matter complained of.
The Deputy may be aware that during 2007 the Department undertook an audit of school enrolment policies and compiled data on the number of Travellers, newcomers and children with special needs in individual schools. The results of the audit do not point to a nationwide problem. However, they highlight significant differences between schools in some geographical areas. Local factors can have an influence and an element of self-selection can also come into play, as may happen when a newcomer community opts for a particular school. Nonetheless, certain subtle practices by individual schools can have the effect of discouraging particular groups — such as children with special needs — from applying for places. We have to ensure that all schools are open to students of all backgrounds.
As a starting point there is a need to empower parents with a greater understanding of their rights in relation to the issue of school enrolment. My Department is currently involved in a consultation with the education partners on this and a range of related issues including:
The effectiveness of the current system of appealing against non-enrolment;
The consequences that practices such as retaining pre-enrolment waiting lists of several years or favouring children of past-pupils can have for newcomer families;
The potential for improved cooperation between schools in a given area with a view to meeting the full needs of their local community; and
How identified problems can best be addressed. The views of the education partners will form an important input to the development of policy responses to the findings of the enrolment audit.
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01-8738700. The Deputy may be aware that my Department recently published a report of a major audit of school enrolment practice. The purpose of the audit, conducted by my Department's Regional Office Service, was to examine the disparities that exist in schools in particular locations in relation to the numbers of pupils enrolled who are newcomers, have special educational needs or are from the Traveller community. Over half the primary and second level schools in the country were surveyed under the audit.
I should emphasise that the statistical information presented requires cautious interpretation, particularly in the context of local factors that could be identified in many instances at primary level (e.g. a concentration of newcomer or traveller children living in a particular area impacting on enrolment in the nearest school). When interpreted in that context, the statistical information returned does not point to enrolment problems on a system wide scale. It does, however, identify a number of school clusters where the evidence points to some schools assuming more responsibility for enrolling children of all backgrounds and needs within their local community, than others.
In order to ensure that no schools are directly identified and to ensure that "league tables" for particular areas could not be formed, the published information excludes the names and addresses of schools, but groups them within geographical clusters for comparison purposes. My predecessor has written to the main partners in education setting out some areas for consideration in order to facilitate an informed consultation with the education partners about possible policy measures available to ensure that all schools are welcoming and inclusive to all children of all needs in their own local community.
Finally, the Deputy may wish to note that I will host a Conference on the Governance Challenge for Future School Needs tomorrow in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham to consider the implications of new societal diversity on the future organisation of primary schools. It will be an opportunity for each of the main patron bodies to outline their vision of how the system needs to collectively evolve to respond to the changing circumstances. The Conference will focus on the particular challenges of ethos and inclusion for patron bodies, under both the new and existing patronage models, in ensuring that the system is appropriately attuned to future demands. The long term challenges of organising and developing our system of school governance to accommodate new parental demands and aspirations will be subject to consideration. The Conference will also deal with issues of capacity, choice, ensuring inclusion and the implications for enrolment policies.
Language Support Services.
Enda Kenny
Question:119 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the withdrawal of funding in respect of the provision of language and integration services for refugees at nine centres across the country including those at Ballina and Castlebar; if he will further confirm the moneys paid by his Department for these services in each year since 2002 to date in 2008 and that these services are to cease at the end of July 2008; if his attention has been drawn to the importance of the language service for refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25065/08]
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. The information regarding the funding paid to IILT in each year since 2002 is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy when available.
Schools Building Projects.
Michael Kennedy
Question:120 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the permanent building programme for a school (details supplied); when the project is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25078/08]
As part of the Programme for Government, a Developing Areas Unit was set up recently in my Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas, including Swords. The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in these developing areas, as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. In this context, the status of all schools in Swords are being assessed. The school referred to by the Deputy is being included in this assessment. As is the case with all large capital projects currently on hand within the Unit, their progression will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Noel Coonan
Question:121 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the average primary class size in north Tipperary; the average class size nationally; his plans to reduce the number of students in each class; when these plans will conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25083/08]
Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe) The average class size in North Tipperary was 23.4 in the 2006/2007 school year. The corresponding average class size nationally was 24. Class size data for the 2007/2008 school year is not yet available. Schools have flexibility in the way in which they assign pupils and teachers to classes and the Department does not allocate teachers to specific classes or age groups. The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30th September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued to all primary schools each year.
Posts allocated on the basis of this staffing schedule are specifically for mainstream classes and should be deployed accordingly. School authorities are requested to ensure that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible, taking all relevant contextual factors into account (e.g. classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment). In particular, school authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and smallest classes is kept to a minimum.
The Programme for Government sets out the overarching policy position in relation to the provision of additional teachers and on reductions in class size over the life of the Government. The Programme contains a commitment to increase the number of primary teachers by at least 4000 and on that basis to make further progress on reducing class sizes.
Budget 2008 provided my Department with €4.6 billion or €380 million extra for teacher pay and pensions. This was a very substantial level of additional investment in the terms of the economic environment on which the budget was based. That allocation provides for paying for over 2000 extra primary teachers more than the number in schools when the Government took office last Summer. It covers the additional teachers that went into schools last September for the previously announced reduction to a 27 to 1 based staffing schedule along with additional teachers this school year and in the coming school year to meet increasing enrolments, to provide for special needs and the language requirements of newcomer children. This means that in terms of the overall commitment to provide at least 4000 additional teachers the Government in its first two years in office will be well ahead of target.
All Programme for Government commitments to improve public services including those relating to class size are contingent on the economic and budgetary environment and the need for prudent expenditure and fiscal management. Even since the presentation of Budget 2008 last December there have been significant alterations in the external and domestic environment. In that context any reasonable observer would regard the fact that the Government has already taken measures that will see the allocation of over 2000 additional teachers to primary schools as a considerable investment all things considered.
Departmental Expenditure.
Leo Varadkar
Question:122 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown of grants-in-aid in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25102/08]
Grants-in-aid are a form of exchequer assistance to agencies or for the provision of services by agencies and are detailed in the Revised Estimates for Public Services ("the REV") published each year. This would be available in the Oireachtas Library or on the Department of Finance web-site. The Grants-in Aid appear as individual sub-heads of the Department's vote. The Department of Education and Science vote, in both 2008 and 2007, contained the same ten Grant-in-aid subheads, mainly for Youth services and on the third level side. Any unexpended balance of the grant-in-aid sums issued from the Vote are not liable to be surrendered to the Exchequer at year end, whereas other unexpended voted grants are normally liable to be surrendered. My officials would be happy to provide additional information to the Deputy if required.
Schools Refurbishment.
John Deasy
Question:123 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the refusal of an application for funding under the emergency works scheme by a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the damage to the roof of the school is posing a health and safety issue to pupils and staff in view of the fact that loose slates are liable to fall on children and rainwater is leaking into internal electric wiring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25111/08]
My Department received an application for Emergency Funding for roof works from the school in question. Emergency works grants are made available to schools most in need of resources as a result of unforeseen emergencies of a capital nature that may arise during the school year.
Following assessment of the application from this school and in light of the large number of projects seeking funding from my Department for works of this nature from the budget allocated, it was not possible to provide funding under the Emergency Works Scheme on this occasion for the works sought. The school authorities should prioritise expenditure from the school's minor capital works grant in order to ascertain if this can be used to address the works in question.
John Deasy
Question:124 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the appeals procedures in place for schools that are refused funding under the emergency works scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25112/08]
Emergency works grants are made available to schools most in need of resources as a result of unforeseen emergencies of a capital nature that may arise during the school year. It is incumbent on the school to provide as much detail as possible to the Department on the nature of the emergency and the need for an emergency works grant to be paid to address the emergency. All applications are assessed by my Department. In light of the number of projects seeking funding from my Department for works from the budget allocated, it is not possible to provide funding under the Scheme for all applications. It is open to unsuccessful applicants to write to the Planning and Building Unit in my Department outlining the reasons why they wish their application to be reconsidered.
Capitation Grants.
Jack Wall
Question:125 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to increase the capitation grants to address the major problems that boards of management and parents associations are having seeking to provide extra funding for the normal everyday running of primary schools towards the cost of heating, electricity and so on in view of the rise in costs of such items in the past number of weeks and the fact that the agencies involved with such supplies are seeking further major increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25135/08]
The primary school capitation grant has been increased substantially in recent years. Since 2000 the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from €81.26 per pupil to its current rate of €178.58. This represents an increase of almost 120% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 2000. I would like to assure the Deputy that it is a key priority for the Government to improve funding for the day-to-day running costs of schools. For that reason specific commitments in relation to improving school funding form a central part of the education provisions in the Programme for Government. These commitments are a direct follow on from the clear thrust of Government policy over recent years to improve the position of primary schools in particular.
In 2008 alone my Department will be paying around €167m to primary schools to meet their day to day running costs. The improvements announced in the last budget mean that the combined day-to-day funding for primary schools will increase by €21 to €330 per pupil. As a result, a primary school with 300 pupils will receive almost €100,000 to meet their running costs. Furthermore enhanced rates of capitation funding are paid in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools. The current rates range from €457.00 to €880 per pupil — an increase of 42% from the rate in 2006.
The Deputy will be aware that as well as general increases in capitation funding, extra financial supports are being provided to schools under the DEIS action plan for educational inclusion. In the current school year, DEIS related grants totalling almost €19 million were paid to schools to meet the needs of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. This year, despite the overall difficult economic environment my Department delivered an increase of €15 per pupil on capitation levels in 2008. I want to assure the Deputy that this Government has a track record of significantly increasing funding for schools and we will continue to build on this as resources permit.
Schools Refurbishment.
Jack Wall
Question:126 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to provide funding to primary schools to assist or overcome the loss of funding due to the withdrawal of the summer work scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25136/08]
Since the Summer Works Scheme was introduced in 2004, over 3,000 projects, costing in excess of €300 million, have been completed. With so many smaller projects having been completed over the past few years, the particular emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also showing the Government's commitment to delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. Accordingly my Department is focusing on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008 and there is no Summer Works Scheme this year. However, it is intended to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2009.
Primary school authorities may use their annual minor works grant to deal with small scale projects. In 2006 funding for the minor works grant increased by 44% on the previous year. Around €27m was paid out to primary schools throughout the country last year to enable thousands of small scale works to be completed without the need to interact with my Department.
School Staffing.
Jack Wall
Question:127 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers who graduated in each of the past five years; the number of vacancies at primary school level known to his Department for each of the past five years; the number of unqualified persons teaching within the primary school system for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25137/08]
The information which the Deputy requested in relation to the number of primary teachers who graduated is shown in the table. The number of vacancies in primary schools varies throughout the school year and are managed at local level by individual school Boards of Management. Under the terms of the Education Act, 1998, the Board of Management of a primary school is responsible for the recruitment, selection and appointment of all teachers to a school. Appointments are notified to my Department by the Board of Management. My Department has no role in the selection and appointment process.
There were 615 unqualified teachers out of a cohort of 30,609 teachers at primary level on my Department's payroll in May, 2008. The corresponding figures for the previous four years were:
403 — 2007
291 — 2006
332 — 2005
589 — 2004.
Boards of Management are obliged to recruit and employ fully qualified primary teachers for any vacancy in a school, regardless of the duration of the vacancy. Information regarding recognised qualifications can be obtained from the Primary Administration Section of my Department.
|
Year |
Bachelor of Education |
Post Graduate |
|
2003 |
955 |
449 |
|
2004 |
974 |
436 |
|
2005 |
973 |
677 |
|
2006 |
1009 |
744 |
|
2007 |
970 |
756 |
|
2008 (Provisional) |
1,072 |
801 |
|
Total |
5,953 |
3,863 |
Ruairí Quinn
Question:128 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of holders of contracts of indefinite duration in voluntary secondary schools and community/comprehensive schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25142/08]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:129 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of holders of contracts of indefinite duration of 18 hours or over in voluntary secondary schools and community/comprehensive schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25143/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 129 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled in my Department and will be forwarded direct to him.
Pension Provisions.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:130 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the vocational teachers’ superannuation scheme and the amendments being made thereto; and if these are now operational. [25144/08]
My Department, in May this year, advised Vocational Education Committees by circular letter of the coming into operation of revised pension arrangements for certain part-time staff, including members of the Vocational Teachers Superannuation Scheme. These revised arrangements, which will result in a difference in pension benefit and contribution level for part-time staff, form part of Public Service Pension Reform generally.
The revised arrangements will improve access for part-time staff to the superannuation scheme. In addition, where eligible part-time staff, whose pensions are integrated with social welfare benefits, retire from part-time service their occupational pensions will be calculated on the basis of notional full time salary and pro-rata service, where actual service worked is expressed as a proportion of full-time attendance. The revised arrangements also include a change in the method by which integrated occupational pensions are computed. The overall effect of these changes will be to improve occupational pensions for many part-time staff.
The revised arrangements are effective in the main from 1 September 2001 for staff in service on that date; however the change in the method by which integrated pensions are computed is effective from 1 January 2004. My Department will continue to provide information and guidance to Vocational Education Committees as they administer the revised arrangements.
School Accommodation.
Niall Collins
Question:131 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a project (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25146/08]
The school in Co. Meath referred to by the Deputy opened in temporary accommodation on the grounds of a GAA club in September 2007. The funding given by the Department to the school authorities for the rental of this temporary accommodation was per normal Department conditions and the Department was not aware of any need for the school authorities to enter into a loan arrangement to allow the school fund this temporary accommodation project. The Department funded the school authorities for this temporary accommodation upon submission of invoices by the school authorities.
This school in question will subsequently be relocating to new temporary accommodation on a new site from September 2008. The funding for this project has been agreed with the school authorities and the owner of the site. The site works cost incurred are being funded by the Department in 2009 with the rental costs for the temporary accommodation being funded as per normal conditions. In relation to the school in Co. Limerick also referred to by the Deputy, 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 by 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.
Site Acquisitions.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:132 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will accept a specific offer which has been made in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [25151/08]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that following a technical examination of the two acre site in question, my officials wrote to the local developer requesting contract and title documents. A reply is awaited.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Jack Wall
Question:133 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to address the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25153/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at primary level in recent years. There are now in the region of 6,000 more primary teachers than there were in 2002. By the 2006/07 school year, we had reduced the average class size in our primary schools to 24, while the pupil teacher ratio was 16.4:1, including resource teachers etc. In that year, schools were staffed on the basis of a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children. Given that the national average was 24, many schools benefited from much more favourable staffing ratios than this.
The Programme for Government sets out the overarching policy position in relation to the provision of additional teachers and on reductions in class size over the life of the Government. The Programme contains a commitment to increase the number of primary teachers by at least 4000 and on that basis to make further progress on reducing the pupil teacher ratio. Budget 2008 provided my Department with €4.6 billion or €380 million extra for teacher pay and pensions. This was a very substantial level of additional investment in the terms of the economic environment on which the budget was based. That allocation provides for paying for over 2000 extra primary teachers more than the number in schools when the Government took office last summer. It covers the additional teachers that went into schools last September for the previously announced reduction to a 27 to 1 based staffing schedule along with additional teachers this school year and in the coming school year to meet increasing enrolments and to provide for special needs and the language requirements of newcomer children.
This means that in terms of the overall commitment to provide at least 4000 additional teachers the Government in its first two years in office will be well ahead of target. All Programme for Government commitments to improve public services including those relating to the pupil teacher ratio are contingent on the economic and budgetary environment and the need for prudent expenditure and fiscal management. Even since the presentation of Budget 2008 last December there have been significant alterations in the external and domestic environment. In that context any reasonable observer would regard the fact that the Government has already taken measures that will see the allocation of over 2000 additional teachers to primary schools as a considerable investment, all things considered.
Higher Education Grants.
Paul Kehoe
Question:134 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the grants a student can avail of when pursuing a postgraduate course (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25197/08]
My Department funds four maintenance grant schemes for third level and further education students. These are the Higher Education Grants Scheme, the Vocational Education Committees' Scholarships Scheme, the Third Level Maintenance Grants Scheme for Trainees and the Maintenance Grants Scheme for Students attending Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) Courses. The Higher Education Grant Scheme is administered by the Local Authorities on behalf of my Department; the other three maintenance grant schemes are administered on a similar basis by the VECs.
Students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. The PLC Scheme prescribes the terms and conditions of funding in respect of students attending courses in approved PLC Centres. Eligibility for grant assistance, in the case referred to by the Deputy, is a matter for the relevant VEC to establish. The candidate referred to by the Deputy should apply, if they have not already done so, to their local VEC to establish eligibility for the course they are applying to do.
Site Acquisitions.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:135 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has reached agreement with County Kildare Vocational Education Committee and the Department of Education and Science with regard to the provision of a site for a new second level school at the Curragh Camp, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25062/08]
A site has been agreed in relation to the location of a new second level school at the Curragh. However, some details have yet to be finalised and officials from my Department will arrange to meet with both the Curragh Post Primary School and Co. Kildare VEC in the near future to finalise these matters.
Defence Forces Health Services.
Billy Timmins
Question:136 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this is common practice within the Defence Forces; if so, the action that will be taken in order that no other member of the forces would have to go through a similar experience; if in view of the circumstances, the Defence Forces will reimburse the costs of this person’s treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25069/08]
The medical care and treatment of enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Force is provided either directly by the Medical Corps or, where considered appropriate, by Medical Corps referral to public facilities provided by the Health Service Executive. There is no provision to meet the cost of private medical care for enlisted personnel of the Defence Forces. Enlisted personnel, if they wish, are free to attend private health-care providers in a personal capacity as private patients. However, the costs incurred are not reimbursable by the Department of Defence. Accordingly, it is not possible to meet the costs of the person's (details supplied) private medical care.
Departmental Expenditure.
Leo Varadkar
Question:137 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the breakdown of grants-in-aid in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25101/08]
The details of grants-in-aid paid by my Department in 2007 and to date in 2008 are as follows:
|
Payable To |
2007 Expenditure |
2008 Estimate Provision |
Expenditure to end May 2008 |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Civil Defence Board |
6.099 |
6.248 |
3.568 |
|
Irish Red Cross Society |
0.931 |
0.951 |
0.541 |
|
Coiste an Asgard |
0.879 |
0.803 |
0.515 |
Visa Applications.
Finian McGrath
Question:138 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will advise on a matter (details supplied). [25114/08]
The families referred to by the Deputy were granted permission to remain in the State on student conditions. One of the main principles of Ireland's immigration system is that persons coming to Ireland should not be an undue burden on the resources of the State.
In line with this general principle, the established policy in relation to the attendance of overseas students in Irish primary and second level schools is that visas should only be granted to those who are attending fee paying schools on the basis that to do otherwise would give rise to additional demands on the State. For students coming from countries that are not visa required, the position must be consistent with that for visa applicants in that students should only be granted residence permits where they are attending fee paying schools.
The child of an adult student attending an Irish education establishment would be present in the State as a dependant of that parent. That parent would be expected to have sufficient resources to provide for him/herself and any family members while they are in the State. If the child were to be permitted to attend State schools it would be in conflict with the condition of self-sufficiency. The fact that a parent is attending university and paying the costs of that course of study should not in itself permit their child to access State education services.
In terms of legislation, the underlying tenet that a foreign national and any accompanying dependants should not be an undue burden on the State is reflected in section 4 of the Immigration Act 2004 where it is included as one of the reasons why an immigration officer might refuse a person permission to land or be in the State. There is no provision in our Immigration legislation which allows for the payment of a financial contribution in return for a service provided by a public school. A review of general policy in this area is now underway.
Citizenship Applications.
Arthur Morgan
Question:139 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) will be decided; and if he will make a statement on the lengthy delays being experienced by applicants for naturalisation. [25066/08]
An application for a Certificate of Naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in March 2006. I understand that the Citizenship Division of my Department will be in contact with the person concerned in the coming weeks, informing him of the outcome of his application.
Departmental Expenditure.
Leo Varadkar
Question:140 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the breakdown of grants-in-aid in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25108/08]
My Department issued grant in aid payments to the following agencies in 2007 and to date (31st May) in 2008.
|
2007 |
2008 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
The Human Rights Commission |
2,033,000 |
1,048,000 |
|
The Independent International Commission |
549,000 |
200,000 |
|
The Independent Monitoring Commission |
617,000 |
274,000 |
|
The Legal Aid Board |
24,288,000 |
8,843,000 |
|
The Equality Authority |
5,447,000 |
2,291,000 |
Garda Deployment.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:141 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in each Garda station in County Clare in each of the past three years. [25123/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of each Garda Station in the Clare Garda Division on 31 December 2005 to 2007 and on 31 May, 2008 was as set out in the table hereunder:
|
Station |
31/12/05 |
31/12/06 |
31/12/07 |
31/05/08 |
|
Ennis |
84 |
95 |
118 |
120 |
|
Crusheen |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Lissycasey |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Newmarket on Fergus |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
|
Quin |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Shannon |
63 |
94 |
64 |
66 |
|
Immigration Office |
* |
8 |
7 |
6 |
|
Sixmilebridge |
2 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
|
Kilrush |
27 |
27 |
28 |
28 |
|
Carrigaholt |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Doonbeg |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Kilmihil |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Labasheeda |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Kildysart |
3 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
|
Kilkee |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Killaloe |
21 |
25 |
30 |
31 |
|
Broadford |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Newport |
5 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
|
Scariff |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Mountshannon |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Tulla |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Rearcross |
1 |
1 |
1 |
— |
|
Ennistymon |
24 |
22 |
21 |
22 |
|
Ballyvaughan |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Corofin |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Inagh |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Lahinch |
2 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
|
Lisdoonvarna |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Miltown Malbay |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Total |
261 |
318 |
314 |
320 |
*Immigration Office set up in 2006.
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 Division referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.
Crime Levels.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:142 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide a yearly breakdown in crime figures in relation to Clare over the past three years. [25124/08]
Following the submission of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
Road Traffic Offences.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:143 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the detection and prosecution rates for the dangerous overtaking offence as defined by S.I. No. 182 of 1997 as it applies to motorists dangerously overtaking cyclists for each year since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25152/08]
Following the submission of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.
The CSO compiles and publishes crime statistics in respect of the period starting with 2003. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him in respect of the years 2003-2007. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the statistics requested by the Deputy are not readily available for the years 2000 to 2002 and would necessitate a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources to collate.
Asylum Support Services.
Denis Naughten
Question:144 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the asylum accommodation centres which have proper facilities to allow residents to prepare their own meals; the centres which do not have such a facility; the centres where asylum applicants actually prepare their own food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25155/08]
The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers under the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. RIA currently accommodates close on 7,000 residents in 61 centres (including 2 Reception Centres) throughout the State. In 54 of these centres, meals are provided for residents and in a further 7 centres residents prepare their own meals. A full list of all centres currently providing accommodation to asylum seekers is below.
|
County |
Location |
Address |
|
Dublin |
Balseskin Reception Centre |
St Margaret’s |
|
Dublin |
Kilmacud House |
Stillorgan |
|
County |
Location |
Address |
|
|
1 |
Clare |
Knockalisheen A/S Centre |
Meelick |
|
2 |
Clare Lodge |
Ennis |
|
|
3 |
Cork |
Ashbourne Hse Hotel |
Glounthaune |
|
4 |
Kinsale Road Acc. Centre |
Cork City |
|
|
5 |
Glenvera Hotel |
Wellington Road |
|
|
6 |
Millstreet Accommodation Centre |
Millstreet |
|
|
7 |
An Poc Fada |
Main Street, Cobh |
|
|
8 |
Clonakilty Lodge |
Clonakilty, Co. Cork |
|
|
9 |
Donegal |
Cliffview |
Donegal Town |
|
10 |
Dublin |
Camden House |
Camden Street, Dublin 2 |
|
11 |
The Towers |
The Ninth Lock, Clondalkin |
|
|
12 |
70 Lower Camden St |
70 Lower Camden St |
|
|
13 |
14 Gardiner St |
Dublin 1 |
|
|
14 |
Horse and Carriage |
Aungier Street, Dublin 2 |
|
|
15 |
Newlight House |
St. Margaret’s, Finglas |
|
|
16 |
10 North Frederick Street |
Dublin 1 |
|
|
17 |
Viking Lodge |
Francis Street, Dublin 8 |
|
|
18 |
Georgian Court |
77-79 lower Gardiner St. Dublin 2 |
|
|
19 |
Hatch Hall |
28 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 1 |
|
|
20 |
Galway |
Dun Gibbons Inn |
Clifden, Co. Galway |
|
21 |
Eglinton Hotel |
The Proms, Salthill |
|
|
22 |
Great Western House |
Eyre Square |
|
|
23 |
Lisbrook House |
Headford Road, Galway |
|
|
24 |
Kerry |
Atlas House |
Killarney |
|
25 |
Atlas House |
Tralee |
|
|
26 |
Johnston Marina Hotel |
Tralee |
|
|
27 |
Linden House |
Killarney |
|
|
28 |
Park Lodge |
Killarney |
|
|
29 |
Westward Court |
Tralee |
|
|
30 |
Kildare |
Eyrepowell Hotel |
Newbridge |
|
31 |
Laois |
Hibernian Hotel |
Main Street, Abbeyleix |
|
32 |
Montague Hotel |
Portlaoise |
|
|
33 |
Leitrim |
Sliabh An Iarainn |
Ballinamore |
|
34 |
Limerick |
Clyde House |
St. Alphonsus Street |
|
35 |
Westbourne Holiday Hostel |
Dock Road |
|
|
36 |
Mount Trenchard |
Foynes, Co. Limerick |
|
|
37 |
Sarsfield Bridge Hotel |
Sarsfield Road, Limerick |
|
|
38 |
Longford |
Richmond Court |
Richmond Street |
|
39 |
Mayo |
Railway Hotel |
Kiltimagh |
|
40 |
The Old Convent |
Ballyhaunis |
|
|
41 |
Meath |
Mosney Accommodation Centre |
Mosney |
|
42 |
Monaghan |
St. Patricks |
Monaghan |
|
43 |
Sligo |
Globe House |
Chapel Hill |
|
44 |
Tipp. South |
Bridgewater House |
Carrick-On-Suir |
|
45 |
Waterford |
Atlantic House |
Tramore, Co. Waterford |
|
46 |
Ocean View |
Tramore, Co. Waterford |
|
|
47 |
Ursuline Complex |
Ballytruckle Road |
|
|
48 |
Viking House |
Coffee House Lane |
|
|
49 |
Westmeath |
Athlone Accommodation Centre |
Athlone |
|
50 |
Wexford |
Old Rectory House |
New Ross |
|
51 |
Wicklow |
Beechlawn, |
Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow |
|
52 |
The Warrens |
Wicklow Town |
|
County |
Location |
Address |
|
|
1 |
Cork |
Davis Street Apartments |
73-75 Davis Street, Mallow |
|
2 |
Dublin |
Glenview House |
Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
3 |
James Street Apartments |
143 James St, Dublin 8 |
|
|
4 |
Tathony House |
Bow Lane West, Dublin 8 |
|
|
5 |
Watergate House |
11-14 Usher’s Quay, Dublin 8 |
|
|
6 |
Louth |
Carroll Village |
Dundalk |
|
7 |
Roscommon |
Station Road Apartments |
Station Road, Ballaghadereen |
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:145 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25214/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 16 May 2005 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 26 April 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him.
He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:146 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if temporary or extended residency status will be considered in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25215/08]
I refer the Deputy to the previous answer to Parliamentary Question No. 212 put down for answer on 15 May 2008. I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question was the subject of a Family Reunification/Permission to Remain application made by his brother in 2003. The Family Reunification/Permission to Remain application was refused in August 2004 and the brother of the person in question was notified of the decision.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:147 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25216/08]
The first named person concerned arrived in the State on 14 April 2005 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 20 February 2007, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
The second named person concerned, the wife of the first named person concerned, arrived in the State on 14 June 2005 and applied for asylum. She gave birth to a child in this State in June 2005. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the second named person concerned was informed, by letter dated 30 August 2006, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of her and her child. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of deportation orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she and her child should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were submitted by the second named person concerned.
The second named person concerned has also submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006) and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the second named person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the second named person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the second named person concerned is passed to me for decision.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:148 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25217/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 11 August 2006 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 22 November 2007, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:149 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or intended residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25218/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 20 October 2006 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 18 September 2007, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:150 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25219/08]
An application for a Certificate of Naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in June 2006. Officials in that section have informed me that processing of the application is nearing completion and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in the near future. I will inform the person in question when I have reached a decision on the matter.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:151 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the existing residency status will allow a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20 to travel to Brussels with their daughter who is required to attend at the Angolan Embassy there and return to Ireland without prejudice to their residency or naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25220/08]
The person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements for non-EEA parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1st January, 2005, known as the IBC/05 Scheme. This permission to remain in the State is currently valid until 13th February, 2010. Minor children under sixteen years of age who are in the care of their parent(s) avail of the same permission to remain in the State granted to their parents. Short term travel outside of the State, such as that referred to by the Deputy, will not prejudice the applicant's current permission to remain.
As a visa required national, the person concerned is obliged to have the appropriate re-entry visa endorsed on their passport prior to leaving the State. The person concerned is advised to ensure that her daughter, who is accompanying her on the trip, is also documented accordingly. Comprehensive guidelines on making a re-entry visa application can be found on www.inis.gov.ie.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:152 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in regard to residency or naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25221/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 1 June 2000 and claimed asylum. His application was refused by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
The person concerned was informed by letter dated 1 March, 2002 that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him and afforded him three options in accordance with Section (3)(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a Deportation Order or to submit, within 15 days, written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should not be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why they should not be deported.
On 27 April 2005 the then Minister refused him permission to remain in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of him. Notice of this order was served by registered post requiring him to present on the 12 of May 2005 at the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. He failed to present as requested and was subsequently classed as an evader. The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order remains an operational matter for the Bureau.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:153 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of the application for naturalisation in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 15 whose applications have been ongoing for some time and who have lived here since 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25222/08]
An application for a Certificate of Naturalisation from the first named applicant was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in September 2002. The file was forwarded to my predecessor in November 2004 and he decided to refuse the application. The reason for refusal was disclosed to the person concerned in a letter dated 7 December 2004. An application for a Certificate of Naturalisation from the second named applicant was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in February 2008. The application has not been examined in detail. Examination of the residency requirement will take place in the near future.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:154 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency and naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25223/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on the 24th of June 2003 and claimed asylum. Her application was refused by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, and on appeal by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The person concerned was notified by letter dated 18 May, 2005 that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her and afforded her three options in accordance with Section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a Deportation Order or to submit, within 15 days, written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why she should not be deported.
On 26 July 2005, the then Minister refused permission to remain in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of her. Notice of this order was served by registered post and she presented herself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 on 18 August 2005 as requested. She subsequently failed to present as requested at GNIB on the 13 of September 2005 and was classed as an evader.
In response to a request received on 2 May, 2008 from the legal representatives of the person concerned, they were offered an opportunity to make representations setting out any new facts or circumstances relating to a possible entitlement to Subsidiary Protection which had arisen since the original decision to deport was made. Submissions were subsequently received from the legal representatives on behalf of the person concerned and they are currently under consideration. The applicant and the legal representatives of the person concerned will be notified when a decision is made.
Asylum Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:155 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Meath and having particular regard to their illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25224/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:156 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent of further developments in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25225/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:157 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25226/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:158 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25227/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
Deportation Orders.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:159 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the decision to deport in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin in view of the fact that circumstances have changed since the original decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25228/08]
I would refer the Deputy to the Reply my predecessor gave to his Dáil Question No. 222 of Thursday, 3rd of April 2008. The status of the person concerned remains as set out in that Reply. The person concerned has continued to meet the presentation requirements of the Garda National Immigration Bureau and is due to present again shortly.
Asylum Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:160 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to a residency application in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25229/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:161 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in regard to a residency application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25230/08]
The person concerned, and one of her children, arrived in the State on 16 April 2004 and applied for asylum. A second child arrived in the State on 26 November 2004 and was subsequently included in her mother's asylum application. The asylum application was refused following consideration of the case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 9 August 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her and her children. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of deportation orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she and her children should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:162 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in regard to a residency application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25231/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:163 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the developments to date regarding the application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25232/08]
I am pleased to inform you that I have approved this application and the Citizenship Division of my Department has recently written to the person requesting certain documentation and the prescribed fee. When the documentation and the fee is received, a Certificate of Naturalisation will issue to him.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:164 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in respect of an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25233/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question is the subject of a Family Reunification application. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department. The application is under consideration by my Department and a letter will issue to the applicant within the next three weeks.
Asylum Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:165 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25234/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:166 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25235/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:167 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; if the contact referred to will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25236/08]
I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy made an application for family reunification and that a decision was made in relation to that application recently. The person in question was informed of that decision in writing on 9 June 2008.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:168 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 15 who have lived here for 11 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25237/08]
The person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State on 7 June, 2005 under the revised arrangements for parents of Irish children born prior to 1 January, 2005, known as the IBC/05 Scheme. An application for renewal of this permission was received by my Department on 11 November, 2007. On 11 June, 2008 the application was refused as the person in question did not satisfy the renewal criteria. On the 12 June, 2008 the person concerned was invited to make representations to my Department under Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, and any representations received will be considered in due course.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:169 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason his Department has refused to give an indication or response to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25239/08]
I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to Parliamentary Question number 178 put down for answer on 1st May 2008. I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question was granted permission to remain under the Family Reunification Scheme and did not renew her permission to remain status prior to its expiration. The onus is on the person in question to ensure that her registration details are kept up to date at all times and maintained satisfactorily and in accordance with the instructions provided by my Department at the time of her initial registration. However, in order to assist the person in question, the Immigration Division of my Department has informed me that they will contact that person shortly and provide her with details of how she may renew her permission to remain.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:170 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the matter of an extension of residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25240/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:171 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the developments to date in the case of an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25241/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 424 of Tuesday 29 April 2008 and No. 238 of Thursday 3 April 2008 and the written Replies to those Questions. The person concerned arrived in the State on 27 September 2002 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 30 December 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:172 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25242/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 531 of Thursday 17 April 2008, No. 202 of Thursday, 10 April 2008 and No. 225 of Thursday, 3 April 2008 and the written Replies to those Questions. The person concerned arrived in the State on 12 September 2006 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), he was informed, by letter dated 14 February 2008, (and by amended letter dated 4 April, 2008) that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned will be passed to me for decision.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:173 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for residency or naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25243/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No.188 of Thursday, 9 March 2006 and the written Reply to that Question. The person concerned arrived in the State on 9 August 2002 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 29 August 2003, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:174 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for residency or naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25244/08]
I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to Parliamentary Question No. 231 on the 28th June 2007 and Parliamentary Question No. 250 on 31st January 2008. The person in question was the subject of a Family Reunification application which was approved in March 2002. Correspondence issued to the person concerned and his legal representative in August 2007 advising him that his permission to remain in the State was being renewed. The person in question was also advised to report to the Garda National Immigration Bureau, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 to have the appropriate permission endorsed on his passport and to have a Certificate of Registration issued in respect of him.
Inquiries made by the Immigration Division of my Department in January indicated that the person concerned had contacted the Garda National Immigration Bureau and had renewed his permission to remain until the 26th July 2008.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:175 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25245/08]
An application for a Certificate of Naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in February 2006. Officials in that Section inform me that a letter requesting further documentation was sent to the applicant's solicitor on 24 January 2008. To date, no reply has been received. The request for further documentation has been re-issued to both the person concerned and her solicitor this week. Further processing of the application will commence once the documentation requested has been received.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:176 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the developments that have taken place and when they are expected to be concluded in the application for naturalisation in the name of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the effects that will have on their application in view of their motoring offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25246/08]
An application for a Certificate of Naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in December 2005. A letter informing the person concerned that his application for a certificate of naturalisation was refused issued on 17 June 2008. Enclosed with this letter was a copy of the submission setting out the reasons why the application was refused. It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application at any stage, however, he should give due regard to the reasons for the previous refusal. Each application is examined on its own merits at the time of it being lodged and it is not possible to say if a future application will be favourably considered.
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
Denis Naughten
Question:177 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding available in 2008 for the special housing aid scheme; the funding allocated in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25158/08]
The Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme is currently administered by a Task Force under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and operated at a local level by the Health Service Executive. A total of €19.132 million was allocated in 2007 and an initial allocation of €13 million has been made available in 2008 to the Health Service Executive for the operation of the scheme nationally.
Outdoor Events.
Frank Feighan
Question:178 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will review legislation in relation to the holding of festivals or raves in non-designated venues such as farmers fields or in small villages where facilities to cope with crowds of up to 5000 do not exist; if it is the case that these events can be run almost without regulation or permit; and the action he proposes to take in relation to same. [25175/08]
Section 230 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that a licence is required in respect of the holding of a prescribed event or class of event. Part 16 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 provides for the licensing of outdoor events. Article 183 of the Regulations provides that a prescribed event for the purposes of Section 230 is an event at which the audience comprises 5,000 or more people. The 2001 Regulations received the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas prior to being made. I will review the position should the holding of unlicensed outdoor events became generally problematic.
Under section 107 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992, local authorities are empowered to require measures to be taken to prevent or limit noise from any premises, including any land, and it is understood that these powers have been applied in respect of outdoor activities which did not require a licence under the 2000 Act.
Election Management System.
Noel Coonan
Question:179 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to allow all college graduates to vote in Seanad elections; the college graduates who can vote; the reason all college graduates cannot vote; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25087/08]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to determine the extent of cross-party agreement on the recommendations of the April 2004 Report on Seanad Reform by the Seanad Sub-Committee on Seanad Reform, and to advance proposals for implementation. The Report on Seanad Reform sets out comprehensive recommendations for further consideration and action concerning the composition, functions and future role of Seanad Éireann. The Report recommends significant reform of the Seanad electoral system, including the introduction of a 6 seat, directly elected higher education constituency to include all graduates of institutions of higher education in the State holding a primary degree or an equivalent award at level 7 in the National Framework of Qualifications.
Currently, 3 of the Seanad University seats are elected by NUI graduates, the remaining 3 are elected by Trinity graduates. The 1979 Seventh Amendment to the Constitution provides the constitutional basis for the expansion of the higher education constituency, however this expansion has not occurred to date. I consider that Seanad reform should be advanced on the basis of an All-Party, consensus approach, insofar as possible. A first meeting of the All-Party Group on Seanad Reform was held on 18 June 2008. The aim of the Group is to establish, in a small number of meetings, the extent of cross-party agreement on the recommendations of the 2004 Report; I intend that reform efforts should include an initial focus on widening the third level franchise.
Departmental Expenditure.
Leo Varadkar
Question:180 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the breakdown of grants-in-aid in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25104/08]
My Department's Vote does not include any Grant in Aid provisions.
Special Protection Areas.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:181 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of objections that have been received in relation to each of the named sites that are to be designated as special protection areas for the hen harrier in the list of proposed designation sites; if he will summarise the broad thrust of these objections; if he will be able to meet the objectors’ concerns; when a final decision will be made in relation to the designation of the sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25126/08]
Some 804 objections were received to the proposals to designate 6 Hen Harrier sites as Special Protection Areas (SPAs). Of these, 60 were deemed to be invalid. My Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is currently in the process of assessing the 744 valid objections. Approximately three-quarters of these relate to requests to have land removed from the SPA, with the remainder requesting land to be included. The number of objections per site is as follows:
|
Site |
Number of Objections |
|
Slieve Bloom Mountains SPA |
24 |
|
Stack’s To Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA |
340 |
|
Mullaghanish to Musheramore Mountains SPA |
28 |
|
Slievefelim to Silvermines Mountains SPA |
48 |
|
Slieve Beagh SPA |
21 |
|
Slieve Aughty Mountains SPA |
283 |
There is a two-stage process for assessing objections. The first stage is an internal scientific review of the area under objection. Following completion of this stage, objectors dissatisfied with the outcome may have their case referred to an independent Appeals Advisory Board. I envisage that the internal review stage of all objections will be completed by end September 2008. The timeframe for the second stage review will depend on the number of cases that are referred to the Appeals Advisory Board.
Waste Management.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:182 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount raised by the plastic bag levy for each year since its commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25128/08]
The net amount remitted to my Department in 2007 in respect of the plastic bag levy was €22,211,727. Copies of the Environment Fund's Annual Accounts up to and including 2006 are available in the Oireachtas library and detail the amount received in respect of the plastic beg levy for years prior to 2007. The 2007 Annual Accounts will be lodged in the Oireachtas library in due course after they have been audited by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Housing Grants.
Niall Collins
Question:183 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a certificate (details supplied) will be issued. [25145/08]
Following a recent inspection the applicant was advised that certain works remained to be carried out. On receipt of notification that these works have been completed, a further inspection will be carried out with a view to issuing a Floor Area Compliance Certificate, if in order.
Waste Disposal.
Joe Behan
Question:184 Deputy Joe Behan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the contacts he or his officials have had with South Dublin County Council regarding the proposed disposal of hydrogen cyanide in County Wicklow; and the reason his Department does not intervene to allow time for proper consultation with local people. [25147/08]
On behalf of Rentokil, Arthur Cox Solicitors made my Department aware of the existence of seven cylinders of hydrogen cyanide in April 2007 at the Rentokil premises at Ballymount. This followed a series of meetings held by Rentokil with South Dublin County Council, the Defence Forces, the Fire Services and An Garda Síochána to develop a solution for the disposal of the cylinders. South Dublin County Council has taken the lead agency responsibility in relation to this matter.
Rentokil, as holder of the cylinders of hydrogen cyanide, has the statutory responsibility to resolve this matter, under the Waste Management Act 1996, the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Acts 1989 and 2005; the Dangerous Substances Act 1972; and Protection of the Environment Act 2003 and accompanying regulations and licensing regimes. My Department has kept in touch with South Dublin County Council in the matter and has recently written to the local authority requesting that it consider the steps it can take to ensure an appropriate resolution to this issue is taken by Rentokil, including the need to deal conclusively with this matter within the relevant regulatory requirements for waste management and disposal having regard to the hazard involved.
Operational matters, including the question of relevant local consultations in connection with this, are the responsibility of the authorities directly concerned. However, I understand that on 10 June 2008 South Dublin County Council issued a press statement detailing the steps to be taken by the Council as the lead agency in relation to the disposal of the cylinders and that the Council has published a detailed list of ‘Frequently Asked Questions' on its website in relation to the matter. I understand also that South Dublin County Council continues to work closely with all of the relevant agencies in relation to this matter.
Fire Services.
Joe Behan
Question:185 Deputy Joe Behan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the fire services and emergency planning section of his Department is fully staffed at senior management level; if not, the reason for same; and if this situation affects the ability of the Government and local authorities to respond fully and effectively to the challenges posed by major fire and emergencies in the future. [25148/08]
The senior administrative and technical posts in the Fire Services and Emergency Planning Section are all fully staffed. In addition, the technical posts in the Section have in recent years being augmented by senior staff seconded from Fire Authorities.
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
Pat Breen
Question:186 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will meet a delegation from Clare County Council together with the four Clare Deputies to discuss the funding for the housing adaptation grant for the elderly and for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25180/08]
The administration of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability is a matter for individual local authorities. My Department made a combined capital allocation to all local authorities on 21 May for the operation of the Schemes in private houses in 2008. It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the level of funding to be provided for each of the Schemes, from within the combined allocation notified to them by my Department and to manage the operation of the schemes from within this allocation. I have already received separate representations requesting a meeting with Clare County Council in relation to these grant schemes and this will take place shortly.
Waste Management.
David Stanton
Question:187 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to encourage and support local authorities to open civic amenity sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25187/08]
In line with the commitment given in the Programme for Government my Department is continuing to provide grants to support the development of waste recycling facilities such as civic amenity sites. This year alone my Department has provided capital grants towards the development of 22 specific civic amenity sites and has paid €8.274 million in grant assistance to Local Authorities under the Waste Management Infrastructure Capital Grants Scheme. This scheme, which was launched in 2002, provides supports towards the development of Ireland's waste recycling and recovery infrastructure by providing assistance towards projects such as bring banks, composting facilities, civic amenity sites and materials recovery facilities.
The current Scheme is drawing to a close but my Department is in the process of finalising a new Grants Scheme, to be launched later this year, which will ensure that grant assistance continues to be available to encourage Local Authorities to open additional recycling facilities such as civic amenity sites.
Local Authority Funding.
David Stanton
Question:188 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has issued a directive to local authorities putting restrictions on them from using internal capital receipts in 2008 for current year expenditure; the reasons for same; if he will reconsider such a directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25188/08]
Under Section 211 (4) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended by the Local Government Act 2001, internal capital receipts shall be applied for a capital purpose for which capital money may be properly applied or for such purposes as may be approved by the Minister whether generally or in relation to specified cases or circumstances.
In 2006, my Department issued a circular letter in relation to the devolution of control for this function to local authorities, subject to certain terms and conditions, from 1 January 2007. Under these new procedures authorities are required to submit an annual programme of works to be funded by internal capital receipts, primarily for the planned maintenance and improvement of their existing housing stock, for approval by the Department. In December 2007, a further circular letter issued, which provided for an expansion of the categories of allowable expenditure from internal capital receipts under the annual improvement works programme. My Department has not issued any restrictions on the categories of activity or levels of activity for 2008.
Electricity Transmission.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:189 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the expected date for receipt of the Ecofys report; the plans he has to publish the report in its entirety; when and the way he will accommodate address of the detail of the report in the Houses of the Oireachtas; if he will support the attendance of a delegation (details supplied) at an early meeting of the Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to address the content and conclusions contained in the Ecofys report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25061/08]
On 8th April, 2008 I announced the appointment of international consultants Ecofys, by my Department, to undertake the independent study on the comparative merits of overhead electricity transmission lines versus underground cables. The consultants were appointed following a tender process launched on 29 February on the Government's eTenders website. The study was commissioned in response to publicly expressed concerns in respect of current transmission line projects being developed by EirGrid, the national independent transmission systems operator. The purpose of the study is to provide a balanced and unbiased evaluation of all existing technologies, both overhead and underground, for high voltage electricity transmission.
The study was conducted on a national basis and is not project specific. It aims to provide the best available professional advice on the relative merits of constructing and operating overhead transmission lines compared to underground cables, having regard to technical characteristics, reliability, operation and maintenance factors, environmental impact, possible health issues and cost, thereby informing policy decisions on all current and future transmission line projects. In order to take account of stakeholders' views, written submissions were invited and furnished to the consultants.
The report will be published shortly and presented to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and National Resources. Ecofys have confirmed their availability to present their report to the Joint Oireachtas Committee when required. The question of attendance by any group, at meetings of the Joint Oireachtas Committee is a matter for the Committee itself. I am fully supportive of the Joint Committee's commitment to full and objective debate of all the complex issues and to hear the views of all sides.
Telecommunications Services.
Noel Coonan
Question:190 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether private companies will be able to provide broadband to all areas of north Tipperary; the percentage of north Tipperary without access; the penetration levels in Thurles, Nenagh, Templemore and Roscrea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25082/08]
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 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 including any unserved areas in North Tipperary 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 judgement 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. Statistics on broadband penetration in Ireland are gathered centrally by ComReg and published in their quarterly reports which are available at www.comreg.ie. There is no breakdown available for individual towns.
Energy Resources.
Noel Coonan
Question:191 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the communities most likely to be affected by increases in the prices of electricity and gas; the measures in place to protect these communities from the predicted rise in costs in view of the upward trend in international fuel costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter [25084/08]
The regulation of ESB electricity tariffs and BGÉ gas tariffs is the statutory responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) under the Electricity Regulation Act. I have no function in setting these tariffs. The CER has publicly indicated that it expects the increases in international fuel prices to have a consequential impact on electricity and gas tariffs in the autumn. Rising energy costs are a major concern for all sectors of the economy and for consumers. It is a major concern for the European Union and globally. There are limits to what Ireland can do in relation to global wholesale gas, oil and coal prices. The Government's Energy Policy White Paper and the Programme for Government set out the actions being taken to deliver security, sustainability and competitiveness of energy supply.
To reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels and so lessen the impact of high prices, we must use energy far more efficiently and increase the energy generated from renewable resources. We have set ourselves ambitious targets of generating 15% of our electricity needs from renewable sources by 2010 and 33% by 2020. Estimates suggest that we achieved 10% in 2007 and are on course to reach or surpass our 2010 target.
Householders can individually reduce their dependence on oil or gas for their heating needs by investing in renewable heating technology such as solar panels, wood pellet boilers and heat pumps. The Greener Homes Scheme provides grants to householders to assist with this investment. In addition, the Power of One Street initiative has clearly demonstrated that householders can save in excess of 20% of their energy costs by becoming more energy efficient.
Those living in older homes tend to have higher heating costs because of the poor insulation standards of their homes. With rising energy costs, this can have a significant effect on the health and quality of life for low-income households. Sustainable Energy Ireland's (SEI) Low Income Housing Programme was established to systematically address the problem of fuel poverty. Its core strategy is to improve the energy performance of low-income homes through its Warmer Homes Scheme. I have already increased the budget for the Low Income Housing Programme to €4 million in 2008 and this will enable SEI to fund insulation upgrades for 4,000 vulnerable households this year.
I also launched the pilot Home Energy Saving Scheme, which is incentivising householders in the pilot areas to improve the energy efficiency of their homes through insulation upgrades and other measures. SEI estimates that those who avail of the scheme can expect to save in the region of €500 on their energy bills every year.
The CER also plays a role in protecting vulnerable customers in the energy markets. Under the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2005 the CER was tasked with ensuring that there are adequate safeguards to protect vulnerable customers, including measures to help customers avoid disconnection. The CER has set out guidelines for the protection of household electricity and natural gas customers, particularly the elderly, customers relying on life support equipment and those with disabilities.
Energy efficiency has a significant role to play in reducing energy costs for the enterprise sector. Large companies as well as small and medium size enterprises can very rapidly reduce their energy bills by 10%, while significantly greater savings are possible through economically rational investments and participation in the various energy efficiency programmes run by SEI. These programmes are tailored to the specific needs of businesses, large and small. Through these schemes SEI assists companies in identifying and implementing actions to mitigate the impacts of rising energy costs. In that context, funding of €4 million for SEI's industry energy efficiency programme has been provided this year, allowing SEI to significantly increase the coverage of their programmes. To further assist the business sector, the Minister for Finance also introduced new tax incentives this year to support companies to purchase the most energy efficient equipment for use within their business.
Telecommunications Services.
Noel Coonan
Question:192 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the outcome of a lack of strong connectivity between a town and a broadband network; the way fibre-optic rings will be connected into a house or business in such an instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25085/08]
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. Broadband can be provided to towns and premises over various platforms including telephone line (known as DSL), wireless, mobile, cable, satellite and fibre. The most appropriate methods of using these platforms to connect to premises are matters for the relevant service provider providing the service to the premises.
Whilst providing broadband connectivity to towns and areas is therefore primarily a matter for the private sector, 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 judgement 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 rollout to commence as soon as possible thereafter.
Departmental Expenditure.
Leo Varadkar
Question:193 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the breakdown of grants-in-aid in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25099/08]
The following table sets out the breakdown of grants in aid in 2007 and to date in 2008 in my Department.
|
Subhead |
Outturn in 2007 |
Expenditure to date in 2008 |
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
C.1 — Grant to Radio Telefís Éireann for Broadcasting Licence Fees |
194.838 |
84.0000 |
|
C.3 — Broadcasting Commission of Ireland |
3.810 |
3.8000 |
|
C.4 — Deontas i Leith Theilifís na Gaeilge |
31.897 |
8.1378 |
|
D.1 — Energy Conservation (Grant-in-Aid to Sustainable Energy Ireland) |
54.200 |
29.4350 |
|
E.6 — Ordnance Survey Ireland* |
5.7500 |
*Ordnance Survey Ireland came under the aegis of my Department on 1 January 2008.
Telecommunications Services.
David Stanton
Question:194 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the value for money and policy review of phase one of the metropolitan areas networks programme and the consultation policy paper on next generation broadband have been finalised by his Department; if not, when they will be finalised; when he will publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25139/08]
I expect to publish the Value for Money and Policy Review of Phase I of the Metropolitan Area Networks Programme and the policy paper on Next Generation Broadband Networks in early July 2008.
National Gas Grid.
Frank Feighan
Question:195 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans he has to have a gas pipeline directed through Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon. [25166/08]
Frank Feighan
Question:196 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans he has to include Boyle, County Roscommon on the gas pipeline from the Corrib field; and when same are expected to come to fruition. [25167/08]
Frank Feighan
Question:197 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the current position regarding plans to include Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim on the gas pipeline from the Corrib gas field. [25168/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 to 197, inclusive, together.
Since 2002, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is a statutory independent body, has been charged with all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators who wish to develop and/or operate a gas distribution system within the State under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002. In 2006, CER directed Bord Gáis Éireann (BGÉ) to implement a new Gas Connections Policy, which determines the economic viability of connecting towns to the gas network. The new policy allows for the appraisal of a town either on its own or as part of a regional group of towns.
BGÉ is carrying out a comprehensive review of towns being considered for connection to the national gas network. The review is being carried out in three phases, with Phase 3 of the study having commenced late last year. This Phase includes Boyle, Roscommon, Ballaghaderreen and Strokestown in County Roscommon and Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrim. The final report is due to be published in late 2008 and it will outline what towns or groups of towns are economically viable for connection, within the revised connection policy criteria.