Vol. 664 No. 4
18 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Defence when he expects to receive the marine accident investigation report into the sinking of the Asgard II; when he expects to be able to make a decision on replacing or restoring the Asgard II; the arrangements that will be in place pending the restoration or replacement of the vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34750/08]
23 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence if a survey has been carried out on the Asgard II which sank on 11 September 2008; if it is considered beyond repair; his views on replacing it with the Jeanie Johnston as the national sail training vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36264/08]
46 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Defence the investigations that have been held into the sinking of the Asgard II off the French coast in September 2008 ; the results available from any preliminary investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35872/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 23 and 46 together.
The Marine Casualty Investigation Board, which is a statutory, independent body, is carrying out an investigation into the cause of the sinking of Asgard II on 11 September. I have no information as to when the result of that investigation will be available.
Asgard II was insured with Allianz Plc in the sum of €3.8m. Following consultations with insurance company representatives, Coiste an Asgard decided to arrange a survey of the vessel using a remotely operated vehicle in order to establish her status prior to any decisions being made in relation to salvage. This survey, which was carried out between 26 and 29 September, revealed that the vessel is lying upright in eighty metres of water close to where she sank and appears to be largely intact. Damage to one of the hull planks has been observed but it is not possible, at this stage, to determine whether this has resulted from impact with the seabed or was the original cause of the sinking.
At a meeting between Coiste an Asgard and Allianz on 9 October, it was agreed that Allianz would seek tenders for the salvage of Asgard II and that a decision on whether or not to proceed with a salvage operation would be made in the light of the outcome of the tender process. I understand that the closing date for the receipt of tenders is 31 October.
Pending a decision on the future of Asgard II, the board of Coiste an Asgard is considering the question of procuring a suitable temporary replacement vessel. At this stage I am not in a position to indicate when a decision might be made as to whether or not to procure a replacement vessel.
19 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Defence if he has provided the improved accommodation and additional human resources promised in Dáil Éireann on 2 July 2008 to help the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces deal with their increased work load; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36031/08]
The Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces was established under the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004. On 19 September 2005, Ms. Paulyn Marrinan-Quinn SC was appointed by the President, upon the recommendation of the Government, as the first Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. Her term of office was recently extended for a further three years from 19 September 2008.
I am advised that the Ombudsman has a staff level of four (4), consisting of the Ombudsman, an investigating officer, an office manager and clerical support. My officials have had discussions with the Ombudsman about the workload of the Office. However, in the light of the restrictions on public service payroll costs there are no current plans to assign additional staff to the Office.
The Office of the Ombudsman is currently located in Hatch Street, Dublin 2. I have supported the request from the Ombudsman to the Office of Public Works for alternative accommodation. I have been informed by the Office of Public Works that they have identified a premises which might meet the accommodation needs of the Ombudsman. This building has been inspected by an official from the Ombudsman's office and a response is awaited from them.
I am confident that the Ombudsman will utilise all existing resources in continuing to fulfil her role. The situation will be kept under review with the Ombudsman.
20 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the safeguards the Defence Forces have in place to ensure that replica weapons are not substituted for real weapons held by the Defence Forces; if the Defence Forces conduct regular audits of their arsenals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35006/08]
There are existing controls in place to ensure that there can be no interference to inventoried weapons assigned to a Unit of the Defence Forces. All weapons are stored in sound and secure premises where access is restricted to designated personnel. There are frequent and detailed inspections of the serial-numbered assets and items of controlled stores.
Defence Force Regulation L2 on Weapons, Ammunition, Explosives and Other Items of Ordnance and Defence Force Regulation S2 on Financial and Accounting Instructions comprehensively outline the schedule of checking required in respect of all serial-numbered items.
A check of all items within an armoury bearing a serial number, including all weapons and calibre, is conducted at least once per week. The check of all serial numbered items is certified with a report to the Unit Commander. The discovery of any deficiencies is notified immediately to the Unit Commander. Any such instance, where theft or fraud is involved, must be notified to the Chief of Staff who is required to report the matter immediately to the Secretary General of my Department. An annual stocktaking of all Unit Ordnance Stores is carried out by a Stocktaking Board. The Board is required to complete a certificate outlining all items checked. The certification is furnished by the Officer Commanding the Unit to the General Officer Commanding the Brigade/Formation or Service concerned.
A routine inspection of all weapons and ammunition assigned to the Defence Forces is initiated by the Director of Ordnance at least every twelve months.
21 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the 49% decrease in the estimate of expenses for the Defence Forces in regard to travel and freight services. [35868/08]
The reduction in funding is due to the fact that substantial travel and freight costs incurred this year on the initial deployment by the Defence Forces to the EUFOR Chad mission will not arise in 2009.
22 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence if he will proceed with the Naval vessel replacement strategy to cover the period up to 2012 to ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is commensurate with the roles assigned to it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36266/08]
29 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence his plans to proceed with the acquisition of three new vessels for the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35891/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 29 together.
The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. In the 2000 White Paper on Defence, the Government decided that the Naval Service would be based on an 8-ship flotilla and committed to a modernisation and replacement strategy to maximise the operational capacity of those 8 vessels consistent with the roles assigned to the Naval Service. The White Paper specifically provides that "New vessels will be brought on stream to replace older ones as these fall due for replacement". Naval Service Vessels are replaced when they have come to the end of their useful life, which is normally around 30 years. Three ships will fall due for replacement over the next 3 to 5 years — LE Emer, commissioned in 1978, LE Aoife, commissioned in 1979 and LE Aisling, commissioned in 1980.
Following a detailed examination of the needs of the Naval Service within my Department, a vessel replacement strategy for the Naval Service was put in place to cover the period up to 2012. The strategy combined with a continuous process of refurbishment will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level.
Following Government approval in July 2007, notice of a tender competition for the purchase of replacement vessels for the Naval Service was sent to the Official Journal of the European Union on 24 August 2007. The competition is for the purchase of two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) with an option of a third and one Extended Patrol Vessel (EPV) with an option on a second. The options provide an effective value for money opportunity, at locked in prices, to provide replacements for Naval Service vessels which will reach the end of their service life in the years immediately following the current replacement programme.
The closing date for stage 1 was 26 October 2007. Stage 2 of the competition for the OPVs, which included a very detailed ship specification, commenced recently with the issue (on 12 September last) of an Invitation to Tender to the shipbuilders who had been short-listed following Stage 1. Detailed tender responses are due back in the Department from the shipbuilders on or before 11 November next. Tender evaluation will commence immediately afterwards and, subject to Government approval on funding, it is intended to award a contract for the OPVs to the preferred bidder in the first half of 2009. Subject to Government approval on funding, it is expected that the new vessels will be delivered for acceptance by the Naval Service on a phased basis between 2011 and 2013.
In relation to the larger EPV, the Department intends to undertake further analysis of the proposals received, following Stage 1, before the second stage is initiated. As with the OPVs, any decision to award a contract for the purchase of an EPV must be approved by the Government.
In the current difficult economic environment, it will be important that we look to the efficiencies which all parts of the public sector can make so as to continue to deliver high quality public services within a more constrained financial resource envelope. However, it is also important that we continue to invest in public services so as we can maintain service levels into the future. We need to continue the process of modernisation and reinvestment in the Defence Forces into the future and in particular, in the Naval Service Ships Programme.
The acquisition of these modern new vessels will ensure that the Naval Service will be fully equipped to carry out its day to day roles in enforcing the states sovereign rights over our waters and our fisheries and meeting Ireland's obligations in the area of maritime safety and security and fisheries protection.
24 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel on the payroll of his Department in 1997, 2002, and 2007; the number in each year who were members of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and civil service staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34984/08]
The total number of personnel on the payroll of my Department is as follows:
|
Permanent Defence Force |
Civilian Employees |
Civil Service Staff* |
Total |
|
|
31/12/97 |
11,472 |
1,260 |
426 |
13,158 |
|
31/12/02 |
10,559 |
1,025 |
415.1 |
11,999.1 |
|
31/12/07 |
10,434 |
829 |
385.4 |
11,648.4 |
*Whole Time Equivalents.
The figures for civil service staff in 1997 and 2002 include staff of the Civil Defence Branch which was set up as a statutory board in 2003. The branch had a staff of 25.5 in 1997 and 21 in 2002.
25 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Defence the certification difficulties regarding the helicopters used by Irish troops in Chad; the implications for Irish troops and the mission; the steps being taken to resolve this issue; the measures he has taken to ascertain the way that this difficulty arose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34751/08]
50 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if the two Ukrainian crewed helicopters hired to support Irish troops serving with EURFOR in Chad are still available; if these helicopters are certified to carry passengers; the cost to date of hiring these aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35882/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 50 together.
I am advised that the Defence Forces signed a contract at the end of May 2008 with a UK company, Air Partner Commercial Jets, for the charter of two Ukrainian Mi -8T helicopters. Air Partner contracted the two Mi-8Ts helicopters from the Ayr Group UK, the owners of both helicopters. The helicopters operate on the civilian register under a company based in the Republic of Moldova called Pecotox — Air. Mi-8Ts are a standard helicopter and are familiar to the Defence Forces as they are used by the UN on many peace support operations in Africa and were the type of helicopter made available for the Defence Forces most recently when they were deployed on the UN mission in Liberia.
The two helicopters arrived in theatre on 28 June 2008. The Defence Forces contracted the helicopters for the operational deployment of troops and to facilitate the rapid movement of supplies, stores and equipment from the Forward Logistic Base in Abéché to the Battalion base in Goz Beida. Each helicopter has a lift capability of twenty-four personnel or four tonnes of cargo, with the ability to carry 3 tonnes under-slung.
The contract duration is scheduled for ten months, expiring in April 2009. The cost of hiring the helicopters to end September was €820,000. The full contract value will ultimately depend on the number of hours flown by the helicopters over the duration of the contract but is expected to be in the region of €3m.
The aircraft are based in Goz Beida, in South East of Chad, where the main body of Irish troops is located. The contract for the helicopters includes the provision of crew, maintenance and insurance, with the Defence Forces liable for the cost of the aviation fuel required for the operation of the helicopters. The flying and maintenance crew of the helicopters are Ukrainian.
In late September, a question arose in relation to the certification of the two helicopters for use with passengers. The issue that arose was a regulatory, licensing issue relating to civilian registered helicopters and did not reflect on the safety, technical or operational functions of the helicopters.
Pending the resolution of the matter, the transport of Defence Forces personnel on board the helicopters was restricted. The helicopters remain operational for the use of cargo and emergency evacuation purposes, as required, to support the operation in Chad.
I have requested a report from the Chief of Staff in the matter. In tandem with my request, the Secretary General of my Department has asked the Internal Audit Unit in the Department of Defence to carry out a full audit into the placing of the contract for the helicopters. The audit is under way at present and it is the intention to pass the findings of the audit to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
I am taking a keen interest in this matter. The safety of our troops on overseas missions is paramount and the decision to suspend the carriage of military personnel on the helicopters is absolutely necessary.
The report from the Chief of Staff and the audit report from the Internal Audit Unit in the Department are a prerequisite in deciding the best course of action on the issue and any further action will have to await the completion of the reports.
26 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence when he expects to receive the report of the consultancy on the sustainable provision of the relevant medical expertise and services to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35892/08]
Military medical services and their facilities exist to maintain the health of the Defence Forces and to support them in operational and overseas activities. The focus of the military medical service is on primary care, occupational medicine, acute trauma management, preventative medical programmes and field medical training.
The challenges in the medical arena have been recognised for some time and a review of the provision of medical services, in association with the representative associations, is ongoing as part of the Modernisation Agenda for the Defence Forces.
In view of the complexity of the challenge facing the Defence Forces in this area, I decided to engage consultants to make recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces. The consultancy will focus on the sustainable provision of the relevant medical expertise and services to the Defence Forces.
PA Consulting has been awarded the contract for the medical consultancy. I expect the report to be delivered before the end of the year. I eagerly await receipt of the report and I can assure the House that following consideration of the recommendations I will publish the report and engage with all of the key stakeholders on its implementation.
The development of the Medical Corps forms part of An Agreed programme for Government. I am committed to providing a sustainable medical service to meet the needs of the Defence Forces both at home and abroad. Notwithstanding the current situation, I can assure the House that Defence Forces personnel requiring medical treatment are getting the care they need.
27 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence if a decision has been made in regard to the replacement of the Air Corps Cessna fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35896/08]
The issue of the replacement of the Air Corps Cessna Fleet is under consideration. The question of funding the replacement programme has to be considered in tandem with the overall equipment requirements of the Defence Forces generally and the funding available for this.
As the Deputy may be aware, a very significant level of investment in new equipment for the Air Corps has taken place in recent years.
The comprehensive investment programme included: The delivery of eight Pilatus training aircraft at a total cost of €60m, inclusive of VAT; Two light utility EC 135 helicopters acquired from Eurocopter S.A.S. at a cost of €12.8m, inclusive of VAT; Six utility AW 139 helicopters acquired from AgustaWestland, Italy at a cost of €75m inclusive of VAT, the final helicopter is scheduled for delivery this month; A major mid life upgrade on the two Casa maritime patrol aircraft, at a cost of €16.5m.
28 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to proceed with the acquisition of new light tactical armoured vehicles for the Defence Forces; when these vehicles are expected to be acquired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35890/08]
54 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Defence if the new economic circumstances will prevent him entering the contract for the purchase of 27 light tactical armoured vehicles as planned; if a final purchase price has been agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35003/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 54 together.
A tender competition is well advanced for the acquisition of Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles for the Defence Forces. The intention is that the LTAV will complement the Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in the conduct of conventional and Peace Support Operations and will fill a gap that exists between soft-skinned vehicles and the Mowags.
The acquisition of Light Tactical Vehicles is regarded as a priority by the Defence Forces given the nature of their roles on overseas Peace Support Missions, the threat from improvised explosive devices and the potential for hostile fire in certain threat environments. As Deputies will appreciate, force protection is a key issue in overseas peace support operations. Taking account of recent operational experience of overseas contingents, it is important that any potential gaps identified are addressed as a matter of urgency so as the State can discharge its duty of care to deployed troops.
The proposal is to acquire an initial twenty-seven vehicles (17 for overseas mission and 10 at home for training). The tender competition will allow for the option to acquire another twenty-seven vehicles over the next few years to meet its requirements depending on the threat faced by the Defence Forces in operational deployments. There is a sum of €6m in this year's Estimates provision as a down payment on an LTAV contract. The results of the tender competition will dictate the overall cost of the project.
Three vehicles have been selected to go forward to the trials stage of the tender competition. They are the RG 32M from BAE Systems, the LMV from Iveco Defence Vehicles and the Eagle 4 from Mowag. A standard vehicle from each company has now arrived in the Curragh Camp and the trials are in process. The trials will continue until November 2008.
It is my intention to have a contract for the acquisition of the LTAVs in place by the end of the year. As I mentioned already, the acquisition is seen as a top priority for the Defence Forces and the cost of the programme will be covered over a number of years taking into account the current economic conditions. The purchase of the vehicles is in line with the commitment given in the Programme for Government to continue investment in the most modern of equipment for Defence Forces personnel and the obligations of the State to provide appropriate support and force protection assets to deployed personnel.
30 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the number of claims for compensation received from members of the Defence Forces arising from road accidents involving Defence Forces vehicles in each of the past five years; the number of cases settled in respect of each such year; the total amount awarded in compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35888/08]
75 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the number of claims for compensation received from members of the Defence Forces arising from injuries that they received in accidents, other than road accidents; the number of cases settled in respect of each such year; the total amount awarded in compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35889/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 75 together.
Since 2001 the State Claims Agency handle all personal injury claims arising from accidents in this jurisdiction involving Defence Forces vehicles. The Agency has provided the information requested in relation to this category of claim. The Department and the Chief State Solicitor's Office deal with such claims where they arise from accidents involving Defence Force vehicle overseas. The consolidated information in respect of both of the above is in the form of a Tabular Statement, which I propose to circulate in the Official Report.
With regard to non road-traffic accidents and claims, the State Claims Agency deals with such claims in accordance with its enabling legislation and delegation orders. These define the categories of claims that are delegated to the State Claims Agency. The Department and the Chief State Solicitor's Office handle non-delegated claims such as those arising from incidents overseas and claims in relation to allegations of bullying and harassment. The consolidated information on this category of claims is also provided in the form of a Tabular Statement, which I propose to circulate in the Official Report.
For the purpose of this reply hearing loss claims have not been included in the tables.
|
Year |
Number of Defence Force Claims received (Road Traffic Accidents) |
Number of Defence Force Claims received (Non Road-Traffic Accident) |
|
2003 |
14 |
68 |
|
2004 |
17 |
54 |
|
2005 |
13 |
30 |
|
2006 |
7 |
48 |
|
2007 |
5 |
52 |
|
2008 (to date) |
20 |
30 |
|
Total |
76* |
282* |
*Figure for some civilian employees included.
|
Year |
Number of Resolved Defence Forces Road Traffic Collision Claims |
Compensation paid out (Rounded to the nearest €1,000) |
Number of Resolved Defence Forces Non Road Traffic Collision Claims |
Compensation paid out (Rounded to the nearest €1,000) |
|
€ |
€ |
|||
|
2003 |
10 |
227,000 |
77 |
5,463,000 |
|
2004 |
13 |
585,000 |
61 |
2,123,000 |
|
2005 |
12 |
456,000 |
56 |
2,157,000 |
|
2006 |
10 |
356,000 |
36 |
1,489,000 |
|
2007 |
7 |
267,000 |
18 |
672,000 |
|
2008 (to date) |
6 |
186,000 |
27 |
1,176,000 |
|
Total |
58* |
2,077,000* |
275* |
13,080,000* |
*Figure for some civilian employees included.
32 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on his address to the Annual Conference of PDFORRA on 8 October 2008. [35897/08]
71 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on his attendance and address to the recent PDFORRA Annual Delegate Conference in Westport, County Mayo; his plans to address the issues that arose during the conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35125/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 71 together.
On 8 October 2008, I addressed the Annual Delegate Conference of the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA). I sought to make my address relevant, positive and informative.
I addressed such diverse issues as the Defence Forces continuing high profile commitment to overseas service, investment in infrastructure and equipment, and promotional opportunities. I also addressed the current economic climate and I stated that the Defence Forces, like all areas of the public service, must contribute towards resolving the current challenges facing the country. I also emphasised that the budgetary situation does not diminish my commitment, as Minister for Defence, to the continued modernisation of the Defence Forces as set out in An Agreed Programme for Government.
The Deputies' interest in my speech is appreciated and it can be accessed from the Department of Defence website — www.defence.ie
33 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the implementation by his Department of the decision on decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35898/08]
The Government decision on decentralisation provides for the transfer of my Department's Dublin-based civil service staff, together with a number of military personnel, to Newbridge, Co. Kildare and for the decentralisation of the Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ) to the Curragh.
The number of posts to be relocated to Newbridge is approximately 200 civil service posts together with 43 military personnel posts. A further 335 military personnel posts together with 78 support staff posts will decentralise to the new Defence Forces Headquarters building in the Curragh Camp.
While close to 90% of clerical/administrative staff are now in place in preparation for the move to Newbridge, no staff have been moved to date. The building is under construction and is expected to be ready for occupation by December 2009.
In relation to costs for the Newbridge project, site acquisition, building construction and fit-out costs are borne on the Vote of the Public Works (OPW). I understand that the total estimated cost of the project is approximately €30 million.
In relation to the decentralisation of DFHQ to the Curragh, a state owned site in the Curragh has been chosen for a new building. The total cost and timescale for completion of the project will be determined by the outcome of the proposed tender competition which is being prepared by OPW.
The recent Government decision on the decentralisation programme means that this project can now proceed to the next stage. Expenditure on the project will be borne on the Vote for the OPW.
34 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Defence the number of occasions during 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008, on which the Army bomb squad has been called out to deal with suspected explosive devices; the number of instances in each year in which the devices were hoaxes and authentic explosive devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35886/08]
61 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the number of times the Army bomb disposal team has been called out in 2007 and to date in 2008; the procedures in place for deciding to call them out; the number of hoaxes they have had to deal with since January 2007; the estimated average costs involved each time they are deployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35124/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 61 together.
The primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order rests with An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the Gardaí as required. Requests for aid to the civil power are normally made by a member of the Garda Síochána not below the rank of Inspector.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team respond when a request is made by An Garda Síochána, to the relevant Brigade, for assistance in dealing with a suspect device or for the removal of old ordnance.
Information on the number of callouts in 2006, 2007 and 2008 (to date) are set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Total Number of Callouts |
Number of Hoaxes (included in total) |
|
2006 |
101 |
8 |
|
2007 |
98 |
11 |
|
2008 (as of 16 Oct’08) |
143 |
51 |
An EOD team normally consists of the following configuration: one officer, one NCO and one driver. The cost of each individual callout is not recorded separately but costs would include: the salary and allowances of the team, fuel for the distance travelled by the vehicle to and from the location of the incident and any ordnance used to dispose of the device.
35 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence his proposals to ensure that Irish Troops serving in Chad will have their Christmas gifts delivered to them in time for Christmas 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35865/08]
36 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if equipment of members of the 98th infantry battalion had to be left behind when the battalion was recently flown to Chad; if the equipment left behind included important equipment such as helmets and combat equipment fighting orders; the steps being taken to ensure that such equipment does not have to be left behind in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35883/08]
43 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by an Army logistics expert (details supplied) expressing concern at the lack of Irish transport aircraft to support the deployment of troops within Chad; his views on the points made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35881/08]
49 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the EURFOR military mission in Chad. [35878/08]
51 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself with the level of backup support being provided to Irish troops in Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34745/08]
52 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to extend the mandate of the Irish contingent serving with EURFOR beyond March 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35879/08]
56 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost to the Exchequer of the Army mission to Chad; if any of the costs will be met by either the United Nations or the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35880/08]
57 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces have agreed to a request from EURFOR to undertake security duties around the force headquarters in Abeche; if the initial request was refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35884/08]
62 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an up to date risk assessment regarding the safety and security of Irish troops in Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34912/08]
69 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the effect stringent conditions in Chad have had on the health of the Irish Troops serving the EURFOR; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35870/08]
70 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Defence the circumstances under which 300 kg of equipment was not permitted on the plane carrying a contingent of Defence Forces personnel travelling to Chad on 21 September 2008; the nature of this equipment; when this equipment was transported; if the delay in transporting this equipment hampered the troops in performing their duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34746/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 36, 43, 49, 51, 52, 56, 57, 62, 69 and 70 together.
The EUFOR Tchad/RCA Mission is progressing most satisfactorily. The 97th Infantry Battalion has just completed its four month tour of duty and has been replaced by the 98th Infantry Battalion drawn from the 1st Southern Brigade. The operational situation since July has been relatively quiet due mainly to the rainy season which seriously restricts vehicular movement in the Area of Operations. The Irish deployment in Chad continues to provide for a safe and secure environment for the local population and protection for NGOs working in the area.
The Chadian Armed Opposition Groups remain a viable military threat to the Government of Chad. Traditionally the rainy season has been used as a time for the re-organisation, re-armament and consolidation of rebel forces; this has then been followed by a resumption of hostilities against the Government of Chad. There are no indications that this year will prove any different. Notwithstanding this, the current threat to Irish forces as a direct result of rebel activity is assessed as LOW, and MEDIUM as a result of possible indirect involvement in clashes between the Chadian Armed forces and the Chadian Armed Opposition Groups.
It should be noted that the Defence Forces, as is routine for operational deployment both at home and overseas, carries out ongoing risk assessment. These assessments have been carried out for EUFOR Chad. They are initiated in the planning stages of such missions and are constantly reviewed and regularly updated.
All costs associated with deployment of personnel and equipment to the EUFOR Tchad-CAR mission are borne by the troop contributing countries. All EU Member States, irrespective of participation, are contributing to the common costs of the operation. The estimated cost to the Defence Vote arising from the Defence Forces participation in this mission will amount to approximately €57m.
Because of the nature of the operation and the mission area and environment, force protection is a key consideration. The Defence Forces have deployed a full range of Force Protection assets including Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs). In addition, the Defence Forces have deployed a suite of secure, robust, state-of-the art tactical communications systems to the EUFOR mission. These systems have been deployed in appropriate quantities to support the effective conduct of operations. The Defence Forces is fully satisfied with the respective procedures it has established for overseas deployment and sustainment via commercial arrangements. These arrangements have been tested and proven through significant past experience in this area.
The baggage weight allowance for Defence Forces personnel travelling by air to overseas missions reflects best international practise for same (i.e. an allocation of 45kgs/man). Due to the arduous nature of the EUFOR Tchad-CAR operation, the Defence Forces increased this allocation to a total of 65kgs/man, with the balance of excess allocated weight being airlifted to theatre via pre-arranged commercial cargo means.
The actual baggage payload for Defence Forces personnel travelling via charter air during deployment or rotation into overseas mission areas is determined under international regulation by the Captain in command of the transporting aircraft. In the context of the projection by air of Defence Forces personnel from Dublin to arrive in N'djamena on 22 September 2008, the Captain of the charter aircraft concerned made a decision, based on weather conditions and how this may have impacted on fuel weight necessary for flight, to restrict the maximum baggage allowance at Dublin Airport. This resulted in some 300kgs of luggage — consisting of light Patrol Packs — being left in Dublin for consignment to theatre by pre-arranged alternate means. No important equipment was left behind which would have hampered personnel in the execution of their duties. All personnel travelled with their Cabin Sack, heavy Main Pack and key items of Personal Protective Equipment (e.g. Helmets and Fragmentation Jackets). All excess baggage allocation not conveyed on the flight that arrived in theatre on 22 September was airlifted from Dublin by commercial cargo means on the 25 September, and arrived into N'djamena on 30 September 2008.
Subject to the provision of a re-supply flight for the sustainment of Defence Forces elements and the 98 Infantry Battalion, the Defence Forces will facilitate the carriage of Christmas gifts to personnel serving in Chad in 2008. Normal postal arrangements in relation to letters have been arranged by the Defence Forces and are continuing with An Post.
In relation to the deployment of Defence Forces personnel to provide a guard at the Force Headquarters in Abeche, the 98th Infantry Battalion, was requested by the Force Commander to provide personnel for Force protection duties. The background to the request was the withdrawal of the Swedish contribution to EUFOR Tchad/RCA at the end of their tour of duty; the Swedish element had provided force protection until their departure; no other country came forward to replace them. Thus the Force HQ had to seek assistance from the units serving in the field, the Irish, French and Polish Battalions.
Following appropriate consideration by the Irish military authorities, it was agreed that the Defence Forces would provide a platoon level commitment on a rotational basis for security at the Force Headquarters. The platoon, comprising approximately 30 personnel, took up duty in Abéché for the period from 7 October until 26 October 2008.
The incidence of health problems among Irish Personnel serving in Chad has not been significantly greater than in other overseas missions. It must be understood that the medical standards applied to the selection of personnel for this mission have taken into account the particular rigours of the mission. Therefore, in general terms, those serving in Chad can be expected to be in the best possible state of health to withstand any health risks they might be exposed to in theatre. Our experience in Chad and previously in Liberia has been that our personnel closely follow all advice issued to them in regard to preventive medical procedures and hygiene. Adherence to such advice is a cornerstone of disease prevention. In cases where personnel have become ill, the medical support in place has proved fully capable of meeting the challenge, thereby avoiding minor illnesses becoming exacerbated.
Ireland has received a request from the United Nations to consider putting the Irish troops, currently deployed in CHAD with EUFOR, under the command of the United Nations after 15 March 2009, when EUFOR mandate expires.
I would be positively disposed to continuing our participation in the follow-on mission with the same type of contingent as is currently deployed in Chad. However, this would be subject to Government and Parliamentary approval. In arriving at a positive decision we would have to factor in the extent to which other current EU contributors also remained on board. The level of logistics support, currently available to EUFOR, would also be a vital consideration for our participation in follow-on operation.
37 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of St. Bricin’s military hospital, Dublin. [35877/08]
As part of the implementation of the Government decision to locate the Defence Forces HQ under decentralisation, services currently provided by St Bricins Military Hospital will transfer to the Curragh.
St Bricins will remain in operation as a military medical facility (MMF) serving the Eastern Brigade until a modern facility suitable for the Brigade is provided. Planning for the new facility has just begun and it is unclear at this stage when it will come on line. The future use of the facilities in St. Bricins will be considered in due course in the light of these developments.
It is my intention that the best possible medical facilities be provided for the Defence Forces. I can assure the Deputy that the planned changes in the way services are provided are designed to enhance the services for all concerned.
39 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Defence when the committee to consider plans for appropriate commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising in 2016 will be convened; the reason for the delay in convening a meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35899/08]
A meeting of the Oireachtas Consultation Group is being arranged for an early date. I am very grateful for the nominations by party leaders of Deputies Jimmy Deenihan, Joe Costello and Aengus Ó Snodaigh as representatives. A representative of the independent members will be added to complete the Group. The inaugural meeting of the re-constituted group will be informed of progress on current heritage projects related to the Independence period and the consideration towards a framework for the Centenary commemorative programme.
40 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Defence if serving Irish members of the Defence Forces will be serving with either the EU or OSCE cease-fire monitoring mission in Georgia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34615/08]
It is not planned to deploy members of the Defence Forces to serve with either the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) or the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Cease-fire Monitoring Mission in Georgia.
One of the reasons for deploying troops in particular missions is the opportunity to demonstrate Ireland's support for relevant organisation. In the case of the OSCE, the extent of our contribution to OSCE missions is relatively small and opportunities to provide personnel in appropriate situations do not arise that often. Having regard to the conflict in Georgia, and following a request from the OSCE for additional Military Monitoring Officers (MMOs) for Georgia, it was agreed to deploy one officer in the rank of Comdt. This officer was due to deploy in mid-October. However, due to problems with the deployment, the OSCE ended its recruitment process and this officer will not now deploy to Georgia.
The EU mission in Georgia is a civilian mission, although it allows for the deployment of unarmed military personnel in a civilian capacity as monitors. I understand that the Department of Foreign Affairs is proposing to contribute financially to the ESDP Mission in Georgia. In addition four Irish civilians are also participating in the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia.
The same considerations regarding participation as arose in relation to the OSCE request do not arise in relation to the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia. The Defence Forces are already contributing extensively to ESDP missions with two of our largest contributions in Chad/RCA and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Given these commitments, together with the fact that the EU Monitoring Mission is primarily a civilian mission and that Ireland is also contributing financially to it, it has been decided not to deploy any Defence Forces personnel to the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia at this time.
41 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Defence if he has received the report from the Defence Forces reviewing its policy on laser eye surgery especially as it applies to persons applying to join the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35007/08]
The position is that there are a number of physical and medical standards laid down by the Military Authorities for entry to the Defence Forces. These requirements are based on the professional advice of the Medical Corps and having regard to the nature of the job, the duties of military service and the training exercises undertaken by members of the Defence Forces.
The Medical Corps regularly reviews the medical standards for entry to The Defence Forces. The question of the suitability for military service of persons who have had laser surgery to correct their visual acuity is complex. It depends on a number of factors including the exact type of surgery and the amount of visual correction effected. I have asked the Military Authorities to report to me specifically on the issues relating to laser eye treatments and I will review the vision requirement in light of that report.
I have been advised by the Military Authorities that a report will be presented to me by 1 December.
45 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the safety improvements that have been made to Army vehicles in view of recent road accidents involving Army lorries on the M50 and in Granard, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35887/08]
Arising from the accident in Granard, Co. Longford in June 2007, a Study Group was formed to advise on the introduction of a roll over protection system for troop carrying vehicles incorporating roll bars and safety belts.
The total requirement identified by the Study Group included the fitting of the system to 135 trucks. The fleet is made up of 4 different makes/models of vehicles with vehicle bodies of different specification across the model range. There is no standard roll over protection system for military vehicles in service with the Defence Forces. For that reason, the evaluation of a suitable system to satisfy all demands, requires the examination of solutions from a number of potential suppliers.
The provision of a roll over protection system to military vehicles is still at an early stage. A roll over protection system was fitted to a DAF 4x4 troop carrying vehicle in July 2008. This vehicle is currently in service with an operational unit for evaluation purposes.
Other systems are due to be fitted to selected vehicles in the coming weeks. Following a period of evaluation and user feedback, tenders will be sought for the provision of a suitable restraint system.
47 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Defence the average number of years served by Defence Forces personnel who have retired in each of the past five years; the average age of retiring personnel in each of the last five years; the annual cost to the Exchequer of Defence Forces pensions for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35004/08]
The gross cost of Defence Force Pensions for the years 2003-2007 is set out below.
2003 — €133m (million)
2004 — €143m
2005 — €150m
2006 — €164m
2007 — €177m
These amounts include all superannuation type benefits (pensions and gratuities) payable to ex-members of the Permanent Defence Forces (PDF) and their dependants.
Details of the average ages and service of all personnel who left the Permanent Defence Force in the last five (5) years is presented in the form of a Tabular Statement below. The higher incidence of turnover in the case of enlisted personnel, as against commissioned officers, is due to the different conditions of service under which these two groups operate.
|
Officers |
|||
|
No. retired / resigned |
Average years service |
Average age |
|
|
2003 |
42 |
26.27 |
48.62 |
|
2004 |
39 |
26.23 |
47.62 |
|
2005 |
54 |
22.19 |
45.65 |
|
2006 |
54 |
24.29 |
45.89 |
|
2007 |
62 |
28.24 |
49.29 |
|
Overall |
251 |
25.43 |
47.36 |
|
Enlisted Personnel |
|||
|
No. Discharged |
Average years service |
Average age |
|
|
2003 |
571 |
12.93 |
33.17 |
|
2004 |
559 |
13.97 |
34.22 |
|
2005 |
509 |
13.20 |
33.68 |
|
2006 |
589 |
15.58 |
36.09 |
|
2007 |
632 |
14.35 |
35.06 |
|
Overall |
2860 |
14.17 |
34.58 |
48 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the number of medical staff within the Defence Forces; the number who have a psychiatric qualification; the number in each category serving in a medical roll here and overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34744/08]
The number of medical staff within the Defence Forces is thirty-two (32) comprised of twenty-two (22) Medical Officers, one (1) Psychologist, four (4) Dentists, one (1) Periodontist and four (4) Pharmacists. In addition, there are twenty-three (23) members of the Army Nursing Service. The number of medical staff who hold a Psychiatric qualification is one (1).
The number of medical personnel serving in Ireland is twenty nine (29). The number serving or assigned for service overseas is three (3). There are currently two (2) Doctors and one (1) Dentist assigned to Chad.
The key issue in the provision of medical services to the Defence Forces at this time is the acknowledged shortage of Medical Officers (Doctors) in the Medical Corps. The establishment for doctors is forty seven (47). The current strength of Medical Officers serving in the Defence Forces is twenty two (22).
The challenges facing the Medical Corps have been recognised for some time and a review of the provision of medical services is ongoing as part of the Modernisation Agenda for the Defence Forces.
Given the ongoing issues and mindful of the need to make progress in this area, earlier this year I engaged consultants to make recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces. I expect the consultant's report to be delivered before the end of the year.
53 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the Estimate for his Department for 2009. [35871/08]
The gross total allocation for my Department in 2009 is €1,061m, comprising €852m in the Defence Estimate and €209m in the Army Pensions Estimate. When compared with the allocation for 2008, this represents a reduction of 4% in the Defence Estimate and an increase of 10% in the Army Pensions Estimate, giving an overall reduction of 1.6%.
The reduction in the Defence Estimate will be achieved by making savings across a number of subheads, both pay and non-pay. In common with other areas of the public sector, a payroll cut of 3% has been applied in the case of the civil service staff of my Department, the Defence Forces and civilians employed with the Defence Forces. This will entail restrictions on the filling of vacancies, including the temporary deferral of recruitment, throughout the Defence organisation.
A number of capital building projects will be deferred and some equipment replacement programmes are likely to be spread over a longer period. However, the allocation provided for 2009 will enable the Defence Forces to maintain their current level of operations at home and abroad, including the overseas peace support operations in Chad and Kosovo.
In the current economic situation, it is not possible to continue the same rate of expenditure on equipment and infrastructure as has taken place in recent years. However, I am satisfied that priority programmes of investment will be maintained.
55 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the 44% decrease in regard to the allocation in the 2009 Estimate for expenses in respect of equipment and expenses in respect of the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35867/08]
The significant decrease referred to by the Deputy is due to the completion of two major projects for the Air Corps during 2008.
Firstly, a provision of €14 million was included in the 2008 estimates to complete the purchase of two additional AW 139 helicopters from AgustaWestland in Italy. This contract will be completed this month with the acceptance of the last helicopter and will result in the Air Corps having a total of six AW 139 helicopters.
Secondly, provision was made for the upgrade of the second CASA aircraft. In this regard a sum of €5.5 million was provided in 2008.
Due to the completion of both contracts, there was no requirement to include provision for either project in the 2009 estimates.
The decrease in the allocation for 2009 has to be seen against the very significant level of investment in new equipment for the Air Corps in recent years.
The comprehensive investment programme included: the delivery of eight Pilatus training aircraft at a total cost of €60m, inclusive of VAT; two light utility EC 135 helicopters acquired from Eurocopter S.A.S. at a cost of €12.8m, inclusive of VAT; six utility AW 139 helicopters acquired from AgustaWestland, Italy at a cost of €75m inclusive of VAT, the final one is scheduled for delivery this month; and a major mid life upgrade on the two Casa maritime patrol aircraft, at a cost of €16.5m.
58 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence his views on committing the full complement of Defence Force members available for overseas missions only to UN led missions once current commitments have expended in view of tightening financial conditions. [35859/08]
66 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if in the context of the requirement on all Departments to reduce spending he has considered committing the full complement of Defence Force members available for overseas missions only to UN led missions once current commitments have expended. [35860/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 66 together.
The nature of peacekeeping operations is changing from traditional UN led missions to regionally led peace operations with the onus being placed on regional states to organise and assemble peacekeeping troops for the purpose of discharging a UN Mandate. These missions represent the trend in UN peacekeeping where missions operate under the control of an established command structure or a lead nation rather than under direct command of the UN. This change has implications for the manner in which these operations are organised and structured, with a much greater emphasis on bilateral relations with established military command structures, and between participating states and troop contributing countries. However, irrespective of the lead role in the mission, decisions in relation to participation on any particular mission remain a sovereign issue, which in Ireland's case means, the mission must have a UN Mandate and must be approved by the Government and by Dáil Éireann, in accordance with Irish Law.
Having regard to the changing nature of international peace support operations, the question of committing the full complement of Defence Forces members available for overseas missions only to UN- led missions, once current commitments have expended, does not arise. Given Ireland's strong commitment to the United Nations, it would be entirely inappropriate for us to restrict our potential to respond to requests from the UN, which include requests for force contributions other than in Blue Hat operations, in this manner.
A decision to commit Defence Forces personnel to any mission is made following very careful consideration of many issues. The following factors are taken into account by Ireland when considering any particular request: an assessment of whether a peacekeeping operation is the most appropriate response; consideration of how the mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy; the degree of risk involved; the extent to which the required skills or characteristics relate to Irish capabilities; the existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate, which has the potential to contribute to a political solution; whether the operation is adequately resourced; and the level of existing commitments to peacekeeping operations and security requirements at home.
Although, Ireland is refunded certain costs in respect of UN missions and, not in respect of other missions, this is not a consideration in evaluating whether Ireland will participate in a particular mission. I am satisfied that the Defence Vote in 2008 and in future years will be sufficient to allow the Defence Forces to continue to participate in UN mandated peace support operations overseas, irrespective of whether or not these are "Blue Hat" operations.
59 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the disposal of any land or buildings owned by his Department or any section of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35876/08]
72 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he will confirm that the continued development of the Defence Forces will not require the sale of military installations in 2009 or in the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35013/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 72 together.
The Defence property portfolio is kept under ongoing review by military authorities and the staff in my Department to ensure the most effective use of military resources having regard to the roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. This includes ongoing review of the organisation, structure and formation of the forces and the consequential requirement for military barracks and other properties.
The funding realised from the disposal of surplus military barracks together with pay savings has provided resources for the modernisation of the Defence Forces and has been invested in new infrastructure, equipment and training area development. Any further properties which are deemed to be surplus to military requirements will continue to be disposed of and the funding invested to meet the current and future equipment and infrastructure needs of the Defence Forces. That said, the question of disposal in the current market is an issue which will require detailed and prudent consideration to ensure that we maximise the return to the Defence Forces for properties sold.
60 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence if the proposed reduction of 3% in payroll costs will be applied to the Defence Forces; the way in which this will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35875/08]
The reduction of three percent (3%) in payroll costs will apply to the Defence Forces.
Recruitment to the Defence Forces will be rescheduled in order to stay within the revised allocation. The Defence Forces will continue to undertake the roles laid down for them by Government. The position will be monitored on an ongoing basis during 2009.
63 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel based in each of the Army barracks in Monaghan and Cavan; his views on whether it is essential that these personnel remain in this area until the Good Friday Agreement and St. Andrews Agreement are fully settled in and security has been taken over in full by the Northern Ireland Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35127/08]
The number of personnel serving in Monaghan and Cavan Barracks is 200 and 128 respectively.
I am sure the Deputy will join me in welcoming the return to normality in the border area arising from the peace process. A consequence of this has been the withdrawal of the British Army deployments together with reduced paramilitary activity. This in turn has removed the rationale for us retaining seven barracks/posts along the border. Accordingly I welcome the Governments decision, announced in the Budget, that a number of border posts including Monaghan are to close with personnel there being transferred to Dundalk.
The consolidation of the Defence Forces formations in a smaller number of locations is a key objective of the White Paper on Defence. The dispersal of Defence Forces personnel over an extended number of locations is a major impediment to essential collective training and the consolidation process is designed to facilitate higher training standards, while also freeing up under-utilised resources and personnel for operational duties. The recently announced closures will enhance the Defence Forces capability to engage in collective training.
64 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Defence the number of occasions the Defence Forces have been asked to assist in searches for missing persons since 1998; the locations of these searches; the expertise and specialised equipment the Defence Forces hold that would be useful in such searches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34747/08]
The Defence Forces maintain specialist Search and Clearance teams for deployment in each brigade area of the Defence Forces and on most overseas deployments. These teams comprise of specially trained personnel from the Corps of Engineers. They are trained to operate a wide range of specialist detection equipment, including metal detection systems.
The Defence Forces provide assistance to An Garda Síochána in searches for missing persons as aid to the civil power. The information requested in relation to searches conducted since 1998 is set out in the following table.
|
Date |
Location |
|
August 1998 & June 2001 |
Newbridge/Curragh, Co. Kildare |
|
January 1999 |
Wicklow |
|
June 2003 |
Clare/Limerick |
|
January 2005 |
East Cork |
|
April 2006 & September 2006 |
Limerick |
|
October 2006 |
Waterford |
|
June 2007 |
Wicklow |
|
September 2008 |
Slieve Bloom Mountains |
65 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in the civilianisation of the Defence Forces arising from the pay agreement and modernisation agenda agreed with the Defence Forces representative associations in the context of the Towards 2016 Partnership Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35894/08]
The White Paper on Defence (2000) covers the potential benefits of civilianisation and contracting out of certain military posts. It recognises that civilianisation could "..release personnel for operational duties for which they are specifically trained". It could release them "from essentially administrative and other tasks which can more appropriately be undertaken by civilians."
It further states that "The argument for civilianisation and contracting out is that it is generally more cost effective." The White Paper also recognises that there may be additional benefits such as enhancing continuity in certain appointments which can be lacking due to the frequent transfer of military personnel.
The Review of Implementation of the White Paper on Defence was published in April 2007. The Review emphasised that the primary objective of civilianisation centres on releasing soldiers for operational duties and increasing the operational capacity of the Defence Forces. The Review recommended further civil/military exploration of options for civilianisation.
Subsequent to the publication of the Review of Implementation of the White Paper, civilianisation was incorporated into the "Pay Agreement and Modernisation Agenda" agreed with the Defence Forces Representative Associations in the context of the Towards 2016 Partnership Agreement.
My Department has engaged in discussions with the military authorities to identify military posts that may be suitable for contracting out and civilianisation. As I have previously outlined, this work requires careful consideration of the costs and benefits arising from the civilianisation of any identified posts and assessing the feasibility of any such proposals, with particular reference to resource constraints.
In light of the Government decision requiring pay savings across all elements of the Defence organisation, further action on civilianisation has been deferred for the present.
67 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence his proposals in regard to the Defence Forces participating in EU battlegroups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35866/08]
With regard to Ireland's participation in future Battlegroups, we are committed in principle to participation in the Nordic Battlegroup (NBG), which will be on stand-by for the first six (6) months of 2011. Other contributors to the Nordic Battlegroup are Sweden, acting as Framework Nation, Finland, Norway and Estonia.
Informal discussions have also taken place between staff in the Department of Defence and representatives from Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) regarding Ireland's possible participation in the proposed Austrian/German Battlegroup. This Battlegroup will be on stand-by for the second six (6) months of 2012.
68 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Defence his plans for his Department’s land in Templebreedy, Crosshaven, County Cork; the effect these plans will have on the local pitch and putt club that is located on this land and his Departmental staff working in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35126/08]
The lands owned by the Department of Defence at Templebreedy, Co. Cork consist of approximately 37 acres. These lands are surplus to military requirements having been vacated a number of years ago. It is intended to dispose of these lands through a sale on the open market.
The Pitch and Putt Club referred to by the Deputy has not operated since October 2005 following an instruction from the Department that, due to health and safety reasons, it was to close permanently.
In relation to the civilian employees based at Fort Templebreedy, the position is that the three employees concerned have been given the option of either (i) redeployment to the Naval Base and Dockyard, Haulbowline, or Collins Barracks, Cork or (ii) acceptance of a voluntary redundancy package.
73 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence if the contract has been awarded in relation to the publicity and awareness campaign to promote recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35895/08]
The Government decision of 8th July 2008 set out a requirement for savings to be achieved across the public sector. In this context, the planned recruitment and awareness campaign for the Reserve Defence Force has been postponed.
This decision was not taken lightly and it is intended to re-visit this important project when the prevailing budgetary situation permits.
As you will be aware there has been significant investment in new equipment, clothing and enhanced training opportunities for the Reserve over recent years. These factors were also identified as being important motivators in both recruitment and retention in the Reserve.
I would like to assure you that I remain fully committed to the continued development of the Reserve Defence Force.
74 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence the number of recruits that will be taken into the Defence Forces throughout 2008, broken down in respect of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service; the number expected to be recruited during 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35893/08]
Earlier this year the projected figure for recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force in 2008 was in the region of 690 general service recruits, 30 apprentices 45 Cadets.
To date in 2008 a total of 506 general service recruits have been enlisted of which 440 were to the Army and 66 to the Naval Service. Following the Cadetship Competition 41 Cadets commenced their cadet training on 29 September, 2008. I have been advised by the military authorities that the Permanent Defence Forces is currently at its maximum permitted strength.
In common with other areas of the public service a payroll cut of 3% has been applied to the Defence Forces for 2009.
Recruitment to the Defence Forces will be rescheduled in order to meet the revised allocation. This will be planned so as to ensure that key roles of the Defence Forces are not affected. It is not therefore possible to provide details of the expected level of recruitment for 2009 at this time.
76 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will grant an employment permit to a person (details supplied) in view of the additional information submitted by way of appeal. [36380/08]
The Employment Permits Section has informed me that a Green Card has issued in this case.
77 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Parliamentary Question No. 4 of 15 October 2008, the details of the membership of the Construction Industry Group which acts as an advisory group to the board of FÁS; the dealings she has with the Construction Industry Group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36574/08]
The Construction Industry Group was established to advise the Board of FÁS on training related issues for the construction industry. The Group is chaired by Mr Brian Keogh and has representatives from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC), the Health & Safety Authority (HSA), my Department and the Department of the Environment & Local Government and Enterprise Ireland.
There are currently twenty positions on the Group one of which is filled by an official from my Department. The membership of the Construction Industry Group is as follows:
|
No. |
Name |
|
|
Chairman (FÁS Board Member) |
1 |
Mr Brian Keogh |
|
Construction Industry Federation |
3 |
Mr Dermot Carey |
|
Mr Bill Baldwin |
||
|
Mr Michael Stone |
||
|
Irish Business & Employers Confederation |
1 |
Mr Gerry Farrell |
|
Irish Congress of Trade Unions |
4 |
Mr Eric Fleming |
|
Mr Fred Hosford |
||
|
Mr Niall Irwin |
||
|
Mr Peter Kenny |
||
|
Local Authorities |
2 |
Mr Ray O’Dwyer |
|
Mr Ned Gleeson |
||
|
Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
1 |
Mr Frank Gallagher |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
1 |
Mr Picardo Valez |
|
Health and Safety Authority |
1 |
Mr Martin O’Dea |
|
Dept. of Enterprise, Trade & Employment |
1 |
Mr Patrick Hayden |
|
Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland (ACEI) |
1 |
Mr Kevin Whooley |
|
Environmental Protection Agency |
1 |
Vacant |
|
FÁS |
3 |
Mr Joe McGuinness |
|
Mr Robert Byrne |
||
|
Mr Jim Jenkinson |
The Construction Industry Group assists FÁS in responding to the needs of the construction industry particularly in relation to ensuring that appropriate training in health and safety and general construction skills is provided. The Group is responsible for overseeing the Safe Pass programme, the Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS), and for approving new programmes under the CSCS.
78 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if the revenue generated by the proposed €200 car park levy will be used to advance public transport building works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36309/08]
The detailed provisions of the car parking levy are currently being finalised and will be included in the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2008, which will be published on 20th November next.
The proceeds of the levy will accrue to the Exchequer as tax receipts. Expenditure on public transport building works is provided for in the Estimates for Public Services and the Public Capital Programme.
79 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the way he will implement the proposed €200 car park levy; if he will define urban areas; if it will apply to areas poorly served by public transport; if it will apply to commuters who travel from the greater Dublin area commuter towns into business parks in suburban Dublin; if it will apply to civil servants who have their car park space rented for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36310/08]
The detailed provisions of the car parking levy are currently being finalised and will be included in the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2008, which will be published on 20th November next.
80 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the way in which the planned €200 car park levy will apply in cases in which car spaces are rented in respect of civil servants at an average cost of more than €2,000 per year; his plans to reform the policy of renting spaces for civil servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36311/08]
The detailed provisions of the car parking levy are currently being finalised and will be included in the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2008, which will be published on 20th November next. While the extent to which car parking is provided in association with Government offices varies, the number of spaces provided is always a fraction of the number of staff serving in the office and there are no immediate proposals to change policy in this regard.
81 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Laois will be furnished with a P21 balancing statement for 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36271/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the person concerned has been requested to submit details of income from 24/09/2007 to 31/12/2007, once details are received a P21 balancing statement for the year 2007 will issue.
82 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Laois will be furnished with a P21 balancing statement for 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36272/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a P21 balancing statement for 2007 issued to the person concerned on 27th May 2008. A further copy of that statement reissued on October 20th.
83 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will ascertain from the Office of Public Works if the construction phase of a project (details supplied) in County Mayo will proceed on land specifically purchased for this purpose; and when the construction phase will commence. [36273/08]
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has confirmed that the project will proceed on the site purchased for that purpose. Tender documents are currently being finalised and tenders will be invited in the near future.
The new offices will be procured on a Design and Build basis. The project will also include the provision of accommodation for local staff of the Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Social and Family Affairs, and staff of the Private Security Authority. In addition, it is proposed that a new district court facility will be provided as a separate stand alone building on the site.
Following receipt and evaluation of tenders by the OPW, the preferred tenderer will be required to apply for the necessary planning permission. On receipt of satisfactory planning permissions, the preferred tenderer will be instructed to prepare contract documentation, including working drawings, specifications and Bills of Quantities, with a view to a contract being placed and construction work commencing on site.
84 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance when funding will be released for the Mornington River flood alleviation and surface water drainage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36287/08]
A scheme has been prepared by the Commissioners of Public Works. A decision on whether to proceed with the scheme will be made shortly.
85 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if there is a Government levy on insurance policies here; if so, the amount raised through this levy; the reason it is imposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36375/08]
A 2% stamp duty which was introduced in 1982 is charged on most non-life insurance premiums and is part of the normal stamp duty system. The exceptions are re-insurance, voluntary health insurance, marine, aviation and transit insurance and export credit insurance. The yield to the Exchequer in the most recent two calendar years was as follows.
|
Year |
Yield |
|
(€m) |
|
|
2006 |
88.3 |
|
2007 |
85.4 |
The purpose of the non-life levy is to broaden the stamp duty base while maintaining low direct tax rates.
86 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has identified the location on the two cocaine specific treatment centres to which she committed in the programme for Government of 2007. [36470/08]
In recent times, the Health Service Executive has re-oriented its addiction services to address the needs arising from changing patterns of drug use in the population e.g. evidence shows that most cocaine users are poly drug misusers and need to be treated for poly drug misuse and not solely for cocaine use. The HSE is also involved in developing community based stand-alone stimulant intervention services which includes additional training for its staff on issues such as cocaine and it is re-engineering existing addiction services to meet emerging needs. Evidence also indicates that many approaches already in use in general addiction services work well with cocaine users. The commitment in the Programme for Government is being considered against this background.
87 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of detox beds available in each year for the past five years; and the number of additional beds for which funding has been provided in 2009. [36471/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
88 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there are two public ambulance services in Dublin; if a single service would be more effective; if savings would result that could be spent on acquiring more ambulances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36685/08]
94 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason her Department continues to pay a local authority (details supplied) in County Dublin for the operation of an ambulance service which duplicates the Health Service Executive service already in existence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36299/08]
99 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm there are two ambulance services covering the city of Dublin, one operated by Dublin City Council and the other operated by the Health Service Executive and that the HSE pays Dublin City Council in excess of €10 million to provide a service in competition with the HSE service; if she will further confirm that the competing services do not have an integrated communication system and that frequently two ambulances arrive at an incident at which only one is required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36339/08]
104 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason, in view of budget 2009 and cuts in Government spending, Dublin City Council continues to be paid in excess of €10 million per annum to operate 11 ambulances in the city of Dublin on behalf of the Health Service Executive, when she has at her disposal the HSE national ambulance service that could operate the 999 system in Dublin at less cost; her views on same and the fact that, effectively, there are two ambulance services in Dublin competing with each other with no communications system leading to inefficiencies and duplication. [36364/08]
105 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied with the arrangement for the provision of ambulance services in the Dublin City Council area; if it is the case that there is a separate Dublin city ambulance service as well as a National Ambulance Service; her views on whether this duplication represents value for money; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36365/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 94, 99, 104 and 105 together.
For many years Dublin City Council, through Dublin Fire Brigade, has provided the emergency ambulance service in Dublin City on behalf of the statutory health authorities. The relevant authority since 2005 is the Health Service Executive. The HSE provides mainly the non-emergency patient transport in the Dublin area under the auspices of its National Ambulance Service. It is not correct to say that the HSE and DFB services operate in competition, or that one service simply duplicates the other.
I am committed to ensuring that ambulance services throughout the country are both safe and effective. The arrangements in the Dublin area have been in place for many years. There are potential benefits to be gained from a close alignment of ambulance and fire services, as occurs in Dublin. Equally, a case can be made for applying the model that operates in the rest of the country, where ambulance services are provided separately from the fire service.
Safety is, of course, the primary concern. For this reason, work is at present being undertaken by the health and local government sectors to consider the best long-term approach to the provision of emergency ambulance services in Dublin. This includes examination of the potential for improved efficiency in the delivery of these services, to ensure that the best value for money is obtained.
89 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a sheltered workshop (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason it is proposed to close this facility; the number of people who currently attend the facility; and if she will intervene to ensure that the facility remains open as it provides a valuable service. [36274/08]
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 case investigates and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
90 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the situation that prevents umbilical cord blood collection at the time of a baby’s birth at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36283/08]
91 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children if the clinical indemnity schemes cover the medical procedure of umbilical cord blood collection at the time of a baby’s birth, specifically at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36284/08]
92 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the hospitals here which carry out the procedure of umbilical cord blood collection at the time of a baby’s birth. [36285/08]
93 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is possible for parents to have the collection and storage of a baby’s umbilical cord blood and stem cells carried out at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth when they are willing to fully fund this procedure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36286/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 to 93, inclusive, together.
The collection of cord blood for the purpose of potential later human application comes within the scope of the European Communities (Quality and Safety of Human Tissues and Cells) Regulations 2006 (No. 58 of 2006). The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) has been designated as the competent authority under the Regulations. The purpose of the Regulations is to ensure the quality and safety of tissues and cells, to protect donors and recipients, whether the donor and recipient are the same person or not, and to prevent the transmission of diseases.
Under the Regulations, any entity which collects material such as umbilical cord stem cells as well as any entity which is involved in testing, processing, preservation, storage and distribution of human tissues or cells intended for human use is required to apply to the IMB for an authorisation to perform such activities. The IMB is obliged to ensure that tissue and cell procurement is carried out by persons with appropriate training and experience and are authorised for that purpose and that it takes place in conditions which meet quality and safety standards.
Under the Regulations, it is permissible for a maternity hospital, or other institution, to apply for an authorisation to procure umbilical cord blood on its premises. It is also permissible for an organisation, company or person to apply for an authorisation to procure umbilical cord blood at premises other than their own. In this latter instance, the applicant is required to have a written contract or service level agreement in place with any hospital, clinic or person carrying out the actual act of procurement.
The Clinical Indemnity Scheme (CIS), which has responsibility for the indemnification and management of all clinical negligence claims in the Health Service Executive, public hospitals and certain scheduled agencies issued a notice on 29th September 2008 on collection of umbilical cord blood. The notice clarifies that collection of cord blood for personal banking by a commercial organisation does not come within the definition of "professional medical services" as defined in the National Treasury Management Agency (Delegation of Functions) Order 2003 (No. 63 of 2003). A doctor, midwife or nurse who procures blood on behalf of a third party is not covered by the CIS for such procurement.
The HSE has made provision for directed donation of umbilical cord stem cells for high risk cases. In such cases, collection on foot of a request by a Consultant Haematologist in respect of the treatment of a named individual is organised by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, which is authorised by the IMB for this purpose and is covered by the CIS.
The specific information sought by the Deputy in respect of the position in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Health Service Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
95 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a site available to a centre (details supplied) in County Tipperary for the provision of a residential facility for persons with special needs; and if a site is available, when work will commence on same. [36316/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which under the Health Act, 2004 are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. 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.
96 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children the funds that have been made available by her Department for the provision of a community hospital at Tuam, County Galway; the stage of progress of the project; when the ambulance base will be provided at this location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36330/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services including projects such as Tuam Community Project was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. The Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
97 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the different rates for mobility allowance that will apply in 2009; and the date from which it will apply. [36334/08]
From 1st January 2009 the rate of Mobility Allowance for non-beneficiaries of the Revenue Commissioners' Disabled Drivers/Disabled Passengers Scheme will be €208.50 per month. The rate of Mobility Allowance for eligible beneficiaries of the Disabled Drivers/Disabled Passengers Scheme will be €104.25 per month.
98 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the rate of domiciliary care allowance that will apply from 2009; and the date from which it will apply. [36335/08]
From the 1st January 2009 the rate of payment for the Domiciliary Care Allowance will be increased from €299.60 per month to €309.50 per month.
100 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will receive payment in respect of a claim under the nursing home refund scheme. [36345/08]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
101 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to administer the means test for the over 70s medical card [36354/08]
The Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for the medical card benefit. Therefore, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
102 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the commitment in the Programme for Government to index the income thresholds for medical cards to increases in the average industrial wage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36359/08]
103 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the commitment in the Programme for Government to double the income limit eligibility of parents of children under six years of age and treble them for parents of children with an intellectual disability of less than 18 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36360/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 103 together.
In conjunction with the development of a new legislative framework to provide for clear statutory provisions on eligibility for health and personal social services, my Department is currently reviewing the assessment criteria for medical cards in the context of financial, medical and social need in line with the commitment in Towards 2016. A Steering Group has been established to undertake this review and is expected to complete its work and report to me within the next few months. Upon completion of this report, it is my intention to then consider how best to progress the commitments in the Programme for Government in relation to medical card eligibility.
106 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the way the funding announced in the budget for implementing the Disability Act 2005 will be used; if she will ensure that a child (details supplied) in County Galway with Down’s syndrome will get the supports they need at the time in their development when they need them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36377/08]
One of the principal elements of the National Disability Strategy is the Disability Act 2005. Part 2 of the Disability Act provides people with disabilities with an entitlement to: an independent assessment of their health and education needs; a statement of the services it is proposed to provide; pursue a complaint through the HSE complaints process if necessary; and make an appeal to the independent Disability Appeals Officer. Part 2 of the Act commenced for children aged under 5 years with effect from 1st June 2007. Children under 5 years were chosen as a priority for the introduction of the assessment of need process under the Disability Act because of the importance of intervention early in life. This can have a significant impact on the disabling effects of a condition or impairment.
In Budget 2009, an additional €10m was allocated to the HSE to enable further progress to be made in this vital area. The funding will provide for an additional 125 therapy posts in the HSE targeted at children of school-going age. 90 of these 125 additional posts will be allocated to disability services, including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists. 35 additional posts will be provided for child and adolescent mental health services, including clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists for new and existing multi-disciplinary teams.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which under the Health Act, 2004 are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. 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.
107 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that adequate funding is allocated to a service provider for persons with intellectual disabilities (details supplied) in County Limerick recognising that allocations over a number of years have not been in accordance with the amount needed to provide the level of service undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36378/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which under the Health Act, 2004 are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. 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.
108 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if the €50 million multi-annual funding, promised in 2004, has been made available to the disability sector for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36383/08]
In recent years, very significant additional resources has been provided by the Government for services and supports in the Disability area. The Multi-Annual Investment Programme, which is a key component of the Government's Disability Strategy, will by the end of 2008 have provided for 980 new residential places; 313 new respite places, and 2,505 new day places for the intellectual disability service, and 300 new residential places, and 950,000 extra home care/personal assistance hours; for people with physical and sensory disabilities.
Funding was also provided for the targeted transfer of persons with intellectual disability/autism from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements. Since 2006, over €550m has been allocated to the HSE under the Multi-Annual Investment Programme, of which €425 million was for disability services and €125 million for Mental Health.
In Budget 2009, an additional €10m was allocated to the HSE. This funding will provide for 125 additional therapy posts in the disability and mental health services, targeted at children of school-going age. These funds will be ring-fenced for this purpose in the HSE's letter of allocation, along the lines used for disability development funding in 2008. 90 of these additional 125 posts will be provided in the disability service area. In the light of the current financial circumstances, no additional MAIP funding has been allocated in 2009.
109 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if the €50 million required for the implementation of a Vision for Change has been made available in Budget 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36384/08]
The estimated additional cost of implementing the recommendations of the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, ‘A Vision for Change' is €150 million over a 7 — 10 year timeframe. A total of €51.2 million has been allocated since 2006 for the development of mental health services in line with the Report which represents over a third of the overall requirement.
Implementation of ‘A Vision for Change' is dependent to a much greater extent on the remodelling of existing resources than on new additional funds. Additional investment must be phased in parallel with the reorganisation of mental health services and resources. Funding will be provided in 2009 for 35 additional posts for child & adolescent mental health services, including clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, speech & language therapists and social workers for new and existing multi-disciplinary teams.
Once-off funding of €1.75 million in total will also be provided in 2009 for suicide prevention initiatives and mental health projects supporting service users and carers.
110 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding being provided for the implementation of the fair deal scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36385/08]
Budget 2009 provided €55 million for the implementation of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme next year. This brings the total funding in the subhead for long-term residential care to €909 million. The scheme will be introduced, in the context of this funding allocation, once the legislation has been passed and the Act commenced.
111 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the locations at which the €120 million to provide services for a growing and aging population will be allocated and spent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36386/08]
I understand that the Deputy is referring to the €120 million additional funding provided by the Government for Home Care Packages over the period 2006-8.
As the Deputy is aware operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the issues raised by the Deputy. The Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
112 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to home help or carers assistant required by persons (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36441/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. The Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
113 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the increase in harbour fees was willingly accepted by the local fishermen based on promises made of improvements to the facilities, that those improvements have not been made and the existing facilities are inadequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36289/08]
114 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to or if he will examine the plans for the development of Arklow Harbour; if he will direct the Arklow Harbour Board to ensure that the proper facilities for continued use of the harbour by fishermen are provided for as promised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36293/08]
118 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the agreement regarding the increase in fees at Arklow Harbour; the reason for the differences in fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36297/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 113, 114 and 118 together.
Policy in relation to the regional harbours such as Arklow, as published in the Ports Policy Statement in 2005, is that their continued operation under the outdated provisions of the Harbours Act, 1946 is unsustainable on the grounds of good governance.
The Policy Statement reiterated the view that most of these harbours would best achieve their potential through their transfer to local authority ownership. The Department is working with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to advance the implementation of this aspect of the Ports Policy Statement.
For over three years now, my Department has been funding essential works to protect the fabric of the regional harbours, including Arklow, at an average cost of approximately €4m per annum in total pending the transfer of the harbours to local control. This Department is considering with the Arklow Harbour Commissioners the current position regarding harbour rates.
115 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the plans for the disposal of the material dredged from Arklow Harbour to ensure that it is disposed of safely and appropriately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36294/08]
116 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if financing will be made available to the Arklow Harbour Board to proceed with the overdue dredging of Arklow Harbour, which is in an unsafe condition; when it will be possible to obtain a licence in order that dredging on the harbour can begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36295/08]
117 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing damage being incurred by fishermen in Arklow Harbour due to the shallowness of the harbour and the inadequate facilities; if he will ensure that these issues will be addressed before the onset of winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36296/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 to 117, inclusive, together.
Dredging of Arklow Harbour is a matter in the first instance for Arklow Harbour Commissioners. The issue of a licence for dredging is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who may grant such licences under the Foreshore Acts.
For over three years now, my Department has been funding essential works to protect the fabric of the regional harbours, including Arklow, at an average cost of approximately €4m per annum in total pending the transfer of the harbours to local control.
119 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the revised timeline for all Transport 21 projects; when planning, construction and operation phases are due to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36302/08]
120 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the effect the €70 million cut in the public transport investment programme budget will have on Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36303/08]
121 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if 2015 is still the completion date for all Transport 21 projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36304/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 to 121, inclusive, together.
Following on from the Budget announcement, by the Minister for Finance, of the capital funding available to my Department in 2009 and the coming years, I will keep the priorities and timescale for Transport 21 projects under continuing review. The provision of increased capacity will be a key consideration in determining public transport investment priorities in the period ahead.
The reduction in capital funding in 2009 will not have a significant effect on the roll out of the Transport 21 public transport programme and will not result in the postponement of the start of construction of any public transport project.
Thirty-seven projects have already been completed since the beginning of Transport 21 in 2006 and twenty-five are currently under way. A list of these projects is provided as an Appendix.
The start and completion dates of projects, which have not yet commenced will be determined by the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate. The commencement dates for these projects will also be influenced by the time taken for public consultation, the relevant statutory process and the procurement and contract award processes.
|
Project |
Completion Date |
|
N2 Monaghan Town Bypass |
2006 |
|
N2 Ashbourne Bypass |
|
|
N4 Edgeworthstown Relief Road |
|
|
N7 Naas Road widening |
|
|
N8 Rathcormac-Fermoy (PPP) |
|
|
N8/N73 Mitchelstown Relief Road |
|
|
N15 Ballyshannon-Bundoran Bypass |
|
|
N21 Castleisland-Abbeyfeale |
|
|
N25 Kinsalebeg |
|
|
N25/27 Kinsale Road Interchange |
|
|
N30 Enniscorthy-Clonroche Realignment |
|
|
Dublin Port Tunnel |
|
|
N52 Mullingar Eastern Bypass |
|
|
N55 Cavan Bypass |
|
|
N56 Mountaintop to Illistrin Phase 1 |
|
|
Docklands Railway Station |
2007 |
|
Introduction of first intercity railcars on Dublin — Sligo route |
|
|
67 new intercity rail carriages deployed on Dublin-Corkline and introduction of hourly rail services Dublin-Cork |
|
|
N1 Dundalk to Border |
|
|
N2 Castleblaney Bypass |
|
|
N4 Dromod-Rooskey |
|
|
N5 Charlestown Bypass |
|
|
N6 Tyrellspass to Kilbeggan |
|
|
N11 Arklow to Gorey Bypass |
|
|
N11 Enniskerry junction improvements |
|
|
N18 Ennis Bypass/N85 Western Relief Road |
|
|
N52 Mullingar to Belvedere |
|
|
N56 Mountaintop to Illistrin Phase 2 |
|
|
N77 Kilkenny Ring Road Extension |
|
|
New Portlaoise train depot |
2008 |
|
M50 Upgrade (Phase 3) and introduction of barrier freetolling |
|
|
Capacity enhancement luas Red Line — all trams extended from 30m to 40m providing a 40% increase in capacity |
|
|
N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone |
|
|
N8 Cashel to Mitchelstown |
|
|
N9 Carlow Bypass |
|
|
N11 Kilpedder-Delgany Junction |
|
|
New intercity railcars introduced on Dublin-Limerick, Dublin-Westport, Dublin-Galway, and Dublin-Waterford lines |
|
Project |
Indicative Completion Date |
|
M50 Upgrade (Phase 1) |
2008 |
|
Completion of delivery of 200 new buses for Dublin Bus |
|
|
Cork commuter rail service to Midleton |
2009 |
|
Luas extension from Connolly to Docklands |
|
|
Western Rail Corridor (Phase 1) Ennis-Athenry |
|
|
Completion of roll-out of 183 intercity railcars |
|
|
N4 Leixlip/M50 junction (Lucan bypass upgrade) |
|
|
N6 Athlone to Ballinasloe |
|
|
N7 Nenagh to Limerick |
|
|
N8 Cullahill-Cashel |
|
|
N9 Waterford-Knocktopher |
|
|
Kildare rail upgrade |
2010 |
|
Luas extension from Sandyford to Cherrywood |
|
|
M3 Clonee to North of Kells |
|
|
N6 Galway to Ballinasloe |
|
|
N7 Limerick Tunnel |
|
|
M7/M8 Portlaoise to Cullahill/Castletown |
|
|
N7 Castletown to Nenagh |
|
|
N8 Fermoy-Mitchelstown |
|
|
N9 Kilcullen-Carlow |
|
|
N9 Carlow-Knocktopher |
|
|
N25 Waterford City Bypass |
|
|
M50 Upgrade (Phase 2) |
|
|
N52 Tullamore Bypass |
|
|
Completion of delivery of 239 new buses for Bus Eireann |
122 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the status of plans to remove pinch points on quality bus corridors and other bus routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36305/08]
The Quality Bus Network plays a vital role in transport in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). This is recognised in my Department's ten-year investment plan, Transport 21, which provides funding for the extension and improvement of the Network.
Over time, various pinchpoints on the Network have emerged and, earlier this year, the Quality Bus Network Project Office (QBNPO), in conjunction with the local authorities, drew up a list of these pinchpoints and has identified appropriate corrective measures in each case. These measures have been incorporated into QBNPO work programme, and I have asked that they be addressed as a matter of priority.
123 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the status of plans to introduce integrated ticketing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36306/08]
A smart card for public transport services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) is now available on Luas and Dublin Bus services. In recent months all buses in the Dublin Bus fleet have been fitted with smart card validators. Smart cards are now in use on these buses in respect of a number of ticket products such as annual and monthly bus tickets, as well as integrated annual and monthly bus and rail and bus and luas tickets and 5-day rambler tickets.
From late next year, a smart card will be introduced for ticket products on Dublin Bus and Luas services which will also have an electronic purse capability for use on both services.
This system will then be extended to Irish Rail DART and commuter rail services within a further 12 months, and to Bus Éireann on a pilot basis on a number of its commuter routes. It is also envisaged that private bus operators will join the scheme over this timeframe.
The new gating systems at Irish Rail stations in the GDA have also been designed to handle the new smart card.
124 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the status of plans to make available real time passenger information at bus stops and on mobile phones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36307/08]
In accordance with the recently enacted Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the Dublin Transport Authority (DTA), when established, will have statutory responsibility for provision of integrated public transport information to passengers and the general public. This encompasses the provision of integrated public transport information in real time to passengers.
Bus Éireann is currently providing real time information on mobile phones on a limited trial basis, with plans for a wider launch shortly. Dublin Bus plans to provide a similar service over the next two years. I am not aware of any such plans by private sector bus operators.
I also support plans for real time passenger information at bus stops and I am informed that Dublin Bus and Dublin City Council are working on a solution to achieve this while taking account of regulatory issues and the likely changes next year to bus routes in Dublin arising from the construction of Metro North, Luas extensions and the Interconnector.
125 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport when the efficiency study of the Dublin Bus fleet began; the resources allocated to the study; when he expects the results from the study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36308/08]
The cost and efficiency review of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann began on 2 July 2008. A budget of €285,000 excluding VAT, has been allocated for the review and it is expected that a final report will be received in the coming months.
126 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the way the cut in the budget for the Road Safety Authority will affect the roll out of many planned safety initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36312/08]
The Government is allocating €35.6 million to the Road Safety Authority for 2009. While this amount is less than that provided in 2008 (€39.1 million) the 2008 allocation included a provision to reduce the driver testing backlog. This objective was achieved and the RSA is maintaining the driver test waiting time at 10 weeks.
The 2009 level of funding coupled with the fee income which the RSA earns will enable the Road Safety Authority to continue implementation of the Road Safety Strategy into 2009 and ensure that reductions in road fatalities secured in recent years are continued. While my Department provides annual funding to the Road Safety Authority, the allocation of resources to the various programmes is a matter for the Authority itself.
127 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport when the decision on whether metro north should proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36313/08]
The target date for the completion of Metro North is 2013 but this is dependent on the outcome of the planning and procurement processes. A final decision on the project will be taken once the planning and procurement processes are complete.
The RPA continues to make good progress on the PPP tender process for Metro North. The initial phase of the PPP public procurement process was conducted in 2007 resulting in the formation of four pre-qualified consortia for the purpose of tendering for the project. Tender documentation was formally issued to the four pre-qualified consortia on 12th May 2008. Since then the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has held a number of meetings with the consortia. Following on from a request from some of the consortia, the RPA recently agreed to extend the closing date for submission of tenders by two months. Receipt of tenders is now required by 6 February 2009.
In addition, good progress is being made in the planning process. The RPA placed copies of the Railway Order application on display on 17 September in accordance with the 6 week statutory public notice requirement pursuant to section 37 of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001. I am not prepared to speculate on what might or might not happen following any particular Government decision.
128 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the reason there was a 61% increase in the budget for vehicle and driver licensing expenses; the activities which require the additional funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36314/08]
The allocation is devoted to the support and maintenance of the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF), which is critical for the delivery of the national motor tax and driving licensing services involving the collection in excess of €1 billion in 2008. As well as the NVDF technical environment, the allocation also covers other ongoing expenses including, in particular, the online motor tax service and postage charges arising from motor tax and driving licence renewal reminders, vehicle registration certificates and penalty points notices all of which experience substantial year on year increases. The provision for 2009 (€22.534 million) which represents 2% of overall motor tax revenue takes account of arrangements associated with the transfer of the NVDF systems from the Dept of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to my Department and redresses imbalances between allocations and actual expenditure for a number of years. The 2009 requirement which will continue to be refunded from the Local Government Fund has been agreed with the Dept of the Environment Heritage and Local Government. It represents a 12% increase on the revised expenditure for 2008 (€20.142 million) with the additional allocation being primarily devoted to increases in the expenditure items referred to above due to year on year increases in driver and motor vehicle numbers.
129 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the way the Budget 2009 announcement on decentralisation affects his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36315/08]
In light of budgetary developments, the decision was taken by Government to defer a number of decentralisation projects pending a review in 2011. This includes the moves of the National Roads Authority to Ballinasloe, the Irish Aviation Authority to Shannon, the CIE Group to Mitchelstown and the Railway Safety Commission together with air and marine safety investigative functions to Drogheda.
130 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport if, with the imminent reopening of the Youghal railway line as far as Midleton, there are temporary or permanent developments or obstructions on the Midleton-Youghal section; and the measures Iarnród Éireann has undertaken to keep this right of way fully intact. [36366/08]
I understand from Iarnród Éireann that the Midleton to Youghal section of the railway line, although disused at present, remains in CIE ownership and there have been no developments that would compromise its future use as a railway. Furthermore, I understand that Iarnród Éireann will continue to protect the alignment whilst it remains in CIE ownership.
131 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if cutbacks have affected plans to purchase speed cameras for deployment and operation here; the most up to date time line for purchasing and deployment of these cameras; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36292/08]
€10 million has been set aside in the 2009 Estimates for the provision of an outsourced safety camera network as part of the Government's strategy to reduce fatalities on our roads, in line with the Road Safety Strategy.
A tendering process for procuring an outsourced safety camera network is under way, the contracting authority for which is An Garda Síochána. A preferred bidder has been identified, and I have been informed by the Garda authorities that they have been dealing with a number of issues which have been raised by some of the tenderers. An Garda Síochána will shortly commence contract discussions with the preferred bidder, with the aim of concluding them as expeditiously as possible. It is intended that roll out of the network will be under way as early as possible next year.
132 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will introduce legislation to control the location, time, date and manner in which street begging may take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36332/08]
My Department has been examining the High Court's judgement in the case Niall Dillon v. The DPP in which the Court held that the current law under which prosecutions for begging were brought, i.e. section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847, was unconstitutional. I hope to be in a position to bring proposals to Cabinet shortly that will entail the introduction of new legislation to address the question of begging, having regard to the High Court's judgement.
133 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on correspondence regarding the exceptional circumstances of a person (details supplied) who wishes to remain in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36344/08]
I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that they have recently been in contact with the person referred to by the Deputy in relation to her immigration status. Further documentation has been requested from the person concerned in order to facilitate the Immigration Division in examining her case.
134 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the dates on which firearms and ammunition stored at Clancy Barracks were destroyed on behalf of the Garda Technical Bureau between 1 July 2000 and 31 August 2000; the nature and quantities destroyed; and the date on which tenders were invited for the destruction of firearms and munitions at Clancy Barracks during the years 2000 and 2001. [36368/08]
Approximately 3,850 firearms, which had been held at Clancy Barracks, were destroyed at a secure location on 32 occasions between 1st July, 2000 and 31st December, 2001. Ammunition which had also been stored at Clancy Barracks, was removed and temporarily stored at the Garda Technical Bureau before disposal and destruction. Any ammunition required for evidential purposes was removed. Information on related tenders is not, in the time available to answer this question, readily to hand, and I will communicate directly with the Deputy again on this issue.
135 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for naturalisation in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; when these applications are expected to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36442/08]
I have approved the applications of the persons in question and certificates of naturalisation will issue once documentation requested by the Citizenship Section of my Department has been received.
Officials in the Citizenship Section inform me that letters seeking this documentation issued to the persons concerned on 12 August 2008, 2 September 2008 and 24 September 2008 to the address on file. Further letters issued on the 20 October 2008 to the address now supplied by the Deputy.
I should point out that if the persons in question have changed address since lodging their applications for naturalisation, they have an obligation to inform the Department accordingly.
136 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the rehabilitation goals and targets set for prisoners annually since 2002; the annual targets and goals set for 2009 and 2010; the funding provided in each of these years for rehabilitation services; and the performance targets against which this is measured. [36448/08]
137 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of existing rehabilitation programmes in each prison; the number of staff allocated to each rehabilitation programme; the number of prisoners on existing programmes; the capacity of each programme; and the average cost to rehabilitate a prisoner on each programme. [36449/08]
138 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of fully resourcing and staffing rehabilitation programmes in respect of the entire prison population. [36450/08]
139 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if prisoners rehabilitation needs are assessed on entering prison; if so, the percentage of prisoners deemed to require rehabilitation on arrival; the waiting time for entry into rehabilitation; and the average time spent on a rehabilitation programme. [36451/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 to 139, inclusive, together.
Prisoner rehabilitation involves significant multi-dimensional input by a diverse range of general and specialist services provided both by the Irish Prison Service and in-reaching statutory and non-statutory services. Amongst these are healthcare, psychiatric, psychological, educational, vocational, counselling, welfare and spiritual services. These services are important in addressing offending behaviour, drug and alcohol addiction, missed educational and vocational opportunities, anger management, and self management in the interest of encouraging positive personal development in prisoners, and preparing them for re-integration and resettlement on release from custody.
As a result of the Programme for Organisational Change, there has been significant expansion and development of vocational training programmes. For example, the Work Training Service now has an authorised complement of over 250 prison service posts and over 90 workshops cater for in excess of 800 prisoners each day.
Educational services are now available at all institutions and are provided in partnership with a range of educational agencies in the community including the VECs, Public Library Services, Colleges and the Arts Council. Broad programmes of education are made available which generally follow an adult education approach. The Department of Education and Science provide an allocation of whole-time teacher equivalents to the prisons through the VECs (220 in the academic year 2007/08). This enables education to be offered in all prisons including provision for the summer months and also special teaching arrangements where prisoners are segregated.
The Irish Prison Service is also engaged in introducing an enhanced model of sentence management for prisoners (Integrated Sentence Management — ISM). ISM will involve a new emphasis on prisoners taking greater personal responsibility for their own development through active engagement with both specialist and non-specialist services in the prisons. The end result will be a prisoner-centred approach to working with prisoners with provision for initial assessment, goal setting and periodic review to measure progress. The development and roll-out this model is planned to take place on a phased basis over the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2007-2013. The new system is currently being piloted in two Dublin prisons. Following the conclusion of these pilot programmes, an evaluation will take place which will inform future policy in this area.
The 2008 gross estimate provision for the Irish Prison Service is €394.346 million. Due to the multifaceted nature of rehabilitation it is not possible to disaggregate from this total the element that relates solely to this particular area of expenditure.
Finally, the Probation Service also has an active role during the course of the prisoner's sentence in helping maintain links with family and community agencies, encouraging prisoners to address their offending behaviour and engaging prisoners in individual counselling and group counselling programmes. The Service also provides supervision in certain cases under temporary release provisions.
140 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide details on the proposal to only permit prisoner remission based on participation in rehabilitation; and when this policy will be put in place. [36452/08]
The Programme for Government set out targets for fully resourced and staffed rehabilitation programmes to be available for the entirety of the prison population by 2012 and the linking of remission with rehabilitation.
The Prison Rules provide that prisoners shall be eligible, by good conduct, to earn a remission of sentence not exceeding one quarter. The Rules provide for the granting of further remission where a prisoner has shown further good conduct by engaging in authorised structured activity and the Minister is satisfied that, as a result, the prisoner is less likely to re-offend and will be better able to reintegrate into the community.
Matters being further explored include whether changes to remission can be applied retrospectively where such application might have adverse implications on the liberty of the person in question. There are also rulings from the European Court of Human Rights that may be relevant in this context. In addition there are issues as to whether rates of remission can be varied by reference to the nature of the offence, what type of conditions can be imposed on a person granted remission and the implications of linking remission solely to rehabilitation without reference to behaviour while in prison.
My Department continues to examine how best to implement the commitments in the Programme for Government with particular reference to any possible legislative amendments that might be required.
141 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures put in place in 2008 to make prisons drug free; and the further measures planned for 2009. [36453/08]
I am committed to ensuring that all prisons are drug free in line with the commitments contained in the Irish Prison Service Drugs Policy and Strategy and I will continue to pursue strategies to achieve that objective.
With regard to supply elimination, the implementation of the Policy and Strategy has seen an intensification of efforts to eliminate the availability of illicit drugs within prisons. In addition to the introduction of mandatory drug testing, other elements include enhancement of CCTV, utilisation of video scope camera cell search and enhanced security generally. Also, new visiting arrangements are in place, or in the course of being put in place, in closed prisons whereby only persons who have been nominated by the prisoner and pre-approved by the Governor are permitted to visit.
Facilities for screened visits have been installed in all closed prisons. In accordance with the Policy and Strategy, prisoners in respect of whom the Governor is satisfied that there is no risk of contraband being passed may be facilitated with open visits. Prisoners who are caught receiving drugs or who test positive for drugs will be facilitated with screened visits only.
As regards enhanced security, the Deputy will also be aware that sanction was secured by my Department for an additional 155 staff to implement a range of security measures, coordinated nationally by a dedicated Governor, aimed at keeping contraband out of our prisons. In 2008 these measures included the establishment of a drug detection dog service within the Irish Prison Service; the first 10 Units of the Irish Prison Service Canine Unit are now in place. A further 6 will be added prior to the end of the year. These units are supported by a private contractor. They included the establishment of Operational Support Units in each prison dedicated to, and developing expertise in, searching and gathering intelligence. They also included the introduction of enhanced security screening and searching of all persons (visitors and staff) entering our prisons. Airport style scanners, x-ray machines, etc., are in operation at the entrances to most of our closed prisons and the installation programme for the remaining prisons is nearing completion. The measures called for cell and area searches for contraband such as mobile phones take place in all our prisons on a daily basis. These include random, targeted and intelligence led searches, many of which are now carried out by the recently established Operational Support Group.
The third and final phase of the installation of a pilot scheme of mobile phone inhibition at the Midlands Prison is almost complete. The indications so far are positive; enough to convince me that it is a worthwhile programme and merits commencement of the second module of the scheme. This will see the installation of an inhibition system beginning in Portlaoise Prison in the coming months. The measures also included the use of modern cameras and probe systems which assist in searching previously difficult areas such as hollow chair or bed legs, under floor boards and other cavities. and the introduction of a "Boss Chair" in Cloverhill Prison which is used to scan all prisoners for contraband secreted in their body cavities.
Further measures planned for 2009 include: the establishment of a further 14 Units of the Irish Prison Service Canine Unit. Upon successful completion of the module of the mobile phone inhibition scheme, roll out will commence across the prison estate — and further "Boss Chairs" are to be rolled out in closed prisons.
142 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made on the introduction of the prison discipline strategy; and the timeframe for its introduction. [36454/08]
Part 3 and section 35 of the Prisons Act 2007, both of which came into operation on 1 October 2007, provide a legislative basis for disciplinary and governance related issues within the State's prisons.
Section 35 of the Act permits the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to make rules for the effective governance of prisons. In that context the Prison Rules, 2007, came into effect in October, 2007 and represent the first major reform of prison regulation in this State since 1947. The rules themselves reflect the Council of Europe's European Prison Rules and best practice internationally and regulate the behaviour not just of prisoners but also that of prison governors and officers.
Part 3 of the Act provides a new appeal mechanism for prisoners to appeal a penalty involving a loss of remission imposed by prison authorities following a finding that they have breached prison discipline. The Act provides for a hearing before an independent Appeal Tribunal and independent professional legal representation for the prisoner where this is requested. The Tribunal may uphold or quash the original finding and may affirm, vary or quash the original sanction applied.
I wish to advise the Deputy that to date five prisoners have appealed disciplinary penalties which consist of or include loss of remission and arrangements are being made to hear these appeals.
143 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to ratify the optional protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture. [36455/08]
The Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture and All Forms of Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 18 December, 2002. Its provisions came into force on 22 October, 2006. Ireland signed it on 2 October, 2007. The Protocol is an important addition to the 1984 UN Convention against Torture which Ireland ratified in accordance with the Criminal Justice (UN Convention against Torture) Act 2000.
The Protocol establishes a national and international inspection system for places of detention which is modelled to a significant extent on the existing system in operation under the auspices of the Council of Europe Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. We have been a party to that Convention since 1989. The Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) set up under that Convention has already conducted and reported in detail on 4 inspection visits to Ireland in 1993, 1998, 2002 and 2006.
The Attorney General has advised that legislation will be necessary for the creation of the National Preventive Mechanisms provided for under the Protocol. Preliminary work has commenced in my Department in that regard.
144 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of independent prison monitoring inspections that have taken place in 2006, 2007, 2008 and the proposed number for 2009; and the criteria on which these inspections are based. [36456/08]
Irish prisons are subject to inspection by the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT), the Office of the Inspector of Prisons and the Visiting Committees appointed to each prison.
The Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT), which operates under the aegis of the Council of Europe, was established under the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment in 1987. The Committee has the right of unimpeded access at any time to any prison and are entitled to speak in private to any person detained therein. The CPT has visited Ireland for inspection purposes in 1993, 1998, 2002, and 2006. The CPT last visited Ireland in October 2006. The official report on their visit and the Irish Government's Response was published on 10 October, 2007, and is available on the Council of Europe website at http://www.cpt.coe.int.
An Office of Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention was created on a non-statutory basis in 2002. The office became statutory on the 1st October 2007 with the passing of the Prisons Act, 2007. The primary role of the Inspector is to carry out regular inspections of prisons and to report and make recommendations on what he finds. The Office of the Inspector of Prisons published reports on five prisons in 2006 and four in 2007. The reports are available on my Department's website, www.justice.ie. Further reports by the Inspector will be published in the coming weeks. As an independent statutory body, it is entirely a matter for the Inspector, which and how many prisons he chooses to visit and report on in any given year.
Under the Prisons (Visiting Committees) Act, 1925 and Prisons (Visiting Committees) Order, 1925, a Visiting Committee is appointed to each prison institution. They are required to report to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform any abuses observed or found by them in the prison and any repairs which they think may be urgently needed. Their Annual Reports are also available on my Department's website.
.
145 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to introduce a community payback scheme requiring offenders to provide real services for the community; and the role he will give victims and communities who are affected by this scheme. [36457/08]
The Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act, 1983, provides that a Court may make a Community Service Order as an alternative to a sentence of imprisonment or detention in respect of any individual over the age of 16 years who has been convicted of a criminal offence and who consents to the Order being made. As the Deputy will be aware, the Community Service Order requires an offender to perform unpaid work for between 40 and 240 hours, usually to be completed within 12 months. The aim of a Community Service Order is to rehabilitate the offender and make meaningful reparation to the community for his or her crime. The Probation Service of my Department has responsibility for the supervision and management of Community Service Orders.
The Programme for Government provides for a Community Pay Back Scheme which will build on the Community Service Scheme, currently the subject of a Value for Money and Policy Review by an Independent Evaluator.
The Review which is nearing completion, will influence how best to progress this aspect of the Programme for Government currently under examination by my Department.
146 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide details of his parental responsibility proposals; the progress made to date; the number of local programmes that have been established to help parents; and when he will commence the system of parental responsibility for criminal damage and cost incurred. [36458/08]
I presume the Deputy's question relates to the Children Act 2001, as amended. I can confirm that the Children Act, 2001 is fully operational and that the various provisions relating to parental responsibility are all commenced. In this connection I wish to refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 48 dated 2 October 2008.
In the case of children referred by the Court to the Probation Service, the Service can provide parenting support programmes where appropriate. In this connection I wish to inform the Deputy about the Strengthening Families Programme. This is an inter-agency initiative delivered, financed and resourced by a number of different agencies including the Probation Service, Local Drugs Task Forces, the HSE and the National Juvenile Office of An Garda Síochána.
The Programme runs over 14 weeks and comprises 3 modules namely Parenting Skills training, Teen/Children Skills training and Family Life Skills training. The goal of the programme is to enhance and protect the family by encouraging and supporting parents and their children to develop good parenting and communication skills. This programme has initially been delivered in Dublin, Cork and Limerick.
The Probation Service is now in the process of extending their involvement with this programme to 12 locations around the country through its bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Portlaoise and the North-West. This extended programme will be run through Le Chéile, a Community based organisation working with the Young People's Probation.
In addition, Barnardos, in conjunction with the Probation Service have delivered a "Parenting Plus Skills" programme in 2 locations in Dublin in 2008 and the Le Chéile Mentoring Programmes is currently piloting parent-to-parent mentoring.
147 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of anti-social behaviour action teams that have been established in each local authority; the plans for the expansion of this scheme; and the funding provided for it annually since its establishment. [36459/08]
The Agreed Programme for Government contains a range of commitments to combat anti-social behaviour. One of these is the creation of Anti-Social Behaviour Action Teams (ASBATs) which would operate in areas experiencing serious problems of anti-social behaviour.
The purpose of ASBATs is to tackle local, previously intractable, problems of anti-social behaviour, in a way where joint working makes a real difference. Given the need for close and effective inter-agency working, typically an official from the relevant local authority or a police officer is appointed as a designated co-ordinator.
My Department is researching the development of an ASBAT model which will ensure a coordinated approach to dealing with and preventing anti-social behaviour at the local level, taking into account the financial and personnel resources available to local and national agencies and Government policy on using to the greatest extent possible existing structures for co-operation among agencies. This will involve consultation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Garda authorities.
148 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will establish the special Garda units to deal with anti-social behaviour on public transport. [36460/08]
The Agreed Programme for Government contains a broad range of commitments to combat anti-social behaviour. One of these is to establish special Garda units to deal with anti-social behaviour on public transport. I am informed that currently An Garda Síochána carries out patrols on public transport to deal with specific incidents and complaints as they arise, primarily in late evening when incidents of anti-social behaviour are most likely to occur.
Implementation of this commitment is being considered by the Garda authorities in the context of the overall allocation of the resources available to them and existing security arrangements made by transport providers.
149 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí nationally; the number of trainee gardaí in Templemore; the timeframe for the existing trainees to graduate; and the number of people who have been accepted to the Garda Síochána but have yet to commence their training. [36462/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the total strength of the Force as of the 30 September 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 14,284 with a further 1,074 in training.
There are currently 513 students undergoing training at the Garda College in Templemore with a further 561 in training at Garda Stations throughout the country.
The current Student/ Probationer Education, Training and Development programme course in An Garda Síochána consists of five separate but integrated Phases. Phase I (20 weeks), Phase III (16 weeks) and Phase V (4 weeks) of the Training Programme are conducted at the Garda College with the exception of the final four weeks of Phase III which are delivered at operational training Stations. Phase II (22 weeks) and Phase IV (38 weeks) are conducted at designated operational training Stations. Garda trainees are attested to the Force on successful completion of Phase III of their training. On attestation, Garda trainees become serving members of the Force and are accounted for in the total strength. Formal graduation takes place following the completion of the fifth and final phase of training. The following are details of the Student/Probationer Gardaí currently in training and their respective Graduation dates.
|
Phase |
Strength |
Graduation Date |
|
I |
282 |
July 2010 |
|
II |
561 |
January and April 2010 |
|
III |
231 |
October 2009 |
|
IV |
831 |
January, April and July 2009 |
|
V |
273 |
October 2008 |
I am further informed that the next intake of trainees to the Garda College is scheduled to take place on the 5th November 2008 at which one hundred students will be admitted to the training programme.
150 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide in tabular format, the number of civilian staff working in the Garda Síochána in each year for the past five years and to date in 2008; and the ratio of civilian staff to Garda officers in each year for the same period. [36463/08]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of whole time equivalent civilian personnel working in An Garda Síochána as at the 31 of December 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 30 September, 2008 was as set out as follows. The total strength of An Garda Síochána at these dates and the ratio of civilian staff to Gardaí is also set out.
|
Date |
No of Civilians (WTE) |
Garda Strength |
Ratio |
|
31/12/2003 |
1,062 |
12,017 |
1 : 11.32 |
|
31/12/2004 |
1,119 |
12,209 |
1 : 10.91 |
|
31/12/2005 |
1,161 |
12,259 |
1 : 10.56 |
|
31/12/2006 |
1,282 |
12,954 |
1 :10.10 |
|
31/12/2007 |
1,688 |
13,755 |
1 : 8.15 |
|
30/09/2008 |
2,039 |
14,284 |
1 : 7 |
During the period in question there has been a 92% increase in the number of civilians and a 19% increase in the number of Gardaí in An Garda Síochána
151 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of promotional posts that have been created in each of the past five years and to date in 2008. [36464/08]
At the outset, I should say that my Department does not create promotion posts per se. Rather, it manages the staffing of the Department (and its Agencies) in accordance with Government policy, including in relation to the filling of posts. The manner of the filling of posts is not straightforward and can vary depending on factors such as: how the vacancy arose; the nature of the post and where it is located; and the availability of staff. Posts are filled from a number of sources, including lateral transfers within the Department, surplus staff arising from decentralisation, secondment of staff from outside the Department, as well as internal and inter-departmental promotion competitions, and external recruitment. In relation to the latter, it is worth noting that posts up to and including the most senior levels in the Civil Service can now be filled through open competition, so that posts that would previously have been classified as promotion posts can now be filled by new recruits.
In the circumstances, it is not possible to distinguish promotion posts from other posts in a manner that is meaningful.
152 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the analysis conducted most recently on Garda to population ratios; if he will provide a breakdown on a district by district basis for 2007 and to date in 2008. [36465/08]
The population statistics were last collected by the Central Statistics Office in April 2006. On that basis the ratio of Gardaí to head of population in each Garda District at that time is as stated in the following table.
Changes to the boundaries of Garda Districts and Divisions have altered the make up of some of the Garda Districts throughout the country. For that reason, together with population changes, it is not possible to give the Garda strength per head of population comparisons in 2007 or 2008. I have however, listed the Garda strength for each of the Districts for the year ending 2007 and on 30 September 2008.
|
District |
Population |
Garda Strength on 30/04/06 |
Ratio |
Garda Strength on 31/12/07 |
Garda Strength on 30/09/08 |
|
Blackrock |
88,584 |
177 |
500:1 |
194 |
193 |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
68,739 |
189 |
363:1 |
210 |
275 |
|
Bridewell |
22,182 |
170 |
130:1 |
182 |
185 |
|
Fitzgibbon Street |
41,390 |
204 |
202:1 |
216 |
222 |
|
Store Street |
15,953 |
271 |
58:1 |
296 |
305 |
|
Balbriggan |
47,384 |
59 |
803:1 |
73 |
82 |
|
Coolock |
121,693 |
191 |
637:1 |
242 |
241 |
|
Raheny |
82,221 |
172 |
478:1 |
181 |
187 |
|
Santry |
57,051 |
238 |
239:1 |
265 |
267 |
|
Donnybrook |
49,772 |
177 |
281:1 |
192 |
185 |
|
Kevin Street |
47,383 |
200 |
241:1 |
226 |
229 |
|
Pearse Street |
16,661 |
328 |
50:1 |
355 |
350 |
|
Crumlin |
52,064 |
157 |
331:1 |
186 |
188 |
|
Rathmines |
51,874 |
166 |
312:1 |
176 |
182 |
|
Tallaght |
130,905 |
235 |
557:1 |
261 |
269 |
|
Blanchardstown |
141,830 |
312 |
454:1 |
348 |
368 |
|
Clondalkin |
66,702 |
185 |
360:1 |
215 |
222 |
|
Lucan |
76,931 |
184 |
418:1 |
195 |
195 |
|
Carlow |
54,859 |
87 |
631:1 |
104 |
119 |
|
Kildare |
62,876 |
73 |
861:1 |
85 |
97 |
|
Naas |
77,645 |
128 |
606:1 |
145 |
156 |
|
Abbeyleix |
20,112 |
39 |
515:1 |
44 |
44 |
|
Birr |
24,448 |
45 |
543:1 |
45 |
47 |
|
Portlaoise |
46,385 |
122 |
380:1 |
130 |
141 |
|
Tullamore |
45,045 |
70 |
643:1 |
93 |
106 |
|
Athlone |
38,618 |
65 |
594:1 |
84 |
89 |
|
Granard |
19,329 |
41 |
471:1 |
43 |
45 |
|
Longford |
22,554 |
62 |
363:1 |
72 |
75 |
|
Mullingar |
42,017 |
94 |
446:1 |
119 |
123 |
|
Ashbourne |
45,249 |
74 |
611:1 |
86 |
85 |
|
Kells |
25,656 |
47 |
545:1 |
58 |
58 |
|
Navan |
57,641 |
66 |
873:1 |
75 |
101 |
|
Trim |
27,935 |
41 |
681:1 |
49 |
53 |
|
Baltinglass |
35,799 |
62 |
577:1 |
68 |
58 |
|
Bray |
74,999 |
189 |
396:1 |
214 |
169 |
|
Wicklow |
35,560 |
58 |
613:1 |
70 |
104 |
|
Bailieboro |
31,452 |
61 |
515:1 |
68 |
69 |
|
Ballyconnell |
13,436 |
43 |
312:1 |
38 |
42 |
|
Carrickmacross |
26,696 |
77 |
346:1 |
84 |
92 |
|
Cavan |
27,566 |
76 |
362:1 |
83 |
88 |
|
Monaghan |
28,623 |
123 |
232:1 |
129 |
133 |
|
Ballyshannon |
22,640 |
91 |
248:1 |
94 |
94 |
|
Buncrana |
31,819 |
82 |
388:1 |
90 |
94 |
|
Glenties |
19,789 |
51 |
388:1 |
54 |
57 |
|
Letterkenny |
51,494 |
164 |
313:1 |
195 |
191 |
|
Milford |
21,522 |
48 |
448:1 |
52 |
55 |
|
Drogheda |
69,996 |
110 |
636:1 |
118 |
135 |
|
Dundalk |
51,138 |
143 |
357:1 |
147 |
149 |
|
Ballymote |
13,607 |
33 |
412:1 |
35 |
32 |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
16,709 |
52 |
321:1 |
57 |
57 |
|
Manorhamilton |
12,415 |
55 |
255:1 |
50 |
48 |
|
Sligo |
39,582 |
139 |
284:1 |
158 |
180 |
|
Cahir |
20,499 |
47 |
436:1 |
57 |
63 |
|
Clonmel |
40,758 |
64 |
636:1 |
74 |
75 |
|
Nenagh |
23,722 |
42 |
564:1 |
47 |
50 |
|
Templemore |
20,031 |
50 |
400:1 |
59 |
61 |
|
Thurles |
25,342 |
73 |
347:1 |
83 |
90 |
|
Tipperary Town |
23,386 |
38 |
614:1 |
41 |
42 |
|
Dungarvan |
25,357 |
52 |
487:1 |
60 |
60 |
|
Kilkenny |
45,372 |
76 |
591:1 |
107 |
108 |
|
Thomastown |
24,103 |
35 |
688:1 |
41 |
45 |
|
Tramore |
26,050 |
42 |
620:1 |
47 |
52 |
|
Waterford |
63,730 |
153 |
416:1 |
173 |
176 |
|
Enniscorthy |
33,240 |
46 |
722:1 |
50 |
51 |
|
Gorey |
45,476 |
83 |
547:1 |
90 |
62 |
|
New Ross |
28,060 |
46 |
610:1 |
51 |
53 |
|
Wexford |
44,607 |
90 |
495:1 |
104 |
113 |
|
Anglesea Street |
37,339 |
290 |
128:1 |
335 |
329 |
|
Gurranabraher |
47,783 |
93 |
513:1 |
90 |
91 |
|
Mayfield |
39,677 |
108 |
367:1 |
105 |
114 |
|
Togher |
92,276 |
133 |
693:1 |
126 |
133 |
|
Cobh |
41,188 |
55 |
748:1 |
56 |
63 |
|
Fermoy |
30,209 |
72 |
419:1 |
87 |
91 |
|
Mallow |
32,072 |
58 |
552:1 |
65 |
67 |
|
Middleton |
38,400 |
66 |
581:1 |
77 |
81 |
|
Bandon |
34,549 |
87 |
397:1 |
108 |
110 |
|
Bantry |
20,051 |
41 |
489:1 |
49 |
49 |
|
Clonakilty |
28,096 |
42 |
668:1 |
49 |
52 |
|
Kanturk |
21,221 |
41 |
517:1 |
45 |
50 |
|
Macroom |
25,612 |
38 |
674:1 |
44 |
53 |
|
Caherciveen |
19,696 |
41 |
480:1 |
43 |
46 |
|
Killarney |
43,955 |
74 |
593:1 |
91 |
95 |
|
Listowel |
27,709 |
51 |
543:1 |
56 |
63 |
|
Tralee |
45,725 |
106 |
431:1 |
131 |
134 |
|
Askeaton |
23,419 |
42 |
557:1 |
41 |
43 |
|
Bruff |
22,533 |
41 |
549:1 |
41 |
44 |
|
Henry Street |
74,542 |
250 |
298:1 |
330 |
352 |
|
Newcastle West |
25,347 |
46 |
551:1 |
47 |
49 |
|
Roxboro Road |
44,348 |
108 |
410:1 |
134 |
137 |
|
Ennis |
53,821 |
159 |
338:1 |
199 |
208 |
|
Ennistymon |
17,251 |
33 |
522:1 |
31 |
35 |
|
Killaloe |
20,944 |
36 |
581:1 |
47 |
48 |
|
Kilrush |
14,945 |
38 |
393:1 |
37 |
39 |
|
Clifden |
10,051 |
31 |
324:1 |
30 |
33 |
|
Galway |
87,543 |
203 |
431:1 |
243 |
256 |
|
Gort |
16,631 |
33 |
503:1 |
36 |
36 |
|
Loughrea |
19,454 |
47 |
413:1 |
49 |
51 |
|
Salthill |
46,659 |
67 |
696:1 |
66 |
69 |
|
Ballina |
28,820 |
51 |
565:1 |
62 |
66 |
|
Belmullet |
9,091 |
26 |
349:1 |
28 |
29 |
|
Castlebar |
27,369 |
68 |
402:1 |
88 |
90 |
|
Claremorris |
21,021 |
39 |
539:1 |
46 |
44 |
|
Swinford |
23,718 |
42 |
564:1 |
50 |
60 |
|
Westport |
20,461 |
35 |
584:1 |
39 |
42 |
|
Ballinasloe |
25,412 |
53 |
479:1 |
54 |
57 |
|
Boyle |
12,828 |
38 |
337:1 |
40 |
41 |
|
Castlerea |
15,033 |
43 |
349:1 |
45 |
48 |
|
Roscommon |
20,591 |
63 |
326:1 |
78 |
81 |
|
Tuam |
27,195 |
55 |
494:1 |
63 |
63 |
153 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people in the Garda Reserve at year end 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008. [36466/08]
The total personnel strength of the Garda Reserve at the end of years 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 is as follows:
|
2006 |
2007 |
30/09/2008 |
|
|
Attested |
36 |
217 |
254 |
There were also 157 Garda Reserve trainees at 30th September 2008.
154 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his progress to date on introducing conditions to govern the use by a suspect of the Garda interview video. [36467/08]
Section 56 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 governs the circumstances in which a copy of the recording of interviews conducted by the Garda Síochána may be given to an accused.
Specifically the section provides that only a person charged with an offence before a court, or his or her legal representative, may be given a copy of any recording of the questioning of the person while he or she was detained. The decision is a matter for the court and it may be subject to such conditions (if any) as the court may specify. A breach of the court order is punishable as a contempt of court.
This section repeals provisions in the Criminal Justice, Act 1984 (Electronic Recording of Interviews) Regulations, 1997 which provided that a copy of the recording be provided by the Superintendent, subject to certain exceptions, to the person interviewed or his/her legal representative on receipt of a written request irrespective of whether the person was charged with an offence. Section 56 creates a more restrictive framework while at the same time ensuring the accused's right to due process.
155 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his view on the new code of discipline and whistleblowers regulations in view of the conclusion and remarks of the Morris Tribunal. [36468/08]
I am satisfied that the Garda Síochána Discipline Regulations which were enacted in 2007 are working well. The regulations, along with the provisions of the Garda Síochána Act take into account the findings of the earlier reports of the Morris tribunal. The system of discipline in the Garda Síochána is fairer, more efficient and more effective as a result. I will, of course, in consultation with the Garda Commissioner, consider the recommendations contained in the most recent reports of the Tribunal as part of a planned review of the discipline regulations.
The Garda Síochána Confidential Reporting of Corruption or Malpractice Regulations were inspired by the recommendations contained in the Tribunal's third report, but go beyond the Tribunal's recommendations in providing: for an external party independent of the Force as well as internal parties to whom a whistleblower may turn; that civilian employees as well as sworn members can make confidential reports; for the Garda Ombudsman Commission to be kept fully informed of all investigations into confidential reports of corruption and malpractice; and for the Garda Inspectorate to be kept informed of reports relevant to its remit. Two key aspects of the regulations are that they require the whistleblower to make a complete disclosure of all facts in their possession and that they identify themselves to the confidential recipient so that, if necessary, and subject to strict conditions, their identity can be disclosed to a court or the Garda Commissioner or the Minister.
156 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress on the implementation of the Barr Tribunal recommendations and the recommendations contained in the report of the Garda Inspectorate relating to barricade incidents. [36469/08]
Following the publication of the Barr Tribunal Report, the Garda Inspectorate was tasked with reviewing the report to assess the reforms already introduced in the Garda Síochána and to recommend any additional steps required to bring the organisation into line with best international practice, particularly relating to barricade incidents.
The Garda Síochána Inspectorate's Report No. 2, Review of Garda Síochána Practices and Procedures for Barricade Incidents, contained 84 recommendations. I am informed by the Garda authorities that to date, 60 of those 84 recommendations (71%) have been implemented in full, including continued training for On-Scene Commanders and Negotiators, the establishment of the Regional Support Unit pilot programme in the Southern Region, and the acquisition of 4 Command Vehicles for the management of Critical Incidents.
Full implementation of the remaining 24 recommendations is ongoing.
157 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding he has committed to combating drug driving in 2008 and for 2009; the progress to date on increasing garda search powers in relation to drug crime. [36474/08]
The Medical Bureau of Road Safety, which comes under the aegis of the Department of Transport, analyses blood and urine specimens received under the Road Traffic Acts for the presence of a drug or drugs. The Department of Transport provides annual funding to the Bureau.
The matter of increasing Garda search powers in relation to drug crime is under consideration in my Department, having regard to the sensitivity and complexity of the issues involved in any significant extension of search powers, including issues of constitutional importance.
158 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date on the requirement of all mobile phones to be registered with name, address and proof of identity. [36475/08]
Consultations are taking place with An Garda Síochána with a view to progressing this matter.
159 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will introduce divestitures and trusteeships in relation to gangland crime as committed to in the Programme for Government 2007. [36476/08]
The Agreed Programme for Government contains commitments in relation to the use of divestitures and trusteeships in the fight against organised crime. As Minister, I am determined to take whatever steps are required to disrupt the activities of criminal gangs through the seizure of assets and the targeting of businesses and other enterprises used by them in furtherance of their criminal objectives. In this regard, the Criminal Assets Bureau is being actively utilised to identify and target assets accumulated by crime gangs, in order to seize such assets and to deprive criminals of the profits of their illegal activities. The measures which the Criminal Assets Bureau continues to take against crime groups involve the restraint and seizure of assets by way of the Proceeds of Crime legislation, the raising of tax assessments and the collection of money under revenue legislation and through the implementation of actions as deemed appropriate under Social Welfare legislation. This work continues to cause major disruption to these crime groups by removing the profit generated by their criminal activities and such action will continue to be vigorously pursued by the Bureau. My Department will continue to consider how to advance additional measures, such as the use of divestitures and trusteeships, designed to assist in the fight against organised crime.
160 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will establish the Judicial Sentencing Commission; and the time-frame once established to publish sentencing guidelines. [36477/08]
In considering this matter, my Department is guided by the ongoing work of the steering committee established by the Courts Service Board to plan for and provide information on sentencing. The committee, under the chair of Mrs. Justice Susan Denham of the Supreme Court, comprises a judge from the High, Circuit and District Courts and a university law lecturer with expertise in sentencing law.
The project, known as the Irish Sentencing Information System ("ISIS"), involves an examination of the feasibility of providing a computerised information system on sentences and other penalties imposed for criminal offences. This will assist judges when considering the sentence to be imposed in an individual case.
The objective of a sentencing information system is to enable a judge, by entering relevant criteria, to access information about the range of sentences and other penalties imposed for particular types of offence in previous cases.
The Committee established a pilot project in June 2006 in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. A further pilot commenced in Cork Circuit Court in April 2008. An appropriate IT system has been developed incorporating a database where the information collected is electronically stored for subsequent retrieval and searching.
161 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will introduce an annual formal review process to assess the effect of both the new mandatory sentencing regime for drug crime and for bail. [36478/08]
Section 27 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (as amended by the Criminal Justice Acts 1999, 2006 and 2007), provides for mandatory minimum sentences of not less than 10 years imprisonment for individuals convicted of a first offence under sections 15A and/or 15B of that Act.
The mandatory minimum sentence, or to give it its more accurate description, presumptive minimum sentence, is to be imposed in all cases save for those with very specific and exceptional mitigating factors.
Where an individual is convicted of a second or subsequent offence under sections 15A and/or 15B a court must always impose a sentence of not less than the mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. The maximum sentence available for section 15A and 15B offences is life imprisonment.
Having regard to concern about the degree to which the presumptive minimum sentence was being imposed, notwithstanding the amendments introduced by the Criminal Justice Act 2006, section 33 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 further amended section 27 of the 1977 Act in order to insert an interpretation clause.
The clause emphasises that a decision to depart from the presumptive minimum sentence must be based on the presence of exceptional and specific circumstances relating to the offence or the offender which would make it unjust in all the circumstances to impose a sentence of not less than 10 years.
Referring to the damaging effects of drug related crime on society the clause states that a court must, as a general principle, always impose the presumptive minimum sentence on persons convicted of an offence under sections 15A and 15B.
The Agreed Programme for Government includes a commitment to conduct a formal annual review of the effect of these provisions concerning the mandatory sentence regime for drug crime which were introduced by the Criminal Justice Act 2007.
As the provisions in question which are contained in Section 33 of the Act have only been in operation since 18 May 2007, the issue of establishing a formal review mechanism will be addressed at the appropriate stage.
With regard to the issue of bail, I can assure the Deputy that the Government has monitored the operation of the bail laws and continuously made them more stringent.
The Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution allows for bail to be refused to a person charged with a serious offence, where it is reasonably considered necessary to prevent the commission of a serious offence by that person.
The Bail Act 1997 gave effect to this Amendment and also tightened up the bail regime generally. One of the provisions introduced by this Act is that an offence committed while on bail is to be treated as an aggravating factor when sentence is being imposed by the Courts.
Under the Criminal Justice Act 1984, a sentence imposed for an offence committed while on bail is to run consecutive to the sentence for the original offence.
New powers were introduced by the Criminal Justice Act 2007 including a requirement that applicants for bail may have to provide a statement of their means, their previous criminal record and details of any offences committed while previously on bail.
This Act also provides that the opinion of a Garda Chief Superintendent that bail should be refused on the grounds that the applicant is likely to commit a serious offence if granted bail is admissible as evidence.
I am keeping all aspects of the operation of our bail laws under review.
162 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the provision of a specialised team trained in the area of domestic violence in each garda region. [36479/08]
During initial training all members of An Garda Síochána receive instructions in the handling and investigation of incidents relating to domestic violence. Additional training is given in the Garda College through a number of outside agencies which include Women's Aid, MOVE and AMEN.
While ‘domestic violence' is not the subject of specific definition in law, provisions of the following legislation can pertain in such situations:
Domestic Violence Act, 1996 (as amended)
Criminal Damage Act, 1991
Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act, 1997
Criminal Law (Rape) Amendment Act, 1990
Criminal Justice Public Order Act, 1994
Children Act, 2001
Breach of the Peace at Common Law. The Garda Síochána Policy on Domestic Violence Intervention was the subject of review and revised instructions were issued in 2007 on outline procedures to be adopted in investigating such incidents. There is a duty on all members of An Garda Síochána to investigate all incidents of domestic violence, including reports received from a third party.
Members of An Garda Síochána have at their disposal a number of dedicated suites throughout the State for dealing specifically with children and in some cases adults, who have been the victims of specific offences including domestic violence.
The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit within the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, under Assistant Commissioner, National Support Services, has national responsibility for the implementation of Garda Policy on Domestic Violence within the State. There are monitoring mechanisms in place, with a Garda Inspector appointed in every Garda Division, to ensure uniform enforcement countrywide.
163 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his commitment to provide an entitlement to free full separate legal advice, assistance and representation to complainants in cases of sexual violence. [36480/08]
I can inform the Deputy that the Legal Aid Board provides legal advice to complainants in a prosecution for a defined range of categories of sexual assault, including rape. In addition, legal representation in Court is also available to a complainant in certain sexual assault cases where the prior sexual history of the complainant is being raised by the accused person. No means test applies in any of these cases.
164 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date on establishing a dedicated missing persons unit and a response network similar to the amber alert in the USA. [36818/08]
In June 2008, I asked the Garda Inspectorate to undertake an assessment of the need to establish a dedicated Missing Persons Unit, including a response network similar to ‘Amber Alert' in the USA. This was in accordance with the commitment made in the Programme for Government.
I understand that the Inspectorate is currently making progress on its assessment and I look forward to examining its report in due course.
165 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will direct resources for a two-year period towards the provision of sports and community projects and the provision of physical education facilities in schools at primary and secondary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36320/08]
Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations and, in certain circumstances to schools and colleges, throughout the country. It is the main vehicle for development of sports facilities at local, regional and national level throughout the country. Under the programme priority is given to the needs of disadvantaged areas in the provision of sports facilities
Primary and post-primary schools wishing to be considered for funding under the programme may apply for funding jointly with local sports clubs or community groups and must meet other conditions including a requirement that the local community will have significant access to the proposed facility, at least 30 hours a week throughout the year, when it is not being used by the school itself. Any sports facility proposed for funding by a sporting organisation and which would be located within school grounds would have to meet these same conditions.
Applications from primary and post-primary schools and colleges on their own are not considered under the programme. Responsibility for the provision of sports facilities in schools and colleges is a matter in the first instance for my colleague the Minister for Education and Science.
166 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has fully implemented the recommendations of the working group on drug rehabilitation. [36471/08]
The Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation made a series of recommendations for the development of a comprehensive rehabilitation pillar under the National Drugs Strategy. As agreed by the Working Group, the HSE is taking the lead role in this area.
In this context, I understand that the post of Senior Rehabilitation Co-ordinator will shortly be filled by the HSE. In addition, the first meeting of the National Drugs Rehabilitation Implementation Committee will be held in early November, dovetailing with the appointment of the Co-ordinator, who will chair it. My Department will be represented on that Committee.
Meanwhile, a number of other rehabilitation initiatives are also being progressed, including the following: my Department is providing funding of €750,000 for rehabilitation initiatives at Local and Regional Drugs Task Force level this year; increased funding is also being provided to the Family Support Network and this will support the role of families in the rehabilitation process; 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 report's recommendations in regard to accommodation issues for recovering drug users.
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. While the Deputy will appreciate that it will take some time to give effect to all the recommendations of the Working Group, I can assure him that I will pursuing their implementation over the coming period.
167 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of local and regional drugs task forces around the country; the funding they have received in each of the past five years; and the progress to date on the development of additional projects to these drugs task forces. [36472/08]
There are 14 Local Drugs Task Forces (LDTFS) and 10 Regional Drugs Task Forces (RDTFs) covering all parts of the country. The locations of the Task Forces and expenditure — current and capital — from my Department to each of them for the last five years are set out below in Appendix 1.
With regard to the work of the Task Forces, the Deputy should note the following. Over 440 LDTF projects, including those under the Emerging Needs Fund, have been approved funding of €22m for 2008. Some €10m is being provided this year to advance the implementation of the RDTF plans. This will support approx. 155 community projects already in operation in the different areas and will allow for another 40 projects or so to get started this year. Earlier this year, I approved dedicated funding for 8 projects, totalling nearly €900,000, to tackle the problem of drug misuse in Limerick City and a further €500,000 is earmarked for a capital proposal which is currently being developed. I have also provided further funding of €100,000 to develop "Dial-to-Stop Drug Dealing Campaigns" in several Task Force areas.
In addition, further funding of almost €2m was approved earlier this year for projects in Task Force areas aimed at supporting rehabilitation (€750,000) and addressing cocaine use (€1.2m approx). Some €500,000 has been provided to Task Forces to run cocaine awareness campaigns in their areas to dovetail with the national awareness campaign. I recently approved capital expenditure of nearly €2.3m under the Regional Youth Initiative. This initiative will provide capital funding for the development of 16 dedicated youth facilities in RDTF areas not covered under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF). This funding is additional to the €4m approved in 2008 for 15 capital projects under the Premises Initiative Fund, which addresses the accommodation needs of community drugs projects in Task Force areas.
Finally, the Deputy should note that expenditure under the YPFSF — which operates in the LDTF areas and four urban centres — is not included in any of the figures provided.
|
Local Drugs Task Forces |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 to 20/10/08 |
Total |
|
€000m |
€000m |
€000m |
€000m |
€000m |
€000m |
|
|
Ballymun |
0.72 |
1.31 |
1.15 |
1.32 |
0.95 |
5.45 |
|
Ballyfermot |
0.60 |
1.20 |
1.52 |
1.37 |
2.29 |
6.99 |
|
Blanchardstown |
1.06 |
1.12 |
1.27 |
1.13 |
0.72 |
5.31 |
|
Bray |
1.13 |
1.33 |
1.39 |
1.65 |
1.15 |
6.65 |
|
Canal Communities |
1.33 |
1.29 |
1.30 |
1.65 |
1.68 |
7.26 |
|
D/Laoghaire Rathdown |
0.47 |
0.93 |
0.61 |
0.92 |
0.61 |
3.54 |
|
Dublin 12 |
0.30 |
0.85 |
1.00 |
1.07 |
1.34 |
4.56 |
|
Finglas/Cabra |
0.21 |
0.69 |
0.89 |
0.95 |
0.67 |
3.40 |
|
North Inner City |
1.66 |
1.82 |
2.58 |
2.67 |
2.77 |
11.50 |
|
South Inner City |
1.61 |
1.32 |
1.94 |
2.00 |
2.71 |
9.58 |
|
Cork |
1.23 |
1.25 |
1.61 |
1.67 |
2.10 |
7.86 |
|
Dublin NE |
0.55 |
1.22 |
1.05 |
1.14 |
0.90 |
4.85 |
|
Clondalkin |
1.27 |
1.30 |
0.94 |
1.40 |
1.52 |
6.42 |
|
Tallaght |
0.66 |
0.95 |
1.01 |
1.17 |
1.19 |
4.98 |
|
Cross Task Force |
0.07 |
0.09 |
0.34 |
0.34 |
0.48 |
1.31 |
|
Total |
12.87 |
16.67 |
18.61 |
20.43 |
21.08 |
89.66 |
|
Regional Drugs Task Forces |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 to 20/10/08 |
Total |
|
€000m |
€000m |
€000m |
€000m |
€000m |
€000m |
|
|
Northern |
0.05 |
0.00 |
0.32 |
0.58 |
0.15 |
1.10 |
|
North Dublin City and Fingal |
||||||
|
South Western |
0.03 |
0.06 |
0.38 |
0.46 |
0.76 |
1.68 |
|
South Dublin City, South Dublin, Kildare and West Wicklow |
||||||
|
East Coast |
0.05 |
0.03 |
0.42 |
1.14 |
0.50 |
2.14 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown and East Wicklow |
||||||
|
Midland |
0.03 |
0.03 |
0.16 |
0.26 |
0.57 |
1.04 |
|
Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois |
||||||
|
Mid-West |
0.03 |
0.05 |
0.36 |
0.39 |
1.15 |
1.98 |
|
Clare, North Tipperary and Limerick |
||||||
|
North East |
0.05 |
0.36 |
0.59 |
1.14 |
1.02 |
3.16 |
|
Monaghan, East Cavan, Meath and Louth |
||||||
|
North West |
0.05 |
0.03 |
0.19 |
0.28 |
0.37 |
0.91 |
|
West Cavan, Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim |
||||||
|
South East |
0.04 |
0.01 |
1.02 |
1.07 |
1.54 |
3.68 |
|
Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South and Waterford |
||||||
|
Southern |
0.04 |
0.03 |
0.32 |
1.23 |
0.94 |
2.56 |
|
Cork County and Kerry |
||||||
|
Western |
0.05 |
0.03 |
0.42 |
1.18 |
0.86 |
2.54 |
|
Mayo, Roscommon and Galway |
||||||
|
Total |
0.40 |
0.63 |
4.18 |
7.73 |
7.86 |
20.80 |
168 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding provided to the young people’s facilities and services fund each year since its establishment; and if he will provide details on the expansion of the fund to Leinster. [36473/08]
Details of the funding provided each year since 2002 — when responsibility for the Young Peoples Facilities & Services Fund transferred to this Department — are set out in the table.
The figures include funding provided for projects mainstreamed in 2004 and 2006 to the Departments of Education & Science and Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
In relation to the Fund, the Deputy should note that arrangements to give effect to the transfer of the Fund to the Office of the Minister of Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA) — in line with the Taoiseach's announcement last May — are expected to be completed shortly.
It was also announced earlier this year that the Fund is being extended to 4 new towns in Leinster — Arklow, Dundalk, Wexford and Athlone. The Deputy will appreciate that this will now be a matter for the OMCYA to progress in the context of funding available to them for 2009.
|
Year |
Funding by Dept of CRGA |
Funding transferred from D/CRGA to D/JELR and D/ES for mainstreaming |
Mainstreamed projects funding (DJELR & DES) |
Total YPFSF funding provided |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2002* |
15,223,390 |
N/A |
15,223,390 |
|
|
2003 |
20,003,265 |
N/A |
20,003,265 |
|
|
2004 |
11,878,212 |
6,405,370 |
N/A |
18,283,582 |
|
2005 |
14,241,929 |
7,095,980 |
21,337,909 |
|
|
2006 |
15,451,574 |
1,021,210 |
7,270,605 |
23,743,389 |
|
2007 |
20,274,778 |
8,642,000 |
28,916,778 |
|
|
2008 to date |
19,812,231 (to date) |
8,885,000 |
28,697,231 |
|
|
Total |
116,885,379 |
7,426,580 |
31,893,585 |
156, 205,544 |
*Funding administered by the Department of Education and Science in 2002.
169 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the question raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding EU Directive 2006/54/EC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36367/08]
Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation was adopted on 5 July, 2006. This Directive simplifies, modernises and improves Community legislation in the area of equal treatment for men and women in employment and occupation by bringing together in a single text the relevant provisions from the earlier directives relating to this subject in order to make them clearer and more effective for the benefit of all citizens.
There are three main subject areas covered by this Directive: access to employment, including promotion, and to vocational training; working conditions, including pay; and occupational social security schemes.
Article 2(1)(f) of this Directive defines occupational social security schemes as schemes "whose purpose is to provide workers, whether employees or self-employed, in an undertaking or group of undertakings, area of economic activity, occupational sector or group of sectors with benefits intended to supplement the benefits provided by statutory social security schemes or to replace them, whether membership of such schemes is compulsory or optional".
While this Directive applies to occupational social security schemes such as occupational pensions and benefits provided by the employer, it does not apply to statutory social security schemes, such as the Irish child benefit scheme. This position is made clear in the recent reply by the European Commission to a European Parliament question on this matter. In its reply the Commission clarifies that family benefits, including child benefit, are covered by the Directive provided that "such benefits constitute a consideration paid by the employer to the worker by reason of the latter's employment" in accordance with Article 7(1)(b) of that Directive.
Accordingly, the Directive only applies to family and child benefits provided by an employer as part of the person's remuneration package or package of other work-related benefits. It does not apply to family or child benefits paid as part of the statutory social security system. A technical review of the entire social welfare code, including Child Benefit, is currently being undertaken to examine its compatibility with the Equal Status Act, 2000. This review, which is examining the social welfare schemes and services provided for both on a legislative and administrative basis, aims to identify any instances of direct or indirect discrimination on any of the nine grounds listed under the Equal Status Act, including: gender, marital status and family status, that are not justified by a legitimate social policy objective or where the means of achieving that objective are either unnecessary or inappropriate. The review is due to be completed early in 2009.
170 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded disability allowance. [36575/08]
Disability Allowance is a weekly allowance which is currently paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under age 66. With effect from January 2009, as part of the Budget 2009 measures, the minimum age for receipt of Disability Allowance has been raised to 18 years for new claimants. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to both medical assessment and a means test.
The person concerned made an application for disability allowance on 31 July 2008. He was recently interviewed by a Social Welfare Inspector and the Inspector's report has been forwarded to the Disability Allowance Section in Longford. Upon receipt of the file in the Section, the medical papers relating to the person concerned will be assessed by the Department's Medical Assessor to determine if he satisfies the medical criteria for eligibility to disability allowance.
This person is currently in receipt of basic Supplementary welfare allowance at the reduced rate of €78.20 per week.
A final decision will be given on this person's application for Disability Allowance upon receipt of the Medical Assessor's and Social Welfare Inspector's reports. He will be notified directly of the outcome.
171 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a jobseekers allowance appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be finalised. [36578/08]
The claim for jobseeker's allowance by the person concerned was disallowed by a deciding officer of the Department on 24 August 2008 on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit.
An appeal was opened on 17 September 2008 and I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal.
On receipt of these, the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
172 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an oral hearing will be scheduled to finalise a half-rate carers allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [36579/08]
The claim for Carer's Allowance, by the person concerned, was refused by a Deciding Officer of the Department on the 10th April 2008 on the grounds that he was not providing full-time care and attention in respect of the care recipient and that he was employed outside the home for more than 15 hours per week.
An appeal was opened on 17 April 2008 and I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with the statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal.
These have been received and her case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral appeal hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on Social Welfare entitlements.
173 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Defence the number of recruits who have enlisted in the Reserve Defence Force, the Army Reserve, since its reorganisation on 1 October 2005; the number of reservists who have resigned or left the Reserve Defence Force; the number of reserve officers who have resigned their commission since reorganisation; if the strength of the Army Reserve meets the establishment strength; his proposals to deal with the shortage of manpower in the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36363/08]
A detailed breakdown of the number of recruits enlisted in the Reserve Defence Force and the number discharged since the reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force on 1 October 2005 are in the form of Tabular Statements.
|
Year |
Number |
|
2005 |
1,069 |
|
2006 |
1,124 |
|
2007 |
972 |
|
2008 to 31 August, 2008 |
890 |
|
Total |
4,055 |
|
Year |
Number |
|
2005 |
3,085 |
|
2006 |
1,948 |
|
2007 |
1,497 |
|
2008 to 31 August, 2008 |
1,239 |
|
Total |
7,769 |
A total of 26 Reserve officers resigned their commissions from 1 October, 2005 to date.
The Reserve Defence Force Review implementation plan set out proposed establishment strengths for the Reserve Defence Force. The Non-Integrated element of the Reserve was to be comprised of 9,692 personnel (9,292 Army Reserve and 400 Naval Service Reserve) and accordingly new organisational structures which give effect to this establishment, were introduced in October, 2005.
The integrated element of the Army Reserve has a planned establishment of 2,656. As provided for in the plan a pilot integration programme was launched in 2007 and continued in 2008. The military authorities are currently reviewing the pilot programme and will bring forward proposals for the future development of the Integrated Reserve for my consideration.
The strength of the Reserve on 31 August, 2008 was 7,856. The reduction in personnel numbers is partly due to the removal of non-effective personnel from Reserve Unit's strength. A planned recruitment and awareness campaign has been postponed in light of current budgetary constraints. This important project will be re-visited when the budgetary situation permits.
174 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Defence the dates on which firearms and ammunition stored at Clancy Barracks were destroyed on behalf of the Garda technical bureau between 1 July 2000 and 31 August 2000; the nature and quantities destroyed; and the date on which tenders were invited for the destruction of firearms and munitions at Clancy Barracks during the years 2000 and 2001. [36369/08]
I am advised that in the 1990s the Defence Forces provided storage facilities in Clancy Barracks, Dublin for weapons and small arms ammunition belonging to the Garda Technical Bureau. This arrangement was for the purpose of storage only and lasted up until the closure of Clancy Barracks in December 2001.
The Defence Forces did not destroy any weapons or ammunition on behalf of the Garda Technical Bureau during the period from 1 July 2000 and 31 August 2000 and had no involvement in any tender competition for the destruction of firearms and munitions belonging to the Garda Technical Bureau during the years 2000 and 2001.
175 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the position in regard to the development and participation in EU or UN sponsored RAPID response forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36426/08]
Ireland participated in the Nordic Battlegroup (NBG), which was on stand-by from 1 January 2008 to 30 June 2008. The other members of the Nordic Battlegroup were Sweden, acting as Framework Nation, Finland, Norway and Estonia. The Defence Forces contribution to the NBG was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (EOD/IEDD) contingent with its own security detail. Battlegroups have been on stand-by in the European Union since 1 January 2007. To date no Battlegroup has been deployed.
With regard to Ireland's participation in future Battlegroups, we are committed in principle to participation in the Nordic Battlegroup (NBG), which will be on stand-by for the first six (6) months of 2011. Other contributors to the Nordic Battlegroup are Sweden, acting as Framework Nation, Finland, Norway and Estonia. Informal discussions have also taken place between staff in the Department of Defence and representatives from Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) regarding Ireland's possible participation in the proposed Austrian/German Battlegroup. This Battlegroup will be on stand-by for the second six (6) months of 2012. Government approval will be required before participation in either Battlegroup is finalised.
176 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces will receive ongoing training and equipment in keeping with other defence forces on EU or UN sponsored missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36427/08]
The Defence Forces receive ongoing training and equipment to enable them to participate fully in UN, EU and other missions overseas. Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training, designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. Pre-deployment training is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force and is updated in the light of increased threat. I am satisfied that Defence Forces personnel serving overseas receive the necessary training to enable them to carry out their duties in a professional manner.
Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment. This equipment enables troops to carry out the mission assigned, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission. Ongoing threat assessments are carried out in mission areas and we continually review both personal equipment and force assets, to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their roles.
179 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which it is intended, expected or required to extend or improve the coastal surveillance services provided by the Air Corps and Navy with particular reference to the ever growing need arising from drug trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36430/08]
The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. The Naval Service operates eight general purpose patrol ships. All eight ships are involved in coastal and offshore patrolling and surveillance for the State in that part of the seas where State jurisdiction applies. The Naval Service provides a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. The Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Fishery Limits. At present, fishery protection activity accounts for roughly 90% of all Naval Service patrol time. However, as the need arises, Naval Service vessels may be deployed to other duties such as aid to the civil power and drug interdiction operations.
The current Exclusive Fishery Limits extend to 200 miles offshore and cover an area of 132,000 nautical square miles. The Naval Service currently patrols the entire 200 mile limit and periodically patrols beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. The number of Patrol Vessels on patrol in Irish waters at any one time varies between three and seven. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time. Naval Service patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps. The Air Corps Maritime Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of territorial waters using the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft.
The White Paper on Defence provides for a security role for the Naval Service and the Air Corps to assist and support the civil authorities in the prevention of drug trafficking. Government measures to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs, including the establishment in 1993 of a Joint Task Force involving An Garda Síochána, the Customs Service and the Naval Service, have helped to maximise the effective use of Naval Service resources in combating drug trafficking. The Air Corps provide air support and, on occasion, carry the Customs National Drugs Team in an observational capacity for the purpose of monitoring vessels suspected of drug trafficking and other illegal activities. There is close co-operation between the civil authorities and the Naval Service and the Air Corps in discharging this important mission. I am satisfied with the coastal surveillance services currently provided by the Air Corps and the Naval Service and I have no plans, nor do I feel there is a requirement to extend these services.
180 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the way recent financial cutbacks are expected to affect each sector in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36431/08]
181 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the estimated or intended savings proposed by his Department in the course of the current cutbacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36432/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.
The gross total allocation for my Department in 2009 is €1,061m, comprising €852m in the Defence Estimate and €209m in the Army Pensions Estimate. When compared with the allocation for 2008, this represents a reduction of 4% in the Defence Estimate and an increase of 10% in the Army Pensions Estimate, giving an overall reduction of 1.6%. The reduction in the Defence Estimate will be achieved by making savings across a number of subheads, both pay and non-pay. In common with other areas of the public sector, a payroll cut of 3% has been applied in the case of the civil service staff of my Department, the Defence Forces and civilians employed with the Defence Forces. This will entail restrictions on the filling of vacancies, including the temporary deferral of recruitment, throughout the Defence organisation.
A number of capital building projects will be deferred and some equipment replacement programmes are likely to be spread over a longer period. However, the allocation provided for 2009 will enable the Defence Forces to maintain their current level of operations at home and abroad, including the overseas peace support operations in Chad and Kosovo. In the current economic situation, it is not possible to continue the same rate of expenditure on equipment and infrastructure as has taken place in recent years. However, I am satisfied that priority programmes of investment will be maintained.
182 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the need for upgrading or modernisation of military equipment, hardware or facilities has been identified; when it is intended to implement such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36433/08]
The acquisition of new equipment and facilities for the Defence Forces continues to be a key focus for me as Minister for Defence. Significant investment has taken place in recent years in this regard and this investment will continue in the future taking into account the financial situation year on year. The unprecedented level of expenditure on equipment for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service was made possible by the Government's decision that pay savings arising from the reorganization of the Defence Forces set out in the White Paper of 2000, along with proceeds from the sale of surplus properties, would be reallocated for investment in modern facilities and equipment.
Investment in new equipment for the Defence Forces is provided for under various Subheads of the Defence Vote relating to defensive equipment, mechanical transport, aircraft, ships and naval stores, engineering, communications and Information Technology equipment etc. All elements of the Defence Forces, the Army, Air Corps, Naval Service and the Reserve have benefited from the investment in new equipment.
With the completion of the Mowag Armoured Personnel Carrier contract, the acquisition of Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles (LTAV) is regarded as a priority by the Defence Forces given the nature of their roles on overseas Peace Support Missions. A tender competition for the acquisition of the vehicles is well advanced. The intention is that the LTAV will complement the Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in the conduct of conventional and Peace Support Operations and will fill a gap that exists between soft-skinned vehicles and the Mowags.
The proposal is to acquire an initial twenty-seven vehicles (17 for overseas missions and 10 at home for training). The tender competition will allow for two additional options, for another twenty-seven vehicles. There is a sum of €6m in this year's Estimates provision as a down payment on an LTAV contract. The results of the tender competition will dictate the overall cost of the project. It is my intention to have a contract for the acquisition of the LTAVs in place by the end of the year. The equipment issued to the Defence Forces is in keeping with the most modern requirements and the highest international standards. The ongoing investment in the Defence Forces will ensure that this remains to be the case.
On the infrastructural side, my Department has an ongoing capital building programme designed to modernise the living, training, operational and accommodation facilities available to the Defence Forces, both Permanent and Reserve. The programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings. Since 1999 over €250 million has been expended on the programme. Estimated expenditure this year is €28.6m including a carryover of €3m savings from 2007. It is intended that Defence Forces facilities will continue to be modernised over the coming years notwithstanding the disposal of some military installations. Any revenue accruing from the disposal of these installations will be used to finance infrastructure projects within the Defence Forces.
183 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his plans to increase the strength of the Army, Navy or Air Corps in the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36434/08]
The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 set out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force as the strength sufficient to meet all foreseeable military requirements for the period comprehended by the White Paper (i.e. up to 2010). This remains the position. In common with other areas of the public service a payroll cut of 3% has been applied to the Defence Forces for 2009. Recruitment to the Defence Forces will be rescheduled in order to meet the revised allocation.
184 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his plans to update, upgrade or modernise the Defence Forces as a result of recent proposals to dispose of military installations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36435/08]
In keeping with the commitments in the White Paper on Defence it is intended that the Defence Forces will continue to be modernised over the coming years. Any revenue accruing from the disposal of surplus Defence property will be used to finance equipment acquisition and infrastructure projects within the Defence Forces.
185 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the persons to whom it is intended to dispose of the various military installations which he proposed to close as announced in budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36436/08]
No decision has been made yet on the disposal of these Barracks. However, in keeping with Government policy the proceeds of any disposal will be reinvested in the Defence Forces.
186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has studied the social, economic and strategic defence implications arising from his decision to close a number of military installations here; if his attention has been drawn to the likely implications for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36437/08]
The consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective of the White Paper on Defence. The proposals announced in the Budget have been developed in full consultation with the military authorities. The dispersal of personnel over an extended number of locations is a major impediment to essential collective training. It also imposes increased and unnecessary overheads on the Defence Forces in terms of barrack management, administration, maintenance and security. The consolidation process is designed to facilitate higher training standards, while also freeing up under-utilised resources and personnel for operational duties. As such, there are significant benefits from an economic, social and strategic context for Defence in the implementation of the current programme.
187 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to expand the role of community wardens. [36461/08]
Community wardens have a broad range of functions, which fall under three main headings, namely, community liaison; the enforcement of a range of local authority functions, including certain traffic offences, litter offences and casual trading; and the monitoring of housing estates, tourist attractions and public amenities and the reporting of breaches of environmental or planning legislation. There are no plans at present to expand this role.
188 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36281/08]
189 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to a query (details supplied). [36282/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together.
As signalled by the Minister for Finance in Budget 2009, a new single streamlined Government Equity scheme is to be introduced in relation to affordable housing. Under this new arrangement the purchase transaction will be largely unchanged from the affordable purchaser's perspective. However, instead of units being sold at a discounted price, with the value of the discount being subject to a reducing clawback, the State will take an equity stake in affordable units sold. The purchaser will have the option of either buying out the remaining equity in steps or at the end of a fixed period.
Initially, it is intended to apply the equity loan arrangement to affordable housing delivered under Part V, the 1999 Affordable Housing Scheme and the Affordable Housing Initiative, once the details have been finalised and the necessary legislative provision has been introduced through the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2008. The issue of introducing an open market component of the scheme will be kept under review in light of developments in the housing market.
These new arrangements will introduce greater equity into the system and provide a basis for achieving greater consistency across the schemes and across different areas of the country. The greater protection of the State's investment will also mean that funds can be recycled into assisting further households with affordable housing.
Full information on the revised arrangements will be made available prior to their commencement. In the interim, the existing arrangements for allocation and sale of affordable housing continue to apply. Prospective applicants for affordable homes should apply in the normal way to the local authority or local authorities in the areas in which they are interested in purchasing. The website www.affordablehome.ie also carries information on affordable housing, and many local authorities are using this facility to advertise affordable homes, including application forms, in addition to their own local advertising and ongoing contacts with applicants on their lists.
190 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the current and capital allocations he is making in 2009 to the Northside Regeneration Agency and the Southside Regeneration Agency in Limerick city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36301/08]
In 2008 my Department allocated almost €7 million to support the operation of the Limerick Regeneration Agencies, mainly for the development of the regeneration master plans and for social inclusion measures.
Within the overall funding available to my Department for the provision and improvement of social housing for 2009, funds will be provided to advance the planning of the Limerick Regeneration Scheme, to meet the costs of the Regeneration Agencies, to facilitate a number of households wishing to move in line with the overall regeneration strategy, and for related matters. The full allocation of funding for regeneration schemes nationally, including for Limerick, will be finalised early next year.
191 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will issue guidelines to local authorities for the erection of wind turbines for the supply of electricity for domestic and on farm use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36328/08]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 393 of 7 October 2008.
The Planning and Development Regulations 2007 provide exemptions from planning permission requirements in respect of certain classes of micro-renewable technologies for use in the home. The exemptions apply to solar panels and other micro-renewable technologies such as wind turbines, heat pumps and biomass, subject to certain conditions in each case.
The exemptions in respect of Wind Turbines provides for the construction, erection or placing of a wind turbine within the curtilage of a domestic house. The main conditions include that the Wind Turbine cannot be mounted on to the house or any other structure, its height should not exceed 13 metres and its rotor diameter should not exceed 6 meters. A summary of the exemption is attached.
In 2007, my Department reviewed the Planning Regulations with regard to exempted developments and carried out research into the planning implications of exempting renewable energy technologies in the industrial, business and agricultural sectors, with a view to providing specific exemptions wherever possible to encourage uptake of such technologies. On foot of this work, a consultation paper outlining proposed exemptions was issued in October 2007. A total of 51 submissions were received and carefully considered.
In July 2008, the Oireachtas approved the Planning and Development Regulations 2008, providing planning exemptions for specified renewable technologies in the industrial, business and agricultural sectors. Wind Turbines are included in the classes of micro-renewable technology exemptions applicable to agricultural sites and a summary of the exemption is attached.
On the general issue of Wind Farm development, my Department issued the Wind Energy Development Guidelines in June 2006. A copy of the Guidelines is available on my Department's website www.environ.ie. The Guidelines offer advice to planning authorities on planning for wind energy through the development plan process and in determining applications for planning permission.
EXEMPTIONS FOR RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGY (DOMESTIC)
Wind Turbines
No exemption for building-mounted turbines
Max height up to 13m
Rotor diameter up to 6m
Ground clearance of at least 3m
Must be turbine height (including the blade of the turbine at the highest point of its arc) plus 1m from nearest party boundary
Consent of IAA required if within 5kms of an airfield, etc
Noise levels must be less than 43db(A) during normal operation
Only 1 per site
No constructed, erected or place forward if the front wall of a house
No logos, and non-reflective finish.
EXEMPTIONS FOR RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGY (AGRICULTURAL)
Wind Turbines
No exemption for building-mounted turbines
Max height up to 20m
Rotor diameter up to 8m
Ground clearance of at least 3m
Must be turbine height plus 5m from nearest party boundary and non-electrical overhead cables
Must be turbine height plus 20m from 38kV lines or own height plus 30m from lines of 110kV or more
Consent of IAA required if within 5kms of an airfield, etc
Noise levels must be less than 43db(A) at site boundary
Only 1 per site, and not within an ACA
No logos, and non-reflective finish.
192 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his view on a new development charge for roads being made, in addition to regular development charges, on a planning application which was already lodged and in the process of being finalised, when the new charge was approved by the council and then levied, on this application retrospectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36329/08]
Development contribution schemes under Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 are drawn up by each planning authority and approved by the elected members following a public consultation process. It is also open to a planning authority to prepare a Supplementary Development contribution scheme under Section 49 of the Act. It is a matter for the members of the planning authority to determine the level of contribution and the types of development to which they will apply.
It is open to applicants for planning permission to appeal a planning decision to An Bord Pleanála if the applicant considers that the terms of a development contribution scheme or supplementary development contribution scheme have not been properly applied in respect of any planning condition laid down by the planning authority.
Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, I may not exercise any power or control in a particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála may be concerned.
193 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to remove the hazardous waste on Haulbowline Island and clean up the island once this waste is removed; the amount this will cost his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36373/08]
Following extensive unauthorised works by sub-contractors my Department re-engaged consultants, White Young Green, to carry out an independent and rigorous assessment of site conditions on Haulbowline, including assessment of any health or environmental risks posed by the work, assessing quality of surface water, marine sediment and mussel bivalves in the vicinity and ambient air monitoring.
White Young Green previously carried out an extensive intrusive site investigation in 2005 which indicated no evidence of any immediate threat to human health or the environment. Test results will be assessed against baseline data from the previous survey.
Furthermore, at the request of local residents and public representatives, the current ongoing site assessment works, and the 2005 report, are being peer reviewed by independent experts to offer reassurance to the local communities that the scope of works, tests and analyses employed conform to best international practice in determining whether the site poses any immediate health or environmental threat. Professor Phillip Morgan (Sirius Geotechnical & Environmental Ltd.) and Dr. Marcus Trett (Physalia Limited, Consultant & Forensic Ecologists) have been appointed to carry out the peer review.
Both the White Young Green and the peer review reports will be published once they have been received and assessed by my Department. Any recommendations arising from these reports will then inform proposals to Government. The future use of the site will determine the level of any future remediation that may be required and any potential costs involved.
I anticipate that both the White Young Green and peer review reports will be available in a matter of weeks.
194 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to grant aid the provision of domestic wind turbine generation of electricity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36321/08]
I announced earlier this year the introduction of a new support programme to grant-aid a series of 50 or so micro-scale wind and photovoltaic electricity generating projects suitable for use in both domestic and commercial locations.
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), which is administering the scheme, has recently completed consultations with industry stakeholders on micro scale devices and industry standards. The programme will open shortly to receive applications in accordance with the published qualifying conditions. As part of the new programme, SEI will also shortly publish a guide to connecting renewable electricity generators to the electricity network.
The Revised Part L Building Regulations include a compulsory renewable energy component for all new houses. This will not only ensure that renewables are integrated into the housing stock but will also encourage developers to take account of a range of renewable options when developing new homes. In February 2007 exemptions from the requirement to apply for planning permission for certain categories of micro-generation technologies were introduced under Statutory Instrument. S.I. No. 83 of 2007 "Planning and Development Regulations 2007". Following further consultation last year, SI 235 of 2008 "Planning and Development Regulations 2008", provides for further planning exemptions for additional classes of renewable energy installations.
The Commission for Energy Regulation jointly with ESB Networks have recently amended the rules associated with small scale generators. It is now the case that generators of less than 6kW on single phase electricity and 11kW on three phase electricity supply cables can now connect their generators without prior authorisation.
195 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timescale for the conclusion of the tendering process for the national broadband scheme; the estimated roll-out time for broadband services to all areas of the country under the national broadband scheme; the estimated cost of the national broadband scheme in 2009; the areas that will be covered by the scheme; if he will confirm that all areas not currently provided with a broadband service will be covered by the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36340/08]
197 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will proceed with the national rural broadband scheme; when he will announce the competition for same; the funding available in 2009, 2010 and 2011 for same; and when the notification of the winner of the competition will be announced.. [36346/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 197 together.
My Department has reached the evaluation stage of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) procurement process. The evaluation of bids is scheduled for completion shortly and the contract is expected to be signed next month. In order to protect the integrity of the procurement process, the financial information relating to the Scheme will not be disclosed at this stage.
Subject to agreement with the chosen service provider, rollout of services is expected to begin shortly after the contract is signed. The chosen service provider will be required to complete the roll out of services within 22 months of the contract award. All requests for a broadband service in the areas to be addressed by the NBS will be met.
196 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if households that upgrade their windows to improve the energy efficiency of their home will be eligible for the 30% grant under the home energy saving scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36341/08]
Budget 2009 includes a €20m allocation for the national roll-out of the Home Energy Savings Scheme. The specific mechanisms and eligibility details of the programme will be defined shortly.
198 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the number and the schools which will be losing teaching staff due to the new changes in the staffing schedule. [36277/08]
199 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools which will not be in a position to gain extra teachers due to the new changes in the staffing schedule. [36278/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.
The specific information requested, by the Deputy, in relation to the detailed staffing allocations that individual schools will have for the commencement of the academic year 2009/10 cannot be determined until the allocation processes at primary and post-primary level have fully concluded. There is nothing exceptional in this. The allocation processes include appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules.
This is particularly relevant at post-primary level where the appellate process considers in particular any specific curricular needs of the school concerned. At primary level the final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in the existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme. At post-primary there is no effective system-wide redeployment scheme at present and this can mean that schools retain teachers, though over quota, and in addition discrete allocations are made to post-primary schools for example to cater for pupils with Special Educational Needs and those with Language difficulties and these allocations can also alter the ultimate position of the school in relation to any over quota position.
I want to clarify again that my Department's budget for next year has been prepared on the same fundamental basis as any other year by estimating the number of teachers that will be employed under the different categories (e.g mainstream, special needs and language support) and allowing for any change in overall demographics. Schools are currently returning data to my Department in relation to their enrolment as of 30 September. My Department has commenced processing these data although all schools have not yet made their returns. The allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year.
200 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide a list, on a county basis, of all schools that are currently using prefabs as classrooms; and the age of these prefabs. [36279/08]
The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years, with the appointment of 6,000 extra teachers in the primary sector alone since 2002. In considering the need to provide extra resource and other teachers to schools in recent years, the Government could have decided to make children wait until permanent accommodation could be provided. However, we prioritised putting the extra teachers into schools as soon as possible and, in some cases, this has involved the provision of high-quality steel-framed prefabricated structures to accommodate them.
While comprehensive information on the use of temporary accommodation is held on individual school files, my Department did not have a central database of those schools that are currently using prefabricated accommodation as classrooms. In order to remedy this, my Department has surveyed almost 900 primary schools across the country regarding their use of rented prefabricated accommodation and is in the process of compiling this information. The information gathered will be used to produce a database of information on rented prefabricated accommodation which will be maintained on an ongoing basis and will inform my Department's future decision-making in this area. This work is well advanced and I anticipate it will be completed shortly. When the information from the survey on rental of prefabricated accommodation is complete I will write to the Deputy with the relevant information.
The Permanent Accommodation Scheme was introduced in 2003 to reduce the need for prefabs. It was designed to give value for money in terms of providing permanent accommodation in place of prefabs, where an accommodation need was likely to exist for a considerable length of time. Since its introduction, over €100m has been allocated to schools under the scheme and it has resulted in the provision of an additional 625 classrooms and 275 resource rooms in schools around the country. This is in addition to those classrooms provided under the major capital projects managed by my Department. Had the Permanent Accommodation Scheme not been in place, a very significant proportion of those classrooms and resource rooms would have had to be provided using temporary accommodation such as prefabricated classrooms.
In July of this year I introduced a further innovation which allows those schools with an urgent and pressing need for additional accommodation and who are being given approval for grant-aid to avail of the option of using their grants to purchase prefabs or to construct permanent classrooms for the same amount. Despite this, it will continue to be necessary for prefabricated accommodation to be provided because competing priorities mean that it will not always be possible to have a permanent accommodation solution in place in a short timeframe. My Department will continue to provide funding for such prefabricated accommodation and the decision on whether to rent or purchase will depend on the likely length of time it will be required. In all cases, the approach will be to ensure best value for money.
201 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a student (details supplied) has not received a third level place in the 2008-2009 academic year. [36288/08]
The responsibility for managing access to third level places rests with the Central Applications Office (CAO) and the third level institutions generally. The higher education institutions have delegated to the CAO the task of processing applications to their first year undergraduate courses. However, the participating institutions retain the function of making decisions on admissions. Neither my Department nor the Higher Education Authority has any role to play in relation to the operation of the CAO or the admissions policies of third level institutions.
202 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the financial assistance available to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [36298/08]
The decision on eligibility for student maintenance grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority, either the local authority or VEC, as appropriate. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department, except in exceptional circumstances.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of maintenance grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department.
203 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that non-payment of moneys due to a contractor (details supplied) who supplied pedestrian control traffic lights at a school is delaying the switching on of the lights as required by the planning permission which issued to the school, thus causing a danger to pupils crossing a busy road; and if he will ensure that the amounts due are paid by his Department. [36318/08]
The Department has now cleared for payment the outstanding amount due to the contractor in relation to the pedestrian crossing project at the school referred to the Deputy. It is expected therefore that this matter will be resolved very shortly.
204 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the financial and educational support that exists to assist a person (details supplied) in County Galway who wishes to pursue a course at third level in order to re-enter the workforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36322/08]
The three Third Level Student Support Schemes, administered by the Local Authorities and the Vocational Education Committees on behalf of my Department, offer financial assistance to eligible students attending approved third level courses. Students 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 closing date for receipt of grant applications for 2008/09 academic year was 29th August 2008. The awarding bodies, at their own absolute discretion, may accept applications after this date. The person referred to by the Deputy should contact their local awarding body to determine whether a late application would be considered at this juncture for the 2008/09 academic year.
The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the work force. Eligibility for the Back to Education Allowance and associated payments is determined and administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
205 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason funding allocated and assurances given by his Department at the end of 2006 that a project at a school (details supplied) in County Galway would proceed unhindered to completion; and if he will confirm that these funds were diverted to another project. [36323/08]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
206 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm if he has approved the provision of a new second level school for Kinvara, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36324/08]
The Commission on School Accommodation conducted a survey of school accommodation in the area referred to by the Deputy to determine the location of the proposed post primary school and to identify other locations where additional school places may be required over the next five to ten years.
The Commission published its report in January 2008 which recommended that a co-educational post primary school for circa 800 students should be provided in the northern environs of the area in question. When a new school has been approved, a number of procedures/processes must be undertaken and these can take some time to complete. The main stages are the identification and acquisition of a suitable site, design of the building, application/granting of planning permission, invitation to seek tenders and construction.
The Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works (OPW), which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has been requested to source a suitable site for the school in question. The further progression of the proposed project for the school will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
207 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on plans to construct a new primary school in Eglish, Ahascragh and Ballinasloe in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36325/08]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of a new school building was received in April 2008 from the school referred to by the Deputy.
The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this project at this time.
208 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the ten year old plans to construct a new primary school at Aughrim and Ballinasloe in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36326/08]
An application for an new school has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
209 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools at primary and second level that have purpose built physical education facilities; if he is satisfied with this provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36327/08]
The specific information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department and in view of other competing priorities in the capital area, it is not possible to allocate staffing resources to the compilation of the information at this stage.
My Department's design guidelines for schools include guidance on the provision of PE Halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts. PE facilities have been provided, where appropriate, as part of my Department's school building programme which, between 2000 and 2006, involved the delivery of over 7,800 projects, with an investment of €2.6 billion. A further €4.5 billion is to be invested under the current National Development Plan 2007-2013. Close to €600m of this will be provided this year alone. This multi-annual funding will enable my Department to continue to take a proactive approach to the provision of modern school accommodation including PE facilities.
210 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the way a school (details supplied) in County Cork can apply for a devolved grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36333/08]
An application for temporary accommodation from the school to which the Deputy refers has been considered in my Department. In the context of available funding and the number of applications received for that funding it was not possible to approve all applications and only those with an absolute and demonstrated need for additional accommodation were approved.
The application from the school to which the Deputy refers was not successful on this occasion because it has accommodation that can be used on an interim basis. It is open to the school authority to apply for funding again next year under this Scheme.
211 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a student (details supplied), who previously received a bus pass for the past two years, has been refused school transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36342/08]
Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, a pupil is eligible for transport if s/he resides 4.8 kilometres or more from her/his local post primary education centre.
The scheme is not designed to facilitate parents who choose to send their children to a post-primary centre outside of the catchment area in which they reside. However, children who are fully eligible for transport to the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside, may apply for transport on a concessionary basis to a post-primary centre outside of their own catchment area — otherwise known as catchment boundary transport. These children can only be facilitated if spare seats are available on the bus after all other eligible children travelling to their local post-primary centre have been catered for. Such children have to make their own way to the nearest pick up point within that catchment area.
The Transport Liaison Officer for the relevant county and Bus Éireann have advised that the transport service in question is operating to capacity. The family should continue to liaise with Bus Éireann regarding the availability of spare seats on the bus.
212 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason students (details supplied) who received bus passes for previous years have been refused school transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36343/08]
Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, a pupil is eligible for transport if s/he resides 4.8 kilometres or more from her/his local post primary education centre.
The scheme is not designed to facilitate parents who choose to send their children to a post-primary centre outside of the catchment area in which they reside. However, children who are fully eligible for transport to the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside, may apply for transport on a concessionary basis to a post-primary centre outside of their own catchment area — otherwise known as catchment boundary transport. These children can only be facilitated if spare seats are available on the bus after all other eligible children travelling to their local post-primary centre have been catered for. Such children have to make their own way to the nearest pick up point within that catchment area.
The Transport Liaison Officer for the relevant county and Bus Éireann have advised that the transport service in question is operating to capacity. The families should continue to liaise with Bus Éireann regarding the availability of spare seats on the bus.
213 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the budget which is under the responsibility of the various Ministers of State at his Department, that is the budgets which are under their sole discretion and which do not require his authority before approval is made for expenditure; the amounts in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36348/08]
The total allocation under the control of Minister Haughey, as included in the 2009 Budget Estimates is €426m. The total allocation under the control of Minister of State Andrews is €49m.
In exercising their delegated functions, Ministers of State have regard to the overall responsibilities of the Minister for Education and Science in relation to the wider policy and budgetary framework, and the determination of priorities within that, for the Department of Education and Science.
214 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has had discussions with a school (details supplied) in County Dublin with regard to acquiring an additional plot of land beside the school building; and if he will work with the school to assist in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36349/08]
My Department has had no recent discussions with the school to which the Deputy refers on the acquisition of an additional plot of land. If the school authorities wish to discuss the matter further, they should contact officials in my Department.
215 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on introducing an insurance scheme through his Department for students visiting historical and educational sites which may not be covered by private insurers for such tours (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36361/08]
The issue of insurance for schools is a matter for the school authority concerned and this is the case in relation to the general conduct of a school's business whether in the school setting or in the context mentioned by the Deputy. In that context a school should be satisfied that it is adequately covered by insurance against liability in respect of injury to pupils and teachers while participating in educational tours. The precise nature and terms of such insurance is a matter between individual schools and their insurers.
Of course the insurance required by any school in such instance need only relate to any potential liability it or its agents might be found to have. Insurance cover for any liability that the owners of historical and educational sites might be found to have is of course a matter for those parties. My Department has no plans to introduce an insurance scheme of the nature suggested by the Deputy.
216 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science his options to preserve jobs and services at the physical education halls of schools (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36370/08]
The halls referred to by the Deputy were built as part of a programme to develop community sports halls in drugs task force areas in Dublin and Cork. The stated objective of the programme was that each hall would be dual use in nature in that they would be accessible to the wider community as well as to the local school population. The intention was that, apart from normal school usage, the facilities would be available as much as possible to the community and, in particular, to target groups such as youth at risk.
An application was made by my Department in 2006 for dormant accounts funding to enable community usage of the halls to commence. Government approval was received in 2007 for the drawdown of funding of approximately €2.1 million in respect of six of the halls, including those referred to by the Deputy. In regard to these six halls, management structures were put in place and community groups were given access.
The position is that the allocated dormant accounts funding will provide for the operation of these halls until the end of 2008. My Department does not fund community facilities but we are in contact with other Departments with responsibilities in this area and will be in contact with the relevant stakeholders as quickly as possible.
217 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that the building programme at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6W will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36371/08]
The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
218 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that his senior officials are in touch with the board of management of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24 in respect of the accommodation needs of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36372/08]
The building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is currently at an early stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
219 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will provide funding for a new school building at a national school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36379/08]
My Department will be providing a new greenfield site building for the school to which the Deputy refers. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.
220 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ina Roinn leis an iarratas ó Ghaelscoil (sonraí tugtha); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [36387/08]
Tá iarratas ar fhoirgneamh úr déanta ag an scoil dá dtagraíonn an Teachta. Machnófar ar bhonn leanúnach dul chun cinn gach uile tionscadal tógála ar scála mór, an tionscadal seo ina measc, ón túschéim dearaidh go dtí tairisceana agus tógáil, i gcomhthéacs Chlár Tógala agus Athnuachain Scoile Ilbhliantúil mo Roinnse.
221 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a matter in relation to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [36388/08]
I understand that the young person in question will be finishing his schooling next June. As the Deputy is aware, the Department of Health and Children/Health Service Executive assumes direct responsibility for young adults with special educational needs who are over 18 years. It is expected that special school authorities would consider post-school placement for school leavers in the period leading up to a student's graduation from the school. It is open to the family to liaise with the school authorities to discuss post-school placement options for the young person in question.
222 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason pedestrian traffic lights adjunct to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare have not been switched on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36438/08]
My Department has now cleared for payment the outstanding amount due to the contractor in relation to the pedestrian crossing project at the school referred to the Deputy. It is expected therefore that this matter will be resolved very shortly.
223 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the developments, since his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 767 of 17 June 2008, in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the degree to which the full accommodation requirement then identified still apply; when it is expected that the next stage of the development plan will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36439/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that on 29 September, I announced that the project in question could proceed. A tender report for the school building project referred to by the Deputy was previously received by my Department.
As the Deputy will be aware however, from February 2008 all Capital Works Projects must use the new Government Construction Contracts Committee (GCCC) Forms of Construction Contracts for Public Works and, as a result, it will be necessary to re-tender the project. Officials in my Department will be in contact with the school authorities regarding the re-tendering process.
224 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent of classroom accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the requirements for further accommodation and facilities; when it is anticipated that these will materialise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36440/08]
The school to which the Deputy refers has 2 permanent classrooms and 3 prefabs, one of which was grant aided for the 2008/09 school year. The school has not notified the Department of any other current needs.
