Vol. 665 No. 1
10 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on competition of waste collection services at local level and of one council outsourcing its entire waste collection service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36540/08]
As provided for in the Waste Management Acts the relevant local authorities have the responsibility both for making statutory waste management plans and regulating the activities of persons engaged in the collection of household waste. Furthermore, the statutory responsibility for collecting or arranging for the collection of household waste is vested in local authorities by virtue of section 33 of the Act. As provided for in section 60(3) of the Act I, as Minister, am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance in particular circumstances by a local authority of a statutory function given to it under the Act.
The position in Dublin has involved the four Dublin local authorities making an amendment to the regional waste management plan for which they are responsible. My Department is aware that Dublin City Council, which acts as lead authority for the region, is using the powers available to it to review waste collection permits that it has previously issued. This occurs in a context in which private service providers have taken a significant and growing share of the Dublin household waste collection market with obvious implications for the local authorities in terms of meeting the costs of the various waste management services which they provide and the operation of a waiver scheme for low income households. Also, Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council has announced that it is considering its intention to withdraw from waste collection services by means of direct labour and to outsource this service on behalf of its customers.
I recognise that the existing regulatory framework requires modernization. Significant regulatory issues have emerged as waste management services have rapidly evolved in recent years, including through the rapid growth in, and consolidation of, the private waste management sector. These issues, which have been the subject of a formal public consultation, include the dual role of local authorities as regulators and service providers, the need to ensure that waste services are provided in a manner consistent with the achievement of national and EU environmental objectives and targets, and that any necessary public service criteria apply in relation to the provision of services in particular areas or in respect of specific households regardless of whether the service is provided by the public or private sector. This matter is currently subject to proceedings in the High Court and in that regard it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.
My Department is monitoring the emerging position in the context of the views articulated during the public consultation and any necessary legislative or policy responses will be brought forward.
11 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when, on foot of the recent ruling by the European Court of Justice relating to residency rights of non-EU nationals who are the spouse of Irish and other EU citizens, he will instruct local authority housing sections to cease discriminating against EU and Irish citizens who have non-EU national spouses in the matter of eligibility for social and affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35942/08]
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) decision in question arose on foot of a referral, by the High Court, for a ruling in relation to whether certain provisions of the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) (No. 2) Regulations 2006, which sought to implement the provisions of Directive 2004/38, were consistent with the Directive. In summary, Directive 2004/38 is concerned with the rights of citizens of the EU and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of Member States. The referral to the ECJ was particularly focused on a condition included in the 2006 Regulations which required non-EEA spouses of EU nationals seeking to avail of the Directive's provisions in relation to free movement, to demonstrate that they had prior legal residence in another Member State.
The ECJ ruled that the Directive's provisions must be interpreted as applying to non-EEA spouses of EU citizens, irrespective of when or where their marriage took place, and regardless of how the non-EEA spouse may have entered the host State.
The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has since made Regulations to respond to the ECJ ruling. The European Communities (Free Movement of Persons)(Amendment) Regulations 2008 amend the 2006 Regulations by removing the provision which the ECJ found to be incompatible with the Directive. My Department is now considering the implications, if any, of these Regulations insofar as access to housing supports is concerned, and will issue further guidance to local authorities, as necessary, as soon as possible.
12 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will re-examine and reverse the decision he made to curtail the building of once off housing in non CLÁR areas of County Monaghan; his views on the fact that the population increase in County Monaghan as a whole has been at a much lower level than in other parts of the country and that his order has taken away the rights of property owners to use valuable sites for neighbours and friends who do not qualify under his regulations; his further views on the fact that individuals who had planning in progress at the time he changed the rules lost up to €10,000 each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35943/08]
At both public consultation stages of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2007-2013, which was adopted in March 2007, my Department expressed serious concerns that the draft plan did not support the objectives of the National Spatial Strategy, the Regional Planning Guidelines for the Border Region or the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities
The Council's draft plan did not adequately identify areas under strong urban pressure, particularly in those parts of the County close to the main towns of Monaghan, Carrickmacross and Castleblayney and along the N2 National Primary Route. This ran counter to the approach set out in the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines published in April 2005. These Guidelines apply to all planning authorities and are aimed at striking a balance between providing a sustainable planning framework for rural housing and making it easier for those who are part of, or have links to, local rural communities to build a house. The Guidelines provide that reasonable planning proposals on suitable sites in rural areas for persons who are part of, contribute to, or have links with the rural community should be accommodated. They thus affirm a presumption in favour of quality one-off housing for rural communities, provided that proposals meet appropriate standards in relation to matters such as proper wastewater disposal and road safety. The Guidelines also classify rural areas for housing purposes, and specifically address those locations, such as Clár areas, suffering from de-population.
The rural planning policies proposed in the Monaghan County Development Plan 2007-2013 were without any objective assessment of housing needs, and could have facilitated inappropriate development of one-off houses in rural areas under significant urban pressure without the provision of sufficient essential infrastructure services. The Council has amended the County Development Plan to take account of the Ministerial Direction which I issued on 23 July 2007 under section 31 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 to address this issue, and I have no plans to re-examine my Direction to the Council in this regard.
I am conscious of the local implications of a Ministerial Direction and, consequently, I highlight, where necessary, issues and concerns of a strategic and serious nature at the early stages through my statutory consultative role. It is a matter for Monaghan County Council, in the first instance, to ensure that its County Development Plan, and any variations to the Plan, provide for the proper planning and sustainable development of its area, supported by proper assessment of the scope and extent of rural housing needs.
14 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which budget 2009 cuts are affecting social housing programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36513/08]
The total Exchequer provision for housing in 2009 will be almost €1.66 billion in current and capital funding. This represents a reduction of 4% on the record provision for 2008, which, it should be noted, was an increase of 16% on the 2007 estimate. By any measure, the 2009 funding is very significant — representing an average of over €4.5m per day in 2009 — and it is a clear signal of the continued priority attached by the Government to housing in general.
In line with my objective of prioritising the needs of the most vulnerable households, the significant proportion of the overall housing budget which is to be devoted to social housing programmes will be reduced by no more than 1.7%. In the circumstances, this is a good outcome, particularly when account is taken of the fact that we have relieved some of the pressure on the programme in 2009 by securing an additional €80m of investment, this year, under the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme for voluntary housing projects.
Of course, in the context of a difficult economic transition, we must seek to maximise the return on public investment, as measured by the extent to which we are meeting housing needs. One option which my Department will be pursuing with local authorities over the coming months will be the use of long term lease arrangements for social housing purposes to supplement traditional local authority construction or acquisition. I believe that this would provide a more cost effective, targeted approach, in line with the principles of the life-cycle approach endorsed by the social partners.
We have made considerable progress in recent years on our social housing programmes and I am confident that the financial provision for housing for 2009 will enable us to maintain strong momentum towards meeting our commitments in Towards 2016 and our longer-term goals under the National Development Plan 2007-2013.
15 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the effects the budget 2009 cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency will have on the protection of the environment here; if the Environmental Protection Agency has indicated to him the programmes that will be cut; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36544/08]
I am satisfied that the 2009 Exchequer provision for the Environmental Protection Agency, together with its income from licensing and the Environment Fund, will leave it well placed to continue to carry out its important environmental functions.
The reduction in the 2009 allocation reflects in part the fact that work on the construction of the Agency's new headquarters building has progressed well and will require less capital expenditure next year.
The EPA, in line with Government Departments and other agencies, will be required to achieve efficiencies in expenditure in some areas, such as non-pay. However, the Exchequer allocation of almost €35 million to the EPA for 2009, which represents an increase of 25% on 2007 levels, underlines the importance of the work that the Agency carries out and my commitment to strengthening its role, particularly in the critical areas of environmental enforcement and compliance.
16 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he will take to address the problem which has arisen in the village of Sandymount, Dublin 4 due to the boundary commission on local government ignoring the terms of reference laid down by him in January 2008 which required the commission to take into account the natural integrity of existing communities. [36573/08]
222 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will refrain from changing the local electoral boundaries in Dublin south east until he has considered the views of residents of the Sandymount area; if he will examine the letters and petitions of local residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36857/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 222 together.
On 16 June 2008, I received the reports of the two independent Boundary Committees I established in January 2008 to review local electoral areas. In carrying out their work, the Committees undertook public consultation which involved inviting submissions by way of notices in national and local newspapers; a dedicated website; and writing to members of the Dáil and Seanad, local authorities and the local authority associations. Submissions received by the committees can be viewed at www.electoralareacommittees.ie.
When publishing the reports on 17 June 2008, I announced that, consistent with long established practice in respect of constituency formation at European, national and local levels in Ireland, I was accepting the recommendations contained in them. It is my view that to review or seek to amend the recommendations of the committees at this stage would undermine the independent and apolitical nature of the process. I will be making the necessary orders to give effect to the recommendations in the reports as soon as possible.
17 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way he will implement the car park levy to staff employed by his Department and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36523/08]
The Finance Bill, which is due to be published in November, will address the implementation of the Government's proposed car parking levy. Suitable arrangements for implementation of the levy will be determined by my Department in that context.
With regard to sustainable travel patterns, my Department actively encourages staff to use means of transport, other than cars, wherever possible. To this end, the Department is a partner in the One Small Step campaign being overseen by the Dublin Transportation Office. A Workplace Travel Plan, which aims to encourage greater use of sustainable transport options in travelling to and from work and in the conduct of official business, has recently been developed in the Department. Through implementation of the Plan, a range of initiatives to encourage use of sustainable travel options amongst Departmental staff will continue to be put in place. A travel survey, conducted in September 2007 as part of the One Small Step campaign, demonstrated that the number of Departmental staff driving to work is remarkably low (18%), especially compared to the GDA regional peak period average of approx 60% (DTO).
Arrangements regarding implementation of the car parking levy for agencies under the aegis of the Department will be an operational matter for the agencies concerned.
18 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that his predictions on the amount of carbon absorbed by carbon sinks are accurate; if there will be extensive recalculations in advance of the 2012 Kyoto deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36550/08]
190 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way the deduction from gross carbon emissions for carbon sinks is calculated for accounting under Kyoto Protocol rules and when these forests were planted, and that they are net afforestation since 1990; the way it is deduced that carbon sinks reduce emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36613/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 190 together.
The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for assessing Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions, including the impact of sequestration by carbon sinks. The forecast figures used in the Carbon Budget last week reflect those contained in the report Ireland's National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections to 2020 issued by the Agency on 25 September 2008. However, as indicated in the Emissions Table which I presented with the Carbon Budget, the methodologies for calculation of sinks are still evolving and these numbers may require adjustment before finalisation for 2008-2012.
The principle of carbon sinks and the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is established in the Kyoto Protocol. According to Article 2 of the Protocol, the protection and enhancement of sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases and the promotion of sustainable forest management practices, afforestation and reforestation are among the policies the Parties may implement to meet their respective commitments. The rules of the Protocol allow Parties to include sequestration from net afforestation since 1990, that is sequestration from the planting of new forest since 1990, less the effects of deforestation over the same period.
20 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he will take to increase funding for housing adaptation grants in respect of the elderly and disabled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36516/08]
37 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 369 of 7 October 2008 and in view of the economic downturn, the way he will assist the elderly and people with mobility impairments especially those in the 18 local authority areas which have applied for but have not been granted additional funding. [36390/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 37 together.
Demand under the housing adaptation grant schemes for older people and people with a disability has been accelerating year on year, with annual expenditure in recent years rising from €13 million in 1997 to an initial expenditure estimate of over €71 million in 2008. The launch of the revised suite of grant schemes in November 2007 and the associated publicity has led to a heightened level of demand across all local authority areas.
In light of this, local authorities have been requested to operate the grant schemes on a prioritised basis, with particular consideration to be given to applicants requiring adaptations to facilitate discharge from hospital, or to alleviate the need for hospitalisation in the future, and those applicants requiring improvement works to facilitate the continuance of care in their own home.
To take account of particularly significant levels of activity experienced by a number of local authorities, supplementary Exchequer allocations totalling €3.6 million were made in September 2008. Details of a further round of supplementary Exchequer allocations to other local authorities, to the value of €5 million, are currently being finalised.
In addition, and in line with my objective of prioritising the needs of the most vulnerable households, the total financial provision secured for housing in 2009 will allow for the level of funding allocated towards housing supports for older people and people with a disability next year to be increased by 8% over the initial estimate for 2008.
21 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects to publish the report by White Young Green commissioned by his Department on the toxic waste on Haulbowline, County Cork; if he will allow a peer review of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36571/08]
40 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the report into Haulbowline will be published. [36402/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 40 together.
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.
23 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress there has been in reforming the national waste strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36529/08]
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to undertake an international review of waste management policy. In February 2008 a procurement process was initiated to appoint consultants to undertake comprehensive research on the waste sector in Ireland and to cover a wide range of issues to help identify how best to proceed with further efforts to reduce waste levels, improve recycling rates and deliver equitable and cost-effective waste management solutions.
This study, the scope of which also includes issues such as how best to promote alternative technologies such as mechanical and biological treatment processes, will underpin the overall review as provided for in the Programme for Government. The procurement process has been completed and Eunomia Research and Consulting Ltd. (and partners) have been retained to undertake the study. Extensive consultation with key stakeholders is envisaged and I anticipate that the study will be completed by mid-2009.
24 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the provision for existing social housing tenants to transfer to housing reserved for incremental purchase applies equally to tenants of local authority apartments and tenants of local authority houses. [36395/08]
32 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the minimum and maximum mortgage periods under the incremental purchase scheme. [36406/08]
33 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a householder under the incremental purchase scheme will be entitled to re-mortgage the property or any portion of it during the life of the scheme; and if the local authority charge will take precedence over any other charge. [36396/08]
34 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the proportion of the price paid under the incremental purchase arrangements will be the same for all applicants in a particular scheme at a particular time or if it will be based on the particular financial circumstances of each applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36393/08]
41 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the assessment guidelines under the incremental purchase scheme; and the maximum and minimum income for single and joint households and the maximum and minimum percentage of the purchase price to be furnished by the household in each case. [36394/08]
46 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, under the incremental purchase scheme local authorities will provide mortgages to qualifying households as well as retaining equity in the portion of the property not covered by the household mortgage. [36407/08]
49 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason Section 36 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 excludes apartments from the incremental purchase scheme; and if it is his intention to put in place a legislative framework to enable the sale of apartments under the incremental scheme. [36401/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 32 to 34, inclusive, 41, 46 and 49 together.
The final terms of the incremental purchase scheme will be determined following the enactment of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2008 and will be informed by some market testing in the interim.
In broad terms the intention is that the scheme will be accessible for those applicants who are eligible for, or are currently in receipt of, social housing support. Those currently in receipt of social housing support include tenants of a local authority, voluntary/co-operative tenants and those being housed under the Rental Accommodation Scheme.
It is envisaged that the incremental purchase scheme will be applied initially to houses and its extension to apartments will be dependent on a framework for the sale of local authority apartments being included in the above legislation.
Subject to the broad terms of the scheme set out in the Bill it is intended that the range of purchase prices required to be provided by the purchaser will be between 40% and 60% of the full cost of the dwelling. Similarly the mortgage periods will vary according to the percentage of the purchase price payable relative to the household's income, but it is envisaged that mortgages will be for between 20 and 30 years.
It is not intended that a separate income threshold would be set for eligibility outside of that used to determine the household's eligibility for social housing support generally. Instead, the ability to purchase through the scheme will be based on the household's ability to afford the mortgage. On that basis, assuming, for example, a 40% stake in a dwelling is bought, it is expected that households with an income of €20,000 to €30,000 would be able to participate.
In relation to mortgages for the scheme, the legislative framework allows for both local authorities and private lending institutions to provide mortgage finance to prospective buyers. In general, where a private lending institution has provided mortgage finance to a purchaser, that mortgage has precedence over other charges on the property. The local authority charge would normally rank next in precedence. The Bill allows that, with the permission of the local authority, a purchaser can remortgage or refinance their property. If this occurs, the Bill provides that the local authority can, in specific circumstances which include refinancing/remortgaging, agree that any such refinancing/remortgaging charge will have priority where it would not normally have done so.
25 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimated cost of purchasing Kyoto carbon credits up to 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36561/08]
189 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the amount of money to be paid in respect of the purchase of carbon credits for the year 2008 is due to be paid; the way the money will be calculated; the estimate of the amount per tonne which will be payable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36612/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 189 together.
The National Climate Change Strategy signalled the possibility of supplementing greenhouse gas emission reductions with the purchase of up to 18 million carbon units in respect of the five-year Kyoto Protocol commitment period 2008-2012. In this regard, the Government announced the provision of €270 million for the purchase of units, in addition to €20 million provided in my Department's Vote in 2006. The ultimate cost to the Exchequer will depend on the final purchasing requirement and the price of the units at the time of purchasing. Independent consultants have assessed the average price in the period at €15 per unit, and the cost of purchasing up to 18 million units for Kyoto Protocol compliance purposes is therefore estimated at €270 million.
The amount to be paid each year is not predetermined and, in general, payments will be made as purchasing transactions are completed. Following enactment of the Carbon Fund Act 2007, the National Treasury Management Agency is statutorily designated as purchasing agent for acquisition of carbon units. Costs incurred by the Agency in purchasing carbon units will be managed in accordance with the provisions of the 2007 Act.
Prior to the designation of the National Treasury Management Agency as purchasing agent, my Department invested €20 million in the Multilateral Carbon Credit Fund operated by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and committed a further €10 million each to the Carbon Fund for Europe and the BioCarbon Fund operated by the World Bank. Management of these investments is a matter for my Department and, since enactment of the 2007 Act, payments are made through the Carbon Fund process as they arise.
26 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has reviewed the EEA’s report Annual European Community LRTAP Convention emission inventory report 1990 to 2006, which states that emissions from cars and trucks are the biggest source of air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides across the 27 EU Member States; his plans to introduce measures to address road transport pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32526/08]
Significant progress has been made in reducing emissions in Ireland which contribute to long range transboundary air pollution. The National Programme on Transboundary Pollutants, which the Government approved in 2005 and updated in 2007, provides for the progressive reduction of these emissions by 2010 through a range of policies and measures in different sectors. These include:
improved effectiveness of pollution abatement technologies in road vehicles, as a result of the progressive reduction of the sulphur content of both petrol and diesels;
emission reductions in the power generation sector arising from implementation of the 2001 Large Combustion Plants Directive (2001/80/EC), transposed in Ireland by the Large Combustion Plant Regulations 2003;
replacement of old, high emitting oil-fired power plants with new state-of-the-art plants; and
ongoing implementation of integrated pollution and prevention control licensing for existing industrial plants.
In addition to the range of policies and measures in the Programme, further progress towards meeting the 2010 ceilings is being achieved through measures that have subsequently been announced. These include:
the promotion of greater energy efficiency and the recent increase in the target for electricity generated from renewable sources;
ongoing improvement in the environmental performance of road vehicles, due to the adoption of more-stringent EURO standards for motor cars and vans,
revisions to motor tax and VRT with effect from July 2008, coupled with the existing VRT relief, will provide a greater incentive for consumers to choose fuel-efficient and lower-emissions vehicles, and
greater efficiency of road usage through the Government investment in the Transport 21 programme.
Further reductions in emissions from the transport sector are expected. The Consultation Paper on Sustainable Travel and Transport, issued by the Minister for Transport in February 2008, fully recognised the problem of polluting emissions, as well as CO2, from motorised vehicles and the role that modal shift and a reduction in congestion levels could play in abatement of such emissions. I understand that it is the intention of the Minister for Transport to publish a Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan before the end of this year.
27 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the files which have been requested from his Department by the Mahon tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29480/08]
The Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments is empowered by relevant Oireachtas resolutions to carry out such preliminary investigations in private, as it thinks fit. My Department has cooperated with all requests by the Tribunal to make files available. However it would not be appropriate to disclose details of material provided in this way to the Tribunal, on a strictly private and confidential basis, in the course of its investigations.
28 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to implement the recommendations contained in the Report on the Future of the Electoral Register in Ireland published in April 2008; and, if so, when he will introduce the required legislation. [36399/08]
In law, the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register.
I welcome the recent report of the Joint Committee on Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to The Future of the Electoral Register in Ireland and Related Matters. The report is consistent with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government to establish an Electoral Commission, with responsibilities to include compiling a new national rolling electoral register.
My Department has appointed consultants to carry out preliminary research on issues arising in relation to establishment of the Electoral Commission. This work is now well-advanced and I expect to receive the report in the coming weeks. The research conclusions will inform further consideration of the approach to be taken in relation to establishment of the Commission.
30 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the downturn in the building industry, he will make extra provision for the completion of estates in cases in which the developer or builder is no longer in business. [36397/08]
My Department issued updated policy guidance to planning authorities on 26 February 2008 on Taking in Charge of Residential Developments/Management Arrangements. This required each planning authority to develop or update, as appropriate, its policy on taking in charge by the end of June 2008 in accordance with the policy guidance, the main principles of which are as follows:
Certain core facilities/infrastructure to be taken in charge on request — public roads and footpaths, unallocated surface parking areas, public lighting, public water supply, foul and storm water drainage and public open spaces;
The matter of taking in charge will be addressed at pre-planning application stage and in the planning application the developer will be asked clearly to identify the area to be taken in charge;
Planning authorities will take all necessary measures to ensure proper completion of the development, in particular through securing adequate bonds, inspection of construction and the taking of enforcement action when necessary;
The procedures for taking in charge will begin promptly on foot of a request by the majority of the residents in the development or by the developer, as appropriate. Protocols, including time frames, must be set out by planning authorities to respond to requests for taking in charge;
n relation to older estates, priority must continue to be given to resolving those estates that have been left unfinished or not taken in charge for the longest period.
A new local government service indicator in relation to the taking in charge of estates has been introduced, which will provide benchmark data from 2009 onwards for monitoring the taking in charge process. The information to be reported will include: the number of estates that were taken in charge in the year in question; the total number of dwellings in these estates; and the number of estates in respect of which enforcement action was taken.
I will keep the issue of taking in charge under review and I will be informed in this regard by the information provided by local authorities for the service indicators report; the report for 2008 will be available in the middle of 2009.
31 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his position on the cap and share scheme; his preference for a cap and share scheme or for a carbon tax; the reason for his preference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28025/08]
I am aware that work is being done by COMHAR, the Sustainable Development Partnership, on individual greenhouse gas emission allocations, including cap and share. My Department will examine the outcome of that work when it becomes available, particularly in the context of the Government decision announced in Budget 2009 to proceed with the introduction of a carbon levy.
35 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of development charges paid under the Planning Acts to local authorities in each of the years since introduction, with an estimate of the sum expected to be realised in 2008; and his proposals in relation to the financing of local authorities arising from shortfalls in this regard. [34913/08]
Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 provides that planning authorities may levy development contributions in respect of public infrastructure and facilities provided by, or on behalf of, the local authority that benefit development in the area. Development contribution schemes are drawn up by each planning authority and approved by the elected members following a public consultation process. 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.
My Department has no role in forecasting the annual development contributions income across planning authorities. As Minister, my role is to provide the necessary statutory and policy framework within which individual development contribution schemes are adopted by each planning authority.
Details of individual development contribution schemes are available directly from each planning authority. Each planning authority is also required to include details of contributions received and contributions owing to it, together with information on how the contributions have been expended, in the statutory annual report of the authority.
My Department's Annual Planning Statistics for 2001-2006, which gives an unaudited breakdown of Development Contribution income for Local Authorities, are available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie. The 2007 Annual Planning Statistics are currently being finalised and I expect to make them available on my Department's website shortly.
36 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ensure that local authorities pass on the recent European Central Bank interest rate cut, in full, to homeowners with local authority mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36445/08]
The interest rate on local authority housing loans is determined by the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) by reference to mortgage rates prevailing in the financial market. The current variable interest rate to local authority borrowers, excluding mortgage protection, is 5.25%. The current fixed interest rate available on local authority loans, excluding mortgage protection, is 5.5% for a period of 5 years.
These rates compare favourably with the corresponding rates charged by commercial lending agencies and are generally adjusted in line with movements in European Central Bank (ECB) rates, following consideration by the Board of the HFA.
39 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to review the compensation package in respect of bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35941/08]
The voluntary bog purchase scheme, operated by my Department, enables those who own land or have turf-cutting rights on designated raised bogs to sell their interest to my Department on prescribed terms.
My Department is currently examining a number of issues regarding the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Natural Heritage Areas including consideration of the operation of the voluntary scheme.
42 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the emissions limit granted for the ESB and other power generating companies under the emissions trading scheme will be reduced in line with the proposed banning of energy inefficient light bulbs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36566/08]
Ireland's National Allocation Plan 2008-2012 defines the basis on which greenhouse gas emission allowances are allocated by the Environmental Protection Agency to individual installations participating in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. As indicated in the Plan, allocations at installation level are made on the basis of historic rather than current or future emissions. The Plan, which was prepared by the Agency, has been approved by the European Commission and is not open to adjustment.
The potential savings from the introduction of the proposed energy efficiency and performance standard for light bulbs are based on emissions attributable to lighting in the residential sector. This initiative will assist the power generating companies in reducing the cost of compliance with their greenhouse gas emission caps in the 2008-2012 commitment period and will also, of course, result in a net decrease in total national emissions.
43 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the criteria given to local authorities by his Department to guide them in their production of the tri-annual assessment of housing needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36444/08]
Housing authorities conduct their triennial housing needs assessment in accordance with Section 9 of the Housing Act 1988. Prior to any assessment being carried out my Department issues guidance to housing authorities, in the form of a circular, to ensure a consistent assessment approach. It is a matter for individual authorities, in accordance with legislation and having regard to guidance issued by my Department, to undertake the assessment of need. A copy of the relevant circular (N21/07) has been placed in the Oireachtas Library for information.
44 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his policy in relation to the development of alternative waste management technologies with a view to moving waste management reliance on incineration; if he will bring forward initiatives or legislation to assist in the development of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36572/08]
53 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his preferred options in regard to policy affecting waste management treatment and disposal, having particular regard to the location of such facilities including landfill, incineration and recycling; the number and location of facilities in respect of which planning permission has been granted in the past two years, those pending or anticipated; the extent to which the locations which are approved are expected to impact on those pending if at all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36421/08]
213 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his policy in relation to waste management with particular reference to the use of landfill, incineration and recycling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36780/08]
214 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and location of thermal waste treatment systems in respect of which planning permission has been granted to date; the number of these in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36781/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 53, 213 and 214 together.
The Programme for Government contains a range of commitments in respect of waste management policy centred on the Government's continued support for the internationally recognised waste hierarchy which places major emphasis on the prevention, reuse and recycling of waste while minimising reliance on landfill and incineration. This commitment to the waste hierarchy has added significance in the context of the requirements of the EU Landfill Directive to divert waste from landfill. Meeting this obligation will entail doubling the existing level of diversion from landfill by 2010 and further increases in diversion in subsequent years. The Programme also signalled a move away from mass burn incineration towards alternative technologies.
This is a process which will be assisted by the major review of waste policy, also provided for in the Programme, which has now commenced and which will address how better to implement waste prevention and minimisation in the particular context of the emergence of new technologies for waste management, particularly those for the mechanical and biological treatment of waste which can reduce the need for both incineration and landfill.
Undue emphasis on incineration as the cornerstone of waste management policy is detrimental to the development of alternative solutions. The review may well indicate a continuing role for incineration in our future waste management strategy but I do not envisage it being on anything like the scale that was previously envisaged.
On completion of this major review in 2009 I will bring forward any necessary legislative and policy initiatives needed to give effect to its conclusions.
At present there are no municipal waste incinerators in Ireland and my Department has no function in determining the number, type, location or capacity of any such facilities that may be constructed. Such projects would be advanced by private sector service providers or by local authorities, generally by way of a public private partnership. It is a matter for the promoters of such projects to seek and obtain the necessary regulatory approvals i.e. planning permission and a waste licence. In carrying out their functions planning authorities, including An Bord Pleanála, and the EPA in regard to waste licensing, act independently of the Minister. The approved capacity of individual facilities is a matter for determination through these processes, as provided for in the Planning and Development and Waste Management Acts.
My Department continues to provide grants to local authorities towards the capital development of facilities such as bring banks, civic amenity sites, composting and material recovery facilities. In 2008, over €22 million has already been provided in grant assistance for such facilities. This funding has been primarily provided from the Environment Fund. The previous capital grant scheme for waste recycling infrastructure closed to new applications on 30 June 2008 but in recognition of the continuing need to promote the development of recycling infrastructure I established a new grants scheme — the Waste Recycling Capital Grants Scheme — in July 2008. This scheme will ensure that grants continue to be available to local authorities for the future development of recycling infrastructure. My Department will also continue to provide a subvention to local authorities to assist them in meeting the operational costs associated with the running of their recycling facilities.
45 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the implementation of objectives and priority actions under the Sixth Environment Action Programme of the European Community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33993/08]
The Sixth Community Environment Action Programme (6th EAP) established the Community framework for environment policy for the period from July 2002 to July 2012. It sets out environmental priorities with a particular focus on four areas: climate change, nature and biodiversity, health and the quality of life, and natural resources and waste.
The mid-term review of the 6th EAP in 2007, which is available on the website of the European Commission at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/newprg/review.htm, was discussed at the June 2007 Environment Council. That Review assessed progress made and identified the outstanding challenges to be addressed.
My Department continues to advance the protection of our environment to ensure compliance with EU standards across the four priority areas and to address issues raised in the Review both at national level and through participation in EU and international fora.
47 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the detail of the planned Government Equity Initiative for affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36446/08]
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, I intend to apply the equity loan arrangement to affordable housing delivered under Part V of 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.
48 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 409 of 24 June 2008 if his Department has decided on the usefulness of collecting data in relation to Section 154 (9) for the 2008 Annual Planning Statistics. [36404/08]
As stated in the reply to Question 409 of 24 June 2008, my Department will examine the usefulness of collecting data in relation to section 154(9) for the 2008 Annual Planning Statistics: the request for annual statistical returns for 2008 will issue to planning authorities in early 2009.
51 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ensure that up-to-date and accurate maps of local authority constituencies are available to candidates which clearly delineate electoral boundaries in time for the forthcoming local elections. [36398/08]
On 16 June 2008, I received the reports of the two Boundary Committees I established in January 2008 to review local electoral areas. When publishing the reports on 17 June 2008, I announced that I was accepting the recommendations contained in them. I will be making the necessary orders to give effect to the recommendations in the reports as soon as possible and these will contain detailed descriptions of the areas concerned. The published reports, which contain maps of the recommended local electoral areas, are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
52 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the levels and details of funding and other measures provided in his Department’s Budget 2009 for the Limerick Regeneration Project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36280/08]
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.
54 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to establish an independent electoral commission to take responsibility for electoral administration and oversight. [36400/08]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an independent Electoral Commission which will take responsibility for electoral administration and oversight, implement modern and efficient electoral practices, revise constituency boundaries, take charge of compiling a new national rolling electoral register, take over the functions of the Standards in Public Office Commission relating to election spending, and examine the issue of financing the political system.
My Department has appointed consultants to carry out preliminary research on issues arising in relation to establishment of the Electoral Commission. This work is now well-advanced and I expect to receive the report in the coming weeks. The research conclusions will inform further consideration of the approach to be taken in relation to establishment of the Commission.
55 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to review the procedure for the designation of lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35940/08]
I have no plans at present to review the procedure for the designation of lands as Natural Heritage Areas, Special Protection Areas or Special Areas of Conservation.
56 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person on a local authority waiver scheme is unable to choose an alternative refuse collection service provider in the absence of a national scheme; and if he will introduce a national waiver scheme. [36403/08]
Waste management services have traditionally been provided at a local level, with individual arrangements being locally determined and tailored to local circumstances. The present legal framework, as determined by the Oireachtas, reflects this. In accordance with section 52 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, the determination of waste management charges, and any associated waiver scheme, is a matter for the relevant local authority, where it acts as the service provider. Similarly, where a private operator provides the collection service, it is a matter for that operator.
Significant regulatory issues have emerged as waste management services have rapidly evolved in recent years. These issues, which have been the subject of a formal public consultation, include the need to ensure that necessary public service criteria in relation to the provision of services in particular areas or in respect of specific households are properly reflected. The existing regulatory framework requires modernisation. The identification of the changes necessary will be greatly assisted by the recent OECD report on the review of the public service, which includes a specific case study on waste management. This week's report by the Ombudsman on Waste Waiver Schemes Administered by Local Authorities is also relevant in this regard and I will be giving the report, and in particular the recommendations contained within it, my fullest consideration.
It is also the case that the revised approach to the collection of household waste being taken by the Dublin local authorities will further inform what measures may be necessary to underpin sustainable waste collection services, whether delivered by the private or public sectors. In these contexts the appropriate policy responses will be developed and elaborated to address the concerns raised.
57 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on extending the closing date for the spreading of farm yard manure or slurry in view of the weather conditions which prevented normal farming practice during the months of August, September and October 2008; his views on the fact that it is particularly difficult for Deputies representing Border counties with Northern Ireland when the period in Northern Ireland has been extended to 31 December 2008 subject to good farming practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35944/08]
The extension of the period for the spreading of livestock manure from 15 October to 31 October was a practical response to the exceptional weather conditions that prevailed in recent months. The concession represents an extension of time only and applies solely to 2008. All landspreading activity will still be conditional on weather and ground conditions being suitable as set out in the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations. My Department has formally communicated the taking of this measure to the European Commission.
Good agricultural practice involves the land spreading of slurry as early as practicable in the growing season in order to maximise the uptake of nutrients by crops and to minimise pollution risks to water courses and groundwaters. In no part of the Country would good agricultural practice involve slurry spreading in November or December.
58 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the Homeless Strategy Implementation Plan; if it is currently being produced by his Department; if it will be submitted to the Cabinet in November 2008; and if it will be approved by Cabinet before Christmas 2008. [36443/08]
A new Government strategy on homelessness, The Way Home: A Strategy to Address Adult Homelessness in Ireland 2008-2013, was published in August 2008. The strategy builds on the strong progress made under previous strategies and sets out a vision to address adult homelessness over the next five years.
It was developed under the aegis of a Cross Departmental Team, which comprises representatives from the relevant Government Departments and agencies and in consultation with the National Homeless Consultative Committee, which includes representatives from homeless service providers, both statutory and voluntary.
The strategy sets outs a range of actions under each of its six strategic aims, together with implementation targets and timescales for the most significant actions. These will form the basis of a more detailed implementation plan being developed under the aegis of the Cross Departmental Team on Homelessness, which will assign lead roles and specific timelines with emphasis on the need to maximise efficiency, value for money and organisational and financial streamlining. Work on the implementation plan is under way and submissions have been requested from organisations represented on the Cross Departmental Team and on the National Homeless Consultative Committee. I expect the Implementation Plan to be finalised by end 2008.
60 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of special advisors appointed to her since her appointment as Minister; if she will tabulate their annual salaries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36592/08]
The following table outlines the number of special advisers appointed by me since my appointment as Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
|
Title |
Salary Scale |
|
2 Special Advisers |
€86,168 – €106,582 |
|
1 Press Adviser |
€66,179 – €82,520 |
61 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created by the Industrial Development Authority in north Dublin for each year since 2003 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36695/08]
The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains and losses in companies that are clients of the industrial development agencies. Information is collected on an annualised basis and is aggregated at county level. Figures for 2008 will not be available until early 2009.
The numbers of jobs created by IDA supported companies in Dublin in each year over the period 2003 to 2007 are shown in the following tabular statement.
|
Year |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Number of Jobs Created |
3,522 |
5,471 |
5,828 |
5,969 |
4,298 |
62 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of people from Kildare south who took part in a recent trade visit (details supplied) in view of the importance of such missions and a recent report in a local newspaper; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36708/08]
63 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on a newspaper article (details supplied) and on the sentiments expressed in the article; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36709/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 63 together.
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas, including Kildare, for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
A central goal for IDA Ireland is the achievement of balanced regional development and, in line with the National Spatial Strategy, IDA Ireland is focused on delivering investments to all of the Gateway and Hub locations. In the case of County Kildare, IDA's strategy is to promote the whole county as part of an integrated East Region. In addition, the Agency continues to work with its existing client base in an effort to get them to grow and expand their existing operations.
At present there are 25 IDA Ireland supported companies in Kildare employing 10,356 people.
In the present competitive global market, as Ireland competes for new investments at the highest end of the value chain, the concept of scale is crucial to our economic destiny. Leading corporations require a significant population of highly qualified talent, effective physical and digital infrastructure coupled with availability of sophisticated professional support services. If we are to continue being successful in realising a large proportion of our investments outside of the larger cities, all economic and social stakeholders will need to adhere to the framework on which the NSS is constructed. Future thinking and action must have a regional rather than a local bias and this requires a significant change in mindset.
As regards IDA land in Kildare, I must reiterate that the management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency, as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas and it is not a matter in which the Minister of the day has any involvement. It should be noted that IDA Ireland provides property solutions not only to its own clients but to client companies of Enterprise Ireland, who are entitled to establish in IDA owned lands and buildings.
I am informed by IDA Ireland that, at present, the Agency has lands in Monasterevin, Athy and in Castledermot. I understand that the Board of IDA approved the sale of all these lands to Kildare County Council at its Board meeting on April 9th 2003. However, this transaction was never finalised due to a failure in negotiations. IDA informs me that it is currently reviewing the future use of these lands. As part of this review, the Agency has again written to Kildare County Council to determine the Council's interest in the acquisition of these lands.
The use to which IDA property can be put is prescribed by legislation and the disposal of property for any alternative use requires the consent of the Minister of the day. However, the Agency is always available to discuss proposals regarding availability or suitability of individual properties with Local Authorities, Enterprise Boards or Community Groups and I will be happy to consider any request for such consent should it be required. However, in this context, it must be remembered the Agency must seek to maximise the financial return to the Exchequer in disposing of such property.
I understand from Enterprise Ireland that a total of 11 people, representing five companies based in Co. Kildare, are participating in the current trade mission to China.
64 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the decision of FÁS to close the jobs club in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary with effect from 21 November 2008; if she will request FÁS to reconsider the decision in view of the service being provided by the club and the high level of unemployment in Carrick-on-Suir; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36727/08]
65 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if further to Parliamentary Question No. 80 of 25 September 2008 regarding the FÁS decision to close the jobs club in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary if her attention has been drawn to the fact that under the contract signed between FÁS and the jobs club in 2000, that participants for the formal training course would be provided by way of direct referral from FÁS, in order that the club itself cannot be blamed solely for failure to meet targets set by FÁS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36728/08]
66 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will intervene directly with FÁS and request them to reconsider the plan to close the jobs club in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36729/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 to 66, inclusive, together.
The range and make up of supports and services provided by FAS at local level is a day-to-day operational matter for FÁS.
I understand that in early 2008 FÁS in completing its annual review of the Jobs Club programme raised concerns about the capacity of the Carrick-on-Suir Jobs Club to meet the agreed targets. Representatives were advised by FÁS that if there was no progress towards achieving the targets funding would be discontinued.
I understand from FÁS that the relevant contracts do not indicate that participants for the formal training course would be provided by way of direct referral from FÁS.
FÁS will continue to run the current suite of programmes in Carrick-on-Suir, i.e. three Community Employment (CE) Projects with 62 places, a Job Initiative programme, with 5 places and the Local Employment Service. In addition FÁS has announced a Core Employment Skills programme which will start in Carrick-on-Suir in November.
FÁS is committed to supporting those in Carrick on Suir who are unemployed and has initiated discussions with other community interests in the town to determine what alternative programmes would attract potential participants and address the needs of unemployed people.
67 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to deal with the high level of unemployment in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36730/08]
The Enterprise Development agencies under the aegis of my Department, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, together with the local County Enterprise Board, are responsible for promoting indigenous enterprise and attracting foreign direct investment to the area. The bodies are actively involved in addressing industrial development in South Tipperary in conjunction with the local County Development Board.
I am aware that the County Manager in South Tipperary has set up a working group to deal with unemployment issues in the area. Local groups have been set up in towns in order to prepare a development plan. Enterprise Ireland will be attending the next meeting of the working group which is scheduled for early next month. The working group meets on a regular basis and reports to the Development agencies periodically. This group has been assured that Enterprise Ireland will be available when and where the group feels it is appropriate.
The Tipperary South County Enterprise Board is continuing to support enterprise development in Carrick-on-Suir through the provision of both direct and indirect assistance and is ensuring that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development.
In the context of promoting foreign direct investment, IDA Ireland works closely with the educational institutions in the region to ensure that the skill-sets necessary to attract high value added employment to South Tipperary are being developed. The agency's strategy for South Tipperary, which has been agreed with South Tipperary County Council, is to concentrate future economic development in Clonmel in the first instance, and to develop the town as a first-class location for overseas investment. In this regard, Carrick-on-Suir is very well located to capitalize on its position between Clonmel and Waterford. The agency also works with the Industrial Training agency FÁS to ensure that the needs of industry in the areas of training and up-skilling are being met. Indeed, the full services of FÁS are available to any workers who wish to avail of the agency's services.
I am satisfied that the structures that are currently in place in South Tipperary will continue to address economic development and job creation both in Carrick-on-Suir and South Tipperary in general.
68 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the greatest number of employees employed by a wholly owned private Irish enterprise. [36803/08]
I am not in a position to supply this information to the Deputy. Any information available to the Enterprise Development Agencies is maintained on a confidential basis.
69 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated cost of incremental pay increases awarded to existing staff in her Department, its office and agencies under the remit of her Department in 2008 and 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36834/08]
The year to year costs of incremental pay increases are normally offset by corresponding reductions in costs associated with retirements and other movements by staff on higher points on the incremental scales and their replacement by staff on lower points. Incremental increases are not therefore individually costed and there is no separate provision for incremental increases in my Department's estimates in either 2008 or 2009.
The estimated cost of incremental pay increases awarded to existing staff in the agencies under the remit of my Department in 2008 and 2009, is a day to day matter for the agencies concerned. My Department has no role or function in this process.
70 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated annual cost to her Department of the 2.5% Towards 2016 pay increase from its implementation in September 2008 and the 3.5% pay increase planned for September 2009 in respect of wages paid to staff in her Department, its office and agencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36848/08]
On the basis of my Department's 2008 Estimates provision, the cost of the 2.5% pay increase payable from 1 September 2008 is estimated at €464,000 gross in 2008, or €1.392 million gross on a full year basis for my Department and its offices.
While no specific additional provision has been included in my Department's 2009 Estimate for the payment of the 3.5% pay increase which would become payable from 1 September 2009 under the terms of the Towards 2016 Review and Transitional Agreement, the cost of the increase is estimated at €644,000 gross in 2009, or €1.933 million gross on a full year basis for my Department and its offices. My Department will be expected to meet the cost of the increase in 2009 from within its Estimates allocation for next year.
The application of pay increases to agencies under the aegis of my Department is subject to a formal approval process by my Department. The implementation of the pay increases, once approved, is matter for the agencies concerned. On the basis of the 2008 Estimates provision, the cost of the 2.5% pay increase payable from 1 September 2008 for the agencies under my Department's remit is estimated at €2.626 million gross in 2008, or €7.879 million gross on a full year basis.
On the basis of the 2009 Estimates provision, the cost of the increase which would become payable from 1 September 2009 in respect of the agencies is estimated at €3.653 million gross in 2009, or €10.959 million gross on a full year basis. Again, no specific additional provision has been included in my Department's 2009 Estimate for the payment of this increase and the agencies will be expected to meet the cost of the increase in 2009 from within their Estimates allocation.
The figures provided above include the cost of certain pensions paid by my Department and its agencies.
71 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Finance the plans for a site (details supplied) in County Tipperary in relation to the timetable for seeking planning permission for the revised visitor centre design, the timetable for re-pointing of the keep and completion of internal work outstanding within the keep, completion of the legalities and consequent hand over to the town council of the Castle Field and the timetable for the design of the drawbridge and other outstanding features of the castle gatehouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36643/08]
The siting of the proposed Visitor Centre at Nenagh Castle has been re-examined and Consultant Architects are due to report on it shortly.
Work on the Keep has commenced with inspection works, initial condition assessment and mortar analysis. Scaffolding has been erected, the decking has been completed and work has commenced. It is estimated that it will take approximately 12 -18 months to complete. Works to the interior of the Keep are ongoing and significant progress has been made.
A draft lease in relation to the transfer of the Castle Field to Nenagh Town Council has now been received and is being examined.
The design of the drawbridge and other outstanding features of the Castle Gatehouse are being designed by Consultant Architects in conjunction with the car parking layout and how best to facilitate pedestrian access.
72 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support a matter (details supplied). [35462/08]
The Deputy refers to proposed cuts to pension tax reliefs but without specific details on the nature of the cuts he has in mind.
In Budget 2009, I announced a significant reduction in the annual earnings limit for tax relieved pension contributions from €275,000 to €150,000. This reduced limit will apply for 2009. The annual earnings cap acts, in conjunction with age-related percentage limits, to determine the value of pension contributions on which an individual taxpayer will get tax relief at his/her marginal income tax rate in any year.
The reduction in the annual earnings cap to €150,000 next year will result in a significant fall in the maximum value of tax relief that high earners can obtain on contributions to private pension provision. This change was made to promote greater equity in this area.
73 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance the number of special advisors appointed to him since his appointment as Minister; if he will tabulate their annual salaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36594/08]
Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997 allows the Government to appoint up to 2 Special Advisors to my Department. This power has been exercised to appoint Ms Cathy Herbert, special advisor on 7 May 2008. Her annual salary is in the range €92,730 to €114,366.
74 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Finance the excise his Department charges on a litre of petrol and diesel; his plans to cut the excise duty; the amount excise has increased over the past five years; the amount taken in taxes for each of those five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36637/08]
Budget 2009 provided for an increase in the excise rate on petrol to 50.9 cent per litre and for no change to excise on diesel which remains at 36.8 cent per litre. This means that excise on petrol in Ireland is still substantially lower than the EU 15 average and excise on diesel is also below the EU 15 average. It should also be noted that the excise rates on both fuels are below the rates of our main trading partners, in particular the UK rate where excise on petrol and diesel is around 63 cent per litre.
I have no plans to reduce the excise rates on either of these fuels. The Budgetary excise changes (VAT inclusive) since 2003 are set out in the following table.
|
Budget |
Petrol |
Diesel |
|
2003 |
no change |
increased by 3 cent |
|
2004 |
increased by 5 cent |
increased by 5 cent |
|
2005 |
no change |
no change |
|
2006 |
no change |
no change |
|
2007 |
no change |
no change |
|
2008 |
no change |
no change |
|
2009 |
increased by 8 cent |
no change |
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the amounts of tax revenue collected from Mineral Oil Tax and VAT on Petrol and Auto Diesel for the years 2003 to August 2008 inclusive are as follows:
|
Mineral Oil Tax |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 Provisional |
2008 End August Provisional |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Petrol |
853.8 |
970.7 |
1001.9 |
1026.4 |
1051.3 |
724.6 |
|
Auto-diesel |
731.5 |
870.7 |
920.5 |
1016.7 |
1076.3 |
738.2 |
|
Total |
1585.3 |
1841.5 |
1922.4 |
2043.1 |
2127.6 |
1462.8 |
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 End August |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Petrol |
296 |
342 |
393 |
440 |
465 |
352 |
|
Auto-diesel |
32 |
38 |
46 |
53 |
57 |
46 |
|
Total |
329 |
380 |
439 |
493 |
522 |
398 |
Note: The VAT yield from Petrol and Auto Diesel is estimated, as the information to be furnished on VAT returns does not require the yield from particular sectors of trade to be identified. It should also be noted that the VAT content of purchases of Auto Diesel is a deductible credit for business in the Irish VAT system.
The figures provided for VAT receipts for 2008 are estimates of the amount of VAT yield that would be generated by the volume of clearances of oil products up to the end of August. Mineral Oil Tax is paid in the month of clearance of the product but, depending on the nature of the registration status of a trader, VAT returns can be made monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half yearly or annually and this will dictate the point in time when VAT on sales will actually be paid.
75 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will offer credit unions the option of seeking cover under the deposit guarantee scheme introduced for the banks. [36649/08]
I am satisfied that credit union depositors are very well protected by the Government's decision to increase the statutory limit for the deposit guarantee scheme from €20,000 to €100,000 per depositor for all credit institutions including credit unions with effect from 20 September. This limit covers the vast majority of credit union savers.
The Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme 2008 was put in place to support the systemic stability of the banking sector in Ireland. In particular it aims to support access by banks to liquidity in wholesale interbank markets, something which has no relevance to credit union activities.
76 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some ladies clubs find that members cannot become signatories to the club accounts, as legislation requires that signatories to accounts be able to provide utility bills in their own name; if changes will be made in regulations in order that documentary evidence such as registration on the electoral register could be used by people whose utility bills are in the name of their spouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36650/08]
There is no law or regulation which requires production of a utility bill by a person wishing to act as a signatory for a bank account in the circumstances referred to by the Deputy.
Section 32 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1994 requires financial institutions to take reasonable measures to identify their customers. Recommended procedures for the implementation of this provision are set out in Guidance Notes issued under the aegis of the Money Laundering Steering Committee which is chaired by the Department of Finance and includes representatives of financial services industry bodies, the regulatory authorities and State Agencies, including the Garda Siochana.
Paragraph 59 of the Guidance Notes for Credit Institutions provides that in the case of accounts to be opened for clubs and societies the identities of at least two elected officials and of two signatories on the account should be established in accordance with the guidelines set out in paragraph 45. Paragraph 45 of the Guidance Notes details the various methods which may be used to verify name and address. In the case of address verification a current utility bill is one of a number of options available to a financial institution. The other options include checking the Electoral Register, making a credit reference agency search, checking a local telephone directory or available street directory, checking notice of Determination for Tax Credit, Current Balancing Statement from Revenue Commissioners, Social Insurance documents, Current Household/Motor Insurance Documents and Revenue Commissioners C2 Tax Certificate.
Normally difficulties of the type mentioned by the Deputy are resolved by an approach from the customer to the branch management or to the bank's customer service department. The full text of the Money Laundering Guidance Notes for Credit Institutions is available on the Department of Finance website http://www.finance.gov.ie/Publications/otherpubs/monlaun.htm
77 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance the expenditure by his Department to date on the proposal to decentralise the Office of Public Works to a location (details supplied) in County Cork. [36677/08]
The Government has decided that the decentralisation of the Office of Public Works to the location should be deferred for consideration until 2011. €9,130 has been expended to date on site investigations.
78 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce legislation to ensure that mortgagees who default on their mortgages over the duration of the financial guarantee legislation will not be prosecuted in the courts but will have their loans remortgaged or dealt with in a manner that does not result in loss of home or imprisonment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36724/08]
The Deputy may wish to note that the provisions of the Scheme made under the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act, 2008, requires institutions covered by the guarantee in Ireland to confirm their compliance with both the Financial Regulator's Consumer Protection Code (CPC) and the Irish Banking Federation's Code of Practice on Mortgage Arrears.
The CPC requires mortgage lenders to undertake suitability assessments before offering a product or service to consumers and requires that a regulated entity must contact the consumer as soon as it becomes aware that a mortgage account is in arrears. It also specifies that the regulated entity must have in place a procedure for handling accounts in arrears and the Financial Regulator's CEO has pointed out that the Financial Regulator considers this to include a requirement that lenders agree a remedial action plan with a borrower where it detects arrears starting to emerge and to try to assist the borrower to manage his or her financial commitments and not allow the situation to worsen. (For details see www.financialregulator.ie.)
In keeping with the principles of the Irish Banking Federation's (IBF) Code of Practice on Mortgage Arrears, member institutions of both the IBF and the Irish Mortgage Council ensure that the question of repossession does not arise until every reasonable effort has been made to find an alternative. We have been informed by the IBF that home repossession in Ireland is, generally, a last resort for the lender. The Code includes provisions for helping customers in financial difficulty and represents a framework within which these lenders agree to operate. The lenders agree under the Code to adopt flexible procedures for the handling of arrears cases, to assist the borrower as far as possible in his / her particular circumstances and recognise in full the provisions of the Consumer Credit Act 1995.
In the light of all of the above I am satisfied that adequate safeguards are in place to address the issues raised by the Deputy.
79 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if income from an inheritance will be subject to the income levy. [36806/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that inheritances passing to a beneficiary are of a capital nature and as a result are not subject to the income levy.
80 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if rental income will be subject to the income levy. [36807/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that gross rental income is subject to the income levy. The income levy is payable on the gross rental income after deduction of normal expenses associated with the letting of property but before the granting of any reliefs for owners of rented residential accommodation under the various property and area based tax exemptions schemes or the granting of double rent allowance deductions.
More detailed provisions, in relation to the collection, recovery, inspection of records, and other provisions required will be set out in the Finance Bill.
81 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if expenses paid to an employee in respect of their work duties will be subject to the income levy. [36808/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that expenses paid to an employee which are wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred in the performance of their employment duties are not treated as part of the employee's emoluments, and as such, these expenses will not be subjected to the income levy.
82 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the way the expenses of self-employed people will be treated in respect of the income levy; if he will clarify the Taoiseach’s statement on the evening of 14 October 2008 that the levy will allow for the deduction of normal expenses associated with a trade; the trades to which this will apply; the expenses to which this will apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36809/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the income levy will apply to all trades and professions at the same rates as will apply to those applying to PAYE and investment income.
The income levy will be calculated by applying the appropriate percentage to the self-employed person's gross income, after deduction of only those expenses directly associated with the performance of the trade i.e., in accordance with the normal principles of commercial accounting.
No deduction will be allowed for capital allowances, personal pension contributions or losses carried forward from a previous period.
More detailed provisions, in relation to the collection, recovery, inspection of records, and other provisions required will be set out in the Finance Bill.
83 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost to the Exchequer of the incremental pay increases, that is, annual increments, paid to public sector employees in 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36826/08]
Year-to-year increases in allocations would not normally be granted to allow for increments. In the normal way, the overall cost of increments for some staff on incremental scales should be offset by reductions in cost arising from retirements or other movements by staff on higher incremental points and their replacement by staff on lower points.
There is no increased provision for increments in the paybill for 2008 and no increased provision will be made in 2009 either.
84 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of incremental pay increases awarded to existing staff in his Department, its office and agencies under the remit of his Department in 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36836/08]
The estimated cost of increments awarded to staff in my Department in 2008 is €227,000, and in 2009 is €171,000.
With regard to the estimated cost of increments in Offices under the aegis of my Department, I have been advised as follows:
|
Office |
2008 |
2009 |
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
1.90 |
1.95 |
|
State Laboratory |
0.02 |
0.09 |
|
Valuation Office |
0.21 |
0.19 |
|
Public Appointments Service |
0.05 |
0.04 |
|
Commission for Public Service Appointments |
0.01 |
0.01 |
With regard to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, the comparable figures are:
|
Office |
2008 |
2009 |
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
Ombudsman |
0.02 |
0.01 |
|
Comptroller and Auditor General |
0.01 |
0.01 |
I have been further advised by the Office of Public Works that it has not been possible to obtain the information within the time allowed, but that the information will be forwarded directly to the Deputy when available.
It should be noted that since the introduction of the revised Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) in the civil service, the payment of all increments since 2007 is dependant on staff receiving a satisfactory rating.
85 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the estimated annual cost to his Department of the 2.5% Towards 2016 pay increase from its implementation in September 2008 and the 3.5% pay increase planned for September 2009 in respect of wages paid to staff in his Department, its office and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36850/08]
The estimated cost to my Department of the 2.5% pay increase due under T2016 with effect from 1 September 2008, is €0.33m, with the estimated cost in a full year being €.991m.
I have also been advised that the estimated cost to the Offices under my Department's aegis is as follows:
|
Department/Office |
Cost of 2.5% T16 due from 1/9/08 for 2008 |
Annual cost in a full year |
|
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
Offices of the Revenue and Appeals Commissioners |
2,704 |
8,013 |
|
State Laboratory |
45 |
136 |
|
Valuation Office |
79 |
236 |
|
Public Appointments Service |
58 |
174 |
|
Commission for Public Service Appointments |
5 |
14 |
|
Office of Public Works |
940 |
2,800 |
With regard to the Offices of the Ombudsman and the Comptroller and Auditor General, the comparable figures are:
|
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
Comptroller & Auditor General |
90 |
269 |
|
Office of the Ombudsman |
56 |
169 |
The estimated cost to my Department of the 3.5% pay increase with effect from 1 September 2009, arising under the recently negotiated draft pay agreement under Towards 2016, is €0.48m in 2009 and €1.44m in a full year.
I have also been advised that the estimated cost to offices under my Department's aegis is as follows:
|
Department/Office |
Cost of proposed 3.5% T16 increase due from 1/9/09 for 2009 |
Annual cost in a full year |
|
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
Offices of the Revenue and Appeals Commissioners |
3,806 |
11,018 |
|
State Laboratory |
71 |
212 |
|
Valuation Office |
116 |
349 |
|
Public Appointments Service |
85 |
255 |
|
Commission for Public Service Appointments |
9 |
26 |
|
Office of Public Works (AB pay element only) |
1,330 |
4,000 |
With regard to the Offices of the Ombudsman and the Comptroller and Auditor General, the comparable figures are:
|
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
Comptroller & Auditor General |
134 |
402 |
|
Office of the Ombudsman |
78 |
235 |
86 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the balance of a grant due to a community health association (details supplied) in County Kerry will be awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36630/08]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to funding from the Dormant Accounts.
POBAL is the body charged with administering the Dormant Accounts funds on behalf of the Department of Health and Children. POBAL pays grants to approved beneficiaries from funds advanced from the HSE, on the approval of my Department.
My Department has made enquiries with POBAL regarding East Kerry Mental Health. I understand that the association named is awaiting a final payment of €2,000 from the Dormant Accounts Fund. It is expected that payment will be made to the association in the coming weeks.
87 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children her policies in providing speech therapy assessments or therapy for children attending school who have a speech and language difficulty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36640/08]
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.
88 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Cork will qualify for a medical card on turning sixteen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36680/08]
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for the medical card benefit, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
89 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of special advisors appointed to her since her appointment as Minister; if she will tabulate their annual salaries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36596/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is presented in the following table. For ease of reference, annual salaries at the end of each year are presented.
|
31/12/04 |
31/12/05 |
31/12/06 |
31/12/07 |
23/10/08 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Patricia Ryan |
109,244 |
116,767 |
127,732 |
143,450 |
150,711 |
|
Derek Cunningham |
— |
108,713 |
114,203 |
116,487 |
122,384 |
|
Oliver O’Connor |
114,064 |
121,919 |
133,367 |
143,450 |
— |
|
John O’Brien |
122,256 |
134,580 |
166,093 |
177,886 |
— |
Mr Tom Kelly also acted as Special Advisor to me on loan from the Health Service Executive (HSE) during the period 11 April 2005 to 11 September 2006 and his salary was paid directly by the HSE. My Department has requested the HSE to confirm his salary details and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as this information becomes available.
90 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will address the issues (details supplied) in relation to the proposed fair deal legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36606/08]
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008 was published on the 9th October. The Minister intends to bring the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible with a view to implementing the scheme in 2009.
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 Department is carefully considering the implementation of the scheme within the context of that allocation.
With regard to the funding for contract beds and enhanced subvention, operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004. The Department is advised by the HSE that it is currently working to distribute the funding.
The HSE further advise that all private nursing home providers have been written to and advised of the revised arrangements and individual files are being reviewed at Local Health Office level. The calculations are quite substantial in respect of these individual cases and work will continue between now and the end of the year to make the necessary payments with appropriate arrears being paid where appropriate. Nursing Homes Ireland have also been advised of the position.
The Regulatory Impact Assessment for the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People has not yet been finalised. This will highlight the resources required and will have to be considered in drafting regulations.
Under the Health Act 2007, statutory responsibility is given to the Chief Inspector of Social Services for inspecting and registering all residential centres for older people, including private nursing homes. Once this part of the 2007 Act is commenced, he or she will inspect centres against the regulations governing these centres and standards set by HIQA. The overall resources that will be made available to HIQA in 2009 is dependant on the outcome of the budget and estimates process for next year, which is not yet finalised.
Finally, individuals who qualify for certain therapies while being cared for in the community continue to qualify if they enter long-term residential care.
91 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the financial allocation to a charity (details supplied) in County Limerick and that without a further allocation of €1.5 million the 100 persons with intellectual disability will lose the services to which they have become accustomed and the jobs of 60 employees will be put at risk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36629/08]
92 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take in relation to the need to provide resources for a service (details supplied) in County Limerick. [36631/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 92 together.
The Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputies.
93 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the eligibility criteria she will use to establish if a person is entitled to a medical card other than income eligibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36633/08]
I am informed by the Health Service Executive that when a person's means are in excess of the relevant income guidelines, the Executive may issue a medical card on a discretionary basis, having considered if the applicant would otherwise be caused undue hardship in providing general medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants.
94 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is public policy to make the flu vaccination available free on the medical card to persons over 65 years of age. [36646/08]
The Health Service Executive provides free flu vaccine to GPs for all persons over 65. There is no charge for the administration of the vaccine for those over 65 who have a medical card or GP visit card. Where the patient does not have a medical card or GP visit card the fee for administering the vaccine is a matter between the GP and the patient.
95 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has assessed complaints that the methods proposed to restrict the display of tobacco products will have excessive compliance costs for small stores and that the simple packs display solution allowed for in law would be an effective restriction at much lower cost in fittings and operation. [36648/08]
From 1/7/2009 some key provisions of the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 and 2004 are to be commenced, including a ban on all point of sale advertising and a requirement that tobacco products are dispensed from a closed container out of view of the customer. It is anticipated that, in most retail outlets, what will be required of retailers to meet the requirements of the legislation are adjustments to the fitting out of their outlets and not necessarily a total re-fit.
From 1/7/2009 all advertising of tobacco products will be prohibited under Section 33 of the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 and 2004 (as amended). A permanent display of a single pack of a tobacco product constitutes an advertisement and is precluded by the legislation.
96 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take steps to ensure that occupational therapy cover for a centre (details supplied) in County Westmeath is provided whilst the person who holds the position is on maternity leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36663/08]
Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
97 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intercede with the Health Service Executive on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo to ensure that they are granted a primary medical certificate as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36678/08]
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 investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
98 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of screening and types of technology in use in hospitals to pre-identify the MRSA, C. difficile and other infectious viruses in hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36699/08]
Tackling all Health Care Associated Infections (HCAIs), including MRSA and C. difficile,continues to be a priority for the Government and the Health Service Executive (HSE). HCAIs are not a new phenomenon and have always been a potential complication of medical treatment, especially in hospitals. This is the case worldwide.
The HSE launched a National Infection Control Action Plan in March 2007. The HSE aims over the period of the Plan to reduce HCAIs by 20%, MRSA infection by 30% and antibiotic consumption by 20%. A new National Surveillance System has been established to collect data and provide information on HCAIs in our health system. This data covers four key areas:
1. Staphylococcus bacteraemia (bloodstream infection);
2. Antibiotic consumption;
3. Alcohol gel use; and
4. From 2008 onwards, MRSA Surveillance in Intensive Care Units.
Data in respect of the first three areas has been compiled and published for 2006 and 2007. This report provides essential data that will serve as a benchmark for assessing progress in the future. I firmly believe that you cannot manage what you do not measure. With this system we have now begun a very useful measurement process. The results so far show some improvement in 2007 over 2006. The overall S. Aureus bloodstream infection rate was lower in 2007 (0.36) compared to 2006 (0.37). The overall proportion of MRSA was also lower in 2007 (38.5%) compared to 2006 (42.4%).
It would not be feasible to screen all patients for MRSA on admission to hospital. Where appropriate, selected screening to detect colonisation is carried out on certain groups of patients including those known to be previously positive, patients with non intact skin and those due to undergo elective high-risk surgery. Some specialist hospitals e.g. orthopaedic hospitals operate a full pre-operative testing regime. The data collected for the MRSA surveillance system relates to bloodstream infections. However, the data collected in ICUs covers all infections including bone and wound infections. Since May 4th of this year, C. difficile has become a notifiable disease and all cases now have to be reported to the relevant Department of Public Health. The range identified in the Third Prevalence Survey of Health Care Associated Infections in acute hospitals in 2006 was 0.5% of patients studied. The information available to date shows that the incidence now is consistent with the results of the 2006 survey.
Screening is also undertaken for a range of other viruses and bacteria where indicated and these include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, TB etc.
While accepting that not all HCAIs are preventable, I am satisfied that significant steps are being taken to reduce the rates of HCAIs generally by the application of strict infection prevention and control practices and precautions.
99 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be reached on a home care package in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2. [36720/08]
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.
100 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will publish the Fair Deal Nursing Home Support Scheme Bill; the schedule of implementation intended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36735/08]
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008 was published on the 9th October. The Minister intends to bring the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible.
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.
101 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will indicate that the budget allocation for the fair deal scheme will take account of inflation relative to the amount promised in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36736/08]
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 Department is carefully considering the implementation of the scheme within the context of that allocation.
102 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will finalise the outstanding Health Service Executive Payments in enhanced subvention overdue to nursing home residents and families since January 2008; when payments for contract beds due to nursing home operators will be finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36737/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department is advised by the HSE that it is currently working to distribute the funding referred to by the Deputy.
The HSE further advise that all private nursing home providers have been written to and advised of the revised arrangements and individual files are being reviewed at Local Health Office level. The calculations are quite substantial in respect of these individual cases and work will continue between now and the end of the year to make the necessary payments with appropriate arrears being paid where appropriate. Nursing Homes Ireland have also been advised of the position.
103 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to provide resources to support the implementation of the draft national quality standards for residential care settings for older persons based on the regulatory impact assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36738/08]
The Regulatory Impact Assessment referred to by the Deputy will include an assessment of the resource/financial implications of the draft standards. It is hoped to complete the RIA shortly.
104 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to provide access to health services such as physiotherapy, chiropody, dental care and occupational therapy for older people in nursing home care under the medical card scheme such as is provided to those who do not reside in nursing homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36739/08]
The Health Act, 1970 (as amended) provides for two categories of eligibility for all persons ordinarily resident in the country, i.e. full eligibility (medical card) and limited eligibility (all others). Entitlement to a medical card is determined mainly by reference to means, with provision for discretion to grant a card in cases of ‘undue hardship' where the income guidelines are exceeded, while individuals in the second category are required to pay for certain services. Medical card holders are entitled to a full range of services including general practitioner services, prescribed drugs and medicines, all in-patient public hospital services in public wards including consultants services, all out-patient public hospital services including consultants services, dental, ophthalmic and aural services and appliances and a maternity and infant care service. Determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Individuals with medical cards residing in nursing homes have the same eligibility to services as those in the community. I believe that the availability of services such as of physiotherapy, chiropody, dental care and occupational therapy should not be dependent on where the individual is residing.
105 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 can expect to have their appeal decision regarding their application for a domiciliary care allowance issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36812/08]
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 investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
106 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 18 of 16 October 2008 when a date will be set for an oral hearing appeal lodged on 30 April 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36821/08]
The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006. The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office has advised my Department that the claimant referred to by the Deputy lodged an appeal form with the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office on 21 April 2008 and lodged an oral hearing form on 30 April 2008. An oral hearing will be arranged for the claimant in Cork as soon as practicable.
107 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if an earlier appointment will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36822/08]
It would appear that this case relates to attendance at a private clinic and accordingly the question of an appointment is a matter between the patient and their consultant. It is also open to the patient's general practitioner to contact the consultant directly in relation to the case if they consider that an urgent appointment is required.
108 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost of incremental pay increases awarded to existing staff in her Department, its office and agencies under the remit of her Department in 2008 and 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36838/08]
The cost of incremental progression for staff in my Department in any given year will depend upon the number of staff receiving increments and the number of staff moving, or retiring, from my Department who are replaced by staff paid at lower points of the salary scale. My Department does not receive any additional funding for incremental progression, it is expected to meet the costs, if any, from within its overall allocation. The same approach applies to agencies under the remit of my Department, including the HSE.
109 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the estimated annual cost to her Department of the 2.5% Towards 2016 pay increase from its implementation in September 2008 and the 3.5% pay increase planned for September 2009 in respect of wages paid to staff in her Department, its office and agencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36852/08]
The estimated cost to my Department of the 2.5% pay increase under Towards 2016 with effect from 1st September 2008 is €0.3m in 2008 and €0.9m in a full year. The estimated cost to my Department of the 3.5% pay increase with effect from 1st September 2009 arising under the recently negotiated draft pay agreement under Towards 2016 is €0.4m in 2009 and €1.2m in a full year.
In addition a range of agencies are funded by my Department. The estimated full year cost to these agencies of the 2.5% pay increase is €1.4m. The estimated cost in 2009 of the 3.5% increase is €2m. It is estimated that the full year cost of the 2.5% pay increase under Towards 2016 to the HSE will be €189m. The HSE will cover its own costs and a wide range of agencies which it funds. Based on figures in the published Budget 2009 Book the estimated cost of the 3.5% pay increase arising from the recently negotiated draft pay agreement will be €95m in 2009. It is expected that the agencies and the HSE will meet the costs of the pay increases from within their overall allocations.
110 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if the fair deal scheme will apply to private hospital and nursing homes. [36858/08]
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme will apply to public and voluntary nursing homes and to approved private nursing homes. In order to become approved for the purposes of the scheme, a private nursing home must:
(a) be registered under the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 at present and, in the future, under the Health Act 2007 (once the relevant sections are commenced),
(b) have agreed a price for the purposes of the scheme with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF),
(c) hold a valid tax clearance certificate.
111 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the number of special advisers appointed to him since his appointment as Minister; if he will tabulate their annual salaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36599/08]
I have appointed two special advisors since my appointment as Minister for Transport. They are as follows:
|
Name |
Annual Salary |
|
€ |
|
|
Olive Stephens |
89,819 |
|
James Fegan |
107,485 |
112 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the contacts he has had with the National Roads Authority on the recent introduction of barrier free tolling on the M50; if he will direct the NRA under Section 41 of the Roads Act 1993 to review the operation of the barrier free tolling system particularly in view of problems with the eFlow system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36690/08]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in respect of the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
In addition, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the NRA under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007). In relation to the specific matters raised by the Deputy relating to the operation of barrier free tolling on the M50 I would refer her to my reply on 1st October last to Question number 32510/08 asked by Deputy Broughan. I do not propose to use my powers under Section 41 of the Roads Act 1993 to make a direction to the NRA in this matter.
113 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the reason a brand new vehicle has to be brought for a National Car Test when purchased for carriage work by a PSV licence holder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36791/08]
The licensing of small public service vehicles, taxis, hackneys and limousines, is governed by regulations made under the Road Traffic Acts and by the Commission for Taxi Regulation under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003. In accordance with the 2003 Act, the Commission for Taxi Regulation is the independent body responsible for the development and maintenance of the regulatory framework for the control and operation, including licensing, of small public service vehicles and their drivers.
The licensing of small public service vehicles is subject to testing of suitability requirements which are in addition to those relating to the usual vehicle roadworthiness requirements for a private vehicle and hence the need for vehicles being put into service as small public service vehicles to have been tested in advance.
I should draw the attention of the Deputy to the National Vehicle Standards Requirements for Small Public Service Vehicles, (Chapter 11) published by the Commission in November 2007 (and available at the Commission's website, www.taxiregulator.ie), which outlines proposed reforms in this area which the Commission proposes to introduce on a phased basis between 2009 and 2012.
114 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of incremental pay increases awarded to existing staff in his Department, its office and agencies under the remit of his Department in 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36841/08]
115 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the estimated annual cost to his Department of the 2.5% Towards 2016 pay increase from its implementation in September 2008 and the 3.5% pay increase planned for September 2009 in respect of wages paid to staff in his Department, its office and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36855/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together.
An estimated cost of incremental pay increases to existing staff in my Department in 2008 and 2009 is currently being compiled and, as it cannot be given within the specified timeframe, will be forwarded directly to the Deputy once available. The estimated annual cost to my Department of the 2.5% Towards 2016 pay increase from its implementation in September 2008 is € 814,000. The estimated annual cost to my Department of the 3.5% increase planned for September 2009 is a further € 1,168,000.In relation to agencies under the aegis of my Department, the payment of salaries is a matter for the agencies concerned.
116 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of special advisers appointed to him since his appointment as Minister; if he will tabulate their annual salaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36597/08]
One Special Adviser and one Press Adviser have been appointed to me. Both are paid at the Principal Officer Standard Scale (€86,188 — €106,582 per annum). Otherwise, I fully rely on the advice of established Civil Servants in the Department.
117 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22, who is an Irish citizen, can expect to receive a decision on their application for family reunification visas in respect of their brother and sister in view of the fact that the application process has been ongoing for thirty months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36602/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that this application is in the final stages of processing and a decision will issue within fourteen days.
118 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to decentralisation projects (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the stage at which these projects lie; when they will proceed to the next stage; the location of the proposed site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36645/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has reviewed the decentralisation programme and identified priority elements on which implementation should proceed at this time. I am pleased to report that both the Garda Central Vetting Unit and the Fixed Charge Processing Office have already relocated from Dublin to offices in Thurles with a total staffing complement of over one hundred and thirty. An advance move of twenty posts from the Equality Authority to Roscrea has been completed and work is nearing finalisation for the transfer of a further fifteen posts to the town.
119 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an appeal against a decision to refuse a visa for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36662/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa application referred to has been approved on appeal.
120 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number, type and calibre of firearms for which licences have been issued each year for the past five years up to 17 October 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36693/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that an analysis completed 9 October 2008 shows the figures, by type, for licensed firearms to be:
|
TYPE |
2007/08 |
2006/07 |
2005/06 |
2004/05 |
2003/04 |
|
Shotgun |
177,455 |
174,832 |
171,916 |
173,556 |
170,236 |
|
Rifle |
56,689 |
50,986 |
48,536 |
47,596 |
44,967 |
|
Crossbow |
79 |
76 |
72 |
76 |
73 |
|
Pistol |
1,551 |
1,125 |
751 |
289 |
1 |
|
Revolver |
284 |
214 |
131 |
58 |
0 |
|
Other |
62 |
54 |
43 |
34 |
27 |
|
Total |
233,120 |
227,287 |
221,449 |
221,609 |
215,304 |
The firearms licensing year is from 1 August to 31 July of the following year. To additionally analyse the data by calibre would involve considerable Garda time and resources. I have already indicated my concern at the increase in the number of handguns being licensed and I have informed the house previously, a review of firearms legislation is being finalised at present in my Department.
121 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will increase the number of horses in the Garda mounted unit; if he will increase the number of dogs in the Garda dog unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36694/08]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda Mounted Unit currently has a complement of eleven (11) horses and that the Garda Dog Unit currently has twenty-six (26) dogs attached to the unit based in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. In addition there are three (3) dogs attached to the Garda Dog Unit in the Southern Region which was established on a permanent basis earlier this year. I am advised by the Garda authorities that efforts are continuing to increase the number of horses to fifteen (15) and that it is planned to increase the number of dogs in the Southern Region to eight (8).
122 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda stations in the Dublin metropolitan region which have a crime prevention officer; his plans to appoint additional crime prevention officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36697/08]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that Crime Prevention Officers are allocated to each Garda Division in the country and in the DMR are attached to the following stations:
Store Street,
Pearse Street,
Ballymun,
Blanchardstown,
Tallaght, and
Shankill.
The National Crime Prevention Office, Community Relations, Harcourt Square currently has a staff of four Sergeants and one Inspector. I am also informed by the Garda Commissioner that it is intended that Crime Prevention Officers will be appointed in each new Division created under the Boundary Re-alignment Programme.
123 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of burglaries and vehicle crimes recorded at Balbriggan Garda Station in 2007 and to date in 2008; the number of detections which resulted from the burglaries and vehicle crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36698/08]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
124 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36703/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 15 April 2005 and applied for asylum. The second reference number refers to the child of the person concerned who was born in the State later that year and who is included as a child dependant on her mother's asylum claim. The asylum application of the person concerned was refused following consideration of the case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 20 April 2007, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of her and her child. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she and her child should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
The person concerned also claimed asylum in the United Kingdom on 9 May 2007. In accordance with the provisions of the Dublin II Regulations, the United Kingdom requested that Ireland agree to the return of the person concerned to this State as the person concerned was in the UK without permission and having regard for the fact that Ireland was the Dublin II Regulation State responsible for examining the asylum application of the person concerned. The person concerned, accompanied by the dependant child referred to, was returned to this State.
The application for Subsidiary Protection in the State submitted by the person concerned will now be examined. In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
The Deputy might wish to note that any decision made in relation to the person concerned will apply equally to the dependant child referred to in the Deputy's Question.
125 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36704/08]
An asylum application was submitted on behalf of the person concerned, an infant born in mid-2007, on 20 November 2007. This asylum application was refused following consideration of the case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 21 May 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). An application for Subsidiary Protection in the State has been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file is passed to me for decision.
126 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36705/08]
I refer the Deputy to the Reply I gave to his Parliamentary Question No. 64 of Thursday 16 October 2008. The status of the person concerned remains as set out in that Reply.
127 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36706/08]
I refer the Deputy to the Reply to Parliamentary Question 218 of 30 March 2006. Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department inform me that no new application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person in question has been received to date.
128 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the act of vandalism in destroying the Methodist Church on Jones’ Road, Dublin 3 can be prosecuted as a criminal offence; if the Garda is investigating the offence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36726/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Dublin City Council is investigating the matter concerned under planning and development legislation, which provides for prosecutions to be taken by the City Council. The Garda authorities are working closely with and assisting the City Council in its investigation. I am further informed that any other criminal acts identified will be investigated by An Garda Síochána.
129 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the appeal in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36733/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
The persons referred to by the Deputy have initiated Judicial Review Proceedings challenging the decisions of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal in their respective cases. As these Proceedings are ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the cases of the persons concerned at this time.
130 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make additional resources available to An Garda Síochána to provide extra manpower in the estates of Tallaght west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36741/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Tallaght Garda Station on 30 September 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 187. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers etc.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. In doing this he takes into account all relevant factors, including of course population but also including crime rates and trends as well as operational priorities. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the allocation of Gardaí to Tallaght Garda Station will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of policing needs throughout the country.
131 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda vehicles at Tallaght Garda Station; and if he will correct recent misinformation on the subject. [36742/08]
I am aware of a recent newspaper headline indicating that Gardaí have just two cars for all of Tallaght. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the total number of official Garda vehicles allocated to Tallaght Garda Station is in fact 26, made up of 13 marked and 13 unmarked vehicles. Accordingly, I am happy to set the record straight on this matter.
132 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will hold discussions with South Dublin County Council and other bodies to pursue the potential of the Tallaght Garda Station site and in reporting will he appreciate the need to improve those facilities and to allow an increase in garda manpower at Tallaght. [36743/08]
The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation around the country is based on agreed priorities established by An Garda Síochána. The programme is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.
A recently completed feasibility report prepared by the Office of Public Works on the proposed new Garda Divisional Headquarters on the existing Garda station site is currently being examined to take account of local Garda management views. I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as an immediate measure to improve the accommodation available to Gardaí in Tallaght, additional accommodation to cater for 50 personnel is being provided adjacent to the station. The Garda Commissioner has established a Garda Accommodation Programme Board to prepare a long-term accommodation strategy for the Force and the policing accommodation needs of Tallaght, including West Tallaght, City West, Saggart, Rathcoole, Newcastle area will be fully considered as part of this strategy.
133 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date in the application for residency in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36749/08]
I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 830 of 24 September 2008. This position remains unchanged.
134 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for citizenship in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36750/08]
Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department have written to the person concerned on 6 October 2008 requesting further documentation. Further processing of the application will commence on receipt of the documentation requested.
135 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36751/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1019 of Wednesday, 24 September 2008 and 203 of Thursday, 28 February 2008 and the written Replies to those Questions.
The person concerned arrived in the State on 29 April 2003 and applied for asylum on 12 June 2003. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 8 September 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of submitting written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
136 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the necessary residency documentation will issue in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36752/08]
The first named person concerned has been granted Leave to Remain in the State for the period to 17 September 2010. This decision was conveyed in writing to the first named person concerned by letter dated 17 September 2007. This communication advised the first named person concerned of the conditions attaching to this permission and the registration process involved which is to present himself at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 where, upon presentation of appropriate identification documentation and payment of the relevant registration fee, this registration process is completed.
The second named person concerned has been granted Leave to Remain in the State for the period to 9 May 2010. This decision was conveyed in writing to the second named person concerned by letter dated 9 May 2007. Again this communication advised the second named person concerned of the conditions attaching to this permission and the registration process involved which is to present herself at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 where, upon presentation of appropriate identification documentation and payment of the relevant registration fee, this registration process is completed.
137 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for citizenship will be determined in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36753/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in July 2008.
Officials in that Section inform me that the application form submitted by the person in question was not fully completed and was returned to her on 23 July, 2008. An amended application form was received in my Department on 29, August, 2008 but the form was still not completed correctly and was returned again to the applicant .
Further processing of the application will commence once the form is completed correctly and returned to the Citizenship Section of my Department.
138 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if permission to remain in the State will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36754/08]
I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that they contacted the person referred to by the Deputy in writing on the 26th September 2008 and again on the 21st October 2008 in relation to her immigration status. Further documentation has been requested from the person concerned on both occasions and the Immigration Division is awaiting receipt of such in order to examine the case.
139 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency position in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36755/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.
A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency position in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36756/08]
It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.
A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
141 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency position in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36757/08]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 10 March 2003. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
The person concerned initiated Judicial Review Proceedings in the High Court, challenging the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The High Court refused the Judicial Review Leave Application.
In accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 26 August 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were submitted on behalf of the person concerned at that time.
The case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
142 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the circumstances in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36758/08]
I refer the Deputy to the Reply given to his Parliamentary Question No. 240 on Thursday 24 April 2008. The status of the person concerned remains as set out in that Reply.
The person concerned has continued to meet her presentation requirements with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). She is due to present again on Thursday 23 October 2008.
The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the GNIB.
143 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36759/08]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 23 December 2005. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 9 November 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
144 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36760/08]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 12 December 2005. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 20 November 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
145 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected citizenship status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36761/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person concerned was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in March 2004 and I decided to refuse the application. The reason for my decision was disclosed to the applicant via his Legal Representative in a letter dated 15 October 2008.
It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application if and when he is in a position to satisfy the statutory requirements applicable at that time.
146 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36762/08]
On 24 April, 2008, the person concerned was invited to make representations under Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as to why he should not be deported from the State. Representations in this regard, which were made on the person's behalf, have been received in my Department.
I am informed that the person in question has come to the adverse attention of An Garda Síochána, and has convictions in the State. The making of a Deportation Order is being considered in light of this information. The person concerned, and his legal representatives, will be contacted directly and notified of any decisions made in due course.
147 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if accommodation or medical assistance will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36763/08]
The Reception and Integration Agency is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision.
The person referred to in the details supplied made an application for asylum on 5 January 2004. Since then to date the person in question has been provided with accommodation by the Reception and Integration Agency.
This person is currently accommodated at Mount Trenchard accommodation centre in Limerick. The accommodation remains available to him and has never been withdrawn from him. In relation to any medical assistance, the provision of such assistance is a matter for the relevant medical services within the HSE. The Deputy may wish to note that asylum seekers can access public health services in the same way as an Irish citizen.
148 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an updated travel document will be issued in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36764/08]
The Immigration Operations Section of my Department has informed me that there is no record of a current travel document application on behalf of the person in question.
As the person in question is an Angolan National it is advised that he contact the Embassy of Angola, 22 Dorset Street, London W1U 6QY, England with a view to obtaining his own National passport.
149 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36765/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.
A final decision on each application is made following receipt of the recommendation of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
The person referred to by the Deputy has initiated Judicial Review Proceedings challenging the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal in his case. As these Proceedings are ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the case of the person concerned at this time.
150 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36766/08]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 819 of Wednesday 24 September 2008 and No. 163 of Thursday 29 May 2008 and the written Replies to those Questions.
The person concerned applied for asylum on 30 October 2002. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 27 August 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
151 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the status of residency and citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36767/08]
The Refugee Applications Commissioner (RAC) determined on 10 July 2008 that the United Kingdom is responsible, pursuant to the provisions of Article 16(1)(e) of Council Regulation (EC) No 343/2003, for examining the application for asylum of the person concerned. The Dublin II Regulation (Council Regulation (EC) No. 343/2003), is intended to prevent the phenomenon of ‘asylum shopping' across Europe and sets out criteria for determining which Regulation State is responsible for examining an asylum application where applications have been lodged in more than one Regulation State or whereby an asylum seeker has been granted a visa to enter another Regulation State and has entered that other State before entering Ireland and making an asylum application here. At the same time, it guarantees applicants that one State will process their application, thereby preventing the creation of ‘refugees in orbit', a situation which had previously pertained in Europe.
The person in question was requested to present to the Garda National Immigration Bureau on 19 August 2008. She failed to present herself and is now recorded as having evaded her Transfer Order. This person is currently being sought by the Garda National Immigration Bureau. She should make herself known to them without further delay so that arrangements can be made for her transfer to the United Kingdom. As stated in the reply to Question No. 205 of 10 April 2008, this person was transferred to the United Kingdom under the Dublin II Regulation on one previous occasion on 16 April 2007 but has since then illegally returned to this State.
152 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36768/08]
I refer the Deputy to my Reply to Parliamentary Question No. 137 on 9 October 2008. The position remains as stated.
153 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36769/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1206 of 30 January 2008.
My Department wrote to the person concerned on 8 October 2008 requesting the submission of original documents relating to identity and residence in the State. The person will be advised of any decision made when the requested documentation is received.
154 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36770/08]
The person concerned has been granted temporary Leave to Remain in the State for a three year period to 9 October 2011. This decision was conveyed to the person concerned by letter dated 9 October 2008.
155 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to long term residency and citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36771/08]
The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
The dependants of the aforementioned who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants. Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.
An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in August 2007. I understand that applications received in January 2007 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.
Officials in the Citizenship Division of my Department have informed me that no application for citizenship exists with regard to the person referred to by the Deputy.
156 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency position in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36772/08]
I would advise the Deputy that the officials in my Department have informed me that the name and reference number of the person supplied do not match any person on Departmental records. I regret that I am therefore unable to answer the Deputy's question.
157 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason no appointment of a permanent District Court Judge in Waterford has been made; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that it has been 12 months since the last permanent appointment; if there is any other city in the country that does not have a permanent District Court Judge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36805/08]
A judge is assigned on a temporary basis to Waterford District at present. Plans are in place to make a permanent assignment in the very near future.
158 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated cost of incremental pay increases awarded to existing staff in his Department, its office and agencies under the remit of his Department in 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36839/08]
There is no specific annual budgetary provision to allow for incremental pay increases. This is based on the principle that the overall cost of increments for staff on incremental scales should be offset by reductions in costs arising from the retirement or other movements of staff at higher salary points and their replacement by staff at lower salary points. Therefore there is no separate provision for incremental pay increases in my Department's Estimates for 2008 or 2009.
159 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated annual cost to his Department of the 2.5% Towards 2016 pay increase from its implementation in September 2008 and the 3.5% pay increase planned for September 2009 in respect of wages paid to staff in his Department, its office and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36853/08]
The estimated annual cost of the 2.5% increase under Towards 2016 in respect of the Justice Equality and Law Reform Vote (Vote 19) is €3.95 million. The annual cost of the planned 3.5% pay increase in September 2009 is estimated at €5.7 million.
160 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of special advisors appointed to him since his appointment as Minister; if he will tabulate their annual salaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36595/08]
The following table sets out the names and remuneration of my Special Advisors in the Department of Foreign Affairs. Both staff are contracted under terms and conditions of employment set by the Minister for Finance and are employed on a full-time basis. Their appointments will terminate no later than the date on which I cease to hold my office as Minister.
|
Name |
Position |
Remuneration |
|
Ms. Deirdre Gillane |
Policy Advisor |
Principal Officer standard scale: €86,168 – €100,191 |
|
Mr. Christy Mannion |
Special Advisor |
Principal Officer standard scale: €86,168 – €100,191 plus a 10% attraction allowance |
161 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the estimated cost of incremental pay increases awarded to existing staff in his Department, its office and agencies under the remit of his Department in 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36837/08]
The estimated costs to my Department of incremental pay increases during 2008 and 2009 are as follows:
|
Year |
Estimated Cost |
|
€ |
|
|
2008 |
1,073,000 |
|
2009 |
1,108,000 |
These estimated figures are based on the current number of staff employed in my Department and are derived using the midpoints of the salary scales for each grade of officer. They also take into account increases due in each year under the Towards 2016 social partnership agreement.
Increments are paid annually to staff provided that they meet a required standard of performance under the Civil Service Performance Management and Development System.
162 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the estimated annual cost to his Department of the 2.5% Towards 2016 pay increase from its implementation in September 2008 and the 3.5% pay increase planned for September 2009 in respect of wages paid to staff in his Department, its office and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36851/08]
The estimated costs to my Department of pay increases due under the Towards 2016 social partnership agreement are as follows:
|
Year |
Cost |
|
€ |
|
|
2008 (from 1 September) |
712,000 |
|
2009 |
3,324,000 |
The 2009 figure includes the full-year cost of the 2.5% increase payable from September 2008 and the cost for four months of the 3.5% increase that falls due in September 2009.
163 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of special advisors appointed to him since his appointment as Minister; if he will tabulate their annual salaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36587/08]
Since my appointment as Minister in this Department I have appointed one Special (Press) Adviser under Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act, 1997. The appointee is paid at the civil service Principal Officer Standard Scale.
164 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the grant allocation to the GAA, FAI, IRFU and Olympic Council of Ireland between the years 2003 and 2008, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36696/08]
The Irish Sports Council (ISC) provides funding to each of these bodies from its annual allocation to help with the costs of programme implementation. The table below sets out the funding provided by the ISC to each of the bodies for the years in question.
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
Total |
|
|
€000s |
€000s |
€000s |
€000s |
€000s |
€000s |
€000s |
|
|
GAA |
1,340 |
1,340 |
3,590 |
3,590 |
3,590 |
3,590 |
17,040 |
|
IRFU |
3,500 |
3,500 |
3,500 |
3,500 |
3,750 |
3,500 |
21,250 |
|
FAI |
1,500 |
1,850 |
2,150 |
3,000 |
4,000 |
4,000 |
16,500 |
|
OCI |
523 |
490 |
441 |
350 |
526 |
589 |
2,919 |
In addition to these figures, the FAI and IRFU have also received funding from the ISC under the Women in Sport Initiative as follows:
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
Total |
|
|
€000s |
€000s |
€000s |
€000s |
€000s |
|
|
IRFU |
30 |
106 |
165 |
209 |
510 |
|
FAI |
80 |
250 |
300 |
350 |
980 |
165 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will review the admissions policy in the National Aquatic Centre, whereby if one leaves the water area to go and get a snack in the complex you cannot re-enter the water area without paying again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36707/08]
As the Deputy is aware, the statutorily established National Sports Campus Development Authority since 1 January 2007 and a fully-owned subsidiary of the Authority, NSCDA (Operations) Ltd., are in charge of the National Aquatic Centre.
The day to day operation and the performance of the National Aquatic Centre including its admissions policy is kept under continuous review both by the subsidiary and the Authority.
166 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the status of the National History Museum; if work to restore this building has begun; when the building will be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36795/08]
I understand that the National Museum of Ireland has commenced work on the documentation of exhibits in the Natural History Museum. The opportunity to address this work, which is provided by the closure of the Museum, will be fully utilised.
The National Museum intends to display some of the Natural History collection in the Riding School, Collins Barracks from the end of January 2009. The primary purpose of the Riding school exhibition is to provide an alternative public display for a portion of the Natural History Museum exhibits, while the building remains closed for redevelopment. The style of the exhibition is intended to reflect the familiar vintage exhibition, using popular exhibits and using some furnishings relocated from the Natural History Museum. The theme of the exhibition is two fold, based on the subtitle ‘Past and Present', which reflects the history and future plans for the museum, and also the past populations of animals in Ireland since the Ice Age and the changing face of the Irish fauna through habitat loss and climate change. In addition to animals familiar from the Natural History Museum, the exhibition will include some fossils, minerals and rocks from the National Museum's geological collections.
The Natural History Museum is a much-loved Institution and my Department, the Office of Public Works and the National Museum are examining options for early commencement of the restoration works so that it will be re-opened as soon as possible.
167 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the estimated cost of incremental pay increases awarded to existing staff in his Department, its office and agencies under the remit of his Department in 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36829/08]
The estimated cost of incremental pay increases for staff in the Department in 2008 and 2009 is set out below:
2008: € 70,000
2009: €75,000
The award of annual increments is subject to a satisfactory rating under the Performance Management Development system.
The figure for 2009 is calculated on the basis of existing staff in the Department but the final figure will be impacted, inter alia, by further staff turnover in the context of finalising the decentralisation of the Department to Killarney in early 2009.
The cost of incremental pay increases for the agencies under the remit of my Department is a day to day matter for each agency.
168 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the estimated annual cost to his Department of the 2.5% Towards 2016 pay increase from its implementation in September 2008 and the 3.5% pay increase planned for September 2009 in respect of wages paid to staff in his Department, its office and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36843/08]
The estimated cost for my Department and the agencies funded by my Department, of the 2.5% pay increase which took effect from 1 September 2008 is approximately €672,000 in 2008 and €1.9 million in 2009. The estimated cost of a pay increase of 3.5% from 1 September 2009 is €924,000.
169 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of special advisors appointed to him since his appointment as Minister; if he will tabulate their annual salaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36589/08]
The information sought by the Deputy in respect of the 2 such appointees currently serving in my Department is set out in the following table.
|
Position |
Annual Salary |
|
€ |
|
|
Special Advisor |
100,191 |
|
Media Advisor |
86,168 |
170 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount allocated to areas (details supplied) in Dublin 7 from the Young People’s Services and Facilities Fund; the amount which has been drawn down to date; the use to which the money was put; if the unused portion of the allocation can now be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36723/08]
Capital funding of nearly €1.8m for a community facility, in the area referred to by the Deputy, was approved in 1998 and 2001 under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF). Of this, over €5,000 was drawn down in 2003 for initial architectural fees. As the Deputy may be aware, the facility is linked to the broader regeneration of the particular area in Dublin 7.
Following the decision by the developers earlier this year to withdraw from the regeneration project, Dublin City Council officials are currently working on alternative ways to progress the redevelopment. I understand that they hope to be in a position to present proposals on how to proceed at a public meeting before the end of the year. Consequently, the draw-down of the remaining funding under the YPFSF will need to be examined in the context of these proposals.
In relation to the Fund, it should be noted that arrangements to give effect to its transfer 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. The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that the development of the facility in question will be a matter for the OMCYA to consider in the context of funding available to them for 2009.
171 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the estimated cost of incremental pay increases awarded to existing staff in his Department, its office and agencies under the remit of his Department in 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36831/08]
The position is that year-to-year increases in allocations would not normally be granted to allow for increments. In the normal way, the overall cost of increments for some staff on incremental scales should be offset by reductions in cost arising from retirements or other movements by staff on higher incremental points and their replacement by staff on lower points.
I can confirm that there is no increased provision for increments in the paybill in my Department's Group of Votes for 2008, nor is such a provision being made for 2009.
172 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the estimated annual cost to his Department of the 2.5% Towards 2016 pay increase from its implementation in September 2008 and the 3.5% pay increase planned for September 2009 in respect of wages paid to staff in his Department, its office and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36845/08]
The 2.5% pay increase arising from Towards 2016 is being implemented by my Department since 1 September 2008. The estimated cost arising in respect of the staff at my Department, as well as Departmental staff seconded to the National Drugs Strategy Team, the National Advisory Committee on Drugs and An Coimisinéir Teanga, is of the order of €130k in 2008 and €400k in a full year. The estimated cost of the 3.5% pay increase proposed under the recently negotiated draft pay agreement to take effect from 1 September 2009 is of the order of €190k in 2009 and €570k in a full year.
In relation to the other agencies and bodies that come within the ambit of my Department, it has not been possible to collate the information in the time available. I have, however, requested that the relevant bodies provide the required information, which will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
173 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not received a decision in relation to their application for a mortgage interest relief payment in view of the fact that they have supplied all of the information requested by the community welfare officer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36813/08]
Mortgage interest supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
In determining entitlement to mortgage interest supplement, a community welfare officer must fully establish the means of the person concerned. The original loan application, supporting documentation and records of repayments may also be examined in order to assess the capacity of the person to make a long-term commitment to repayment of the loan in question. It is a matter for the community welfare officer to a make a decision on entitlement once s/he is satisfied that all the facts of the case have been established.
The Executive has advised that it has not received all of the documentation it requested in this case. It further advises that it has not received sufficient documentation to allow a decision to be made in this case. A decision on entitlement to mortgage interest supplement will be made when all documentation requested has been received.
174 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of special advisors appointed to her since her appointment as Minister; if she will tabulate their annual salaries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36598/08]
Since my appointment as Minister for Social and Family Affairs on 7th May 2008, I have appointed, on a contract basis for my term of office, one Special Adviser, Ms. Averil Power, whose salary is €97,109 per annum.
175 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on whether the social welfare office in Lucan, County Dublin is large enough and has adequate resources to deal with the growing number of people signing on for jobseekers allowance and benefit in the locality. [36651/08]
There is no Social Welfare Local Office in Lucan. The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the acquisition and maintenance of office accommodation for the Department. The Department together with the OPW and South Dublin County Council is exploring the possibility of having a Local Office in Adamstown as part of the planned new Civic Centre.
Jobseeker claims for people living in the Lucan area are administered by the Social Welfare Local Office in Clondalkin. Signing-on for the majority of jobseekers occurs once in any 4-week period. However, to avoid the necessity for people in Lucan to travel to Clondalkin, they sign-on at a Signing Centre in Lucan village.
Heretofore the signing Centre in Lucan was open on 2 days a month from 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon and from 2.00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. However with the increasing numbers claiming a jobseeker's payments, this has been increased to 3 days a month. Local management in Clondalkin is keeping the matter under review.
176 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath who has been waiting for more than six months for a date for an oral hearing in respect of their claim for jobseekers allowance; the average length of time that applicants are waiting for such cases to be processed; the reasons for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36674/08]
The claim for Jobseekers Allowance by the person concerned was refused by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 25 February 2008 as his means, derived from self-employment, exceeded the statutory limit.
An appeal was opened on 28 March 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 his case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral appeal hearing.
During 2007 the average time taken to process all appeals (i.e. those decided summarily and by way of oral hearing) was 22 weeks. However, if allowance was made for the 25% most protracted cases, the average time fell to 14.4 weeks.
In 2008, to the end of September, the Social Welfare Appeals Office has received almost 14,000 appeals, an increase of 22% in respect of the same period in the last few years. Every effort is made to treat these appeals in a fair and equitable manner and within this context to have the appeal dealt with as quickly as possible. Improving processing times remains a major objective of the Social Welfare Appeals Office. However, it is necessary at all times to ensure that progress in this regard is achieved in a manner which is not in conflict with the demands of justice and the requirement that every appeal be fully investigated and examined on all its merits.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on Social Welfare entitlements.
177 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the basis on which it was determined that child benefit was refused in the case of (persons’ details) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36746/08]
In order to qualify for a range of Social Welfare payments, including Child Benefit, applicants are required to satisfy the Habitual Residence condition (HRC), which was introduced on 1st May 2004.
The HRC requires the applicant to satisfy the deciding officer that they meet certain conditions, including that their centre of interest is in Ireland and that their future intentions, as demonstrated, are to remain in Ireland. The legal right to undertake employment and be self supporting are considered by the deciding officer when the person's centre of interest and future intentions are being examined.
In order for Romanian nationals to work in Ireland, they are required to have a work permit; neither the person referred to nor her partner, both of whom are Romanian nationals, appear to have such a permit. Both the person referred to and her partner appear to have been in Ireland prior to Romania's accession to the EU in January 2007 but did not register with the Dept of Justice or have work permits for this period.
The person referred to, first made an application for Child Benefit in August 2007. This application was refused on 14th September 2007 as the Deciding Officer, having considered all the circumstances, did not consider that the person concerned satisfied the HR condition as her centre of interest and future intentions had not been clearly established due to her inability to work legally in Ireland, or alternatively to support herself independently.
The person concerned was notified of the decision in writing on 14th September 2007 and given the right of appeal.
A further Child Benefit application was received from the person concerned on 5th August 2008. This application has been refused as the Deciding Officer does not consider, after having all examined the circumstances, that the person concerned yet satisfied the HR condition as her centre of interest and future intentions have not been clearly established due to her inability to work legally in Ireland, or alternatively to support herself independently.
The person concerned was notified of the decision in writing on 7th October 2008 and of her right to appeal the decision.
178 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated cost of incremental pay increases awarded to existing staff in her Department, its office and agencies under the remit of her Department in 2008 and 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36840/08]
179 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated annual cost to her Department of the 2.5% Towards 2016 pay increase from its implementation in September 2008 and the 3.5% pay increase planned for September 2009 in respect of wages paid to staff in her Department, its office and agencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36854/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 179 together.
The details being sought by the Deputy are set out in the following tabular statement. All costs, which are based on existing staffing levels, are estimates and as such are liable to fluctuate due to factors such as staff movement.
|
Organisation |
Annual cost of increments in 2008 |
Annual cost of increments in 2009 |
Annual cost of September 2008 pay award |
Annual cost of proposed September 2009 pay award |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Dept. of Social & Family Affairs |
1,915,800 |
1,608,400 |
4,914,400 |
7,269,300 |
|
Combat Poverty Agency |
18,000 |
18,900 |
35,700 |
51,200 |
|
Pensions Board* |
25,000 |
30,000 |
60,000 |
87,100 |
|
Citizens Information Board |
116,000 |
87,200 |
168,300 |
238,600 |
|
Family Support Agency |
40,000 |
50,800 |
103,600 |
146,800 |
|
Office of the Pensions Ombudsman |
6,500 |
4,600 |
15,500 |
22,400 |
*The cost will be borne from funds generated by the Pensions Board with no expense accruing to the Exchequer.
180 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Defence the number of special advisors appointed by him since his appointment as Minister; if he will tabulate their annual salaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36590/08]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Post |
No. |
Salary Scale |
|
Special Adviser |
1 |
Principal Officer Standard Scale: €86,168 — €106,582 |
|
Press Adviser |
1 |
Principal Officer Standard Scale: €86,168 — €106,582 |
181 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if the process of transferring Magee Barrack lands in Kildare Town to Kildare County Council is complete; if there has been or will be a financial consideration in respect of the transfer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36689/08]
The Government decided on 1 July 2003 that Magee Barracks, Kildare, would be among the State lands released for inclusion in the Sustaining Progress Affordable Housing Initiative.
With regard to Magee Barracks, I am pleased to advise you that my Department is currently finalising contracts with the Chief State Solicitor's Office and the final contract should be forwarded to Kildare County Council in the coming weeks.
There is no financial consideration in relation to the transfer of this property. However under the Affordable Housing Initiative the development of the site will include a commercial element with any surplus being divided 65:35 between the AHI and my Department.
182 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the cost of the document Preparing for Major Emergencies issued by the Office of Emergency Planning including cost of production, distribution and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36702/08]
In April 2008 a Public Information and Awareness Campaign on Emergency Planning was launched at the National Emergency Coordination Centre. The main focus of the campaign was the publication and distribution of a handbook — ‘Preparing for Major Emergencies'.
The handbook was distributed to every household in the country. The cost of design, compilation, printing and distribution of 1.8 million copies of the handbook was €1.3 m approx.
To coincide with the launch of the handbook, a three week advertisement campaign was undertaken, to let people know that the handbook was on the way and to encourage everyone to read it. The advertisement costs were €651,000 approx.
The contract was awarded following a EU-wide tender process.
183 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost of incremental pay increases awarded to existing staff in his Department, its office and agencies under the remit of his Department in 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36832/08]
184 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the estimated annual cost to his Department of the 2.5% Towards 2016 pay increase from its implementation in September 2008 and the 3.5% pay increase planned for September 2009 in respect of wages paid to staff in his Department, its office and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36846/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together.
The estimated costs of incremental pay increases together with the estimated full year impact of the 2.5% pay increase and the proposed 3.5% pay increase are set out in the following tables. These estimates are based on existing personnel numbers and do not reflect any changes in numbers or profile of staff that might take place in the future. Some of the factors that can influence this are resignations, career breaks, retirements and decentralisation.
|
Increments |
2008 |
2009 |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Defence Forces |
2,878,460 |
2,975,675 |
|
Civilian Employees |
128,520 |
129,520 |
|
Civil Servants |
230,400 |
237,400 |
|
Civil Defence Board |
3,650 |
3,750 |
|
3,241,030 |
3,346,345 |
|
2.5 % |
3.5% |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Defence Forces |
11,906,750 |
17,079,750 |
|
Civilian Employees |
841,400 |
1,216,530 |
|
Civil Servants |
490,070 |
693,445 |
|
Civil Defence Board |
28,350 |
40,675 |
|
13,266,570 |
19,030,400 |
185 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the source of targets and the source of information (details supplied); the type of accommodation to which the 300 households were moved in 2007; the type of accommodation to which the 200 households in 2008 have been moved; the support services being provided to these 300 households at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36722/08]
The information in question was provided by my Department to the Department of Social and Family Affairs based on information obtained from housing authorities. I understand the majority of these, both in 2007 and 2008, were accommodated in local authority housing, with the remainder accommodated in voluntary housing. Housing authorities are responsible for accommodation and related services for homeless persons. I am not in a position to comment on the support needs of individuals. However, there are a range of support services such as tenancy sustainment and settlement services available, as appropriate. It is a matter for the housing authority to determine the supports, if any, required in each case.
186 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on reports that plans by Dublin City Council is planning to take large quantities of water from the River Shannon; if his attention has been drawn to the major problems this would cause to tourism, employment, flora and fauna in the Shannon Region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36793/08]
Local authorities are responsible in the first instance for developing public water supply proposals to meet the needs of their areas. A study of the future requirements of the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) undertaken by Dublin City Council has projected, on the lines of current usage levels, that the GDA will require an extra 300 million litres of water per day by 2031 and identifies the River Shannon as one possible source in that context. I understand that Dublin City Council initiated a Strategic Environmental Assessment in relation to the study findings in 2006 and that extensive stakeholder and public consultation processes are underway in which it is open to all interested parties to participate. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the process at this stage, or to anticipate the likely outcome.
187 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of special advisers appointed to him since his appointment as Minister; if he will tabulate their annual salaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36593/08]
The information requested is set out in the following table:
|
Name |
Title |
Salary |
Date of Initial Appointment* |
|
€ |
|||
|
Ryan Meade |
Special Adviser |
89,819 |
14 June, 2007 |
|
David Healy |
Special Adviser |
89,819 |
17 July, 2007 |
|
Liam Reid |
Special Adviser: Press and Information Officer |
100,191 |
9 July, 2007 |
|
Donall Geoghegan** |
Special Adviser: Programme Manager for the Green Party |
177,547 |
2 July, 2007 |
*Re-appointed on 7 May, 2008.
**Mr. Geoghegan's salary is paid from my Department's vote but he is based in the Department of the Taoiseach.
188 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of infringement cases that Ireland is defending under European Union environmental law in tabular form; the number of warnings preceding such cases that are being dealt with by his Department; the decisions that have been made to fine Ireland in relation to current infringements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36611/08]
In areas for which my Department has responsibility the European Commission is currently in correspondence in respect of 29 cases relating to possible infringements of EU environmental legislation. These cases are at various stages of proceedings as listed in the following table. My Department is working hard to resolve these cases as soon as possible. There is no case awaiting a fines decision against Ireland, and fines have never been imposed on Ireland in relation to an environmental infringement.
|
Directive/ Number and General Reference |
Article 226 Letter of Formal Notice |
Article 226 Reasoned Opinion |
Being Referred to the European Court of Justice |
Before the European Court of Justice for a hearing or awaiting judgement |
European Court of Justice Decision to be Implemented |
Article 228 Letter of Formal Notice |
Article 228 Reasoned Opinion |
|
75/439/EEC on the disposal of waste oils |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
75/442/EEC the waste directive |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
76/464/EEC on dangerous substances in water |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
79/409/EEC on wild birds |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
80/68/EEC on groundwater |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
80/778/EEC on the quality of drinking water for human consumption |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
91/271/EEC on urban waste water treatment |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
92/43/EEC on habitats |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
98/81/EC on the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
99/31/EC on landfill |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2000/60/EC the water framework directive |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2003/35/EC on public participation in certain plans and programmes relating to the environment |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2004/35/EC on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2004/107/EC on Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, Nickel and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in ambient air |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2006/21/EC on the management of waste from extractive industries and amending Directive 2004/35/EC |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER AT EACH STAGE |
9 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
191 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of CAS applications awaiting approval; the value of these applications; and the number of units they include. [36653/08]
194 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of the 2009 CAS budget available for new applications. [36656/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 194 together.
My Department's involvement with the voluntary and co-operative housing schemes relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The administration of the schemes, including the detailed appraisal of new applications, the management of the planning and procurement stages of projects and the certification that projects comply with the terms and conditions of the funding schemes, are the responsibility of the relevant local authority. The Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) provides funding of up to 100% of the approved cost of accommodation for the elderly, the homeless and persons with special housing needs including those with an intellectual or physical disability. Within my Department's overall housing budget for 2009, the budget for the Capital Assistance Scheme will be maintained at its 2008 level of €130 million.
As is to be expected with a multi-annual capital investment programme, proposals for funding under the CAS are currently at various stages, including preliminary project appraisal, procurement of consultants, detailed planning/design and procurement of the capital works contracts. There are currently some 44 projects awaiting funding approval under the CAS. The overall value of these projects, which are expected to provide some 380 units of accommodation when completed, is estimated at €70 million, with some €24.5 million of this estimated to relate to Part V projects. Having regard to the existing level of commitments, the increased delivery under Part V and the substantial number of schemes being advanced through planning and design stages, I will now be considering the scope to approve further projects in 2009 in light of the funding available.
192 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the percentage of the 2008 and 2009 CAS budgets that will be used to pay for Part V. [36654/08]
193 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the percentage of the 2008 and 2009 budgets for CLSS that will be used to pay for Part V. [36655/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together.
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 191 and 194 on today's order paper. Over recent months, voluntary and co-operative housing bodies have benefited greatly from the increased delivery of social housing under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 in most local authority areas, particularly in the Greater Dublin Area. Given that the majority of Part V units are more generally suited to family-type accommodation, those which are being assigned to the voluntary and co-operative housing sector are, for the most part, funded under the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme (CLSS). Having regard to the fact that the substantial number of approved projects funded under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) and the CLSS contain both Part V units and units provided under conventional contracts, some of which may extend over a twenty-four month period, it is not possible at this stage to indicate the percentage of the overall allocation that Part V projects will account for in 2008, or to estimate the likely percentage in future years. However, it is estimated that some 70% of the housing units being advanced under the CLSS at present, and approximately one-third of those being advanced under the CAS, are Part V-related.
195 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a detailed breakdown of his Department’s spending on homelessness for 2007 and 2008; and the expected expenditure for 2009. [36657/08]
My letter of 22 October 2008 to the Deputy in response to Question No. 498 of 7 October 2008 gave details of current funding recouped to each local authority by my Department under section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 for the period 1999 to 2008 (to date) in respect of accommodation and related services for homeless persons.
My Department's allocation for section 10 funding for homeless services in 2009 is €56 million which is an increase of almost 5% over the 2008 allocation. A breakdown of the proposed use of 2009 funding is not yet available.
196 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of households supported through the rental accommodation scheme. [36658/08]
197 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of the households supported through the rental accommodation scheme that have remained in the same property since becoming part of the rental accommodation scheme. [36659/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together.
To date over 15,800 households eligible for the Rental accommodation Scheme (RAS) have been transferred from rent supplement to accommodation provided by local authorities, either to RAS directly or to some other type of social housing. Of the 15,800 transfers to date, 8,313 of these households were accommodated directly under the RAS in either private rented or voluntary accommodation.
In terms of the households who transferred directly to RAS accommodation, 5,991 of these households transferred to the scheme in their existing accommodation.
198 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of the households supported through the rental accommodation scheme that were in emergency or transitional accommodation before being included in the rental accommodation scheme. [36660/08]
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
199 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the average cost to the State per week for a household supported through the rental accommodation scheme broken down by unit size including one bed, two bed and three bed units. [36661/08]
Based on figures supplied to my Department by local authorities at the end of 2007, the average weekly Rental Accommodation Scheme costs are as follows:
|
Unit Size |
Average weekly cost |
|
€ |
|
|
1 Bed |
115.71 |
|
2 Bed |
153.04 |
|
3 Bed |
169.34 |
Tenants under the Rental Accommodation Scheme pay a contribution towards the rental costs in line with each local authority's differential rents scheme.
200 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the financial restraints referred to in the reply to Question No. 34 in the Dublin City Council south east area committee meeting of 13 October 2008; if financing will be made available by his Department for the precinct improvement programme in a complex (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36682/08]
201 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the go-ahead for work referred to in his letter to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2 was given; if so, when finance for this work will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36683/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.
I understand from Dublin City Council that this project will go to tender before the end of this year.
202 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the need to deliver a new waste water facility for Kildare town in an integrated manner that will provide a new treatment system in tandem with a new collection network and the need to move forward with the development of Magee barracks, Kildare, which has transferred from the Department of Defence to the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36688/08]
I understand that Kildare County Council is currently examining tenders for the expansion and upgrading of the town's wastewater treatment plant which is approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. My Department will deal with the Council's tender award recommendation as quickly as possible on receipt.
The Council is also preparing new contract documents for the sewage collection network element of the approved scheme in accordance with the general requirement for all public works contracts to be awarded using new forms of construction contract introduced by the Minister for Finance. The new forms of contract are designed to achieve greater cost certainty, better value for money and the more efficient delivery of publicly funded projects.
203 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received an application from the manager of Dublin City Council to purchase an additional turntable ladder, hydraulic platform, emergency tender and foam tender for Dublin fire brigade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36700/08]
The provision of a fire service, including the provision of fire fighting and emergency equipment, is a statutory function of the individual fire authorities. The Department supports the local fire authorities through the setting of general policy and the provision of capital funding, including the recoupment (within the overall funding available) of costs incurred by local authorities in relation to the purchase of fire appliances.
I have tabulated details of capital items approved for funding under the Department's fire service capital programme over the past five years, following application for such assistance by Dublin City Council. I understand that Dublin City Council supplements this investment by purchasing equipment from its own resources.
|
Equipment |
|
|
2008 Capital Programme |
1 × Turntable Ladder |
|
2007 Capital Programme |
2 × Class B Water Tender |
|
2006 Capital Programme |
2 × Emergency Tenders |
|
2005 Capital Programme |
2 × Class B Appliances |
|
2004 Capital Programme |
1 × Foam Tender |
|
2004 Capital Programme |
1 × Incident Command Unit |
|
2004 Capital Programme |
1 × Refurbished Hydraulic Platform |
|
2004 Capital Programme |
1 × Water Support Unit |
|
2004 Capital Programme |
4 × 2nd Hand Appliances |
|
2004 Capital Programme |
1 × Demonstrator Model Fire Appliance |
204 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons and households living in accommodation that is designated as emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36734/08]
Local authorities are responsible for meeting the accommodation needs of homeless persons. It is consequently a matter for individual authorities to determine the level of emergency accommodation to be provided, having regard to the need for such accommodation within their areas.
The number of persons and households living in accommodation that is designated as emergency fluctuates from time to time due to the demand-led nature of emergency accommodation. Under section 9 of the Housing Act 1988, local authorities are required to carry out an assessment of the overall need for social housing on a triennial basis. The most recent assessment took place in March 2008 and results, including those in relation to homelessness, will be finalised and published as soon as possible. This will enable information to be provided in relation to the occupancy of the various categories of homeless accommodation.
205 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government how members will be appointed to the home choice loan boards; the criteria that will apply; to whom will the boards report, that is, the local authority or to him; will the positions be advertised for public competition; by whom and the scale on which board members will be remunerated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36740/08]
216 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of his house purchase proposals for first-time buyers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36783/08]
219 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason first-time buyers who secure a mortgage under the home choice scheme must buy a newly built home and cannot buy a pre-owned property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36825/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 205, 216 and 219 together.
Home Choice will be available to first time buyers of new houses, subject to a maximum loan of €285,000, depending on income, and a maximum loan to value ratio of 92%. The loan term will be up to 30 years. A minimum income of €40,000 will be required and a detailed credit policy is now being finalised. A single standard variable interest rate product, related to the prevailing rates available from commercial institutions will be applicable. All applications will be rigorously assessed having regard to an applicant's ability to pay, credit history and all other aspects of the formal lending policy. An applicant's ability to pay will also be stress-tested to assess their ability to repay at current rates and in the event of significant interest rate rises.
No new formal institutional structures are being established for the purpose of administering the scheme. Four local authorities will be designated as lending authorities acting on a regional basis. The four designated local authorities are Cork City Council, Dublin City Council, Galway County Council and Kilkenny County Council.
The four designated local authorities will be supported by a Central Processing Unit, staffed by appropriately skilled personnel, including qualified underwriters, and operated with administrative assistance from the Affordable Homes Partnership. The Central Processing Unit will handle enquiries, process all Home Choice Loan applications from all local authority areas, and issue a determination to designated local authorities on each application in accordance with a formalised credit policy. The Unit will also carry out credit checks, with access to Irish Credit Bureau data.
It is envisaged that applications will be accepted from early November. Prospective purchasers can register their interest at this stage on the www.homechoiceloan.ie website or through the dedicated lo-call number and they will be contacted with further information in relation to the application process.
The scheme applies to new houses because a significant majority of first time buyers purchase new houses. The average new house price is almost 14% lower than the average second hand house price, so it was considered appropriate to target the scheme towards properties which are more affordable for First Time Buyers.
206 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received a request from Kildare County Council for capital grant aid towards the provision of water schemes including group water schemes in 2008; the extent to which it is intended to respond to such requests within the specified time scale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36773/08]
208 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which his Department has received requests from Kildare County Council for the provision of grant aid towards the provision of new or upgraded sewerage treatment facilities throughout County Kildare; if he expects to respond positively to such requests in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36775/08]
209 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will make grant applications to Kildare County Council and facilitate the upgrading of the various sewerage treatment systems throughout the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36776/08]
215 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for the upgrading of existing and the provision of new sewerage treatment facilities at various locations throughout the country with a view to the elimination of sources of potential ground water pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36782/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 206, 208, 209 and 215 together.
Particulars of major water services schemes approved for Co Kildare and other local authority areas are set out in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009, which is available in the Oireachtas Library. The schemes included in the Programme are derived mainly from the assessments of needs undertaken by all local authorities, including Kildare County Council, at my Department's request, as an input to the overall strategy for meeting water services infrastructural requirements. In these assessments, authorities are required to quantify the needs for capital works in their areas and to list their proposals on the basis of the priorities adopted by the elected members.
Prioritised work programmes submitted by county councils inform the annual block grant allocations by my Department to local authorities under the devolved Rural Water Programme. Kildare County Council has been notified by my Department of a block grant allocation of €1.887 million under the 2008 Rural Water Programme, of which €1.087 million is in respect of group water and sewerage schemes. A record provision of €560 million — an increase of 19% over 2008 — has been made available for water services investments in 2009.
207 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make available to Kildare County Council in 2008 the funding necessary to proceed with the Ballyna group water scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36774/08]
The Ballyna Regional Water Supply Scheme, which replaces a previous proposal to serve the area through a group water scheme, is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007- 2009 as a scheme to advance through planning at an estimated cost of €11.5 million. My Department is awaiting submission of Kildare County Council's brief for the appointment of consultants to prepare a Preliminary Report for the scheme.
210 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if offers have been received for the electronic voting technology which is stored throughout the country at various locations with consequent liability for the taxpayer; if he will dispose of the equipment with a view to realising the initial investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36777/08]
212 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for the future use of the electronic voting technology; if his attention has been drawn to the suggestion that the technology is worthless and has no resale value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36779/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 212 together.
I am at present considering the next steps to be taken in relation to the electronic voting and counting project. In this, I am taking into account the detailed work of the Commission on Electronic Voting, which has examined the system, relevant experiences and developments internationally, the need to maintain public confidence in the electoral process, as well as the provisions in the Programme for Government relating to electoral reform generally.
Given the scale of investment in the system to date, and the importance of the issues involved for our electoral system, it is essential that the future of the project be examined objectively and in a thorough and comprehensive manner. It is not possible for me to make more specific comment at this point pending completion of the necessary work and a decision by Government in the matter. In these circumstances, the question of formal offers in respect of purchase of the machines does not arise.
211 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to achieve an accurate update in respect of the voters register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36778/08]
In law, the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register.
In working to compile the Register for 2007/8, local authorities undertook and completed, with assistance from my Department, the most extensive registration campaign in decades. On the basis of the work undertaken, I am satisfied that local authorities achieved a significant improvement in the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register compared to previous years. The task now for local authorities, in relation to the Register for 2009/10, is to maintain and build on the progress made to date.
Local authorities are required to publish the Draft Register on 1 November 2008 and people have until 25 November to check it to ensure that their details are present and correct. My Department will run an advertising campaign to encourage people to check that they are on the Draft Register and to notify their city or county council of any errors or omissions before 25 November.
Looking to the future, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an independent Electoral Commission. The Commission's responsibilities will include taking charge of the compilation of a new national rolling electoral register. My Department has appointed consultants to carry out preliminary research on issues arising in relation to establishment of the Electoral Commission. This work is now well advanced and I expect to receive the report in the coming weeks. The research conclusions will inform further consideration of the approach to be taken in progressing the Government commitment.
217 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a date has been set for the local and European elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36823/08]
The timing of European Parliament elections is determined by the EU Council of Ministers by reference to the period corresponding to the first direct elections in 1979. Accordingly, they are held within a specified four-day period in June every five years subsequent to 1979. The Council announced in June 2008 that the 2009 European Parliament elections will take place between 4 and 7 June 2009.
Each member state must fix a polling date within this period and a polling day order will be made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government under section 10 of the European Parliament Elections Act 1997 at the appropriate stage. Although a formal decision has not been made in the matter, I expect that, as on previous occasions, polling at the European Parliament and local elections will take place on the same day in June 2009.
218 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a person may contest the local and European elections at the same time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36824/08]
Under section 13(1) of the Local Government Act 2001, a person is disqualified from being elected or co-opted to, or from being a member of, a local authority if he or she is a member of the European Parliament. Under section 2(4) of that Act, reference to being disqualified from election or co-option includes disqualification from nomination for election or co-option.
220 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimated cost of incremental pay increases awarded to existing staff in his Department, its office and agencies under the remit of his Department in 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36835/08]
The information requested is being compiled with regard to my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. The estimated cost of incremental pay increases in respect of the agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the agency or body concerned and my Department is not involved in their day-to-day operational activities.
221 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimated annual cost to his Department of the 2.5% Towards 2016 pay increase from its implementation in September 2008 and the 3.5% pay increase planned for September 2009 in respect of wages paid to staff in his Department, its office and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36849/08]
The estimated annual costs of the pay increases in question are as follows:
2.5% from September 2008: €1,913,715
3.5% from September 2009: €2,756,073
The estimated annual costs of the pay increases concerned in respect of the agencies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the agency or body concerned as my Department is not involved in their day-to-day operational activities.
223 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will extend a scheme which provides grant aid towards central heating for older persons to other local authorities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36859/08]
The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme is administered by local authorities and is part of a revised framework of grant aid, introduced in November 2007, to assist older people and people with a disability with their accommodation needs. The Scheme, which amalgamates the provisions of the old Essential Repairs Grant Scheme and the scheme of Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme (SHAE), is designed to provide targeted support to improve conditions in the existing housing of older people. The types of works allowable under the Housing Aid for Older People scheme are varied but may include central heating works.
The Scheme facilitates the implementation of a Government Decision, taken in February 2006, to transfer the SHAE from the Health Service Executive to my Department. That decision arose on foot of a recommendation made in the Core Functions of the Health Service Report that a more integrated service and better value for money may be achieved by transferring responsibility for the SHAE Scheme to the local authorities, who already had responsibility for the Essential Repairs and Disabled Persons Grant Schemes. The SHAE has been discontinued with effect from 1 August 2008.
224 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of special advisors appointed to him since his appointment as Minister; if he will tabulate their annual salaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36588/08]
Since my appointment as Minister, the Government, at my request, has appointed two Special Advisors to me as provided for by Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997. Details of these appointments are as follows:
|
Title |
Date appointed |
Salary |
|
Press Advisor |
15 June 2007 |
Principal Officer (Standard Scale) €86,168 (min) to €106,582 (2nd LSI) |
|
Special Advisor |
27 August 2007 |
Principal Officer (Higher Scale) €92,730 (min) to €114,366 (2nd LSI) |
Both of the above Advisors were reappointed by the Government with effect from 7 May 2008 following the resignation of the former Taoiseach.
225 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is in talks in relation to the privatisation of the Shannon fishery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36710/08]
I have held no discussions in relation to the privatisation of the Shannon fishery.
226 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the practice of removing large quantities of glass eels from the Shannon Estuary and selling these eels to commercial third parties. [36711/08]
232 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a breakdown of the research and surveys of glass eels carried out on the River Shannon; and the cost of same. [36717/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 232 together.
Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the management, conservation, protection and development of the inland fisheries resource rests with the regional fisheries boards, in this instance the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board. I am advised by the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board that glass eels are not commercially fished or sold to third parties in the Shannon Estuary. Since 2000, the Board has managed the operation of the Shannon estuary glass eel fishery in partnership with the ESB Fisheries Conservation Division, which purchases the catch for the purpose of stocking above Ardnacrusha Hydro Dam.
I am advised that prior to 2000, ESB Fisheries Conservation carried out experimental glass eel fishing on the Bunratty River, Rine River and River Maigue at a cost of €31,000 in 1997, €25,000 in 1998 and €21,000 in 1999.
227 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether the hydro plants on the Shannon and Erne systems has damaged fish stock numbers due to the disruption of the movement of fish stocks; and if he plans to rectify this situation. [36712/08]
Migratory species such as Atlantic salmon and European Eel are affected by hydroelectric generation. Prior to the collapse of previously healthy salmon stocks following an outbreak of the Ulcerative Dermal Necrosis disease in the late 1960s and early 1970s, I am advised that there were tens of thousands of adult salmon migrating through both the Shannon and Erne stations, decades after the construction of the hydro schemes.
There are a series of combined factors that can negatively affect salmon survival including the reduction and degradation of habitat with the advent of the arterial drainage scheme, pollution, afforestation, intensive farming, overfishing and the more recent sharp decline in marine survival. There are many initiatives under way which seek to address these impacts but I understand that it may take many years for improvements to occur.
Obstacles to migration in river systems are one of the several factors causing the decline in the eel population. Silver eel escapement at hydropower stations is seen as critical in the attainment of the recovery of the stock. I understand the ESB, in conjunction with the National University of Ireland, Galway, are currently engaged in telemetry studies of migrating silver eel and plan to test the use of hydro acoustic technology for deflecting downstream migrating silver eel into the bypass channel on the River Shannon. The ESB currently reduces such mortality on the Shannon by means of "trap and transport" operations whereby eels are captured for release downstream of Ardnacrusha dam. I am informed that the extension of this practice to other hydro schemes, particularly the Erne system, is being considered as part of the process of developing our national and river basin district Eel Management Plans, an obligation under Council Regulation EC No.1100/2007, establishing measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel.
228 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the tonnage of eels captured in the Shannon system for each of the years 1997 to 2007 inclusive. [36713/08]
229 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of glass eels released upriver of both the hydro electro plants on the Shannon and Erne river systems. [36714/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 and 229 together.
I am advised that the quantity of eels captured (including those transported around Ardnacrusha Dam) in the Shannon System in the years 1997 to 2007 is as follows:
|
Year |
Brown Eels (Kgs) |
Silver Eels (Kgs) |
Total (Kgs) |
|
1997 |
61,775 |
32,113 |
93,888 |
|
1998 |
44,646 |
29,796 |
74,442 |
|
1999 |
52,707 |
29,798 |
82,485 |
|
2000 |
25,959 |
32,026 |
57,975 |
|
2001 |
16,053 |
24,081 |
40,134 |
|
2002 |
15,849 |
25,248 |
41,097 |
|
2003 |
22,595 |
17,202 |
39,794 |
|
2004 |
21,507 |
37,117 |
58,624 |
|
2005 |
16,628 |
20,795 |
37,413 |
|
2006 |
17,591 |
34,486 |
52,077 |
|
2007 |
24,220 |
18,122 |
42,342 |
In regard to the Shannon and Erne systems, ESB Fisheries Conservation has provided the following details of the catch of glass eels released upstream of Ardnacrusha Dam (Shannon system) and Cathaleen Falls (Erne system) for the period 1997 to 2007.
|
Year |
Catch (kg) |
Year |
Catch (kg) |
|
1997 |
616 |
2003 |
147 |
|
1998 |
484 |
2004 |
1 |
|
1999 |
416 |
2005 |
1 |
|
2000 |
43 |
2006 |
1 |
|
2001 |
1 |
2007 |
11.5 |
|
2002 |
37 |
|
Year |
Catch (kg) |
Year |
Catch (kg) |
|
1997 |
0 |
2003 |
0 |
|
1998 |
441 |
2004 |
0 |
|
1999 |
188 |
2005 |
0 |
|
2000 |
0 |
2006 |
0 |
|
2001 |
0 |
2007 |
0 |
|
2002 |
0 |
*Note: Elvers are caught at the tail race area, Cathaleen's Falls and released upstream of the hydro stations.
230 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether poor decision making in the past in respect of eel management has created problems here while the French eel fishery remains stable; and his views on whether a framework involving the stakeholders would produce the most positive results. [36715/08]
231 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the tonnage of eels here has fallen from 600 tonnes in 1995 to 104 tonnes in 2002, while in France the tonnage in 1995 and 2002 was 320 tonnes and 392 tonnes, respectively; his views on whether illegal fishing may be the reason for the decline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36716/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 231 together.
I am advised that the European eel constitutes one shared panmictic stock, found all over Europe, northern Africa and the Mediterranean parts of Asia. In past decades, fishing yield and recruitment (i.e. juvenile eels) has gradually declined. Recruitment across Europe has dropped to between 1% and 10% of that observed during the 1970s.
It is not correct to state that the French eel fishery has remained stable. French landings reported to the FAO have dropped from 2,687t in 1986 to 415t in 2001. Similarly glass eels catch by commercial fishermen has dropped from 1,700t in 1978/79 to 80t in 2004/05. The main decline in French glass eel landings occurred between 1981 and 1985 and they are currently relatively stable although at a very low level.
FAO statistics for Ireland suggest that 400t (including an estimate for undeclared/illegal catch) was caught per annum between 1995 and 1998. In 1999 it was 250t and the annual declared catch since 2001 has averaged 101t per annum.
I understand that this decline is consistent with the European trend and in addition may be influenced by the inclusion of undeclared catch estimates in the historic figures. Declining catch, with little evidence of changing effort, is likely to be caused by the falling recruitment and declining local stocks. Fishing pressure, legal or illegal, hydropower mortality and environmental pressure on habitats across Europe are thought to have contributed to this decline. I am informed that it is unlikely that illegal fishing on its own could have caused this decline although this is hard to quantify.
Given the shared nature of the stock, the challenge is to improve recruitment, upon which recovery of the stock is heavily dependent. Recently the European Community has taken up the challenge to design a sustainable management system across the various Member States by adopting a regulation for the recovery of the stock. This regulation requires all Member States to prepare Eel Management Plans for the recovery of stocks to be submitted to the Commission for approval by 31 December 2008.
The preparation of our national and river basin district Eel Management Plans has been overseen by an Eel Management Working Group which is chaired by my Department. The Working Group comprises representatives of my Department, the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards, Marine Institute, BIM, ESB and NUI, Galway. Among other issues, the Eel Management Plans are considering actions to address the impact of the undeclared and illegal fishery.
A public consultation process was also held over August/ September of this year. Some 16 submissions were received. The views received during the consultation process will be taken into account when the management plans are being finalised. Eel fishermen representatives are due to attend the next meeting of the Eel Management Working Group.
233 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a financial package for commercial eel producers. [36718/08]
As a consequence of Council Regulation EC No.1100/2007 establishing measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel, it is inevitable that the commercial harvest of eels will have to be curtailed from 2009 onwards. I will consider the detail of the issues which arise from that situation in the context of the finalisation of the Eel Management Plans, which must be submitted to the EU Commission by year-end. There has been full public consultation in relation to these plans recently.
I have no funds at my disposal for a financial package for commercial eel fishermen. It should be noted that this is a public fishery and eel fishing licences are issued annually in accordance with by-laws made under section 9 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, as amended, and there is no automatic entitlement to them. They cannot be transferred, traded or sold. No property right exists in them. It is illegal to fish for eel without such a licence.
234 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the number of prosecutions taken by the Shannon fisheries board in each of the years 1997 to 2007, inclusive. [36719/08]
Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the management, conservation, protection and development of the inland fisheries resource rests with the regional fisheries boards.
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board is responsible for the management of fisheries in the Shannon region and the enforcement of provisions of the Fisheries Acts 1959 — 2003. Details of the number of prosecutions taken on an annual basis by the Board are published in the annual report for the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards. Reports from 2001 onwards can be downloaded from the board's website at www.cfb.ie/annual_report/index.htm.
235 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when it will be possible for a person (details supplied) in County Galway to have broadband at their disposal; if his attention has been drawn to the number of people in this area who are inconvenienced by not having broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36785/08]
The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Broadband services are available from competing service providers over multiple platforms such as DSL (telephone lines), cable, fixed wireless, and increasingly mobile. I understand that the Tuam area already has broadband on offer from a number of service providers.
The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services by competing private sector service providers.
The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard, my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These included providing grant-aid under the now concluded Group Broadband Scheme (GBS), investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) and the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) which has been designed to deliver broadband to areas where the market has failed to provide services. The NBS contract is scheduled to be signed next month. Subject to agreement with the chosen service provider, rollout of services is expected to begin shortly after the contract is signed. All requests for a broadband service in the areas to be addressed by the NBS, including any unserved areas in Co Galway, will be met.
236 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the estimated cost of incremental pay increases awarded to existing staff in his Department, its office and agencies under the remit of his Department in 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36830/08]
The estimated full year cost of incremental basic pay increases awarded to existing staff in my Department in 2008 and 2009 is €325,000 and €290,000 respectively.
The cost associated with incremental progression in my Department's Agencies is a day to day issue for those Agencies and I have no function in this matter.
237 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the estimated annual cost to his Department of the 2.5% Towards 2016 pay increase from its implementation in September 2008 and the 3.5% pay increase planned for September 2009 in respect of wages paid to staff in his Department, its office and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36844/08]
The estimated cost of the Towards 2016 pay increase effective from 1st September 2008 to existing staff in my Department is approximately €475,000 per annum.
The estimated cost of the proposed 3.5% pay increase in the new National Wage Agreement is €680,000 per annum.
Payment of staff salaries in the agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day-to-day operational matter for each agency. I have no direct function in this matter.
238 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the areas within Dublin South-East constituency that are not fully broadband enabled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36856/08]
The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Broadband services are available from competing service providers over multiple platforms such as DSL (telephone lines), cable, fixed wireless, and increasingly mobile. I understand that Dublin South East already has broadband on offer from a number of service providers.
239 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received an application for the early retirement scheme from a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if they will be included in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36585/08]
An application for the person named was received in my Department on 7 July 2008. Following the provision of an additional item of documentation, the application was accepted for processing and is currently being examined. The person named will be informed of the outcome of this examination in due course.
240 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of special advisors appointed to him since his appointment as Minister; if he will tabulate their annual salaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36586/08]
I have set out in the following table the two special advisors appointed to me since my appointment as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Food.
|
Date of appointment |
Advisor |
Salary |
|
7th May, 2008 |
Special Advisor |
€97,747 plus 10% allowance |
|
7th May, 2008 |
Press Advisor |
€97,747 |
241 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive their payment; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36603/08]
Grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme was paid to the above-named person on 13 October 2008.
242 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cavan can expect to receive their area aid payment which was due to them some weeks ago; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36632/08]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme /Disadvantaged Area Compensatory Allowance Scheme was received from the person named on the 14th May 2008.
As part of the control procedures under EU legislation governing these Schemes, this application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility inspection on the 8th August.
The file is currently being processed and it is expected that payment will issue shortly. The delay in this case arose because of the need to clarify a number of issues relating to the parcels claimed by the person named.
243 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Cork who posted their application for installation aid on Budget 2009 day will have their application honoured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36675/08]
Valid applications received under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme up to and including 14 October 2008 will be processed by my Department.
244 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the expenditure by his Department on plans to move staff to a location (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36676/08]
Since the original decentralisation announcement, my Department made no specific provision for expenditure nor has there been any specific expenditure recorded in relation to the proposed move.
The Office of Public Works deals with the acquisition of property for the decentralisation programme and they recently informed my Department that a site had been identified and that a price had been agreed in principle subject to contract, the outcome of a planning appeal and Government approval. The budget announcement subsequently deferred the move pending a review in 2011.
245 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action that will be taken to assist a person (details supplied) in County Cork who was relying on the young farmer’s installation scheme for assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36681/08]
Valid applications received under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme up to and including 14 October 2008 will be processed by my Department.
246 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost of implementing the suckler welfare scheme in view of the fact that the payment is now reduced from €80 to €40; and if it is envisaged this will continue for the next four years. [36819/08]
The cost of the Suckler Welfare Scheme is €250 million over the five years 2008-2012. The cost will be around €77 million for 2008, at a rate of €80 per cow.
There are almost 54,000 suckler farmers currently participating in the scheme, and to remain within the €250 million budget, it will be necessary to reduce the rate of payment in future years by reference to the actual level of participation. The 2009 grant rate will be advised to participating farmers before the end of 2008.
247 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the estimated cost of incremental pay increases awarded to existing staff in his Department, its office and agencies under the remit of his Department in 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36828/08]
The overall cost of incremental pay increases is determined by the numbers of staff qualifying for increments and the stage in the year from which payments are made. Precise information is not readily available but the estimated cost for my Department is as follows:
€2,054,200
€2,245,590.
Incremental increases awarded by State Agencies which come under the remit of my Department are an operational matter for the agencies themselves.
248 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the estimated annual cost to his Department of the 2.5% Towards 2016 pay increase from its implementation in September 2008 and the 3.5% pay increase planned for September 2009 in respect of wages paid to staff in his Department, its office and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36842/08]
The estimated annual cost to my Department of the 2.5% September 2008 pay increase arising under Towards 2016 is approximately €3.972 million. The estimated cost to my Department of the 3.5% pay increase with effect form 1 September 2009, arising under the recently negotiated draft pay agreement under Towards 2016, is €2.776m in 2009 and €8.333m in a full year.
The estimated annual costs of implementing both pay increases in respect to the state bodies under the aegis of my Department are outlined in the table below.
|
Organisation |
Estimated Annual cost of September 2008 2.5% increase |
Estimated Annual cost of September 2009 3.5% increase |
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
Teagasc |
2.330 |
3.450 |
|
Bord Bia |
0.240 |
0.353 |
|
Marine Institute |
0.214 |
0.310 |
|
Bord Iascaigh Mara |
0.176 |
0.252 |
|
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority |
0.218 |
0.313 |
|
Aquaculture License Appeals Board |
0.004 |
0.006 |
249 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special advisors appointed to him since his appointment as Minister; if he will tabulate their annual salaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36591/08]
I have appointed two special advisers since I was appointed Minister for Education and Science, one a Civil Servant and the other a non-Civil Servant. The annual salaries paid to the two officers are €104,005 and €86,168 respectively. These two appointments and the salaries paid to the two officers are in accordance with the Department of Finance Instructions relating to the Appointment of Ministerial Private Office Staff.
The Deputy should note that the number of political appointments made by me to my staff is four, compared to five appointments made by the Minister for Education 1992-1997. In addition, the Minister of State at my Department does not have a special adviser, in contrast with the arrangements under the Rainbow Government, whereby the Minister of State 1995-97 had a special adviser.
250 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements made to date on the purchasing of a site for a new school building (details supplied) in County Meath; the position regarding the funding for this site acquisition and school building project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36600/08]
The acquisition of the site will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally. I am not in a position to say at this stage when the acquisition will be concluded.
251 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of revenue his Department estimated the third level registration fee raised per academic year at its current level of €900; his estimates on the revenues expected to be raised by increasing the registration fee to €1,500 in the academic year 2009/2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36607/08]
The student services charge is levied by third level institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and students services. All students who are eligible for means tested student support have the student charge paid on their behalf by the Local Authorities or the Vocational Education Committees, in addition to any maintenance grant and tuition fee grant they are entitled to.
The student services charge is collected by each individual institution and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) is currently compiling the 2008/09 enrolment figures so as to determine the total income generated from the student services charge by the institutions for the current academic year.
However based on some 115,000 full-time EU undergraduates in the university and institute of technology sectors the estimated revenue which would be generated by the institutions in the 2008/09 academic year from the charge at €900 is €103.5m.
Should every institution increase the charge to €1,500 for the 2009/10 academic year the total additional estimated revenue generated by the institutions, again based on some 115,000 students, is some €70m. Of the additional €70m some €27m will fall to be met by the Local Authorities and VECs in respect of grant holders.
252 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of money he has saved by deferring the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004; the amount he envisaged would have had to be spent in the next two years if full implementation were to be achieved by October 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36608/08]
265 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made to date in the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004; the sections of the Act adopted to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36625/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 252 and 265 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, a significant number of sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004 have been commenced, principally those establishing the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and those promoting an inclusive approach to the education of children with special needs. Specifically, the following sections have been commenced- 1, 2, 14(1)(a), 14(1)(c), 14(2) to 14(4), 19 to 37, 40 to 53.
The National Council for Special Education was required under the Act to make a report on the implementation of the Act. This report is essentially advice to the Minister for Education and Science on the measures the Council considered necessary to implement EPSEN. The NCSE report identified a requirement for incremental additional investment over a period of 4 years of up to €235 million per annum across the education and health sectors.
My Department, having completed its examination of the NCSE report and engaged in consultations with the Education Partners, identified a range of options for the implementation of EPSEN. Among the key areas identified for attention were assessment of need, preparation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), training, and psychological and therapy services; areas also highlighted in the NCSE report. It is not possible to give exact figures regarding cost as the specific amount of money required to support the implementation of EPSEN would depend on the options chosen and the timeframe for implementation of these options. However, my Department's opinion is that the level of investment required would be greater than that envisaged in the NCSE report.
In light of the scale of these costs it is necessary to defer the implementation of the Act beyond the date originally envisaged. Services for children with special educational needs will continue to be made available on a non-statutory basis, and resource teachers and special needs assistants will continue to be deployed. Furthermore, an additional €20 million in funding has been provided in 2009 to strengthen the services available to children with special educational needs/disabilities. Of this €10m has been provided to the Department of Education and Science part of which will enable the extension of the National Educational Psychological Service to all schools in the country. The balance of €10m has been allocated to the health sector with a particular focus on enhancing availability of therapies for children.
253 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when funding will be provided to start building a new school (details supplied) in County Mayo which was approved in 2006, and as recent as September 2008 was seen by his Department as progressing to tender; the reason in the past few weeks, he has put the tendering process on hold; when the tendering process will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36609/08]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently one of a number of projects at an advanced stage of architectural planning. It was not, however, included in the most recent tranche of projects announced in September as, due to normal budgetary constraints and the need to manage the capital programme in an orderly fashion, not all building projects can proceed to tender and construction at the same time.
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.
254 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown of the cost of substitution cover in primary and secondary schools in the past five years; the number of days of substitute cover provided per year to schools; the proportion of substitute cover deemed certified sick leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36614/08]
The implementation of improvements in rates of pay and conditions of service for substitute teachers allied with the substantial increase in the numbers of teachers employed and the extension of absences covered by substitution has increased the cost significantly in recent years.
The cost of substitution cover in primary schools in the past five years is as follows: 2003 — €26.3 million, 2004 — €40.4 million, 2005- €44.5, 2006 — €61.1 million (including arrears of €18 million) 2007- €65.0 million and in 2008, the projected cost is €84.4 million.
Details regarding the cost of substitution for secondary and community/comprehensive schools are available from 2006 as my Department commenced paying casual and non casual teachers on payroll from that year. The costs are as follows 2006- €52.0 million, €64.4 million (including arrears of €7.5 million). In 2008, the projected cost is €66.9 million.
In the 2007 / 2008 school year, 362,923 days substitute cover for teachers at Primary level were provided. 28.9% of these days related to certified sick leave and 11% related to uncertified sick leave. In the same school year, 245,399 days substitute cover for teachers at Secondary and community/comprehensive schools were provided. 25.2% of these days related to certified sick leave and 11.3% related to uncertified sick leave.
In addition to the cost of substitution the expenditure on the supervision/substitution scheme in the current financial year is 56 million for primary schools and 35 million for Secondary, Community and Comprehensive schools.
255 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the definition of the criteria which is to be applied to the definition of school business under the new arrangements surrounding teacher substitution as outlined in Budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36615/08]
The scheme of substitution for Official School Business at post-primary level was introduced in conjunction with the Supervision / Substitution scheme in 2002.
Further to the announcement in Budget 2009, substitution cover for official school business will be suspended from January 2009. Official school business relates to absences of post-primary teachers at sports events, seminars, arts events etc and is essentially a feature at post-primary where a teacher may be absent with one class and not available to take other classes.
However, the existing arrangements will continue to apply for the Supervision /Substitution scheme. Under the terms of the supervision/ substitution scheme individual teachers can receive an annual payment of €1,789 in addition to salary for providing supervision for children during breaks and providing cover for absent colleagues for thirty seven hours annually. This element is not being suspended and is still available to teachers and their schools.
256 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if the summer works scheme will be reinstated for 2009; the level of funding which will be provided under the scheme if it is to be reinstated; when schools may apply for funding under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36616/08]
272 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to reinstate the summer works scheme; the timeframe for doing so; if schools who have applied previously will have to reapply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36644/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 272 together.
Since the Summer Works Scheme was introduced, over 3,000 projects, costing in excess of €300 million, have been completed. With so many smaller projects having been completed over the past few years, the particular emphasis in 2008 has been on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. Accordingly my Department has focused on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008 and funding was not made available for a Summer Works Scheme this year.
However, I recognise the benefits of the scheme in addressing the needs of schools and I have previously informed the house of my intention to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2009. The details of the operation of the scheme in 2009 and the level of funding to be made available under the scheme in 2009 are currently being considered.
257 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of psychologists working with the National Educational Psychological Service; the number of psychologists expected to be recruited by the end of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36617/08]
I can inform the Deputy that there are currently 151 psychologists employed in my Department's NEPS service, including some 21 psychologists who have been appointed since the end of June last. Furthermore 7 individuals have agreed start dates with the service between now and early January 2009 and an additional 6 are currently considering offers of employment or undergoing the requisite Garda vetting process.
Additionally I was pleased to announce recently, in the context of Budget 2009, an increase in the funding available to NEPS with which it is envisaged that up to 50 further psychologists can be appointed. Recruitment of these psychologists will begin early in the new-year from the existing panel of qualified personnel, until its depletion, and discussions commence between my Department and the Public Appointments Service in relation to the establishment of a new panel in this regard.
258 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown of the in-service education programmes available in the years since 2000 to date in 2008; the breakdown of in-service programmes to be provided in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36618/08]
My Department has provided continuing professional development (CPD) across a range of subjects and programmes at primary and post primary level in the period referred to. This has been delivered by subject specific support services and administered and delivered through the education centre network. Throughout this period support services have developed as their remit dictated from an intensive to a maintenance phase of support.
September 2008 saw significant changes at primary and post primary level in the delivery of continuing professional development for a number of subject areas. The History, Geography, Maths, Religious Education and Junior Science support services have entered a maintenance phase of support and a reduced team in each of the areas has been incorporated into the Second Level Support Service. However, support has increased at post primary level for Gaeilge and also the Project Maths initiative has commenced.
At primary level the two largest service providers (Primary Curriculum Support Programme and School Development Planning Service) have amalgamated from September 08. The Primary Professional Development Service (PPDS) has commenced provision of support to primary schools and will aim to provide a more coherent service.
Over the course of the period referred to a number of new initiatives and Government priorities have emerged. My Department has responded with support in the areas of special education, literacy and numeracy, child protection, Irish language, standardised testing, English as an additional language support for immigrant children, delivering equality of opportunity in schools (DEIS), bullying, social personal and health education (SPHE), relationship and sexuality education amongst others.
The provision for teacher in-service education support is €28.8m, compared with a 2008 estimate of €33.8m. It is intended to reduce teacher secondments to in-service and, while it will be possible to continue to provide a wide range of services to teachers, the reduced allocation will mean that programmes that are not in an expansionary or prioritised phase will have to be curtailed to a degree.
259 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers who have participated in in-service education programmes each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36619/08]
The information requested is not readily available at this point in time but will be made available to the Deputy in the coming weeks.
260 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in receipt of a school transport ticket for the 2008/2009 school year; the proportion of those in possession of a ticket who are at junior cycle and senior cycle; the number of family tickets issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36620/08]
Bus Éireann has informed my Department that approximately 134,000 pupils are currently availing of transport under the terms of the school transport schemes. This figure includes 43,000 Junior Cycle and 32,000 Senior Cycle pupils. In the region of 1,850 family tickets have been issued.
261 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown of efficiencies to be obtained in his Department’s regional office service; the way the 26% reduction in expenditure is to be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36621/08]
The current very difficult budgetary position has made it necessary to critically examine all areas of public expenditure. As a consequence of current circumstances, it was found necessary to reduce the operating budget of my Department's Regional Office Service (ROS) for 2009 by 26%.
The intention is to rationalise and prioritise some services and to seek efficiencies in the operation of the Department's regional office network. An analysis will be undertaken by my officials in relation to the exact measures to be undertaken.
262 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of employees engaged by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, HETAC and FETAC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36622/08]
The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland employs 23.6 Whole Time Equivalents (WTEs), HETAC employs 34.1 WTEs and FETAC employs 55.5 WTEs. In total therefore the 3 agencies employ 113.2 WTEs.
263 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of language support teachers recruited by his Department since 2000 to date in 2008; the number of primary and secondary schools which have a fulltime language support teacher; the number of schools in receipt of part-time language support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36623/08]
Language support teachers are appointed to assist schools in providing additional English language support for pupils for whom English is a second language. There are over 2,000 Language Support Teachers in primary and post- primary schools, at a current cost of approximately €120 million per annum. The number of full- time teaching posts has been increasing as follows:
|
School Year |
Primary |
Post-Primary |
|
2001/02 |
113 |
147 |
|
2002/03 |
158 |
239 |
|
2003/04 |
179 |
309 |
|
2004/05 |
206 |
405 |
|
2005/06 |
263 |
563 |
|
2006/07 |
388 |
1,068 |
|
2007/08 |
479 |
1,522 |
|
2008/09 (current) |
534 |
1,619 |
Numbers are not available for the school year 2000/01.
Currently 672 primary and 167 post- primary schools have been allocated full- time English Language Support Teachers. Schools with less than the 14 such pupils needed to qualify for one support teacher are provided with financial resources to assist them. A total of 377 primary schools and 297 post- primary schools so far this year have received grants to engage part- time English Language Support Teachers.
264 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of support provided to schools outside the DEIS programme in 2007 under the school book grant scheme; if this scheme will be made available to schools outside DEIS in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36624/08]
Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the Education budget for 2009, which is a real achievement in the current economic climate, a number of tough and difficult decisions had to be taken. These decisions included reductions on the aid for school books scheme which in the case of schools outside of the DEIS scheme will involve savings of approximately €7.5 million on current levels.
Approximately €7 million was made available in 2008 to DEIS schools for the school book grant scheme and this fund of €7 million will be made available for distribution to schools in the DEIS programme in 2009.
Question No. 265 answered with Question No. 252.
266 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown of the number of staff engaged by the National Council for Special Education; the breakdown of the various sections and departments within the NCSE; the number of staff allocated to each department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36626/08]
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) currently has 98.5 staff. Of these, 21.5 staff are located in the NCSE Head Office, Trim, Co. Meath. 12 Senior Special Educational Needs Organisers and 65 Special Educational Needs Organisers are based in regional locations.
267 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of extensions, refurbishments and new schools delivered each year by his Department since 2000 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36627/08]
In 2008, my Department's School Building and Modernisation programme has seen the completion of 43 new primary schools. This is an unprecedented number of new school buildings in any one year and includes 27 schools delivered under the fast track off-site construction programme in rapidly developing areas. In addition, a total of 29 major extension/refurbishment projects at primary level are expected to be completed this year. Also in 2008, the programme has seen the completion of 3 new post-primary schools and is expected to see the completion of 15 major extension/refurbishment projects in existing post-primary schools.
In 2007, 12 new primary schools and 25 major extension/refurbishment projects at primary level were completed. Also in 2007, 4 new post-primary schools and 19 major extension/refurbishment projects at post-primary level were completed.
In 2006, 8 new primary schools and 34 major extension/refurbishment projects at primary level were completed. Also in 2006, 9 new post-primary schools and 9 major extension/refurbishment projects at post-primary level were completed.
In 2005, 12 new primary schools and 66 major extension/refurbishment projects at primary level were completed. Also in 2005, 3 new post-primary schools and 29 major extension/refurbishment projects at post-primary level were completed.
In 2004, 5 new primary schools and 16 major extension/refurbishment projects at primary level were completed. Also in 2004, 1 new post-primary school and 15 major extension/refurbishment projects at post-primary level were completed.
In 2003, 13 new primary schools and 50 major extension/refurbishment projects at primary level were completed. Also in 2003, 5 new post-primary schools and 22 major extension/refurbishment projects at post-primary level were completed.
In 2002, 6 new primary schools and 59 major extension/refurbishment projects at primary level were completed. Also in 2002, 2 new post-primary schools and 27 major extension/refurbishment projects at post-primary level were completed.
In 2001, 5 new primary schools and 35 major extension/refurbishment projects at primary level were completed. Also in 2001, 5 new post-primary schools and 17 major extension/refurbishment projects at post-primary level were completed.
In 2000, 11 new primary schools and 30 major extension/refurbishment projects at primary level were completed. Also in 2000, 3 new post-primary schools and 9 major extension/refurbishment projects at post-primary level were completed.
268 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools awaiting new buildings or refurbishment under the school building programme, other than those that have received approval or have proceeded to construction stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36628/08]
291 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools which have made an application to his Department for building works under the school building programme, aside from those approved to proceed to construction and those currently in construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36861/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 268 and 291 together.
My Department has over 1000 applications on hand for major capital works on the main school building programme. In addition there are approximately 360 major projects progressing through architectural planning.
The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase is considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme in which the main focus at present is to deliver school places within rapidly developing areas.
269 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to increase funding for information communication and technology equipment and maintenance for schools; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the lack of funding for ICT in schools; his further plans to tackle this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36639/08]
I published the ICT Strategy Group Report, Investing Effectively in ICT in Schools 2008-2013, together with the evaluation report undertaken by my Department's Inspectorate, ICT in schools, in July. While acknowledging the progress made since the ICT in Schools Programme was first launched some ten years ago, these Reports set out a substantial agenda to be pursued to fully integrate ICT into teaching and learning in our classrooms.
While we face significant challenges in implementing some of the recommendations made in these Reports given the current economic situation, I am committed to investing in this area as resources permit. As recommended by the Strategy Group, the role of the individual school ICT co-ordinator will be prioritised along with support for school principals. Nationwide seminars on e-Learning for these personnel will be held and handbooks on planning and implementing e-Learning in Schools are in preparation. A professional development course for ICT co-ordinating teachers on the development of e-Learning Plans will also be available.
The National Centre for Technology in Education will collaborate with the various school support agencies to integrate ICT into the delivery of all support services. New online and blended ICT professional courses will be offered and ICT will be integrated into all curriculum development activities. My Department will shortly issue a tender for the next round of the Schools' Broadband Programme and the range of services available to schools will be expanded. A free website hosting service will be provided to schools, which will provide a unique ‘.scoilnet.ie' website address to schools. Substantial digital resources are currently being accessed on the web portal Scoilnet and the NCTE will expand and develop further digital content for teaching and learning.
270 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide funding for the removal of asbestos tiles from a post primary school (details supplied) in County Tipperary in the interest of health and safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36641/08]
A nationwide survey of primary and post-primary schools was carried out by the Office of Public Works on behalf of my Department to establish the position relating to asbestos in school buildings and to undertake any remediation measures necessary.
Where asbestos requiring removal is detected, either as a result of the survey or otherwise, arrangements to undertake the work in accordance with the relevant health and safety legislation are made by the Office of Public Works on a prioritised basis. The removal works for the school in question will be addressed under this arrangement in due course and the costs will be borne by the Department.
271 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the pupil-teacher ratio for children with a general learning disability; the way he determines the ratio; his plans to increase or decrease the ratio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36642/08]
The pupil teacher ratio for children with general learning disabilities in special classes and special schools is determined by reference to the recommendations outlined in the Report of the Special Education Review Committee, 1993, also known as the SERC Report. These ratios range from 6:1 to 11:1 depending on the level of disability. I wish to advise the Deputy that I have no plans to alter these ratios.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department's policy is to support the inclusive education of students with special educational needs across the schools system. In this context, a range of supports are provided to schools to enable them cater for pupils with special educational needs. The supports available include additional teaching support, special needs assistant support, school transport and grants for the purchase of teaching materials and specialised equipment.
273 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if transport will be put in place for a child (details supplied) in County Cork. [36664/08]
My Department has requested Bus Éireann to furnish a report on the availability of transport for the pupil referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied. The case will be considered as soon as the report is received.
274 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the action his Department is taking to ensure adequate provision of special needs care for children who wish to attend preschool; his views on the needs of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36679/08]
Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 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 to 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 2005 because of the importance of intervention early in life which can have a significant impact on the disabling effects of a condition or impairment. As the implementation of the Act in relation to children under 5 is a matter for the Health Service Executive, I would advise the Deputy to contact the Local Health Office of the HSE directly regarding the matter raised by him.
275 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science when the new girls primary school at Seville Place, Dublin 1 will be built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36686/08]
The building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is in the early stages 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.
276 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Wexford will retain it’s current teaching staff based on the number of pupils enrolled at 30 September 2008; if not, the reason in view of the clear promise to reduce class sizes from 27:1 to 24:1 within three years of being elected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36687/08]
The specific information requested by the Deputy in relation to the detailed staffing allocation of the school in question for the academic year 2009/10 cannot be determined until the allocation process has fully concluded. There is nothing exceptional in this. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. 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 an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.
Schools are currently returning data to my Department in relation to their enrolment as of 30 September. My Department has commenced processing this data although all schools have not yet made their returns. The allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the Education budget for 2009, which is a real achievement in the current economic climate, a number of tough and difficult decisions had to be taken. These decisions included an increase in the enrolment bands of the staffing schedule for the allocation of teachers in primary schools from an average of one teacher for 27 pupils to an average of one teacher for 28 pupils.
277 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the early retirement scheme at 55 years for teachers who have provided long and dedicated service to the education system has been abolished in view of the series of cutbacks in the education sector; if not, the status of the early retirement scheme; the number of teachers due to avail of the scheme in 2008; the number who availed of it each year from 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36691/08]
The Early Retirement Scheme for teachers, which had operated on a pilot basis since 1996/97, has been suspended in all sectors until further notice. There will be no retirees under the scheme in 2009. While the Scheme had been under review, the reason for its suspension stems not as a result of that review but from the current challenging economic climate within which Government expenditure must be prudently managed.
The Scheme, which was a voluntary scheme and was introduced with the objective of promoting efficiency and effectiveness in the school system, consisted of 3 Strands. Strand 1 applied to teachers with not less than 15 years' service who were consistently experiencing professional difficulties in their teaching duties. Strand 2 applied to teachers whose retirement would provide their schools with an opportunity to enhance the education service provided through facilitating change. The teachers had to be aged 55 years or more and had to have a minimum of 20 years' service. Strand 3 applied to teachers who were in posts which were surplus to requirements.
The scheme provided for the grant of added years to teachers on retirement provided that total pensionable service did not exceed 35 years in the case of Strand 1 or 2, or 40 years in the case of Strand 3. Subject to the above limits, a teacher could receive the following added years: Strand 1 — 25% of service (subject to a maximum of 5 years); Strand 2 — up to 2 years; and Strand 3 — 35% of service (subject to a maximum of 7 years).
A teacher who retired under Strand 3 could opt, in lieu of added years, for a severance gratuity at the rate of 3 weeks' pay per year of service to age 65, subject to a maximum of 27 weeks' pay. The Table attached gives details of the number of retirements of Primary, Secondary, Community, Comprehensive and Vocational teachers in the period 2002-2008.
Other schemes of retirement before normal pension age are available. Teachers can avail of voluntary retirement at 55 years of age where a teacher has 35 years' service or cost-neutral early retirement. A teacher, other than a new entrant appointed after 1 April 2004, who has reached the age of 55 years and has at least 35 years of actual pensionable service, may retire voluntarily. There is no actuarial reduction in benefits and credit for certain pre-service training is given in order to assist teachers to reach the 35-year threshold for retirement. Under cost-neutral early retirement, a teacher aged 50 years or over (55 years in the case of new entrants appointed after 1 April 2004) has the option of an immediate cost-neutral early retirement pension and lump sum on resignation. The cost-neutral early retirement benefits are actuarially reduced to take account of the early payment of the lump sum and the longer period over which pension would be paid.
|
Year |
Numbers retiring |
Total |
|
|
Primary |
Secondary. C&C and Vocational |
||
|
2002 |
22 |
140 |
162 |
|
2003 |
31 |
128 |
159 |
|
2004 |
41 |
134 |
175 |
|
2005 |
68 |
169 |
237 |
|
2006 |
50 |
177 |
227 |
|
2007 |
57 |
189 |
246 |
|
2008 (projected) |
48 |
143 |
191 |
278 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science the way the new pupil-teacher ratio will impact on the staffing level at a school (details supplied) Dublin 13 in view of the fact that some children are being taught at the school in classes of up to 38 pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36692/08]
The specific information requested by the Deputy in relation to the detailed staffing allocation of the school in question for the academic year 2009/10 cannot be determined until the allocation process has fully concluded. There is nothing exceptional in this. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. 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 an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.
Schools are currently returning data to my Department in relation to their enrolment as of 30 September. My Department has commenced processing this data although all schools have not yet made their returns. The allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year.
Posts allocated on the basis of the staffing schedule are specifically for mainstream classes and should be deployed accordingly. School authorities are requested to ensure that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible, taking all relevant contextual factors into account. In particular, school authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and smallest classes is kept to a minimum.
279 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the extension to a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36731/08]
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.
280 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that additional supports will be given to schools (details supplied) in Dublin 24 to allow the board cater for the increased newcomer population in these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36744/08]
Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the Education budget for 2009, which is a real achievement in the current economic climate, a number of tough and difficult decisions had to be taken. These decisions included reducing the level of language support teachers from a maximum of 6 extra teachers per school to a maximum of 2 teachers per school — as was the case pre 2007. This change will take effect in September 2009.
However, the budget measures also provide for some alleviation for the position of those schools where there is a significant concentration of newcomer pupils as a proportion of the overall enrolment. This will be done on a case by case basis. The allocation process for language support teachers is an annual one and existing provision is not rolled over automatically. Schools will be applying afresh in the Spring and early Summer of 2009 for the 2009/10 school year, based on their assessment of the prospective needs of existing pupils and any new pupils that they are enrolling. The position of the school in question will fall to be considered at that stage along with all other schools making application to the Department.
A wide range of materials are available for schools and for English Language Support Teachers, including the Primary School Assessment Kit. This Kit was commissioned by the Department, and issued to schools earlier this summer. These materials will also enable accurate initial and on-going assessment of the language proficiency of the child and his or her need for continued language support. A new team within the Primary Professional Development Service is providing training for primary English Language Support Teachers. This is currently being rolled out across the country through the network of education centres. This training will help to enhance the ability of such teachers to address the English language needs of our newcomer students.
281 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the problems regarding the condition of a school (details supplied) in County Galway insofar as student space is concerned, that the school authorities were led to believe by his Department that the project would be approved, that work would commence in the autumn of 2007 and that nothing has happened yet; when the funding will be made available for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36786/08]
The progression of all large scale building projects, including the 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.
282 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made towards resolving the issue of insurance of sports halls in schools in order to allow greater community use of these halls during periods when the school is not using the hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36794/08]
The primary responsibility of my Department in this area is the provision of school facilities for the effective delivery of the curriculum. In addition, school authorities have a considerable degree of autonomy in relation to how their premises are managed and utilised at local level.
However, I do recognise that there is a lack of recreational facilities for community use in certain areas which could be met if school premises were made available to the wider community. To encourage schools in this respect, my Department issued a circular to all school authorities in late 2005 urging trustees and Boards of Management to make their facilities available where possible for community education and recreation purposes. Decisions in relation to the use of school facilities remain entirely at the discretion of the school authorities, subject to the condition that the needs of the students attending the school are prioritised in the first instance.
My Department's position generally is that the availability of such facilities should be self-funding i.e. adequate to cover the heat/light/caretaking arrangements as well as making some contribution to the repair of wear and tear on premises caused by increased use. Of utmost importance, schools should ensure that insurance and security are covered as it is unlikely that the school's insurance policy would cover non-school activities or that a caretaker would be routinely available to open/lock up premises.
283 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 175 of 24 September 2008 he will undertake to establish the number of primary and secondary schools which have physical education halls and gym facilities; if his Department is promoting physical education within the formal education sector to the best of its ability in view of the fact that his Department is not even aware of the number of schools that have indoor sports facilities and the number that do not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36801/08]
As I informed the Deputy in September, in view of other competing priorities in the capital area, it is not possible to allocate staffing resources to the compilation of the information on accommodation at this stage.
However, I can assure the Deputy that my Department is actively promoting physical education as a core part of the curriculum. At primary level, the programme has been developed on the basis of a provision of a minimum timeframe of at least 1 hour tuition per week. At second level, all schools are required to offer Physical Education as part of the curriculum, and the syllabuses have been developed on the basis of a time allocation of two hours per week.
A curriculum in Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) is a mandatory part of all programmes for primary students and at junior cycle. The programme begins in the infant classes and specifically addresses the need for regular exercise, and examines food and nutrition issues and the need for a balanced diet. These themes are continued into the programme in junior cycle under the physical and mental health modules in the curriculum.
Schools also play a major role in nurturing and promoting the involvement of students in sporting activities in the wider community. Sports organisations such as the Gaelic Athletic Association, Basketball Ireland, the Football Association of Ireland provide extensive opportunities for schools to participate in sport. The Irish Sports Council, in co-operation with bodies such as the FAI and Local Sports Partnerships, has developed a national Buntús Primary Schools Initiative through which additional supports — training, resource cards and equipment — are provided to support teachers and others in introducing young people to sport, and to complement the Physical Education curriculum. The initiative aims to raise the profile of physical activity and sport, improve inservice training opportunities for teachers, assist governing bodies of sport to develop and deliver appropriate supports for teachers, and provide enjoyable and meaningful activity for children which supports the delivery of the curriculum. For practising teachers, curriculum support services at primary and second level provide training and school based support for teachers.
This Government has worked hard to improve the opportunities for young people to get physical exercise both in school and in their local communities. In a new school building or refurbishment/extension, PE facilities are included as part of the design. Between 2000 and 2006 a total of 516 large-scale projects were delivered in primary and post-primary schools by the Department as part of a record overall investment of €2.6 billion in modernising primary and post-primary school facilities throughout the country. Many more large-scale projects are under construction or due to go to construction in the near future. New PE equipment such as balancing benches and gym mats are funded as part of any major building programme.
A special PE funding package of €6.5 million issued in 2006 to primary schools, and in 2007 a similar package of €3 million issued to post-primary schools. Under these packages, primary schools received €2,000 and post-primary €4,000 towards the cost of replacing and upgrading PE equipment. This grant was issued, as a once-off measure, to enable schools to replace older equipment such as goalposts, PE mats, benches etc. Since 2000 the Department has also provided in excess of €5.5m in grant-aid to primary schools to facilitate the provision of coaching or mentoring in connection with physical education or to purchase resource materials associated with the provision of physical education. Such materials and equipment would normally be expected to last for a number of years.
So, through an increased focus on exercise in school and in the community, we are working to encourage more children and young people to get active. Indeed, the ‘State of the Nation's Children' report published by the Minister for Children recently, found that children in Ireland are doing well on physical activity, ranking second across the 32 WHO countries in being physically active for at least 4 hours per week.
284 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will intercede to ensure that the higher education grant is awarded to persons (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36804/08]
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.
285 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the effects of budget 2009 on a school (details supplied) in County Mayo, with particular reference to their teacher numbers, resource grant and rural co-ordinator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36811/08]
The specific information requested by the Deputy in relation to the detailed staffing allocation of the school in question for the academic year 2009/10 cannot be determined until the allocation process has fully concluded. There is nothing exceptional in this. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. 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 an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.
Schools are currently returning data to my Department in relation to their enrolment as of 30 September. My Department has commenced processing this data although all schools have not yet made their returns. The allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year.
I appreciate that the abolition of a number of grants for some schools will impact on funding levels in 2009 but it is also the case that the enhanced levels of funding announced in the Budget for the capitation and ancillary services grants will help to alleviate the impact of this. Budget changes will take effect in 2009.
The school book grant has already been made to the school in question for the current school year. Funding for the equipment grant for the resource teacher and funding arising from the school's inclusion in previous disadvantage initiatives, as well as access to the services of a rural coordinator will proceed as normal in respect of the current school year.
The Education Budget for 2009 has provided for improvements to the overall level of funding for primary schools which will see funding increase from €167 million in 2008 to almost €190 million in 2009. The Government is committed to making further improvements as resources permit.
286 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied) in view of the increased allocation to the school building fund; if he will confirm that the school project will be going ahead and included in the upcoming bundle; and when a decision will be made on it. [36820/08]
The make up and timing of further school bundles in my Department's PPP school building programme will be determined by my Department in consultation with the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA). The issues to be considered in the timing and bundling of these schools include site availability for each school, geographical spread and the estimated total cost of the proposed school bundle.
My Department is examining the feasibility of allowing the school referred to by the Deputy proceed in the 3rd Bundle of school projects to be procured via Public Private Partnership. This examination is nearing completion and I will be making an announcement about the matter as quickly as possible.
287 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science when he sanctioned the provision of a new secondary school in the Porterstown-Luttrellstown area of Dublin 15; when it will open; its proposed location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36827/08]
My Department has been aware of a need for further post primary provision in the Dublin 15 area and in that context, I sanctioned the establishment of a new post primary school for the area earlier this month. The new school will be called Luttrellstown Community College and the Patron is County Dublin VEC.
My Department is working closely with Co. Dublin VEC and is currently examining the possibility of opening the new school in September 2009 subject to the identification of suitable accommodation.
288 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the estimated cost of incremental pay increases awarded to existing staff in his Department, its office and agencies under the remit of his Department in 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36833/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. The information will have to be collated and the relevant agencies contacted. I will arrange to forward the Deputy the information as soon as it becomes available.
289 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the estimated annual cost to his Department of the 2.5% Towards 2016 pay increase from its implementation in September 2008 and the 3.5% pay increase planned for September 2009 in respect of wages paid to staff in his Department, its office and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36847/08]
The estimated full year impact on my Department's Vote of the 2.5% pay increase with effect from 1 September 2008 is €150m, €50m of which will be a cost in 2008 and €100m in 2009.
The estimated cost of the 3.5% pay increase with effect from 1 September 2009, arising under the recently negotiated second pay agreement under Towards 2016, is €80m in 2009 and €240m in a full year.
290 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures he will take to remedy the situation at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin at which a ceiling fell in on 20 pupils and a teacher in October 2008; if he will bring forward funding as originally promised, for a new school on the two acre site the parents and management committee have acquired for such a purpose, taking into account future increased demand and the fact that this school may be unfit for purpose with an asbestos roof built in 1945; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36860/08]
I can confirm that a devolved grant will be provided to the school to which the Deputy refers to make good the damage to the school building.
In the meantime the Department is working with the school to find a solution to the schools immediate accommodation needs and the Department expects to have a satisfactory solution in place when the school returns for mid term break.
In relation to progression of the schools permanent project, the Department is cognisant of the site restrictions which would impede further expansion of the existing school. Greenfield provision for this school will be considered in the context of the Department's on-going multi-annual school building and modernisation programme.
