Damien English
Question:98 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of incentives to address the issue of children living in consistent poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39411/08]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 9 to 89, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 90 to 96, inclusive, answered orally.
Question No. 97 answered with Question No. 95.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:101 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of incentives to address the issues of families living below the poverty line; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39402/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 101 together.
The continued reduction and eventual elimination of poverty and in particular child poverty remains a top priority for the Government.
The latest poverty statistics from the EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC), released in November 2007, indicate that there was a decrease in the rate of consistent poverty from 8.2% in 2003 to 6.5% in 2006 and that the consistent poverty rate for children fell from 11.7% in 2003 to 9.8% in 2006.
The risk of a child being in consistent poverty depends on a number of factors including household composition. For example, families comprising two adults and between one to three children had a consistent poverty rate in 2006 of 5.1%; below the national rate of 6.5%. In contrast lone parents are a high-risk group, with 27.3% of lone parent households in consistent poverty in 2006. The EU-SILC results for 2007, will be available shortly.
Significant progress has already been achieved in reducing child poverty in Ireland over the past decade and, in spite of current economic difficulties, the Government is determined to continue this work. The recent Budget provided for a range of measures costing over €56 million to benefit children and families and increases of between 3 % and 3.8 % in the basic payment rates have been provided for next year, ahead of the projected rate of inflation for 2009, which is 2.5%.
These measures include an increase of €2 in the qualified child increase payable with social welfare payments bringing the rate up to €26 per week from January 2009; an increase of €10 per week per child in all Family Income Supplement (FIS) income thresholds giving an increase of up to €6 per child per week, from January 2009; and an increase of €50 per week in the income threshold for the back to school clothing and footwear scheme to enable more families qualify. These increases will mean that the high level goal of maintaining the combined value of child income support measures at 33% to 35% of the minimum adult social welfare payment rate will continue to be met next year (at present it ranges between 33.4% and 43.7% depending on family size, income and ages of children).
It is generally accepted that one of the most effective routes out of poverty for people in the active age groups is through paid employment. The Department of Social and Family Affairs has a range of education and employment supports available to people in receipt of welfare payments. The overall aim is to provide an incentive and support to unemployed people, particularly the long-term unemployed, lone parents, and sickness related welfare recipients to return to the active labour market either by taking up employment or becoming self-employed. This is done through the operation of programmes including the Back to Education and Back to Work Allowance Schemes. The Activation and Family Support Programme and the Second Chance Education Opportunities Scheme offer supports to social welfare customers and other disadvantaged persons to assist them to improve their employability and personal and family situations.
Additionally the earnings disregards across a range of schemes for people of working age are designed to facilitate people in receipt of welfare payments in entering the workforce by enabling them retain entitlement to their payments until they become established in employment.
People with families who are in lower paid employment may receive the Family Income Supplement which plays a significant role in increasing household income and providing an incentive to remain in, or take up, employment. Currently the weekly average payment for a one child family on FIS is approximately €99.
Child Benefit, and the policy of significantly increasing its rate recent years, also acts as an incentive to return to work as persons are assured that a significant portion of child-related income will continue to be paid when they move from welfare to work.
Martin Ferris
Question:99 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the increase in the take-up of the family income supplement payment since budget 2008. [39487/08]
The Family Income Supplement is designed to provide support for people with families who are on low earnings. This preserves the incentive for them to remain in employment in circumstances where they might only be marginally better off than if they were claiming other social welfare payments. FIS is a central element of a programme of reforms targeted specifically at addressing child poverty.
The Department has consistently publicised the FIS scheme in order to maximise uptake by qualified families. Significant improvements in the qualifying income limits and ongoing awareness campaigns have resulted in a strong upward trend in the level of new and renewal claims. Currently nearly 26,400 families, with 53,600 children, benefit directly from FIS payments. Families can get FIS payments of between €20 and €600 a week, depending on their income and the size of their family. The average weekly payment is currently €131.86.
Improvements to the family income supplement scheme, including the new increased income limits announced in Budget 2008, mean that it is now easier for families to qualify under the scheme. In 2007 the Department received 36,900 new and renewal FIS claims compared to 33,000 in 2006 and 23,000 in 2005 — an increase of over 60% on 2005 and 11% on 2006. In the first 10 months of 2008, 37,100 new and renewal claims were received compared to some 33,900 in the same period in 2007 — an increase of over 9%. In the 3 weeks since the announcement of the 2009 budget in October, 2,672 new and renewal applications have been received. In the same period last year a similar number, (2,685) was received.
With regard to the level of take up generally, it is not possible to estimate from administrative sources the number of families who would be eligible but do not apply for their FIS entitlements. However, the department has commissioned a research project to examine factors behind the level of take up for the scheme. This is at the final stage at present and is expected to complete shortly.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Joe Costello
Question:100 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she will provide for a personal advocacy service in respect of people with disabilities; the specific target date she is working to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39561/08]
The statutory basis for the introduction of a personal advocacy service under the Citizens Information Board (CIB) was provided for in the Citizens Information Act, 2007. However, having regard to the current budgetary circumstances, it will not be possible to proceed with this next year.
The provision of an advocacy service remains a priority for this Government. In this regard, significant resources have been provided since 2005, and will continue to be made available under the auspices of the Citizens Information Board for the development and provision of advocacy services for people with disabilities. Funding of €1.8 million was provided in 2008 for service developments which include advocacy services. This brings the total funding for advocacy services to €6.1m for the period 2005 to 2008.
The Citizens Information Board has developed a Community and Voluntary Sector Advocacy Programme and has funded 46 separate advocacy projects. The overall focus of the programme is on representative advocacy for people with a disability.
Projects either operate within a specific geographic area or are focused on a particular disability type. Each of the projects poses different challenges, some requiring more intensive work with smaller caseloads while others have larger caseloads with shorter periods of client contact.
Up to the end of June 2008, 3,241 members of the public have availed of the services provided by the projects. The breakdown per year is as follows:
2005 — Nil;
2006 — 744;
2007 — 1,322;
June 2008 (6 months) — 1,175;
The Citizens Information Board is monitoring the programme to ensure that the projects are operating in accordance with the Board's advocacy guidelines. It is planned to undertake a full evaluation of the Community and Voluntary Sector Advocacy programme in 2010.
The Citizens Information Board also provides advocacy through the Citizens Information Services focusing on access to services, welfare entitlements and employment rights. This type of mainstream advocacy is also open to people with disabilities and the Community and Voluntary Sector Advocacy programme is creating close links with the Citizens Information Services to ensure that people with disabilities are encouraged and supported to use the mainstream services where possible.
The advocacy capacity within the Citizens Information Services is being strengthened through the provision of Advocacy Resource Officers who work to build the capacity of information providers to advocate on behalf of clients. There are nine Advocacy Resource Officers in operation across the Citizens Information Services network.
I am satisfied with the developments undertaken to provide advocacy services for people with disabilities through the Citizens Information Board. The Department will continue to work with them to further enhance advocacy services for all citizens including those with disabilities.
Question No. 101 answered with Question No. 98.
Departmental Agencies.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:102 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the projected savings arising from her proposal to place the Money Advice and Budgeting Service under the control of the Citizens Information Service. [39499/08]
Joe McHugh
Question:105 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action she is taking to assist people to combat the prevalence of debt in the current economic climate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39437/08]
Pádraic McCormack
Question:114 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she has taken to provide additional supports to the Money Advice and Budgeting Services as outlined in the programme for Government in view of the current economic climate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39432/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 102, 105 and 114 together.
The MABS provides a high quality personal service to the public and makes a difference to peoples lives. However, it has been recognised for some time that the Service needs a proper legislative basis and structure. The Programme for Government envisaged that such a new structure for the MABS would involve strong national leadership and would maximise the current local voluntary involvement in the service.
The Government has decided that this can best be achieved by placing the MABS with the Citizens Information Board. The MABS and Citizens Information Centres complement each other well as both are involved in providing information, advice and advocacy services to the public. In addition, the Citizens Information Board has a long association with the MABS at both national and local level and was involved in establishing some of the original MABS pilot projects.
There will be no change in the status of the 53 independent MABS companies, nor in the employment status of their 240 employees that provide the service at local level.
It is not envisaged that significant savings or additional costs will arise on the assignment of the provision of the MABS to the Citizens Information Board. Rather the intention is, in line with the Programme for Government, to provide strong management support to the local voluntary companies in the provision of a high quality service to meet the needs of people encountering debt difficulties in today's society. However cost efficiencies will be realised in the medium to longer term through the integration of support services such as administration and IT.
The legislative provisions to give effect to the proposed changes are contained in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 which is before Dail Eireann today.
Social Welfare Code.
David Stanton
Question:103 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 25 June 2008, the involvement her Department has had with the Office of the Minister for Children in the study of children engaged in inappropriate care roles as per the commitment in Towards 2016; if this study was commenced in July 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39566/08]
Towards 2016 includes a commitment to study the extent to which children undertake inappropriate care roles and the impact on their lives. The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has the lead role in relation to this study, which aims to develop mechanisms to identify young carers aged 5-17 years, the positive and negative impact of caring on their lives, and to make recommendations for ways in which they can be assisted.
Officials from my Department worked closely with the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs with regard to the development of the structure of study and throughout the tendering process. The study commenced in October 2008 and is being undertaken by the Child and Family Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:104 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has had discussions with the EU Commission on the issue of travel concessions for Irish pensioners in the UK in the context of a senior euro card focused on free or concessionary travel facilities for the elderly throughout the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39332/08]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:106 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in view of the recent decision of the European Committee on Social Rights regarding the exclusion of non-resident Irish pension holders from the free travel scheme for older persons in Ireland, she will review her views on the establishment of a European wide senior euro card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39333/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 106 together.
The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over and to people receiving certain disability or care payments.
Proposals to extend the free travel scheme to Irish born people living abroad and those receiving pensions from my Department have been examined and, in this regard, officials of the Department have engaged in discussions with EU Commission officials. However, it has not been possible to progress the matter as, under EU legislation, discrimination on grounds of nationality is prohibited.
In addition, the European Commission has indicated that to extend the scheme to people in other Member States who are in receipt of an Irish pension could also be considered discriminatory.
More recently the European Committee on Social Rights found that there was no violation to the European Social Charter following a complaint on the difference in treatment between residents and non-residents in access to the free travel scheme. I have no plans to extend the Free Travel Scheme.
Question No. 105 answered with Question No. 102.
Question No. 106 answered with Question No. 104.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:107 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the instructions given by her or her officials to community welfare officers in respect of refusing mortgage interest supplement in the circumstances in which the applicant has overstated their income. [39560/08]
Jack Wall
Question:154 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the changes she will make to the qualifying criteria for private mortgage interest supplement. [39513/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 154 together.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department, provides for a weekly or monthly supplement to be paid in respect of mortgage interest. The purpose of the mortgage interest supplement is to provide short term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only.
One of the statutory conditions for receipt of mortgage interest supplement is that, in the opinion of the HSE, the person must have been in a position, at the time the loan agreement was entered into, to meet the repayments under that agreement (Article 10(1)(b)(i) of the Social Welfare (Consolidated Supplementary Welfare Allowance) Regulations 2007).
Accordingly, in determining entitlement to mortgage interest supplement, a community welfare officer may examine the original loan application, supporting documentation and records of repayments 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 based on all of the facts of the case. There is a right of appeal against the decision of the community welfare officer to a Health Service Executive Appeals Officer and thereafter to the Chief Appeals Officer of the Department.
The supplement is normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of mortgage interest, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance, appropriate to their family circumstances, less a minimum contribution which recipients are required to pay from their own resources.
The existing mortgage interest supplement assessment provides for a gradual withdrawal of payment as hours of employment or earnings increase. In recent years improvements have been made to the means test to encourage eligible people to engage in employment without losing their entire mortgage interest supplement.
Those availing of part-time employment and/or training opportunities can continue to receive mortgage interest supplement subject to their satisfying the standard means assessment rules. Since June 2007, where a person has additional income in excess of the standard weekly rate of supplementary welfare allowance, the first €75 of such additional income together with 25% of any additional income above €75 is disregarded for means assessment purposes. This ensures that those returning to work or participating in training schemes are better off as a result of taking up such an opportunity.
Mortgage interest supplement recipients are required to make a minimum contribution towards the cost of their accommodation costs. When last set in 2004, the contribution represented approximately 10% of the minimum social welfare weekly payment rate. While basic social welfare rates of payment have risen by nearly €70 per week since then, no upward adjustment has been made to the minimum contribution. As part of Budget 2009 measures, I announced my intention to increase the minimum contribution from €13 to €18 with effect from 1 January 2009. This contribution which represents 8.8% of the basic social welfare weekly payment is significantly less than the minimum rent paid by many local authority tenants.
There are currently 6,900 people in receipt of mortgage interest supplement, a 68% increase on the numbers receiving the supplement at the end of December 2007.
The mortgage interest supplement schemes provide an adequate short-term "safety net" within the overall social welfare system to ensure that people do not suffer hardship due to loss of employment. I do not consider that any further changes in eligibility criteria are required at this time. However the scheme will be kept under review to ensure that it meets the objective of catering for those who require assistance on a short-term basis.
Pension Provisions.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:108 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of claims for a State transition pension, contributory State pension and a non-contributory State pension being processed here; the way this compares to the number of applicants being processed in the same period in 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39449/08]
Entitlement to a State Pension (Transition) or State Pension (Contributory) is based on a person's social insurance record. The pensions are payable at age 65 and 66 respectively, subject to satisfying the qualifying conditions. State Pension (Non-Contributory) is a means tested pension, payable to people aged 66 or over, subject to satisfying the qualifying conditions.
The numbers of people in receipt of the each pension over the past three years are as follows:
|
At end of October |
State Pension (Transition) |
State Pension (Contributory) |
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
|
2006 |
92,559* |
137,907 |
97,404 |
|
2007 |
5,687 |
235,653 |
97,726 |
|
2008 |
7,261 |
248,484 |
97,820 |
*This figure is significantly higher as it included State Pension (Transition) recipients, aged 66 and over, who transferred to State Pension (Contributory) with effect from January 2007.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Brian O'Shea
Question:109 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the changes she will make to the way the household benefits package to allow for the equitable treatment of people with oil fired central heating. [39552/08]
The household benefits package is generally available to people living in the State, aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. It is also available to people aged under 66 who are in receipt of certain disability payments or carer's allowance. The package includes the electricity and gas allowance, telephone allowance and free television licence schemes. There are currently 355,000 people in receipt of household benefits at an annual cost of €317 million.
The electricity allowance element of the household benefits package is paid as a credit on the person's electricity bill. The natural gas allowance is an alternative to the electricity allowance for people whose homes are connected to a natural gas supply. People can choose to have the allowance applied to either their electricity or their gas bill, whichever is most beneficial to them.
There are no plans at present to amend the household benefits to include an allowance for oil based heating. However, I will continue to review the operation of the scheme with a view to identifying the scope for further improvements as resources permit.
Departmental Expenditure.
Joan Burton
Question:110 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the most recent figures for the number of recipients and the cost to the Exchequer, of mortgage payment assistance; the budgeted Exchequer expenditure on mortgage payment assistance for each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38825/08]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department, provides for a weekly or monthly supplement to be paid in respect of mortgage interest. The purpose of the mortgage interest supplement is to provide short term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only.
There are currently 6,930 people in receipt of mortgage interest supplement, a 69% increase on the numbers receiving the supplement at the end of December 2007.
The published estimate of expenditure for mortgage interest supplement for 2008 is €14.4million, an increase of €2.2million on the 2007 expenditure. The current estimated cost of the mortgage interest supplement scheme for 2008 is €25.6million.
In the current economic climate and with falling interest rates, it is difficult to estimate expenditure into the future. The provisional estimate for 2009 is €29.6m. Expenditure on mortgage interest supplement is closely monitored on a monthly basis in the context of the Government's framework for reporting on public expenditure and estimates of future expenditure will be revised as appropriate. Estimated expenditure for 2010 will be formulated in the context of the 2010 Budget and taking into account trends in recipient numbers, average monthly mortgage interest payments and expenditure trends in 2009.
Child Support.
David Stanton
Question:111 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress that has been made in the development of a second tier payment for children in low income families and in the introduction of a single payment for all parents, either living alone or with a partner, with children on a low income as contained in Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39567/08]
Ciaran Lynch
Question:153 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the outcome of her deliberations in respect of the proposed introduction of a new family payment to support children in low income families. [39559/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 153 together.
The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents," put forward proposals to tackle obstacles to employment for lone parents and other low income families. These included proposals for the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents; the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents; focused provision of childcare; improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children.
Under the proposals the lone parenthood category of payment would no longer exist. Instead, a new payment would be made to all parents (living alone or with a partner), with young children, on low income. This new payment is currently being developed in the Department, taking into account the various issues raised in the consultation process.
Any proposed new payment scheme can only be introduced when the necessary co-ordinated supports and services are put in place on the ground by other relevant Departments and Agencies. This is why the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion has been tasked with bringing forward a plan on the key issues of childcare, education, training and activation measures.
The non-income recommendations contained in the discussion paper were examined in two areas: Coolock and Kilkenny. These studies, which took place between November 2007 and February 2008, were carried out to facilitate the development of the policy and operational details of the new scheme. The process involved both lone parents and qualified adults. It was carried out on a voluntary basis and the take-up was low.
The experience has however highlighted how both lone parents and qualified adults are not a homogenous group, are of different ages, have experienced different routes into their current situation and have different needs. Educational levels of those who participated were generally low, there was little or no engagement with FÁS, some participants intended to return to full or part-time work when their child was a few months old; others, however, had been out of the work force for a considerable period of time. Earnings from previous employment were generally low. For almost all of those intending to return to work affordable childcare was a critical issue.
The experience of this engagement process is feeding into the development of our approach to working with lone parents and qualified adults to support them into education, training and employment.
The Programme for Government 2007 — 2012 proposes that Qualified Child Increases (QCI) and Family Income Supplements (FIS) would be amalgamated in order to develop a second tier of income support targeted at the poorest families. Under the terms of an earlier Social Partnership Agreement, the National Economic and Social Council was asked to examine the feasibility of merging these payments with a view to creating a single second tier child income support. Dr. John Sweeney of NESC examined the issues and developed proposals for a second tier child income support scheme but NESC did not reach agreement on the matter. Dr Sweeney's proposal was published as a research paper towards the end of 2007. However, this proposal raised a number of significant issues which would require a further detailed examination by the Department and by other agencies.
The Economic and Social Research Institute has also undertaken recent research in this area and concluded, inter alia, that full take-up of the Family Income Supplement scheme would reduce child income poverty by 3%. Arising from this research, the Department undertook to determine the current level of take up of FIS among qualifying families and to ascertain the reasons underlying the failure to avail of this payment, where applicable; and carry out an analysis of the existing FIS customer base. This research is now nearing completion.
In considering the future direction of child income support policy, it is important to keep in mind the multiple objectives behind the provision of such support and the research undertaken by Dr. Sweeney, the ESRI and the Department will inform future policy developments in this area.
Departmental Agencies.
Mary Upton
Question:112 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the proposals she has made to Government to merge the employment services section of FÁS with her Department. [39512/08]
I have not made any proposals to Government to merge the employment support services of FÁS with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. FÁS and the Department work together in a complementary way on behalf of people on social welfare payments.
Both sides operate under a memorandum of understanding which is updated periodically. Senior officials of the Department hold regular joint meetings with FÁS and the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment. There are also regular meetings between officials of the Department and FÁS at regional and local level. A high degree of cooperation and coordination exists at both policy and operational level between the Department of Social and Family Affairs and FÁS.
An important area of this cooperation is in relation to the joint National Employment Action Plan whereby people are referred to FÁS when they reach 3 months on the live register.
The Department works closely with FÁS in providing opportunities for people on social welfare to access the range of training and employment services afforded by that organisation.
I am satisfied that the existing arrangements with FÁS, together with the supporting activation measures undertaken by the Department, ensure that the social and economic progression of those most marginalised is being adequately addressed.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Liz McManus
Question:113 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the changes she will make to the way fuel allowance is paid; and her views on paying it in two lumps sums to people with oil fired central heating, should that be their wish, to ease the burden of large infrequent or once off costs. [39551/08]
Róisín Shortall
Question:136 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the checks conducted by her Department to assess the adequacy of fuel allowance in meeting the fuel costs of people on low incomes. [39510/08]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:160 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the fuel allowance is not paid in two block sums, as lobbied for by many poverty and other agencies. [39485/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 113, 136 and 160 together.
The household benefits package is generally available to people living in the State, aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. It is also available to people aged under 66 who are in receipt of certain disability social welfare payments or carer's allowance. The package includes the electricity and gas allowance, telephone allowance and free television licence schemes.
Some 358,000 pensioner and other households qualify for electricity and gas allowances through the household benefits package.
These allowances help with heating, light and cooking costs throughout the year. The electricity allowance element of the household benefits package is paid as a credit on the person's electricity bill. The natural gas allowance is an alternative to the electricity allowance for people whose homes are connected to a natural gas supply. People can choose to have the allowance applied to either their electricity or their gas bill, whichever is most beneficial to them.
In recent years there have been significant improvements to the value of these allowances. In January 2007 the number of units covered by the electricity allowance was increased from 1,200 to 2,400 units. A corresponding increase in the value of the gas allowance had been implemented in the previous October.
From 1 August 2008 the value of the electricity allowance per household increased from €465 to €540 per annum in line with electricity price increases, based on urban rates. In order to continue to maintain the value of the electricity and gas allowances at the same level, the value of the gas allowance was also increased to €540 per annum from the same date. I increased the value of the allowances in order to match recent price increases to ensure that customers continue to receive the same amount of energy under the household benefit scheme.
This represents increased expenditure on these schemes of some €11 million for the remainder of the year bringing the total expenditure on the schemes to approximately €170 million this year.
The national fuel allowance scheme also provides assistance to householders on long term social welfare or health service executive payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full.
In Budget 2009 I was pleased to be able to increase the value of the fuel allowance by €2 per week to €20 per week from January 2009 with an additional €3.90 per week paid to those in smokeless fuel areas.
In addition, I was happy to extend the duration of the scheme by two weeks so that the fuel allowance will now be paid for 32 weeks a year.
Fuel allowances are incorporated in the recipient's weekly social welfare payment. This reflects the objective that the total weekly income of benefit and assistance recipients, including the fuel allowance, is sufficient to meet all of their income needs, including heating costs.
It is estimated that almost 300,000 people will benefit under the scheme in 2008 at a cost over €170 million.
As with all schemes, I will be keeping the household benefits and fuel allowance schemes under review to ensure that they continue to meet their objectives.
Question No. 114 answered with Question No. 102.
John Deasy
Question:115 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps taken by her on the issue of older people living below the poverty line; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39406/08]
The needs of older people have been a priority for this Government for many years. Under this policy the rate of the contributory pension has increased from €147.30 per week in 2002 to more than €230 per week from next January, with the non-contributory pension increasing from €134.00 per week to €219 per week over the same period. In addition to increasing personal rates of pension, considerable progress has also been made in improving payments for qualified adults and enhancing the household benefits package and other supports available to older people.
The results of this policy can be seen in the fact that a number of older people living in consistent poverty fell from 3.7% in 2005 to 2.1% in 2006, thereby meeting the target set in the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion. Furthermore, the consistent poverty rate for people aged 65 and over was significantly lower than the position for the general population where the rate was 6.9%.
These figures do not take account of the significant increases in pensions since 2006 so the position can be expected to improve further. In Budget 2009 we have provided for increases of €7 per week in the personal rate of pensions. This is broadly in line with inflation and so will maintain the real value of pension payments and protect the very significant progress we have made in recent years in reducing the poverty risk for all our older people.
Departmental Staff.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:116 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action she is taking to augment staffing levels in her Department to deal with the increased demand from the growing number of new entrants onto the live register. [39554/08]
Willie Penrose
Question:120 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she is taking to ensure that her Department is meeting the extra demand placed on its services as a result of rising unemployment. [39500/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 120 together.
The Department delivers a front-line service through a network of 61 Local Offices and 64 Branch Offices countrywide. The main services provided from these offices include jobseeker's payment, one-parent family payment and an information service.
The Department has put a range of measures in place to deal with the extra workload arising from the increase in the Live Register. These include:
additional posts assigned;
use of temporary staff to fill vacancies pending the appointment of permanent staff;
extension of temporary staff contracts in certain offices;
increased overtime;
prioritisation of work;
These measures are being reviewed on a continuous basis.
Following on a recent review of the staffing levels in Local Offices an additional 115 staff are to be assigned to some 48 offices.
In the past few years the Department has coped with increasing demands arising from significant changes to the social welfare code and in the numbers of persons accessing services. Operational procedures and the organisation of work continue to be reviewed and restructured to maximise the benefits of technology and new developments in processing techniques and business information.
Fuel Poverty.
Noel Coonan
Question:117 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will develop and publish a national strategy to address fuel poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39393/08]
I share Deputies' concerns about the impact of rising fuel and energy costs. My own priority, as Minister for Social and Family Affairs, is to ensure that Government assistance is available to those who need our help the most, older people, those with disabilities or serious illnesses, and people on low incomes.
Government policy in recent years, has focused on increasing primary social welfare rates significantly to ensure that people on social welfare can meet their basic living costs, including heating costs throughout the year.
Since December 2001, overall inflation has increased by 28% while energy product prices have increased by 74%. However, increases in social welfare payments have been between 71% and 88% in the same period. These payments are intended to cover general basic living costs, including some heating costs. In addition, the fuel allowance is paid to almost 300,000 people, while 357,000 receive electricity or gas allowances, at a combined cost of approximately €340 million.
Significant improvements have been made to both schemes in recent years:
The value of the fuel allowance has been doubled since 2005 to €18 per week or € 21.90 for recipients living in designated smokeless areas;
The number of weeks for which the fuel allowance is paid has been extended to 30; and
In January 2007 the number of units covered by the electricity allowance was increased from 1,800 to 2,400.
In August 2008 the value of the electricity and gas allowances under the household benefits package increased to €540 per annum and are payable throughout the year to over 357,000 pensioners, people with disabilities, and carer households towards their heating, light and cooking costs at an estimated overall scheme cost of €170m in 2008.
In Budget 2009 I increased the fuel allowance by a further €2 per week and extended the season by 2 weeks to 32 weeks. These improvements will bring the annual cost of the scheme to €205m. The Budget also provided for further increases in basic social welfare payments next year. The supplementary welfare allowance scheme can also be used to assist people, in certain circumstances, with specific heating needs due to infirmity or a particular medical condition.
Of course income support is only part of the answer in terms of reducing fuel poverty. Proper household insulation is absolutely vital. Initiatives such as the Warmer Homes Scheme, operated by Sustainable Energy Ireland, under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources have a very valuable role to play in that regard, as does funding from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to improve the quality of existing local authority housing.
Coordination of the work of the relevant departments and agencies is crucial to ensuring the effective delivery of a comprehensive approach to tackling fuel poverty. While various bodies have significantly increased the resources they are directing at fuel poverty initiatives in recent years, the establishment of an inter-departmental group on energy affordability has helped to ensure that we are working closer together to maximise the potential of our collective efforts. The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has overarching responsibility for the energy portfolio. It has recently convened this inter-Departmental/Agency Group on Affordable Energy, co-chaired with the Office for Social Inclusion of the Department of Social and Family Affairs, to coordinate and drive Government policy in this area. The Group includes officials of the departments of the Taoiseach, Finance, Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Health and Children, the Commission for Energy Regulation, Sustainable Energy Ireland, the ESB and Bord Gais. The objective is to ensure shared understanding of the challenges and actions underway and to ensure a fully cohesive strategic approach to delivery of affordable energy initiatives and programmes.
The Group will report to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion, Children and Integration and the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security Infrastructure.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Martin Ferris
Question:118 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the measures she will take in the next 12 months to increase the take-up of family income supplement. [39488/08]
The family income supplement scheme (FIS), which provides income support for employees on low earnings with families, is designed to preserve the incentive to move from welfare to (or remain in) employment in circumstances where the employee might only be marginally better off than if he or she were claiming other social welfare payments.
Since its introduction concern has been expressed from a number of quarters that there is a low take-up under the scheme. It has not been possible to estimate from administrative sources the number of families who would be eligible but do not apply for their FIS entitlements. However, research undertaken by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) in 1997, which was based on the results of the Living in Ireland Survey 1994, suggested that fewer than one in three of potentially eligible claimants were actually in receipt of the payment at that time. Since those with a higher entitlement are more likely to avail of the scheme, the take-up in expenditure terms was estimated to be somewhat higher, at close to 40% of potential expenditure. Subsequent studies by the ESRI have arrived at similar estimates of take-up.
The Department undertook a nationwide awareness campaign in March 2006 to promote and encourage increased take up of the scheme for working families on low incomes. This extensive campaign included advertising on TV, on national and local radio and in the national and regional press. A nation-wide poster campaign was also undertaken. In addition, the FIS income thresholds were refocused in 2006 and 2007 to concentrate additional resources on larger families, with, for example, increases ranging from €9 for a one child family to €111 for a family with 8 or more children provided in 2007.
These measures have resulted in a substantial increase in take-up under the scheme, up by almost 50% from 17,450 at the end of 2005 to 26,300 at the end of October, 2008.
Specifically in the next 12 months, the Department will continue to undertake a range of measures to ensure that people are made aware of possible entitlement to FIS. These include the provision of advice to all people who are awarded a one parent family payment or a back to work allowance. Information on FIS is also published on the Department's website and made available through the Citizen's Information Service. The recent Budget also provides for an increase in the income limits for FIS by €10 a week in respect of each child, giving increases ranging from €6 to €48 per week depending on family size, from January 2009. It is estimated that approximately 2,000 additional families will become eligible for a FIS payment following these increases in the income thresholds, bringing the total number of families benefiting from FIS to over 29,000.
Following on from further research undertaken by the ESRI, the Department undertook to determine the current level of take up of FIS among qualifying families and to ascertain the reasons underlying the failure to avail of this payment, where applicable; and carry out an analysis of the existing FIS customer base. This research is now nearing completion and will further guide the Department on the best ways of promoting FIS and encouraging take-up into the future.
National Carers Strategy.
Bernard Allen
Question:119 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the National Carers Strategy will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39374/08]
Olwyn Enright
Question:451 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the National Carer’s Strategy, due for completion by the end of 2007, will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40026/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 451 together.
The development of a National Carers Strategy is a key Government commitment in both the national partnership agreement Towards 2016 and the Programme for Government.
A working group, chaired by the Department of An Taoiseach, is working on developing the strategy. My Department provides the secretariat to the working group which also includes representatives of the Departments of Finance, Health and Children and Enterprise, Trade and Employment as well as FÁS and the Health Service Executive. Developing the strategy involves consultation with other government departments and bodies not represented on the working group.
The Department has met with a wide range of organisations including the Equality Authority, Combat Poverty Agency, Citizen's Information Board, the National Council on Ageing and Older People, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the National Disability Authority to discuss this issue.
A request for submissions from the public was published in regional newspapers in early March. The closing date for submissions was Friday 18 April 2008. There was a good response from individuals and organisations and the submissions received are being examined.
Towards 2016 commits the Department to hosting an annual consultation meeting of carer representative groups and relevant departments and agencies. Such a meeting was held on 23 January 2008. Representatives of 12 groups and 9 government departments and bodies attended. The theme was the National Carers Strategy and groups were given an opportunity to comment on the draft terms of reference and to raise other issues considered relevant in the context of the strategy.
I was very pleased to launch the report "Listening to Carers, Report on a Nationwide Carer Consultation" produced by the Carers Association in partnership with Caring for Carers Ireland and Care Alliance on 30th of June this year. The issues raised in this report are currently being considered as part of the development of the strategy.
The commitment to the development of a National Carers Strategy also includes a commitment to appropriate consultation with the social partners. An update in relation to the strategy was provided to the social partners plenary session in February. The first of two consultation meetings with the social partners was held on 8 May 2008. Key issues raised were recognition for carers and their work, access to suitable health services, income support, training, gender issues and balancing employment and care.
We are currently working on bringing the carers strategy to completion.
Question No. 120 answered with Question No. 116.
Question No. 121 answered with Question No. 96.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:122 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of claims for illness benefit being processed here; the way this compares to the number of applicants being processed in the same period in 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39453/08]
I understand that the figures required by the Deputy relate to the number of Illness Benefit claims currently pending decision, the number currently in payment and comparative figures for 2006 and 2007. The figures are set out in the following table.
|
Week Ending |
Claims Pending Decision |
Claims in Payment |
|
Friday 20-Oct-2006 |
3,357 |
66,501 |
|
Friday 19-Oct-2007 |
4,820 |
71,195 |
|
Friday 24-Oct-2008 |
6,896 |
73,333 |
The significant expansion in the workforce over the last number of years has given an entitlement to Illness Benefit to an increasing number of people.
The number of Illness Benefit claims received in the period to October 2008 was 263,893. This was an increase of 10.6% and 4.3% on the respective periods in 2006 and 2007. Notwithstanding this increase, the average time taken to process an Illness Benefit claim so far this year is 7.5 days.
If a person applies for Illness Benefit and cannot meet their financial needs while they are awaiting a decision on their claim they can apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA). However, the Department prioritises claims from persons who have no other income and, in general, these are cleared within three days. Because of this, recourse to SWA is very low.
Social Welfare Code.
Alan Shatter
Question:123 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on altering the eligibility criteria for the household benefits package in relation to medical grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39460/08]
Alan Shatter
Question:147 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on altering, in particular on medical grounds, the eligibility criteria for free travel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39461/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 147 together.
The free travel and household benefits package are generally available to people living in the State, aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. It is also available to people aged under 66 who are in receipt of certain disability payments or carer's allowance. The household benefit package includes the electricity and gas allowance, telephone allowance and free television licence schemes.
I have no plans to extend the criteria for the household benefits and free travel schemes to include medical grounds, irrespective of income.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:124 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of claims for invalidity pension being processed here; the way this compares to the number of applicants being processed in the same period in 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39454/08]
John O'Mahony
Question:139 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of claims for carer’s allowance and benefit being processed here; the way this compares to the number of applicants being processed in the same period in 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39456/08]
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:142 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of claims for family income supplement being processed here; the way this compares to the number of applicants being processed in the same period in 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39452/08]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:144 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of claims for disability allowance being processed here; the way this compares to the number of applicants being processed in the same period in 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39455/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 124, 139, 142 and 144 together.
The following table outlines the numbers of claims decided, for each of the schemes concerned, in the first 10 months of 2006, 2007 and 2008:
|
Year |
|||
|
Scheme |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Disability allowance |
15,607 |
15,784 |
18,430 |
|
Carer’s Allowance |
7,934 |
11,266 |
18,050 |
|
Carer’s Benefit |
2,299 |
2,785 |
2,850 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
6,349 |
6,591 |
6,721 |
|
Family Income Supplement |
24,652 |
27,501 |
42,698 |
Child Support.
Paul Kehoe
Question:125 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will report on the welfare reforms for child income supports that were outlined in the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39427/08]
The Programme for Government 2007-2012 commits to:
Amalgamating increases for qualified children (IQCs) and family income supplement (FIS) in order to develop a second tier of income support targeted at the poorest families;
Continuing to increase child benefit; and
Implementing significant improvements to the back to school clothing and footwear allowance and school meals programme.
The National Economic and Social Council was asked to examine the feasibility of merging IQCs and FIS with a view to creating a single second tier child income support. Dr. John Sweeney was commissioned by NESC to examine the issues and develop proposals for a second tier child income support scheme. NESC did not reach agreement on his report which was subsequently published as a research paper.
His research paper on this issue was received towards the end of 2007 and its main proposal was the abolition of the current FIS and IQC payments and the introduction of a means-based, employment-neutral child income support payment. However, his proposals raise a number of significant issues which require further detailed examination by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and other agencies.
The Economic and Social Research Institute has also undertaken recent research in this area and concluded, inter alia, that full take-up of FIS would reduce child income poverty by 3%.
Arising from this research, the Department undertook to determine the current level of take up of FIS among qualifying families and to ascertain the reasons underlying the failure to avail of this payment, where applicable; and carry out an analysis of the existing FIS customer base. This research is now nearing completion.
In considering the future direction of child income support policy, it is important to keep in mind the multiple objectives behind the provision of such support and the research undertaken by Dr. Sweeney, the ESRI and the Department will inform future policy developments in this area.
In relation to child benefit, the rates of payment have been increased by between 185% and 200% in the period from 2001 to 2008, while total expenditure on the scheme has increased by almost 300% during the same period. In the context of the current economic circumstances, Budget 2009 does not provide for an increase in the rates of child benefit.
Pension Provisions.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:126 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the claims from the pension industry that the regulatory regime is putting pressure on the sustainability of defined benefit pension schemes. [39553/08]
Sean Sherlock
Question:159 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the assessment she has undertaken of the risk to defined benefit pension schemes of the actuarial funding standard; the discussions she has had with affected employers and employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39558/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 159 together.
The Pensions Act provides for a Funding Standard which must be met on an ongoing basis by all defined benefit pension schemes. The Funding Standard requires that schemes maintain sufficient assets to enable them to discharge accrued liabilities in the event of a scheme winding up. Where schemes do not satisfy the Funding Standard the sponsors/trustees must submit a funding proposal to the Pensions Board to restore full funding.
In 2007, 81% of defined benefit schemes reporting to the Pensions Board passed the Funding Standard, with most of the balance having a funding proposal in place to restore full funding.
I have previously acknowledged that pension funds will have suffered losses in the last year or so while factors such as increased life expectancy have also led to increased liabilities. Accordingly, it is to be expected that the number of schemes failing the funding standard will increase, but the extent of the problem will not be fully apparent until schemes carry out end of scheme year actuarial assessments and report the results to the Pensions Board.
The overall operation of the Funding Standard is discussed in the Green Paper on pensions and any changes proposed will be announced in the context of the framework for pensions which the Government has indicated it will announce by the end of the year.
These will also take account of the wide range of submissions received from both representative organisations and members of the public made during the formal consultation process. My officials have met with a number of groups to explore their submissions in more detail. Unfortunately, while everyone acknowledges the need for pension reform, no consensus has emerged from the consultation process on the nature of the reforms required.
There is no doubt that the current situation is causing difficulties for defined benefit pension schemes and my Department is working with the Pensions Board and representative organisations to find ways to ease the pressure on schemes. Indeed, given current market conditions and the difficulties these pose for schemes in trying to devise their funding plans, I recently asked the Pensions Board to allow additional time for the preparation of funding proposals, as a temporary measure.
This should provide schemes with sufficient time to deal with the issues in an orderly manner. In addition to this, the Pensions Board are continuing to consider the issues involved for schemes who are experiencing difficulties in returning to a fully-funded position.
However, in considering any amendments to the funding standard there is a very difficult balance to be struck between the long-term nature of pension savings and the need to ensure, as far as we can, the short-term security of the benefits already accrued by employees in a scheme.
Departmental Expenditure.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:127 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has issued instructions throughout her Department to introduce economies, notwithstanding the public perception that no financial cutbacks are applicable to her Department arising from budget 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39569/08]
While the 2009 Estimates for the Department published on 14th October show a substantial increase over the 2008 estimates, they also include some measures to reduce expenditure. These measures have been kept to the absolute minimum and applied in a careful manner. In addition, the administrative budget provision for 2009 has been reduced by €4.3m.
The Department is committed to achieving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in all its activities. In framing the estimates requirement for 2009, every effort was made to ensure that economies were achieved wherever possible and the situation will be kept under review during the course of the year.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Jack Wall
Question:128 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for her decision not to increase the maximum rents allowed under rent supplement following the recent review. [39511/08]
Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
Rent supplement is subject to a limit on the amount of rent that a person may incur. Rent limits are set at levels that enable the different eligible household types to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation, having regard to the different rental market conditions that prevail in various parts of the State. The objective is to ensure that rent supplement is not paid in respect of overly expensive accommodation having regard to the size of the household.
Setting maximum rent limits higher than are justified by the open market would have a distorting effect on the rental market, leading to a more general rise in rent levels. This in turn would worsen, unnecessarily, the affordability of rental accommodation with particular negative impact for those tenants on lower incomes.
A review of rent limits was undertaken earlier this year. The review was informed by analysis of data sourced from the Private Residential Tenancies Board, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the Community Welfare Service and by the views of statutory and voluntary agencies working in this area, including the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Data provided by the CSO indicates that the increase in private rent levels began to decelerate at the beginning of 2008 and rent levels declined by almost 5% by August of this year. This deceleration in rent levels is also reflected in the Daft.ie rental reports where a decrease of over 5% was reported in the first half of 2008. It is also reported that the supply of available rental accommodation has more than doubled in the last year.
Given the current downward trend in private rent levels and the fact that the overall housing market is currently in a period of adjustment, increasing rent limits in the rent supplement scheme would send an inappropriate signal to the market where a third or so of private sector tenants receive rent supplement. In these circumstances, it was decided to retain rent limits at their current levels.
There is no hard evidence at this time that the prescribed upper limits on rent levels supported under the rent supplement scheme are having a detrimental impact on the ability of eligible tenants generally to secure suitable rented accommodation to meet their needs. There are currently over 69,500 rent supplements in payment. Almost 50,000 rent supplements have been awarded since January 2008. This suggests that the rent limits are set at reasonable levels at present.
Rent levels will continue to be monitored particularly for households that may find it difficult to secure or retain accommodation within the limits in certain areas. The position will be reviewed in 2009 when the results of the latest Private Rented Index report published by the CSO will be analysed for impact on rent limits.
The Health Service Executive has flexibility to award rent supplement above or below rent limits, having regard to local rent levels or to meet the particular needs of an individual. These discretionary powers ensure that individuals with particular needs can be accommodated within the scheme and specifically protects against homelessness.
Social Welfare Code.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:129 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit affected by the budget 2009 announcement in relation to the changes to the maximum duration of their payments; and the steps taken to notify these claimants of the change in their entitlement. [39505/08]
Róisín Shortall
Question:448 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit affected by the budget 2009 announcement in relation to the changes to the maximum duration of their payments; and the steps taken to notify these claimants of the change in their entitlement. [39947/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 448 together.
Following changes announced in budget 2009 in relation to the length of time for which jobseeker's benefit will be paid, it is envisaged that in 2009 a weekly average of 2,400 people will be affected by the reduction in duration from 312 days to 234 days and 3,860 people in a full year. A weekly average of 6,750 people will be affected by the reduction in duration from 390 days to 312 days and 9,200 people in a full year. Those affected who are without means may be entitled to a means tested jobseeker's allowance or a supplementary welfare allowance at the same weekly payment rate.
Customers are normally advised 3 months in advance of exhausting their jobseeker's benefit claim. This is to allow sufficient time to undertake a means test where a person wishes to apply for jobseeker's allowance. At this stage those with less than 260 paid contributions and therefore entitled to 234 days of jobseeker's benefit will be reviewed. Some of these may have additional contribution paid during 2008 which would not yet be reflected in the overall total contributions recorded in the Department. Others may have contributions paid in another EU country which could bring their total contributions to 260 or more. Any additional contributions may lead to an increased entitlement from 234 to 312 days duration.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Brian O'Shea
Question:130 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the outcome of the pilot studies in relation to support services and activation measures for lone parents. [39514/08]
Joanna Tuffy
Question:149 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 contains no provision to end the cohabitation ban for lone parents in receipt of one parent family payment. [39516/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 149 together.
The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents," put forward proposals to tackle obstacles to employment for lone parents and other low income families.
Under the proposals the lone parenthood category of payment would no longer exist. Instead, a new payment would be made to all parents (living alone or with a partner), with young children, on low income.
Any proposed new payment cannot be introduced without co-ordinated supports and services being put in place by other Departments and Agencies. The Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion is working on an implementation plan to progress the non-income recommendations. Issues including access to childcare support, education, training and activation measures are being discussed with the relevant Departments and Agencies in tandem with the development of a new payment scheme.
To further inform the process, the Department, with the co-operation of FAS, the Office of the Minister for Children and the Department of Education and Science, tested the proposals in both an urban and rural setting: Coolock, Dublin and Kilkenny. These studies, which took place between November 2007 and February 2008, were carried out to facilitate the development of the policy and operational details of the new scheme. The process involved both lone parents and qualified adults. It was carried out on a voluntary basis and the take-up was low.
The experience has however highlighted how both lone parents and qualified adults are not a homogenous group, are of different ages, have experienced different routes into their current situation and have different needs. Educational levels of those who participated were generally low, there was little or no engagement with FÁS, some participants intended to return to full or part-time work when their child was a few months old; others, however, had been out of the work force for a considerable period of time. Earnings from previous employment were generally low. In Kilkenny access to transport was an issue with regard to taking up employment or training, with those outside the city of Kilkenny having problems in this regard. For almost all of those intending to return to work, affordable childcare is a critical issue.
Officials in the Department continue to work on developing the proposed new income support payment and the experience of this engagement process is feeding into the development of our approach to working with lone parents and qualified adults to support them into education, training and employment.
Michael Noonan
Question:131 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of claims for child benefit being processed here; the way this compares to the number of applicants being processed in the same period in 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39451/08]
The number of Child Benefit claims processed in 2008 to date and corresponding figures for 2007 and 2006 are detailed in the following table.
|
Year to October |
Total received |
Total processed |
|
2006 |
70,834 |
73,185 |
|
2007 |
76,756 |
74,887 |
|
2008 |
79,901 |
86,140 |
In addition to these claims, a further 84,000 claims for the extension of payment for children over 16 years of age were also processed in the first 10 months of 2008.
Social Welfare Code.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:132 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her future intentions in relation to the age thresholds for disability allowance. [39501/08]
The question of the age thresholds which apply to Disability Allowance is one of a wide range of issues now being addressed in the context of a comprehensive review of the scheme which is being undertaken by the Department.
This review is assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Disability Allowance scheme. It draws on new data being made available by the Central Statistics Office from the National Disability Survey 2006. Account will also be taken of a forthcoming report on disability and illness benefits which is being published later this month by the OECD. And, of course, the review is also taking account of the wide range of issues identified by groups representing people with disabilities and by service providers in the disability sector.
I look forward to seeing the outcome of this review which it is expected will be completed in the first half of 2009.
Róisín Shortall
Question:133 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the discussions she has had with teachers, home school liaison officers or any personnel working at the coalface of education services in relation to the expected impact on participation rates in education among 18 year olds in poorer neighbourhoods as a result of her decision to end child benefit payments in respect of 18 year olds from 2010. [39502/08]
Significant improvements in child benefit have been made in recent years. For example, the rates of payment have been increased by between 185% and 200% in the period from 2001 to 2008, while total expenditure on the scheme has increased by almost 300% during the same period. However, in the context of the current economic circumstances it has been necessary for the Government to take a number of steps to reduce overall public expenditure in order to restore order and stability in the public finances.
In this regard, the Government has decided to limit overall expenditure on the child benefit scheme, which is paid regardless of means, by lowering the upper age limit that currently applies from 19 years to 18 years. The impact of this measure is being phased in, with payment for existing and future qualifying children being halved from January 2009 and payment stopping from the 18th birthday from January 2010.
The vast majority of leaving certificate students will not be affected by this change, as over 70% are under the age of 18 years when they sit their leaving cert exams.
It is recognised that any changes in child benefit entitlements may have implications for family budgets. Accordingly, in order to protect the more vulnerable in society, special alleviating measures are being introduced for those in low income and social welfare dependent households. A compensatory payment of €15 is being provided during 2009 and 2010 for any week during which those affected by this measure are receiving a social welfare payment which includes an increase in respect of the 18 year old child or a family income supplement payment which includes payment in respect of that child. The compensatory payment will also apply where the child in question is receiving a disability allowance payment in his/her own right. In addition, households affected by the measure who also qualify for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance will receive an extra payment of €215, bringing the total payment in respect of such a child to €520. These transitional measures will cease in January 2011.
In the context of the current economic difficulties, the cabinet framing the budget had to take very difficult decisions. However, I am convinced that the expenditure control measures in the social welfare area have been kept to an absolute minimum and that the more vulnerable in society have been protected from their effects.
Arthur Morgan
Question:134 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the rationale behind changing the PRSI qualification for jobseeker’s benefit from the standard 52 weeks to 104 weeks. [39483/08]
Arthur Morgan
Question:137 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether the new PRSI requirements for jobseeker’s benefit unfairly penalises young people who may have lost their first jobs due to the economic downturn. [39484/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 137 together.
In order to qualify for a social insurance payment, a person must fulfil all of the relevant conditions including the social insurance contribution conditions relating to the particular benefit being claimed. These contribution rules aim to preserve a balance between the level of contributions paid and the amount of benefits received, by ensuring that the claimants' record of contributions is sufficient both in terms of initial establishment of a right to a benefit and of consistency of payment of contributions over the persons working life.
Where a person will be drawing more heavily on the resources of the Social Insurance Fund, e.g. where a person is claiming a benefit over a longer-term, it is considered appropriate that the tests should be more stringent. Accordingly, jobseeker's benefit (JB) requires the claimant to have paid a minimum number of contributions since they first started working (currently 52) and also to demonstrate a recent attachment to the workforce by having a minimum number of contributions in a recent tax year. For long-term benefits, such as the state pension contributory, the person must have paid a more substantial minimum number of contributions (currently 260) and must also have a prescribed yearly average over their working lives.
For the past eleven years, the Social Insurance Fund has been in surplus, with more than sufficient income to the fund to cover the payments being made from it each year, without the State having to provide a subsidy. However, that is changing. As a result of further increases in the live register, expenditure is expected to exceed income to the Fund by over €200 million this year and about €900 million next year.
In that context, it is appropriate to look at some of the instances where people with a very limited or distant contribution record have been able to qualify for very significant benefits, regardless of their household income.
Currently, people who have paid just 52 contributions in total can qualify for jobseeker''s benefit. This means that migrants or young workers who have only worked for a total of one year are entitled to claim jobseeker's payments for 12 months, without having to satisfy a means test. This is being changed from next January, when the number of required paid contributions will be doubled to 104 for new claimants. This measure is designed to more closely align the contribution conditions for this benefit to the level and duration of the benefit being provided.
However, it should be noted that people who will be affected by these changes will be able to claim Jobseeker's Allowance or Supplementary Welfare Allowance instead, if they have limited means. The maximum rate of these two schemes is paid at the same rate as JB.
Pension Provisions.
Richard Bruton
Question:135 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the adequacy of provision for pension liabilities in the private sector; and the policy options open to her. [38747/08]
Private sector pensions include occupational pension schemes; either defined benefit or defined contribution schemes, and personal pensions such as personal retirement savings accounts (PRSAs) and retired annuity contracts (RACs).
Defined benefit pension schemes are required to hold sufficient assets to discharge their liabilities in the event that the scheme is wound up. These reserves are defined by the minimum Funding Standard provided for in the Pensions Act 1990. To ensure that these funds are maintained on an ongoing basis, each scheme is required to carry out a full actuarial assessment of its funding position every three years and an interim assessment of its financial position must be included in the scheme annual report.
I am aware that pension funds will have been affected by the recent economic downturn. Institutions where the downturn results in a defined benefit scheme failing to meet the funding standard are required to put in place a funding proposal that will enable the scheme to recover and meet the standard within three years. The Pensions Board has the authority to extend this recovery period to ten years in certain circumstances and I know that the Board is working closely with all scheme administrators in this regard.
Although still benefiting from employer contributions towards their pensions, members of defined contribution schemes bear the investment risks associated with their scheme. Accordingly, the value of their fund can decrease when markets fall which will impact on the value of the pension a person can purchase on retirement. As members near retirement, many administrators switch their assets to more conservative investments to ensure they are shielded from the volatility of the market.
These investment risks also apply to those with personal pensions such as PRSAs and RACs. It is important to remember that pensions are a long term investment and many people with pensions will have an opportunity to reclaim recent losses and benefit from any future market gains.
Following on from the launch of the Green Paper on Pensions and the conclusion of the formal consultation process, discussions are now ongoing in relation to possible reforms to strengthen both public and private sector pension provision.
Our objective is to ensure that we have in place a pensions system which will deliver an adequate retirement income for all while being able to withstand the cost pressures which will arise in the future, as the composition of our population changes, and the balance between those at work and those who are retired shifts dramatically. In deciding on reforms we must be aware that good pension provision entails significant costs for society as a whole, whether it is delivered through the State system or by personal contributions to private arrangements.
There is no doubt that the Government is faced with difficult decisions but my fellow Ministers and I are determined to bring this process to a conclusion by announcing a framework to address the pensions agenda for the longer-term.
Question No. 136 answered with Question No. 113.
Question No. 137 answered with Question No. 134.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:138 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it is intended to improve access to the back to education allowance having particular regard to the downturn in the economy and the necessity to enhance the retraining and education of the workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39568/08]
The back to education allowance (BTEA) Scheme is designed to help those in receipt of a social welfare payment who have not worked for some time to improve their employability and job-readiness by acquiring educational qualifications. It is a recognition of the special difficulties which such persons can face when attempting to gain a foothold in the labour market.
The allowance is paid at a standard weekly rate equivalent to the maximum rate of the relevant social welfare payment that qualifies the applicant for participation in the scheme. It essentially replaces their existing social welfare income and in addition an annual €500 cost of education allowance is payable.
To qualify for participation an applicant must be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment and be at least 21 years of age prior to commencing an approved course of study. However, lone parents and persons in receipt of unemployment payments can qualify at 18 years of age provided they are out of formal education for at least 2 years.
In general, an applicant must be in receipt of a relevant Social Welfare payment for 6 months if pursuing a second level course or 12 months if pursuing a third level course. In addition, the qualifying period for access to the third level option has been reduced to 9 months for persons who are participating in the National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) process, where a FÁS Employment Services Officer recommends pursuance of a third level course of study as essential to the enhancement of the individual's employment prospects. Also people who are awarded statutory redundancy may access the scheme immediately, provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study. The requirement to be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for a minimum period has always been a feature of the BTEA scheme and is considered necessary to ensure that limited resources are directed at those most in need.
The current scheme has been subject to review and modification over the years to ensure it continues to support those people who are most distant from the labour market and whose need is greatest. I will continue to monitor the scheme but I believe that, overall, the back to education allowance scheme continues to meet its objectives and ensures that limited resources are targeted at those who are most in need.
The number of participants on the BTEA scheme has increased in recent years, supported by a growth in expenditure on the scheme from €38 million in 2003 to a provision of €70.8 million this year.
Question No. 139 answered with Question No. 124.
Family Support Services.
Brian Hayes
Question:140 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will report on the welfare reforms outlined in the programme for Government for family supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39422/08]
The Programme for Government contains two commitments in relation to family supports. These are:
Continue to fully resource the Family Support Agency and its programmes of Counselling, Family Resource Centres, etc. and
Continue to support community groups, and other appropriate family support structures to promote better parenting.
The Family Support Agency's (FSA) budget for 2008 amounts to more than €36 million. This is up from some €28 million in 2006 and €35 million in 2007.
The FSA is responsible for a scheme of grants to voluntary organisations providing a range of family counselling and related matters. Over €9.9m was allocated in 2007 and some 553 organisations nationwide benefited from the scheme. In 2008, over €11m has been granted to 600 voluntary and community groups nationwide.
The FSA is also responsible for the Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme (FRC programme). The aim of a Family Resource Centre is essentially to help combat disadvantage by supporting the functioning of the family unit. The emphasis in the projects is on the involvement of local communities in developing approaches to tackle the problems they face and on creating successful partnerships between the voluntary and statutory agencies in the area concerned.
The services provided and activities supported by the resource centres are designed to meet the needs of the local community. They include the provision of parenting courses, education and training opportunities for parents and active dissemination of information on a range of issues affecting families and local communities. By the end of 2008, the number of FRCs will have expanded from an original 10 to 107 nationwide. The FSA also runs 16 family mediation service offices across the country.
In 2007 the Family Support Agency launched a ‘Parenting Positively' series of booklets jointly produced by the Agency and Barnardos. The series of nine free booklets provide information and guidance to parents of children between the ages of six and 12 years and cover general parenting skills as well as life issues such as separation, bullying, death and domestic abuse.
Budget 2009 also provided an extra €500,000 for the Family Support Agency to support programmes to promote positive parenting skills.
In January 2008, the Department amalgamated the Special Projects Fund and the Family Services Project into a new Activation and Family Supports programme (AFSP). Some €6m has been made available to the AFSP for 2008 to support a small group of social welfare dependent customers with complex needs, including very young lone parents, other parents rearing children without the support of a partner and dependent spouses on social welfare payments. The programme is administered through the local Facilitator network based in the Social Welfare Local Offices. Examples of activities funded include, parenting projects for lone parents, family support for Travellers and support programmes for carers and families of people with disabilities.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:141 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way her Department has stress-tested the impact of each of the measures announced in budget 2009 on individual social welfare recipients and particular sub-groups; and if she is satisfied that the net effect of budget 2009 will not be an increase in poverty levels among certain groups. [39506/08]
The social welfare related measures in Budget 2009 were subjected to a Poverty Impact Assessment in accordance with guidelines issued by the Office for Social Inclusion in March of this year.
Poverty Impact Assessment is the process by which government departments, local authorities and State Agencies assess policies and programmes at design, implementation and review stages in relation to the likely impact that they will have, or have had, on poverty and on inequalities which are likely to lead to poverty, with a view to poverty reduction.
The ESRI's SWITCH model was used to measure the impact of the proposed changes on actual household incomes. This analysis concluded the following:
The increase is progressive in terms of its distributional impact: 52% of the change in disposable income resulting from the social welfare Budget proposals will go to those in the bottom three deciles, while 79% will go to the bottom half of the income distribution; and
The proposals will result in a fall of 0.59 and 1.20 percentage points respectively in the numbers below 50% and 60% of median equivalised disposable income
Actual changes in both the ‘at risk of poverty' and ‘consistent poverty' rates during 2009 will not be known until the results of the EU-SILC survey for that year are available, which is likely to be around November 2010. A separate Poverty Impact Assessment on the taxation proposals in the Budget was undertaken by the Department of Finance.
Question No. 142 answered with Question No. 124.
Pension Provisions.
Sean Sherlock
Question:143 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the effectiveness of policies in relation to the take-up of supplementary pensions. [39557/08]
Michael D. Higgins
Question:155 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the timetable she is working to in relation to a decision on future pensions policy. [39515/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 155 together.
Supplementary pension coverage for workers in general was 54% in the first quarter of 2008 and, for the key target group, those aged 30 years and over it, stood at 61%.
Overall, the process was very successful with a wide range of submissions received from both representative organisations and members of the public.
All the submissions are available online at "http://www.pensionsgreenpaper.ie" www.pensionsgreenpaper.ie as is the report on the consultation process itself.
My Department has since met with a number of organisations to explore their submissions in more detail. Unfortunately, while everyone acknowledges the need for pension reform, no consensus has emerged from the consultation process on the nature of the reforms required.
Our objective must be to ensure that we have in place a pensions system which will deliver an adequate retirement income for all our people and which can, at the same time, withstand the cost pressures which will arise in the future as the composition of our population changes and the balance between those at work and those who are retired shifts dramatically.
Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 124.
Child Support.
Willie Penrose
Question:145 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans in relation to the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion and in particular the high level goals in relation to welfare support for children. [39508/08]
Combating poverty and building an inclusive society are key priorities for the Government. The overall goal of the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion (NAPinclusion) introduced in February 2007 is to reduce the number of those experiencing consistent poverty to between 2 % and 4 % by 2012, with the aim of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016. These commitments and the social inclusion commitments in the National Development Plan have wide ranging support, having been drawn up in consultation with the social partners and other stakeholders.
One of the twelve high level goals, set out in the Plan, focuses on achieving significant real increases in income supports for children. Three others address education initiatives. In addition, 42 of the 150 detailed targets in the Plan cover services such as health, education, income support and early childhood development and care. These services directly tackle poverty in families and make a key contribution to helping children reach their true potential.
Significant progress has been achieved in reducing child poverty in Ireland over the past decade and, in spite of current economic difficulties, the Government is determined to continue this work. The recent Budget provided for a range of measures costing over €56 million to benefit children and families. These measures include, an increase of €2 in the qualified child increase payable with social welfare payments bringing the rate up to €26 per week from January 2009; an increase of €10 per week per child in all Family Income Supplement income thresholds giving an increase of up to €6 per child per week, from January 2009; and an increase of €50 per week in the income threshold for the back to school clothing and footwear scheme to enable more families qualify. These increases will mean that the high level goal of maintaining the combined value of child income support measures at 33% to 35% of the minimum adult social welfare payment rate will continue to be met next year. (These range between 33.4% and 43.7%).
In framing Budget 2009, the Government has prioritised delivering real increases in social welfare payments to ensure that, in line with the NAPinclusion, the most vulnerable groups in our society are protected. Increases of between 3 % and 3.8 % in the basic payment rates have been provided for next year, ahead of the projected rate of inflation for 2009, which is 2.5%.
Social Welfare Code.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:146 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the outcome of the review by her Department in relation to the equal treatment of men and women in the social welfare code; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39509/08]
The purpose of the review of the social welfare code, which is currently being undertaken in the Department, is to examine its compatibility with the Equal Status Act, 2000 (as amended). The review is examining all the schemes and services provided for both in social welfare legislation and the administrative schemes operated by the Department. It will identify any instances of direct or indirect discrimination, on any of the nine grounds (including gender) under the Act that are not justified by a legitimate social policy objective or where the means of achieving that objective are either unnecessary or inappropriate.
The review is being undertaken in two phases. Phase 1 involved undertaking a scoping exercise to establish the most appropriate approach and methodology to carrying out the main review, which would be robust and verifiable. The results of Phase 1 then formed the basis of the terms of reference of the main review. Consultants were selected to carry out the main review and work commenced in October 2007. The work is expected to be completed by early 2009.
Question No. 147 answered with Question No. 123.
Social Insurance.
Joan Burton
Question:148 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, as suggested by recent media reports and as set out in the programme for Government, she considered removing the cap on PRSI on incomes of more than €52,000; if she remains committed to fundamental reform of PRSI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38827/08]
Under the PRSI system social insurance contributions are compulsorily payable by employers, employed and self-employed workers.
The employee PRSI ceiling is reviewed annually in accordance with the legislative stipulations of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005. The legislation requires that changes in the average earnings of workers, as recorded by the Central Statistics Office, be taken into account in this regard. In the 2009 Budget the employee ceiling was increased by €1,300 from €50,700 to €52,000, in line with projected increases in earnings for 2009.
The Department of Social and Family Affairs regularly examines the structure of the PRSI system, including issues relating to the ceiling. In this regard it may be noted that the Programme for Government commitments, which envisaged abolishing the PRSI ceiling and reducing the PRSI rate were predicated on an average growth rate of 4.5% per annum.
Any possible future changes to the PRSI ceiling and rates would have to be considered in a budgetary context.
Question No. 149 answered with Question No. 130.
Social Welfare Benefits.
John Perry
Question:150 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of claims for back to education allowance being processed here; the way this compares to the number of applicants being processed in the same period in 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39458/08]
John O'Mahony
Question:161 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of claims for back to work allowance being processed here; the way this compares to the number of applicants being processed in the same period in 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39457/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 161 together.
The back to work allowance scheme is designed to assist and encourage the long term unemployed, lone parents, people with disabilities and other social welfare recipients to return to the active labour force. These allowances provide a monetary incentive for people who are long term dependant on social welfare payments to make the return to work.
In the 43 weeks to the 24th October 2008, a total of 3,008 people qualified for the back to work allowance compared to 3,726 for the same period in 2007 and 3,838 in 2006. In relation to the numbers on the scheme, there were 8,584 people on the back to work allowance at the end of October 2006 and this increased to 9,010 at the end of October 2007. There has been a decrease in the past 12 months to 8,347 at the end of October 2008.
The back to education scheme is a second chance education opportunity designed to remove the barriers to participation in second and third level education. It encourages and facilitates people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force. The objective of the scheme is to enhance the employability skills of vulnerable groups who are distant from the labour market.
The statistics on participation in the back to education scheme are collated at the end April in order to get an overview for the full academic year. The full-year figure for 2005/2006 was 7,285 and this increased 8,090 for 2006/2007 and to 8,883 for 2007/2008. This represents an increase of 22% in the number availing of the back to education allowance during those periods. The figures for the 2008/2009 academic year are not yet available but it is expected that they will show a significant increase.
In September 2008, the Department commenced an activation programme which is delivered at local level through its Facilitator network. The programme aims to facilitate progression for social welfare customers of working age into employment, or training or appropriate education opportunities. Activities under this programme will support and promote the uptake of the back to work and back to education schemes.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:151 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her Department has plans to introduce paid paternity leave. [39489/08]
The introduction of a paternity benefit payment would be contingent on an underlying entitlement to statutory paternity leave. Responsibility for issues relating to paternity leave rests with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
Following commitments made in the social partnership agreement ‘Towards 2016', a Working Group led by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has been convened to review the level of provision of maternity leave and of paternity leave.
The group, in which the Department of Social and Family Affairs participates, is currently examining options with regards to both maternity and paternity provision and is due to conclude its deliberations before the end of 2008. The work of the group will be informed by the commitment in the Programme for Government to, increase paid maternity leave by five weeks, make all leave after the first 26 weeks available to either parent, and examine the possibility of introducing a statutory entitlement to paternity leave and shared parental leave, these changes to be introduced over the next five years.
Telecommunications Services.
Liz McManus
Question:152 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to provide free broadband to older people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37153/08]
The telephone allowance is a component of the household benefits package which also includes the electricity/gas allowance and free television license schemes. The package is generally available to people living in the State, aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of a social welfare payment or who satisfy a means test. It is also available to people aged under 66 who are in receipt of certain social welfare disability payments or carer's allowance. There are currently in the region of 355,000 people in receipt of the household benefits at an annual cost of €317 million.
The primary objective of the telephone allowance scheme is to ensure access to help in an emergency and to provide an element of security. A secondary objective is to encourage social contact and to assist in the prevention of social isolation for those living alone.
The Department has endeavoured to meet the demands of de-regulation, notably in the telecoms market, where it supports multiple providers within the fixed line telephone business.
A restructuring of the telephone allowance to a cash value was undertaken in 2003 and this has facilitated the inclusion of additional providers in the scheme since July 2004. The scheme was further extended to include mobile phones in April 2007 as a result of improvements announced in Budget 2007.
Since then, people have the choice of either opting for a direct credit to a telephone company for their landline or for a cash payment in respect of their mobile phone. This means that it is no longer necessary for a person to have a fixed line phone in order to benefit from the telephone allowance. There are currently approximately 15,000 people availing of the mobile phone option.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to extend the scheme further to incorporate broadband services for older people. The Department is currently examining how best to implement this commitment. It should be noted that where people access the internet using a landline, the telephone allowance applies to their bill usage and will cover the cost of calls or internet usage up to the level of their allowance.
Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 111.
Question No. 154 answered with Question No. 107.
Question No. 155 answered with Question No. 143.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Michael Noonan
Question:156 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of claims for one parent family payment being processed here; the way this compares to the number of applicants being processed in the same period in 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39450/08]
The one-parent family payment is a means tested income support scheme for separated, unmarried and widowed persons who are rearing a child or children without the support of a partner.
The number of people in receipt of one-parent family payment at 31 October 2008 is 85,977. The corresponding figure for the end of October 2007 was 84,462 and 82,524 at the end of October 2006.
The increase in the number of claims being processed is due in the main to changes in the income limit for entitlement to one-parent family payment over the period. The weekly income limit was increased from €293 to €375 in May 2006, to €400 from May 2007 and to €425 from May 2008.
Pension Provisions.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:157 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the continuing problems experienced by former workers of Tara mines in relation to their pensions; and the steps she has taken to address these difficulties. [39507/08]
Representatives of Tara Mines Disabled Workers and Pensioners Association have been in touch with the Department over a number of years in relation to the operation of the Tara Mines scheme. The issues raised are multifaceted and include the interaction of the pension scheme with the associated income continuance plan, the employment status of disabled miners and, more recently, the election of trustees to the pension scheme.
Many of the issues raised which can impinge on a person's pension entitlements, are often not matters which come within the scope of the Pensions Act, and are therefore outside the remit of my Department and the Pensions Board.
A particular issue which is often raised is the issue of income continuance plans. These plans are designed to maintain the income of a disabled worker until he/she reaches normal pension age. However, the income continuance plans is confused with the occupational pension plans despite the fact that are totally separate in their legal structure, status and operations. Such income continuance plans are, in fact, insurance policies and they come within the remit of the Financial Regulator.
The Pensions Board has looked at the complaints raised in so far as they relate to the operation of the pension scheme, and found that the scheme was being operated in accordance with the rules. It also assisted with an independent examination of the plan by nominating a Senior Counsel to be appointed by Tara Mines to undertake a review of the overall pensions plan, the income continuance plan and its underlying insurance policy, and any general employment and contract law entitlement arising. Again it was found that the schemes were operating in accordance with the rules.
Representatives of the group in question have met my predecessors on a number of occasions and, indeed, I met them recently myself to discuss the situation. At this stage, I think it is clear that whatever remaining issues exist do not come within the remit of the Department or the Pensions Board. Nevertheless, officials of the Department will shortly meet with those concerned to discuss outstanding issues.
Social Welfare Code.
Joe Costello
Question:158 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action she will take to ensure that the definition of an orphan under social welfare legislation is amended in order that it includes the scenario in which a child has no parent available to them due to the incarceration of their parent or parents; and the reason this is not provided for in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008. [39555/08]
The Guardians' payment schemes allow for the provision of a weekly allowance to a guardian of a child who has either been orphaned or whose parents have abandoned and failed to provide for the child.
Section 2(1) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 defines an orphan as a qualified child—
a. both of whose parents are dead, or
b. one of whose parents is dead or unknown or has abandoned and failed to provide for the child, as the case may be, and whose other parent—
i. is unknown, or
ii. has abandoned and failed to provide for the child,
where that child is not residing with a parent, adoptive parent or step-parent.
All claims for Guardian's payment are decided by a Deciding Officer appointed by the Minister under Section 299 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005. Prior to decision, claims are referred to a Social Welfare Inspector in order to establish if the conditions of entitlement are fulfilled. The Social Welfare Inspector completes a report on all relevant issues and this report is then referred to the Deciding Officer to make a decision on the claim.
A parent's committal to prison alone is not considered a sufficient qualifying criterion to satisfy the legislative definition of orphan. Each case is decided based on the individual circumstances. Factors such as the length of incarceration, the previous and continuing level of contact with the child and the level of the parents' involvement in the welfare of the child are among the factors taken into account in determining if the legislative provision relating to abandonment and failure to provide is satisfied.
Where a child whose parent/s have been incarcerated is cared for by another person for the period of that incarceration and their carer is in receipt of a social welfare payment (other than a Guardian's payment), an increase for a qualified child may be payable for each child.
In light of the above, I do not propose to amend the current definition of an orphan.
Question No. 159 answered with Question No. 126.
Question No. 160 answered with Question No. 113.
Question No. 161 answered with Question No. 150.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:162 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her intentions to increase child specific welfare payments to reflect the higher cost to low income families of raising teenagers. [39556/08]
Among the main objectives of the Department's child income support policies is the alleviation of poverty among families with children and the facilitation and encouragement of employment by parents, as it is recognised that employment by a parent is the best route out of poverty. The main policy instruments used for achieving these objectives are child benefit, increases in weekly social welfare payments for qualified children (IQCs), family income supplement (FIS) and the back to school clothing and footwear allowance.
The recent Budget provides for a range of measures costing over €56 million to benefit children and families. These measures include an increase of €2 (8.3%) in the IQCs, bringing them up to €26 per week from January 2009. In addition, all FIS income thresholds are being increased by €10 per week per child, giving increases ranging between €6 for a one child family to €48 per week for a family with eight or more children from January 2009 (the current average weekly FIS payment is almost €99). The income threshold for the back to school clothing and footwear scheme is being increased by €50 per week from €100 to €150 to allow more families to qualify.
Significant progress has been achieved over the past decade in reducing poverty among children. For instance, the rates of child benefit have been increased by between 185% and 200% in the period from 2001 to 2008, while total expenditure on the scheme has increased by almost 300% during the same period.
In the context of the current economic circumstances it has been necessary for the Government to take a number of steps to reduce overall public expenditure in order to restore order and stability in the public finances.
In this regard, it has been decided that Child Benefit, which is paid regardless of means, will no longer be paid in respect of those who are 18 years old. At that stage, they are effectively treated as adults in most respects. This change will be phased in gradually. A half payment will be made in respect of existing and future qualifying children from January 2009 and from January 2010 the payment will cease from the 18 birthday.
However, it is recognised that any changes in child benefit entitlements may have implications for family budgets. Accordingly, in order to protect the more vulnerable in society, special alleviating measures are being introduced for those in low income and social welfare dependent households. A compensatory payment of €15 is being provided during 2009 and 2010 for any week during which those affected by this measure are receiving a social welfare payment which includes an increase in respect of the 18 year old child or a family income supplement payment which includes payment in respect of that child. In addition, households affected by the measure who also qualify for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance will receive an extra payment of €215, bringing the total payment in respect of such a child to €520. These transitional measures will cease in January 2011.
Pension Provisions.
Seán Barrett
Question:163 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will take the necessary steps to bring to the notice of members of the public, who may be unaware of their rights, to deferred pensions from previous employment under pension funds of previous employers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39479/08]
Regulations made under the Pensions Act 1990 prescribe the range of information that must be issued periodically to a pension scheme member. However, regulations do not require schemes to issue this information to former employees who still retain rights to deferred pensions on foot of their previous membership of an occupational pension. It is therefore only at retirement that such schemes attempt to contact former members.
Each year, my Department is contacted by pension companies who have lost contact with former members. The Department has recently put in place safe procedures for a host mailing service whereby companies can supply brief letters to the Department who will then forward them to their intended recipients, based on current address records stored. This ensures that people's contact details are kept confidential.
The issue of ongoing contact between employees and previous employers' pension schemes is currently being analysed by both my Department and the Pensions Board with a view to bringing forward a range of options to improve the level of information available to former scheme members. I am confident that once key issues such as data protection and confidentiality are addressed, proposals will be developed.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Tom Sheahan
Question:164 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the research project, commissioned by her Department to examine the factors behind the level of take up on the family income supplement, due to be completed in July 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39462/08]
The Department has consistently publicised the Family Income Supplement (FIS) scheme in order to maximise uptake by qualified families. Significant improvements in the qualifying income limits and ongoing awareness campaigns have resulted in a strong upward trend in the level of new claims.
There are currently over 26,000 families in receipt of FIS. In 2007 the Department received 36,900 new FIS claims compared to 33,000 in 2006 and 23,000 in 2005 — an increase of over 60% on 2005 and 11% on 2006. In the first ten months of 2008, over 37,000 claims were received compared to some 33,900 in the same period in 2007 — an increase of over 9%.
The reasons for a perceived lack of take-up of FIS have been the subject of significant Parliamentary and interest group enquiry. To address the issue the Department commissioned a specific research project to establish the reasons behind the level of take up for the scheme.
The main objectives of the project are: to measure current levels of awareness of the Family Income Supplement, to measure perceived eligibility to apply among respondents, to establish whether they had applied in the past and to identify any perceived barriers to applying for the scheme, to gain an understanding of how the Department can effectively maximise uptake of FIS, to investigate awareness and effectiveness of the Department's advertising for the FIS, with particular emphasis on the campaign initiated in March 2006, to review the effectiveness of communications about FIS from the Department itself and through different information channels available to customers, to examine and attempt to reconcile the findings from the ESRI in 2005 which suggested that there was a large group of potentially eligible claimants of FIS who were failing to do so. The project is at the final stage at present and is expected to complete shortly.
Attendance Management.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:165 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her target to reduce the number of hours lost through absenteeism in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39503/08]
In 2005 my Department introduced a comprehensive Attendance Management Policy which provides for the active management of absenteeism by, among other measures, highlighting the importance of good attendance to the Department in the delivery of its services and clearly setting out the duties and responsibilities of all staff and managers in this area.
The objective of the Attendance Management Policy is to maximise attendance and minimise absenteeism to the greatest extent possible. In this regard measures set out in the Policy reflect best practice across all sectors both nationally and internationally and these are kept under review for the purposes of evaluating and, where necessary, increasing their effectiveness.
The measures include return to work interviews, a comprehensive Health Promotion Policy and supports for staff who are returning to work after a long term illness.
My Department also works closely with the Chief Medical Officer who plays a crucial role in advising the Department on employee's fitness for work from a medical perspective.
Social Welfare Benefits.
John Perry
Question:166 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of claims for respite care grant being processed here; the way this compares to the number of applicants being processed in the same period in 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39459/08]
I understand the information required by the Deputy is the total number of applications for Respite Care Grant received, by the end of October, for each of the years 2006 to 2008, together with the number allowed and the number refused.
The information requested is detailed in tabular form as follows. Discrepancies between total applications received and those decided are due to the fact that some Respite Care Grant applications are ultimately decided as part of claims for Carers Allowance or Carers Benefit. The grant is paid automatically to recipients of these primary payments. In addition, some cases require further investigation to establish entitlement.
The reduction in applications received in 2008 is primarily due to the fact that quite a number of those who received the stand alone grant in 2007 became entitled to the new half-rate Carer's Allowance which entitles them to an automatic payment of the grant.
|
Year |
Applications Received |
Claims Allowed |
Claims Refused |
|
End October 2006 |
12,569 |
8,335 |
1,585 |
|
End October 2007 |
13,061 |
10,470 |
1,303 |
|
End October 2008 |
9,701 |
8,278 |
1,550 |
Departmental Staff.
Michael Creed
Question:167 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Taoiseach the number of staff employed by Ministers of State in his Department whose function it is to deal with representations from the Ministers of State’s constituency; the number of these staff that are located in the constituency and in his Department; the grade and remuneration at which these staff are employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39193/08]
The information requested by the Deputy regarding staff employed in the Constituency Offices of the Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at my Department is detailed in the schedule as follows. The Constituency Office of the Minister of State for European Affairs is based in the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The Government Chief Whip, who is also the Minister of State at the Department of Defence has opted for convenience purposes to have no Constituency Office based in the Department of Defence, but instead has one Clerical Officer from that Department assigned to his Constituency Office in Government Buildings. This Clerical Officer is paid by the Department of Defence.
|
Grade |
Location |
Remuneration |
|
€ |
||
|
Personal Assistant |
Government Buildings |
46,558 |
|
Staff Officer |
Government Buildings |
44,025 |
|
Clerical Officer |
Government Buildings |
24,397 |
|
Personal Secretary (worksharing) |
Constituency Office |
20,239 |
|
Personal Secretary (worksharing) |
Constituency Office |
20,239 |
|
Clerical Officer |
Government Buildings |
Paid by the Department of Defence |
Michael Creed
Question:168 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Taoiseach the number of staff employed in his Department whose function it is to deal with representations from his constituency; the number of these staff that are located in the constituency and in his Department; the grade and remuneration at which these staff are employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39194/08]
A total of eight staff are employed between my Constituency Offices in Government Buildings and my Tullamore Office. The information requested by the Deputy on these staff is detailed in the schedule as follows:
|
Grade |
Location |
Remuneration |
|
€ |
||
|
Personal Assistant |
Government Buildings |
53,354 |
|
Personal Assistant |
Government Buildings |
55,030 |
|
Personal Assistant |
Government Buildings |
49,685 |
|
Personal Assistant [with additional responsibility as office manager] |
Constituency Office |
66,179 |
|
Clerical Officer |
Government Buildings |
24,397 |
|
Clerical Officer |
Constituency Office |
26,672 |
|
Personal Secretary |
Constituency Office |
40,479 |
|
Personal Secretary |
Constituency Office |
39,351 |
Attendance Management.
Richard Bruton
Question:169 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the systems his Department has in place for tracking absences from work for various reasons, for benchmarking them against best standards and for estimating the cost of cover or lost input as a result of these absences; and if he will present data for the most recent year on this matter. [39195/08]
My Department uses the PeopleSoft Human Resource Management and the Flexi Time Systems to record and track all absences from work, e.g. annual leave, special leave, sick leave and maternity leave. This data is used by the Department to monitor compliance with the provisions of the Organisation of the Working Time Act and Department of Finance Guidelines and Circulars.
As in the case of all organisations, allowance is made for leave entitlements in determining overall staffing complements. There is no specific system in place to estimate the costs of cover or lost input as a result of these absences which is only provided in exceptional circumstances. The average level of staff absenteeism within my Department in the last year is 5.5 days per staff member.
Departmental Expenditure.
Richard Bruton
Question:170 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an estimate of the cost of legal services which his Department paid for in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he is satisfied that effective measures are in place to minimise this cost. [39316/08]
The cost of legal services funded by my Department's Vote in 2007 and to date in 2008 is contained in the following tables:
|
Year |
Cost of Legal Service |
|
€ |
|
|
2007 |
12,196.80 |
|
2008 |
300.00 |
|
Year |
Cost of Legal Service |
|
€ |
|
|
2007 |
26,710.00 |
|
2008 |
17,429.00 |
|
Year |
Cost of Legal Service |
|
€ |
|
|
2007 |
298,614.71 |
|
2008 |
0.00 |
It should be noted that payments in respect of the Moriarty Tribunal are not included.
I am satisfied that effective measures are in place to minimise cost on legal services.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:171 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach the number of capital projects which have gone over budget in each of the past five years; the original estimate for each of these projects; the final cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39530/08]
My Department had no capital projects within the past five years.
Departmental Staff.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:172 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach the severance packages for each retiring staff member in his Department over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39545/08]
My Department does not pay severance packages to retiring staff. Under the Superannuation Act, all Civil Servants retiring from my Department are entitled to an annual pension and lump sum. The pension arrangements including calculations and payment of same, are a matter for the Department of Finance.
Severance packages are made only to Ministerial personal staff whose employment is terminated as a result of the cessation of office of the Minister/Minister of State concerned and who have no jobs to which they are entitled to return. These are not regarded as retirements.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:173 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Taoiseach the number of staff in the Office of the Attorney General with a breakdown of the number of barristers, solicitors and non-lawyers. [39550/08]
There are currently 115 permanent staff working in the Office of the Attorney General, 35 are barristers and 12 are solicitors, 68 are not lawyers. They provide secretarial services, a Legal Library and a Registry which maintains legal files and tracks correspondence, as well as the usual range of administrative functions such as HR, IT, Finance and Corporate Services. These supports enable the legal professional staff to devote more time to the tasks for which they were recruited.
There are also 16 staff working on a contract basis. Of these, eight are conducting legal research and have law degrees. A further six are involved in the drafting of legislation and two have typing/administrative duties. The six people involved in drafting are from outside the State, so their legal qualifications tend to encompass both of the legal professions.
Planning Issues.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:174 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Taoiseach the details of the development works undertaken by his Department under section 181(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, since the Act was enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39653/08]
No works have been undertaken under section 181(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act since it was enacted in 2000, in respect of my Department's offices.
Waste Management.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:175 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Taoiseach if, in the interest of reducing paper use, he has plans to relax or drop the requirement to supply three or more hard copies of tender documentation and to move towards greater use of electronic documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39741/08]
There is no specific policy requirement by my Department to receive hard copies of tender documentation in response to all requests for tender. The national public procurement website www.etenders.gov.ie, known as etenders has a facility for the submission of tenders electronically. In fact, in a number of cases, my Department has adopted the practice of providing tenderers with the option of providing documentation in either format, electronic or hard copy. It is intended to continue this practice.
Departmental Transport.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:176 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Taoiseach the public transport services used by him since he came into office or since 2007 on official business; the destinations travelled to; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39800/08]
I have not used public transport services (bus or rail) since May 7th, 2008 and therefore have not incurred any expenditure in relation to same.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:177 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Taoiseach the public transport services used by his officials since 2007 on official business; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39828/08]
The following table outlines the cost to my Department of public transport services used by my officials since 2007 to date.
|
Year |
Type of Public Transport |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
2007 |
Train |
10,824.47 |
|
Bus |
1,345.76 |
|
|
2008 (Jan-Oct) |
Train |
10,985.33 |
|
Bus |
1,200.86 |
Unemployment Levels.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:178 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Taoiseach the latest unemployment figures at the Tallaght social welfare centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39876/08]
The Live Register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Figures are published for each county and each Local Social Welfare Office. The most recent information is for October 2008. The Live Register figure for the Tallaght Local Office in Dublin in October 2008 was 5,526 persons.
It should be noted that the Live Register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, and seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseekers Benefit or Allowance. The exact area covered by each Local Office is not limited to the immediate locality, or county, of the particular office. For instance, in the Tallaght Local Office there may be registered persons from the Blessington area.
Decentralisation Programme.
John Deasy
Question:179 Deputy John Deasy asked the Taoiseach the amount the process of decentralisation has cost the taxpayer to date excluding the cost of all sites or buildings acquired; and the cost for each individual location. [40159/08]
There are no proposals to decentralise my Department or any of the agencies under its aegis. The Department of Finance has responsibility in Government for the overall Decentralisation Programme.
Job Protection.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:180 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on her discussions with a company (details supplied) in respect of the plant in Limerick.. [39205/08]
The fact that Dell is undertaking a fundamental review of its manufacturing operations and global business model has been in the public domain for some time. It is standard IDA Ireland practice, where any of its client companies is undertaking reviews of this type, to engage with the company with a view to mitigating the impact on the company's Irish operations. I can confirm that IDA has been engaged in extensive discussions with the company concerned at the highest level. I have been fully briefed on these discussions as they have occurred and I have also met with the company. As I have said in previous replies and as has been said in recent adjournment debates, such contacts with companies always proceed on a confidential basis and it is vitally important, if the best possible outcome for the Irish operations is to be secured, that confidentiality is respected.
Departmental Agencies.
Billy Timmins
Question:181 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the role the National Standards Authority of Ireland has in respect of companies or individuals who register with the Private Security Authority; if a charge is involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39227/08]
The Private Security Authority (PSA), established under the Private Security Services Act 2004 and operating under the remit of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is the regulatory body for the private security industry. I understand that under the Act it is compulsory for private security contractors to be licensed by the PSA. In order to obtain a licence from the PSA the security provider must, among other things, be certified as being compliant with relevant Irish and European standards.
The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is one of a number of bodies, authorised by the PSA, to certify companies or sole traders providing security services which require a certificate of compliance by the PSA. The NSAI have advised me that the cost of certification varies according to the scheme or schemes being certified and with the scope of the security services being provided.
Job Losses.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:182 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has reviewed the recent significant job losses in the motor sales sector in view of the fact that it has been reported that as many as 2,000 workers have been let go from car dealerships here; if she will bring forward measures to target unemployment in this sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39232/08]
Many sectors, including the motor trade, are being affected by the downturn in the economy. The Government is taking decisive action in this regard. FÁS and the Department of Social and Family Affairs are working together to respond quickly to the rising Live Register numbers, for example: FÁS is, with the Local Employment Services provided by Area-Based Partnerships, currently gearing up its Employment Services further to provide increased capacity for expected increased referrals from the Live Register and FÁS is providing a range of certified, short, flexible, modular programmes designed to upskill redundant workers so that they can enhance their prospect of securing employment. The frequency and range of these programmes will be expanded over the coming months. Those who become redundant because of company restructuring or closure are free to access the full range of services provided by FÁS.
FÁS Training Programmes.
Finian McGrath
Question:183 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to a matter (details supplied). [39294/08]
I am very conscious of the need to try to accommodate apprentices who have been made redundant in advance of the completion of their apprenticeships. Last month's Budget announcement provided an additional €9.5 million to FÁS to enable them to provide employment support services to those who have lost their jobs, including redundant apprentices. This additional allocation will allow FÁS to develop a further initiative to assist redundant apprentices complete their courses.
To date both my Department and FÁS have put in place a series of initiatives to facilitate redundant apprentices complete their apprenticeship. These include the following: through their Employment Services Division, FÁS are focusing on assisting redundant apprentices to source employment, so that they can complete their apprenticeship by receiving the appropriate on-the-job training and undertaking the associated competence-based assessments, FÁS now allow apprentices who are made redundant to progress to their next off-the-job training phase of their apprenticeship, without having to do the next on-the-job phase first, FÁS have put into place a register of redundant apprentices in order to identify them at the earliest possible point in time and prioritised the need to locate an employer to sponsor the completion of the "off-the-job" training for apprentices and FÁS will not allow employers who make an apprentice redundant to subsequently recruit another apprentice in the same trade before the apprenticeship period of the redundant apprentice has expired.
Proposed Legislation.
James Reilly
Question:184 Deputy James Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, with reference to the recent commitment given in Dáil Éireann to bring forward amending legislation to facilitate direct negotiations between the Irish Medical Organisation, the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive, it is proposed to include other similar medical professional groups (details supplied) in that amending legislation who supply medical services nationally and are of national importance and strategic interest in the delivery of an efficient professional medical service here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39303/08]
Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002 prohibits and makes void all agreements between undertakings, decisions by associations of undertakings and concerted practices which have as their object or effect the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition in trade in any goods or services in the State or in any part of the State.
This reflects the provisions of EC Treaty Article 81 which contains a similar prohibition in relation to agreements, decisions and concerted practices which may affect trade between Member States. In general there is nothing to prevent the State, as a purchaser of services, from consulting with representatives of professional organisations in relation to the fees for those services. The key requirement in all cases is that the State must have the final say in setting the price it will pay for the services concerned.
In recent years both the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health and Children received legal advice which identified significant competition and procurement law issues such that it was not permissible to develop contracts for service and the associated fee arrangements through a negotiated process with the IMO under current arrangements. These matters are governed by both European Union and national competition law.
The Government is satisfied that the scope of the engagement by General Practitioners in the delivery of primary healthcare for the overall efficacy of the public health system makes a more direct form of engagement with the representatives of General Practitioners both necessary and desirable in order to protect public health. Accordingly, it is the intention, in the public interest to attain the objective of protecting public health, to pursue appropriate amendments to Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002 to enable the IMO to represent its members in negotiations with the HSE and the Department of Health and Children in respect of the services provided to the public health service.
The case, if any, for adopting a similar approach to other professional representative bodies would need to be examined in the light of the objective of ensuring a high level of public health protection and associated public interest considerations, and the scope to adopt such an approach in a manner consistent with EU competition law.
During the recent Social Partnership talks, Government committed itself to introducing legislation amending Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002 to the effect that certain categories of vulnerable workers, formerly or currently covered by collective agreements, when engaging in collective bargaining, would be excluded from the Section 4 prohibition. This commitment will take into account that there would be negligible negative impacts on the economy or on the level of competition and will have regard to the specific attributes and nature of the work involved, subject to consistency with EU competition rules. It is proposed that three specific categories of worker, namely voice-over actors, freelance journalists and session musicians will be covered by the exclusion. I can confirm that work is under way between the Department of Health and Children and Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the issue of amending Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002, in a manner consistent with EU competition law and national policy.
Departmental Expenditure.
Richard Bruton
Question:185 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will provide an estimate of the cost of legal services which her Department paid for in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if she is satisfied that effective measures are in place to minimise this cost. [39310/08]
The information requested by the Deputy in so far as my Department is concerned is set out in the following table:
|
Name of Company |
Purpose |
Cost to the State |
|
€ |
||
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) |
Reimbursement of Legal costs in relation to an action against the PIAB at High and Supreme Courts |
75,021 |
|
Mairéad Carey B.L. |
Legal Services in connection with functions of the Labour Court |
6,050 |
|
John Gleeson S.C. |
Legal Services in connection with functions of the Labour Court |
960 |
|
George Lynch & Son |
Registering a Judgment Mortgage in an Enforcement case (NERA) |
375 |
|
Brady & Co |
Legal Searches in Enforcement cases (NERA) |
2,857 |
|
Mason Hayes & Curran |
Legal Advice (NERA) |
16,611 |
|
O’Mara Geraghty McCourt Solicitors |
Legal Services in connection with functions of the Labour Relations Commission |
10,827 |
|
Anthony Kerr BL |
Legal Services in connection with functions of the Labour Relations Commission |
908 |
|
Noel J. Travers BL |
Drafted the Measuring Instruments Regulations |
8,440 |
|
Dowling Kilpatrick Solicitors |
Professional fee for Commissions regarding sale of land |
36 |
|
John Hennessy BL |
Investigations under section 19 of the Companies Act 1990 |
126,324 |
|
Matthias Kelly QC |
Investigations under section 19 of the Companies Act 1990 |
162,742 |
|
Mason, Hayes + Curran |
Advice on Public Procurement matters |
14,745 including VAT |
|
Mason, Hayes + Curran |
Company Law Research (table of derivations) |
22,942 |
|
Nathan Reilly |
Review of Consumer Legislation |
7,053 |
|
Matheson Ormsby Prentice |
Costs awarded against ODCE |
31,832 |
|
Aillil O’Reilly |
Fees to Counsel |
1,815 |
|
Bairbre O’Neill |
Fees to Counsel |
6,050 |
|
Brian Kennedy |
Fees to Counsel |
3,449 |
|
Brian Murray |
Fees to Counsel |
129,416 |
|
Brian O’Moore S.C. |
Fees to Counsel |
37,208 |
|
Caroline Costello |
Fees to Counsel |
2,783 |
|
Declan Murphy |
Fees to Counsel |
35,695 |
|
Denis McDonald |
Fees to Counsel |
70,906 |
|
Eileen Barrington |
Fees to Counsel |
58,262 |
|
Eoghan Fitzsimons |
Fees to Counsel |
4,598 |
|
Feichin McDonagh S.C. |
Fees to Counsel |
4,235 |
|
George Birmingham |
Fees to Counsel |
12,524 |
|
Gerard Hogan |
Fees to Counsel |
2,723 |
|
Grainne Clohessy |
Fees to Counsel |
4,356 |
|
John Kilfeather |
Fees to Counsel |
2,057 |
|
John McCarroll |
Fees to Counsel |
177,687 |
|
Maurice G Collins |
Fees to Counsel |
170,005 |
|
Paul Anthony McDermott |
Fees to Counsel |
55,278 |
|
Remy Farrell |
Fees to Counsel |
24,140 |
|
Shane Murphy |
Fees to Counsel |
7,744 |
|
Gwen Malone Stenography Services Ltd |
Stenography Services |
51,086 |
|
Rochford Brady Legal Services |
Legal Searches and Services |
6,814 |
|
Brendan Byrne |
Service of Summonses |
4,295 |
|
Geraldine Mallon |
Prosecutions |
1,120 |
|
Miscellaneous Disbursements |
Affidavits, etc. in connection with prosecutions |
2,140 |
|
State Claims Agency (SCA) |
Reimbursement of legal services in relation to a personal injury claim against the Department |
30 |
|
McCann Fitzgerald |
Provision of legal advice under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts |
18,184 |
|
O’ Mara, Geraghty, Mc Court |
Provision of legal services |
35,086 |
|
Cathy Maguire |
Legal Services |
242 |
|
S.F.Hughes & Co |
Legal Services |
938 |
|
James W. Houlihan |
Legal Services |
1,210 |
|
James Dwyer |
Legal Services |
1,815 |
|
Conal Ellis |
Legal Services |
100 |
|
Name of Company |
Purpose |
Cost to the State |
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) |
Reimbursement of Legal costs in relation to an action against the PIAB at High and Supreme Courts |
79,485 |
|
Kilroys Solicitors |
Legal advice on Export Credit Insurance issues |
16,263 |
|
Dermot McCarthy |
Legal advice for Redundancy Payment Section |
9100 |
|
Mairéad Carey B.L. |
Legal Services in connection with functions of the Labour Court |
7,260 |
|
Brady & Co |
Legal Searches in Enforcement cases (NERA) |
3,135 |
|
O’Mara Geraghty McCourt Solicitors |
Legal Services in connection with functions of the Labour Relations Commission |
9,620 |
|
Anthony Kerr BL |
Legal Services in connection with functions of the Labour Relations Commission |
3,086 |
|
John Hennessy BL |
Investigations Under Section 19 of the Companies Act 1990 |
13,431 |
|
Mathias Kelly QC |
Investigations Under Section 19 of the Companies Act 1990 |
167,171 |
|
Mason, Hayes + Curran |
Advice on Public Procurement matters |
44,530 including VAT |
|
Arthur Cox |
Consultancy — Better regulation |
2,226 |
|
Raymond Friel, University of Limerick |
Better Regulation Research |
4,616 |
|
Orlaith Molloy, NUI Galway |
Better Regulation Research |
5,102 |
|
Anthony Kerr, UCD School of Law |
Better Regulation Research |
4,650 |
|
Orlaith Molloy, NUI Galway |
Company Law Research |
3,150 |
|
Mary Donnelly, Law Faculty, UCC |
Company Law Research |
500 |
|
Emily Gibson BL |
Legal Services for the Advisory Group on Media Mergers |
5,596 |
|
Bill Shipsey |
Fees to Counsel |
11,495 |
|
Brian Murray |
Fees to Counsel |
72,146 |
|
Declan Murphy |
Fees to Counsel |
49,207 |
|
Douglas Clarke |
Fees to Counsel |
11,961 |
|
Eileen Barrington |
Fees to Counsel |
21,780 |
|
John McCarroll |
Fees to Counsel |
84,273 |
|
Jonathan Kilfeather |
Fees to Counsel |
3,025 |
|
Maurice G Collins |
Fees to Counsel |
54,450 |
|
Michael Cush |
Fees to Counsel |
27,528 |
|
Remy Farrell |
Fees to Counsel |
6,897 |
|
Brendan Byrne |
Fees to Counsel |
4,437 |
|
Foley Detective & Security Agency Ltd |
Fees to Counsel |
2,752 |
|
Gwen Malone Stenography Services Ltd |
Fees to Counsel |
8,458 |
|
PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltd |
Fees to Counsel |
303 |
|
Rochford Brady Legal Services |
Fees to Counsel |
4,582 |
|
Miscellaneous Disbursements |
Affidavits, etc. in connection with prosecutions |
943 |
|
State Claims Agency (SCA) |
Reimbursement of Agency Counsel Fees in relation to a personal injury claim against the Department |
550 |
|
State Claims Agency (SCA) |
Reimbursement of Agency Counsel Fees in relation to a personal injury claim against the Department |
1,416 |
|
Mason, Hayes & Curran |
Legal Advice on Procurement Issues |
8,534 |
It is the practice to seek provision of services under Public Procurement guidelines and I am happy that adherence to these guidelines is an effective manner of minimising costs.
FÁS Training Programmes.
Leo Varadkar
Question:186 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the breakdown for 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 of the expenditure by FÁS in relation to apprentices; the expected expenditure for the remainder of 2008; the budgeted expenditure for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39328/08]
FÁS expenditure on the apprenticeship system since 2006 is as follows:
|
Year |
€m |
|
2006 (full year) |
113 |
|
2007 (full year) |
129 |
|
2008 (To Sept.) |
91 |
|
2008 (Oct-Dec)* |
38 |
* Budgeted The FÁS budget by programme for 2009 has not yet been agreed.
Leo Varadkar
Question:187 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of apprentices registered with FÁS in 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the number of further registrations expected by the end of 2008 and 2009; the breakdown of such registrations by sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39329/08]
The number of apprentices newly registered with FÁS since 2006 broken down by sector and projected registrations during the balance of this year and in 2009 is as follows:
|
Trades |
2006 Actual |
2007 Actual |
2008 Actual Jan-Oct |
Nov-Dec Projection |
Total |
2009 Projection Estimate |
|
Construction |
||||||
|
Brick & Stonelaying |
473 |
247 |
55 |
8 |
63 |
50 |
|
Cabinetmaking |
207 |
154 |
68 |
10 |
78 |
50 |
|
Carpentry & Joinery |
1,907 |
1,354 |
446 |
70 |
516 |
450 |
|
Floor & Wall Tiling |
32 |
43 |
10 |
2 |
12 |
25 |
|
Painting & Decorating |
161 |
113 |
55 |
10 |
65 |
60 |
|
Plastering |
220 |
143 |
52 |
10 |
62 |
60 |
|
Plumbing |
1,501 |
1,038 |
416 |
35 |
451 |
450 |
|
Wood Machining |
14 |
13 |
4 |
2 |
6 |
— |
|
Total |
4,515 |
3,105 |
1,106 |
147 |
1,253 |
1,145 |
|
Electrical |
||||||
|
Aircraft Mechanics |
57 |
66 |
24 |
— |
24 |
24 |
|
Electrical |
2,269 |
2,054 |
988 |
140 |
1,128 |
900 |
|
Electrical Instrumentation |
47 |
57 |
35 |
3 |
38 |
30 |
|
Electronic Security Systems |
— |
12 |
45 |
5 |
50 |
40 |
|
Instrumentation |
17 |
19 |
7 |
3 |
10 |
10 |
|
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning |
108 |
118 |
74 |
9 |
83 |
75 |
|
Total |
2,498 |
2,326 |
1,173 |
160 |
1,333 |
1,079 |
|
Engineering |
||||||
|
Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitting |
171 |
203 |
119 |
19 |
138 |
150 |
|
Farriery |
— |
— |
18 |
4 |
22 |
25 |
|
Industrial Insulation |
1 |
7 |
5 |
2 |
7 |
20 |
|
Metal Fabrication |
198 |
191 |
158 |
29 |
187 |
200 |
|
Sheet Metalworking |
46 |
51 |
58 |
8 |
66 |
50 |
|
Toolmaking |
33 |
16 |
21 |
1 |
22 |
25 |
|
Total |
449 |
468 |
379 |
63 |
442 |
470 |
|
Motor |
||||||
|
Agricultural Mechanics |
51 |
62 |
38 |
5 |
43 |
45 |
|
Construction Plant Fitting |
89 |
93 |
57 |
8 |
65 |
50 |
|
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics |
137 |
148 |
94 |
19 |
113 |
100 |
|
Motor Mechanics |
440 |
448 |
362 |
57 |
419 |
350 |
|
Vehicle Body Repairs |
95 |
69 |
99 |
5 |
104 |
65 |
|
Total |
812 |
820 |
650 |
94 |
744 |
610 |
|
Printing |
||||||
|
Print Media |
14 |
44 |
10 |
16 |
26 |
30 |
|
Origination |
2 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
|
Printing |
20 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
|
Bookbinding |
5 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
|
Total |
41 |
44 |
10 |
16 |
26 |
30 |
|
Grand Total — Newly Registered |
8,315 |
6,763 |
3,318 |
480 |
3,798 |
3,334 |
|
Total Registered Apprentices |
29,273 |
28,423 |
23,382 |
— |
It should be noted that the figures for the remainder of this year and for 2009 are provisional. The significant reduction in apprentice registrations for 2008 and 2009 is due to the major decrease in activity in the construction sector. Registrations in the construction and electrical trades are most affected.
Departmental Agencies.
Leo Varadkar
Question:188 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the date, in regard to the decision announced in budget 2009 to amalgamate the national Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority, by which this amalgamation will be achieved; if legislation will be required to give affect to this decision; if so, when this legislation will be published; if savings are anticipated from this decision in 2008, 2009 and 2010; the breakdown of these savings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39331/08]
Since the announcement in the budget by my colleague the Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan TD, of the merging of the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority, my Department has being working in conjunction with both bodies to bring about a smooth transition to a unified single body to oversee the area of competition and consumer protection.
As both the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority were established under statute, it will be necessary to give effect to the newly merged body by way of primary legislation. Whilst I am committed to introducing this legislation as soon as possible, it is not possible at this early stage to give a precise date as to when the necessary legislation will be published. Similarly, whilst it is expected that the synergies arising from the merger of the two bodies will result in savings to the exchequer, particularly in areas such as shared services, it is not possible to precisely quantify the amount of savings involved at this stage.
FÁS Training Programmes.
Finian McGrath
Question:189 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will support a matter (details supplied). [39337/08]
The apprenticeship programme is a training and development programme, which provides apprentices with the skills, knowledge and competencies leading to the award of an advanced craft certificate. The programme involves the development of practical skills and related theoretical knowledge over a seven-phase programme — three off-the-job phases and four on-the-job with an employer.
Apprentices undertake modular assessment during each off-the-job phase. FÁS records show that most of the 9% of apprentices who do not succeed in their phase 6 evaluation, fail to achieve the required standard in their theory assessment. Apprentices' mathematical abilities are assessed as part of this theory assessment. There are currently 766 apprentices who have not yet achieved the required standard.
Apprentices can re-sit the examination and are encouraged to undertake additional learning in the interim. FÁS and the Institutes of Technology have provided refresher courses for such apprentices including courses specifically in Maths. In addition FÁS have established a project team to examine issues related to the maths and science component of the apprenticeship programme. FÁS is currently examining how redundant apprentices can continue to receive their on-the-job training with the support of employers.
Job Creation.
Enda Kenny
Question:190 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created by the Industrial Development Authority within the Border, midland and western region for each of the past five years; if this equates to 50% of the jobs created by the IDA during that period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39352/08]
Enda Kenny
Question:191 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is the policy of the Government and the Industrial Development Authority to create 50% of all jobs created by the IDA within the Border, midland western region; the proposals for 2008 in this regard; the method by which the IDA intend to fulfil the 50% target; the sectors in which this will be achieved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39353/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 191 together.
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
In the period 2003 to 2007, a total of 9,584 new jobs (both Greenfield and expansion) were created by IDA client companies in the BMW Region. The following tabular statement (Table 1) shows the number of jobs created in each of the years in question. For the period 2000 to 2006 IDA Ireland set a high-level performance target for the Objective 1 (BMW) Area, which committed the Agency to work to deliver a target of 50% of all new Greenfield jobs to be located in the Objective 1 Area. Despite difficult global trading conditions, substantial progress was achieved against this target and in that period 36% of all new Greenfield jobs were located in the area. This represents a rolling average calculated over the seven-year period and these are shown for each year in Table 2.
In recent years, Ireland has undergone a transformation from a low wage/low cost economy towards a high value and knowledge-based one. Arising from this transformation, the nature of foreign direct investment (FDI) has changed and Ireland is now competing for premium mobile investments against the most advanced countries in the world. A key aspect of the high value, knowledge intensive FDI, for which Ireland now competes, is that it increasingly favours locations in or near centres of urban scale, where it has access to the concentrations of infrastructure, skills and services it needs.
Accordingly, IDA Ireland has aligned its strategy with the National Spatial Strategy (NSS). In line with the NSS, IDA is focused on delivering investments to the Gateway and Hub locations nationally, and specifically those in the BMW region. This strategy involves matching investor requirements with the competencies, infrastructure and critical mass of the Gateway and Hub locations to secure the maximum number of investment for Ireland. In keeping with this strategy a total of 64% of new investments were located outside Dublin in 2007.
The key sectors of focus for IDA are Life Sciences, Information and Communications Technologies and high value Services activities. In this connection, it must be remembered that, under the revised EU Regional Aid Guidelines, the BMW and South East Regions are the only areas where Regional aid is available up to 2013. Ultimately it is the investor who decided where to locate.
In recent years IDA has supported the development of the BMW Region by substantially increasing the size and remit of its regional offices in the area. Today, over 80 staff are based in its regional offices in Athlone and Sligo.
Delivering regionally based innovative, world class property solutions is a priority for the Agency. A successful example of this approach has been the delivery of an advance planning permission for a Biopharmaceutical facility in Oranmore, Co Galway. This is a truly unique marketing resource and the first of its kind in Ireland.
Despite the difficult economic situation in which we find ourselves, I am satisfied that the policies being pursued by the Government and the work on the ground being carried out by the development agencies will continue to bear fruit in terms job creation and investment for the Region.
|
YEAR |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Number of New Jobs |
2,120 |
1,890 |
2,600 |
1,528 |
1,446 |
|
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
|
BMW |
45% |
43% |
44% |
46% |
41% |
39% |
36% |
|
South & East |
55% |
57% |
56% |
54% |
59% |
61% |
64% |
*Figures provided on a cumulative basis for each period.
Enda Kenny
Question:192 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Industrial Development Authority jobs created in County Mayo for each of the past five years; the accumulated total as a percentage of IDA jobs created in that five year period; the investment involved; the number of jobs by sector created; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39355/08]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
In the past five years a total of 493 new jobs were created in IDA supported companies in County Mayo, which represents 1% of all new jobs created in IDA supported companies in the country in the same period. The following tabular statement sets out the number of new jobs created, by sector, in each of the years in question. In the 5 year period, 2003 to 2007, a total of €5.4m. has been paid in grants to IDA supported companies in County Mayo.
IDA recognises the need to provide high value employment opportunities in the key towns in Mayo that provide sustainable long-term jobs. In line with the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) the linked hub of Castlebar/Ballina and the town of Westport are priority locations for IDA and are being actively promoted for new FDI. IDA is committed to the development of Mayo and is working continuously with the existing client base to deepen the global strategic importance of the Irish operations within their parent corporations. In addition, the Agency is investing significantly in the provision of planned and focused property solutions in the county by developing world class Business and Technology Parks in Ballina, Westport, and Castlebar. This is an essential marketing tool in the process of attracting potential new investors to the county.
At present there are 19 IDA supported companies in Mayo employing almost 3,000 people in permanent jobs and approximately 500 more in temporary and contract employment. I am satisfied that the actions of the development agencies will continue to bear fruit in terms of economic development for the people of the Mayo. Table showing the number of new jobs, by sector, created in County Mayo in each of the years 2003 to 2007.
|
NACE Sector |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Food products beverages and tobacco |
4 |
0 |
14 |
14 |
6 |
|
Textiles and textile products |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clothing, footwear and leather |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Pulp paper and paper products; publishing and printing |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Chemicals chemical products and man-made fibres |
22 |
23 |
15 |
0 |
86 |
|
Rubber and plastic products |
5 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
|
Other non-metallic mineral products |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Basic and fabricated metal products |
0 |
1 |
5 |
2 |
3 |
|
Machinery and equipment n.e.c. |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Electrical and optical equipment |
49 |
34 |
48 |
4 |
3 |
|
Transport equipment |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Other manufacturing n.e.c. |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
International Services |
21 |
85 |
4 |
10 |
14 |
|
Financial Services |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
ALL SECTORS |
109 |
145 |
88 |
37 |
114 |
Departmental Expenditure.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:193 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of capital projects which have gone over budget in each of the past five years; the original estimate for each of these projects; the final cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39523/08]
Capital funding allocated to my Department is expended through various agencies under the remit of my Department, including IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland, FAS, Shannon Development, InterTradeIreland, the National Standards Authority of Ireland and the 35 County and City Enterprise Boards.
The funding is use by the agencies to operate programmes which provide a range of grants and supports to clients. Capital funding also covers the maintenance and development of the agencies' property portfolios and the upgrading of equipment. The operation of capital programmes and projects, including budgeting, contracting and monitoring of expenditure, is a day-to-day matter for the agencies concerned.
Departmental Staff.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:194 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the severance packages for each retiring staff member in her Department over the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39538/08]
In 2006, 24 members of staff retired from my Department with a pension and lump sum. Pensions in respect of the 24 staff totalled €542,595 per annum, and lump sum payments totalled €1,674,371.
In 2007, 27 staff members retired with an annual pension and lump sum. Pensions in respect of the 27 staff totalled €783,897 per annum, with lump sum payments of €2,355,742 being paid. So far in 2008 19 staff have already retired and a further three have declared their intention to retire before the end of the year. The total pensions for the 22 staff will amount to €621,205 per annum and lump sum payments will amount to €1,921,397.
I consider it inappropriate to give details of the individual amounts involved as it may be possible to identify individual officers. A breakdown of the grades is listed.
|
Grade |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Secretary General and Equivalent |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Assistant Secretary and Equivalent |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
Principal Officer and Equivalent |
3 |
4 |
4 |
|
AP and Equivalent |
2 |
3 |
5 |
|
HEO and Equivalent |
8 |
7 |
4 |
|
Executive Officer |
2 |
2 |
3 |
|
Clerical Officer |
4 |
5 |
3 |
|
Services Officer |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Cleaner |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
Telephonist |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Professional Grade |
1 |
||
|
TOTALS |
24 |
27 |
22 |
FÁS Training Programmes.
Leo Varadkar
Question:195 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the expenditure by FÁS in relation to community employment schemes in 2007 and to date in 2008; the anticipated expenditure for the remainder of 2008 and for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39639/08]
Total expenditure in 2007 on the Community Employment (CE) Scheme amounted to €357.5 million. As at 26 September 2008 expenditure totalled €273.1 million. Current estimates indicate that total expenditure at the end of 2008 will be around €374 million. Discussions on the detail of the FÁS budget for 2009 are currently ongoing.
Planning Issues.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:196 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the development works undertaken by her Department under section 181(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, since the Act was enacted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39646/08]
No development works have been undertaken by my Department under Section 181(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 which provides inter alia that a Minister of the Government may by order provide that the Planning and Development Act 2000 shall not apply to a proposed development being carried out, by the Minister or on behalf of the Minister, where the Minister is satisfied that the proposed development is required by reason of an accident or emergency.
Company Takeovers.
Paul Connaughton
Question:197 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the number of small home heating oil distributors which are being taken over by large operators; if her attention has been drawn to the increase in the number of such home heating oil distributors which are selling out over the past year; if this exit of many small oil distributors from the market will lead to anti-competitive pricing arrangements and subsequently lead to higher prices for homeowners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39679/08]
It is the right of any individual or corporation to sell its business and exit the market if it so wishes and it would be inappropriate for the Government to force incumbents to stay in a market. Rather than a reduction in the number of operators in any market necessarily resulting in anti-competitive pricing behaviour, larger companies can benefit from economies of scale and can engage in competitive pricing with rival operators.
Waste Management.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:198 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in the interest of reducing paper use, her Department has plans to relax or drop the requirement to supply three or more hard copies of tender documentation and to move towards greater use of electronic documentation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39734/08]
The Public Procurement rules do not specify the number of copies of tender documents to be submitted but they do permit contracting authorities to require the submission of tenders solely by electronic means. From a practical point of view it is necessary to have hard copies of the tender documents for each member of the assessment team. If an electronic copy only is provided it is nearly always necessary to print it in order to carry out a comprehensive evaluation. It is usual to have at least two people assess the offer, which necessitates three copies of the documents, as a clean copy is required for the file and for FOI purposes. My Department will consider in future restricting the number of pages to be included in tender documentation and to stipulate that they be printed double-sided.
Community Employment Schemes.
Mary Upton
Question:199 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of people on community employment schemes who have progressed to full time work at the end of their scheme in each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39783/08]
Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. The programme helps unemployed people to progress to the open labour market by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine and assists them in enhancing/developing both their technical and personal skills.
I am advised by FÁS that the progression figures from the Community Employment programme into employment or self-employment (both part-time and full-time) are as follows:
Year 2005: 2,383
Year 2006: 2,438
Year 2007: 2,443
Departmental Transport.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:200 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the public transport services used by her since she came into office or since 2007 on official business; the destinations travelled to; the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39793/08]
I assume that the Deputy's question refers to bus and rail travel. I have not had an opportunity since assuming office in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to avail of public transport services on official business. I did have the opportunity to use the train for trips to the South and the South West in my capacity as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:201 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the public transport services used by her officials since 2007 on official business; the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39821/08]
I am interpreting the Deputy's question as relating to the use of bus and rail services by my officials.
All travel by staff of my Department on official business is governed by travel and subsistence regulations issued by the Department of Finance. The overriding principle in these regulations is that all official travel should be by the shortest practicable route and by the most economical means of transport available. In this context, bus and rail services are normally the most economical means of transport.
As a general rule, officers are only authorised to use their own transport on official business where suitable public transport is not available, where public transport is available only at equal or greater expense, or where the use of public transport would result in the unnecessary loss of official time.
While public transport is used by my officials wherever possible, it is not always feasible for staff to use bus or rail services. For example, Labour Inspectors may be required to carry out site visits at locations or at times which make the use of public transport impractical. In such instances, the use of an officer's private car is authorised.
In general, all travel costs — whether in respect of public transport or mileage allowances paid to an officer using his/her private car — are aggregated on my Department's accounts system. It is not feasible, therefore, to identify separately the cost of public transport used by my officials since 2007, as this exercise would require every expenses claim processed by my Department since January 2007 to be reviewed. My Department processes several thousand expenses claims each year.
Decentralisation Programme.
John Deasy
Question:202 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount the process of decentralisation has cost the taxpayer to date excluding the cost of all sites or buildings acquired; and the cost for each individual location. [40154/08]
My Department, Health and Safety Authority and FÁS have interim decentralised offices in place in Carlow, Kilkenny and Birr respectively.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tabular statement. The most recent figures for such costs are those as submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance and the Public Service, via the Department of Finance, and relate to the period January 2004 to June 2008.
In addition the National Consumer Agency has confirmed that a total of €557.33 has been incurred in respect of non-capital expenditure.
|
Organisation and Location |
Total expenditure |
Capital Expenditure (excluding cost of sites and buildings) |
Non-Capital Expenditure |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Dept of Enterprise, Trade & Employment to Carlow |
321,627 |
Nil |
321,627 |
|
Enterprise Ireland to Shannon |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
FÁS to Birr |
364,446 |
101,118 |
263,328 |
|
HSA to Kilkenny |
292,675 |
Nil |
292,675 |
|
NSAI to Arklow |
24,500 |
Nil |
24,500 |
Tax Code.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:203 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance his views on allowing the higher rate of tax relief in respect of IVF treatment in view of the fact that the cost per cycle of treatment will increase by €1,000 per cycle following budget 2009 changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39612/08]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:230 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if he will allow the higher rate of tax relief in respect of IVF treatment in view of the fact that the cost per cycle of treatment will increase by €1,000 per cycle following budget 2009 changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39613/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 230 together.
The position is that, as announced in the Budget, Health Expenses Relief will be granted at the standard rate only from 1 January 2009, with the exception of nursing home expenses where temporary arrangements will apply. Nursing home expenses will be standard rated from 1 January 2010. It is not my intention to make any other adjustments.
Commemorative Events.
Michael Kennedy
Question:204 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Finance his views on the request of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who has suggested an annual soccer game be played in the Island of Ireland Peace Park in Belgium, as a memorial to those soldiers from both sides of the First World War forces who stopped fighting on Christmas Day 1914 in order to pursue an unofficial ceasefire; if he will advise the person on the way the matter might be pursued; and if he will give his support to the matter. [39675/08]
The Island of Ireland Peace Park at Messines (Mesen), Belgium was opened on 11 November 1998 to commemorate all those from the island of Ireland, from all political and religious traditions, who fought and died in the First World War. On behalf of the Irish and British Governments, the park is jointly managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) in Northern Ireland.
The Park is a place of commemoration and reflection and a memorial to those Irishmen who died in the First World War. Because of the configuration and layout of the Island of Ireland Peace Park it would not be possible to hold a football match, but I understand that arrangements are being made by the Irish Embassy in Belgium to hold a commemorative match at a suitable venue nearby.
Tax Code.
Pat Breen
Question:205 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the rate structure for the proposed €10 air travel tax; his plans to replace the proposal with a coastline tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39870/08]
I announced in Budget 2009 that an Air Travel Tax will come into force in respect of passengers departing from Irish airports on and from 30 March 2009. A general rate of €10 per passenger will apply, with a lower rate of €2 for shorter journeys. This measure is estimated to yield €95 million in 2009 and €150 million in a full year. This is not an insignificant amount of money and given the current fiscal environment, I do not wish to see this level of anticipated revenue reduced. However, I am aware of a number of issues that were raised subsequent to my Budget announcement and these will be borne in mind in the context of the Finance Bill.
Departmental Schemes.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:206 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance the number by resort of holiday homes, hotels and other developments that were built through the seaside resort renewal scheme; the cost to the Exchequer of the scheme to date; the cost at the termination of the scheme; the cost by resort to the taxpayer in the reliefs secured by the owners of the properties; the benefits that have accrued from the scheme to the resorts in question; if the scheme has been a success or otherwise; the contribution it has made to the Irish economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39215/08]
The Pilot Tax Relief Scheme for the Renewal and Improvement of Certain Resort Areas (colloquially known as the Seaside Resort Scheme) was introduced with effect from 1 July 1995 for three years on a pilot basis. The qualifying period was extended in the 1998 Finance Act for a further year to 30 June 1999 for pipeline projects. The scheme was extended again until 31 December 1999 in the 1999 Finance Act. The 15 areas are included in the Seaside Resort Scheme were Bundoran, Enniscrone, Achill, Westport, Salthill, Lahinch, Kilkee, Ballybunion, Clonakilty, Youghal, Tramore, Courtown, Arklow, Bettystown/Laytown/Mosney, Clogherhead.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that for the tax year 2003 and earlier years claims for capital allowances for the seaside resort scheme were aggregated in tax returns with other claims and could not be distinguished from other reliefs claimed. Accordingly, the specific information on costs for 2003 and earlier years are not available from that source.
However, a once-off survey of the seaside resort renewal scheme was carried out in 1999 by the Revenue Commissioners the results of which were published in a report on the scheme by an inter-departmental group chaired by the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation. Using indicative information from this survey, the total expected cost of the scheme, rather than annual cost, was estimated at that time to be in the region of €319 million. It was tentatively estimated at that time by Revenue, on the basis of certain assumptions, that the amount of qualifying expenditure and tax cost broken down by resort could be as follows:
|
Resort |
Qualifying Expenditure |
Estimated Tax Cost |
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
Clogherhead |
5 |
2.5 |
|
Laytown/Bettystown/Mosney |
22 |
8.9 |
|
Courtown |
141 |
52.0 |
|
Arklow (UDC area only) |
19 |
7.6 |
|
Kilkee |
67 |
25.0 |
|
Lahinch |
35 |
13.0 |
|
Youghal |
123 |
46.0 |
|
Clonakilty |
28 |
10.0 |
|
Ballybunion |
16 |
6.4 |
|
Tramore |
58 |
22.0 |
|
Westport |
65 |
24.0 |
|
Achill |
43 |
16.5 |
|
Enniscrone |
60 |
23.0 |
|
Bundoran |
103 |
38.4 |
|
Salthill |
65 |
24.0 |
|
Total |
851 |
319.0 |
Information on the scheme of tax relief for seaside resort renewal scheme was for the first time specified and separately included in personal income tax returns for the tax year 2004, which were due for filing in October, 2005 and in corporation tax returns for accounting periods ended in 2005. Based on the information that has been received and collated to date for the tax years 2004, 2005 and 2006, the following table gives details of number of claims and Exchequer cost in terms of income tax and corporation tax foregone for the seaside resort renewal scheme for each of the years 2004 to 2006.
|
Year |
Claims |
Exchequer Cost |
|
€m |
||
|
2004 |
1,059 |
10.1 |
|
2005 |
1,190 |
7.3 |
|
2006 |
1,167 |
6.4 |
The information from tax returns cannot be broken down by reference to resorts nor is it possible to provide the information requested on the number of holiday homes, hotel and other developments associated with this tax incentive. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that data for the tax year 2007 is not yet available as the appropriate income tax and corporation tax returns for that year are either not yet due for filing (by 17 November 2008 in the case of returns filed via ROS) or have only recently been filed but have not yet been processed. With regard to the benefits of the scheme the report on the scheme by the inter-departmental group chaired by the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation indicated that the scheme had resulted in very significant levels of investment in all the resorts but the investment had been overwhelmingly in self catering accommodation. At the time of publication the estimated output of self catering resorts was between 5000 and 6000 units. However, the report also stated that the scheme did not contribute, in any significant way to the achievement of a key tourism objective " the attraction of overseas tourists" but probably assisted in the achievement of regional spread in domestic tourism terms and the wider dispersal of the spin off effects of economic growth.
National Parks.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:207 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if he will amend the regulations governing the playing of football in the Iveagh Gardens, Dublin 2 at the rear of the National Concert Hall; if he will request the Office of Public Works to arrange for a designated area in the extensive grounds of the Iveagh Gardens to be provided for the playing of football by children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39244/08]
The Iveagh Gardens were laid out as exhibition gardens during the 19th century, with many unusual and unique garden features such as the Maze, Rosarium, Cascade, Grottoes and the sunken Archery Grounds. These are designated as a National Historic Park and the features are designed primarily for passive recreation. It is not proposed to designate any area for the pursuit of sport.
Global Financial Crisis.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:208 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the plans to form a European financial crisis cell to tackle the current financial crisis; the composition, functions and powers of such a cell; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38493/08]
One important element of the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15th and 16th October 2008 was the establishment of a Financial Crisis Cell to enable swift and effective action to be taken in a crisis situation. The cell is a warning, information-exchange and evaluation mechanism involving representatives of the Presidency-in-office, the President of the Commission, the President of the ECB (in conjunction with the other European central banks), the President of the Eurogroup and the governments of the Member States. It is based on existing administrative structures rather than a legal decision and can be activated at any time by a Member State faced with a significant financial stability issue ensuring that information is provided immediately and in confidence to the institutions and all Member States. The establishment of the Cell is an important step in strengthening financial stability contingency planning arrangements in the EU.
Financial Services Regulation.
Martin Ferris
Question:209 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the practice of mortgage providers failing to pass on interest cuts to customers who are on variable mortgage rates when they had previously increased payments after ECB rate increases. [39256/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, in welcoming the European Central Bank's announcement on 6 November 2008 of a 0.5% reduction in its key interest rates, I highlighted that I would expect financial institutions to pass on these reductions to their customers including in particular to those purchasing properties on variable mortgages but also to small and medium-sized enterprises. This will help support sustainable growth and employment along with the maintenance of price stability in line with the ECB's objectives.
Decentralisation Programme.
John Deasy
Question:210 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the number of sites and buildings designated for decentralisation that have been acquired by the State; the amount each site or property cost the State; and when it was acquired. [39285/08]
Details of the sites and buildings acquired under the decentralisation programme, the costs incurred to date, and when they were acquired, are outlined in the following table.
|
Location |
Occupier |
Site acquisition costs |
Annual lease/rent |
Project construction costs to date |
Fit Out costs excl VAT, fees and Furniture |
Year Acquired |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|||
|
Athlone |
Dept. of Education & Science (includes local office rationalisation) |
None |
12,489,489 |
State Owned |
||
|
Athy |
Revenue Commissioners |
231,554 |
493,000 |
2007 |
||
|
Ballina |
Road Safety Authority |
151,641 |
319,000 |
2006 |
||
|
Buncrana |
Dept. of Social and Family Affairs |
1,105,860 |
None |
2,372,671 |
2005 |
|
|
Carlow |
Dept. of Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
1,440,000 |
None |
28,000 |
2005 |
|
|
Carlow |
Dept. of Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
369,436 |
2,068,000 |
2007 |
||
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
Dept. of Social and Family Affairs |
800,000 |
4,331,000 |
2007 |
||
|
Cavan |
Dept. of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and HIQA |
2,900,000 |
None |
2006 |
||
|
Cavan (4) |
Dept. of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources |
102,818 |
196,000 |
2006 |
||
|
Claremorris |
OPW plus local staff of Dept. Agriculture, D/SFA, PSA and Courthouse |
2,500,000 |
None |
2007 |
||
|
Claremorris |
OPW |
68,712 |
725,106 |
2007 |
||
|
Clonakilty |
Dept. of Agriculture, BIM & Others |
2,875,000 |
None |
12,932,941 |
2005 |
|
|
Clonakilty (Lease 1) |
Dept. of Agriculture, BIM & Others |
157,480 |
118,855 |
2006 |
||
|
Clonakilty (Lease 2) |
Dept. of Agriculture, BIM & Others |
118,910 |
116,744 |
2006 |
||
|
Cork |
HIQA |
370,420 |
884,049 |
2008 |
||
|
Drogheda |
SFA, CIB, (& Courts Service) |
12,400,000 |
None |
2007 |
||
|
Dundalk |
Sustainable Energy Ireland |
96,000 |
190,000 |
2008 |
||
|
Dungarvan |
OSI |
2,100,000 |
None |
2006 |
||
|
Edenderry |
Dept. of Education & Science |
1,500,000 |
None |
2006 |
||
|
Furbo |
Dept. of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs |
None |
2,805,325 |
State Owned |
||
|
Furbo |
Dept. of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs |
24,382 |
22,000 |
2004 |
|
Location |
Occupier |
Site acquisition costs |
Annual lease/rent |
Project construction costs to date |
Fit Out costs excl VAT, fees and Furniture |
Year Acquired |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|||
|
Killarney |
Dept. of Arts, Sport and Tourism |
4,500,000 |
None |
13,972,099 |
2005 |
|
|
Killarney |
Dept. of Arts, Sport and Tourism |
140,000 |
64,000 |
2006 |
||
|
Kilrush |
Revenue Commissioners |
85,050 |
411,000 |
2007 |
||
|
Limerick |
Dept. Of Foreign Affairs |
833,112 |
6,086,000 |
2008 |
||
|
Limerick |
Dept. Of Foreign Affairs |
128,694 |
2006 |
|||
|
Listowel |
Revenue Commissioners |
183,000 |
1,352,000 |
2007 |
||
|
Longford |
Irish Prisons Service |
576,250 |
None |
18,478,714 |
2005 |
|
|
Loughrea |
Transport |
139,235 |
572,000 |
2007 |
||
|
Mullingar |
Dept. of Education & Science |
8,250,000 |
None |
20,559 |
2007 |
|
|
Navan |
Dept. of Justice, Equality and Law Reform |
440,000 |
3,093,740 |
2008 |
||
|
Navan |
Revenue Commissioners |
575,360 |
2,135,235 |
2007 |
||
|
Newbridge |
Department of Defence |
6,300,000 |
None |
5,757,000 |
2008 |
|
|
Newcastlewest |
Revenue Commissioners |
325,000 |
None |
2,141,110 |
2005 |
|
|
Newcastlewest |
Revenue Commissioners |
68,771 |
2006 |
|||
|
Portarlington |
NCCA, DATA PC, Equality Tribunal, NEWB |
73,500 |
2006 |
|||
|
Portlaoise (Lease 2) |
Dept. of Agriculture |
264,640 |
106,000 |
2006 |
||
|
Portlaoise (Lease 1) |
Dept. of Agriculture |
191,000 |
2005 |
|||
|
Portlaoise (Lease 3) |
Dept. of Agriculture |
75,000 |
2008 |
|||
|
Portlaoise (Lease 4) |
NCCA, Equality Tribunal |
69,661 |
357,952 |
2008 |
||
|
Portlaoise |
Dept. of Agriculture |
1,027,636 |
None |
1,247,148 |
2007 |
|
|
Roscommon |
Land Registry |
3,000,000 |
None |
2007 |
||
|
Roscrea |
Equality Authority, Garda Authority (Ombudsman) |
108,000 |
2007 |
|
Location |
Occupier |
Site acquisition costs |
Annual lease/rent |
Project construction costs to date |
Fit Out costs excl VAT, fees and Furniture |
Year Acquired |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|||
|
Sligo |
Dept. of Social and Family Affairs |
None |
12,595,481 |
State Owned |
||
|
Sligo |
Dept. of Social and Family Affairs |
27,926 |
2006 |
|||
|
Thomastown |
H.S.A. |
1,800,000 |
None |
2008 |
||
|
Thurles (Lease 1) |
Garda Fines Office — Temporary Accommodation |
186,186 |
1,267,000 |
2007 |
||
|
Thurles (Lease 2) |
Garda Vetting Unit |
66,254 |
262,271 |
2005 |
||
|
Thurles |
Garda Branches plus Revenue Commissioners and DSFA |
967,500 |
None |
2005 |
||
|
Tipperary Town (Lease 1) |
Private Security Authority |
108,200 |
2005 |
|||
|
Tipperary Town |
Private Security Authority |
None |
3,349,429 |
2006 |
||
|
Tipperary Town (Lease 2) |
Dept. of Justice / INIS |
103,597 |
800,693 |
2008 |
||
|
Tipperary Town |
Dept. of Justice / INIS |
1,625,000 |
None |
2006 |
||
|
Trim |
OPW |
67,752 |
43,000 |
2007 |
||
|
Trim |
OPW |
3,600,000 |
None |
12,500,000 |
2006 |
|
|
Knock |
Dept. of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs |
390,000 |
None |
2005 |
||
|
Tubbercurry (Lease 1) |
Dept. of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs |
86,755 |
81,000 |
2006 |
||
|
Tubbercurry (Lease 2) |
Dept. of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs |
88,138 |
321,318 |
2008 |
||
|
Tullamore |
Dept. Of Finance (building purchased) |
10,034,000 |
None |
2006 |
||
|
Waterford |
Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
8,000,000 |
None |
2008 |
||
|
Wexford |
Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
3,500,000 |
None |
6,860,000 |
2007 |
|
|
Wexford |
Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
75,000 |
206,000 |
2007 |
||
|
TOTALS |
80,716,246 |
6,305,764 |
113,635,966 |
19,652,914 |
John Deasy
Question:211 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the amount the process of decentralisation has cost the taxpayer to date excluding the cost of all sites or buildings acquired; and the cost for each individual location. [39286/08]
The following table sets out the non-property costs incurred by my Department and the bodies under the aegis of my Department for the decentralisation process broken down by location to end September 2008.
|
Department/Body |
Location |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
Finance |
Tullamore |
741,509 |
|
Revenue |
Kilrush |
130,218 |
|
Listowel |
130,590 |
|
|
Navan |
183,810 |
|
|
Athy |
123,574 |
|
|
Non-salary administrative costs for all locations |
448,990 |
|
|
Office of Public Works (OPW) |
Trim |
21,622 |
|
Claremorris |
||
|
Kanturk |
||
|
Public Appointments Service (PAS) |
Youghal |
5,307 |
|
Valuation Office |
Youghal |
Nil |
Up to the end of September 2008 my Department has incurred expenditure in the amount of €492,696 in relation to the Decentralisation Implementation Group and €1,864,429 in relation to the Central Decentralisation Unit. The PAS has incurred expenditure in the amount of €533,509 in relation to the staffing of the Central Applications Facility to facilitate the decentralisation programme. The OPW have incurred €268,151 for travel and subsistence in connection with the overall decentralisation programme. Details of the staffing costs and a breakdown by location of the above non-property costs incurred by the OPW in connection with the overall decentralisation programme to end September 2008, will be forwarded directly to the Deputy.
Tax Code.
Finian McGrath
Question:212 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support a matter (details supplied). [39336/08]
As announced in the Budget, health expenses relief will be granted at the standard rate only from 1 January 2009, with the exception of nursing home expenses where temporary arrangements will apply. Nursing home expenses will be standard rated from 1 January 2010.
Michael Ring
Question:213 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance when the tax exemption status for artists was introduced; and the details of this provision. [39342/08]
Michael Ring
Question:214 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the number of artists annually who have availed of the tax exemption scheme each year since the scheme was introduced. [39343/08]
Michael Ring
Question:215 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money foregone by the Revenue Commissioners annually on the tax exemption scheme for artists since the scheme was introduced. [39344/08]
Michael Ring
Question:216 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the top ten recipients of the tax exemption scheme for artists in each of the past ten years; and the amount of tax waivered in each case. [39345/08]
Michael Ring
Question:217 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the estimated amount of tax to be waivered in 2008 under the tax exemption scheme for artists. [39347/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 to 217, inclusive, together.
The artists tax exemption was introduced in 1969 to help create an environment in Ireland in which the arts could flourish and to encourage artists living abroad to come and live in Ireland. Under the scheme, income earned by artists, writers, composers and sculptors from the sale of their work (books and other writings, plays, musical compositions, paintings and sculptures) is exempt from tax in Ireland in certain circumstances. The exemption is only available to individuals who are resident or ordinarily resident and domiciled here for tax purposes and not resident elsewhere. The exemption is one of the reliefs covered by the restriction on the use of tax reliefs which took effect from 1 January 2007.
With regard to annual figures on the number of artists who have availed of the exemption and the amount of tax foregone, the relevant available information relates to income tax returns filed for the income tax years 1994/1995 to 2005, the latest year for which the relevant detailed information is available, and is set out in the following table. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that returns of the relevant tax exempt income were not captured in such a way as to provide a basis for compiling the information sought by the Deputy for tax years prior to 1994/95.
|
Tax Year |
Number |
Estimated cost €m |
|
1994/1995 |
520 |
6.5 |
|
1995/1996 |
525 |
10.3 |
|
1996/1997 |
700 |
13.2 |
|
1997/1998 |
800 |
19.8 |
|
1998/1999 |
900 |
24.5 |
|
1999/2000 |
940 |
29.9 |
|
2000/2001 |
1,200 |
37.2 |
|
2001 |
1,430 |
25.7 |
|
2002 |
1,600 |
23.9 |
|
2003 |
1,700 |
22.5 |
|
2004 |
1,970 |
32.1 |
|
2005 |
2,220 |
34.8 |
With regard to the top ten recipients of the exemption in each of the past ten years, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that their obligation to observe confidentiality for taxpayers and small groups of taxpayers precludes them from providing the information requested. Finally, projections for income tax receipts are based on assumed movements in macroeconomic parameters and not by reference to the costs of individual tax reliefs. Accordingly, I am not in a position to provide the data requested by the Deputy for 2008 in respect of the exemption.
Róisín Shortall
Question:218 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if the proposed 1% levy, announced in budget 2009, will be applied to United Kingdom DSS pensions paid in to persons resident here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39464/08]
Seán Ardagh
Question:227 Deputy Seán Ardagh asked the Minister for Finance if State pensions receivable from other EU states will be exempted from the new 1% levy, similar to State pensions of this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39586/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 227 together.
The position is that the income levy will be applied to gross income except social welfare payments and contributory and non-contributory social welfare pensions. It is also proposed to exempt those on low incomes from the income levy. Full details on the levy will be set out in the forthcoming Finance Bill.
Lottery Funding.
Joan Burton
Question:219 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the surplus received from the national lottery to the Exchequer each year for the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39474/08]
The surplus received from the National Lottery in each of the past ten years is as follows: 1998, €141.294 million; 1999, €159.378 million; 2000, €162.807 million; 2001, €175.793 million; 2002, €172.931 million; 2003, €186.702 million; 2004, €191.125 million; 2005, €203.205 million; 2006, €217.526 million; and 2007, €245.480 million.
Joan Burton
Question:220 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of funding provided to youth services from the national lottery surplus each year for the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39475/08]
The amount of funding provided to youth services (Subhead B9 of the Vote for the Department of Education and Science) from the National Lottery each year between 1999 and 2004 is as follows: 1999, €19,032,267; 2000, €21,399,901; 2001, €23,350,483; 2002, €25,692,000; 2003, €27,123,000; and 2004, €28,624,000. Since 2005, subheads which had previously been funded by the proceeds of the National Lottery have been part-funded by the proceeds of the National Lottery, the balance being provided by the Exchequer. Although we know the percentage of National Lottery funds relative to total expenditure on the aggregate of subheads which are part-funded by the National Lottery, it is not possible to say that any given subhead got a particular percentage of National Lottery funding. The total amount provided in subhead B9 of the Vote for the Department of Education and Science between 2005 and 2008 is as follows: 2005, €33,889,000; 2006, €36,728,000; 2007, €42,617,000; and 2008, €43,733,000. National Lottery funding as a percentage of total expenditure on all subheads which were part-funded by the National Lottery is as follows: 2005, 64%; 2006, 50%; 2007, 52%; and 2008, 56% (estimated).
Joan Burton
Question:221 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the action taken in view of the Government decision in the White Paper Supporting Voluntary Activity in 2001 to establish a national lottery fund monitoring committee including representatives of the community and voluntary sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39476/08]
The National Lottery Beneficiary Fund Monitoring Committee was established by the Department of Finance to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the 1997 report of the National Lottery Review Group. The Monitoring Committee ceased to exist when it was subsequently decided that the recommendations of the Review Group could better be pursued within the broader context of the then Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs' consideration of the White Paper on a Framework for Supporting Voluntary Activity and for Developing the Relationship between the State and the Community and Voluntary Sector, rather than via a separate committee. Responsibility for the implementation of the White Paper, which was published in 2000, now rests with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Tax Code.
Joan Burton
Question:222 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance his views on circumstances in which a non-executive director of a charity who receives no payment apart from out of pocket expenses from the charity is nominated by the charity and is subsequently appointed to sit on the board, advisory body or committee of another organisation which is not a charity for which they receive and retain a fee; the implications for the designation of the charity for tax purposes by the Revenue Commissioners; the legal basis for such a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39477/08]
Joan Burton
Question:223 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether it would be appropriate for the Revenue Commissioners to take into account fees and payments apart from out of pocket expenses paid to non-executive directors of charities from other bodies to which they were nominated by their charity when determining or reviewing the designation of the charity for tax purposes despite the fact that the bodies making the payments are separate legal entities, are not charities and therefore there is no prohibition on the payment of fees and the work and contribution of the director nominated by the charity is undertaken in their own time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39478/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 223 together.
A tax exemption for charities is available under section 207 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. To avail of this exemption, a body must be established for charitable purposes only and must also apply all of its income for charitable purposes only. With a view to ensuring that this is the case, Revenue generally insists that no director, trustee or officer receives any remuneration or other benefit from the charity. In cases where a director of a charity is nominated by the charity and is subsequently appointed to sit, in their own time, on the board, advisory body or committee of another organisation which is not a charity and receives and retains a fee in respect of such appointment, the payment of such a fee would not normally have implications for the designation of the charity as a tax exempt body. However, Revenue has pointed out that each case is decided on its own merits and, when reaching its decision, Revenue would have to be satisfied that the appointment was a bone fide appointment to an independent board, body or committee.
Departmental Expenditure.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:224 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the number of capital projects which have gone over budget in each of the past five years; the original estimate for each of these projects; the final cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39525/08]
My Department's vote had one capital project in the period to which the Deputy refers where the final cost out-turn exceeded the initial cost estimate. In October 2004, my Department commenced a project to build and fit out a crèche for 80 children in Cork at an estimated cost of €2.5 million as part of the Civil Service child care initiative. The Office of Public Works subsequently advised that a larger crèche catering for 135 children would represent better value for money. In addition, changes to the layout of the ground floor were required to comply with amendments to HSE regulations which occurred after work on the project had commenced. These changes are expected to bring the total cost to €4.4 million when the project is completed in 2009. I have been advised by the following offices under the aegis of my Department that, in the period in question, there were no occasions on which capital projects for which they are or were responsible exceeded their budget: the Commission for Public Service Appointments, the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Office of the Appeals Commissioner, the Office of the Commission for Public Service Appointments, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Public Appointments Service, the State Laboratory and the Valuation Office. The Office of Public Works has been responsible for several hundred capital projects in the relevant period. In the time available, it has been unable to collate the information sought. I have asked that office to communicate the relevant information direct to the Deputy.
Departmental Staff.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:225 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the severance packages for each retiring staff member in his Department over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39540/08]
Under the terms of the Civil Service Pensions Schemes, all retiring Civil Servants are normally entitled to an annual pension and a retirement lump sum based on final salary and years of service. The amounts granted to staff retiring from my Department under these entitlements in each of the past three years are as follows:
|
Number of staff |
Pension |
Lump Sum |
Total |
|
|
2006 |
9 |
401,075 |
1,377,235 |
1,778,310 |
|
2007 |
9 |
303,938 |
945,072 |
1,249,010 |
|
2008 to date |
12 |
515,231 |
1,722,500 |
2,237,731 |
|
Total |
30 |
1,220,244 |
4,044,807 |
5,265,051 |
As the numbers involved are small any further breakdown could lead to the identification of individual staff members and would not be appropriate.
Tax Code.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:226 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance further to Question No. 283 of 24 September 2008, if he will correct this anomaly in view of the fact that the amount paid as rent to the local authority under the shared ownership scheme may amount to several hundred euro per month, in addition to the mortgage repayments, and that these homeowners are low-income by definition. [39573/08]
The position, as set out in my reply to Question No. 283 of 24 September 2008, regarding the application of section 473 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 to rent paid to a local authority under the shared ownership scheme, does not represent an anomaly in the taxation code. Rent paid under the Shared Ownership Scheme is designed to cover the cost to local authorities of financing the rented share in the equity of the house. The benefits to participants in the scheme is that, on redemption, the purchaser only has to repay the initial capital outlay, given that the rent charged should more or less cover the interest charges i.e. the cost of borrowings. Shared ownership rents are not, therefore, comparable to the rents paid by tenants to landlords in the private sector. In addition, under the Shared Ownership Scheme, there is an annual subsidy payable towards rent to lower income households. This graded subsidy is used to reduce the household's annual outgoings and varies from €2,300 to €1,050 on a gross annual household income range of between €13,001 and €28,000.
Question No. 227 answered with Question No. 218.
Sean Sherlock
Question:228 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if the income levy will apply to gross income before the deduction of allowances in the case of companies who are engaged in farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39597/08]
The income levy is applied to individual income earners and not to companies. Full details regarding provisions, in relation to the collection, recovery, inspection of records, and other provisions required in relation to the income levy will be set out in the forthcoming Finance Bill.
Sean Sherlock
Question:229 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if the income levy will apply to gross income before deduction of capital allowances in the case of individuals who are self employed farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39598/08]
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 farmer'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. However, no deduction will be allowed for capital allowances. More detailed provisions, in relation to the collection, recovery, inspection of records, and other provisions required will be set out in the Finance Bill.
Question No. 230 answered with Question No. 203.
Joan Burton
Question:231 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the average effective rate of corporation tax paid by companies which were liable to be taxed at the nominal rate of 12.5% in 2007; the number of companies that were in this category; the average effective rate of corporation tax paid by companies which were liable to be taxed at the nominal rate of 10% in 2007; the number of companies that were in this category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39626/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the necessary detailed data for accounting periods of companies ending in 2007 is not yet available. However, on the basis of data available for accounting periods ending in 2006, the information requested is as set out in the following table.
|
Total Number of Companies |
Average Effective Tax Rate on Taxable Income and Gains |
|
|
Companies liable to tax at the standard rate of 12.5 per cent. |
105,861 |
11.5% |
|
Companies qualifying for the reduced rate of 10 per cent on some or all of their profits* |
2,912 |
10.6% |
*Note: Companies qualifying for the reduced rate of 10 per cent are liable to the standard rate of tax on their trading income that does not qualify for the reduced rate of tax and also pay tax at 25 per cent on their non-trading income, if any. The tax used to calculate their effective rate shown in the table includes tax at both the standard rate and non-trading rates where applicable.
Taxable Income and Gains are trading profits less tax depreciation, plus other non-trading income and gains less deductions and reliefs allowed for tax purposes.
The number of companies shown includes all companies with a corporation tax return for accounting periods ended in 2006, whether liable to tax or not.
Tax Yield.
Joan Burton
Question:232 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of tax that was foregone under each of every property tax-based scheme in 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39627/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the amount of tax foregone under each property-based scheme in 2006 is as follows:
|
Scheme |
Tax Cost |
|
€m |
|
|
Urban Renewal |
140.5 |
|
Town Renewal |
38.7 |
|
Seaside Resorts |
6.4 |
|
Rural Renewal |
38.0 |
|
Multi-storey car parks |
16.6 |
|
Living over the shop |
2.7 |
|
Enterprise Areas |
3.0 |
|
Park and Ride |
2.8 |
|
Holiday Cottages |
9.5 |
|
Hotels |
106.6 |
|
Nursing Homes |
14.7 |
|
Housing for the Elderly/Infirm |
1.4 |
|
Hostels |
0.82 |
|
Guest houses |
0.08 |
|
Convalescent Homes |
1.7 |
|
Qualifying (Private) Hospitals |
10.6 |
|
Qualifying sports injury clinics |
0.0 |
|
Buildings used for Childcare Purposes |
6.0 |
|
Student Accommodation |
64.3 |
|
Total |
464.4 |
It should be noted that the cost of tax relief for property tax based schemes which still remain in the tax code is estimated at just over €34 million for 2006.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that data for the tax year 2007 is not yet available as the appropriate income tax and corporation tax returns for that year are either not yet due for filing (by 17th November 2008 in the case of returns filed via ROS) or have only recently been filed but have not yet been processed.
Joan Burton
Question:233 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of tax that was foregone under the business expansion scheme and the seed capital scheme respectively in 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39628/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated tax foregone in respect of the Business Expansion Scheme and the Seed Capital Scheme for the years 2006 and 2007 is as set out in the following table:
|
2006 |
2007 |
|
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
Business Expansion Scheme |
21.4 |
17.5 |
|
Seed Capital Scheme |
1.2 |
2.3 |
Departmental Expenditure.
Joan Burton
Question:234 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the procedures for the assessment of major public projects; the way they are decided upon; the methodology of the cost benefit analysis; the time taken in deciding on the projects; the financial thresholds for deeper analysis; the reporting and dialogue mechanisms within the various Departments and his Department for major capital projects; the level of seniority and qualifications in economics, finance and so on of those who make the final decisions; the length of time after decisions have been made on these analyses, which are important in ensuring value for money in the public service for large capital sums, before publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39629/08]
Revised guidelines for the appraisal and management of capital expenditure were issued by the Department of Finance in February 2005 to encourage a better approach to appraisal and management of capital programmes and projects and to reflect best practice. These guidelines were further supplemented by the Department of Finance VFM circular of 25 January 2006 and the May 2007 letter revising the test discount Rate and issuing procedures for carrying out spot-checks of compliance with the General Conditions of Sanction for Multi-Annual Capital Envelopes. This comprehensive framework for capital expenditure is intended to reflect changes in evaluation, project appraisal and management best practice; to provide for greater clarity and greater understanding in relation to the roles of all those approving capital expenditure, including Government and Ministers; and to secure best Value for Money.
The responsibility for applying the guidelines for particular projects lies with the relevant Government Departments. The guidelines set out a variety of financial thresholds, including the requirement that projects over €30 million undergo a full cost benefit analysis at detailed appraisal stage. Economic cost-benefit analysis is a method which considers the various direct and indirect costs and benefits of investment proposals. Given the diversity of the types of investment proposals across the range of Government Departments and State Agencies, the precise costs and benefits considered will obviously vary across sectors and between projects. My Department has issued a set of working rules for cost-benefit analysis to assist Departments and Agencies in carrying out rigorous and objective cost-benefit analyses of investment proposals and to standardise and bring consistency to key parameter values used. A number of Departments and Agencies have also developed detailed cost-benefit analysis models for use in appraising capital projects. Publication of these is a matter for each relevant Department, but I understand they have been made publicly available in some instances. The guidelines also require Departments and Agencies to put in place systems to report regularly to their management on the evaluation of projects prior to approval and progress on the management of capital projects and capital programmes. They must also arrange to carry out spot-checks for compliance with the capital appraisal guidelines and report on these and on progress generally under their capital envelopes to the Department of Finance.
Decisions on projects are generally a matter for the relevant Department and it is the responsibility of the individual Departments to ensure that decisions are taken at the appropriate level, within the framework of the guidelines, and that the necessary and relevant expertise is brought to bear on the decision-making process. The time taken for assessment and decision-making will vary according to the circumstances of individual projects. It has not been the practice to publish capital appraisals as they generally contain commercially sensitive information, the publication of which could be prejudicial to the State's capacity to get best value for money in procurement of capital projects. My Department can supply the Deputy on request with the February 2005 Guidelines and the Department of Finance letters of January 2006 and May 2007 or alternatively they are available on my Department's website.
Planning Issues.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:235 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance the details of the development works undertaken by his Department under section 181(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, since the Act was enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39648/08]
No development work has been undertaken by my Department under Section181(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000. I have been informed by the Office of Public Works that no orders were signed in that office for work carried out under Section 181 of the 2000 Planning Act . If works were being undertaken on behalf of other Departments, the relevant Departmental Minister would sign the order.
Tax Code.
Michael Creed
Question:236 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide for tax relief in the Finance Bill 2008 for the necessary remediation works on vacated SEVESO sites in the Cork docklands in order to facilitate the redevelopment of these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39673/08]
In my Budget speech on 14 October, I announced the introduction of a new tax incentive scheme to facilitate the relocation of Seveso-listed industrial facilities which hinder the residential and commercial regeneration of Docklands in urban areas. The EU Seveso Directive seeks to protect public safety by placing land-use restrictions on new residential and commercial development near locations where potentially dangerous activities are undertaken. The Deputy will also be aware that I indicated in my speech that this scheme will be subject to clearance by the European Commission from a State Aids perspective. In discussions which have been held between officials and the EU Commission about the regeneration of urban docklands, the Commission has indicated that the use of tax incentives to facilitate the remediation of sites vacated by Seveso-type industrial facilities for any future residential and commercial use will not pass the EU State Aid rules because of the "polluter pays principle". This ensures that an industry that creates a pollution incident (or in this case, which undertakes the land-use that has damaged a particular location) must bear the cost of remediating the property back to a pre-pollution/pre-damage, land-use basis.
International Monetary Fund.
Leo Varadkar
Question:237 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the circumstances under which a country can apply to the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance; the implications of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39714/08]
The IMF has developed various loan instruments, or "facilities," that are tailored to address the specific circumstances of its membership. The bulk of IMF lending is to provide loans to countries experiencing balance of payments problems. This financial assistance enables countries to rebuild their international reserves; stabilise their currencies; continue paying for imports; and restore conditions for strong economic growth. Upon request by a member country, an IMF loan is usually provided under an "arrangement," which stipulates the specific policies and measures a country has agreed to implement to resolve its balance of payments problem. The economic programme underlying an arrangement is formulated by the country in consultation with the IMF, and is presented to the Fund's Executive Board in a "Letter of Intent." Once an arrangement is approved by the Board, the loan is released in phased instalments as the program is implemented.
Low-income countries may borrow at a concessional interest rate through the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) and the Exogenous Shocks Facility (ESF). Non-concessional loans are provided mainly through Stand-By Arrangements (SBA), and occasionally using the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), the Supplemental Reserve Facility (SRF), and the Compensatory Financing Facility (CFF). The IMF also provides emergency assistance to support recovery from natural disasters and conflicts, in some cases at concessional interest rates. Except for the PRGF and the ESF, all facilities are subject to the IMF's market-related interest rate, known as the "rate of charge," and some carry a surcharge. The rate of charge is based on the SDR interest rate, which is revised weekly to take account of changes in short-term interest rates in major international money markets. Large loans carry a surcharge. The amount that a country can borrow from the Fund - its "access limit"- varies depending on the type of loan, but is typically a multiple of the country's IMF quota. In exceptional circumstances, some loans may exceed the access limits.
In addition, the IMF has emergency procedures to help provide financing at short notice. The Emergency Financing Mechanism can be used when a member country faces an exceptional situation that threatens its financial stability and a rapid response is needed to contain the damage to the country or the international monetary system. Last month, the Executive Board of the IMF approved the creation of a Short-Term Liquidity Facility (SLF) to establish quick-disbursing financing for countries with strong economic policies that are facing temporary liquidity problems in the global capital markets. Disbursements under this facility can be up to 500 percent of quota, with a three-month maturity. Eligible countries are allowed to draw a maximum of three times during any -12-month period. Further details regarding the terms and eligibility applying to the Short-Term Facility and the other facilities can be found at www.imf.org.
Computerisation Programme.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:238 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance if, in the interest of reducing paper use, his Department has plans to relax or drop the requirement to supply three or more hard copies of tender documentation and to move towards greater use of electronic documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39736/08]
The public procurement rules do not specify the number of copies of tender documents to be submitted but they do permit contracting authorities to require the submission of tenders solely by electronic means. The national public procurement website www.etenders.gov.ie, known as ‘‘etenders" and provided by the National Public Procurement Policy Unit of the Department of Finance, has a facility for the submission of tenders electronically. The facility has been available to all public sector organisations since early 2005 and has been (and continues to be) promoted for use by all contracting authorities. My Department has accepted tenders electronically for a number of tendering procedures and I expect the level of usage to increase significantly over the coming year.
The ‘‘etenders" website is used by over 2,000 public sector contracting organisations; between 4,000 and 5,000 tenders are advertised each year and acceptance of electronic tenders offers the potential for significant savings in paper usage. The number of organisations using this facility has almost doubled since May 2008 and we expect this growth to increase even more significantly by the end of 2009 as authorities and suppliers become more familiar and more comfortable with the technology. In addition to the acceptance of tenders on-line, the website also permits contracting authorities to make all documentation associated with a request for tender to be made available on-line, for downloading by suppliers. Approximately 75% of contracting authorities already make use of this facility and we expect to achieve close to 100% by end 2009.
Banking Sector Regulation.
Finian McGrath
Question:239 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify a matter (details supplied). [39743/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, in welcoming the European Central Bank's announcement on 6 November 2008 of a 0.5% reduction in its key interest rates, I highlighted that I would expect financial institutions to pass on these reductions to their customers including in particular to those purchasing properties on variable mortgages but also to small and medium-sized enterprises. This will help support sustainable growth and employment along with the maintenance of price stability in line with the ECB's objectives.
Tax Yield.
John O'Mahony
Question:240 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the tax take on a pint of stout and beer, a measure of spirits, a bottle of beer and stout, a bottle of alcopops and a bottle of wine for 2005, 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39772/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the tax take on the listed products for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 are as shown in the following table.
The prices quoted are taken from the National Average Price Surveys as published by the Central Statistics Office except the prices for a Bottle of Stout where indicative prices are shown for your information.
|
Price |
Excise Content |
VAT Content |
Total Tax Content |
||
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
Stout |
Pint |
3.63 |
0.47 |
0.63 |
1.10 |
|
Beer |
Pint |
3.98 |
0.47 |
0.69 |
1.16 |
|
Spirits |
Standard Measure |
3.38 |
0.56 |
0.59 |
1.15 |
|
Beer |
330ml Bottle |
4.01 |
0.27 |
0.70 |
0.97 |
|
Stout |
330ml Bottle |
3.13 |
0.27 |
0.54 |
0.81 |
|
Alcopops |
275ml Bottle |
4.94 |
0.59 |
0.86 |
1.45 |
|
Wine |
750ml Bottle |
9.00 |
2.05 |
1.56 |
3.61 |
|
Price |
Excise Content |
VAT Content |
Total Tax Content |
||
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
Stout |
Pint |
3.74 |
0.47 |
0.65 |
1.12 |
|
Beer |
Pint |
4.13 |
0.47 |
0.72 |
1.19 |
|
Spirits |
Standard Measure |
3.46 |
0.56 |
0.60 |
1.16 |
|
Beer |
330ml Bottle |
4.15 |
0.27 |
0.72 |
0.99 |
|
Stout |
330ml Bottle |
3.25 |
0.27 |
0.56 |
0.83 |
|
Alcopops |
275ml Bottle |
5.06 |
0.59 |
0.88 |
1.47 |
|
Wine |
750ml Bottle |
8.90 |
2.05 |
1.54 |
3.59 |
|
Price |
Excise Content |
VAT Content |
Total Tax Content |
||
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
Stout |
Pint |
3.85 |
0.47 |
0.67 |
1.14 |
|
Beer |
Pint |
4.26 |
0.47 |
0.74 |
1.21 |
|
Spirits |
Standard Measure |
3.60 |
0.56 |
0.62 |
1.18 |
|
Beer |
330ml Bottle |
4.29 |
0.27 |
0.74 |
1.01 |
|
Stout |
330ml Bottle |
3.35 |
0.27 |
0.58 |
0.85 |
|
Alcopops |
275ml Bottle |
5.21 |
0.59 |
0.90 |
1.49 |
|
Wine |
750ml Bottle |
8.83 |
2.05 |
1.53 |
3.58 |
The Excise content of Beer and Stout is calculated at Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of 4.18%.
Departmental Transport.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:241 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the public transport services used by him since he came into office or since 2007 on official business; the destinations travelled to; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39795/08]
Since my appointment as Minister for Finance on the 7th May 2008, I have not used public transport while on official business.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:242 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the public transport services used by his officials since 2007 on official business; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39823/08]
In 2007 and to date in 2008 approximately €42,000 has been spent by officials of my Department on rail and bus travel while on official travel both at home and abroad.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Sean Sherlock
Question:243 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason funding has not been provided to an organisation (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39211/08]
Sean Sherlock
Question:244 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will explain the core funding shortfall being experienced by an organisation (details supplied) in County Cork that is dealing with people with physical and mental disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39212/08]
Michael Creed
Question:287 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a request from an organisation (details supplied) in County Cork for funding to provide supervised residential places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39664/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 243, 244 and 287 together.
The Deputies questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have replies issued directly to the Deputies.
Accident and Emergency Services.
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:245 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will give a firm commitment to retain the accident and emergency services at St. John’s Hospital, Limerick. [39206/08]
The Government is committed not only to ensuring the delivery of the best quality health services possible but to doing so in an effective and efficient way. Ensuring patient safety is of paramount importance, so that people can have confidence in the services and that the best possible patient outcomes can be achieved. It is essential that we prioritise patient safety and quality and that we organise and manage services accordingly. The priority is to provide safe services as close as possible to where people live.
The Health Service Executive commissioned Horwath Consultants in association with Teamwork Management Services in February 2007 to examine the arrangements for the provision of acute hospital services in the Mid West with a view to identifying the best configuration of such services in the region including arrangements for A&E, critical care, acute medicine and surgery, together with diagnostic services so that the highest quality of care can be delivered to the population of the region. St John's Hospital Limerick is encompassed by the strategic review.
The work of the consultants will act as one of the inputs to decisions on how best to reconfigure acute services in the Mid West region and the HSE is currently in the process of finalising its implementation plans in this regard. The Government and the Executive are committed to ensuring that the approach to re-organisation of services is carried out in consultation with the key stakeholders and that each element is progressed incrementally. This approach will produce the best outcome for patients. I am confident that St John's Hospital will continue to play a significant role in the provision of health services to people in the Mid West region.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Seán Barrett
Question:246 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children the rationale for the 1% cut in disability funding in both 2008 and 2009, along with the withdrawal of €53 million and €17 million in 2007 and 2008 respectively from the multi-annual disability funding voted in Dáil Éireann; if she will restore these cuts to disability and mental health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39214/08]
Almost €1 billion is provided each year to non-statutory providers of disability services. In line with the efficiency measures being taken elsewhere in the health system, an efficiency reduction of 1% will be applied by the HSE to the allocations of non-statutory disability agencies for 2009. It is envisaged that efficiencies will be achieved in non-frontline areas such as advertising, PR, travel and subsistence and management/administrative payroll costs.
The Office for Disability and Mental Health will be conducting a review in 2009 of non-statutory agencies which provide services for persons with disabilities, which will consider issues of structure, overheads, and coherence of and synergies within the sector with a view to assessing the scope for further efficiencies. This exercise will be undertaken with our focus at all times on the needs of those that we serve.
Under the Multi Annual Investment Programme additional funding of €75m was allocated in both 2006 and 2007. In the 2008 Budget, €50m was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) to fund a range of additional services under the Multi Annual Investment Programme for Disability. Although the commencement of the planned developments in disability services this year had been delayed due to a financial review, I am pleased to inform you that the Executive has informed the Department of Health and Children that it is now in the process of rolling out the planned developments. The HSE has indicated that due to the delayed start to some of these developments, it expects to spend €33m of the €50m by the end of 2008. The resulting €17m time related savings were included in this Department's budgetary consolidation measures announced to the House in July 2008.
As the issues raised by the Deputy are matters for the HSE under the Health Act 2004, I have requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Child Care Services.
Róisín Shortall
Question:247 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the budgetary changes to the national child care investment programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39216/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 -2010 (NCIP), which was launched in 2006 with a total allocation of €575 million of which €358 was in respect of capital grant aid for childcare services.
Approximately €216 million of the programme's remaining capital allocation was expected to be allocated during the 2009 and 2010, the final years of the programme as originally proposed. In line with the recently announced budgetary changes and their impact on capital expenditure under the National Development Programme 2007-2013, it is understood that the NCIP's remaining capital allocation is being rescheduled to coincide with the full term of the NDP. In 2009, a capital allocation of €60 million is expected to be made. Given the length of time which it can take for many large-scale capital childcare projects to develop from the initial project stage to contract and drawdown of funding, this approach is expected to facilitate applicants and maximise programme spending. The NCIP's current funding allocation in 2009 has been maintained at its 2008 level, that is a total of €73.578 million.
Hospital Services.
Jack Wall
Question:248 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39219/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Jack Wall
Question:249 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has had their doctor’s only medical card removed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39220/08]
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for the GP visit 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.
Hospital Services.
Arthur Morgan
Question:250 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the external review into the procedure of symphysiotomy in some Irish hospitals (details supplied) is complete; if not, when it is expected to be complete; the person who is conducting this external review; when they were appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39261/08]
My predecessor, Minister Martin, met with the Survivors of Symphysiotomy (SOS) Group in late 2003 and agreed that a range of measures would be put in place to support the Group. I subsequently met with the Chairperson of the SOS Group in early 2007 who expressed satisfaction with regard to the progress made in this regard.
Regarding the matter of a review, I understand that Minister Martin had been exploring the idea of engaging an expert from abroad to advise on the practice of symphysiotomy and that it did not prove possible to source such a person who would be acceptable to the various interests.
The Health Service Executive will continue to monitor and oversee the provision of necessary support services for this patient group.
Hospital Accommodation.
Dan Neville
Question:251 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is planned to open the new hospice unit at St. Ita’s Hospital, Newcastle West, County Limerick. [39262/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
James Reilly
Question:252 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if, with regard to over-70 year old medical card holders whose entitlement will continue to be valid after 1 January 2009 because their income is under the new thresholds, such persons will be expected to undergo a means test once their card expires; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39263/08]
I can confirm that persons aged 70 and over, who currently hold a medical card and whose income is under the new weekly income thresholds of €700 for a single person and €1,400 for a couple, effective from 1st January 2009, will not have to undergo a means test. However, should their circumstances change to a point where their weekly income would be in excess of the thresholds, they should at that time notify the change of circumstances to the Health Service Executive.
Hospital Services.
Michael Ring
Question:253 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for a scan in relation to their medical problem. [39265/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Repayment Scheme.
Paul Kehoe
Question:254 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the appeal to the nursing home repayment scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; the efforts being made to reduce the waiting time for appeals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39290/08]
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 claimant referred to by the Deputy lodged an appeal form with the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office on 14 April 2008 and lodged an oral hearing form on 29 April 2008. The appeal is currently being investigated and an oral hearing will be arranged for the claimant as soon as is practicable. When the appeals officer has made a determination on this appeal he/she will write to the claimant and will provide the claimant with the reasons for the decision.
On establishment of the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office in December 2006 four administrative staff and an officer to determine appeals were assigned to the office. A second appeals officer was appointed on 1 September 2008 to ensure that all appeals are processed as quickly as possible.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:255 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [39296/08]
I understand from the Health Service Executive that on the 31st October 2008 two Principal Social Workers from St Michael's House made a home visit to the individual (details supplied) where a day service was offered and accepted.
Billy Timmins
Question:256 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) will be seen by an orthodontist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39297/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Departmental Expenditure.
Richard Bruton
Question:257 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide an estimate of the cost of legal services which her Department paid for in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if she is satisfied that effective measures are in place to minimise this cost. [39313/08]
The information requested is being collated in my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Services.
Olwyn Enright
Question:258 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the renal unit capacity at a hospital (details supplied) in County Offaly; if all stations in same unit have been opened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39319/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
James Reilly
Question:259 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her policy in relation to married couples in which one spouse is aged over 70 years and the other aged under 70 years; if the spouse under 70 years is subject to a means test; the number of people in receipt of a medical card on this basis over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39323/08]
James Reilly
Question:260 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number, in relation to the revised arrangements for the over-70s medical card, of spouses her Department anticipate will be eligible for a medical card on the basis that their partner is over 70 years of age and they satisfy the means test; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39324/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 and 260 together.
At present, when a person aged 70 and over has a spouse aged under 70, the spouse will qualify for a medical card following a means test, if the couple's combined income is within the means thresholds of €596.50 (net) or €627.00 (net) depending on whether the over 70 medical card holder is aged 70-79 or 80 years or over respectively.
The Government recently announced the introduction of new income thresholds for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 and over of €700 (gross) per week for a single person and €1,400 (gross) for a couple with effect from 1st January 2009. The Government also announced that in cases where one member of a couple is aged 70 or over and the spouse is under 70, both will qualify for a medical card if their combined income is less than €1,400 (gross) per week.
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the number of under 70 spouses over the last five years who qualified for a medical card based on the over 70 and over 80 married couple thresholds is not readily available to my Department or to the Health Service Executive (HSE), because primarily in such cases, the person aged 70 or over and their under 70 spouse received individual medical cards and were recorded separately on the HSE database.
Consequently, it is difficult to estimate, with absolute accuracy, the number of spouses under 70 years of age and married to a person aged 70 and over who will qualify for a medical card based on the new combined weekly income threshold of €1,400 applicable after 1st January 2009. However, given that the current weekly income thresholds for such spouses are net figures and the new increased combined threshold applicable after 1st January 2009 is a gross figure, it is not expected that the number of spouses who qualify for a medical card at present will vary significantly under the new arrangements.
In cases where a person aged 70 or over and their under 70 spouse hold medical cards under the existing arrangements but would not qualify under the new arrangements, the HSE may consider allocating a medical card on a discretionary basis if it considers they would otherwise be caused undue hardship in providing general medical and surgical services for themselves.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:261 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [39334/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. 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.
Medical Cards.
Terence Flanagan
Question:262 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39346/08]
The Government recently announced the introduction of new income thresholds for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 and over of €700 (gross) per week for a single person and €1400 (gross) per week for a couple with effect from 1st January, 2009. Where a person's means are in excess of the income thresholds, the Health Service Executive may issue a medical card on a discretionary basis, if the applicant would otherwise be caused undue hardship in providing general medical and surgical services for himself/herself and any dependants.
Health Services.
Joe Costello
Question:263 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on a letter (details supplied); if, under the circumstances outlined, provision will be made for additional speech and language hours for the person concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39350/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Andrew Doyle
Question:264 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of palliative care nurses employed in County Wicklow; and the action being taken to ensure the employment of specialised nurses for the provision of palliative care nursing services in County Wicklow as soon as possible. [39356/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act, 2004. It is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Andrew Doyle
Question:265 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of occupational therapists employed in County Wicklow; the action being taken to employ occupational therapists to provide an occupational therapy service in County Wicklow; and the terms of employment and the means used to advertise vacancies. [39357/08]
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.
In view of this significant investment, the Government is committed to ensuring continued adequate recruitment of professional staff across a range of community settings to ensure the continued development of community services. Additional funding of €20 million has been provided in 2009 for health and education services for children with special educational needs. This funding will provide a total of 125 additional therapy posts in the HSE targeted at children of school-going age. 90 of these will be in the disability services, including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists. 35 additional posts will be provided for child and adolescent mental health services, including clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists for new and existing multidisciplinary teams.
In addition, certain key health and social care professional posts, including speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, counsellors and social workers, are to be protected by setting employment floors for these grades within the Health Service Executive (HSE) in 2009. These posts are essential to the development of a number of services areas such as disability (including speech and language therapy), child adolescent mental health services and child protection services. In order to protect these posts, my Department will be writing to the HSE setting out the minimum employment levels to be maintained within each of these occupations in the health sector in 2009. The recruitment and retention of these key front line professional posts is vital to ensure continued progress in the development of community settings.
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 matters raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:266 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children the net annual savings that will be made by the new system for over 70s medical cards in comparison with the old system, taking into account the new administrative costs associated with it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39359/08]
Following the recent Government decision to withdraw automatic entitlement to a medical card for persons aged 70 and over and to raise the means assessment threshold for persons in that age cohort, it is estimated that approximately 5% (20,000) of persons aged 70 and over will no longer qualify for a medical card. It is estimated that this will result in a saving of approximately €20 million in 2009, taking account of GP capitation fees, drug costs, superannuation costs, etc.
The Government appointed Mr. Eddie Sullivan to make recommendations on a new single annual capitation fee to be paid to general practitioners in respect of medical card holders aged 70 and over in the community. Mr. Sullivan recommended a single capitation fee of €290, which would come into effect, subject to the proposed legislative changes, from 1st January 2009. Mr. Sullivan's recommendations were accepted by Government on 29th October 2009. Mr. Sullivan estimated that this would generate savings of the order of €16 million in 2009.
The Government believe that there is potential for significant savings of at least €64 million in drug costs under the GMS and community drug schemes, without compromising on patient care. Accordingly, it has decided to establish a process under the chairmanship of Dr. Michael Barry, to develop recommendations for good practice which will secure safe and effective prescribing for patients, while maximising the potential for the economy in the use of public funds. The initial report from Dr. Barry will be prepared by 1st December 2008.
The Health Service Executive has indicated that, through the streamlining of its application processes and the restructuring of existing organisational capacity and resources to manage the implementation of this government measure, it does not envisage any significant additional administrative costs.
Health Services.
Catherine Byrne
Question:267 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding allocated to a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 16 in 2008; if the Health Service Executive funding for this centre has been reduced; if funding of medical cards for recovering addicts attending this centre has been reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39438/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:268 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of orthodontists currently working in the Health Service Executive; the number working in the Dun Laoghaire area; if positions are vacant; the plans in place to fill them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39466/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Brendan Howlin
Question:269 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a 20-month waiting list for the adult audiology service in Wexford; if she has had discussions with the Health Service Executive in relation to improving this service; if funding dedicated to substantially reducing this waiting period will be provided to the HSE by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39467/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:270 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the dental treatment services scheme for medical card holders is in full operation here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39470/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Drugs Payment Scheme.
Dinny McGinley
Question:271 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children if the delays in refunding patients under the drugs payment scheme will be expedited by invoking the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act in order that they are not left waiting for long periods in having refunds made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39498/08]
The Prompt Payment of Accounts Act 1997 requires all public bodies to pay amounts due to suppliers of goods and services promptly. Accordingly, I do not consider that the Act is relevant in this context.
Following the reduction in pharmaceutical reimbursement prices on 1 March 2008, claims made by patients to Health Service Executive (HSE) local health offices were paid at the new lower reimbursement rate. I understand that payment of some claims was delayed because the pharmacy had charged the patient at the higher price, not the lower reimbursement price. Following a recent High Court judgment, reimbursement prices are being reinstated to the original level. Consequently, the HSE is now examining the issue of refund of payments to patients through local health offices. It is expected that this matter will be resolved shortly.
Departmental Expenditure.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:272 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of capital projects which have gone over budget in each of the past five years; the original estimate for each of these projects; the final cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39527/08]
Since its establishment in 2005, the Health Service Executive has had responsibility for public health sector capital developments other than those projects undertaken by my Department, by the Office of the Minister for Children and by the health agencies that are directly funded by my Department. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the details requested in relation to those projects for which the Executive has responsibility, issued directly to the Deputy.
My Department is collating the requested details in relation to the remaining capital projects and will reply directly to the Deputy.
Departmental Staff.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:273 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children the severance packages for each retiring staff member in her Department over the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39542/08]
Severance provisions for staff are available in limited circumstances, and involve termination of employment for Ministerial personal staff on cessation of office of the Minister or a Minister of State. Severance is not payable to Ministerial personal staff who have been appointed by way of secondment from the civil service or some other form of leave of absence from other employments. As such, severance provisions apply only where Ministerial personal staff have no job to return to on cessation of office of the Minister or Minister of State. In accordance with Department of Finance guidelines severance payments of either 2 month's pay, or 4 weeks' pay per year of service apply depending on which is more favourable. These severance payments are in addition to any statutory entitlements under the Redundancy Payments Acts and the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts.
Over the past three years my Department has made severance payments in respect of seven Ministerial personal staff to a total value of €99,682. These ranged from a maximum payment of €24,927 to a minimum of €8,359 and an overall average of €14,240. Civil servants, on retirement, receive an entitlement under existing superannuation schemes which are not considered as severance packages.
Health Services.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:274 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the case of persons (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [39565/08]
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.
Care of the Elderly.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:275 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to provision of a home care package for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39579/08]
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.
Assisted Human Reproduction.
Joe Costello
Question:276 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied). [39592/08]
At present there is no legislation in Ireland governing the intervention in the natural process of creating human life; instead, medical practice is governed by guidelines issued by the Medical Council. My Department is developing an appropriate regulatory framework for the area of Assisted Human Reproduction, which will also encompass the area of human embryonic stem cell research. This work involves, inter alia, examining the approaches to regulation in other jurisdictions and considering the ethical and legal issues that arise. It will also take into account the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children on this area — when completed — and any judgment of the Supreme Court in the RvR (frozen embryo) case. In the meantime, I understand from the Health Research Board that funding of almost €3 million has been awarded by the board for various projects in Ireland on research involving other types of stem cells.
Mental Health Services.
Tony Gregory
Question:277 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on queries (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter relating to the provision of mental health services in budget 2009. [39593/08]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:282 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will allocate the promised €25 million for mental health services in order to achieve the goals of A Vision for Change; if she will put in place adequate mechanisms to ensure that it is spent accountably; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39614/08]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:283 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps taken by her to implement recommendation 19.11 of A Vision for Change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39615/08]
Róisín Shortall
Question:289 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount she will allocate the mental health services in accordance with the provisions as set out in A Vision for Change; the mechanisms put in place to ensure accountability in spending of these funds; the steps she has taken to implement recommendation 19.11 of A Vision for Change; and the action to date taken by her on the recommendations issued by the sub-committee on the adverse side effects of pharmaceuticals. [39700/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 277, 282, 283 and 289 together.
Substantial resources have been invested in mental health services. Overall spending on mental health services in 2007 amounted to €1 billion and this level of funding continued into 2008. It is also important to bear in mind that some 90% of mental health problems are dealt with in primary care.
The estimated additional cost of the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change' the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy is €150m over 7 — 10 years. A total of €51.2 million has been allocated since 2006 which represents over a third of the overall requirement. Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive is obliged to operate within its overall vote. In this regard, it took steps to ensure that it met this objective in 2007 by delaying some of its planned developments, including developments in mental health. I am advised that of the €51 million provided in 2006 and 2007 for the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change', about €30 million has now been invested. In addition, the recruitment of 8 additional child and adolescent teams and the commissioning of 14 additional beds for children and adolescents is underway.
I wish to assure the Deputies that this Government is firmly committed to the development of mental health services in line with ‘A Vision for Change'. Implementation of the recommendations of the Report is a key priority for the Office for Disability and Mental Health. By working in partnership with the HSE to achieve the agreed targets, the Office is bringing a new impetus to implementation. Funding will be provided in 2009 for the recruitment of 35 therapy posts for the child and adolescent mental health service. In addition, once-off funding of €1.75m is being provided for suicide prevention initiatives and for mental health projects supporting service users and carers. I also wish to point out that implementation of ‘A Vision for Change' is dependent to a much greater extent on the remodelling of existing resources than on new additional funds.
Implementation of many of the recommendations in 19.11 of ‘A Vision for Change' is the responsibility of the HSE. In relation to research the Department of Health and Children provides funding to the Mental Health Research Unit (MHRU) as part of the Health Research Board's overall allocation. The Unit manages and reports on national information systems in the mental health area e.g. the National Psychiatric In–Patient Reporting System (NPIRS). Support has been provided to develop WISDOM — a system which will capture information on inpatient and community care service activity. Research is also an integral part of the work of the Health Service Executive and the Mental Health Commission.
In relation to the Report on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals, April 2007, I am advised that the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) initiated a process to carefully examine the various items raised. This assessment was completed in November 2007. The outcomes of this assessment have been communicated to my Department and I am advised that proposals concerning conduct of clinical trials and post authorisation studies are already provided for in legislation and are the subject of a range of initiatives.
Regarding the handling of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting, a number of items highlighted in the Oireachtas report reflected submissions made by the IMB and the consultant's assessment drew attention to the following opportunities which are currently being progressed by the IMB:
further development of stakeholder education strategy to include safety issues across the organisation,
expanding the current IMB adverse reaction education and awareness programme to a wider healthcare professional base, members of the public and to enhance the profile of the topic in the media,
targeted campaign focused on improving awareness of adverse reaction reporting among health professionals and the public,
the publication of high level adverse reaction data.
I am also advised that the IMB has developed a website which has the capacity to take on-line reporting of adverse reaction reports. This system is fully operational and reports are being taken from both health care professionals and patients. The website can be accessed at; http://www.imb.ie/EN/Safety--Quality/Online-Forms/Human-Medicine-Adverse-Drug-Reaction.aspx
The position in relation to the establishment of a Patient Safety Agency is that a Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance was established to develop clear and practical recommendations to ensure that quality and safety of care for patients is paramount within the healthcare system. The Commission's Report — ‘Building a Culture of Patient Safety' was published on 7th August 2008. It contains 134 recommendations spanning across almost every area of the health service including a number relating to the reporting, managing and learning from adverse events in the health system generally as well as some recommendations in the area of medication safety relating chiefly to the Irish Medicines Board and other bodies with a stake in the medication sector.
The implementation plan endorsed by the Commission recommends the immediate establishment of an Implementation Steering Group (ISG) and five expert subgroups relating to specific subjects. The advantages of this model are that it immediately builds on the structures already in place and can deliver results quickly. On this basis, the establishment of a new patient safety agency is not proposed.
Medical Cards.
Seán Ardagh
Question:278 Deputy Seán Ardagh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that after January 2009, once a medical card is legitimately received by a person over 70, that card will not be taken away in the future as in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39595/08]
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Michael Ring
Question:279 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be given an appointment in Galway with a neurologist in view of the fact that their referral was submitted several months ago. [39604/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff.
Olwyn Enright
Question:280 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps that have been taken by her Department to replace a speech and language therapist providing services at a school (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39605/08]
Olwyn Enright
Question:281 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children when a replacement speech and language therapist will be put in place for a school (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39606/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 280 and 281 together.
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.
In view of this significant investment, the Government is committed to ensuring continued adequate recruitment of professional staff across a range of community settings to ensure the continued development of community services. Additional funding of €20 million has been provided in 2009 for health and education services for children with special educational needs. This funding will provide a total of 125 additional therapy posts in the HSE targeted at children of school-going age. 90 of these will be in the disability services, including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists. 35 additional posts will be provided for child and adolescent mental health services, including clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists for new and existing multi-disciplinary teams.
In addition, certain key health and social care professional posts, including speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, counsellors and social workers, are to be protected by setting employment floors for these grades within the Health Service Executive (HSE) in 2009. These posts are essential to the development of a number of services areas such as disability (including speech and language therapy), child adolescent mental health services and child protection services. In order to protect these posts, my Department will be writing to the HSE setting out the minimum employment levels to be maintained within each of these occupations in the health sector in 2009. The recruitment and retention of these key front line professional posts is vital to ensure continued progress in the development of community settings.
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 matters raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Questions Nos. 282 and 283 answered with Question No. 277.
Medicinal Products.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:284 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she has taken or will take on the recommendations issued by the Sub-Committee on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39616/08]
Following the publication by a Sub-Committee of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children of its Report on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals in April 2007, the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) initiated a process to carefully examine the various items raised. This process involved the appointment of independent external consultants and experts in the field of pharmacovigilance and drug safety who have conducted a robust assessment of the proposals. This assessment was completed in November 2007.
I am advised that the proposals concerning conduct of clinical trials and post authorisation studies are already provided for in legislation and are the subject of a range of initiatives. One such initiative is a European Medicines Agency project to establish a European Network of Centres for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance (ENCePP) to look at ways of establishing studies in the various member states and enhancing the sharing of study data across the EU. The IMB's intensive involvement with the Agency and European medicines regulation ensures our full engagement with this initiative and access to all resultant patient safety information.
Regarding of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting, a number of items highlighted in the Sub-Committee's report reflected submissions made by the IMB and the consultant's assessment drew attention to the following opportunities which are currently being progressed by the IMB:
further development of stakeholder education strategy to include safety issues across the organisation,
expanding the current IMB adverse reaction education and awareness programme to a wider healthcare professional base, members of the public and to enhance the profile of the topic in the media,
targeted campaign focussed on improving awareness of adverse reaction reporting among health professionals and the public,
the publication of high level adverse reaction data.
The Sub-Committee's report referred to the need to increase the reporting of ADRs. In response to this, the IMB has developed a website which has the capacity to take on-line reporting of adverse reaction reports. This system has been fully operational in 2008 and reports are being taken from both health care professionals and patients. The website can be accessed at; http://www.imb.ie/EN/Safety--Quality/Online-Forms/Human-Medicine-Adverse-Drug-Reaction.aspx
With regard to the establishment of a patient safety agency as recommended by the Sub-Committee, in January 2007, I established a Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance to develop clear and practical recommendations to ensure that quality and safety of care for patients is paramount within the healthcare system.
The Commission's Report — ‘Building a Culture of Patient Safety' was published on 7th August 2008. The report contains 134 recommendations spanning across almost every area of the health service including a number relating to the reporting, managing and learning from adverse events in the health system generally. It also made recommendations in the area of medication safety which are being addressed by the Irish Medicines Board and other bodies with a stake in the medication sector.
I will be submitting proposals to Government in the near future arising from the report of the Commission.
Planning Issues.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:285 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the development works undertaken by her Department under Section 181 (2) (a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, since the Act was enacted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39650/08]
My Department has not undertaken any development works under Section 181 (2) (a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 since the Act was enacted.
Health Services.
Michael McGrath
Question:286 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of funding allocated to a service provider (details supplied) in 2007; and the breakdown of this budget. [39657/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 287 answered with Question No. 243.
Hospitals Building Programme.
Paul Connaughton
Question:288 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the proposed community hospital for Tuam, County Galway; the number of expressions of interest that were received; if all such expression of interest applicants will be involved in the dialogue stage; the length of time this phase will take; if the €15 million Government funds already allocated to this project are still available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39678/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. 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.
Question No. 289 answered with Question No. 277.
Medical Cards.
James Bannon
Question:290 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to the introduction of a medical card for all full-time carers regardless of means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39701/08]
At present, medical cards are granted primarily on the basis of means and individual circumstances. Under the Health Act, 2004, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. The HSE has discretion, in cases of exceptional need, to provide assistance to individuals where undue hardship would otherwise be caused. I have no plans to provide for the granting of medical cards to any particular group as a whole.
Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of general practitioner services. In 2005, the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on lower incomes who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP. In June 2006, I agreed with the HSE to raise the assessment guidelines for GP visit cards and these are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards. For medical card and GP visit card applications, the HSE now considers an applicant's income after tax and PRSI are deducted, rather than total income. Allowances are also made for expenses on childcare, rent and mortgage costs and the cost of travel to work.
Health Service Staff.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:291 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff, employed and on contract, in the personal office of the chief executive officer of the Health Service Executive; the annual cost of such office in 2007; and the estimated cost for 2008. [39707/08]
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.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Bernard Allen
Question:292 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is paying €350 per week out of their limited income for the maintenance of their spouse in a nursing home; and if the Health Service Executive will increase the level of subvention in order to reduce the person’s liabilities which are causing severe financial hardship to them. [39715/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Accident and Emergency Services.
Joe Costello
Question:293 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of referrals from a group (details supplied) in Dublin 7, to the Mater Hospital accident and emergency department, in each month since January to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39717/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Michael McGrath
Question:294 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the provision of home help for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [39725/08]
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.
Waste Management.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:295 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in the interest of reducing paper use, her Department has plans to relax or drop the requirement to supply three or more hard copies of tender documentation and to move towards greater use of electronic documentation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39738/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, public procurement rules do not specify the number of copies of tender documents to be submitted and they permit contracting authorities to require the submission of tenders solely by electronic means. The e-tenders website provides this facility and this was utilised in a recent competition carried out by my Department. My Department is committed to increasing the use of electronic tender documentation where possible.
Pharmacy Regulations.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:296 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding issues raised between her Department, the Health Service Executive and the Irish Pharmacy Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39745/08]
The Health Service Executive, with the support of my Department, agreed with the Irish Pharmacy Union on 28th April 2008 to address a number of matters including engagement on a new substantive contract and payment of outstanding general round increases. Progress has been made in relation to the general round increases. Engagement on a new contract was deferred pending the judgment of the Commercial Court in a case relating to wholesale reimbursement pricing. Now that the Court has delivered its judgment, I intend to initiate a process of engagement with the IPU at an early date.
Hospital Staff.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:297 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that the radiology department in the Louth Meath hospital group is sufficiently resourced with consultant radiologists to ensure that significant misdiagnosis of X-rays is no longer occurring; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39762/08]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:298 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that no concerns in relation to the number of radiologists employed in the Louth Meath group have been brought to the attention of the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39763/08]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:299 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that no concerns in relation to significant misdiagnosis of X-rays in the Louth Meath hospital group have been expressed to the Health Service Executive since the locum consultant involved in the recent review of chest X-rays left the region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39764/08]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:300 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if the radiology department in the Louth Meath group is dependent on locums including external radiologists employed by the Health Service Executive, to report on X-rays due to the workload in the department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39765/08]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:301 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has been informed by the consultant radiologists in the Louth Meath radiology department that they are experiencing difficulty in coping with the workload in the three hospitals in the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39766/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 297 to 301, inclusive, together.
The Health Service Executive recently published the Report of the Review of Chest X-Rays and CT Scans reported by a locum consultant radiologist at Louth/Meath Hospitals from August 2006 to August 2007. The Review found that nine patients in Drogheda and Navan hospitals had their diagnosis of lung cancer delayed as a result of radiological missed diagnosis. Eight of these patients are deceased. I have extended my sympathies to the families of these patients. The 9 patients had been identified and diagnosed prior to March 2008. The review did not therefore find any other delayed diagnosis of lung cancers.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the specific issues raised by the Deputy investigated and to have a reply issued directly to him.
Accident and Emergency Services.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:302 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she or the Health Service Executive are taking action on the constant consultant representations regarding the inability of the Lourdes Hospital to cope safely with the number of patients on trolleys such as on 3 November 2008 when there were 34 patients on trolleys in the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39767/08]
I am aware that there has been increased pressure on the Emergency Department of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda recently. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has been working to put in place a range of measures to alleviate these pressures. At hospital level some planned activity has been re-scheduled and there has been a particular focus on improving the discharge planning process for patients whose acute phase of care has been completed. In addition, a new Emergency Department is scheduled to open next year.
My Department has asked the HSE to issue a more detailed reply to the Deputy setting out the various measures that are being implemented at the Hospital.
Food Labelling.
John O'Mahony
Question:303 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will introduce a health warning on alcoholic products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39773/08]
My Department is developing proposals on the labelling of all alcohol containers advising of the risks of consuming alcohol during pregnancy. The labelling of foodstuffs, including alcohol products, is subject to European regulation and scrutiny so the proposals will have to take this into account.
Health Service Staff.
John O'Mahony
Question:304 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of community drug prevention workers employed in each of the Health Service Executive areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39774/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Departmental Transport.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:305 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the public transport services used by her since she came into office or since 2007 on official business; the destinations travelled to; the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39797/08]
Since 2007, my Department paid a total of €3,353 in respect of my air travel. No payments were made by my Department in respect of my travel by bus or rail. In October 2006, I travelled to Chicago to visit a paediatric hospital. The cost of the air travel was €3,139. In September 2008 I travelled from Paris where I attended the EU Council of Ministers informal meeting. The cost of the air travel was €214.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:306 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the public transport services used by her officials since 2007 on official business; the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39825/08]
The information requested is being collated in my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Arthur Morgan
Question:307 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children when appointments will be made for women who have been referred by their general practitioners to Dochas Centre, Drogheda and Beaumont Hospital Breast Clinic for consultation; the reason no one has been designated to arrange appointments for many of these women; her views on whether no transfer of services from Dochas Centre to Beaumont Breast Clinic should take place until proper arrangements are in place; her views on the stress which these women are undergoing as they wait, for many weeks in some cases, for appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39829/08]
Staff at Beaumont Hospital and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda have been working closely together over the past two months to ensure that the transition of symptomatic breast cancer services operates safely and without any disruption of service. A final date for the completion of the transition of the service has not been set as all of the radiology resources are not yet in place on the Beaumont site. A management team consisting of staff from both hospitals and the National Cancer Control Programme will continue to oversee transitional arrangements until the completion of the service transfer.
In the interim, GPs in the Drogheda region have been asked to continue to refer to Drogheda where all referrals are prioritised based on clinical need according to existing practice. Patients will be given appointments to be seen in either Beaumont or Drogheda. The surgical teams at Beaumont and Drogheda, working as a combined team, will ensure that all patients are appropriately prioritised and seen in a timely manner.
Departmental Investigations.
Alan Shatter
Question:308 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if the investigation into the delay in publishing the McCoy report has been completed; and the reason for the delay in publishing the report relating to the investigation originally due to be completed by 8 July 2008, the deadline for which was extended to 31 October 2008. [39868/08]
As the Deputy is aware, Minister Harney appointed Mr John Hynes, former Secretary General, Department of Social and Family Affairs, to investigate the delay of eight years in relation to the publication of the McCoy report into services provided by the Brothers of Charity, Galway Services.
Mr. Hynes's Report was received in the Department on 30 October 2008. It is currently under consideration.
Child Care Services.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:309 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money paid to private companies and individuals to look after children in the care of the Health Service Executive in 2008; the rate paid per week for each child cared for in this way; the parts of the country in which such private care is used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39873/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Long-term Illness Scheme.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:310 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on adding the condition lupus to the long term illness scheme in view of the nature of the condition which is consistent with the purpose of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39914/08]
Under the 1970 Health Act, the Health Service Executive may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, for the treatment of that condition, through the Long Term Illness Scheme (LTI). The LTI does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments. The conditions are: mental handicap, mental illness (for people under 16 only), phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, Parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions.
Ambulance Service.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:311 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has plans to coordinate the ambulance services in the Dublin area which are operated under the Health Service Executive and Dublin City Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39915/08]
For many years Dublin City Council, through Dublin Fire Brigade, has provided the emergency ambulance service in Dublin City on behalf of the statutory health authorities. The relevant authority since 2005 is the Health Service Executive. The HSE provides mainly the non-emergency patient transport in the Dublin area under the auspices of its National Ambulance Service.
I am committed to ensuring that ambulance services throughout the country are both safe and effective. The arrangements in the Dublin area have been in place for many years. There are potential benefits to be gained from a close alignment of ambulance and fire services, as occurs in Dublin. Equally, a case can be made for applying the model that operates in the rest of the country, where ambulance services are provided separately from the fire service.
Safety is, of course, the primary concern. For this reason, work is at present being undertaken by the health and local government sectors to consider the best long-term approach to the provision of emergency ambulance services in Dublin. This includes examination of the potential for improved efficiency in the delivery of these services, to ensure that the best value for money is obtained.
Drugs Payment Scheme.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:312 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the delays in paying claims under the drugs refund scheme in the midwest; if she will take action to reduce the waiting time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39916/08]
Following the reduction in pharmaceutical reimbursement prices on 1 March 2008, claims made by patients to Health Service Executive (HSE) local health offices were paid at the new lower reimbursement rate.
I understand that payment of some claims was delayed because the pharmacy had charged the patient at the higher price, not the lower reimbursement price.
Following a recent High Court judgment, reimbursement prices are being reinstated to the original level. Consequently, the HSE is now examining the issue of refund of payments to patients through local health offices. It is expected that this matter will be resolved shortly.
National Centre for Medical Genetics.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:313 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a letter from an organisation (details supplied); if she will address the issue raised in their letter regarding the National Centre for Medical Genetics whereby certain tests for people with genetic and rare disorders can no longer be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39917/08]
I received correspondence from the Genetic and Inherited Disorders Organisation which was referred by my Department to the Health Service Executive for examination and direct reply. I understand that a reply issued to the Organisation from the Executive.
The National Centre for Medical Genetics seeks to provide a comprehensive service for all patients and families in the Republic of Ireland affected by or at risk of genetic disorder. The Centre is based at and funded by Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin and provides a service for both children and adults.
My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy on the other issues raised.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Michael Noonan
Question:314 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to the Exchequer of subventions paid to persons in nursing homes in 2007; the estimated cost in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39987/08]
In 2007, expenditure by the HSE on nursing home subventions was almost €205 million. In the course of 2008, an additional €12 million was provided to meet costs associated with nursing home subventions and existing contract beds. On this basis, the HSE have advised that in excess of €200 million will be spent on nursing home subventions during 2008.
Michael Noonan
Question:315 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in private nursing homes who were in receipt of subventions in 2007; the number of same who were in receipt of enhanced subventions and of reduced subventions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39988/08]
According to the HSE's annual report for 2007, there were 8,467 people in receipt of basic subvention at 31 December 2007. Of these, 4,982 were also in receipt of enhanced subvention.
Decentralisation Programme.
John Deasy
Question:316 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount the process of decentralisation has cost the taxpayer to date excluding the cost of all sites or buildings acquired; and the cost for each individual location. [40156/08]
As the Deputy will be aware my Department is not one of the Departments scheduled for decentralisation under the Government's Decentralisation Programme.
Air Services.
Billy Timmins
Question:317 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Transport his plans to change the Air Navigation and Transport Acts as outlined in a newspaper article (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39191/08]
The Attorney-General's Office, in conjunction with relevant officials are examining the statutory powers available to the civil authorities and An Garda Síochána in relation to search and inspection of aircraft including under the Air Navigation and Transport Acts. That examination commenced recently and no conclusions have yet been reached on whether the current statutory provisions need to be strengthened or amended.
State Airports.
Deirdre Clune
Question:318 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Transport when he will take steps to fill the vacancies which exist on the board of the Cork Airport Authority; when he will appoint a chairperson of the Cork Airport Authority; the reason for the ongoing delay in making these appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39200/08]
On 5 November I was very pleased to be able to appoint persons of the calibre of Mr. Gerry Walsh, as Chairman, and Mr. Dick Lehane and Ms. Annette McNamara to the board of the Cork Airport Authority. They each bring different skills and experience to the work of the board of the Cork Airport Authority and I am confident that all three will make very valuable contributions to the future of Cork Airport.
Parking Regulations.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:319 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the downturn in the public finances, he will reconsider his decision to prohibit amending the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations to provide for the partial parking of vehicles on the footpath in congested residential districts in which such parking is currently illegal; if he will meet with representatives of Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39245/08]
It is prohibited under the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 to park a vehicle wholly or partially on a public footpath or for a vehicle to be driven along a footpath. Dublin City Council has been in contact with my Department over recent years seeking that this parking regulation be amended. The City Council propose that the law should provide that a road authority may mark a line along the length of a public footpath and that vehicles be permitted to park with two wheels up on the footpath outside of the line marking.
The City Council was informed by the Department last August that, on road safety grounds, it is not proposed to amend the road traffic parking regulations to provide for the partial parking of vehicles on public footpaths. The Minister for Transport re-iterated that position in a letter to the City Council last month and suggested that at locations where sufficient width can be left for the safe passage of pedestrians, use of child buggies/prams and wheelchairs that the solution of indenting the footpath to provide an on-street parking area could be pursued instead.
The solution suggested by the Minister can be applied at any location that could adequately accommodate the footpath parking line measure that the City Council are seeking and it is not proposed to have a meeting on this matter.
The mounting of footpath kerbs by vehicles to partially park on a public footpath and the opening of vehicle doors across the footpath are potentially safety hazards for pedestrians. Furthermore footpaths are not constructed to bear the weight of vehicles driving along them and the surface paving is liable to crack and to get into a poor state of repair with broken kerbs, uneven surfaces, damage to utility access covers and potential trip hazards for pedestrians. I do not support a change in road traffic law that could compromise and diminish the safety of pedestrians using a public footpath.
Light Rail Project.
Finian McGrath
Question:320 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if he will support a matter (details supplied). [39293/08]
The Government remains committed to the implementation of the Metro North project which is a critical element of the Transport 21 strategy to transform the public transport system in the Greater Dublin Area. The Metro was originally recommended in the Dublin Transportation Office's long term transportation strategy A Platform for Change following detailed strategic analysis.
The project itself has been through a rigorous economic and transport evaluation undertaken by the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) in accordance with Guidelines for capital projects issued by the Department of Finance and which was independently assessed for the Department of Finance and the Oireachtas Transport Committee. I am satisfied that the economic and transport evaluation of Metro North has been in accordance with best practice for such a project.
An elevated railway within the constraints of the city centre would present significant difficulties. It would require a wide corridor of land to accommodate the viaduct and such a requirement would entail the demolition of a significant number of properties. There would be substantial construction impacts. In addition, an elevated rail system would also have an unacceptable visual impact and cause substantial visual intrusion in residential areas within the confines of the city centre and give rise to significant concerns about its environmental impact. It should be noted that outside of the city centre, where feasible and appropriate, Metro North will, subject to planning approval, run on elevated structures.
More fundamentally a decision now to opt for an elevated railway would result in the abandonment of the current statutory approval and PPP procurement processes and the start of entirely new planning, consultation, environmental impact assessment, railway order and procurement processes. The consequence of this would be an indefinite delay in the implementation of a public transport project which is urgently required.
The RPA placed copies of the Railway Order application on display on 17 September in accordance with the 6 week statutory public notice requirement pursuant to Section 37 of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001. It was open to interested parties to make submissions to An Bord in relation to the project during that period.
Departmental Expenditure.
Richard Bruton
Question:321 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an estimate of the cost of legal services which his Department paid for in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he is satisfied that effective measures are in place to minimise this cost. [39317/08]
The estimated cost of legal services paid by my Department for 2007 was €1,436,161 and to date in 2008 is €628,092. The normal procurement rules were followed when engaging these services.
Departmental Bodies.
Leo Varadkar
Question:322 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the implications of the decision announced in budget 2009 to amalgamate the Air Accident Investigation Unit, the Railway Accident Investigation Unit and the Marine Casualty Investigation Board; the date by which this is to be achieved; if it will require legislation; if so, the date by which this is to be published; the anticipated savings from this decision in 2008, 2009 and 2010; the breakdown of those savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39327/08]
My Department is at present preparing proposals for the implementation of the decision announced in Budget 2009 in relation to the amalgamation of accident investigation functions. I do not anticipate savings to arise immediately from this decision in 2008, but do expect that the amalgamation of the bodies will enable efficiencies to be achieved in future years. These will come from the integration of support functions. Legislation will be required and I expect this to be drafted in 2009.
Marine Accidents.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:323 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he has received and reviewed the new report into the capsizing and sinking of a boat (details supplied) by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board; his views on the report; if he will bring forward new measures or legislation in view of the conclusions of the MCIB’s investigation into this disaster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39372/08]
I have recently received the report from the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) referred to by the Deputy.
The Report relates to the capsizing and sinking of the fishing vessel "Dinish" about 170 miles south west of the Scilly Isles with the loss of three lives. Six crewmembers and the Skipper were rescued. I welcome the report and its recommendations. In relation to fishing vessel safety generally it is important to emphasise that a comprehensive regulatory framework for fishing vessels has already been introduced to ensure a higher level of safety. This is being achieved over time through an approach that separates the fleet into three categories.
The first is less than 15 metres in length, where a non-statutory Code of Practice is in operation, the other two are 15 to 24 metres and over 24 metres and in both cases there is now a statutory regime in place.
As I have indicated previously, fishing vessel safety must rely not only on the introduction of regulations but also on compliance with them by skippers, owners and crew. This in turn may require not only specific training but also an increasingly rigorous regime of enforcement.
Air Services.
Charles Flanagan
Question:324 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport the airstrips, airfields, aerodromes and airports in public and private ownership in the State that are permitted to receive international flights, including flights from Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39441/08]
The Immigration Act 2004 (Approved Ports) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 57/2004) made by my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform lists the ports and airports approved for entry into the State for the purposes of the Immigration Act, 2004. A schedule with a list of these airports is set out for the Deputy's information.
Carrickfinn Airport
Galway Airport
Connaught Airport (Knock)
Cork Airport
Shannon Airport
Dublin Airport
Sligo Airport
Farranfore Airport
Waterford Regional Airport.
State Airports.
Charles Flanagan
Question:325 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if and the way privately owned airports outside the scope of the Irish Aviation Authority are monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39443/08]
Charles Flanagan
Question:326 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport the number of Irish airports accepting international flights that are outside the scope of the Irish Aviation Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39444/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 and 326 together.
Aerodromes in the State that are open to international commercial aircraft are licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) as public use aerodromes. These include the three state airports and the privately owned regional airports. In addition, the IAA licenses aerodromes for private use. A full list of all of the licensed aerodromes in the State is available on the IAA's website: www.iaa.ie.
I am also informed by the IAA that there are military and private airstrips or airfields that are not licensed and therefore outside the scope of the IAA. Typically private airstrips/airfields would be restricted to private aircraft and the pilot is responsible for the safe conduct of flight in respect of such operations.
Departmental Expenditure.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:327 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport the number of capital projects which have gone over budget in each of the past five years; the original estimate for each of these projects; the final cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39531/08]
I have said previously that I do not consider it prudent to release commercially sensitive information in relation to the cost of individual projects until (i) all public procurement processes related to the project have been complete and (ii) robust cost estimates are available in relation to the non-contract elements of the project.
However, I believe it is reasonable to provide relevant business case information and cost details once a project has successfully completed the statutory processes, all contracts have been awarded and the project is underway.
Accordingly the information sought by the Deputy will be compiled and forwarded in respect of projects completed in the last 5 years or currently underway.
Information on the lines requested insofar as local authority regional and local roads projects are concerned is not available in my Department.
Departmental Staff.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:328 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport the severance packages for each retiring staff member in his Department over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39546/08]
Upon retirement, rather than a severance package, staff are entitled to the payment of a lump sum based on their number of years service up to a maximum of 40 years. In the period 2006 to 2008 a total of 38 staff of my Department have retired. This includes early, ill-health and preserved retirements.
The total amount paid in lump sums to staff retiring from my Department per year is as follows:
2006 (10 Officers): €644,439.76
2007 (15 Officers): €1,098,853.72
2008 (13 Officers to date): €629,387.52.
Road Network.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:329 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the Government policy in relation to funding design and building of tunnels will be affected by any lessons learned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39583/08]
I understand that there is ongoing engagement between the National Roads Authority, the Railway Procurement Agency and Iarnród Éireann in relation to the design and construction of transport tunnels, having regard to the experience gained on the Dublin Port Tunnel. The issue has also been considered by the Transport 21 Monitoring Group which oversees the implementation of the investment programme.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:330 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he envisages funding being made available to repair the Camlin Bridge, Clondra, County Longford in 2009 (details supplied). [39594/08]
The provision and improvement of regional and local roads, including bridges, in its area is a matter for Longford County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants.
A road grant of €80,000 was allocated to Longford County Council in 2008 for Camlin Bridge under the Specific Improvement Grant Scheme. My Department recently invited applications from road authorities for funding under that scheme in 2009. The proposals submitted by Longford County Council included an application for further grant aid for Camlin Bridge.
All applications received for funding in 2009 under the scheme will be considered by my Department, having regard to compliance with eligibility criteria, the need to prioritise projects, competing demands from other local authorities and the funds available for the scheme in 2009. The 2009 regional and local road grant allocations to local authorities will be announced early next year.
James Bannon
Question:331 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Transport when essential funding will be made available for restoration work on the bridge over the Shannon connecting Clondra village to Tarmonberry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39625/08]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to 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 local authorities concerned.
Light Rail Project.
Joan Burton
Question:332 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the cost of the Luas extension to Cherrywood; when he will publish the cost benefit analysis of this public investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39630/08]
The current estimated cost (excluding VAT) of the Luas extension to Cherrywood is €319m. The cost of delivering the project is being met by a combination of Exchequer funding, contributions from private developers and levy income under a scheme adopted by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council pursuant to section 49 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
The cost benefit analysis presented to the Public Inquiry by the RPA for this project is available on my Department's T21 website (www.transport21.ie/publications/ freedomofinformation). Good progress is being made on the construction of this extension which is scheduled for completion by the end of 2010.
Planning Issues.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:333 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport the details of the development works undertaken by his Department under section 181(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, since the Act was enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39654/08]
There have been no development works undertaken by my Department under Section 181(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, since the Act was enacted.
Public Transport.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:334 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport the status and present timeline for metro north, the interconnector, metro west, Luas line F and Luas line BX; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39718/08]
The start and completion dates of Transport 21 projects which have not yet commenced will be determined by the outcome of the statutory approval and procurement processes and the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate. The provision of increased capacity will be a key priority in determining public transport investment priorities in the period ahead. In that context Metro North and the DART Underground (also known as the Interconnector) are particularly important rail investments as they form a core part of the planned integrated public transport network for the Greater Dublin Area envisaged by Transport 21.
Good progress is being made in the delivery of Metro North and the DART Underground. The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) placed copies of the Railway Order application for Metro North on display on 17 September 2008 in accordance with the 6 week statutory public notice requirement pursuant to Section 37 of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001. The RPA continues to make good progress on the PPP tender process for Metro North. Receipt of tenders is now required by 6 February 2009.
In relation to the DART Underground Irish Rail continues to make good progress in planning and design on the project. The company plans to be in a position to submit an application for a Railway Order by the end of next year and will further progress work on the development of the project as a PPP.
Good progress is also being made in planning Metro West, Luas Line F and Luas Line Bx. The emerging preferred route for Metro West was announced by the RPA in July 2007. A further round of consultation is now underway to provide greater definition to certain elements of the route after which the RPA will proceed with the preparation of a Railway Order application.
On the 10th October 2008, the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) published the emerging preferred route corridor for the Luas line to Lucan (Line F) following extensive public consultation. Having selected the route corridor, the RPA is now undertaking the next phase of consultation with key stakeholders which will feed into the detailed design of the line. Following completion of this work the RPA will submit a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála in respect of this line.
It will not be possible to fully construct Luas Line BX at the same time as construction of Metro North because of the traffic management implications which would arise in the city centre. The RPA is developing a construction strategy for Luas Line BX, in close co-operation with Dublin City Council, which includes use of Metro North construction sites and recognises the traffic management requirements of the city centre. The RPA is engaging with Dublin City Council on the basis of the contemporaneous delivery of Lines BX and D. In this regard it is the intention of the RPA to make a single Railway Order application for the combined Line BX/D to An Bord Pleanála in the latter part of next year.
Waste Management.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:335 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport if, in the interest of reducing paper use, his Department has plans to relax or drop the requirement to supply three or more hard copies of tender documentation and to move towards greater use of electronic documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39742/08]
My Department has accepted tenders electronically for a number of tendering procedures through the national public procurement website www.etenders.gov.ie, known as etenders and I expect the level of usage to increase significantly over the coming year.
National Cycling Policy.
Mary Upton
Question:336 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to publish the national cycling policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39784/08]
It is my intention to publish the National Cycle Policy by the end of the current year.
Sustainable Travel.
Mary Upton
Question:337 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Transport if research has been conducted by his Department into a pay per use scheme for road users to replace car tax and VRT; his views on whether such a scheme is feasible here and if so, when; his further views on whether such a scheme could be operated on a revenue neutral basis, which also took social factors and emissions into account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39786/08]
My Department has not undertaken research of the type referred to. The issue was, however, raised for discussion in the public consultation document "2020 Vision — Sustainable Travel and Transport" which was published in February 2008 and is available at www.sustainabletravel.ie.
State Airports.
Pat Breen
Question:338 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the progress to date in progressing the extension to the US customs and border protection facility at Shannon Airport; if he expects these negotiations to be finalised during the term of the current US administration; when he expects legislation to come before the Houses of the Oireachtas in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39869/08]
Significant progress continues to be made between Irish and US officials towards the conclusion of an Inter-Governmental Agreement between our two countries on the introduction of pre-clearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon Airports. I hope to be in a position to sign this agreement in the near future.
When the agreement is in place, work will then commence on drafting the necessary legislation which will be introduced as soon as possible. As I have stated previously it is my hope that the timing of construction of the new CBP facility at Shannon can be aligned with the passage of the legislation to the extent that it is practical and feasible to do so.
Decentralisation Programme.
John Deasy
Question:339 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport the amount the process of decentralisation has cost the taxpayer to date excluding the cost of all sites or buildings acquired; and the cost for each individual location. [40160/08]
The non-property costs to date incurred by my Department in connection with the move of the Road Safety Authority and my Department's Road Haulage functions to Loughrea amounted to €84,191. While decentralisation of an additional 62 Road Safety Authority posts (which were not part of the original government decision) to Ballina was also achieved, the costs involved were been borne by the Authority itself.
Residency Permits.
Bernard Allen
Question:340 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on the application for family reunification on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [39368/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the son of the person in question was the subject of a Family Reunification application made in November 2006 and a decision issued in September 2008 granting him permission to remain.
I am further informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that no application for Family Reunification was received from the person in question in relation to her daughter.
State Airports.
Charles Flanagan
Question:341 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the airports designated with port of entry status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39442/08]
The airports listed hereunder have been prescribed by order (SI 57 of 2004 Immigration Act 2004 (Approved Ports) Regulations) by the Minister of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to be approved ports for non-nationals arriving by air from outside the State pursuant to Section 6(2) and 20 of the Immigration Act 2004:
Carrickfinn Airport;
Connaught Airport;
Cork Airport;
Dublin Airport;
Farranfore Airport;
Galway Airport;
Shannon Airport;
Sligo Airport;
Waterford Regional Airport.
Billy Timmins
Question:342 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the policy changes which have taken place or are proposed to take place as outlined in a newspaper article (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39192/08]
As the Deputy will be aware there are a number of commitments in the Programme for Government related to extraordinary rendition.
Insofar as they fall within the responsibility of my Department there has been regular communication between me and my Department acting on my behalf with the Garda Commissioner relating to the implementation of the Programme's commitment in relation to extraordinary rendition. The Garda Commissioner has assured me that he has sufficient resources to implement the commitment, that the commitment is being implemented and is kept under constant review so as to reflect best practice.
To that end the Gardaí remain ready to take whatever action is open to them under the law in relation to any allegations involving extraordinary rendition. While they have no role in relation to the inspection of military aircraft (which enjoy sovereign immunity), they do have search powers in relation to aircraft where evidence is available which would enable such powers to be exercised in accordance with the law. In addition the Cabinet Committee on Aspects of International Human Rights is reviewing the statutory powers currently available to the civil and police authorities in this jurisdiction in relation to search and inspection of aircraft (including the Air Navigational and Transport Acts which as the Deputy will be aware, are not the responsibility of my Department). It is the case that the Gardaí have fully investigated a number of allegations of unlawful activity at Irish airports and files have been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecution in some of these cases, although no prosecution was directed. In the other cases no evidence to substantiate the allegations was disclosed.
I can also inform the Deputy that there is a comprehensive programme of relevant and appropriate human rights training in place within An Garda Síochána. In an effort to ensure continued compliance with the Programme for Government Commitment to the highest possible standards last July the Garda Commissioner requested the Deputy Commissioner, Operations, to again review the training and search regime in this area. It is expected that review, which is having specific regard to the terms of the Programme for Government commitment, will be finalised shortly.
Youth Services.
Deirdre Clune
Question:343 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to develop and extend the juvenile diversion programme and the youth diversion projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39198/08]
The Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme operates in accordance with Part 4 of the Children Act 2001, as amended, and under the general superintendence and control of the Garda Commissioner. The aim of the Diversion Programme is to deal with juveniles who offend, by way of administering a formal or informal caution, thus diverting the offender away from the courts and minimising the likelihood of further offending. The Diversion Programme embraces, whenever possible, the principles of restorative justice and, at all times, it pays the highest regard to the needs of the victims of juvenile offending. The Programme has proven to be highly successful in diverting young persons away from crime by offering guidance and support to juveniles and their families. The Deputy will be aware that it is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to decide on the prioritisation and allocation of resources within the force. The Commissioner has informed me that the number of Gardaí operating as Juvenile Liaison Officers on 30 September 2008 was 105. The Commissioner has approved the appointment of 7 additional Juvenile Liaison Officers per year from 2007- 2010.
The Garda Youth Diversion Projects, which are funded by the Irish Youth Justice Service, are a crime prevention initiative designed to engage with young people who have identified as being at risk of involvement in criminal or anti-social behaviour. There are currently 100 Garda Youth Diversion Projects operating in various locations throughout the country. Each project is managed by a multi-agency and community based committee, which is responsible for the strategic direction of the project. The existing projects are currently rolling out a package of measures, which are supported by the European Social Fund and which are intended to improve the long-term employability prospects of the project participants and enhance project child protection procedures. The planned expansion in the number of projects beyond the existing 100 is currently being assessed in the light of the changed economic climate and, in this context, the focus will be on ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the services provided. The Irish Youth Justice Service and the Garda Síochána are reviewing the effectiveness of the diversionary measures as set out under the National Youth Justice Strategy 2008-2010.
Closed Circuit Television Systems.
Deirdre Clune
Question:344 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he is taking to progress the planned installation of a closed circuit television system on College Road, University College, Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39199/08]
Garda CCTV systems are operational in 11 towns and cities around the country, including Cork, and a major programme of expansion involving the implementation of CCTV systems in a further 14 locations is well underway.
Garda CCTV schemes are planned and implemented on the basis of the Garda Commissioner's identified operational needs and priorities taking into account available resources. I am advised by the Garda Authorities that no decision has been taken regarding the extension of the Cork scheme to the College Road area.
National Drugs Strategy.
Joe Costello
Question:345 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cutbacks in funding in each of the services and projects established in the State and community sectors to combat substance abuse; the way the budget 2009 allocation compares with 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39221/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, it is the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs which is the lead Government Department for our National Drugs Strategy.
Subsequently, the primary budget for projects established to combat substance abuse in the state including the funding for local and regional drug task force originated community based projects is provided from the drugs initiative subhead at that Department.
As the Deputy will appreciate, that budget is a matter which falls under the remit of my colleague, Minister of State John Curran.
In relation to funding provided by my Department for community based projects which tackle substance misuse I can advise the following.
The Department of Justice Equality & Law Reform through the Probation Service provides funding to 53 voluntary bodies to assist with the management of offenders in the community. These funded projects provide a range of services to offenders in local communities, including training and education, offender management programmes, residential accommodation, drug and alcohol abuse treatment programmes. The budget allocation for funded projects for 2008 is €19.393m which represents 36% of the overall probation service budget.
A Value for Money and Policy Review of Projects funded through the Probation Service was completed in 2008 and published on the Department's website on 2 September.
In dealing with offending behaviour, the Probation Service has developed a partnership approach over many years within communities whereby local links and projects are established to meet identified needs for a cohort of offenders, ex-offenders or persons engaged with the Service in those communities.
The review was commissioned to examine the projects in terms of their impact, effectiveness and value for money. The report pointed out that the objectives of many projects have not always been clearly stated and aligned with Probation policy and that the focus has frequently been on inputs rather than outputs.
It recommended that in future it should be made clear what is expected of such projects and the focus should be on monitoring and evaluating the service to be delivered.
Following the VFM and Policy Review a funding agreement was introduced to keep the outputs of the community based organisations in line with the Strategy and workplans of the Probation Service and sets out the conditions and requirements attached to the provision of funding by the Department through the Probation Service to a community based organisation for the provision of services in the years ahead.
The funding agreement establishes that funding is provided in accordance with the Probation Service strategic objective to reduce the level of crime and to increase public safety by working with offenders to change behaviour.
The Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform is empowered to provide financial assistance to the work of a relevant body through the Probation Service.
A final decision on the allocation of funding to community based projects working with the Probation Service for 2009 has not been completed and, accordingly comparisons with 2008 funding levels are not yet available.
Liquor Licensing Laws.
Billy Timmins
Question:346 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation with respect to the promotion of alcohol at discos or in public houses; the restrictions placed on it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39225/08]
The position is that section 20 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 provides that a licence holder shall not supply alcohol on the premises at a reduced price during a limited period on any day. "Reduced price" means a price less than that regularly being charged for the alcohol concerned during an earlier period on the day concerned. A licence holder who contravenes this provision is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €1,500 for a first offence or €2,000 for a second or subsequent offence.
In addition, section 16 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 provides for the making of regulations prohibiting or restricting a person from doing or permitting anything that is likely to encourage persons in that place to consume alcohol to an excessive extent. Any such regulations must be notified in draft form to the European Commission under the EU Standards Directive.
Irresponsible promotions of alcohol run counter to ongoing efforts by licensing trade bodies and the Department of Health and Children to promote the responsible sale and serving of alcohol. I would therefore encourage individual licensees not to engage in such promotions and to support activities promoting the responsible sale and serving of alcohol.
Private Security Authority.
Billy Timmins
Question:347 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the requirements necessary to register with the Private Security Authority; the cost of same; if it is obligatory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39226/08]
The Private Security Authority, established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, is the regulatory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the private security industry. The Authority is an independent body under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
The issues referred to in the Deputy's Question are matters for which the Authority has sole responsibility. I have forwarded the Deputy's Question to the Authority and have requested that they reply to him directly.
Criminal Prosecutions.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:348 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report fully on recent reports that approximately 32,000 motorists who were initially charged with drink-driving over the past five years were subsequently not processed through the courts system; the reason the level of conviction is so low; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39230/08]
I expect to receive a full report which I have requested from the Garda authorities on the matter shortly, at which stage I will communicate further with the Deputy.
Road Traffic Offences.
Richard Bruton
Question:349 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of parking wardens employed by each local authority; the number of parking tickets issued in 2006 and 2007; the revenue generated from these activities in 2006 and 2007 in fines and so on; and the estimated pay roll cost and total cost of the parking warden services in these authorities in 2006 and 2007. [39248/08]
I have no responsibility in respect of the matters raised by the Deputy, which are matters for my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Organised Crime.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:350 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the ongoing levels of murderous mayhem associated with illegal drugs is a threat to the State; the measures he is taking to end the levels of serious crime produced by drugs criminality and to protect neighbourhoods here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39251/08]
I am informed by An Garda Síochána that all available intelligence is fully analysed and used in the strategic deployment of both local and specialised operational Garda units to target particular gangs. Organised crime, including persons suspected of involvement in drug-trafficking, importation, sale and supply, is being targeted on a number of fronts, involving uniform and plain-clothes Gardaí overtly and covertly disrupting known criminals in the course of criminal activities. Members, their operating methods, criminal interests and financial assets are likewise proactively targeted.
An Garda Síochána, in co-operation with its multi-agency law enforcement partners, including the Revenue Commissioners, will ensure that all available resources will be deployed in targeting the major gangs involved in drug trafficking in accordance with the National Drugs Strategy.
Some of the steps taken by An Garda Síochána to date to address the sale, supply, importation and distribution of illegal drugs include the following:
the allocation of additional resources at the Garda National Drugs Unit, as well at District and Divisional levels;
the establishment, on a permanent basis, of the Organised Crime Unit (OCU) with the specific objective of targeting those suspected of involvement in organised crime, including drug trafficking, importation, sale and supply. The OCU work in close association with other specialist units including the Criminal Assets Bureau, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, along with the Garda National Drugs Unit, which has the specific national remit, in targeting those persons at Divisional, District and national level, who are suspected of involvement in this type of criminality;
the establishment of dedicated Divisional and District Drug Units and the allocation of additional personnel to those already established;
internationally, An Garda Síochána works closely with relevant law enforcement agencies including all EU agencies, the Drugs Enforcement Agency (US), Interpol and Europol. An Garda Síochána also has Liaison Officers based in the Hague, London, Paris, Madrid, Europol and Interpol;
participation at the Maritime Analysis Operations Centre for Narcotics, which was recently established in Lisbon, Portugal. A Garda and a Customs Liaison Officer have been assigned to the Centre;
ongoing training programme for personnel as Divisional Asset Profilers, who have the specific remit of targeting assets of persons who are suspected of being involved in the importation, sale and supply of drugs at local, divisional / district level.
Measures have been put in place to deal with serious crime, including Operation Anvil, which commenced in May 2005 in the Dublin Metropolitan Region and was extended countrywide in 2006. The primary focus of Operation Anvil is the disruption of serious and organised criminal activity. In this regard Operation Anvil consists of intelligence-led targeted operations on the one hand and an increased overt visible Garda presence on the other. The Garda Commissioner has publicly re-affirmed his absolute commitment to the objectives of Operation Anvil, which is but one tool used by members of An Garda Síochána in endeavouring to combat crime.
An allocation of €20 million was ring-fenced from the Garda Budget 2008 to ensure ongoing operations under Anvil, which are augmented by other operations and initiatives, both locally and nationally, continue to be undertaken by all units and sections of An Garda Síochána. An increased allocation of €21 million has been made for 2009.
Multi-agency approaches have been and continue to be used where all of the Garda national units from National Support Services, i.e. the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Criminal Assets Bureau, Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation (Money Laundering), Garda National Drugs Unit, and the Garda Technical Bureau, are used to combat serious crime. These units are also supported by the Security and Intelligence Section which assist with intelligence briefings and timely information.
An Garda Síochána is in ongoing liaison with international law enforcement agencies to counteract the activities of persons who attempt to continue their criminal endeavours from outside the jurisdiction.
Organised criminal gangs operating in this jurisdiction are being targeted on an ongoing basis and profiles regarding the personnel of such groups are continually updated. Their members, operating methods, criminal interests, and financial assets are likewise proactively targeted and a Garda response embraces intelligence-led operations primarily undertaken by An Garda Síochána specialised units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Drug Unit, the Organised Crime Unit, and the Criminal Assets Bureau.
A number of organised crime groups have been targeted in this manner recently with firearms recovered and drugs seized resulting in a number of people being prosecuted and convicted before the courts. Where there is justification and a legal basis, those suspected of involvement in criminal activity are arrested, detained and questioned in relation to specific crime.
The Criminal Assets Bureau is being actively utilised to identify and target funds accumulated by criminals, in order to seize such assets and to deprive them of the profits of their criminal activity. A dedicated unit within the Garda National Drugs Unit has been established to liaise with the Criminal Assets Bureau to particularly target those criminals and criminal groupings believed to be deriving profits and assets from drug-related criminal activity.
Senior Garda management is satisfied that, in addition to the considerable volumes of drugs seized, significant impact has been made by arresting and prosecuting a number of major players suspected of being involved in drug-trafficking through the importation, sale and distribution of drugs. A significant number of crime gangs involved in this type of criminal activity have been disrupted and dismantled.
The Garda National Drugs Unit is also conducting a number of ongoing operations in-cooperation with the Revenue Customs and other international law enforcement units. Garda Liaison Officers allocated to London, The Hague, Madrid, Europol and Interpol also assist with the international aspects of such operations targeting drug-traffickers.
International co-operation in intelligence-led policing is a major instrument employed in controlling the flow of drugs into Ireland. Ireland is also a full member of the MAOC(N) group based in Lisbon, which is an international intelligence led operation against trafficking at sea. The targeting of international traffickers is supplemented by a vigorous policy against persons in the Irish State who are supplying controlled drugs.
This integrated approach adopts best practice in implementing the co-ordinated use of Garda resources and using available criminal legislation to its fullest extent. Operations are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure their effectiveness.
The arrest of three individuals and the seizure of a yacht believed to contain very large quantities of cocaine off the Irish coast in recent days is an example of the types of initiatives in which An Garda Síochána is involved at a multi-agency and international level and the success that this approach can deliver.
Firearms Licences.
Charles Flanagan
Question:351 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Questions No. 787 of 17 June 2008 and No. 300 of 7 October 2008, when the information sought will be forthcoming; the reasons for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39257/08]
I refer further to your Parliamentary Questions No. 787 of Tuesday 17 June, 2008 and No. 300 of Tuesday 7 October, 2008 with regard to licensed firearms. The information sought was not readily available and took time to be compiled.
The Garda Authorities now inform me that the figures, by type, for licensed firearms are as follows:
|
Type |
2007/08 |
2006/07 |
2005/06 |
2004/05 |
2003/04 |
|
Shotgun |
177,455 |
174,832 |
171,916 |
173,556 |
170,236 |
|
Rifle |
53,689 |
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.
The Deputy will be aware that I have already indicated my concern at the increase in the number of handguns being licensed and, as I have informed the house previously, a review of firearms legislation is being finalised at present in my Department in consultation with An Garda Síochána. I intend that proposals emerging from it will be included in the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which is under preparation at present.
Visa Applications.
Billy Timmins
Question:352 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a visa will be granted to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39298/08]
The visa application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Moscow, on 3 September 2008. It was refused by the Visa Officer on 25 September 2008 for the following reasons:
1. The need to undertake the course of study in this State was not demonstrated.
2. The obligations to return to the home country were not deemed sufficient.
The decision of the Visa Officer may be appealed within two months of the date of decision, in this case before 25 November 2008. Full details on how to lodge an appeal through the Visa Office in Moscow can be found at www.embassyofireland.ru.
Residency Permits.
Joe McHugh
Question:353 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that the residency application of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal is dealt with quickly. [39300/08]
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.
While it is not the practice to comment on such applications where a final decision has not been made, I can confirm that the person concerned has made an application for refugee status in the State. This application is the subject of Judicial Review Proceedings taken by the person concerned challenging a determination made in the context of his application for refugee status. Given that these Proceedings are ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment in the matter at this time.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the consideration of any residency application made by the person concerned must await the finalisation of his application for refugee status.
Departmental Expenditure.
Richard Bruton
Question:354 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide an estimate of the cost of legal services which his Department paid for in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he is satisfied that effective measures are in place to minimise this cost. [39314/08]
I can inform the Deputy that, for the most part, the legal services sought by my Department and its associated bodies are co-ordinated and paid for by the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. These services are typically sought in the context of the preparation of legislation, legal advice in respect of policy issues and in the management of litigation including judicial reviews.
In a number of instances, my Department and its associated bodies, in accordance with normal procurement procedures, have sought and paid for legal advice and services additional to those provided for centrally by the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitor. The estimated amounts for 2007 and to date in 2008 are listed below:
2007: €4,140,295;
2008 (To date): €3,328,583.
The Deputy should note that these costs relate only to the legal services commissioned by my Department and its agencies and do not include matters such as the running costs of Tribunals, the legal costs payable to third parties which are funded by my Department and payments to the State Claims Agency, in respect of which a breakdown of the expenditure involved is not available.
Citizenship Applications.
P. J. Sheehan
Question:355 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision on an application for naturalisation by person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 will be made; if this application will result in a decision to grant naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39446/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in December 2007. Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in July 2006. Applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants.
Community Alert Programme.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:356 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current and projected position in relation to funding from his Department for the community alert programme, specifically for the northern region — Counties Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal — to year end 2008 and for 2009; his intentions towards Strategy 2007 to 2011; if he will assure all concerned of his commitment to continue funding this Muintir na Tíre delivered programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39481/08]
A national strategy for Community Alert for the period 2007-2011 was launched in Autumn 2007. The new strategy includes a number of significant improvements. Training has been provided to the Garda sergeants and inspectors most closely involved with the Programme. In addition, the holding of information seminars is continuing for all liaison Gardaí and scheme co-ordinators for Garda Districts and Divisions.
I regard the work of Community Alert as important. In recent years, my Department has provided funding to Muintir na Tíre for the Community Alert Programme of €150,000 in 2004, €120,000 in 2005, €175,000 in 2006 and €200,000 in 2007. The funding covered costs associated with running the Programme, including salaries, travel and subsistence, staff training and administration. Funding was also provided by the Health Service Executive.
In 2008, Community Alert has received from my Department funding of €100,000 to date and has requested further funding. Further information was sought and received by my Department in relation to this request.
My Department is currently considering what further assistance it might be in a position to make available for the Community Alert Programme in the context of the resources available.
Crime Levels.
Róisín Shortall
Question:357 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the increase in headline crime for the past five years to date for Garda divisions in Dublin North, Dublin North Central and Dublin West. [39493/08]
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 her.
Departmental Expenditure.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:358 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of capital projects which have gone over budget in each of the past five years; the original estimate for each of these projects; the final cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39528/08]
No capital projects have gone over budget in the past five years in my Department.
Departmental Staff.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:359 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the severance packages for each retiring staff member in his Department over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39543/08]
The only severance package available to staff in my Department who have retired in the last three years is that which is applicable under the Civil Service Superannuation Scheme.
Entitlements under this Scheme include payment of a lump sum gratuity and annual pension, both of which are based on pensionable remuneration and reckonable service at the date of retirement.
Visa Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:360 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if enquiries into the authentication of documentation in the matter of application for family reunification in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Cork have been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39580/08]
I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to his Parliamentary Question.
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy made an application for Family Reunification in September 2005. Following the receipt of the application, it had been necessary to carry out an investigation into the authenticity of the documentation submitted. That investigation has since been completed and a decision on the application will issue shortly.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:361 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a student visa will be extended in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39581/08]
I have been informed by the General Immigration Division of my Department that there is no record of an application for an extension of permission to remain on student conditions in the State from the person referred to by the Deputy. It is open to the person concerned to apply in writing to the General Immigration Division of my Department enclosing with his application the documents listed below. On receipt of same the application will be fully considered.
1. Evidence of registration on a full time course leading to a qualification recognised by the Department of Education and Science.
2. Evidence of fees paid.
3. Evidence of finances to indicate that he is in a position to financially support himself while in the State without recourse to public funds.
4. Evidence of full private medical insurance.
5. Copy of his passport (including all endorsed pages).
Mary O'Rourke
Question:362 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [39596/08]
I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that they are currently reviewing the case of the person referred to by the Deputy and that they will be in contact with the person concerned shortly with a decision.
Human Rights Issues.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:363 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the allegations made by a person (details supplied) that their correspondence went missing; and if he will investigate whether the letters in question were stopped or their content passed on to any other individual or agency and whether letters from their correspondents, their names and the names of visitors have been passed to the police. [39635/08]
The Governor of Cloverhill Prison has advised that he has received no complaint in relation to this matter from the person referred to by the Deputy.
Prison Medical Service.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:364 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to complaints from a person (details supplied) that they have been suffering acute pain and other symptoms for months but that the prison doctor has refused to treat them; and if he will take action regarding the matter. [39636/08]
Since his committal to Cloverhill Prison, the person concerned has been in receipt of constant and on-going medical attention. He has been triaged by prison nurses, consulted prison doctors more than 40 times in 2008 and has had 6 doctor and 5 nurse consultations in recent months.
He has been prescribed medication appropriate to his medical condition and has not been denied any medication.
I understand that the person concerned had been refusing medical treatment for a medical condition until very recently. I am aware that the Nurse Manager at Cloverhill Prison met with him early last month and provided reassurance with regard to a forthcoming appointment and also provided clarification in relation to his dental care requirements.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the prison healthcare staff will continue to offer every assistance to him for the duration of his imprisonment.
Garda Investigations.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:365 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to an allegation made by a person (details supplied) that one of their visitors was subsequently visited at home by a detective from special branch who questioned them on the reason they visited the person; if reports of such harassment concern him; and if he will take action. [39637/08]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as part of its investigation into an Offence under the Post Office Amendment Act 1951, as amended by the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, the purpose of the visit by the gardaí was to serve a Witness Order for the prosecution relevant to the above case.
Planning Issues.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:366 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the development works undertaken by his Department under Section 181(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, since the Act was enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39651/08]
The Deputy will be aware that the Office of Public Works has responsibility for the provision, refurbishment and maintenance of State buildings. I am informed that the Office of Public Works has no record of any development works undertaken by my Department under Section 181 (2) (a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, since the Act was enacted.
Sentencing Policy.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:367 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied with the operation of the court poor box system or whether it should be put on a statutory footing. [39708/08]
The use of the poor box has evolved over the years and, while each court of first instance (High, Circuit and District) has used the system on occasion, it is mainly used in the District Court where, typically, the judge may order the defendant to pay a donation into the court poor box in lieu of a criminal conviction. Payments made to the Court poor box are accounted for in the Court office concerned and the accounting procedures are subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General. Monies paid out of the Court poor box are at the discretion of the Judge. The Courts Service maintains a full record of all receipts and payments in each local Court Office. In the main, monies are paid out to charities, schools, youth organisations and the Probation Service.
In 2005, the Law Reform Commission published a report entitled ‘The Court Poor Box: Probation of Offenders' which recommends that reform of the system should take place in the context of the introduction of an expanded range of non-custodial sanctions and the poor box should be replaced by a statutory fund to be known as the Reparation Fund. My Department is examining the report.
Irish Film Classification Office.
Charles Flanagan
Question:368 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of assistant classifiers in the Film Classification Office; the procedure in place for the appointment of such classifiers; the criteria that apply to the making of such appointments; the remuneration attached to such posts including expenses and the amounts paid to each of the classifiers each year during the past four years including travel and subsistence allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39721/08]
There are currently ten Assistant Classifiers in the Irish Film Classification Office who were appointed in accordance with Section 2(1)(a) of the Censorship of Films (Amendment) Act 1992.
They are paid a per diem of €182 as well as travel and subsistence as appropriate. Total payments for the last four years are as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2005 |
318,036 |
|
2006 |
350,463 |
|
2007 |
359,252 |
|
2008 (To date) |
332,741 |
My Department is currently examining proposals for radically revised working arrangements for the Assistant Classifiers which would greatly minimise the requirement for payment of travel and subsistence.
Prison Visiting Committees.
Charles Flanagan
Question:369 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the membership of the various prison visiting committees here including the date of the appointment of each member and the amount paid to each member by way of travel and subsistence each year for the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39722/08]
A Visiting Committee is appointed to each prison under the Prisons (Visiting Committees) Act, 1925 and Prisons (Visiting Committees) Order, 1925. The function of Visiting Committees is to visit at frequent intervals the prison to which they are appointed and hear any complaints which may be made to them by any prisoner. They report to me any abuses observed or found by them in the prison and any repairs which they think may be urgently needed. The Visiting Committee has free access either collectively or individually to every part of their prison. Members of Committees are appointed by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform for a term not exceeding three years.
The following table sets out details of the individuals who are currently serving on the various Prison Visiting Committees, and the date of appointment of each member:
|
Committee |
Appointment Date |
Member |
|
Arbour Hill |
17.02.2006 |
Jim O’Hanrahan |
|
17.02.2006 |
Ita Greene |
|
|
14.04.2008 |
Cathal Finnucane |
|
|
29.04.2008 |
Martina Coombes |
|
|
29.04.2008 |
Charlie O’Connor |
|
|
Castlerea |
31.01.2006 |
Evelyn Varley |
|
17.02.2006 |
Nuala Carroll |
|
|
17.02.2006 |
Michael Nevin |
|
|
26.03.2006 |
Eddie Brady |
|
|
07.04.2006 |
Martin Daly |
|
|
08.02.2007 |
Cllr. Seamus Kilgallon |
|
|
14.04.2008 |
Mary Darcy |
|
|
28.04.2008 |
Seamus Kelly |
|
|
04.05.2008 |
Luie McEntire |
|
|
28.05.2008 |
Martin Leonard |
|
|
04.06.2008 |
Paddy Greaney |
|
|
Cloverhill |
07.12.2006 |
Mary O’Neill |
|
07.12.2006 |
John O’Mahony |
|
|
18.01.2007 |
Eddie Martin |
|
|
18.01.2007 |
Michael Coyle |
|
|
08.02.2007 |
Peggy Downey |
|
|
08.02.2007 |
Fintan Hudson |
|
|
08.02.2007 |
Christine Ryan |
|
|
08.02.2007 |
Colin Campbell |
|
|
Cork |
17.02.2006 |
Terry Kelly |
|
08.02.2007 |
Nicholas Browne |
|
|
08.02.2007 |
Bart Twomey, |
|
|
02.04.2008 |
James Lynch |
|
|
14.04.2008 |
Con McCarthy |
|
|
13.10.2008 |
Jimmy Breen |
|
|
13.10.2008 |
Timmy O’Sullivan |
|
|
Dóchas Centre |
29.04.2008 |
Eibhlin Byrne |
|
29.04.2008 |
Bosco O’Farrell |
|
|
29.04.2008 |
Marian Quinlan |
|
|
29.04.2008 |
Margaret Richardson |
|
|
29.04.2008 |
Rita Frawley |
|
|
29.04.2008 |
Paul Connell |
|
|
07.05.2008 |
Michael Landy |
|
|
Limerick |
11.03.2008 |
Tony Leane |
|
07.04.2008 |
Tom Harrington |
|
|
28.04.2008 |
Donal Guiney |
|
|
30.04.2008 |
Mavourneen Smyth |
|
|
Loughan House |
15.02.2006 |
Turlough Smith |
|
29.03.2007 |
Pádhraic Ó Biadha |
|
|
01.05.2007 |
Charles Fleming |
|
|
04.06.2008 |
Eamonn Kinch |
|
|
24.06.2008 |
Tommy Reilly |
|
|
Midlands |
01.05.2007 |
John Cronin |
|
01.05.2007 |
Brigid Teefy |
|
|
01.05.2007 |
Colm Wiley |
|
|
02.05.2007 |
Mary King |
|
|
15.05.2007 |
Paddy Boland |
|
|
08.11.2007 |
Nuala Halpin |
|
|
11.03.2008 |
Jody Gunning |
|
|
14.04.2008 |
Jennifer Murnane O’Connor |
|
|
14.04.2008 |
Dr. Abdul Bulbulia |
|
|
28.04.2008 |
Mel Kelleher |
|
|
24.06.2008 |
Jack Bourke |
|
|
Mountjoy |
08.02.2007 |
Thomas Kennedy |
|
01.05.2007 |
Michael Good |
|
|
01.05.2007 |
Paul MacKay |
|
|
09.01.2008 |
Liam Hogan |
|
|
10.01.2008 |
Stephen Langton |
|
|
07.05.2008 |
Mr. J. J. Murphy |
|
|
Portlaoise |
31.01.2006 |
Ms Susan Meagher |
|
31.01.2006 |
Cllr Richie Molloy |
|
|
31.01.2006 |
PJ Long |
|
|
31.01.2006 |
Liam McCabe |
|
|
20.03.2006 |
Willie Foley |
|
|
08.05.2006 |
Claire O’Mahony |
|
|
18.01.2007 |
Tom Colgan |
|
|
18.01.2007 |
Michael Hough |
|
|
08.02.2007 |
Cllr Mattie Ryan |
|
|
11.04.2007 |
Eilis Croke |
|
|
11.04.2007 |
Anne Turley |
|
|
12.06.2008 |
Tim Long |
|
|
Shelton Abbey |
20.12.2005 |
Ms. Oonagh Doyle |
|
02.03.2006 |
John Murphy |
|
|
18.01.2007 |
Cllr Fergus McDonnell |
|
|
07.05.2008 |
Fergus Nestor |
|
|
24.06.2008 |
John Kierans |
|
|
St. Patrick’s Institution |
01.05.2007 |
Mr Francis O’Brien |
|
01.05.2007 |
Mary Reid |
|
|
02.05.2007 |
Yvonne Ní Mhurchú |
|
|
03.05.2007 |
Gerard Walsh |
|
|
14.04.2008 |
John Grant |
|
|
Training Unit |
29.11.2005 |
Christopher Faulkner |
|
08.02.2007 |
Tom Twomey |
|
|
01.05.2007 |
Richard Brennan |
|
|
01.05.2007 |
Charles O’Malley |
|
|
Wheatfield Visiting |
10.01.2006 |
Una Ryan |
|
08.02.2007 |
John Keogh |
|
|
14.01.2008 |
John O’Neill |
|
|
28.04.2008 |
Eddie Kirwan |
|
|
28.04.2008 |
Marty Rohan |
|
|
28.04.2008 |
William Loughnane |
|
|
29.04.2008 |
Pat Rohan |
|
|
07.05.2008 |
Hugh McGrath |
A number of memberships have recently expired, and new appointments are under consideration and expected shortly.
A new expenses regime was brought into effect on 1 January 2006. This new system replaced the then existing travel and subsistence expense system with the following: (i) A per diem payment of €150 per visit / meeting which will be fully subject to tax; and (ii) Vouched travel expenses of up to €40 per visit / meeting.
The compilation of statistics relating to amounts paid to individual visiting committee members by way of travel and subsistence for each of the past four years would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort to prepare and could not be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.
However, the following table sets out the total expenditure paid out to the Visiting Committees over each of the past four years.
|
Year |
Total |
|
€ |
|
|
2004 |
338,540.58 |
|
2005 |
278,646.86 |
|
2006 |
234,359.00 |
|
2007 |
254,400.00 |
Garda Vetting Services.
Charles Flanagan
Question:370 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of personnel appointed to the Garda vetting unit; the average timeframe for vetting queries to be processed; the role and function of the vetting unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39723/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are a total of 66 personnel attached to the Garda Central Vetting Unit. The current average timeframe for the processing of vetting applications is four weeks.
The role and function of the Garda Vetting Unit is to provide a facility to enable vetting organisations dealing with children and vulnerable adults to obtain information from An Garda Síochána. The Garda Vetting Unit is currently extending vetting on a phased basis, to all organisations in this jurisdiction which employ personnel in a full-time, part-time, voluntary or student placement capacity to work with children and/or vulnerable adults.
Crime Prevention.
Tony Gregory
Question:371 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 254 of 5 November 2008 and his reference to the newspaper cutting which was one part of more detailed research carried out by the Oireachtas Library, the documentation on which he has based his decision. [39724/08]
As stated to the Deputy in previous replies, there is no information available to me to indicate that the group in question had any structured relationship with any other subversive or other organisation.
Residency Permits.
Arthur Morgan
Question:372 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39726/08]
I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that they have recently been in contact with the person referred to by the Deputy in relation to his immigration status. Further documentation has been requested in order to facilitate the Immigration Division in examining his case.
Waste Management.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:373 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in the interest of reducing paper use, his Department has plans to relax or drop the requirement to supply three or more hard copies of tender documentation and to move towards greater use of electronic documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39739/08]
The public procurement rules do not specify the number of copies of tender documents to be submitted but they do permit contracting authorities to accept tenders by electronic means. My Department has previously accepted tenders electronically for a number of tendering exercises. Being conscious of the burden on suppliers and need to reduce overheads, my Department will be actively encouraging the level of usage to increase significantly over the coming year.
The national public procurement website, www.etenders.gov.ie, has a facility for the submission of tenders electronically. The facility has been available to all public sector organisations since early 2005 and its use is widely promoted. Between 4,000 and 5,000 tenders are advertised each year and acceptance of electronic tenders offers the potential for significant savings in paper usage. In addition, the website also permits contracting authorities to make all of its tender documentation available in electronic format to prospective suppliers.
Prison Committals.
Charles Flanagan
Question:374 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average number of prisoners held in State prisons in the years 2001 to date in 2008; and his estimate of recidivism or of repeat offenders within the total prison population in each of those years. [39760/08]
The statistics as requested by the Deputy are set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Average Number |
|
2001 |
3,112 |
|
2002 |
3,165 |
|
2003 |
3,176 |
|
2004 |
3,199 |
|
2005 |
3,151 |
|
2006 |
3,191 |
|
2007 |
3,321 |
|
2008 (up to 6 November) |
3,525 |
The Government's significant investment in modernising our prisons over the lifetime of this Government has resulted in the provision of some 1300 new prison spaces. This investment, combined with the additional prison spaces coming on stream over the next number of months at Castlerea, Portlaoise and Wheatfield Prisons will add further to our prison capacity to meet current demands. The Thornton Hall Complex and the proposed new Munster prison will further enhance the quality of our prison accommodation, allow for increased single cell usage and offer significant improvements in the areas of work training, education, medical services and in-cell sanitation.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service recently facilitated a major study of prisoner re-offending by the UCD Institute of Criminology. The study found that 27.4% of released prisoners were serving a new prison sentence within one year. This rose to 39.2% after two years, 45.1% after three years, and 49.2% after four years.
Charles Flanagan
Question:375 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of offences resulting in imprisonment (details supplied) for each year for the past five years; and the average time spent in prison under each heading over the same timeframe. [39761/08]
The following information is taken from the Annual Reports of the Irish Prison Service for the years 2003 to 2006 and from available information which will be included in the 2007 report. While the statistics are not categorised in the exact format requested by the Deputy, it is assumed that the information given will be useful.
|
Year |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
|
Group 1 |
|||||
|
Offences against the person |
882 |
780 |
689 |
970 |
746 |
|
Murder |
19 |
17 |
17 |
30 |
33 |
|
Manslaughter |
19 |
18 |
9 |
19 |
19 |
|
Sexual Offences |
116 |
90 |
93 |
91 |
121 |
|
Other Offences against the person |
728 |
655 |
570 |
830 |
573 |
|
Assault |
361 |
343 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Assault causing harm |
206 |
155 |
|||
|
Assault on Garda |
27 |
32 |
|||
|
Assault O.A.B.H. |
20 |
26 |
|||
|
Other offences |
114 |
99 |
|||
|
Group 2 |
|||||
|
Offences against property with violence |
41 |
63 |
84 |
182 |
233 |
|
Group 3 |
|||||
|
Offences against property without violence |
1,744 |
1,562 |
1,200 |
1,130 |
1,003 |
|
Theft |
687 |
602 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Criminal Damage |
330 |
308 |
|||
|
Burglary (full) |
190 |
115 |
|||
|
Robbery |
166 |
99 |
|||
|
Handling Stolen Property |
89 |
92 |
|||
|
Entering Building with intent to commit offence |
70 |
61 |
|||
|
Other offences in this category |
212 |
285 |
|||
|
Group 4 |
|||||
|
Other Offences |
3,788 |
3,397 |
3,115 |
2,782 |
3,428 |
|
Drug Offences |
530 |
395 |
279 |
278 |
306 |
|
Road Traffic Offences |
1,564 |
1,452 |
1,357 |
1,296 |
1,463 |
|
No Insurance |
711 |
671 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Drunken Driving |
189 |
130 |
|||
|
Dangerous Driving |
105 |
69 |
|||
|
Unauthorised taking of MPV |
91 |
75 |
|||
|
Non Display of Disc |
100 |
42 |
|||
|
No Driving Licence |
52 |
38 |
|||
|
Unauthorised Carriage in/on MPV |
37 |
25 |
|||
|
Other Road Traffic Offences |
279 |
402 |
|||
|
Other Offences |
1,694 |
1,550 |
1,479 |
1,208 |
1,659 |
|
Threatening/Abusive/Insulting Behaviour |
481 |
461 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Debtor Offences |
214 |
194 |
|||
|
Intoxication in Public |
135 |
113 |
|||
|
Failure to comply with Garda |
136 |
56 |
|||
|
Possession of Knives & other articles |
76 |
69 |
|||
|
Failing to appear |
79 |
52 |
|||
|
Breach of Barring Order |
59 |
47 |
|||
|
Failed to make Income Tax returns |
24 |
30 |
|||
|
Breach of the Peace |
30 |
24 |
|||
|
Other Offences |
460 |
504 |
I am advised that it is not possible to provide information in relation to the average amount of time spent in custody under each category as its collation would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort which cannot be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.
Departmental Transport.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:376 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the public transport services used by him since he came into office or since 2007 on official business; the destinations travelled to; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39798/08]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:378 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the public transport services used by his officials since 2007 on official business; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39826/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 376 and 378 together.
I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department incurs transport related costs under a wide range of headings, including by means of travel claims submitted in the normal fashion. It is not feasible to extract this data in the time available. I can, however, inform the Deputy that total expenditure by my Department under the subhead items for taxi and public transport services in 2007 and for 2008 to date amounted to €128,875 and €104,207 respectively
My Department has incurred no costs for public transport for myself since my appointment as Minister in May of this year.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:377 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of kilometres travelled by all Ministers since they came into office or since 2007 on official business in their official car; the cost of same per kilometre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39812/08]
I have requested this information from the Garda authorities and I will contact the Deputy when it is to hand.
Question No. 378 answered with Question No. 376.
Residency Permits.
Pat Breen
Question:379 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will qualify for a stamp four visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39872/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question was granted permission to reside in the State on Stamp 4 conditions on the basis of his marriage to an Irish National on 31 October 2008. This permission is valid until 30 October 2009.
Prison Accommodation.
Charles Flanagan
Question:380 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of high-security wings and sections in each prison in the State; the date of establishment of each; the average cost per year to maintain each one for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40037/08]
The majority of institutions within the prison estate are medium security closed prisons and accommodate a wide variety of prisoners ranging from those serving short sentences for relatively minor offences up to prisoners serving lengthy determinate sentences or life for serious offences. The exception is Portlaoise Prison which is a maximum-security prison.
The most recent available costings in relation to Portlaoise Prison are set out in the following table:
|
Total Cost |
|
|
2002 |
28,319,999. |
|
2003 |
29,707,933 |
|
2004 |
27,468,474 |
|
2005 |
29,126,896 |
|
2006 |
28,027,952 |
|
2007 |
31,564,848 |
In addition, a High Security Unit was opened in Cloverhill Prison in May 2007. The average cost per prisoner in Cloverhill Prison for 2007 was €84,700.
The new prison facilities at Thornton Hall will include a purpose designed high security facility capable of accommodating up to 40 prisoners in a safe, secure setting with appropriate support facilities. It is also intended that the proposed prison development at Kilworth, County Cork will have a high security unit and this is being provided for in the design brief for the new facility.
International Agreements.
Charles Flanagan
Question:381 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the optional protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment has been ratified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40038/08]
I have already outlined the position in this matter in my Reply to Question No. 143 from the Deputy on 22nd October 2008.
Public Order Offences.
Charles Flanagan
Question:382 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the penalties under an Act (details supplied) for alcohol related disorder; his plans to increase this penalty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40039/08]
The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 is the enactment under which most public order offences are prosecuted, including those for alcohol related disorder. Sections 4 and 5 of that Act are of particular relevance to alcohol related offences. They relate to offences of intoxication in a public place and disorderly conduct in a public place, respectively.
The fines for sections 4 and 5 offences were increased by the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008, which I introduced earlier this year, to a maximum fine of €500 for persons convicted of an offence under section 4 and a maximum fine of €1000 under section 5.
Section 8 of the 1994 Act is also relevant. Under that section, a Garda may direct a person to desist from behaving in a manner contrary to the provisions of section 4 and 5 and may instruct the person to leave the vicinity of the area in question. Failure to comply with the direction is an offence punishable by a fine or up to six months imprisonment, or both. The maximum fine was increased to €1000 by the 2008 Act.
A new section 8A was inserted into the 1994 Act by the 2008 Act. It provides that a Garda may confiscate intoxicating liquor from a person and may direct that person and any accompanying persons to leave the area in a peaceable manner. A person convicted of an offence under this section is liable to a fine of up to €1000.
In September I signed Regulations that provide for the issue of fixed charge notices for offences under sections 4 and 5 of the 1994 Act. Under the Regulations, if a Garda is of the opinion that a person has committed one of these offences, the member may serve on that person a fixed charge notice. The notice offers the person the option of paying a fixed charge of €140 in respect of disorderly conduct and €100 in respect of public intoxication, instead of being prosecuted for the offence. These Regulations gave effect to sections 23A and 23B of the 1994 Act which were inserted by Section 184 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.
I have no plans at present for further changes in the level of penalties but I will be keeping the situation under review.
Proposed Legislation.
Charles Flanagan
Question:383 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he plans to increase Garda powers to issue stay away orders when there is harassment in public places or at a person’s or witness’s home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40040/08]
There are, of course, legislative provisions already in place to oblige people to stay away from other people or places. Thus, the Non Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997 permits the court, in appropriate cases, to order a person not to communicate with a specified person or not to approach within a specified distance his/her home. Section 41 of the Criminal Justice Act 1999 makes it an offence to threaten or intimidate a witness or potential witness or members of his/her family with the intention to pervert the course of justice. I am examining, in the context of the Programme for Government commitments, what further steps may be necessary in relation to ‘stay away' orders.
Charles Flanagan
Question:384 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he plans to legislate to allow the Garda to issue restriction orders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40041/08]
Restrictions on movement or access can give rise to consideration of the extent to which such restrictions are in compliance with constitutional rights. It is, therefore, generally the case that these restrictions are imposed by the courts, on application by the Garda.
The following are among the provisions currently on the statute book which provide for restrictions: (i) exclusion orders under Part 2 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003, (ii) section 101 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 (an alternative to a custodial sentence), (iii) warnings and orders under Parts 11 and 13 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 (anti-social behaviour) and (iv) post release orders under section 26, Criminal Justice Act 2007. Conditions attaching to bail (under section 6 of the Bail Act 1997) may also entail some restrictions.
I have no plans at present to provide for the Garda to issue restriction orders.
Closed Circuit Television Systems.
Charles Flanagan
Question:385 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the closed circuit television grant aid system for community groups and organisations that has been offered by his Department each year for the past five years; the funding allocation each year for the past five years; the progress on plans to roll out the CCTV project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40042/08]
The Community-based CCTV Scheme was established in 2005. It is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying local organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems. The Scheme offers pre-development (Stage 1) grants of up to €5,000 to enable qualifying applicants to investigate the need for CCTV in their area and to complete a detailed proposal, and development (Stage 2) grants of up to €100,000 from my Department for the establishment of a CCTV scheme. In addition to this, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs provides successful applicants from RAPID areas with a further grant to a possible maximum of €100,000.
I have been informed by Pobal, which has been engaged to administer the scheme on behalf of my Department, that Community CCTV systems are operational in 10 towns and cities around the country. Two other locations are nearing completion and a further 16 grant approved schemes are at various stages in their implementation.
Garda CCTV systems and Community-based grant aided schemes are funded from a single budget provision within the Garda Vote. The following allocation has been provided in the Garda Vote since 2005 for the provision of both Garda CCTV and Community CCTV systems:
2005 — €4.62 million;
2006 — €5.15 million;
2007 — €7.51 million;
2008 — €7.38 million.
As indicated, separate funding for RAPID areas is also provided by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Criminal Prosecutions.
Charles Flanagan
Question:386 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to legislate for mandatory jail terms for violent unprovoked assaults and to specifically criminalise the practice of “happy slapping”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40043/08]
As the Deputy may be aware, the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997 provides for offences in relation to assault, assault causing harm, causing serious harm, threats to kill or cause serious injury as well as a range of other offences. In the context of other legislative priorities, the need for additional measures is under consideration in light of the commitment in the Programme for Government 2007-2012 to legislate for mandatory jail terms for violent unprovoked assaults and specifically criminalise the practice of so-called "happy slapping".
Garda Strength.
Charles Flanagan
Question:387 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform An Garda Siochana’s progress to date in providing for an increased number of promotional posts to ensure that management is not over-stretched by such an expansion as per the Programme for Government commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40044/08]
The strength of the management ranks in An Garda Síochána as of 30th September 2007 and 30th September 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is as follows:
|
Rank |
Number in rank on 30th September 2007 |
Number in rank on 30th September 2008 |
|
Commissioner |
1 |
1 |
|
Deputy Commissioner |
3 |
2 |
|
Assistant Commissioner |
12 |
9 |
|
Chief Superintendent |
49 |
52 |
|
Superintendent |
187 |
187 |
|
Inspector |
326 |
356 |
|
Sergeant |
2,100 |
2,206 |
|
Total |
2,678 |
2,813 |
On 20th October 2008 the Government appointed four Chief Superintendents to the rank of Assistant Commissioner and the consequential vacancies have also been filled. I am in consultation with the Commissioner regarding future increases in the management ranks in An Garda Síochána.
Garda Deployment.
Charles Flanagan
Question:388 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to use the additional capacity of An Garda Síochána to target communities experiencing significant anti-social behaviour and crime; if he will provide a practical example of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40045/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána on 30 September 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 14,284.
Strong provisions are in place to combat anti-social behaviour and the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 modernised the law in this regard. Furthermore, the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 contains provisions to deal with alcohol abuse and its effect on public order. In addition, the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 provides the Garda with powers to deal with late night street violence and anti-social conduct attributable to excessive drinking. The Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 gives further powers to the Gardaí to tackle misuse of alcohol which is often at the root of crime and anti-social behaviour and regulations are in place enabling further public order provisions in this Act to come into operation. The Act places restrictions on the availability and visibility of alcohol and provides for more effective enforcement to deal with the consequences of alcohol abuse. These provisions also allow for the issue of fixed charge notices for the offences of intoxication in a public place and disorderly conduct in a public place.
Operation Encounter was commenced by the Commissioner in February 2002. The operation specifically targets offences contrary to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988, which include the sale and consumption of alcohol by underage persons.
All members of An Garda Síochána proactively target public disorder and anti-social behaviour. Areas subject to such behaviour have been identified as hot-spots by local Garda management and additional foot and mobile patrols are directed at these areas during times when these offences are more likely to occur. All such incidents detected by members on patrol or reported to An Garda Síochána are dealt with immediately and the suspected offenders are dealt with in accordance with the law. Over 510,000 offences have been detected since the commencement of Operation Encounter.
Garda Charter.
Charles Flanagan
Question:389 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date on the development of a Garda charter; the recommendations the Garda Inspectorate has passed to him on this issue; when he expects it to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40046/08]
The Garda Inspectorate have been requested to provide advice on the development of a Garda Charter, specifically:
To advise on the development and implementation of the Garda Charter proposed in the Programme for Government which will set out targeted response times and levels of service which the public can expect including frequency of high visibility patrols in urban and rural communities;
To examine data currently available and to make recommendations on improving data availability on response times and the levels of service (including frequency of high visibility patrols) provided by An Garda Síochána;
To consider any similar service charters or relevant systems operating in other police services and to report on how the experience in those services can be used in developing and implementing a system in Ireland, and
To recommend on how a system can be implemented incrementally having regard to the availability of resources and the systems for the deployment of such resources.
The aim of a Garda Charter is to improve customer service and responsiveness. The Charter will set out targeted response times and levels of service the public can expect, including the frequency of high visibility patrols in urban and rural communities.
The Garda Inspectorate have advised me that they expect to complete their report early next year and I look forward to receiving their advice.
Human Rights Issues.
Charles Flanagan
Question:390 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the initiatives in place within An Garda Síochána for tackling racism, homophobia, and upholding the human rights standards within society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40047/08]
The centrality of human rights compliance to policing in Ireland is highlighted by section 7 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 which sets out for the first time the core functions of the Garda Siochana in a modern and unambiguous statutory format. Those objectives include (a) the protection of life and property and (b) vindicating the human rights of each individual.
That said, it is important of course that these core objectives of Government policy are made clear to each member of the force. That is why section 16 of the Act of 2005 provides a revised form of declaration for persons joining the Force, which specifically directs each new member's attention to the need to have regard for human rights in carrying out policing duties. A further practical example of that individualised approach lies in the fact that a short 32 page guide to the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003 has been distributed to each member of the force. The guide outlines the key principles of human rights obligations as they apply to operational policing.
Human rights compliance features strongly in the Garda Siochana's corporate strategy A Time for Change (2007-2009). That document commits the Gardaí to engaging in "a culture of public service grounded in honesty, integrity, respect, professionalism and accountability". It further commits to "compliance with the highest standards of ethical human rights and service standards."
In addition there is a comprehensive education, training and information system for the professional development of all staff. This development programme incorporates human rights training. This applies both to Garda students and at supervisory and managerial development courses. In addition the preparation of a new statutory Code of Ethics is well underway. It is also the case that the ongoing need to human rights proof Garda policies has been fully accepted by Garda management.
Drug Court Programme.
Charles Flanagan
Question:391 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to expand the drug court programme; his plans to provide judges with the option of sentencing offenders to mandatory drug treatment programmes in addition to prison; the cost of this proposed initiative; the ability for the prison service to cater for such drug treatment programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40048/08]
I can inform the Deputy that the Drug Treatment Court, which originally operated on a pilot basis in the North inner city of Dublin, has been placed on a permanent footing and extended to the Dublin 7 area. The Court uses a multi-disciplinary approach and involves a range of Government Departments and agencies charged with dealing with various aspects of the problem of drug misuse. The presiding judge in this Court operates with the assistance of a large back-up team which includes a probation officer, an addiction nurse, a Garda liaison officer, an education/training representative and counsellors.
My Department is currently examining the operation of the court and my officials are looking at best practice elsewhere to see how the Court's rather modest throughput levels might be increased.
A number of sentencing options are already available to judges in relation to drug treatment. Section 99(4) of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 permits a court to suspend a prison sentence on certain conditions, some of which are mandatory while others are at the court's discretion, including a condition that the person undergo appropriate treatment for drug, alcohol or substance addiction. In addition, section 28 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 permits a court to remand persons convicted of certain drug related offences and, on foot of a court ordered medical report, to arrange for the medical treatment or care of such persons.
I can further inform the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service has committed significant investment to improving Drug Treatment Resources across prisons in recent years. The potential for any legislative or policy change to impact on those existing services would require examination by the Irish Prison Service from a resource and service provision perspective. Equally, the Probation Service would be willing to cooperate in any possible expansion of the Drug Court Programme subject to the necessary resources being available.
Prison Drug Treatment Services.
Charles Flanagan
Question:392 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of drug treatment programmes in each prison in the State; the number of places available in each prison for each year for the past five years; the timeframe of each programme; the funding provided to each programme annually for the past five years and for 2009; the number of staff working on each programme in each prison for each year for the past five years and for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40049/08]
The Irish Prison Service continues to work to implement its Drugs Policy & Strategy, entitled Keeping Drugs Out of Prisons, which was launched in May 2006. Working to fulfil the commitments contained in the Policy and Strategy involves the implementation of stringent measures to prevent drugs from getting into prisons while, at the same time, continuing to invest in services within prisons to reduce the demand for illicit drugs in the prisoner population as well as meeting prisoners' treatment and rehabilitative needs.
At present, any person entering prison giving a history of opiate use and testing positive for opioids on committal are offered a medically assisted symptomatic detoxification for operational reasons. Patients can, as part of the assessment process, discuss with healthcare staff other treatment options which may include stabilization on methadone maintenance for persons who wish to continue on maintenance while in prison and when they return to the community on release. Methadone maintenance is available in 8 of the 14 places of detention accounting for over 80% of the prison population. Details of the number of prisoners treated with drug related problems since 2003 is set out in the table below.
|
Prison |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Cloverhill |
591 |
528 |
571 |
678 |
710 |
|
Dochas |
257 |
211 |
228 |
216 |
225 |
|
Limerick |
15 |
3 |
4 |
8 |
10 |
|
Midlands |
— |
6 |
6 |
19 |
90 |
|
Mountjoy |
592 |
394 |
590 |
464 |
594 |
|
Portlaoise |
30 |
6 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
|
St. Patrick’s |
43 |
3 |
1 |
8 |
15 |
|
Wheatfield |
226 |
158 |
162 |
184 |
193 |
|
Totals |
1,754 |
1,309 |
1,564 |
1,579 |
1,840 |
The Medical Unit in Mountjoy Prison has spaces specifically allocated for a dedicated drug detoxification programme. Each multidisciplinary programme has a duration of 6 weeks and the programme has a capacity of 9 prisoners at a time. The dedicated multidisciplinary drug detoxification programme in the Medical Unit in Mountjoy Prison involves both prison based staff and external agencies and is aimed at assisting prisoners who have indicated a desire to move from either a situation of current drug use or existing substitution programme to drug free status.
The most significant recent development has been the awarding of a contract for the provision of addiction counselling services for all prisons in the country to Merchants Quay Ireland. This contract is currently being rolled out, and all prisoners wherever they may be imprisoned will have access to addiction counselling services by the end of this year.
In the past the IPS has monitored its overall expenditure on healthcare and has not segregated spending on drug treatment. As most health care posts cover a range of healthcare interventions including drug treatment it is not possible to disaggregate the number of posts or funding specifically dedicated to drug treatment services.
Criminal Prosecutions.
Charles Flanagan
Question:393 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress on allowing the Director of Public Prosecutions to appeal against lenient sentences in the District Court and allowing the DPP to make submissions at sentencing stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40050/08]
The question of providing the DPP with a power to seek a review of unduly lenient sentences handed down in the District Court was examined by the Law Reform Commission in its report on prosecution appeals and pre-trial hearings (LRC 81-2006). The Report cited the lack of sentencing information in the District Court as a difficulty with regard to conferring such a power on the DPP. This information deficit is being addressed by the steering committee established by the Courts Service Board to plan for and provide information on sentencing. The committee, under the chair of Mrs. Justice Susan Denham of the Supreme Court, comprises a judge from the High, Circuit and District Courts and a university law lecturer with expertise in sentencing law.
The project, known as the Irish Sentencing Information System ("ISIS"), involves an examination of the feasibility of providing a computerised information system on sentences and other penalties imposed for criminal offences. This will assist judges when considering the sentence to be imposed in an individual case. The Committee established a pilot project in June 2006 in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. A further pilot commenced in Cork Circuit Court in April 2008. It is expected that the outcome of this initiative will prepare the ground for conferring on the DPP the power to seek a review of unduly lenient sentences in the District Court.
The issue of prosecution submissions at the sentencing stage was examined by the Balance in the Criminal Law Review Group. At present there is no statute regulating the right of the prosecution to make such submissions. However, the Deputy will be aware that the DPP's Guidelines for Prosecutors give some direction in this regard, as do the codes of conduct of the Bar and the Law Society.
In light of its deliberations the Group recommended that the DPP's guidelines be amended to permit the prosecution to assist the sentencing judge by volunteering information on sentencing precedents irrespective of whether such detail was or was not solicited by the Court. The Group further recommended that my Department, together with the Office of the DPP, keep under review the possibility of allowing the prosecutor to volunteer precedents and to make submissions at the outset of the sentencing stage and to make submissions to the court as to the aggravating factors, but without recommending a particular sentence range.
The recommendations made by the Review Group are being examined by my Department. In the course of that review, the views of the Office of the Attorney General and of the Office of the DPP will be sought.
Judicial Studies Institute.
Charles Flanagan
Question:394 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to progress the role of an institute (details supplied) in assisting the professional development of the Judiciary; the funding provided for the institute for each year for the past five years and for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40051/08]
The Deputy will appreciate that it is for the Judicial Studies Institute itself to plan, organise and manage its business. My function as Minister under the Courts and Courts Officers Act 1995 is, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, to provide funds for the training and education of judges. The aim of the Institute is to facilitate the continuing education of judges in relation to all aspects of the judicial function. The Institute operates on a non-statutory basis at present. I am providing, in the context of my proposals for the Judicial Council Bill referred in the Government Legislation Programme, for establishment of the Institute on a statutory basis.
The budget allocated to the Institute from 2004 to 2009 is as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2004 |
400,000 |
|
2005 |
450,000 |
|
2006 |
450,000 |
|
2007 |
500,000 |
|
2008 |
500,000 |
|
2009 |
500,000* |
*Subject to formal approval.
Criminal Prosecutions.
Charles Flanagan
Question:395 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to introduce new pretrial procedures to deal with admissibility of evidence, to save overtime and the time of jurors and the court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40052/08]
Charles Flanagan
Question:398 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will introduce procedures in order that the defence should provide the prosecution with a list of intended witnesses and put structures in place to ensure that the prosecution is on notice of the points of defence raised by the defence in advance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40055/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 395 and 398 together.
The Deputy's Questions refer to Government commitments regarding the conduct of and procedures relating to criminal trials. The issues raised by these commitments were considered by the Balance in the Criminal Law Review Group, which reported in March 2007 to the then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. In considering the disposal of admissibility issues pre-trial, the Review Group recommended that legislation be introduced to provide that admissibility issues should be determined prior to the swearing in of a jury. The Group considered that the present arrangement whereby a jury is sworn in before any admissibility issue is determined is illogical and inconvenient on a number of levels and is based on historical considerations which no longer apply.
The Deputy will be aware that a considerable disparity exists between the advance disclosure obligations of the defence and prosecution counsel in criminal cases. The prosecution is required to set out the precise details of the case they will seek to present and the conclusions which it will attempt to prove. The defence, in contrast, is not required to furnish any such information, with certain exceptions such as alibi evidence under Section 20 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, witness information required under the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 and evidence regarding the mental state of the accused under Section 19 of the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006.
The Review Group considered a range of options regarding defence statements, including models based on UK law. The Group concluded that, having regard to the difficulties of moving to a defence statement regime, the obligation on additional disclosure should be limited to expert and technical reports and witness statements of experts on which the defendant intends to rely. These recommendations of the Review Group are being considered by my Department. I am also awaiting the outcome of the Law Reform Commission's review of these matters, as part of its Third Programme of Law Reform.
Courts Service.
Charles Flanagan
Question:396 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his legislative plans which will give the courts greater discretion on the way trials are to be conducted and enable them to give directions as to document exchange and scheduling of witnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40053/08]
Charles Flanagan
Question:397 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will put in place a structure whereby the defence will accept certain kinds of technical evidence by certificate of gardaí unless they can show good reason for the gardaí to be physically present in court; when he will put in place a structure whereby technical evidence, particularly search warrants, are presumed to be valid unless contradictory evidence can be produced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40054/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 396 and 397 together.
In general, courts have discretion, subject to the requirements of the administration of justice, as to the directions they may give in a particular case to enable a trial to be conducted expeditiously, including directions for exchange of documents. Moreover, case management regimes, for example, have been in operation in the High Court in the areas of commercial proceedings, family law proceedings and some other categories of litigation. I understand that, borrowing on the experience of those regimes, proposals to introduce case progression procedures in respect of further litigation categories in the High Court are currently being studied by the Judiciary.
Most recently, with the signing into law of the Circuit Court Rules (Case Progression in Family Law Proceedings) 2008 — the Statutory Instrument which I signed on the 12th September last — County Registrars have been conferred with important powers to assist in expediting family law proceedings in the Circuit Court. Those rules assign to the County Registrar, through case progression hearings, the functions of overseeing preparation of family law cases for trial, setting timetables for completion of pre-trial steps, generally monitoring the progress of the case pre-trial, and making final arrangements for the trial.
The Third Programme of work of the Law Reform Commission is now under way. In 2008, the Commission began a project on documentary evidence and technology. Documentary evidence is an essential element of nearly all litigation. This project will discuss the rules concerning proof of execution and authentication of documents, and consider the need for their modernisation. The project will also consider whether electronic evidence should be regulated as a separate category of evidence. My Department will give careful consideration to the findings of the Commission.
The amount of time potentially spent by Gardaí in court proceedings was noted in a recent report of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate. It also noted that within the Dublin Metropolitan Region a Court Presenter system is in place in the Dublin Metropolitan Court District and that outside the DMR the local District Officer is the Prosecuting Officer, representing the Director of Public Prosecutions, for the majority of prosecutions before the District and Circuit Courts.
The Inspectorate welcomed developments in the Court Presenter system which frees up significant Garda time from court duty. The Inspectorate has suggested that this scheme should be extended to all courts throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region. They have also suggested that the Superintendents assigned outside of the Dublin Metropolitan Region should be relieved of their Court Prosecution role. The recommendations of the Inspectorate are currently the subject of examination in my Department.
Question No. 398 answered with Question No. 395.
Legal Costs.
Charles Flanagan
Question:399 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his progress on providing for lawyers clients in non-criminal matters with a right of application to the court where they contend that their legal bill is excessive and includes wasted costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40056/08]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the Legal Costs Bill that is a commitment in the Government Legislation Programme. The details of my proposals for the Bill continue to be developed in my Department with a view to being completed as soon as possible.
The Bill aims to reform the manner in which disputed legal costs are assessed with the allied objective of making the market for civil legal services more predictable, consistent and transparent to consumers; to provide for significant improvements in the quality and quantity of the information that a solicitor is required to provide to clients and the manner in which it is to be supplied; to ensure the litigant has a central role to play in controlling his or her legal costs and to ensure that the timely provision of information to clients is central to this empowerment.
Under the law as it stands solicitors must furnish their client with a detailed Bill of Costs and there is a system under which the costs may be taxed. The Law Society has power to investigate allegations of excessive charges by solicitors and there are, of course, sanctions and disciplinary procedures in place.
Garda Operations.
Charles Flanagan
Question:400 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date on introducing new reforms on protecting the identities of witnesses and victims at identification parades through the installation of one-way glass in Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40057/08]
The current procedure used by the Garda Síochána, which was introduced following advice from the Law Officers, involves each participant in an identity parade being assigned a number. In order to ensure that there is no doubt as to the person the victim or witness has identified, it is necessary that a clear identification is made. This may be done in a number of ways, including pointing at or stating the position or number of a person on the line-up. Prior to this, the procedure necessitated the witness or victim placing their hand on the person as part of the identification process. I am advised by the Garda authorities that research is ongoing in relation to facilities in Garda stations to enable formal identification parades to be conducted without the identifying witness needing to be in the presence of or visible to the suspect.
Road Traffic Offences.
Charles Flanagan
Question:401 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of money in fines collected in respect of offences under the Road Traffic Acts each year for the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40058/08]
The table below shows the amount of court fines collected in respect of offences under the Road Traffic Acts in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
€7,500,000 |
€13,400,000 |
€12,800,000 |
Garda Disciplinary Proceedings.
Charles Flanagan
Question:402 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the circumstances in which Garda pay may be deducted from a member of An Garda Síochána in respect of a disciplinary measure; the number of members to which such a sanction was applied in each year for the past three years; the amount of money deducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40059/08]
Both the Garda Siochana (Discipline) Regulations 1989 and the new 2007 Regulations which replaced them on 1 June of that year empower a number of disciplinary actions in respect of breaches of discipline — including reductions in pay. These reductions are subject to maximum limits depending on the circumstances involved.
The amounts of money deducted under the Regulations and the number of members involved is set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Pay Reduction Amount |
No. of Members |
|
€ |
||
|
2005 |
23,830.00 |
42 |
|
2006 |
33,445.00 |
87 |
|
2007 |
45,642.04 |
99 |
The above figures do not include similar type sanctions which may have been imposed by the independent Garda Siochana Complaints Tribunal or by the Director of Training, Garda College in respect of breaches of the Garda College Code of Conduct.
Decentralisation Programme.
John Deasy
Question:403 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount the process of decentralisation has cost the taxpayer to date excluding the cost of all sites or buildings acquired; and the cost for each individual location. [40157/08]
The figures requested by the Deputy are contained in the table and they include costs incurred in respect of the provision of office equipment, training and I.C.T. The Deputy may wish to note that the expenditure involved has given rise to the transfer of five hundred and fifty posts under my Department's decentralisation programme.
|
Location |
Office |
Non-Property Costs |
|
DJELR |
Head Office |
2,844 |
|
Portarlington |
Data Protection Commissioner |
149,097 |
|
Equality Tribunal |
25,421 |
|
|
Roscrea |
Equality Authority |
180,728 |
|
Garda Ombudsman |
181 |
|
|
Navan |
Garda Civilian Human Resources |
230,173 |
|
National Property Services Regulatory Authority |
0 |
|
|
Probation Service |
18,203 |
|
|
Coroners Service |
0 |
|
|
Thurles |
Garda HQ |
455,331 |
|
Longford |
Irish Prison Service |
499,721 |
|
Roscommon |
Property Registration Authority |
461,970 |
|
Tipperary |
Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service |
194,454 |
|
Total to end June 2008 |
2,218,123 |
Consular Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:404 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [40234/08]
Finian McGrath
Question:413 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will assist persons (details supplied) in Dublin 13. [39744/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 404 and 413 together.
Our Embassy in Mexico, which is also accredited to Venezuela, has been monitoring developments in the case of the person to whom the Deputy refers since he was arrested in Caracas, on 3 February 2004 on drugs related charges. He was sentenced to 8 years in prison by the Venezuelan Supreme Court. In December 2007, our Embassy learned that he had been released from prison on "conditional release". I understand that this means that he must remain in Venezuela until his sentence is complete, which is scheduled for September 2011.
Our Embassy in Mexico and our Honorary Consul in Caracas remains available to provide all possible consular assistance that is necessary in the circumstances. I would advice the Irish citizen in question to make early contact with the Honorary Consul to discuss any outstanding issues.
Human Rights Issues.
Billy Timmins
Question:405 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the policy changes which have taken place or are proposed to take place as outlined in a newspaper article (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39190/08]
The issue of extraordinary rendition has been raised on numerous occasions in this House. As has been made repeatedly clear, the Government is completely opposed to the practice of the extraordinary rendition of prisoners. The policy has not changed. The article to which the Deputy refers concerns a decision by the Government on 29 October to establish a Cabinet Committee on Aspects of International Human Rights. As part of its remit, the Committee has reviewed the Programme for Government commitments in relation to our total opposition to extraordinary rendition.
The Committee has agreed that early contact should be made with the new US Administration to seek a clear statement of intent that extraordinary rendition would cease and would not resume during the new President's term of office. I would emphasise that, while we have no reason to doubt the existing assurances in respect of the use of Irish airports, what we are looking for is a clear overall policy statement which would commit the new Administration to end the practice of extraordinary rendition wherever it may be occurring.
Commitments are also being sought in regard to the closure of Guantanamo Bay and to the prohibition of intensive interrogation techniques, such as water-boarding, that are internationally considered to constitute torture. These techniques are in clear violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. The closure of Guantanamo Bay has been called for by the Government consistently and from an early point and is now the agreed position of the EU. Given the stated position of the President elect, I am hopeful that we will receive an early and positive response.
The Government has received clear and specific assurances at the highest level from the US authorities that such prisoners have not been transferred through Irish territory, nor would they be, without our permission. We have no reason to doubt the existing assurances in respect of the use of Irish airports. The fact remains that none of the various investigations into allegations of extraordinary rendition have revealed any evidence or even resulted in a specific allegation that any person has been subjected to extraordinary rendition through Ireland. In addition, the Gardaí have conducted a number of investigations on foot of complaints, but these have not produced any evidence of illegal activity.
With a view to strengthening as necessary the legislative provisions, the Cabinet committee on aspects of international human rights is to review the statutory powers available to the civil and police authorities regarding the search and inspection of aircraft in the context of the obligations on the State under the Chicago convention.
I am informed by my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, that the commitment in the programme for Government on training in the human rights area is being fully implemented. In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, there is a duty on the Garda to protect life and vindicate the human rights of the individual. To this end, there is a comprehensive programme for human rights training within An Garda Síochána. New members of the Garda make a declaration of the need to have regard for human rights in carrying out policing duties. In addition, the Garda remains ready to take whatever action is open to it under the law in respect of any allegations of extraordinary rendition.
Departmental Expenditure.
Richard Bruton
Question:406 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an estimate of the cost of legal services which his Department paid for in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he has satisfied himself that effective measures are in place to minimise this cost. [39312/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, Government Departments do not pay for the legal services provided by the Office of the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitors Office or for advice from Counsel briefed by them.
My Department has a Legal Division, staffed by qualified legal professionals who provide legal advice on a wide range of international legal issues. Having such ‘in-house' legal experts reduces the costs which would be incurred if the Department was to engage externally for similar services. In 2007, the total spend for external legal services at Headquarters was €147,057. To date in 2008, costs of €48,384 have been incurred on such legal fees.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:407 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of capital projects which have gone over budget in each of the past five years; the original estimate for each of these projects; the final cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39526/08]
My Department's capital allocation is part of the general administrative budget which supports the work of the Department. It funds such activities as the purchase and maintenance of properties on behalf of the State overseas, the purchase of office equipment, and ICT investment. Two capital projects have gone over budget in the last five years.
Firstly, following a public procurement process, a contract was signed in December 2002 for the development and installation of an Automated Passport System. The budget for this contract was €21.925 million. The final outturn for this project was €27.774 million. The largest component of the additional cost concerned contract change notes, involving the inclusion of additional items which were not included in the original contract. These additional items were considered necessary by the Department as the project advanced. They covered, for instance, the decision of the Department that, arising from the 9/11 situation in the United States, our Embassies and Consulates needed to be able to issue higher quality emergency passports that would meet enhanced US requirements.
In summary, the original price effectively delivered what was agreed in the contract, with the increased costs being due to additions that enabled us to further enhance the passport system. Additional hardware and software was required for this. The costs in relation to the Automated Passport System were comprehensively analysed by the Comptroller and Auditor General and considered in detail by the Public Accounts Committee in 2006.
Secondly, one property project exceeded the estimated cost in the last five years. This related to the Ambassador's Residence in Buenos Aires which underwent major renovations in the period 2005-2007. The initial estimate for the work was €381,369. However, during the course of the initial work, it became evident that the Residence required urgent structural repairs, which went beyond the scope of the original work envisaged. The final cost of the works was approximately €814,000.
I should add that the most recent major project undertaken by the Passport Office, the introduction of the ePassport, was the first project to undergo and be approved by the Government-wide Peer Review Process announced in October 2005. This project, which ensures that Irish citizens continue to enjoy visa free access into the United States, thereby also avoiding visa fees, was completed on time and some €2.7 million under budget.
Departmental Staff.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:408 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the severance packages for each retiring staff member in his Department over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39541/08]
My Department does not pay severance packages to retiring staff.
The calculation of the pension benefits payable to retired members of my Department, including the appropriate lump sum due, is a matter for the Department of Finance.
EU Treaties.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:409 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the effect the Lisbon “No” vote has had on Ireland’s negotiating power at Council level in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39548/08]
Since our referendum on the Lisbon Treaty on 12 June, the Government has been engaging with our EU partners in trying to find an agreed way forward with regard to the Lisbon Treaty. The other Member States have shown great understanding of Ireland's situation and a willingness to work with us in finding ways of responding to the concerns of the Irish people. This is the cooperative spirit in which the Union always operates.
In a 27-member Union, each Member State has a certain negotiating weight which it needs to employ in pursuit of its priority objectives. While I do not consider that any serious damage has so far been done to our interests, in the longer term there is no doubt that the prospect of Ireland being the only country unable to ratify the Treaty would put us in a difficult position.
Within the Council, negotiating strength, particularly for a small Member State, arises in significant part from an ability to influence other Member States and to build effective alliances with them in order to secure particular national interests. This alliance-building approach has been remarkably effective for Ireland over the last three and a half decades. It has, for instance, allowed us to achieve extremely positive outcomes from negotiations, whether on agriculture, regional policy support or the operation of the single market. The EU's underpinning of the peace process is also a very good example of our influence delivering for the people. It is vital that we continue to be regarded by others — including the international community outside the EU — as a front rank and committed EU Member State, with an ability to build consensus and contribute effectively to the development of the Union.
International Agreements.
John O'Mahony
Question:410 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to bringing children from Chernobyl to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39610/08]
As I mentioned in answer to questions on Wednesday 29 October, once I became aware of possible restrictions on the children's travel, I met with Adi Roche of Chernobyl Children's Project International on 8 September to review the situation, and also asked the Chargé d'Affaires of the Belarusian Embassy in London to visit Dublin later that week to open discussions on an agreement to provide a framework for visits by Chernobyl children.
Following intensive discussions at official level, a draft Agreement was forwarded to the Belarusian authorities on 6 October. On 13 October, I discussed progress at a meeting with Belarusian Foreign Minister Martynov and expressed the Government's strong hope that — even if negotiations with the Belarusian Government were not fully concluded — Christmas visits by the Chernobyl children to Ireland should be allowed to go ahead. A Belarus response to the draft agreement, requesting further information, was received by my Department on 16 October.
Separately, Ireland's Ambassador to Minsk was notified by the Belarusian authorities on 16 October that a Presidential Decree had been signed on 13 October relating to travel by Belarusian children overseas. Given its potential impact on future visits by children from Chernobyl, and following further consultations with Adi Roche and other Chernobyl NGOs, it was decided to deal with the issues arising through our proposed draft agreement. On 24 October, this approach was conveyed to the Belarusian authorities.
A reply has been promised to Ireland's Ambassador on this and is still awaited. Officials remain in constant contact with their Belarusian opposite numbers and an Irish delegation is ready to visit Minsk at short notice with the intention, depending on the Belarusian response, of quickly concluding an agreement which will allow the visits to continue. I am also remaining in very close touch with developments on an issue that is of course of considerable concern to many Irish charities and to individual families, and I am ready to intervene again personally if necessary.
Planning Issues.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:411 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the development works undertaken by his Department under section 181(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, since the Act was enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39649/08]
The Department of Foreign Affairs has never availed of this emergency provision in the Planning and Development Act, 2000.
Waste Management.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:412 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in the interest of reducing paper use, his Department has plans to relax or drop the requirement to supply three or more hard copies of tender documentation and to move towards greater use of electronic documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39737/08]
My Department makes use of the secure electronic postbox facility for receipt of tenders that is now available on the government procurement portal www.etenders.gov.ie . I understand that initial experience has been satisfactory and that it is intended to make more use of this facility from now on. Bearing in mind that not all tenderers may have access to broadband, it will be necessary to continue to allow tenderers the option to submit hard copies if that is their preference.
I am very conscious of the time and effort that businesses have to invest in the preparation of tenders and for this reason my Department will continue to try and keep its tender response requirements as simple and as straightforward as possible. All of the Department's tender documents are issued electronically via the etenders portal and this has greatly reduced the Department's paper requirements in tendering.
Question No. 413 answered with Question No. 404.
Departmental Transport.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:414 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the public transport services used by him since he came into office or since 2007 on official business; the destinations travelled to; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39796/08]
Since taking office as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have not had occasion to use public transport in the course of my official duties.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:415 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the public transport services used by his officials since 2007 on official business; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39824/08]
My Department's travel policy states clearly that "public transport should, where available and feasible, be used in preference to other more expensive modes of transport." This travel policy is currently under review.
The table below sets out the costs of public transport used by officials of this Department in 2007 and, to date, in 2008. The table includes the total costs incurred in respect of rail and bus travel by the officers of the Department based at headquarters (Dublin and Limerick) and at our missions abroad. The table does not include air-fares but I am also happy to provide those details to the Deputy, if desired.
|
Year |
Cost incurred |
|
€ |
|
|
2007 |
157,430 |
|
2008 (to date) |
152,108 |
Decentralisation Programme.
John Deasy
Question:416 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount the process of decentralisation has cost the taxpayer to date excluding the cost of all sites or buildings acquired; and the cost for each individual location. [40155/08]
Under the Government's decentralisation programme announced in 2003, 125 posts attached to the Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs were to decentralise to Limerick. The Division is the Headquarters of Irish Aid.
Following sanction of an additional 20 posts by the Department of Finance in 2005, the total number of posts attached to Irish Aid Headquarters increased to 145. Of these, 138 are decentralising and 112 have now moved into the new permanent Headquarters building in Limerick.
The following table sets out the non-property costs associated with decentralisation incurred by this Department during the period 2004-2008. The increase experienced in 2007 relates to the costs associated with the establishment of interim offices in Limerick in May of that year.
|
Training Allowance A1 |
Travel & Subsistence A2 |
Training A3 |
Office machinery and related expenses A5 |
Office Premises A6 |
Total per year |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
1,200 |
0 |
0 |
1,200 |
|
2005 |
0 |
500 |
2,900 |
0 |
0 |
3,400 |
|
2006 |
0 |
1,900 |
7,200 |
0 |
0 |
9,100 |
|
2007 |
15,000 |
6,400 |
2,000 |
166,900 |
11,900 |
202,200 |
|
2008 |
0 |
600 |
2,100 |
0 |
22,000 |
24,700 |
|
Total |
15,000 |
9,400 |
15,400 |
166,900 |
33,900 |
240,600 |
Architecture Award.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:417 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the success of architects (details supplied); the action he proposes to take to recognise this unique award for these Irish architects that demonstrates an international recognition of the quality of the architecture here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39247/08]
I wrote to the architects in question on behalf of the Government, to offer my warmest congratulations, on winning the first Building of the Year Award at the inaugural World Architecture Festival. As Minister with responsibility for the arts, including architecture, I acknowledged their achievement, which is an inspiration not only to Irish architects, but also to Irish artists in general.
Departmental Expenditure.
Richard Bruton
Question:418 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide an estimate of the cost of legal services which his Department paid for in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he has satisfied himself that effective measures are in place to minimise this cost. [39305/08]
In general, whenever the Department requires legal services, it obtains these from the Office of the Attorney General and/or the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. The associated costs are borne directly by those two Offices.
However, on occasion and in exceptional circumstances, the Department, including the National Archives, obtains legal services from other sources. In 2007 and 2008 (to date), the costs associated with such other legal services are as set out in tabular form below.
|
Year 2007 |
Year 2008 (To Date) |
Total |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Department |
950 |
102,930 |
103,880 |
|
National Archives |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
950 |
102,930 |
103,880 |
When it is considered necessary to obtain legal services from other than the Chief State Solicitor's Office or the Office of the Attorney General, a primary consideration is the minimisation of the associated costs, including in the ongoing management of the contract for these services, where applicable. Accordingly, I remain satisfied that effective measures are in place to minimise such costs. In the case of the agencies under the aegis of the Department, the securing of external legal services and the associated costs are a matter for the agencies themselves.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:419 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of capital projects which have gone over budget in each of the past five years; the original estimate for each of these projects; the final cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39518/08]
The Department does not, in general, directly manage any capital projects but rather provides grants to organisations/groups towards the development of arts and culture and sports facilities. In respect of the agencies under the aegis of the Department, the direct management of any capital projects, including adherence to financial budgets, is a matter for the agencies themselves.
Departmental Staff.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:420 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the severance packages for each retiring staff member in his Department over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39533/08]
Under the civil service pension schemes retiring staff are awarded annual pensions and lump sums in line with their grade, length of service and final pensionable remuneration. The total cost of retirement lump sums and severance payments to retiring staff in my Department over the past three years is set out hereunder. The Department is not prepared to give a more detailed breakdown as it would allow individual payments to be identified given the small number of people involved. In addition, retiring pensions at the approved annual rates are awarded to staff on retirement.
|
Year |
Lump Sums and Severance |
Number of staff retiring |
|
2005-2007 |
€502,174 |
11 |
Planning Issues.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:421 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the details of the development works undertaken by his Department under Section 181(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, since the Act was enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39641/08]
Since its establishment in 2002, the Department has not undertaken any development works pursuant to Section 181(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
Sports Capital Programme.
Finian McGrath
Question:422 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will support a matter (details supplied). [39698/08]
Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The club in question did not apply for funding under the 2008 programme. Under the 2000, 2001 and 2003 Sports Capital Programme grants of €253,948, €253,948 and €150,000 respectively were awarded. While the date of the next round of the programme has not yet been decided, it is open to the club in question, should they wish to do so and should they have a project which satisfies the terms and conditions of the programme, to submit an application under the next round of sports capital programme.
Waste Management.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:423 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, in the interest of reducing paper use, his Department has plans to relax or drop the requirement to supply three or more hard copies of tender documentation and to move towards greater use of electronic documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39729/08]
Electronic submissions are accepted where possible and practicable. The Department requests three or more hard copies of tender documentation only when it is necessary in order to allow staff to fully evaluate submissions deemed too complex to accurately evaluate electronically.
My Department's new IT Strategy for 2009-2011, which will be put in place in early 2009, will explore all possible means of maximising the use of IT facilities and electronic communications in the context of achieving energy efficiency and making my Department more environmentally friendly.
Sport and Recreational Development.
John O'Mahony
Question:424 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which he expects to assist the promotion of sports in all primary and secondary schools and colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39768/08]
The Irish Sports Council (ISC), which is funded by my Department, has a statutory role in encouraging the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport.
The Irish Sports Council Act, 1999 specifically states that the ISC has responsibility for developing "strategies for increasing participation in recreational sport and to coordinate their implementation by all bodies (including public authorities and publicly funded bodies) involved in promoting recreational sport and providing recreational facilities". According to the ISC's strategy "Building Sport for Life" the ISC's mission is "To plan, lead and coordinate the sustainable development of competitive and recreational sport in Ireland". In that context, the ISC runs many programmes to promote recreational sport, including the promotion of sport in schools.
Departmental Transport.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:425 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the public transport services used by him since he came into office or since 2007 on official business; the destinations travelled to and the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39788/08]
I have not used public transport since I was appointed as Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism in May 2008. However, I make a point of walking to the numerous functions I have in the City Centre, where conditions have allowed. The mileage accrued by Ministerial car since May 2008 is 33,000 kilometres. The cost per kilometre car is a matter for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, who have responsibility for the running costs of all Ministerial vehicles.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:426 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the public transport services used by his officials since 2007 on official business; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39816/08]
Officials of the Department avail of public transport in the form of bus and train services, both within the State and overseas.
In 2007, a total of €13,370 was spent on domestic public transport services by officials of the Department in the course of their official duties. The 2008 year to date cost of domestic public transport is €16,180. The main reason for the increase in the 2008 year to date figure over 2007 is the increase in the number of Department staff relocated to the Department's temporary office in Fossa, Killarney, Co. Kerry. In 2007 €4,257 was spent on foreign public transport services. The 2008 year to date figure for this service is €2,056.
Decentralisation Programme.
John Deasy
Question:427 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount the process of decentralisation has cost the taxpayer to date excluding the cost of all sites or buildings acquired; and the cost for each individual location. [40149/08]
The Department of Arts Sport and Tourism was designated for relocation to Killarney, Co. Kerry, under the Government's Decentralisation Programme, which was announced in the 2004 Budget. The annual non-property costs incurred by this Department in the implementation of the decentralisation scheme for each of the past four years are set out in the following table. The expenditure outlined includes the cost of office machinery, office and premises overheads, postal and telecommunications services and travel and subsistence.
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
€ |
|
|
2005 |
0 |
|
2006 |
339,500 |
|
2007 |
388,500 |
|
2008 (to date) |
209,000 |
|
Total |
937,000 |
Departmental Bodies.
Michael Ring
Question:428 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the 2007 annual report for a statutory body (details supplied) will be published. [39207/08]
Michael Ring
Question:430 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of people employed in a statutory body (details supplied); and the amount that has been paid in salaries, travel expenses per year for the past five years. [39223/08]
Michael Ring
Question:431 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide a breakdown of the money spent by a fund (details supplied) in each of the past five years; the location at which the money was spent; the number of jobs created; and the names of the companies which money from the fund was given too. [39224/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 428, 430 and 431 together.
The 2007 Annual Report for the Western Development Commission is available in the Dáil Library and on the WDC website at www.wdc.ie. Details of staff numbers and amounts paid in salaries, travel expenses for the past five years are provided in the following table.
|
Year |
Staff Numbers |
Staff Salaries |
Staff Travel Expenses |
|
2004 |
15.40 |
782,089 |
43,291 |
|
2005 |
15.40 |
798,432 |
45,371 |
|
2006 |
16.00 |
845,058 |
54,542 |
|
2007 |
17.54 |
920,831 |
89,074 |
|
2008 (To end Oct) |
16.54 |
783,147 |
77,689 |
The requested information on disbursals from the Western Investment Fund for the last five years is provided in the following tables.
|
Disbursal by Year |
|
|
Year |
Funds Disbursed |
|
2004 |
4,033,228 |
|
2005 |
3,998,328 |
|
2006 |
5,916,000 |
|
2007 |
6,195,789 |
|
2008 |
4,296,314 |
|
Disbursal by Location |
||||||
|
Location |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
Total |
|
Clare |
392,000 |
0 |
150,000 |
100,000 |
300,000 |
942,000 |
|
Donegal |
400,000 |
434,000 |
637,500 |
1,350,000 |
0 |
2,821,500 |
|
Galway City |
1,107,500 |
1,217,000 |
1,650,000 |
2,969,955 |
1,344,314 |
8,288,769 |
|
Galway County |
737,728 |
916,828 |
700,000 |
999,900 |
1,165,000 |
4,519,456 |
|
Leitrim |
242,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
242,000 |
|
Mayo |
697,000 |
1,238,500 |
1,608,500 |
600,000 |
1,487,000 |
5,631,000 |
|
Roscommon |
190,000 |
192,000 |
1,130,000 |
75,934 |
0 |
1,587,934 |
|
Sligo |
267,000 |
0 |
40,000 |
100,000 |
0 |
407,000 |
|
Total |
4,033,228 |
3,998,328 |
5,916,000 |
6,195,789 |
4,296,314 |
24,439,659 |
(3) Jobs Created 2004-2008
WIF funding has helped to create or sustain approximately 835 jobs directly in the companies funded during 2004 to 2008. This figure does not take account of the indirect jobs that are also created as a result of Western Investment Fund investment.
|
Companies in receipt of funding 2004-2008 |
|
|
1 |
Aerogen Ireland Ltd |
|
2 |
Aghamore Community Dev Association Ltd |
|
3 |
Almotech Ltd |
|
4 |
AMT3D Ltd |
|
5 |
Ansamed Ltd |
|
6 |
Ardara Sheltered Housing Ltd. |
|
7 |
Ballaghaderreen Community Park Ltd |
|
8 |
Ballybane Community Centre Ltd |
|
9 |
Belt Torc Development Company Ltd |
|
10 |
Brivant Ltd |
|
11 |
Brogans Bakery |
|
12 |
Cairn International Trade Centre |
|
13 |
Cambus Teo |
|
14 |
Connaught Airport Development Company Ltd |
|
15 |
Cora Systems Ltd |
|
16 |
Crospon Ltd |
|
17 |
Easkey Community Council Ltd |
|
18 |
Eire Composites (ex PPA) |
|
19 |
Eirnet Technologies Ltd |
|
20 |
Emerald Guitars Ltd |
|
21 |
Ezo Teo |
|
22 |
FMC Tech Ltd |
|
23 |
Foxford Sports and Leisure |
|
24 |
Heatsolve Ltd |
|
25 |
Instinct Technology |
|
26 |
Ionad Ealaíona Iorras |
|
27 |
Keywater Fisheries Ltd |
|
28 |
Kilkee Road Train |
|
29 |
Lightstorm Networks |
|
30 |
Maisiu Urlar Teo |
|
31 |
Maoniu Mara Teoranta |
|
32 |
MASSN Medical Ltd |
|
33 |
Meenachullan Wind Farm |
|
34 |
Meiticheol Teo |
|
35 |
Metis Solutions Ltd |
|
36 |
Moy Valley Resources |
|
37 |
Neutekbio |
|
38 |
Nooked (Hookable Media Ltd) |
|
39 |
North West Wireless Ltd |
|
40 |
Proxy Biomedical Ltd |
|
41 |
Roscommon Community Enterprise Centre |
|
42 |
Selc Ireland Ltd |
|
43 |
Vigisoft Ltd |
|
44 |
Vysera Biomedical Limited |
|
45 |
Xtender Teoranta |
|
46 |
Zerusa |
|
47 |
3 Touch Ltd |
National Drugs Strategy.
Joe Costello
Question:429 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cutbacks in funding where they occur for each of the services and projects established in the State and community sectors to combat substance abuse; the way the budget 2009 allocation compares to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39222/08]
Róisín Shortall
Question:440 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in respect of the application of budgetary cuts to drugs services, he will confirm the decision making process which will apply; and if the national drugs strategy team or the local drugs task force will identify the areas in which cuts will take place. [39747/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 429 and 440 together.
In 2008, the budget for community-based initiatives in the Local and Regional Drugs Task Force areas, including funding for new cocaine and rehabilitation measures introduced during the year, amounts to nearly €34.8m. While the funding available for 2009 has not yet been finalised, I expect the comparable figure for next year to be in the region of €34.4m.
In this context, the Deputy should note that of the foregoing, funding for projects in Drug Task Forces action plans in 2009 will be maintained at 2008 levels i.e. €32m. Once the funding for next year is finalised, it will be a matter for the Drugs Task Forces to identify measures to enable them to work within their allocated budgets.
Questions Nos. 430 and 431 answered with Question No. 428.
Departmental Expenditure.
Richard Bruton
Question:432 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide an estimate of the cost of legal services which his Department paid for in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he has satisfied himself that effective measures are in place to minimise this cost. [39307/08]
The amounts that my Department has paid since its establishment in June 2002 in respect of the cost of legal services for 2007 and to date in 2008, and related information, are set out in the appendix. I am satisfied that effective measures are in place to minimise the cost of legal fees.
|
Nature of Legal Service |
Cost 2007 |
Cost 2008 |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Drafting of Research and DVD Production Contracts. General legal advice on FOI, tendering etc |
14,632.97 |
4,956.61 |
|
Costs paid to the State Solicitor for Donegal as a result of the settlement of an action taken against Letterkenny CDP and DSFA (subsequently DCRGA): |
||
|
Plaintiff’s costs |
34,000.00 |
|
|
State Solicitors (Donegal) costs i.e. settlement negotiation fee, advice and associated case work |
6,050.00 |
|
|
Legal services provided by the Senior Counsel. Chair of legal group set up to report on access to the countryside issues. |
25,894.00 |
|
|
Total: |
40,526.97 |
45,006.61 |
Lucinda Creighton
Question:433 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of capital projects which have gone over budget in each of the past five years; the original estimate for each of these projects; the final cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39520/08]
Funding is provided for capital projects under a number of schemes operated by my Department. Details of these funding schemes are available on the Department's website, www.pobail.ie.
In the past 5 years, a total of 5 capital projects went over budget. In relation to 2005 and 2006, no projects went over budget. The details relating to projects that went over budget in 2004, 2007 and to date in 2008 are provided in the following appendix.
My Department also provides capital funding to various local authorities for infrastructural improvement works in the Gaeltacht. The question of budget over-runs is a matter for the relevant local authorities. I can inform the Deputy however, that in the last five years (2003-2007) my Department has not approved any additional funding for over-runs to any individual project with an original estimated price of €100,000 or more.
My Department also has contractual commitments in respect of two major capital projects i.e. Inishbofin and Cleggan airstrips. In regard to Inishbofin airstrip, the original contract price was €2,152,820. This was later increased to €2,838,000 following negotiation of a lump-sum fixed-price agreement. The project is nearing completion and the contractor has been asked to carry out some additional minor works at an estimated cost of €50,000. Associated consultancy costs in respect of this project amount to €137,152.
Finally, minor capital works have been undertaken by Implementing Bodies under the Rural Social Scheme. A number of such projects have gone over budget by relatively small amounts (ranging from €100 to less than €3,000). The question of any additional expenditure in such cases is a matter for the Implementing Bodies with no extra cost to the Department.
|
No. of Capital Projects gone over Budget |
Original Estimate |
Final Cost |
|
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
Young People’s Facilities & Services Fund |
2 |
1,901,120 |
2,701,120 |
|
4,937,702 |
5,537,702 |
|
Project |
No of Capital Projects gone over Budget |
Original Estimate |
Final Cost |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
Drugs Strategy |
2 |
206,000 |
239,036 |
|
99,237 |
113,951 |
|
Project |
No of Capital Projects gone over Budget |
Original Estimate |
Final Cost |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
Drugs Strategy |
1 |
74,000 |
88,729 |
Departmental Staff.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:434 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the severance packages for each retiring staff member in his Department over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39535/08]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to lump sums paid as part of pension packages for staff, which are implemented by my Department in accordance with the rules and regulations set down by the Department of Finance. The following are the relevant details in respect of retiring staff members in my Department over the past three years:
|
Staff Numbers |
Reason Retired |
Severance |
|
€ |
||
|
3 |
Age grounds |
366,463 |
|
2 |
Actuarial reduced retirement |
178,409 |
|
1 |
Ill health |
20,723 |
|
1 |
Reply to PQ No. 186 of 9 November 2006 refers |
200,050 |
|
Staff Numbers |
Reason Retired |
Severance |
|
€ |
||
|
2 |
Age grounds |
45,783 |
|
Staff Numbers |
Reason Retired |
Severance |
|
€ |
||
|
1 |
Age grounds |
13,612 |
|
1 |
Actuarial reduced retirement |
82,290 |
Planning Issues.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:435 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of the development works undertaken by his Department under Section 181(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, since the Act was enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39643/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs was established on 6th June 2002. Since that date, no development works have been undertaken by my Department under the provisions of Section 181(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
Road Network.
Michael Ring
Question:436 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason funding which has been promised for a road (details supplied) in County Mayo in 2008 has not materialised; and when this money will become available. [39660/08]
An application in relation to the road referred to by the Deputy has been received by my Department from Mayo County Council under the Strategic Gaeltacht Roads Scheme and will be considered in the context of the next round of funding to be allocated under that scheme.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Paul Connaughton
Question:437 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the proposed extension to Cappataggle group water scheme at Cappataggle, Ballinasloe, County Galway covering the Ardanney and other areas who have agreed to join with the existing group water scheme will be entitled to funding due to the high cost of the scheme; if the necessary finances have been made available for the year 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39676/08]
The CLÁR programme provides top-up funding for Group Water Schemes in CLÁR areas where the cost of the scheme is in excess of the funding available through the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and local contributions.
Schemes are selected by the relevant local authority and only sent to my Department if the scheme is located in a CLÁR area and meets the guidelines of the CLÁR Measure.
I can confirm that, my Department has not received an application for CLÁR funding from Galway County Council in respect of the scheme in question.
Rural Social Scheme.
Paul Connaughton
Question:438 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be offered a place on the rural social scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the person has been on the waiting list for a considerable length of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39677/08]
Currently, all 2,600 places available on the Rural Social Scheme have been taken up. The Implementing Bodies who operate the scheme on my Departments behalf have been encouraged to form waiting lists of suitable eligible applicants in their areas, which can then be used to fill vacancies as and when they arise.
I understand that the person referred to by the Deputy is currently 2nd on Galway Rural Development Company's waiting list. I also understand that the person was offered a position some time ago but did not accept it as the location was not suitable. I suggest that the person would liaise directly with Galway Rural Development Company who will keep him informed of on-going developments.
Waste Management.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:439 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in the interest of reducing paper use, his Department has plans to relax or drop the requirement to supply three or more hard copies of tender documentation and to move towards greater use of electronic documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39731/08]
My Department is committed to incorporating environmental considerations into its daily activities by reducing paper use and using paper recycling facilities to the greatest extent possible. For example, documents and reports published by my Department are now available on its website at www.pobail.ie. This has considerably reduced the requirement to print hard copies and has reduced costs accordingly.
My Department also seeks to implement optimal procurement structures and effective purchasing policies and procedures. With regard to tender processes, the key consideration of my Department is to ensure that the highest standards of transparency and integrity are maintained in every case and, against this background, it is necessary, in some instances, to request three hard copies as required by tender evaluation committees. I can assure the Deputy, however, that, where appropriate, tenderers are invited to submit tenders electronically rather than to provide hard copies.
Question No. 440 answered with Question No. 429.
Scéim na mBóithre Áise.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:441 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Eamon Gilmore den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist athscrúdú a dhéanamh ar na meastacháin ar an deontas a cheadaigh an Roinn níos luaithe i mbliana le haghaidh Bóithre Áise nach raibh Comhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall ábalta obair a thosú orthu. [39778/08]
Tá plé ar siúl faoi láthair idir oifigigh mo Roinne agus oifigigh Chomhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall maidir leis na meastacháin costais a bhaineann le hiarratais áirithe faoi Scéim na mBóithre Aise ar ceadaíodh deontais ina leith ar 2 Bealtaine 2008. Déanfar cinneadh maidir leis na cásanna atá i gceist ach soiléirithe cuí a bheith faighte agus breithnithe.
Departmental Transport.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:442 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the public transport services used by him since he came into office or since 2007 on official business; the destinations travelled to; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39790/08]
Details of public transport services used by me incorporating flights, ferries and trains, in my official capacity, and destinations travelled to in 2007 and in 2008 (up to the end of October), are set out in the tables below:
|
Destination |
Flights |
Ferries |
|
Dublin-Boston-Cleveland-Dublin |
× |
|
|
Shannon-London-Shannon |
× |
|
|
Shannon-Boston-Phoenix-Chicago-Dublin |
× |
|
|
Aran Islands |
× |
|
|
Cleggan-Boffin-Cleggan |
× |
|
|
Aranmore, Donegal |
× |
|
|
Cleggan-Boffin-Cleggan |
× |
The total cost of public transport in 2007 amounted to €7,671.
|
Destination |
Flights |
Ferry |
Train |
|
Dublin-London-Dublin |
× |
||
|
Shannon-Boston-Shannon |
× |
||
|
Dublin-Frankfurt-Mumbai |
× |
||
|
Mumbai-Delhi |
× |
||
|
New York JFK-Dublin |
× |
||
|
Dublin-Brussels-Dublin |
× |
||
|
Dublin-Chicago (O’Hare)-Dublin |
× |
||
|
Dublin-Inverness |
× |
||
|
Edinburgh-Dublin |
× |
||
|
Dublin-Isle of Man-Dublin |
× |
||
|
Aran Islands |
× |
||
|
Shannon-Boston-Dublin |
× |
||
|
Killimer-Tarbert |
× |
||
|
Boston-New York-Boston |
× |
||
|
Boston-Portland |
× |
||
|
Bere Island (ro/ro) |
× |
||
|
Cleggan-Boffin-Cleggan |
× |
||
|
Baltimore-Sherkin |
× |
||
|
Ros a Mhíl-Inis Mór |
× |
||
|
Bere Island (ro/ro) |
× |
||
|
Cleggan-Boffin-Cleggan |
× |
The total expenditure on public transport in 2008 to end October amounts to €13,148.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:443 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the public transport services used by his officials since 2007 on official business; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39818/08]
Details of the cost of public transport services, incorporating trains, buses, taxis, ferries and flights, used by officials in my Department in 2007 and in 2008 up to the end of October, are set out in the table:
|
2007 |
2008 (to end-October) |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Trains |
22,259 |
19,905 |
|
Buses |
684 |
853 |
|
Taxis |
25,778 |
20,116 |
|
Ferries |
1,311 |
1,607 |
|
Flights |
56,114 |
45,623 |
Decentralisation Programme.
John Deasy
Question:444 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount the process of decentralisation has cost the taxpayer to date excluding the cost of all sites or buildings acquired; and the cost for each individual location. [40151/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department's headquarters will be decentralising to Charlestown, Co Mayo. To date, 100 staff have moved to temporary accommodation in Tubbercurry, Co Sligo, and my Department has incurred expenditure of €1,224,023 in this regard.
The decentralisation of 10 staff to Na Forbacha, Co Galway, is now complete and the process has not resulted in any material additional costs to my Department.
Pobal has relocated 25 staff to Clifden, Co Galway, and the costs incurred in this regard are €39,851 to date. In relation to Foras na Gaeilge, no staff have been relocated to Gaoth Dobhair to date and no costs have been incurred.
I should point out that this reply relates only to matters which are the direct responsibility of my Department and does not cover matters in relation to property acquisition or disposal, sites or buildings, as these are issues for the Office of Public Works.
Social Welfare Code.
James Bannon
Question:445 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will increase the rate of carer’s allowance and benefit to €300 per week to reflect the true value of the work done by carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39702/08]
James Bannon
Question:447 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will permit carers to work for 20 hours per week while retaining their eligibility for carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39704/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:480 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has proposals to improve the carer’s allowance particularly in respect of families caring for one or more children or adults; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40009/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 445, 447 and 480 together.
Supporting and recognising carers in our society is, and has been, a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period, weekly payment rates to carers have been greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have been significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.
Carer's allowance, in line with other social assistance schemes, is means tested. This ensures scarce resources are directed at those in greatest need. The primary objective of the carer's allowance is to provide income support to low income carers. The carer's allowance means test is one of the more flexible tests in terms of the assessment of household incomes. It has been significantly eased over the years, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings.
Increases to the carer's allowance income disregard provided for in Budget 2008 mean that since April, a single person can have an income of €332.50 per week and a couple can have an income of up to €665 per week and still qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance. The previous levels were €320 and €640 per week respectively.
This ensures that a couple can have an income in the region of €37,200 per year and still qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance a s well as the associated free travel, household benefits package and the respite care grant. This increase surpasses the Towards 2016 commitment to ensuring that those on average earnings can qualify for carer's allowance.
In Budget 2009 I increased the rate of carer's allowance for those aged 66 or over by €7 per week to €239 per week and the rate of carer's allowance for those aged under 66 by €6.50 from €214 to €220.50 per week. In addition, I increased the rate of carer's benefit by €6.50 from €214.70 to €221.20 per week. These increases will take effect from January 2009.
One of the fundamental qualifying conditions for carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant is that the person be providing full-time care and attention to a person who needs such care.
Since the introduction of the carer's allowance scheme this full time care and attention requirement has been eased in order to facilitate carers in engaging in employment, education or training.
The number of hours a person may engage in employment, self employment, training or education outside the home and still be considered to be providing full-time care and attention was increased from 10 to 15 hours per week in June 2006.
A carer who is caring for more than one person may be entitled to receive a rate equivalent to 150% of the carer's allowance. From June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care, regardless of their income. Since then a grant is paid in respect of each care recipient. A carer who is caring for two or more persons is entitled to a full grant for each of the care recipients. From June 2008, the rate of the grant was increased to €1,700 per year.
There are no plans to increase the number of hours for which people can engage in employment, outside the home and still be eligible for carer's payments from the Department. Changes to the rate of Carers Benefit or Carers Allowance would have to be considered in a budgetary context.
James Bannon
Question:446 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will ensure that carers, who give up work to care for a loved one, do not lose out in relation to qualification for an old age contributory pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39703/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:472 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will award contributory old age pension credits to carers who have provided care for 10 years or more; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40001/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 446 and 472 together.
The social welfare pension rights of those who take time out of the workforce for caring duties are protected by the homemaker's scheme which was introduced in and took effect from 1994. The scheme allows up to 20 years spent caring for children or incapacitated adults to be disregarded when a person's social insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes. The question of changing the disregard system to one based on credited contributions is being considered in the context of the Green Paper on Pensions.
However, the homemaker's scheme will not of itself qualify a person for a pension. The standard qualifying conditions, which require a person to enter insurance 10 years before pension age, pay a minimum of 260 contributions at the correct rate, and achieve a yearly average of at least 10 contributions on their record from the time they enter insurance until they reach pension age, must also be satisfied.
There is also a number of other ways in which pension entitlements can be protected. People who qualify for payments such as carer's allowance or carer's benefit may, subject to conditions, qualify for credited contributions for the period they are receiving the payment.
From June 2006, the number of hours a person can engage in employment, self employment, education or training outside the home and still be eligible for carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant was increased from 10 to 15 hours per week. This means that where a carer remains in employment he or she will continue to pay the appropriate social insurance contribution. Also, any person, including a carer, may pay voluntary contributions once they satisfy certain qualifying conditions.
There are, of course, people caring who cannot benefit from these measures. Their position is discussed in the Green Paper on Pensions and decisions in relation to them will be made in the context of the framework for future pension policy, which I expect to finalise by the end of the year.
Question No. 447 answered with Question No. 445.
Question No. 448 answered with Question No. 129.
Departmental Agencies.
Róisín Shortall
Question:449 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her detailed plans in relation to the future of the Combat Poverty Agency. [39948/08]
As Deputies will be aware, the Government's decision to integrate the Combat Poverty Agency and the Office for Social Inclusion within my Department was informed by the findings of a review of the Combat Poverty Agency which was undertaken on foot of a Government Decision on the 6th of June 2007.
As the Combat Poverty Agency is established under statute, legislative changes will be required to alter its status. I intend to bring proposals in this regard to Government in the coming weeks.
It is not my intention that Combat Poverty will simply be absorbed into the Office for Social Inclusion in its existing form. Rather a new strengthened division will be created which will make the best use of the considerable experience and expertise of the staff of both existing bodies and will seek to address the weaknesses identified by the Review in relation to both. I believe that this new division will provide a stronger voice for those affected by poverty and social inclusion issues.
An implementation plan has been formulated to provide for the smooth integration of the Combat Poverty Agency and the Office for Social Inclusion over the coming months. The detail of the plan will be developed with the expert input of the staff of the Agency and the Office for Social Inclusion.
It will take account of the findings of the review, in particular in relation to the potential of the integrated division to strengthen the performance of both bodies in the areas of research and data.
I am conscious of the concerns about the need for independent scrutiny of public policy that have been expressed by some interest groups. I absolutely agree that independent critique is very important and this move is in no way intended to reduce the scope for such work.
As the review report notes, the function of independent reporting on poverty is no longer as dependent on Combat Poverty as it was in earlier years. This is due for example to the emergence of other independent data sources such as the statistics on poverty reported by the CSO, and independent analysis by bodies such as the ESRI and NESC and on the international front by the EU and OECD. And of course, Ireland is well-served by the social partners and a wide range of NGOs and other groups who have a strong voice in public debate about poverty and related issues.
I intend to ask the new division to prioritise the development of procedures to ensure that the views of these and other stakeholders, including people experiencing poverty, continue to be available to Government in developing and monitoring social inclusion strategies.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Olwyn Enright
Question:450 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding recently proposed reforms to assist lone parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40025/08]
The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents," put forward proposals to tackle obstacles to employment for lone parents and other low income families. These included proposals for the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents; the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents; focused provision of childcare; improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children.
Under the proposals the lone parenthood category of payment would no longer exist. Instead, a new payment would be made to all parents (living alone or with a partner), with young children, on low income. This new payment is currently being developed in the Department, taking into account the various issues raised in the consultation process.
Any proposed new payment scheme can only be introduced when the necessary co-ordinated supports and services are put in place on the ground by other relevant Departments and Agencies. This is why the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion has been tasked with bringing forward a plan on the key issues of childcare, education, training and activation measures.
The non-income recommendations contained in the discussion paper were examined in two areas: Coolock and Kilkenny. These studies, which took place between November 2007 and February 2008, were carried out to facilitate the development of the policy and operational details of the new scheme. The process involved both lone parents and qualified adults. It was carried out on a voluntary basis and the take-up was low.
The experience has however highlighted how both lone parents and qualified adults are not a homogenous group, are of different ages, have experienced different routes into their current situation and have different needs. Educational levels of those who participated were generally low, there was little or no engagement with FÁS, some participants intended to return to full or part-time work when their child was a few months old; others, however, had been out of the work force for a considerable period of time. Earnings from previous employment were generally low. For almost all of those intending to return to work affordable childcare was a critical issue.
The experience of this engagement process is feeding into the development of our approach to working with lone parents and qualified adults to support them into education, training and employment.
Question No. 451 answered with Question No. 119.
Brendan Howlin
Question:452 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who has no income from any source, an overdraft of €25,000, with a dependant spouse and three children, has been refused supplementary welfare allowance on that basis that they own two houses which are for sale; if consideration will be given to the fact that these two houses have been on the market for 18 months and have not sold; if she will expedite a decision on their jobseeker’s allowance application and, in the meantime, ensure that supplementary welfare allowance is awarded in order that the family can be maintained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39236/08]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The person concerned applied for Jobseekers Allowance (JA) and supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) pending a decision on his JA application, in September 2008. He has been asked by both social welfare local office staff and the community welfare officer (CWO) in the HSE, to provide additional information regarding his income in order that his claims can be further processed.
To date, the person concerned has not provided the information requested. He has been advised by the local office staff and the CWO that his claims cannot be progressed further until the additional information requested has been provided.
The CWO has further advised that the person concerned should contact him if he wishes to discuss his entitlement to SWA or seek clarification on other matters relevant to his claim.
Departmental Staff.
Róisín Shortall
Question:453 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the longest and average wait for the processing of a jobseeker’s benefit claim and a jobseeker’s allowance claim respectively in each of her Department’s offices; the number, respectively, of staff in whole-time equivalent terms and of accumulative staff hours allocated to each of these offices in November 2008 and the respective numbers in the same month in 2006 and 2007; if she has identified whether the backlog is due to lack of staff numbers to deal with the extra demand, productivity issues or another reason; if she will provide details of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39268/08]
The Department delivers a front-line service through a network of 61 Local Offices and 64 Branch Offices countrywide. The main services provided from these offices include jobseeker's payment, one-parent family payment and an information service.
Branch Offices are operated under a contract for service and decisions on claims taken in Branch Offices are made in its departmental parent Local Office.
There has been a significant increase in the number of people claiming since the beginning of the year. The level of inflows to the Live Register over the period January to September 2008 inclusive was 311,660 as compared to 220,652 over the corresponding period last year representing an increase of over 41%.
In the past few years the Department has coped with increasing demands arising from significant changes to the social welfare code and in the numbers of persons accessing services. Operational procedures and the organisation of work continue to be reviewed and restructured to maximise the benefits of technology and new developments in processing techniques and business information.
The Department is committed to providing a quality customer service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are issued as expeditiously as possible having regard to the eligibility conditions which apply. These conditions vary between the two jobseeker schemes and involve, among other things, the need to establish the person's social insurance record, establish the person's identity or their place of habitual residence and to assess means where appropriate. In some cases delays arise where the person fails to supply all pertinent information in support of his/her application.
The overall performance in any individual office in processing claims can be adversely affected by a wide variety of factors; including increased inflow of claims, staff vacancies and the duration of such vacancies and the turnover of staff in the office.
For claims processed in October 2008 the average processing time was 3 weeks for jobseeker's benefit and 5 weeks for jobseeker's allowance. Details of the longest processing times in each office are not available. The average processing time in August in each office is given in Table 3. This is the latest month for which this level of detail is available.
A table (Table 1) showing the number of posts in each Local Office in each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 is set out below. September 2008 is the latest month for which this information is available. In some of the offices the numbers shown for September 2008 are lower than those applying in 2007. This is for a number of reasons including the point in time at which the staff numbers were determined, the loss of the PPS allocation function to a centralised location and staff vacancies at September 2008.
The Department's Management Services Unit, using a formal work measurement method, monitors staffing requirements across the Department including Local Offices. Determinations of staffing requirements undertaken on an office by office basis, was carried out over the period mid 2006 to mid 2008 and the resulting changes in staff numbers are reflected in the table.
In addition to this process, because of the increased number of claims for jobseeker payments the Department undertook a review of staffing levels in Local Offices in May and June of this year. This resulted in the assignment of an additional 31 staff to some 15 Local Offices. Following on the most recent review of the staffing levels in Local Offices, an additional 115 staff are to be assigned to some 48 offices.
Details of overtime expenditure are included in Table 2. Overtime is allocated to each Regional Manager who administers it in his/her region as required. Some overtime is used to deal with increasing claimloads. However, it is also used to cover additional work due to office reorganisation to accommodate the introduction of new measures e.g. the localisation of one-parent family claims, office refurbishment and peak periods in processing of certain types of claim e.g. annual influx of back-to-education claims in September/October and the annual review of such claims in the Spring. Overtime is also used to facilitate the release of staff in local offices to attend training courses, work-related seminars and workshops.
Details of the number of hours overtime worked at each office for the years 2006, 2007, and 2008 are not available.
|
Office |
Sep 2006 |
Sep 2007 |
Sep 2008 |
|
No. of Posts |
No. of Posts |
No. of Posts |
|
|
Achill |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Apollo |
14.1 |
14.1 |
12.6 |
|
Arklow |
13.5 |
13 |
12.5 |
|
Athlone |
22.7 |
18.9 |
22.7 |
|
Ballina |
24.83 |
22.73 |
23.4 |
|
Ballyfermot |
18.4 |
19.6 |
23.63 |
|
Ballymun |
12.6 |
13 |
13.6 |
|
Bantry |
8.5 |
10 |
8.5 |
|
Belmullet |
10 |
10 |
10 |
|
Bishop Sq |
31.9 |
29.3 |
31.3 |
|
Blanchardstown |
26.5 |
29.75 |
30.95 |
|
Bray |
17.46 |
19.23 |
19.83 |
|
Buncrana |
20.36 |
19.96 |
19.56 |
|
Cahirciveen/Kenmare |
9.1 |
9.1 |
9.1 |
|
Carlow |
18.53 |
19.03 |
20.13 |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
12 |
12 |
12 |
|
Carrigaline |
2 |
9.8 |
|
|
Castlebar |
10.5 |
11 |
11 |
|
Cavan |
14.8 |
15.8 |
20.4 |
|
Clifden |
6 |
7 |
7 |
|
Clondalkin |
25.93 |
30.2 |
30.1 |
|
Clonmel |
19.5 |
19.4 |
18.9 |
|
Cobh |
5.6 |
4.6 |
4.2 |
|
Coolock |
26.7 |
25.8 |
28.7 |
|
Cork* see note below |
88.15 |
86.95 |
84.4 |
|
Donegal |
15 |
16 |
15.8 |
|
Drogheda |
27.7 |
26.1 |
30.33 |
|
Dundalk |
35.2 |
35.55 |
35.58 |
|
Dunfanaghy |
10.5 |
9.5 |
10.5 |
|
Dungloe |
12.8 |
14 |
14 |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
26 |
27.1 |
23.1 |
|
Ennis |
28.4 |
32 |
30.6 |
|
Finglas |
21.73 |
20.9 |
23.3 |
|
Galway |
54 |
55.8 |
57.1 |
|
Kilbarrack |
21.85 |
22.1 |
21.45 |
|
Kilkenny |
25 |
25.3 |
27.3 |
|
Letterkenny |
20 |
22.4 |
21.4 |
|
Limerick |
50.4 |
50 |
52 |
|
Listowel |
14.8 |
14.8 |
14.8 |
|
Longford |
18.3 |
19.3 |
19.8 |
|
Loughrea # see note |
3 |
||
|
Mallow |
9.2 |
9.5 |
8.7 |
|
Manorhamilton |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Mullingar |
19.1 |
19.1 |
20.1 |
|
Navan |
21.9 |
20.5 |
24.9 |
|
Navan Rd |
22.7 |
25.5 |
27.1 |
|
Newbridge |
27.1 |
31.2 |
35.1 |
|
Newcastlewest |
15.5 |
16 |
16 |
|
Nth Cumberland St |
38.3 |
43.8 |
47.3 |
|
Nutgrove |
20.2 |
19.6 |
17.7 |
|
Sligo |
19.5 |
19.5 |
19.5 |
|
Tallaght |
34.25 |
35.7 |
40.35 |
|
Thomas St |
22.6 |
20.6 |
20.56 |
|
Thurles |
16.5 |
17.5 |
17.5 |
|
Tralee |
30.45 |
32.19 |
34.56 |
|
Tullamore |
13.8 |
14.8 |
17.6 |
|
Waterford |
49.38 |
50.81 |
52.34 |
|
Westport |
9.1 |
8.6 |
8.6 |
|
Wexford |
35.1 |
37.9 |
42.63 |
|
1,253.02 |
1,285.1 |
1,343.9 |
*In June 2008 the Department opened a Local Office in Carrigaline. Until then the work associated with this area was done by staff in Cork local office.
#The office in Loughrea operated as a Branch office until November 2007 when it was replaced by a departmentally staffed Local Office.
In some of the offices the numbers shown for September 2008 are lower than those applying in 2007. This is for a number of reasons including the point in time at which the staff numbers were determined, the loss of the PPS allocation function to a centralised location and staff vacancies at September 2008.
|
2006 Allocation |
2007 Allocation |
2008 allocation |
2008 additional allocation- |
|
|
Total Regions |
€940,000 |
€997,000 |
€1,050,000 |
€312,000 |
|
Office |
Parent Office |
JA |
JB |
|
Achill |
0.17 |
6 |
|
|
Apollo House |
4 |
4 |
|
|
Ardee |
Drogheda |
6 |
3 |
|
Arklow |
5 |
4 |
|
|
Athlone |
6 |
2 |
|
|
Athy |
Newbridge |
7 |
4 |
|
Balbriggan |
Coolock |
5 |
2 |
|
Ballina |
6 |
4 |
|
|
Ballinasloe |
Athlone |
5 |
2 |
|
Ballinrobe |
Galway |
6 |
3 |
|
Ballybofey |
Donegal |
3 |
1 |
|
Ballyconnell |
Cavan |
13 |
6 |
|
Ballyfermot |
7 |
3 |
|
|
Ballymun |
2 |
1 |
|
|
Ballyshannon |
Donegal |
2 |
1 |
|
Baltinglass |
Newbridge |
5 |
5 |
|
Bandon |
Carraigaline |
8 |
4 |
|
Bantry(BO) |
Bantry CO |
6 |
4 |
|
Belmullet |
3 |
2 |
|
|
Birr |
Athlone |
5 |
3 |
|
Bishop Square |
6 |
4 |
|
|
Blanchardstown |
6 |
2 |
|
|
Boyle |
Longford |
8 |
5 |
|
Bray |
5 |
3 |
|
|
Buncrana |
5 |
3 |
|
|
Cahir |
Clonmel |
2 |
1 |
|
Cahirciveen |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Carlow |
7 |
2 |
|
|
Carraigaline |
2 |
1 |
|
|
Carrickmacross |
Dundalk |
6 |
1 |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
3 |
1 |
|
|
Carrick-on-Suir |
Waterford |
5 |
3 |
|
Cashel |
Clonmel |
2 |
2 |
|
Castlebar |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Castleblaney |
Dundalk |
4 |
2 |
|
Castlepollard |
Mullingar |
7 |
4 |
|
Castlerea |
Ballina |
7 |
5 |
|
Cavan |
9 |
5 |
|
|
Claremorris |
Ballina |
8 |
4 |
|
Clifden |
2 |
1 |
|
|
Clonakilty |
Carraigaline |
12 |
3 |
|
Clondalkin |
6 |
3 |
|
|
Clones |
Dundalk |
2 |
2 |
|
Clonmel |
2 |
1 |
|
|
Cobh |
2 |
1 |
|
|
Coolock |
3 |
2 |
|
|
Cork |
7 |
4 |
|
|
Dingle |
Tralee |
2 |
2 |
|
Donegal |
6 |
1 |
|
|
Drogheda |
7 |
2 |
|
|
Dún Laoghaire |
6 |
3 |
|
|
Dundalk |
4 |
2 |
|
|
Dunfanaghy |
2 |
1 |
|
|
Dungarvan |
Waterford |
5 |
3 |
|
Dungloe |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Edenderry |
Mullingar |
10 |
3 |
|
Ennis |
4 |
2 |
|
|
Enniscorthy |
Wexford |
5 |
2 |
|
Ennistymon |
Ennis |
4 |
4 |
|
Fermoy |
Mallow |
5 |
4 |
|
Finglas |
4 |
2 |
|
|
Galway |
11 |
6 |
|
|
Gorey |
Wexford |
7 |
3 |
|
Gort |
Ennis |
7 |
4 |
|
Kells |
Navan |
11 |
9 |
|
Kenmare |
2 |
1 |
|
|
Kilbarrack |
4 |
3 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
3 |
2 |
|
|
Killarney |
4 |
3 |
|
|
Killorglin |
Tralee |
4 |
3 |
|
Killybegs |
Donegal |
2 |
1 |
|
Kilmallock |
Newcastle West |
4 |
3 |
|
Kilrush |
Ennis |
2 |
2 |
|
Kinsale |
Carraigaline |
10 |
2 |
|
Letterkenny |
5 |
4 |
|
|
Limerick |
6 |
4 |
|
|
Listowel |
5 |
3 |
|
|
Longford |
5 |
4 |
|
|
Loughrea |
7 |
3 |
|
|
Macroom |
Mallow CO |
5 |
6 |
|
Mallow |
Mallow CO |
5 |
5 |
|
Manorhamilton |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Maynooth |
Ballyfermot |
7 |
4 |
|
Midleton |
Carraigaline |
8 |
4 |
|
Monaghan |
Dundalk |
3 |
2 |
|
Muine Bheag |
Carlow |
8 |
5 |
|
Mullingar |
6 |
3 |
|
|
Navan |
14 |
5 |
|
|
Navan Road |
7 |
3 |
|
|
Nenagh |
Thurles |
2 |
2 |
|
New Ross |
Wexford |
5 |
2 |
|
Newbridge |
5 |
4 |
|
|
Newcastle West |
3 |
2 |
|
|
Newmarket |
Listowel |
6 |
5 |
|
Nth Cumberland St. |
3 |
2 |
|
|
Nutgrove |
2 |
1 |
|
|
Portarlington |
Tullamore CO |
10 |
2 |
|
Portlaoise |
Kilkenny |
8 |
3 |
|
Rathdowney |
Kilkenny |
7 |
3 |
|
Roscommon |
Longford |
7 |
3 |
|
Roscrea |
Thurles |
2 |
1 |
|
Skibbereen |
Bantry CO |
5 |
4 |
|
Sligo |
3 |
1 |
|
|
Swinford |
Ballina |
6 |
4 |
|
Swords |
Nth Cumberland St. |
3 |
3 |
|
Tallaght |
4 |
3 |
|
|
Thomas Street |
4 |
3 |
|
|
Thomastown |
Waterford |
7 |
4 |
|
Thurles |
2 |
1 |
|
|
Tipperary |
Clonmel |
2 |
2 |
|
Tralee |
4 |
2 |
|
|
Trim |
Navan |
15 |
9 |
|
Tuam |
Galway |
7 |
4 |
|
Tubbercurry |
Carrick-on-Shannon |
4 |
1 |
|
Tulla |
Ennis |
2 |
2 |
|
Tullamore |
9 |
2 |
|
|
Tullow |
Carlow |
7 |
4 |
|
Waterford |
4 |
3 |
|
|
Westport |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Wexford |
6 |
3 |
|
|
Wicklow |
Arklow |
3 |
2 |
|
Youghal |
Carraigaline |
5 |
3 |
Departmental Expenditure.
Richard Bruton
Question:454 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will provide an estimate of the cost of legal services which her Department paid for in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if she has satisfied herself that effective measures are in place to minimise this cost. [39315/08]
The expenditure incurred by my Department on compensation and legal fees combined for 2007 and 2008 is set out below. The elements of these payments of relating solely to legal costs are not recorded separately. These payments are paid on foot of agreed settlements or by reference to a Court decision.
|
Year |
Compensation and Legal Fees/Settlements |
|
€ |
|
|
2007 |
293,561 |
|
2008 (end Oct.) |
137,788 |
Costs relating to the prosecutions arising from fraudulent claims made to the Department are borne by the Chief State Solicitor's Office.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Michael Ring
Question:455 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the outcome of an appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in relation to jobseeker’s benefit refusal. [39354/08]
The claim for jobseeker's benefit, by the person concerned, was refused by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 10th September 2008 on the grounds that he left work voluntarily and that he is not available for full-time employment.
An appeal was opened on 2nd October 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 theappeal. These are now to hand and have been referred to an Appeals Officer forconsideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard Allen
Question:456 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a retrospective payment has not been made to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [39369/08]
The person concerned was awarded pension on 3 June 2008, backdated to 19 January 2007. She died on 12 July 2008, before the arrears of pension due to her had issued. The department has now established the details of the next of kin in this case and has arranged for the issue of all arrears.
A cheque in the sum of €3,974 will issue to the next of kin in the coming week.
Terence Flanagan
Question:457 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will respond to a query (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39465/08]
In common with most other social welfare measures announced in the recent budget increases in pensions will take effect from January 2009.
In framing Budget 2009, the Government has prioritised delivering real increases in social welfare payments to ensure that the most vulnerable groups in our society are protected. Increases of between 3 % and 3.8 % in the basic payment rates have been provided for next year, ahead of the projected rate of inflation for 2009, which is 2.5%.
Departmental Expenditure.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:458 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of capital projects which have gone over budget in each of the past five years; the original estimate for each of these projects; the final cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39529/08]
The Department did not undertake any capital projects during the years in question. Capital expenditure incurred by the Department relates to the purchase of, and upgrades to, computer hardware and software along with network, desktop and other equipment.
Departmental Staff.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:459 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the severance packages for each retiring staff member in her Department over the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39544/08]
An officer who retires or is removed from the civil service due to the abolition of his/her office or to Departmental reorganisation may, at the discretion of the Minister for Finance, be awarded a special severance gratuity in addition to pension and retirement lump sum, within statutory limits. This gratuity is also payable in certain circumstances to Secretaries-General of Government Departments and Offices who, pursuant to their conditions of appointment, are obliged to retire before maximum retiring age on the expiration of their fixed-term appointments.
In this Department only one officer was awarded a Severance Gratuity under Section 7 of the Superannuation and Pensions Act 1963, during the past three years.
Pensions and lump sums paid to staff on retirement are calculated with reference to final salary and on the length of service.
Grant Payments.
John Deasy
Question:460 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the fact that the Department of Education and Science is not accepting the means tested farm assist payment as proof of income for third level grants and is causing severe financial hardship to people in receipt of these payments; if she will discuss what is involved in the means test with the Minister for Education and Science to show that people who qualify for this payment are below a certain income level and that the means test is carried out by her Department is sufficient as proof of income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39562/08]
In assessing means for the purpose of farm assist account is taken of the following: Income from self-employment both from farming and off-farm; Income from insurable employment; Pensions from former employer or from another country; Savings and Investments; Income from property (excluding the family home). The income of both the farmer and his/her spouse is taken into account.
While there are broad similarities in the elements of means taken into account for farm assist and student maintenance grants, the method of assessment varies significantly.
Ultimately it is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, to determine the criteria to be met by those applying for a scheme administered by his Department.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Michael Ring
Question:461 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the outcome of a disability allowance appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [39588/08]
The claim for disability allowance, by the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 11 September 2008 following an examination by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that she was medically unsuitable for the allowance.
An appeal was opened on 24 September 2008 and I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, a medical examination by another Medical Assessor has been arranged for 05 December 2008.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Michael Ring
Question:462 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will reconsider the back to work scheme application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [39599/08]
The back to work allowance scheme provides a financial incentive for long-term unemployed people to make the transition to work. Applicants are generally required to give the Department 14 days advance notice of taking up employment. However, some flexibility is exercised in this regard and applications may be accepted, if received within one month of the commencement of employment.
The person concerned applied for a back to work allowance on 3 October 2008, which was over a year after he had started work and accordingly, his application was refused. It is open to him to apply for a review of this decision and he should contact his Social Welfare Local Office in this regard.
Planning Issues.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:463 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of the development works undertaken by her Department under Section 181. (2) (a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, since the Act was enacted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39652/08]
No development works of the nature indicated by the Deputy have been undertaken by the Department since the enactment of the relevant legislation.
Waste Management.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:464 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in the interest of reducing paper use, her Department has plans to relax or drop the requirement to supply three or more hard copies of tender documentation and to move towards greater use of electronic documentation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39740/08]
The procurement of goods and services by the Department and its Agencies complies with both EU procurement directives and national public procurement policy, as enunciated in guidelines issued by the Department of Finance. The Department's guiding principles are transparency and openness of competition and to ensure that the taxpayer obtains value for money and that the public procurement function is discharged honestly and fairly.
Extensive use is made of electronic documentation when undertaking procurement. Requests for tender (RFT) are advertised on the e-tenders website and all follow up activity, such as dealing with vendor queries and requests for additional information are handled electronically.
The established practice in the department is to require vendors to submit both electronic and hard copies of documentation when responding to RFTs. This facilitates the tender evaluation process. The feasibility of accepting tender documentation in electronic format only will be examined in the context of the department's ongoing reviews of the use of electronic documentation.
Departmental Transport.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:465 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the public transport services used by her since she came into office or since 2007 on official business; the destinations travelled to; the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39799/08]
I have not had occasion to use public transport on official business since coming into office on 6 May 2008.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:466 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the public transport services used by her officials since 2007 on official business; the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39827/08]
Details of public transport expenditure are not recorded separately but are included in the overall Travel and Subsistence subhead. There is a significant level of travel expenditure in the Department's budget, arising from the dispersed nature of our services, and inter alia, the fact that a considerable level of investigative work must be carried out in the course of delivering the Department's services.
Details of domestic travel expenses from 2007 are listed as follows. These include car mileage, bus/train fares and other miscellaneous travel costs.
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
€ |
|
|
2007 |
2,314,400 |
|
2008 (provisional end Oct.) |
1,807,480 |
Social Welfare Code.
Martin Ferris
Question:467 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the qualifying criteria for mortgage interest relief. [39874/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:469 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she proposes to take steps to ease qualification for mortgage support in view of the increased unemployment and mortgage commitments people entered into in better times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39998/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:474 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she has taken to alleviate the impact of unemployment on families with mortgage commitments and who find themselves under threat of house repossession; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40003/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:485 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the basis on which persons otherwise eligible for mortgage or rent support are only awarded 50% allowance in cases where one or other party for whatever reason is out of the family home on foot of a barring order or otherwise; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that her Department is forcing the most vulnerable in such situations to enter into a long and tedious legal process at the end of which their home will have already been repossessed by the lending agency; if she will issue instructions that the primary objective of providing the mortgage or rent support as required be observed in the first instance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40014/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 467, 469, 474 and 485 together.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) provides for a supplement to be paid in respect of mortgage interest to any person in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. The scheme is administered by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department.
The purpose of mortgage interest supplement is to provide short term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only.
In general a person may be entitled to a mortgage interest supplement provided that:
s/he is habitually resident in the State;
the loan agreement was entered into at a time when, in the opinion of the Health Service Executive, the person was in a position to meet the repayments;
the residence in respect of which the loan is payable is not offered for sale;
the mortgage interest payable does not exceed such amount as the Health Service Executive considers reasonable to meet his or her residential needs. In exceptional circumstances, a supplement may be awarded where the mortgage interest exceeds such amount as the Executive considers reasonable but such a supplement is payable for a maximum of 12 months only; s/he satisfies a means test
Mortgage interest supplements are normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of mortgage interest, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance, appropriate to family circumstances, less a minimum contribution, currently €13, which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. The minimum contribution will be increased to €18 a week from January 2009. Many recipients pay more than the minimum contribution because they are also required, subject to income disregards, to contribute any additional assessable means that they have over and above the appropriate basic SWA rate towards their accommodation costs.
The existing mortgage interest supplement assessment provides for a gradual withdrawal of payment as hours of employment or earnings increase. In recent years improvements have been made to the means test to encourage eligible people to engage in employment without losing their entire mortgage interest supplement.
Those availing of part-time employment and/or training opportunities can continue to receive mortgage interest supplement subject to their satisfying the standard means assessment rules.
Since June 2007, where a person has additional income in excess of the standard weekly rate of supplementary welfare allowance, the first €75 of such additional income together with 25% of any additional income above €75 is disregarded for means assessment purposes. This ensures that those returning to work or participating in training schemes are better off as a result of taking up such an opportunity.
Where two people enter into a joint mortgage agreement there is an obligation on both parties to meet repayments as agreed with the financial institution. The fact that one of the joint mortgage holders is not resident in the property does not remove the obligation on that person to meet that part of the loan repayment which is reasonably attributable to him/her. It is not considered appropriate that the Exchequer should provide assistance towards the accumulation of a capital asset on the part of the absent party to a mortgage agreement.
Where a person residing in the property becomes the sole mortgage holder, a mortgage interest supplement can be considered in respect of such amount as a community welfare officer considers reasonable to meet the person's accommodation needs up to the full amount of interest payable. Where the person resident in the property continues as a joint mortgage holder, a mortgage interest supplement payment will be considered in respect of half of the interest on the mortgage. However, the community welfare officer will take into account the circumstances of each individual case and in particular where a person resident in a property is seeking to become the sole mortgage holder.
It is a matter for the community welfare officer to a make a decision on entitlement to mortgage interest supplement and the amount of that supplement, based on all of the facts of the case and the relevant legislative provisions. There is a right of appeal against the decision of a community welfare officer to a Health Service Executive Appeals Officer and thereafter to the Chief Appeals Officer of the Department.
There are currently 6,900 people in receipt of mortgage interest supplement, a 68% increase on the numbers receiving the supplement at the end of December 2007. The mortgage interest supplement schemes provide an adequate short-term "safety net" within the overall social welfare system to ensure that people do not suffer hardship due to loss of employment. I do not consider that any further changes in eligibility criteria are required at this time. However the scheme will be kept under review to ensure that it meets the objective of catering for those who require assistance on a short-term basis.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Billy Timmins
Question:468 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will deal with an appeal (details supplied) due to certain hardships; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39884/08]
The claim for jobseeker's allowance by the person concerned was refused by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 1 October 2008 on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit. An appeal was opened on 15 October 2008 and I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal.
On receipt of the response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Question No. 469 answered with Question No. 467.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:470 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applicants for respite care grants to date in 2008; the number approved, refused or pending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39999/08]
The Respite Care Grant (RCG) is an annual payment made to all persons providing full-time care, regardless of means or PRSI contribution record, but subject to certain conditions. The Grant is payable from the first Thursday in June of the year in question.
The extension of the scheme to all carers was introduced in Budget 2005. Prior to this, only those in receipt of certain payments from the Department, principally Carers Allowance/Benefit could receive the Grant.
The information requested is detailed in tabular form as follows. Differences between total applications received and those decided and pending are due to the fact that some RCG applications are ultimately decided as part of claims for Carers Allowance or Benefit. Also some decisions made relate to applications received in 2007.
Approximately half the claims pending are from people who have also applied for Carer's Allowance and who may be paid the Grant along with the Allowance. The vast majority of the remainder of pending cases cannot be finalised until further information is received.
|
Applications Received |
Claims Allowed |
Claims Refused |
Claims Pending |
|
9,701 |
8,195 |
1,258 |
1,005 |
Social Welfare Code.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:471 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she proposes to make improvements to qualification guidelines for applicants for the back to education allowance having particular regard to the unfolding economic situation resulting in increases in the number of people unemployed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40000/08]
The back to education allowance (BTEA) Scheme is designed to help those in receipt of a social welfare payment who have not worked for some time to improve their employability and job-readiness by acquiring educational qualifications. It is a recognition of the special difficulties which such persons can face when attempting to gain a foothold in the labour market.
The allowance is paid at a standard weekly rate equivalent to the maximum rate of the relevant social welfare payment that qualifies the applicant for participation in the scheme. It essentially replaces their existing social welfare income and in addition an annual €500 cost of education allowance is payable.
To qualify for participation an applicant must be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment and be at least 21 years of age prior to commencing an approved course of study. However, lone parents and persons in receipt of unemployment payments can qualify at 18 years of age provided they are out of formal education for at least 2 years. In general, an applicant must be in receipt of a relevant Social Welfare payment for 6 months if pursuing a second level course or 12 months if pursuing a third level course.
In addition, the qualifying period for access to the third level option has been reduced to 9 months for persons who are participating in the National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) process, where a FAS Employment Services Officer recommends pursuance of a third level course of study as essential to the enhancement of the individual's employment prospects. Also people who are awarded statutory redundancy may access the scheme immediately, provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study. The requirement to be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for a minimum period has always been a feature of the BTEA scheme and is considered necessary to ensure that limited resources are directed at those most in need.
The current scheme has been subject to review and modification over the years to ensure it continues to support those people who are most distant from the labour market and whose need is greatest. I will continue to monitor the scheme but I believe that, overall, the back to education allowance scheme continues to meet its objectives and ensures that limited resources are targeted at those who are most in need.
The number of participants on the BTEA scheme has increased in recent years, supported by a growth in expenditure on the scheme from €38 million in 2003 to a provision of €70.8 million this year.
Question No. 472 answered with Question No. 446.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:473 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will increase the means test threshold for qualification for means tested payments with a view to alleviating hardship in the present economic situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40002/08]
Social welfare has been prioritised in this Budget. Next year, total funding for the Department of Social and Family Affairs will be €19.6 billion. This represents an increase of €2.6 billion or 15.5% over the Estimates allocation for 2008. Over 1.7 million people and their dependents will benefit from this expenditure.
The Budget provides for increases of between 3 and 3.8% in the basic social welfare payment rates next year compared to projected inflation of 2.5%. These increases are also in line with the wage rises agreed by the social partners in the 2nd phase of the National Pay Agreement.
In relation to means testing arrangements, improvements are being made to the Family Income Supplement which is paid to low income working families. The income limits for the FIS are being increased by €10 per week in respect of each child giving an average extra payment of €6 per child per week. Furthermore, the income thresholds for entitlement to Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance are also being increased to enable 18,000 more families to benefit from the scheme. Further improvements in means testing arrangements fall to be considered in the context of future Budgets.
Question No. 474 answered with Question No. 467.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:475 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has carried out an evaluation of the extra household running costs incurred by widow’s or widower’s with young families; her proposals to address the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40004/08]
No specific research has been undertaken by the Department in relation to the cost of living for widows and widowers with children. However, those in question have benefited from a range of improvements in social welfare schemes in recent years. These include increases in child benefit and payments for qualified children, improvements in income supports at the time of a bereavement, and increases in secondary benefits such as the fuel allowance and back to school clothing and footwear allowance.
The needs of widows and widowers with young families are very much the same as those applying to lone parents. As the Deputy may be aware, the Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents," put forward proposals to tackle obstacles to employment for lone parents and other low income families. These included proposals for the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities; the extension of the National Employment Action Plan; focused provision of childcare; improved information services and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children.
Under the proposals the lone parenthood category of payment would no longer exist. Instead, a new payment would be made to all parents (living alone or with a partner), with young children, on low income.
This new payment is currently being developed in the Department, taking into account the various issues raised in the consultation process.
Any proposed new payment scheme can only be introduced when the necessary co-ordinated supports and services are put in place on the ground by other relevant Departments and Agencies. This is why the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion has been tasked with bringing forward a plan on the key issues of childcare, education, training and activation measures. Significant progress has been achieved in reducing child poverty in Ireland over the past decade and the Government is determined to continue this work, in spite of current economic difficulties. The recent Budget provided for a range of measures costing over €56 million to benefit children and families. These measures include an increase of €2 in the qualified child increase payable with social welfare payments, bringing the rate up to €26 per week from January 2009; an increase of €10 per week per child in all family income supplement income thresholds, giving an increase of up to €6 per child per week, from January 2009; and an increase of €50 per week in the income threshold for the back to school clothing and footwear scheme to enable more families to qualify.
These increases will mean that the high level goal in the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion of maintaining the combined value of child income support measures at 33% to 35% of the minimum adult social welfare payment rate will continue to be met next year (ranging between 33.4% and 43.7%).
In framing Budget 2009, the Government has prioritised delivering real increases in social welfare payments to ensure that, in line with the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion, the most vulnerable groups in our society are protected. Increases of between 3 % and 3.8 % in the basic payment rates have been provided for next year, ahead of the projected rate of inflation for 2009, which is 2.5%.
Social Welfare Code.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:476 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she proposes to introduce full disability occupational injury payment or equivalent for those affected by pneumoconiosis whether or not they are deemed to be only partially affected by the illness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40005/08]
Pneumoconiosis is a prescribed disease for the purpose of the Occupational Injuries scheme administered by my Department. The legislation governing the Occupational Injuries Scheme provides entitlement to benefit for persons suffering from certain prescribed diseases which are listed in the legislation and where that person has contracted that disease in the course of their employment.
Where a person has contracted one of the diseases listed in the legislation, benefits are payable if they were employed in an occupation which is specifically prescribed in relation to that disease or if they can show, to the satisfaction of the Chief Medical Advisor in the Department, that the disease was contracted through an employment not specifically prescribed in relation to that disease.
Employment under a contract of service is insurable for Occupational Injuries Benefit under the Social Welfare Acts. An insured person who contracts pneumoconiosis may qualify for disablement benefit under that scheme, in addition to illness benefit under the general social insurance scheme, subject to meeting the qualifying conditions. Medical assessments are undertaken in all such cases to determine the degree of disablement, which is calculated by comparison of the state of health of the applicant with a person of the same age and gender.
Persons claiming Occupational Injuries Benefit in cases of Pneumoconiosis are referred to Consultant Respiratory Physicians in the first instance for an examination and report. This examination consists of a clinical assessment and pulmonary function testing (PFT). Disablement benefit is awarded on the basis of the consultant's report, including the pulmonary function test result. The degree of disablement is expressed as a percentage of loss of faculty and the compensation payable varies accordingly.
Loss of faculty may be determined within a range of less than 1% to 100%, depending on the severity of the condition. A person must be assessed as having a minimum of 20% loss of faculty before they may be considered as being incapable of work due to their disablement. Where a person feels that his/her condition has deteriorated since the assessment was made under the scheme, it is open to that person to apply for a review of the percentage calculated. There are no plans at this time to introduce changes to these arrangements.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:477 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons eligible for free travel in 2006, 2007 and 2008; if she will extend the scheme for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40006/08]
The Free Travel scheme is available to persons aged 66 years or over who are permanently resident in the State. The scheme is also available to persons under age 66 who satisfy certain qualifying conditions. Beneficiaries of the scheme can travel for free on scheduled CIE public transport services, Luas and a range of services offered by 93 private operators in various parts of the country.
The number of people eligible for free travel in each of the three years is outlined in the table below:
|
Year |
Number |
|
2008 |
657,266 |
|
2007 |
637,312 |
|
2006 |
641,315 |
There are no plans to extend the scheme
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:478 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on extending eligibility for persons in receipt of disability or invalidity pension to enable those in receipt of such payments to participate in community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40007/08]
Disability allowance is a means-tested weekly payment for people who are substantially restricted in taking up employment owing to an illness or disability that is expected to last for at least one year. Earnings from employment, however, may be subject to a disregard that will exempt such income from assessment where the employment is considered to be rehabilitative in nature. Employment on a Community Employment Scheme falls into this category of rehabilitative work.
The income disregard operates on the basis of a tapered withdrawal rate between €120 and €350. This means that all income up to €120 is disregarded as means when assessing entitlement, while income between €120 and €350 is assessed at a rate of 50 per cent. The effect of this tapered withdrawal rate is that a single person can earn up to €432 per week before their disability allowance fully ceases.
The application for the employment to be considered rehabilitative must be made to the Department and should be sent in as soon as the employment commences. In the case of Community Employment Schemes, approval is normally given on foot of certification of placement by FÁS.
Invalidity pension is a social insurance based payment paid to people who are permanently incapable of work due to disability or illness. One of the conditions for receipt of the payment is that the recipient does not engage in any form of employment.
However, an exemption to this requirement is provided for in very specific circumstances to allow persons who are regarded as permanently incapable of work to engage in training or part-time rehabilitative employment which would increase the opportunity for them to return to the open labour market. Such an exemption, which typically lasts for 12 months, will normally take the form of employment which is deemed by the Department to be both part-time (i.e. not more than 19.5 hours per week) and rehabilitative in nature or, alternatively, a community employment scheme or a training course arranged by FÁS. An application for such an exemption must be made to the Department in advance of the employment or training course beginning.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:479 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons refused entitlement to an old age pension due to lack of sufficient contributions in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40008/08]
It has not been possible to provide the information requested in the time available. The data is currently being compiled and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy when it becomes available.
Question No. 480 answered with Question No. 445.
Social Welfare Code.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:481 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who have been refused social welfare entitlements on the basis of the habitual residency clause since its introduction, on a yearly basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40010/08]
The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1 May 2004. It was introduced in the context of the Government's decision to open the Irish labour market to workers from the 10 new EU Member States, without the transitional limitations which were imposed at that time by most of the other Member States. The effect of the condition is that a person whose habitual residence is elsewhere would not normally be entitled to social welfare assistance or child benefit payments on arrival in Ireland.
Under Social Welfare legislation, decisions in relation to all aspects of claims are made by statutorily appointed Deciding Officers. Each case received for a determination on the Habitual Residence Condition is dealt with in its own right and a decision is based on application of the legislation and guidelines to the particular individual circumstances of each case. Decisions in relation to Supplementary Welfare Allowance are made by Community Welfare Officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE). Any applicant who disagrees with the decision on a case has the right to request a review of that decision and/or appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
While decisions to the effect that applicants satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition (HRC) can be made in the vast majority (over 90%) of cases at claim acceptance stage on the basis of answers given on the primary claim forms, complex cases are examined in more detail. Claims involving complex HRC issues are assessed and decided in all scheme areas within the Department by a small number of deciding officers who are experienced and fully familiar with the issues involved for each scheme in regard to HRC. I am satisfied that this arrangement contributes greatly to accuracy and consistency in the decision-making process.
For the period from 1 May 2004 to 31 October 2008, the number of habitual residence complex cases decided was 79,014 . Of these, 58,323 (74%) were found to satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition while 20,691 (26%) were unsuccessful. Details, on an annual basis, of the 20,691 cases which were disallowed since 2004 are as follows:
|
Year |
Number |
|
2004-May to end December |
2,235 |
|
2005 |
4,360 |
|
2006 |
4,344 |
|
2007 |
5,114 |
|
2008 (to end October) |
4,638 |
|
Total |
20,691 |
Nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) who take up employment in the State are protected under the EU Regulations governing Family Benefits and Supplementary Welfare Allowance. EEA Nationals who are jobseekers with no attachment to the labour force do not enjoy this protection and will not satisfy the HRC for social assistance payments. If such persons are suffering financial hardship they may apply to the Health Service Executive for an Emergency Needs Payment, which is not subject to the HRC.
Persons from the new member states of the EU who do not have any means of support may be assisted to travel back to their home country by the Reception and Integration Agency. Migrant workers from outside the EEA qualify for social insurance benefits in respect of the unexpired part of their work permits if they satisfy the normal qualifying conditions. The HRC does not apply in these cases. Such workers may also satisfy the habitual residence condition for receipt of social assistance payments and child benefit.
The Habitual Residence Condition is being operated in a careful manner to ensure that Ireland's social welfare system is protected, while at the same time ensuring that people whose cases are appropriate to the system have access to it when they need it. The reason for the introduction of the HRC in May 2004 was to ensure that persons who have not worked in Ireland or who have not established habitual residence in Ireland should not avail of assistance schemes or child benefit.
The operation of the condition was reviewed by the Department in 2006 and it is not proposed to introduce any changes to the current policy in this regard as the original reason for the policy is still valid.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:482 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will ease qualification requirements for the fuel allowance having particular regard to the changed economic situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40011/08]
The national fuel allowance scheme assists householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive (HSE) payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full.
There is no additional means test to qualify for fuel allowance for those already on a long-term means tested payment. In the case of non means tested payments, an applicant and members of his/her household may have a combined assessable income of up to €100.00 a week (or saving/investments of up to €58,000) above the appropriate maximum rate of state contributory pension and still qualify for the allowance. The purpose of the income limit is to ensure that the allowance goes to people with the greatest need.
Despite the difficult economic environment, priority has been given in Budget 2009 to increasing the basic rate of social welfare payments. The value of the fuel allowance is also being increased by €2 to €20 (€23.90 in designated smokeless zones) per week from January 2009, benefiting almost 300,000 households. This is an 11% increase on the current rate of payment. The duration of the fuel season is being increased by 2 weeks from April 2009 bringing the total period for which fuel allowance is paid to 32 weeks.
Electricity and gas allowances under the household benefits package, are payable throughout the year to 358,000 pensioners, people with disabilities, and carer households towards their heating, light and cooking costs. The supplementary welfare allowance scheme assists people in certain circumstances who have specific heating needs due to infirmity or a particular medical condition. Any changes to the rate of payment or qualifying conditions for the fuel allowance would have significant cost implications and would have to be considered in the light of the resources available for improvements in social welfare generally.
Social Welfare Payments.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:483 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will introduce further improvements in respect of the level of payments under the family income supplement in view of the expected greater demand arising from increased levels of unemployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40012/08]
The family income supplement scheme (FIS), which provides income support for employees on low earnings with families, is designed to preserve the incentive to move from welfare to (or remain in) employment in circumstances where the employee might only be marginally better off than if he or she were claiming other social welfare payments. In order to achieve this objective the income thresholds for FIS are set by reference to the current levels of social welfare payments that apply (e.g. jobseeker's benefit). Therefore, the level of unemployment in the workforce is not relevant in the calculation of FIS.
Following on from the general increases in weekly social welfare payments that will apply from the beginning of January, 2009, the recent Budget also provided for an increase in the income limits for FIS by €10 a week in respect of each child. These new thresholds will give increases ranging from €6 to €48 per week depending on the family size, from January 2009 (in addition to the current average weekly FIS payment of almost €99). These increases will preserve the incentive for employees on low earnings with families to move into or remain in employment. It is estimated that approximately 2,000 additional families will become eligible for a FIS payment following these increases in the income thresholds, bringing the estimated total number of families benefiting from FIS in 2009 to over 29,000.
Social Welfare Code.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:484 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has issued instructions restricting access or curtailing expenditure under the supplementary welfare code; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40013/08]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive. The Department has function in deciding entitlement in individual cases.
Subject to certain conditions, any person in the state whose means are insufficient to meet his or her basic needs may be statutorily entitled to assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The most recent circular which issued from the Department to the community welfare service advised of changes to the supplementary welfare allowance scheme as announced in Budget 2009 including increases in the rates of payment effective from January 2009. This circular also advised of the increase of €5 a week in the minimum contribution which rent or mortgage interest supplement recipients are expected to contribute from their own resources towards their accommodation costs. No other circulars have issued to the community welfare service advising of restrictions on access to, or curtailment of expenditure on, the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
Question No. 485 answered with Question No. 467.
Decentralisation Programme.
John Deasy
Question:486 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount the process of decentralisation has cost the taxpayer to date excluding the cost of all sites or buildings acquired; and the cost for each individual location. [40158/08]
Since the commencement of the decentralisation programme in the Department, expenditure returns have been submitted to the Department of Finance detailing non-property costs associated with the programme for both this Department and the agencies under its aegis. The expenditure recorded in respect of non-property costs for the period up to the end of September 2008 is set out.
|
Location |
Expenditure |
|
€ |
|
|
Sligo |
54,358 |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
117,395 |
|
Drogheda |
6,323 |
|
Not specific to one location |
56,302 |
|
Total |
234,378 |
Acquisition of sites or buildings and their associated costs is a matter for the O.P.W.
Defence Forces Recruitment.
Jack Wall
Question:487 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position in relation to appointments (details supplied); if the appointments have been made; if not, when this will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39197/08]
Interviews to fill these vacancies were held from the 15 — 17 January 2008. The military authorities have informed me that the report of the Selection Board has been the subject of correspondence since then, within the Defence Forces, relating to the procedures applied. I also understand that the candidates were to be kept informed of developments. The Chief of Staff has accepted that there has been an unacceptable delay in the process. The matter is now being addressed directly by the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) and it is expected that the appointments will be made shortly.
Naval Service Vessels.
Brian O'Shea
Question:488 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence his proposals to restore the Asgard II; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39250/08]
I would hope that Asgard II could be successfully salvaged and restored so that she can continue to carry out the sail-training role that she has performed with distinction at home and abroad for the past 27 years. We are working closely with the insurers, Allianz, on the question of salvage and they are in the process of examining tenders in this regard at the moment. As soon as the outcome of the tender competition is available, a definite decision will be made as to whether to proceed with a salvage operation. The question of restoration will depend on the success of the salvage operation.
Departmental Expenditure.
Richard Bruton
Question:489 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an estimate of the cost of legal services which his Department paid for in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he has satisfied himself that effective measures are in place to minimise this cost. [39308/08]
The main requirement for legal services in my Department is in the context of administrative law litigation (usually in the form of judicial review proceedings) and in personal injury proceedings. The Office of the Chief State Solicitor provides the Department's legal services in respect of administrative law cases and all non-delegated personal injury cases. The management of all other the majority of personal injury and road traffic accident related compensation cases has been delegated to the State Claims Agency.
The Chief State Solicitor's Office pays for the costs of the State's legal teams in cases that they manage. Such costs include counsels' fees, medical expert examination / report and court attendance fees, fees for other expert witnesses, State Solicitor fees where applicable, witness expenses etc. All such costs are charged to the Vote of the Chief State Solicitor's Office. The Chief State Solicitor's Office has advised that expenditure on behalf of the Department of Defence on counsels' fees and general law expenses (eg witness expenses, etc) was €551,065.14 in 2007 and €131,032.73 up to November 2008. These figures do not include the cost of staff in the Chief State Solicitor's Office.
Similarly, the State Claims Agency pays all costs arising from the defence of any claims they manage for my Department. The Agency has in house legal staff but engages the services of external solicitors as the need arises. In common with the Chief State Solicitor's Office, the Agency briefs barristers and other experts as appropriate. The Agency does not charge for the services of its own staff but does recoup all outlay such as counsels' fees and other outlay from my Department. In 2007 and in 2008 to date the Department recouped totals of €800,176.41 and €835,551.27 respectively to the Agency for legal and other defence costs.
Where the Department pays Plaintiffs' legal costs as part of settlements or awards, suitably qualified staff of the Chief State Solicitor's Office and the State Claims Agency assess such bills of costs rigorously and if necessary sends costs for taxation by the Taxing Master. The Department paid totals of €1,791,272.95 million and €2,157,128.26 million in 2007 and 2008 to date in respect of such costs.
I am satisfied that both the State Claims Agency and the Chief State Solicitor's Office are always conscious of the need to minimise legal costs and act accordingly.
Other than the cost of legal services arising from litigation the Department may from time to have certain projects, which are more suitable to assignment to a dedicated legal team on a one off basis. This is a relatively uncommon requirement. There was one such project in the period referred to by the Deputy. The Department engaged the services of McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors to provide legal drafting, research and advice services specifically in relation to the drafting of revised Rules of Procedure and new Court-Martial Rules, following on from the enactment of the Defence (Amendment) Act 2007. The value of the contract was agreed on the basis of a fixed fee of €44,500 (excluding VAT).
Further to this, the Department requested McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors to engage the services of independent counsel to advise the Courts-Martial Rules Committee in connection with draft Courts-Martial Rules prepared by that firm.
An initial sum of €43,741.50 (including VAT) was paid to McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors on 12 March 2008, in respect of work completed since the contract commenced on 20 April 2007. This amount included €6,050 (including VAT) to cover Counsel's fee. A final payment of €16,153.50 (including VAT) was made to McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors in August 2008.
In 2007 and 2008 to date the amounts of €34,890.57 and €24,903.05 respectively were paid under the Courts-Martial (Legal Aid) Regulations to solicitors and counsel representing accused personnel who were granted legal aid. Legal costs under this heading are paid in accordance with the scales set down by the Department of Justice in respect of legal aid for defendants in civil prosecutions.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:490 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Defence the number of capital projects which have gone over budget in each of the past five years; the original estimate for each of these projects; the final cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39521/08]
My Department is engaged in an on-going capital building programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to the Defence Forces both Permanent and Reserve. The programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects such as the refurbishment of existing buildings and the construction of new buildings where required.
It is not possible to give a detailed breakdown by individual project due to the extensive effort involved in compiling the information required. However my Department can say that between 2001 to 2005 the overspend on the annual Capital Budget ranged from 0.1% to2.2%. The Department cannot give this figure for 2006 and 2007 as projects commenced in those years are still on-going.
Departmental Staff.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:491 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Defence the severance packages for each retiring staff member in his Department over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39536/08]
All personnel who retired in each of the past three years were paid the standard civil service gratuity and pension. Details of the gratuities paid in each of those years are contained in the following table:
|
Year |
Total Paid in Severance Packages |
Number of retiring staff members |
|
€ |
||
|
2005 |
731,236.13 |
10 |
|
2006 |
533,938.28 |
5 |
|
2007 |
594,580.64 |
10 |
In addition, retiring staff members also receive a pension based on their service and salary at the time of retirement, calculated in accordance with Circular 46/75.
Planning Issues.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:492 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence the details of the development works undertaken by his Department under Section 181 (2) (a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, since the Act was enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39644/08]
My Department is engaged in an on-going capital building programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to the Defence Forces both Permanent and Reserve. The programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects such as the refurbishment of existing buildings and the construction of new buildings where required.
I have been advised by the Military authorities that there has been no development work undertaken under section 181 (2) (a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
Waste Management.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:493 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence if, in the interest of reducing paper use, his Department has plans to relax or drop the requirement to supply three or more hard copies of tender documentation and to move towards greater use of electronic documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39732/08]
The public procurement rules do not specify the number of copies of tender documents to be submitted but they do permit contracting authorities to require the submission of tenders solely by electronic means. The national public procurement website, www.etenders.gov.ie, known as e-tenders and provided by the National Public Procurement Policy Unit of the Department of Finance, has a facility for the submission of tenders electronically. My Department has accepted tenders electronically for a number of tendering procedures. The decision as to whether or not to request hard copies is made on the basis of the requirements of each competition and whether the tender documents will have to be circulated in hard copy for the purposes of evaluation.
Whilst electronic versions of tenders are sought from time to time, many staff would, understandably, have difficultly examining large amounts of, what is very often, complex information on screen. In these circumstances, it is invariably necessary to print hard-copy extracts.
In addition to the acceptance of tenders online, the website also permits contracting authorities to make all documentation associated with a request for tender to be made available online, for downloading by suppliers. My Department makes extensive use of this facility.
When tender competitions have closed and the information no longer needs to be retained, it is the policy of my Department to shred and re-cycle the paper used.
Departmental Transport.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:494 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the public transport services used by him since he came into office or since 2007 on official business; the destinations travelled to; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39791/08]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:495 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the public transport services used by his officials since 2007 on official business; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39819/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 494 and 495 together.
I wish to state that while I do use public transport on occasions no costs have been incurred by me for the use of public transport on official business since I took office. In relation to my officials, the amount paid in respect of the use of bus and rail transport while on official business, since 2007, is €25,493.15. This figure does not include taxi fares.
Decentralisation Programme.
John Deasy
Question:496 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Defence the amount the process of decentralisation has cost the taxpayer to date excluding the cost of all sites or buildings acquired; and the cost for each individual location. [40152/08]
My Department is decentralising to Newbridge, Co. Kildare and Defence Force Headquarters to the Curragh, Co. Kildare. Site acquisition and building construction costs are borne on the Vote for the Office of Public Works. No costs have been incurred by my Department to date in relation to either of these projects.
Local Authority Funding.
Joe McHugh
Question:497 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will introduce legislation to implement the budget 2009 €200 levy on second homes; if he will raise these levies through local authorities; if the revenue generated by the levy will be allocated to the local authorities to compensate for reduced local government funding from central Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39445/08]
Ciaran Lynch
Question:498 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the mechanism for identifying residences in regard to the charge on non-principal private residences; if the charge will fall due on a specified annual date or on some other date; if it is intended that moneys collected will be retained locally or remitted for central distribution; if the latter, the mechanism that will be employed and the ratio that will apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39203/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 497 and 498 together.
The Government has decided to broaden the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of a charge on all non-principal private residences. The charge will be set at €200 per dwelling, and will come into effect in 2009. It will be levied and collected by local authorities, and will be used to support the provision of local services. I intend to bring forward legislation to implement the proposed charge as soon as possible, and this will set out the detailed measures necessary to give effect to it.
Appointments to State Boards.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:499 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the names of the persons appointed to An Comhairle Leabharlanna in 2008; the selection criteria that were applicable to each person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39204/08]
The Local Government (An Chomhairle Leabharlanna) Regulations 1997 and amendments thereto provide for the appointment by me of a chairperson after consultation with my colleague the Minister for Education and Science, and twelve ordinary members, ten of whom are appointed on the nomination of certain bodies and two by the Minister directly, both of whom must be members of local authorities. The names of all those appointed are listed along with the nominating bodies where applicable.
Councillor Mark Dearey, Chairperson, member of Dundalk Town Council;
Councillor Pat McMahon, member of Clare County Council;
Councillor Cora Long, member of Kilkenny County Council, directly appointed by the Minister in accordance with the regulations.
|
Person |
Nominating Body |
|
Councillor Des Hurley |
Association of County and City Councils |
|
Councillor Michael Abbey |
Local Authority Members Association |
|
Councillor Jim Darcy |
Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland |
|
Ms Deirdre Ellis-King, Dublin City Librarian, Dublin City Council |
Library Association of Ireland |
|
Ms Ruth Flanagan, Cork County Librarian, Cork County Council |
Library Association of Ireland |
|
Ms. Colette O’Flaherty, Keeper of Visual & Printed Collections, National Library of Ireland |
Board of the National Library of Ireland |
|
Mr Robin Adams, Librarian and College Archivist, Trinity College |
Board of Trinity College Dublin |
|
Mr Jim Foran, Librarian, IT, Sligo |
Higher Education Authority |
|
Mr Paul Sheehan, Director of Library Services, Dublin City University |
Higher Education Authority |
|
Ms Gerardine Moloney, Librarian, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick |
Higher Education Authority |
Local Authority Staff.
Richard Bruton
Question:500 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of parking wardens employed by each local authority; and the estimated pay roll cost and total cost of the parking warden services in these authorities in 2006 and 2007. [39249/08]
The information requested is not available in my Department. Staffing returns received from local authorities do not contain the classification of employees referred to in the question.
Social and Affordable Housing.
Charles Flanagan
Question:501 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on a matter, previously brought to his attention, in respect of a charity (details supplied) and the disparate procedures taken by different county councils in respect of charges for legal fees arising from projects involving the charity in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39258/08]
Under my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), grants of up to 100% of the approved cost of projects are available for accommodation provided by approved housing bodies. Legal costs necessarily incurred in respect of land acquisition, oversight of services and works contracts, effecting mortgages and registration of title etc. are eligible for grant assistance under the CAS. As is the case with all grant-eligible works and services, the amount approved in respect of legal costs is project-specific and will vary depending on the scope and complexity of the work involved.
In July 2008 my Department, following detailed consultation with the local authorities and the voluntary and co-operative housing sector, introduced new procedures for the appraisal, approval and implementation of new projects. As part of the ongoing process of streamlining and standardising procedures across all local authority areas, my Department will be issuing, in early 2009, revised guidelines in relation to key elements of the approval process, including guidelines on dealing with legal issues.
Departmental Bodies.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:502 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the name of each semi-State body under the control of his Department; the date of establishment, number of staff, and most recent annual budget allocation in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39287/08]
The information requested in relation to the state bodies and boards under the aegis of my Department is set out in the table. The budget figures listed refer to funding provided by my Department to the agencies. Some agencies are funded by local authority contributions or own resources from fees etc. A combination of income from the Department, local authorities and own resources would also apply in some cases.
|
Name of Body/Board |
Date of Establishment |
No. of Staff |
Budget |
Year applicable |
|
Affordable Homes Partnership |
2005 |
14 |
€28,100,000(1) |
2008 |
|
An Bord Pleanala |
1977 |
179 |
€13.681m |
2009 |
|
Building Regulations Advisory Body |
1998 |
Nil |
€21,000 |
2008 |
|
An Chomhairle Leabharlanna |
1947 |
18 |
N/A |
2008 |
|
Comhar Sustainable Development Council |
1999 |
5 |
€674,000 |
2008 |
|
Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board |
1998 |
1 |
€150,000 |
2008 |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority |
1997 |
N/A(2) |
N/A |
2008 |
|
Environmental Protection Agency |
1993 |
340 |
€34.787m |
2009 |
|
Fire Services Council |
1983 |
3 |
€653,000 |
2008 |
|
Heritage Council |
1995 |
15 |
€11.142m |
2009 |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
1982 |
N/A(2) |
N/A |
2008 |
|
Irish Water Safety |
1999 |
5 |
€606,000 |
2009 |
|
Limerick Northside Regeneration Agency |
June 2007 |
16 |
€6,855,000 provided between the Limerick Northside and Limerick Southside Regeneration Agencies |
2008 |
|
Limerick Southside Regeneration Agency |
June 2007 |
See above |
See above |
2008 |
|
Local Government Computer Services Board |
1975 |
97.5 |
N/A |
2008 |
|
Local Government Management Services Board |
1997 |
32.6 |
N/A |
2008 |
|
National Building Agency |
1960 |
N/A(2) |
N/A |
2008 |
|
Private Residential Tenancies Board |
2004 |
41 |
€4,644,000 |
2008 |
|
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) |
1992 |
52 |
€3.945m |
2009 |
|
Rent Tribunal |
1983 |
Nil |
€40,000 |
2008 |
Notes:
(1) The budget listed for the Affordable Homes Partnership for 2008 is provisional.
(2) As the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, the Housing Finance Agency and the National Building Agency are not publicly funded details relating to their staffing are not included.
Noise Pollution.
Finian McGrath
Question:503 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied). [39292/08]
My Department is currently examining a large number of submissions received from the public in response to a recent consultation paper on noise nuisance with a view to developing proposals for strengthening legislation in this area. The points made in the submission in relation to noise nuisances from house alarms will be taken into account in this context.
Departmental Expenditure.
Richard Bruton
Question:504 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide an estimate of the cost of legal services which his Department paid for in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he has satisfied himself that effective measures are in place to minimise this cost. [39311/08]
The cost of legal services incurred by my Department was €775,970 in 2007 and costs of €1,111,326 have been incurred to date in 2008. In addition the Department paid costs of some €7.654 million in 2007 and €6.855 million in 2008 on behalf of the Planning Tribunal.
The extent to which my Department has recourse to, and incurs expenditure on, legal services is kept to the minimum necessary. Expenditure incurred by the Planning Tribunal includes third party costs awarded at the discretion of the Tribunal itself in accordance with its terms of reference.
Housing Grants.
Andrew Doyle
Question:505 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount allocated by county and by year for the mobility scheme; the amount allocated by county and by year for the housing adaptation scheme; the way the funding is allocated; and the budget for these two schemes in 2009. [39318/08]
Local authorities operate a number of grant schemes to meet the mobility needs of older people and people with a disability. The Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant Schemes were replaced by the Housing Adaptation Grant schemes for older people and people with a disability in November 2007.
Allocations under these grant schemes are calculated on an annual basis, based on each local authority's estimated requirements as notified to my Department, and on expenditure trends in recent years. It is a matter for local authorities to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed towards each of the schemes, from within the combined allocation notified to them by my Department, and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within this allocation.
In May 2008 my Department notified local authorities of a combined capital allocation of €71.4 million for the operation of the Housing Adaptation Grant schemes for Older People and People with a Disability in 2008. In addition, to take account of the significantly increased levels of activity under the grants schemes experienced by local authorities in 2008, supplementary Exchequer allocations totalling €8.6 million were made in September and October.
Details of all allocations in 2007 and 2008 are set out in the following Table. 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.
|
Grants Paid 2007(Exchequer + L.A. Contribution) |
Initial Allocation 2008 (Exchequer + L.A. Contribution) |
Supplementary Allocation 2008 (Exchequer) |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Carlow County Council |
1,174,211 |
1,191,450 |
250,000 |
|
Cavan County Council |
1,130,966 |
1,150,890 |
300,000 |
|
Clare County Council |
1,286,340 |
1,308,060 |
500,000 |
|
Cork County Council Nth |
1,932,606 |
1,962,090 |
300,000 |
|
Cork County Council Sth |
2,509,769 |
2,545,140 |
300,000 |
|
Cork County Council West |
991,409 |
1,008,930 |
300,000 |
|
Donegal County Council |
4,186,047 |
4,248,660 |
|
|
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
1,867,940 |
1,896,180 |
350,000 |
|
Fingal County Council |
1,554,110 |
1,576,770 |
200,000 |
|
Galway County Council |
1,795,118 |
1,820,130 |
300,000 |
|
Kerry County Council |
2,551,761 |
2,590,770 |
300,000 |
|
Kildare County Council |
1,619,225 |
1,642,680 |
250,000 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
801,467 |
816,270 |
150,000 |
|
Laois County Council |
2,601,255 |
1,678,000 |
200,000 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
1,545,126 |
1,571,700 |
|
|
Limerick County Council |
1,528,970 |
1,551,420 |
200,000 |
|
Longford County Council |
628,049 |
638,820 |
100,000 |
|
Louth County Council |
1,789,877 |
1,815,060 |
350,000 |
|
Mayo County Council |
2,446,257 |
2,484,300 |
350,000 |
|
Meath County Council |
2,380,019 |
2,418,390 |
200,000 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
1,880,169 |
1,911,390 |
250,000 |
|
North Tipperary County Council |
1,547,594 |
1,571,700 |
300,000 |
|
Offaly County Council |
1,292,903 |
1,292,910 |
|
|
Roscommon County Council |
1,652,933 |
1,678,170 |
350,000 |
|
Sligo County Council |
484,371 |
491,790 |
300,000 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
3,933,500 |
3,990,090 |
50,000 |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
1,323,593 |
1,343,550 |
300,000 |
|
Waterford County Council |
1,497,584 |
1,500,000 |
200,000 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
1,437,482 |
1,460,160 |
400,000 |
|
Wexford County Council |
2,010,858 |
2,043,210 |
300,000 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
1,063,649 |
1,079,910 |
250,000 |
|
Cork City Council |
1,827,539 |
1,855,620 |
300,000 |
|
Dublin City Council |
12,464,277 |
12,639,510 |
|
|
Galway City Council |
1,031,777 |
1,049,490 |
300,000 |
|
Limerick City Council |
702,602 |
714,870 |
300,000 |
|
Waterford City Council |
440,937 |
451,230 |
100,000 |
|
Sligo Borough Council |
408,444 |
415,740 |
|
|
Total |
71,320,734 |
71,405,050 |
8,600,000 |
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Brian O'Shea
Question:506 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legislative changes he proposes to meet the concerns of an organisation (details supplied) in regard to climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39339/08]
I refer to the reply Question No. 281 of 14 October 2008. The position is unchanged.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:507 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of sewerage facilities services to houses (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39361/08]
No proposal in relation to such sewerage facilities has been received in my Department. Neither was such a scheme included in the list of water and sewerage schemes submitted by Galway City Council in response to my Department's request to local authorities in 2006 to undertake assessments of needs for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of these assessments.
Social and Affordable Housing.
Michael McGrath
Question:508 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to facilitate persons who purchased houses under the affordable housing scheme to remortgage their property. [39480/08]
Legislative provision to facilitate persons in affordable housing wishing to re-mortgage with a private lender is being considered in the context of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008, which is currently before the Oireachtas.
Departmental Expenditure.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:509 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of capital projects which have gone over budget in each of the past five years; the original estimate for each of these projects; the final cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39524/08]
My Department's capital programmes include responsibility for Housing, Water Services, Environmental Protection, Fire Services, Libraries and other capital projects implemented primarily by local authorities but also by my Department. The scale of these activities, involving many hundreds of separate projects, ranges across social and affordable housing projects, water supply and waste water treatment systems, construction and upgrading of fire stations and libraries, and improvement works at six National Parks.
Funding provided by my Department for capital works is subject to detailed scrutiny at critical stages, including compliance with the Capital Appraisal Guidelines issued by the Department of Finance and value for money principles. Comparison of estimated, interim and outturn costs in any case would not be meaningful without examining the circumstances of every cost revision. These may, for example, involve revisions as a result of agreed additional works or post contract variations, remeasurement of quantities associated with civil works contracts, and price variation clauses. The compilation of the information sought on all projects would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work by my Department including contact with local authorities.
Contracts entered into by my Department and local authorities are now subject to a new form of contract introduced by the Minister for Finance in 2007 to provide greater cost certainty to State authorities through the elimination of cost variables by seeking fixed price outcomes for contracts.
Departmental Staff.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:510 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the severance packages for each retiring staff member in his Department over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39539/08]
Under the terms of the Civil Service Superannuation Schemes, retiring staff are entitled to a lump sum payment and a retirement pension which is based on their length of service and final pensionable remuneration.
In the years 2005-2007, a total of 88 staff retired from my Department. To the end of 2007 the total lump sum payment cost was €7,025,306.94 and the total retirement pension granted was €2,274,168.57.
EU Treaties.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:511 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the impact the Lisbon “No” vote has had on Ireland’s negotiating power on environmental issues at Council level in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39549/08]
The Environment Council, under the Presidency of France, is delivering on an ambitious programme for environmental protection. Ireland is playing a full part in negotiations to achieve good outcomes for the environment in particular on the climate and energy legislative package which is the priority task for 2008 and to contribute effectively to the development of EU environmental policy. Given the range of complex factors that influence the negotiating process it is not possible to quantify any impact that the Referendum result might have on Ireland's negotiating power in the Council.
Waste Management.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:512 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the location and concentration of landfill waste facilities, current or proposed, in County Kildare is in accordance with his policy on waste management; if his attention has been drawn to the proposed extension at Drehid, County Kildare, and more recent proposals at Usk, County Kildare, which is expected to generate an ongoing self-serving requirement in the future; if this is compliant with the need to reduce and recycle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39578/08]
Under the Waste Management Acts, statutory responsibility for the making of regional waste management plans, which includes determinations in regard to the waste management infrastructure appropriate to each region, rests with the local authority (or local authorities) concerned and my Department has no function in this regard.
Any such projects would be advanced by private sector service providers or by local authorities and 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.
Government policy is based on an integrated approach, informed by the internationally recognised waste management hierarchy (with a particular focus on prevention and minimisation, reuse and significantly increased levels of recycling and biological treatment), and the preparation of statutory waste management plans, and underpinned by the comprehensive regulatory framework now in place in relation to waste. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to the establishment of new ambitious waste management targets designed to achieve maximum prevention, reuse, recycling and the development of modern waste treatment systems to ensure that we match the best performance in the EU with the objective that only 10% of waste, or less, is consigned to landfill.
Local Authority Housing.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:513 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of CAS applications awaiting approval; the value of those applications; and the number of units they include. [39584/08]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:514 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of the 2009 CAS budget that is available for new applications. [39585/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 513 and 514 together.
I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 191 and 194 of 23 October 2008. The position is unchanged.
Environmental Policy.
Olwyn Enright
Question:515 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he has taken following correspondence dated 5 September 2008 (details supplied); when he will send a detailed reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39587/08]
In my role as statutory consultee in respect of draft plans and variations, my Department wrote to the Councils in question on 27 June 2008 in relation to draft Variation No. 4 to the Tullamore Town and Environs Development Plan.
In its submission, (subsequently reflected in the Manager's Report), my Department accepted that the proposed variation arose because of the requirement fully to accommodate planned growth of Tullamore as an integral part of the implementation of the Midlands Gateway under the National Spatial Strategy. In addition, my Department acknowledged that the proposed variation represented good practice in adopting both land use and master-planning approaches, and that the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) had addressed the environmental implications and options for development.
My Department also acknowledged that the flood hazard mapping exercise conducted by the planning authority with the OPW was noted in the SEA, in line with draft planning guidelines on flood risk and the planning system which were issued subsequently on 23 September 2008 for public consultation. Nonetheless, the planning authority was asked to address in more detail how flood risk should influence the selected master-planning option in the Grand Canal Quarter and the allocation of appropriate land uses.
I understand that the variation was adopted on 28 August 2008, in accordance with section 13 of the Planning and Development Act. I am satisfied that the issues identified in my statutory submission have been taken into consideration in the adoption of the variation. My Department will issue a detailed response to the correspondence concerned shortly.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
James Bannon
Question:516 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the projected completion of the Longford central regional water supply scheme, reservoir and pipelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39619/08]
I approved Longford County Council's tender recommendation for the scheme in December 2007 and I understand that construction work is in progress. More detailed information may be obtained from the Council as contracting authority.
James Bannon
Question:517 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the projected completion of the Ballymahon regional water supply scheme with the upgrading of Abbeyshrule water treatment plant and links to Kenagh and Edgeworthstown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39620/08]
The Ballymahon Regional Water Supply (Improvement) Scheme, which includes the works referred to, is included for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-09 at an approved cost of €4.6 million.
I approved Longford County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme in December 2007 and, under devolved procedures, it is a matter for the Council to advance the scheme to construction.
James Bannon
Question:518 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the Drumlish, Newtownforbes, Ardagh, Aughnacliffe and Ballinalee sewerage schemes and the funding for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39621/08]
The Drumlish and Newtownforbes Sewerage Scheme and the Ardagh, Aughnacliffe and Ballinalee Sewerage Scheme are included for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-09 at a combined estimated cost of €12.3 million.
I understand that Longford County Council has awarded the contract for the Drumlish and Newtownforbes collection networks and that the Council is considering tenders for the collection networks in the other 3 locations. The Council's tender documents for the five wastewater treatment plants, which are to be procured under a single contract, are being examined in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible.
James Bannon
Question:519 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the Granard regional water supply scheme; the funding for same; the projected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39622/08]
The Granard Regional Water Supply Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-09 at an estimated cost of €8.5 million.
I approved Longford County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme in 2007. It is now a matter for the Council to produce contract documents for the scheme.
James Bannon
Question:520 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the projected Longford town sewerage scheme; the funding for same; the projected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39623/08]
The Longford Town Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-09 as a scheme to advance through planning at an estimated cost of €9.76 million. My Department is awaiting submission of Longford County Council's contract documents for the scheme.
James Bannon
Question:521 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the Lanesborough waters supply stage and Lanesborough regional water supply scheme which were included in the water services investment programme for 2007 to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39624/08]
Stage 1 of the Lanesborough Water Supply Scheme (Wellfield Development) and the Lanesborough Regional Water Supply Scheme are included for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-09 at estimated costs of €1.4 million and €8 million, respectively.
I understand that Longford County Council now proposes to combine the schemes for procurement purposes and my Department is awaiting submission of the Council's Preliminary Report for the combined scheme.
Planning Issues.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:522 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of the development works undertaken by his Department under section 181(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, since the Act was enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39647/08]
No development works have been undertaken by my Department under section 181(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
Water Quality.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:523 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps being taken in relation to discoveries of excessive levels of lead in drinking water supplies in Galway, Louth, Cork and other counties; his views on whether the matter is being dealt with satisfactorily by the relevant authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39665/08]
Joanna Tuffy
Question:524 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans for or if his attention has been drawn to an analysis of the overall number of households here that are either linked up to lead pipes or have lead pipes that supply drinking water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39666/08]
Joanna Tuffy
Question:525 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the contacts he has had with the Environmental Protection Agency and relevant local authorities to ensure that incidences of excessive levels of lead in drinking water at various locations is being dealt with to ensure public safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39667/08]
Joanna Tuffy
Question:526 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is liaising with the Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities to develop a national strategy for upgrading lead piping that supplies drinking water to homes in any part of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39668/08]
Joanna Tuffy
Question:527 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that the legislation that governs the actions by local authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency is sufficiently stringent to ensure prompt action when excessive levels of lead are found in a drinking water supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39669/08]
Joanna Tuffy
Question:528 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that there is sufficient sampling of water supplies in each county and countrywide to ensure possible incidences of excessive levels of lead in water are promptly identified and dealt with to ensure public safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39670/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 523 to 528, inclusive, together.
I refer to the reply to Question No.4 of 23 October, 2008.
Social and Affordable Housing.
Finian McGrath
Question:529 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied). [39696/08]
Under the Social Housing Investment Programme local authorities may purchase houses for the purpose of meeting social housing need, including need created by necessary relocation of households within a regeneration area. The allocation of such dwellings is, however, solely a matter for the local authority in question. As part of any approved regeneration project local authorities may also decide to purchase houses in key locations which, when demolished, will facilitate construction works.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Michael Ring
Question:530 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will advocate the continued investment in infrastructure as a stimulus to economic recovery; if so, when funding will be allocated to necessary projects (details supplied) in County Mayo; the position of these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39727/08]
With regard to the specific projects referred to in the question I refer to the reply to Question Nos.1412 and 1466 of 24 September 2008. I would also point to the increase of 19%, to €560m, in my Department's capital provision for water services in 2009 as evidence of the priority attached to investment in water services infrastructure for environmental and economic purposes.
Waste Management.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:531 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in the interest of reducing paper use, his Department has plans to relax or drop the requirement to supply three or more hard copies of tender documentation and to move towards greater use of electronic documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39735/08]
My Department is committed under its Environment Policy Statement to continuous improvement in the environmental performance of its in-house practices, policies and programmes. My Department's guidelines on tender documentation request an electronic copy of the response along with three paper copies. These copies are necessary evaluation purposes as complex documents can be difficult to read on screen. However, my Department will review this procedure with a view to encouraging future tender respondents to comply with our commitments in this area, such as double sided printing, use of recycled paper and ensuring that any additional information not requested in the tender is provided electronically.
County Development Plan.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:532 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to review proposals made by Donegal County Council in the variation of the county development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39777/08]
Variation No. 1 to the Donegal County Development Plan 2006-2012 was adopted by Donegal County Council on 29 September 2008. In light of my continued concerns in relation to particular provisions of the variation, and in the interests of ensuring proper planning and sustainable development of the county, my Department has recently written to the Council outlining these concerns and seeking a response as soon as possible.
Planning Issues.
Mary Upton
Question:533 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce legislation to enable planning permission to be refused when an applicant is considered in breach of planning legislation; if he will legislate to allow the same conditions to apply as for a breach of planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39785/08]
As stated in reply to Question No. 376 of 29 October 2008, Section 35 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that a planning authority may decide to refuse to grant planning permission to an applicant where, in the view of that authority, the person or company concerned is not in compliance with a previous planning permission or with a condition to which the previous permission is subject. The applicant concerned may apply to the High Court which may by order confirm or annul the decision of the planning authority or direct the planning authority to consider the application for planning permission. I have no proposals at this time to extend the grounds on which an application for planning permission may be refused under this section.
Departmental Transport.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:534 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the public transport services used by him since he came into office or since 2007 on official business; the destinations travelled to; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39794/08]
Since coming into office, I have used the following public transport services within Ireland while on official business:
|
Month |
Public Transport |
Journey Details |
Cost |
|
€ |
|||
|
Oct-07 |
Train |
Dublin to Killarney (return) |
85.00 |
|
Nov-07 |
Train |
Dublin to Limerick (return) |
61.50 |
In travelling abroad on official business, I have used ferry and train connections, as set out in the following table, in addition to scheduled airline services.
|
Month |
Public Transport |
Journey Details |
Cost |
|
€ |
|||
|
Mar-08 |
Ferry |
Dublin to Holyhead |
51.20 |
|
Mar-08 |
Train |
Holyhead to London |
147.00 |
|
May-08 |
Ferry |
Dublin to Holyhead |
54.33 |
|
Sep-08 |
Train |
Berlin to Binz (return) |
163.84 |
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:535 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the public transport services used by his officials since 2007 on official business; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39822/08]
Since 1 January 2007, Departmental staff have used bus, rail and ferry services while on official business at a cost of €148,329. In line with Department of Finance guidelines relating to official travel, the Department's policy is that staff should use public transport, wherever possible, for business travel. Taxis or cars should be used only when no suitable public transport is available.
As part of the Department's participation in the One Small Step campaign, a Workplace Travel Plan, aimed at encouraging greater use of sustainable transport options in travelling to and from work, and in the conduct of official business, has recently been launched in my 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.
Library Usage.
Seamus Kirk
Question:536 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide statistics on library usage in areas (details supplied); if there is any discernible correlation between the counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39875/08]
Each County and City Council is a Library Authority for the purposes of the Local Government Act, 2001, and may undertake a range of functions relating to the provision of library services. An Chomhairle Leabharlanna (ACL) provides appropriate advice and certain supports to local authorities in these regards. While my Department has developed the national policy framework for the public library service and provides capital and limited current funding support, I have no operational role in relation to the services offered by the library authorities.
Statistics on library usage nationally are compiled by ACL and are available on its website www.librarycouncil.ie . The Public Library Users Survey can be accessed on that website under Publications/ PLUS Survey. In addition, the Local Government Management Services Board compiles service indicators on local authority services, including library services. These indicators can be accessed on www.lgmsb.ie.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Paul Kehoe
Question:537 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a council (details supplied) will be advised of the allocation to the water and sewerage improvement schemes; the amounts involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39901/08]
The Taghmon Water and Sewerage Schemes have been included for funding under the Serviced Land Initiative measure of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. I recently approved Wexford County Council's proposals for the water supply improvements and it is now a matter for the Council to advance these works to construction stage. My Department is examining the Council's design proposals for the sewerage scheme and a decision will be made as soon as possible.
Building Regulations.
Michael Ring
Question:538 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the certification exams will be available along with the updated DEAP software in view of the fact that the BER deadline approaches for existing dwellings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39918/08]
Michael Ring
Question:539 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the format the certification exams (details supplied) will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39919/08]
Michael Ring
Question:540 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposed number of examination centres (details supplied) nationwide and their proposed location. [39920/08]
Michael Ring
Question:541 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the body responsible for the enforcement of legislation (details supplied); the way the legislation will be enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39921/08]
I propose to take Question Nos. 538 to 541, inclusive, together.
The EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings was transposed into Irish law in the form of the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006. In accordance with Article 7 of these Regulations a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate has been required for a new dwelling with effect from 1 January 2007, with a transitional arrangement, linked to prior planning permissions, which expired on 30 June 2008. A BER certificate will be required for existing buildings of any class, including a dwelling, offered for sale or letting on or after 1 January 2009, unless otherwise exempted — for example, in the case of a national monument or protected structure.
The body responsible for the BER Certification System is Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), which has been designated as the issuing authority under Article 2 of the Regulations. BER certificates are issued by qualified BER assessors who have completed the necessary training and have been registered by SEI to carry out the assessment of buildings. To date, over 3,000 persons have successfully completed training courses, including examination, with SEI-accredited training providers in relation to the BER certification of new dwellings.
In advance of the statutory requirement for BER Certificates for existing dwellings which becomes effective from 1 January 2009, SEI has arranged for the following: Revised Dwellings Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) software appropriate for both new and existing dwellings was released to all currently registered BER Assessors on 30 October 2008; Existing BER Assessors who are registered with SEI to undertake BER Assessments for new dwellings may now register as BER Assessors for existing dwellings and undertake BER Assessments on existing dwellings from 1 January 2009; eligibility to perform this function will be on the basis of the Assessor's declared competence and familiarity in relation to, inter alia, the survey methodology for existing dwellings and the operation of the new DEAP software.
A national certification examination will be rolled out early in 2009, which will enable persons, provided they are successful at the examination, to gain certification as BER Assessors for both new and existing dwellings; the National Administration System (NAS) for the BER process which currently only deals with new dwellings will be extended from 17 November to allow for the uploading/publication of BER certificates for both new and existing dwellings.
A procurement process being run by SEI to subcontract the national certification examination is nearing completion. While it is not possible at this stage to be specific about the number or location of the examination centres, SEI is confident that there will be an extensive network of such centres available nationwide that will provide convenient access for Assessors. The national certification examination will be a computer-based, multiple choice format exam, covering all key learning areas necessary to demonstrate competence in BER Assessment.
Planning Issues.
Phil Hogan
Question:542 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the procedures in place to ensure equal representation at the oral hearing for both proponents and opponents bearing in mind the significant cost that can face a voluntary or local group participating in a hearing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39991/08]
Under section 135 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, a person assigned by An Bord Pleanála to conduct an oral hearing is required to permit any person to appear in person or to be represented by another person at the hearing. It is a matter for a party to an oral hearing to determine the appropriate level of representation on their behalf.
Under section 145 of the Act, where an appeal or referral is made to the Bord, it may, if it thinks it proper to do so, direct the relevant planning authority to pay to the appellant or person making the referral, such sum as the Bord, in its absolute discretion, specifies as compensation for the expense incurred in relation to the appeal or referral. Under section 219 of the Act, the Bord has equivalent powers regarding discretionary payments towards the cost of holding an oral hearing in relation to the compulsory acquisition of land. I have no proposals to amend these provisions.
Waste Management.
Phil Hogan
Question:543 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Government will publish the national waste strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39992/08]
Phil Hogan
Question:544 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way incineration fits within the national waste strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39993/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 543 and 544 together.
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. The study 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. 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 and published shortly thereafter.
Waste Disposal.
Phil Hogan
Question:545 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of incinerators which have been improved to date here; the tonnage capacity of these facilities; his views of the total tonnage capacity necessary from incineration in view of his stated policy in relation to waste management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39994/08]
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 view generally is that undue emphasis on incineration as the cornerstone of waste management policy is detrimental to the development of alternative solutions. The current review of waste policy 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.
Aarhus Convention.
Phil Hogan
Question:546 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Aarhus Convention will be ratified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39995/08]
Ireland signed the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters on 25 June 1998. Progress towards ratification of the Convention is closely aligned with work at EU level and, in that context, the European Union has adopted two Directives as part of the ratification process for the Convention. These deal with public access to environmental information (2003/4/EC) and public participation in certain environmental decision-making procedures (2003/35/EC).
Regulations transposing the European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Directive 2003/4/EC were signed and came into effect on 1 May 2007. The process to transpose Directive 2003/35/EC is already well advanced, with legislation completed to amend the majority of the relevant consent systems. The work to amend the remaining outstanding consent systems will be finalised by the Departments concerned as soon as possible. When this work has been completed I, along with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, will ensure that the instrument of ratification of the Aarhus Convention is submitted to Government and laid before the Dáil as soon as possible.
Decentralisation Programme.
John Deasy
Question:547 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount the process of decentralisation has cost to date excluding the cost of all sites or buildings acquired; and the cost for each individual location. [40147/08]
The total expenditure incurred by my Department in relation to non-property costs under the decentralisation programme for each of the last four years is set out in the following table. This covers training, travel and subsistence, and costs associated with the establishment and ongoing maintenance of an advance office in Wexford since June 2007. No specific current expenditure has been incurred in relation to the Department's other three locations under the decentralisation programme — Kilkenny, New Ross and Waterford.
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
€ |
|
|
2005 |
9,022 |
|
2006 |
5,756 |
|
2007 |
131,116 |
|
2008 (to date) |
105,691 |
Freedom of Information.
Jack Wall
Question:548 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason a semi-State body (details supplied) is not covered under the Freedom of Information Act 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39233/08]
ESB Customer Supply is a division of the ESB Group. ESB, in common with other Commercial State Bodies, is not included under the remit of the Freedom of Information Acts. I am advised that the decision not to include Commercial State Bodies under the remit of the Freedom of Information Acts was taken on the grounds that their inclusion would impose disclosure requirements on the State Companies operating in commercial spheres that do not apply to their competitors.
Departmental Expenditure.
Richard Bruton
Question:549 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an estimate of the cost of legal services which his Department paid for in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he is satisfied that effective measures are in place to minimise this cost. [39306/08]
The cost of legal services incurred by my Department in 2007 and to date in 2008 is as follows.
|
Year |
€ |
|
2007 |
708,240.30 |
|
2008 |
1,662,750.56 |
The bulk of legal services expenditure arises as part of the complex commercial transactions including the National Broadband Scheme, the Metropolitan Area Networks and the Management Services Entity which oversees those Networks. These expenditures also include legal advisory costs associated with the Moriarty Tribunal.
My Department consults with the Chief State Solicitors Office and the Office of the Attorney General on legal matters and only engages external legal services as necessity dictates.
Rail Network.
Charles Flanagan
Question:550 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consult with Bord na Móna and officials in the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism on the matter of the proposed closure by Bord na Móna of the Clonmacnoise and west Offaly railway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39440/08]
This is an operational matter for the Board of Bord na Móna plc. However, I have obtained information from the company on the issue on behalf of the Deputy.
Bord na Móna advises that the company has operated the Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway (CWOR) since 1990. It has operated from April to September each year and consisted of a guided rail coach tour around 10 kilometres of Bord na Móna's industrial rail line giving a history of the formation, use and after-use of the area's bogland.
The CWOR has been operated on a section of the Bord na Móna rail network, which serves the West Offaly Power Station at Blackwater Works. This rail line is the transport mechanism for supplying the power station with milled peat for energy generation. Because the power station is now operating to its full capacity, the level of supply related rail traffic on this line has increased substantially in the last year and is set to continue at this level. Bord na Móna advises that, for legal Health and Safety reasons, a passenger service cannot now be operated on the same line as the industrial service operating at full capacity. Therefore, Bord na Móna advises that there is regrettably, no option but to close the CWOR.
Three regular staff were employed seasonally on the CWOR for the duration of the tourism season with two casual staff engaged as needed to cater for peak demand. The regular staff have been offered the opportunity to redeploy to other positions in Bord na Móna. I am advised that Bord na Móna is already working closely with Fáilte Ireland on developing plans for eco-tourism related projects for cutaway bogs in the Mid-Shannon Region taking account also of the fact that Clonmacnoise is set to become a World Heritage Site.
Departmental Expenditure.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:551 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of capital projects which have gone over budget in each of the past five years; the original estimate for each of these projects; the final cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39519/08]
Since the establishment of my Department in June 2007 no capital projects have exceeded their budget. My Department continuously seeks to deliver expenditure on capital projects within budget in a value for money way while meeting the policy objectives underpinning this expenditure.
Departmental Staff.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:552 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the severance packages for each retiring staff member in his Department over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39534/08]
The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources was established in June 2007. Since then, any member of staff who retired received the standard terms and conditions applying under the provisions of the Civil Service superannuation schemes.
Post Office Network.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:553 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has devolved complete responsibility to an Post in the determination of policy relating to the closure of post offices; if he has policy input on such matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39575/08]
It is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company, in a position to compete in a liberalised market, provide a high quality, nationwide postal service and maintain a nationwide, customer-focussed network of post offices. The Programme for Government sets out the clear objective of ensuring the continuation of a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network.
Matters relating to the post office network, including the closure of post offices, are an operational matter for the Board and management of An Post. This is set out in section 12 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983.
Telecommunications Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:554 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason it appears the communications regulatory system throughout Europe seems to have achieved a higher quality and availability of communications services than those available here; if he has had discussions with his EU counterparts on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39576/08]
The Irish telecommunications market is competitive and healthy. This is evident from ComReg's latest quarterly report for end June 2008. This confirms the continuing growth in broadband with 1,055,000 subscribers, an increase of 6.4% since Quarter 1 2008. The household broadband penetration rate at present is 57% which is roughly the same as in the UK. In Ireland approximately 21% of broadband is delivered over mobile (with 222,300 subscribers) this is one of the highest rates within the EU. Increasingly, offers of higher speeds are being made available by service providers. Mobile phone penetration stands at 120% while total mobile subscriptions increased by 55,000 in Quarter 2 2008. Full details of the latest progress in the Irish telecommunications market are in ComReg's Irish Communications Market: Key Data Report — Q2 2008 available on www.comreg.ie.
The widespread provision of telecommunications services continues to be a major priority for the Government. 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 providers. Where markets failure has occurred in the provision of electronic communications the Government has intervened such as in the case of the provision of broadband infrastructure in the regions and the proposed National Broad Scheme.
My Department plays an active role in negotiations on telecommunication matters at EU level and I will continue to engage with the Council of Ministers in seeking to ensure that the regulatory framework is designed to further improve the quality and availability of telecommunications services.
Planning Issues.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:555 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of the development works undertaken by his Department under section 181(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, since the Act was enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39642/08]
The Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources was established in June 2007.
The identification of records prior to June 2007 cannot be facilitated without undue commitment of staff resources and administrative cost. However, if the Deputy has a question in relation to a specific item I will make appropriate enquiries.
No development works have been undertaken by my Department under Section 181 (2) (a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 since June 2007.
Site Remediation.
Andrew Doyle
Question:556 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the budget and consultant’s brief governing the commissioning of a report on the Avoca river and the old mines (details supplied); and the action taken to ensure that local stakeholder input is being taken into account in decisions regarding the refurbishment or razing of old copper mines on the Avoca river. [39659/08]
The consultant's brief is to prepare a realistic, cost-effective and achievable integrated management plan for the Avoca Mine Site. The budget for the study is approximately €650,000 ex VAT. Local stakeholder input has been a part of the study and to this end two public meetings have taken place. I understand that the stakeholder views are being considered in drafting the final report, which is to be submitted to the Department in the near future. The consultants, in their report, will make recommendations on the remediation and long term management of the site and all of its elements. I will take account of all stakeholder views in reviewing the report and, following a detailed assessment, I will propose a way forward in relation to the future of the site.
Broadcasting Services.
Liz McManus
Question:557 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in view of RTE’s decision to postpone the diaspora channel, he will ensure that the Irish abroad will have access to Irish television services; the way he will ensure that the commitment to providing a diaspora channel will be realised; the timeframe he envisages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39706/08]
Section 3(1)(b) of The Broadcasting Act 2007 requires RTÉ to establish and maintain a television broadcasting service and a sound broadcasting service, which services shall be made available, in so far as the RTÉ Authority considers reasonably practicable, to Irish communities outside the island of Ireland.
In this regard, RTÉ has reviewed the potential for providing these services over different media, including via the Internet and on the UK Freesat service.
RTÉ is proposing to pursue and expand access to its programming via the Internet, and has highlighted that this will be available to the Irish abroad. However, in relation to Freesat, RTÉ has informed the Department that their plans to launch a Freesat service in the UK in early 2009 have been postponed. RTÉ has indicated that this decision was made as a result of the economic downturn, which has adversely seriously affected RTÉ's commercial service, and is part of a necessary cost saving exercise planned by RTÉ next year.
My Department has nonetheless, written to RTÉ expressing disappointment at its decision to postpone the launch of the service and to request information on a likely launch date for the service.
Fisheries Authority.
James Bannon
Question:558 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans he has put in place in relation to the seven regional chief executive officers and their extensive offices and staff in view of the fact that the seven regional fisheries boards and the Central Fisheries Board are being subsumed into one new fisheries authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39709/08]
I have established a small group chaired by the Department with representation on behalf of the existing Central and Regional Fisheries Board to guide the implementation of the restructuring of the sector as announced on Budget Day. The remit of the group includes consideration of arrangements to be put in place for the existing staff members. As I have previously stated, the new body will be organised with a strong regional presence.
As the Deputy will appreciate, I do not wish to pre-empt the work of the implementation group at this stage. In any event, I can confirm that the terms and conditions of employment of the staff of the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards will not be any less favourable than those currently obtaining.
Waste Management.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:559 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in the interest of reducing paper use, his Department has plans to relax or drop the requirement to supply three or more hard copies of tender documentation and to move towards greater use of electronic documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39730/08]
My Department is engaged, at present, in a review of its procurement processes. As part of that review my Department is examining all potential savings, efficiencies and reductions of the administrative burden that can be achieved. The increased use of electronic documentation will be examined in that context.
Offshore Exploration.
Liz McManus
Question:560 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if petroleum leases granted before 1 January 2007, under the terms of his Department’s licensing terms for offshore oil and gas exploration and development 1992, included or were accompanied by an assurance that no changes would be made over the commercial life of the lease to the tax treatment of income and gains arising by virtue of such leases and in particular that no royalties or production related levies would be imposed and the special rate of corporation tax would not be changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39779/08]
A petroleum lease is a high level agreement between the Minister and the developer of a petroleum production project which sets out certain rights and obligations of the parties to the lease. Exploration is a high risk business and is carried out in the context of formal representations by the State as to the regulatory and taxation regime, which would apply in the event of such success.
Since 1992 only two petroleum leases have been agreed. These leases were agreed in respect of the Corrib Gas Field (2001) and the Seven Heads Gas Field (2002). These leases do not include provisions detailing the tax to be paid in respect of profits from either field. The relevant taxation provisions are detailed in the Finance Acts. Accordingly, the only provision in the two leases relating to taxation is a provision imposing an obligation on the lessees to pay all taxes properly due. There are no provisions regarding royalties in either lease as royalties were replaced in 1992 by a special Corporation Tax rate for petroleum production as a means of achieving a return to the State from petroleum production.
While the foregoing sets out the formal position, the issue of the reputation of a country in regard to stability of regulatory and taxation matters is a critical one in relation to mobile international investment generally and exploration investment in particular.
Departmental Transport.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:561 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the public transport services used by him since he came into office or since 2007 on official business; the destinations travelled to; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39789/08]
Since coming into office I have used both the Luas and Iarnród Éireann on official departmental business. I travel within Dublin on the Luas occasionally and I have travelled to a number of destinations including Cork, Tralee and Thurles by train.
I also used the following public transport while I was abroad on official business:
Subway in New York;
Tube in London;
Metro and Vélib bicycle in Paris;
Metro in Tokyo.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:562 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the public transport services used by his officials since 2007 on official business; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39817/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Method of Transport |
Period Jan 07-Dec 07 |
Period Jan 08-Present |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Train |
46,741.32 |
12,012.93 |
|
Air |
39,882.05 |
21,298.63 |
|
Bus |
7,720.55 |
4,603.78 |
|
Taxi |
39,499.89 |
23,398.91 |
|
Ferry |
3,182.09 |
386.50 |
|
Total |
137,025.90 |
61,700.75 |
|
Total 2007 to Present |
198,726.65 |
Decentralisation Programme.
John Deasy
Question:563 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount the process of decentralisation has cost the taxpayer to date excluding the cost of all sites or buildings acquired; and the cost for each individual location. [40150/08]
As I informed this House in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 335 of 5th November 2008 the vast majority of property related costs of Decentralisation have been paid directly by the Office of Public Works. The Office of Public Works has purchased land, on behalf of this Department, in Cavan. The total non property (current) costs incurred by the Department and its decentralising agencies in respect of the Decentralisation Programme since 2003, are €108,191. This figure is the latest cumulative data relating to expenditure by my Department and its agencies, reported to the Department of Finance.
Some €98,065 of this reported non capital expenditure relates to advance moves of Departmental functions to Cavan and Clonakilty. It is not possible to disaggregate costs for each location without undue administrative burden or deployment of resources. However, the bulk of this expenditure relates to the relocation of the entire seafood functions of the former Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR) to Clonakilty and, as the Deputy will be aware, these functions were transferred to the now Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF).
The Department agreed, earlier this year, a short term rental of storage facilities in Cavan and current expenditure to date in 2008 is €3,200.
In relation to agencies, because costs are location specific, I can advise the Deputy that, €9,276 of the total reported non capital costs relates to Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) expenditure in relation to Clonakilty. However, that agency is no longer under the remit of my Department. €1,752 of the total non-capital expenditure is associated with the Central Fisheries Board in relation to Carrick-on-Shannon. No expenditure has been recorded for the Ordnance Survey of Ireland in the context of Decentralisation to Dungarvan since it transferred to the remit of my Department.
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is currently compiling it costs in relation to decentralisation to Dundalk and in conjunction with all of the Agencies, the Department is currently updating decentralisation costs in the context of the next regular report to the Department of Finance. I will update the Deputy further when that report is finalised.
The Department has also apportioned, where possible, capital expenditure on decentralised locations, from overall budgets. In that regard, I can advise that the capital costs of IT installation involved in relocating the then Department's Seafood functions, since they transferred to DAFF, were €290,407. Similar capital costs for relocating an advance party of Departmental staff to Cavan were €147,435.
Animal Feedstuffs.
Martin Ferris
Question:564 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his view on whether the use of short rotation coppice willow would be a suitable material to be added to poultry litter in order to facilitate its use in anaerobic digestion. [39255/08]
Short rotation coppice (SRC) willow is currently produced for use as a combustible fuel. I understand that some studies have been carried out on the possible use of SRC willow in anaerobic digestion plants, but it is generally not considered a suitable feedstock for this process.
Grant Payments.
Brendan Howlin
Question:565 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the basis on which his Department has informed a person (details supplied) in County Wexford that headage payments in respect of commonage land on which they have sheep grazing rights, and which have been paid to them since 1991, have been withdrawn; if he will ensure that this person’s entitlement is fully restored with immediate effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39201/08]
The Department is currently examining the usage of the commonage parcel mentioned on which the person named is a claimant. This examination has been necessitated as the claims submitted on this commonage under the Single Payment Scheme exceed the area of the commonage that is eligible for payment. The Department has communicated with all the claimants concerned and is awaiting documentary evidence of their right to their claim. A decision regarding payment will be made when the Department has received and reviewed the documentation requested.
Michael Ring
Question:566 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their outstanding payments in view of the that a full ground inspection took place in this case and all matters have been resolved. [39264/08]
The position is that an application under the Single Payment Scheme /Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 1st 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 and cross compliance inspection.
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.
Farm Retirement Scheme.
Billy Timmins
Question:567 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on correspondence in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39299/08]
I have made provision of €47 million in 2009 to meet current commitments under the Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming, but for the present it has been necessary to suspend new applications for the scheme. The limiting of the suspension of the Scheme will be considered at the earliest opportunity having regard to the general budgetary situation.
Departmental Expenditure.
Richard Bruton
Question:568 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide an estimate of the cost of legal services which his Department paid for in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he is satisfied that effective measures are in place to minimise this cost. [39304/08]
The cost of legal services which my Department made were as follows — 2007 — €206,640 2008 to date — €521,386
I am satisfied that effective measures are in place to minimise the cost of legal services in my Department.
Departmental Bodies.
Leo Varadkar
Question:569 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the implications of the decision announced in Budget 2009 to merge COFORD into his Department; the date by which this is to be achieved; if legislation will be required to give affect to this decision; if so, when the legislation will be published; the savings anticipated from this decision in 2008, 2009 and 2010; the breakdown of those savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39325/08]
The implications of the decision to merge COFORD into my Department, and the necessary actions to implement that decision are currently being examined within my Department. Until this process has been completed, I am not in a position to advise of implementation date or potential savings arising from the merger. No legislation is required to give effect to the decision.
Leo Varadkar
Question:570 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reasoning behind the decision announced in Budget 2009 to transfer the marketing and promotion functions of Bord Iascaigh Mhara to An Bord Bia; if it is anticipated that this will result in savings to the Exchequer; if so, the breakdown of those savings for 2008, 2009 and 2010; the date by which this transfer is to be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39326/08]
The seafood marketing and promotion element of Bord Iascaigh Mhara is to be merged with An Bord Bia. The Government's initiative in transferring the seafood marketing and promotion functions to Bord Bia will ensure the strengthening of seafood marketing as part of a more cohesive overall food marketing effort, while allowing BIM to focus all its energies in developing the seafood industry in line with the Cawley Strategy — Steering A New Course.
The integration of seafood marketing with the State's domestic and international food marketing body will deliver synergies and opportunities for seafood producers where Bord Bia can draw on its expertise in the food sector to identify key future trends and opportunities for growth while pre-empting and reacting to market, competitors and global changes. The amalgamation of the promotion and market development functions of BIM with Bord Bia, will enable one single agency to manage Ireland's food and drink marketing effort on domestic and international markets. This will facilitate a more effective and efficient marketing effort. It will include the merging of the agencies presence internationally, which overlap in the four markets where BIM currently has a presence.
My ambition is that the transfer will be effective from early in 2009 subject to the appropriate legal instruments being in place. In this regard, I am planning that the budget for seafood marketing and promotion currently within BIM's Estimates allocation will be transferred to An Bord Bia in respect of 2009.
As Bord Bia determines funding priorities and allocations within its Estimate it is not possible at this time to estimate possible savings to the Exchequer for the years mentioned. The strategy behind the transfer of this function is to maximise the potential of the sector for 2009 and future years and I am confident that the result will be financial gains both to the sector and the economy.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:571 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded a REP 4 payment. [39341/08]
Where a valid application has been submitted, advance payments of 75% under the EU regulations governing REPS 4 can only issue when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the 2008 Single Payment Scheme are completed. This work is still ongoing with a view to beginning payment this month. The balancing 25% payment will follow when all 2008 REPS on-farm inspections have taken place.
Bovine Disease Controls.
Andrew Doyle
Question:572 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the age limit for mandatory testing of animals for BSE is being changed; the details of changes being introduced; the number of staff employed on the BSE monitoring programme; the resources allocated; the way this compares to the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39358/08]
I am confident that the necessary EU approvals to apply the proposed increase in the minimum age for BSE testing will be received in time to enable us apply this from early in 2009. In general, Department staff undertake BSE monitoring as part of their day to day work and in association with other duties assigned to them. The financial resources required for the BSE programme in 2009 remains to be finalised. The Deputy will be aware that the costs associated with BSE testing of cattle being slaughtered for human consumption at meat plants is, for the most part, borne by the industry. Consequently, most of the savings arising from the reduced level of testing at these locations should accrue to farmers.
Gross expenditure incurred by my Department in connection with BSE testing costs and the transport of certain samples to laboratories was €16.6m in 2004, €11.3m in 2005, €11.3m in 2006, €10.5m in 2007, and €7.8m to date in 2008.
EU Directives.
Finian McGrath
Question:573 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the enforcement date of the Nitrates Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39362/08]
The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 (SI no. 378 of 2006) provide statutory support for good agricultural practice to protect waters against pollution from agricultural sources, in accordance with the requirements of the Nitrates Directive. The Regulations were made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2006 and came into force on 1 August 2006, with later commencement dates for certain provisions.
Rural Development Programme.
Finian McGrath
Question:574 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the moneys part funded by the European agricultural fund for rural development earmarked for installation aid and early retirement in the year 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39363/08]
I have made provision of €56.7 million in 2009 to meet current commitments under the Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming and the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme.
The funding provided under Ireland's Rural Development Programme for the period 2007-2013 is substantially higher than that required to draw down all of the EU co-funding. For this reason, there will be sufficient eligible expenditure in the period to maximize Ireland's draw-down of co-funding notwithstanding the suspension of applications for the Installation and Early Retirement schemes.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:575 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their outstanding payment in view of the fact that a full ground inspection took place in this case and all matters have been resolved. [39469/08]
The position is that an application under the Single Payment Scheme /Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 13th 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 and cross compliance inspection.
The file is currently being processed and payment will issue from 1st December 2008. 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.
Food Labelling.
Rory O'Hanlon
Question:576 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the protocols for labelling country of origin on agricultural produce here or at European Union level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39472/08]
The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Under the general labelling Directive (2000/13/EC), the place of origin of the foodstuff must be given only if its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree. The European Commission is currently undertaking a major review of all food labelling legislation, which will lead to new regulations in this sector. As part of this process, Ireland has sought mandatory origin labelling for all meats.
EU beef labelling legislation requiring country of origin labelling of beef has been in place since September 2000. As this legislation did not cover beef sold by the catering trade my Department collaborated with the Department of Health & Children to have national legislation enacted to require that all beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector is now required to carry an indication of the country of origin. This legislation is enforced by the FSAI.
Regarding the labelling of poultry meat, there are EU Regulations which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultry meat at retail level. The Regulations require such poultry meat to be labelled with the information regarding class, price, condition, registered number of slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, drafted regulations that would require the country of origin to be indicated on pigmeat, poultry and sheepmeat. This was notified to the EU Commission in December 2007 as required by legislation. The Commission was not prepared to adopt the draft regulations in their present format on the grounds that the proposed legislation is not in compliance with EU food labelling regulations. In March, the EU Commission delivered a negative opinion on the regulations but afforded Ireland an opportunity to provide further information in support of them. In the meantime, the Department provided additional details including the current misleading labelling practices and evidence of consumers' desire for country of origin labelling. The EU Commission has considered this additional information in the context of the EU Labelling Directive but considers that it does not justify the introduction of national legislation. At the relevant standing committee meeting on food law on 13th October, the EU Commission outlined its decision not to agree to Ireland's proposed regulations.
The EU has 36 specific marketing standards covering fresh fruit and vegetables. Apart from quality criteria these standards also set down strict provisions regarding labelling, including country of origin. The EU Commission is currently reforming the Common Organisation of the market for fruit and vegetables. As part of this process a number of the existing specific standards will be replaced by a general standard which will cover a wider range of fruit and vegetables.
Departmental Expenditure.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:577 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of capital projects which have gone over budget in each of the past five years; the original estimate for each of these projects; the final cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39517/08]
The bulk of capital expenditure for my Department relates to payments to individual farmers under demand led schemes involving capital expenditure at farm level.
The only instances where capital projects exceeded original estimates were in respect of four fishery harbour projects from the thirty eight undertaken by my Department since May 2007.
In respect of each of these four projects, works additional to those included in the original programme of work were deemed necessary for inclusion. Details are as follows.
|
Project |
Estimated Cost |
Completion Cost |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Rossaveel Safety and Maintenance |
300,000 |
476,466 |
|
Carrigaholt Pier |
170,000 |
292,720 |
|
Rosroe Pier |
198,000 |
274,521 |
|
Tarrae Pier |
50,000 |
71,865 |
Departmental Staff.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:578 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the severance packages for each retiring staff member in his Department over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39532/08]
There were no retirements in my Department over the last three years which involved severance payments. 247 staff in my Department who retired in the period from 12 November 2005 to date received appropriate payments of lump sum and pension.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:579 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is correct that a payment (details supplied) is not being paid to applicants until every applicant is approved. [39574/08]
Where a valid REPS 4 application has been submitted, advance payments of 75% under the EU regulations governing REPS 4 can issue only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. This work is still ongoing with a view to beginning payment this month. The balancing 25% payment will follow when all 2008 REPS on-farm inspections have taken place.
Installation Aid Scheme.
Tom Hayes
Question:580 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be given the opportunity to apply under the installation aid scheme. [39632/08]
Only fully completed applications made under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and received up to and including 14 October 2008 will be processed by my Department.
Planning Issues.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:581 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of the development works undertaken by his Department under Section 181. (2) (a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, since the Act was enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39640/08]
My Department has no record of undertaking works of the nature raised by the Deputy in his question.
Tuberculosis Incidence.
Andrew Doyle
Question:582 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 465 of 29 October 2008, if research is being carried out into investigating the significant reservoir of tuberculosis infection in wildlife, other than badgers. [39658/08]
The Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) of my Department routinely monitors TB in wild or domestic species submitted to it and, in recent years, TB has been diagnosed in farmed Alpaca, goats, domestic sheep and in wild species. However, in the majority of wild species where TB has occasionally been detected, such as rabbits, rats and foxes, these animals are considered to be merely incidental or dead-end rather than disease maintenance hosts. With regard to deer, in addition to monitoring the outcome of routine veterinary examination of wild deer carcasses intended for human consumption, my Department also specifically carries out on-going research into the incidence of TB in the wild deer. However, to date both the routine veterinary examination results and our research has shown a very low incidence of TB in the wild deer population (Sika and Dama dama), even when the deer concerned were deliberately selected from areas of the country with a high incidence of TB in the cattle population. In view of the foregoing, the bulk of research involving wildlife carried out by my Department relates to badgers, which do in fact act as a maintenance host for TB.
Grant Payments.
Michael Creed
Question:583 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is not being awarded their reactor grants; his views on part payment of the grant presently to alleviate financial difficulty and to facilitate the production of a tax clearance certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39662/08]
The herd of the person concerned was restricted on 22 May 2008. To date 24 animals have been removed as reactors and compensation amounting to approximately €30,000 is due under the On Farm Market compensation scheme. In addition, the person concerned may also be eligible for payment under the Income Supplement and Hardship Grant Schemes.
Under the TB and Brucellosis Eradication Scheme herdowners are required to provide a current tax clearance certificate where payments being made under the scheme are likely to exceed €10,000 in a 12-month period. This requirement, which is in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines, is set out in the "Important Information for Farmers" document, which was provided to the person concerned at the time of restriction in May. A letter requesting a Tax Clearance Certificate issued to the person concerned on the 11 September 2008 and this was confirmed in further discussion with the person on 30 October. As it is not the practice to issue part-payments where it is established that a tax clearance certificate is required, payments due in this case can only be processed on receipt of the required documents and will be paid at that time subject to all related issues being in order. I am satisfied that the policy is clearly stated in the information booklet issued to farmers at the time of first restriction.
Waste Management.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:584 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in the interest of reducing paper use, his Department has plans to relax or drop the requirement to supply three or more hard copies of tender documentation and to move towards greater use of electronic documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39728/08]
My Department has accepted tenders electronically for a number of tendering procedures and I expect the level of usage to increase significantly over the coming years.
Departmental Transport.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:585 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the public transport services used by him since he came into office or since 2007 on official business; the destinations travelled to; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39787/08]
Since my appointment as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on the 7 May 2008 I have not used public transport while on official business.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:586 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the public transport services used by his officials since 2007 on official business; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39815/08]
Expenditure for my Department since the 1st January 2008 on public transport is as follows.
|
Bus |
Ferry |
Taxi |
Train |
Airfares |
|
€10,108.59 |
€2,061.09 |
€64,703.95 |
€61,452.54 |
€563,768.50 |
Of the total expenditure for airfares, refunds totalling €188,929.25 were received from the EU relating to flight costs for official EU business.
Grant Payments.
Tom Sheahan
Question:587 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason his Department did not allow an application under the dairy hygiene scheme in respect of a person (details supplied). [39877/08]
The person named is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Applications under this Scheme are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016.
Installation Aid Scheme.
Tom Sheahan
Question:588 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will allow a person (details supplied) into the installation aid scheme in view of the fact that the delay was not of their own making. [39878/08]
Only fully completed applications made under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and received up to and including 14 October 2008 will be processed by my Department.
Tom Sheahan
Question:589 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will assist a person (details supplied) who had their land transferred, their green certificate acquired and stock purchased with the reasonable expectation that they would qualify for the installation aid grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39879/08]
Only fully completed applications made under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and received up to and including 14 October 2008 will be processed by my Department.
Grant Payments.
Paul Connaughton
Question:590 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a decision will be made on an application for a slatted house grant in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40035/08]
Additional documentation has been requested from the person concerned. Until this documentation is received, the application cannot be processed any further.
Paul Connaughton
Question:591 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been granted their REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40036/08]
My officials have asked the person named to submit her REPS record sheets for examination. This is a normal requirement. The initial request by my officials was made on 19 September last but not all of the required documentation was submitted. My Department wrote again to the person named on 28 October and I understood that the outstanding documents are to be submitted this week. The processing of the application will continue when these documents are received.
Decentralisation Programme.
John Deasy
Question:592 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount the process of decentralisation has cost the taxpayer to date excluding the cost of all sites or buildings acquired; and the cost for each individual location. [40148/08]
The original Government decision on the decentralisation of the Department was that some 600 headquarters posts would move to Portlaoise; some 100 posts in the Cork local offices would move to Fermoy; and that some 100 posts in laboratories in Cork and Limerick would move to Macroom. The decision regarding Bord Bia was that it would move to Enniscorthy involving some 80 posts. The Fisheries function joined my Department during 2007, and along with Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), had been scheduled to move to Clonakilty (some 85 and 95 posts respectively). Following the decentralisation announcement in the budget, the moves to Portlaoise and Clonakilty, including BIM, were approved by Government to proceed. The moves to Fermoy, Macroom and Enniscorthy have been deferred pending a review in 2011.
Since the original decentralisation announcement, my Department made no specific provision for expenditure nor has there been any specific expenditure recorded by the Department in relation to the proposed moves to Fermoy or Macroom. There was also no specific provision for expenditure in relation to Portlaoise or Clonakilty but the Department does send a quarterly return to the Decentralisation Implementation Group, which details the non-property costs such as travel and overtime. To the end of the last quarter, July to September 2008, these costs amounted to €179,091. The programme also requires staff resources from a range of corporate functions (e.g. Personnel, Accommodation Services, IT etc.) but these are considered part of the normal range of duties of these functions and therefore are not recorded separately.
School Accommodation.
Jack Wall
Question:593 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science his views regarding correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; the action that he proposes in relation to resolving the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39196/08]
It is my Department's intention to provide a new green field site building for the school, which is the subject matter of the correspondence to which the Deputy refers. The project is currently in the advanced stages of architectural planning.
Progress on the new school will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
In the meantime, my Department has approved the necessary funds to allow the school to secure a prefab to meet its September 2008 needs.
The Deputy will be interested to learn that I am meeting a delegation from the school on Thursday 13th November in Leinster House.
Higher Education Grants.
Brendan Howlin
Question:594 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Wexford would have qualified for admission to the third level course of their first choice in 2007 but for the fact that their leaving certificate biology was incorrect (details supplied); if his Department will accept responsibility for the consequences of the error in marking the student’s biology paper; if he will sanction third level funding for the entire of the student’s course of first choice studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39202/08]
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.
My Department contacted Wexford VEC, the awarding body in this case, and was advised that the issue has been resolved.
Departmental Savings.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:595 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 474 of 29 October 2008, the breakdown of the overall sum spent on substitution cover; if the €28 million referred to in the question spent on uncertified sick leave is included in this figure; if he will explain his position as outlined in a newspaper article (details supplied); if he will clarify if the reply given in Parliamentary Question No. 474 is correct or incorrect in view of this newspaper article; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39209/08]
In the 2007/2008 school year the overall cost of substitution cover in primary and all second level schools is estimated at €183 million.
The breakdown is as follows: Uncertified sick leave — €17 million, Certified sick leave — €45 million, Official school business Post Primary only — €13.0 million, Maternity and related leave — €65 million, Release time Primary only — €5 million, Other leave — €38 million.
Examples of other leave absences covered by substitution include force majeure, in service and bereavement of family members.
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 in 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.
It is also estimated that 137,423 days substitution cover were provided for teachers employed by Vocational Education Committees and that similar percentages to those applicable in the Secondary and Community/ Comprehensive sectors applied in relation to sick leave.
In relation to the newspaper article, the total number of days and the associated total costs referred to were for all substitute cover in primary, Secondary and Community/ Comprehensive schools.
School Transport.
Billy Timmins
Question:596 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will examine the feasibility of requesting the school transport facility to collect children at a location (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39228/08]
Under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme, only eligible children qualify for free transport. In order to be eligible, children must live at least 3.2 kilometres from, and be attending, their nearest National School or school of amalgamation.
Primary school transport routes are generally planned so that, as far as possible, no eligible child will have more than 2.4 kilometres to travel to a pick-up point. Pupils living off the main route of a service are generally expected to make their own way, or to be brought to convenient pick-up points along the main route.
Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the pupils in question currently avail of a school transport service within my Department's guidelines and to extend the route would involve additional cost to the State.
Educational Disadvantage.
Emmet Stagg
Question:597 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the qualifying criteria for DEIS schools; and the primary and post primary schools in County Kildare who are included under this initiative. [39234/08]
DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, which is being rolled out on a phased basis over the period 2006-2010 provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). DEIS brings together and builds upon a number of existing interventions in schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage.
The plan represents a shift in emphasis away from individual initiatives, each addressing a particular aspect of the problem, while adopting a multi-faceted and more integrated approach. This is the first time that an integrated educational inclusion strategy has been developed for 3 to 18 year olds in this country.
The process of identifying schools for participation in DEIS was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.
The ERC's overall approach was guided by the definition of educational disadvantage in the Education Act (1998), as: ". . . the impediments to education arising from social or economic disadvantage which prevent students from deriving appropriate benefit from education in schools".
In the primary sector, the identification process was based on a survey carried out by the ERC in May 2005, from which a response rate of more than 97% was achieved. The analysis of the survey returns from primary schools by the ERC identified the socio-economic variables that collectively best predict achievement, and these variables were then used to identify schools for participation in the School Support Programme. The variables involved were:% unemployment; % local authority accommodation; % lone parenthood; % Travellers; % large families (5 or more children); and % pupils eligible for free books.
In the case of second-level schools, the Department supplied the ERC with centrally-held data from the Post-Primary Pupils and State Examinations Commission databases. Based on an analysis of these data, the variables used to determine eligibility for inclusion in the School Support Programme were as follows: Medical card data for Junior Certificate candidates (including Junior Certificate School Programme candidates) 2002, 2003, 2004; Junior Certificate retention rates by school for the 1995, 1996 and 1997 school entry cohorts; Junior Certificate exam results aggregated to school level (expressed as an OPS — "Overall Performance Scale" — score). This was based on each student's performance in the seven subjects in which s/he performed best aggregated to school level for the 2002 and 2003 examination cohorts. Leaving Certificate retention rates by school for the 1995, 1996 and 1997 school entry cohorts. The identification process was in line with international best practice and had regard to and employed the existing and most appropriate data sources available.
A review mechanism was put in place to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in DEIS but regarded themselves as having a level of disadvantage which was of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. The review process operated under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review.
Out of a total of 3,300 primary and 733 second-level schools, 876 schools have been included under the DEIS action plan. These comprise 673 primary schools and 203 second-level schools.
In the region of €800 million will be spent by my Department this year on tackling educational disadvantage at all levels — from pre-school to further and higher education. This represents an increase of nearly €70 million on the comparable 2007 figure and is testament to the Government's determination to prioritise social inclusion and ensure that all our children and young people get the supports they need to do well at school. Social inclusion measures across all Government departments have also been prioritised under the Towards 2016 agreement, the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-16 and the National Development Plan.
Targeting resources at the most disadvantaged schools that are working to counteract educational disadvantage will continue to be a priority for the Government.
Higher Education Grants.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:598 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the €8 million which was provided in budget 2007 and budget 2008 as the Government’s contribution towards the funding of the George Mitchell scholarship programme has not been paid to the US-Ireland Alliance; if he will confirm that the moneys which were voted in Dáil Éireann will be transmitted as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39237/08]
The purpose of the decision taken in early 2007 to increase Ireland's contribution to the George Mitchell Scholarship Fund by a maximum of €20 million over a five year period based on matching private sponsorship was to allow the US-Ireland Alliance to further strengthen the US-Ireland Alliance's activities in promoting US-Ireland relations through the provision of scholarships to highly qualified US students to undertake post-graduate study and research in Irish and Northern Ireland Universities.
It was envisaged that the first tranche of €4 million by way of additional funding via my Department would be released to the US-Ireland Alliance as soon as a) agreement was reached with the Alliance on a new Funding and Management Agreement and b) the necessary legislative changes to the 1998 Act were enacted. The release of this funding has been deferred, pending completion of these arrangements and in recognition of the very difficult situation in the public finances.
My Department remains committed to progressing the discussions which are ongoing with the Alliance in respect of the new Funding and Management Agreement and to progressing the proposed legislative changes, which it is envisaged will be introduced during 2009, and to matching the private sponsorship raised by the Alliance as soon as budgetary circumstances permit.
Computerisation Programme.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:599 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions which he had with representatives from companies (details supplied) during October 2008 when it is reported that he discussed proposals to provide computers in the school system by way of leasing them from information technology companies in accordance with the national development plan’s pledge to invest €252 million in information technology for schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39239/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, 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.
Having regard to the current economic situation, we face significant challenges in implementing some of the recommendations made in these Reports. However, I am committed to investing in this area as resources permit.
The technology industry equally advocates greater integration of ICT into teaching and learning in our schools and I am anxious to explore with the industry how it can work with my Department to achieve this common goal. I have met with representatives of Apple, Hewlett Packard and Microsoft recently and will be meeting with other technology companies and the representative body, ICT Ireland, over the coming weeks. As the Deputy will be aware, Tif, the Telecommunications and Internet Federation has been involved as a partner with the State in the Schools Broadband Access Programme and there are many instances where individual companies are working in partnership with individual schools or projects. In this context, Microsoft Ireland has concluded a Memorandum of Agreement, which extends its Partners in Learning Licensing Agreement to all disadvantaged schools participating in the DEIS programme and which will enable these schools to access very low cost desktop software and operating systems.
Higher Education Sector.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:600 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will a formal designation of the National College of Ireland as being an institute of higher education under the remit of the Higher Education Authority in view of the work that the college has undertaken in the field of education, particularly life long learning and third level education for mature students and undergraduates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39246/08]
I do not propose to consider any proposal for designation as a HEA institution pending the completion of the process to develop a new national strategy for higher education. I will be bringing proposals to Government shortly in relation to the terms of reference and process to develop the new strategy which will provide the vision and strategic direction for the future development of the higher education sector in contributing to Ireland's economic and social development in the 21st century.
School Inspections.
Brian Hayes
Question:601 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the findings of an inspection at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 20 by the Health and Safety Authority. [39260/08]
An inspection at the school referred to by the Deputy was carried out by the Health and Safety Authority. The notification for the school was sent to the Chair of the Board of Management of the school and a copy was received by my Department.
The report states that the School's Health and Safety Statement of 1999 is out of date and needs to be revised by the Board of Management. As the Deputy will be aware, individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care. In this regard, in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work, Act 1989, it is the responsibility of school management authorities to have a safety statement in place in their schools. Schools are obliged to identify possible hazards, assess the risks to health and safety and to put appropriate safeguards in place.
Otherwise, the findings in the Report are that some remedial works should be carried out with little or no expense such as the fitting of a handrail at the stairs to the boiler room, cleaning of the tank room floor and removal of cleaners' items and cardboard boxes. These are all maintenance issues which should be dealt with, as a matter of routine, by the Board of Management.
The notification also identifies the oil storage system and possible damping of electrical equipment as areas needing attention.
Provision is built into the School Building Programme to enable schools to address urgent health and safety problems. Primary schools are given an annual allocation, currently amounting to €5,500 plus €18.50 per pupil under the grant scheme for minor works which can be used entirely at the discretion of school management to address basic health and safety issues relating to school infrastructure and of the nature of those recommended for remediation in the Health and Safety Authority notification for the school in question.
In addition, the Summer Works Scheme was introduced during 2004. This Scheme provides capital grants for improvement works at primary and post-primary schools. Since it was introduced over 3,000 projects, costing in excess of €300 million have been completed. While it was not possible to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2008, there will be a Scheme in 2009.
My Department also sets aside a contingency sum each year to deal with emergency works in primary and post-primary schools, including health and safety works.
In addition, urgently required health and safety works relating to asbestos removal, radon mitigation or dust extraction may be grant-aided under the remediation programmes operated by the Planning and Building Unit of my Department.
A large scale extension and refurbishment project for the school in question is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. This project will proceed when the requisite funding is available and commensurate with the priority attaching to the project under the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects.
Special Educational Needs.
Michael Ring
Question:602 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if the examination of alternative arrangements for a service (details supplied) in County Mayo has been completed; when the service will be restored in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39266/08]
John O'Mahony
Question:639 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to an Adjournment debate of Dáil Éireann on 15 October 2008, the progress that has been made in replacing the teacher who was withdrawn at the beginning of September 2008 from visually impaired students in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39770/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 602 and 639 together. In relation to the needs of visually impaired children in Co. Mayo, the management of my Department's Visiting Teacher services continues to examine all available options for the provision of a service to the county.
Higher Education Grants.
John Deasy
Question:603 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a means tested social welfare payment has not been accepted as proof of income for third level grant purposes in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; if he will ensure that such cases are treated with discretion to avoid causing financial hardship to families in receipt of a social welfare payment who depend on the grant payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39284/08]
The means test arrangements of the Student Maintenance Grant Schemes have been in operation since 1983 and are applied nationally. In the case of both the employed and self-employed gross income is assessed with certain specified social welfare and health service executive payments excluded. Under the schemes reckonable income is defined as income from:
Employment/Pensions;
Self Employment/Farming;
Rent and income from Land/Property;
Deposit/Investment Accounts;
Maintenance Arrangements;
Gifts/Inheritances and Disposal of Assets and Rights;
Social Welfare in certain circumstances.
As all applications for financial support are means tested in accordance with the terms of the student support schemes, a candidate shall not be eligible for a grant if the reckonable income for the purpose of the means testing is over the prescribed income limits or if there is insufficient supporting documentation for the application to be assessed.
The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of 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 assessing authority, 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.
Departmental Expenditure.
Richard Bruton
Question:604 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide an estimate of the cost of legal services which his Department paid for in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he is satisfied that effective measures are in place to minimise this cost. [39309/08]
My Department incurred costs of €1,319,817.79 in 2007 and €2,039,199.34 in 2008 in relation to certain litigation costs, i.e. for cases before the Courts which involved the Department as a Defendant or Respondent. These would have included litigation relating to Primary and Post-Primary Schools, Community and Comprehensive Schools, Special Educational Needs, school non-attendance, school transport, employment law matters, (including salaries and pensions), litigation arising from industrial relations actions and/or appeals to the Courts from decisions of the Equality Tribunal, contractual disputes and a diverse range of matters.
It should be noted that these figures include legal costs relating to Community and Comprehensive Schools, as the State provides a general indemnity to the authorities of these schools in respect actions or claims made against them by visitors, parents or other members of the public in respect of accidents etc. occurring on school premises. Also included is the cost of actions pursued by the State Claims Agency. Since 1st September 2005, all personal injury claims against the Minister for Education and Science have been delegated by the Government to the State Claims Agency. A consequence of this is that the State Claims Agency has sole responsibility for deciding the approach to be adopted in litigation and for determining how individual cases are conducted. Payment of all State costs in these actions is made directly by the Department. The cost of legal services detailed above would also include advisory work on PPP projects, drafting work in relation to various contractual matters and so forth.
Legal costs incurred by the State, in defending those cases which are brought to court, are not met directly by my Department. In accordance with financial procedures in cases involving damages or compensation against the State, costs are generally charged to the Chief State Solicitor's Office Vote as sanctioned by the Attorney General. The Department is not complacent in dealing with these cases and attempts, wherever possible, to reduce the potential for litigation and the levels of legal costs where they arise. It may also be noted that the question of minimising legal costs incurred by the State is being addressed by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in its proposed "Legal Costs Bill" which is included in the "C List" in the current Government Legislative Programme.
The Residential Institutions Redress Board and the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse expended €41,050,139.00 in 2007 and €37,165,454.10 for the current year to date for their legal services' costs and for those 3rd party costs for which they are required to meet.
Section 27 of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 provides that all reasonable legal costs and other costs associated with the preparation and presentation of an application to the Redress Board will be met by the Board. In the event that agreement cannot be reached between the Board and the applicant's legal representative, the matter is referred to the Taxing Master of the High Court for determination. The Residential Institutions Redress Board publishes an Annual Report each year. Included in this Report is a breakdown of monies paid by the Board to individual legal firms together with details of the number of clients they have represented in that particular period. These annual reports are made available to download on from their website at www.rirb.ie.
Site Acquisitions.
Brian Hayes
Question:605 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will meet with a group (details supplied) as a matter of urgency, as following extensive efforts locally in Lucan, County Dublin, and his Department’s recent agreement to provide a secondary school in Lucan south, South Dublin County Council has recently confirmed that it has sent and re-sent details of possible site options to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39321/08]
Based on current demographic trends my Department anticipates that there will be a need for a further post-primary school in Lucan in the medium term and it is in contact with South Dublin County Council regarding a site for this development.
My Department is considering the proposed site options received from South Dublin County Council in this regard. It is intended that this issue, inter alia, will be discussed by my Department with the local authority in the coming weeks and therefore I have no plans to meet the Group in question at this time.
Pension Provisions.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:606 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to transferability of pension entitlements arising from years of teaching service in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39322/08]
Teaching service given in one jurisdiction is not recognised in the other for the purpose of teachers' superannuation awards because, at present, there are no formal arrangements agreed on a North South basis for the mutual transferability of pension entitlements for people working in the public sector, including teachers. However, as the Deputy may be aware, at an Institutional Format meeting of 30 October 2007 the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) considered the issue of cross-border pensions mobility and agreed that the NSMC Joint Secretariat should convene a working group of officials from relevant Government Departments to explore options for going forward on the transfer of pension rights on a cross-border basis. That working group has met on a number of occasions in 2008, most recently on 10 July last. At that meeting it was agreed that a paper considering the issues, using teachers' pensions as a model, would be developed and that the Joint Secretariat would present a report to the next appropriate NSMC meeting.
Work undertaken under the auspices of the NSMC is exploring various options for putting in place arrangements for the mutual transferability of pension entitlements. Ministers meeting in the NSMC will consider the options determined by the NSMC Working Group and decide how best to move forward, taking into account the wider public sector implications, any financial implications and any relevant EU law.
At the moment it is possible in the public service to transfer the value of accrued pension entitlements from Northern Ireland to Ireland subject to certain conditions. This operates on the basis of the Northern Ireland pension scheme making available an amount of money which represents the monetary value of the pension entitlements accrued up to the point of leaving (known as the "transfer value"). This is made available for transfer to the pension scheme in Ireland provided that that scheme is included in the list of Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) and the trustees of the Northern Ireland pension scheme are willing to effect a transfer. A value is assigned in terms of service to that transfer value and the person can be credited with that amount of service in the scheme in Ireland. The amount of service credited does not have regard to the amount time taken to accrue that value in the original employment and the credited service could be significantly less than the period worked.
Higher Education Grants.
Joe Costello
Question:607 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39348/08]
The Deputy will be aware from my Parliamentary Response No. 209 of 1st October, 2008 that my Department received an appeal on the 18 September 2008. The outcome of the examination issued to the individual concerned on the 2nd October 2008.
Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.
Joe Costello
Question:608 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on a letter (details supplied); if he will re-open the Residential Institutions Redress Board to late applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39349/08]
The Redress Board's primary function is to provide financial redress to persons who, as children, were abused while resident in Industrial Schools, Reformatories or other institutions that were subject to State regulation or inspection. The Board was established under the terms of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 and the legislation governing its operation is contained therein.
Section 8 (1) of the Act provides that an applicant can make an application to the Board within 3 years of the establishment date which was the 15th December 2002. Section 8 (2) makes provision for the Board to extend that date but only in extremely exceptional circumstances.
The closing date therefore for receipt of applications was the 15th December 2005 by which time the Board had received 14,513 applications. Up to the 31st December 2007, the Board had accepted a further 36 late applications.
The Redress Board is entirely independent in the performance of its functions in accordance with the prescribed legislation. Consequently, it is not open to me in my capacity as Minister for Education & Science to intervene in individual cases nor would I have access to any information in relation to an individual's application to the Board.
I would respectfully suggest therefore that the matter should be addressed directly with the Board who can be contacted as follows: The Residential Institutions Redress Board, Block 5, Belfield Office Park, Beech Hill Road, Clonskeagh, Dublin 4.
Special Educational Needs.
Charles Flanagan
Question:609 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction appropriate special needs assistance as appropriate in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39371/08]
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
School Management.
Denis Naughten
Question:610 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on and when he will respond to a letter (details supplied). [39468/08]
I wish to confirm that I have received a letter from the person referred to by the Deputy. A response issued from my office on 2nd July 2008. An official of my Department has recently contacted the patron of the school concerned given that the matters raised refer to the appointment of members of Boards of Management which are a matter in the first instance for the relevant school patron.
Schools Amalgamation.
Dan Neville
Question:611 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science when an amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Limerick will be constructed. [39492/08]
The building project for the school to which the Deputy refers 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 on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
Departmental Expenditure.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:612 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of capital projects which have gone over budget in each of the past five years; the original estimate for each of these projects; the final cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39522/08]
The financial details relating to building projects are held on individual project files in my Department. Accordingly the specific information requested by the Deputy is not readily available within my Department and would take an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile.
The Deputy will appreciate that my Department funds a very large number of building projects annually. In the period 2003 to 2007, over 6,600 building projects were completed.
The GDLA form of contract used by my Department was based on a fixed price model. The new forms of Government contracts will further assist in ensuring that projects are delivered within budget.
If the Deputy wishes to clarify the situation in respect of individual cases then I would be happy to provide her with the information.
Departmental Staff.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:613 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Education and Science the severance packages for each retiring staff member in his Department over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39537/08]
I wish to advise the Deputy that no staff member in my Department, who retired over the past three years, received a severance package.
Schools Building Projects.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:614 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Education and Science if the planning for the expansion of a school (details supplied) includes efforts to find a suitable new site rather than expansion on the current site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39547/08]
The building project for the school in question, which is currently at an early stage of architectural planning, will take place on the existing site. As I have previously informed the Deputy in response to a recent Parliamentary Question in this matter, 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.
Higher Education Grants.
John Deasy
Question:615 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the proof of income required for the purposes of third level grants for the recipients of disability allowance, jobseekers allowance and pre-retirement allowance; and if the same requirement applies to the farm assist payment when nil means are assessed against them and all of which are means tested by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. [39564/08]
The means test arrangements of the Student Maintenance Grant Schemes have been in operation since 1983 and are applied nationally. In the case of both the employed and self-employed gross income is assessed with certain specified social welfare and health service executive payments excluded.
Under the schemes reckonable income is defined as income from:
Employment/Pensions;
Self Employment/Farming;
Rent and income from Land/Property;
Deposit/Investment Accounts;
Maintenance Arrangements;
Gifts/Inheritances and Disposal of Assets and Rights;
Social Welfare in certain circumstances.
As all applications for financial support are means tested in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Student Support Schemes. A candidate shall not be eligible for a grant if the reckonable income for the purpose of the means testing is over the prescribed income limits or if there is insufficient supporting documentation for the application to be assessed.
School Management.
Thomas Byrne
Question:616 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures being taken to provide security for cash deposits in schools; and his plans in relation to improved security in view of the high risk and incidence of break-ins and theft at schools. [39631/08]
I appreciate and share the concerns of school communities regarding vandalism of school property and security in general.
Individual school authorities are responsible in the first instance for health and safety issues, including making adequate security arrangements, at schools. School authorities should liaise with their local Gardai who are best placed to provide practical advice and support and to make recommendations on how best to mitigate the potential risk to the school.
The general security of the school community is one of the issues considered in the architectural design of new school buildings and major extensions. This includes the provision of perimeter fencing, CCTV, smoke and fire alarms, emergency exits etc., as an integral part of the design process.
A devolved Minor Works Grant is paid to all fully recognised primary schools annually. Primary school authorities may use their minor works grant to deal with issues relating to security matters. The funding for the minor works grant for the 2006/7 year was increased by 44% on the previous year. Over €27m was paid out to schools throughout the country in 2007 to enable thousands of small scale works to be completed without the need to interact with the Department. Individual primary schools received a grant in the sum of €5,500 plus €18.50 per pupil.
Other avenues for grant-aid from my Department to provide improved security measures include the Summer Works Scheme, which I intend to fund in 2009 and the Emergency Works Grants. Over 4,500 small scale building projects were completed under these schemes between 2004 and 2007.
Planning Issues.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:617 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the details of the development works undertaken by his Department under section 181(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, since the Act was enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39645/08]
The Department has not undertaken development works for school building purposes pursuant to Section 181 (2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act.
Discrimination In Education.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:618 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science Ireland’s position in regard to the UNESCO Convention Against Discrimination in Education 1960; the action taken in the past two years to comply with and further the aims of the convention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39655/08]
The UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education was agreed in 1960. Ireland was not a member of UNESCO at that time. There are no immediate plans for Ireland to ratify the Convention. Ireland is committed in general to the principles of equality of educational opportunity contained in the Convention.
For example, the Equal Status Act, 2000 prohibits an educational institution from discriminating in relation to, among other things, admission to an establishment or access to any course in that establishment.
Special Educational Needs.
Olwyn Enright
Question:619 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a special needs assistant position for a school (details supplied) in County Laois has not been re-sanctioned; his views on the re-sanctioning of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39674/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
School Staffing.
Paul Connaughton
Question:620 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect the Budget 2009 cutbacks will have on a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if any teaching posts will be lost at this school; the other financial cutbacks which will affect the smooth running of this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39680/08]
Paul Connaughton
Question:621 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect the Budget 2009 cutbacks will have on a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if any teaching posts will be lost at this school; the other financial cutbacks which will affect the smooth running of this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39681/08]
Paul Connaughton
Question:622 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect the Budget 2009 cutbacks will have on a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if any teaching posts will be lost at this school; the other financial cutbacks which will affect the smooth running of this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39682/08]
Paul Connaughton
Question:623 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect the Budget 2009 cutbacks will have on a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if any teaching posts will be lost at this school; the other financial cutbacks which will affect the smooth running of this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39683/08]
Paul Connaughton
Question:624 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect the Budget 2009 cutbacks will have on a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if any teaching posts will be lost at this school; the other financial cutbacks which will affect the smooth running of this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39684/08]
Paul Connaughton
Question:625 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect the Budget 2009 cutbacks will have on a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if any teaching posts will be lost at this school; the other financial cutbacks which will affect the smooth running of this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39685/08]
Paul Connaughton
Question:626 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect the Budget 2009 cutbacks will have on a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if any teaching posts will be lost at this school; the other financial cutbacks which will affect the smooth running of this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39686/08]
Paul Connaughton
Question:627 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect the Budget 2009 cutbacks will have on a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if any teaching posts will be lost at this school; the other financial cutbacks which will affect the smooth running of this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39687/08]
Paul Connaughton
Question:628 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect the Budget 2009 cutbacks will have on a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if any teaching posts will be lost at this school; the other financial cutbacks which will affect the smooth running of this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39688/08]
Paul Connaughton
Question:629 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect the Budget 2009 cutbacks will have on a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if any teaching posts will be lost at this school; the other financial cutbacks which will affect the smooth running of this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39689/08]
Paul Connaughton
Question:630 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect the Budget 2009 cutbacks will have on a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if any teaching posts will be lost at this school; the other financial cutbacks which will affect the smooth running of this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39690/08]
Paul Connaughton
Question:631 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect the Budget 2009 cutbacks will have on a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if any teaching posts will be lost at this school; the other financial cutbacks which will affect the smooth running of this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39691/08]
Paul Connaughton
Question:632 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect the Budget 2009 cutbacks will have on a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if any teaching posts will be lost at this school; the other financial cutbacks which will affect the smooth running of this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39692/08]
Paul Connaughton
Question:633 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect the Budget 2009 cutbacks will have on a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if any teaching posts will be lost at this school; the other financial cutbacks which will affect the smooth running of this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39693/08]
Paul Connaughton
Question:634 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect the Budget 2009 cutbacks will have on a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if any teaching posts will be lost at this school; the other financial cutbacks which will affect the smooth running of this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39694/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 620 to 634, inclusive, together.
The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. Decisions were made in order to control expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long term. In this respect Education, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be entirely spared. I acknowledge the impact of funding restrictions in a number of areas, including at school level. However, these are the inevitable result of the challenging economic environment and the need to manage Exchequer resources prudently.
Specific information in relation to the detailed staffing allocations that individual schools will have for the commencement of the academic year 2009/10 cannot be determined until the allocation processes have fully concluded. There is nothing exceptional in this. The allocation processes include appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules.
This is particularly relevant at post-primary level where the appellate process considers in particular any specific curricular needs of the school concerned. At post-primary, there is no effective system wide redeployment scheme at present, and this can mean that schools retain teachers, though over quota, and in addition discrete allocations are made to post-primary schools for example to cater for pupils with Special Educational Needs and those with Language difficulties. These allocations can also alter the ultimate position of the school in relation to any over quota position.
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.
The positions of individual schools, including those referred to by the Deputy, will not be known until the staffing and budgetary allocations are finalised in the New Year.
Finian McGrath
Question:635 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [39697/08]
The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. Decisions were made in order to control expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long term. In this respect Education, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be entirely spared, and I acknowledge the impact of funding restrictions in a number of areas, including at school level. However, these are the inevitable result of the challenging economic environment and the need to manage Exchequer resources prudently.
Specific information in relation to the detailed staffing allocations that individual schools will have for the commencement of the academic year 2009/10 cannot be determined until the allocation processes have fully concluded. There is nothing exceptional in this. The allocation processes include appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. This is particularly relevant at post-primary level where the appellate process considers in particular any specific curricular needs of the school concerned. At post-primary there is no effective system wide redeployment scheme at present and this can mean that schools retain teachers, though over quota, and, in addition, discrete allocations are made to post-primary schools, for example, to cater for pupils with Special Educational Needs and those with Language difficulties, and these allocations can also alter the ultimate position of the school in relation to any over quota position.
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.
Waste Management.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:636 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in the interest of reducing paper use, his Department has plans to relax or drop the requirement to supply three or more hard copies of tender documentation and to move towards greater use of electronic documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39733/08]
My Department utilises electronic tendering by using the government e-tenders website for all tender competitions. All requests for tender are advertised electronically on the etenders website, queries are accepted via email and clarifications are made available electronically on the etenders website. In addition, my Department now accepts tenders submitted in electronic format in certain cases.
My Department is conscious of the need to minimise the amount of paper used in the conduct of its business and keeps its tender processes under regular review with a view to streamlining the process. In this regard, my Department does not require three hard copies of all tender documentation to be supplied by those tendering for contracts in relation to building projects. Instead, one hard copy of all relevant documentation suffices.
The Deputy will be interested to learn that all hard copy paper waste generated by the Department is shredded and recycled.
Schools Refurbishment.
Dinny McGinley
Question:637 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application for an emergency repair grant for a faulty roof has been received from a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; if the application is being considered, in view of the seriousness of the situation; and if a grant will be approved in order that the works can be carried out as soon as possible. [39748/08]
The school referred to by the Deputy applied for funding for roof works under the emergency works scheme.
Generally emergency works grants are made available to schools most in need of resources as a result of unforeseen emergencies of a capital nature that may arise during the school year. The application from the school was assessed in my Department. However, in light of the large number of projects seeking funding under this scheme from the budget allocated, it was not possible to provide funding to the school at this time.
Traveller Education.
John O'Mahony
Question:638 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on reversing the decision to cut the enhanced capitation grant for Traveller students until this scheme is reviewed by the Advisory Committee on Traveller Education as recommended in the Traveller education strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39769/08]
Given the financial exigencies, I will not be making any change to measures announced on budget day in relation to this grant or other grants to schools.
Question No. 639 answered with Question No. 602.
Special Educational Needs.
John O'Mahony
Question:640 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the way support will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39771/08]
The needs of all visually impaired children in the relevant caseload in Co. Mayo, including the case to which the Deputy refers, will be addressed in the ongoing process of examining options for the re-establishment of a visiting teacher service to the county.
Third Level Fees.
Róisín Shortall
Question:641 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position pertaining to Irish nationals living outside the EU, applying for college places here for the forthcoming year; the position in relation to fees applicable to students in such circumstances; and if they will be categorised as non-EU students or Irish students. [39775/08]
The Deputy is referring to the rate of tuition fee to be charged to students who do not qualify for free tuition fees under my Department's free fees schemes. The criteria by which individual third level institutions establish the rate of tuition fee to be charged, in cases where a student does not qualify for free fees, is determined by the institutions. The position is that the third level institutions are autonomous bodies and, as such, may determine the level of fees to be charged in such circumstances. Accordingly I have no role in this matter.
Departmental Funding.
Mary Upton
Question:642 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to replace the service formerly provided by the Centre for Talented Youth, in view of the fact that his Department’s grant for this service has been withdrawn; his views on whether children who availed of this facility will suffer on account of its withdrawal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39782/08]
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 the decision to discontinue the annual funding of €97,000 that my Department made available to the Centre for Talented Youth (CTYI) at Dublin City University.
While it is appreciated that the discontinuation of this funding will impact on the Centre, given the current volatile and challenging economic climate, difficult choices had to be made in order to contain public sector spending. Tax revenues are down significantly and Government expenditure has to reflect this reality. The priority of this budget was to focus on measures to channel as much as was possible of the available resources to the direct funding of our schools.
Departmental Transport.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:643 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the public transport services used by him since he came into office or since 2007 on official business; the destinations travelled to; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39792/08]
Since my appointment as Minister for Education and Science on the 7 May 2008 I have not used public transport while on official duties.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:644 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the public transport services used by his officials since 2007 on official business; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39820/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in tabular format below: Cost of travel by Department of Education and Science officials:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2007 |
|
|
Bus |
3,358.90 |
|
Ferries |
144.80 |
|
Trains, Dart & Luas |
87,027.33 |
|
Total |
90,531.03 |
|
2008 To end September |
|
|
Bus |
2,315.18 |
|
Ferries |
76.50 |
|
Trains, Dart & Luas |
72,566.28 |
|
Total |
74,957.96 |
School Staffing.
Tom Sheahan
Question:645 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will examine the implications of the Budget 2009 cuts on a school (details supplied) in County Kerry in which teachers will be lost as a direct consequence of the cuts in education; if he will reconsider same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39880/08]
The budget measures will mean that the level of language support will be reduced from a maximum of six extra teachers per school to a maximum of two teachers per school, as was the case before 2007.
However, the ongoing requirement for current levels of language support teachers in schools should also start to reduce in line with lower levels of immigration and in line with improvements in the levels of proficiency of those pupils for whom this resource has been available.
Nonetheless, schools that require language support will still be entitled to get it. We still envisage having over 1,400 language support teachers in our schools in September 2009 and up to about 500 other teachers in part-time posts. By any standards this is a very significant resource and the challenge will be to ensure that it is used to maximum effect.
As I announced on budget day we will 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 they are enrolling.
Schools Building Projects.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:646 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make available a capital allocation for the building of a new school (details supplied) in County Cork; when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal will be informed; the length of time he expects the construction period to last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39989/08]
The project to which the Deputy refers involves the acquisition of additional land.
The progression of the project, from site acquisition and initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time
School Staffing.
Brian Hayes
Question:647 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that when a teacher is put on a panel in cases in which their school loses a teacher, that teacher can remain on the panel being fully paid without being allocated to another school for an indefinite period; the number of teachers currently in this position; the regions of the country in which this applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39990/08]
The redeployment panel system agreed between the Patron Bodies of primary schools and the I.N.T.O. serves as a means for redeployment of permanent teachers in schools where posts are suppressed to schools with vacancies. Panels are determined by the patronage of the school and the final decision to admit a teacher to the panel rests with the Patron.
Once the panel system is in operation schools are obliged to offer any permanent vacancy to teachers on the panel. Teachers placed on the panel are obliged to accept the first offer of employment from schools within a 45 kilometre radius of their existing school. If a teacher has been on the panel for more than three years the 45 kilometre limit no longer applies.
A teacher on the redeployment panel awaiting an offer of a teaching post in another school remains employed in his/her existing school and must act as replacement teacher for absences of other teachers in the school.
There is currently one teacher on the Special National Panel which exists for special schools, special classes in primary schools and resource teacher posts in primary schools. This teacher has been on this panel for about one month.
Decentralisation Programme.
John Deasy
Question:648 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount the process of decentralisation has cost the taxpayer to date excluding the cost of all sites or buildings acquired; and the cost for each individual location. [40153/08]
The non-capital costs incurred by my Department to date under the Decentralisation Programme are €191,945 (This figure includes expenditure on the fitting out of the new building in Athlone which accommodates both decentralised staff plus approximately 100 Department of Education and Science personnel who had been in temporary accommodation on the Athlone campus).
Non-capital costs incurred by bodies under the aegis of my Department to date are as follows:
National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI): €12,756 in respect of their proposed move to Edenderry.
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA): €40,133.24 (This figure includes costs in respect of the transfer of 12 posts to Portlaoise in advance of the proposed move to Portarlington).
In addition to the above, there are also other indirect costs including staff time and opportunity costs associated with the implementation of the Decentralisation Programme.